Chelsea in talks with Julian Nagelsmann as search for new manager continues: report

Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of Bayern Munich, looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at the BayArena on 19 March, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany.
(Image credit: Stefan Brauer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Chelsea have reportedly met with Julian Nagelsmann as they look to narrow down the list of candidates to become their next permanent boss.

The Blues sacked Graham Potter at the start of April, reappointing Frank Lampard as interim manager until the end of the season.

According to The Times, Chelsea's co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley spoke with Nagelsmann face-to-face on Thursday.

The report adds that the Blues have already had discussions with other potential head coaches – among them former Spain boss Luis Enrique, who is said to have been 'disappointed' not to get the job before Lampard's return.

Nagelsmann, 35, was sacked by Bayern Munich last month, making way for Thomas Tuchel – himself dismissed by Chelsea back in September – to take charge of the Bundesliga leaders.

The German made a name for himself by taking Hoffenheim from the brink of relegation to Champions League qualification; aged just 28 at the time of his appointment in 2016 he became the youngest manager in Bundesliga history.

Ahead of the 2019/20 season, Nagelsmann moved on to RB Leipzig, with whom he achieved successive top-four finishes before succeeding Hansi Flick at Bayern – and guiding them to a tenth straight Bundesliga title last term.

Ex-Tottenham head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, Luciano Spalletti – who's on the verge of securing Napoli their first Serie A title in 33 years – and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim are among the other names said to be in contention to take over at Chelsea.

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...