BERLIN, May 13-- While many German football fans are happy about the most exciting Bundesliga title race since 2009, Bayern Munich seem stuck in a crucial debate about the status of their coach. The future of Niko Kovac is said to be more uncertain than ever, despite the possibility of winning both the Bundesliga and the German Cup over the next two weeks. With only one Bundesliga matchday to go, Bayern are two points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, and take on RB Leipzig in the Cup final on May 25. Fans, pundits and media fear the uncertainty over Kovac's future could affect the Bavarians' chances of success. Media reports speak about Kovac departing after the 2018/2019 season despite having a contract until 2021. Rumors talk about Bayern's interest in Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick and Paris Saint Germain's Thomas Tuchel. The Bavarian club has been under fire since its leaders such as chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, president Uli Hoeness and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic refused to confirm the 47-year-old as next season's coach. After Bayern's goalless draw in the penultimate league game against Leipzig, media and pundits opened fire on Bayern's bosses. The news magazine Focus said Kovac deserves to be treated better. Die Welt headlined: "Bayern's policy regarding Kovac is dishonorable," while the tabloid Bild demanded: "Start telling him the truth!" Sport1 and several other commentators suggested Kovac should resign after the season regardless of any possible success, while football magazine Kicker said Rummenigge is choosing the wrong time to question Kovac. |