It’s no secret that Xabi Alonso is Bayern Munich’s preferred candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel, but a new name has emerged. According to Florian Plettenberg, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is being discussed as an alternative to Alonso.
De Zerbi (44) can leave Premier League side Brighton in the summer due to a release clause, while Max Eberl holds the Italian coach in high regard. But should Alonso reject Bayern in favour of remaining at Bayer Leverkusen or joining Real Madrid/Liverpool, then the Rekordmeister will face competition from Barcelona for De Zerbi.
As reported by Sky Germany, Alonso is the “dream solution” for Bayern Munich, while initial talks with the Spaniard and his management have already taken place. Alonso is also a coach that Eberl wanted at Borussia Mönchengladbach three years ago, when the 42-year-old was coaching Real Sociedad B.
🔴🆕🔴 News De Zerbi: Alonso remains the absolute preferred solution for all of the FC Bayern bosses to replace Tuchel. Eberl wants him too. More talks will follow soon ✔️
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 27, 2024
➡️ However, Bayern consider a plan B and C if the Alonso plan falls through. And one of the coaches being… pic.twitter.com/rqVSyI2J5h
Who is Roberto de Zerbi?
Appointed as Brighton manager in 2022, De Zerbi operates a 4-2-3-1 formation. The 44-year-old, formerly of Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, averages 1.65 points per match, according to Transfermarkt.
De Zerbi remains one of the most sought after coaches in football at the moment, with Liverpool also showing an interest following the news that Jürgen Klopp would be departing at the end of the season.
Brighton currently sit seventh in the Premier League.
