Heynckes salutes Babbel impact

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has been impressed with Markus Babbel’s progress as manager of Hoffenheim.

Babbel is currently on course to deliver mid-table safety for Hoffenheim after taking over as the Bundesliga club’s manager on February 10.

“Markus (Babbel) is not only a good coach, he is managing to have success in Hoffenheim where it surely hasn’t been easy this season,” Heynckes said.

“He (has) brought solidity back through his drive and determination.”

Heynckes is wary of the challenge that Babbel’s side may provide when they travel to Munich on Saturday.

During his time as a player at Bayern, Babbel won three Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Cup and a UEFA Champions League runners-up medal.

And in his stint on the sideline for Hoffenheim, the 39-year-old has led the club from the south-west of Germany on a four-game unbeaten run.

“As I’ve said before, Hoffenheim is a team that can play good football,” Heynckes said.

“I have certainly been impressed with what I’ve seen, but I think that we too can play some attractive football and we’ll endeavour to show that at the weekend.”

Bayern desperately need a win against Hoffenheim, as the Bavarian giants are seven points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, with Heynckes’ position as manager increasingly under threat according to the German media.

The Bavarians also need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Basel on Tuesday to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Heynckes has received some good news ahead of Hoffenheim’s visit, with Bastian Schweinsteiger back in full training after an ankle ligament injury.