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      Inside Mbappe’s ‘secret’ 48hr Sweden trip where he’s accused of raping woman after ‘making pals put phones in envelopes’

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      KYLIAN Mbappe was accused of rape after a whirlwind trip to Sweden that lasted just two days.The football star partied at an exclusive nightclub where pals featured on the guest list reportedly had to put their phones in envelopes when they arrived.Kylian Mbappe leaves the Bank hotel during his trip to StockholmCredit: RexKylian Mbappe – in a mask and cap – leaves Chez Jolie restaurant with friendsCredit: RexInfluencer Julia Franzen who claims she went to the V nightclubCredit: YouTubeDaily Swedish paper Expressen claims he visited the restaurant Chez Jolie and the nightclub V, hosting “exclusive private parties” there.Alongside Bayer Leverkusen player Nordi Mukiele, the Real Madrid star apparently spent both Wednesday and Thursday night at party spot V.Influencer Julia Franzen, 34, who says she has been to other similar parties with Mbappe, revealed how she was made to put her phone in a box.She told the Swedish outlet only women who “look good and have a nice personality” can secure spots on guest lists to parties like this.READ MORE ON MBAPPEFrench football star Mbappe, 25, and his friends reportedly hired the private “ping pong room” at V.Some 30 people were invited to join, most of them women.The exclusive club boasts on its website: “You will find yourself surrounded by celebrities, wealthy men and women, and stunning young ladies dressed extravagantly.”It adds: “Naturally, the drinks are expensive, but besides paying for your drinks you cannot buy your way in here. You need to wait for your turn on the exclusive guest list.”Most read in FootballMbappe’s brief getaway to the Swedish capital was intended to “recharge his batteries” after an intense start to the season with Real Madrid, Le Parisien reports.After arriving last Tuesday by private jet, Mbappe and his entourage stayed at the luxurious Bank Hotel.He dined at pricey restaurant Chez Jolie, with pictures showing him outside the eatery in a hat and mask amongst friends.Other photos from the trip showed him discreetly trying to leave his hotel, again in a hat and hood.Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that the French forward was being looked at by cops over allegations of sexual abuse on Monday.The alleged victim reportedly sought medical help at a Swedish hospital ward for rape victims, according to TV4.No specific details have emerged about the allegations against him.Mbappe furiously hit back at reports, dubbing them “fake news” on X after they first broke.But his lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard later told French BFMTV that after two days he was informed about the ongoing probe.She said: “The only thing I can say is that he has nothing to be ashamed of. The second is that we don’t know anything.”French radio station RMC said those in his inner circle “remain calm” despite the allegations. READ MORE SUN STORIESBernard added: “He cannot even imagine for a second that a complaint has been filed and is directed against him. “He has nothing to accuse himself of and doesn’t even understand what it’s about.”Sturekompagniet, home to V nightclub in StockholmCredit: ReutersMbappe was seen leaving the Bank Hotel on Friday before the complaint was filedKylian Mbappe looks on during a UEFA Champions League football matchCredit: AFP More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Raphael Varane pinpoints the exact moment injury wrecked his career… in crunch match over a DECADE ago

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      RAPHAEL VARANE has pinpointed the exact moment that injury wrecked his career.The Frenchman announced his shock retirement from football in September.Raphael Varane was forced into an early retirement this seasonCredit: GettyHe claimed his injury problems started after a game for FranceCredit: PA:Empics SportVarane, 31, called time on his career after only one appearance for Italian side Como.The defender joined the club in the summer on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United.His time at Old Trafford was blighted by injury, as he missed 219 days due to being on the treatment table.Varane has now revealed that his appearance for France against Ukraine in 2013 was the moment that affected his career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe was suffering from inflammation in his right knee but braved through in order to feature.France won the game 3-0 as they overturned their 2-0 deficit from the first leg in order to qualify for the World Cup in 2014.He told L’Equipe: “I shouldn’t have played the play-off against Ukraine in 2013.”After the first leg, my knee wouldn’t let me alone, it was swelling.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But France needed me, the coach needed me, and I took the risk.”That day I risked my career. But I don’t regret it. Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injuryVarane left Man United in the summerCredit: Getty”For France, I would always do it again.”After the game, the liquid had to be removed from his knee, and he was put on an anaesthetic.Varane spent three seasons at the Red Devils after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid in 2021.He made 95 appearances across three seasons and scored two goals. Varane’s retirement statement in full”They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.”I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”Thank you, football.”With love, Rapha.” More

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      Play Score Predictor ahead of Matchweek 8 and compete for £250 prize – we reveal our own predictions

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      THE end of the international break means the return of Score Predictor for Matchweek 8.As usual, it’s free to play and we’ll reward the winner with a prize in the form of a cool £250.Simply submit predictions for five selected Premier League games and earn points for accuracy – most points banks the cash.Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: Dream TeamRemember, you don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – that’s very rare – you just have to outperform everyone else.Check out our predictions below for Matchweek 8…Manchester United v BrentfordThe Bees have won ten points on home soil this season, the joint-highest tally among top flight sides alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, but they’ve lost every away game so far.Southampton are the only other team yet to earn a point on the road.That being said, the Red Devils are the joint-lowest scorers at home in the league in 2024/25 and so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Saturday’s match-up at Old Trafford was something of a damp squib.Both sides rank in the bottom half of the table for shots.Most read in FootballOur Prediction: 1-1 drawThe Old Trafford drama continues this weekendCredit: GettyBournemouth v ArsenalThe Gunners have won their last five meetings with the Cherries, including comfortable 4-0 (away) and 3-0 (home) victories last season.Mikel Arteta’s troops are one of just two teams yet to suffer defeat this term while Andoni Iraola’s side have lost three of their last four outings.Bournemouth’s defeat to Leicester just before the break suggests they’re not in the best shape to host Arsenal right now.There are availability question marks over Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli but we’re expecting a strong starting from the visitors on Saturday.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ArsenalSaka limped off while on England dutyCredit: GettyWolves v Manchester CityGary O’Neil’s side have endured a miserable start to the campaign and find themselves bottom of the table having conceded 21 goals in seven outings.They’ve had a tough run of fixtures and it doesn’t get any better this weekend when the reigning champions come to town.Wolves are the only top-flight side yet to earn a single point at home this season.On the plus side, they beat Man City at Molineux last time around but a 5-1 defeat at the Etihad earlier this year brought them back down to earth.Our Prediction: 4-1 to Man CityScore 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 NOWLiverpool v ChelseaSunday’s late kick-off is the main event of Matchweek 8 as it pits the league leaders against the team currently in fourth.The Blues have won just one of their last 12 meetings with the Reds in all competitions; although they have achieved five draws in that time.Chelsea’s last visit to Anfield ended in a 4-1 defeat but they’ve improved considerably since then.Enzo Maresca’s mob have a 100% record on the road this season but they will have to produce something special to maintain that beyond this weekend.We’re predicting a tight contest, possibly decided by a penalty…Our Prediction: 2-1 to LiverpoolLiverpool have won six of their seven league games this seasonCredit: PANottingham Forest v Crystal PalaceThe hosts have proved themselves stubborn opposition this season having lost just once (to Fulham) but, from a neutral perspective, entertainment has been sparse.Forest’s league games have featured 13 goals in total, the fewest among all teams.Couple this with the Eagles’ problems in front of goal (only Southampton have scored fewer goals in the league) and Monday night’s match-up might be a slog.At the risk of oversimplifying things, Forest haven’t won at home and Palace are yet to win away…READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 0-0 drawEnter your predictions for Matchweek 8 before Saturday’s 3pm deadline!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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      Forgotten Chelsea title winner ‘set to join Thomas Tuchel’s England coaching staff’

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      A FORGOTTEN Premier League champion is reportedly in line to join Thomas Tuchel’s coaching staff with the England national team.Tuchel was today announced as the new permanent England manager after signing an 18-month contract that will see him in the hot-seat for the 2026 World Cup.Thomas Tuchel with FA technical director John McDermottCredit: GettyTuchel, who will take charge from 2025, is assembling his coaching staff ahead of his first game as Three Lions boss.It was already confirmed that his trusted assistant Anthony Barry – who worked with the German at Chelsea and Bayern Munich – will be joining the team as his right-hand man.And now it looks like another man from Tuchel’s days at Stamford Bridge will be joining the ranks – in the form of a unsung title winner.According to Di Marzio’s Nathan Gissing, Tuchel will be bringing in former Chelsea goalkeeper Henrique Hilario.READ MORE ON ENGLANDHilario, best known by his second name alone, spent eight years as a back-up keeper for the Blues before hanging up his gloves and immediately joining the club’s staff as a goalkeeping coach.The 48-year-old has been with the club ever since, including Tuchel’s stint as boss in SW6.But the one-time Portugal international now looks like he will be heading for a new role with the England national team – albeit in a reportedly “part-time” role.Hilario made just 39 appearances for Chelsea during his playing days but was part of the squad for the club’s 2010 Premier League title, 2012 Champions League success and three FA Cup wins.Most read in FootballTuchel is reportedly bringing Chelsea goalkeeper coach Henrique Hilario into his England coaching staffCredit: GettyHilario spent eight years on the books at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt’s also claimed that Tuchel is expected to recruit a Chelsea video analyst to his team too.Tuchel’s recruitment of familiar faces may stretch further than his coaching staff too.England interviewed ten candidates before appointing Thomas Tuchel, admits FA chief in German’s first press conferenceSunSport Online exclusively revealed that the 51-year-old could throw a lifeline to Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling as part of his playing squad in the near future.The pair had fallen out of favour under Gareth Southgate, with neither making an appearance for England since the 2022 World Cup.But Tuchel is known to be a fan of both with the tactician regularly using Sterling during his Chelsea days and signing Dier for Bayern Munich last season.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. More

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      From acute winning mentality to being an actual football SCIENTIST, 10 reasons Thomas Tuchel is perfect for England job

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      Gott in Himmel! A German running the England football team?What next – an American running English cricket?German coach Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettyThe former Chelsea boss is the right man to manage England, says PiersCredit: ReutersPiers has shared ten reasons why Tuchel is perfect for the jobThat was the immediate wide-spread reaction on social media yesterday when news broke that Bavarian-born Thomas Tuchel had been appointed as England manager.Much of it doubtless spewed by the same fans who chant ‘Ten German Bombers’ at England matches to the tune of She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain – ending with the line, ‘There were no German bombers in the air…’cause the RAF from England shot them down!’Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereThat chant’s going to be a tad #awks now we have an actual German in charge of the team.READ MORE FROM PIERSI don’t buy into the absurd Little Englander mentality that only an Englishman can manage the England football team.I only care about having someone who can win us the trophy we’ve all been craving since the World Cup glory of 1966.And I believe we now have the right man to do it in this intense, charming, virtually tee-total perfectionist who speaks five languages, loves hip-hop (he was once a barman in a hip-hop club) and crime thrillers, and considers himself an ‘imperfect vegetarian.’Here are ten reasons why I’m sold on Thomas Tuchel:Most read in Football1. NO SELF-DOUBTHe desperately wanted the job and has chilling self-belief in his confidence to do it successfully. Compare and contrast with what current stand-in manager Lee Carsley said: ‘This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and been there and done it. I’m still on the path to doing that.’’I didn’t mean that!’ Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for comment in first England presserWeak, weak, weak. You’re 50 years old, Lee – if you don’t back yourself for a big job now, you’ll never be up to it. Thankfully, Herr Tuchel has no such self-doubt.2. HE KNOWS WHAT IT TAKESThomas Tuchel knows what it takes to win trophies – seen above after Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2021Credit: APHe’s a winner of multiple major trophies at some of the world’s biggest clubs. Nine in total, including League titles in Germany (with Bayern Munich) and France (with Paris Saint-Germain), and a Champions League with Chelsea where he brilliantly out-smarted Manchester City’s mercurial genius Pep Guardiola in the final. Tuchel knows what it takes to get over the line for silverware in tournament football, something Gareth Southgate repeatedly failed to do at the last hurdle.3. LOVE FOR ENGLANDTuchel is said to love English players and English footballCredit: GettySetting aside the fact that he speaks more eloquent and articulate English than half our team of actual Englishmen, Tuchel loves England.‘He’s an avowed Anglophile,’ German football journalist Raphael Honigstein told talkSPORT. ‘He loves English football, loves English players and has a real passion for English football. I think he sees himself as somebody that can take a team that’s come close that one decisive step further and deliver the trophy and become a German hero in England. I think that has a special kind of fascination for him.’ Love that.4. UNIQUE TRAININGHe’s a football science graduate, inspired by an actual German scientist, Professor Wolfgang Schollhorn, who preaches the power of disruptive tactics designed to compel students to find new solutions to problems. ‘If we want to have extraordinary performance, we need to train extraordinarily!’ is Schollhorn’s mantra, and Tuchel applies that to his training sessions, making players do mad things like making them hold tennis balls during defensive drills to keep unnecessary fouling in check, deliberately pushing their buttons to wind them up so that by match day they’re prepared for any eventuality. It works.5. HE’S PASSIONATEHe’s temperamental, especially when it comes to his executive bosses. Tuchel was a self-confessed pain in the a**e as a player and has been exactly the same as a manager, because he hates losing. Good.I like fire, passion and a burning desire to win in my managers. Southgate, bless him, was always a bit too nicey-nicey. 6. SURROUNDED BY STARSHarry Kane loved his time with Tuchel at BayernCredit: PATuchel’s used to working with the world’s biggest stars like Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi. That’s why he’ll have no fear working with our home-grown superstars like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, or Harry Kane who loved his time with him at Bayern. We need someone who can get the best out of our brilliant squad of players, something that again, Southgate never quite managed.7. NO SCANDALS TO COMETuchel and his wife Sissi split in 2022Credit: GettyTuchel’s already got his sex scandals out of the way. Unlike the late, great but very randy Sven-Goran Eriksson, it’s very unlikely he’ll be using the job as a casting couch for new lovers.Thomas’s marriage ended in 2022 amid feverish dressing room rumours of an affair, but he’s now happily ensconced with the woman involved, a beautiful Brazilian named Natalie Max, 13 years his junior. She should keep his eyes from wandering.8. AN INTENSE, OBSESSIVE PERFECTIONIST‘Never underestimate the power of preparation,’ he once said, ‘it is the most crucial aspect of success.’ Tuchel will be all over every tiny detail of getting his players ready for winning tournaments, from their diet to their video game habits.9. HE’S NUTS, IN A GOOD WAYPierre-Emerick Aubameyang branded Tuchel ‘one of the best coaches I’ve had’Credit: AFPFormer Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who played under him at Borussia Dortmund, said: ‘He’s one of the best coaches that I’ve had. He’s someone a bit crazy, a bit like Guardiola, they play with the same spirit. He likes to keep the ball with a style of play that likes to see the ball move forward, no matter what happens.’England need that more attacking mentality to unleash our exciting talent.10. A FIERCE MOTIVATORAt Mainz, during a bike tour up a mountain, Tuchel buried the club badge and told the youth team that if they reached the U19 Bundesliga final, he would retrieve it. ‘We all had goosebumps,’ recalled one of those players, Konstantin Fring. ‘We would have killed someone for him. We wanted to win so much. And we did.’ Tuchel later retrieved the badge. READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, if he takes the England team on a bike ride and buries the three lions’ badge, we’ll know what’s going to happen at the 2026 World Cup. Es kommt nach Hause!Tuchel at Wembley after being announced the new England managerCredit: GettyTuchel and FA CEO Mark Bullingham during Wednesday’s press conference at WembleyCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘There are difficult questions for the FA to answer,’ says Gary Neville as Man Utd legend gives Thomas Tuchel verdict

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      GARY NEVILLE believes there are “difficult questions for the FA to answer” after Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as England’s new boss.Tuchel sat down for his first Three Lions press conference after confirming an 18-month deal starting from January.Gary Neville believes Thomas Tuchel’s appointment could be bad news for English coachingThe former Chelsea boss was announced as Gareth Southgate’s successorBut Neville had earlier revealed that it’s the FA who need to answer some questions surrounding the decision not to hire an English coach.The Manchester United legend fears the appointment of German Tuchel as manager will have a damaging impact on coaching in England.Gary Neville told Sky Sports: “I worked under international coaches for England.“I loved playing for England while I was working under Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Steve McClaren, Kevin Keegan… and Sven Goran Eriksson – so I didn’t see any difference in terms of my passion for my country when I played under an international coach.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“But what I have seen over the last 15-20 years is the reputational damage that English coaching has taken. “We are in a rut when it comes to English coaching.“English coaching is one of the least respected big nations in Europe when it comes to taking charge of a football team. “Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese coaches are renowned for their styles of play, for their philosophy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We don’t have a clear identity as an English nation, for what we are anymore. “We haven’t built a style, we haven’t got a coach who’s built a style that’s unique to us and we’ve seen coaches from all around Europe come and input their styles into our game.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference “And we’ve copied their styles and we’re trying to copy what they do – without really developing our own style.“I think my view is that we need to build an identity as an English country in terms of what our style of play is and let English coaches flourish, and St George’s Park was set up to do that.“The English philosophy of that time was to build English coaches and to try to get English coaches as high as possible in the world.”And Gareth Southgate, I think, has done a great job – but we’ve chosen to go down a different route, and I think there are some difficult questions for the FA to answer.”Tuchel has already faced the media for the first time in a press conference on Wednesday and jokingly apologised for having a German passport.Asked about was being the country’s third foreign manager after Eriksson and Fabio Capello, he replied: “I am sorry I have a German passport.”But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was also revealed that the FA interviewed 10 managers before appointing the former Premier League boss, who was also targeted by Man Utd in the summer.He was asked about choosing England over United – and almost appeared lost for words as he explained his 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. More

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      Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd

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      THOMAS TUCHEL was lost for words when asked why he chose to take the England job over Manchester United.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager was today revealed to the world as the new Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel was briefly lost for words after being asked why he chose England over Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel had an awkward pause as he considered his responseTuchel, 51, has signed an 18 month contract that will see him earn £5million a year.FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed they interviewed 10 people for the job before appointing Tuchel, with the contract being signed on October 8.However, before taking the job he was one of the biggest names linked with the Man Utd job amid the pressure hanging over Erik ten Hag.Asked about why he opted for England over United, Tuchel appeared lost for words at first as he only answered with an “umm”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hesitating for a moment, he said: “Because the idea… and the way Mark and John [McDermott] presented it was very fast, very exciting, very confidential and trustful.”That was a decision for this job, and not against anyone else. I will not comment on any other clubs.”In a social media video before the press conference, Tuchel said he wanted to “get a second star” for England – as in win the World Cup.But one reporter gave Tuchel an apology after their “flippant” comment regarding those chances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA reporter said: “Good luck,” in response to Tuchel’s declaration before offering an apology following a moment of awkwardness.Tuchel managed England captain Harry Kane at club level last season, but has revealed he did not consult the former Tottenham ace before taking the job.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.He also refused to confirm whether Kane would remain captain under him.Tuchel said: “Too early to answer these questions but you know how I think of Harry and how I fought to bring him to Bayern Munich.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024″He is on his way to be a legend but it is important to have respect to Lee (Carsley) and not interfere next month.”Interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of England’s Uefa Nations League games next month, before Tuchel takes full charge of the team in January.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.Another flashpoint saw Tuchel asked a question in German.He was asked how he would win over any grumbling England supporters that wanted a homegrown coach, before answering in English: “Everyone has their opinion and I can understand when someone says they would fancy an English coach more for the English team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can understand it, but I think we deserve a fair chance. We deserve it for having a good record, for never being shy of how much we love living here and working with Premier League players.”Maybe this counts a little bit for a British edge on my German passport, so we will try to convince [the fans] by results and how we play.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

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      Man Utd players told to pay Sir Alex Ferguson’s salary after he was dropped from multi-million pound role

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      MANCHESTER UNITED players have been told to pay Sir Alex Ferguson’s salary after he was dropped from his multi-million pound role.The Red Devils legend was removed from his official ambassadorial role as part of cost-cutting measures.Sir Alex Ferguson should have his axed wage paid by Man Utd players, says Stuart PearceCredit: GettyPearce also cheekily hinted at another alternativeCredit: Getty13-time title winner Fergie was pocketing over £2million a year for representing United on the global stage.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe feels the money will be better spent elsewhere.Sir Alex will continue to fly the flag for United though, despite also being banned from the dressing room.And England icon Stuart Pearce reckons current players should chip together to restore Fergie’s wage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Man City star told talkSPORT: “Wouldn’t it be good if the United squad said we’ll fund that money per-season to keep Alex in post because he’s too important to this club?“I got a little bit mischievous and thought, what if Manchester City players said, wouldn’t it be good if we chipped in and paid Alex Ferguson’s wages each year to keep him in place for what he’s done for that club across the road, that is going to inspire us on a weekly basis.“It would be classy. You’ve sacked your best ever but we’ll fund him, it’s no problem.”One former player who was left outraged by the decision to axe Fergie was Eric Cantona.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe insisted the Scot should have the run of the place after his achievements.And the Frenchman went on to use an expletive to describe the chaos.Man Utd injury blow as £51m signing limps out of international duty to hand Ten Hag selection headache Cantona said: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. “Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!” More