New kid Julian Nagelsmann feels first Hoffenhein win

Berlin - Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, the Bundesliga's youngest ever head coach, admits being a nervous wreck in the dying stages of Saturday's 3-2 victory over Mainz as he claimed his first league win.

The 28-year-old took the reigns ten days ago, having been promoted from the club's Under-19 team, and was tasked with keeping Hoffenheim in Germany's top flight.

With Hoffenheim second from bottom, Nagelsmann earned a point on his Bundesliga debut in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen.

But he was delighted when his team sealed a comeback win at home to Mainz, even though Spanish midfielder Jairo's late goal for the guests meant a nervous last 12 minutes.

"In the closing stages, I felt like I looked at my wristwatch about 7,000 times, but it didn't go any faster," said a visibly-relieved Nagelsmann.

The win left Hoffenheim just three points from safety, but facing tough games against Europa League sides Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg in the coming fortnight.

"It's a start and the table looks a little bit nicer," said Nagelsmann, whose playing career was ended by a knee injury at just 20.

"Nevertheless, we're still second from bottom and we want to get away from there fast. We need more games like that to collect the points we need."

Nagelsmann has breathed life back into his struggling side, who produced a good attacking display and fought back despite falling behind with just 11 minutes gone.

Colombia striker Jhon Cordoba scored for Mainz, but the hosts roared back as Nadiem Amiri levelled, then winger Mark Uth netted twice.

Jairo's 78th minute goal made it 3-2, but Hoffenheim held on and Nagelsmann was praised for putting emphasis on attack.

"Everyone here can identify one hundred percent with this style of playing -- it's a style which suits Hoffenheim," said Germany winger Kevin Volland, who had his best game for months.

"The coach has played an extremely large part in that. He has given us confidence and courage."