Christoph Freund is set to be named Chelsea sporting director, according to the PA news agency.
The RB Salzburg administrator is believed to have verbally agreed on the role that new owner co-controller Todd Boehly has taken on on an interim basis this summer.
Freund is believed to have impressed Blues owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali with his insight, bold ideas and passion.
⚡ Managing Director Stephan Reiter and Sporting Director Christoph Freund have extended their contract with us until 2026!— FC Red Bull Salzburg FR (@FCRBS_fr) July 7, 2022
New Chelsea manager Graham Potter was reportedly asked about Freund before owners Boehly and Eghbali reached a deal.
Potter is said to be willing to work with Freund, with new Chelsea manager Kyle Macaulay’s backroom personnel recruitment specialist also heavily involved.
Freund has formed strong bonds with many players at RB Salzburg, and the new owners of Chelsea are believed to see this emotional involvement as a good complement to Potter’s coaching style.
The Blues could also sign a technical director to work alongside the new Freund, and Monegasque Paul Mitchell remains a long-term target.
Chelsea players are believed to be encouraged by the speed with which Boehly and Eghbali are rebuilding the club’s off-pitch structure.
The Blues stars know Potter needs to maximize his time on the grass to shape his Stamford Bridge plan, and believe Freund’s expected arrival will allow the former Brighton boss to focus on tactics and set-up. the team.
Co-owner Boehly will also be able to focus on his presidency of Chelsea.
US tycoons Boehly and Eghbali want a clear structure in their Chelsea overhaul, with all parties working in sync in regular and open dialogue.
Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday September 7, the morning after a 1-0 Champions League loss to Dinamo Zagreb.
Boehly and Eghbali felt their vision no longer aligned with that of Tuchel, who led the Blues to the 2021 Champions League title and 2022 Club World Cup title.
Potter was confirmed as Tuchel’s replacement on September 8, in a quick move by Blues bosses.
The new Chelsea manager oversaw Freund’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Salzburg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
