Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has dismissed reports that he is planning to step down at the end of the season.
Bayern coach confident of turning the club's season around
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has dismissed reports that he is planning to step down at the end of the season.
Heynckes returned for a third spell as Bayern coach last summer, but has overseen a mixed run of results since the winter break.
A 2-0 defeat at his former club Bayer Leverkusen last weekend left Bayern trailing reigning champions Borussia Dortmund by seven points in this season's Bundesliga title race.
Meanwhile, the club lost 1-0 to Basel in the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Champions League tie last month, with this season's final being staged at the Allianz Arena.
The club have already branded reports that Heynckes is on the brink of being sacked as 'outrageous', and the 66-year-old confirmed he will not be quitting.
"I have a contract here and I am working on the assumption I will see it out," said Heynckes, whose deal runs until the end of next season.
Relaxed
He is also unconcerned by the rumours about his future, commenting: "They don't bother me, they don't weigh me down."
Bayern entertain Hoffenheim on Saturday before hosting the return leg against Basel next week and Heynckes is confident of steering his team back on track.
"I am energetic and feel relaxed," he continued. "I carry out my job with a passion. I know that we can turn the tide.
"We have had a very good mood in training which we will show on Saturday and Tuesday. I am convinced we know how to win and deal with the pressure."
