Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has insisted he will not waver from his football philosophy despite the criticism which has come his way this week.
The former Barcelona boss’ methods have been questioned after his team turned in a sterile performance over two legs against Real Madrid, eventually going out 5-0 on aggregate to the Spaniards in the Champions League semi-finals.
But Guardiola, who has led the Bavarians to the Bundesliga title in his first season in charge, remains steadfast in his beliefs and is adamant the Bayern players will need to adapt to him, rather than the other way round.
“I have my own philosophy and we will use my philosophy against Hamburg, against Stuttgart, in the DFB-Pokal final and next year,” Guardiola stated at a press conference.
“I didn’t come here to change Germany’s football culture, but I do have my own ideas about the game. I can’t teach the players another coach’s ideas, so the players will have to adapt to my ideas. I cannot be Bayern coach if I have to say things I don’t agree with. That would be bad for the club and for the players, who are intelligent. They wouldn’t trust me if I wasn’t true to myself.
“The loss against Real Madrid has further strengthened my belief in my own philosophy. We lost in the Champions League semi-finals against a great team. These things happen every now and then. It’s a shame.
“It’s up to the club to decide whether I’m the right coach for this club. That’s not up to me.”
The 43-year-old stressed he was happy with his squad and dismissed speculation the likes of Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Javi Martinez, all of whom have struggled to hold down a first-team place this season, will leave this summer.
He added: “I will discuss our transfer plans with the club, but I am happy with our current squad. We put in some great performances with these players and in this formation. We still have the DFB-Pokal final to go and will sit down with the bosses after that. We would also have analysed the squad if we had made the Champions League final. This defeat does not change anything.
“I understand the players’ desire to play. I understand Muller, Martinez and Gotze. They all want to play. But I have to make the decision what’s best for the team. Each player wants to play his own game, but that’s simply not possible. I have to convince them which way is the best way.
“I have no doubt that Muller, Martinez and Gotze will still play for Bayern next season and will do a good job. That is my opinion.”
In addition to their Bundesliga success, Guardiola’s Bayern could also win the DFB-Pokal. They take on Borussia Dortmund in the final on May 17.
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