"It is important to have a career plan, to make the right steps," Julian Nagelsmann told reporters ahead of the Leipzig clash against Liverpool as quoted by BBC. "It is true I had a phone call from Real Madrid. I was not the only one they got in touch with.
"They wanted to talk to me and get to know me and get to know my philosophy. I made the right decision, it was not that easy because Real Madrid are one of the biggest clubs.
"If they call me in the future perhaps the decision would be different, but two years ago it was the right decision. I had no time for preparation, no time to learn the language. I did not have great experience at international level.
"With Hoffenheim, we only won one continental game, so to be the next manager of Real Madrid was not the right next step. The step to go to Leipzig was better for my career."
Nagelsmann was first appointed as head coach when he was just 28 years old.
Since then, his stock has grown immensely and he's widely considered one of the brightest coaches of the new generation.
Last year, he managed to progress to the semi-final of the Champions League with Leipzig.
