08/31/2013 20:45kruijs

In a match reminiscent of the last time Chelsea faced Pep Guardiola, Chelsea came within seconds of claiming the club’s third piece of European trophy in 15 months. But with a last gasp goal from Javi Martínez and a win in Friday’s penalty shootout, Bayern Munich dramatically claimed the first trophy of their Guardiola era, scoring on the last kick of the game to take a 2-2 (5-4) and their first UEFA Super Cup.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/30/chelsea-vs-bayern-munich-uefa-super-cup-final-score-fernando-torres-franck-ribery-eden-hazard-javi-martinez/

   07/24/2013 21:01kruijs

Andreas Rettig, COO of the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has underscored the growing importance of the DFL Supercup ahead of Saturday's meeting of Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich at the Signal Iduna Park.

"The match will be shown live in 195 FIFA member countries. The stadium is almost sold-out already - that's testimony to its significance," Rettig said at Wednesday's press conference ahead of the duel between treble-winners FC Bayern and hosts, and Bundesliga runners-up, Dortmund. The two sides last met, of course, in the UEFA Champions League final in May.

http://www.bundesliga.com/en/tournaments/news/2013/0000261887.php

   06/24/2013 13:06kruijs

Pep Guardiola’s famed perfectionism was on immediate display at Bayern Munich as he finally arrived at the Allianz Arena today.

Guardiola had been mastering the German language, amusingly revealing that his teacher was a Borussia Dortmund fan. “She almost did not allow me to come here,’’ said Guardiola, triggering laughter in Bayern’s power brokers Uli Hoeness and Karl Heinz Rummenigge sitting either side of him.

Guardiola totally charmed his audience at the Allianz, speaking in German, Spanish, Italian and English. He spoke of his delight at joining Bayern. “What I feel today – this is a gift. It’s a great joy and happiness not only for being here but also because Bayern Munich thought of me and allowed me to be here. I would like to thank Bayern for this chance.’

Having been exhausted after his glorious but intense time at Barcelona, where he won 14 trophies, Guardiola said he was refreshed by his year out. “I am ready. My time in Barcelona was marvellous but I needed a new challenge and Bayern Munich gave me that chance. I am certain that all the fans of Bayern will continue to live with pride and I hope it will be an era of pride for all.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/bundesliga/10138991/Pep-Guardiola-unveiled-as-new-Bayern-Munich-manager.html