Football
ESPN staff 7y

Bayern Munich's Uli Hoeness would 'prefer' Philipp Lahm not to retire

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has called on club captain Philipp Lahm to honour his playing contract before considering a post-playing career.

Lahm, 33, has been tipped to take over as Bayern's new sporting director should he retire at the end of the season, a year before his contract ends.

But Hoeness, newly re-elected to his position at the Bundesliga champions' helm, wants the former Germany international to carry on playing.

"I would prefer Philipp Lahm to fulfil his contract as a player until June 30, 2018," Hoeness told Sport Bild. "He is still an outstanding player that we need on the pitch.

"By 2018, we would have had enough time to look at the rest of the ways in which Philipp could be active within the club."

The position has been vacant since Matthias Sammer's departure in the summer for personal reasons. And while Hoeness made it clear it wasn't his responsibility to make an appointment he is happy to help CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in his search.

"The decision on the post of sporting director falls to the board," he added. "Karl-Heinz Rummenigge knows, of course, that I am always available for advice."

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