Skip to content

Manchester City clash excites Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann

At 30-years-old Julian Nagelsmann is the youngest manager in the Bundesliga.
Image: Julian Nagelsmann is rated highly in the Bundesliga

Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann is looking forward to measuring himself against Pep Guardiola as his side host Manchester City in the Champions League.

Nagelsmann, 31, is rated as one of the best up-and-coming managers in the German game and has already agreed to take over at RB Leipzig next season after impressing in his two and a half years at Hoffenheim.

Now he faces Guardiola for the first time in a Group F clash at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on August 25, 2018
Image: Pep Guardiola has won titles in Spain, Germany and England

Nagelsmann said: "I play against Pep Guardiola for the first time and, from his professional career, he is a good point of reference.

"I'm really looking forward to our first Champions League game at home. Until now I've been feeling fairly normal and we've been concentrating on training but, as of tonight, there'll certainly be plenty of excitement."

Hoffenheim drew with Shakhtar Donetsk in their group opener while City suffered a surprise home loss to Lyon.

Nagelsmann expects City to be extra determined but is keen to take the game to them rather than play out a cagey, tactical battle.

Also See:

Live Renault Super Sunday

Nagelsmann said: "Man City expect to win the game and I'm expecting them to focus on their strengths, but we've come up with a very brave plan.

"There will not be a battle of tactics. Our main strength is our style of play and everyone who takes the field for us will be brave in possession. We will look forward with anticipation and courage."

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Jeff gave away £1.5m last month. Enter your predictions to be the next winner here.

Around Sky