Chelsea are now plotting a move for Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, following a fresh update on Liam Rosenior's future at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior said 'goodbye' to players after Brighton defeat
At one stage, the Blues were well-placed to compete for a place in next season's Champions League, but it is now looking increasingly likely they will miss out on European football entirely, having lost their last five Premier League games on the spin.
The most recent of those was perhaps the most alarming, with Rosenior's side coming up way short in a 3-0 defeat at Brighton, which left the manager furious, and questioning his side's desire to win.
"It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude. I keep coming out and defending the players - that's indefensible, that performance tonight.
"The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now. I think the players need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. You can talk about tactics... tactics come after the basics."
Unsurprisingly, there have been widespread calls for BlueCo to sack the former Strasbourg boss immediately, having averaged just 1.52 points per match in his first 23 games at the helm.
David Ornstein recently reported that BlueCo plan to back Rosenior in the summer transfer window, but Simon Phillips revealed the 41-year-old is now on the verge of being sacked having said 'goodbye' to his players and staff after Brighton.
"He’s completely lost the dressing room. We’ve heard that this really hit home to him last night. The players do not trust or respect him as a coach, and some of them have even been laughing and joking about him within their circles. There’s no way he can stay now, and the club know this. I believe his position has become untenable."
Nagelsmann in line to replace Rosenior
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues are plotting a move for Germany manager Nagelsmann, who won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in 2022, although they may not act until the end of the season.
Indeed, Phillips' report suggested an interim is most likely until the end of the campaign, which could be ideal for the 38-year-old, who has the World Cup to focus on.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
Jurgen Klopp has backed his compatriot to be successful as Germany boss, saying*: “I completely trust Julian Nagelsmann, and I don’t need to constantly check to say: everything will be fine. I know everything will be fine!”*
“Julian is an extraordinary coach, and we have extraordinary players.”
The ex-Bayern boss has also had impressive spells with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, maintaining a 57% win ratio across his career to date.
Julian Nagelsmann's managerial record Matches Points per match
Germany 31 2.03
Bayern Munich 84 2.31
RB Leipzig 95 1.94
Hoffenheim 136 1.53
Enzo Fernandez Related
Chelsea preparing proposal to sign £50m Spurs star to replace Enzo Fernandez
The Blues are plotting a bid for an "unstoppable" player.