​Bourussia Dortmund director, Hans-Joachim Watzke, has told German TV channel ​ZDF that Spanish giants Real Madrid have been keeping a close eye on the team's current manager, Thomas Tuchel. 


The 43-year-old has impressed since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2015. His charismatic predecessor certainly left big boots to fill, however Tuchel comfortably led Dortmund to a second place finish in the Bundesliga last season. 


Despite inconsistent domestic performances so far in the current campaign, the club have been in great form in the Champions League where they sit above Real Madrid in group F by virtue of goals scored.

With that in mind, Dortmund director Hans-Joachim Watzke believes their rivals for top spot in that group are tracking Tuchel, with a view to appointing him as manager at the Bernabeu in the future.


He said: “I have a good relationship with Real Madrid and I believe that they are tracking him. After the season Thomas had with us, Real have taken account of what a first class coach we have.


“Thomas is still very young, and on the contrary to a player who’s 28 or 29, he could go to Real Madrid, for example, in the next 20 years.”

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Although Dortmund still finished 10 points behind champions Bayern Munich last year, many at the club feel that the team can mount a serious challenge to the Bavarian's dominance this season. 


Tuchel's side have been able to match Bayern for goals this year (both are tied on 20), but sadly they are struggling to find consistency as they dropped points once again last weekend, in a thrilling 3-3 draw with lowly FC Ingolstadt 04.


That means that Dortmund are already six points behind leaders Bayern Munich and will need to make up ground quickly before the champions pull away again.