German Bundesliga: Heynckes laid foundation for win, says Guardiola

Bayern manager credits predecessor for record-breaking title.

BERLIN: Pep Guardiola secured the Bundesliga title in record time on Tuesday; then promptly praised the work of his Bayern Munich predecessor Jupp Heynckes, whose record the Spaniard broke.

Bayern claimed their 24th German league title with a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin as Guardiola’s European champions claimed the domestic league title with seven games to spare.

The Bavarian giants broke their own record for the earliest confirmed league title win, set last April under Heynckes en route to the treble of European, league and cup titles, by one match.

“We won the title with hard work and when you see what Jupp Heynckes achieved last season, that was the only way we were going to better that,” said Guardiola. “He laid the foundations.”

“Obviously I’m delighted that we have retained the title,” said Guardiola as his side opened up an unassailable 25-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

“I want to thank my players and the club who have helped me achieve this.

“Tonight we were very active from the start, but in the second half we lost a little of our control. I am just happy we have finally managed the feat.

Bayern’s 19th consecutive Bundesliga win also extends their record unbeaten league run to 52 matches.

They are still on course to become the first side to finish a Bundesliga season unbeaten.

“It’s unbelievable to clinch the title on the back of an unbeaten record,” said winger Arjen Robben.

“We’re all unbelievably proud of the team and our achievements this season.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2014.

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