Bayern Munich Announces Thomas Tuchel Departure at Season End: Who Could Be the Next Manager?

Bayern Munich have announced that Thomas Tuchel will be leaving the club at the end of the season. They want the German manager to see out the campaign and are not looking to make an immediate change despite the poor run of form.

In a decision that was announced on Wednesday morning, the Bundesliga club’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, stated that they were looking to head in a new direction from the 2024/25 season and the change was needed. He said on the club’s website:

“In a good, open discussion, we came to the decision to end our working relationship by mutual agreement in the summer. Our goal is to pursue a new footballing direction with a new head coach for the 2024/25 season. Until then, every individual at the club is expressly called upon to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and Bundesliga. I also explicitly hold the team accountable in this regard. In the Champions League in particular, after losing 1-0 in the first leg at Lazio, we are convinced we will reach the quarter-finals at a packed Allianz Arena with our fans behind us.”

Thomas Tuchel admitted that he was looking forward to finishing the season with the club and said:

“We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season. Until then, I will, of course, continue to do everything I can with my coaching staff to achieve maximum success.” 

What went wrong for Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich?

Thomas Tuchel has a decent record at Bayern Munich, with 28 wins and 11 losses in his 44 matches in charge of the club. However, the recent performances and results have not met the standards set by the club, and he is now on his way out. 

The former Chelsea manager has usually stuck with his 4-2-3-1 approach at the Allianz Arena, with Harry Kane leading the attack. The issues started for Tuchel because of his man-management at the club.

Several players, including Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller, and Matthijs de Ligt, were not impressed with the manager and his setups. The German duo were not happy with their roles on the pitch, while the Dutchman wanted to play more but was often benched.

Mathys Tel and Serge Gnabry were also reported to be unhappy with the manager as he was not giving them enough chances. They wanted to start more games at the German club but were overlooked. Leon Goretzka was also named in the BILD report as one of the players who were against Tuchel.

How did Thomas Tuchel do at Bayern Munich?

Bayern Munich brought in Thomas Tuchel in March 2023 after deciding that Julian Nagelsmann was not good enough to lead the side. The Bundesliga club wanted a more experienced manager at the helm and saw the former Chelsea manager available and pounced.

Also Read: Thomas Tuchel set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season

Things have not gone as planned for Bayern, as Tuchel has failed to impress. They won the league title last season on goal difference after Borussia Dortmund failed to beat Mainz on the final day of the season. 

Their performances in the UEFA Champions League were also sub-par, as they were beaten by 4-2 on aggregate in the quarterfinal last season. They are currently 1-0 down in the Round of 16 against Lazio this season after the first leg. 

Who will replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich?

Bayern Munich are on the hunt for their Thomas Tuchel replacement and are looking at Xabi Alonso. Sky and BILD have reported that the Spaniard is their #1 target for the summer after his impressive season with Bayer Leverkusen, but is also a target for Liverpool. 

Also read: Liverpool and Bayern Munich eyeing Xabi Alonso as manager for next season

The 42-year-old has managed to keep his side unbeaten in all competitions this season and is on top of the Bundesliga table. He is 8 points clear of Bayern Munich, after beating his possible future employers 3-0 earlier this month.

Apart from Alonso, Zinedine Zidane, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp have been linked with the job. The latter is unlikely to take it as he is leaving Liverpool this summer to take a break from management. Meanwhile, the two former Real Madrid managers are without a club. 

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunner Solksjaer has also been listed as a possible candidate after SPORT1 reported him as a possible interim manager should Tuchel get sacked. Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi is also reported to be in the summer. 

What next for Thomas Tuchel?

Chelsea might be in the market for a new manager, but a return to Stamford Bridge looks unlikely for Thomas Tuchel. A move back to England is on the cards, as West Ham United have shown interest in the German coach. 

David Moyes’ time at the London Stadium is coming to an end, and the Hammers are sounding out his possible replacements. Reports in the UK media today suggest that the former PSG manager could be the latest name added to the list, as he will be available in the summer.