Feature: Nagelsmann with Leipzig in the footsteps of Guardiola and Klopp

Source: Xinhua| 2019-07-19 19:33:47|Editor: mingmei
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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The picturesque countryside of Seefeld in the Austrian alps seems the ideal place for Julian Nagelsmann to start a new chapter in his coaching life. Here in the state of Tyrol, hundreds of miles south the clubs' Homebase in Eastern Germany, exaggerated expectations seem far away while the mountains clean air and an alpine landscape create a relaxed mood.

But one could be mistaken to only consider the surroundings in RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp.

For Nagelsmann, a vital era has begun. Any kind of distraction might disturb his challenging work the RB Leipzig coach is convinced. The first weeks are of great importance the 31-year-old says. "We might only make little steps, but we inevitably must do them," Nagelsmann commented.

To teach a football team a new style, to increase the pressure and to set enhanced goals seems as complex as to introduce a new season program for a ballet ensemble or an Orchestra.

For many, the combination of a young and talented team with one of the countries most promising coaches inevitably lead to stunning success.

31-year-old Nagelsmann is aware of the supporter's dreams and the media's bold judgments talking about Rasenballsport as the parvenu tempting established forces such AS Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Leipzig is Nagelsmann' first club providing the quality to win what he is calling "silverware" realistically. As expectations around him seem to get out of control, the former professional is demanding patience. His squad meanwhile is repeating exercises on the grass-rooted field - again and again.

"We might not be in the best shape when we do our first games, things like that always take time," he said. It would be unusual to perform on the highest-level right away he underlines.

The man that last year rejected an offer from Real Madrid reminds of two of his closest bodies in coaching, Pep Guardiola, Juergen Klopp, and Thomas Tuchel.

It took a while for Pep with Manchester and Juergen with Liverpool and Dortmund to get things done when it comes to an increased game-speed he emphasizes. "Pep Guardiola plays a style of football containing many elements of the DNA of Leipzig. Ball possession always is used to create own chances, not to control the game."

In Seefeld, Nagelsmann skipped gym training session to extend the tactically based work outside.

If everyone is staying patient, "we can expect to see the enchanting football we all are dreaming of, and we might win titles," Nagelsmann commented. He makes no secret about his ambitions. "I want to develop and improve," he says, adding he is keeping close contact with other coaches in Europe to stay updated when it comes to newest trends.

Liverpool's German coach is praising Nagelsmann' efforts as "he is a coach with an open mind and always looking for new solutions. And he loves forwarding football based on a wide range of tactical tools."

The 2019 Champions League winner announced to keep a close eye on Leipzig as a serious rival on the international stage.

Currently, Nagelsmann not only is far away from international competitions but from having reached his goals with his new team. The former TSG Hoffenheim coach at present seems in constant unrest as he doesn't want to waste any time. It seems not only fans, and media need to be patient but the Leipzig coach.

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