Barcelona midfielder opines on 50-year-old managerial target: “One of the best coaches in Europe”

Earlier today, Bayern Munich officially confirmed that Thomas Tuchel will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Things have not been going well for the Bavarians under the 50-year-old this season and they decided to part ways in the summer.

Barcelona will be keeping a close eye on the situation for Tuchel is one of a number of managers that they are looking at to replace Xavi Hernandez.

The Catalans are leaning towards a German manager at the insistence of president Joan Laporta and have the likes of Hansi Flick and Tuchel on their shortlist, while Roberto De Zerbi is one of the non-Italian candidates seen as a prominent contender.

Gundogan gives his opinion on Tuchel

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with DPA (h/t SPORT), Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan gave his opinion on Tuchel, claiming that his compatriot is one of the best coaches going around in Europe.

Gundogan briefly worked with Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund and only had good things to say about the 50-year-old manager who won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.

“I am very surprised that Bayern are struggling now. With Thomas Tuchel they have one of the best coaches in Europe,” the Barcelona midfielder said.

“I can only say positive things about him when we were at Dortmund. He is outstanding tactically and extremely honest and open. Personally, I got on very well with him,” he added.

Tuchel leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season means he will be up for grabs if Barcelona choose to go down that route in the summer.

However, as mentioned earlier, the likes of Flick and De Zerbi also remain in the picture and the decision will be up to Deco and Laporta.