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Mainz coach Martin Schmidt denies any contact with Bayer Leverkusen

Mainz coach Martin Schmidt has denied having any contact with Bayer Leverkusen after reports that he could replace under-pressure Roger Schmidt.

He was linked with the Leverkusen job by football magazine kicker on Thursday, which reported that he had been contacted by the club.

Roger Schmidt has been under pressure with Leverkusen in danger of failing to qualify for European competition, but a win against Eintracht Frankfurt last week stabilised his position.

But speaking to reporters at a news conference ahead of his side's home match against Werder Bremen this weekend, Martin Schmidt said: "I can guarantee 100 percent that there was no contact last week.

"I can guarantee you that there is nothing.

"I think it's showing no respect, also to Mainz, to publish something like that. I've got 18 months left on my contract, and I am happy with the players and people here."

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller told dpa on Thursday that the speculation was "nonsense."

But Roger Schmidt said he was "not surprised something like this happens," telling a news conference: "That's part of the business."

Last month, Leverkusen said the future of their coach was "not up for discussion."