Any hope that Tuchel had of changing the minds of Bayern bosses seemingly evaporated last week when his side were dramatically beaten 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid. However, despite the club targeting four potential candidates, players and fans remain in the dark over who will take over for 2024/25.
The Bavarians initially made a move for Leverkusen boss Alonso, only for the Spaniard to reject both Bayern and Liverpool in favour of remaining with his current club. Tuchel’s predecessor, Julian Nagelsmann, as well as Ralf Rangnick and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner have also reportedly been the subjects of failed approaches.
And according to Germany publication BILD, the rejections have prompted a rethink from Bayern president Herbert Hainer. The club are now said to be considering offering Tuchel, who landed the Bundesliga title in his first campaign after taking over from Nagelsmann mid-season, a fresh deal.
This is despite the man himself admitting in the aftermath of the Real defeat that he didn’t envisage Bayern changing their stance. “This is an agreement so this can’t be changed,” he said.
“Well, you can change every contract on mutual consent because we had a contract as well and we agreed on ending it early so everything is possible. But the answer is the same, the agreement stands and the agreement exists.”
The latest development is a potential boost for Ten Hag, who is under severe pressure to keep his job at Old Trafford. United had already suffered a record-breaking 13 Premier League losses this season before their latest dismal showing on Sunday, when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Arsenal.
Despite an FA Cup final to come against Manchester City, the Dutchman is reportedly on the brink and is yet to receive any public backing from new minority stake holder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Tuchel has been touted as an obvious candidate to replace the ex-Ajax boss, but INEOS chief Ratcliffe may now not have that option if Bayern do perform a climbdown.
Whether United opt to keep trying to pursue Tuchel may depend on the intentions of Gareth Southgate. Ratcliffe is a known admirer of the England boss, who is yet to confirm if he’ll remain in charge of his country after Euro 2024 this summer.
