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Pep issues apology to EPL 'colleagues'

Cape Town - Pep Guardiola apologised on Monday after being accused of putting extra pressure on managers at England's top teams by announcing he will coach in the Premier League next season.

The Bayern Munich boss was accused by former England striker Alan Shearer in a British daily newspaper of lacking "etiquette" after not making clear where he would coach next season.

Guardiola, said Shearer, had "put more pressure on those in the hot seats at Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal".

But, speaking in Doha, Qatar, where Bayern Munich are on the last day of a winter training camp, Guardiola said it had never been his intention to disrespect his coaching colleagues.

"I am sorry," he said. "Normally, in my career as a trainer, as a player, I respect a lot my colleagues, so I am sorry. It wasn't my intention."

Guardiola announced earlier this month that he was quitting Germany for England.

"I want to experience a new city and I want to work in England," he said on January 5.

"I have several offers from England but I haven't signed anything yet. When I have a new club I will let everyone know."

On Monday, Guardiola again refused to be drawn on where he will end up next season - although Manchester City are the favourites - but told reporters his focus would "of course" remain on Bayern until the end of the season.

In a wide-ranging press conference, where he spoke German, Spanish and English, Guardiola also said Juventus would provide tough opposition in the Champions League later this year.

The two sides meet in February and March in the last 16 of club football's biggest cup competition.

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