Many Tottenham fans want to know more about Julian Nagelsmann and his tactics after he emerged as a shock contender to replace Antonio Conte.
The 35-year-old was surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich on Thursday despite guiding his side to the Champions League Quarter-Final, while they also sit just one point off the top of the Bundesliga.
Spurs now said to be on alert as they consider a move for the German’s signature – according to the Evening Standard.
So – if Daniel Levy does manage to lure Nagelsmann to N17 – what tactics can Tottenham fans expect to see? Let’s take a look…
Julian Nagelsmann tactics
Well, Nagelsmann revolutionised German football with his exciting tactical approach, which saw him become the youngest coach in history to manage a side in the Champions League Semi-Final during his time at RB Leipzig.
The 35-year-old primarily adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation, which focuses on overloading the centre of the pitch with minimal width, helping his side box opponents in.
Simply put, his teams are fairly narrow – but high – which helps them win the ball back quickly once possession is squandered as his players aren’t too far away from the action, as shown on the Bundesliga’s YouTube channel.
However, Nagelsmann is a very bright coach who is able to adapt his system based on the opposition.
For example, his last game for Bayern Munich on Sunday saw him adopt a unique 3-1-4-2 formation in the 2-1 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.
Nagelsmann has also been known to use a 3-5-2 shape, or a 5-3-2 formation when he wants his side to defend a lead, according to The Coaches’ Voice.
Whatever system he brings to Tottenham – if he is appointed – Spurs fans should expect intensity.
Nagelsmann – like Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel – has taken inspiration from Ralf Rangnick’s pressing philosophy.
Interestingly, it was actually Tuchel – now set to jump into the hotseat at Bayern Munich – who helped Nagelsmann get into coaching.
The Coaches Voice add that Tuchel was overseeing the B team at Augsburg when a 20-year-old Nagelsmann suffered the knee injury which eventually ended his playing career.
With Nagelsmann unable to play, Tuchel gave him the task of scouting opponents and writing up analysis, which is where his coaching career began.
If Nagelsmann does end up at Tottenham, the Spurs fans should initially expect to see a 4-2-3-1 focused on pressing the opposition, starting narrowly without the ball before expanding once it is won back.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as Levy is now on red alert.