Despite his youthful age, Keith Andrews has been very impressed with RB Leipzig's manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Leipzig triumphed 2-1 over Atletico Madrid on Thursday night in the second of the four quarter-finals in the mini-tournament set by UEFA in Lisbon.
Speaking on Virgin Media Sport's coverage of the Champions League, the Republic of Ireland assistant manager revealed his admiration for the 33-year-old Leipzig manager.
Nagelsmann also led his former club Hoffenheim to Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.
"I think he's been very impressive, not just this season at Leipzig, what he's done Hoffenheim previously also"
Referencing this tactical fluidity, Andrews was full of praise on how they broke down a renowned Atletico Madrid defensive rearguard.
"It was so lopsided last night, we thought when the team sheet came in it would be a back four, it was a back three. Atletico are the ultimate destroyers they stop you playing, they couldn't stop them playing last night"
RB Leipzig who no longer has the talented striker Timo Werner available after his move to Chelsea were lacking quality in the final third, according to Andrews.
"The only thing that was lacking for them last night at times was the final little bit, but they got there in the end and they thoroughly deserved it. They were fearless."
Andrews believes Tuesday's semi-final tie against PSG will be "another mouthwatering tie".
Kylian Mbappe's introduction on the hour mark against Atalanta swung the quarter-final in PSG's favour. The French World Cup winner's fitness will be vital again as PSG look to collectively regain match sharpness after the French Champion's season was prematurely ended.
"I expect PSG to get better after getting 90 mins under their belt. Will Mbappe start, will he be able to start?" Questioned Andrews.
Brian Kerr is also looking ahead to the game and believes PSG will need to improve a lot on their quarter-final performance.
"I give Leipzig a great chance in the game. They weren't that impressive the other night, PSG," said the former Republic of Ireland boss.
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