My Bayern Future Doesn’t Depend on Pep – Thiago Slams ‘Rubbish’ Exit Rumours

By AY Sugar | 24th December 2015

The 24-year-old has categorically denied he wants a move away from Allianz Arena, saying he is more than happy to stay put regardless of his coach’s future

Thiago Alcantara has rubbished suggestions he will follow Pep Guardiola out of Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

It has been confirmed Guardiola will leave his post when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, with the Catalan heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.

Some reports have claimed Thiago, who was signed from Barcelona shortly after Guardiola took charge of the German champions, could join his coach at his next club despite him signing a contract extension until 2019 in August.

But the 24-year-old has dismissed such a suggestion, telling Sport Bild: “It’s complete rubbish, without any background or basis. It makes no sense at all. Why should I follow Pep? I’ve extended at Bayern because I’m happy.
“I’m very grateful to the club, I was supported during my injury. That’s why I wanted to put my contract extension into motion so quickly.

“I’m not dependent on Pep. It’s simply not true. He’s a great coach but I’m not taking the same route as him.

I’m staying in Munich independently of Pep.”

Thiago has endured an injury-ravaged spell with the Bavarians, and feels indebted to the club after they stuck by him through his lengthy lay-off of nearly a year in 2014 and 2015.

Guardiola was tipped to have to bring his protege with him to Manchester City where is the favourite to lead next season, though Chelsea and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in appointing him.