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RB Leipzig shoot down Chelsea interest in manager Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann has been tipped to replace Frank Lampard as Chelsea boss
Chelsea: Lampard comes out fighting as pressure grows
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is under pressure at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues' 2-0 loss to Leicester on Tuesday evening their fifth loss in their last eight Premier League games. There has been widespread speculation that Lampard could get the sack and reports have linked RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann with the role.
According to a report from the Independent, Chelsea want to give Lampard time to turn things around and do not want to appoint a new manager midway through the season.
However, the report notes that Chelsea have begun looking at potential successors and names Julian Nagelsmann as their 'preferred option'.
Nagelsmann's record at both Leipzig and Hoffenheim and his links with the struggling Timo Werner make him an attractive candidate.
Recently sacked Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is also an option but former Juventus coach Max Allegri is not being considered.
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Some Chelsea fans are keen on the idea of Nagelsmann replacing Lampard and one supporter asked Leipzig on Twitter if the Blues could have their manager.
The fan wrote: "Leipzig admin!! Long time no see! How you doing?
"Had a lot of fun trying to get Timo Werner from you last time and that all worked out! You've been doing well!
"Turns out we now need another favour from you it seems...how's your coach Julian doing?"
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Leipzig quickly shut down the suggestion, replying: "Doing great, thanks! And ... no chance. Bye."
The fan then pointed out that Leipzig sent similar messages about Chelsea's pursuit of Timo Werner and the forward did end up joining the Blues.
He wrote: "You said the same for Timo, remember? He says hi by the way, he's very happy you're doing well!
Speaking after the defeat to Leicester, Lampard said: "I understand it, the expectations of this club whether I think it is right or wrong, we are not in the position as Chelsea Football Club as we were in the periods when we were winning leagues.
"The squad consistency is not the same, the level, the robustness of players who’ve won leagues is not the same. The ability of players that can get you results, at the top end of the pitch in a tight game, is not quite there.
"It is a developing team. I can’t get caught up in what the reaction will be or I will be sitting there all day concerned about it.
"I took this job knowing there would be difficult times because it is not a club ready to compete."