Chelsea are now targeting Julian Nagelsmann as a potential Graham Potter replacement if results don’t improve for the Englishman.
What’s the latest on Julian Nagelsmann to Chelsea?
According to well-renowned journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Blues have added the German to their shortlist amid the uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Potter.
“News #Nagelsmann: Understand he’s on the shortlist of #CFC! In case that Potter should be dismissed. But important: Chelsea wants to continue with Potter, the bosses support him. But he has to deliver now! JN is unlikely to take over a new job immediately,” he tweeted.
This information suggests that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wants to persist with the former Brighton man’s project and they will continue to support him. But, there is increasing pressure mounting upon the 47-year-old and the sudden availability of one of Europe’s most elite and youngest managers has attracted the attention of the unpredictable Chelsea hierarchy.
Nagelsmann was recently sacked by Bayern Munich and instantly replaced by the 2021 Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel. Whilst it is understood that the 35-year-old would be unlikely to take the job immediately, the Blues’ exciting young squad and their seemingly infinite budget represent an attractive opportunity.
Is Nagelsmann a better option than Potter?
Despite his spritely age, Nagelsmann has established himself as a distinguished and compelling coach, who already has a wealth of experience behind him.
The Bavarian-born man made his managerial debut when he was just 28, succeeding Huub Stevens as head coach of Hoffenheim at the beginning of 2016 to become the youngest permanent coach in Bundesliga history. Incredibly, with Die Kraichgauer floundering in the relegation zone, Nagelsmann secured safety to ignite interest across Germany.
He was then appointed as coach of German high-flyers RB Leipzig and made history again, in 2020, when he became the youngest coach to reach the Champions League semi-finals, shortly after his 33rd birthday.
Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga in his first season in charge of Bayern Munich, but slight inconsistency has allowed rivals Borussia Dortmund to the summit of the table by one point and he received his marching orders. He left the Bavarian juggernaut earning 2.19 points per game, only bettered by Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Hansi Flick.
It is clear to see why Chelsea is eyeing this talent, with Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni also a big admirer.
He said: “He’s a great coach. We’re following his work with big interest. We often look at his training sessions, we really like the way he trains. I hope that one day I’ll get to meet him personally.“
Meanwhile, Potter has been the subject of intense criticism since taking the Chelsea job.
Reputable reporter Henry Winter has demanded that the former Swansea should start showing more “ authority, charisma, and defiance.”
The 2021 Champions League winners were in sixth when Potter began his reign, but have now plummeted to 10th and appear on course for their worst league finish since 2016.
Potter has only won 12 of his 30 games at the west London helm and the sudden availability of Nagelsmann is another reminder of the perilous balance that his job hangs on.