Jerome Boateng: 'I've improved as a player under Pep Guardiola'

Jerome Boateng has insisted that he has improved as a player since Pep Guardiola's arrival at Bayern Munich.

The defender is an integral part of the Spaniard's plans and the German international has explained how the former Barcelona coach inspires him.

"The coach plays a very important role for me," the 26-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"He has clearly told me from the beginning what he wants from me. He has often told me, 'You can still get much, much better'!

"To hear that from such a world-class coach inspires you. Tactically, I have learned a lot."

Guardiola won the Bundesliga at his first time of asking last season and Bayern are currently top of the league, with a seven-point advantage over VFL Wolfsburg.