Guardiola ready for Bayern challenge

New Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola says he is ready to take on a new challenge as he begins life at the club.

The Spaniard was unveiled as the German treble winners’ new manager on Monday after agreeing to join the club in January.

Former Barcelona boss Guardiola won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns in his time at the Camp Nou, but the 42-year-old insists he does not lack motivation to try and add to his list of honours at the Allianz Arena, following a year out of the game.

“After my sabbatical, I’m ready,” he said. “My time in Barcelona was wonderful, but I needed to move on and Bayern gave me the chance and I had to take it.

“It’s a personal as well as a professional challenge to come here. It’s an honour to be here.”

However, Guardiola admitted that he is under pressure after previous boss Jupp Heynckes guided Bayern to domestic success in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, and victory in the UEFA Champions League final.

“I have to be able to live with that (the treble win) and with giant clubs like this there is always big pressure. I am under pressure,” he added.

“I need to adapt. The way Bayern play is different to Barcelona. It’s a new challenge.

“I need a bit more time to get to know the Bundesliga. But I watched a lot of Bayern.

“I’ve been watching lots of matches, all the teams, and it will be a tough Bundesliga. I need to adapt as quickly as possible.”

Bayern are set to face Barcelona in a friendly match in July, and Guardiola knows the meeting will be an emotional experience for him.

“I don’t know how I will feel but it will be a special match,” he continued.

“It will be a great match, a huge test.”