Bayern in trouble as Tuchel rejects offer as new coach

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich is still in search of a new coach for the 2018/2019 season following Jupp Heynckes.

German media reported that Thomas Tuchel has rejected an offer of 2017 German Champion. The 44-year-old coach is said to have informed the Bavarian club to take over a top international side abroad for the next season.

According to the Berlin-based tabloid "Bild am Sonntag" and the Munich-based "Sueddeutsche Zeitung", the former Borussia Dortmund coach may go to the Premier League clubs FC Arsenal or FC Chelsea or the French side of Paris St. Germain.

At Arsenal, speculations grow regarding the future Arsene Wegner who is said to leave after 22 years. Regarding Chelsea, Italian star coach Antonio Conte is supposed to be under fire of club owner Roman Abramowitsch.

While multiple media speak about a near end of coach Unai Emery at Paris St Germain, the London-based Guardian reports Paris is eyeing Chelsea's Conte as his successor.

As Bayern announced to only employ a German-speaking coach, candidates such as Lucien Favre (Nice), Ralph Hasenhuettl (RB Leipzig) and former Bayern Munich professional Nico Kovac (Eintracht Frankfurt) now return into the spotlight.

Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann spoke about rumors Bayern has abandoned plans about a native speaking coach and is eyeing Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino.

The Sueddeutsche reports about desperate attempts of Bayern's club leaders trying to convince Tuchel to rethink his decision and start negotiations with FC Bayern.

Tuchel or his management are said to have informed about a near decision joining a club abroad causing the intense action of the Bavarian club leaders.

The paper reports head of board Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, sports director Hasan Salihamidzic and current coach Jupp Heynckes backed the idea to consider Tuchel as the club's next coach.

The Sueddeutsche reports, Hoeness finally joined in, but the club's attempts came too late. Several media say the club had decided to start final negotiations with Tuchel by next week and was surprised by the 44-year-old's phone call announcing he has already agreed on collaboration with a side abroad.

The 1998 Champions League winner Heynckes had informed the club he will retire after the current season. The 1974 World Champion started his fourth spell with Bayern after Carlo Ancelotti got the sack last autumn. Heynckes called his return after a four-year-long break an act of friendship.

Hoeness, Rummenigge, and several squad members such as German international Jerome Boateng and Chilean Arturo Vidal unsuccessfully tried to make Heynckes change his mind.

Heynckes recommended Tuchel as Bayern's next coach telling German media "Thomas Tuchel has the quality to coach a team of the importance of FC Bayern."

After Tuchel departed in Dortmund after having won the German Cup in 2017, rumors spoke about interpersonal problems between Dortmund club leaders such as CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, sports director Michael Zorc, and Tuchel. Enditem