New Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovac remains hopeful that star striker Robert Lewandowski will still be at the club next season.
The 29-year-old Poland international has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the Allianz Arena, having scored 151 goals in 195 appearances in his four seasons with Bayern.
I think he's a world-class striker and I have told him how important he is for me and the team.
Niko Kovac
However, Kovac is keen to keep hold of Lewandowski, having taken charge of the German champions after guiding Eintracht Frankfurt to DFB-Pokal glory against his future employers.
He told reporters: "I think he's a world-class striker and I have told him how important he is for me and the team. I told him how much I rate him - every player, every person needs this.
"I am looking forward to working with him. He has done a lot for the club and will continue to do so in the future."
Meanwhile, Kovac is also keen to try and help midfielder Renato Sanches try and get his career back on track, with the Portuguese having made little impact in his two seasons with Bayern.
"He is a young player and young players always oscillate. You have to show some understanding as to why he wasn't able to integrate right away," Kovac added.
"I will try to integrate him so that it is much easier for him to perform and he feels much more at home here.
"I hope he accepts the challenge and gives it his all right from the start, then I am convinced that he will produce the type of performances that we expect from him."
Bayern are available at 1/7 to retain their Bundesliga crown next season, while they are 7/1 to triumph in the Champions League.
View all Soccer betting
New Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovac remains hopeful that star striker Robert Lewandowski will still be at the club next season.
The 29-year-old Poland international has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the Allianz Arena, having scored 151 goals in 195 appearances in his four seasons with Bayern.
I think he's a world-class striker and I have told him how important he is for me and the team.
Niko Kovac
However, Kovac is keen to keep hold of Lewandowski, having taken charge of the German champions after guiding Eintracht Frankfurt to DFB-Pokal glory against his future employers.
He told reporters: "I think he's a world-class striker and I have told him how important he is for me and the team. I told him how much I rate him - every player, every person needs this.
"I am looking forward to working with him. He has done a lot for the club and will continue to do so in the future."
Meanwhile, Kovac is also keen to try and help midfielder Renato Sanches try and get his career back on track, with the Portuguese having made little impact in his two seasons with Bayern.
"He is a young player and young players always oscillate. You have to show some understanding as to why he wasn't able to integrate right away," Kovac added.
"I will try to integrate him so that it is much easier for him to perform and he feels much more at home here.
"I hope he accepts the challenge and gives it his all right from the start, then I am convinced that he will produce the type of performances that we expect from him."
Bayern are available at 1/7 to retain their Bundesliga crown next season, while they are 7/1 to triumph in the Champions League.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com