Bayern hope Pep stays

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge feels the German champions will be able to convince Pep Guardiola to stay when contract talks get underway in the coming weeks.

Guardiola's future beyond the end of his contract in June 2016 is unclear amid long-term reports that he will leave for English Premier League side Manchester City.

But Bayern's CEO, also the head of the European Club Association, has expressed his optimism that the Spanish coach could extend his stay in Germany.

"One thing is clear: we have a good team. And a good team needs a good coach," Rummenigge said in an interview with the DPA news agency.

"We had one in Jupp Heynckes, and we have one now in Pep Guardiola. I am definitely optimistic that Pep will stay beyond June 30, 2016.

"The coach feels good. He has a good team. It helps to have Munich as a city. There's a lot going for Pep Guardiola deciding for Bayern Munich."

Guardiola has won back-to-back championships in Munich since arriving in 2013. However, his side have been knocked of the Champions League at the semifinal stage in two successive seasons.

Rummenigge celebrates his 60th birthday tomorrow and told German newspaper "BILD" that one of his wishes is to 'win the Champions League with Pep Guardiola'.

Meanwhile, Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer called on the club's coach to confirm his future before the end of 2015 to give the champions suitable time to find a replacement.

"We all want him to stay," the German football legend said at the start of the month. "But he should decide by the end of the year, otherwise it will be difficult.

"Guardiola has given the team a new playing culture, a new face. That looks pretty good."

rd (dpa, sid)