Lahm: Bayern enjoying Guardiola influence

Pep Guardiola is already making a good impression on the Bayern Munich squad, according to the club’s captain Philipp Lahm.

The former Barcelona boss moved to the Bundesliga champions earler in June and oversaw a 15-1 victory over a local supporters club on Saturday.

While he is likely to face sterner challenges during his time at the Allianz Arena, Lahm believes the Spaniard’s input so far has been valuable.

“We’ve only been working together for three days, however, it is clear he is positively crazy about football and someone who keeps an eye on detail, who works really well with the team and who’s open minded,” the Germany international said.

Franck Ribery, who recently signed a new contract with the club which will keep him there until 2017, said there were noticable differences between Guardiola’s methods and those of former coach Jupp Heynckes.

“He’s good, he has many differences compared to Jupp, different exercises, different training methods, he’s a coach that talks a lot with the players and who’s always positive and wants to make the team better, which is always good,” said the Frenchman.

“Now we have to train better. It’s always difficult after a holiday, but it’s good.”

Guardiola learnt German ahead of his move to Munich and midfielder Thomas Mueller believes it has helped communication so far, even if there have been some teething problems.

Mueller said: “He speaks German very well, but from time to time he needs to write something down, if it’s getting to difficult.

“I think regarding the fact that he only learned the language six month ago and German is not really close to Spanish he’s doing a great job. But we all also speak some English, so if ever a word is missing than we say it in English and then it’s fine.”

Guardiola will be tasked with continuing the success Heynckes brought to the club, with Bayern winning the treble last season.