Bayern’s Next Move: Pursuing Alonso and Exploring Options
Bayern Munich, the German giants, are facing the unusual prospect of a trophyless season. Despite their dominance in the Bundesliga for the past decade, they are currently trailing behind Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. With the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel in May, Bayern is now on the lookout for a new manager who can lead them back to their winning ways. Will they turn to Alonso, and what does the future hold for Tuchel?
A Season of Unraveling
For years, it seemed like winning the Bundesliga was a formality for Bayern Munich. They have clinched the title every season since 2012. However, this season has been different. Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, is sitting comfortably at the top of the table with an eight-point lead and only 12 games to go. It would take a monumental drop in form for them to miss out on their first league title.
Bayern’s hopes for a domestic cup were dashed when they lost to third-tier Saarbrucken back in November. This leaves the Champions League as their only realistic chance of winning a trophy this season. However, they face an uphill battle after a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
A Summer of Change
Regardless of how the season pans out, Bayern Munich is bracing themselves for significant changes in the summer. German football expert Archie Rhind-Tutt believes that Tuchel was unable to get the best out of the Bayern squad and that there are bigger problems within the team. It is rumored that players like Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Alphonso Davies could be on their way out as part of a major squad upheaval.
Alonso’s Managerial Future
All eyes are on Xabi Alonso, both as a player and a potential manager. The 42-year-old former Spain midfielder has played for both Bayern Munich and Liverpool during his career and has been strongly linked to the managerial positions at both clubs. With Jurgen Klopp set to leave Liverpool in the summer, Alonso, who is a fan favorite at Anfield, could be a natural choice to take over.
However, football experts Guillem Balague, Mina Rzouki, and Archie Rhind-Tutt have different opinions on which club would be the better fit for Alonso. Balague believes that Bayern Munich is the more intriguing proposition for Alonso at this stage of his career. He sees it as a club with room for improvement that is still capable of winning everything. On the other hand, Rzouki argues that Liverpool is the most attractive option but also mentions the pressure of living up to Klopp’s reputation and competing against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Rhind-Tutt suggests that Bayern may not be the best fit for Alonso due to the political games played within the club. He believes that Liverpool would be a smarter move for the Spaniard. He also mentions other potential candidates available to Bayern, including Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.
Conclusion
As Bayern Munich face the prospect of a trophyless season, they are preparing for a summer of change. With the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel, the club is searching for a new leader who can bring them back to their dominant ways in the Bundesliga. The question remains whether they will turn to Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with both Bayern and Liverpool. While opinions differ on which club would be the better fit for Alonso, one thing is certain – Bayern Munich is determined to bounce back and reclaim their position at the top of German football.