Arsene Wenger has expressed his surprise at Pep Guardiola's decision to join European giants Bayern Munich at the start of the 2013/2014 season.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
Guardiola became a manager in high demand since announcing his one year sabbatical from football after four trophy-laden years at Barcelona and was widely linked to a host of Premier League clubs.
It was announced on Wednesday though that the former Barcelona boss would be taking over from retiring Jupp Heynckes at Bayern Munich on a three year deal, surprising many pundits, including the Arsenal coach.
"He asked me a few times and told me a few times he would like to come to England, so I am bit surprised he has chosen to go to Germany," Wenger said.
"I stayed here for such a long time because I feel this is the most interesting league in the world. I always encouraged him to come to England."
Wenger though feels the reasoning behind his decision is perfectly understandable, as the attraction of managing one of Europe's biggest clubs in a burgeoning league would be an intriguing challenge for any manager.
"Bayern Munich are an interesting club, Germany is an interesting league, well managed so it is defendable what he has done.
"In Germany, maybe along with Spain they are a country with the best young players.
"If you look at the results of Germany in the Under-17s, U18s and U19s, in the last three seasons, they beat everybody.
"It is the football of tomorrow. Tomorrow's football will be played in Germany, certainly."
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes his signing is a massive coup for the club, and indicates that Guardiola's decision was made purely for footballing reasons.
"I think he was impressed with our overall concept," said Rummenigge.
"If it were purely down to money, then Bayern would have had no chance.
"Of course he'll be earning a few euros here too, but if finances had been the defining factor, then he would not be coming here on July 1."
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story