Nagelsmann agent reveals why Chelsea’s No.1 Potter replacement rejected Blues move

Robin Bairner

• 17 May 2023 11:12 BST
• 3 min read

Julian Nagelsmann’s agent has revealed why the former Bayern Munich boss turned down the opportunity to become Chelsea manager.

Sacked by Bayern in March, Nagelsmann immediately became favourite to take over from Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge when the former Brighton man was jettisoned after a poor campaign.

The German, though, spoke to Chelsea and has decided to turn down the offer, paving the way for Mauricio Pochettino to take over.

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Speaking to the Bold Phrasenmaher podcast, super agent Volker Struth, who oversees Nagelsmann’s affairs, has explained why no deal was struck.

“I can confirm that Chelsea were quick to call us,” he said. “There were a few phone conversations.

“It was Nagelsmann's decision not to go – and he was right.

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“Chelsea is a club in troubled waters right now. And their transfer policy, spending a few hundred million euros, has raised expectations that must be met.

“There were other problems as well. He was their No.1 choice. I think it would have happened if he had wanted to.”

Nagelsmann is still out of work, with Tottenham having pulled their interest in the former RB Leipzig head coach.

Pochettino facing Chelsea challenge

Chelsea, meanwhile, are gearing up to life under Pochettino, with the Argentine expected to make significant changes to the squad over the summer transfer window.

The Blues have endured a torrid season, despite a record spend over the course of the last year and face the embarrassment of finishing outside the top half of the table.

Pochettino will effectively become the fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea, following in the footsteps of Thomas Tuchel, Potter and interim boss Frank Lampard, who has been given a couple of months at the end of the season as a stop-gap measure.

A significant improvement is expected next term, with Blues supporters anticipating at least a challenge for the top four spots.