The relationship between Julian Nagelsmann and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly may have played a part in the German’s being the leading candidate to succeed Graham Potter.
It is far from certain that Nagelsmann will eventually fill the managerial vacancy at Chelsea, but it is not hard to see why he is reportedly the favourite to land the job.
Despite his dismissal at Bayern Munich, the young manager’s reputation is relatively intact, mostly thanks to his exceptional winning record in the Champions League and, of course, winning Bundesliga last season.
In addition to that, he already worked with Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell at TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, so the board would likely know what to expect from him.
Interestingly, journalist Guillem Balague claims that it is not only Vivell; Chelsea co-owner Boehly and Nagelsmann also know each other very well.
“Julian Nagelsmann has a great relationship with the owner of Chelsea [Boehly],” Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live just before the news of Potter’s exit.
“Chelsea are looking for a name, a personality, someone big enough to deal with what Chelsea has.
“If they decide to get rid of Graham Potter… I put Nagelsmann at the top of that list.”
It might take time to finalise any deal, however, if Chelsea were to choose Nagelsmann.
Reports in Germany suggest that the manager is still under contract with Bayern and Chelsea would have to negotiate compensation before being able to appoint the former Leipzig boss.
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