Pep Guardiola apologises for sparking EPL speculation
Doha, Jan 12 (IANS) Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has apologised for fuelling speculation that he will join a prominent English Premier League (EPL) club next season.
The former Barcelona icon's contract at Bayern is set to expire at the end of the season and had announced his intention of leaving the Bavarians to manage in the Premier League. The Spaniard had also revealed earlier that he had received offers from several EPL clubs with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal rumoured to be among them.
Guardiola's statement had led to fevered speculation over his possible destination after leaving Bayern and the former Spain international is now sorry for putting EPL managers under pressure.
"I'm sorry. It was not my intention to offend anybody. Normally in my career like a trainer, a football player I respect my colleagues a lot," he told reporters at Bayern's winter training camp here on Tuesday.
Although Guardiola confirmed that his decision to leave Bayern is final, he refused to reveal which club he plans to lead next season.
"I don't know. Of course, I'm focused on Bayern Munich, but this doesn't change the fact that I will be training a team next season. No changes, absolutely. I'm working here. I cannot answer... (until) I sign my new contract. Maybe this happens during the season, maybe later, I can't tell now. Whenever it happens," he said.
"I will reveal my new club once I have actually signed a contract. I have not talked with the players about my imminent move to England. We are only talking about football. But they all already know anyway," he added.