Heynckes, 72, bows out in Europe after Bayern 'adventure'

Heynckes, 72, retires in Europe after the "adventure" of Bayern

Press Trust of India
NEWS
News May 2, 2018, 18:33 IST




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Berlin, May 2 (AFP) Jupp Heynckes retired to Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the Champions League with the coach admitting that not many of the 72 years can experience "such an adventure".

Heynckes, who turns 73 next Wednesday, took charge of his last European match in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Real Madrid before he resigns at the end of the season.

"Of course now I know, it is definite that I will never do it". I'm back on the bench in a Champions League game, and I think that's a good thing, "he said as Bayern retired 4-3 on aggregate.


"There are not many people who have an adventure like this at the age of 72.

" I do not feel the emotion "yes, now it's over", I'm disappointed with the result, especially for the players.

"I have to congratulate my team, I have not seen FC Bayern in such form for many years, it was the best football".

When Carlo Ancelotti was fired last October, Heynckes returned to Bayern after four years of retirement since leading Bayern to the triple of the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the German Cup in 2013.

He just signed a contract until June and Heynckes will be replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt head Niko Kovac next season.


His Bayern team lost combat in Madrid.

After losing the first leg 2-1 in Munich, Bayern flew out of blocks on the return to Santiago Bernabéu with Joshua Kimmich scoring in just three minutes. [19659018] Real drew when Karim Benzema was allowed to go home unmarked at the far post.

Then a double error in Bayern's defense allowed the French striker to go 2-1 just one minute after the break.

Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich gave Benzema his second goal by misjudging a poor pass from Corentin Tolisso to allow the Frenchman to enter an empty net.

"Sven had a great season," Heynckes said of Manuel Neuer's substitute since September, "He just had a blackout."

"He wanted to pick up the ball with his hands, then he realized that that was not going to work and get confused, which is bitterly disappointing for the player and my team. "

James Rodriguez equalized for Bayern, but the Germans finally bowed UT to the Spanish opposition for the fifth consecutive season in the last 16 of Europe

However, Heynckes has done wonders with Bayern this season.
Bayern had a five-point deficit on the Bundesliga table when it arrived, but it now holds a massive 24-point lead after finishing sixth consecutive title last month.
Bayern's dreams of winning the triples this season ended in Madrid.

However, they can still do double as the Bundesliga winners face Frankfurt and their future coach Kovac in the final of the German Cup on May 19 in Berlin.

Heynckes says he has simply enjoyed working with the Bayern stars.

"We have had a wonderful atmosphere, a great collaboration during the nine months, it is a group that has character, it is a pity that it has not been rewarded," he added.

Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic praised Heynckes.
"You have to see where we came from, they canceled us in October, so I have to praise Jupp Heynckes a lot," said Salihamidzic

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