by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- With a note of urgency, Marc Kosicke, the agent of Jurgen Klopp, delivered an important message on behalf of his client. The manager of the Liverpool coach hastily announced that the 56-year-old 2019 UEFA Champions League winner would not follow in the footsteps of Thomas Tuchel as the head coach of Bayern Munich.
"Jurgen Klopp will not coach a club side or a national team over the next season. That decision remains valid," Kosicke stated.
After the news of Tuchel's departure next summer hit the headlines, speculation grew about the next coach for the 2020 treble winners. While fans and several Bayern officials would be pleased to welcome Klopp, the statement also ruled out the LFC coach as the next German national coach.
A surprising official club announcement on Wednesday afternoon spoke of an agreement between Bayern and Tuchel to end their collaboration after the 2023-2024 season, despite a valid contract until 2025.
While many see Klopp as a perfect match for the reigning German champions or the German national team, speculation continues. Former French international Zinedine Zidane, along with former Bayern coach and German national coach Hansi Flick, are mentioned as possible successors. Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness, the nephew of former Bayern president Uli Hoeness, is considered an outsider
Insiders mention the 1998 world champion as the first choice, noting that the three-time Champions League-winning coach is "working like a German, considering the smallest details."
Media reports suggest a lack of current options has led Bayern and Tuchel to continue until the end of this season. Jan-Christian Dreesen, the Bayern chairman, stated the club and the coach agreed to end their collaboration this summer for a fresh start after the club suffered several sports setbacks.
Bayern's decision may ease tensions around Tuchel, amidst reports of significant disagreements between the coach and several key team members.
The former Paris and Chelsea coach took over the Bayern job in March 2023, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann. Two months later, Tuchel secured the national league title in a nail-biting finish, narrowly edging out Dortmund.
Despite complaints about an incomplete transfer policy in recent months, sporting success was not forthcoming. Internal changes in the club's leadership have increased tensions around Bayern. Chairman Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic departed, with former Leipzig director Max Eberl rumored to take over the role from March 1.
A restart seemed impossible after Tuchel and several of the club's star players expressed differing views on the team's future.
Until the end of the current season, Tuchel and Bayern face the challenge of uniting the team while their progress in the Champions League is at risk following a 1-0 defeat against Lazio in the last 16 round and an eight-point deficit in the national league. ■
