Bayern Munich have identified former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick as their preferred alternative to Xabi Alonso, according to reports in Germany.
The Bundesliga giants are stepping up their efforts to bring in a new manager to replace Thomas Tuchel, who announced earlier this year that he would leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
Alonso has quickly emerged as Bayern’s clear first choice having guided Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga table, though they face significant competition from the likes of Liverpool and he could even elect to stay at his current club.
Bayern have been linked with a host of other managers, such as Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and even Jose Mourinho, but it appears their backup target is a far less illustrious name.
According to German magazine Kicker, current Austria boss Rangnick is seen as the best alternative to Alonso and would likely be a shorter-term appointment for a season, when they could then try again for Alonso in 2025.
Rangnick has a good relationship with Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.
However, it is unclear whether Rangnick would accept the job and what his position will be with the Austria national team following this summer’s Euros.
Other reports in Germany suggest Rangnick has long held aspirations of taking the Bayern job and would jump at the chance, while he is also on good terms with academy boss Jochen Sauer and was previously pursued by Bayern director of sport Max Eberl when he was at Gladbach.
Both Antonio Conte and Mourinho have already been ruled out by Bayern’s hierarchy, while Zinedine Zidane and a return for Julian Nagelsmann are not options either.
Although the job De Zerbi has done at Brighton is highly regarded by Bayern’s hierarchy, there are concerns over a potential language barrier.
Asked about Bayern’s search for a new manager, Eberl told Sky Sport Germany on Thursday: ‘As soon as possible. We are now entering April. It would be nice if we could get it done in April – without there being an ultimatum.
‘If it takes longer, then it takes a bit longer. We want to make the best decision.’
He added: ‘We are looking at several coaches. We are sounding out the options and seeing what is really feasible. Yes, Uli Hoeness said that Xabi is a topic. That is legitimate.
‘Christoph and my job is to find the right coach. We need to have a few discussions to find out what would be the best fit. There are general conditions that must be met.’
.
.
