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    Arsenal Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann called Bernd Leno to ask ‘if he was ok’ with the German ousted by Aaron Ramsdale

    ARSENAL Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann phoned Bernd Leno to check he was OK with the German having been demoted to No 2 behind Aaron Ramsdale.The pair briefly played together at Stuttgart and have kept in touch ever since.
    Jens Lehmann recently phoned Bernd Leno to ‘check everything is ok’Credit: Getty
    Leno has been dropped in place of Aaron Ramsdale this seasonCredit: Getty
    Leno, 29, came through the ranks at the Bundesliga side and began training with the senior teams around the time Lehmann, 52, arrived from the Gunners in 2008.
    And although Lehmann left in 2010 and Leno never made a Stuttgart first-team appearance before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen, the two remain in contact to this day.
    Mikel Arteta has promoted Ramsdale to first-choice stopper at the Emirates this season which has seen Leno drop to the bench for their Premier League games.
    And Lehmann – who won the Prem and the FA cup during a five-year, 200 game spell – called his fellow German to check in on him.
    In an interview with the Arsenal programme ahead of their home clash against Southampton, Leno recalled: “I will never forget what I learned from Jens.
    “I am still in touch with him. In fact he called me the other day to ask if everything is OK.
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    Ramsdale has played 13 times in the Premier League this season – including the Southampton start – but Leno has featured just three timesCredit: Rex
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    “It’s always great to speak with him because he has experienced so much in football and always has good advice.
    “It’s important to stay in touch with people because the football world is very small and the goalkeeping world is even smaller.”
    Leno has played just five times this season – three in the Prem and twice in the Carabao Cup.
    And Ramsdale has featured on 13 occasions in the top flight – including the Saints start – and just once in the League Cup.
    AWKWARD REPUTATION
    Lehmann had a reputation for being an awkward team-mate throughout his playing career – particularly toward other goalkeepers – but Leno’s experience couldn’t have been more different.
    The nine-cap Germany international added: “He was always really good with me.
    “It felt like he had two different personalities. On the pitch he was crazy, very focussed, always very very serious.
    “But off the pitch, he was very nice, very respectful.
    “He spoke to me a lot, asked me about my school, told me I needed to finish my schooling at the highest level I could.
    “He was interested in how I trained and I really liked that he showed an interest in me.
    “And I was so impressed with how he worked. He was 39, he had nothing to prove to anyone but I always saw him in the gym working like crazy.
    “I was thinking to myself ‘wow this is the top level. This is what it takes’.
    Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs
    “It showed me that I needed to do a little bit more myself and be very professional if I wanted to reach the first team level.”
    Lehmann won 61 Germany caps during his iconic career.
    And he also played every game of the North Londoners’ famous unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
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    Man Utd boss Rangnick ‘wants four transfers including Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland to overhaul team’

    NEW Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has identified four transfer targets, reports say. The German replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November until the end of the season.
    Borussia Dortmund pair Erling Haaland and Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    And according to ESPN, Rangnick highlighted United’s midfield as a key area to improve when being interviewed.
    His shortlist include Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingam, 18, Leeds star Kalvin Phillips, 26, and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, 23.
    Bellingham’s Dortmund team-mate and long term United target Erling Haaland, 21, was also mentioned by Rangnick.
    But both Bellingham and Haaland are among the hottest properties in Europe with the duo expected to be pursued by a number of clubs.
    Hopes of landing Haaland have taken a blow however, with his agent naming Man City as a better option.
    Fred, 28, and Scott McTominay, 25, started in Rangnick’s first game in charge – a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last Sunday.
    Fred scored the winner and the Brazilian won praise alongside midfield partner McTominay, but Rangnick admitted improvements could be made.
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    He said: “They did one or two or three mistakes, especially in the first half there were two square passes; one from Scott, one from Fred.
    “I don’t like those kinds of balls in midfield in those positions.
    “But overall, when the other team is in possession of the ball, both Fred and Scotty they are almost perfect for that kind of football.”
    Rangnick is expected to be backed in January but has also been told to expect a quiet window.
    The manager also gave teenagers Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal, both 18, senior debuts.
    New Manchester United manager Ralf RangnickCredit: EPA More

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    Ralf Rangnick’s ex-assistant coach Jesse Marsch sacked by RB Leipzig sparking speculation over Man Utd link-up

    RB LEIPZIG have sacked head coach Jesse Marsch – sparking speculation he could reunite with Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United.The American joined Leipzig as Rangnick’s assistant in 2018 for a year before returning as No1 this season.
    Jesse Marsch has been sacked by RB Leipzig after a third successive league defeatCredit: EPA
    But his four-month spell has come to an end after Friday’s 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin, their third successive Bundesliga loss, left them 11th in the table.
    They also failed to progress in the Champions League after finishing behind Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage.
    Leipzig said in a statement: “RB Leipzig and head coach Jesse Marsch have mutually agreed to part ways.
    “The decision is the result of an in-depth analysis and intensive discussions after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin.
    “Jesse Marsch will be released with immediate effect and assistant coach Achim Beierlorzer will take charge of the team ahead of the upcoming home game against Manchester City.
    “A successor for Jesse Marsch will be announced in the near future.”

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    Marsch, 48, who also worked at RB Salzburg, said: “I am very grateful to be part of the Red Bull family and to have been given this opportunity!
    “Up until the very end, I remained hopeful that after a troubled start to the season and inconsistent performances, we would find more cohesion and stability as a group and turn our fortunes around.
    “Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to do that – after a discussion with Oliver Mintzlaff, we came to the joint decision to make a change in the coaching position.
    “I keep only positive thoughts in my mind and wish for the club, the team, the staff and all the fans that RB Leipzig finds its way back to its old strengths very quickly and, given the quality in the team and in the club, I am sure that the club will achieve its goals.”
    Rangnick, 63, hired Marsch as his assistant coach at Leipzig in 2018.
    The pair worked for a year together before Rangnick was promoted to head of sport and development at Red Bull and Marsch was named Salzburg boss.
    Ralf Rangnick shakes former assistant coach Jesse Marsch’s handCredit: Getty
    Marsch helped implement Rangnick’s high-pressing style of football and even introduced a wheel of fortune containing embarrassing forfeits for disobeying stars.
    SunSport exclusively revealed United want New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to be Rangnick’s new assistant following Michael Carrick’s exit.
    Rangnick, 63, and Struber, 44, know each other very well after working together at Red Bull Salzburg – the former as director of football and the latter as a youth team coach.
    But United fans feel Marsch’s dismissal is not just a coincidence.
    Former Norway star turned journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft said: “He has worked closely with Rangnick before! Could he come to Manchester United as an assistant?”
    One fan wrote: “Jesse Marsch will be Rangnick’s assistant for the remainder of the season. Heard it here first.”
    Another said: “I wonder if Rangnick will be on the blower to him?” More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea in Erling Haaland transfer boost as Dortmund say he can go under ‘certain conditions’ for just £64m

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND chief Michael Zorc has admitted Erling Haaland can leave under ‘certain conditions’ – handing a huge boost to Manchester United and Chelsea.The 21-year-old is believed to have a £64million release clause, which has attracted a number of top clubs from across Europe.
    Rangnick could tempt Haaland to the red side of ManchesterCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    And in order for Dortmund’s hand to be forced in negotiations, Zorc admits teams will have to meet ‘certain conditions’ as there’s ‘no need to sell him’.
    In an interview with German outlet Sport1, Zorc said: “The fact is that he has a contract. But it’s also a fact, and this is no secret, that he can leave the club under certain conditions.
    “Both Erling and the club are dealing with the issue very professionally. We’ll see how things progress.
    “There is, despite the pandemic, no economic need to sell him. That is also a fact. We will sit down and see how the talks go.”
    Premier League duo Man Utd and Chelsea are two of many clubs chasing Haaland’s signature.
    But as SunSport exclusively revealed, United are hoping new interim manager Ralf Rangnick can tempt the Norwegian to the red side of Manchester given their history together.

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    Rangnick oversaw Haaland’s move from Molde to Salzburg two years ago when he was director of football for the Austrian side.
    Haaland does appear to favour a move to Spain though, after what his agent Mino Raiola said.
    Raiola admitted the 21-year-old ‘loves’ Spain and has a house there.
    Haaland’s agent said: “At the moment you cannot talk about anything, if you want about Christmas. 
    “I am not talking about the market, because it is too early.
    “[Haaland] likes, loves, Spain. Especially his house here. It is too early to know where he is going to play next year. 
    “It’s not good to talk about that either.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Watch Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick pull hamstring as RB Leipzig stars pour beer over his head to celebrate promotion

    RALF RANGNICK will be desperate to be celebrating with Manchester United come the end of the season – but won’t want to pull his hamstring again.That is exactly what happened when his RB Leipzig players chased him and poured beer on his head in 2016.
    Ralf Rangnick was chased with beer after leading RB Leipzig to promotion in 2016Credit: Getty
    Striker Davie Selke poured the alcohol all over the German managerCredit: Getty
    He pulled up clutching his hamstring as the fun continued for SelkeCredit: Getty
    Rangnick was walking gingerly after the sudden muscle injuryCredit: Getty
    Rangnick had led his side to second in the Bundesliga 2, confirming their promotion to Germany’s top flight for the first time in their history with a 2-0 home win over Karlsruher.
    And unsurprisingly there were jubilant scenes at full-time at the Red Bull Arena.
    Star striker and top goalscorer Davie Selke closed in ready to shower his boss with a huge glass of lager.
    But Rangnick – then 57 – suddenly clutched the back of his leg and fell to the ground, writhing in pain.
    Selke was asked if he had talked to Rangnick since but the ten-goal Leipzig hero said: “No I’m too scared.
    “That’s why I’m giving so many interviews, so I don’t have to go back to the dressing room.

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    “I’ll have to run away, it’s not good.
    “He definitely tried to run away from me which isn’t a good idea – I caught him up.
    “I won the race then something happened – he probably didn’t warm up enough.”
    Rangnick will be hoping he can sustain a run of form for longer at Old Trafford.
    He takes over with his new team seventh in the table, 12 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
    They face Crystal Palace at home in his first game in charge on Sunday afternoon – but as revealed by SunSport, the German could be without Cristiano Ronaldo who is believed to have injured his knee celebrating in the 3-2 win over Arsenal.
    Rangnick said: “If you look at the total number of goals conceded, it averages almost two per game. This is just too much.
    “My approach is to help the team to get more balance, more control of the game.
    “The Arsenal match was exciting for the fans but, even for myself as the future coach, those are not the kind of games that we need every day.”
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    Incoming Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick ‘wants RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara as his first transfer’

    RALF RANGNICK will reportedly look to sign RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara if he becomes Manchester United’s interim manager.Former Leipzig boss Rangnick has a good relationship with the Mali midfielder after signing him from RB Salzburg for £17milllion in 2019.
    Rangnick developed a good relationship with Haidara after signing him for RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
    And The Mirror report one of Rangnick’s first bits of business at Old Trafford in January could be to move for Haidara again.
    The 23-year-old has previously said he would love the opportunity to play for the Red Devils.
    In 2019 he told German newspaper Bild: “I like Manchester United very much and watch as many games as possible. I dream of playing there. ”
    Haidara was signed by Leipzig as a replacement Naby Keita, who joined Liverpool in 2018, and his box-to-box playing style could boost United’s suspect midfield.
    The Malian made 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and bagged three goals.
    The Mirror report says United might face competition from Newcastle in signing the star, who has a £33m release cause in his contract.

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    We reported yesterday how Rangnick had arrived in England to finalise his move to the Red Devils until the end of the season.
    The 63-year-old German looks set to leave his current job as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow, having only signed a three-year deal in July.
    United parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last week after demoralising recent defeats to Watford, Manchester City and Liverpool.
    Man Utd ‘reach agreement with Ralf Rangnick to become interim manager for six months More

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    Seven strikers better than Erling Haaland, according to the Borussia Dortmund ace, including Harry Kane and Timo Werner

    ERLING HAALAND named the seven strikers he thinks are better than him – but would back himself in a crunch tie.The Borussia Dortmund star, 20, has burst on to the scene with a series of stunning displays over recent years.
    Erling Haaland could only think of seven strikers in world football better than him right now
    Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo was a predictable entry on the list as he continues to dominate at the age of 36Credit: MatchDay Images Limited
    Haaland included his rival for Bundesliga top dog Robert Lewandowski in the listCredit: Getty
    Scoring goals for fun, Haaland made his transfer to the German giants in the winter transfer window of 2020.
    And in an interview with VG, the Norwegian sensation could only think of seven centre-forwards in world football currently better than him – and it is some list.
    The seven is made up of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski from rivals Bayern Munich.
    All of the remaining five strikers all ply their trade in the Premier League including Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well as Tottenham hero Harry Kane.
    Barcelona’s Sergio Aguero, Roberto Firmino of Liverpool and Chelsea new boy Timo Werner – who arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer – complete the elite group.
    But despite the hundreds of goals between the seven, Haaland emphasised he had the self-confidence to choose himself to lead the line in a huge match.
    There are, however, a few of the biggest No9 names left out.
    Haaland omitted the likes of Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema and Romelu Lukaku.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was one of five Premier League strikers to make the cutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Haaland rates Harry Kane among the very best No9s in world footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    There was no space for Kylian Mbappe despite the Frenchman’s heroics for club and country alreadyCredit: AFP or licensors

    But the biggest surprise sees no Kylian Mbappe, arguably the most valuable player in the world, on the Norwegian’s list.
    The pair, both transfer targets for Real Madrid, may not see eye to eye after Mbappe, Neymar and their Paris Saint-Germain team-mates mocked the Dortmund star’s celebration following their comeback win in the Champions League last season.
    Haaland was also a target for compatriot Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before his Dortmund switch – but revealed the “good vibes” he got from the Bundesliga side convinced him to join Die Schwarzgelben.
    He said: “There were of course a couple of clubs involved, but at the same time I did not know too much about this.
    “But it was I who first mentioned Dortmund to my father (Alf Inge Haaland).
    “We were sitting at home in Salzburg and watching a game Dortmund played, and I said to him, ‘Oi, look at that wall behind the goal. There had been something to play there.’
    “I think he was half asleep on the sofa, but suddenly it became a reality. When I talked to them, I got a good vibe. I felt a little sold after that.
    “What I liked so much about them was how direct they were. They said exactly how it was right for me. I liked that.”
    Roberto Firmino completes the super seven for the Norwegian star
    Timo Werner may not have been a huge hit at Chelsea so far but Haaland loves himCredit: Getty
    Barca star Sergio Aguero joins the elite club after his record-breaking spell at Man CityCredit: AFP
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    Arsenal star Granit Xhaka interested in free transfer return to Borussia Monchengladbach when contract expires in 2024

    GRANIT XHAKA has admitted his ‘door is open’ to a move back to Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach when his Arsenal contract expires. The midfielder signed a new deal in the summer which runs until the end of the 2023/24 season.
    Xhaka is currently working his way back to fitness after being out since September with a knee injuryCredit: Getty
    But that could be his last season in an Arsenal shirt after the 32-year-old revealed he is keen on a return to the club he joined the Gunners from in 2016.
    He told the Mit Geredet podcast: “I never made the move from Borussia to Arsenal for the money. It was a dream for me to play in England.
    “I have just extended my contract, which still has two and a half years to run.
    “Then I’ll be 32, and if Max Eberl [Monchengladbach’s director of sport] is willing to bring me back when I’m 32, my door will be open.” 
    Xhaka signed from German outfit Monchengladbach for £34million and has since played 225 times for the Gunners.
    He was widely expected to leave the club in the summer amid strong interest from Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

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    But a move failed to materialise and Xhaka ended up signing a one-year contract extension in August, keeping him at the club until 2024.
    Roma though have not given up hope of signing the Swiss international and could return with a January swoop.
    Mourinho has not been afraid to criticise his Roma players following five Serie A defeats in 13 games and could turn to Xhaka to add some steel to his midfield.
    Xhaka has been out of action since September with a knee injury that he picked up in the North London Derby victory against Tottenham.
    A three-month timeline was initially given for the injury which would mean he could make his return in the final week of 2021.
    It would be a welcome boost for the Gunners in the midst of the hectic festive period.
    Xhaka played four times in the Premier League at the start of the season before suffering damage to his medial knee ligament.
    That included being sent off in the 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City that saw sent the Gunners BOTTOM of the league.
    An upturn of results since then saw the Gunners go ten games unbeaten, before Mikel Arteta was brought crashing back down to earth after the 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at the weekend.
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
    Arsenal star Granit Xhaka shows off leg brace as he plays with daughter More