Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has claimed that Hansi Flick, current boss of the German champions, will leave the club in the summer to replace Joachim Low. It was announced last month that Low will be leaving the position of Germany Head Coach after the Euros in July. Flick’s name has now been thrown into the mix by Matthaus.
FROM APPRENTICE TO MASTER
Flick has good history with the German national team. He was assistant to Low for eight years from 2006 to 2014. The duo were in-charge for the World Cup win in Brazil in 2014. He moved to the role of Sporting Director post the world cup triumph until 2017 before becoming assistant to Niko Kovac at Bayern in 2019.
BILD asked Hansi Flick after last night's game whether Bayern need a major squad upheaval in the summer. Flick said: "These are things that we will discuss internally" [Bild]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 14, 2021
He replaced Kovac in 2019 and has made commendable changes since taking over at the Allianz Arena. Bayern have won six trophies under Flick’s leadership, including a treble last season.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE
The Bavarians however stumbled in their defense of the Champions League, crashing out to PSG in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. Combined with a shock loss to Holstein Kiel in the DFB Pokal Cup means that Bayern have only the Bundesliga left to compete in this season.
Defeat ends Hansi Flick's unbeaten run as Bayern coach in this competition (W15 D1 L1)#UCL pic.twitter.com/cYMStxQp95
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 7, 2021
There have also been reports of growing discontent between Hasan Salihamidzic, Bayern’s sporting director, and Flick over future plans. The manager is disappointed with the lack of depth in the squad and lethargy by the club in the transfer market. Flick’s decision to throw in Javi Martinez as striker against PSG late on felt like a statement to his club’s authorities.
GERMAN ESCAPE
Although there is no official communication, Matthaus believes that Flick taking over from Low is only a matter of time.
I’m convinced that Hansi Flick will not still be Bayern coach next season. The DFB wants Hansi Flick as a long-term solution and has made him an offer
Flick is under contract in Bavaria until 2023 but should the opportunity come, one would expect that he will take it.