Fresh from the decision to remove Niko Kovac from his post as manager, Bayern Munich are on the hunt for his replacement. With names being thrown in the mix from far and wide, it’ll certainly be interesting to see who it is they go for. Here’s who’s in the mix so far.
Arsene Wenger – 8/15
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hasn’t been in the managerial hot-seat at any club since his departure from the North London club back in 2018. Currently at 8/15, he is the clear favourite to take the reigns in Bavaria, and according to the Mirror, the Frenchman is open to the prospect of the appointment too.
If it was to happen, Wenger would very much be a short-term appointment, with the club having set their sights on somebody like Erik ten Hag of Ajax on a more permanent basis. What Bayern fans can be sure of is that, even if it’s just until the end of the season, Arsene Wenger will bring a winning mentality, great football and most importantly, results.
Jose Mourinho – 7/1
Well, he’s managed just about every other big club across Europe, so why not Bayern too? Well, simply put, because they’ll hate him. Sitting at 7/1, Mourinho is the second favourite for the Bayern job. However, as Wenger would be, this would be very much a short term appointment. Although he’s a born winner and bound to get the best out of those players, there are a few too many variables for a club like Bayern to take the plunge on a long-term basis.
His predominately defensive style of football, explosive press conference manner and recent failure at Manchester United will all be taken into account by the Bayern hierarchy. Something tells me the Bayern fans wouldn’t exactly take to this appointment, the German champions have come to expect a certain style of play – and it’s one Jose Mourinho certainly will not adopt.
Erik ten Hag – 8/1
The Ajax boss was the hotly-tipped favourite for the role in the immediate hours following Kovac’s dismissal, but has since distanced himself from the speculation. Having coached Bayern’s reserve side in the past, ten Hag has said that the club is “still in his heart” but confirmed he will be staying at Ajax this season.
For me, the key part of that was that he confirmed he’ll be staying in the Dutch capital until the end of “this season”, but didn’t mention anything beyond that. Personally, I can see Bayern making an appointment in the vein of a Wenger or a Mourinho, and then appointing this man come next summer. For me, it would be a wise move – ten Hag is a man who can really take Bayern to the next level.
Outside shots for Bayern
Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is there or thereabouts at 9/1, former Stuttgart and Schalke manager Ralf Rangnick and current Bayern interim boss Hansi Flick are 10/1 for the permanent position. Away from that, we’ve got names such as Thomas Tuchel (14/1), Julian Nagelsmann (16/1) and Mauricio Pochettino (20/1) making up the rest of the list.
Who do you think should be the next boss at Bayern? Comment below.
*All odds taken from Skybet.
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