Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for ‘new enemies’ ahead of his departure from the Bavarian giants. The former Barcelona coach is highly coveted by multiple clubs in the Premier League and is likely to find his ‘new enemies’ in English shores.
Guardiola made the comments when he was attending the International Trade Fair for Sports Equipment and Sportswear (ISPO) in Munich, as part of his PR commitments. Speaking to German television channel Sport1, the Spaniard made the unusual comments about his yearnings, saying “You've done everything after three, four years [at a club]. You need enemies to get better. And you need new challenges to get better, always new challenges.”
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Guardiola’s trophy-filled managerial career has seen him not last longer than four years at any of Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and his comments reveal much about his psyche. With managers like Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp awaiting him, Guardiola will not be short of these ‘new enemies’ he seeks.
Earlier in the season, the 45 year old had revealed that he was leaving Bayern Munich, dispelling any notions about the lack of competiveness in the Bundesliga being a reason for his departure; instead he clearly stated that his yearning to experience England was the reason for his departure, saying “I want to coach in Premier League. That is the reason I did not prolong my contract.”
“Three years are enough. I am not comfortable with staying at one club for 30 years. I want new restaurants, a new city, a new challenge.”
Guardiola fielding multiple Premier League offers
In the same event, Guardiola revealed that he was fielding multiple offers from Premier League clubs, but had not made a decision yet. The Spaniard batted off questions about his future, saying “I have several offers, but have not yet decided. If I have a new club, I will communicate it immediately.”
The diplomatic answer was in stark contrast to Guardiola’s earlier comments that clearly revealed the depth of his desire to move to the Premier League. The Spaniard’s availability destabilized many Premier League managers, leading to him needing to make an apology, saying “I am sorry. Normally, in my career as a coach, as a player, I respect a lot my colleagues, so I am sorry. It wasn't my intention.”
However, with the intense speculation heaping increased pressure on managers like Louis van Gaal, Guardiola will have no shortage of ‘new enemies’ once he makes his move to the Premier League, with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal being possible destinations.
