Heynckes humbled by FIFA Coach of the Year award

Jupp Heynckes was quick to praise everybody associated with former club Bayern Munich after being named FIFA World Coach of the Year.

The 68-year-old masterminded Bayern’s unprecedented treble in 2013, guiding the club to a 23rd Bundesliga title as well as the DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Champions League last season before retiring and making way for Pep Guardiola.

Heynckes’ achievements were recognised at the FIFA Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Zurich on Monday as he beat former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp to land the gong.

It is the first time a German coach has won the award since its inception in 2010 and Heynckes wasted little time in paying tribute to the players and staff he had at his disposal at Bayern.

“I’m tremendously thankful to be here to pick up this award,” he said.

“It means a lot to pick up an award right at the end of my career.

“Normally in team sports it is often difficult to put things together like this. It isn’t just down to me, this is down to the whole club, Bayern Munich, everybody that has been working with me during this period.

“We have been blessed with world-class players and they produced amazing performances. The coaching staff have also lent their weight. I want to thank everybody that has pulled together and helped me to produce this winning team.

“Maybe 10 years ago, I wouldn’t even have dreamt of this. I am humbled and happy to be standing here. Thank you very much.”