MUNICH -- Bayern Munich interim coach Jupp Heynckes has vowed to support Robert Lewandowski's efforts to become top scorer this season in the Bundesliga.
Lewandowski, 29, hit out at his Bayern teammates last season for a lack of support, while one of his agents, Maik Barthel, also criticised former boss Carlo Ancelotti for his part in the loss of his client's top scorer title.
Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended up pipping Lewandowski by a single goal after the Poland captain failed to score in two of his last three games.
Speaking at a news conference before Bayern's trip to face RB Leipzig in the DFB Pokal second round on Wednesday, former striker Heynckes said: "If Robert has the chance to become top scorer then the whole team will play for him -- that I can promise you."
Heynckes, an ex-Real Madrid coach, said that he had no problem with Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Best FIFA Men's Player award on Monday because of his old club's back-to-back wins in the Champions League, but added: "I would always vote for Robert."
Heynckes also said Bayern captain Thomas Muller's injury is a "huge loss," adding "these type of unfortunate injuries happen and you have to compensate. I think he'll be back in three weeks, though."
Muller suffered a hamstring strain in Bayern's 1-0 victory over Hamburg on Saturday, which moved the reigning champions level on points with Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga.
Heynckes would not be drawn on who would replace Muller in the starting lineup for the trip to Leipzig.
"There's James [Rodriguez] and Thiago [Alcantara] but we have to ensure we have balance in midfield, both defensively and offensively," he said. "We also have players like [Corentin] Tolisso who like to get forward, while Arturo Vidal is always dangerous in front of goal. We have to take a few risks going forward and we also have to see if Javi Martinez can play, but we have many options, including Sebastian Rudy."
However, Heynckes confirmed centre-back Mats Hummels and winger Kingsley Coman will be able to start against Leipzig, while Martinez will return to the squad after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury.
Heynckes praised the Leipzig hierarchy for the way that they have built the club with sponsor Red Bull's money.
"You have to pay tribute to their excellent work," he said. "They have been competent and innovative with a clear strategy and structure in place. Of course, this has been helped by sponsoring but other Bundesliga clubs have similar possibilities. Their concept is clear -- young, talented, quick and athletic players. Considering they were only in the second division only a couple of years ago, they have done a lot right."
Heynckes said he expected a "dramatic, intensive game" against a "young, highly-talented team -- formed using modern footballing criteria."
He added: "It promises to be a footballing treat with brilliant players on each side."
Heynckes singled out Leipzig forward Timo Werner for special praise, adding: "He's an exceptional young German striking talent who has huge potential. He will be a great player."