Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stressed on Thursday that “no one is irreplaceable”, ahead of a decision on the future of coach Pep Guardiola.
“No one in the world is irreplaceable at a given time. Players come and go. That also goes for coaches,” said Rummenigge in Munich on Thursday at the announcement of a new sponsor for the German champions.
Guardiola, 44, is in the third and final year of his current contract and has said he would announce his future plans before Christmas with the Bundesliga set to start the winter break on December 20.
Rummenigge confirmed that a decision would be announced before Christmas.
“It is not intended to move that date. It was always said that a decision would be taken in 2015,” said the former German international.
“Maybe it’s good to have a bit of suspense,” continued the Bayern boss, adding that uncertainty concerning the coach would not prevent the players staying “very focused on their work”.
Captain Philipp Lahm said earlier this week: “If Guardiola leaves one day, for sure another excellent coach will come along, but first we have to see what happens.”
The Spaniard has won 19 titles as coach with both Barcelona and Bayern and has repeatedly been linked to a series of English Premier League clubs.
Bayern’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Champions League last month is the only time they have been beaten this season.