‘I’m in the best hands with Salzburg’ Christoph Freund turns down sporting director role at Chelsea
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‘It is true that Chelsea wanted me… but I have come to the conclusion that I am in the best hands at Salzburg’: Christoph Freund confirms that he has turned down the chance to become sporting director at Stamford Bridge… big blow to owner Todd Boehly
- Christoph Freund has rejected the role of sporting director at Chelsea
- The 45-year-old is happy to stay in his current role in Austria at RB Salzburg
- Chelsea had identified Freund as the ideal name to partner with Graham Potter
- Todd Boehly will look for alternative names, including Paul Mitchell of Monaco
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Christoph Freund has decided not to become Chelsea’s new sporting director after being persuaded by his club Red Bull Salzburg to stay.
The 45-year-old had tentatively signed a deal with Chelsea on Sunday, but Red Bull we are determined to keep him at the head of their own project.
“Yes, it is true that Chelsea wanted me and we talked,” Freund confirmed.
“When such a big club asks, it not only honors me and Salzburg’s work, it is of course a circumstance that involves personal considerations.
Christoph Freund has turned down the role of sporting director at Chelsea to stay at Salzburg
But I have come to the conclusion that I am in the best hands at Salzburg and that change is not an option for me.
“I thought of the Chelsea director’s job because I’m proud of the interest of such a top club.”
Red Bull chief Stephan Reiter, who claimed on Monday that he had not received an official approach, added:
“Of course Freund informed me about Chelsea and we exchanged ideas personally and had good conversations, but the fact is that he remains our sporting director.”
Freund was considered a good fit to work with new Chelsea boss Graham Potter
Freund was considered a suitable candidate for Chelsea by the Blues chiefs, who were impressed by his acumen, bold ideas and passion.
They felt that having attracted attention at Salzburg, Freund would have fitted well with the new coaching staff led by recently appointed manager Graham Potter.
Freund had received approval from Chelsea boss Graham Potter and his recruiting specialist Kyle Macauley.
Chelsea have not given up completely, but they are looking at other options as well. Paul Mitchell, of Monaco, is also considered interesting.
Owner Todd Boehly is currently doing the job himself on a temporary basis, but the club is now in talks with alternative candidates for a sporting director.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly now has to look at alternative names for sporting director