RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hassenhuttl denied himself the possibility of becoming the next Bayern Munich manager when the club contacted him.
Prior to their announcement that Niko Kovac would take over as manager at the end of this season, Bayern Munich were linked with several top European coaches. At the start of the season, it was expected that Carlo Ancelotti would last in Bavaria at least one more year. However, after a difficult start to the season and a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain Ancelotti and the club parted ways.
Jupp Heynckes took over the vacant managerial post on an interim basis. The German manager was able to bring stability in the team after a poor start to the campaign.
RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has now revealed that Bayern Munich approached him in January. The Austrian manager told ZDF (via SportBild) that he denied Bayern’s approaches, as he is not yet ready to manage a club of their size.
"“The fact is that today I spoke with no other club, except that I once had a loose contact with Bayern Munich.“I said that I cannot imagine that I am not a solution for Bayern, because I lack the international experience.”"
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Hasenhuttl has done a fantastic job with RB Leipzig in the past two years. The Austrian took charge of the club after Leipzig were promoted to the first division. The Red Bulls finished the season in second place behind Bayern Munich. This season has been tough for them in the Bundesliga, but they were able to reach quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Bayern Munich’s hierarchy initially wanted Heynckes to stay at the club for the ’18-19 season. Heynckes denied them, though, instead opting to return to retirement, where he had previously been since winning the treble in 2013.
Heynckes has already helped Bayern recover from a big mess to win the Bundesliga title. Heynckes will be keen to complete the double when his side faces Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal final.
Thomas Tuchel was the other manager who was tipped to succeed Heynckes. The German manager took a sabbatical after leaving Borussia Dortmund last summer. Bayern, however, were too late to contact the Bavarian manager. He has already chosen his next club, with PSG reportedly his destination.
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Bayern Munich appointed Niko Kovac last month. The Croatian manager has been rated highly for the job he has done at Frankfurt. Kovac also knows the German language, which was one of the key specifications Bayern were looking for in their next manager. He has signed a three-year deal with the club and will begin his work in June.