Pep Guardiola’s decision to move to Manchester City has annoyed Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus.
The former German international has claimed that although he partly understands the reasons for Guardiola’s exit, he is disappointed that he has decided to move to the Premier League club.
“Perhaps he wanted a new challenge,” Matthaus told Sky Sports.
“Of course I can understand Pep – his salary must be insane. And he wants to experience something new – despite the fact that he already had the best team in Europe.”
“Bayern fulfilled every wish, no matter what Guardiola wanted: the players, the coaches and even the doctors,” Matthaus added.
“He caused much disturbance off the field. But he is one of the best coaches on the planet. With the amount of money in circulation, I can understand Pep.”
Despite expressing his frustration at the decision, Matthaus would have preferred it if Guardiola had chosen to remain at the helm in Bavaria.
“I am one of his critics, but I would have loved to see him in Munich for a longer time. He was always interesting and entertaining for the journalists. He improved the team in many areas, but on the other hand he caused confusion, what many people didn’t understand.”
Matthaus also warned that Guardiola’s style of play and tendency to field players out of position will not be popular in England.
“I don’t like his system, it changes during the game. He uses players in different positions, even if they could play better with their normal position,” he added.
“I wouldn’t want to play as left forward if I normally play right-back. For example David Alaba had to play as central midfielder, despite the fact that he played his best games as left-back. But you have to accept that. Guardiola was always successful, but in Munich he didn’t win the Champions League.
“He should have signed another contract in Munich. He can work with a top team and with the trust from the Bayern officials. But after his contract expired, he had every right to sign somewhere else.”
