Along with initiating transfer plans for next season, Bayern Munich also have to work on getting a new head coach in the next three months. The Bavarian club confirmed the decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. Tuchel’s exit comes on the back of a run of three consecutive defeats in February against Bayer Leverkusen, Lazio, and VfL Bochum.
The Bavarian club has reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso as top target to replace Tuchel. The Spanish coach is one of the hottest coaching prospects in Europe after helping Bayer Leverkusen mount a credible title challenge in the Bundesliga this season. Alonso’s Leverkusen currently has a lead of eight points at the top of the table. They are also alive in the DFB Pokal and Europa League.
Alonso enjoyed a lot of success at Bayern during the final three years of his playing career. The Spanish coach knows how success is defined at Die Roten. He is familiar with the ethos and principles of the club, which makes him an ideal candidate to become the head coach of the first team.
However, Bayern may not get their wish to appoint Alonso in the summer. According to Foot Mercato, the Spanish coach prefers a move to Liverpool over Bayern Munich. Alonso does have a connection with Liverpool as he spent five years of his playing career at Merseyside. The Spaniard has given no hints about his next destination as he remains focused on bringing the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool are also in the market for a new head coach after Jurgen Klopp decided to step down at the end of the season. The English club is expected to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich for Alonso’s signature.
Despite Die Roten's consistent success in the Bundesliga over the last 11 years, Liverpool is a much more exciting destination for Alonso. The Spaniard will get more time and stability at Merseyside than Bavaria. Rekordmeister have been chopping and changing in the coaching department every two years since Pep Guardiola’s departure in 2016.
With the appointment of Max Eberl as the new Bayern board member for sport, the search for a new head coach will accelerate in the coming days. Eberl and Christoph Freund will try to negotiate a deal for Alonso. They face an uphill challenge, but there is always a chance until nothing is agreed with Liverpool.