Bayern Munich have reacted angrily to suggestions that head coach Thomas Tuchel has expressed interest in succeeding Xavi in the Barcelona dugout.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s chaotic 5-3 defeat to Villarreal, Xavi announced he will leave Barca at the end of this season, saying the club required a “change of dynamic”.
Xavi guided Barca to their first league title of the post-Lionel Messi era last season, but they are currently languishing 11 points behind surprise leaders Girona and are already out of the Copa del Rey.
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Speculation has been rife as to who may replace Xavi, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Bologna’s Thiago Motta touted as potential candidates.
Some reports suggested Bayern boss Tuchel could also be interested in the role, after the German indicated he held a long-term ambition to work in Spain at a fan event on Sunday.
Bayern then lashed out at suggestions that Tuchel was putting his name forward for the Blaugrana job in a combative statement on Monday.
Jan-Christian Dreesen & Christoph Freund: “We will no longer accept such non-factual statements.”
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 29, 2024
In that statement, chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen and sporting director Christoph Freund said: “On Sunday, as part of a fan visit, our head coach Thomas Tuchel was asked by the supporters about his coaching career and his previous experiences abroad at Paris-Saint Germain and Chelsea.
“Of course, he gave information about this in the conversation. He also answered general questions from fans about Spain as a football country.
“He never spoke about Xavi Hernandez and his successor, as was falsely claimed afterwards.
“We will no longer accept such unobjective statements directed against our coach, which always come from the same places.”
