Newly-arrived head coach Pep Guardiola has brought key members of his previous coaching team with him to Munich. “These are people I trust, who I’ve already worked with together in Barcelona for a long time,” he explained. However, the new boss continued, he also has great faith in the staff already working at Bayern: “Bayern Munich already have many professionals in the right positions, so there was no need to make wholesale changes. I think it’s great that the people I’ve mentioned were prepared to follow me. I hope we manage everything in the best possible way for the club.”
Guardiola has added the following individuals to his coaching staff:
Manel Estiarte: The Catalan is one of Guardiola’s most trusted aides. The former Spanish water polo star, a 1996 Olympic gold medallist, often speaks on behalf of his boss. “He’s one of the best sportsmen Spain has ever produced,” commented Guardiola, who is known for picking up advice and information from other sporting disciplines.
Domenec Torrent: When Guardiola took over then third-tier Barcelona B in 2007, he hired Torrent as an experienced operator in the third level of the Spanish game. He later retained Torrent as his assistant when he was promoted to head coach. The newcomer now joins Hermann Gerland as one of Guardiola’s assistants in Munich. Torrent is highly regarded as a match analyst and observer.
Lorenzo Buenaventura: He was head fitness coach to the Barça stars and an expert in guiding injured players through sports rehab programs. He now takes over as fitness coach at Bayern. Buenaventura succeeds Marcelo Martins, who is returning to his home country of Brazil after five years with FCB.
Carles Planchart: Planchart was a scout and video analyst for Guardiola in Barcelona. His main responsibilities in Munich will be monitoring opposing teams and talent spotting.
Furthermore, Lars Kornetka has joined the Bayern coaching staff as match video analyst. Kornetka arrives in Munich not from Barcelona, but from Bundesliga rivals Schalke.
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