Jupp Heynckes hails Bayern Munich’s focus after hammering Hamburg

Posted Sunday, March 11, 2018 by PA

Head coach Jupp Heynckes hailed Bayern Munich for staying focused after scoring three early goals in the 6-0 victory over Hamburg.

Franck Ribery opened the scoring before Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace to put Bayern 3-0 ahead after just 19 minutes.

Bayern could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas, given they play Besiktas in the Champions League on Wednesday and then sixth-placed RB Leipzig next weekend.

But Arjen Robben found the net, Ribery added his second and Lewandowski completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot – his 100th league goal for the club – in the second half to restore Bayern’s 20-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Heynckes told Bayern’s official website: “We got off to a very good start, found our way into the match and scored the first three goals very early.

“It’s hard for our opponents to change the result if we’re three up at the Allianz Arena.

“It was important to me the team didn’t ease off and that we didn’t allow any chances.

“It’s important for the next few matches like the one against Besiktas next week.”

Robben reiterated his coach’s words, insisting his side cannot take their eye off the prize domestically.

The Dutchman said: “We got off to a very good start, that’s always the key.

“We have to keep going in the Bundesliga, no matter if we’re 20, 10 or five points ahead.

“We can’t only focus on the Champions League. We have to show we’re on form in the Bundesliga matches too.”

Hamburg have now conceded 27 goals on their last four visits to the Allianz Arena.

Bernd Hollerbach’s side are up against it in their battle with relegation, sitting second bottom, seven points behind Mainz.

And coach Hollerbach admitted their hopes of securing an unlikely result were gone after just 18 minutes.

“We wanted to play calmly and press early,” he said.

“These things happen if you give Bayern space. The game was over after 18 minutes. You have to be more awkward if you want to take something away here.

“I wasn’t satisfied with the way we lost. It wasn’t the case in the matches before this one. You don’t need to complain then.”