Tottenham Hotspur target Julian Nagelsmann reveals Arsenal admiration and names Chelsea legend as his idol

Tottenham Hotspur managerial candidate Julian Nagelsmann has previously spoken of his admiration for Arsenal and has revealed his footballing idol is Chelsea legend John Terry.

Nagelsmann has been contacted by Spurs over the managerial position, according to reports in Germany, after Antonio Conte was relieved of his duties on Sunday night.

Cristian Stellini, who oversaw important wins against Manchester City and Chelsea in Conte’s absence after surgery, will take charge until the end of the season.

Nagelsmann has emerged as one fo the favourites for the role following his shock sacking from Bayern Munich but in the past has revealed an admiration for Arsenal and former manager Arsene Wenger.

He told the Bundesliga website previously: “I also like Barcelona and Arsenal as well as the work of Arsene Wenger.”

Nagelsmann rose to prominence with 1899 Hoffenheim as he took his first managerial job at the age of 29. He retired from playing at 20, due to injuries.

Prior to his retirement, he revealed Terry was his idol. The former Chelsea defender is regarded as one of the best central defenders of the Premier League era.

He made 717 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club, lifting the Premier League title five times and scoring 67 goals.

He told the Times in 2021: “John Terry. It was crazy, because when I was a youth player I played with [close friend] Christian Trasch. I called him Patrick - Patrick Vieira - because he played No 6 and he called me John Terry, ‘Johnny’.

“In those days, Terry was one of the best central defenders - I think there was one season he did not lose one duel. He was brave with his head. I was good with my feet but better with my head, and there were some similarities, he was kind of a role model.”