BBC Sport understands that former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann will not be the next manager of Tottenham. Spurs, who are currently sixth in the Premier League, have been without a permanent manager since Antonio Conte was sacked in March. Despite being linked with the vacancy, there have been no talks and Spurs are not considering him for the role.
Interim manager Cristian Stellini was sacked in April and replaced by Ryan Mason, who continues in the role without the spectre of Nagelsmann hanging over him. Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has been approached by Tottenham, and some reports linked Burnley manager and former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany with the vacant role.
Nagelsmann is recognised as one of the game’s most promising managerial talents, having taken charge of Hoffenheim aged 28 before moving to RB Lepizig, leading the club to the Champions League semi-finals. He then joined Bayern in 2021 and won the league title in his first season alongside two German Supercups. Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel replaced Nagelsmann as Bayern manager.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live’s Friday Football Social, former Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: “Tottenham need to act and they need to act quickly. Why wouldn’t they be interested in Nagelsmann? He is one of the most innovative, modern-thinking, modern-day coaches.” Former West Ham and Aston Villa captain Nigel Reo Coker added: “I think Nagelsmann has looked at this Tottenham situation and said it is not for me. I am too good, too focused, I want to be part of that greatness and Spurs doesn’t shout greatness right now.”
It is not entirely clear why Tottenham wouldn’t want Nagelsmann and the answer may only become clear when they appoint Antonio Conte’s permanent successor. Many feel the 35-year-old was unfortunate to be sacked by Bayern Munich and he built up an impressive body of work before that, enhancing his status as one of the most progressive coaches in the game. It could be that chairman Daniel Levy wants to sort out the director of football gap in his management team first, so that individual has a significant say in who follows Conte.