Heynckes impressed by Leverkusen

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has warned his side about former club Bayer Leverkusen, who enter Sunday’s game after a big Europa League win.

While Bayern set a new Bundesliga record of eight wins to start the season last week, Heynckes has claimed Leverkusen, who he coached before joining Bayern in his current stint, are improving and will pose a threat.

Leverkusen smashed Rapid Vienna 4-0 away from home on Thursday to take over top spot in Europa League Group K with Gonzalo Castro scoring twice and setting up another goal.

“Leverkusen are in good shape, they proved that in the Europa League on Thursday,” Heynckes said in the lead-up to his side’s clash with the BayArena outfit.

“They played good football and they are improving.

“They have integrated young players successfully so we should keep the ball flat, stay calm and not over-interpret the statistics.”

Leverkusen are fifth in the Bundesliga with 12 points from eight games, exactly half of Munich’s total.

While Heynckes’ side have won all but one game across all competitions this season, Leverkusen are also in fine form, having not lost in eight matches.

“I think it won’t be a normal game against Leverkusen, I had been there for two years and had an outstanding relationship with the team, the board and the people there supporting the team in general,” Heynckes said.

“Obviously I am looking forward to seeing all of these people again.”