Julian Nagelsmann became the youngest ever coach in Germany's top flight on Saturday when the 28-year-old sat on Hoffenheim's bench for their Bundesliga basement battle at Werder Bremen.

After predecessor Huub Stevens stood down on Wednesday with heart problems, Nagelsmann was handed a contract until June 2019, but his main concern is keeping Hoffenheim up.

Nagelsmann was due to take charge for the 2015-16 season, but circumstance led to his promotion having coached Hoffenheim's successful Under-19 team.

With his new team second from bottom of the table, Nagelsmann took Hoffenheim's training on Thursday for the first time knowing defeat in Bremen will dent their hopes of staying up.

"I know it's going to be hard, given the challenge of our current position in the table, but I am not afraid," said Nagelsmann.