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Zidane’s successor? Nagelsmann reacts to Real Madrid links

Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid
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The RB Leipzig manager has been tipped as a potential replacement for Zidane at Real Madrid following his impressive progress.

Julian Nagelsmann is flattered by reports linking him to Real Madrid, but he isn’t getting carried away by mere rumors either.

The German is still only 33 years old, yet his stock has gradually risen since taking charge of Hoffenheim in February 2016. His results and style of football have won him countless plaudits, prompting links to major European clubs.

Nagelsmann has always been content with learning the ropes in his homeland and has flourished since becoming Leipzig’s manager in 2019, winning 42 of his 73 matches (D19 L12) in charge at the Red Bull Arena.

Leading the German club to a surprise Champions League semi-final appearance, along with a third-place Bundesliga finish last season, has reportedly made Nagelsmann a potential successor for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

“There are definitely worse things to read,” Nagelsmann told Sky Sport Germany on the Real Madrid links.

“But I also know that things that are written in the newspapers are not always true.”

Zidane’s future has been under doubt following a surprise Copa del Rey defeat to Spanish third-tier side Alcoyano on Wednesday. However, Real Madrid defeated Alaves 4-1 on Saturday to return to winning ways in La Liga.

Nagelsmann, meanwhile, is under contract at Leipzig until the summer of 2023.

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