Bayern Munich plan to rival Liverpool for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso after potentially sacking Thomas Tuchel
Liverpool could face a challenge from Bayern Munich over Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as pressure rises on Thomas Tuchel. Bayern are currently second in the Bundesliga after losing 3-0 to league-leaders Leverkusen, creating a five points gap between them.
Furthermore, the German giants lost 1-0 to Lazio in the Champions League Round of 16, adding more pressure on Tuchel. Bayern appointed Tuchel in March of 2023 after sacking Julian Nagelsmann due to a lack of consistency and availability of Tuchel.
The 50-year-old has struggled to do better than his predecessor while Alonso revamped Leverkusen as a serious title threat. Leverkusen appointed Xabi last season when the club fell into the relegation zone due to a poor start.
Alonso supervised the club into a respectable finish at sixth in the Bundesliga while achieving qualification for the Europa League. The Spaniard used the transfer window wisely and installed his philosophy to guide Leverkusen to an unbeaten season so far.
Despite the lack of experience for the 42-year-old, he commands a lot of respect and admiration from his peers. Furthermore, Alonso has impressive managerial knowledge that he gained during his playing days under several world-class managers.
Xabi has played under Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Rafa Benitez and acquired valuable tactical and managerial wisdom. He is a firm favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool after the end of the current season.
Bayer Leverkusen's per-game ranking across Europe's big five leagues this season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 12, 2024
Most points (2.6)
Most forward passes (199.5)
Most Big Chances created (3.3)
Most possession won final ⅓ (7.1)
Most high turnovers (7)
Everyone is falling in with Xabi Alonso. pic.twitter.com/vA39CKMZsa
The Times reported that Bayern are willing to challenge Liverpool for the appointment of Alonso as their manager. Xabi spent the latter part of his professional career as a player at the German club before he retired.
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Nevertheless, Alonso’s well-documented admiration and love for Liverpool significantly edge the Reds. Alonso is not just the best up-and-coming manager in the world of football, but he shares a strong connection with the Kopites.
