Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has given under-fire coach Louis van Gaal until Christmas to improve the club's fortunes.
A 2-0 defeat to Bordeaux on Tuesday has seriously jeopardised Bayern's chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League while their Bundesliga form has been no better than under Van Gaal's predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann.
"I believe that our board has enough patience, at least up until the winter break," Beckenbauer told Sat.1 television. "If we lose every game between now and then, then certainly the board will have its considerations."
Beckenbauer remains convinced, however, that Van Gaal is the right man for the job and, unlike Klinsmann, has the experience to transform the club over the coming months.
"Van Gaal simply must be given the chance," he added. "I hold him in high esteem.
"Wherever he has worked, he has left good results behind. He will get things under control."
