Bayern Munich ready Xabi Alonso approach in event of Thomas Tuchel exit - report

Bayern Munich will look to hire Liverpool managerial target Xabi Alonso if they part ways with head coach Thomas Tuchel in the near future, according to a report.

Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen moved eight points clear of Tuchel's Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga over the weekend. Leverkusen won 2-1 away at Heidenheim, while the Bavarians were beaten 3-2 by Bochum.

Bayern's defeat on Sunday followed their crucial 3-0 hammering at the hands of Leverkusen in a title showdown last week and a limp 1-0 loss to Lazio in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Pressure is quickly mounting on Tuchel, and The Athletic report Bayern are considering whether to sack him amid this abysmal run of results.

If Tuchel leaves, Bayern will look to appoint Alonso, but with a view to him taking over in the summer instead. 90min recently revealed Alonso is the top contender to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, another of his former teams.

Alonso joined Leverkusen in October 2022 with the club on the brink of a relegation battle, but he now has them on track to win their first ever Bundesliga title.

Bayern are said to have spoken to former manager Hansi Flick about replacing Tuchel in an interim capacity, but some within the club have doubts about him after a disastrous two-year spell in charge of the Germany national team.

Though behind the scenes Bayern are considering a change of head coach, club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen threw his public support behind Tuchel after their loss at Bochum.

"I feel rubbish. I don't believe in big statements about the coach. This issue isn't on our mind at the moment," Dreesen said.

When asked if Tuchel would still be at Bayern next week, Dreesen replied: "Of course."

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