Jupp Heynckes
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has insisted he knows Barcelona ”very well” ahead of today’s Champions League semi-final and says he will not be speaking to former Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola.
The former Camp Nou chief will take charge at the Bavarian club next season after a one-year sabbatical, and though some initially thought Heynckes may tap into the Spaniard’s wealth of knowledge on the Liga leaders, the 67-year-old believes he has all the knowledge he needs.
“I have respect for Josep Guardiola and we have a very good relationship. I don’t need any information from him, though, because I know Spanish football and Barcelona very well,” he told a press conference.
“Barcelona have dominated European football over the past few years. They have a philosophy which is unique to them.”
Heynckes led Real Madrid to the European trophy in 1998, and he believes that today’s football is more focused on teamwork.
“The team is more important than the individual but there are always players that make the difference. Barca have Messi, for example, but their collective play is what makes them so good.”
Accordingly, the 67-year-old pointed out that working as a unit is also what makes die Roten exceptionally strong this term.