Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick confirmed on Saturday that he has asked to leave the club at the end of the season.
Speaking after Bayern’s 3-2 win over Wolfsburg, Flick said: “I told the team today that I informed the club during the week, after the game in Paris, I would like to terminate my contract at the end of the season.
“It was important to me that the team learn this from me, because there was already a lot of hallway rumours going around. We’ve done a great job together for almost two years. I’m absolutely impressed with this team, their quality and their attitude.”
Mirror Football takes a look at five potential replacements for Flick…
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Julian Nagelsmann
The current RB Leipzig boss is one of the most highly rated young coaches in world football and reports have claimed that he is the frontrunner to replace Flick.
Speaking on Wednesday, Nagelsmann denied that Bayern had already made contact, saying: “There have been no talks and we are currently in no talks.
“It’s not like they [Nagelsmann’s agents] are acting autocratically. They do things I ask them to. And thus, there were no talks.”
However, he did refuse to rule out joining them, adding: “There are always developments in football you can’t foresee.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp
Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has previously admitted that the club holds a long-standing interest in the Liverpool boss, telling Bild last year: “Whenever we were looking for a trainer, Jürgen Klopp was under contract.
“One should also not forget, we have been blessed with top trainers in recent years, Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and now also Hansi Flick.
“If you are looking for a trainer, the timing must also be right. I always knew that Jürgen was one of the three or four best coaches in Europe.”
However, Klopp has repeatedly reaffirmed his intention to see out his contract at Anfield, saying last month: “In my understanding, I will be here for the next three years.”
(Image: REUTERS)
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Massimiliano Allegri
Massimiliano Allegri has been without a club since leaving Juventus in 2019, having won five Serie A titles and reached two Champions League finals.
The 53-year-old has been linked with several top jobs and Italian outlet Sport Mediaset has claimed that Allegri is high on Bayern’s list of potential replacements for Flick.
Joachim Low
Flick is widely considered the favourite to become the new manager of the German national team, with current boss Joachim Low confirming that he will leave his role after this summer’s European Championship.
Ever since their shock group stage exit from the 2018 World Cup, Germany have not been at their best under Low, but the 61-year-old does boast an impressive overall record which includes the 2014 World Cup triumph.
Could he return to club management with Bayern?
(Image: Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso
A more left-field option, former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso could become the next legendary former player to land a top job early in his management career.
Alonso is currently in charge of Real Sociedad B and recently signed a one-year extension after he was heavily linked with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Could he follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Andrea Pirlo and manage a European powerhouse in his first senior coaching gig?
