Heynckes braced for tough challenge

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes expects European hopefuls Mainz to provide a tough challenge for his side in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Leaders Bayern are unbeaten in the league since October, while fifth-placed Mainz are gunning for a maiden Champions League berth after reaching the Europa League for the first time last season.

“They aren’t an easy team to play against, they are successful, currently fifth in the league and have also conceded only 21 goals,” Heynckes said.

“They have kept a clean sheet twice since the winter break but I think that we have to be able to be successful against such a well organised team.”

Mainz returned from the winter break with a 0-0 draw against Freiburg before accounting for bottom-placed Greuther Furth 3-0 last time out.

Heynckes, who will be replaced by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, believes his men are well prepared for the trip to Mainz.

“It’s not always easy, as the last two years have shown but, especially this week, I’ve studied Mainz,” he said.

“I know exactly how they play, what their running paths are, where they press, and also what sort of style we must play to counter that.”