Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has said his working relationship with new coach Pep Guardiola is ‘wonderful’ and urged the club to embrace his ideas, reports Soccernet.
Sammer said any changes made by Guardiola would not be sweeping, explaining that the coach had a very clear philosophy.‘I’m there to give him advice, each and every day,’ he told the club’s official website. ‘But he takes all decisions regarding the players.
‘I’m seeing nothing more than adjustments to detail. Our players have so much quality and versatility. Pep has his own identity.
He’s meticulous in explaining his ideas. I appreciate that, and regard it as positive.
‘The tradition of this team, and Bayern, is now exposed to Pep’s ideas. If we don’t embrace that, it would be negative.’
Sammer said the atmosphere under the new boss at the Treble-winners was harmonious, adding: ‘Everyone’s getting on with each other very, very well, and there’s huge mutual respect.’
Only a few weeks into his reign, Guardiola is continuing to work on new ideas for Bayern, with reports suggesting he will change their system from 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-4-1.
Former coach Jupp Heynckes led the Bavarians to glory with two holding midfielders – most often Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez, with Brazil international Luiz Gustavo as the first back-up option.
But the changed system would mean only one holding midfield position being available – and Luiz Gustavo, Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger could all be in competition for it.
On Thursday, football magazine kicker asked: ‘Where to put Schweinsteiger?’ and suggested that Martinez could be the first candidate for the defensive role, allowing Germany
international Schweinsteiger to battle with the likes of Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos for a more attacking position.
‘Those who are left out have to remain positive. Just like last year, we need to develop a good team spirit,’ France international Franck Ribery told the magazine.
Bayern could add to their ranks, with Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara expected to move to Bavaria, according to reports.
-With New Age input
