Bayern Munich, facing the spectre of a trophyless season for the first time in over a decade, are reportedly exploring potential replacements for manager Thomas Tuchel, according to Sky Germany. While their preferred candidate remains Bayer Leverkusen's rising star Xabi Alonso, the German giants are casting their net wider, with legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane and former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as intriguing alternatives.

Tuchel's grip on the reins at the Allianz Arena has loosened considerably after a string of disappointing results. Sunday's shock 3-2 defeat to Bochum left Bayern a staggering eight points adrift of league leaders Leverkusen, marking their third consecutive loss. This dismal run follows a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, raising alarm bells within the club hierarchy.

Despite the mounting pressure, Bayern's official stance remains one of patience. Their primary plan is to see Tuchel through to the end of the season before conducting a thorough review of his performance and the overall direction of the team. However, with the spectre of a trophyless campaign looming large, whispers of potential replacements are starting to gain traction.

Zidane, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, enjoys an almost mythical status in the world of football. His meticulous approach, coupled with his undeniable ability to extract the best from his players, makes him a truly tempting proposition for Bayern. However, concerns surrounding his recent managerial sabbatical and potential lack of familiarity with the Bundesliga might raise some eyebrows.

Solskjaer, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience from his stint at Manchester United, where he oversaw a period of resurgence and delivered memorable Champions League nights. His attacking brand of football could be an attractive option for Bayern, but questions remain about his ability to consistently deliver trophies at the highest level.

While Alonso, a former Bayern player and highly-rated coach, remains the frontrunner, the mere consideration of Zidane and Solskjaer adds another layer of intrigue to the saga unfolding at the Allianz Arena. As Bayern navigate a turbulent period, the choice of their next manager could have a significant impact on the club's future trajectory. Can Tuchel weather the storm and regain the trust of the board, or will Bayern turn to a new leader to steer them back to glory? Only time will tell.