Pep Guardiola to Bayern Munich: How the Move Affects the Rest of World Football
Pep Guardiola may be going to Bayern Munich, but what does that mean for the rest of world football?
As reports stream in of Guardiola's impending summer move to the historic German club, one big question has been answered. The former Barcelona manager left the Catalan club mere months ago on a year-long sabbatical, fueling speculation as to where he may land upon his return.
However, Pep's decision to go to Bayern raises even more questions heading into what could be an incredibly interesting summer.
For one thing, the move creates a valuable free agent in current Munich manager Jupp Heynckes.
Heynckes has a fine managerial record, as he led Real Madrid to the 1997-98 Champions League title and Bayern to the brink of it last season.
In fact, the move could have a profound effect on the rest of this campaign for Munich and, as a result, Europe. After all, Heynckes is now a lame-duck manager, a situation that could negatively affect Bayern in their pursuit of the Bundesliga and Champions League titles.
Chelsea's managerial position is also affected by this news.
After Roberto di Matteo was fired in November, Rafael Benitez's appointment as interim manager made it seem as though owner Roman Abramovich were using the Spaniard as a stopgap before Pep came to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Now with Guardiola out of the picture, Benitez may have a chance to win the job as Chelsea regroup and search for a new option.
Guardiola's move to Bayern may also influence Jose Mourinho's upcoming decisions. The "Special One" may very well be on his way out at Real Madrid after multiple battles with the club and the Spanish press.
With his rival already deciding on his next destination, Mourinho could be looking for a club to compete with Pep.
Finally, the move could trigger a massive chain reaction in player transfers.
Pep's tiki-taka style may be pleasant on the eye, but it takes a certain group of players to execute it properly.
Hence, there is a good chance Guardiola will turn over the Bayern roster, sending some players away and pulling some to him.
Munich's level of talent and Pep's inevitable pursuit of his former Barca players could mean that some blockbuster moves are around the corner.
(If interested, check out this article for a few players Pep might pursue.)
Guardiola's decision to go to Bayern Munich in the summer may spell the end of speculation surrounding the landing spot of the Spanish manager, but it has merely raised more questions in its stead.
This is setting up for quite an interesting year.
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