Bayern Munich continues its search for a new manager and the pickings are still quite slim.
Let’s take a look at the most recent coaching rumors assess how legitimate they might be…
Pep Guardiola: Not Hot (but interesting)
Per kicker’s Frank Linkech (via @iMiaSanMia):
At Säbener Straße, it’s being ‘whispered’ that Bayern bosses are dreaming of a Pep Guardiola return. The contact has never been broken since Pep left the club in 2016, he still has an apartment in Munich and comes often to visit the city. However, it remains to be seen whether this ‘dream’ will be realistic.
Summary: There is very little chance of Guardiola leaving Manchester City, where he has unlimited financial resources and the clout get just about any players he wants. He might feel sentimental about his time in Bavaria — and could also be drawn back by the opportunity right a wrong (winning a Champions League title) — but it would likely take a lot to convince him to take on another big challenge when he is sitting on Easy Street. Then again, a lot of us also thought there was very little chance that Harry Kane would jump to Bayern Munich as well.
Erik ten Hag: Hot
Per Sky Sport (GER) journalists Florian Plettenberg and Kerry Hau, and Sky Sports (UK) reporter Melissa Reddy (via @iMiaSanMia):
Erik ten Hag is back on Bayern’s list. Talks between Bayern and ten Hag’s management took place in the past few weeks. No direct talks with the coach yet. Ten Hag would like to fulfill his United contract, but if he were to leave, he’d be ready to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern. Bayern are currently considering several options. Among them are Ten Hag and Lopetegui.
Plettenberg issued is own tweet on the subject as well:
News Ten Hag: After the rejection of Rangnick he’s back on the list of FC Bayern!
➡️ There were talks between Bayern and Ten Hag‘s management in the last weeks. No direct talks with Ten Hag yet.
His future at ManUtd is still uncertain. He would like to fulfill his contract until 2025. However, if it’s certain that he has to leave at the end of the season, then he’s ready for Bayern. Two more teams have already expressed concrete interest in Ten Hag. #MUFC
Bayern are currently considering several options. Among them are Ten Hag and Lopetegui.
Sunday Times reporter Jonathan Northcroft says that Ajax is also interested in Ten Hag:
Erik ten Hag of interest to Bayern and Ajax. Both clubs are waiting to see if he becomes available.
Summary: This is not hot because the author wants it to be (Editor’s Note: The author is not endorsing this move), but because it is one of the more plausible rumors out there. Ten Hag is on the hot seat with Manchester United and will need a job. He was already a coach at Bayern Munich and has a connection with the club. It almost makes too much sense for a very desperate Bayern Munich side.
Julen Lopetegui: Not Hot
Per Süddeutsche Zeitung journalist Javier Cáceres (via @iMiaSanMia):
Julen Lopetegui is ruling out a potential move to Bayern. The Spaniard is in negotiations with West Ham United, to which he’s giving his priority. Lopetegui is not considering a potential Bayern interest. From the coach’s entourage, it is said there was close contact with Bayern a long time ago – Bayern also made an inquiry recently but there were never any concrete negotiations.
Summary: Thankfully, Lopetegui took himself out of the running already.
Unai Emery: Not Hot
Per The Athletic (via @iMiaSanMia):
Unai Emery, who was a Bayern target before he extended his Aston Villa contract, had his reservations about Bayern as the club does not tend to cede power to a manager, give them the type of authority Emery wants or permit the number of coaches and staff members the Spaniard likes. Emery was also thought to be wary of the public nature of some of the Bayern executives and their willingness to air views and grievances in public.
Summary: This rumors is as cold and Emery’s vampire skin.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s disappointing 3-1 loss to VfB Stuttgart? How about an evisceration of a Bayern Munich player who has gotten a free pass for far too long? Well, we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show, which is available on on Spotify or below:
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