Pep Guardiola ended his reign as Bayern Munich boss by winning the German Cup on penalties against Bayern’s arch-rivals Dortmund on Saturday. The game finished goalless after normal and extra time.
Guardiola has won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and also won the German cup, but the big prize of the Champions League has evaded him during his time in Germany.
When he replaced Jupp Heynckes as boss the Bavarians were reigning German and European champions. The job was always going to be a difficult one after the achievements of the previous campaign.
Guardiola had won the Champions League twice in his time as Barcelona boss, but could not repeat his success in Bavaria. The 45-year-old was hired as Bayern boss in attempt of delivering another European triumph.
However his failure to win the Champions League with one of Europe’s elite teams has people asking questions over Guardiola’s ability, despite the Catalan being regarded as one of, if not the best bosses in world football.
Guardiola winning the Bundesliga in three consecutive campaigns with Bayern was not that impressive, considering that they have had very few challengers for the title since Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund mounted a sustained title challenge.
Dortmund were Bayern’s closest challengers in the Bundesliga this season, but finished a full ten points behind the reigning champions.
Guardiola will take over at Premier League Manchester City this summer. The Citizens aim is dominate English football and eventually European football after making it to the semi-final of the Champions League.
If the Catalan also fails to win the Champions League with City then it will lead to more claims that Guardiola is in fact over-rated as a boss and not the managerial genius that some claim.