Ralf Rangnick could potentially be next Bayern Munich manager as he admits contact with the club

Former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is the frontrunner to take over Bayern Munich after Thomas Tuchel.

April 24, 2024

Ralf Rangnick Agrees To Bayern Munich Contact — Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

The former coach of Manchester United has emerged as the leading candidate to assume control of Bayern Munich following Tuchel’s departure at the season’s end. Rangnick presently manages the Austria national team, gearing up for Euro 2024, where his squad is slated to face off against France, Poland, and the Netherlands in group play. Despite his focus on the upcoming championship, he has acknowledged discussions with Bayern regarding a potential role.

Initially, Bayern’s preferred choice was Xavi Alonso, but the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager has announced his commitment to staying with Bayer Leverkusen after securing their maiden Bundesliga title. Consequently, Bayern may consider Rangnick for a temporary position, with the possibility of pursuing Alonso again in 2025.

Speaking to journalists, Rangnick stated, “Bayern Munich have contacted me and I have also informed the OFB (Austrian Football Association). We have a very trusting relationship. My focus is on the Austrian national team. We are completely focussed on the European Championship. I feel very comfortable here. At the moment, there’s no reason for me to focus intensively and specifically on that.”

When pressed further about his potential change of heart, Rangnick mentioned, “The moment Bayern would say, ‘We want you’. And then I have to ask myself, ‘Do I even want this?’ If I want to do something else, I will first discuss it with the OFB. We want to look after this team (Austria) as well as possible — and do as well as possible. I have a close and trusting relationship with my team. It won’t play better just because I say, ‘I’ll definitely be here for the next four years.’”

During his tenure at Manchester United, Rangnick secured only 10 victories out of 24 Premier League matches, along with seven losses, resulting in 33 goals scored and conceded.

While Bayern’s interest in Rangnick is evident, it remains uncertain if the Austria coach will be enticed to join the Bavarian giants. Despite a challenging stint at Manchester United, Rangnick boasts prior Bundesliga experience, having managed Stuttgart, Hannover, Hoffenheim, Schalke, and RB Leipzig.