The 28-year-old, who became the Bundesliga's youngest ever coach when he was appointed Hoffenheim boss on Thursday, believes he is not the same as the Portuguese
New Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann has dismissed comparisons between himself and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The 28-year-old became the youngest coach in Bundesliga history when he replaced Huub Stevens at the Rhein-Neckar Arena on Thursday.
Nagelsmann was initially due to take over at the start of the 2016/17 season, but Stevens' resignation due to a heart condition saw his appointment brought forward.
The former Hoffenheim assistant manager has been nicknamed 'Baby Mourinho' in Germany, but he was quick to distance himself from such a moniker.
"[Ex-Hoffenheim goalkeeper] Tim Wiese once gave me that name," Nagelsmann explained at his unveiling. "I think there's a big difference [between us] and I don't know Jose Mourinho in person."
The rookie boss has inherited a difficult situation, with Hoffenheim second-bottom in the Bundesliga after 20 matches.
Die Kraichgauer are seven points adrift of safety after winning just two matches all season, but Nagelsmann insists he does not fear relegation.
"I have had respect for every task in my life, but I have never been scared," he said. "That is how I approach this situation, too.
"I want to look into the future and that started with yesterday's training session. I want to put my energy into the things that are coming and not look into the past. It is very important to have confidence - as much as it is in the business world, it is in the Bundesliga.
"Time is limited, I can't perform a miracle. It is about building up the players' confidence, encouraging them. The players will learn new things. Let's talk after [Saturday's game with] Bremen, [to see] whether it worked."
With Hoffenheim's situation looking bleak, Nagelsmann was asked whether he had any lucky charms that could bring about an upturn in fortunes.
"I have crazy shorts, but they're for swimming," the former Augsburg youth player revealed. "I will wear jeans, a pullover and a shirt to the match. We'll see, maybe they will be my lucky pants."
Hoffenheim travel to Weserstadion to face relegation rivals Werder Bremen on Saturday afternoon.
- Goal