Next Bayern manager development sees Arsene Wenger become ‘absolute favourite’

Arsene Wenger has reportedly become the ‘absolute favourite’ for the vacant Bayern Munich manager’s post after RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick was ruled out of the running by his agent.
The Bavarian powerhouse parted ways with Niko Kovac earlier this week after a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt left them in fourth place in the Bundesliga, four points behind top spot.
Wenger to take up Bayern post? Five things to know…
- Wenger has been without a club since leaving Arsenal in 2018.
- Bayern sacked Kovac this week after a string of poor results.
- Rangnick and Ajax boss Erik ten Hag have both ruled themselves out as replacements.
- Bild now believe Wenger is the favourite and the Frenchman admits he misses management.
- However, ex-France defender Marcel Desailly believes his compatriot is too old for the dugout.
Wenger’s name has been mentioned on the list of possible replacements, alongside the likes of Max Allegri, Ten Hag and Rangnick, but the latter two have ruled themselves out.
“No, Ralf Rangnick is not available,” said his agent Marc Kosicke. “We do not believe that what Ralf Rangnick brings is currently being sought at Bayern. And that’s why it makes no sense to hold concrete talks.”
German outlet Bild now believe Wenger to be the ‘absolute favourite’ for the Bayern post – at least on a short-term basis – and although he was unwilling to shed any light on the situation when quizzed by beIN Sport recently, the Frenchman did admit he misses the rigours of football management.
Arsene Wenger discusses return to football management
“Coaching was my whole life until now and everybody who has coached will tell you the same,” he said.
“You miss the intensity. There’s some things you miss a lot, and some things you don’t miss. So I enjoyed as well things I don’t miss too much.
“But on the other hand, winning football games, preparing a team for a game, developing players and getting satisfaction and shared emotions is something that you miss.
“So of course, yes, I was responsible at 33 years of age and coached until 69 without interruption at the top level. So that is 36 years without stopping. On the other hand, even if I miss it, to get a little bit out of that pressure for a year was not too bad for me – people who know me well say I’m more relaxed, it’s true!”
Desailly: Wenger should not be in the dugout anymore
Given his experience and immense success, Wenger would certainly be an attractive proposition to Bayern and, until the end of the season at least, a steadying influence on the club.
READ MORE: Who should be Bayern Munich’s next manager?
But that isn’t a view shared by former Chelsea and France centre-back Desailly, who stated his compatriot is no long suited to life in the dugout when discussing Bayern’s managerial situation with beIN Sports recently.
“No, he should not be in the dugout. It’s not for him any more,” Desailly responded when asked of Wenger would be suited to the Bayern job.
He added: “He has great possibilities to restructure, to build up the philosophy of the club, towards the first team and the academy. But as a frontline, we don’t see him anymore. He’s 70 years old.”