Bayern Munich are considering a move for Liverpool target Xabi Alonso in the event of Thomas Tuchel’s potential departure as the head coach, according to The Athletic.
The online news portal claims that the defending Bundesliga champions are contemplating appointing Bayer Leverkusen’s boss, Alonso, on an interim basis, with a long-term perspective for him to take over permanently in the summer.
The pressure on Tuchel has intensified following Bayern’s third consecutive defeat across all competitions on Sunday, after a 3-2 loss to VfL Bochum.
Recent setbacks against Lazio in the Champions League and a 3-0 defeat to Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen on February 10 have further fueled speculation about Tuchel’s future with the club.
Bayern Munich have decided not to dismiss Tuchel following their defeat to Bochum. However, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has refrained from explicitly expressing the board’s support for the coach, leaving the situation without a clear vote of confidence from the club’s leadership.
Asked by Sport1 if Tuchel will be sacked, Dreesen said: “It was clear that this question was coming, it had been looming for some time. I don’t believe in these monstrous statements of support for coaches. I’ve already said something about this, but it’s not a question that arises for us today. We have to concentrate on the next games.
“I know how you want to hear it. I can say it that way too. But these vows of loyalty are usually over after a week, so I say it in my own way. I’ve said before – and I’ll even repeat myself – that’s not an issue we’re currently dealing with.”
When he was asked if Tuchel will still be in charge next week, Dreesen said: “Of course!”
The Atheltic reports that despite Dreesen comments, the Bavarians “are considering a change, with Alonso high on the list of targets to succeed the 50-year-old German coach.”
“Bayern have already sounded out their former coach Hansi Flick as an emergency replacement, but some powerbrokers at the club are uncertain whether the 58-year-old can repeat his all-conquering run of 2020 and early 2021 after overseeing horrific results with the German national team, which features a number of Bayern players.
Bayern Munich are second in the Bundesliga with 50 points, eight points behind leaders Leverkusen with 12 matches left to play.
Xabi Alonso is top of Liverpool’s list to replace Jurgen Klopp who will step down as the Reds boss at the end of the current season.
The 42-year-old signed a new contract with Leverkusen in the summer, which is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, however, it is understood that he reached a gentleman’s agreement with the club’s hierarchy, allowing him to depart for a top club like Liverpool.
He spent five successful years at Anfield as a player between 2004 and 2009, during which he secured victories in the FA Cup and Champions League.
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