Robert Lewandowski expected to remain at Bayern Munich, says Niko Kovac

New Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac says he expects Robert Lewandowski to remain at the club, despite the striker's desire to leave.

The Poland international has hired Pini Zahavi as his agent to help him negotiate a move away from the Bundesliga champions.

Zahavi told Sport Bild in May: "Robert feels he needs a change and a new challenge in his career. The managers of Bayern know about it."

But Kovac, speaking for the first time since replacing Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena, suggested Lewandowski would not be leaving the club.

"Nothing new about Robert Lewandowski," Kovac said when asked about the 29-year-old's future.

"I called him and gave him my point of view. I look forward to having him in the team.

"He is a great player, a world class striker who has done a lot for the club and will do a lot in the future. "

Kovac has returned to Bayern as manager after representing them as a player between 2001 and 2003, and he was enthusiastic about the challenge he faces.

He said: "I am looking forward to the task. I'm happy to be the new coach of Bayern.

"We have a great team and I aim to make the team better. They are great players and have great quality but I think I can make these players even better to achieve the goals that Bayern have set."

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