Julian Nagelsmann: Liverpool's interest, Bayern sacking and why Chelsea & Tottenham passed on him

Julian Nagelsmann's managerial career to this point has been fascinating. His most exciting chapters may yet still be written in years to come.

At the age of just 36, he ranks among the world's top coaches. He has already ticked off several achievements of note despite his youth — leading minnows Hoffenheim into the Champions League for the first time, taking RB Leipzig to the semi-finals of that same competition, winning three trophies with Bayern Munich and then taking charge of Germany.

Nagelsmann's contract in charge of the German national team expires at the end of Euro 2024 this summer and he is keen to return to club football, with sources telling he is open to receiving quick and firm offers, otherwise he'll wait until after the European Championships to decide his next move. Liverpool are but one side monitoring his situation.

But since leaving Bayern in March 2023, Nagelsmann's route back into the club game has proven difficult. News of his sacking by Bayern came as a shock to fans, media and players alike. The Bavarian giants were going strong in their pursuit of a treble and the club's decision to part ways came out of the blue to the wider world.

Behind the scenes, understands Bayern had concerns over his maturity. His coaching pedigree was always respected but some at Bayern felt his swagger bordered on arrogance at times, and this was a factor in his departure. Bayern's hierarchy believed Nagelsmann didn't want to change his ways despite an inconsistent 2023, and key also players became frustrated by that.

Those close to Nagelsmann strongly and firmly deny any question marks over his character, but Bayern are not the only club to question this and his methods.

Chelsea spoke to him as part of their search for a