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    Unai Emery signs Aston Villa contract extension in blow to Bayern Munich and Premier League giants

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    UNAI EMERY has committed his long term future to Aston Villa by signing a one-year extension to his contract.The news will come as a blow to Bayern Munich who had identified the 52-year-old Spaniard as their preferred candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.Unai Emery has committed his future to Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has ended Bayern Munich’s hopes of landing himCredit: GettyIt will also rule out Manchester United and Liverpool from targeting the former PSG, Arsenal, Sevilla and Valencia boss.Villa moved swiftly to extend Emery’s current deal, which already had three years to run, after a sensational season.He has led Villa to fourth place in the Premier League and to their first European semi-final in 42 years.The club’s billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are so delighted with the transformation he has brought about at Villa they intend to sit down with Emery this summer to prolong the deal even further.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey believe they currently have one of the best bosses in Europe, who is on a par with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp and who could become their version of Sir Alex Ferguson.They have backed Emery since he arrived from Villarreal on a four-and-a-half year deal in October 2022.That was when Villa were languishing in 17th place in the Premier League.Emery has had a major say in every significant club appointment since from Head of Recruitment Monchi, down to his large staff of coaches and video analysts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt is that autonomy which has allowed Emery to control almost every aspect of life at Villa, which the likes of Bayern could never grant him.Emery is understood to love the project he has taken on at Villa and the power he has due to the trust the owners have placed in him.Former Aston Villa CEO joins fans in Unai Emery chant at Stamford Bridge away end during Chelsea winNews of Emery’s contract extension until 2027 will be greeted with joy by Villa’s players such as Ollie Watkins and skipper John McGinn, who have seen their own performances soar under the gifted Spanish coach.Villa fans will also rejoice at the news Emery has turned his back on some of the giants of the European game to commit his future to their club, in what will come as a huge boost for the remainder of their season.Emery takes his side to Chelsea on Saturday looking to take another step towards Champions League qualification.They are currently fourth in the top-flight, three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham having played two games more.Villa have a trip to Brighton and a home clash with title-chasing Liverpool to go before their final day showdown with Crystal Palace.However, they also have a two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final with Greek giants Olympiacos to navigate.The winner of that will face the victors of Fiorentina and Club Brugge in the final next month.Our beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd
    When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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      Zinedine Zidane ‘prefers Man Utd to Bayern Munich with managerial move to Bundesliga giants in doubt’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE would prefer to manage Manchester United over Bayern Munich, it’s claimed.Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is believed to be under threat due to an inconsistent season.Zinedine Zidane is reportedly in favour of a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated PressErik ten Hag is under pressure at Old TraffordCredit: GettyBayern Munich are also on the lookout for a replacement for Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyThe Dutchman could leave the club at the end of the season with the Frenchman seen as a potential replacement.French outlet L’Équipe report that a deal that would see Zidane replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich at the end of the season is close.However, a number of hurdles need to be sorted before an appointment is sealed.A huge hurdle, according to the report, is that that Zidane, 51, would prefer to take on the manager role at Manchester United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is also claimed that the language barrier between Zidane and the Germans, as well as life in Bavaria, are major obstacles.Bayern remain “extremely keen” on hiring the former Real Madrid boss with Tuchel confirmed to be leaving in the summer.Zidane is said to respect Bayern and appreciates that a move to the Allianz Arena could provide him the opportunity to challenge for titles immediately.This may not be the case at the Red Devils who have been well off the pace of the Premier League’s title challengers this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGFFN have added that Ineos, who own 25 per cent of Manchester United and head up football operations with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, are keen on hiring Zidane as part of “a new era” at the club.The report claims that a language barrier would also be an issue for the manager in England, however it would be less severe than in Germany.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Should Zidane make the move to Man United, then Bayern could turn to Ralf Rangnick to take over at the Allianz Arena.Zidane has previously managed Real Madrid over two successful spells.During his tenure, he led the club to two LaLiga titles and three Champions League triumphs.He has been out of club management since leaving the Spanish giants in 2021.Former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter has also been linked with Man United.Club legend Dwight Yorke, however, would prefer Zidane to take over and believes that Potter would be “eaten alive”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMan United have also been tipped with an interest in Bologna’s Thiago Motta.The Italian made waves in the football coaching scene when he announced his philosophy to be a 2-7-2.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.
      Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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      Man City ‘plot huge Jamal Musiala transfer bid as Pep Guardiola draws up three-man shortlist’

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      MANCHESTER CITY are eager to sign Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala this summer, according to reports.The reigning Premier League champions will look to strengthen once again this summer, after not being fully satisfied with last year’s business.Jamal Musiala helped Bayern knock Arsenal out of the Champions League in mid-weekCredit: PACity lost key men Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez last summer, while they also decided to let Cole Palmer leave to join Chelsea.New recruit Matheus Nunes has not made an impact since joining from Wolves, while Jeremy Doku still has a way to go.According to The Guardian, City will make a “big push” to sign Musiala this summer.They add that City’s interest is “advanced” and that the Bayern ace, 21, is becoming their top target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMusiala left Chelsea’s academy aged 16 to join Bayern Munich in 2019.He has since gone on to become a key man in Bavaria, helping them to four Bundesliga titles and a Club World Cup.With Bayern having lost their crown to Bayer Leverkusen this term, Musiala may feel that now is the time to leave.The Germany international, who represented England at youth level, has two years remaining on his contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERShould he indicate that he would like to leave Bayern he is set to receive plenty of interest, with Chelsea also remaining keen on their former Cobham starlet.If Musiala proves to be unattainable, City have a pair of fall-back options ready, with Pep Guardiola desperate for new attacking reinforcements.Roy Keane says it was nice to see England get taste of own medicine after losing out of MusialaThey retain their previous interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, despite concerns over his injury history.While West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is also still on their radar, although any move would hinge on the outcome of an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches by the midfielder, which he denies.Eberechi Eze has impressed for Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyLucas Paqueta remains on Man City’s radarCredit: Rex’This guy has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or’Pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously gushed over Musiala, calling him a “potential Ballon d’Or winner”.The TNT Sports star said: “He’s a fabulous footballer. In a world where we talk about stats and data, he ticks that box, but it’s on the eye test where he comes alive; the way he receives the ball, he’s elusive, he rides a tackle and gets through traffic with HD.”He’s a fantastic footballer. I think the highest compliment I can give him is that I don’t know where his ceiling is.”Most players even at 20/22 years old, you go ‘I think they are going to get to this level and that’s them.'”This guy has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve said it before, he has the potential to do that if the path goes the right way for him and he’s in a successful team. That’s the platform and foundation for that.” More

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      Zinedine Zidane ‘on verge of managerial return with Real Madrid legend close to agreeing contract with European giants’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE is on the verge of becoming Bayern Munich manager, it’s been claimed.The Frenchman hasn’t worked since leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYZinedine Zidane is on the verge of replacing the German, it’s been claimedCredit: AFPThe 51-year-old is reportedly “one step away” from taking charge of the BavariansCredit: GETTYBut the 51-year-old is said to be on the brink of returning to the dugout with Bayern.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the former Los Blancos player and gaffer has held successful talks with the German giants.And the Spanish newspaper claims the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner is “one step away” from taking charge of the Bavarians.An official agreement has not yet been reached, although Mundo claims the deal is “practically done”.Zidane is said to have asked for a war chest to bolster the squad upon his arrival.And the World Cup winner has reportedly prioritised strengthening Bayern’s’ leaky defence.Zidane is in line to succeed former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.Tuchel will leave the club at the end of the season, in which his troops were pipped to the Bundesliga title by high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZinedine Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League triumphsCredit: APZidane has been enjoying the fruits of his playing and managerial careers since his second departure from the Bernabeu in June 2021.He stepped down from his role due to the club’s lack of “faith” in him following their first trophyless season in 11 years. Zinedine Zidane ‘will only return to management for three jobs’ as Bayern Munich hunt new boss In an open letter to Madristas, he said: “Right now, things are different … I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need.”Nor the support to build something in the medium or long term.“What we achieved together has to be respected.”I know football and I know the demands of a club like Madrid.”I know that when you don’t win you have to go.”But this time, something very important has been forgotten, everything that I have built on a daily basis has been forgotten.”What I have contributed in the relationship with the players and with the 150 people who work at the club.” More

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      Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal

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      BAYERN MUNICH could be about to spring a tactical shock against Arsenal.After a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, the last-16 tie is delicately poised going into this evening’s clash.Thomas Tuchel is plotting Arsenal’s downfall with a sneaky tactical switchCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka is Arsenal’s dangermanCredit: GettyAnd Bild claim Thomas Tuchel is ready to shake things up in a bid to ensure the Gunners’ sights are off.Alphonso Davies is suspended after being booked in the first leg with one of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro expected to replace him.But Bayern’s pre-match training session saw the pair both feature in what is expected to be the first team, with Thomas Muller playing for the reserves.Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka is the visitors’ main driving force and it appears Tuchel, 50, is planning to double up on the danger man.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBild believe Mazraoui will play at left-back with Guerreiro playing higher up.Bayern will still have plenty of firepower with Jamal Musiala  operating behind Harry Kane.The former Tottenham hitman will need no extra motivation to face his former club’s bitter rivals.But a chance to go all the way in Europe and finally break his trophy duck is a huge factor.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKane, who was a beaten finalist with Tottenham in 2019, said: “For sure (it is unfinished business), whenever you reach the final of a competition and don’t quite get over the line there’s always that burning fire inside you to get back there and go that one step further.”Spurs fans may have mixed feelings, however, as the Premier League is in real danger of losing its fifth Champions League spot next season.Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with BayernIf the Gunners KO Bayern, it will be a massive boost England’s battle with Germany to have five clubs in the competition.Tottenham currently sit fifth in the league – three points off in-form Aston Villa in fourth. More

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      Arsenal warned Bayern Munich boast little-known English secret weapon who was non-league star and won Champions League

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      HARRY KANE and Eric Dier will not be the only Englishmen gunning for Arsenal on Wednesday.Anthony Barry, who started his coaching career at Wigan, is Bayern Munich’s assistant manager and one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.Bayern Munich assistant manager Anthony Barry could cause major issues to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe ex-Accrington, Yeovil and Fleetwood midfielder was brought to Germany from Chelsea by Bayern chief Thomas Tuchel, with the pair having worked together at Stamford BridgeAnd if Bayern score from a corner or a free-kick against Mikel Arteta’s side, that will be down to Barry who is in charge of the team’s set-pieces.Barry will leave the German club with Tuchel at the end of the season and the offers have already come in.He has just turned down a second approach from Ireland to replace boss Stephen Kenny,  who was sacked in November.Read More on FootballBut Barry, who combined his role at Chelsea as a part-time coach for the Irish, will be assisting Roberto Martinez with Portugal at Euro 2024.Barry, who also worked for Martinez with Belgium at the 2022 World Cup, wants to be a manager in his own right so is waiting for the right offer for next season.However, he is not the only Englishman currently coaching in the Bundesliga.Craig Fleming, assistant coach at Southampton for four years under Ralph Hasenhuttl, has linked up with the Austrian to become Wolfsburg’s No 2.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTicket disparityLIVERPOOL have been given just 750 tickets for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Atalanta.To enter the ballot, Reds fans had to have bought tickets for 22 of the previous 24 European away games over the last five seasons.Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with BayernThat is some loyalty, whatever team you support.Meanwhile, Arsenal will have just under 3,800 supporters against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday — and they have all paid a relatively affordable £42.80 a ticket.To watch the first leg at the Emirates, supporters had to fork out between £70 and £103.If you needed proof of the disparity between English and German ticket prices, here it is.Broadcaster outsmartedA WELL-KNOWN broadcaster did not see the funny side after a telling off in the posh seats at Chelsea.In an exclusive area behind the home dugout at Stamford Bridge, he caused a bit of a stir by shouting at the home bench during a game.The television and radio presenter was told to calm down by security and during the heated exchange, he trotted out the infamous line: “Do you know who I am?”The unimpressed official pretended to switch on his lapel microphone and shouted: “Can I have the welfare department? There is a Chelsea fan who doesn’t know who he is.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFlying highTOTTENHAM fans were left frustrated by the cost of the £150 train to get to Newcastle for Saturday’s Premier League game.So a few Hertfordshire-based supporters found it cheaper to get a bus to Stansted Airport and take a Ryanair flight to Edinburgh (£70 return) before getting a train from Scotland to Newcastle (£40 return).This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Harry Kane fires warning shot to Arsenal as Bayern Munich star reveals ‘burning desire’ ahead of Champions League clash

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      A LOT will be resting on the broad shoulders of Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena.Bayern Munich’s miserable season to date is on the brink of free-falling should they crash out of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday – their last stab at a trophy.Harry Kane has fired a warning shot to Arsenal ahead of the second leg of the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Champions League is Bayern Munich’s last chance at winning a trophy this seasonCredit: ReutersAhead of his summer departure, boss Thomas Tuchel’s legacy at the German giants is in danger of fizzling out should a memorable run to a seventh European title at Wembley on June 1 fail to materialise.Arsenal fans are gleefully waiting to stick the knife deeper into Kane should the Gunners prevail in the last eight at the expense of the former Tottenham star.And then there is the continued, unwanted narrative of having never lifted a trophy, something Kane just cannot seem to shift regardless of which club he plays for.For most players, that expectation, and pressure, would be overwhelming, but not Kane.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “For sure (it is unfinished business), whenever you reach the final of a competition and don’t quite get over the line there’s always that burning fire inside you to get back there and go that one step further.”If anything, the fire inside the 30-year-old burns brighter with each demand that is placed upon him. The more unrealistic the better.In truth, he has nothing left to prove. He is Spurs and England’s all-time record goal scorer and currently has 39 goals in 39 games in all competitions this term since his £104m switch to Bayern last summer.But ahead of a mouthwatering second leg against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, after a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates in which he scored a penalty, Kane said: “I’m the type of player who, throughout my career, has had points to prove along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I don’t think that ever leaves you, it’ll always be in my DNA until I retire.”There will always be a reason to prove someone wrong or to prove to myself I can do something.”Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges That desire stemmed from the moment he was axed from Arsenal’s academy as a nine-year-old, something that he previously used to galvanise him when coming face to face with them in a North London derby during his Tottenham days. Not anymore.Kane continued: “‘I know there will be a lot of Spurs fans watching, hoping that Bayern go through, but I can’t focus on that.“All I can do is try and beat the team in front of us, and that’s Arsenal. It was one of the biggest games of the season for pretty much my whole career.“It was always a big occasion, big moment. Maybe it was in the back of the mind, being released from a young age, and there’s always a point to prove.“But for me here, it’s a different chapter, a different moment. I don’t think specifically back to it now.”Kane has far more important things on his plate, like single-handedly dragging Bayern through one of its worst periods for over a decade.The Bundesliga title has been surrendered for the first time since 2012, with Bayer Leverkusen now champions with five games to spare, while there was also an embarrassing German Cup exit to third-tier opposition.In less than 12 months, through all of the misery, Kane has become Bayern’s shining light. The English poster boy at the heart of German football. He brings calm and consistency amid a raging, destructive storm.Kane said: “Where I’m at in my career, at the stage I’m at, people expect a different level from me in every game that I play and that comes with goals and assists.“But also, an all-round performance using my leadership and experience that I’ve had throughout my career to help the team.“I always expect a lot from myself, I always scrutinise myself more than anyone else could and hopefully I can put in a good performance. I’ll be ready for anything that might come.”Kane is in uncharted territory right now. Finishing second in the league and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League would be regarded as a successful season at Spurs.This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      But Kane knows that mindset is no good at Bayern. Instead, it’s a full-blown crisis.He explained: “From the club’s point of view it will be a failed season if we don’t win anything this year. We’re expected to win.“We know we have not reached the standards that we need to as a team. We can keep the season alive and keep some hope amongst the fans, hope that we can achieve something special even though it has not been the greatest of seasons.“But there’s a process into winning, a process into the individual and the team.“You want to improve as a player every year, you want to get better, you want to show the world your capabilities and you want to push yourself to the very limits.”All you can do is take that into next year and try to turn that around.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat process will be put on hold for now. Briefly in its place is a winning-at-all-costs mantra in what could be one of many last-chance saloon shoot-outs on this Champions League journey for Bayern.Kane will stand firm and do what he always does, and hope that is enough to down the old enemy of his youth. More

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      Bayern Munich line up three-man manager shortlist as De Zerbi and ex-Man Utd boss edged out by shock candidate

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      BAYERN MUNICH are considering three shock candidates to take over from Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.Tuchel was essentially sacked in February with the club knocked out of the German FA Cup and drifting in the league.Julian Nagelsmann is in line for a sensational return to Bayern MunichCredit: GettyBrighton boss Roberto De Zerbi could be an alternativeCredit: GettyBut he was given a stay of execution until this summer with Bayern not in a position to immediately appoint a successor.Fabrizio Romano reports that the club have a three-man list of Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Ralf Rangnick to take over the club next year.Incredibly, former manager Nagelsmann is the current front-runner for the job.Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern almost a year ago to the day with the club keen to move for long-term target Tuchel.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel was believed to have held talks with Real Madrid and Tottenham and Bayern wanted to swoop before it was too late.That saw Nagelsmann sacked despite him averaging 2.19 points per game during his 19 months in charge at Bayern.Nagelsmann then went on to take charge of the German national team on a temporary contract until after the Euros.It appears Bayern have admitted internally they made a mistake in sacking Nagelsmann and are in the embarrassing position of having to re-offer him the job.Most read in FootballFormer Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is also an optionCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey face competition from Germany, who intend to offer Nagelsmann a contract until after the 2026 World Cup.Brighton boss De Zerbi also features in the list, with Bayern impressed with he football he has implemented on the south coast.Harry Kane pictured training with Bayern days after 3 of his kids were saved by hero nanny in three-car smashThe Seagulls haven’t been quite as electric as they were last season but still sit in tenth after losing key players Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.Former United manager Ralf Rangnick is another shock name on the list, but he has impressed since taking over the Austrian national team after implementing his gegenpressing style.Tuchel showed why he could be the perfect man for Man Utd, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
      TOMMY TUCHEL could not have done it better had he submitted his CV to LinkedIn or Indeed.
      Somehow mustering some gumption from the worst Bayern Munich team in more than a decade to stop a rampant Arsenal dead in their tracks is a spectacular job advert for a manager soon to be looking for work.
      If Sir Jim Ratcliffe wasn’t watching from his Old Trafford office or from the cinema room in one of his tax havens, he should have been.
      They may have even sat up and taken notice in Newcastle or in the owners’ Riyadh hub as Tuchel reminded everyone of his credentials as a top-level coach with devilish timing.
      If change is coming then Tuchel is playing a trump card.
      His side turned up and cowed the team that, as far as the current Premier League goes, is the best in England.
      It may only add to the questions around Tuchel that after tossing away the only league easier to win than Scotland’s or Spain’s, Munich have sprung to life in Europe.
      After 11 years unopposed as German champions, Chelsea’s former manager has chucked it in at home in a remarkable act of ineptitude. But freak years can happen.
      Tuchel is an enigma. But that is part of the appeal as much as winning the Champions League with Chelsea just three months after taking the job.
      With no new signings, he took a team that had lost five of the previous ten games and turned them into European Champions.
      With Ratcliffe considering swingeing budget cuts at Old Trafford, a coach who can perform wonders on peanuts would be music to his ears.
      Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
      Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here. More

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      Huge Arsenal boost as Bayern Munich hit with two major injury blows for Champions League second leg

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      ARSENAL have been handed a major boost ahead of the second leg of their quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.That’s after another Bayern player picked up an injury ahead of their clash on Wednseday.Kingsley Coman was withdrawn with injury against KolnCredit: GettyGnabry is a doubt having been taken off against ArsenalCredit: Getty Bayern managed to sweep FC Koln aside yesterday with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Raphael Guerreiro and Thomas Muller.But winger Kingsley Coman picked up an adductor muscle injury in the match and had to be withdrawn in the 50th minute.The club have confirmed Coman is likely to miss the Arsenal game.In addition to France international Coman, Thomas Tuchel confirmed he has two more injury problems ahead of the crunch clash.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told Sky: “The big downside to the whole game is the injury to Kingsley Coman. It makes me very sad because I know how hard he worked and how important he is for us. “First Serge Gnabry is out, then he [Coman] and Leroy Sane are doubts [for Wednesday].”In addition to the three injuries to Bayern’s wingers, they will also be without another key player due to suspension.Alphonso Davies’ yellow against Arsenal in the first leg means he will miss the game at the Allianz.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManuel Neuer is also having his minutes managed having only returned from injury for the first leg against Arsenal.The German no1 was rested in Bayern’s victory over Koln.Raging Bukayo Saka pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern Munich Thomas Muller was asked about Bayern’s injury concerns going into their second leg with Arsenal.The forward insisted he had seen the club cope without its stars before and said: “It’s not the first time in my time here that we lost important players towards the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League, that was the case with Rib [Ribéry] and Rob [Robben] from time to time.”How Arteta made Arsenal horrible again, with Tony Pulis tactic and gentle star turned into Diego Costa-style hate figureBy Dave Kidd
      BOTTLERS, chokers, shandy-drinking southern softies.
      These were the charges levelled at Arsenal when they blew the title last season.
      And even if the actual reason they failed was because William Saliba got injured and Rob Holding had to start, Mikel Arteta clearly took those accusations to heart.
      If his team are not crowned champions next month, the Gunners boss has categorically ensured that they won’t go down being accused of nicey-niceyness.
      Because, as well as being thrillingly entertaining and free-scoring when they want to be, this season’s Arsenal are also thoroughly horrible.They are not here to make friends. They are not interested in being anybody’s second-favourite team.
      And so, six days after stink-bombing the Etihad with a display of Mourinho-esque anti-football for a 0-0 draw, Arsenal turned up at the home of former bogey-team Brighton and s***housed their way to a thoroughly impressive 3-0 win.
      How wonderful for the travelling Gooners to witness Ben White — against his former club — going down as if he’d taken a bullet to his neck when Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan brushed against him.
      White is renowned as a gentle and decent bloke, intelligent enough to challenge the zeitgeist and claim there might be things in life other than football.
      And yet suddenly he’s become some Diego Costa-style anti-hero hate figure, his wife goading the masses by posting social-media pictures of them playing a childish card game on a sun lounger after he’d refused an international call-up.
      Because Arsenal are horrible again. Even Ben White is a villain.And that might just be Arteta’s greatest triumph.
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