Bayern Munich confirm Thomas Tuchel departure amid interest in Xabi Alonso

Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

The club have confirmed the 50-year-old will end his contract early.

“In an open, good conversation we came to the decision to mutually end our collaboration in the summer,” read a statement from the German giants.

“Our goal is to carry out a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024/25 season. Until then, every individual in the club is expressly challenged to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. I also explicitly hold the team responsible.

“Especially in the Champions League, we are convinced that after the 0-1 defeat in the first leg at Lazio Rome, we will advance to the quarter-finals in the second leg in our fully occupied Allianz Arena with our fans behind us.”

Tuchel has come under intense pressure after three straight defeats, with Bayern eight points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen and facing an early Champions League exit after they lost 1-0 to Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie last week.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho have been linked with short-term roles at Bayern.

But the former Chelsea manager will see out the season, with Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso a prime candidate to take over in the summer.

“We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after this season,” Tuchel added.

“Until then, I and my coaching team will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success.”

Tuchel has been linked with Barcelona job since Xavi announced he was leaving the Catalan giants at the end of the season.

Tuchel has also shown interest in the England job, with Gareth Southgate’s future beyond Euro 2024 uncertain.

Harry Kane’s Bayern are facing their first season without a trophy since 2011-12.