Bayern Munich close in on a new manager
It's been a wild Bundesliga season and the biggest twists have been saved for the finale, with Schalke dismissing Felix Magath despite him taking them into the Champions League quarter-finals and Magath then returning to Wolfsburg just when the 2008-09 champions looked destined for the drop.
But if the events of last week were staggering, the earliest ever silly season has shown no sign of calming down, with Bayer Leverkusen confirming on Monday that they have failed to convince Jupp Heynckes, the veteran tactician that has transformed their fortunes, to extend his contract.
He is said to have fallen out with Michael Ballack, though that's likely to be only a minor factor in his decision to leave a club he looks set to take into the Champions League after a seven-year absence, while a first-ever title is still a possibility at [10.0] as they trail Borussia Dortmund by seven points.
A bigger reason that Heynckes has opted against a new deal at the BayArena is that old employers Bayern Munich have approached him with the opportunity to lead the German giants for the third time and add to his two German championships and one Champions League winners' medal.
It has already been revealed that Louis van Gaal will depart at the end of a dire campaign in which it remains unclear if Bayern will pip Hannover to the final Champions League place - a necessity given that next year's final takes place at the Allianz Arena, and Heynckes is their preferred successor.
Obviously, there will be criticism of their lack of long-term vision in hiring a 65-year-old, however it has been suggested that Heynckes will arrive for one season only to boost his trophy cabinet before making way for Germany boss Joachim Low after Euro 2012. His contract runs until 2014 though.
Would Heynckes return Bayern to the top? Have your say below...
Published: 22 Mar 2011
john kiyemba (March 22, 2011 5:55 PM) said:
i think heynckes can make it though he is not the best option. we want a pep gardiola style of play coach. but our defence problems have to be worked upon soon. then we can see the real bayern munich we knew of samuel kuffor's regime.
Betfair Football (March 23, 2011 8:05 AM) said:
Thanks for the comment. Can see where you're coming from John - did you have anyone in particular in mind that could bring about that sort of change at Bayern? Would you welcome Low if he left the Germany job after Euro 2012?