Pep Guardiola issues ultimatum: Manchester United on alert

Pep Guardiola

Bayern Munich manager, Pep Guardiola has given an ultimatum to the club to either back him or sack him after he was criticized by club legend and honorary president, Franz Beckenbauer, following his sides 0-4 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. Manchester United, who are close to appointing Louis Van Gaal, might delay his appointment following Guardiola’s statement on Friday.

Beckenbauer heavily criticized Gaurdiola by saying : “Bayern are not right. This is something that we have known for weeks. The disappointment is huge.” He went on to add, “I can’t change what I feel and what I feel is we must play with the ball and attack as much as possible. The club must decide whether the coach is the right man for this team.”

Guardiola retorted: “The club must decide if the coach is the right one for the club. I have my ideas and I have to convince my players. Following this defeat I am even more convinced of my philosophy. We cannot play with the ideas of the players. This is not possible.”

Despite the humiliating loss this week, Bayern Munich have had a good season, winning the Bundesliga in March with 7 games to spare and have the possibility of winning another trophy this month, when they face Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup final. Guardiola emphasised his point further by stating : “I am surprised that we did it so well in this season. We showed a lot of good things. I am satisfied with this squad. We were outstanding with this system and these players.”

Manchester United are looking to capitalise should the Spaniard and Bayern Munich fail to reach an agreement.

BIG line. Bayern Munich press conference now. Guardiola: “Club must decide if the coach is the right one for the club.” via @MuellerMatze.

— Alex Stone (@AlexStone7) May 2, 2014