Thomas Tuchel responds to Ralf Rangnick Bayern Munich speculation after thousands of fans sign petition pleading with him to stay with Harry Kane in Bavaria

Back in February, it was announced that Tuchel would be walking away from the Allianz Arena at the end of the season. That decision was taken amid criticism of Bayern failing to challenge Bayer Leverkusen for the Bundesliga title, while also slipping out of domestic cup competition.

Since then, safe passage to the semi-finals of the Champions League has been secured – with Harry Kane and Co readying themselves for a heavyweight showdown with Real Madrid. Tuchel has started to earn favour among supporters once more, with there now a petition online calling for him to stay that has collected over 13,000 signatures.

Change.org

Tuchel told reporters when asked about that cause and whether it could change his mind: “Even though this topic is good for me when they [the fans] wish you to stay, it's not something that is a priority and it isn't allowed to be a priority. In the next 11 days it's only about football, nothing else. We want to achieve all we can and to gather as many points as possible in the Bundesliga to get the best result and to reach the final of the Champions League. Whether it's pleasant or unpleasant, I don't allow myself to be influenced by it. We're only focusing on every day counting towards our goals and there's no exception.”

Various candidates have been billed as potential successors to Tuchel. Xabi Alonso will not be prised away from Leverkusen this summer, while questions have been asked of whether French legend Zinedine Zidane is the right man for the job. Martin Demichelis, who is currently in charge of Argentine outfit River Plate, has been mooted as a leading contender alongside former RB Leipzig and Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.