Bayern chairman: Guardiola says he’s seeking ‘new challenge’

Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the news on Sunday.

Reports indicate that Chelsea have approached Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola with a view to bring him to Stamford Bridge as Mourinho’s permanent replacement.

But City boss Manuel Pellegrini is under contract until the end of the 2016-17 campaign and Jose Mourinho’s departure from Chelsea, along with Manchester United’s ailing form under Louis van Gaal, has prompted links between Guardiola and the latter two clubs.

A number of top English clubs are likely to be eyeing up the 44-year-old, who has consolidated his standing as one of Europe’s top coaches since joining Bayern in 2013 after winning a remarkable 14 titles in four years at Barcelona.

‘I think I know where he is going, ‘ Rummenigge told German newspaper Bild.

“Two weeks ago, during our Christmas party, he told me that he is seeking a new challenge and almost apologised for it. It was noticeable that it was hard for him”. It was clearly hard for him.

“I could see that Pep Guardiola had really grown to love FC Bayern and its fans”.

“With Ancelotti, we have another very successful coach coming to Bayern”.

The Italian coach has won three Champions Leagues with AC Milan (2003, 2007) and Real (2014), and a Club World Cup which each side.

Rummenigge said he first had an idea in late September when he heard “nuanced comments”, but said “we did not let on and wanted to give him time to decide without hurry”.

“It is hard to find such a complete coach and good at managing and giving an identity to a squad”. That is still a record, and of course he has all the qualities.

He has, however, also faced criticism for his run-in with a former long-time Bayern doctor, who once accused the Spaniard of blaming the medical staff for a defeat, and for allowing club great Schweinsteiger to leave last season.