No added pressure on Guardiola, says Netzer

Former Germany international Guenter Netzer does not believe Pep Guardiola has to emulate Bayern Munich’s previous triumphs to become a success.

Former Germany international Guenter Netzer does not believe Pep Guardiola has to emulate Bayern Munich’s previous triumphs to become a success.

The German giants are cruising towards a Bundesliga title, are in the last 16 of the Champions League and look favourites to reach the quarter-finals, while are also gunning for the DFB Pokal.

Netzer is adamant that, while the supporters will be enjoying the term under current coach Jupp Heynckes, off-season arrival Guardiola will not be under pressure to replicate previous glorious campaigns.

He told Bild: “Anyone who believes that it is necessary for Pep Guardiola to replicate Bavaria’s heritage is wrong.

“Bayern will be very happy with what they have achieved, but Guardiola will only deal with the here and now. He takes over in any case an intact team.”

Netzer also spoke about the improvements Borussia Dortmund have made and how Wednesday’s German Cup clash will be a fantastic game.

“All the conditions suggest that in Wednesday’s cup quarter-final between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, we will experience a great festival of football,” he said.

“Therefore, it must be Bayern’s first task to stop the assault force and the wonderful combination of Marco Reus, Mario Goetze and Robert Lewandowski.

“The fact that Bayern have failed to beat Dortmund in six matches is not a disaster in my eyes.

“It is an unpleasant side effect, it is in the minds of players but it does not matter, rather I see it as an extra incentive (for them) to reach the semi-finals.”