Bayern in turmoil: Flick leaving; Nagelsmann on the way

BERLIN -- Oliver Kahn will have looked through his schedule away after Bayern Munich's Champions League quarterfinal exit against Paris Saint-Germain. The 51-year-old finds himself facing delicate challenges.

The most pressing question is about coach Hansi Flick's future and, as a side effect, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic's too. After months of deep tension between the two, it seems inevitable that one will leave.

Fans' demands seem clear as surveys suggest over 90 percent want Salihamidzic to depart.

But things don't seem to be developing in line with the supporters' wishes.

Former Bayern captain Lothar Matthaeus is convinced Flick has already decided to call it a day at Munich due to club officials' lack of support.

The 60-year-old said the German association had contacted Flick to appoint him as the successor of Joachim Loew and Bayern is in advanced talks with Nagelsmann.

Other internal sources speak of Flick being annoyed by his club's policy. The 56-year-old unsuccessfully demanded to be heard when it comes to transfers. Considering Bayern's coaches over the past decades, they generally had the last word when deciding about new arrivals.

After the painful quarterfinal exit, Flick mentioned a possible job at the helm of the German national team. The four-minute monologue was seen by many as being his farewell statement.

"My family will always support me no matter if I work for the German association," Flick stated. "I love the job as a coach. You always think about what challenges face you next."

Some sources say Bayern is freezing out its coach despite having won six trophies last season.

The former Bayern president and still influential Uli Hoeness is said to back Salihamidzic. Inside the club, amazement is growing about Salihamidzic's working patterns.

The 44-year-old not only annoyed full-back David Alaba, trying to include him in a swap deal with Manchester City to get Leroy Sane, but told Jerome Boateng two hours in advance of the first leg against Paris, his contract won't be extended, and he has to leave.

Alaba spoke about a lack of respect.

As a TV pundit Hoeness said, he wouldn't consider Boateng for Germany's Euro squad. Flick replied it has been Bayern's policy for decades to back his players no matter how difficult the situation is.

Reports say Hoeness is trying to keep a power base in the background after having been in a struggle with fellow official Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for several years.

Former Bayern coach Niko Kovac supported Flick by saying he never had less influence regarding transfers than at Bayern. The 49-year-old current Monaco manager said coaches must be included in transfer actions.

Flick spoke about six remaining games in the national league to secure the club's ninth consecutive title. "That's what keeps my mind busy now despite the disappointment in the Champions League," the Bayern coach said.

Flick made it clear that injuries and COVID infections have weakened his squad over the last stressful months. The coach's statements can be seen as a criticism of Salihamidzic's transfer policy as he signed several players Flick didn't want and that haven't been used in recent games.