FC Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich made it six wins from six in Group B of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League after beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

Goals from Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Philippe Coutinho were enough for Die Roten, who lost Coman to injury on the night, to wrap up a perfect group campaign and enter the draw for the round of 16 on Monday as the form team in the tournament.

Spurs, who had also already qualified for the knockout phase, fielded a much-changed side. Tottenham's unfamiliar lineup still got a goal from Champions League debutant Ryan Sessegnon.

Bayern stretched Jose Mourinho's refreshed starting XI out of shape early and often in front of the home faithful. It took just 14 minutes for Die Roten to go in front, with Coman making no mistake from close range:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204858484745023489

Spurs needed a response, and it came a mere six minutes later when Sessegnon struck back in style. In the process, the former Fulham prospect set a record for the club he joined in the summer:

19y 207d - Ryan Sessegnon has become Spurs' youngest scorer in the Champions League, as well as the first teenager to score for the club in the competition. Dream. #UCL #FCBTOT pic.twitter.com/gTtibf3VU1

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 11, 2019

Tottenham were back on level terms, but Bayern remained the better team. The hosts went close again when Ivan Perisic clipped an effort off the bar and Coutinho soon did the same.

Those chances preceded Coman leaving the pitch after stretching to keep a Coutinho pass in play. An awkward landing left the French winger writhing in pain as the result of an apparent knee problem:

Concern for Kingsley Coman who's been terribly unfortunate with injuries. Good luck King. pic.twitter.com/Yd7P4gvpSA

— Mark Lovell (@LovellLowdown) December 11, 2019

Muller replaced Coman, but Bayern were still winning in wide areas. Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry sent a shot off the inside of the post and Thiago Alcantara inexplicably made a mess of the rebound.

Thiago's miss hardly mattered, though, because Die Roten were back in front on the stroke of halftime. The breakthrough came when Alphonso Davies, who had been lively for most of the opening 45 minutes, saw a shot glance off the post.

The rebound fell kindly for Muller who made no mistake. The 30-year-old has made a career-long habit of punishing Premier League opposition:

⚽️ Thomas Muller has scored 10 of his 44 #UCL goals against English clubs:
5⃣ v Arsenal
2⃣ v Man City
1⃣ v Chelsea
1⃣ v Man Utd
1⃣ v Tottenham pic.twitter.com/7X3Tmbatge

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 11, 2019

Bayern were officially out of sight when Coutinho finally made one of his shots count by scoring a rasping effort from the edge of the area. Spurs have often been tormented by the artful attacking midfielder:

Inter Milan
Liverpool
Barcelona
Bayern Munich

Philippe Coutinho has assisted or scored against Tottenham with four different teams, despite playing in four different leagues. pic.twitter.com/g4XLf0xDvX

— bet365 (@bet365) December 11, 2019

There were no more goals, but Bayern had done enough to showcase the extent of their attacking resources. Coman's injury is a blow, but Davies, Coutinho, Perisic and Muller mean this squad has the resources to go far in this season's competition.

Mourinho will feel the same way about Spurs, but a growing weakness for conceding goals—Spurs have shipped 11 during his six matches in charge—ought to have him worried.

   

What's Next?

Bayern will host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Spurs are away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League the following day.

The fate of the planet is in the hands of its goalkeepers. Watch Part 1 of The Champions season finale. 

Philippe Coutinho has said he would "love to stay" at Bayern Munich when his loan spell at the club ends this summer, though it's uncertain whether Die Roten will be as eager to invest in his transfer.

Coutinho, 27, joined Bayern on a season-long loan from Barcelona this past summer, but the Brazilian has struggled to seize the opportunity.

Speaking at a recent Christmas fan event, he told reporters: "I feel really good. I'm planning to stay here for a year and focus on the here and now. But if it all hangs together, I'd love to stay."

Coutinho has started in 12 of his 18 appearances across all competitions with Bayern. He came off the bench for a 20-minute cameo as Bayern fell 2-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, their third defeat in 13 league games already this term (UK viewers only):

Interim manager Hansi Flick is at the club's helm following Niko Kovac's dismissal at the start of November, but it's possible a new coach will be appointed before the end of this season.

Per Jose Carlos Menzel of AS, Bayern would have to pay the €120 million (£102.2 million) clause in Coutinho's loan contract to make his deal permanent next summer.

However, the chances of that seem slim considering the club's current record signing, Lucas Hernandez, cost €80 million. Bayern's closest player expense after that is €41.5 million Corentin Tolisso, showing just how rare it is for the club to spend so heavily.

Coutinho has scored three times in those 18 outings for Bayern thus far, the most recent of which came during their 4-0 annihilation of Fortuna Dusseldorf (U.S. only):

Coutinho ➡️ Lewandowski ➡️ Coutinho ➡️ 4-0, @FCBayernUS! #F95FCB pic.twitter.com/wf444HttSl

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2019

The South American complimented Flick's coaching and added: "We've understood well how his way of coaching and playing. Things are going well because of that. Flick makes everyone feel important. We're happy but aware there's a lot of work to do."

In total, Coutinho has had eight direct goal involvements since he moved to the Allianz Arena, not to mention his buildup play from midfield often leads to an end product in front of goal (UK only):

Bayern Munich made a STATEMENT with a 4-0 win over Dortmund in the same week they sacked Nico Kovac...

But all we want to talk about is the filthy Coutinho no-look, outside-of-the-boot pass in the build-up to the fourth goal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Fs1NYqGaka

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 9, 2019

The player has proved useful thanks to his versatility, regularly swapping between wings and playing through more central avenues when required.

Coutinho appears to be enjoying his time in Bavaria thus far, but the financial complications make it difficult to imagine a permanent transfer materialising in 2020.

Fourth-placed Bayern travel to face Bundesliga leaders Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, when the defending champions and Coutinho hope to claw their way back to top form.

Bayern Munich will allow interim manager Hansi Flick to see out the season rather than let another coach take over before the end.

That's according to Goal's Kerry Hau and Spox, who noted the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag and Thomas Tuchel have all been linked with the position. The latter two are employed by Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively, while Pochettino recently became available after he was let go by Tottenham Hotspur.

Interim manager Flick has done a fine job since Niko Kovac was sacked, winning four of four matches with a total scoreline of 16-0.

That marks the best start any Bayern coach has ever had:

No Bayern Munich head coach has ever started better than Hansi Flick!

👕 4 games
✅ 4 wins
⚽️ 16 goals scored
🛑 0 conceded#FKCZFCB pic.twitter.com/svXViS9pNm

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) November 26, 2019

The last win was a 6-0 demolition of Red Star Belgrade on the road in the UEFA Champions League, which secured the top spot in Group B with one match left to play. In the Bundesliga, Bayern chase leaders Borussia Monchengladbach by a single point.

Flick appears popular with the players, and Thomas Muller explained how his clear vision has brought stability to the squad:

Hansi Flick, a man with a plan.

🗣️ @esmuellert_ pic.twitter.com/3FxmdYuUdv

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) November 23, 2019

With things going Bayern's way again, it makes sense to stick with what is working. It would not be logical for the Bavarians to rush into any decision, and instead, they can do their homework and figure out the right person for the job.

Pochettino remains the most likely candidate, and per Hau and Spox, he's expected to take a break from coaching until at least summer. That timeline would line up perfectly with Bayern's.  

The Bavarians would run the risk of losing him to another club willing to work faster, however. Writing for the Mirror, Stan Collymore implored Manchester United to move for the tactician now:

Man Utd should sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now and appoint Mauricio Pochettino | @StanCollymorehttps://t.co/ZsduQp9Fgk pic.twitter.com/RIxgzyRnsE

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) November 24, 2019

Flick could earn the job for himself during the rest of the 2019-20 campaign, especially if his strong work in Europe continues. Bayern have fallen short in the Champions League since their title in the 2012-13 campaign, but if Flick were to change that, one would have to assume he would become favourite for the job.

Philippe Coutinho has discussed the changes made by interim Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick in recent weeks and welcomed the opportunity to play more with Thomas Muller. 

The Brazilian scored his first goal for the club since September in Bayern's 4-0 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf on Saturday (U.S. only):

Coutinho ➡️ Lewandowski ➡️ Coutinho ➡️ 4-0, @FCBayernUS! #F95FCB pic.twitter.com/wf444HttSl

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2019

"I tried to repay [Flick's] faith in me," Coutinho said to TZ (h/t Goal's Chris Burton).

The playmaker said Flick has made "mainly tactical" changes to Bayern's approach, largely relating to organised pressing of the opposition to disrupt their rhythm.

Coutinho said he and his team-mates "didn't expect it to be so successful so quickly," but "from the very start, we understood what he wants from us and how he ticks, both on the pitch and in the changing room."

Flick has taken temporary charge of the side after Niko Kovac was sacked following Bayern's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt on November 2.

The interim coach has enjoyed a strong start in the weeks since:

Bayern Munich since Hansi Flick took over as coach:

✅2-0 vs. Olympiakos
✅4-0 vs. Borussia Dortmund
✅4-0 vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf

10 goals scored, none conceded.

🔥 pic.twitter.com/kX7LeuJBxs

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) November 23, 2019

Forbes' Bundesliga writer Manuel Veth praised Flick's setup of the side on Saturday, while DAZN's Cristian Nyari could also see a difference in the team from their time under Kovac:

Easy 45 minutes for #Bayern. Flick has his side setup perfectly, not allowing #F95 any opportunity to counter-press. A professional performance. At this point the only question is: will Lewandowski finally get his goal against Fortuna? #F95FCB

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) November 23, 2019

Something very different about this Bayern team. Doing flicks, one-two’s, aggressively pushing for goals. Having fun out there again. Great to watch!

— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) November 23, 2019

Kovac won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal with Bayern last season, but his side weren't especially convincing. At one stage, they were nine points behind Borussia Dortmund.

This season, Kovac had begun transitioning away from using Muller, who had started a combined total of just six Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League matches under him before he was sacked.

Muller has started all three of Flick's games, and Coutinho is happy to play alongside the German:

"I've always said I can play with Thomas.

"He's a great player and someone who's very important for Bayern. He's got everything, talent and experience, which makes him an essential part of the team.

"I've got my strengths and he's got his—the only thing that matters is combining them together for Bayern."

The 30-year-old isn't quite the force he once was. He's only scored 35 goals since the start of the 2016-17 season, having netted 32 in 2015-16 alone.

However, he has justified Flick's decision to return him to the starting lineup, contributing a brace of assists in each of his last two games.

On Saturday, Muller starting meant Coutinho was moved onto the left.

The 27-year-old isn't a winger and so does not provide a great deal of width from such positions, but because of the quality of his delivery and his ability to cut inside and shoot from distance, he can still be a threat from those areas.

Bayern's revival has left them just one point off the top of the Bundesliga, and if Flick can get Coutinho and Muller firing on all cylinders behind Robert Lewandowski, the Bavarians could still run away with the title.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has played down rumours he could return to Bayern Munich as manager.

The German champions sacked Niko Kovac early in November after a series of poor results and have appointed his assistant Hansi Flick as caretaker boss until Christmas at least.

Guardiola has been linked with a move to the Allianz Arena, but the 48-year-old said the German giants already know he will respect his City contract that runs until 2021, per Calum Wilson at Sky Sports:

"When these things appear, is it the media or the club? We don't know. It could be one guy [starting a rumour] and then people take it.

"I like the people from Bayern a lot. I was incredibly happy there, but they know I'm a guy that respects what I sign.

"In football, when you are not getting results you can be sacked but in this case if the club [Manchester City] wants me, I want to stay here.

"It doesn't matter if Bayern want me or not in the future. My love for the city, the club and the people I met there is incredible.

"It is the same in Barcelona because it is my hometown, but the same happened here. I have more things to do."

Guardiola is widely recognised as one of the best managers in the world. He won the UEFA Champions League twice as Barcelona boss and moved on to Bayern Munich in 2013 after taking a year's sabbatical.

The Spaniard spent three years in charge of Bayern and won three Bundesliga titles and lifted the DFB-Pokal Cup twice. He then joined Manchester City in 2016 and has continued to accumulate silverware, lifting two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups.

Manchester City have also broken plenty of records along the way:

100 – Man City’s haul of 100 points is the most won by an English top-flight side in a single campaign. Ton. pic.twitter.com/lvrYzxP59x

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 13, 2018

1 - Manchester City have become the first men’s team to win the domestic treble in England, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup all in 2018-19. History. #MCIWAT #facupfinal pic.twitter.com/OB8OloqGUx

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 18, 2019

Sport Bild (h/t Matt Atherton at the Daily Express) have reported that Guardiola is on a shortlist of candidates to replace Kovac permanently and believe he is not happy in the Premier League with Manchester City.

Bayern right-back Joshua Kimmich has offered his thoughts on a Guardiola return:

Pep back to Bayern? Kimmich wouldn't mind that 👀 pic.twitter.com/jW13t69z5K

— GOAL (@goal) November 14, 2019

However, Guardiola's agent, Josep Maria Orobitg, has responded to the rumours and said the Spaniard "feels good" at City and has not heard from any other clubs, per Kerry Hau at Goal.

Orobitg also told Bild that Guardiola wants to see out his contract:

Update Pep Guardiola & @fcbayern: His Agent Josep Maria Orotbig told us that Guardiola wants to fullfil his contract at @ManCity til 2021 @BILD_Bayern @kessler_philipp

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) November 19, 2019

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a target for Bayern following his sudden departure from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Bundesliga champions want to open talks with the Argentinian over a move and plan to offer him a "swift return" to management, according to Matt Law at the Daily Telegraph.

Bayern Munich are reportedly keen to open talks with Mauricio Pochettino with regards to taking on the manager's job at the Allianz Arena following his dismissal from Tottenham Hotspur.

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic wants to discuss the job with Pochettino and "is willing to let the Argentine decide" when he would like to take over the role, according to Matt Law at the Daily Telegraph.

Bayern parted company with Niko Kovac on Nov. 3 and have appointed assistant coach Hansi Flick as caretaker manager at least until Christmas.

Pochettino is regarded as one of Europe's best coaches after an impressive stint of five-plus seasons at Tottenham. He oversaw four consecutive top-four finishes and guided the club to the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in their history:

📊Tottenham's record in PL era:
4⃣ Top 4 finishes under Pochettino (5 seasons)
2⃣ Top 4 finishes pre Pochettino (22 seasons) https://t.co/2YRa83636R

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 19, 2019

The Argentinian employed a brand of attractive, attacking football while working on a modest budget and was also willing to trust in the club's young players. He brought stars such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks into the first team and allowed them to thrive in the Premier League.

He departed Tottenham after a string of disappointing results that has left the club in 14th place in the top flight, but his ability to turn the club's fortunes around means his reputation has not been tarnished.

The 47-year-old has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs. According to Marco Ruiz at AS, Pochettino is high on the list of possible replacements for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette said Pochettino could also be an option to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United:

Poch's fresh availability is incredibly bad news for OGS. I think Woodward was prepared to give Ole plenty of time, but now his boy is available, everything could change at #MUFC... And fast.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) November 19, 2019

Bayern Munich are also an option after Kovac's departure. Flick has overseen wins over Olympiacos and Borussia Dortmund in his first two games in charge and appears to have the club's backing for now:

🗣 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Hansi Flick: "He has an impressive concept of training and tactics. His handling of the players is very good, and we like his pleasant demeanour.

"I'm telling you with absolute conviction: We trust Hansi Flick." pic.twitter.com/v005luLuIS

— GOAL (@goal) November 15, 2019

Yet Bayern have stopped short of handing Flick a permanent contract, and the sudden availability of a top coach such as Pochettino is bound to tempt the German champions.

Bayern right-back Joshua Kimmich has indicated he would be happy if Pochettino were to arrive at the Allianz Arena:

Pochettino to Bayern Munich? 👀

Joshua Kimmich: “He’s a top coach, but I don’t know if he is an option for us." pic.twitter.com/8nHvMNGl1L

— GOAL (@goal) November 20, 2019

A move to Bayern would offer Pochettino an excellent opportunity to land his first managerial silverware and enhance his reputation further, while he would be a popular option for both players and supporters of the German club.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has said his "best is yet to come" despite his record-breaking form in the Bundesliga already this season. 

Lewandowski, 31, became the first player in German top-flight history to score in the first nine league games of the season earlier this year, and he's since extended that record run to 11 consecutive matches.

Speaking to Sport Bild (h/t Goal's Ben Spratt), the Bayern hitman said he feels younger than his 31 years suggest and his "best spell is just starting":

"I worked very hard for this form. Currently it is going perfectly, my body feels good.

"It's good to have that in mind, but it does not mean that I'm resting. I want to get even better.

"I know when I can do more and when I need to slow down. My passport says: 'Robert Lewandowski, 31 years old'. But that's not how I feel.

"My best spell is just starting now and hopefully will continue for some more years. The best is yet to come."

The Poland frontman has scored 23 times in 18 games across all competitions this season—as well as another four goals for his country since October:

Is there a better striker right now than Robert Lewandowski? 🤔pic.twitter.com/KL1tjKIwNN

— GOAL (@goal) November 19, 2019

Bayern's No. 9 has been crowned the Bundesliga's top scorer on four previous occasions—three times since joining Die Roten and once while at Borussia Dortmund (2013-14)—and a fifth gong looks almost certain.

He already sits five goals ahead of Timo Werner in this term's race for the Golden Boot, and the RB Leipzig forward recently paid tribute to his rival:

Timo Werner on Robert Lewandowski 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/6xQgFgtcbD

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) November 18, 2019

Lewandowski was previously linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, but his future looks secure in Bavaria after he signed a new four-year contract at the Allianz Arena in August.

Several high-profile managerial changes in recent seasons have caused disruption at Bayern, but it speaks volumes of the player's quality that his form has remained at an elite standard throughout.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe called Lewandowski the best player on the continent prior to the recent international break:

23 goals. 18 games.@stighefootball says Robert Lewandowski has been the best player in Europe this season

More ➡️ https://t.co/MRCOqOJVGX https://t.co/rMBXcVmVfo

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 15, 2019

His consistent form in front of goal extends to the whole of 2019 and sees Lewandowski sitting among some world-class company, per OptaJose:

5 - The top five goalscorers in the top five European leagues in 2019:

29 - Lionel Messi🇦🇷
28 - Robert Lewandowski🇵🇱
25 - Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷
24 - KARIM BENZEMA 🇫🇷
23 - Jamie Vardy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Delicatessen. pic.twitter.com/SbBE1tqUKA

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 12, 2019

This Bundesliga campaign is only 11 games old, but Lewandowski is already more than halfway to eclipsing his best-ever goals total for a league season (30).

Bayern legend Gerd Muller holds the record for most goals scored in one Bundesliga campaign after he netted 40 times during the 1971-72 season (34 games), but Lewandowski could set a new benchmark in 2020.

AC Milan winger Hakan Calhanoglu has said it is his goal to play for Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund one day.

The German-born Turkey international joined Milan in July 2017 for €20 million.

He had previously spent his entire senior career playing in Germany for Karlsruher, Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen.

Calhanoglu, 25, turned down a move to Bayern back in 2014, but he has said if the German champions came knocking now, he would not be able to resist, per Sport Bild (h/t Football Italia):

"I grew up in Germany, but I like talking to people in Italian. From a sporting point of view, of course it is a goal to play for Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund or another big German team.

"It was important that they [Bayern] looked at me. But at that time they had Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery who were guaranteed starters, who were also loved by the fans. It was difficult to say no. But if at some point in the future Bayern came back in for me, I wouldn't say no."

Robben and Ribery both departed Bayern at the end of last season, leaving big boots to fill on the flanks at the Allianz Arena.

Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry have stepped up impressively in 2019-20, particularly the latter:

⚽️Serge Gnabry has scored 6⃣ goals in last 6⃣ caps for @DFB_Team_EN🙌

Scored 1⃣0⃣ goals in last 1⃣3⃣apps for @DFB_Team_EN and @FCBayern combined ⚽️ https://t.co/QhCjaadyt2

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 19, 2019

But their back-up is currently lacking.

Alphonso Davies, 19, is one for the future but cannot be fully relied upon yet, and 30-year-old loanee Ivan Perisic is likely only a stop-gap option.

Bayern tried hard to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea almost a year ago, but the Blues winger is no longer a viable option after signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge:

Callum Hudson-Odoi will reject Chelsea’s offer of new £85,000-a-week contract.
Bayern Munich have made four bids. Fourth bid was £35m. Hudson-Odoi wants to move to Bayern. His Chelsea contract runs out in 18 months and he doesn't want to sign a new deal

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 21, 2019

The news Chelsea fans have all been waiting for... Callum Hudson-Odoi has officially signed his new five-year contract. Announcement expected later this evening #cfc

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) September 19, 2019

It is clear, though, that Calhanoglu would be open to the switch.

His return of 11 goals and 14 assists in 79 Serie A appearances is unspectacular but decent in the context of a struggling Milan side. 

In a more prosperous environment like Bayern, Calhanoglu could flourish, and come next summer, he will only have a year remaining on his Milan contract.   

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich believes Mauricio Pochettino is a "top coach," although he said he's unsure if there's much substance in the reports linking him with a move to the Allianz Arena.

Pochettino was sacked by Spurs on Tuesday night, bringing an end to five-and-a-half years of development with the north London outfit. Jose Mourinho was confirmed as his successor on Wednesday morning.

Given Bayern also axed their manager Niko Kovac recently, Pochettino has already been mentioned as a possible long-term candidate to take charge at Bayern.

Speaking after Germany's 6-1 win over Northern Ireland in UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying on Tuesday, Kimmich said he thinks Pochettino is a fine coach, per Sam France of Goal.

"I do not know if he is a candidate for us," said the Bayern right-back. "What you can say is that Tottenham were fighting at the top for years, they had brilliant consistency. He's a top coach, but I don't know if he is an option for us."

Pochettino and Kovac actually came head-to-head earlier in the campaign, with the latter's side coming out on top in emphatic fashion as Bayern romped to a 7-2 win in the Champions League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:

Results and performances like that indicated all wasn't well at Spurs, despite the fact the team made it to the UEFA Champions League final last season.

Tottenham sit in 14th place in the Premier League table and haven't won away from home in the top flight since January. A team that had become renowned for its aggression and intensity under Pochettino was regularly turning in meek performances.

However, on Pochettino's watch, Spurs developed from an inconsistent top-half Premier League team into regulars in the Champions League.

Rory Smith of the New York Times summed up the changes at the club:

A few days before Pochettino arrived at Spurs, Tim Sherwood invited a fan to sit on the bench and see if he could do better. He did it, he said, "for some banter." Probably fair to say Pochettino leaves a different club to the one he found.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 19, 2019

Football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor thinks Pochettino has been let down by some of his players recently:

I'd say... a couple of Pochettino's players should be particularly ashamed of themselves in light of that.

— Seb Stafford-Bloor (@SebSB) November 19, 2019

Naturally, talk about the now-former Spurs boss moving to Bayern has gathered pace. Hans-Dieter Flick is in temporary charge following the axing of Kovac.

Although Bayern are the dominant force in German football, they have struggled to nail down an identity since the departure of Pep Guardiola in 2016. Pochettino has shown himself to be capable of establishing a defined blueprint and improving players at his disposal.

Ed Malyon of The Athletic believes the 47-year-old will have a number of elite clubs to choose from:

Pochettino really will have the pick of elite clubs when he decides to get back into management. An immediate upgrade on the incumbent at Bayern, Juve, Barcelona, and probably Real Madrid before you even mention PL sides

— Ed Malyon (@eaamalyon) November 19, 2019

Bayern are in third place in the Bundesliga, four points behind surprise leaders Borussia Monchengladbach. After some inconsistent results under Kovac, they produced their best performance of the season before the international break, when Flick led the team to a 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Nevertheless, it feels as though Bayern are in the midst of a rebuild, and there will be a temptation to approach Pochettino with a view to steering that process in the right direction.