Bayern Munich recently announced that manager Thomas Tuchel will leave the club at the end of the season, ending the German’s tenuous tenure.
The Rekordmeister inexplicably dismissed Julian Nagelsmann last March and brought Tuchel in to replace him. However, his time in charge has left much to be desired.
Tuchel never really kicked into gear at Bayern. They crashed out of the DFB Pokal weeks after he took the reins. Manchester City also knocked them out of the Champions League.
Bayern won the Bundesliga title for the tenth successive season, although Borussia Dortmund’s complacency on the final day gave them a massive helping hand.
This season hasn’t been much better. RB Leipzig outsmarted them in the DFB Super Cup to set the tone for a disappointing season.
3. Liga outfit Saarbrucken sent them packing from the DFB Pokal, and they suffered a scare when Lazio defeated them 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie before turning it around in the reverse fixture.
However, sitting ten points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the league table is considered a sackable offence in Bavaria.
Bayern look set to lose their 11-year grip on the Meisterschale and go trophyless for the first time in over a decade, prompting the front office to look for a new manager to help them re-establish themselves.
Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern have made a habit of plucking the best talent from around their league and could employ that tactic again to land Xabi Alonso, one of the best young managers in Europe.
The Spaniard has Die Werkself eyeing a first Bundesliga title in their history after previous heartbreaks.
They are ten points clear at the top of the Bundesliga standings and into the knockout stage of the Europa League. Leverkusen are unbeaten in both competitions.
Alonso has earned plaudits for his possession-heavy 3-4-2-1 tactics, and Bayern want to bring him in to take over proceedings at the Allianz Arena.
He knows the club, having played for the Bavarians between 2014 and 2017. He would shake things up at the club and help awaken the sleeping dogs.
However, Bayern face competition from Liverpool for his services. The Reds want to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp and could battle Bayern for his signature.
Arne Slot – Feyenoord
Arne Slot was a revelation when he emerged at AZ Alkmaar. He quickly gained a reputation for playing attractive football, and his structures in every phase of the game impressed scouts.
Feyenoord took the punt on him, and he repaid them massively. He is the mastermind behind their resurgence, taking them to the Europa Conference League final before winning the Eredivisie last season.
They are second in the Eredivisie this term, ten points behind PSV Eindhoven, but they have still been impressive.
Feyenoord play silky-smooth football, and Slot’s principles shine through. Bayern bosses are reportedly keeping an eye on Slot and could take move fo him if they cannot get their hands on Alonso.
However, there will be questions about whether the mild-mannered Slot can handle the intense pressure and scrutiny at Bayern.
Hansi Flick – Unattached
Hansi Flick is a more sentimental option. Many Bayern fans still have fond memories of Flick’s dominant time as Bayern boss, during which he led the club to a clean sweep of every possible title.
He took the Germany job but left that role after some poor results. He is available for work, and Bayern could turn to him to drag them out of the muddled waters they are in.
Flick made most of these Bayern players tick during his first tenure and could be employed again to get a beat out of them.
Barcelona have been courting Flick for months now and could provide competition. However, Bayern will believe they have the upper hand.
