Chelsea have reportedly cooled their interest in Luis Enrique, which could now open the doors for Tottenham to appoint the Spaniard.
According to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Chelsea are no longer in the running to appoint Luis Enrique as their next manager. The club found some issues after their latest interview with the Spaniard. They could now look at Julian Nagelsmann or Mauricio Pochettino as alternatives.
Luis Enrique is one of the formidable managerial names available to take up a role in the market. The former Barcelona boss quit his Spanish national team manager role after the Qatar World Cup. And English clubs have been keen to appoint him.
Tottenham were the first team linked with a move after the fiasco and dismissal of Antonio Conte around the international break. Spurs have maintained contact with their managerial target despite knowing Chelsea’s interest.
Enrique was reportedly considered the favourite to take over at the club before the new season. Things have gone south after the latest round of discussions. Reports from the British media indicate Chelsea have cooled their interest in the Spaniard.
While Julian Nagelsmann remains the leading candidate to become Chelsea new coach since March, talks with Luis Enrique are in stand-by and also not expected to advance after meeting in London. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea have cooled their interest in Luis Enrique, as @Matt_Law_DT called. pic.twitter.com/suW56Uufa4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 20, 2023
Chelsea were reportedly expected to hold a fresh interview with the Spaniard, having already met him once before. After the latest talks, the club were unsatisfied, leading them to cool off their pursuit of the Tottenham managerial target.
Fabrizio Romano shed some light on the situation, suggesting the cease of pursuit may have been an internal decision from Chelsea. The new twist could point towards the club looking at alternatives such as Julian Nagelsmann or Mauricio Pochettino.
“The internal feeling at Chelsea is that they have now cooled their interest in Luis Enrique. They had conversations with Enrique and Nagelsmann, and the Spaniard has been in England. But nothing remains agreed upon, and in the last round of talks, Chelsea were not so happy with some of the points, and the feeling was not right.
“Let’s see how it will continue – we know Enrique is also appreciated at Tottenham. He’s one of five or six names on their list, while he also has interest from some national teams.”
Chelsea may look towards Nagelsmann as Potter’s potential replacement. The 35-year-old German remains on the books of Bayern Munich despite losing his status as head coach. If Chelsea decide to appoint him, they may have to pay a hefty compensation fee considering the German was on a long-term deal with the club.
Also Read: Three potential Graham Potter replacements for Chelsea
As Chelsea cool off their interest in Enrique, the Tottenham managerial target could become a favourite to take over in north London. Spurs have wanted the Spaniard for a long time, and they might sense an opportunity to prise him away.
