Bayern Munich chief comments give Liverpool hope in Xabi Alonso race

Bayern Munich sporting Max Eberl has insisted that the club haven't settled on one managerial target, with 'more than four names' still on the shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel. The comments could give Liverpool a boost in the race for Xabi Alonso.

Both Liverpool and Bayern are expected to go head to head in an attempt to woo their former midfield star Alonso this summer, with the 42-year-old perhaps the hottest property in the world of coaching.

Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen have a ten-point lead over Bayern in the Bundesliga currently and are on track for a first-ever league title.

They remain unbeaten in all competitions in 2023/24 and could end the campaign with a treble as they also chase down Europa League and DFB Pokal glory.

While Liverpool's interest in appointing Alonso as Jurgen Klopp's successor is well known, there have also been reports that Bayern will go hard for the coach this summer as they seek to replace the departing Tuchel.

It had been speculated that the German champions' interest is already at a more advanced stage than Liverpool's, with local reports in particular expressing the confidence in securing Alonso.

However, according to Bayern's new sporting director, there are still several names still being considered, while description of the recruitment process does not paint a picture of a club on the verge of making an appointment.

Eberl who joined the club last month told BILD: "There is currently no plan A, B and C. We are screening the situation: what the squad looks like, what DNA the club has, what history.

"We think carefully: which coaches fit what we have? What this club radiates and wants to achieve?"

The former RB Leipzig recruitment chief also added that there are "more than four, but not 40 names" on the list, with the club decision makers looking to whittle the options down before final discussions.

He continued: "We have a list that we would like to work through in peace and have conversations in peace. Based on the information, feasibility and similarities - club, squad, coach - we try to make the best decision.

"We want a trainer who doesn't stay for a short period of time, but is here for the medium and long term. This is an important constant when it comes to squad planning and strategy."

Klopp not an option for Bayern

Elsewhere in the interview with BILD, Eberl was also asked whether Klopp might be a possibility for Bayern's shortlist. However, he was quick to rule out the departing Liverpool boss who has repeatedly insisted he intends to take a break from football at the end of the season.

Eberl conceded: "When a person says that, the job comes second. And people first. So I won’t call him."