Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel could be sacked before second leg of Arsenal tie with potential ’emergency plan’ in place

Bayern Munich have already planned their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, and it may not include Thomas Tuchel.

That’s the view of German football expert Constantin Eckner, who has warned that the Bayern manager could be fired after the first leg of their European tie against the Gunners if his team fails to perform properly.

Tuchel is set to leave the current Bundesliga champions at the end of the season, after a dismal campaign which saw his side all but concede the championship to Bayer Leverkusen, who they trail by 16 points.

And Eckner revealed the former Chelsea boss could leave the club even sooner if his side put in another disappointing performance in their upcoming quarter-final first leg at Arsenal.

Previewing the clash with Jim White and Simon Jordan on talkSPORT, the journalist explained that the German giants had considered the possibility, with their title hopes this season now resting entirely on European success.

Eckner said: “Bayern are saying no, but it could actually be that if Bayern lose to Arsenal and don’t perform well, that could be the end for Tuchel, before the second leg.

“These discussions took place. What to do and who could really be an interim manager? Because I mean, how many weeks are left to play? Six seven?”

The expert, however, admitted that this strategy may not be the most effective solution to Bayern’s problems, considering how the season ended.

Regarding the limited time remaining in the current campaign, he acknowledged that this plan was only a last resort: “It’s not much, is it? You won’t hire a top manager as a caretaker for seven weeks.

“But these discussions still took place. If maybe there is a contingency plan, if Bayern is still there against Arsenal, but didn’t play well at the Emirates.

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“And we’ll see, but Thomas Tuchel is in a really hot seat.”

Eckner agreed with the show’s hosts that the Gunners are the favorites going into the match, despite having suffered multiple humiliations against Bayern in the past.

The Gunners lost 10-2 on aggregate to the Bavarians in the 2016/17 Champions League round of 16, suffering 5-1 defeats in both matches.

But Eckner assured that it is the Bundesliga side who are going into this clash as underdogs: “I guess Arsenal are looking forward to this game, because for once they are going into it as favourites.

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“And Bayern, I think they are more fearful, traveling to London and playing at the Emirates at the moment.”

Highlighting Bayern’s recent poor form, which includes their latest 3-2 upset against newly promoted Heidenheim, the Bundesliga pundit explained why he thinks Arsenal have the upper hand.

He said: “Arsenal are head and shoulders ahead of teams like Heidenheim.”

And although Eckner warned against Bayern’s home advantage in the second leg, talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan urged the Premier League leaders to bury the draw at the Emirates.

Jordan said: “The only thing Arsenal have to fear is the reputation that Bayern Munich once had.”

He later added: “So I think Arsenal, in the form they are in, should put Bayern to the sword and try to put this tie out of commission by beating Bayern convincingly at the Emirates .”

Despite agreeing that Mikel Arteta’s side will prove too strong for their opponents, Jordan and Eckner have warned of Bayern’s attacking firepower, which includes the former Tottenham star , Harry Kane.

On their dangerous forward line, Eckner said: “There is still a lot of talent. Especially up front with Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, of course as a playmaker.

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“Thomas Muller could come off the bench this evening, we’ll see. And of course the fast wingers, who are generally inconsistent – ​​I mean (Kingsley) Coman, (Serge) Gnabry and (Leroy) Sane. »

Arsenal fans will hope top scorer Kane, who has scored 14 goals in 19 games against them for their arch rivals, will be unable to thwart their bid for Premier League and Champions League glory on his return to the north of London.