Carlo Ancelotti praised his predecessor Pep Guardiola for the Bayern Munich side he inherited as the German Cup holders moved into the last 16 with a spluttering 3-1 home win against Bavarian neighbours Augsburg.
Bayern looked to be cruising when skipper Philipp Lahm opened the scoring in only the second minute with a fierce drive from the angle of the box, before U.S. International striker Julian Green headed home his first ever Bayern goal four minutes before half-time to double the lead.
A pair of Ballon d'Or contenders enjoyed differing fortunes as Bayern failed to kill the game off in the second half. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved Ja-Cheol Koo's penalty shortly after the interval, while Thomas Muller blazed his spot-kick high into the Munich night sky just before the hour mark.
Dong-won Ji reduced the arrears for the visitors with a rasping left-footed strike to leave Neuer no chance, before substitute David Alaba settled the record German Cup winners' nerves with a third goal in the final seconds of added time.
Speaking after the match to German broadcaster ARD: "Pep Guardiola is a great coach, one of the best in Europe and the world," Ancelotti said.
"He did a marvellous job here and I inherited this top quality side from Guardiola.
"But now it's another story. I'm trying to do my best here and keep improving the side."
Ancelotti made eight changes from the side that comfortably beat Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with only Neuer, Mats Hummels and Thiago retaining their starting spot.
Explaining his decision to heavily rotate his star-studded squad, Ancelotti remarked:
"I have a fantastic squad as I've often said. The players are all in good condition. My job is to keep them motivated."
Defender Holger Badstuber made his latest comeback from injury, playing the final 10 minutes as a substitute for his first appearance since February.
"It's great that Badstuber is back after such a long time out," Ancelotti commented. "He's another player who's important for the team and in good condition."
And Badstuber himself was visibly moved by the standing ovation on his comeback, following five serious injuries since 2012, including two ACL tears.
"It's pure emotion," Badstuber said. "I've received many welcomes like that but I enjoy and appreciate them. Naturally I want to repay the fans.
"Of course, I have to soak up the atmosphere as much as possible as it's the nicest thing about football.
"We want to thrill our fans, and when the fans welcome you like that it really touches the heart.
"It's unforgettable and simply amazing."