Bayern Munich's Douglas Costa hails Pep Guardiola's influence
Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has described Pep Guardiola as "the best coach in the world" who has helped him make an impressive start to life in Bavaria.
The Brazilian winger has been a hit in the Bundesliga since he arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk in July.
The 25-year-old has scored two goals and set up 12 in a dozen Bundesliga games this season and has credited Guardiola for helping him make such an impact.
"Every day I am able to spend with Pep Guardiola is very educational for me," Costa, who has also bagged two goals in five Champions League appearances this campaign, told Germany's Sport1.
"When I am by his side, I try to learn something new every day. Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world.
"Communication with him is super and there has not been any problems since day one.
"It's really super to be able to work with him."
Costa, whose fine form earned him his first calls into the Brazil national team, says he already feels at home in Munich.
"I was given a really warm welcome in Munich, from the fans, the players, the coach and the whole club," he said.
"After only a short period of time, everybody could see that I had the potential to make it here.
"To feel all of that is enabling me to play the football I am currently playing at Bayern.
"I was very happy in Ukraine, but in terms of the sporting prospects, I have learnt more in five months at Bayern than in five years in Donetsk - it's surreal.
"There isn't this rivalry at Bayern to be picked - it's not so important somehow. I've never felt such harmony within a team as I have here.
"Whether Thomas (Muller), Franck (Ribery) or I play, all that matters here is the success of this club, the biggest club in the world."
Costa is happy to be in such company, even if it may mean he spends more time on the bench than he would ideally like.
When talking about Germany international Muller, Costa added: "He's a matador, if you can say something like that. He's always scoring goals and always setting them up.
"He's an opportunist, a free spirit and a really creative player. He's a great guy."
