Bayern's Guardiola confirms interest in Alcantara
RIVA DEL GARDA, Italy, July 11, 2013 (AFP) - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola on Thursday confirmed the European champions' interest in Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Spanish media had already linked the 22-year-old Alcantara to the Champions League winners and ex-Barcelona coach Guardiola has admitted he has asked the Bavarian giants to sign the midfielder.
“Yes, I want Thiago Alcantara, I have asked (Bayern to get him),” said Guardiola at Bayern's pre-season training camp in north Italy.
“I know him very, very well. He's a great player and can cover three, four, five positions.
“I have talked to (chairman Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge and (director of sport Matthias) Sammer, we will have to wait and see.
“Thiago is the only player I want, it will be him or no one.
“We have many players, but we need the special qualities Thiago Alcantara brings.”Both Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked to Alcantara, who has a market value of around 20 million euros ($26 million) and captained Spain Under-21 to the European title and was voted player of the tournament.
Alcantara, who has a contract at Barcelona until June 2015, scored a first-half hattrick as Spain beat Italy 4-2 in the European Under-21 Championships in Jerusalem last month.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola on Thursday confirmed the European champions' interest in Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara. Spanish media had already linked the 22year-old Alcantara to the Champions League winners and ex-Barcelona coach Guardiola
Bayern already have several midfield stars with Germany's Mario Goetze signed from Borussia Dortmund, plus Holland's Arjen Robben, France's Franck Ribery, Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos and Swiss Xherdan Shaqiri vying for places.
“I don't think adding another midfielder will be a problem for us,” said Guardiola.
“I spoke to club about my concept and told them why I want Thiago Alcantara.
“I give my opinion, but I listen to the board. If they say no, that's ok.
“Nobody will leave Barcelona, unless they feel they won't play much. He wants to play. That's why I proposed him to the club.”