Guardiola’s Bayern Success: Domestic Triumph, but no European Title

At the end of his three-year stay at Saebener Strasse, Guardiola’s Bayern Success won’t include the most important trophy – the elusive Champions League.

The Bavarian giants lost in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third season in a row, which will undoubtedly leave a mark on Guardiola’s Bayern Success. “It was my aim to achieve this,” said the Catalan manager. “At Barcelona, everyone asked me this question and it has been the same thing here. We have tried our best but it hasn’t worked out. In terms of my period here, it’s up to you to want to think.”

He’s adamant that his time at the Bavarian capital was productive in terms of helping his players grow. “I think I have helped the players here. I am very satisfied with the performances. Maybe it wasn’t enough but in the end, I am satisfied with everything that has happened here. Everything is good. I have done my best. The players know that.”

“I have given my life for this club, from the first minute to the last and we played well tonight,” Guardiola asserted, after losing to Atletico Madrid on away goals on Tuesday night.” Maybe we played not so well at other times. I am very proud. It was a real honour to train these players. I have really enjoyed it here and I am sure the future of Bayern Munich is perfect with these players.”

Simeone is gearing up to face Real Madrid at San Siro on May 28 (Image credit: Sky Sports)

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone will lead his side to a second Champions League final in three years, which will be a repeat of the 2014 final when they lost against cross town rivals Real Madrid. He highlighted that Bayern played an extraordinary game that gave him chills.

“It was particularly so in the first half. It was unbelievable how they played. It was great to see such intensity. I was literally in love with this game. But we soaked up the pressure and we won the game,” said the 46-year-old Argentinian. “We coped with the pressure that they put on us. It’s just unbelievable what we have achieved. We have beaten two of the strongest teams in Europe – first Barcelona in the quarter-final and now Bayern.”

The Catalan last lifted the Champions League crown in 2011 with Barcelona

Guardiola’s Bayern success currently counts 2 Bundesliga titles (which will likely be 3 at the weekend), 1 DFB Pokal (maybe 2 if he’s successful on May 21 against Dortmund), 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.

With two games remaining in the Bundesliga, Die Roten are leading the table with 82 points – 5 more than their fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund, who are in second place. All Bayern need from their next encounter is a draw to clinch their fourth consecutive title – third under Guardiola.

But Dortmund will have a chance to exact revenge, as the two sides are scheduled to face each other in the German Cup final on May 21. The Bavarians are favorites to win the cup, which would add one final trophy to Guardiola’s Bayern success before he departs to manage Man City in the Premier League next season.

Online sportsbook Bet365 gives them odds of 1.90 (10/11), while BVB are underdogs heading into the match 3.75 (11/4). A draw during 90 minutes stands at 3.60 (13/5) – a result that is quite possible considering the impressive form both clubs have enjoyed in recent times. (Check out Betting Herald’s Bet365 Sports Review for more info about the online sportsbook.)

The Etihad – Pep Guardiola’s next home (Image credit: MCFC)

Guardiola’s Bayern Success will have probably left him with three domestic league titles before he makes the switch to the Etihad in the summer. Thanks to the news of his imminent arrival, Man City have been made favorites to lift the Premier League crown next season 2.37 (11/8). Chelsea and Arsenal are right behind them with odds of 6.00 (5/1) and 7.00 (6/1) respectively.

The Blues have just recently announced that Italy manager Antonio Conte will take the helm at Stamford Bridge after EURO 2016, but online sportsbooks have reservations whether he can lift the crown in his first season. Arsene Wenger will have to invest heavily into his squad if he is to compete with the new wave of managers in the English top flight. But even with more firepower, we’re pretty sure that Arsenal will finish third or fourth on the table next season – keeping with tradition.

There has been countless speculation surrounding Manchester United managerial post next season. The club’s hierarchy are yet to decide if they’ll sack Louis van Gaal after a disappointing season, which will likely see them miss out on next year’s Champions League. Should speculation turn out to be true and Jose Mourinho is appointed the new boss at Old Trafford, then Man United’s current odds for winning the title 8.00 (7/1) could potentially rise, per online sportsbook Bet365.