Munich (dpa) – Outgoing Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola admitted Tuesday that «maybe» his mission has failed as he leaves without the Champions League trophy, but he foresees a bright future for the team.
Bayern went out on away goals in the semi-finals against Atletico Madrid on the night, after losing at the same stage the previous two seasons against Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Guardiola took over Munich in 2013 after they had won the treble under Jupp Heynckes. He will depart with likely three Bundesliga titles for an unprecedented four in a row – and possibly two German cups as Bayern are in the May 21 final against Borussia Dortmund in what is Guardiola’s last official game in Munich.
He then leaves for Manchester City with Italian Carlo Ancelotti taking over at Bayern.
«Bayern have a great future with these players,» Guardiola told Sky TV after Tuesday’s disappointment.
Guardiola made Bayern even better with possession football. The team broke various Bundesliga records during his tenure such as most unbeaten games, most points and biggest title winning margin but the glory was not quite complete because Guardiola failed to win the top European trophy with them as he had twice with Barcelona.
«I fought. I did my best. I am sorry. I gave my life for this team.
But numbers are numbers and we didn’t reach a Champions League final,» he said.
«It is very tough to make the final. You have to accept it. Its football. I am very sad for the players. They played a fantastic Champions League … We did eversything to reach the final.»
