Although Bayern secured the title with three games of the season remaining, Hitzfeld admitted it was nowhere near as easy as it appeared.

"It has been a special season because the expectation levels were so high," he said.

"We invested a lot and so the pressure was extremely high.

"But when you become German champions, then it certainly feels like justification.

"I am delighted for the whole club that we have managed to become Germany's number one again."

Nevertheless, Hitzfeld will not be around next season.

His future at the club was resolved in January when his contract, which expires in June, was not extended.

Jurgen Klinsmann will take over in July and Hitzfeld wished his successor well.

"I am happy to be able to hand over a super team to Jurgen Klinsmann," he added.

"With them, he will be playing right at the top again next season."

That is often the case with Bayern Munich, although not last season, when Hitzfeld inherited a struggling side from Felix Magath in the New Year and was unable to lead them any higher than fourth in the table.

And it was in Magath's new home, Wolfsburg, where Bayern's 21st title was confirmed on Sunday.

A 0-0 draw was enough for Bayern, who left Lower Saxony with Magath's compliments.

"I congratulate FC Bayern and particularly their coach because I know how hard it is to win the Bundesliga and the Cup in one season," he said.

Magath managed that trick two years running in 2005 and 2006, and now the onus is on Klinsmann to follow suit.