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Guardiola's final countdown after special show of love

Xinhua, November 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Of greatest importance for Bayern and its fans around the world is not Wednesday's match against Arsenal but the fate of coach Pep Guardiola on Nov. 27 when the club holds its annual general meeting. 

   The countdown regarding the future of the 44-year-old Spaniard is coming to a climax. Now many expect Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to announce a deal with Guardiola in form of a new two-year contract.     

   Despite rumors of secret offers from Arsenal and Manchester City for Guardiola, Bayern's captain Philipp Lahm a few days ago confronted the Spaniard with a message of love on behalf of his teammates who expressed their wish to continue working with the coach beyond next summer when his current contract expires. 

   "What he told me honored me. I have never experienced anything like it before in my career," said Guardiola. 

   Lahm told media, "As the captain if you have the feeling the team is working well with the coach, then it's my obligation to tell him.

   "We don't have a problem not knowing what will happen next summer as we have a goal this season to concentrate on." Lahm was talking about winning the Champions League and the German cup and league double. 

   Despite Lahm attempt to deny the club has a "coach problem", Guardiola's hesitation to come clear about his future is creating a bigger problem. In addition, Rummenigge and Guardiola a few months ago announced they would arrive at a decision by the end of the year. 

   Now many regard the annual general meeting as the last chance for Bayern and Guardiola to end all discussions. Besides the complex situation in Munich, the Spanish sports newspaper "Sport" assumed Guardiola would be on the verge of signing for another two years after his start in 2013. The Barcelona-based newspaper is said to have close contact with Guardiola's former club Barcelona and its officials. 

   While the football world is waiting for a clear statement, former German international Lothar Matthaeus renewed his criticism of Guardiola's behavior.

   "I really don't know what he is waiting for. I don't see a better club for him than Bayern," said the Germany's most caped player (150 caps). 

   Rumors emanating from Bayern insiders speak of a growing irritation of many of the club's officials at Guardiola's reticence. Counteracting the rumors spread by "Sport", Bayern told the public that no agreement has been reached with Guardiola so far.

   "There are a lot of positives about Bayern but other clubs are also very attractive. For me it has nothing to do with money," said Rummenigge.  

   Before a final decision is made, both Bayern and Guardiola maybe wait to see how the club progresses in its 2015/2016 Champions League campaign. In order to come top of Group F, Bayern needs to beat Arsenal. Having lost the away game against the Premier League club 2-0, a further defeat would drop them down to third in the group. Of their last four home games against the London club, Bayern has won three and lost one.

   Bayern has to return to winning ways against defensively-minded teams like Arsenal and Eintracht Frankfurt who held Guardiola's team to a 0-0 draw in the league. Munich's lead at the top of the table has as a result been cut to five points. Top-scorer Robert Lewandowski also failed to find the back of the net in the past two games.   

   "No doubt we have to find solutions, especially against teams who park the bus," said Bayern defender Jerome Boateng. "We have to win games like those as well."

   In order to avoid difficulties in the rematch against Arsenal who are expected to sit back deep, Guardiola may well change his team around. Meaning Thomas Mueller and David Alaba are expected to return which would leave Arturo Vidal and Kinsley Coman on the bench, like Rafinha. 

   "We have to be more efficient with our chances," said Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer in advance of his 75th Champions League appearance. And, when it comes to Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, Bayern won't have a problem with a defensively acting opponent as the Spaniard is convinced: "Arsenal will attack us." 

   According to Bayern striker Lewandowski, "Things will get easy for us when we win this game." If Bayern reinforce their position at the top of the group, they can concentrate on other challenges such as the Bundesliga and Guardiola's future. 

   Lahm is well aware of what they have to do to return to smooth waters. "We just have to show that we are the better team," he said.  Endi