After guiding RB Leipzig into the Champions League semi-finals with victory over Atletico Madrid, Julian Nagelsmann has officially pulled a seat up at the table of top managers, sitting opposite the likes of Jurgen Klopp.
At 33, the Leipzig man is already comfortably seated at that table, too, with many considering him the future of European management. He is almost like the Kylian Mbappe of management; he is young, one of the most talented around, and guaranteed to reach the very top.
And after doing what Klopp couldn’t against Atletico Madrid, many are beginning to take notice of Nagelsmann’s capabilities.
Nagelsmann Officially Takes His Seat at the Table
Outclassing the Very Best
Nagelsmann’s achievements in the Bundesliga are impressive, taking a Leipzig side nearer and nearer to the summit of German football. But, dethroning the low blocks of Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone with the weapon of free-flowing football that is his Leipzig side is a whole different level of impressive from the German manager.
Jurgen Klopp’s mentality monsters tried but failed to overcome Atletico’s defensive resilience; Nagelsmann, albeit in just one leg, eventually saw his side rise to victory.
Now the task will be to defeat Paris Saint-Germain; to rise to victory against the man he once played under; to add yet another reputable name to his growing hit list. Thomas Tuchel vs Julian Nagelsmann could well be the battle of the season as they both look to reach the holy grail of the Champions League final.
From Hoffenheim to Leipzig
Though only 33, Nagelsmann has already written a few chapters in his increasingly intriguing story which started at Hoffenheim. The current Leipzig man took the so-called ‘Die Kraichgauer’ from the mediocracy of 15th to the joy of the top four in the space of one season before reaching the Champions League the next. And, though eventually knocked out by Liverpool in qualifying, Hoffenheim, led by Nagelsmann, didn’t look out of place on the big stage.
Now, just four years later, in the very competition he dipped his toe into with Hoffenheim, Nagelsmann is taking a full-on plunge into the deep waters of Champions League football. Yet, like many would, he is not drowning. Instead, he is gracefully swimming towards the almost unthinkable end glory of lifting the trophy itself. Nagelsmann and Leipzig are daring to dream, even without Timo Werner leading the line.
Nagelsmann a Record Breaker
After each scintillating victory seems to come another record for Nagelsmann who will have a book of them by the time his career comes to a halt, a day which is a long way into the future. The German, by beating Atletico, became the youngest ever manager to reach the Champions League semi-final. The record will sit nicely on his mantelpiece alongside the one for youngest ever permanent Bundesliga manager.
Nagelsmann’s rise is almost unfathomable. At such a young age, as previously mentioned, he is sharing a table with the likes of Pep Guardiola, and he doesn’t look one bit out of place. Best believe, he will be the best around in the not so distant future.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
