"Julian Nagelsmann and Pep Guardiola are very similar" – Angelino
Recent RB Leipzig recruit Angelino sees similarities between Pep Guardiola and new boss Julian Nagelsmann – and says the former Bayern Munich coach told him he would love life in the Bundesliga.
Spanish left-back Angelino joined Leipzig on loan from Manchester City on the last day of the January transfer window, linking up with the German club for at least the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old made his debut for Nagelsmann’s side in their 3-1 DFB Cup defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, and will also hope to feature in a top-of-the-table clash against league leaders Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of Leipzig’s trip to face the defending champions, he said that Manchester City head coach Guardiola – who won three league titles with Bayern between 2013 and 2016 – had told him what to expect.
“I don’t see too many differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga,” Angelino said at a press conference.
“Both leagues stand for attractive, attacking football. Julian Nagelsmann and Pep Guardiola are very similar too. Their footballing philosophies share a lot of similarities. Whether it's the training methods or playing style, the goals are the same.
“Pep only had good things to say about the Bundesliga and RB Leipzig. He thought it would be the perfect place for me to develop. Although he did say that we aren't supposed to beat Bayern on Sunday!"
As Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche indicated, coming from a club with a similar playing style should help Angelino settle. An attacking full-back, the former Spain U21 international featured 12 times for City in all competitions this season.
Before returning to the English Premier League champions last summer, Angelino had twice been named on the Dutch Eredivisie’s team of the year – first while on loan at NAC Breda in 2017/18 and then as a PSV Eindhoven player last season. After registering nine assists and starting all 34 league matches as PSV finished a close second to UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Ajax, he was also named Talent of the Year – an award that recognises the league's best young player.
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Speaking on Wednesday, Angelino suggested that there was “unbelievable” quality in Leipzig’s ranks, and that the development and future plans of the club had “fascinated” him.
“Leipzig’s style of football suits me,” he said. “It’s great to get this chance, and I’m happy to be here.”
Angelino and his new team have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks – not least a meeting with Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16 of the Champions League later this month. Whatever the result against Bayern on Sunday, they are also likely to remain in the hunt for the Bundesliga title.
“I want to win as much as possible with the club,” Angelino said. “I hope to have five good months here, and maybe there will be the option to stay longer.”
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