Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has had enough of his club's coach Louis van Gaal and virtually given the Bavarian club an ultimatum that either the Dutchman goes or he will seek a transfer.
The Italy striker has struggled to make a positive impression on Van Gaal, who has left him on the sidelines for much of this season even since he recovered from injury. And the 32-year-old now says enough is enough.
"I have had problems with him for four months now and there is a limit to everything,'' he told Italy's Rai television. Our relationship is as good as over.
"I wish all the good in the world to Bayern. I would like to return to play in Italy to score the goals which would get me back into the national team. I am still the striker who has scored the most goals (of those still active) for the national team.''
Van Gaal is under immense pressure with Bayern lying seventh in the Bundesliga, six points adrift of leaders Bayer Leverkusen. And they could be eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday night if Juventus win at Bordeaux.
Van Gaal has also managed to isolate the club's record signing Mario Gomez this season by leaving him on the bench. However, while Gomez has only lightly criticised the Dutchman for leaving him out, Toni's explicit attack leaves the club's bosses with a decision to make.
Since it now seems impossible for Van Gaal and Toni to cohabit at the Bavarian club, one will almost certainly have to leave, although the question is when.
Van Gaal has been given carte blanche until Christmas, but premature elimination from the Champions League tomorrow night may prompt a rethink, even if general manager Uli Hoeness is calling for calm.
"It's amazing how quick people are to judge people,'' he told Bavarian television. "All of us, at the club and in the media, are far too impatient with regards to our team. The way speculation has been spreading recently is absurd.
"We have never internally discussed sacking Van Gaal. We have analysed the situation together with him and we have assured him our complete backing, and we will try to resolve all the problems together calmly.''
And following Toni's remarks last night, they have another problem to deal with ahead of tomorrow night's pivotal match at the Allianz Arena.
