Julian Nagelsmann has offered hope to his many suitors in the Premier League, with the 33-year-old RB Leipzig boss admitting a job in England could appeal to him at some stage in the future.
Despite being younger than many players at the very highest level, the German has already established a reputation as one of the most exciting coaches in Europe.
His work at Hoffenheim and Leipzig has attracted interest from afar, with there a number of clubs that would be prepared to throw open their doors if he ever decided to break his current contract.
What has been said?
“I have a contract now until 2023 so I think I will stay in Leipzig,” Nagelsmann told The Telegraph ahead of the Champions League last-16 showdown with Liverpool on Tuesday.
“The Premier League is a very interesting league and I can imagine it could be a big aim to be a big manager in the Premier League one day like Jurgen [Klopp], who is very successful. It could be a step in the future.
“You know, in soccer it's not that easy to plan 'how long will you be a manager in Leipzig? When will you go to the Premier League? I could imagine going to the Premier League.
“I could imagine staying as a manager in the Bundesliga for my whole career. It's cool to be a manager in my own country, I love it. Then perhaps in the future we can meet face-to-face in the Premier League, who knows.”
What is Nagelsmann’s managerial record?
Hoffenheim promoted Nagelsmann out of their academy system and into a top job in 2016, with the reins inherited from Hubb Stevens ahead of schedule in February of that year.
He collected 55 wins and 43 draws from 136 games in charge of the Bundesliga outfit, leading them away from relegation danger and into the Champions League.
Leipzig snapped him up in the summer of 2019 on a four-year contract.
Records have continued to tumble around him in his current post, with the history books re-written as the youngest coach to win a Champions League knockout game and reach the semi-finals of that competition.
In total, Nagelsmann has overseen 46 wins from 77 games, with only 12 defeats.
Who has been linked with Nagelsmann?
He has turned down a role at Real Madrid in the past, but interest in his services remains high.
Manchester United are said to have indentified an emerging talent as the man to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, while Tottenham are also reportedly keen on securing his signature.
Roles at Liverpool and Chelsea have also been mooted, that would allow him to follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
Further reading
- 'Klopp has the gift' - Nagelsmann expects strong Liverpool showing
- Champions League last 16: UK & U.S. TV channels and live streams
- Bayern confirm Upamecano signing from RB Leipzig for €42.5m