Heynckes hails team spirit

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes believes his team’s 3-0 away victory over Hamburg proved the team has a healthy winning spirit.

Bastian Schweinsteiger gave the Bundesliga giants the lead on Saturday, before further strikes from Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos ensured they responded in emphatic style to last week’s loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

Heynckes, whose side are seven points clear at the top, believes every member of his squad contributed to the result.

“I’m delighted with the team’s approach,” Heynckes told reporters after the match.

“The way we chalked up the victory today was first class, it was outstanding. It shows the team spirit in the group.

“For example, Franck Ribery was exceptional today, but Mario Mandzukic was just as important due to his work rate, pressing and defending.

“That’s the hallmark of my team at the moment. Everyone’s looking out for everyone else – we’re going for success as a unit.”

Schweinsteiger was relieved to bounce back from the Leverkusen loss so quickly, particularly given Borussia Dortmund’s 0-0 draw with Stuttgart and Schalke’s 3-2 loss to Hoffenheim.

Defending champions Dortmund are now 11 points behind Bayern, while second-placed Schalke are seven points adrift.

“It was important to provide some answers after the Leverkusen match, and we’ve not won that often in Hamburg recently. We were determined to do it today,” Schweinsteiger said.

“The first half was very intense. It was important to take the lead. It’s been a very good round of matches for us. Naturally, we knew the other scores before kick-off and were even more motivated.”