Jupp Heynckes "cannot imagine" Arsene Wenger at another club

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 20 April 2018

Jupp Heynckes suggests that Arsene Wenger should consider retiring from football when he steps down as Arsenal manager in the summer.

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has admitted that he "cannot imagine" Arsene Wenger at another club in any sort of capacity following the news that the Frenchman is to leave Arsenal.

The Gunners are on the lookout for a new manager for the first time since 1996 as Wenger announced on Friday morning that his time in North London is up.

Heynckes, who is four years older than Wenger at 72, insists that his Arsenal counterpart should consider retiring from football for good after an "amazing" managerial career.

"First of all you have to say he has completed a magnificent career as a coach, in France and in England," he told reporters at a press conference. "He achieved lots of successes and his teams played attractive football predominantly. He was one of the top managers in European football.

"I think he could maybe acquire a job as a [director of football], but he could also return as a coach of another team in today's football. I do not know if he wants to do this anymore, I cannot imagine this. Actually, he does not need this anymore. He had an amazing career.

"With his philosophy, his style of play and his leadership style he has influenced English football in a very positive way. But in politics and in sport - when you get older someday, this will be also the case for you - you have to say, 'it was enough'."

Heynckes will step down as Bayern boss at the end of the season to make way for Niko Kovac.