Thiago: I will not follow Guardiola

17 Jan 2013 19:55:00

The midfielder has crushed speculation he will be leaving Camp Nou and linking up with his old mentor in the Bundesliga next season

Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara insists he will not be following his former coach Pep Guardiola to Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians announced the recruitment of the ex-Camp Nou boss on Wednesday, with the 41-year-old set to replace Jupp Heynckes at the end of the season, leading to rumours of potential new additions to his playing squad.

“I am here in Barçelona, playing for the best club in the world, so I don't plan to leave for Bayern,” Alcantara told reporters at a press conference.

Guardiola left the Catalans at the end of last season and embarked on a self-imposed 12-month sabbatical from the game and the midfielder admits he is glad to see him make his return.

"It is really good news that Pep Guardiola has come back to football," he continued.

"He made history at this club and he gave too many things to football. Now, he can do the best for Bayern."

And after coming through the ranks of La Masia along with a host of other young prospects, the 21-year-old expects Guardiola to opt for a similar policy of nurturing youth at the Allianz Arena.

“He will focus on young players and, although each club has its own style, they can do it, because Bayern has many very skilled players.”