Why Thomas Tuchel completed double U-turn to ultimately leave Bayern Munich manager post in the summer - explained

Tuchel said he would step down as Bayern manager this summer as he wasn't able to "consistently bring the team to a higher level", while also bemoaning his side's injury issues. Several months on from that announcement, the German giants tried to keep the 50-year-old at Allianz Arena and while the signs initially looked positive, the former Borussia Dortmund boss confirmed his "agreement" from February still stands. So, what happened?

According to Sky Germany, Tuchel wanted a new contract until 2026 but the Bavarians insisted on sticking to his deal that expired in 2025. That means Bayern's trip to Hoffenheim on Saturday will be his last as the club's manager.

He told reporters on Friday: "This is my last press conference on Sabener Strasse. The agreement from February remains. There were further discussions, but we have not found an agreement on further cooperation. That's why the agreement remains."

Bayern tried to keep Tuchel, in something of a panic, after Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and Ralf Rangnick all snubbed their advances. Thousands of fans signed a petition to keep the German and the likes of Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer reportedly urged him to stay. Following this setback, the German giants' search for a new manager is looking increasingly desperate.

Tuchel, who took over at Bayern in March 2023, led the Germans to the Bundesliga title last season but this term they ended the 2023-24 campaign trophyless - something they had not done since 2012. Ahead of his final game in charge, they sit 15 points behind champions Bayer Leverkusen and could yet come third if Stuttgart win and they lose on Saturday.