Nagelsmann not scared of relegation fight

Posted Sunday, February 14, 2016 by Foxsports.com

TSG Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann says he has always met challenges head on and insists the club's battle against relegation will be no different.

The 28-year-old coach was appointed to replace Huub Stevens on Thursday after the veteran stepped down for health reasons.

Nagelsmann's age and relative lack of experience raised fears he would struggle to command the respect of the older players in the dressing room, but he has no such concerns.

"The elder players were very open with me. I am used to having an open relationship with everybody. I am no dictator. I don't fear a lack of respect from the elder players," he said.

"We cannot define ourselves by the situation we're in. We have to define us by the way we play and then we will reach a better situation.

"I have had respect for every task in my life, but I was never scared. That is how I approach this situation, too. I want to look into the future and that started with yesterday's training.

"I want to put my energy into the things that come and I do not look into the past. It is very important to have confidence. As much as it is in the business world, it is in the Bundesliga.

"Time is limited, I can't perform a miracle. It is about building up the players' confidence, encouraging them. The players will learn new things. Let's talk after Bremen as to whether that has worked," Nagelsmann concluded.