Bayern knew two weeks ago Guardiola would leave

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes he knows which club manager Pep Guardiola will take over when he leaves the Bavarian giants.

Bayern Munich are on course for their 26th Bundesliga title this season, and are now eight points clear at the top of the league.

“It is hard to find such a complete coach and good at managing and giving an identity to a squad”.

While Guardiola remained silent and returned home to Spain for Christmas, Ancelotti took to Twitter to “honestly wish FC Bayern Munich and my friend Pep Guardiola the best for the current season”. “He speaks Italian, Spanish and French and he’ll learn German fast”. This season, Bayern have lost only two of 26 games and in the last two years swept five trophies, but the most-desired Champions League has so far eluded Guardiola in Germany.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva has stressed ahead of Monday’s crucial clash with Arsenal that he and his team-mates are “very happy” with manager Manuel Pellegrini and focusing only on the present.

He won three league titles, two Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey while at the Nou Camp. “We look at the day today and not what is going to happen in the summer”. But so far, the 44-year-old Guardiola has given no indication as to his future plans.

Louis van Gaal’s grip on power at Old Trafford has rarely seemed less secure than in the aftermath of Saturday’s dispiriting 2-1 Premier League loss to Norwich City.

Bild warn Chelsea fans not to get too excited, though: “In spite of everything, information indicates Guardiola will switch to Manchester City in the summer”.

Rummenigge admitted he was not surprised by Guardiola’s decision to leave his role as Bayern Munich coach after three seasons, suggesting the indications of his departure have been evident for some time. “Just clubs from England!”

The Germans wasted no time looking for his replacement, with Carlo Ancelotti reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with the club once Guardiola steps down.

‘When I knew of the club’s interest I didn’t want to consider any other offer.