Julian Nagelsmann did not entertain discussions with Real Madrid in 2018 as he said a move to the then European champions "made no sense."
Madrid were rebuilding after winning a fourth Champions League title in five years, with coach Zinedine Zidane and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo both leaving, while final match-winner Gareth Bale also outlined a desire to depart.
The sudden moves thrust Los Blancos into the managerial market, with Nagelsmann impressing at Hoffenheim.
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In a wide-ranging interview with Sport Bild on Wednesday, the 33-year-old revealed Madrid pursued "a conversation" but he rejected the approach.