Pep Guardiola has apologised for his failure to win the Champions League with Bayern Munich during his three-year spell in Germany.
While the Spanish coach leaves the Allianz Arena with the goodwill of the Bavarians’ supporters, the stark reality is that he failed to achieve his key objective at the club.
When Guardiola took over at Bayern, the club were reigning European champions—having won the title under Jupp Heynckes—but Pep hasn’t come close to retaining (or regaining) the title.
Indeed, during his time in charge of the club, Bayern have failed to even reach the final, a letdown that has prompted an apology from the former Barcelona manager.
“I could not win the Champions League for my players,” Guardiola began, speaking to beIN Sports after his final Bundesliga game in charge of the club. “I’m sorry for the fans and especially for the players.
“From the bottom of my heart,” he continued. “I hope that Carlo [Ancelotti, his successor] can get to the final!”
While Guardiola leaves the club without having won back the Champions League title, he has achieved considerable success with the German heavyweights.
SEE MORE:
Barcelona transfer news
Man City coach Pep Guardiola compares Barcelona life to Bundesliga experience
Video: Zlatan Ibrahimovic transfer – Manchester United target confirms he knows his next move
He leaves for Manchester City having won three Bundesliga titles, the German Cup, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
Certainly, while his first objective at City will be to help the Manchester club restore their domestic dominance, the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium will surely be hoping that the former Spain midfielder can also bring some European glory to the North West.