After more than a year absence from the game, Pep Guardiola has been unveiled as Bayern Munich’s new manager.
It was said to be a “media frenzy” at the Bavarian club as journalists peppered Guardiola with questions as to how he expects to follow up on Jupp Heynckes’ incredible treble-winning season.
“I must accept the comparison,” said Guardiola in German, the language he has spent three hours per day learning for the last ten months.
“I have to be able to live with that. I am under pressure, of course, but I know this and I accept this challenge without fear and that is why I am the coach,” he said.
Guardiola, who won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona, explained that he viewed his position at Bayern as a “gift” and a “blessing” and that there was nothing he could do about the fact he is joining a club that has won everything.Sometimes you take over a team on the way down... like in my first year as professional coach.
This situation is completely different. It is a good thing it is different. I take over a team that played exceptionally in the last season. They won three titles. This is the situation. When you are Bayern coach you a always have pressure to play well.
To ensure Bayern stays on the cutting edge of world football, Guardiola’s first task will be to ensure his club possesses the talent to repeat as champions. He’s already brought in the highly-touted Mario Gotze from Dortmund, who will slot into an attacking role in Munich’s midfield and could prove a key cog if Franck Ribery’s prostitution trial goes bad in January.
Guardiola also has been heavily linked with a move for Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, who would come to the Bundesliga champions and provide major competition for Mario Mandzukic in the starting role. Lewandowski’s potential move would likely be the end to Mario Gomez’ stint at the Bavarian club, with Dortmund and Chelsea being his potential suitors.
One of the most difficult decisions Guardiola will have to make is whether to bring Liverpool’s Luis Suarez to Munich. The Uruguayan striker has voiced his desire to leave Anfield and Guardiola has noted his admiration, but whether Suarez’ prolific form is enough to off-set his mischievous antics remains to be seen.
