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      How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tactic

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      CHELSEA travel to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool on Sunday in the biggest game of this weekend’s Premier League action.And although the Blues may be going into the game as underdogs, they could shock their Merseyside opponents with their high-risk tactics. Enzo Maresca’s high-risk tactics could cause some issues for Liverpool this weekendCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca has already whipped his side into shape since coming through the door in SW6 this summer.And he can really lay down a marker on Sunday by luring Liverpool into the ultimate game of chicken with his favoured “tension-ball” tactics. While Liverpool’s high press tactics under Arne Slot could either play right into Chelsea’s hands or expose the Blues’ plans.Inverted full-backsMaresca has completely changed the way Chelsea play since arriving from Leicester and one his biggest tactical tweaks is playing with an inverted full-back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the current system it tends to be Malo Gusto who drifts away from his traditional full-back position and into midfield to offer more numbers in the middle of the park.That decision is ultimately to allow the Blues to have an overload in midfield – meaning they should almost always outnumber their opponents in central areas.Gusto playing more central allows him to play alongside Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo to create a box-like four in midfield.That would allow Chelsea one more central player than Liverpool, with Slot usually opting for a three of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.Most read in FootballHowever, it can also expose Chelsea on the wings, with Gusto leaving his flank and leaving Maresca’s side with gaps in wide areas.Chelsea play with Malo Gusto as an inverted full-back allowing for more options in midfieldTheir overload allows them to outnumber Liverpool in midfieldMalo Gusto is regularly receiving the ball in central areasFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUltimate game of chickenThat swings-and-roundabouts approach of leaving yourself vulnerable in wide areas to win the midfield battle is exactly what could create a game of chicken at Anfield on Sunday.Liverpool always aim to press high and did so with a four-man press during their thrashing of Man Utd earlier in the season.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThat intense press is where the game of chicken begins, with Liverpool hoping to gamble on Chelsea being unable to play out from the back without Gusto as an extra option in defence.If Chelsea can bypass that press then they will be able make use of their midfield overload and get the better of Liverpool.If they can’t do that, then they’ll likely run themselves into all kinds of trouble against one of the best pressing teams in the league.Liverpool are one of the best pressing teams in the league and often push on with four playersTheir four-man press could create a game of chicken as they look to stop Chelsea from playing out from the backIf Chelsea bypass their press then the Blues could have a huge overload in midfieldTension-ballChelsea’s overloading plans aren’t just for playing out of the back, Maresca wants it to happen all over the pitch.The Italian regularly talks about having “tension” across the pitch as a way to help his players “jump” into space.In short, that means he wants his technically gifted players to invite pressure onto themselves so that they can ping the ball away to players in space in other parts of the overload.Maresca wants his players to effectively drag the opposition out of position and then occupy those spaces themselves, moving fast to take advantage of the spaces they’re vacating.It’s a high-risk high-reward way of playing and one that will certainly be tested to its limits against a very strong Liverpool team.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Chelsea fans can expect multiple moments on Sunday where they will want to watch through their fingers as their side plays with fire in the midfield.However, if they can get it right – as they have done on most occasions this season – they could well spring a surprise on Slot’s men.Maresca’s tactics will try draw players onto the man with the ballOnce that player moves it frees up another man for the passArne Slot’s press will certainly be a tough test for Maresca’s tension-ballCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’

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      HOWARD WEBB has revealed that the Premier League is trialling a radical new corner rule.The chief refereeing officer for PGMOL has insisted that the rule will help avoid “ridiculous situations”Howard Webb has revealed a game-changing potential new ruleCredit: GettyIt would put a tougher limit on goalkeepers holding onto the ballCredit: ReutersIf they hold it for too long the opposition will be awarded a corner kickCredit: AlamyWebb, 53, appeared on the latest episode of Stick To Football by Sky Bet, when he revealed the potential game-changing rule.The trial is ongoing in Premier League 2 and will punish goalkeepers for holding onto the ball for too long.Stoppers are only allowed to keep the ball in their hands for six seconds.However, if they continue to keep the ball and delay the game, the opposing team will be awarded with a corner kick.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “In Premier League 2, they’re trialling something around the goalkeeper holding the ball for more than six seconds.”If they hold it for eight, and don’t release it, it goes to a corner to the other team.”After three seconds, the referee counts down, and if the goalkeeper is daft enough to hold onto it, it’ll be a corner.”That avoids the ridiculous situation where you have an indirect free kick in the six-yard box, and players are chasing out.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester United legend Gary Neville supported the idea behind the rule put forward by the former Premier League referee.He said: “I like that. I think we all like that.”Gary Neville suggests drastic rule change to spice up Premier League that would allow teams to win an extra point Gary Neville agreed with the ideaCredit: YouTube / The OverlapNeville had argued that the delays caused by goalkeepers hogging the ball is something that makes him “crazy”.He argued: “The biggest delay in the game is when goalkeepers take longer than the six seconds with the ball.”We talk about delaying the game, a lad like Declan Rice kicked the ball away a touch and to be fair I get the rules, but that’s wasting a millisecond.”Then you’ve got a situation where goalkeepers are holding the ball for nine, ten seconds, sometimes 13 or 14 seconds – they’re wasting six or seven seconds every time.”That never gets pulled up and that rule is still in. It drives my crazy.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Ben White reveals completely new career he will take up after football with Arsenal star to ‘get a little van’

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      BEN WHITE wants to set up his own dog walking business when he retires.But for now, the Arsenal right-back is enjoying being let off the leash as the leader of Mikel Arteta’s hounds of hell, admitting: I love a big early tackle… let them know you’re there.Ben White is ready for a change of scenery when he retiresCredit: GettyWhite says his early days getting roughed up in the lower leagues gives him the edge as the Gunners’ instigator of aggression and alleged ‘dark arts’ against Prem opponents.Having just turned 27, thoughts are already turning to what to do when he hangs his boots up. He said: “I don’t want to be a pundit. I was thinking of being a dog walker, get a little van.”Yet there is still plenty of life in the ‘old’ dog yet as a key cog in Arteta’s title-chasing side – whether it is being a nuisance at set-pieces or getting physical with opposition wingers.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs a 19-year-old, White learned his trade on loan from Brighton at Newport County in League Two in 2017/18 before heading to Peterborough United in League One in 2018/19.And asked what he loves most in a game, White said: “A big tackle. The first 15 minutes of a game, the first tackle on someone to let them know that’s all game you’re gonna get that.“The old fashioned let them know you’re there.“My best season was on loan at Newport. There are aspects of [lower league football] that come into the Premier League and I try and bring some of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“There are not many players who have played in League Two and the Premier League.“Even with the really good players we play against, they’re so good but sometimes you can get a bit of leverage [against them] by being aggressive.Lee Carsley reveals he is ‘not speaking’ to Ben White as he gives update on Arsenal star’s England career“Trying to find any way to win and I will do that. I’m not the best one-v-one defender or the quickest or strongest but finding a way to win, that’s the best thing I have been able to learn.”White was dropped by Southampton as a 16-year-old, admitting he was “too tall, gangly, couldn’t run” before being picked up the Seagulls shortly after in 2014.And he was also given a wake-up call by managerial great Marcelo Bielsa while on loan at Leeds United in 2019/20 – a campaign where the Yorkshire club earned Prem promotion.White explained: “When I first went to Leeds, someone tells me I’m in the U23s changing room. I stayed in there for five or six weeks.“The first training session I had, [Bielsa] didn’t speak any English, someone would interpret it, and he said I was too slow, not agile enough and not mentally quick enough.“And then he just walked off, and didn’t speak to me again for months, but when he says something, you do it. For him to say that to me, you’re not at the highest level…“But I had that in my mind that I would wait it out and I would be okay. I ended up playing every minute that season.“I have never done as much work in training than at Leeds, it was four hours every day, double sessions, sleep at the training ground. The runs we had to do were horrendous.”Following his £50m switch from Brighton to Arsenal in July 2021, White has become a mainstay in Arteta’s now famed back four – one that conceded just 29 Prem goals last term.But White is comfortable for the spotlight to rest on others, including keeper David Raya and centre-back pairing William Saliba and Gabriel, the latter scoring 16 goals – more than any other defender since the Brazilian joined in September 2020.White said: “Saliba is absolutely incredible. Nothing I could say is a weakness.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In training you see glimpses of how good he is but in a game he’s a different level. He can just cruise in training. No one even tries [going past him] because there is no point.“The threat [Gabriel] has in the box is scary. Every time you get a corner you kind of know you’re going to score, if the ball is in an alright area.” More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s role at Leeds United explained as ex-Liverpool boss takes up Red Bull transfer job

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      DANIEL FARKE brushed off wild claims that Jurgen Klopp could REPLACE him at Leeds United.The ex-Liverpool manager was this week confirmed as Red Bull’s new head of global soccer.Daniel Farke has dismissed talk of Klopp joining LeedsCredit: APThe compatriots are close frendCredit: AlamyWithin hours a report in Germany stated that one of his first tasks was to keep a “close watch” on his compatriot at Leeds, the club Red Bull bought a minority stake in this year.Farke has lost just one of the opening nine Championship games this term as he looks to go one better than last season’s play-off final defeat and return to the Premier League.However, after the talk about Klopp and a far-fetched claim that he could perhaps even replace him, Farke insisted he had no concern that his friend would be observing him.He said: “There are obviously a few Red Bull teams like in Leipzig, Salzburg, New York and so on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We are Leeds United and for that it is clear, he has a big impact on the Red Bull clubs and for us not that much.“We are Leeds United and I think no one of our supporters would allow us to try and copy something or follow a similar philosophy.“We are a pretty unique club and also have our own values, principles, philosophy, our own way that we want to play.“As far as I know, this is exactly what the 49ers are standing for. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”They know how special this club is and they don’t want to copy someone else and for that, we will always be Leeds United.”Farke is looking to move level on points with second-placed Sheffield United tonight by beating them at Elland Road and bouncing back from the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser at Sunderland a fortnight ago.The game will see his right-back Jayden Bogle face his former employers for the first time since leaving them for Leeds in the summer.How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tacticThe 24-year-old said: “It will be an interesting one but I think we just need to make sure that we prepare well and, as I said before, use that fire from the last game going into this game to do the right job.“It will be tough, just like when any team comes to Elland Road, they try and make it tough and difficult for us. “But I think the main thing for us is to focus on ourselves and apply ourselves in the right way, work hard over the next few days in training and approach the game in the right way.” More

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      Fans dub David Beckham’s dream 5-a-side team ‘probably the best ever’ as legend picks just one former Man Utd team-mate

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      DAVID BECKHAM has named his dream 5-a-side team and fans reckon it could be the “best ever”.Becks sat down with former teammate Rio Ferdinand on Rio Meets to put together the best 5-a-side team he could, made entirely of players that he has played alongside during his career.David Beckham has revealed his dream 5-a-side squad of players he’s played withCredit: X @rioferdy5The retired England star certainly has a long list of stars to pick from with a glittering career that saw him play for Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester United and AC Milan amongst others.And the five stars he put together certainly caught the imagination of football fans as they wondered what it would be like to see the list of icons link up on the pitch.Opting to build his squad without a goalkeeper, Beckham chose two defender, two midfielders and one bagsman.His defensive duo was made up of Roberto Carlos, who he lined up with at Real Madrid, and Paolo Maldini, who Becks played alongside during his spell with AC Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile the first of his midfielders was Zinedine Zidane, another superstar that Beckham encountered during his time in Madrid.Speaking on why he chose to include the France legend, Beckham gushed: “You play him a ball anywhere on the pitch. Any height, any level, any speed – he’s bring it down.”Partnering the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner in the middle of the park would be Roy Keane.Keane, the only Manchester United star to make the cut, was chosen for his leadership.Most read in FootballBeckham chose Roberto Carlos as one his defenders having played with him at Real MadridCredit: AlamyBecks’ AC Milan teammate Paolo Maldini was another defensive inclusionCredit: ReutersZinedine Zidane, another of Beckham’s Real Madrid teammates, was also in the teamCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBeckham added: “You need a leader and you need someone that’s going to actually going to tackle and fight and be the player that he is”.The cherry on top of Beckham’s all-time 5-a-side team was none other than two-time Ballon d’or winner and two-time World Cup champion, Ronaldo Nazario.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunnedBeckham couldn’t hide his excitement when talking about playing with Ronaldo during his career.He said: “[He’s] one of the greatest and most natural goalscorers that I’ve ever seen.”Beckham’s stacked team left fans gushing about the talent that the Inter Miami owner has played alongside during his career.Taking to social media, one fan wrote: “Can’t argue with any of those picks. Probably the best 5-a-side team ever.”While another added: “Absolutely no arguments with that five. Majestic line up”.A third commented: “Ridiculous five-a-side team. They would go unbeaten for years on end.”And a fourth posted: “Beckham’s 5-a-side team is bound to be legendary.”Roy Keane as the only one of Beckham’s former Man Utd teammates to make the sideCredit: GettyRonaldo Nazario was chosen to lead the lineCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City have already decided who they want to replace Pep Guardiola as manager, claims Ederson

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      EDERSON claims Manchester City already know the man they want to replace Pep Guardiola.The four-in-a-row Prem champions are waiting to hear whether their Catalan boss will leave when his contract expires next summer.Pep Guardiola is out of contract next summerCredit: GettyEderson thinks the club have already decided on Guardiola’s successorCredit: GettyThe hope is he could sign a one-year extension to make it a decade in charge at the Etihad – but as yet he has made no decision.City’s No1 opted to stay in the summer when a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia was on the table for him.And that was partly because he feels the club will know exactly where to turn when the time comes to finally say their goodbyes to Guardiola.Asked if his future was linked to the manager at all, he said: “No, not at all. Today City is a very well structured club, well managed, great directors, great CEO.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I believe the club already has the next manager in mind to the day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same line of work.“Of course it’d be a great loss, we’re talking about the best manager in the world, but I see a really well prepared club for the post-Pep era.”Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is a hot tip to take over following the announcement that his close pal Hugo Viana will move to City as director of football in the summer.However they are also among a host of clubs who have been impressed by the job done by Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Guardiola himself believes his former captain Vincent Kompany – now in charge of Bayern Munich – will be City boss at some point in the future.Ederson revealed Guardiola played a key role in persuading him to stay in the summer – with the pair having several lengthy chats.Fans spot Pep Guardiola coaching opposition player at final whistle and claim it’s ‘because he loves football so much’He said in one conversation he was given ‘guarantees’ by his boss that helped convince him to prolong his seven-year spell in England.Ederson told TNT Sport Brazil: “There was an offer on the table, it weighed a lot on me as it was way above the average.“But I had countless conversations with Pep, there was a decisive one that I can’t reveal much.“It was about what he told me, his guarantees, all of what we’ve lived together here, the evolution I had with him.“So that talk was essential for me to stay at City.”Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.Ederson has helped City win six of the last seven Prem titles since joining the club in 2017.And he says much of their success is down to Guardiola’s guidance, adding:“It’s amazing. He shows you the way, then it’s all on you to put this theory into practice.“He is like our team’s GPS: he gives the route and we follow. If you don’t develop as a player with Pep it’s because you didn’t want to.”Meanwhile Amorim spoke for the first time since it was announced his close friend Viana is going to replace Txiki Begiristain at City.And he said despite their friendship there is no certainty he will make the same move in the near future.He said: “These are rumours. Viana will always be a great friend, but his professional trajectory will one day be different.“One thing doesn’t lead to another. The main thing is that nothing has changed at Sporting, nothing. Viana will only leave at the end of the season.”We don’t talk about it. They are two different paths. Viana’s path is Viana’s path, mine is mine.“We have a professional relationship that will not last forever, but it is certain that the friendship will continue”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim said he will have to make sure Viana stays out of the way when the two teams meet in the Champions League next month.He said: “Of course, Viana won’t be able to enter the dressing room during that week because I won’t let him in to avoid conflicts, but that’s all that changes”. More

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      Egos, formations and selection dilemma.. Thomas Tuchel’s England to-do list in just 15 games before bid to win World Cup

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      THE ultimate mission is simple – you have 18 months to win the World Cup for England.But for Thomas Tuchel the pathway to glory resembles a minefield.Thomas Tuchel will have at most 15 games before the World CupCredit: SplashTuchel will have to find a spot for Jude Bellingham in the teamCredit: ReutersUnder Gareth Southgate, England were one step from heaven – losing two consecutive European Championship finals, as well enjoying two very decent World Cup campaigns.But the final step – that of actually winning a trophy – is the most important, and most difficult.So what are the major issues facing England’s incoming German manager, who has a maximum of just 15 matches in charge before the World Cup kicks off in the United States?The personalities and egos. The potential formations. The surplus of English talent in some areas and the glaring lack in others. The need to build on Southgate’s successes as well as learning from his failures.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAnd there will be precious little time for experimentation, given that Tuchel must first secure qualification.JUDE BELLINGHAMTHE Real Madrid Galactico is the greatest English talent of his generation – so what’s the problem?Well, how best to integrate Bellingham as a footballer and a man.For Real and England, Bellingham has played as a No 10, as a deep-lying midfielder, wide on the left and as a false nine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd while No 10 is almost certainly his best position, the same can be said for Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, so is it possible to include all three of these major players in one effective starting line-up?Then there’s the issue of Bellingham’s star status. During the Euros there were whisperings of an oversized ego and personality clashes with other key players. If so, Tuchel needs to stamp on the problem.Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager HARRY KANETuchel worked with Harry Kane at Bayern MunichCredit: PATUCHEL is a huge fan of the England skipper and was proud of his significant coup in capturing Kane for Bayern.Kane will remain as captain as first-choice No 9 – but what if he is misfiring?What if Kane has an injury issue, such as the one which hampered him during the Euros, when Southgate was unwilling to drop him?Kane is more likely than most players to deny any fitness problem, and to insist on playing through pain – but Tuchel must have the balls to bench his captain if it is necessary.FORMATIONThe manager has used multiple formations during his careerCredit: APTUCHEL is tactically flexible, having played with a 4-3-3, a 4-2-3-1 as well as with a 3-4-3 wing-back system at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League.With so few matches in which to settle on his best England formation – and with Tuchel bafflingly not taking charge of next month’s two Nations League fixtures – he must be clear in a tactical vision which best suits his players and then stick to his guns.This issue is connected to the ‘Bellingham-Palmer-Foden’ conundrum as well as England’s lack of left-backs.Could Bukayo Saka be employed as a left wing-back to counteract that problem?And if you haven’t got two world-class centre-backs, is it better to go with a back three, including the pace of Kyle Walker, a man Tuchel tried hard to sign for Bayern?Then there’s the issue of Southgate’s reputation for over-caution. Tuchel is no free-wheeling entertainer. Is he bothered if the nation yawns while England win games?OLD FAVOURITESTuchel worked with Reece James while at ChelseaCredit: APTHERE are at least three English players currently out of the England set-up who have been favourites of Tuchel at club level – Reece James, Mason Mount and Eric Dier. Does the German bring them back into the fold?James and Mount have both been seriously affected by injury in recent years but if fit and firing, could James challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker at right-back and would Mount enter the argument in the crowded attacking midfield positions?Dier was frozen out by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou as well as Southgate but Tuchel revived his career at Bayern. Is he worth another England chance?FIND A LEFT-BACKTuchel will have to find a replacement for injury-prone Luke ShawCredit: GettyTHIS is England’s most glaring problem area given that Luke Shaw is rarely fit, while Ben Chilwell has been frozen out at Chelsea – where he was never a Tuchel favourite anyway.England have been employing specialist right-backs on the left in recent times, which has affected the balance of the team.Tuchel cannot stick with that plan so does he opt for a wing-back system with Saka on the left or find a new specialist in a back four?Brentford’s Rico Henry will soon return from a long-term injury, while Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell or Leif Davis are also worthy of Tuchel’s consideration.CLUB v COUNTRYGareth Southgate built a great team atmosphereCredit: GettyFOR decades before Southgate came along, England were often hampered by club-versus-country rows – resulting in plenty of dodgy sicknotes.Southgate virtually eradicated these issues, having worked hard to forge excellent relationships with individual managers, as well as between the FA and Premier League clubs, before and during his own reign as England’s senior manager.Firebrand Tuchel is a less clubbable personality so can he avoid burning the bridges his predecessor did so well in building?MASON GREENWOODMason Greenwood has been in good form since joining MarseilleCredit: ReutersA LEFT-FIELD issue this – but what if Tuchel wants to bring back Greenwood, a great English talent, who brings a vast amount of off-field baggage?In pure footballing terms, Greenwood is outstanding. A direct wide forward and an excellent finisher who has been tearing it up in France since joining Marseille, after a successful spell at Getafe in La Liga last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESGreenwood is expected to switch international allegiance to Jamaica but might Tuchel be tempted to keep him in the England system?If so he would be stepping into a moral maze. Charges of domestic violence against Greenwood have been dropped and he has not been convicted of any crime but many, including the FA top brass, would baulk at the idea of seeing him in an England shirt again.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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      Barcelona ‘victim of transfer fraud after transferring £830,000 to scammer pretending to be Lewandowski’s agent’

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      BARCELONA fell victim to a scam when completing Robert Lewandowski’s transfer.The striker moved to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2022, joining from Bayern Munich.A scammer posing as Lewandwoski’s agent almost cost Barcelona £830,000Credit: RexLewandowski has been in fine form this season and has helped Barcelona to the top of LaLiga, but his signing got the club into difficulty.That is because a fraudster posing as his agent Pini Zahavi demanded a payment be made of £830,000, according to reports in Spain.In late July 2022 several club directors and executives received an email requesting the payment as commission for the deal being completed.Barcelona paid the amount into an account number at the Bank of Cyprus – but to an account under the name of Michael Gerardus Hermanus Demon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bank blocked the transfer as it was considered high risk, due to the fact there were no previous transactions on the account nor any valid documents to justify the payment.The scammer continued to put pressure on Barcelona by posing as Zahavi, and threatened to report the club to Uefa and block Lewandowski’s registration.They also wrote to the Bank of Cyprus in a bid to get the transaction approved but were denied again.That meant Barcelona were able to recover the £830,000 and have since reported the scammer to police after receiving two more emails demanding around £210,000.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewandowski, 36, has been a success at Barcelona with 71 goals in 106 games, including 12 this term.He signed from Bayern in a deal worth £42.5million.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win More