The keys to the board of Nagelsmann against Atlético

Julian Nagelsmann is already one more in the olympus of coaches. The young Leipzig coach was already aiming high years ago, when his work at the head of Hoffenheim aroused the interest of Real Madrid, but the victory against Atlético in the final phase of the Champinos has served him to give, once and for all all, the step towards the elite of the benches. At 33, he is the youngest coach in history to play in the semifinals of the top continental competition and he will do it at the head of a club that, thanks to him, also opens in the anteroom of the Champions League final.

His Leipzig was superior to the group led by Cholo Simeone in practically every aspect and it was no accident. Nagelsmann drew up a plan to take advantage of Atletico's weaknesses and it worked out perfectly. “I have to admit we are bordering on perfection,” said Nagelsmann after the final whistle. “We had an idea about where the spaces could be and how to take advantage of them, but it always depends on the players and in the end it was they who executed the plan in a sensational way,” said the coach of the East Germans in terms of a masterful staging by part of your team.

One of the secrets against Atlético was in the figure of Laimer, who served as a winger when his team had possession and formed a double pivot with Kampl when his team lost their lead and it was time to defend. The work of Poulsen, only in tip after the departure of Werner to Chelsea and creating spaces without interruption for Sabitzer, Nkunku and Olmo, also paid off well deserved. It was he who gave more versatility to a team that, until recently, relied too heavily on Werner's nose at the top. And finally, Leipzig also knocked Atlético down with their own weapons: intensity, claw and dedication.

“Every member of our team was convinced with every fiber of their body that we could do it,” added Poulsen. “It didn't matter if we were eating, training or just resting, we were only talking about success”. Kampl added: “We knew what to expect. They were protesting all the time and did not stop looking for the referee. But we stood up to them.” Now it's time to think about PSG. Neymar and Mbappé intimidate, but Nagelsmann will already be turning the board to set a trap for the Parisian stars. It is their moment. And Julian knows it.