Munich Boss Under Pressure To Repeat Success

Bayern Munich's incoming manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he is under pressure to perform.

The former Barcelona manager spoke in German throughout a news conference in front of more than 200 journalists.

He introduced himself to the press with the traditional Bavarian "Gruess Gott" greeting, before admitting it would be tough to improve on last season.

Bayern completed a domestic and European treble, winning the Bundesliga title as well as lifting the German Cup and Champions League.

Guardiola is returning from a year's sabbatical from football to replace Jupp Heynckes.

He won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona and will be under pressure to repeat that success in Germany.

"I must accept the comparison," Guardiola told the packed press conference at the Allianz Arena.

"I have to be able to live with that. I am under pressure, of course, but I know this and I accept this challenge without fear and that is why I am the coach.

"What I feel now is a gift, a blessing to be here to be with Bayern and the very thought about me as the coach is a gift.

"Sometimes you take over a team on the way down, like in my first year as a professional coach.

"This situation is completely different. It is a good thing it is different. I take over a team that played exceptionally in the last season.

"They won three titles. This is the situation. When you are Bayern coach you always have pressure to play well."