Bayern Strikes
Fansided

Bayern Munich: Five best managers in club’s history

By Kiran Thakare

A picture taken on April 17, 2020 shows a view of the Allianz Arena football stadium lighted in red in Munich, southern Germany. - The German first division Bundesliga team FC Bayern Munich plays home matches at the Allianz Arena. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
A picture taken on April 17, 2020 shows a view of the Allianz Arena football stadium lighted in red in Munich, southern Germany. - The German first division Bundesliga team FC Bayern Munich plays home matches at the Allianz Arena. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 21: coach Josep Guardiola of Bayern Muenchen celebrates with the trophy after winning the DFB Cup Final match 2016 between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Olympiastadion on May 21, 2016, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 21: coach Josep Guardiola of Bayern Muenchen celebrates with the trophy after winning the DFB Cup Final match 2016 between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Olympiastadion on May 21, 2016, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Pep Guardiola

Finding a replacement for Heynckes was always going to be difficult. Bayern decided to see off competition from other top European clubs to get the signature of Pep Guardiola. The Spanish manager had achieved amazing success at Barcelona, which included two Champions League titles.

Along with winning big trophies, Guardiola had impressed with the attractive style of play that he implemented at Barcelona. The Spaniard was expected to implement a similar style of play at Bayern and maintain their position at the top in Europe.

Guardiola successfully instilled his football philosophy at Bayern. They were playing some of the best football in Europe. Die Roten won three consecutive Bundesliga titles under the Spanish manager. In domestic competitions, no German club was able to touch Bayern, such was the domination from Guardiola’s team.

In Europe, Bayern eased through group stages and initial knockout rounds under Guardiola. However, they always suffered narrow victories in semi-finals, curiously against Spanish clubs during Guardiola’s three years at the club.

Guardiola could not achieve European success during his time in Bavaria, but his style of play did mesmerize Bayern fans. The club did suffer after his departure as playing style changed, but those three years were fun while watching Die Roten play.