A 3-0 win at home to Lazio on Tuesday evening ensured Bayern Munich’s progression into the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Having to come back from a 1-0 deficit in the first leg, Thomas Tuchel’s side undoubtedly showed courage to fight back in what was a must-win game for Der Rekordmeister.
Nevertheless, despite Bayern continuing their road to Wembley in pursuit of the Champions League title, being crowned champions of Europe will not keep Tuchel in his job next season. With the former Borussia Dortmund head coach departing this summer, who will succeed the 50-year-old at the Allianz Arena?
As previously reported, Bayern’s undisputed number-one target to replace Tuchel is Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard appears to have guided Die Werkself to their first Bundesliga title, currently sitting ten points clear of Bayern at the top of the table.
However, there is considerable interest from other clubs, such as Liverpool, meaning that Bayern would have to convince Alonso of their long-term ambitions. As well as this, Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes is keen to keep Alonso at the BayArena, with his release clause not coming into effect until 2025.
Therefore, Bayern are considering other candidates, and as reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi is a possible alternative to Alonso. Max Eberl is also considered to be a fan of De Zerbi’s due to his style of football and talent development, a key component that would align with the vision of Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund.
There has also been speculation regarding José Mourinho, but as the report stated, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea head coach is not a hot topic at Bayern. Therefore, it is clear to see that the record champions have two clear targets, but as to who will be in the dugout next season is still unknown.
GGFN | Will Shopland
