Guardiola feels the need for change at Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Despite winning three major trophies last season, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is trying to offload striker Samuel Eto'o because he feels the Spanish champions need a change.

Eto'o helped the team win the league title, Copa del Rey and Champions League last season, but Barcelona is trying to work out a swap with Inter Milan to send both the Cameroon striker and midfielder Alksander Hleb to Italy for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"Without him we wouldn't have achieved all we did last year," Guardiola said of Eto'o on Monday as the team began its preseason training camp. "It's not about football or personal motives or his behavior. It's simply a question of feeling.

"I think we need to change things. I could be mistaken, but I'll take responsibility for it. It's my decision."

Last season, the 28-year-old Eto'o scored 34 goals for Barcelona, including one in the Champions League final win over Manchester United. In five seasons with Barcelona, Eto'o won two Champions League titles and eight trophies overall.

"After winning all that we did, after five years, I think we need to change things to help generate certain things, that in my experience as a football player, told me needed to be changed," Guardiola said.

Guardiola is eager for his players to move on from last season, which was his first as coach.

"We all know what everyone says: the second year is more complicated than the first," the 38-year-old Spaniard said. "I have to do what I can to keep them motivated and humble and to keep winning. I have a lot of faith in my team."

Guardiola expects to go into the season with 16 or 17 players and is hoping to sign an extra midfielder with Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita expected to be away at the African Cup of Nations in January.

"I want him to be good, cheap and of good value," Guardiola said of any potential addition.