Bayern boss Guardiola heaps praise on Lewandowski

Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Robert Lewandowski, saying he is the most professional player he has ever worked with.

The Poland international, who joined Bayern in 2014 from Borussia Dortmund, has scored 19 goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season.

He is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2019, but has been reportedly linked with a host of clubs including Manchester City, who Guardiola will coach next season.

Speaking ahead of Bayern's German Cup quarter-final at second-division Bochum on Wednesday, Guardiola was full of praise for the 27-year-old's professionalism.

"He is the most professional player I have ever met," said Guardiola. "In his head, he thinks about the right food, sleep and training: 24 hours a day. 

"He is always there, never injured, because he focuses on these things. He always knows what is important to be in the best condition."

Lewandoswki set four Bundesliga records last September when he scored five goals in nine spectacular minutes against Wolfsburg after coming on as a substitute. 

Guardiola admits it was not easy for the Polish striker to settle when he first came into Bayern's star-studded squad in 2014 after leaving rivals Dortmund.

"But I was always very, very pleased with him, from the first moment," added Guardiola.