Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has been tipped to leave the Bundesliga giants in the wake of their UEFA Champions League exit. This is according to Lothar Matthaus, claiming that Tuesday's elimination at the hands of PSG will convince him to bring a premature end to his successful spell at the Allianz Arena.
It has only been two months since the German tactician completed a historic sextuple, beating Tigres UANL in the FIFA Club World Cup final back in February to lift his sixth trophy in 18 months. However, his tenure could be short-lived.
The Bavarians are well on their way to another Bundesliga title, but much to their dismay, their European title defense was brought to an end in the quarterfinals. While die Roten won 1-0 at the Parc des Princes in the 2nd leg, the Lewandowski-less Bayern crashed out on away goals after losing 3-2 at home.
The Bundesliga champions played well, and on another night, had Serge Gnabry and their lethal Polish striker been available, the title holders could have gone through. However, Matthaus argues that the UCL elimination will only persuade the manager to leave the club for one position that has been offered to him: the German national team job.
Joachim Low announced a while back that he will be stepping down as die Mannschaft boss after this summer's European Championship, with the likes of Klopp and Flick being linked with the role. The 1990 World Cup winner has confirmed that Flick is in the running to replace Low and adds that he is the German FA's top candidate.
"I already said two weeks ago that in my opinion, this is Hansi Flick's last season," Matthaus told Sky in Germany (as per Sky Sports). "I've said that Hansi Flick is right at the top of the DFB [German Football Federation] list, and then nothing else for a long time. There's an offer from the DFB, yes.
"So, they want Hansi Flick and I think - or rather, I'm convinced - that Hansi Flick will no longer be Bayern coach after this season.
"That means the last game against Augsburg at home will be Hansi Flick's last game as head coach of Bayern."
Matthaus even went on to claim Bayern have held discussions with Flick's potential successor at the Allianz Arena. That man is none other than Julian Nagelsmann, RB Leipzig's young but highly-rated coach.
"Munich have already chatted a bit with [Julian] Nagelsmann, including about financial matters," the former die Mannschaft defender went on to say.
"Before the start of this season, Flick said that the coach should have a vote on new signings, which I think is right. As a coach, what am I going to do with players who I perhaps don't want?
"I think it's got too much for Hansi, and then the offer, the opportunity is there to become Jogi Low's successor."
It should be noted that Nagelsmann has rubbished Matthaus claims, saying that no talks were held with the Bavarians while admitting to having "no idea where Lothar got this information from". As a result, these claims should be taken with a pinch of salt.
