Bayern Munich’s new sporting director Max Eberl has revealed that he has already been rejected by Xabi Alonso, though that was when he was at the helm of Borussia Monchengladbach. The Spaniard is primed for further talks with the Bayern chief this summer though, having been identified as a target to succeed Thomas Tuchel.
Following a miserable first half to the season, the Allianz Arena outfit announced that they would be parting ways with Tuchel at the end of the season following a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Bayern are currently eight points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen and are relying on a serious turn of events – or hitting good form in the Champions League – to get their hands on silverware this season.
Ex-Germany manager Hansi Flick and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi have both recently been linked with the position, though Alonso remains Bayern’s favourite for the role due to the enormous strides he has made with Leverkusen over the past 18 months.
An approach in preparation for the summertime vacancy is expected soon, though it isn’t the first time that the Spaniard is set for talks with Eberl, the latter has revealed. Whilst sporting director of Monchengladbach, he attempted to appoint Alonso as their head coach but saw his approach rebuffed by the ex-Real Madrid playmaker.
Eberl explained: “I wanted to bring Xabi Alonso to Gladbach, it was three years ago. He told me, ‘I’m sorry but no thanks, it’s too early. I need more experience’.”
