Former Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld has questioned Pep Guardiola’s approach to the players at the club by saying that he is a ‘tactic-freak’ and does not get involved with the players on a personal level. The Bavarian giants have already announced that the ex-Barcelona manager is set to depart the club after the season ends and will be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti.
The former Switzerland coach was quizzed about Guardiola’s relationship with the players, in reply of which he praised the 44-year-old Spaniard’s tactical ability but went on to criticize his man management skills. Hitzfield went on to say that the current Bayern manager has secluded himself from the media as well.
“Guardiola focuses only on the tactics,” the 66-year-old said.
“He is a tactics freak who engages in match situations day and night, but in his interpersonal relationships he has not focused on the team. He has had almost no meetings. He has sealed himself off -- even from the media.”
Hitzfeld had previously managed the Bavarian giants in two different spells, his first stint with the club came between 1998 and 2004, when he led the club to four Bundesliga titles along with a UEFA Champions League. In his second spell which was just a season long, he helped the club to yet another Bundesliga title.
Bayern are too big to be disturbed by Guardiola’s departure
Hitzfield, who managed Borussia Dortmund before taking over as Bayern Munich’s manager compared the Spaniard’s achievements at the club with that of former Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes. He admitted that Heynckes must be considered more successful than his successor as he led the club to an European treble, however, Guardiola will be considered to be in the same bracket (as Heynckes) if he goes on to win a treble in his final season at the helm of the club.
“For now, Jupp Heynckes is more successful than Guardiola, but he can still put that right -- he can win three trophies, just like Heynckes won the Treble.”
The former Dortmund manager went on to say that Bayern Munich is a big enough club to not get perturbed by the departure of a manager as they can easily sign another top manager, which they did, in Carlo Ancelotti.
“Bayern Munich has no need to be disappointed. Bayern is a huge club that can afford any coach in the world.
“[Bayern CEO] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already said in late November that the world doesn't end when the coach leaves -- the next coach comes along.
“In other words, Bayern have no problem whatsoever.”
