Heynckes coy about future

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19 February 2013-PA Sport

Wanted ... Jupp Heynckes is rumoured to be the target of various clubs, despite initially saying he was set to retire (Getty)

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has hinted he may not retire at the end of the season amid reported interest from Schalke.

Hoeness dismisses Heynckes-Schalke reports

Heynckes will walk away from Bayern in the northern summer with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola to take over at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern and Heynckes denied he was being replaced when Guardiola's three-year deal was announced, on January 16, instead claiming the 67-year-old was ready to call time on his career.

But ahead of the first leg of Bayern's last-16 Champions League tie against Arsenal, Heynckes revealed he might yet be swayed to continue on.

"I do realise there is some rumour and some information about that," he said.

"I can't do anything about the rumours. I am a big-name manager and my name will come up.

"I will see about it at the end of the season."

Heynckes has guided Bayern 15 points clear of the chasing pack in the Bundesliga while it is one of the favourites to return to the Champions League final after last year's penalty shoot-out heartbreak against Chelsea.

The former Real Madrid boss is, however, reluctant to let speculation affect his side as it aims to finish his third spell in Bavaria on a high.

"What managers have to do is work hard with their teams," he said.

"Until the end of the season I will do what I have been and focus on my team."

Schalke sacked Huub Stevens in December but his replacement Jens Keller has won just once in six games since he took charge.

Under Heynckes Bayern is arguably the form team in Europe, having won its past 11 matches in all competitions.

It has kept 10 clean sheets during that run, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is yet to be beaten at all in 2013.

The Germany international has also revealed, after Bayern's arrival in London, that he has been left bored by his side's dominance at times.

"After some games this season I haven't needed to have a shower," he joked.

"Yes I guess sometimes it is boring being in goal.

"But it is actually important to keep talking and have communication with my defence.

"The key for Bayern Munich is that the whole team defends and we cover the spaces well.

"We immediately go to win the ball back. You can see that in the fact we have only conceded seven goals (in the Bundesliga) so far."