Bayern Munich open up on links to ex-Manchester United manager for Thomas Tuchel's replacement
Tuchel declared his departure from the club at the end of the current season
Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has refuted any suggestion that the club has approached Ralf Rangnick regarding a potential managerial role for the upcoming season.
Thomas Tuchel declared his departure from the club at the end of the current season following a 3-2 defeat to Bochum in the Bundesliga last month.
Despite Tuchel steering Bayern into the Champions League quarter-finals by overturning their tie against Lazio, their domestic form has remained lacklustre.
A draw with Freiburg allowed Bayer Leverkusen to establish a 10-point lead, and a surprising home loss in Der Klassiker last Saturday further widened the gap by another three points, as Die Werkself staged a dramatic late comeback against Hoffenheim.
With Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso now unavailable this summer, Bayern will need to explore alternative options for a new manager.
Earlier this week, German outlet Kicker reported Bayern's interest in appointing former Manchester United manager Rangnick as their new boss.
The report suggested that Rangnick was the primary alternative if a move for Alonso fell through, which is now confirmed as Alonso has announced his decision to remain at Leverkusen next season.
Speaking to ZDF, Eberl refused to reveal anything about the ongoing manager hunt, and said certain headlines are "strange" regarding possible candidates.
When asked about the substance of recent links to certain managers, Eberl sarcastically revealed: "So much so that Antonio Conte is apparently sending us lists of players we want to look for. You can see how strange these headlines are.
"I won't comment on names anyway. I do not do that. We have ideas, we have clear ideas. Christoph, me and the club. We are now trying to implement that as quickly as possible." Eberl told ZDF.
"From the beginning, I didn't comment on any names and I won't do that now either. Especially the question about Ralf Rangnick, Antonio Conte, whom I mentioned, and then there's another one in the Premier League who is apparently very interesting for us."
That Premier League name is Roberto De Zerbi, who is among one of the favourites, alongside Rangnick and Conte, while Kicker has also thrown the name of Hansi Flick into the hat.
While work continues behind the scenes ahead of next season, Bayern still have the Champions League to contend for, and face Arsenal in their quarter-final first leg next midweek.
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