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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s distraction ploy saw me go on TV to defend the media – now Ten Hag is following suit at Man Utd

    FOR A MAN who seems to be taking a long walk to the gallows every time he attends a press conference, Erik ten Hag keeps on smiling.It is an old trick with managers under severe pressure, trying to show the world that there is no problem.Erik ten Hag doesn’t come across as under pressure during his press conferencesCredit: GettyIndeed, Sir Alex Ferguson himself would often be more chatty in press conferences in his rare times of crisis.He would arrive with an agenda to take the focus fully away from his team’s ­performance that midweek if it had raised headlines.Like when after one European exit in December 2005 he began a week-long debate as to whether the national press “hated” Manchester United, which the Scotsman claimed.They never have but Fergie got the debate raging anyway — and I was interviewed by Sky on the matter, vehemently defending our industry.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSky were then contacted by Manchester United asking why they had put me on the telly.Strangely enough, the group-stage exit following the 2-1 defeat at Benfica earlier in the week was suddenly forgotten.Quite what Ten Hag will be able to do if another home defeat, this time at the hands of Brentford, befalls him at Old Trafford this afternoon is another thing.Sir Alex had plenty in the bank to ride out times of trouble.Most read in FootballSir Alex Ferguson used to use similar tactics in his press conferences to shift the limelight away from his playersCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag would like to think his two trophies in two years as manager have given him the same. Doubtful.United are currently 14th in the Premier League with just two wins from seven games. While in Europe they have drawn with FC Twente and Porto.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd But the Dutchman took a leaf out of Fergie’s book at Carrington yesterday, turning the whole debate around on the media over stories going into the international break that he was on the brink of getting the boot.Ten Hag said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales, because we are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists didn’t believe me, I see the reports but in the club it’s quiet.”There are seven games before the next international break but Ten Hag insists even they will not decide his future.He said: “We are calm but we’re not happy. That is also for sure. No one, not the players and staff, not the leadership, not the board is happy with this position but we know what we’re doing.“We know also the reasons why we have to change. But we are calm in our strategy and we are convinced that we are getting to where we want to be and we can make the season a success.“That is independent to what will happen in the next seven games.“We stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.”The support Ten Hag believes he has behind the scenes from the new “management team” under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s part-ownership of the club is certainly not replicated in public.The most damning statement recently came when Sir Jim washed his hands of any decision on Ten Hag’s future.Ratcliffe said: “I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken about Ten Hag’s futureCredit: PAAt least Thomas Tuchel was taken out of the equation this week after he became England manager — a decision Ten Hag seemed pleased with.He said: “I think it’s a very good choice from the FA. He is a top-class manager who has proved himself, creating top teams, creating teams who win.”The England post has been called the “impossible job” but is still a far easier one than anyone faces at Old Trafford.Which is why there was nobody tripping over themselves to take it in the summer when Sir Jim and his right-hand man Sir David Brailsford did a supermarket sweep of available bosses in Europe.The new contract Ten Hag signed wasn’t really new, just an extension of the old one. So he was in a tenuous position from the off.Still, he has remained admirably stoic, claiming things are on the right path ahead of today’s visit of Thomas Frank’s Brentford.United go into the game without Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, the England pair are both sidelined for a fortnight by injury.But there is good news on Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who is available after a procedure on his heart.That is good for the defence but it is the other end of the pitch which is the problem — with United netting just five goals in their seven top-flight games.Ten Hag said: “In general, the players do perform well and we have to start scoring.“That part is the most important part in football if you want to win games.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That part we have to improve. We are entering the final third, the box, we are coming in good positions to score but now the most important part is to net.”It would certainly help, Erik.Man Utd have struggled to find the back of the net in the Premier League this seasonNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    ‘It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve’, says Brighton’s Guro Bergsvand.

    BRIGHTON being as entertaining as Barcelona would appeal to Albion centre-back Guro Bergsvand.Certain aspects of the Seagulls’ play have prompted comparisons between their approach and the Catalan giants’ playing style.Guro Bergsvand and her team-mates hope seal Brighton’s first win in the WSL against Manchester United since April 2021Credit: AlamyThe Seagulls have registered three wins from their first four WSL games this termCredit: AlamyManchester City boss Gareth Taylor, whose team beat Barcelona in a Champions League clash ten days ago, talked of both sides being similar in “trying to overload the midfield”. While Bergsvand, 30, takes that as a compliment, she thinks there is room for improvement for Dario Vidosic’s side who host Man United at the Amex today. She said: “It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve a bit more. “We want to play entertaining football. Read More Football Stories “That’s something that Dario has been saying and we want people to come and watch and enjoy watching us play. “Barcelona play entertaining football and that’s what we want to do”While Brighton lost the services of star striker Elisabeth Terland, who sealed a Red Devils free transfer in July, goals have not been too hard to come by. The permanent additions of trophy-winning forwards Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby and striker Keiko Seike, who won September’s WSL Player of the Month award, have helped boost the team’s attack. Most read in FootballLoan swoops for Arsenal and Barcelona starlets Michelle Agyemang and Bruna Vilamala have also contributed to 12 goals scored in five games in all contests with the team currently fourth. Underpinning recent results is the defensive graft of Bergsvand, her centre-back pal Maria Thorisdottir and full-backs Poppy Pattinson and Jorelyn Carabali. Two clean sheets in four league games and three wins have contributed to their best-ever start to a WSL season at this stage.A stark contrast to the struggles of the past two seasons with Albion at times dragged into scraps for top-flight survival before finishing eleventh and ninth.Bergsvand, who joined last January, from Norwegian side SK Brann, added: “It’s nicer to win than to lose. Hopefully, we’ll keep this going. “I’ve enjoyed the season so far but I know that things can change, that’s why it’s so important to be on top of your game and we want to improve. “This league is so competitive so you need to be on top, if not your rivals are going to beat you.”Bergsvand and Thorisdottir will need to be at the top of their game when they come face-to-face with their Norway pal and former Albion team-mate Terland. The ex-Seagulls striker, who has been likened to Erling Haaland by United boss Marc Skinner, visits her old side for the first time in the league since her Manchester move. And the Red Devils chief has backed Terland to display what he describes as a Terminator-style instinct in front of goal.Skinner said: “If you look at the way the Terminator would see in the movie, and it is like you’re narrowing down the angle. “That’s how I see Lizzie’s brain working because she’s so ruthless in those moments.”Bergsvand adds: “She is a good player, a good finisher and as a friend I want her to do well. “Hopefully she is not scoring his time, let’s just put it like that.Last term Terland finished as the WSL’s joint second-highest scorer with 13 goals in 22 games And last Sunday, she scored her first league goals in a Red Devils shirt netting twice against Tottenham. However, Vidosic, 37, believes his Norwegian defensive duo will be fully prepared for the test.The Brighton boss, who took charge of the Seagulls in July, said: “I think they’ll be very ready for Terland having played together, and knowing each other from being in the (same) national team.  “We have to be aware that she needs just one chance to score.”Brighton are winless in their last six games against Man United with their last victory occurring in April 2021. However, Bergsvand is hopeful she, Thorisdottir and their backline can shut out their visitors today. Elisabeth Terland will face Brighton for the first time in the league since her July move from the Seagulls to Man UnitedCredit: AlamyShe adds: “We’re happy with the three points and the clean sheet (at Crystal Palace last Sunday).READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we want to show at the Amex that we’re better than how we performed last weekend. “It’s going to be a big game, we’re playing a big team and it’s a different opponent. They will give us other challenges.” More

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    Man Utd ‘keen to poach Man City’s top target to replace Pep Guardiola but may have to keep Ten Hag for season’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are already lining up a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The Red Devils could be set to battle it out with neighbours Manchester City to secure the services of in-demand manager Ruben Amorim.Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, is in charge of Sporting Lisbon and has helped the Portuguese side return to being a dominant domestic force and a competitive European club.His work at Sporting attracted the interest of Liverpool over the summer in their search for a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, before they ultimately brought in Arne Slot.And now it looks like the Premier League’s two Manchester giants could be battling it out for his services.According to Sky Germany, Amorim is on the list of potential new managers for both United and City.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCity have been linked with the former Portugal international as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola, should the Catalan tactician leave the Etihad when his contract expires this summer.While they are also set to replace their sporting director, Txiki Begiristain with Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana.Should Viana join the four-in-a-row champions then that could increase City’s chances of convincing Amorim to make the jump.But they will have competition from rivals Man Utd with Sky Germany’s report claiming that the Old Trafford outfit have made “specific enquiries” about Amorim and his situation at Sporting.Most read in FootballSporting’s director of football Hugo Viana is set to join Man City as sporting directorCredit: GettyViana will replace current sporting director Txiki Begiristain at the EtihadCredit: PAPep Guardiola’s current Man City deal is set to expire this summerCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited are caught in a limbo with current manager Erik ten Hag, who has been under mounting pressure for seemingly months but is still in his post despite a shocking start to the season.Should they push ahead with luring Amorim as his replacement, United would likely have to keep Ten Hag as boss until the summer.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd That’s because its claimed Amorim does not plan to leave Sporting this season due to his ambitions with the club.However, his contact, which is valid until 2026, includes a release clause that is active from next summer.United will be boosted by Amorim’s recent comments too, which seemed to rubbish the idea that he would simply follow sporting director Viana to Man City.In an interview with Cabine Desportiva, he said: “Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths. “His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good professional relationship.” More

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    Renee Slegers insists focus is on West Ham as Arsenal target return to winning ways in WSL

    RENEE SLEGERS describes herself as a coach who prefers to live in the moment. It is an approach she is taking when it comes to being in charge of Arsenal in the interim. Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the WSL following a loss to ChelseaCredit: GettyTheir trip to West Ham with interim Gunners boss Renee Slegers follows a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe stand-in Gunners boss insists the permanent job is not on her mind despite guiding the team out of a winless run in the top tier and Europe.Tomorrow Sunday Slegers will be at Arsenal’s helm again overseeing the team for the first time in a Women’s Super League duel.Their trip to West Ham follows the Netherlands-born coach manaing the Gunners in their 4-1 defeat of Valerenga in the Champions League following a loss to Bayern Munich. The match will be their first top-flight game since their former boss Jonas Eidevall resigned on October 15. Read More Football StoriesA draw and a loss from their last two WSL outings saw them drop to sixth and five points off leaders Man City. This weekend they hope to return to winning ways in the top tier ahead of their November 3rd trip to Manchester United after the international break. Slegers said: ”I like to be in the moment in life in general and that’s what’s needed at the moment.“It’s something we talked about with the players as well, can we be as much as possible in the here and now because that’s what we can impact.”Most read in FootballOn whether she knows if she intends to put herself forward for the permanent Arsenal head coach vacancy, Slegers added: “No, that’s not on my mind at all. “It’s a beautiful club and it’s a brilliant squad. We have all the facilities, all the resources, so it’s obviously a very good job to have. “I haven’t had time to reflect on myself that much during these past couple of days.“But I want to believe. I want the best for every individual, to have every individual show their biggest strength and to have the team play really good football. “I don’t think at the moment that’s what I want to deep-dive. At the moment it’s West Ham and to get the three points on Sunday. “I’m happy to be a part of it at this moment in time doing everything I can do to help the team more.”Sunday’s derby will see the Irons and the Gunners battling for maximum points. While West Ham are still chasing their first win in the top tier this term, Arsenal have fared slightly better away from home, narrowly beating Leicester 1-0 in September. The Gunners will be aiming to boost their goal tally having netted just once in their last two WSL games. The last WSL duel between West Ham and Arsenal ended as a 2-1 for Rehanne Skinner’s Irons in FebruaryCredit: GettyAnd Slegers hopes Alessia Russo scoring her first group stage Champions League goal this term will pave the way for more goals for the striker in the WSL this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe interim Arsenal chief added: “Alessia is really good at understanding it’s important to get yourself into good positions and then the goals will come and she scored on Wednesday.“That’s the main focus – to keep on getting our forwards in good positions to be able to get the ball into the back of the net.” More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson to MISS Brentford clash just four days after axe as Man Utd ambassador

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON is set to miss Manchester United’s clash with Brentford today – just four days after being axed as a club ambassador.Earlier this week, Sir Alex was relieved of his duties as a club ambassador at Man Utd – losing his £2.16m-per-year paycheque in the process.Sir Alex Ferguson won’t be attending Manchester United’s clash with Brentford todayCredit: PAThe axing, which came as part of Ineos’ continued cost-cutting measures, is said to have been accepted amicably during a meeting.Ferguson is understood to be maintaining his position as a non-executive member of the board at the club he managed for 26 years.The 82-year old is also said to be welcome at any United games going forward, as he has been since his departure as manager in 2013.But that won’t be happening today with the Scot set to skip out on attending Old Trafford to watch Erik ten Hag’s side take on Brentford in the Premier League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFerguson will not be at the Prem clash against the Bees as it is claimed the newly axed former gaffer is at a prior engagement.Current boss Ten Hag has already spoken on the “impact” Sir Alex stepping down from his role will have on Man Utd as a club going forward.In his pre-match press conference, he said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.”Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”Most read in FootballErik ten Hag has spoken of he ‘impact’ Ferguson’s dismissal could have on Man UtdCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAdding: “Sir Alex wants to see a winning Manchester United.”I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last two and a half years.”Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club Ferguson’s £2.16m-per-year contract was seeing him earn more than FIVE United first team players – including England international Kobbie Mainoo.However, many fans and pundits think that Ferguson’s ambassadorial salary was justifiable given his impact on the club during his 26-year stint in the dugout.And former Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand – who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson – has suggested that his former gaffer’s status could be one of the motivating factors behind taking him off the payroll.Hinting that the decision to “axe” a name like Fergie could send a message to everyone at Man Utd that nobody is safe under the new regime.Taking to social media, Ferdinand wrote: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.”Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Ineos could be sending a message with their dismissal of Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettySir Alex Fergsuon’s Man Utd trophy haulAll the trophies Sir Alex Ferguson won as Manchester United manager:Premier League x13FA Cup x5League Cup x4Champions League x2European Cuper Winners’ CupEuropean Super CupIntercontinental CupClub World Cup More

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    Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris provides Jordan Henderson transfer update 13 years after £20m departure to Liverpool

    REGIS LE BRIS refused to rule out Jordan Henderson making a romantic return to Sunderland in January – but says no transfer talks are underway.The Wearsider, 34, came through the ranks at his boyhood club before signing for Liverpool in a £20m deal in 2011.Speculation has been mounting that Jordan Henderson wants a return to SunderlandCredit: GettyThe star came the the academy on Wearside but was sold to Liverpool in 2011Credit: AFPHe went on to enjoy great success at Anfield, captaining them to the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.The England midfielder’s 12-year stay with the Reds came to a controversial end in the summer of 2023 as he headed to Saudi Arabia side Al Ettifaq for mega wages.The move turned into a disaster as he played just 19 games for the team managed by Steven Gerrard due to his family being unable to settle in the Middle East.Henderson headed back to Europe in January with Ajax but he has started just twice in the Dutch top-flight this term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat has led to his representatives allegedly trying to engineer a move back to the Stadium of Light to help Le Bris’ young squad in their promotion charge.Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull City, the Black Cats boss bluntly replied “no” when asked directly whether Henderson’s name had been discussed as a potential target.However, when asked if he was the type of player that he would like to bring in, he did not rule out a potential swoop.The Frenchman said: “He’s obviously a strong and famous player.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“At the minute the transfer window is not open, so we can speak about many players but we don’t have the choice at the moment.”Sunderland legend Julio Arca certainly believes that it would be a no-brainer to snap him up if the opportunity arises.Jordan Henderson’s prickly interview goes viral after seven-word reply to reporter’s blunt question and fans love itThe 43-year-old Argentinean, who spent six years at Sunderland and helped them to the 2005 Championship title, told SunSport: “I haven’t seen Jordan play a lot recently or what standard he is at but he is someone local that has gone on to do really well.“He did great for the club while he was here and he can bring a lot of experience to Sunderland’s young players.“It’s good to have experienced players like that as, even if they don’t play all the time, they can help in the changing-room and in certain games. “Some people will think that Jordan cannot play in every game, but he can bring a lot more than just the football playing side.”Sunderland have history when it comes to reunions with ex-stars and they have produced mixed results.Strikers Jermain Defoe and Danny Graham both endured miserable second stints with the Black Cats while the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Paul Bracewell both enjoyed further success.Regis Le Bris says ‘no’ talks have taken place so far regarding HendersonCredit: AlamySunderland legend Julio Arca would love to see Henderson returnCredit: GettyAnd another ex-Sunderland fan favourite Martin Gray, who came through the ranks at Roker Park to help the club win promotion in the 1990s, issued a warning to Henderson.The 53-year-old said: “You look at his achievements since leaving Sunderland and you just think, ‘Wow, where has that come from?’“Not many thought that he would go on to become the person he has and achieve the success he has with Liverpool and England.“You need experience but you need energy as well. “He could come and take some of the pressure off of the younger lads but if it doesn’t go well for you then it can leave a bit of a sour taste due to what you have achieved since you left.Martin Gray did issue a warning to the veteran midfielderCredit: Getty“I think it’s a big decision to make and if your legs are starting to go or you start picking up little niggles then the punters can turn on you very quickly.”Meanwhile, Ajax manager Francesco Farioli, who took over in the summer, sung the praises of Henderson when asked about the Sunderland links but refused to confirm the veteran was staying in Amsterdam.He said: “He is an exceptional player who possesses great quality and leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Having captained his team to a Champions League victory, I believe he can effectively communicate the essence of a winning mentality and a strong work ethic.“There are many valuable ways in which he can make a significant contribution to a young team like ours.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Pep Guardiola says ‘sooner or later it will happen’ on leaving Man City as he keeps door open to England job

    PEP GUARDIOLA will not leave Manchester City hanging over his future — as he left the door open to becoming England boss.Guardiola says part of him will leave the club when sidekick Txiki Begiristain quits in the summer.Pep Guardiola has left the door open to managing England in the futureCredit: AlamyThere are fears City’s serial Prem-winning manager wants to follow the sporting director — with his contract expiring at the end of this season.Asked about signing a new deal, Guardiola said: “I want to be really, really, really convinced that it’s the best for the club.“I will not delay every action knowing  I am creating a problem for the club.“If I feel there’s a problem, I’ll take a decision as quick as possible. But I don’t have that feeling because they understand the reasons.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“A part of me is leaving. Txiki is a friend of mine — the architect who helped to create one of the best teams ever from Barcelona and now here.“I’ve known his decision — for family and personal reasons — for a long time and he will be missed.“I’m pretty sure that the club have an option when Txiki should leave and they have options when Pep will leave.“Sooner or later it’s going to happen and they are prepared. So it’s not going to be a surprise.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGuardiola, who is still missing crocked Kevin De Bruyne for tomorrow’s trip to Wolves, was approached by FA chiefs over the summer as they started the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.Thomas Tuchel landed the job and will take over from interim boss Lee Carsley on January 1.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceThomas Tuchel was appointed Three Lions manager this week on an 18-month dealCredit: GettyGerman boss Tuchel’s 18-month contract, worth £7.5million, will run up to the 2026 World Cup.And Guardiola could be available at that point if he signs a one-year extension at City, which Etihad chiefs hope he will.When asked if he would like to manage a national team, he replied: “Yes.”Asked about the backlash over the Three Lions appointing a foreign boss, he explained: “We don’t decide where we are born. I didn’t decide to be Catalan. I didn’t decide to be English.“I understand people think it is normal to be manager for the national team where you were born.“But the world is so big and you have to be open-minded.“I would like to support Thomas unconditionally because he will represent your country the very best — with his knowledge, his wisdom.“If he wins he will be congratulated and if he loses he will be criticised. But it doesn’t matter if he is a foreigner or not.”Guardiola could still succeed Tuchel as England boss after the 2026 World CupCredit: ReutersArsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes England fans should feel “proud” Tuchel has taken the job.And he can relate to the German’s love affair with English football.Spaniard Arteta says he would have been open to playing for England when Fabio Capello considered calling up the former Everton midfielder ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Fifa blocked the move because Arteta played for Spain’s youth teams.But Arteta said: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it.”Asked about bossing England, he replied: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football, and how you get treated.“That’s something you should be really proud of.”Mikel Arteta has also hinted at becoming England manager later in his careerCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool Champions League winner ‘ordered to LEAVE new club after refusing to board team bus’

    A FORMER Liverpool Champions League winner has been ordered to leave his club after refusing to board the team bus.The Guinea international joined Werder Bremen from the Reds on a free transfer last summer.The midfielder has been suspended by Werder Bremen since April for refusing to board the team busCredit: GettyManager Ole Werner has ordered the player to leave the clubCredit: GettyHe penned a three-year deal through to 2026 but has now been told he is free to leave the Bundesliga side.The player, who carried the flag for his country at the Olympic Games, has been suspended and banned from the first-team since April after refusing to board the team bus.The incident came about after he found out he was not starting their league clash with Werder Bremen.Just over six months on, manager Ole Werner has now said the player needs to leave.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told Kicker: “I do believe that we have been very, very humane and very, very transparent with him at all times since he joined us.”[Naby] Keita is not our issue right now, and I believe that it’s best for both sides to simply look ahead and into the future, to see what good solutions Naby can find for himself and what solutions we can find without him.”However, Keita has claimed he apologised for the incident, although Werner is not aware of it.The Bremen boss added: “It could be that it somehow happened in the meantime, it just wouldn’t have reached me.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Keita explained to The Guardian: “In my last year at Liverpool, I didn’t play much and when I arrived here, I was motivated.”We’ll have to talk about the bus incident one day, but everyone who knows me knows that I’m a professional and that I’m not undisciplined.Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’Keita said he has apologised for the incident before April’s clash with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty”Despite everything, I apologised to the group even before the end of last season because we’re all human and nobody’s perfect.”Wherever I’ve been, from Salzburg to Leipzig to Liverpool, I’ve always tried to be exemplary.”The 29-year-old continued: “A lot of people say to me: ‘Naby, you’re injured, why don’t you want to play for Bremen?’ I say: ‘No, I’m fine.'”Since I came back from the Africa Cup of Nations [in February], all I’ve wanted to do is play for the fans and the club. But it’s not up to me.”The club decided to put me with the under-23s. I’m training with them and helping the youngsters while I wait for the wheels to turn.”The fans have shown me a lot of love and they deserve to see me return that love on the pitch.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKeita won seven trophies in five years at Anfield, including the Champions League, but has made just five appearances for Bremen.He has not been included in a matchday squad since the bus incident in April, with his last appearance coming the previous month.The midfielder won seven trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier LeagueCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More