Bayern Munich stunned the football world by announcing that Pep Guardiola would become their new manager in the summer. The Spaniard has chosen to end his sabbatical and take the helm at the Allianz, in a snub to the likes of Chelsea who were so desperate for his services.
The big question however is where this leaves Englands top clubs, all of whom were being linked with the ex Barcelona man. For Chelsea, it leaves them with a problem. According to Spanish sources, Roman Abramovich twice offered the Stamford Bridge job to Pep and was twice rejected. The revolving door of managers at Chelsea has seen them go through most of the worlds top coaches and now leaves them with very few options. Guardiola was clearly first choice but now they will either have to anger fans and sign Rafa Benitez permanently, or find a new candidate for the role.
As for Manchester City, their manager Roberto Mancini will be breathing a huge sigh of relief. A man under pressure, some say that the decision to appoint former Barcelona directors at the Etihad was in a bid to lure Guardiola to Manchester. If it was, they failed and now will surely have to keep faith with Mancini or perhaps battle with PSG and possibly Chelsea for Jose Mourinho.
The interesting scenario that has now arisen due to Pep’s German adventure is at Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola have grown very friendly in the last few years and are frequently meeting in New York. Ferguson was quoted recently as saying he wants another 2 or 3 years at the helm at Old Trafford. Guardiola has signed a 3 year deal with Bayern. Maybe there is nothing in that, but the odds on Pep succeeding Fergie must have fallen after yesterdays announcement. The Spaniard could have taken the Chelsea job whenever he wanted and probably the same can be said for Manchester City. But instead he has taken a top job away from England despite publicly stating his desire to manage in the Premier League. Quite possibly he is waiting, biding his time for Fergusons retirement to take on the biggest job in club football.
As for his decision to move to Bayern it seems like an excellent one for all parties. For Bayern they have a coach with pedigree. For Pep he is joining one of the biggest teams in Europe who have money to spend and a quality youth setup as well. For Guardiola’s English suitors, it gives them a chance to see if he can prove himself away from the magnificent Barcelona squad and stand alone as a quality gaffer. Whichever way you look at it, Pep has made a very , very clever move.
