It seems that Julian Nagelsmann is making a strong bet on youth. The newly appointed manager of the German football club RB Leipzig has already made a name for himself as a young and innovative coach, and now he is taking his philosophy to another level.
At just 33 years old, Nagelsmann is already one of the most promising coaches in Europe. He made a name for himself at TSG Hoffenheim, where he became the youngest ever head coach in Bundesliga history at the age of 28. His innovative tactics and ability to develop young players caught the attention of many top clubs, and he was eventually hired by RB Leipzig in 2019.
Since taking over at Leipzig, Nagelsmann has wasted no time in implementing his vision for the club. He has consistently given opportunities to young players and has made it clear that age is just a number when it comes to his squad selection. In fact, during his first season in charge, Nagelsmann’s starting lineup had an average age of just 24.2, making them one of the youngest teams in the Bundesliga.
The most notable example of Nagelsmann’s reliance on youth is the rise of striker Timo Werner. The 24-year-old has been a key player for Leipzig since joining the club in 2016, but it was under Nagelsmann’s guidance that he truly blossomed into a world-class talent. In the 2019-2020 season, Werner scored 34 goals in all competitions and was named the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season. His impressive performances earned him a move to English Premier League giants Chelsea, but it was Nagelsmann’s trust in the young striker that helped him reach new heights.
But Nagelsmann’s focus on youth is not limited to just the first team. He has also made an impact on the club’s academy, which has produced talented players like Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, and Christopher Nkunku. Under Nagelsmann’s guidance, these young players have been given opportunities to prove themselves and have become integral parts of the first team.
One of the key reasons for Nagelsmann’s success with young players is his ability to develop them tactically and mentally. He believes in giving players freedom on the pitch, but also expects them to take responsibility and make intelligent decisions. This approach has not only helped his young players improve their skills, but also instilled a strong sense of confidence and maturity in them.
Nagelsmann’s emphasis on youth is also reflected in his transfer strategy. While other top clubs spend big money on established stars, he prefers to invest in promising young players with potential. This has allowed Leipzig to build a strong and competitive team without breaking the bank. In fact, their squad is currently valued at around €400 million, a significantly lower amount compared to other top clubs in Europe.
Nagelsmann’s approach has not only been successful on the pitch, but it has also earned him praise and recognition from his peers. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who is known for his own success with young players, has spoken highly of Nagelsmann’s work and has even called him «the future of coaching.»
But Nagelsmann’s focus on youth is not just about achieving success on the field. He also understands the importance of nurturing young players and guiding them towards a successful and sustainable career. He has spoken about the need for clubs to create a good environment for young players to develop and has shown his commitment to this by signing a long-term contract with RB Leipzig until 2023.
In a time when many top clubs are focused on short-term success, Nagelsmann’s approach is refreshing. He is proving that with the right mindset and trust in young players, success can be achieved without big spending. And with his track record, it’s safe to say that his bet on youth will continue to pay off for both him and RB Leipzig in the years to come.
