BERLIN • Veteran German coach Jupp Heynckes confirmed reports yesterday that he is considering a return to Bayern Munich following Carlo Ancelotti's dismissal.

"It's not yet done and dusted," the 72-year-old told the Rheinische Post, the local paper near his home in Monchengladbach.

"I need to analyse things. It has been four-and-a-half years since I stopped at Bayern and football has changed."

German media reported that he could return to Bayern until the end of the season with Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann tipped to take over for next season.

Heynckes confirmed that he met with Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, president Uli Hoeness and director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic.

"Many things were discussed," said Heynckes.

Italian Ancelotti, who took over in July 2016, was sacked last week after poor results and former Bayern defender Willy Sagnol is now in temporary charge.

Despite his age, Heynckes says he feels "fit" enough to coach Bayern, who he led to the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble in 2013. Bayern are the only German club to ever achieve that feat.

"Bayern is pulling Jupp Heynckes out of retirement," wrote Sport Bild.

With the team in disarray, the Bayern hierarchy want an authoritative character who knows the club intimately, Bild reported.

Bayern are third in the Bundesliga, five points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. A stinging 3-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League led the club to sack Ancelotti.

Two German coaches believed to be in the running to manage Bayern - Nagelsmann and former Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel - have no previous experience with the Bavarian giants.

Heynckes coached Bayern over three periods - from 1987 to 1991, briefly in 2009 and then between 2011 and 2013.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE