体坛英语新闻：Pep Guardiola to join German giant Bayern Munich

BERLIN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will replace Jupp Heynckes at the end of the season to take charge at Bayern Munich for three years, the club announced on Wednesday here.

The German record champions were able to pull off a coup as they were capable to outdo other European top flight clubs to pick Josep "Pep" Guardiola i Sala as their head coach for next season. Guardiola will take over in July 2013, as coach Jupp Heynckes will fulfil his expiring contract to end his career with the Bavarians.

The 41-year-old former "Barca" coach was linked to many European top clubs but yet he rejected all offers to sign with the German giant.

"We are delighted that we have managed to convince Pep Guardiola who has been courted by many clubs. He is one of the most successful coaches in the world therefore we are sure that he will not only improve Bayern Munich but the German football," Bayern CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge said.

Bayern Munich currently leads the standings in the German Bundesliga with a nine-point gap to the rivals.

The former Barcelona midfielder and coach Pep Guardiola granted the Catalans three La Liga titles, two straight titles at the UEFA Champions League and many other successes during his four years at FC Barcelona, before he resigned after 14 titles to take a sabbatical year in New York.