Jupp Heynckes: Barcelona rumours disrespectful to Tito Vilanova

Furious Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has described rumours linking him with Barcelona as disrespectful and instead said, “The focus is on the next game.”

According to some media reports, Heynckes, whose team defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, has been linked with Tito Vilanova’s job if the Barcelona boss is forced to quit the job due to health reasons.

Heynckes, on reports linking him to Barcelona, said: “During the first six months of this season, my colleague has laid the foundation for winning La Liga with his world-class team; dignity and respect forbid all speculation about his job.”

The 67-year old also refused to comment on rumours linking him with a bizarre return to one of his former La Liga clubs, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao, saying, “Right now, all I am interested in is my team and our next game.”

Bayern take on Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the crucial second leg on Wednesday, and Heynckes is already sounding cautious, warning his team, adding, “Their pride has been wounded.”

He also lauded Lionel Messi‘s performance in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Bilbao at the weekend, saying, “That was a different Messi. He scored a fantastic goal. That was the old Messi.”