Coach Thomas Tuchel has named the announcement of his summer departure at Bayern Munich as a chance for the team and himself for the rest of the season.
Bundesliga champions Bayern said on Wednesday in the wake of three defeats in a row that they would part ways with Tuchel after the season. Tuchel came to Bayern 11 months ago on a contract until 2025.
Bayern are eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Italy's Lazio to stay alive in the Champions League.
They face a first season without silverware since 2012, but Tuchel said in his first public statements on the eve of Saturday's match against RB Leipzig that the announcement could also be a turning point.
"There's clarity now, and clarity gives freedom. Freedom is always good, both for coaches and players," Tuchel told reporters.
"We love football and what we do. For me, it doesn't matter if my contract is for five weeks or five years. The only thing that matters is the here and now. The situation is different now, but that won't play a role. I love the job and obviously will do the job with the same energy as before.
"We have aims and will still try to win the league. We won't give up until it's finally over. We've got a second leg to come in the Champions League too - we are playing to go as far as we can there as well."
