FC Bayern Munich: Bayern coach search with annoyances – speculation about Flick

When the conversation turned to Hansi Flick returning to FC Bayern, Thomas Müller laughed. “Now someone is finally asking that we can make progress,” said the Munich vice-captain, who was happy after the 2-0 win against VfL Wolfsburg. “No comment – let’s just wait and see.” A comeback by Sextuple winner Flick on Säbener Straße is another exciting turn in the tough search for a coach for the dethroned German series champion.

The 59-year-old, who has repeatedly been considered a candidate in the extended circle in the speculation surrounding Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner, would apparently enjoy a return to his triumphant coaching position. Despite all the beautiful nostalgia, there are also reservations after Flick and the national soccer team failed badly to get a big block from Bayern at the World Cup in Qatar.

Flick yes, flick no?

“I won’t comment on a single name until we really have the ink dry and the coach has signed,” said sports director Max Eberl. He also remained “steadfast” with Flick. Some speculate about talks with Flick, others report that he is very unlikely to become Bayern’s new coach.

Müller is amused. “I get the impression that you’re a bit in the dark,” said the 34-year-old. “We can’t influence it. That’s why I’m waiting until I get information about who the next candidate might be.” Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton & Hove Albion is also said to be on the list, despite his commitment to his current employer. “That’s management’s job and we’ll take what comes,” said Leon Goretzka cautiously during the lengthy search.

Eberl: Keep looking for the right person

“We are now in the middle of May and of course we are also annoyed that it hasn’t worked yet,” said Eberl. “I can’t change it and I can’t stop my search. We’re continuing to try to find the right candidate so that we can prepare for the summer and plan the squad and then start the new season stronger.” Around a handful of fresh people are needed – although one or two highly paid stars would have to leave despite their current contract.

Replacement striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (35) and permanent reserve Bouna Sarr (32), who were officially farewelled on Sunday before kick-off, will no longer be there. Unlike coach Thomas Tuchel. There were no flowers for the outgoing coach. The 50-year-old also skipped his stars’ lap of honor with the children at the end of what Müller described as a “beautiful Family & Friends Day”.

Tuchel jokes about “farewell game”

“Please don’t interpret anything into it if I wasn’t in the corner. The fans don’t come for the coach. No, I don’t like being the center of attention. That’s for the team,” explained Tuchel. When he was asked when he could get the “proper” farewell announced by the stadium announcer, he smiled expectantly – and joked. “Farewell game at some point.” His Bayern record was less humorous. “I came here to win as many titles as possible with the team and the club – we didn’t manage to do that,” said Tuchel. Champions in the 2022/23 season – that’s it for the term that began in March 2023.

Eberl did not want to respond to speculation about Tuchel’s continued employment. The agreement for Tuchel to leave the club in the summer had already been concluded when he took office in March, said the 50-year-old. “At that time it was confirmed again by both sides that this was the case and accordingly there is nothing else to say.”

Eberl: That doesn’t make it any easier

Eberl, who has been working as sports director since March, positioned himself more clearly despite the many background noises of the search. Information leaked out again and again or there were public statements. “It is covered very, very much, not only by the media, but also by the protagonists themselves,” said Eberl. “Usually you talk behind closed doors, you agree or you don’t agree and then you part ways. That doesn’t make it any easier.”