Bayern Munich have officially announced its decision to part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
The decision was reached after crisis talks between the club and Tuchel, who took charge in March 2023.
The Bundesliga champions are now looking for a new coach, with names like Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp being linked to the position.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed the departure in an official statement on Wednesday, expressing the goal of undertaking a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024/25 season.
Tuchel, appointed Julian Nagelsmann’s successor, initially led Bayern to their 11th successive Bundesliga title. However, this season has seen a downturn in performance, with Bayern trailing eight points behind Leverkusen in the league after 22 games.
Disappointing exits from the DFB-Pokal and a challenging Champions League campaign have contributed to the decision for a coaching change.
Tuchel, in response to the decision, stated, “We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after this season. Until then, I and my coaching team will continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success.”
The club’s heavy reliance on the goal-scoring prowess of summer signing Harry Kane, who has notched up 29 goals in 30 appearances, has been evident. However, the lack of quality across the pitch has left Bayern no longer appearing as one of Europe’s elite sides.
With Tuchel set to leave at the end of the season, Bayern still has crucial matches ahead, including Bundesliga encounters against RB Leipzig and Freiburg, along with an uphill battle in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Lazio on March 5. The club aims to complete a second-leg comeback with the support of their fans at the fully occupied Allianz Arena.
As Bayern begins the search for a new head coach, the focus remains on salvaging the current season and preparing for a fresh start in the 2024/25 campaign.