Thomas Tuchel 'waiting for Barcelona or Real Madrid job'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 January 2023

Former Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is waiting for the Barcelona or Real Madrid job to become available, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are reportedly not serious contenders for Thomas Tuchel, with the German waiting for the Barcelona or Real Madrid managerial job to become available.

Tuchel has been out of work since his surprise exit from Chelsea last September, with the 49-year-old sacked by the capital side despite losing just 16 of his 100 games at the helm.

The German also won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, in addition to finishing as runner-up in the FA Cup on two occasions and once in the EFL Cup.

Antonio Conte's position at Tottenham continues to be called into question, and there have been suggestions that the North London club are keen on Tuchel.

Meanwhile, reports have suggested that West Ham could make an ambitious attempt to appoint Tuchel as their new manager if David Moyes is sacked.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel on August 21, 2022 © Reuters

However, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are not a serious contender, with the head coach instead waiting for Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Italian giants Juventus have also been described as 'interesting' for the successful manager.

Tuchel was with Mainz 05 for five years before moving to Borussia Dortmund, spending two years with the German outfit ahead of a switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

The former defender won the DFB-Pokal during his time at Dortmund, in addition to six trophies at PSG, including two Ligue 1 titles, while he helped the club reach the 2019-20 Champions League final.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel on August 6, 2022 © Reuters

Barcelona boss Xavi only has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2024, but that is widely expected to be extended in the near future, with the 42-year-old impressing at the helm.

The Catalan outfit again failed to qualify for the knockout round of this season's Champions League, but they won the Spanish Super Cup last weekend.

Barcelona are also three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, while they are in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.

Carlo Ancelotti's contract at Real Madrid is also due to expire in 2024, but there has recently been speculation surrounding the 63-year-old's long-term future in the Spanish capital.

The Italian led Los Blancos to a La Liga and Champions League double last season.