Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness says he expects coach Ottmar Hitzfeld to leave the club at the end of the season.

Hitzfeld, whose contract expires in June, has led Bayern to the top of the Bundesliga going into the winter break, although they have taken only 10 points from the last 21, scoring a meagre four goals.

"It is to be expected that he will not be staying, although he will be here until June," Hoeness told Bild.

Hitzfeld and the Bayern board have a meeting scheduled for this month, after which a statement will be made on his future.

The 58-year-old is known to be considering an offer to take over as coach of Switzerland when the position becomes available after Euro 2008.

Hitzfeld, in his second spell as Bayern boss after taking over from Felix Magath in February, has seen his relationship with the club's directors deteriorate in recent weeks.

Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge criticised his tactics during a 2-2 UEFA Cup draw with Bolton, prompting Hitzfeld to respond: "When the club president publicly criticizes his coach, the pleasure (of doing the job) is no longer the same."

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport