Hoeneß: Mourinho is a world-class coach

Bayern celebrated a return to the summit of the Bundesliga at the weekend but domestic issues now take a back seat during a two-week break for a busy Easter programme on the international front.

Back at the Säbener Strasse, thoughts have inevitably turned to the Champions League quarter-final and the prospect of the dramatic double-header against West London giants Chelsea.

Speaking exclusively to fcbayern.de, Munich general manager Uli Hoeneß offered an assessment of the English Premier League leaders and revealed his admiration for controversial but hugely successful boss Jose Mourinho. The Bayern board director also lamented centre-half Robert Kovac's impending exit from the club and reported on negotiations to arrange a Munich derby as part of the Allianz Arena opening festivities.

Exclusive interview: Uli Hoeneß

fcbayern.de: Uli Hoeneß, everyone at the club is looking forward to the duel with Chelsea, but at the moment the spotlight is firmly on coach Jose Mourinho. What's your opinion of the Chelsea manager?

Uli Hoeneß: "Jose Mourinho rates as the most successful coach of recent years. He won trophies with Porto and had them playing attractive football as well. But what impresses me most is the success he's enjoying with Chelsea. It all means he has to be an outstanding coach."

fcbayern.de: We still haven't heard the last of the Chelsea v Barcelona fixture. Jose Mourinho made comments about referee Anders Frisk which are indirectly said to have prompted the match official's retirement. UEFA have launched an enquiry and Mourinho may be penalised at a disciplinary hearing.

Hoeneß: "We're hoping to see Jose Mourinho in the dug-out for both matches against Chelsea. We don't want Chelsea disadvantaged in any way when we play them, and the coach sitting on the bench is definitely a factor in that. It would be a crying shame if he wasn't down on the touchline to help and advise his team in both matches."

fcbayern.de: Robert Kovac is in fine form at the moment but the centre-half is out of contract this summer and has publicly stated his intention to leave the club. What's the current state of negotiations?

Hoeneß: "We've been negotiating with his agent. We offered him a two-year contract extension with an option on a third year, but he's apparently received an offer from Juventus which we can't and won't match, so regretfully we've had to accept the fact Robert will leave the club at the end of this season. Let me repeat: we genuinely regret this, but we are determined to pursue our plans for sensible financial management, and there's no place for the kind of deal he's been offered."

fcbayern.de: Newspaper reports claim Bayern and TSV 1860 Munich could meet in a derby after the official Allianz Arena opening matches on 30 and 31 May so that as many fans as possible catch the action at the new stadium. Is such a match likely to take place?

Hoeneß: "The decision will be taken before Easter and the fans informed immediately afterwards."

fcbayern.de: Thank you for talking to us.