Guardiola unhappy with schedule

Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2014 by Foxsports.com

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola believes his players are being overburdened as he prepares for his side's fourth match in the space of 10 days.

Bayern registered their first 0-0 draw in 75 matches at the weekend with Guardiola saying afterwards that his side are going to struggle right up to the winter break to cope with the after-effects of the World Cup.

His side's intense schedule does not help either, which is why he is not necessarily looking forward to Tuesday night's clash with the shock league leaders Paderborn.

"We're killing the players; we're asking too much of them," Guardiola said at a press conference on Monday.

"The players need time to breathe. This doesn't only apply to Bayern, but also to Dortmund and Leverkusen.

"Hamburg were able to focus on the weekend's game all week. We only had half a day."

Another round of wholesale changes to his side is therefore inevitable.

"You just cannot play every three days with the same players," he said.

Xabi Alonso, Medhi Benatia and Mario Gotze could therefore return, but Robert Lewandowski is a doubt.

"He's played a lot of matches, but I'm very happy with him."

Paderborn coach Andre Breitenreiter has every reason to be very happy with his side so far this season.

The East Westphalians have taken the top flight by storm in their first every campaign in the Bundesliga, winning two and drawing two of their opening four matches to lead the way.

Even in the intimidating surroundings of the Allianz Arena, Breitenreiter has vowed his side will stick to their guns.

"Even in Munich we want to play our best and go all out to win," he said. "The lads should enjoy this game. The result is only secondary for me.

"Of course we do have a tactical plan, but Bayern Munich are Bayern Munich - they are in a league of their own."