3 managers who could replace Niko Kovac at Bayern Munich

German giants Bayern Munich have recently fired Niko Kovac as the manager of the club. Although Bayern currently sit only four points behind league leaders Borussia Monchengladbach and sit comfortably at the top of their Champions League group, clearly some things were not working out at the home of the five-time European champions. Last season, Kovac won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal with Bayern, but it is clear that Die Roten have set their sights on the Champions League. The Bayern hierarchy did not believe that the former Frankfurt manager can be the man to lead them to glory in Europe.

Since the Bavarian club won the Champions League in 2013, they are yet to even reach the finals of the competition again. Their dominance in Bundesliga is unmatched, but the likes of Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and now, Niko Kovac, have failed to replicate domestic success in Europe. The question now arises - who should be the person to lead Bayern now? Here, we list out three possible managers who the current German champions can look to.

3) Ralf Rangnick

A veteran of the German league with a great resume, Rangnick is a brilliant fit for this job

Currently serving as the Head of Sport and Development at Red Bull GmbH, Ralf Rangnick is widely credited as being the mastermind behind the Red Bull teams and their success in recent years.

The 61-year-old has had a lot of experience in the Bundesliga. Influenced by the likes of Arrigo Sacchi, Rangnick has been in charge of Stuttgart, Hannover, Schalke and RB Leipzig among others, as well as being the sporting director for RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg. The experienced former German international was also considered for the job at the end of last season, but the club decided to keep faith in Kovac for the time being.

By some accounts, Rangnick is also interested in the job, however, he is currently under contract with Red Bull. On paper, this pairing seems to be a perfect match, as Rangnick has the skill set required to lead Bayern Munich. As of now, he is considered to be one of the front runners, but it remains to be seen whether he can join the club this season or not.

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2) Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has turned Ajax into one of the best teams in Europe

Last season, Ajax made headlines as they saw out some amazing competition to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they lost to an electric Lucas Moura performance. A lot of praise was given to the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Matthias de Ligt who left the club for supposedly greener pastures. However, the man behind the team was Erik ten Hag, who ever since arriving at the Dutch club in 2017, has put them back on the map as one of Europe's brightest teams.

Playing some scintillating football, the Ajax team has grown a lot under the management of the Dutchman. He won the double with Ajax last season, and he is a great fit for Bayern Munich. Having coached their B team from 2013 to 2015, he has garnered some experience in the German system. However, Bayern are unlikely to land ten Hag right now - they have to wait till at least January or next season for the coach to become available.

Despite that, ten Hag is still on the shortlist. Just 49, the manager is quite young too and has a promising career ahead of him.

1) Arsene Wenger

The former Arsenal manager is the frontrunner for the job

Arsene Wenger needs no formal introduction. A legend of the game, former manager has accomplished everything in his storied career except one thing - winning the Champions League. As of now, the German champions are also looking for the same. Could this be a match made in heaven?

Although Wenger's last few years at the helm of Arsenal were marred with some failures which raised some dissent amongst Gooners. His absence, though, is being noticed by the fans now. With 16 consecutive years of making it to the Champions League, instilling one of the best styles of football at his peak, and winning silverware along the way, Wenger's resume stands out from amongst the other candidates for this job. Questions will be raised whether the 70-year-old is still capable enough to lead a team at the very top level, but it might be a gamble worth taking.

The Bayern board hold the Invincibles' manager in high regard, and his ability to speak fluent German combined with his years of experience makes Arsene Wenger one of the best candidates for one of the biggest jobs in world football.