Thomas Tuchel’s job security hangs on Bayern’s Champions League outcome

Thomas Tuchel's future at Bayern Munich hinges on the team's Champions League performance, with reports suggesting he could be ousted if they fail to progress.

Chirag

March 2, 2024

Thomas Tuchel On The Verge Of Being Sacked In Summer — Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

According to reports from Sky Germany, Thomas Tuchel’s tenure at Bayern Munich could come to an end if the team fails to progress in the Champions League, potentially leading to an uncharacteristic season without silverware. While it was previously announced that Tuchel would depart Bayern at the end of the season, the club’s leadership might now consider this timeline insufficient.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg indicated that Tuchel is set to remain in charge for the upcoming match against Lazio. However, if Bayern fails to advance following their 0-1 first-leg loss, there’s a strong possibility of an immediate separation. The dilemma lies in the absence of a top-tier interim replacement within the club who could lead until the season’s end. Currently, there are no concrete plans to secure a coach of the caliber of Zinedine Zidane, who would be available both now and beyond the current season, as Bayern’s priority remains signing Xabi Alonso.

Bayern’s intention is to have Xabi Alonso take over as Tuchel’s successor at the beginning of the next season. Alonso has steered his unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen team to the summit of the Bundesliga, holding a seven-point advantage over Tuchel’s Bayern. Even in the event of Tuchel’s dismissal, Bayern remains steadfast in their desire to bring Alonso aboard in the summer.

The upcoming clash against Lazio on Tuesday represents a critical juncture for Thomas Tuchel. Progressing to the quarter-finals would grant him the opportunity to depart on his own terms in the summer. However, a defeat could prompt Bayern’s executives to seek an interim coach for the remaining ten matches of the season.