Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona but wants to take Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd’
THOMAS TUCHEL would consider bossing Barcelona – if he can’t get the Manchester United job.
That’s the claim from Germany after the ex-Chelsea chief agreed to leave Bayern Munich this summer.
Another former Blues’ manager, Graham Potter, is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – closely followed by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.
But SportBild journalist Christian Falk says Tuchel’s “priority” is a Premier League return – with United topping his wishlist.
However, if Ten Hag holds onto his position, or if new Red Devils’ minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe looks elsewhere, then Barca could beckon.
Nou Camp legend Xavi has refused the Spanish giants’ request to U-turn on his pledge to quit as boss at the end of the season.
And the race to replace him appears wide open.
Falk has named Tuchel as a willing contender – but the ex-PSG chief faces tough competition from fellow German Hansi Flick.
It leaves at least four of Europe’s traditional giants – United, Real, Bayern and Liverpool – staring at major managerial decisions this summer.
Indeed, Tuchel has also been mentioned as an option to follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
It appears Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is so far Liverpool’s top target.
But Bayern have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, who played for the Bundesliga club as well as the Reds and Real.