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6 months ago
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Arriving on the Munich bench at the end of March 2023 to succeed Julian Nagelsmann, dismissed to everyone's surprise, Thomas Tuchel will not complete his contract, supposed to end on June 30, 2025 with Bayern Munich. Faced with an unprecedented crisis in view of the disappointing results which followed at the start of the calendar year, culminating in a slap on the pitch of Bayer Leverkusen (0-3, 21st day of the Bundesliga) which seriously thwarted his chances in winning the title, the Recorder decided to stop the bleeding by announcing the departure of the coach who worked for Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea at the end of the current financial year. “After open discussions, we came to the conclusion to end our joint work in the summer”explained in particular the chairman of the management board, Christian Dreesen, via an official press release.
With the German technician's departure confirmed in the coming months, Bayern Munich began looking for his worthy heir. From then on, the first eyes were on Xabi Alonso. Called to the rescue in October 2022 at a time when Bayer Leverkusen was on the verge of collapse, the Spanish coach has since worked miracles at the head of the Werkself, undisputed leaders of the Bundesliga and still in the race in the Europa League as well as in German Cup. The profile and work of the Iberian being particularly appreciated by the Munich leaders, the latter went out of their way to find strong arguments likely to make the main interested party bend, insistently courted in the four corners of Europe. But after several days of reflection, Xabi Alonso came to the decision by indicating, this Friday, that he would remain at the head of Bayer Leverkusen beyond the current season.
While Bayern Munich thought they were at the right end of the rope to enlist the native of Tolosa, they are back at square one. From now on, the Munich management led by the Max Eberl – Christoph Freund tandem must look for other alternatives to the Spaniard. To the extent that other European leaders find themselves in a similar situation, like Liverpool or FC Barcelona who will also part ways with their respective coaches at the end of the season, Bayern Munich expects to have to play games. elbows with the competition to unearth the rare pearl. According to the German press, the German club had prepared for the possibility of failing in the Xabi Alonso case and therefore drew up a short-list with several names likely to recover Thomas Tuchel's position. In this perspective, two contenders emerge: Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann.
Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann are the new favorites
Posted at Brighton since 2022 after having completed his classes with Italy (Foggia, Palermo, Sassuolo) before a short freelance in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, the 44-year-old coach is one of the coaches in vogue on the old continent. This rise in power stems from his excellent work with the Seagulls, who managed to secure a sixth place in the Premier League last season – their best result ever recorded in the English elite -, synonymous with qualification for the Europa League. With a style of play based on possession and building from the back, the Transalpin is considered a serious option. But doubts nevertheless persist within the Bavarian management regarding the linguistic aspect according to Kicker (Roberto De Zerbi does not speak German and speaks little English).
The fact that he is under contract until 2026 with the Sussex team, who will not let him leave unless he pays his release clause, may also constitute a brake for Bayern Munich. In the event that the track leading to the Italian takes lead in the wing, the Recorder could consider recalling Julian Nagelsmann to the bench according to information from Sky Sports. Inducted at the head of the German national team in place of Hans-Dieter Flick, the native of Landsberg am Lech now seems to have found his cruising speed in view of the performances achieved by the Mannschaft on the occasion of the international break in March. His contract ending next July, the former coach of RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim was recently questioned by the German media about his future. As such, he has not closed the door to an extension while the German Federation is pushing internally to keep him.
Ralf Rangnick in ambush…
Despite everything, the uncertainties around the future of Julian Nagelsmann leave room for speculation about his possible return to Bavaria. Especially since contacts have already been initiated between the two parties even if we prefer to remain cautious across the Rhine on this subject. Finally, another name has recently been mentioned in Bavaria. According to Kicker, Ralf Rangnick is now one of the alternatives considered by the Munich team. In charge of the Austrian selection, the 65-year-old manager is also doing a fabulous job with the Burschen, qualified for Euro 2024 at the end of an almost perfect qualifying campaign. Although this is not the first time that his name has been mentioned in Bavaria (it had already been mentioned in 2019), the ex-Manchester United coach has points to make. In addition to the fact that he has a perfect command of the language, the native of Backnang has an excellent relationship with Christoph Freund having officiated alongside him during his time in Salzburg between 2013 and 2015.
It remains to be seen whether the one who automatically extended his lease with Austria will be tempted by a new challenge within a club. Obviously, Bayern Munich is obliged to roll up its sleeves to find a coach worthy of the name. Especially since the choice of the new coach could have an impact on the future of certain executives, like Joshua Kimmich, not necessarily closed to the idea of leaving this summer while he remains in the viewfinder of FC Barcelona. During an exclusive interview on the antennas of Sky Sportsthe new sporting director of the reigning German champion indicated that a decision would be made in April. “As soon as possible. We are arriving in April. It would be nice if we could do it in April. Without ever stopping. And if it takes longer, then it will take longer. We want to make the best decision”, confided Max Eberl the day before. To be continued…
