Hansi Flick departure rumours gain strength after PSG defeat

BERLIN: All the evidence suggests that Hansi Flick will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

The 56-year-old Flick and club officials continue to avoid making a clear statement regarding the 2020 treble-winning coach's future, Xinhua news reports.

Reports speak of Flick's growing unrest regarding club structures as the relationship with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic seems to have reached a new low. Flick is demanding more influence when buying and selling players.

Only chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge spoke in favour of Flick, announcing: "The German association has to do without Flick."

While the 65-year-old will retire at the end of 2021, his designated successor Oliver Kahn, Salihamidzic, and Flick, all insisted on concentrating on finishing the current season on a high note.

Flick is said to be the association's first choice to follow in the footsteps of Joachim Loew, who announced his intention to step down as the German national team coach after being in charge for 15 years.

Reports speak of Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann as a likely Bayern target. But the 33-year-old has never left his clubs early. It is expected he will fulfill his contract that runs until 2023.

Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel is also said to be on Bayern's list.

A possible exit in the Champions League quarterfinals might increase the Bavarian's malaise after the reigning German champion lost 3-2 at home to Paris in the first leg.

Injuries to midfielder Leon Goretzka and defender Niklas Suele have increased Bayern's difficulties besides Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry being sidelined due to an injury and a positive Covid-test. Gnabry is currently in quarantine.

Flick must feel vindicated as he complained about the quality of the club's backup players. The current injury crisis seems to confirm Flick's concerns as Bayern needs to beat Paris by at last 2 goals in the second leg next Tuesday evening.

Having let in 50 goals in 42 competitive games this season, Bayern's defence has repeatedly shown that it requires an overhaul. IANS

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