Bayern Munich dealt another blow in search for new coach as ex-Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick explains why he has rejected offer to succeed Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel and Bayern have agreed to part ways at the end of the season, meaning that a new coach will be required in 2024-25. Fans have started a petition calling for Tuchel to stay on, but he has offered no indication that a change of heart will be taken in.

He has led Bayern to the semi-finals of the Champions League, with there everything to play for in a heavyweight showdown with Real Madrid following a thrilling 2-2 first leg draw at the Allianz Arena. Tuchel could land a European crown and still walk away.

Various potential successors to the former Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea boss have been speculated on. Xabi Alonso, fresh from leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title, was considered to be a top target – but he is staying put this summer. Julian Nagelsmann has also opted against a return to Bavaria after extending his contract with the German national team.

Questions have been asked of whether French legend Zinedine Zidane would be right for the job, while former RB Leipzig and Manchester United manager Rangnick has turned down the chance to take charge of Bayern as he intends to honour his contract with Austria through to the 2026 World Cup.

Rangnick said: “I am the Austrian team leader with all my heart. This task gives me incredible joy and I am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path. I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of FC Bayern, but a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the European Championship. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible there!"

Current Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is now favourite to inherit the reins at Bayern, while there are suggestions that Hansi Flick could be brought back for a second spell at the helm or that ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho can return to elite coaching following his dismissal by Roma in January.