Tottenham fans react to news Julian Nagelsmann will not be their next manager
Tottenham supporters have reacted with disbelief on social media after it emerged that the club would appoint Julian Nagelsmann this summer.
The club has been closely linked with the 35-year-old since he was sacked by Bayern Munich early last month, just days after Tottenham parted ways with Antonio Conte themselves.
Seen by many within the fan base as the young, dynamic manager needed to rebuild the club both on and off the pitch, Nagelsmann has long been seen as the natural first choice.
On Friday night, however, Mail Sport reported that the club were exploring other candidates, with Nagelsmann not considered the ideal option at this stage.
Just two years after a summer of chaos that saw them eventually land on Nuno Espirito Santo as sixth or seventh choice, Tottenham fans fear the club will face the same fate this summer with their next head coach none clearer.
Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to appoint Julian Nagelsmann as new manager
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants a new sporting director before the transfer window
Commenting on social media, one supporter speculated that the number of managers who would “want to manage this dead club” could be counted on one hand.
“According to the permanently deceived, this board of ours is doing such a good job, even though you can probably count on one hand the managers who actually want to run this dead club,” they wrote.
Another added: ‘Can’t this club do anything right! FFS! Overlook Poch (Mauricio Pochettino), can’t (or won’t) grab Nagelsmann now. Be prepared for the same players, same results next year.’
Another supporter speculated about the circumstances that could have led to Nagelsmann or the club withdrawing altogether.
“Means 1 out of 3 things to me,” they wrote, “1. He said no to us and we try to make it look different. 2. He has been told that Kane is being sold (unlikely) and that he will not take the job. 3. Levy doesn’t want to pay Bayern & Nagelsmann a huge wage.’
It is unclear whether a club that hires Nagelsmann this summer will have to pay Bayern Munich a fee for his services.
Another supporter may have been a bit funny, but suggested that Daniel Levy, the club’s chairman and the man overseeing the hiring of the club’s next manager, would be “furious” because at this time of year time to renew season tickets.
“Levy will be furious about this. The second time in three years we have no manager on the season ticket renewal deadline,” they wrote.
Others referred to the club reportedly overlooking Pochettino, who is on his way to Chelsea, in favor of Nagelsmann, but neither lands.
“So good for those fans who turned down Poch because Nagelsmann was available,” they wrote. “I will still pray for you.”
At the moment, big question marks hang over almost every part of Tottenham, from the hierarchy all the way down to the playing team.
Following Fabio Paratici’s 30-month global football ban, the club no longer has a director of football, while Harry Kane’s future remains highly uncertain.
“Being a Spurs supporter is the hardest thing to do in life,” one fan wrote in response to the news.
“Imagine not even considering Nagelsmann,” another wrote. “It’s not about who we end up with, but also not about having serious conversations with a top manager who is available.”
“So no Nagelsmann now, probably the best available in world football, so Levy and Tottenham don’t want him,” they wrote. ‘Another joke process looking for a manager. I’m tired of this damn club and their lack of ambition.’
Other supporters chose to mock Tottenham for the way the club framed the messages, with many suggesting that it had instead been Nagelsmann who prevented the talks.
What is all this nonsense about Tottenham not interested in Nagelsmann? He’s the one who said no to Levy,” one person wrote. “Nagelsmann said NO to Spurs because the whole situation is a mess and Levy doesn’t want to relinquish control.”
Another echoed their sentiment, writing: ‘The last two managerial searches have had the club’s PR working overtime to tell us we were desperate for Nagelsmann & Pochettino. Neither were available both times. Now both are available and we don’t want either? It is what it is.’
While wondering where the club might go from here, other supporters speculated that current interim Ryan Mason could be considered for the job.
“If Mason finishes the season well, the job is his,” they wrote.
“It’s Brendan Rodgers, isn’t it? I’d rather keep Mason,” another wrote.
However, the feeling towards the club was not all bad. Some supporters seemed happy that Nagelsmann would not be their next manager.
One wrote: ‘Great news for me. I didn’t want Spurs near him.”
Another added, ‘don’t mind that tbh. He wouldn’t be here for a while. He would have jumped if bigger clubs came along.’
Tiago Pinto (L) and Markus Krosche (R) are contenders to become Tottenham sporting directors
Arne Slot, Roberto De Zerbi and Luis Enrique are among the alternatives.
Meanwhile, having appointed Scott Munn as Chief Football Officer, Daniel Levy also needs a new sporting director for the summer transfer window.
Brentford’s Johannes Spors and Lee Dykes are among the names currently being considered for the role. But Tiago Pinto and Krosche are also candidates for the vacancy. Pinto is currently managing director at Roma, working closely with former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho.