Bayern's Guardiola relishes Barcelona reunion

25 July 2013 08:51

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola spoke of a 'very special game' after seeing his side outplay and outwit Barcelona in a 2-0 victory to win the Uli Hoeness Cup.

Bayern may have only won the game by a two-goal margin, but the difference between the two sides appeared greater as 71,000 fans in the Allianz Arena were treated to at least 45 minutes of football which suggest more trophies are on the horizon for last season's treble winners.

Guardiola knows all about winning things having defined one of Barca's most successful eras up until a year ago, and it appears he has similar plans of domination with Bayern.

"It was a very special game for me," he said. "I spent my whole life as a player and coach of Barcelona.

"I'm very happy now and have nothing to complain about. I have been given a very good side with Bayern."

Guardiola has mixed things up since taking over from Jupp Heynckes just under a month ago.

Although his team selection has partly been influenced by absences, such as Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger, his decision to move Philipp Lahm into a more advanced position has paid dividends.

Lahm scored the opening goal against Barca and looked extremely comfortable in a three-man midfield along side Thiago Alcantara and Toni Kroos, although he expects to return to his more defensive berth once Martinez is back and Schweinsteiger is fully fit.

"I think I did a good job," the Germany and Bayern captain Lahm said. "I still think my biggest strength is as a right full-back, though.

"I think we saw that I can do well also in this position, but I think we have other players who have the quality to fill it. But if the coach fields me there, then I will try my best."

Source: PA