Bayern Munich have reportedly drafted a three-man shortlist as they look to appoint a new manager ahead of the 2024-25 season, with Julian Nagelsmann the preferred option.
They announced in February that current head coach Thomas Tuchel would be leaving his post at the club at the conclusion of the campaign.
The reasoning for the decision can largely be viewed on the Bundesliga standings, with Bayern 16 points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen after 29 matches.
Following Leverkusen's 5-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen on Sunday afternoon, Xabi Alonso's troops have secured the club's first-ever German top-flight title.
In the process, Bayern's 11-year possession of the Bundesliga crown has come to a sobering end, and there is a distinct possibility that Tuchel's side conclude the campaign trophyless.
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Nagelsmann tops Bayern manager shortlist
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich have drawn up a three-man shortlist for their vacant managerial position ahead of the new term.
He claims that former boss Nagelsmann is the Bavarians' first choice, with the 36-year-old currently in place as head coach of Germany.
The ex-Leipzig man is preparing to lead Die Mannschaft into a home European Championships, starting with a match against Steve Clarke's Scotland at the Allianz Arena on June 14.
It is understood that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zebri is also a candidate for the Bayern job, despite the Seagulls dropping off in the Premier League this season.
Another option for the 33-time German champions is ex-Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick, who is currently employing his world-renowned gegenpressing style as leader of the Austria national team.
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Bayern face competition for Nagelsmann
Heading towards the Euros in the summer, the German Football Federation are supposedly hoping to extend Nagelsmann's contract as head coach.
The 36-year-old's deal with Die Mannschaft expires following the conclusion of this summer's showpiece tournament, but the German Federation want the ex-Munich man to lead his nation into the 2026 World Cup.
Nagelsmann has only managed Germany for six games but there are increasing expectations around his troops ahead of the start of the Euros in June.
Die Mannschaft secured back-to-back wins over fellow European powerhouses France and the Netherlands during the March international break, with the likes of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz catching the eye.
Carter White
