Heynckes to put managerial career on hold

Heynckes: Stepping away from football

Outgoing Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has confirmed that he wont be managing any team in the 2013-14 season and will be putting his managerial career on hold. He will be replaced by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola in an appointment announced by Bayern in January.

Heynckes had a tremendous 2012- 13 season at the Allianz arena after winning a treble, and reports suggested that he could take over the vacant managerial post at Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League in 1998.

“I am still impressed with the events,” a tearful Heynckes, who took over for the third time in 2011, told reporters.

“From July 1, I will not take over any club here or abroad. I will recover, think about what has happened in the past weeks and months.

“The last two years were intense and outstanding,” said Heynckes, whose career as a coach and player stretches back to 1963, adding his team had learned a lot after just missing out on three titles last season.

“I had told my wife after last year’s Champions League final defeat that I would complete my contract at Bayern but not go beyond that.”

However, the 68-year old ruled out permanent retirement, although he did say he was looking forward to time away from the sport.

“I personally am not in favor of final decisions but I told you before I am 68 and there is life outside the job,” he said.

“I was a passionate coach, always wanted to work with my teams, went to training every morning with a strong desire. But now I want to enjoy my life,” Heynckes told the reporters in what turned out to be an emotional press conference.

He was accompanied by club boss Uli Hoeness and chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who heaped praise on the 1974 World Cup winner with a large banner behind them that read “Thank You Jupp”.