Flick could keep Bayern job beyond winter break: Rummenigge

BERLIN: Bayern Munich chairman Karl-heinz Rummenigge on Sunday indicated for the first time that interim coach Hansi Flick will remain at the club until after the winter break.

“It is important that we have a coach who fits the team very well,” Rummenigge told reporters.

“I can imagine that we will continue with him beyond the winter.”

Flick enjoyed the most successful start to a coaching career in Bayern Munich’s history with four straight wins.

Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen was the first time Bayern had failed to keep a clean sheet under Flick.

Rummenigge suggested that Flick might have what it takes to stay in charge of the German champions for the long haul.

“The most important thing is the match plan and the quality of the game -- and Hansi Flick is doing it right,” he said.

“We are very satisfied with him... there’s a clear match plan.”

Rummenigge was unconcerned about the defeat against Leverkusen, saying he was impressed by the performance.

“If we continue to play like this, we will win our upcoming games,” he said.

“We had no luck -- you have to accept that. It is important that we don’t let ourselves be thrown off course too much.”

Bayern Munich’s next match is at Bundesliga leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach next Saturday, before facing Jose Mourinho’s resurgent Tottenham in the Champions League at the Allianz Arena.

Earlier, Leon Bailey scored twice as Bayern crashed 2-1 at home to 10-man Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

Mid-table Leverkusen finished with 10 men after defender Jonathan Tah saw a late red card for fouling Philippe Coutinho.

Flick, put in charge until at least January, had won his first four games with 16 goals scored and zero conceded — the best start by a coach in Bayern’s proud history.