Exclusive: Spurs identify Nagelsmann as potential Pochettino successor

The following article is a special report; all information presented has been gleaned from Football FanCast sources unless otherwise stated.

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as the top candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur if the Argentine leaves the club, Football FanCast has learned.

Spurs are in the midst of something approaching a crisis, having won just three times in the Premier League thus far this season.

Their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United at the weekend leaves them in the bottom half of the table and 11 points behind Manchester City in fourth.

There is no suggestion that Pochettino’s job is in immediate danger but Levy is exploring his options should circumstances lead to the former Southampton manager’s departure.

Should Spurs replace Pochettino with Nagelsmann?

Yes Vote No Vote

Nagelsmann is 32 and has been with Leipzig for just five months, having previously managed Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. His contract runs until 2023, meaning any deal to bring him to north London would likely prove expensive for Levy.

At his former club, the young manager guided Hoffenheim to the Champions League for the first time in their history and has Leipzig second in the top-flight, four points behind leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

Sources familiar with Spurs’ recruitment have told FFC that Levy is “all over” Nagelsmann but they are also insistent that contact will only be made if Spurs’ form goes “belly up”.

Pochettino pleaded for time after the draw with the Blades, insisting that the club are currently in a transitional period.

Per Sky Sports, he said: “We need to find a balance. We are building a team when we play in the Champions League and the Premier League, the toughest league in the world. It is dangerous as situations like this can happen. You expect better results than you get.

“We are in the process to build and we will see if we have the time to build what we want.”

Sources have also said that this process is normal and that doing due diligence makes sense amid an alarming dip; Spurs have not won away from home in the league since January.

Pochettino’s side face a vital London derby after the international break, with a trip to West Ham United looming, before a game against Olympiacos in the Champions League.

If Spurs win the latter, they will qualify for the knockout stages, having reached the final last term.