Liverpool goal Xabi Alonso is the popular candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel if Bayern Munich determine to half methods with the supervisor this summer season – whereas they’re additionally taking a look at Zinedine Zidane and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, based on Sky in Germany.
The strain has elevated on Tuchel following Bayern’s 3-2 loss at Bochum on Sunday which leaves the German giants eight factors behind Alonso’s Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
It was additionally a 3rd straight defeat after they had been crushed 1-0 at Lazio within the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie final week.
Going through a primary trophyless season in 12 years, Bayern’s major plan stays to achieve the top of the marketing campaign with Tuchel and actually assess the state of affairs.
Bayern’s hierarchy instantly determined to stay with Tuchel after the embarrassing defeat at Bochum with the previous Chelsea and PSG boss not contemplating his resignation.
Nonetheless, work is happening within the background relating to his potential successor and, within the occasion of a summer season separation from Tuchel, Alonso is taken into account the popular resolution internally.
The previous Liverpool midfielder is the bookmakers’ favorite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer season after impressing at Leverkusen.
Klopp has not too long ago hailed the Spaniard because the “standout” supervisor from the brand new era of bosses.
One other of probably the most distinguished candidates Bayern have been eager about too, prior to now few hours and days, is ex-Actual Madrid head coach Zidane.
There may be nothing concrete at this stage, however what Bayern respect concerning the Frenchman is his aura and expertise whereas he’s additionally instantly obtainable.
The 51-year-old, who has been with no job since leaving Actual in Might 2021, received the Champions League thrice in his managerial spell on the Spanish membership, whereas he additionally received LaLiga twice.
Bayern have additionally been taking a look at ex-Manchester United boss Solskjaer as a possible interim resolution ought to they be compelled to make a change earlier than the top of the marketing campaign.
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund is aware of Solskjaer very properly and has been following the Norwegian’s path for years. Nonetheless, there haven’t but been any concrete discussions about that eventuality.
Solskjaer has been with no job since being sacked by Man Utd in November 2021. He spent practically three years in cost at Outdated Trafford as he guided United to second within the 2020/21 season and misplaced the 2021 Europa League remaining on penalties to Villarreal.
The 50-year-old is at present employed as a UEFA Technical Observer, attending Champions League video games and offering experiences all through this season.
Bayern may rival Liverpool for Alonso
Sky Sports activities Information senior reporter Melissa Reddy:
It’s testomony not solely to his suitability for the position, however his standing as the following high supervisor that Xabi Alonso is spoken about individually within the dialogue for the Liverpool job to succeed Jurgen Klopp. There may be Xabi, after which The Others.
It’s a consequence of his small but chic physique of labor up to now; the development at Actual Sociedad B, main them again to the Segunda Division for the primary time since 1961-62 after which rapidly remodeling Bayer Leverkusen right into a tactically supreme unbeaten machine.
Solely Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich have ever set a greater tempo atop the Bundesliga. Leverkusen haven’t been crushed in 32 matches throughout all competitions, are within the German Cup semi-finals, and the final 16 of the Europa League. They’re on a particular run and are primed to make historical past this season.
Leverkusen play with panache and intelligence; lionising possession but in addition shifting to manage the sport with out the ball as they showcased in a 3-0 masterclass in opposition to Bayern.
There have been makes an attempt to recommend Alonso’s method jars with the extra direct and transitional qualities of Liverpool’s squad. Whereas Bayer do make use of a extra affected person build-up that’s akin to Manchester Metropolis, his Actual Sociedad B had been a lot much less geared to brief passing. Alonso has illustrated his adaptability already between these golf equipment, but in addition in opposition to totally different opponents.
He already appears like a Liverpool supervisor, and that is with out factoring in his understanding of, and bond with the membership developed throughout 5 seasons of setting the tempo of their midfield.
Alonso suits the dynamic of an thrilling, younger staff heaving with potential that may want some nips, tucks and to create a brand new story.
There are complexities; he’s nonetheless early into his Bayer mission and ideally would have mapped an extended interval of building with them. Alonso’s focus, rightly, is on crowing a implausible season with high honours.
The membership do not need to lose him, however know he’ll have his decide of choices – Actual Madrid and Bayern Munich will quickly be knocking too – and may determine his timing.
Liverpool wouldn’t need to do something to disrupt Alonso’s present work. He’s well worth the endurance although, and doing no matter is critical to get.
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