Lisbon (AFP) – RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann says he is relishing facing former mentor and Paris Saint Germain coach Thomas Tuchel in the Champions League semi-finals following his side’s stunning win over Atletico Madrid.
Leipzig, who were only founded in 2009, booked a semi-final berth at their first attempt when US midfielder Tyler Adams hit an 88th-minute winner in Lisbon.
It sealed the Germans’ win after a Joao Felix penalty for Atletico had cancelled out Dani Olmo’s header for Leipzig early in the second half.
Leipzig now face PSG next Tuesday for a place in the August 23 final.
It was German coach Tuchel who gave Nagelsmann his first break at Augsburg 12 years ago as a scout which saw him then become a coach.
“They are a top team with a top trainer,” said the 32-year-old Nagelsmann, whose playing career was ended in 2008 by a serious knee injury.
“I have often played (as a coach) against him (Tuchel) but rarely won.
“They are a team full of stars,” Nagelsmann added, referring to Neymar and fellow PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.
“That’s no surprise to anyone and we will have to put in a top performance against them.”
Nagelsmann’s Leipzig held their nerve after Felix equalised before Adams came off the bench to seal the winner after superb work in the build-up by left-back Angelino and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
“I was getting ready for extra time and thinking about who I would bring on, so I am happy that I didn’t have to do that,” added Nagelsmann.
“I couldn’t believe we scored that beautiful goal.
“We had trained for the situation when we went 1-0 up, but things didn’t work out exactly.
“The boys sorted things out for themselves on the pitch and showed how mentally strong they are, so I am really proud of them.”
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season