The announcement of Pep Guardiola’s appointment as Bayern coach has sent a shockwave through the international sports media landscape, making headlines and prompting lengthy reports and analysis in Germany and all over the world. The main reaction from Spain was one of understanding and a certain pride, but the English press detected a blow to Premier League prestige. fcbayern.de reviews the headlines.
International media reaction:
Spain:
El Pais: “Back-flip to the Bundesliga! Pep Guardiola joins the Kaisers of German football. Bayern are the nation’s most successful, best-loved and wealthiest club.”
ABC: “Pep crosses the German border. He signs for Bayern, making him the first Spanish coach of a Bundesliga club.”
El Mundo: “Bayern twittered a bomb on Wednesday, a massive surprise: Guardiola’s on his way – and the media never saw it coming.”
Sport: “Bayern’s reputation was the key.”
AS: “Surprise: Pep Guardiola rejects the Premier League and joins FC Bayern instead.”
England:
The Sun: “Auf Wiedersehen, Pep! Guardiola snubs Premier League clubs and joins German giants Bayern.”
Daily Mail: “Auf Wiedersehen, Pep! Chelsea handed huge snub. Guardiola is the most sought-after coach in the world – and he’s signed for three years with Bayern. It’s huge blow to the other interested Premier League clubs too. The German giants win the race.”
Guardian: “The Premier League's elite have suffered a painful reality check after Pep Guardiola, the most coveted coach in world football, turned his back on a prospective move to England and was confirmed as the next manager of Bayern Munich.”
The Times: “Pep Guardiola, the world’s most sought-after coach, has opted to take over at Bayern next season. The news comes as a heavy blow for Chelsea and Manchester City, as both were hoping to bring the 41-year-old to the Premier League.”
Italy:
Gazzetta dello Sport: “Kaiser Pep. The Bavarian bombshell is the event of the year. Bayern have beaten off monstrous competition. The Bundesliga system allows itself the luxury of signing up the world’s most coveted coach.”
Corriere dello Sport: “Pep springs yet another surprise. Everyone had him already sitting in one of the Premier League’s elite dugouts, but he’s chosen the path nobody expected.”
Corriere della Sera: “Herr Pep! Now we’ll really see whether Guardiola is the best coach in the world. If there is another team like Barcelona, it’s Bayern. Munich have Barcelona’s money, and the habit of bringing on talented youngsters and winning.”
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