Nagelsmann unveiled

"He's a young man, but not a young coach," said Hoffenheim's sporting director Alexander Rosen at the unveiling of the club's new head coach, Julian Nagelsmann. The 28-year-old, the youngest coach in Bundesliga history, has signed a contract until 2019 and replaces Huub Stevens at the helm following his resignation on Wednesday.

Having been set to take charge initially in the summer, Nagelsmann has been fast-tracked into the position after Stevens' departure due to health reasons. Even with seven points separating Hoffenheim from safety, Nagelsmann believes his squad has what it takes to stay in the Bundesliga.

"My priority is to make sure that we play Bundesliga football next season," Nagelsmann said. "The team was fully motivated in their first training session and I'm impressed with what I have seen. I'm absolutely convinced that we can stay up."

Nagelsmann, who previously worked with Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Tuchel, will be set for a baptism of fire as he prepares his side to face Werder Bremen in a crucial relegation battle. Hoffenheim, second from bottom in the table and with only two wins all season, are five points behind Werder Bremen who occupy the relegation/promotion play-off position.

As assistant coach to Markus Gisdol, Nagelsmann has previous experience of relegation battles, helping the club avoid the drop in 2013/14 with a last matchday win over Borussia Dortmund. "Relegation battles are generally similar," he reflected when asked about the differences between then and now. "The only difference is that then I was just the assistant coach. Now I'm the head coach."