Berlin – Bayern Munich are one of only two options when former Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola ends his sabbatical next year, German paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung said on Wednesday.
The Munich-based broadsheet said that informal talks have taken place and that “the Catalan coach seemingly favours only two clubs – one of them being Bayern”.
The report, a day after the Bild daily also mentioned first contacts, did not name the other club. Guardiola reportedly declined an offer from Champions League winners Chelsea to take over immediately but the Londeners may make another attempt in 2013.
Guardiola resigned at Barca after four years and 14 titles, including two Champions Leagues. He plans to take a year off from coaching before accepting a new challenge.
Munich president Uli Hoeness recently named Guardiola a potential candidate but also mentioned the language barrier as a potential obstacle. The contract of current Munich coach Jupp Heynckes ends in 2013.
Bayern are Germany's wealthiest and most successful club but had to settle for second in the Bundesliga the past two seasons behind Borussia Dortmund. They also reached the Champions League finals in 2010 and 2012, losing to Inter Milan and Chelsea. – Sapa-dpa