Chelsea are in the market for a new manager to take the helm in the summer after Graham Potter was sacked. The Blues have been heavily linked with numerous candidates to replace Frank Lampard, who was named caretaker boss earlier this month.
football.london understands that Nagelsmann is currently the favourite to pen a deal with the west Londoners. The 35-year-old was sacked by Bayern Munich last month, with Thomas Tuchel – ironically – replacing him at the Allianz Arena.
Luis Enrique has already held talks with Chelsea after travelling to London to present his ideas to club officials, football.london understands. Nagelsmann has now had his chance to convey his own plans, it seems, so an ultimatum could be around the corner.
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So, with that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news regarding Nagelsmann's future and reports linking him with a move to Chelsea.
Nagelsmann makes 'final decision'
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boss was the front-runner for the role, as football.london reported, but in a drastic change of events, he has now withdrawn from the running.
The Italian journalist's tweet read: "Julian Nagelsmann has now withdrawn from the race to become the new Chelsea head coach — it looks like it’s his final decision.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."
Nagelsmann interview plan
After being impressed by Julian Nagelsmann in their first face to face meeting, Chelsea are already planning a fresh round of talks with the 35-year-old, as per the Telegraph.
Luis Enrique no longer being a leading candidate improves Nagelsmann's chances of becoming Chelsea manager, but the report also states there is no current indication that the German coach is the favourite to land the job.
Enrique and Nagelsmann stance
Following his meeting in London last Thursday, Julian Nagelsmann has overtaken Luis Enrique in the pecking order to take the permanent managerial role at Chelsea ahead of the 2023/24 season, as per Sky Germany.
This has since been followed up with a report from the Telegraph stating the former Spain boss is no longer being considered a favourite to become Chelsea's new head coach
'Very positive' meeting
The Blues appear to be a step closer towards appointing Nagelsmann as head coach in the summer. According to Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea officials held a 'very positive' meeting with the German last week.
The report states that a decision will not be rushed by either party, with Nagelsmann determined to be '100 per cent convinced of the project' on offer at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea interview
Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann has been invited to present his ideas and meet with Chelsea officials as the club searches for a new permanent head coach. Graham Potter was sacked just six months after replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge following a poor run of results.
As reported by German news outlet BILD, Nagelsmann has been invited to introduce himself personally to Chelsea officials and present his ideas to the club. The ex-Bayern coach watched EHC Munich's ice hockey playoff against Wolfsburg on Wednesday after a short vacation in South Tyrol and now looks set to travel to London for talks with the Blues.
Concerns
Chelsea's owners have concerns over Julian Nagelsmann's age with the 35-year-old one of the names on the shortlist to replace Graham Potter, according to Sky Sports. He was sacked by Bayern Munich last month, but, despite wanting to take a break until the summer, he is willing to listen to what Chelsea have to say.
Nagelsmann friend drops hint
Ernst Tanner believes his close friend, Nagelsmann, should take a break before deciding his next move. He told SPORT1: "The coaching market is very tight, especially in the top segment, and German coaches are incredibly important abroad.
"So Julian doesn't need to worry about his next job. Despite his young age, he has experienced everything in Germany and I don't know to what extent that still appeals to him.
"Real [Madrid] will definitely be an option again, but in terms of language and interests, I see England as the next and logical step. Whether that has to be Tottenham in all haste, I dare to doubt.
"We have known and trusted each other for 20 years. I would advise him to take a break first, to reflect and not jump too quickly into the next shark tank. He also needs the time to regenerate and to prepare well for the next station."
Nagelsmann on Premier League move
Speaking to The Telegraph in 2021, the then-RB Leipzig boss said: "I have a contract now until 2023 so I think I will stay in Leipzig. The Premier League is a very interesting league and I can imagine it could be a big aim to be a big manager in the Premier League one day like Jurgen [Klopp] who is very successful.
"It could be a step in the future. But, you know, in soccer it’s not that easy to plan ‘how long will you be a manager in Leipzig? When will you go to the Premier League?’
"I could imagine going to the Premier League. I could imagine staying as a manager in the Bundesliga for my whole career. It’s cool to be a manager in my own country. I love it. But then perhaps in the future we can meet face-to-face in the Premier League, who knows."
'Strong' bond
According to Florian Plettenberg, the Chelsea hierarchy have a long-standing relationship with the former Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig man. The Sky Germany reporter said: "[Christopher] Vivell and Nagelsmann have a strong connection since years.
"They have worked together in Leipzig. They share the same ideas of football. Usually Nagelsmann wanted to make a break until summer. Things and plans could change now."
Pep Guardiola influence
Nagelsmann has admitted he studies Pep Guardiola and the way he coaches his teams but insisted he was not his 'idol'. He said: "He's a role model, but 'idol' is a term for people you know very well. I have certain principles I basically do not compromise on.
"They always apply, no matter what the score is, who the opponents are or who is playing. When you're dealing with people, you have to be flexible on certain points. That's quite normal. You have to approach people, be empathetic as a coach or leader and try to respond to the needs of your opposite number.
"There are certain things that should always apply. But there are also things in life where you can be a bit more laissez-faire [leaving things to take their own course]."
Nagelsmann stance on Tottenham
Nagelsmann is open to talks with Tottenham over replacing Antonio Conte, according to Sky Sports. However, the report does suggest he may seek a short period of reflection before returning to management.
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