Monday, 24th June, 2013

New Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola arrived at the Allianz Arena with title pedigree, but denied his appointment would herald the start of a new era for the Bundesliga side.

Guardiola, whose press conference at his unveiling was conducted almost entirely in German, is on a three-year deal at the treble champions, and is relishing the prospect of a fresh challenge.



Many quarters are expecting a style akin to Barcelona’s to be employed by the Spaniard, but the 42-year-old, who replaces Jupp Heynckes in the dugout, would not be swayed by popular opinion.

When asked if there were massive changes in the offing for the Bavarians, he said: "It would be arrogant of me to say a new era starts here and now at this club.

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"When a team has won [many titles], there are few things to change. The team is very good. Bayern have super players. I will change a few things but I want to maintain the team’s high level."

Guardiola may have been on a sabbatical in New York for the last year, but he announced that he had kept abreast of his new employers by watching their games on television, and was ready to start work.

At the press conference, it was also confirmed that Guardiola will be bringing his backroom team from Barcelona in Domenec Torrent, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Carles Planchart and Manel Estiarte to Germany.

The quartet had overseen a large chunk of Barcelona’s success under Guardiola, who ended with three La Liga titles and two Champions League victories alongside a sizeable cup-competition haul.

However, whether Barcelona’s players would be tempted to follow their former mentor to Germany, was not something the new coach was considering.

"Barca players won’t come to Bayern Munich just because I’m here", Guardiola said. "As coach, I will be taking on a team that played exceptionally in the last season."

That team had capped their season with the triple crown of the league, the cup and the Champions League, with Heynckes masterminding an incredible run of games.

And Guardiola insisted he would be more than happy to consult with the former boss on how best to continue his legacy.

"I need to adapt", he added. "The way Bayern play is different to how Barcelona play and it’s a new challenge.

"I have great respect for the work and the performance of Jupp Heynckes. His opinion would be great for me. Please give me time and step-by-step I will try to reach the high level of my predecessor Jupp."

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