- Russia tries playwright and director on terror charges
- Iran mourns president Raisi's death in helicopter crash
- Attack on tourists rocks fledgling Afghanistan tourism sector
- Paralympics should put disability back on global agenda, says IPC chief
- South Africa's top court strikes Zuma from ballot
- Crunch time looms for BHP's bid buy Anglo American
- Kane to face old club Spurs for first time in Seoul
- Markets rise as traders cheered by China property plan
- Black farmers in Brazil changing views on coffee production
- Iran's President Raisi declared dead in helicopter crash
- Australia police arrest 554 in domestic violence crackdown
- South Korea, Britain host AI summit with safety top of agenda
- New president Lai vows to defend Taiwan's democracy
- Forever fad: Rubik says his cube 'reminds us why we have hands'
- Trump eyes witness stand as trial draws to a close
- Ryanair annual profit jumps on higher demand, fares
- High-priced Cummins, Starc face off as IPL enters playoffs
- Iran media says President Raisi died in helicopter crash
- Dominican Republic President Abinader re-elected to 2nd term
- New Taiwan president Lai hails 'glorious' democracy
- New Caledonia separatists defy French efforts to unblock roads
- Timberwolves knock out defending champion Nuggets, Pacers oust Knicks
- Trump biopic hits Cannes Film Festival
- Iran President Raisi's helicopter found, 'no sign of life'
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- 'Haikyu!!': Comic heroes fuel Japan Olympic volleyball manga mania
- Timberwolves rally to knock defending champion Nuggets out of NBA playoffs
- London court set to rule on Julian Assange extradition
- Business and Bollywood votes in India election
- Pope calls anti-migrant attitudes at US border 'madness'
- Mexico aims to be big economic winner from US-China tensions
- Uncertain future for thousands after deadly Brazil floods
- Schauffele makes the putt of his life for first major win
- Wirtz returns to help unbeaten Leverkusen chase history
- Search for Iran's President Raisi after helicopter goes missing
- DeChambeau's powerful putting has him excited for US Open
- Taiwan to swear in new president as China pressure grows
- Atalanta can end 61-year wait for trophy in Europa League final
- Schauffele birdies final hole to capture PGA for first major win
- Guardiola casts doubt over long-term Man City future
- Hollywood icons Costner and Demi Moore make Cannes comeback
- Pacers shoot down Knicks to reach NBA Eastern Conference finals
- Schauffele birdies final hole, captures first major at PGA Championship
- McLaughlin powers to Indy 500 pole in all-Penske front row
- Monaco footballer tapes over LGBTQ badge
- Korda wins sixth LPGA title of year with win at Liberty National
- Pacers put on shooting show to down Knicks, reach NBA Eastern Conference finals
- US envoy touts 'potential' of Israel-Saudi deal in Netanyahu talks
- Dominicans vote for president in poll overshadowed by Haiti crisis
- Brest secure Champions League qualification, PSG win without Mbappe
Bayern face uncertain future after Champions League exit
Bayern Munich's Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday will kick-start a summer of soul-searching with the German giants facing an uncertain future.
Just 12 months away from hosting the Champions League final at their Allianz Arena home, Bayern will begin a summer rebuild without knowing who will be in the coaching dugout next season.
Dethroned as German champions for the first time in 11 years by Xabi Alonso's rampant Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern's Champions League run offered a sense of salvation for a club in a mire largely of their own making.
Bayern agreed to part ways with manager Thomas Tuchel in February after falling behind Leverkusen in the title race. Despite talk of a "mutual decision" Tuchel at the time said he would have preferred to stay in the role.
While Tuchel's stock has since risen after taking Bayern to within minutes of a Champions League final, several candidates have already knocked back a chance to replace him as coach.
Alonso, one-time mentor Julian Nagelsmann and former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick have all reportedly declined Bayern's interest.
The last-minute elimination, headlined by referee frustrations and an uncharacteristic error by captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, means a first trophyless season since 2012.
A season without silverware is always an unthinkable outcome in Munich. But with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final and Leverkusen on course for a treble, Bayern have plenty to ponder.
- 'A very painful defeat' -
Speaking at a gala dinner at a gourmet Madrid restaurant hours after the elimination, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen spoke to players and club officials, including Tuchel and honourary president Uli Hoeness.
Dreesen acknowledged the "very painful defeat" but said the 2025 Champions League "home final is our big goal now!"
The former banker's speech, intended to cut through the disappointment in the room, was greeted with sporadic applause.
Hoeness, who has officially stepped down from club duties but remains Bayern's principal powerbroker, criticised Tuchel just a fortnight ago for his inability to develop junior players.
"He doesn't think you can improve (Alphonso) Davies, (Aleksander) Pavlovic or (Jamal) Musiala.
"He thinks if it doesn't work, you should just buy another one. I think you should work with them and give them confidence."
That all three played a starring role on Wednesday -- with Davies scoring Bayern's only goal and Munich local Pavlovic anchoring defensive midfield -- only serves to highlight Hoeness' misguided criticism.
- 'I loved my time in England' -
Tuchel said Hoeness had "hurt his honour as a coach" but for Bayern the statements not only eroded any chance of holding onto Tuchel, but turned potential other targets away from the role.
Tuchel had previously left the door ajar to staying at Bayern beyond the season, but said on Wednesday night "it's no secret that I loved my time in the Premier League with Chelsea and in England."
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl, in the job since March, faces several challenges on the pitch.
Alonso's decision to knock back Bayern as well as reported interest from Liverpool and Real means Leverkusen will again be a real threat next season.
Dortmund may be fifth in the league this season but could go into the next campaign as Champions League winners.
Several of Bayern's biggest stars, including Leon Goretzka, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, are under performing, with their output not matching their weighty pay packets.
Defenders Dayot Upamecano and Min-jae Kim, who cost a combined 92.5 million euros ($100 million), have largely ridden the bench in recent months, with Tottenham outcast Eric Dier preferred to partner Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back.
The club's better performers are also on the wrong side of 30. Neuer, who impressed despite his mistake, is 38 and Thomas Mueller turns 35 this year.
Harry Kane, undoubtedly Bayern's star this season with 44 goals in 45 games, will turn 31 in summer.
The combined challenges means Bayern, trophyless and without a manager, face the biggest challenge to their hegemony in a generation.
K.Brown--BTB