Bayern Munich’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, is poised to depart the club at the end of the ongoing season, marking a significant change in the Bundesliga giant’s leadership.
Tuchel, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann in March 2023, will leave the German champions a year earlier than anticipated, ending his contract in June 2025, amid what’s been termed as “a sporting realignment” at Bayern.
The 50-year-old, previously in charge at Chelsea, guided Bayern to secure the Bundesliga title last season after taking over in the spring.
However, recent performances have seen the team lagging eight points behind current leaders Bayer Leverkusen, having suffered consecutive league defeats.
Notably, Bayern suffered a notable 3-0 loss against Leverkusen, compounded by a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter.
Bayern’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, disclosed that Tuchel’s departure was mutually agreed upon, following “an open, constructive conversation” between the two parties.
According to BBC, Dreesen stated, “Our aim is to implement a new coaching setup for the 2024-25 season. Until then, every individual within the club is encouraged to strive for the utmost in the Champions League and the Bundesliga.
“I also hold the team accountable. Particularly in the Champions League, despite the setback at Lazio, we believe we can progress to the quarter-finals with our fans’ support.”
Tuchel, who has previously managed Paris St-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, remarked, “We will part ways after this season. Until then, my coaching staff and I will continue to strive for maximum success.”
Tuchel, who clinched the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, witnessed his Bayern side suffer a quarter-final loss to eventual champions Manchester City in Europe last season.
Nevertheless, his Bayern team managed to clinch the German title on the final day of the Bundesliga season, as their rivals Borussia Dortmund settled for a 2-2 draw at home against Mainz, securing an 11th consecutive German title.