Pep Guardiola's decision to join Bayern Munich is being viewed as a personal snub to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The Daily Mail says the Spaniard agreed a three-year deal to take charge of the German giants, dealing Abramovich a bitter blow ahead of the 2-2 Premier League draw with Southampton, when Chelsea fans again aimed abusive chants at interim boss Rafa Benitez.

Abramovich had courted Guardiola for two years, although officials feared the former Barcelona boss might look elsewhere after talks grew tense.

Guardiola's advisers expressed serious doubts about their man working under Abramovich.

The Russian has gone through eight managers in nine-and-a-half years, something that did not sit well with Guardiola, who craves long-term stability.

Furthermore, Guardiola wanted total control of the footballing operation, something that has not always been permitted at Chelsea in the Abramovich era.