President Uli Hoeness has said that interim coach Jupp Heynckes helped Bayern Munich “out of the s—” after they won a sixth consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday.
In October, Bayern appointed Heynckes as interim coach until the end of the season once Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed the day after a Champions League group-stage defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
A 4-1 derby win in Augsburg on Saturday meant Bayern clinched their 28th Bundesliga title with five games remaining, and the club hierarchy were quick to pay tribute to Heynckes after wrapping up his fourth title as Bayern coach — following back-to-back successes in 1989-90 and the Treble year of 2013.
According to kicker, Hoeness told reporters after the game that “Jupp helped us out of the s—,” sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said Heynckes “has performed amazing work” and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge paid a “big compliment to the coach and the team.”
Bayern were five points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund after seven games, but Heynckes transformed Bayern’s fortunes, winning 19 of 22 league games.
They only dropped points in a goalless draw at home to Hertha Berlin along with away defeats at Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Heynckes said that there were a number of problems at Bayern when he assumed the role.
“Bearing in mind the situation in October, winning the title is fantastic work by all involved,” he said. “The way the season has gone, it’s an extraordinary title and one to be cherished.
“At the start, I never thought about winning the title. The team had to consolidate. Until Christmas, it was extremely difficult because [Franck] Ribery or [Thomas] Muller were missing with injury.
“Borussia Dortmund were playing some excellent football at the start of the season, while not a lot was functioning at Bayern. The players deserve the highest praise because it wasn’t easy for them with all the changes to our daily routine. The lads were motivated and highly disciplined.”
Heynckes said that he recently called his Treble-seeking side together to focus on the challenges ahead. With the Bundesliga in the bag, Bayern will defend a 2-1 first-leg lead against Sevilla in the Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday before travelling to Bayer Leverkusen for a DFB Pokal semifinal on April 17.
“I have always stressed that we need to hit top form in March, April and May with everyone at peak fitness,” Heynckes said. “We have to work together without any selfishness so, last Thursday, I addressed the team and told them we have no chance without optimum team spirit. I have the feeling that I managed to reach the team.
As for Bayern’s Treble hopes, Heynckes added: “It is part of Bayern’s DNA and tradition to always strive for the greatest possible success.”
Mark Lovell covers Bayern Munich for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @LovellLowdown.
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