2024-03-25 19:50:25
Many names of a possible successor to Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel have been brought up for weeks. The record champions have now made contact with a candidate.
Zinédine Zidane, Xavi and, last but not least, Xabi Alonso – the list of candidates who are being considered as successors to outgoing Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is long and prominent.
With Roberto De Zerbi, a previously less well-known name will also appear on the Bayern bosses’ notepad. This became public a few weeks ago. The 44-year-old Italian has been coach at Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League since 2022 and led the small club to sixth place in the Europa League last season. The “Seagulls” are currently in eighth place.
Eberl contacts De Zerbi
Now a report from “Sport Bild” suggests that FC Bayern is apparently looking more specifically at De Zerbi. At least Munich’s new sports director Max Eberl is said to have spoken to the former SSC Naples professional and expressed to him that the record champions were fundamentally interested.
De Zerbi’s contract in Brighton, where national player Pascal Groß is active, runs until 2026. The English “Telegraph” reports that his contract includes an exit clause of 14 million euros.
Thanks to Brighton’s strong performances, which clearly bear De Zerbi’s signature, several top European clubs have kept an eye on him. English media report that Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and FC Barcelona are showing interest. As Italian transfer expert Matteo Moretto writes, De Zerbi is said to favor a move within the Premier League. But it also confirms Munich’s existing interest.
Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is considered Bayern’s preferred option to succeed Tuchel. However, sports boss Eberl recently told “Sport Bild”: “We are thinking carefully: Which coaches fit what we have?” As the contact now shows, De Zerbi is probably on the shortlist.