Thomas Tuchel has addressed a fan petition urging him to reconsider his departure from Bayern Munich and remain at the helm for the 2024-25 season.
The announcement of Tuchel’s impending exit from the Allianz Arena came in February, prompted by criticism over Bayern’s failure to mount a serious challenge for the Bundesliga title and their elimination from domestic cup competitions.
However, Bayern’s progression to the Champions League semi-finals has sparked renewed support for Tuchel, leading to the circulation of an online petition with over 13,000 signatures calling for his retention.
Tuchel told reporters when asked about that cause and whether it could change his mind: “Even though this topic is good for me when they [the fans] wish you to stay, it’s not something that is a priority and it isn’t allowed to be a priority. In the next 11 days it’s only about football, nothing else.
We want to achieve all we can and to gather as many points as possible in the Bundesliga to get the best result and to reach the final of the Champions League. Whether it’s pleasant or unpleasant, I don’t allow myself to be influenced by it. We’re only focusing on every day counting towards our goals and there’s no exception.”
Several potential successors to Tuchel have been suggested. Xabi Alonso is unlikely to leave Leverkusen this summer, and doubts have been raised about whether Zinedine Zidane is the ideal candidate for the role.
Martin Demichelis, currently managing River Plate in Argentina, has emerged as a strong contender, along with former RB Leipzig and Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.