Latest Liverpool news as Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to leave Bayern Munich with Xabi Alonso likely to be a potential successor amid links he could replace Jurgen Klopp
Bayern Munich and Thomas Tuchel have decided to part ways at the end of the season, in a decision that could impact Liverpool.
Tuchel has come under increasing pressure as Bayern boss in recent weeks, after falling adrift of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga title race. Leverkusen moved eight points clear at the top of the table after the weekend’s results which saw Bayern lose 3-2 away to VfL Bochum.
The decision was announced on Wednesday morning by the Bundesliga club. In a statement, Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of FC Bayern, said: “In an open, good conversation we came to the decision to mutually end our collaboration in the summer. Our goal is to carry out a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024/25 season. Until then, every individual in the club is expressly challenged to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. I also explicitly hold the team responsible. Especially in the Champions League, we are convinced that after the 0-1 defeat in the first leg at Lazio Rome, we will advance to the quarter-finals in the second leg in our fully occupied Allianz Arena with our fans behind us.”
Thomas Tuchel added: “We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after this season. Until then, I and my coaching team will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success.”
As a result, Bayern will now be looking for a new manager to take over at the Allianz Arena in the next few months. Liverpool will be doing the same, as will Barcelona after Xavi announced he would be stepping down from his role at the Camp Nou.
Jurgen Klopp announced last month that he would be leaving his role as Liverpool manager this summer. The Reds boss has been in charge since October 2015, but will leave Anfield in a decision that means Liverpool will be busy looking for a successor.
Alonso has been listed as the early favourite with the bookmakers to replace Klopp this summer. The former Liverpool midfielder is currently guiding Leverkusen on the path to winning the Bundesliga title, with 12 games left to play with an eight-point lead ahead of Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
Reports have also suggested that Alonso could be a candidate for the job at Bayern in the summer if Tuchel left the club. The Spaniard played for Bayern between 2014 and 2017 and a return would allow him to remain in Germany.
Real Madrid have also been listed as a potential destination for Alonso, depending on the future of Carlo Ancelotti. After the update on Tuchel, both Liverpool and Bayern Munich will now be searching for a new manager at the same time.
It remains to be seen what the final outcome will be, especially given Alonso could be the favourite for both jobs.
