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Bayern's Arjen Robben, head coach Jupp Heynckes and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Matthias Schrader/AP/Press Association Images
gracious

'They deserved it' -- Heynckes applauds Chelsea

The Bayern Munich boss was magnanimous after a penalty shoot-out defesat that’s going to hurt for a long time to come.

BAYERN MUNICH COACH Jupp Heynckes admitted that Chelsea deserved to win the Champions League final last night.

Thomas Mueller gave the Germans the upper hand with less than 10 minutes left at the Allianz Arena, but Didier Drogba equalised moments later for the Blues, before tucking home the winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout.

Nonetheless, Bayern squandered a succession of chances to win the match, including a missed penalty from Arjen Robben in extra time. But Heynckes confessed that the Blues deserved to lift the trophy due to his own side’s profligacy in front of goal.

“I think I have to say that we played a good match but we were unlucky on occasions,” Heynckes said. ”Our players had a very strong spirit throughout the game and we saw how they played. We attacked from the beginning, and never gave Chelsea the chance to respond.

“Chelsea defended well but we didn’t manage to take advantage from our many chances and unfortunately we missed a penalty. We lost our 1-0 lead and Chelsea deserve the title.”

Heynckes also said that Chelsea should hand Roberto Di Matteo a permanent contract immediately after their success.

“I congratulate Chelsea on their victory,” he said. ”If you wish me to say something about Roberto Di Matteo it is that Chelsea should give him a three-year contract.”

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