Bayern Munich Denies Interested In Xabi Alonso As New Coach
JAKARTA - Max Eberl, sporting director of Bayern Munich, claims the club has not spoken to Xabi Alonso about the possibility of replacing the departing head coach, Thomas Tuchel, later this season.
Alonso has been stealing attention in the management world since joining Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were caught in a Bundesliga relegation bout. They are now ten points ahead at the top of the German League standings and are on track to their first league title. Until now they are the only team unbeaten in all competitions in Europe's top five leagues this season.
Alonso's work did not go unnoticed. He is now at the top of the seven-name short list for Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will step down from his Anfield role at the end of the season, and Bayern are also interested in reuniting.
In recent weeks, reports from Germany have suggested that Bayern lead Liverpool in the race to bring Alonso and have opened negotiations with their former midfielder. However, in an interview with Sky Sport Germany, Eberl denied the claim.
"We certainly want the new coach to be chosen as soon as possible, but it must be precise, there will be no instant solutions," said Eberl.
"We have a priority list that we want to work on. But we still have one more season with Thomas Tuchel. We want to finish it in the best way possible. That's why I often talk about acrobatics and that's what we have to do."
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"It's not my business to talk about other coaches. We have to take care of our work and find out who is right. Then we have to see what can be done and whether we can buy it. There are many aspects that play a role when looking for a coach," he added.
"We haven't spoken to anyone. This will always appreciate it because one or two candidates have other clubs, so it's not that easy," said Eberl.
There is a high possibility of a significant overlap between Bayern and Liverpool's short lists. Such as Alonso, Brighton & Hove Albion coach Roberto De Zerbi, has also been linked to the two jobs.