Bayern Munich confirm that they have been holding discussions with Austria boss Ralf Rangnick to become their next head coach.
Bayern Munich have been holding conversations with Ralf Rangnick regarding the possibility of replacing Thomas Tuchel, according to the club’s former president Uli Hoeness.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Tuchel would be stepping down from his position as head coach at the end of the season, a decision accepted by all parties.
That was largely a consequence of Bayern being unable to cope with the quality of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga title race, the club’s dominance having been ended by a remarkable currently-unbeaten campaign by Xabi Alonso‘s side.
However, it has not been all negative for Tuchel and Bayern. A 3-2 aggregate victory has since been posted over Arsenal in the Champions League, setting up a semi-final showdown with Real Madrid.
In some quarters, there have been calls for Tuchel to remain in the dugout, yet that currently appears unlikely despite Bayern’s failed attempts to appoint Alonso or former boss Julian Nagelsmann as his replacement.
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Rangnick confirmed as possible Bayern boss
After an indifferent period as interim boss of Manchester United, Rangnick appeared highly unlikely to ever be in the running for another high-profile managerial job at a European giant.
Instead, he has impressed during his stint as Austria coach, recording 13 victories from 21 matches to qualify for Euro 2024, which is being held in Germany.
As it stands, that remains the priority focus of the 65-year-old, yet it has been revealed that he is in the running to be handed the reins at the Allianz Arena.
What has been said?
Former president Hoeness was speaking to Frankfurter Allgemeine and acknowledged reports that the club had held talks with Rangnick in recent weeks.
He said: “Yes, there are talks ongoing with Ralf Rangnick. I think we will have a decision within a week.”
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Although at one point there were strong calls for Tuchel to depart his role immediately, there has since been a petition that has attracted over 12,000 entries where supporters have criticised the decision to part with Tuchel and consider Rangnick as an alternative.
Since suffering a surprise defeat to Hoffenheim, Bayern have put together a four-match undefeated streak, including the two games with Arsenal and a 5-1 success at Union Berlin.
When addressing the recent petition at a press conference on Friday, Tuchel told reporters: “Even though this topic is good for me when they wish you to stay, it’s not something that is a priority and it isn’t allowed to be a priority.
“In the next 11 days it’s only about football, nothing else. We want to achieve all we can and to gather as many points as possible in the Bundesliga to get the best result and to reach the final of the Champions League.”
Bayern are next in action when they face Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon, Tuchel’s side only three points clear of third place in the Bundesliga standings with four matches remaining.