At FC Bayern, the search for a successor to basketball coach Svetislav Pesic appears to be taking shape. Uli Hoeneß has now spoken surprisingly openly about Munich’s preferred candidate.
The search for a new head coach for FC Bayern Basketball has been underway for months. After Svetislav Pesic announced that he would end his coaching career after the 2025–26 season, club officials have been working intensively on finding his successor.
Now, Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, has publicly commented on the matter—and made a remarkably clear statement.
During halftime of the decisive fifth game of the Basketball Bundesliga finals between FC Bayern and ALBA Berlin, Hoeneß told Dyn: “I personally believe that we’ll have Anton Gavel here as our coach next year.”
In doing so, the 74-year-old indirectly confirmed what has long been considered an open secret in basketball circles. Gavel is seen as Munich’s top choice to succeed Pesic.
Dispute over possible move escalates
However, the potential move by the former Bayern player has been the subject of discussion for weeks.
Gavel is currently still under contract with the Bamberg Baskets. His contract actually runs through 2027. It recently came to light that the 41-year-old apparently intends to legally challenge his contract to facilitate a move to Munich.
Particularly sharp criticism came from Bamberg’s co-owner Michael Stoschek.
“He’s the one breaking the contract. He’s the one coming up with the technicality—which was brought to his attention—that the digital signature isn’t valid due to a lack of confirmation, and he’s presented us with the notice of termination,” Stoschek explained in an interview with BILD.
According to this, Gavel is reportedly citing a possible procedural error in the signing of the contract.
In addition, Stoschek leveled serious accusations against FC Bayern.
“I think it’s absolutely unfair that the largest and financially strongest sports club in Europe is taking away Bamberg’s key coach in this way,” he said.
Hoeneß is hoping for an amicable resolution
Hoeneß also appeared to be familiar with the public dispute. However, the longtime Bayern chairman avoided any escalation and instead advocated for an amicable solution.
“I believe we have to try to find a diplomatic solution—with the goal of having Anton here with us next year.”
With this, Hoeneß made it clear that the Munich club continues to plan firmly with Gavel.
The former national team player knows the club inside and out. Between 2014 and 2018, he played for FC Bayern Basketball himself and is highly regarded in Munich.
Despite Hoeneß’s clear words, it remains to be seen whether the move will actually happen. One thing is certain, however: The honorary president has publicly stated for the first time who he would like to see on the FC Bayern bench in the future.