Schweinsteiger among world´s best, says Heynckes

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has backed up claims that Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of the top midfielders in the world.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated on Monday that he believed the Germany international was on par with Barcelona duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and Heynckes thinks the Bayern chief executive was correct in his assertion.

“For me, Bastian Schweinsteiger plays in a league with Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets,” Heynckes said.

Looking ahead to Bayern’s Champions League match against Basel, Heynckes urged his team to not rest on their laurels against the Swiss side.

“Basel are not in the Champions League round of 16 for nothing,” he said. “They have justifiably advanced.”

“Basel will be highly motivated, the team impressed me. They have a good mix of experienced players and good, talented young players.”

“We must play like we did in the group stage. If we do, I think we have a good chance.”

Bayern come into this game on the back of a goalless draw at Freiburg in the Bundesliga, but Heynckes stressed that he will not change his system, which means Arjen Robben could once again be consigned to a place on the bench.