A year ago
Julian Nagelsmann breaks his silence after dropping from the race for the role of next Chelsea manager.
Julian Nagelsmann has withdrawn from the competition to become the next manager of Chelsea, having been selected alongside Vincent Kompany, Mauricio Pochettino, and an unknown applicant.
Julian Nagelsmann announced his silence after withdrawing from the competition to become the next permanent Chelsea manager, but he has remained tight-lipped about why.
Following Graham Potter's retirement earlier this month, the 35-year-old was one of the frontrunners to take over at Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard was named interim manager until the summer, but Nagelsmann appeared to be the frontrunner to become the club's next permanent manager.
But Nagelsmann, who was fired from Bayern Munich in March, is no longer in the running. While Chelsea questioned his age and suitability to leave Germany and join the Premier League, he appeared to have similar reservations about relocating to West London. When asked about his decision, he told Sky Sport Germany, "To cancel something, you have to commit to something."
Before Nagelsmann's announcement, Chelsea's manager shortlist had been reduced to four names. The other three candidates are Vincent Kompany, Mauricio Pochettino, and Luis Enrique, with Kompany an unexpected inclusion after guiding Burnley back to the Championship.
Given his work at Burnley, the Blues administration holds high regard for Kompany. Tottenham are looking for a permanent manager after Antonio Conte was fired last month.
Meanwhile, despite being an early possibility for the part, Enrique's interest has waned. The Spaniard visited London earlier this month for negotiations and has also been connected with the vacant Tottenham Hotspur position.
Luis Enrique recently stated, "I follow the Premier [League] above all because I want to work in England." I wouldn't go to any team except one that can do essential things, which is a small amount. I don't have high aspirations because there are so many contenders.
"I am fortunate in that my personal life keeps me busy. That it takes longer, that no offers come in, well, that's life. I'd join a team full of opportunities. That does not preclude me from working in Spain."
Pochettino is unquestionably the current contender to become the next Chelsea manager. The Argentine pleased the Blues hierarchy after his initial round of negotiations and might be in line to succeed Potter. Unsurprisingly, he has been tipped to take over at Tottenham Hotspur.
Nagelsmann was a candidate before withdrawing. It comes just days after former Germany star Matthias Sammer advised him against heading to Stamford Bridge.
"With the structure: I would clearly advise him against it," he is quoted as saying by BILD. "There is unrest coming from the top, from someone who wants to influence but doesn't seem to know how." That will always have an impact."
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