Christoph Freund has dramatically confirmed his intention to turn down interest from Chelsea and remain as Red Bull Salzburg sporting director.
Chelsea opened talks with the 45-year-old last month with the intention of appointing him as the club's sporting director – a role that co-owner Todd Boehly filled on an interim basis during the summer transfer window but had no intention of holding longer term.
Further productive discussions were held with Freund last week and, as a result, Chelsea expected him to arrive at the club ahead of the World Cup. However, no agreement was in place with Salzburg and the Austrian side's managing director, Stephan Reiter, stated on Sunday afternoon that he expected Freund to stay.
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That has come to fruition with Freund now confirming he will stay on at Salzburg despite Chelsea's interest. In a statement released this afternoon, he said: "As I have already confirmed in interviews, Chelsea FC was interested in me.
"When such a big club asks, it not only honors me and the work of FC Red Bull Salzburg, it is of course also a circumstance that entails personal considerations. But I've come to the conclusion that I'm in the best of hands with FC Red Bull Salzburg and that a change is out of the question for me.
"We're in the middle of a very intense phase and have important tasks to do in the Bundesliga, Cup and Champions League – that's what my focus and concentration are all on."
Reiter added: "Christoph Freund has been doing excellent work for us for many years and only recently extended his contract until 2026. I can hereby confirm that he will remain sporting director of FC Red Bull Salzburg.
"Of course, he informed me about Chelsea FC's interest in him and we exchanged ideas on a personal level and in good conversations. The fact is that he will remain our sporting director! We have not received any inquiries about a possible change."
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