Javi Martinez: Let's not talk about Guardiola

Feb 17, 2013 10:15:00 AM

The Spain midfielder says the excitement over Bayern Munich's managerial appointment could prove to be an unwelcome distraction for the team

Javi Martinez believes Bayern Munich's focus should be on this season and not on Pep Guardiola's arrival in the summer.

The former Barcelona boss was announced as the Bavarians' new coach in January and will succeed Jupp Heynckes at the end of the campaign.

Since then, a great deal of attention has rested on the surprise appointment, but Martinez has raised concerns that constantly talking about Guardiola could have a detrimental effect on performances.

"Let's not talk about it much," the 24-year-old Spaniard was quoted as saying by TZ when asked about the managerial change.

"For a week, when the agreement was made public, we talked about nothing else.

"Against Greuther Furth [a 2-0 win and the first game after the Guardiola appointment was revealed] we were not good. They have made us aware that the rest of the league is still playing."

Die Roten are top of the Bundesliga, 15 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, but Martinez was willing to entertain the idea that Guardiola might improve the Bavarian outfit's style of play once he takes the helm at the club.

"Time will tell," the former Athletic Bilbao player conceded when asked if his side could match the quality of Barcelona with their new boss.

"But Bayern are also playing very well. We have very good players, and the majority of the squad is still very young."