Bayern Munich and Liverpool are both linked with a swoop for Xabi Alonso but the German club are understood to be eyeing Antonio Conte as their main managerial target.
Bayern Munich have placed Antonio Conte as the ‘first name’ on their list of managerial candidates.
The ex-Chelsea boss has been out of a job since leaving Tottenham a year ago but has a history of claiming silverware. The German club recently announced Thomas Tuchel will leave at the end of the season and are now on the lookout for a new boss with Xabi Alonso also linked.
Bayer Leverkusen’s manager looks poised to end Bayern’s dominance of the Bundesliga with his outfit still unbeaten midway through March. As a result Alonso is a man in demand and Liverpool too are keen on the Spaniard, but Italian outlet la Repubblica claim the Bavarians want Conte.
He has claimed league titles at Juventus, Inter Milan and Chelsea in the past. Conte remains highly thought of and was reportedly contacted by Bayern a few months ago, though negotiations have not been easy with the Italian, who left Tottenham on a sour note.
A move to Germany would present him with the chance to conquer another major European league. It would also see him reunite with Eric Dier and Harry Kane, who have both moved to Bayern within the last year. Kane was able to excel under Conte’s management.
That scenario could free Liverpool up to have an unrivalled pursuit of Alonso as they seek Jurgen Klopp’s replacement with the German announcing his imminent exit in January. Leverkusen though remain confident that can keep their manager with CEO Fernando Carro planning for life with the Spaniard.
“He has a contract until 2026 and we are planning the next season with him at full speed,” the Leverkusen chief told Marca. “Nothing makes us think that he will not continue with us. On the coaching level, he is the number one in the world at the moment.”
That echoes what Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes told the Frankfurter Rundschau last month: “I remain calm and optimistic. The most important thing for managers is that they feel comfortable and have the feeling that they are in the right place. Xabi knows what he has at the club. He has said that many times. This is how he works with his team and his coaching team every day.”
Liverpool owners FSG recently bought Michael Edwards back in a senior role and he’s since hired a sporting director, who already has contact with Alonso ahead of a potential summer return to Anfield.
