Kovac out, Wenger in? Crisis-hit Bayern announce press conference

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The reigning Bundesliga champions find themselves in an uncharacteristic slump, with that dip sparking suggestions that change could be on the way

Bayern Munich are to hold a press conference on Friday in which they will address the uncertainty surrounding Niko Kovac’s future, with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger being linked with a role at the Allianz Arena.

The German giants, on the back of six successive Bundesliga titles, find themselves stuck in an uncharacteristic slump.

A four-game winless run heading into the international break has Bayern sat sixth in the table, four points adrift of leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Pressure has built on Kovac as he struggles to inspire those at his disposal, with calls for change on the field and in the dugout starting to mount in intensity.

Bayern have fuelled the speculation regarding a possible managerial change just a few months after handing Kovac the reins, with club officials set to face the media on Friday.

President Uli Hoeness, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic will be leading the conference at 12pm local time.

The last time those three joined forces at a press call was to announce the return of Jupp Heynckes as coach.

It has been suggested that a similar call could be made this season, with Wenger among those to have been mooted as a possible successor to Kovac.

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The experienced Frenchman has been out of work since bringing a 22-year reign at Arsenal to a close over the summer.

Wenger has been quizzed on the Bayern rumours and stopped short of ruling himself out of a future role in Bavaria.

He told Bild when discussing the current situation at Bayern: “It’s important that Hoeness and Rummenigge organise the transition.

“I think the power should stay within ex players. People like Philipp Lahm and Oliver Kahn, it’s important that they take over. Football lives within you. You don’t learn that at university.

Wenger was, however, reluctant to rule himself into contention for a position at Bayern if one becomes available, adding: “That’s not a topic for me. Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge trusted Niko Kovac and they have to hold on to him.”

It is expected that Bayern will offer their backing to Kovac at Friday’s press conference.

He penned a three-year contract upon succeeding Heynckes and is not expected to see that agreement broken after a matter of months.

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