Heynckes hits back at Pep claim

Posted Tuesday, April 23, 2013 by ESPN

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has hit back at claims from the media that the club is receiving help from incoming coach Pep Guardiola ahead of the club's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Former Barcelona manager and player Guardiola is due to take over the reins of the Bavarian giants at the end of the season, but with the club preparing for their Tuesday showdown against the Spanish giants, speculation has risen Guardiola has started work at the German club earlier than expected.

But Heynckes, who had earlier dismissed the notion of Guardiola helping Bayern progress out of 'respect' for his old club, accused the media of perpetrating a fabricated story while maintaining his stance he does not need any help to plot Barcelona's demise.

"I admire Pep for his career as a player and coach, and we have a good relationship," Heynckes told the Mirror.

"But since the draw, the German press have said things that are not true.

"I did not need extra ¬information because I know the club and my team. I don't need to win things through the back door - I'll go through the front door."

Meanwhile, Bayern captain Philipp Lahm believes the semi-final could be too close to call and may need the dreaded penalty shoot-out to separate the clubs.

"It feels similar to last year when we played Real Madrid in the semi-final - and won on penalties," Lahm said.