The 44-year-old accepts his methods will have frustrated players in the past and has warned his current side not to expect another rout against Koln
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola concedes he does not have the best reputation among some of his former players.
The former Barcelona boss had a rocky relationship with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Camp Nou, with agent Mino Raiola even claiming the Swede wanted to join Real Madrid in order to spite his old boss.
Mario Mandzukic also hit out at Guardiola for a lack of respect after he was sold to Atletico Madrid during the summer.
While Guardiola insists he has always done his utmost to keep his squad happy, he accepts there are some who grew frustrated with his methods under his management.
“For a coach it is easier with players who play all the time,” he told a press conference. “But that’s not possible with us. The players make the difference themselves and when they’re feeling better, they’re playing better. Many of those I worked with talk badly about me now. I think I always did my best.”
The reigning Bundesliga champions hammered Hamburg 8-0 two weeks ago, before thumping Paderborn 6-0 last Saturday and face relegation-threatened Cologne this weekend.
Guardiola, however, is adamant that another rout should not be expected.
“I have huge respect for every opponent,” he said. “We have to be at our level each game. It is not important who the opponent is and which competition it is.
“Cologne are the second best away team after us. We have to be careful, but we have improved and our defence does not allow many chances.
“Every game is a new game. When you win 6-0, it’s hard to learn. From the Wolfsburg game [a 4-1 defeat] I have learned a lot.”
Guardiola also confirmed that defender Medhi Benatia would likely miss the game with a calf problem.