BERLIN, Germany, July 21 – Treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes has poured cold water on speculation linking him to the vacant Barcelona job as the ex-Bayern Munich boss insisted he is enjoying his retirement.
The 68-year-old steered Bayern to become the first German club to win the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup last season as the Bavarian giants swept aside all rivals.
As well as capturing their fifth European title, Bayern broke or equalled 25 Bundesliga records en route to winning the German league by a staggering 25 points.
Heynckes stepped down as Bayern coach following his history-making feat but has said he has no interest in replacing Tito Vilanova, who resigned as Barcelona coach on Friday.
“I think now it would be impossible to take on a new club after my time at Bayern Munich,” Heynckes told Germany’s Sky Sports News.
“I keep myself busy, I have hobbies, I do some sports, I have my pets and a huge garden to keep me occupied.”
With Vilanova, 44, walking away from the Barca job to continue cancer treatment, a poll in the Spanish media put Heynckes top of the potential list of candidates.
But after a career spanning half a century as a player then coach, which saw Heynckes steer both Real Madrid and Bayern to Champions League victories, the German has said enough is enough.
“I understood the signals from my body and rightfully so,” he said.
“I feel well and enjoy having some time to myself.”
Former Holland star Ronald Koeman has also ruled himself out of the running for the Barcelona vacancy.
“No, I haven’t given it any thought at all,” said the 50-year-old Feyenoord coach.
“I am more concerned about Vilanova’s illness.
“Who will be the coach? I don’t know, I have nothing to do with it.”
