Jupp Heynckes, the Bayern Munich coach, claimed his Spanish connections formed a key part of the Bundesliga champions' 7-0 aggregate rout of Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final.
The 67-year-old led Real Madrid to the Champions League title in 1998 during a single season at the Bernabeu, although he was promptly sacked afterwards. He has also coached Tenerife and had two stints at Athletic Bilbao.
"I know Spanish football," he said on German television after Bayern won 3-0 at Camp Nou in Wednesday's semi-final, second leg. "I know the players, I know the philosophy, I always watch Barca play Real Madrid because I enjoy it."
Heynckes, who is in his third stint at Bayern, was at pains to point to his meticulous preparations and knowledge of their opponents.
"This team really pulls together," he added. "We get through outstanding work together, and we're tremendously hungry for success. Both games have shown that we are capable of playing the game at a very high level.
"We are a real team, from the front to the back."
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