Football: Bayern will return stronger, vows Guardiola

Bayern Munich's David Alaba (left) pours beer over coach Pep Guardiola after their final Bundesliga match of the season against Mainz on May 23, 2015. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Bayern Munich's David Alaba (left) pours beer over coach Pep Guardiola after their final Bundesliga match of the season against Mainz on May 23, 2015. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

BERLIN (AFP) - Pep Guardiola has vowed Bayern Munich will return stronger next season after they were crowned German league champions for the third year running on Saturday.

The Bavarian giants ended their three-match losing streak in the Bundesliga with a 2-0 win over Mainz to win their 25th Bundesliga title on the last day of the league season.

A Robert Lewandowski penalty and Bastian Schweinsteiger goal saw Bayern bounce back after defeats by Leverkusen, Augsburg and Freiburg since their league title was confirmed at the end of April with four games left.

Injuries denied Guardiola the likes of left-back David Alaba, plus wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in the key final stages of the season as Bayern were knocked out of both the German Cup and Champions League in the semi-finals.

The Bavarians are set to strengthen their squad over the summer and Guardiola has promised changes as they hunt a fourth straight Bundesliga title.

"Next season we will come back stronger and satisfy the fans with the way we play, that is my target," insisted the Spaniard who has won five titles in two seasons at Bayern with one year left on his contract.

"I'm hoping for the best possible squad. Now we go forward."

There were plenty of customary "beer showers" on the pitch as Bayern players hunted victims over which to pour huge glasses of frothing liquid after the final whistle.

"We've done really well to defend our title this season despite a lot of injuries and we'll celebrate tonight," said Germany defender Jerome Boateng, with Bayern set to party with their fans on Sunday in the city centre.

Having been soaked with beer by Boateng for the second year running, Guardiola said he had no problems with the boisterous celebrations.

"It's part of the tradition and I like it," beamed the Spaniard.

Poland striker Lewandowski converted a 25th minute penalty after a handball by Mainz defender Nico Bungert.

Germany captain Schweinsteiger scored their second just after the break to secure the win to kick-off celebrations in Munich as Guardiola's side was presented with the trophy at the Allianz Arena.

"Just because we have dominated in the last few years, it's not a given we will win the title every year," said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm, who has won seven German league titles in his career.

"It's always something special to stand up on the pitch and lift the trophy after 34 matches. It will never be just routine."

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.