Roger Schmidt a potential managerial candidate for Bayern Munich as they now look for Plan D

Bild reports that Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is now a big candidate for the Bayern Munich job as they look for their Plan D option.

It is said Bayern are preparing to go full force to try and bring the former Bayer Leverkusen head coach to the club. Schmidt is currently under contract at Benfica until 2026 and has a release clause said to be worth €30m. Benfica are also interested in getting rid of Schmidt, so there are likely to be no complications when pursuing a deal. 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is also an option. The Dutchman was a youth coach at Bayern previously, so he knows the club. However, this move could only potentially happen if ten Hag were to be sacked by United. 

TZMunchen reports that Roberto De Zerbi is the top candidate for Bayern. The Italian has not ruled out a move to Bayern but the Rekordmeister are unsure about certain aspects of hiring the De Zerbi, such as the fact that he wishes to bring a large coaching staff along with him and the large fee that it would cost to bring him to the Bundesliga. 

Bayern are on their fourth choice managerial candidate after Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and now Ralf Rangnick have all rejected them to stay in their current jobs. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan