Heynckes thrilled with Bayern front third

10 February 2013 04:21

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has praised his players after they routed Schalke 4-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

The Bavarians had David Alaba to thank for scoring twice either side of Bastian Schweinsteiger's curling free kick, before Mario Gomez wrapped up the rout.

The victory stretched Bayern's league lead to 15 points and Heynckes was delighted his players broke down a good defensive unit.

"The players I used have shown that they have fun and enjoy playing football," Heynckes said.

"We did well against a good defensive team and eventually had an easy time against Schalke.

"I have great pleasure working with the team. The players all have a big collective goal, which is the Bundesliga. We must continue to work hard, there are always things that you can perfect further."

Goalscorer Alaba took his season tally to three goals and echoed his manager's sentiments.

"Our thoughts are not on winning the championship yet, we rather focus from week to week and try to win every match," Alaba said.

"It doesn't matter who takes the penalties, the crucial part is that they find the net."

The victory over Schalke hands the Bundesliga leaders a massive advantage at the top of the table, following the loss and draw suffered by Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.

Neuer: Bayern cannot slip up

9 February 2013 11:07

Manuel Neuer says that Bayern Munich cannot afford to lose focus ahead of their Bundesliga match against Schalke on Saturday.

The Germany international, who started his career at the Veltins Arena, insists that the Gelsenkirchen side should not be underestimated, despite their poor run of form.

"We can't allow ourselves any slip-ups, and the three points are a must," Neuer told the official Bayern website.

"Schalke generally play well against big-name opponents, and they'll definitely be looking to trip us up. We have to be totally focused, and we'll need the right attitude and form on the day."

Bayern sit at the top of the Bundesliga table with 51 points from 20 games.

Keller wants fewer mistakes

8 February 2013 01:02

Schalke coach Jens Keller says his team must cut out mistakes if they are to get anything from their Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich.

Keller's men will travel to Allianz Arena on Saturday without star forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who is ruled out with an eye injury.

Sitting sixth after a surprise loss to Greuther Fuerth, Keller said Schalke need to stop making mistakes if they were to earn points.

"We have to minimise our individual mistakes. As I said yesterday, at the bottom line, we'd admitted Fuerth just four shots on our goal," he said.

"Unfortunately these few mistakes become punished. So primarily, we have to switch off these mistakes."

Keller is unsure how long prolific Dutchman Huntelaar will be sidelined, but ruled him out of the crucial clash against Bayern.

The challenge of taking on the runaway Bundesliga leaders excites Keller, who is eager for his team to test Jupp Heynckes' men.

"We won't travel to Munich and say we are agreeing with the loss. We'll do our best," Keller said.

"But Bayern Munich is one of the best teams in Europe. So, it won't become easy. However, we'll take up this challenge."

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt said he was confident his team could turn around what has been a disappointing campaign.

"We have the ability to turn the tide in our favour. We have the quality and we are convinced that we'll accomplish," he said.

"Because Jens and I, we know the team very well. After conversations with the players, we feel the players will (turn it around)."

Heynckes not harping on tired legs

8 February 2013 00:57

Bayern Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes is refusing to use fatigue as an excuse ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Schalke on Saturday.

A total of 13 Bayern players were called up to represent their countries in international friendlies in midweek.

But with the Bavarian giants 12 points clear at the top of the league and having just come off a winter break, Heynckes said his players will recover in time for the fixture at the Allianz Arena.

"I think the players will be able to regenerate themselves before Saturday," Heynckes said.

"Because there is a difference in having had a whole bunch of midweek games behind you and now just playing the one. It is only one for some players, of course not for all players. And of course travelling plays a role, there is the issue of how great the distance is.

"I think this shouldn't affect the players, who will be back to full strength on Saturday."

Schalke may sit sixth in the league, eight points off the automatic UEFA Champions League places, but Heynckes will not be taking them lightly.

"They (Schalke) are a good team, they have good players and I think that Jens Keller should be allowed to work in peace," Heynckes said.

"He is a young coach who took a difficult position and that's why I repeat... the team has played much better than has been portrayed in the public eye."