RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann has revealed how Pep Guardiola has inspired his impressive early coaching career.
At just 28, Nagelsmann became the Bundesliga's youngest ever coach when he was handed the reins of Hoffenheim in 2016.
Now into his first season in charge of RB Leipzig, the now 32-year-old is looking to navigate the Champions League for the first time and won his first match in the competition 2-1 over Benfica.
Ahead of a home match against Lyon, Nagelsmann identified the large role Guardiola has played in shaping his managerial philosophy and also praised PSG boss Thomas Tuchel.
"My model is Pep Guardiola from Barcelona," Nagelsmann told France Football.
"I have always watched his work, and in particular how his team is projecting itself forward in a fraction of a second after the recovery of the ball.
"He made his mark at that time [with Barcelona], worthy of Johan Cruyff, and few teams managed to master the possession game by playing so high.
"Guardiola inspired me a lot, like Thomas Tuchel too, whom I had as a coach in Augsburg.
"He is a very demanding person who leaves nothing to chance. He is a perfectionist. What he achieves at PSG deserves respect. The way he manages Neymar is impressive and coaching PSG, it's not easy."
Having quickly made his name in the Bundesliga and now testing himself on Europe's biggest stage, Nagelsmann stressed he has no intentions of managing anywhere other than his homeland anytime soon.
"I can see my whole career in Germany, because I love this fervour around matches - these beautiful stadiums are always full," he said.
"I don't feel the need to go abroad, but I don't exclude anything."
Having played football at youth level before transitioning to coaching at a young age, the German believes he's able to relate intimately with his players.
"I'm a real person, I don't change, my players see that I'm competent and that I'll always do my best to make them progress," he said.
"Enthusiasm in my daily work is always important, players notice that my heart still functions sometimes as if I were a player. Showing my emotions after a goal or at the final whistle is contagious to them."