‘Very slim chance’ – Journalist provides update on Spurs’ Nagelsmann pursuit

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the chances of Julian Nagelsmann becoming Tottenham’s head coach were always slim, and it has now become even less likely as the Lilywhites look set to finish outside the top four.

It was reported by Sky Germany earlier this week that although there has been some dialogue between Nagelsmann’s camp and Spurs, the talks have not been concrete up until this point.

The publication claimed that while the 35-year-old is open to replacing Antonio Conte in N17, he is hesitant to take the job without knowing which director of football he would be working under and without clarity on how much power he would have in transfers.

Crook believes the lack of a sporting director at Spurs is the main concern for the German, with the journalist suggesting that the North London club might turn their attention to Vincent Kompany instead over the coming days and weeks.

When asked about Tottenham’s pursuit of Nagelsann, he told talkSPORT Breakfast (03/05/23 at 8:55 am): “This one was always a very slim chance that he would go. That chance improved when he put himself out of the running to be the Chelsea manager.

“I think it always had to be 100% right for Nagelsmann to go to Tottenham, particularly as they aren’t going to be in the Champions League next season.

“I think he’s concerned about the lack of a sporting director and who they might put in that position, so he won’t commit himself until he knows who he will be reporting to.

“I still think they might go down the young up-and-coming route. We know they are big admirers of Vincent Kompany. He is definitely on their list of targets.

When asked if Kompany would be open to taking over at Spurs, Crook said: “I thought he always would. Whatever mess you think Tottenham are in and whatever you think of Daniel Levy. It’s still a massive step up from Burnley to Spurs. 

“I know the Burnley fans will be shouting at their radios. Tottenham have one of the best stadiums in Europe at the moment. They still have Harry Kane. They are a team that has been competing around the Champions League places.”

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While Kompany might be wary of jumping to a big job too early, he might also be aware that a big club might not come calling again if he fails to do well with the Clarets in the top flight next season.

The Belgian would also consider the fact that his style of football has a much better chance of succeeding at a top club where he has good attacking players to work with than it does at a club like Burnley, who might be left exposed in the Premier League like Bielsa’s Leeds were. 

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