EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji
Former Bayern Munich striker Carsten Jancker is confident that Pep Guardiola will prove to be a success when he takes the reins at the Allianz Arena.
The 41-year-old was subject to interest from a host of teams across Europe, including Manchester City, Chelsea and AC Milan.
However, it was announced on Wednesday that he would be taking over the Bavarian club in the summer, and Jancker is certain he will overcome the challenges the Bundesliga presents.
“I see it as a big positive,” he told Goal.com.
“It was talked about for some time, so I could see him coming to Bayern in the summer. He will certainly be very prepared and will try to impose his ideas at Bayern.
“The structure in Munich has grown more and they are one of the top destinations in European football. It’s a great challenge for Guardiola to make an impact at Bayern. German football is very close to the best in the world.
“I think he will be successful in Munich. He has a distinguished career and has showed that he can deal with stars. That’s the way it’s always been at Bayern.
“Besides the fact that he can deal with stars, he has proven that he has pursued a footballing philosophy. He’s planned three years, but I’m sure Bayern are already thinking about keeping him for longer.”
Guardiola’s Barcelona were famed for their tiki-taka style of play, but Jancker does not believe he will radically alter Bayern’s system when he takes over.
“You shouldn’t expect Bayern to play like Barcelona. He will certainly try to have a lot of possession again and play modern football.
“We will see if he tries to copy Barca. However, I don’t think he will because German football is a little different.”
Guardiola’s arrival at the Allianz Arena will see Jupp Heynckes’ career end, and Jancker is certain that the 67-year-old will not have taken the decision lightly.
“I think Bayern have spoken intensively with Heynckes, and then made the decision,” he added.
“Jupp has been in the business for a long time, and the team are established, so they will pursue their goals until the summer.”