Philippa Kaur

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    ‘I was sacked as an art dealer because I was too obsessed with football, now I’m making history in the Premier League’

    FABIAN HURZELER is equally as comfortable discussing Picasso and pressing — although he has a clear preference.The Brighton boss was once sacked as an art dealer for being too obsessed with football, the sort of dedication which has turned him into a groundbreaking coach.Fabian Hurzeler was once sacked as an art dealer for being too fixated on footballCredit: GettyYou may have heard he is quite young, a fact he is constantly reminded of.But despite being 31, the decision to end his playing career and start coaching at 23 means he already possesses bags of experience.Hurzeler has been coaching as long as Mikel Arteta, 11 years his senior.Although the Arsenal manager never had to flog art on the side to keep things going as Hurzeler did when in charge of fifth-tier FC Pipinsried in his first role as a coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Life in Munich is expensive, like in London. When I sold one picture or one painting in a month, it was like I was done so I could focus more during this time and watch a lot of football games during this time during my work.“That was also the reason why I got fired. The owner, she was very polite but one day she recognised that I’m watching more football during work instead of really working because we weren’t selling any paintings any more. Then I got fired.”Hurzeler got the job in the first place through friend Roman Plesche, a sports-science student who worked in the gallery.Plesche, who would later be Hurzeler’s sporting director in his first post as a head coach, recalled: “I told the boss that my best friend speaks good English and can also sell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He had a very good feel for art, he knew how to inspire customers.”We sold an Andy Warhol together. But I think football is better for him than art.”Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs Hurzeler has already enjoyed more than the 15 minutes of fame that Warhol talked about.The German talks a lot about the work ethic his parents instilled in him. But those values also gave him the confidence to end a playing career which had seen him as a young talent in the Bayern Munich academy.His family were still taken aback at the decision, explaining: “Of course they were surprised. I always say, it’s my life and it’s a choice I make. I take responsibility for that.“No one else will take responsibility for my life. It’s something I always try to follow. I have to feel happy with the situation.“A lot of people don’t understand it and because they said I could easily play, maybe in second or third division.“But they will never understand the feeling inside of me, what I really want to achieve in life, my vision in life.”Born in TexasFamily values and vision is something Hurzeler comes back to a lot over an hour chatting at Brighton’s Sussex base.One of four siblings, born to two dentists in Texas before moving to Germany at the age of two, all of them have a fierce competitive streak.The Seagulls boss already has one yellow and one red card for his touchline antics this season and knows that competitive edge can get the better of him, in a football game or even playing Uno or Catan at Christmas. He said: “Honestly, when you talk to some guys who I played against, they would say, ‘What an a*******’.“When we were on the pitch, it was like winning, winning, winning. And that’s the same, honestly, with my family.“When I’m with my family, let’s say at Christmas and we played games and I lost the game, the night was over for me.“We are all made of the same blood, so my sisters and brothers and also my father, when they lose, they were the same. That’s how I grew up, it was a competition all the time.”Fabian Hurzeler has lifted the lid on his competitive sideCredit: GettyThe German was the Prem’s manager of the month in AugustCredit: InstagramThe desire to compete now extends to the padel court with Hurzeler — like almost everyone in football — having become a huge fan of the sport.He is now campaigning for a court to be built at the Brighton training ground. Those luxuries are a far cry from his start as a coach, with FC Pipinsried eight years ago.There was a fast start, promotion to the fourth tier in his first season but then the tests arrived. Losing the first seven games of the new term taught Hurzeler he must be able to adapt.He has always wanted to control a game through possession and with a high line but never just for the sake of it.Hurzeler added: “I had a good start in my career. We went from the fifth league to the fourth in the first year.“But we started by losing the first seven games. I was sitting in a  coffee shop and the media called and said, ‘Do you think if you lose the next game, then you’ll still be the coach or not?’ Then I was like, ‘OK, that’s the business’.”Premier League meetingThere has been adapting to do in the Premier League too.Not even a year ago, Hurzeler was touring English clubs, watching Brighton as well as visiting Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham to try to learn from their experiences.But that only went so far in preparing him for the Prem, admitting: “I didn’t expect it to be this intense and this demanding.“Every team in this league, also the teams who were promoted like Ipswich, they have individual quality in their team to win games.“Then during the game, it’s so fascinating for me… that’s what I learned, you have to work hard for the momentum.“When you have momentum, you have to use it, otherwise the other team will take it.”The final match before the international break was a perfect demonstration of this.Hurzeler said little at half-time, deciding not to go in all guns blazing and it paid off — coming from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 3-2.He said: “Football is crazy sometimes.”For all the questions over his age, that calm approach after a rotten first half showcased the benefit. Few other managers will have such a keen understanding of their squad’s mindset.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked what the biggest advantage of being a young manager is, he said: “Speaking the language of the players.“I’m their age, so we have the same needs. We are in the same situations. Maybe we lose a girlfriend. Maybe you experience the same things, you have a similar sense of humour.”Hurzeler sees his young age as a benefit, helping him connect with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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    Ex-Premier League star, 56, ordered to stop exercising after ‘shock’ heart diagnosis that requires triple bypass surgery

    PREMIER LEAGUE great Marco Gabbiadini revealed he had to stop exercising and watching football due to his heart condition.Gabbiadini, 56, announced in May that he needs to undergo triple bypass surgery after discovering that his heart was “working at about 20 per cent” following a “slight issue” in his chest.Marco Gabbiadini revealed he needs to avoid exercising as he awaits triple bypass surgeryCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunSunderland legend Gabbiadini has also been ordered to not watch live footballCredit: GettyThe Sunderland legend noticed the issue after feeling “heartburn” while exercising in the gym and found out his coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, had an 80 per cent blockage.The Derby great is still waiting for the operation and the doctors ordered him to avoid any type of exercise – from high-tempo sports like tennis to mundane chores like gardening.The former striker also needs to avoid any situation that could cause him stress, which means no more live football on the telly.Gabbiadini told The Mail: “I have had to stop exercising, so I am probably in the worst shape I have ever been in my life. Read More on Football”Before May, I was still playing tennis a couple of times a week, cycling, gardening, helping the kids with their house renovations.”But the surgeon said, ‘Stop tennis, no gardening and don’t watch any football on the telly’. “So I have been watching Sunderland games this season in full on YouTube after they have finished, so I know the score and there is no stress involved.”Having to have that mentality when you are only in your mid-50s has been a bit of a shock. But at the same time, you have got to count your lucky stars.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Reporting it early meant I was put on tablets. I am on blood thinners, statins – eight different tablets to give me the best chance of getting to the surgery. “To anyone reading this story, if you do have any issues, report is as soon as you can.”Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’After hanging up his boots at the age of 35, Gabbiadini turned to hospitality and now runs a B&B in York.The ex-England Under-21 international’s Bishops guest house, which he opened in 2003, is now recognised as one of the best B&Bs in the Yorkshire city.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Former Real Madrid star gets baby’s name tattooed on his arm… then discovers he’s not the dad days later

    FORMER Real Madrid defender Vinicius Tobias got his baby’s name tattooed on his arm… only to find out he is not the biological father.Brazilian right-back Tobias, 20, and ex-wife Ingrid Lima welcomed daughter Maite into the world on October 8.Vinicius Tobias and Ingrid Lima welcomed baby Maite into the world earlier this monthCredit: NF/newsXThe pair split up before the girl was born on October 8Credit: NF/newsXTobias had ‘Maite, I love you’ tattooed on his arm before finding out he was not the fatherCredit: NF/newsXIn honour of her birth, the footballer had “Maite, I love you,” tattooed onto his arm.But influencer Ingrid has now revealed they had an on-off relationship during the time of Maite’s conception.And she has confirmed a DNA test proved Tobias, who now plays for Shakhtar Donetsk, was not the biological father of the child.Ingrid’s social media post reportedly read: “I came to give a statement about something that is getting annoying and that, unfortunately, I would have to come out on publicly to give you an explanation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Vinicius and I haven’t been together for a while. During that time, I was in a relationship with someone and so was he.”We both moved on with our lives. In the meantime, Maite came along.”We decided to do a DNA test, and Maite is not Vinicius’ daughter.”Tobias has not yet commented on the result of the DNA test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInfluencer Ingrid released a statement on social mediaCredit: @iingridllima/NF/newsXShe confirmed a DNA test showed her ex-husband Tobias was not the baby’s dadCredit: @iingridllima/NF/newsXIngrid revealed the pair were both seeing other people around the time Maite was conceivedCredit: NF/newsXTobias was compared to Dani Alves and Trent Alexander-Arnold two years ago.He first impressed fans with his swashbuckling displays in the U15 South American Championships in 2019 – scoring in the final against Brazil’s rivals Argentina.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersBayern Munich, Juventus, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all registered an interest in Tobias.However, it was Shakhtar Donetsk who won the race for his signature – paying £6million for his services.Real Madrid then acquired him on loan in 2022 and he spent two years in the Spanish capital, making one appearance for the senior side.He returned to Shakhtar for the start of this season and has played five times in the 2024/25 campaign.Ingrid insists her and Tobias have not been together ‘for a while’Credit: @iingridllima/NF/newsXWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson reveals what he did every January 1 that sums up Man Utd legend’s relentless drive for titles

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed what he did on January 1 every year that summed up his relentless drive for trophies.The legendary manager won 13 Premier League titles as Manchester United boss, culminating in his 2013 crown.Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his genius title-winning planning schemeCredit: Getty ImagesThe Manchester United boss won 13 Premier League crowns with the clubCredit: GettyFergie, though, gave an insight into his meticulous preparation and planning by telling Ally McCoist one of his many secrets to success.And it involved analysing exactly how United’s main rivals will fare in the second half of the season.Speaking about his final season in charge, the 2012-13 campaign, he opened up on how he had told his wife Cathy he would retire.And Fergie was confident he would bow out with one last Premier League triumph thanks to his detailed calculations to kick off the New Year – the day after his December 31 birthday.READ MORE ON SIR ALEX FERGUSONFerguson, 82, said: “Cathy’s sister had died in the previous October and she was lost, she was definitely lost.”So at Christmas I said to her, ‘Look, I’m going to retire at the end of the season.’ “I knew by her reaction that she was delighted because she was on her own. “She had given her life to me, everything to me, looking after me because of my job… bringing the kids up. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When I said I was going to retire, she was delighted and I knew that. I could tell by her body language.”I always said when I got to January – what I did every January 1, I wrote down every year where our opponents’ games could be won or lost and I put us down to win by ten points.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester United”The team was playing really well and I thought we’d do that, but I think it was 11 points. “They did really well, the team did really well and Robin van Persie was fantastic – his goals, his thrust in the game, his power and confidence.”The team had perseverance, we never gave in, that’s the quality that great team always had. We had that for years.”At the end of the day when you look at my career at United, it’s encapsulated by the leagues, but it’s also about myself and the team – we were second in the league six times and won it in the next year. “Isn’t that amazing? Six times second, twice on goal difference, and we won it in the next year. “That tells you what that club is about, what these players are about – not just one set of players, that was going back to the 1994-95 team – tough as nails – to the really talented team in 2008 with Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney up front. They were unbelievable.”Lo and behold, United did indeed finish 11 points clear at the top of the table in 2012-13 – a year after being denied by Sergio Aguero in the final seconds of the previous campaign. They clinched the title on April 22 with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa – memorable for that epic Van Persie volley – to move out of reach of rivals Manchester City. Fergie axe comes at the right time – and he knows itBy Phil ThomasIT is over a decade since he left the dugout but Sir Alex Ferguson has lost none of his sense of timing.When to sell, when to buy, when to change and ultimately when to go, Fergie has always been in a class of his own.Over the years there were countless decisions which had everyone scratching their head — but Sir Alex always knew the time was right.Some were more obvious than others. Like the night Manchester United won the Treble on the back of his substitutions.Others less so, like the summer of 1995 when terrace legends Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei  Kanchelskis were sold at the peak of their powers.The whole of football thought the manager had lost his marbles.But Fergie knew better, as he chose that year to unleash his “you win nothing with kids” Double heroes.Just as he knew best when it came to right-hand men.Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Archie Knox and Co — an endless list of world-class coaches who all came and went.And, of course, the biggest decision of all. Calling time on 26 years in which he had gone from the brink of the bullet to English football’s greatest-ever gaffer.The majority of people are convinced Ferguson stepped down because he knew United’s era of dominance was over.Maybe not the nosedive to come but certainly that an almighty rebuild was just around the corner. Another mass overhaul, yet not one he was prepared to oversee.Now another end has arrived. Not as dramatic or as out-of-nowhere, admittedly, but an end nonetheless.Next summer Fergie will leave his 12-year role as global ambassador. Many see it as the most ruthless swing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting axe — and they are wrong.For while he is trying to save every penny in making United great again —  how’s that going, Sir Jim? — Ferguson has not suddenly and callously been told he is surplus to requirements.This decision was a two-way call. An amicable parting. Football’s own conscious uncoupling, in Chris  Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow lingo.And not, incidentally, a departure which means we will no longer see Fergie at Old Trafford on a matchday.That  simply  will  not  happen.   He  will still be there rain, wind or shine . . .Only now as a high-profile non-executive director, rather than a man with the ear — and the sway — behind the owners’ biggest decisions.Like he was when urging United to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.Admittedly not his finest hour, rather an indication of the influence he still retained.Back then, until just before  Ratcliffe and his Ineos team arrived, in fact, Ferguson had the owners’ ear. Almost a hotline to the Glazer family, you could say.And those days are done.Not that Sir Alex is bereft at the thought. For a start, some of the staff sackings have enraged the Scot — long-serving photographer John Peters and kitman Alec Wylie, for example.This is not a cosy-cosy relationship with Ratcliffe being severed.If anything, it is closer to the opposite. And as Fergie the Red, in every sense The Boss — those who played under him still call him that  — knows, trousering £2million or so a year in such tight times is not a good look.Fair enough, not an amount anyone would turn down in normal circumstances.Yet when many in the steerage class are losing their livelihoods, it is not something that would have sat well with him.There is also the practical side of things as well.At the end of December, Sir Alex will be 83 years old, albeit still a freakishly fit 83 years old.Yet even though the grey matter remains oh-so-sharp and the mind clear as a bell, the bones grow creakier and even Superman had to put his feet up on occasion.That does not mean you will not see shots of Fergie alongside Ratcliffe at various points — Sir Jim loves too much the associated glamour of being pictured with the greatest.But any idea of Sir Alex having an emperor’s thumbs-down power has gone for good — and quite frankly that is something which suits both sides.Ironically, the Red Devils only picked up five points from their final four games under Ferguson – so could have extended the gap even further.They drew at Arsenal, lost at home to Chelsea, beat Swansea in Ferguson’s Old Trafford farewell and then finished with a thrilling 5-5 draw at West Brom. In the opening episode of Ally’s Social Club for TNT Sports, Ferguson also said he turned down Arsenal, Tottenham and Wolves before taking the Old Trafford gig.And he even exposed his genius tactical plan to beat Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final – despite missing key midfielders Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.Ferguson added: “It’s easy to say this, but the homework won us the game. “When we did the analysis of Bayern, during big games they used to take the two wide players off and go tight in midfield. ‘I HAD TO GAMBLE'”So, without having Keane and Scholes, I had to gamble with my midfield and I wanted to make sure we had a passing ability and I played David Beckham in centre midfield along with Nicky Butt. “Nicky would do all sorts of jobs, marvellous, and we played [Ryan] Giggsy wide right and Jesper Blomqvist wide left. “It didn’t work in the first half at all and I was waiting for them to make a substitution.”So, the minute they made the substitution I went three in the middle and three up. “I brought Teddy Sheringham and I said, ‘Teddy you go and play on top of the right centre back, try and pull the right back in,’ who was Markus Babbel. “With Giggs playing on the left of midfield, it was really suited to him because he was running into the space all the time. “Beckham on the right side started getting crosses in and in the last 15 minutes we made a lot of chances. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having said that, we could have been out long before that – they hit the crossbar, they missed a couple of chances, Schmeichel made a couple of terrific saves.”The full episode of Ally’s Social Club with Sir Alex Ferguson will be available to watch on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel from midday today and broadcast on TNT Sports 1 at 10.30am on Saturday.Ferguson decided to retire following the passing of wife Cathy’s sisterCredit: ReutersRobin van Persie’s volley helped wrap up the 2012-13 title, as the manager predictedCredit: Action Images – ReutersFergie spoke to Ally McCoist for TNT SportsCredit: TNT Sports / Getty Images More

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    ‘My salary is less than my rent, I snubbed offers from Saudi Arabia to play in the fourth tier’

    ANDY CARROLL has revealed that his modest Bordeaux salary doesn’t even cover his rent.The former England striker, 35, signed for the French crisis club last month.Andy Carroll has already achieved cult hero status in French footballCredit: AFPBordeaux, champions of France as recently as 2009, were demoted to the fourth tier in the summer after being forced to revoke their professional status.As they began to pick up the pieces for life in France’s National B, they secured the signature of Carroll from Amiens.Having been a regular for the Ligue 2 side last season, the target man wasn’t short of more lucrative options.But he opted to pick the project that excited him most.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt had been speculated that Carroll has been earning €3,500 (£2,900) a month at Bordeaux.But in an interview with L’Equipe, the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham star revealed that is not the case.He said: “No, it’s a lot less than that.”I won’t tell you the exact figure but to give you an idea, since I moved here, I rent a pretty little house and my salary is less than my rent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If I joined Bordeaux, it clearly wasn’t for the money. I had offers from elsewhere to play in Saudi Arabia, but that didn’t interest me.”Carroll, who split with wife Billi Mucklow in July, has quickly earned hero status at his new club.Andy Carroll ‘playing 5D chess’ as former England star steals show on debut after dropping down to fourth tierHe has scored braces in his opening two matches for Bordeaux, with fans marvelling at the intimate stadiums he’s played at.On continuing to follow his passion, Carroll told RMC Sport: “To be honest, it even costs me money to have gone to play for the Girondins.”But I play football and I’m simply happy to play football.”I want to be part of the history of this club and to be honest it’s not a question of money. In my career, it’s never been a question of money.”This season, NBA star LeBron James will make history by playing alongside his son Bronny in the NBA.Carroll has admitted that he would like to emulate the basketball icon by playing with his son Lucas.He added: “I would love to continue playing every Saturday at least until I’m 40, whatever the level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The goal is to be a LeBron James, that is, to play on the same team as my eldest son, Lucas, who is 14.”It would be wonderful to experience that, in Bordeaux or elsewhere.”Carroll, 35, wants to play with his sonCredit: AFP More

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    ‘I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment

    EDDIE HOWE is not angry about being overlooked by the FA for the England job and believes Thomas Tuchel was the “best” foreign candidate available.SunSport revealed there was no contact with Howe, 46, as the FA spoke to 10 different managers.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he was never contacted by the FA for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel became the new England manager as he replaced Gareth SouthgateCredit: SplashHowe believes ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is a great England appointmentCredit: AlamyThe Newcastle boss was touted as one of the favourites to take charge of the Three Lions until the FA named the German as their new boss.The decision has been met with mixed reaction, but when asked on what his thoughts are about Tuchel, Howe revealed: “Firstly, speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him and was lucky and fortunate enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work.“What a brilliant guy, great person, great coach. I had two days with him and thought that he was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.“I really wish him well and think that he’s a great appointment. I hope that he leads England to many trophies.Read More on Football“I have always said, and I’ve been very clear on this going back years and years, my preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”The FA claimed to have interviewed ten candidates, but the Toon chief says he was not one of them and there had been “no contact” from the FA.Howe was the choice of many to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup, and when asked if he was angry that he had not even been approached for talks, Howe replied: “Absolutely not. “The FA have to do what is right for them and only they know the processes and decisions that they have made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m not the type of person to analyse that and my focus is on Newcastle and trying to win games.“That’s hard enough to do being 100 per cent focused and I’ll always remain that way to my work but know if you drop your levels then your job becomes impossible. I’ve never allowed myself to do that.”Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceHowe is perceived by many to be a future England manager, but does he feel that too?“I don’t visualise that,” he insisted. “I just think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I’m immersing myself in what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts have entered my head.“So I don’t take on that feeling and just try to do the best I can.”Howe has faced constant questions about the England job, despite stating from the off that he wanted to stay at St James’, and admits there is some relief that the chase for Gareth Southgate’s replacement is over.He said: “There was no-one more pleased than me to see Thomas get the job, really, and take it because it’s just a distraction – not that it distracts me, but you can see it’s unsettling at times when certain things are said and written about.“The more that everyone can focus on Newcastle – which has always been my only concern – the better.”Howe focused on NewcastleEven though it appears FA chiefs overlooked him this time, is it a job that interests him in the future?“Who knows,” responded Howe. “I’ve always said that you can never predict what’s going to happen in management, you can never plan too far ahead. I certainly don’t.“I’m a day-to-day planner, while certainly acknowledging that Newcastle – I’ve always said this – has a future and we have to make sure we make the right decisions long-term. “But the job takes so many twists and turns, you can’t look too far ahead. I think that’s negative, actually, if you do that, so in terms of my own career and what’s five, 10 years ahead, I don’t know, I’ve got no idea.“But I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”Howe was then asked directly if he would have spoken to the FA if they had knocked on his door, to which he replied: ‘Hypothetical questions are very dangerous to answer. England still the pinnacle “Listen, I will talk to anyone who knocks on my front door… but not in the respect of entering conversations about leaving Newcastle.”Everton boss Sean Dyche has stated that the England job is perhaps no longer the pinnacle for English coaches.But Howe feels differently, saying: “I think if you are looking to get into international football and you have got that passion for international football then absolutely yes.“It just depends on your viewpoint. If you look domestically and you love the day-to-day aspect of the job then obviously you’ll have a different answer.“For me, as a kid I loved World Cups, European Championships, I was obsessed with England trying to win something and I really do hope that Thomas can do that for the country.”And Howe, whose side face Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League, refused to be drawn on the credentials of other English coaches that were overlooked, saying: “Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.“But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. 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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 8: Time for gaffers to revert to the safety of Erling Haaland?

    DREAM TEAM managers who chose to captain Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) over Erling Haaland (£9.1m) in Gameweek 7 were handsomely rewarded.Just prior to the international break, Arsenal’s ‘Star Boy’ took Southampton for 20 points while Manchester City’s No9 mustered just four against Fulham.Saka has outperformed Haaland over the last few GameweeksCredit: GettyThis outcome meant those who opted to double Saka’s return benefited from a significant swing over those who backed Haaland.In fact, the England international has outscored the Norwegian poacher since the start of Gameweek 4 and the latter’s lead at the top of the rankings has been cut to just nine points as a result.It’s simply a fact that gaffers who have captained Saka over Haaland for the last month have had their actions justified.Now the pertinent question is whether the Gunners’ No7 is the optimum skipper for Gameweek 8?One potential blockade is that Saka is an availability doubt having been forced off with an injury while on duty for the Three Lions.Saka looked in discomfort at Wembley during the international breakCredit: SplashIn this morning’s press conference, Mikel Arteta offered some reassurance when he told reporters: “Not a serious injury, he’s evolving really well. We are hopeful.”Arsenal are set to face Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk in Gameweek 8 and given Saka is statistically the most in-form player in Dream Team (based on points earned across last three games) he would obviously be a strong captaincy choice if passed fit.That being said, this may be the Gameweek to revert to the familiar safety of Haaland.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola’s side travel to Molineux this weekend, where they were beaten last season, but a repeat of that upset seems unlikely with Wolves currently bottom of the table having conceded the most leagues goals this season.Haaland will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Wolves’ defenceCredit: GettyCity will then host Sparta Prague in the Champions League in midweek – another relatively favourable match-up.Haaland may not have scored in his last two league outings (a drought by his standards) but it’s worth remembering he has 11 goals to his name in all competitions in 2024/25 – no other Dream Team asset has scored more than six.Certainly the case for captaining Haaland is a strong one, as is usually the case.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWElsewhere, Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) is always among the most-selected skippers but his fixtures aren’t as appealing on paper.Liverpool host fourth-placed Chelsea in the standout Premier League game of the weekend before travelling to RB Leipzig on Wednesday – the German outfit are level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga at present.Bold gaffers might look to target Tottenham’s double header of West Ham and AZ Alkmaar, both to be played in North London, by captaining Dominic Solanke (£4.4m), James Maddison (£4.5m) or the in-form Brennan Johnson (£3.8m).Johnson’s scoring streak puts him in the captaincy conversationCredit: AFPIt’s a tempting punt on paper but one that will only appeal to managers who enjoy taking risks and going against grain.With Saka seemingly not 100% fit, Haaland appears to be the safe choice for Gameweek 8.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Former Man Utd star Nani ‘reported to police for swiping shirt from fan – after claiming it was STOLEN’

    FORMER Manchester United winger Nani has been accused of stealing a fan’s shirt after being asked to sign it.The alleged incident, which has been reported to the police, took place outside the stadium of Portuguese club Estrela Amadora – where the 37-year-old now plays.The alleged incident involved an unofficial version of Portugal’s Euro 2016 jersey – which Nani wore as they won the tournamentCredit: AFPNani was allegedly filmed talking with the fan about the shirtCredit: Youtube / josemarquesphotographyIt is claimed the shirt was purchased on VintedCredit: Youtube / josemarquesphotographyA video shared on social media shows Nani talking to the fan while in the driver’s seat of his car.A photo of the police report was shared on Reddit and translated into English by one user.It is alleged the Portugal shirt taken was an unofficial version of the jersey they wore during their Euro 2016 triumph and was bought on Vinted.SunSport has approached Nani for comment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe claim reads: “Good evening, As the title says, unfortunately today, an athlete from Estrela da Amadora stole a shirt from me that was meant to be autographed by him.”About three or four weeks ago, I was browsing Vinted and found an UNOFFICIAL match shirt (not worn by him), but it had the patches applied to make it look like a match shirt. “The seller clearly stated that it wasn’t official, nor was it worn in a match. I bought the shirt and received it on Wednesday.”Excited, today, Thursday, I went to the Estrela da Amadora stadium after training to get his autograph. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As soon as he saw it, he immediately asked where it came from and where I got it from.”I consistently explained that I had bought it and even showed proof that it had nothing to do with him or his belongings. “He grabbed the shirt, asked to take it off my hanger, then put it on the passenger seat of his car, rolled up the window, and drove off.”For a few minutes, I was in complete shock at what had just happened… “Even the people around me said they would have gone straight to the police. So that’s what I did.”And some people even recorded video and gave me their contact details to serve as witnesses.”I just froze there for a moment. I went to the police, filed a report, and now I have the case number. “I fully intend to get the shirt back, or at the very least, my money. What can I do at this point? I know where he’ll be tomorrow. Should I call the police and have them confront him to get my shirt back?”I’m feeling really down and have no idea what to do…Ronaldo and Rio laugh as they reminisce about ‘making Nani cry’ at Man Utd “(P.S. I have video footage of Nani taking the shirt, putting it in his car, and driving off.)”Nani won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup across an eight-year spell at Man Utd.He scored 41 goals and provided 70 assists in 230 appearances for The Red Devils.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has also played for Sporting Lisbon, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory and Adana Demirspor.At international level, he earned 112 caps for Portugal between 2006 and 2017, scoring 24 goals. More