Hansi Flick has told David Alaba to “think twice” about leaving Bayern Munich, as speculation continues to link him with an exit.
The Austrian international’s deal with the European champions expires next summer, with the opportunity to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club in January.
Bayern are keen to keep hold of Alaba, who has spent almost his entire career with the German giants.
Thus far, several rounds of negotiations have failed as Alaba edges closer to ending a 12-year association with the club.
Bayern will be hoping for a better resolution than the one that saw Thiago Alcantara join Liverpool this summer, after turning down the offer of a new contract.
Flick has admitted that he wants Alaba to sign a new contract, but understands that ultimately, it is his decision.
The Bayern boss has also warned the defender to think very carefully about his next move, as they go searching for another Champions League crown this season.
"Against [Arminia] Bielefeld, Atletico [Madrid] and Eintracht [Frankfurt], Alaba is doing a good job,” the Bayern boss said.
“I feel he's the same as last season, very focused, loud on the pitch, one of the players who leads our defence. For me, there's no difference between now and last season.
"I'm not concerning myself with [worries about a January transfer] at all right now.
"I still hope he'll sign with Bayern because I think he knows what the situation is like here in Munich. It's a lot of fun to train with a team with a good atmosphere here, we play successful football and this club is one of the best in the world.
"The conditions are top for every player right now and I think he'll think twice about changing that.
"It's his decision - and we have to respect that, obviously.”
Alaba has been a near ever-present for Bayern this season, missing just one game through injury.
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