Champions League: 'Heads rolling' if Bayern Munich don't win the tournament this season, says Rio Ferdinand

There will be "heads rolling" at Bayern Munich if the German heavyweights don't win the UEFA Champions League this season, reckons Rio Ferdinand.

Bayern were beaten convincingly by title rivals Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga underdogs opening up a five-point lead at the top of the table.

Next up for Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane and co. is a trip to Lazio in the last 16 of the Champions League, and for Ferdinand the tournament represents a "must-win" for a side under "huge pressure".

"I think the pressure at Bayern must be huge right now; as big as it’s been for a while," Ferdinand said.

"They’re normally up there fighting for the league, but they’re five points off a team that’s dominating that league now.

"Xabi Alonso has got Bayer Leverkusen playing a brand of football that we haven’t really seen for a while in that country.

"The way that they’re playing, Bayern Munich, the result they had last week, getting beaten 3-0 like that, this now is a must-win tournament for them, otherwise there’s going to be heads rolling in that club."

Bayern's Bundesliga rivals Leverkusen are performing so well this season that their coach, former Liverpool midfielder Alonso, has been linked with the Liverpool job.

Jurgen Klopp recently stunned the football world with the announcement that he will end his Anfield spell after nine years at the end of the season.

Speculation has been rife about who could fill such big shoes, and former England and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott believes Alonso is a strong contender.

"I think [Alonso would suit Liverpool]. His brand of football is exciting to watch," Lescott said.

"They’re going to have to get used to a different style. If they try and recruit the same manager and style, there’ll be too many comparisons.

"What Xabi Alonso is doing is exceptional and he’s got an affiliation with the club, so the connection would be there straight away.

"He would be a great appointment, but he would have to be successful. "

Leverkusen, like Liverpool, are in the Europa League this season, with both sides earning a last 16 spot after topping their groups.

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