体坛英语资讯：Bayerns former rival now a supplier_娱乐

体坛英语资讯：Bayerns former rival now a supplier

Coach Julian Nagelsmann is the club's most valuable figure as the 30-year-old is regarded to be one of the biggest coaching talents in German football. 2017 Confederations Cup winner Serge Gnabry joined the outfit primarily because of Nagelsmann's ability to bring on up-and-coming players. Gnabry initially signed a contract with Bayern Munich and was immediately loaned out to Hoffenheim to prepare him for the competition in Bayern's world class squad.

Losing players might be a problem for Hoffenheim as the side has to find appropriate replacements. The biggest problem though still lies ahead of the club. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and several European top clubs are said to be interested in signing Nagelsmann in the near future.

"We know it'll be impossible to keep him here. We understand that such a coaching talent one day will be on his way to new shores," said club owner Hopp. Former Bayern and Dortmund coach Ottmar Hitzfeld predicts that Nagelsmann will one day coach Bayern due to his outstanding skills and modern methods.

Nagelsmann's era in Munich could begin much earlier than expected today. Recently Hopp expressed his hope at keeping Nagelsmann for another two or three years. But as soon as Bayern start looking for a new coach, Nagelsmann will be the first on the list. Several pundits expect Ancelotti will leave at the end of the season if the Italian can't deliver success in the Champions League.

To be prepared for the time after Nagelsmann's departure, Hoffenheim employed Hans-Dieter Flick, the Deutscher Fussball Bund's (DFB - German Football Association) director of sports. Flick and his network are supposed to help attract new talents said Hopp.