Hoffenheim head coach Julian Nagelsmann is confident that he can keep rumoured Liverpool target Kevin Volland at the club next season.
The 28 year old took over as manager in February and believes his relationship with Volland (which goes back to when the pair played alongside each other for 1860 Munich’s second team) will prove to be the difference. He told Bild:
“I’m assuming that Kevin plays here next season, because of his current contract with us. I have a very good relationship with him, and he will tell me very quickly if he has other plans.”
Nagelsmann’s persistent knee injuries meant his playing career ended early and he moved into coaching at a very young age, managing youth teams at Hoffenheim since 2011. He has had a successful time so far keeping the German club away from the relegation zone in 14th position with seven wins, two draws and four defeats during his spell at the club. Whether such form will persuade Volland to stay is open for debate with Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund also tracking the player. The German striker has scored 8 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances this season.
