MX23RW : Thursday, May 9 22:59:30| >> :120:14329:14329:

Michael Ballack shocked by Pep Guardiola decision

Ballack shocked by Guardiola decision
© PA Photos
Ex-Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that Pep Guardiola chose Germany over Stamford Bridge because of the stability and togetherness at the Allianz Arena.

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has admitted that he did not expect Pep Guardiola to join the Bundesliga giants.

Guardiola has signed a three-year contract with Bayern which begins in July, ending a sabbatical from football after a break in New York.

Ballack believes that the former Barcelona coach opted to choose Munich over Stamford Bridge because Chelsea could not offer the stability that he required.

He told The Sun: "If you want to work as a coach for longer term you need consistency, trust in the club and also the environment around the club.

"Maybe that is a point why he didn't sign it. But it is also a big challenge as a coach. It's a fantastic signing for Bayern and for Pep Guardiola as well. Nobody in Germany expected him to sign.

"It shows the Bundesliga has grown a lot in the last few years and his decision looks like it's not all about money, he is a coach with a philosophy. He needs a good environment and will find this in Munich. There is a good atmosphere, that was a big reason to sign."

Current Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes has guided the club to a nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

ID:65199: cacheID:65199:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2408:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson leaves the field at the final whistle after beating West Ham 1-0 during the FA Cup third round replay on January 16, 2013
Read Next:
Ferguson "surprised" by Guardiola move
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd35166135255-354
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace361110154957-843
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!