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By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann counts on pragmatism no matter how turbulent times may be.
Despite having to deal with several obstacles, the eastern German side's coach is still targeting beating one of Europe's leading clubs.
Ahead of the Champions League encounter against Liverpool and its German coach Juergen Klopp, the 33-year-old seems to be taking things as they come, no matter how big the challenges are.
Having to play the last-16 first leg about 800 kilometers away from their home arena in Budapest due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions may be less than ideal for him.
However, with the experience gained from many months of games behind closed doors, "it doesn't make a big difference to play in Budapest," Nagelsmann claims.
"The pitch will be perfect. The team-hotel gives us a good chance to get in some good sleep," said Nagelsmann when listing the advantages before talking about the negative impacts.
"The only thing is the traveling we have to do."
Excuses are not in his mind as he is keeping focused on football. "We footballers face the same restrictions as everyone else, but after all, we are allowed to do our job," he said in advance of the reunion with his counterpart Klopp.
In charge of Hoffenheim in 2017, he lost both Champions League qualification games against the Reds (2-1/4-2). "It was my first game on the international stage and my first game against Liverpool. Compared to today, everything has changed. We are talking about an entirely new situation now."
Being a pragmatical person, Nagelsmann is calm heading into Tuesday's game. He talks of the opponent's assumed crisis and the chance to spring a surprise against the 2019 Champions League winner.
"I don't see a major crisis at Liverpool," he commented.
Liverpool is suffering from severe injury problems at the back and a mental problem due to a load of games after some amazing years, he says.
While Leipzig has managed to be more consistent, "some of the LFC's players have to play in unfamiliar positions. In crucial situations, this might be an advantage, but only if we can create constant pressure."
Regarding that point, Nagelsmann spotted the chance to take some opportunities, "as long as we don't change our approach and play our best football."
Due to its individual skills, Liverpool is still a world-class side "despite some disappointing results recently."
"If we talk about a little crisis at all, we talk about the Premier League, not about their performance in the Champions League. We expect them in top shape," the RB coach said.
Closing down space will be the key to counteract LFC's offensive power.
Nagelsmann said he is convinced Klopp will steady the boat. "Take a look at his achievements. He created a tremendous atmosphere at Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool."
Klopp has the gift to develop clubs as he is someone that can motivate people and large groups. "He is far away from me when it comes to titles. Therefore, I don't see the match as being one between the king and the prince as some put it."
Nagelsmann sees two coaches "that are driven by the desire to win games. Juergen is one of football's greatest coaches." Enditem