- Antonio Conte is among the candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern
- Tuchel will leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the season
- Ange Postecoglou won’t be phased by criticism and won’t change his objectives because of Daniel Levy… this is who he is! It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Antonio Conte has emerged as Bayern Munich’s preferred candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel, according to reports in Italy.
The German has been under major pressure at the Allianz Arena since the turn of the year following a poor run of form that has seen Bayern fall 10 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Last month, Bayern confirmed Tuchel will leave the club at the end of the season, with Xabi Alonso considered the favourite to replace him.
The Spaniard is under contract with Leverkusen until June 2026, but preliminary discussions between Alonso’s representatives and Bayern are understood to have already taken place.
According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, however, the Bavarian giants could turn their attention to Conte instead.
Antonio Conte is reportedly Bayern Munich’s main candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel
Bayern have already announced Tuchel will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season
The Italian hasn’t managed since his 17-month spell at Tottenham came to an end a year ago in bitter circumstances.
While Conte’s abrasive nature ultimately cost him his job at Spurs, he boasts an impressive pedigree which includes four Serie A titles – three with Juventus and one with Inter Milan – and a Premier League crown with Chelsea in the past 13 years.
At the Allianz Arena, the 53-year-old would be reunited with Harry Kane and Eric Dier, whom he both coached at Spurs.
Conte’s availability would also resolve a potentially delicate situation for Bayern, who would have to negotiate a substantial payoff to land Alonso.
The Telegraph reported earlier this month that Bayern are confident they are Alonso’s preferred destination, should he leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
However, his exit is expected to cost Germany’s most decorated club between £13million and £21m due to a fixed clause in his contract at Leverkusen.
The final cost will depend on how many trophies they win this season with a ‘treble’ of Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Europa League a possibility.
Leverkusen remain unbeaten in all competitions in what has been an extraordinary season for them.
Xabi Alonso is also on Bayern Munich’s shortlist to replace Tuchel
Conte would be reunited with Harry Kane (above) and Eric Dier at Bayern Munich, having managed the pair during his days at Spurs
Die Schwarzroten – The Black and Reds – are 10 points clear of Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga and on track for a first league title in their 120-year history.
They are also through to the semi-finals of the German Cup and face West Ham in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The Spaniard has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Tuchel at the Allianz Arena and Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with both of his former clubs vying for his services.
Alonso has been hailed as the ideal replacement to Klopp since the German announced in January he would step down at the end of the season.
The former Spain international won the Champions League and the FA Cup in five seasons at Anfield, before winning three Bundesliga titles in a row in three campaigns with Bayern after leaving Real Madrid.
After winning 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles, Bayern could end the season empty handed for the first time since 2012 with the Champions League their only hope of success.
