Heynckes wary of Besiktas threat

Jupp Heynckes knows Besiktas pose a real threat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League after the two sides were drawn together.

Published : Dec 11, 2017 19:41 IST

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes returned for a fourth spell with the Bundesliga club in September.
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes returned for a fourth spell with the Bundesliga club in September.
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Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes returned for a fourth spell with the Bundesliga club in September.

Bayern Munich will have to be at its best for 180 minutes if it is to progress in the Champions League at Besiktas' expense, according to Jupp Heynckes.

READ: Champions League KO draw in full

The Bundesliga leader was drawn to play Besiktas in Monday's last-16 draw in Nyon, with the first leg at home in February before it travels to Turkey on March 14.

Bayern has never lost a competitive match against a Turkish side in European competition, but its veteran head coach warned that maintaining that record will be no easy task. 

"They are a very good team," he said. "We need to bring our best performances to both games in order to progress."

Since Heynckes returned for a fourth spell in charge of Bayern in September it has only lost once in all competitions, a run that has seen them return to the top of the table and progress in Europe.

And that upturn in form is something sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic believes gives his side the edge against Besiktas.

"We know how strong Besiktas are," he told FCB.tv

"We [have] followed their progress because they were in Leipzig's group. It's a difficult draw. We'll see what happens.

CL draw: As it happened

"There'll definitely be an exceptional atmosphere over there, but there will be here in Munich as well. 

"We're looking forward to it. Obviously it's a disadvantage to play at home first, but we're good enough and accept it."

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