Pep Guardiola has admitted he fears losing his job at Bayern Munich if the club fails to achieve success this season. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the club's pre-season tour of the USA, the Catalan coach said, 'there are no secrets. If I don't win, then a different coach will probably come in.'
The remarks come amid concerns that six Bayern players who won the World Cup with Germany may lack motivation upon returning to club football. Both the media and Bayern's Director of Sport Matthias Sammer have voiced fears that the club could emulate their poor starts after the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
Guardiola, however, remains optimistic about the impact of Germany's triumph. 'I am happy for Germany that they won the World Cup. It is a great gift for FC Bayern that six of our players were able to contribute to it,' he said.
Despite winning the Double and the Bundesliga in record time last season, Bayern's Champions League exit to Real Madrid has left questions over Guardiola's tenure. European success is seen as the benchmark for his performance, and failure to win the title this year could be considered a failure.
The Munich press have already increased pressure, with tabloid TZ publishing a survey showing Bayern as clear Champions League favourites. Guardiola remains determined: 'I am here to do my job to the best of my abilities, just as I used to at FC Barcelona.'
