GUARDIOLA: I DIDN’T CHANGE GERMAN SOCCER AT BAYERN

Bayern Munich outgoing coach, Pep Guardiola says he didn’t change German football during his time at the club, as some reports mentioned.


The Spaniard has hailed the Bavarians’ achievements under his tutelage as “outstanding” as he gears up for his last home game in charge of the Bundesliga champions.

The coach has played down suggestions he has changed German football during his time at Bayern Munich. The Spaniard took charge of his final Bundesliga game when Bayern manager hosted Hannover on Saturday. They champions defeated the visitors 3-1 to lift the 12th title in 18 years.

Guardiola, who will join Manchester City in the summer, have won three straight league titles with the Bavarians, but was unwilling to comment on claims his style has altered German football.

“I’m not the right person to say how great my influence on German football was,” he said on Friday.

“I didn’t come here to change German football. I’m arrogant, but not that arrogant.

“I came here to learn, the same reason I’m going to England.

“What can I learn from the players and English football? The reason is to live in other countries and experience different ways of playing.”

Guardiola joined Bayern after they had won just their second league crown in five years in 2012/13, but has since turned them into serial title winners. The former Barcelona coach feels his side’s achievements during his spell in charge have been “outstanding”.

“We lost nine games in three years and five came when we were already champions,” Guardiola said. “That is outstanding.”

Guardiola is hopeful Martinez will be fit for the DFB-Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund on May 21. However, he ruled Arjen Robben out of the clash with Dortmund as the aged winger continues to struggle with a hamstring problem.