„Outstanding“: Ex-Bayern star praises Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Sebastian Rode has worked with numerous well-known coaches in his career, but the former midfielder was particularly influenced by a former Bayern coach: Pep Guardiola

The former Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern professional looked back on his career in an interview with BILD – and had high praise for Guardiola in particular

Between 2014 and 2016, Rode played under the Catalan at the German record champions and played a total of 52 competitive matches for the Munich club

„I developed the most under him“

When asked which coach had influenced him the most during his career, Rode obviously didn’t have to think twice: „Pep Guardiola first and foremost,“ explained the former midfielder

Rode was particularly impressed by Guardiola’s ability to communicate soccer in an understandable way. „I developed the most under him in terms of soccer. But the way he can dissect opponents and explain things simply is also outstanding,“ enthused the ex-Bayern professional

To this day, Rode particularly emphasizes the way he communicates

„He never makes it too complicated, but breaks it down into simple terms for everyone to understand,“ explained the former Bundesliga player

Guardiola influenced numerous Bayern stars

Rode is far from the first ex-Bayern professional to describe Guardiola as an exceptional coach. The Spaniard is still regarded as one of the most influential coaches in recent soccer history

During his three years at FC Bayern, Guardiola developed numerous players and made lasting changes to the Munich team’s style of play

Rode obviously also benefited enormously from this time. Under Guardiola, he not only improved his technique, but also his tactical understanding and game intelligence significantly

Rode moved to FC Bayern on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2014. Two years later, Munich sold the midfielder on to Borussia Dortmund for around twelve million euros. Rode scored four goals for Bayern and set up a further seven goals

In addition to Guardiola, Rode named other coaches who had a lasting influence on him. „After that, there are three who are on a par for me,“ explained the former professional. In particular, he praised Oliver Glasner, under whom he later played at Eintracht Frankfurt. „Oli Glasner, who made me captain. I was impressed by his way of thinking about soccer,“ said Rode

The ex-professional also specifically mentioned Armin Veh and Adi Hütter, adding that Hütter’s skills as a motivator in particular were exceptional

„In terms of his rhetoric and the way he can motivate the team, he is way ahead,“ explained Rode.