Tuchel successor

Spaniards report: Zidane new Bayern coach!

Zinedine Zidane is set to become Bayern's new coach - at least according to reports in Spain.(Bild: APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Hector Vivas, FC Bayern)

According to a media report, FC Bayern Munich are close to signing Zinedine Zidane as head coach. As the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported on Friday, the French World and European Champion is "just one step away" from taking over from Thomas Tuchel at the dethroned German champions for the new season.

After Julian Nagelsmann extended his contract as Germany coach until 2026 on Friday, the 51-year-old is said to be the top candidate. According to the report, "an agreement has practically been reached", even if the contract has not yet been signed. It was only a matter of minor details, as Zidane had asked the sporting management for reinforcements for the defense.

Until now, Nagelsmann was considered number one on the list of candidates. However, the return of Tuchel's predecessor has been ruled out due to his long-term commitment to the German Football Association. Ralf Rangnick was also being considered, but the Austrian national team manager has repeatedly stated that he is not available. Bayern agreed with Tuchel at the end of February to terminate his contract, which actually runs until the end of June 2025, early this summer.

Zidane had announced in February that he would soon be returning to the coaching bench. The three-time world footballer coached Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 and most recently from 2019 to 2021. Among other things, he won the Champions League three times in a row with the Whites. Since his departure from Madrid, there has been repeated speculation about a coaching comeback at various clubs.