Julian Nagelsmann has pulled out from the race to become Chelsea's next manager, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The former Bayern Munich boss was the front-runner for the role, as football.london reported, but in a drastic change of events, he has now withdrawn from the running.
The Italian journalist's tweet read: "Julian Nagelsmann has now withdrawn from the race to become the new Chelsea head coach — it looks like it’s his final decision. German coach is said to be no longer available after multiple round of talks. Nagelsmann was top candidate for the job."
The news arrives as a fresh blow to Todd Boehly and co, with many of his background team admirers of Nagelsmann. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino will now likely emerge as the favourite after another set of positive talks with the Chelsea board.
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Last Thursday, Nagelsmann was in London for face-to-face talks which were said to be 'very positive' according to Sky Germany. Luis Enrique appeared alongside the young head coach in the Chelsea manager race, but it was then revealed the former Spain boss was out of the frame to be Graham Potter's permanent successor.
Pochettino subsequently replaced Enrique at the very top of Chelsea's shortlist, with Vincent Kompany also a shock inclusion along with one other unknown manager. With Nagelsmann now highly unlikely to be installed at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2023/24 season, it comes as a huge boost to Pochettino.
The Argentine is set to hold further talks with the Blues after recent interviews have seen the Chelsea hierarchy warm towards the ex Paris Saint-Germain head coach.
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