Ralf Rangnick is now Bayern Munich’s first alternative to manage the team next season should the club fail to land Xabi Alonso.
That’s according to Kicker, who claim that Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi has been overtaken by the Austria head coach due to linguistic concerns.
They also add that Rangnick’s relationship with current sporting director Christoph Freund is likely to make a hire far easier than it would be with Zinedine Zidane.
Rangnick’s form with Austria also certainly helps, with the iconic coach’s reputation on the rocks after a disastrous interim stint at Manchester United.
Austria eased ahead of Sweden in Group F, and finished just a point behind leaders Belgium to book their spot at Euro 2024.
In his last 14 games, Rangnick has 11 wins, two draws and a defeat, with their most recent result a 6-1 trouncing of Turkey.
Despite his headline-making, Rangnick is still second choice to undefeated Bundesliga-leading manager Alonso.
Kicker say that the Spaniard is expected to make a decision on his Bayer Leverkusen future at the end of April.
Honorary president Uli Hoeness isn’t feeling confident about landing Alonso, commenting: “Personally, I, we all, extremely appreciate Xabi Alonso.
“However, one should not forget that the former Bayern professional is coaching a club that is currently in the process of becoming German champions.
“I could certainly imagine that, given the current successes with Bayer Leverkusen , Alonso would be more inclined to continue because he doesn’t want to, let’s say, leave it behind now.
“If he had had two or three years more success it would probably be easier to get him out of there.”
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