Bayern Munich eyeing Zinedine Zidane as Thomas Tuchel replacement

According to reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Zinedine Zidane is the subject of interest from Bayern Munich. The former Real Madrid manager is a free agent after leaving Los Blancos a few years ago. And the Bundesliga champions view him as a prime candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel, who has come under pressure in recent weeks.

Zinedine Zidane has been among the most highly-rated managers since he took charge of Real Madrid for the first time. The Frenchman honed his skills in the youth and reserve division at the Spanish club before becoming the first-team boss. And he enjoyed incredible success in his first stint with Real Madrid.

The 51-year-old guided Real Madrid to nine trophies in his first spell, including three successive UEFA Champions League titles. But that stint ended after less than three years before he returned in 2019 to take charge of the first team again. While Zidane’s team was not as successful as the first time, they still completed a league and cup double in the 2019/20 season.

The former French international has been a free agent since ending his second spell with Real Madrid. But his stock remains as high as ever, with several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United, setting their sights on him. But a move to Bayern Munich might be on the cards.

Bayern Munich’s interest in Zinedine Zidane comes amid a frustrating 2023/24 season thus far. While the club’s board members have lent their support to Thomas Tuchel, the German tactician is under the pump at the Allianz Arena. So, it is hardly surprising that they are scouring the market for a manager.

The Bavarian giants might end a season without a trophy for the first time in over a decade. For a club of Bayern Munich’s stature, that is disastrous, meaning a change is on the cards. Zidane has thus emerged as a viable target for Bayern Munich, with the former Real Madrid manager towards the top of the club’s wishlist.

Bayern Munich might not make a change before the 2023/24 season ends. That might be ideal for the Frenchman, who might prefer to kick-start his reign with a full summer transfer window under his belt. But it will be interesting to see if Tuchel can save his job in the coming weeks.