Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

Julian Nagelsmann can be like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho - Hopp

Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp has told Welt am Sonntag that coach Julian Nagelsmann can reach the same level as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

Nagelsmann, 29, has transformed Hoffenheim's fortunes since taking charge of a side deep into the relegation zone in February 2016.

Having saved them from the drop, he is now on course for a top-four finish in his first full Bundesliga season.

Nagelsmann, the youngest coach in the division, is under contract until 2019 and has already been linked with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Hopp said: "I am convinced he will be one of the most in-demand coaches worldwide, and be on a level where Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp or Jose Mourinho are today.

"As things stand, Julian has two more years left on his contract with us, and we will do all he can to ensure him two enjoyable years at Hoffenheim.

"It's a fact that we are entitled to him staying here as a coach for two more years, and nothing will change that. Bayern, Dortmund or whoever can insist all they want."

However, Hopp said he was aware that Nagelsmann will not stay forever and will have several options for a future move.

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