It is nearly a year to the day that Julian Nagelsmann’s time at Bayern Munich came to an end. On March 24, 2023, the current German national team head coach was relieved of his duties after a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, with Der Rekordmeister sitting one point behind Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Nevertheless, while Bayern would be crowned champions of Germany under Nagelsmann’s successor, Thomas Tuchel, the club’s fortunes have since failed to improve. With nine games to go, Bayern are ten points behind Die Werkself, and for the first time since 2012, the Meisterschale appears to not be heading towards Bavaria.
This has, therefore, ultimately cost Tuchel his job at Bayern, as a waiting game for his successor is well underway. While it is understood that Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is Der Rekordmeister’s number one target, attaining his services is not as straightforward as Bayern were hoping.
This has led to Bayern having to identify other possible candidates, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi the second favourite to take over. However, Naglesmann’s contract with the DFB is set to expire after EURO 2024, and despite interest from Borussia Dortmund, a return to Bayern after the summer could also be possible.
Speaking to Abendzeitung München, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen explained whether Nagelsmann could return to the club: “I think others have already said that you should never rule out anything in football. But that is a thing of the future and not an issue today.”
While Dreesen is clearly not willing to close the door on a possible return for Nagelsmann, Alonso is still undoubtedly the club’s first choice to replace Tuchel, and they will do whatever they can to make that a reality. However, if Leverkusen are reluctant to let go of the Spaniard, then Nagelsmann may become Bayern’s new target.
GGFN | Will Shopland
