Julian Nagelsmann 'prefers to wait until summer to decide on Chelsea'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 03 April 2023

Julian Nagelsmann would allegedly prefer to wait until the summer before deciding whether he would like to become the next Chelsea head coach.

Julian Nagelsmann would reportedly prefer to bide his time before making a decision over a potential move to Chelsea.

When the German was surprisingly sacked as Bayern Munich boss during the international break, the expectation was that he would receive widespread interest ahead of next season.

However, despite the managerial change at Tottenham Hotspur, it was felt that he would remain firm in his stance that he would like to wait until the summer before accepting a new role.

On Sunday night, though, the scenario in front of Nagelsmann changed when Chelsea announced that they had sacked Graham Potter with immediate effect.

Like Nagelsmann, Potter had guided his respective team to the Champions League quarter-finals, only to not have the chance to try to progress further in the competition.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

According to widespread reports and bookmakers, Nagelsmann is the clear first choice of the Chelsea hierarchy, who are expected to make their move in due course.

Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, the 35-year-old is in no rush to accept any proposal from the West Londoners.

Nagelsmann, who is also formerly of RB Leipzig and has previously worked with members of Chelsea's staff, is said to hold an interest in a switch to the Premier League outfit.

That said, it is suggested that he would prefer to take an extended break from the dugout over making an immediate return for the run-in.

Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

As it stands, Chelsea have appointed Bruno Saltor - one of Potter's coaching staff - as interim head coach, with the Spaniard's first game coming versus Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Chelsea then face Wolverhampton Wanderers before making the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to play Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-eight tie.

Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Spain coach Luis Enrique are also said to be under consideration by the Chelsea board.

Both potential candidates have also been linked with the vacant position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.