Slaven Bilic takes responsibility for loss against Brighton
Nagelsmann, 30, nicknamed the “Mini Mourinho”, has taken Hoffenheim to fourth place in the Bundisliga, and is rated as one of the hottest young coaches in Europe.
The former 1860 Munich and Augsburg youngster, forced to retire from playing at the age of 19 through persistent knee injuries, took over at Hoffenheim two years ago and steered the club clear of relegation, and then into fourth place at the end of last season.
Nagelsmann was highly touted to be Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement at Bayern Munich last month, when the former Chelsea manager was axed by the Bundisliga giants, before Jupp Heynckes was appointed until the end of the season.
The search for Bilic’s successor is well under way though, and has been intensified since Friday night’s demoralising 3-0 home defeat by promoted Brighton.
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Julian Nagelsmann was reportedly on Bayern Munich's radar as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti
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Following a poor start to the season Slaven Bilic is facing mounting pressure over his job
The Hammers have already made informal contact with Hoffenheim about Nagelsmann, but there has been no official approach yet.
Bilic, though, will be given a stay of execution for at least this week, while West Ham try to sort out a replacement, which means he will be in charge for tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup game with Tottenham at Wembley, and Saturday’s crunch relegation clash with bottom of the table Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
However, a defeat on Saturday against a team who have won only one game all season could spell the end for a manager that the West Ham board unto now have not wanted to sack, and who some still hope can turn things around.
Others on the West Ham wish list are long time target Rafa Benitez of Newcastle, and another German in David Wagner of Huddersfield. Both though would be hard to tempt away from their current jobs.
Other potential targets are Roberto Mancini, in charge at Zenit St Petersburg, and Manuel Pellegrini, who is at Hebei China Fortune.
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