Chelsea have reservations over appointing Julian Nagelsmann as the club’s next head coach, due to the German’s age.
Nagelsmann has emerged as one of the leading candidates to become Chelsea’s next manager, following the club’s decision to sack Graham Potter after less than seven months in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Todd Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali are understood to be impressed with Nagelsmann’s credentials, but Sky Sports are reporting that there are concerns from the Blues’ board around the German’s age.
Nagelsmann became the youngest coach in Bundesliga history when he was appointed as head coach of Hoffenheim, aged 28, in 2016 and has since had spells in charge of RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.
The 35-year-old won the Bundesliga title with Bayern last season, but was surprisingly sacked last month and replaced by former Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel.
Nagelsmann – who worked with Chelsea director Christopher Vivell at RB Leipzig – had intended to wait until the summer before making a decision on his future, but is willing to listen to Chelsea’s proposal. Tottenham have also been linked with Nagelsmann as the club search for an Antonio Conte replacement.
Chelsea would need to agree compensation with Bayern Munich in order to appoint Nagelsmann, who has been placed on gardening leave.
Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino are also understood to be under consideration at Chelsea, with each available. Enrique is open to a Premier League role after leaving the Spanish national team following the World Cup, while ex-Spurs manager Pochettino has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
