Real Madrid are reportedly ready to try again for Julian Nagelsmann following the German manager's Bayern Munich dismissal.
The 35-year-old - regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe - was surprisingly given the boot by the Bundesliga champions a couple of days ago.
Citing worsening performances since the World Cup break and other off-field factors, Bayern relieved Nagelsmann of his duties and subsequently hired Thomas Tuchel on a contract until 2025.
While it is unclear if Nagelsmann will take some time off before re-entering the dugout, the German is sure to be inundated with offers from across the continent.
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as leading contenders to hire Nagelsmann ahead of Antonio Conte's expected departure, while Chelsea are also rumoured to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
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Now, Sport claims that Real Madrid could also throw their hat into the ring, nearly five years after they were initially rejected by the 35-year-old.
At just 28 years old, Nagelsmann embarked on his first foray into management with Hoffenheim in 2016, and he was contacted by Los Blancos to succeed Zinedine Zidane following the Frenchman's first departure in 2018.
However, in a separate interview with Sport, Nagelsmann confirmed that he rejected the opportunity, but he left the door open for future talks with the European champions.
"I try to calculate each step in my career, but it's not easy because you never know what's going to happen. In any case, it is important to have a plan," Nagelsmann said.
"Yes, it happened. Jose Angel Sanchez called me, I was not the only one he contacted. He wanted to know my ideas and philosophy. I think I made the right decision to stay in Germany.
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"Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. If you call me in the future, you may receive a different response. But two years ago I took the right step. I wasn't prepared, I didn't have time to learn the language, I lacked experience: with Hoffenheim I had only played one game in Europe."
Nagelsmann would arrive at the Bernabeu as a long-term successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who is out of contract in 2024 and is being tipped to take over as manager of the Brazil national team.
However, the Italian has expressed a desire to remain in charge of Los Blancos for as long as possible, telling reporters: "My evaluation is something that the club has to do and not me. I have already said that I would like to stay for the rest of my life but I know that this is impossible. Whatever happens, the club will decide at the end of the season.
"My thought is to continue and what the club decides will be what counts. If they want me, I will enjoy it. If not, I will enjoy it for as long as I have left. I will be grateful for life."
Nagelsmann left Bayern with a record of 60 wins, 14 draws and 10 defeats to show from 84 games in charge, winning one Bundesliga title and two German Super Cups after leaving RB Leipzig in 2021.
Ben Knapton
