Pep Guardiola’s decision to return to management with Bayern Munich this summer has received the thumbs up from his former club Barcelona.
Guardiola, currently on a year-long sabbatical after leaving Barca last summer, looked to have his pick of some of Europe’s biggest clubs with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Milan, Roma and Paris St Germain all linked to his services.
However, it was Bayern who won the race for the 41-year-old, announcing on Wednesday he had signed a three-year deal and would be taking over at the end of the season when current manager Jupp Heynckes retires.
Tito Vilanova, who was Guardiola’s assistant during four record-breaking years at Barca before being installed as his successor last year, admitted he was unaware what decision Guardiola had taken about his future, but feels Bayern is a good destination for him.
“I didn’t know where he was going, I didn’t know anything. I suppose he couldn’t say. I’m very happy that he’s returning to football and to one of Europe’s great clubs,” he said.
“I don’t know what possible teams he could have gone to, nor the kind of contracts he was offered but I’m sure they were all of the top level. He had time to choose and would have thought it all over very well.
“What’s clear is that he couldn’t go wrong because they were all top teams. And Bayern are an historic club, with four Champions League titles with some fantastic facilities.”
Vilanova also insisted he had no idea who Guardiola’s assistant would be amid speculation former Spain and Real Madrid striker Raul, who spent two seasons in Germany with Schalke before leaving for Qatar last summer, could be in line for the role
Guardiola’s decision has also gone down well with others at the Nou Camp.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said: “I’m very pleased for Pep. It means that he’s doing well and that he’s well rested, it means that he’s eager to return to the world of football. Bayern have made a great signing.”
The appointment proves the strength of Bayern’s global reputation, according to the club’s honorary president Franz Beckenbauer.
“It shows they are on a par with the real greats – Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United,” Beckenbauer told Sky television.
“Hats off to them. I’m sure Guardiola was snowed under with offers. He has become one of the most successful and best coaches in recent years and to get him is excellent.”
Guardiola’s impending arrival in the Bundesliga has been met with approval elsewhere in Germany.
“All I can do is congratulate them from the bottom of my heart, and without any envy,” said Hans-Joachim Watzke, general manager of Bayern’s biggest Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund.
“You have got to say hats off to them. This is a huge thing for the Bundesliga as it gives it an even greater reputation internationally.”