Tottenham 'did not hold talks with Thomas Tuchel before Bayern appointment'

By Ben Sully | 26 March 2023

Spurs 'did not hold talks with Tuchel before Bayern appointment'

No discussions reportedly took place between Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Tuchel before the former Chelsea manager was appointed Bayern Munich boss.

No talks were reportedly held between Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Tuchel prior to his appointment as Bayern Munich boss.

The German champions recently sacked Julian Nagelsmann, despite reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a perfect record.

However, a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen before the international break allowed Borussia Dortmund to move one point clear in the title race.

Bayern decided that it was time for a change, and subsequently relieved Nagelsmann of his duties before replacing him with Tuchel.

As a result, Tuchel returns to management for the first time since being sacked by Chelsea last September, after winning three trophies with the West London club, including the 2020-21 Champions League.

Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Prior to his appointment, Tuchel has been mentioned as a possible successor to current Tottenham boss Antonio Conte.

The Italian is set to be sacked in the coming days following an explosive press conference where he labelled his players as "selfish" after they gave up a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton.

If Spurs do decide to dismiss Conte over the international break, then Ryan Mason is widely expected to be put in temporary charge until a permanent successor is appointed.

Tuchel is just one of the names that have been mentioned as a possible replacement for Conte, and reports have recently emerged that the North London club may have held talks with the German.

However, according to the Evening Standard, Tuchel was of interest to Tottenham, but no discussions over the club's managerial position ever took place.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte pictured on March 11, 2023 © Reuters

Tuchel may now be off the market, but Spurs have already turned their attention to Nagelsmann, who has been on Tottenham's radar since 2021.

A recent report claimed that the Lilywhites are hoping to open discussions with the 35-year-old about the manager's job.

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Oliver Glasner, Sergio Conceicao and Luis Enrique have also been mentioned as possible targets.

Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is one of the latest names to be put forward after previously being linked with the Leeds United job earlier this season.

Slot's Feyenoord side are currently six points clear at the top of the Eredivisie following a 3-2 win over second-placed Ajax before the international break.