Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League • England
Julian Nagelsmann: Fabrizio Romano tells Levy how Tottenham can seal deal as ‘big problem’ claims emerge over German’s girlfriend
Fabrizio Romano has shared how Tottenham can secure the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann as their next manager amid claims he is Daniel Levy’s No 1 target to succeed Antonio Conte.
The north London club chose to part ways with Conte after 16 months in charge late into Sunday evening. His axing comes as no surprise, however, after his very public condemnation of the club, its owners and their players.
In his last act as Tottenham boss, Conte went into self-preservation mode, completely let rip after seeing his side lose a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 at Southampton.
His sacking was confirmed in a brief 4o-word statement, with the club placing Cristian Stellini in charge for the remainder of the season.
Conte’s former No 2 will be assisted by Ryan Mason, who has previous experience of managing Spurs in an interim capacity.
However, the two men may not see it through to the end of the season if Levy has his way.
That’s amid reports that the Tottenham supremo is ‘to move fast’ for Nagelsmann, who is now seemingly established as the club’s No 1 target.
Getting Nagelsmann to sign on the dotted line though could prove challenging. He was only dismissed from his current role with Bayern Munich just last week. And in the wake of his shock dismissal, he is understood to be seeking a period of reflection.
Furthermore, Real Madrid are also reportedly interested in acquiring Nagelsmann’s services themselves.
Nonetheless, trusted reporter Romano reckons that will not stop Tottenham from looking into the appointment.
And he has revealed what Levy must do to lure the 35-year-old to N17.
READ MORE: Tottenham sacked sixth best Premier League manager of all time in Antonio Conte
Nagelsmann to Tottenham – Romano has his say
Assessing the situation, the Italian provided an update to his YouTube channel.
And rather than looking for a fast buck, Nagelsmann will want assurances that his next club will be a project over the long-term.
“He doesn’t want to miss the next step,” Romano said. “For him it’s crucial to have a project, it’s not just about the money, the contract – he wants to see a project, a vision.
“He wants to have an influence and also a good relationship with the board. This is really crucial for Julian Nagelsmann after what happened at Bayern and so, this is why at the moment we have a lot of stories.
“But from my understanding, Nagelsmann will take some time and then will make a decision on when he will be ready to return to coaching.
“If it will be now, or at the end of the season. But for sure, Nagelsmann is going to wait for a very good project and not just for money.”
Conte’s reign at Tottenham last justed 16 months, which is about the same amount of time that Jose Mourinho had in charge. In between, Nuno Espirito Santo lasted just five months at the helm.
As such, Nagelsmann made need some convincing about his long-term prospects were he to take the job.
Fiery claims made about Nagelsmann girlfriend Lena Wurzenberger
On the flip side, claims have now emerged in Germany about a surprise factor that led to Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich exit.
His axing came as something of a surprise given the club were through to the Champions League quarter-finals. They were also on track, albeit sat second to Borussia Dortmund, to retain their Bundesliga crown.
However, former Liverpool man Markus Babbel suggests Nagelsmann’s relationship with girlfriend Lena Wurzenberger could have been a factor.
Nagelsmann recently split up with childhood sweetheart and wife, Verena, whom he has two children with. That came following revelations in Germany that he was in a relationship with Wurzenberger. The scandal was a big story in Germany.
The BILD reporter stepped back from covering Bayern Munich over impartiality claims once the affair became public.
And while she has since left BILD, Babbel claims there was ‘trust issues’ at Bayern due to their relationship.
“I know that Nagelsmann’s relationship with a BILD reporter was a huge topic in the dressing room. It didn’t go down well at all that he was with her. His girlfriend was therefore a big problem for Bayern,” he told Blick.
“There was a lack of trust because some players just weren’t able to communicate what they were thinking anymore. Because they were afraid that everything would end up in the newspaper.”
Despite being quite the scandal in Germany, it is unlikely Nagelsmann’s private life will have any impact on Levy’s plans.
READ MORE: Tottenham to match Richarlison fee by landing talented Premier League star in £60m deal