Sticking with Sammer, hopeful for Hoeness

According to statements made by club President Karl Hopfner on Wednesday, Bayern Munich remain hopeful that Uli Honess – currently serving a prison sentence for tax evasion – will be able to take on a role in the club's youth academy starting in January.

"That was his own wish, to work at the youth level," said Hopfner, who succeeded Hoeness as Bayern's President.

"We're all looking forward to that," continued Hopfner. "I think it would be an unbelievable relief for him to come into a different rhythm here and be with the club again."

Hoeness has been serving a three-and-a-half year sentence because of tax evasion since June. A role in Bayern's youth division would be dependant on the 62-year-old receiving parole. If he does, he would be released to go to a job during the day but would be required to return to the prison every night.

Hopfner would not speculate on what Hoeness' exact role would be in Bayern's youth program, saying that would have to be discussed with Hoeness first.

Sammer extends contract

The speculation about Hoeness' future with the club came as Hopfner announced a contract extension for Bayern's sporting director, Matthias Sammer. The deal extends Sammer's current contract an additional three years to May, 2018.

“FC Bayern have an established reputation for maintaining continuity in the management of the club and that will remain the same in the future," Hofpner said. "We are happy Matthias will continue as sporting director for an additional three years.”

“I promise to carry on my work with the same levels of passion and intensity as before," said Sammer. "We're all aiming to achieve a lot at FC Bayern. I want to play my part in achieving our targets."

With regard to the potential return of Hoeness to Bayern Munich, Sammer said "at this point I just hope he's doing well."

Guardiola: 'Crazy in a good way'

Sammer has been with the club in his role as sporting director since 2012. Prior to that, he held the same position with the German Football Association (DFB). In his first season with the club, Sammer saw Bayern win the triple of Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League titles.

Of the current work with Bayern's Spanish head coach, Pep Guardiola, Sammer said on Wednesday it was a joy to work with him.

"He's a coaching genius; a little crazy in a positive sense," Sammer said. "I can only say it's a lot of fun to go down this path with him."

mz/al (dpa, sid)