Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has conceded that he was powerless to prevent Mario Gotze from joining Bayern Munich.
It was confirmed earlier today that the 20-year-old, who came through the ranks at Dortmund, would sign for rivals Bayern in the summer in a deal worth a reported £32m.
Discussing the loss of one of his key players, Klopp revealed that Gotze was keen to play under incoming Bayern coach Pep Guardiola.
"The reason Gotze is leaving? He is the favorite transfer of Guardiola. So if it's anyone's fault it's mine," he told reporters. "I cannot make myself 15cm smaller and learn Spanish. Gotze wants to work with this extraordinary coach that is Guardiola. I cannot preach football of quick transitions and now start playing tiki-taka."
Like Gotze, former Barcelona boss Guardiola will arrive at the Allianz Arena at the end of the current campaign.