MX23RW : Monday, November 25 02:30:42| >> :120:13147:13147:

Michael Ballack: 'Pep Guardiola just what Bayern Munich needed'

Ex-Bayern Munich skipper Michael Ballack believes that Pep Guardiola has helped sharpen focus and avoid complacency at the Allianz Arena this season.

Former Bayern Munich captain Michael Ballack has declared that Pep Guardiola's arrival at the Allianz Arena was the perfect way to provide the treble winners with a fresh challenge this season.

Guardiola took charge of a side that enjoyed the most successful campaign in their history last season under Jupp Heynckes, but he has quickly stamped his authority on the Champions League holders.

Ballack believes that Bayern's 3-1 win over Manchester City two weeks ago has proved that they can improve further under Guardiola, as they continue an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

He told Sky Sports News: "It's always hard to set new goals after you win the Champions League. What are your ambitions for the following season.

"The change of coach was exactly what Bayern needed. Fresh challenges have arrived with Guardiola. He is absolutely world-class. He knows exactly what the players need in every situation.

"The Champions League game against Manchester City showed that this team still has plenty to offer. That was extraordinary."

The Spaniard is yet to taste defeat in the Bundesliga, sitting top after collecting 23 points from a possible 27 in nine games.

ID:112887: cacheID:112887:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2461:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Bayern Munich's Spanish headcoach Pep Guardiola looks ahead during the awarding ceremony of the Audi Cup after the football match Bayern Munich FC vs Manchester City in Munich on August 1, 2013
Read Next:
Guardiola cautious over Champions League defence
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Bayern MunichBayern119203672929
2Eintracht FrankfurtFrankfurt1172227161123
3RB Leipzig11632189921
4Bayer LeverkusenB. Leverkusen115512618820
5Borussia DortmundDortmund116142218419
6Borussia MonchengladbachBorussia M'bach115241714317
7Freiburg115241315-217
8Mainz 05Mainz114431814416
9Stuttgart114432119216
10Union BerlinUnion Berlin1144399016
11Wolfsburg114342018215
12Werder Bremen114341722-515
13Hoffenheim113351722-512
14Augsburg113351323-1012
15Heidenheim113171520-510
16St Pauli11227714-78
17Holstein Kiel111281228-165
18VfL BochumVfL Bochum110291032-222


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!