Bayern Munich: Thomas Tuchel remains target for FC Barcelona
There has been a coaching change almost every two years at Bayern Munich since the departure of Pep Guardiola in 2016. The Spaniard was the last head coach to leave Die Roten on his terms instead of getting sacked for a poor run of results. Considering how results have panned out in the past few weeks, another coaching change can be anticipated at Bayern in the summer.
Thomas Tuchel has faced massive setbacks in the last seven days. His team suffered a blow in the Bundesliga title after suffering a 3-0 defeat against league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern also find themselves trailing in the Champions League round of 16 against Lazio after suffering a 1-0 defeat in Rome on Wednesday.
There is significant speculation around the future of Tuchel at Bayern. The club chiefs continue to back him publicly, but a trophyless campaign will certainly bring an end to Tuchel’s 18-month stay in Munich. The German coach may not have to wait for his next job as another European giant considers him one of the options for the head coach role.
According to Sport in Spain, Thomas Tuchel is one of the strong candidates for FC Barcelona to replace Xavi in the summer. The Spaniard has already confirmed his departure at the end of the season. FC Barcelona will be ready to make a move for Tuchel if his time at Munich comes to an end.
Tuchel recently praised La Liga, so he may jump on this opportunity if Die Roten decide to part ways with him in the summer. As things stand, the German coach is not actively looking to leave Bayern and wants to stay in Bavaria at least until the end of his contract, which expires in 2025.
Bayern have currently given no indications about parting ways with Tuchel in the summer. However, they have previously shown the appetite to pull the trigger if the team’s performances take a significant dip. The Bavarian club parted ways with Julian Nagelsmann in March last year despite appointing him on a five-year deal in 2022. Bayern were alive in all competitions at that point, but inconsistency on the pitch forced them to part ways with Nagelsmann.
The Bavarian club is reportedly keeping a close eye on Xabi Alonso’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard has helped Leverkusen to mount a stern title challenge as they lead the points table by eight points after 22 games. Liverpool are also expected to come in for Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
Former Bayern manager Hansi Flick is also available in the summer. He has been without a role since parting ways with Germany during the second half of 2023. Flick has also been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona. Flick may become an option for Bayern if they decide to sack Tuchel.
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Tuchel needs a good run of results in the next three months to stay at Bayern next season. The German coach will hope that his players deliver a strong performance on Sunday against Bochum to get their season back on track, or else a coaching change at Bayern will be inevitable.