28-year-old Julian Nagelsmann takes over as Hoffenheim's manager

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's new manager is the same age as Lionel Messi.

Julian Nagelsmann became the youngest head coach in Bundesliga history on Thursday, as the 28-year-old was appointed as Hoffenheim's manager upon signing a contract until June 30, 2019.

Nagelsmann, who was coaching Hoffenheim's under-19 side until Thursday, was initially scheduled to become the club's first-team manager in the summer on a three-year contract. However, his appointment was fast-tracked after Huub Stevens stepped down as the Sinsheim club's tactician on Wednesday due to health reasons.

"It's a massive challenge, made worse by the position in the table," Nagelsmann said. "I'm looking forward to working with the team and giving them fresh impetus my way."

At Hoffenheim, Nagelsmann will be taking over a club that finds itself in the Bundesliga's relegation zone with a miserable 14 points through 20 fixtures. He is still studying for his senior coaching license, which he will be complete in a matter of weeks.