Ballack: Pep talk disrespectful

Ballack: Guardiola talk disrespectful

09-Mar-2013 6:10:00 AM

The former Germany international claims the discussions around the Bundesliga leaders' new coach shows a lack of appreciation for the job Jupp Heynckes is doing

Michael Ballack has said the talk of Pep Guardiola’s impending arrival at Bayern Munich is disrespectful to current coach Jupp Heynckes.

It was announced that Guardiola would replace the retiring Heynckes in the summer this January, but Ballack believes the focus should be on what the club are achieving now, rather than when the former Barcelona man takes over.

"Guardiola is an exceptional coach who has had great success. However, until the summer, we should honour the team under Jupp Heynckes,” Ballack told Spox.com.

"If you complete such a deal, of course the media will talk about Pep Guardiola. But I think it's a little disrespectful towards Jupp Heynckes as it doesn't honour the work he's doing currently.

"He [Heynckes] shows great class, as it's not easy to deal with this topic.”

Ballack, who played for die Roten between 2002 and 2006, also thinks the club have the quality to win the Champions League.

Bayern have a 3-1 lead over Arsenal going into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and Ballack does not think it will be long until the Bundesliga leaders have the trophy in their clutches once more.

He added: "Bayern have invested in top players in the last few years and with their depth, they have the quality to win the Champions League. Not as an underdog, but rightfully as one of the favourites.

"I don't think it will take long until they hold the trophy in their hands again.”