The search for a new head coach of Bayern Munich is likely to finish by the end of April. Max Eberl wants to have a new deal in place before the next general meeting. The Bavarian club had identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso as the ideal candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel in the summer. However, Alonso decided to stay at Leverkusen for one more season.
After Alonso’s decision, Bayern have been linked with several head coaches. Eberl has reportedly held talks with several coaches during the international break. The murmurs in the German media suggest that there is a new top candidate for Bayern’s head coach position.
According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Julian Nagelsmann is the front-runner to become the next head coach of Bayern. Max Eberl is a big advocate of Nagelsmann replacing Tuchel in the summer. Bayern has not made a final decision, but several scenarios are being considered if Nagelsmann becomes the head coach after the Euros in the summer.
DFB is also trying to extend Nagelsmann’s contract beyond Euros. Rudi Voller, Director of the German National team, confirmed that there will be a decision regarding Nagelsmann’s future in the coming weeks. The German coach has already received multiple inquiries as several big clubs are looking for a new coach in the summer.
🚨 Rudi Völler on Nagelsmann's future: “There will be a decision in the next few weeks”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 11, 2024
“He has a lot of inquiries. It's no secret that we would like to continue with him, but he has many top clubs to choose from”.
“We hope he stays with us”, told DPA. pic.twitter.com/IGZIDhh0nb
Despite the way his exit was handled at Bayern in 2023, Nagelsmann is reportedly open to the idea of returning to the club in the summer. There have been significant changes at Die Roten since Nagelsmann’s departure. He will work under a new structure spearheaded by Eberl if a move to Bayern is finalized later this month.
Meanwhile, Bild also revealed that Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Ralf Rangnick are second on the list of coaching targets for Bayern. Eberl had reportedly held talks with De Zerbi during the international break. Rangnick has ruled out himself from joining Die Roten, but he has been discussed internally at the club. Benfica’s Roger Schmidt also features on Rekordmeister’s shortlist.
Bayern chiefs will hope to make a decision sooner rather than later. With a squad upheaval planned in the summer, it is crucial to have the head coach in place sooner rather than later. If Julian Nagelsmann is the ultimate choice, Bayern will have to hold talks regarding summer transfer plans with him in May before he completely focuses on coaching the German national team for the European Championship.