By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- 2013 Champions League champions Bayern Munich are under pressure to find a suitable manager before the start of next season. After returning from the club's training camp in Qatar, the 72-year-old Jupp Heynckes doubled down on his decision to leave at the end of the 2017/2018 season.
"There won't be a change of mind regarding my future," Heynckes commented.
Time is running out for the German champions, as the pool of candidates is getting smaller. Bayern is also under the added pressure of an aging squad.
Club legends like Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben are reaching the twilight of their careers and a new manager will have to provide certainty to senior players, but also look toward building the next generation of Bayern superstars.
Appointing a new manager at Bayern is complicated, as the Bayern leaders'job description contains an experienced German speaking protagonist. From a coach's perspective, the job in Munich is the most demanding in German football.
It is not only the 290,000 Bayern club members and millions of fans who are anxiously awaiting news, but also the entire football community.
When it comes to club president Uli Hoeness, the solution is simple as the former striker favors Heynckes to stay one more year. Turning 66 last week, Hoeness' birthday wish to change Heynckes' mind was in vain. Heynckes pleased his friend with warm congratulations but insisted on departing in June 2018.
Despite Heynckes' announcement, Bayern insiders report about the club leaders' ongoing attempt to convince their first choice to stay longer. According to reports, Hoeness and head of board Karl-Heinz Rummenigge are still optimistic about their chances of success with their sweet talking.
Current squad members praise Heynckes after 15 victories in 16 games.
"Bayern and I discuss all sorts of things including the new coach. I am sure my opinion counts," Heynckes said. Heynckes called the future of Ribery and Robben a case for the new coach.
While German national coach Joachim Loew is not available, Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann announced to obey orders from club owner Dietmar Hopp to stay at least until 2019. Next to Bayern Borussia Dortmund was rumored to be interested for next summer.
Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl told German media he regards himself as not experienced enough to take over a famous club like Bayern. "I will need more experience to address the needs of a club of that quality," the Austrian emphasized. Hasenhuettl announced he is considering extending his contract with the East-Germans.
Eintracht Frankfurt Sports Director Fredi Bobic said current Frankfurt coach Nico Kovac is going to stay as he is pleased with his job. Kovac media manager and former Bayern Munich media director Markus Hoerwick noted Bayern is still a size too big and an in-between step for his client is inevitable before coaching a top side.
Bobic assumed Bayern might have to extend its search to other countries.
When talking about a native speaker, only former Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel and Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp come into question.
Ten years ago Bayern decided to sign former German national coach Juergen Klinsmann instead of Klopp, as Klopp seemed to be too inexperienced that time. In 2018, things have changed, but the 50-year-old has a valid contract running until 2022 in Liverpool. Klopp's management denied contact with Munich officials.
Former Bayern professional and 1990 World Champion German Klaus Augenthaler said he regards Klopp as the best choice in case Heynckes is leaving. Pundits report Klopp is Bayern's first choice for a Heynckes replacement.
Regarding Tuchel former German international and Bayern captain, Lothar Matthaeus told German media he is convinced Tuchel is not going to be Bayern's next coach.
