Pep Guardiola has been presented as Bayern Munich Coach, spoken in German and reflected on accepting the pressure and facing Barcelona in preseason.
Guardiola, who won a record 14 titles in four years at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012, was confirmed in January as having agreed to replace Jupp Heynckes at the Bavarian club from the summer.
Ahead of beginning preseason preparations, the 42-year-old was officially presented to the media today.
“Good morning, I hope that in the near future, in the coming weeks, you will see my German improve,” began Guardiola in German to the gathered reporters.
“New York is not the best place to improve it, here I hope to do so. I am fortunate to be here, this is something special. That Bayern were interested in me is something special.
“I’m ready. This is a new challenge for me. My time at Barca was wonderful but I needed a new challenge and Bayern has given me that opportunity.
“I have been given this chance and so I am ready to give the best of myself. I am convinced that all the fans of Bayern will continue to have pride in their team. May this be a time for all to have pride to see their team.”
Guardiola comes in with the team having won the League, Cup and European Cup treble last term.
“I have been in a position to cope with that reality. This is a great club and as Coach I have a very high pressure. I also have pressure on myself.
“I am aware of this and accept this great challenge. Sometimes you take over a team that has dropped down. In Barcelona, when I began with the reserves, they had just been relegated.
“In the first year with the first team, they came from being 18 points behind in the table. Four titles, three plus the Super Cup against Dortmund. It doesn’t matter. When you are Coach of Bayern Munich, you know what to expect. You have to play well and always with the obligation to win.
“I’m a little nervous but we are talking about Bayern, they have won all the titles last year and it is normal that there is a very high expectation.
“In my coaching career at Barcelona, they also won everything and it is normal that on the first day or for the first time you are nervous. Perhaps the second time it is easier.
“My German is not good enough, but I will try to continue the high level that my predecessor Jupp Heynckes set here. On from that, every Coach has their opinion and their view of things. A few things will change, but few.
“I intend to maintain that high level. Continue it. There is pressure there, I know. I have to accept it and I have been able to live with that pressure before. I’m happy to live with it.
“What will I change? I think that when a team has won four titles, there is little to change. There is less need to change.
“That is my opinion. I think the team is fine. It is great. It is my opinion. You know the team better than me.
“I need more time to know better the Bundesliga clubs, but from New York I spent all weekend watching the Bundesliga. Especially Bayern, but I was also interested in the opponents.
“The League is strong, competitive. There are many good teams and I must adapt as soon as possible to the League and get used to the teams.”
One of the 42-year-old’s first tests will be a preseason friendly against Barcelona, who Bayern defeated 7-0 in the Champions League semi-finals last season.
“I do not know what I will be feeling, but it will be a special date for me. I’m here now. What I did at Barca has passed. It will be a good test and an important one. What will I feel…I’ll know in time.
“I do not believe that the difference between the two teams is 7-0. Neither before nor now. Respect to the players.”