Leverkusen irked by Heynckes comments

Bayer Leverkusen director Wolfgang Holzhauser has criticised Jupp Heynckes’ recent comments about Bayern Munich’s interest in Lars Bender.

The Bavarians recently made an approach for the Germany international, but saw their enquiry swiftly rebuffed as Leverkusen do not want to sell.

Both clubs agreed not to make any comments about Bayern’s interest in the holding midfielder, but Bayern coach Heynckes nonetheless admitted last week that he finds Bender an interesting option, much to the disappointment of Holzhauser.

“I don’t want any trouble with Bayern, but I’m very surprised and upset with Heynckes’ comments about Bender,” Holzhauser told Bild.

“Bayern made an approach for Lars last week, but I told them right away that we will not let him leave. We agreed not to make this public, and they would not approach the player.”

Bender, 23, has a contract with Leverkusen until the end of the 2016/2017 season.