“My players knew they’d have to give everything to win this tournament,” advised Guardiola, who previously won the Club World Cup as a coach with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. “Five trophies in a year is a magnificent success for Bayern. I’m delighted for the club and very proud of the players and the fans,” declared the Spaniard, explicitly praising the 2,000 travelling fans who gave the eventual champions such tremendous support.
“Being able to add another trophy, especially this one, at the end of the year is amazing,” summarised Lahm. “You don’t contest the Club World Cup every year. We’ve won the title, our fifth of the year, and basically that’s impossible to beat.“ Thomas Müller was just as enthusiastic about a historic 12 month period: “It’s a fairytale ending, the well-earned reward for the excellent year we’ve had. It's nearly impossible to play at the level we’ve done in this calendar year.“
Deserved break
In his speech to the banquet Rummenigge heaped praise on Guardiola and Jupp Heynckes, the two head coaches who were the architects of the marquee triumphs. “We’ve been incredibly lucky to have two coaches who’ve not only done a fantastic job but are also fantastic people,” said the chairman. Heynckes guided FCB to the prestigious treble of the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Champions League last season, and Guardiola’s first six months have yielded the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
“We’ve achieved everything we set out to achieve this year and that’s fantastic,” summarised keeper Manuel Neuer, describing the final official overseas trip of the year as “a terrific experience.” The players, coaching staff and management at the club can now set off into what is a truly well-deserved holiday break in upbeat and satisfied mood. “I’m certainly pleased we go on vacation now,” acknowledged Lahm, looking forward to “a few relaxing days. I think we’ve all deserved it.“
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