Michael Reschke On Working With Pep Guardiola And The Importance Of The Sporting Director

An interview with Michael Reschke, by Callum McFadden for WFi.

You have had a distinguished career as a general manager, sporting director, and technical director, but you also achieved success as a youth coach, leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Under-19 championship in 1986. How do you reflect on that period and its impact on your career?

“It is amusing to think that for over 30 years, I held the distinction of being the youngest coach to win the German Under-19 championship until Julian Nagelsmann came along and broke that record by being a year younger than I was. But looking back, it was an incredible period, working with such talented players.

“Just recently, I reconnected with Stefan Schwarz, who had a successful career with the Swedish national team and played for clubs like Sunderland and Arsenal. It is always special to reunite with former players and relive those great memories.”

You have held the role of sporting director and technical director at clubs like Bayern Munich and Stuttgart. Many journalists and fans seem to believe that clubs should have a sporting director in modern football. Do you believe the role is essential for a club to run smoothly?

“Absolutely. Football has evolved so dramatically in recent years that it is no longer feasible for a coach—or ‘manager,’ as they are called in England—to handle everything. With three matches a week for clubs playing internationally, a manager is tasked with preparing the team, overseeing the staff, managing the media, and engaging with fans, the board, and even owners.

“Balancing all of that, while also managing transfers, scouting, and the club’s broader sporting operations, is simply impossible. That is why you are seeing the rise of strong sporting directors like Txiki Begiristain and Monchi, who have done exceptional, professional work. This role is crucial now and will only become more essential moving forward.”

When you are the sporting director at a club, how important is it to have a strong relationship with the manager or coach?

“Certainly, that aspect is indeed the most challenging. I was fortunate to collaborate with outstanding coaches such as Christoph Daum, Jupp Heynckes, and Pep Guardiola, with whom I enjoyed a remarkable two years in Munich, and we continue to maintain a close relationship.

“However, during my time in Stuttgart, I faced the difficult task of terminating the coach’s contract on two separate occasions. It is crucial to recognize when the dynamic between the coach and the team is no longer effective, and as a sporting director, it is my responsibility to make those tough decisions.”

You mentioned Pep Guardiola earlier, who is often regarded as one of the greatest modern managers. Many consider him to have revolutionised football, particularly in England. You have worked with him closely. What is he like to work with on a daily basis?

“It was an extraordinary experience. Pep truly broadened my perspective. After 41 and a half years in the Bundesliga, no one has influenced my thinking more than he did during our two years together. He challenged me to see the game, players, and matches in entirely new ways.

“His analytical depth is remarkable. Beyond his professional insights, he is a wonderful person, and we continue to stay in touch. Whenever I am in England, we often meet up, and I always find our conversations to be enlightening. His footballing intellect is simply unparalleled.”

When you reflect on his career, do you think there is a possibility that, when Pep retires, we might look back and regard him as the greatest coach of all time?

“Comparing managers is always a challenge, but Pep has undoubtedly carved out a unique legacy in football. His influence on the game and his innovative thinking have fundamentally transformed how we understand and approach football. When you talk to top coaches in Germany, like Thomas Tuchel or Julian Nagelsmann, they all express immense respect for him.

“The way he has developed the game over the past 15 years is nothing short of remarkable, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Is it true that Pep recommended Thomas Tuchel as his successor at Bayern?

“Yes, it is. I was the one who brought them together for two dinners. After the first dinner, Pep told me, ‘Michael, I love this young German coach.’

“Tuchel was not yet as successful as he is now, but Pep believed he should be the next coach of Bayern.

“The story did not work out that way, but Tuchel has been remarkably successful elsewhere and eventually went on to manage Bayern a few years later.”

You have also worked with Carlo Ancelotti, another European football icon. What was he like to work with?

“Carlo is a gentleman. He has natural authority, and he knows how to handle top players. He has a distinct way of leading, and when he walks into a room, he fills it. He can influence a team in a unique way.”

Finally, Michael, In terms of the Bundesliga, many young English players have gone there to develop, like Jamie Gittens who is at Dortmund. Do you believe the Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe for developing young players?

“Yes, I think the Bundesliga is just half a step behind the Premier League. The infrastructure, the managers, and the staff are fantastic, and the league is very competitive. It is a great place for young players to develop before making the next step to the top clubs in the Premier League.

“I always tell young players, ‘You have to play on your best stage.’ If you are not ready for the top teams, it is better to go on loan to develop. For example, when we brought in Kroos and Carvajal, they were not regular starters at Bayern or Real Madrid. After their loans at Leverkusen, they returned as starting players. Playing first-team football in a strong league is crucial for development.”