Guardiola demands control as Bayern need Munich miracle
May 11, 2015
"We have to control the game," said Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola at the press conference on Monday ahead of Bayern Munich's mammoth task against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
"We're 3-0 down but we'll give it our all," Guardiola added. Attacker Thomas Müller was equally positive about his side's chances. "We aren't despondent. We're fired up for the game."
Despite the optimistic press conference, there's a cloud hanging over Bayern at the moment. After the defeat to Augsburg on the weekend, Bayern have now lost four consecutive games - a first for Guardiola. Worse than that, Bayern have only scored twice since that 6-1 demolition of Porto in the Champions League quarterfinal. The chances of a turnaround against Barcelona after last week's comprehensive defeat seem distant, even for Bayern.
Excuses running out
Granted, injuries have played a part in Bayern's struggles this season but Guardiola is not free of blame. Playing three defenders against Barcelona's razor sharp attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar proved brash. Add to that the remarkably high line and odd personnel selection, and it's clear to see why some of Guardiola's decisions have seen question marks appear.
"I am not here to be the best head coach in the world. I'm here to help this team and do my best. It was the same in Barcelona. I did my best there. For some it was enough, for others it wasn't," said Pep defiantly when asked whether his reputation as a great head coach had been tarnished by recent form.
The Bayern head coach also silenced rumours of a move to Manchester City next season: "I've already said it 200 million times. I still have a year on my contract, I'll be here next season. That's it."
Optimism and positivity are clear. Then again, what else is to be expected from Bayern? Guardiola's other Brazilian defender, Rafinha, piped up at the press conference, saying it had been a super season for Bayern despite winning just the league. While that much can be argued, Guardiola was brought to Munich to secure the kind of European dominance he enjoyed at Barcelona. On Tuesday night, it's going to take more than determination to keep that dream alive this season.