Heynckes not harping on tired legs

Bayern Munich head coach Jupp Heynckes is refusing to use fatigue as an excuse ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Schalke on Saturday.

A total of 13 Bayern players were called up to represent their countries in international friendlies in midweek.

But with the Bavarian giants 12 points clear at the top of the league and having just come off a winter break, Heynckes said his players will recover in time for the fixture at the Allianz Arena.

“I think the players will be able to regenerate themselves before Saturday,” Heynckes said.

“Because there is a difference in having had a whole bunch of midweek games behind you and now just playing the one. It is only one for some players, of course not for all players. And of course travelling plays a role, there is the issue of how great the distance is.

“I think this shouldn’t affect the players, who will be back to full strength on Saturday.”

Schalke may sit sixth in the league, eight points off the automatic UEFA Champions League places, but Heynckes will not be taking them lightly.

“They (Schalke) are a good team, they have good players and I think that Jens Keller should be allowed to work in peace,” Heynckes said.

“He is a young coach who took a difficult position and that’s why I repeat… the team has played much better than has been portrayed in the public eye.”