BUNDESLIGA
Bayern busy during international break with Pep linked
Bayern Munich need a manager and despite the fact that Mourinho and Allegri remain without a job, the German side are focused on getting Pep back.
Bayern Munich are still looking for a manager. The sacking of Niko Kovac has landed Hans-Dieter Flick with the chance to manage the side for the time being but Uli Hoeness and company are looking for a replacement who guarantees success.
Despite the names on the table with Jose Mourinho and Massimiliano Allegri currently out of work, amongst several others, they are not looking for a temporary solution but are thinking more long term. Oliver Kahn wants the club to think through the decision and not rush into picking a new coach. In fact, if Herr Flick continues his good run against direct rivals like the other day against Borussia Dortmund, he will be given the chance to manage the team for the rest of the season.
That decision would give Bayern time to select a new manager but would also open up the possibility of hiring someone who is currently under contract. Amongst the names mentioned, three stick out, although it won't be easy to convince them to leave their current teams.
The first one if Pep Guardiola, who has a deal with Manchester City that expires in 2021. It's fair to say it hasn't been his best season in England but it's also very possible that he finishes the season with an important trophy. In Bild, they recall his comments in 2016: "I'll return here, to Germany, maybe as a manager." They also state how Guardiola still have his apartment in Munich and his family were very happy there. Pep's wife had to leave England to return to Spain because she could not adapt to life in Manchester. They also add that he would not be against a change of scenery.
Another coach mentioned is Thomas Tuchel. The PSG manager has a very good and well-paid position alogn with a squad full of stars. Bayern Munich could match both of these things but they could also offer him the chance to work closer to his home. His contract also expires in 2021.
The final name is Erik ten Hag. The Ajax manager is doing an amazing job in Netherlands despite losing a lot of his best players. He is with the club until 2022 and has ruled out a move now but a switch from Ajax to Bayern would be an important jump in his career. His wage would not be an issue and for that, he seems like the most reasonable option to replace the sacked Kovac.