Mario Mandzukic has confirmed he wants to leave Bayern Munich in the summer, having struggled to adapt to life under Pep Guardiola.
The 28-year-old has nothing but respect for the Spaniard, but he has failed to settle into the way the former Barcelona coach wants to play his football. This led to the striker being left out of the squad which faced Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup final, and it appears as though this was the point of no return for the former Wolfsburg man.
By this time Mandzukic had already expressed concerns over his future at the Allianz Arena, and he has met with club officials to confirm that his desire to leave ahead of next season. However, the Croatia international, who is currently preparing for the World Cup Finals, has no regrets about his decision to sign for Bayern two years ago.
“Bayern Munich is a fantastic club, and indeed it was not until recently that I thought about going – I never thought it would happen like this, but let’s be honest – I do not correspond with the style of game that Pep Guardiola wants to play,” he admitted to Jutarnji List. “Because of this, I think it is best that we part company. I thank the club for offering me a contract extension, but now is the right time for a new challenge.”
Mandzukic started 21 times in the Bundesliga last season and eight times in the UEFA Champions League, but this figure would likely reduce during next term with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe, and he will take the mantle of being Bayern’s main frontman.
Chelsea and Arsenal, meanwhile, have both been credited with an interest in Mandzukic. The Stamford Bridge club have already agreed to spend £32million on Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa though, so this could put the Gunners in pole position. Arsene Wenger’s men ended their nine-year trophy drought when they won the FA Cup last term, and will feel their chances of more glory will improve if they can sign a prolific striker.
