Bayern Patient Over New Pep Deal as Lahm Steps Up His Recovery

Bayern Munich are keen to extend Pep Guardiola's stay as manager beyond his current deal, but admit they will not pressure the Spaniard into signing.

Guardiola, who is tied to the German champions until 2016, said late last year that he had no plans to sign a new deal at that stage.

Reports had claimed that Bayern were bracing themselves for the former Barcelona boss's departure but CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says the club will approach the matter with patience.

Speaking to a Catalan newspaper, ​Rummenigge revealed he had told Guardiola: "We will not bother you about extending the contract in the upcoming months.

"We will not do anything until the summer, and then we maybe talk in the second half of 2015."​

Guardiola has shown a preference for short-term deals in the past and Rummenigge added: "He can stay as long as he wants.

"Pep is not someone who needs security. He does not a five-year contract to know just how much money he earns at Bayern. That's not Pep Guardiola.

"Pep Guardiola lives for the present, and I accept that."

Meanwhile, Bayern captain Philipp Lahm says his recovery from an ankle injury is progressing as scheduled.

FC Bayern Muenchen - Training Session

The World Cup winner was sidelined for three months after picking up the injury during a training session in November and underwent surgery, which left him on crutches.

But following a course of intensive physiotherapy Lahm no longer needs the crutches and is currently using an exercise bike as he returns to full fitness.

​The 31-year-old told Bayern's official website:"It's all going to plan. I'm going really well.

"It feels great to be rid of the crutches and in a position to go for it again."

The versatile full-back is set to see a specialist in order to build up his stamina ahead of the Bundesliga's return to action later this month.