Bayern Munich have identified their 'first choice' candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel, according to reports, as rumours continue to swirl around his future.
The Bavarians suffered their third defeat in eight days on Sunday against mid-table side Bochum, who recorded a surprise 3-2 win over their out-of-form opponents.
Bayern are now eight points adrift of league leaders Bayer Leverkusen with just 12 games remaining of the Bundesliga season, and the pressure is building on head coach Tuchel.
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The club's CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen did issue a public show of support for Tuchel, confirming he would be in charge for their game against RB Leipzig on Saturday.
But a report from Corriere dello Sport suggests contact has already been made with former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane about succeeding the current Bayern boss.
Talks are said to have taken place ahead of their Champions League round of 16 clash against Lazio – a game Bayern would go on to lose.
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Zidane would be Bayern's first choice to replace Tuchel in the summer, although it's 'unclear' whether he would accept the job right away.
Since leaving Los Blancos in 2021, the highly-regarded Zidane has been linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Juventus.
In an interview with Telefoot in June 2022, the Frenchman confirmed his ambitions to return to management.
"Am I still able to contribute things as a coach? Yes, many things, or I think at least some," he said.
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"I want to continue with that career because I still have the desire – it is my passion. I am 50 years old, fulfilled, I'm happy, that's the most important thing."
Zidane would later rule himself out a potential move to England, telling L'Equipe: "If I go to a club, it's to win. I say this in all modesty. That's why I can't go anywhere. For other reasons, too, I might not be able to go everywhere. Which ones? The language, for example. Certain conditions make things more difficult.
"When people say to me: 'Do you want to go to Manchester?' I understand English but I don't fully master it.
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"I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It's a global context. Me, I know what I need to win."
The report from Corriere dello Sport also claims the Bayern locker room is 'getting out of hand' under Tuchel and half of the first-team squad are against him.
Do you think Zidane is the right man for Bayern? Let us know.
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Champions League, Zinedine Zidane, Thomas Tuchel, Real Madrid, Manchester United