Bayern are 'targeting Xabi Alonso as their new manager if Tuchel is sacked'

Bayern Munich are eyeing up a move for Xabi Alonso should they sack Thomas Tuchel, according to reports - with a return for Hansi Flick also sounded out.

Boss Tuchel is under increasing pressure after his side stumbled to a third-straight defeat across all competitions at the weekend, having lost 3-2 to Bochum.

They now trail Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, managed by the impressive Alonso, by eight points after a 3-0 loss last weekend and trail Lazio 1-0 on aggregate in their Champions League last-16 knockout tie ahead of the return leg.

Tuchel's position appeared untenable last night after the club cancelled their post-match press conference, though the decision was thought to have been taken due to the team flying straight back to Munich shortly after the final whistle.

But regardless, Bayern now appear to be planning for life after Tuchel.

The Athletic claim that Alonso is a target, with any potential appointment being with a view to him taking the reins permanently in the summer.

Also on the shortlist is former head coach Hansi Flick, who is viewed as an emergency replacement. Flick, 58, won the Bundesliga twice and the Champions League during his trophy-laden spell in charge between 2019 and 2021.

It is said, however, that some figures at Bayern are uncertain whether Flick would be able to repeat these heroics after struggling in the Germany national team role. Despite coaching several current Bayern players, he was sacked last September.

Under Flick, Germany crashed out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stage.

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen looked to play down rumours Tuchel would be axed last night, saying that the former Chelsea manager would remain in post. But privately, the club are said to be weighing up a change with Alonso a frontrunner.

Alonso, who is contracted until June 2026, was appointed by Leverkusen in October 2022 and in his first season steered them out of the drop zone and to a sixth-placed finish. This campaign, Leverkusen remain unbeaten in the top-flight.

He played for Bayern between 2014 and 2017 under Pep Guardiola and won three Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and one German Super Cup.

After Jurgen Klopp sensationally announced he would step down as Liverpool head coach at the end of the season, Alonso is among the favourites for the vacancy.

Tuchel is determined to fight on and is confident he can reverse Bayern's form.

Speaking after the defeat to Bochum, he said: 'If you ask me if I firmly still believe my coaching staff and I can turn things around... yes.

'Growing pressure? That happens after every defeat. Today we never stopped trying.'