Julian Nagelsmann speaks out after withdrawal from Chelsea manager search
By Tom Gott
Julian Nagelsmann has spoken out for the first time after pulling out of the race to become the next Chelsea manager.
The former Bayern boss had been among the top candidates to fill the void left by Graham Potter's dismissal before his withdrawal from proceedings on Friday - a decision which left Chelsea surprised.
While Chelsea had long insisted that there was no leading candidate in their lengthy search for a new manager, sources saw Nagelsmann as the favourite to take the role and Luis Enrique is understood to have seen the German as Chelsea's top priority.
Asked about his decision by Sky Germany, Nagelsmann did not deny pulling out of talks but sought to clarify the terminology used.
"To cancel something, you have to commit to something," Nagelsmann said.
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Who will be Chelsea's next manager?
Both Enrique and Nagelsmann were viewed as the early favourites for the role, but with neither under consideration at this point, Chelsea's attention has turned elsewhere.
Burnley's Vincent Kompany is of interest but Chelsea are known to be huge fans of Mauricio Pochettino, who was first contacted after Thomas Tuchel left Stamford Bridge earlier this season and was spoken to yet again midway through the campaign.
90min understands that Pochettino is now interested in taking over at Chelsea and several rounds of talks have been held with the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss, but the Argentine is also open to a return to Spurs as the replacement for Antonio Conte.
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