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Alonso: Guardiola departure not a distraction

Xabi Alonso does not believe Pep Guardiola's decision to join Manchester City from next season will have an adverse impact on Bayern Munich's bid for honours this term.

Bayern were held to a goalless draw at Bayern Leverkusen on Saturday – only the third time this season they have failed to collect three points from a Bundesliga outing – while Guardiola's future employers City suffered a damaging blow to their Premier League title ambitions with a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against leaders Leicester City.

"In my eyes, the atmosphere in the squad is the same as before Christmas," Alonso told TZ.

"We know how football works and that there are many harassing the environment of a club like Bayern Munich. 

"With us in the squad, however - and that is still what ultimately really matters - everything is as it always was."

Alonso added: "In the end it's his [Guardiola's] decision and I think it is good that he also knows and communicates it. 

"His concentration and certainly his passion for the team, it is beyond all doubt to all of us."