2024-03-28 21:36:27
The German record champions are still looking for a new coach to replace Thomas Tuchel, who left in the summer. Now an old friend seems to be at the forefront – under certain circumstances.
Who will be in the coaching bench at FC Bayern Munich next season? Thomas Tuchel is known to be leaving the German record champions early in the summer, and the names of some possible successors have been circulating in the Bavarian capital for some time.
Now an old friend from the Bundesliga comes into play. Because the “Kicker” reports: Ralf Rangnick is said to be a candidate for Bayern. Accordingly, the current Austrian national coach is the first alternative to dream coach Xabi Alonso if the Spaniard, who has shaped Bayer Leverkusen into the top championship candidate in the Bundesliga, decides against a change.
What also speaks for Rangnick is that he has been friends with Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund since their time together at Red Bull Salzburg (2013 – 2015) and there is great mutual appreciation. And: The 65-year-old was already an issue on Säbener Straße five years ago – but then the then shaky coach Niko Kovač won the DFB Cup final 3-0, ironically against RB Leipzig, who were then coached by Rangnick.
Eberl favorite probably without much of a chance
According to the report, Bayern are acting cautiously when it comes to Alonso, apparently wanting to give the Spaniard time and not put him under pressure. The “Kicker” writes that it is expected that it could take up to four weeks before a final decision is made. However, the people of Munich are also aware that Alonso could also decide against getting involved.
With other publicly traded candidates, however, there is more clarity: a job for the currently available José Mourinho or Antonio Conte has been ruled out by the Bayern bosses. The Italian Roberto di Zerbi from Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion is the favorite of Bayern sports director Max Eberl, but the management has doubts due to the language barrier, as the Italian speaks no German and only moderate English. Likewise, Zinédine Zidane or ex-coach Julian Nagelsmann are no longer an issue.
But another former Munich coach apparently did: According to the report, a comeback by Hansi Flick was also discussed – the former national coach led Bayern to the legendary “Sextuple” in 2020, won the German championship and the DFB Cup with the team, the Champions League, the European Supercup, the DFL Supercup and the Club World Cup.