Heynckes welcomes Bayern depth

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes is pleased with his squad’s depth and believes that rotation could prove the key to Bundesliga glory.

The German heavyweights have brought in Xherdan Shaqiri, Javi Martinez, Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro among others this season, and have made a flying start to the league season.

And the 67-year-old coach spoke of an exchange with Arjen Robben ahead of the 6-1 thrashing of Schalke on Sunday to reflect his confident mood for the campaign ahead.

“Arjen came and said: ‘Boss, I’m not feeling great. We have such a good team and so many players. It’s better if someone who’s 100 per cent fit and capable plays instead of me’,” Heynckes told reporters.

The Netherlands international winger was subsequently rested and Thomas Mueller, who was introduced in his place, scored twice and assisted a further two.

“It was a real delight. It reflects the spirit in this team, and I thought it was first-class,” Heynckes continued.

“The players respect the fact that others will play for 20 or 25 minutes, or from the start.”

Mueller, who may find his place under threat this season following the arrival of Shaqiri, spoke of the challenges that he faces over the course of the season.

“There was already competition, but it’s even fiercer now,” the German international said. “I’m delighted I’m up to three goals after two matches. I needed a lot longer than that last season.

“It’s simple. There are lots of good players at Bayern, so you always have to state your credentials. But despite that, we’re all enjoying it.”

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is one of the players least likely to be rotated, but he also believes that the extra competition for places could help Bayern steal the league title away from Borussia Dortmund.

“It may well be that this brings us the couple of per cent we lacked last year,” he said.

Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga table with a maximum six points from two matches.