Bayern chief holds players responsible as summer Tuchel exit announced

Bayern Munich have announced head coach Thomas Tuchel will leave the club in the summer.

The Bundesliga champions have lost three straight matches for the first time since 2015 and sit eight points behind Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the table.

Chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen said: "In an open, good conversation we came to the decision to mutually end our collaboration in the summer.

"Our goal is to carry out a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024-25 season.  

"Until then, every individual in the club is expressly challenged to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. 

"I also explicitly hold the team responsible. 

"Especially in the Champions League, we are convinced that after the 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Lazio we will advance to the quarter-finals in the second leg."

There was speculation that Tuchel would be replaced immediately after Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Bochum.

But it has been agreed he will see out the remainder of the campaign, meaning he is in charge for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Lazio — a tie Bayern trail 1-0 after the first game.

Tuchel said: "We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after this season.

"Until then, I and my coaching team will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success."

Tuchel replaced Julian Nagelsmann as the club's head coach last March and guided them to their 11th straight title after Borussia Dortmund dramatically dropped points on the final day.

But they have looked a shadow of their former selves this season despite record signing Harry Kane scoring 29 goals in his first 30 appearances for the club.

And midfielder Leon Goretzka described the team's losing run as a "horror film that doesn't end".

Tuchel's departure could see a tug of war develop between Bayern and Liverpool for the services of Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who has worked wonders for the current league leaders.