FC Bayern Munich have confirmed that former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will take over as coach from next season after signing a contract until 2016.
Guardiola had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, including sources saying he was likely to take over from Roberto Mancini at Manchester City but the Bundesliga side have always been linked with the Catalan coach.
The two time Champions League and three times La Liga winning manager will take over from Jupp Heynckes who brought the Bayern to last year’s final but lost out to Chelsea on penalties.
Heynckes’ contract expires this summer when the 67 year old will leave Bayern for the third time as manager making way for Guardiola.
“We are delighted that we have managed to get Pep Guardiola whom several big clubs wanted and contacted,” Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
“He is one of the most successful trainers in the world and we are sure that not only Bayern Munich but the whole of German football will benefit from what he brings.”
Guardiola has been on sabbatical since standing down from Barcelona last summer.
Jupp #Heynckes will finish his successful career by the end of this season. Pep #Guardiola will take over as FC Bayern head coach in July.
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) January 16, 2013
SportsNewsIreland.com fact: Guardiola won 72.5% of his matches in charge of Barca with a goal difference of 457
