Bayern tried to sign Wenger
Posted Monday, March 11, 2013 by The Sun
IN DEMAND ... Bayern have tried to pinch Arsene Wenger from Arsenal before
BAYERN MUNICH president Uli Hoeness has confirmed the German giants have tried to snatch Arsene Wenger from Arsenal a few times over the years.
The Gunners will fly to Munich tomorrow to face Bayern as huge outsiders on the back of their 3-1 home loss three weeks ago.
In an exclusive interview, Bayern legend Hoeness admitted they have repeatedly held talks with Wenger in the past — both before and after he took charge of Arsenal.
But the Frenchman, currently under pressure as he heads for an eighth successive season without a trophy, has always stayed loyal to the Gunners.
Hoeness said: “We did try to get him at Bayern Munich a few times.
“Even before he went to Japan, Franz Beckenbauer and I went to Nice and discussed with him and everything was clear, but then at the end of the day he decided to go to Japan.
“We were very surprised. From Japan he went to Arsenal and over the years, whenever we were looking for a new coach, Wenger was always one we considered.
“He’s a very serious person, very strong and has a very good idea about the game.
“There have been a few moments where we have discussed his name over the years.
“He has always remained loyal to Arsenal which is fantastic behaviour. But it is true we wanted him at Bayern a few times.”
Hoeness was also the man who flew out to New York to get the signature of Pep Guardiola after he had agreed terms with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Last January, Guardiola was announced as Bayern boss after he turned down the chance to take charge of Chelsea or Manchester City.
Hoeness candidly admitted that, given Bayern’s success under Jupp Heynckes, the new boss will be under enormous pressure to keep the silverware coming.
He added: “We are proud we signed him. It’s a fantastic thing for the Bundesliga.
“But the problem for him and Bayern is it’s a risk as well. He will be under huge pressure. I think we will be champions this year so the pressure on him and the club will be big. With Guardiola, you can only win the championship, nothing else.
“Jupp Heynckes is doing a fantastic job and Guardiola will be measured by what happens this year.”
Hoeness insisted that Guardiola’s decision was not based on money, even though he will reportedly earn around £12m a season in Germany.
He added: “He has not got an unlimited budget. We discussed with him how the club is run.
“Yes, we were competing against clubs who offered him an unlimited budget.
“One thing is clear. It’s a giant signing for the Bundesliga that Pep Guardiola has signed for Bayern.
“He had a lot of offers. I don’t think it’s the best-paying club but he had the impression that the philosophy of this club fitted him.”
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