2024-04-26 21:18:01
Uli Hoeneß reveals that Rangnick was not the first choice as the new Bayern coach. He also speaks clearly about Zidane and Nagelsmann.
Uli Hoeneß has confirmed that Ralf Rangnick is only the third choice in FC Bayern’s coaching search. At a panel discussion in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” on Friday, the honorary president of the record football champions said that the Munich team had first addressed their job offer to Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and then to national coach Julian Nagelsmann.
It was only when these two canceled that Rangnick, the current team manager of the Austrian national team, was contacted. The former Bundesliga coach is currently weighing up Munich’s offer.
“We never spoke to three coaches at the same time,” said Hoeneß. “When we talk to someone, you have to make him feel like he’s the man. If he says yes, then it’s perfect. If he says no, then it moves on.” So after two rejections, Bayern finally got Rangnick.
Hoeneß assumes that the 65-year-old will make a decision in the next few days. “I think there will be a yes or a no within a week,” predicted the 72-year-old supervisory board and former manager of FC Bayern.
“Nobody spoke to Zidane”
Hoeneß also described the speculation and reports about the status of the Munich team’s search for a coach as a “hunt that takes place every day” and added that preparation for the new season only begins on July 1st. He denied reports that Bayern had negotiated with former world footballer Zinédine Zidane. “I’m convinced no one has spoken to him.”
Hoeneß described that it was believed at Säbener Strasse that Nagelsmann would decide to return and not extend his position as national coach. The coach, who was on leave from Bayern in spring 2023, will remain the DFB selection coach beyond the home European Championships.
“If the European Championship goes well, then he has made a good decision,” said Hoeneß. “If it goes badly, then he has made a catastrophic decision. Then FC Bayern would have been better.”