I congratulate my players - Guardiola

Guardiola said he could only congratulate his players after Bayern Munich ran out 4-0 winners over Frankfurt on Saturday.

A hat-trick from Thomas Muller set the Bavarians on their way, before substitute Xherdan Shaqiri came off the bench to seal the win late on.

Despite his side rarely looking troubled, Guardiola conceded his team were off the pace during the opening stages at the Commerzbank Arena as a result of their efforts in Europe in midweek but was impressed with the way they applied themselves.He told reporters: "It's always difficult after a Champions League game. We struggled in the early stages.

"Going 3-0 up it became a different game. I'd like to congratulate my players."

The former Barcelona coach was also quick to praise opposite number Thomas Schaaf, who is beginning to feel the pressure after five straight defeats.

Guardiola added: "It's always hard to play against a team of Thomas Schaaf. They were very aggressive in defence and had a few problems with our setup."

The convincing win gives Bayern a seven-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga ahead of Wolfsburg's home clash with Hamburg on Sunday.

However, a determined Guardiola hinted that it would not be a time for his side to put their feet up ahead of the international break.

"We now have a few days to analyse our performances and find ways to improve."