After months of speculation, Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has revealed exactly why he is leaving Bayern Munich – for the simple reason that he wants to manage a club in the English Premier League. Guardiola had announced that he would not be extending his contract at the Bundesliga club in December, just before the league’s winter break.
The club had moved quickly to sign a replacement and hired three-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti to take over from the Catalan boss at the end of the current season. Ancelotti has a wealth of experience having managed top clubs in Serie A (AC Milan), Premier League (Chelsea), La Liga (Real Madrid) and Ligue 1 (PSG).
Speaking at his first press conference since his announcement in December, Guardiola said he was grateful to Bayern for giving him the job but said he needed a new challenge in his managerial career.
I have an opportunity to work in England: Guardiola
“The reason I have not extended my contract is simple,” Guardiola explained. “I want to manage in the Premier League. I have an opportunity to work in England. I think I'm at the right age and I feel it is the right move for me.
“I want to experience a new city and I want to work in England. That is the reason I have taken this decision.”
When asked on whether he had picked a club, Guardiola said he had not. “I haven't decided on a new club yet. When I have a new club, the club will communicate that. At the moment, I can’t say anything else because nothing is fixed.
Guardiola thanked the Bayern management for hiring him three years ago and also praised them for picking Ancelotti to take over and wished him success.
“I’ve very happy and grateful to Bayern for the trust they’ve shown me but I need a new challenge.
“I wish Carlo Ancelotti all the best at Bayern. [Club CEO Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge has made a perfect choice. The squad was in great shape under Jupp Heynckes and it will be under Ancelotti as well.”
Guardiola looking to end Bayern tenure with Champions League win
Since Guardiola took over from Jupp Heynckes and inherited a treble-winning side, Bayern have failed to win the coveted Champions League title again. Although they have been a dominant force in the Bundesliga and look all set to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title, the general consensus is that the Bundesliga title is what is least expected with the Champions League trophy being the primary aim.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola said: “Winning the Champions League would make my time here complete.
While talking about his own tenure at Bayern, he said that he was nothing but a small part of the club’s history.
“I'll only be a small part of the history of this great club. I will give my best until my last day in the job. Losing only once in 51 home matches in three years here is better than winning the Champions League for me.”
Guardiola has been linked with both Manchester City and Manchester United in the past while some reports also suggested that Arsenal had approached him too to take over from Arsene Wenger.
