As reported by Sky Germany, Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is considered a possible candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich. As well as this, former Bayern midfielder Lothar Matthäus recently stated his desire to see the former Arsenal head coach in the Bayern dugout next season.
Speaking to Sky Germany after Der Rekordmeister’s 5-1 win over Union Berlin on Saturday, Matthäus commented: “I would get Unai Emery from Aston Villa. He’s doing a great job there. He has a lot of experience – including internationally – and he has titles. For example, with Sevilla. He speaks perfect English. He can then learn German, but the players can all speak English anyway, so I don’t see any language barrier. Emery would also be someone who would bring in a new breath; he would be a new face in the Bundesliga, and that would be a good fit with Bayern Munich.”
Since arriving at Villa Park last season, Emery has been able to guide the Premier League outfit into the Europa Conference League, where they are set to face Olympiacos in the semi-finals. However, this season, Villa look ready to break into the top four, with Champions League qualification edging nearer.
Regardless, after Villa’s recent victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, Emery spoke out about his thoughts on the vacant managerial role in Bavaria: “I’m 100% focused here.”
Therefore, while this does not rule Emery out as a possible successor, the rather blunt and straight-to-the-point response suggests that he does not consider his future to be at Bayern. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi is also still in contention for the role at Bayern, but over the past few weeks, there has been little progression between the two parties.
Over the past few weeks, the record champions have faced rejection at almost every corner, and finding Tuchel’s replacement is becoming a more strenuous task. With Lucien Favre linked to the job in the past 24 hours, Bayern may decide that a temporary solution is the most favourable while they wait for Xabi Alonso to be available.
GGFN | Will Shopland
