Hoeness: Only Guardiola could succeed Heynckes

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has claimed that only a coach of Pep Guardiola's quality would be worthy of replacing Jupp Heynckes.

It was announced on Wednesday that the former Barcelona boss would be taking over from the veteran at the Allianz Arena at the season's end. And Hoeness is delighted to have attracted a trainer of the 41-year-old's reputation, and has paid tribute to the outgoing 67-year-old.

"Only a coach of Pep Guardiola's calibre would be brought into consideration to replace Jupp Heynckes," the former West German player told the club's official website.

"We are incredibly grateful for his work, and we would be delighted if this team gave this great coach a glorious farewell."

Bayern Munich currently holds a nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, and will face Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal and Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League.