After seven matches (four of them away from home) and numerous training sessions within three weeks, Bayern can finally take a moment to catch their breath. That includes Jupp Heynckes, who went to stay with his family for a few days following the 3-1 win at Borussia Dortmund. “The weeks since I took over have been extremely tiring,” said the German record champions’ coach, who is looking forward to a short break that has also come at the right time for his players.
“We’ve implemented a lot of changes in training: in the drills, the intensity and the amount,” summarised Heynckes after their first few weeks together. “We’ve had a lot of discussions and looked at mistakes. We’ve worked very well!” The physical and mental strain has been very high, as “when a new coach comes in with new ideas, it’s sometimes tiring,” explained the 72 year-old. “For that the players deserve a lot of credit, they’ve accepted it brilliantly.”
Heynckes’ fourth spell as FC Bayern boss could not have started better. After seven wins from seven games, Bayern are very much in the race in all four competitions. “This record is incredible,” beamed Arjen Robben. “We have to give a huge compliment to the coach. But we still have room to improve – and he has said as much.” Sven Ulreich commented: “He has a lot of experience and he talks to people. That’s very important. He also shows you where mistakes are.” Niklas Süle was also full of praise: “The coach has changed a few things, we’re working very hard in training and you can see that in the games.”
“Keep this run going”
“As a team we’re working better off the ball. That’s the key,” said Joshua Kimmich after Saturday’s victory in Dortmund. “It’s not always been perfect but when you consider how few goals we’ve conceded, it’s been a success.” And going forward, Bayern “can always score goals,” added the right-back. Robert Lewandowski also offered his view: “The coach concentrates on the small details. Passing drills, build-up play – we know we have to get these things right. And if we manage it in training, then we’ll also manage it in the game.”
However, Bayern do not want to relax after their early successes. “At the moment it’s all going well but we have to keep working to improve. We’re only in November,” demanded Robben. Ulreich also maintained that the Reds want to “continue in the same vein. We know we have even more potential. We want to keep dominating games and improve ourselves.” Kimmich agreed: “We’ve put ourselves in a great position. Now we need to build on it.”
If the success is to continue, Heynckes will need every man. “When all the players are back, then we’ll play even more attractive football,” said the FCB coach, who’s already looking forward to the return of Manuel Neuer, Franck Ribéry, Thomas Müller and Juan Bernat. That will also allow him a “high level of rotation. You have to share the load. That’s been difficult in the last few weeks.” Perhaps that makes Bayern’s current run even more impressive, but Niklas Süle and his teammates have certainly not had enough yet. “We want to keep this run going after the international break.”
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