Julian Nagelsmann: Hoffenheim boss taking Bundesliga by storm ('Baby Mourinho')

When Julian Nagelsmann was born in 1987, Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti had already won four Italian cups and one championship as a player

When Hoffenheim unveiled Julian Nagelsmann as the Bundesliga's youngest full-time boss in February, it was dismissed by local media as a "public relations stunt" and "a crackpot idea".

Harsh, perhaps, but understandable given the circumstances.

Nagelsmann was just 28 and had never coached at senior level, while Hoffenheim, a village with a population of just 3,300 in southern Germany, were deep in relegation trouble, seven points from safety and running out of games.

What has followed in the past nine months is truly remarkable.

Not only did Nagelsmann secure the club's Bundesliga place, but he has also seen his side move up to third in the table this season and become one of only five teams in Europe's five major leagues to remain unbeaten.

So, how has a managerial novice born in 1987 managed to transform Hoffenheim from relegation strugglers to a top-three side?

BBC Sport looks at the 29-year-old who has taken the German top flight by storm.

'Baby Mourinho'

Long before he landed the head coach role at the club, Nagelsmann had already earned the nickname 'Baby Mourinho'.

It was given to him by former Hoffenheim and Germany goalkeeper Tim Wiese as Nagelsmann was making a name for himself after the defender's career was cut short by persistent knee problems.

Like Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, Naglesmann did not make it as a top player. Aged 20, he was forced to end a promising career while in Augsburg's second team, coached by Thomas Tuchel, who is now manager at Borussia Dortmund.