EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Olaf Thon has admitted that he did not think the side could secure Pep Guardiola as Jupp Heynckes’ successor at the end of this season.
The Bundesliga leaders announced on Wednesday that the former Barcelona coach has signed a three-year deal with Bayern, and Thon feels Guardiola’s appointment is further proof that they are a force to be reckoned with.
“Nobody really believed that Bayern could pull this off. Bayern have once more shown that they are one step ahead. We should all be pleased that such a sought-after coach has opted to move to the Bundesliga,” Thon told Goal.com.
“Other European clubs will probably have attempted to sign him as well, but Bayern must have been the first to approach him [who] managed to convince him.
“I’d say that he fits in well at Bayern. He will further improve the club’s philosophy and play even more attractive football. Barcelona’s tiki-taka football is very impressive.”
Thon played at Bayern Munich from 1988 until 1994.