Chelsea hold one concern about Julian Nagelsmann as search for Graham Potter’s successor continues

Chelsea concerned by the age of Julian Nagelsmann as search for manager continues

Chelsea owners are concerned by the age of Julian Nagelsmann as the search to find Graham Potter’s replacement continues into day two (Sky Sports).

On Sunday night, a day after a bad defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, Potter was sacked by the Blues. The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager only managed the team for close to seven months since taking over in September. There was a World Cup break in between as well. So, we can term it as a six-month tenure.

Among the replacements, the club are impressed by the credentials and the boxes Nagelsmann ticks, but co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are concerned that he is only 35 years old.

Chelsea part ways with Graham Potter following loss to Aston Villa.
Chelsea owners are concerned by the age of Julian Nagelsmann. Photo: GEPA pictures/ Sven Sonntag.

We must not forget that it was only a few days ago that the German was sacked by Bayern Munich following the defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Reports after that did reveal that the Bayern players were not happy that he was not the father figure they wanted.

If we are to connect the dots, Christopher Vivell – the former RB Leipzig director who is now at Chelsea, has worked with Nagelsmann before at Leipzig and is a big admirer of him.

The final search for a new manager is headed by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. The owners will of course make the final decision on who to appoint.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 11: Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of FC Bayern Munich, looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena on March 11, 2023 in Munich, Germany
In terms of tactical awareness and know-how, there aren’t many better than Nagelsmann. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

In terms of coaching and tactical know-how, there aren’t many better than Nagelsmann. Unlike Potter in September, he has experience working with clubs that play in the Champions League. Leipzig reached the semi-final of that competition in 2020 under him. So, barring the age, the credentials are there for him to come and change the fortunes of Chelsea.

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The owners should focus less on age and appoint him based on experience, know-how, potential longevity and tactical brilliance.