Bayern Munich have now confirmed a major decision taken on under-fire manager Thomas Tuchel's future at the club.
The German giants have announced that they have mutually agreed to part ways with their current head coach at the end of the season amid a hugely underwhelming season.
New direction for the new season: FC Bayern and Thomas Tuchel to end their working relationship in the summer.
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 21, 2024
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A statement by the club reads: "FC Bayern Munich and head coach Thomas Tuchel have jointly decided to end the collaboration, which was originally scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025, on June 30, 2024. This is the result of an amicable conversation between CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and Thomas Tuchel."
Bavarians CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen explained: "In an open, good conversation we came to the decision to mutually end our collaboration in the summer. Our goal is to carry out a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024/25 season. Until then, every individual in the club is expressly challenged to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. I also explicitly hold the team responsible. Especially in the Champions League, we are convinced that after the 0-1 defeat in the first leg at Lazio Rome, we will advance to the quarter-finals in the second leg in our fully occupied Allianz Arena with our fans behind us."
Tuchel himself, meanwhile, confirmed: "We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after this season. Until then, I and my coaching team will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success."
The Bavarians are currently eight points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen with 22 games played so far, meaning they are now facing the prospect of not winning the league for the first time in 11 seasons.
They also trail Lazio 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena next month.
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Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is reportedly the top candidate to replace Tuchel, while former coach Hansi Flick's potential return appears increasingly unlikely as he is said to be after the FC Barcelona job instead.
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