Carlo Ancelotti hopes that Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm will continue his playing career for the foreseeable future.
Speculation in Germany has grown that the influential captain may be ready to hang up his boots at the end of the season and take up a role as sporting director at the Allianz Arena.
"I think Lahm is currently a very important player for this team and this also applies to next year," he told a news conference ahead of Bayern's trip to Mainz on Friday.
"He's in good shape, I hope I can train him for the next few years.
"Lahm may be a player, a coach or a sports director. I hope he will still be a player next year."
"I was happy that Ribery has extended his contract," Ancelotti added.
"He is, like Robben, an important player. The talks are being held by the club, I have said my opinion internally."
