Hamann: Pep took Bayern for a ride

Posted Tuesday, February 09, 2016 by Foxsports.com

Former Bayern München midfielder Dietmar Hamann has blasted Pep Guardiola over his antics prior to his announcement to leave the Bavarians.

After months of speculation, Guardiola announced in December 2015 that he'll depart for the English Premier League, and Hamann admits the way he dealt with the situation was disrespectful towards a club of Bayern's stature.

The 42-year-old believes Pep should have been straight forward about his intentions and that he should not have dragged his heels over a contract extension before the Manchester City job was on offer.

"Guardiola took Bayern for a ride in my opinion," the former Liverpool midfielder told Sky Sports.

"The whole situation was not what you normally see at Bayern. I was surprised to see Bayern let this happen. I think Bayern lost a bit of respect for Guardiola, because he did not always show his cards. Bayern will have a different view than about six weeks ago.

"Bayern gave their coach more power than even before over the past two years, perhaps without even realising it themselves. It was almost considered blasphemy if you criticised Pep. He was regarded as a saint.

"I will not go as far as to say they backed the wrong horse, but the Champions League will be the ultimate test. If they crash out again like in the last two years, Pep's era at the club will have been good, but not great."

The 45-year-old Spaniard who joined Bayern in 2013 is on course to win his third consecutive Bundesliga title before his highly anticipated switch to Manchester City.