Rangnick in pole position

Next coaching candidate says no to Bayern

Bayern's sports bosses: Christoph Freund and Max Eberl(Bild: Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

First Leverkusen's master coach Xabi Alonso, then Germany's national coach Julian Nagelsmann and now also Unai Emery turned Bayern down! The 52-year-old Spaniard extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2027 on Tuesday (today).

According to "kicker", Bayern bosses were already negotiating with Emery in February about a possible commitment. However, the size of the coaching staff in particular is said to have become a point of contention. The two ambitious owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens of Aston Villa were opposed to this. They responded to the emerging rumors about their successful coach with an early contract extension until the summer of 2027.

As Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi has also not been highly rated at Säbener Straße recently, Germany's record champions are apparently focusing on signing Ralf Rangnick.

According to Bayern sporting director Max Eberl, the coaching decision should be made by the end of April. Rangnick has a contract with the ÖFB until the end of the World Cup qualifiers at the end of 2025, which would be automatically extended until the summer of 2026 if the team participates in the finals in North America. There is no exit clause in the contract, so a transfer fee would be due should Bayern actually commit to the 65-year-old and Rangnick himself agree to a contract in Munich.

ÖFB wants to concentrate on the European Championship
"Ralf Rangnick has a valid contract, the ÖFB has not received any inquiries. The full focus is on UEFA EURO 2024," said ÖFB sports director Peter Schöttel. In recent weeks, the national team coach himself has always emphasized in connection with FC Bayern that his full focus is on preparing for the European Championship. In the event of his departure from the ÖFB team, he would not be able to take up his Bayern post until after the tournament.