Bayern Munich won the Josep "Pep" Guardiola sweepstakes as the club announced that the former Barcelona player and manager will take over at the German club in July, when current manager Jupp Heynckes steps down.
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Speculation around Guardiola's future had been frenzied in recent weeks as rumors linked him to several clubs in the Premier League, including Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Guardiola himself recently said he would like to coach in England some day, but apparently the lure of taking over the historic German club with a stacked roster was the best option for the Catalan.
Guardiola is on a one-year sabbatical from football since leaving Barcelona last May after a historically successful stint at the Catalan club that included two Champions League trophies, several La Liga titles and other important titles.
Since his departure, he has made news by moving to New York City, but reappearing at several events over the year.
Bayern Munich has one of the most talented teams in Europe, including: Frenchman Franck Ribery; Dutch star Arjen Robben; German national team players Mario Gomez, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Tony Kroos and Phillip Lam; and Spaniard Javi Martinez.
The German club currently leads the Bundesliga standings by 9 points and is in the knockout phase of the Champions League, after reaching the finals last year and losing in penalty kicks to Chelsea.
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Bayern Munich has officially announced that former Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola will be in charge of the team for the next season and until 2016. Guardiola took Barcelona to probably the most succesful era in European club history, winnning 14 titles in 4 seasons.
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Copa del Rey 2008-2009: On May 13th, Barcelona beat 4-1 to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final to give the 'Blaugranas' the first title during the Guardiola era.
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La Liga 2008-09: Guardiola secured his first league title with Barcelona after round 36 of La Liga. The team accumulated 87 points from 27 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses.
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Champions League 2008-2009: On May 27th, Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League final, giving Guardiola his first European title.
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Spanish Supercup 2009: After winning the league and Cup tournaments, Barcelona played the Spanish Supercup against Copa del Rey runner up Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona won both legs 2-1 and 3-0 to obtain the 4th title during the Guardiola era.
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UEFA Super Cup 2009: Barcelona won this match against Shakhtar Donetsk after Pedro scored in the 115th minute after the match ended scoreless in 90 minutes.
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Club World Cup 2009: On December 19th Barcelona and Guardiola made history after conquering a record sixth title in one calendar year. The 'Blaugranas' beat Argentina's Estudiantes 2-1 in extra time after Pedro had tied the score in the 88th minute.
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La Liga 2009-10: Barcelona conquered its 20th league title in the last round of the season accumulating a then record 99 points from 31 victories, 6 draws and only 1 defeat.
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Spanish Supercup 2010: On August 21st, Guardiola obtained his 8th title after winning the Spanish Supercup. Barcelona lost the first leg 3-1 the second one 4-0 to grab the trophy.
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La Liga 2010-11: Guardiola conquered his 3rd league title in a row after Barcelona obtained 96 points from 30 wins, 6 draws and only 2 losses.
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Champions League 2011: On May 28th, 2011. Barcelona and Guardiola won their second Champions League title in three season after beating Manchester United again in the final 3-1.
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Spanish Supercup 2011: Guardiola obtained his 11th title with the club after drawing 2-2 in the first leg and winning 3-2 in the second leg against Real Madrid.
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European Super Cup 2011: On August 26th, 2011, Barcelona won over Porto 2-0 to obtain the European Super Cup trophy and Guardiola's 12 title.
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Club World Cup 2011: On December 18th, Barcelona beat Brazil's Santos 4-0 to win the second Club World Cup in three years, giving Guardiola his 13th title.
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Copa 2011-2012: On May 25th, after he already had announced he was leaving the team, Guardiola obtained his 14th and last title with Barcelona by winning the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao, ending one of the most brilliant coaching eras in European club history.
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