Champions League title farewell present for Heynckes

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Some wistfulness in the voice of Arturo Vidal couldn't be ignored when the Chilean midfielder was speaking about Jupp Heynckes' departure next summer.

The 72-year-old coach has developed into a father-figure for Vidal and others.

"We often tell him how we would love him to stay," Vidal said.

But all attempts are in vain.

Instead of despairing, Vidal talked of the team's strong motivation and intention to give a unique farewell present to the retiring Heynckes.

"We feel a special determination," Vidal said, adding that quality and team-spirit is one thing in football, but the power of a unique situation can't be neglected.

Vidal and Bayern's other old masters are convinced they will develop additional energy to brace themselves for the tight race for the 2018 Champions League title against Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus Turin.

An era will end as not only Vidal's future is affected by the change of generation, but also old hands such as Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben, Tiago and Rafinha, apart from like Sebastian Rudy or David Alaba.

Heynckes' announcement to depart at the end of the season has turned the last couple of months into a matter of destiny.

The bad example of Paris St Germain's failure to develop a team-spirit despite a squad full of world class individuals is one of the stories of this season's Champions League campaign.

Bayern under Heynckes have developed an unbreakable team-spirit. It is one of the vital factors that makes the team a dangerous opponent for the big favorites such as Manchester City and Real Madrid. Like Juventus Turin, Bayern's squad might not be the ultimate, but full of lionhearted performers aware that their last chance to win a title has come.

Team leaders in Munich are talking about the possible fairytale that could be written by winning the Champions League again and wrapping it up as a well-deserved present for an outstanding coach like Heynckes.

While speculation is growing that the former Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel will take over after summer, Heynckes has turned Bayern's current squad into a dedicated group. The 1974 world champion reinforced the influence of his experienced players not allowing anything to interrupt the teams' unity.

It seems time for pay back.

Bayern's golden-agers are not getting tired of reminding their club of the spirit of 2013. Bayern at the time were not the big favorites just like today, but managed to win the biggest club prize.

"We can do it again," said Ribery. Enditem