By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Expectations are mountain high at the 2017 German champion Bayern Munich after their new coach Jupp Heynckes is starting his rescue mission. "We need to get the team back to stability and strengthen the player's confidence. The team is going through a difficult situation," the 72-year-old said in advance of seven games within 21 days.
After Italian star coach Carlo Ancelotti got the sack after a devastating 0-3 defeat against Paris St Germain in the group phase of the Champions League Heynckes' primary task is to save the clubs goals in a so far disappointing season. In three competitions such as the national league, the German Cup and the Champions League challenging tasks are waiting.
While in the German Cup new rival RB Leipzig is waiting for Bayern faces a two crucial duel's against Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in the national league and needs to secure the qualification for the knock-out stage in the Champions League against RSC Anderlecht, Celtic Glasgow, and Paris.
"We don't have to talk about goals right now. We need to gain stability and order in our game. It will be a difficult task to get back to the top position in the Bundesliga; it will be hard to overtake Dortmund," Heynckes said. The team needs to develop more team spirit. The most important thing would be to secure the national title.
Discipline, fitness and a new tactical approach are Heynckes' main topics as players like Thomas Mueller, and several teammates complained about poor training intensity under 58-year-old Ancelotti. "We will have good training again," the Bayern striker commented. "Jupp Heynckes will give inspiration, desire and a good organization in the defense," the 2014 World champion stressed when talking about Heynckes who not only enjoys a high reputation but is seen as a father figure.
Heynckes announced to do a lot of talking with key players such as Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Mueller and Manuel Neuer. "We all face a challenging task, but I am full of confidence as I have my coaching dream team around me. That gives me a good feeling as we have to do a lot of work," Heynckes told German media after signing a contract until summer 2018.
"It is like coming home, but the past is the past, and we need to be fully focused on the future," the former German international commented. Half of the team was part of the 2013 treble-winning squad. Manuel Neuer, David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Javier Martinez, Thomas Mueller, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have experienced bright moments together with 1972 European champion.
Heynckes called his return after 1987, 2009 and 2011 an "act of friendship" after he had retired in 2013. "Bayern gave the opportunity for such a career. I want to give something back to the club now as Bayern is a matter of the heart for me," Heynckes said.
So far the Bavarian side was acting far from a real team. Reports spoke about atmospheric turbulences in the team as the squad was divided into several small groups. According to reports discipline got out of control under Ancelotti when players used mobile phones in the team locker room, neglected tactical orders and spoke to media without permission of coach and club. Heynckes said he wouldn't tolerate any misbehavior.
On top, 2013 treble winner Heynckes will most likely restructure the teams' tactics by implementing a 4-2-3-1 system. "Call it a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, that's up to you," Heynckes said. "Important is that we get back a good balance of defense and offense." Javi Martinez is expected to move to midfield to complete a double six in front of the back row.
Heynckes' return caused several positive comments of German football protagonists such as German national coach Joachim Loew and 1996 European champion and former German coach Berti Vogts. "Next to his coaching quality, he has the gift to be a very empathic man. I am happy he is back," Loew commented. Vogts said he is convinced Heynckes will lead Bayern back to success.
Heynckes' opening game will be the Bundesliga home game against SC Freiburg this Saturday followed by the duel against Glasgow in the Champions League.
