Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen gave a cryptic two-word answer when asked about the future of under-pressure coach Thomas Tuchel.
It has been a difficult few weeks for the Bayern boss after his team suffered a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Bayern Leverkusen, a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Champions League and a disastrous 3-2 loss to VFL Bochum on Sunday.
The club now faces the prospect of its first season without winning a trophy, with Leverkusen now eight points ahead of the German champions in the Bundesliga table and it looks like Tuchel’s position could be in jeopardy.
Reports had claimed after their shock defeat to Bochum that the club’s hierarchy were keen to support Tuchel, even after the club canceled their post-match press conference.
The club’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen had said the embattled coach would not be fired, stating that BILD: ‘I don’t believe in big statements about the coach. “This issue (Tuchel’s dismissal) is not on our minds at the moment.”
Bayern Munich have been weighing up replacements for Thomas Tuchel in case he is fired
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen (right) may have given a revealing update on the future of under-pressure coach Tuchel.
Bayern faces its first season without trophies in 12 years and is eight points behind the lead
Asked if Tuchel would take up the role next week, he added: “Of course.”
However, his position may have changed since then, as Bayern’s CEO issued a cryptic two-word response to questions about Tuchel’s position on Tuesday morning.
The Bayern executive was seen arriving at the club’s training base on Sabener Strasse, and was seen smiling when asked: “Is Tuchel heading for the exit?”
According to BILD, the executive responded smilingly saying ‘Let’s see…’ before driving towards the training complex.
It comes amid much speculation that Tuchel could be replaced by Liverpool target Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly the club’s top target to take over the Allianz Arena.
The club are also understood to be “monitoring” the situation of former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a possible interim manager should they decide to part ways with Tuchel.
Sky Germany journalist Plettenberg said there was “nothing concrete at the moment” before adding that the club’s sporting director Christoph Freund had “followed Solskjaer for years”.
Xabi Alonso is on the club’s shortlist, after having stood out with Bayer Leverkusen so far this season
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been out of a coaching job since being sacked by Man United in November 2021 and is reportedly someone who could take over as interim manager.
Hansi Flick, according to German media, is aiming for the Barcelona position and could reject the option of signing for Bayern
Antonio Conte is also reportedly interested in becoming Bayern Munich’s next coach, as Hansi Flick is now, according to German media, not interested in returning to Bayern and may have set his sights on the Barcelona job, with Xavi set to leave in the season finale.
Sky Sports also believe that the club have been interested in signing former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
The outlet states: “There is nothing concrete at the moment, but what Bayern appreciates about the Frenchman is his aura and experience, plus he is also available immediately.”
Zidane, who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, has been out of work since June 2021.
His pedigree in winning the illustrious European tournament could greatly influence Bayern’s decision, should they sack Tuchel.
Sky Sports also believe that the club have been interested in signing former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
More to continue…