Tottenham are targeting talks with Julian Nagelsmann as the club look to secure a new head coach for next season.
Nagelsmann has emerged as a leading contender to replace Antonio Conte, whose departure was confirmed by ‘mutual consent’ in a club statement on Sunday.
The surprise availability of Nagelsmann has alerted Spurs, though the German is keen to take time to decide on his future following his shock dismissal at Bayern Munich this week.
The 35-year-old was sacked despite Bayern being just a point of league leaders Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, with former Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel named immediately as his replacement at the Allianz Arena.
The Times are reporting that Spurs wanted to appoint Nagelsmann following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019, but he decided to remain with former club RB Leipzig before his move to Bayern in 2021.
Nagelsmann forged a reputation as one of Europe’s best young coaches during spells at Hoffenheim and Leipzig, before he won the Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich last season. His expansive brand of football is admired at Spurs, who are keen to bring in a more attacking coach following the pragmatic tactical approaches of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte.
Tottenham – who have placed Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini in charge for the rest of the season – are understood to have created a long shortlist of candidates to replace Conte.
In addition to Nagelsmann, the names admired include Brighton’s Robert De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank, while former manager Pochettino remains out of work and popular with the club’s fanbase.
