Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that he will do everything in his power to persuade Austrian defender David Alba and Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara to stay with the German champion.
Press reports linked Thiago to the England champions, Liverpool, as the Pope did not renew his contract with the Bavarian club, which ends in 2021.
"I will definitely do everything in my power to ensure that two players remain at their same potential with the team," Flick said after crowning the German Cup title on Saturday evening by winning the final against Bayer Leverkusen 4/2.
"I hope to keep these two prominent players, even if I knew it was not that easy for Thiago."
Thiago, 29, has played for Bayern since 2013, when he was hired from Barcelona on the recommendation of former Spanish coach Pep Guardiola.
As for the father, he joined Bayern at the age of sixteen in 2008 and spent his entire career with the Bavarian club, except for a short loan period in Hoffenheim.