Ralf Rangnick Turns Down Bayern Munich’s Offer To Remain Austria Manager

The Austrian Football Association (OFB) announced on Thursday morning that Ralf Rangnick has declined the opportunity to become the new manager of Bayern Munich. He is now the third candidate, following Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, to turn down the chance to replace Thomas Tuchel.

Rather than accepting the position at Bayern, Rangnick has decided to continue as the manager of Austria beyond the upcoming European Championships. He is under contract with the OFB until the 2026 World Cup.

Despite receiving an offer from Bayern, the 65-year-old hesitated for several days before reaching a decision. Media reports suggest that he requested a significant role in squad planning as part of the conditions for accepting the position.

“I’m the Austrian team coach with all my heart. I enjoy this task and am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path,” Rangnick was quoted as saying in the OFB press release. “I would like to expressly emphasize that this is not a rejection of FC Bayern, but rather a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the Euros. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible”

Following the 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Bayern president Herbert Hainer stated that they were engaged in “very positive discussions” with Rangnick. “We are doing our job and we believe that we will get very, very far.”

The search for a new manager is ongoing as Tuchel departs the club in the summer. Various candidates have been evaluated, but several have declined the opportunity to become his successor.

A return of national coach Nagelsmann had been discussed at one point. Nagelsmann was Tuchel’s predecessor in Munich and was dismissed in the spring of 2023. However, the 36-year-old decided against returning to his old club and instead extended his contract with the German Football Association until the summer of 2026.

Former Bayern player and current Leverkusen manager Alonso has chosen to remain in his current position, adding to the uncertainty surrounding who will replace Tuchel. Originally, Sporting Director Max Eberl had intended to announce the decision in April.

Recently, Bayern fans launched a petition urging for Tuchel to continue as manager, largely due to his leadership in guiding the club to the Champions League semi-finals, where they are tied 2-2 with Real Madrid ahead of the second leg.