Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness insists that captain Philipp Lahm is still a critical part of the first team amid rumours that he could retire next year.
Speculation has emerged in Germany that the World Cup-winning defender is in line to become the club's new sporting director if he calls time on his illustrious playing career at the end of the season.
"I would prefer Philipp Lahm to fulfil his contract as a player until June 30, 2018," Hoeness, who was re-elected as club president last week, told Sport Bild. "He is still an outstanding player that we need on the pitch.
"By 2018, we would have had enough time to look at the rest of the ways in which Philipp could be active within the club."
"The decision on the post of sporting director falls to the board," he said. "Karl-Heinz Rummenigge knows, of course, that I am always available for advice."
