Action Images / Carl Recine Livepic
A familiar face could soon be roaming the touchline at the Allianz Arena after Jupp Heynckes confirmed talks to rejoin Bayern Munich on a temporary basis.
After Bayern opted to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti following the club’s 3-0 loss in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, Heynckes emerged as a favourite to succeed the Italian manager and take charge of the defending Bundesliga champion for the fourth time.
Heynckes confirmed talks with Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, president Uli Hoeness, and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic are ongoing, but said he’s eager to assess the situation at the club before committing himself.
“Nothing is cut and dried yet,” Heynckes told German outlet Rheinische Post, as translated by Stefan Buczko of ESPN FC. “I first have to analyse the whole situation. After all, four-and-a-half years have passed since I left Bayern and football has continued to change.”
It’s believed that Bayern officials have asked to assume the role until the summer as the club presumably searches for a replacement without being forced into rushing its decision considering the limited options available at this time of year.
The 72-year-old last managed the Bavarian outfit in 2013 when he helped Bayern win the treble before retiring.
Heynckes previously managed Bayern from 1987-91 during a spell that saw him hoist the Bundesliga title twice. He returned on an interim basis in 2009 after Jurgen Klinsmann was fired, and was hired once again two years later to replace Louis van Gaal.
His last stint was Heynckes’ most successful as the former Borussia Monchengladbach forward helped Bayern win the league title, the DFB-Pokal, and the Champions League.
