Chelsea make contact with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique as they step up search

Chelsea have made contact with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique as they step up their search for a new head coach.

Nagelsmann and Enrique, both of whom are out of work, are two of the main contenders to succeed Graham Potter following his dismissal after less than seven months in charge of the Blues on Sunday.

Chelsea are ready to consider as many as seven candidates before whittling down the list in a search led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

Nagelsmann is known to Stewart and the club’s technical director Christopher Vivell, having worked with both at RB Leipzig.

Chelsea had previously been in touch via intermediaries to learn more about Nagelsmann’s plans following his dismissal from Bayern Munich. The 35-year-old is keen to understand more about the club, its structure and the level of influence he would be able to have. He is not thought to be in a rush to return to management and is weighing up when to make a comeback.

Julian Nagelsmann has been sounded out by Chelsea as they seek a Graham Potter replacement

Luis Enrique is on the shortlist as Potter’s replacement and the Spaniard is preparing for talks

Nagelsmann also has other admirers including Real Madrid, whose job could be available in the summer, and Tottenham. Of the two Premier League sides, Chelsea would be in pole position for the German.

Luis Enrique departed as Spain’s head coach when his contract ended after the World Cup in December. He spoke of his aim to work in England just last week and specifically his wish to lead ‘a team there that can do important things.’

Chelsea are also expected to speak to former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, a contender for the job before Potter was appointed last September. Pochettino is also in his old club and Real Madrid’s sights.

Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is another well-regarded manager and was discussed by Chelsea before Potter’s appointment.

However, he signed a new contract until 2026 in November and has publicly stated his intention to see that out. Amorim said he would only leave Sporting if the release clause in his deal was met. Chelsea have opted against a move for another raid on Brighton for Roberto De Zerbi, whose contract also contains a buyout clause.