Guardiola: "My dream is a fully fit squad"

"No, not every day," said Pep Guardiola when asked whether Bayern had been on his mind during the summer holidays. In a trendy, white Adidas t-shirt, the Spaniard cut a happy, re-energized figure at the press conference. He spoke of how he had enjoyed time with his family over the summer, the enjoyment of parental tasks and even quipped about how welcome the warm weather in Germany was.

Only the day before Bayern secured the signing of Brazilian Douglas Costa for 30 million euros ($33.3 million) and although Guardiola's words were positive, his tone suggested some caution. "I hope he can fit into the team as soon as possible. We will help him, of course. I am grateful to the club for making the signing possible," said Guardiola inside the Allianz Arena. When pressed for updates on any future targets, the 44-year-old often deflected, saying, "I think journalists should talk to Matthias Sammer or Karl-Heinz Rummenigge about transfers. They are the right people to talk to about this." Although when the subject of Angel di Maria came up, Guardiola said: '"I don't need to watch Angel in the Copa America to know how good he is." The coach denied he was a transfer target, but admitted he was a top quality player.

A fully fit squad is the goal

Another top player is Franck Ribery, although the Frenchman hasn't been able to prove it of late as his ankle injury continues to hinder his comeback. In that regard, Guardiola said his dream for next season was not about transfers but about fitness. "My dream is not a single player. My dream is a fully fit squad so I can play my formation. To have a fit Franck Ribery, a fit Arjen Robben, Javi Martinez, Thiago," said an animated Guardiola. Robben was in training on the first day, but Ribery will miss the start of the season.

After Schweinsteiger's words earlier in the week that he is motivated to win a fourth title with Bayern, Guardiola's response in Thursday's press conference supported the notion that the 30-year-old midfielder will be staying in Munich. "Of course I am planning to work with Basti [Schweinsteiger] next season. Basti has to decide. If Schweinsteiger wants to stay here then that's perfect. He's a top player," said Guardiola. Manchester United, coached by former Bayern Munich Head Coach Louis van Gaal, is reported to be interested in the German's services.

Guardiola added that the Bundesliga will be a far trickier campaign for Bayern next year, because the number of rivals had increased, citing the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Gladbach, Wolfsburg, Leverkusen and Schalke as teams to be wary of. Just how competitive the Bundesliga season will be for Bayern will be clear when the new season finally gets underway. Bayern have a preseason tour in China but open the Bundesliga season at home against Hamburg on August 14.