adminBEIJING. — Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola and club captain Philipp Lahm vowed yesterday that the German soccer champions would emerge from the shadow of Bastian Schweinsteiger as they prepared for their first game since his departure in Beijing. Guardiola said it was “tough” for both the players and fans of the Bundesliga side, following the midfielder’s exit to Manchester United on Monday after 17 years at the club.
But Bayern were well prepared as they looked towards the new season, Guardiola said, ahead of a friendly match against Spanish side Valencia in the Chinese capital.
“Bastian was a legend at Bayern Munich. He spent 17 years playing here and won absolutely everything,” Guardiola told reporters at a press conference at Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest stadium.
“He is really, really loved by the fans, and the people (at the club),” he said. “It is normal that at the beginning it is tough,” he added, speaking about the impact on the dressing room and on the fans. — AFP.
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