By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich's power struggle between sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and coach Hansi Flick seems to be at a crossroads.

Ahead of the Bavarians' UEFA quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain this Tuesday, the unrest at the 2020 treble winners has reached a new peak.

Vital players such as Robert Lewandowski, Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer have taken up a position in favor of 56-year-old Flick, who is demanding more influence regarding the team's transfer policy.

The struggle between two key leaders is said to be going in the direction of Flick. The coach and the sporting director have fought a battle in recent years over influence and competencies.

Salihamidzic has come under fire due to a relatively unsuccessful transfer policy over the past years, internal sources say. The 44-year-old seems in danger of losing his job before his contract expires in summer 2023.

"Hansi Flick is the right coach for us. I am pleased if things continue with him in charge," team captain Neuer stated. Before Neuer, Lewandowski said he hopes to achieve future success together with Flick, who enjoys a high reputation in the Bavarians' squad.

Kimmich recently said the battling between the two must stop as it may harm the team's progress.

Flick recently complained about Salihamidzic' actions. "It is obvious we had a stronger team last season," the coach commented.

After a stressful 2020, Bayern is currently suffering with injuries to several key players. The club's B-team performers don't seem to have the quality to fill the gaps.

The disappointing 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga encounter against Union Berlin seems to have increased tensions.

Bayern is in danger of an early exit in the Champions League after losing the first leg against PSG 3-2 at home.

Rumors about Flick's possible departure at the end of this season have increased unrest at Bayern. The head coach is said to be a potential candidate to succeed of German national team coach Joachim Low.

The 61-year-old will depart after this summer's delayed 2020 European Championships after 15 years in charge.

Former German international Oliver Kahn is expected to take over at Bayern to replace outgoing Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The former striker will retire at the end of this year, but the transfer of power is said to be already underway.

Kahn is said to be in favor of Flick, as is Bayern president Herbert Hainer.

Flick won six titles last season and is said to enjoy a close relationship with his players. The former German association assistant coach unsuccessfully opposed the club's actions to allow David Alaba and Boateng to leave after this season.

Despite the internal struggle, Flick faces the delicate task of turning things around on the pitch against PSG without his spearhead Lewandowski.

Next to the Pole, Serge Gnabry is sidelined due to a positive COVID-19 test. Niklas Sule, Douglas Costa, Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka are also in danger of missing the PSG match due to minor injuries. Enditem

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