Just a few weeks ago, Bayern Munich confirmed that Thomas Tuchel would be departing the club at the end of the season. With Bayer Leverkusen flying high, the Bundesliga title was certainly out of reach for Bayern, and Die Werkself have since gone on to be crowned German champions.
This left Der Rekordmiester on the hunt for Tuchel’s successor; however, they have been rejected at every corner. Originally, Xabi Alonso, Bayern’s main target, committed his future to Leverkusen, turning down a return to the club he once called home as a player.
Now, Julian Nagelsmann is the latest to decline Bayern’s advances, extending his contract with the DFB, ensuring that he will remain in charge of the German national team until the 2026 World Cup. It had previously been reported that Nagelsmann was close to agreeing a deal with record champions, but the support of Rudi Völler has convinced the former Bayern head coach otherwise.
Der Rekordmiester are now slowly running out of options, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi the only candidate yet to make a decision on his future. However, due to the poor form recently displayed by the Premier League side, questions are being asked of the Italian head coach, and whether Bayern want to take a risk on his services is not yet known.
Therefore, where does this leave Tuchel? Speaking prior to Bayern’s clash with Union Berlin on Saturday evening, Tuchel commented on his future:
“I have an agreement with the club; it has been communicated, and it stands.”
This would suggest that the former Borussia Dortmund head coach does not intend to remain in charge of the Bavarian giants beyond this season. Regardless, if Bayern are to win the Champions League under his stewardship, they should do everything within their power to keep him on board.
Currently, there are few head coaches available that would be able to match the success achieved by Tuchel in his career. He has proven his ability in the Champions League, having reached the final with PSG before winning the competition with Chelsea, and he has now guided Bayern to a semi-final.
While domestically, the record champions have yet to consistently impress under Tuchel, it is clear that changes will be made to the playing squad in the summer. If Bayern can reach an agreement with Tuchel to remain in charge while building a squad to suit his style, then the dominant Bayern may just return.
GGFN | Will Shopland
