Javi Martinez: Carlo Ancelotti wants to change Bayern Munich's style of play

Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Javi Martinez has divulged that Carlo Ancelotti believes changing their style of play can fulfil their primary aim of winning the UEFA Champions League.

Ancelotti’s predecessor, Pep Guardiola managed the Bavarians to three successive Bundesliga titles using a possession-heavy approach but fell short of claiming the UCL trophy. An expert at winning Europe’s top honour, the new Bayern Munich’s manager seems to think his team has a better chance at the trophy if they play more direct football.

Javi Martinez disclosed his thoughts on the new manager to Goal: "We want to play more vertically, more direct. That's what Carlo has told us.

"Guardiola was also very close to us. They're very similar in that way. The training sessions and exercises are the fundamental difference. Pep's and Carlo's approaches are different, in terms of work and mentality.

"Carlo asked me what I think about my role [in the team]. I said, 'I only want to play and help the team'. To be honest I don't care where I play. I feel very comfortable in both positions [central defence and midfield] so I'll play wherever Carlo wants me to play. The coach decides.

"In the test games I played as a centre-back - that's also because we don't have everyone back in training yet. In the future Carlo will probably need me in midfield and I can play there. I'm ready for everything."

Carlo Ancelotti has won the Champions League three times, with Real Madrid and twice with AC Milan. Although Bayern Munich have made every semifinal in the last three seasons, under Guardiola, Javi Martinez feels upbeat at the idea of winning the biggest club competition in the world under the Italian.

“Of course, there is new hope [to win the competition] with Carlo,” he said. “The goal is to win the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the German Cup. We are one of the best teams in the world. The first two years we didn't deserve to play in the final because Real Madrid and Barca were better than us.

"Last year it was different because we were stronger than Atletico. But that's football. Of course, we want to reach the final again. My first year here at Bayern was amazing when we won the treble.”