Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has grown weary of answering questions about his next destination, with the Spaniard insisting that maintaining focus for the remainder of the season will not be a problem.
Manchester City announced the capture of Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola on deadline day in England, unsurprisingly setting tongues around the globe wagging about the impact the former Barcelona manager could have on the English Premier League. However, the Spaniard himself is evidently not interested in discussing his move to the Etihad at all at this stage, requesting that he not be asked questions on the topic.
The 45-year-old was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern Munich’s game against Bayer Leverkusen this weekend, and was frustrated with questions about City as well as suggestions that the early official announcement could be distracting going into the business end of this season. Guardiola rubbished the notion and insisted he would have no problems thinking about his present at Bayern as well as his future at Manchester City at the same time.
The Spaniard is quoted by Goal UK as saying: “I am like a woman, I can multitask, I can control both situations, I can think about both situations. It’s not a problem, I have a big talent for this.
“I’ve already told you why I’m going to England, you’ve got to trust me. I can’t come here every day and talk about it.”
Guardiola also revealed that the negotiations with City had started as early as May or June last year. “I held talks with the club for the first time in May or June,” he added. “I will say more about it when I’m in Manchester.”
Early announcement of Manchester City move a double-edged sword
Bayern Munich won the treble in 2012-13 despite manager Jupp Heynckes announcing his departure before the end of the season. Perhaps the knowledge of Guardiola’s move will have a galvanising effect on the Bayern squad and will motivate them to push hard for every trophy available in order to give the Spaniard a proper send-off.
However, the early announcement is very much a double-edged sword. As much as players — or even Pep Guardiola himself — may say that they are not thinking about the future, it is hard to believe that their thoughts will never wander to the 2016-17 season, and that could distract from their goals for the second half of this season. Maintaining focus will be the key for Guardiola for what remains of this campaign, and if he can do that, there is every chance he will end his time in Bavaria on a positive note.
