Bayern Munich are ‘targeting Xabi Alonso as their new manager if Thomas Tuchel is sacked’ and have ‘already sounded out a return for former boss Hansi Flick as an emergency replacement’
- Thomas Tuchel is under pressure at Bayern Munich after a dismal run of form
- The club is now looking for replacements and is eyeing Xabi Alonso
- Liverpool must be ruthless – Jurgen Klopp must maintain a two-point lead until title clash with Man City – It all starts podcast
Bayern Munich are considering a move for Xabi Alonso if they sack Thomas Tuchel, according to reports – with a return for Hansi Flick also sounded.
Boss Tuchel is under increasing pressure after his side suffered a third straight defeat in all competitions this weekend, having lost 3-2 to Bochum.
They now trail Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, led by the impressive Alonso, by eight points after a 3-0 defeat last weekend, and trail Lazio 1-0 on aggregate in their knockout match in the last sixteen of the Champions League, prior to the second leg.
Tuchel’s position looked untenable last night after the club canceled its post-match press conference, although the decision was thought to have been made as the team flew straight back to Munich shortly after the final whistle.
But either way, Bayern now appear to be making plans for life after Tuchel.
Bayern Munich are considering replacements for Thomas Tuchel if he is sacked
Xabi Alonso is on the club’s shortlist, with Bayer Leverkusen eight points ahead in the Bundesliga
The Athletics claim Alonso is a target, with any potential appointment aimed at him taking charge permanently in the summer.
Also on the shortlist is former head coach Hansi Flick, who is seen as an emergency replacement. Flick, 58, won the Bundesliga twice and the Champions League during his trophy-laden spell from 2019 to 2021.
However, some figures at Bayern are said to be unsure whether Flick could repeat these feats after struggling in the role for the German national team. Despite having coached several current Bayern players, he was fired last September.
Under Flick, Germany crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stage.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen last night appeared to play down rumors that Tuchel would be sacked, saying the former Chelsea manager would remain in his post. But privately the club are said to be considering a change, with Alonso leading the charge.
Hansi Flick is seen as an emergency replacement, but some figures at Bayern have doubts
Bayern are eight points behind Leverkusen and are looking ahead to a season without trophies
Alonso, who has a contract until June 2026, was appointed by Leverkusen in October 2022 and steered them out of the drop zone to sixth place in his first season. This campaign, Leverkusen remains undefeated in the top flight.
He played for Bayern under Pep Guardiola between 2014 and 2017, winning three Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and one German Super Cup.
After Jurgen Klopp sensationally announced he would step down as Liverpool head coach at the end of the season, Alonso is among the favorites for the vacancy.
Tuchel is determined to fight on and is confident he can turn around Bayern’s form.
After the defeat to Bochum, he said: ‘If you ask me if I still firmly believe in my coaching staff and that I can turn things around… yes.
‘Increasing pressure? That happens after every defeat. Today we never stopped trying.”