Hoffenheim rookie Nagelsmann named German FA's Coach of 2016

Hoffenheim rookie Nagelsmann named German FA's Coach of 2016.

Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann has been rewarded for his exceptional year with the club by being named the German Football Association's (DFB) Coach of 2016.

The youngest-ever Bundesliga coach when he was appointed in February 2011 aged just 28, Nagelsmann steered the Sinsheim club away from relegation. This season, he has masterminded an unexpected push for a top-four finish.

"I'm very surprised and proud to have won this award," said Nagelsmann, who served his coaching apprenticeship with the youth teams of FC Augsburg, TSV 1860 Munich and his current club before stepping up to senior level.

"There are so many colleagues who have done such a great job at the highest level over many years and who would have deserved such recognition at least just as much.

"To be honoured like this as a rookie leaves me almost speechless, which I am rarely. I want to warmly thank all those responsible, and can promise that to get such an award so early in my coaching career will serve as great motivation to continue on my path."

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel and SC Freiburg boss Christian Streich are among the former winners of the award.