dpa
Munich
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is among the top candidates for the summer vacancy at the helm of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Kicker sports magazine reported on Tuesday.
The report said that Bayern bosses are “hotly debating” a return of Nagelsmann, who was ousted 12 months ago by the previous club leadership after less than two seasons.
Kicker however said opinions were “far apart” on whether Nagelsmann was the right person to take over from Thomas Tuchel, who replaced him in late March 2023 but will leave in summer despite one more year on his contract.
Nagelsmann’s deal as national team coach expires after this year’s European champioships, and he has said he can see himself renewing or returning to club football.
Xabi Alonso from runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen has said he is not leaving, after reportedly being considered Bayern’s preferred option.
Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said on Saturday there were no direct talks with Alonso and that they are now “working in another direction.”
Asked about Nagelsmann, Eberl said: “I know that the whole public is interested in this and that everyone wants to partake in the thoughts we have.”
Other reported candidates are Austrian national team coach Ralf Rangnick, formerly at the helm of Schalke, RB Leipzig and Manchester United; and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi.
Kicker said that former Real Madrid coach and France great Zinedine Zidane was not an issue in Munich, allegedly because he doesn’t speak German.
