Boateng happy with Bayern switch

06 December 2011 16:47

Jerome Boateng insists he will return to face Manchester City with no regrets following his pre-season move to Bayern Munich.

Boateng struggled to make an impact at the Premier League club and left after just one season at Eastlands.

At the time of his move, he admitted his frustration at being used at right-back instead of his preferred central defensive role.

But Boateng also insisted Bayern were a bigger club than City -- and maintained a return home would also boost his chances of selection for the Germany national team.

Boateng will be back at his former home for the first time since his transfer when his new club faces City in the two clubs' final Champions League group game here on Wednesday.

"I have no regrets because I'm happy at Bayern," Boateng said. "I regret nothing about last year because I made a lot of friends and it was good experience for me."

He added: "I didn't just leave because of my position, there were other reasons. I'm happy at Bayern and will play different positions.

"It doesn't bother me whether I'm playing right-back or central defence."

Boateng was involved in a training ground spat with City striker Mario Balotelli, but the German insists there is no lingering bad feeling between the two.

"It was nothing serious, it happens at every club. A short tussle, we shook hands. You hear a lot stories but I like him and see him differently to the stories that are around."

City have made more new signings since Boateng left but the 23-year-old believes Roberto Mancini's side will carry a familiar look when he faces them.

And while Bayern -- who have already qualified for the knockout stages -- can ensure City are eliminated by denying Mancini's side victory, Boateng believes the club's fans should be satisfied with the progress they have made.

"I wouldn't say they're (City) that different. They've some new quality players but we'll have to see.

"They won the FA Cup last season and are in the running for the league but not doing so well in the Champions League. The coach is doing a good job and the fans will be satisfied with that."

Bayern arrived in Manchester without Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos, who have both been struck down by flu.

And with Thomas Mueller and Mario Gomes also showing signs of illness, coach Jupp Heynckes will be forced into changes.

"After the last Bundesliga game I said Robben would play, but that has obviously changed," Heynckes said. "It's a pity Toni can't play, but we checked and it was not possible.

"Robben played well for 30 minutes last weekend, scoring two goals (in a 4-1 win over Werder Bremen). On Sunday I split the training session and he trained well, but showed flu symptoms on Monday. It is disappointing for him."

Heynckes is adamant Bayern will seek victory but denied the prospect of knocking City out to avoid a possible further meeting in the latter stages provided added motivation.

"Firstly, it is a big match between two league leaders. There is prestige, a win bonus and the UEFA ratings which make it important," he said.

"In my long experience as player and coach, I do not worry about ifs and buts. What is clear is my team will be performing on the pitch to win tomorrow (Wednesday) night."

Source: AFP