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      Dortmund’s strict squad rules and fines revealed with Arsenal star Aubameyang branded ‘punishment king’ during spell

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S strict squad rules and list of fines has been revealed.And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be glad to be out of the club after being dubbed the ‘punishment king’.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the ‘punishment king’ and constantly getting fined during his Borussia Dortmund daysCredit: PA:Empics SportDORTMUND FINES

      £4,315 – unauthorised absence
      £863 – late onto team bus
      £863 – phone goes off on team bus
      £431 – late for training
      £215 – not parking in designated spot
      £86 – Wrong outfit
      (Source: Bild)

      The now-Arsenal captain, 31, spent five years with the German giants before his transfer to the Emirates in 2018.
      And he forged a reputation for breaching the code of conduct on a regular basis.
      As revealed by Bild, the Gabon star was slapped with a £3,450 fine for wearing green boots customised with Swarovski crystals all over.
      Off the back of that particularly bold choice of footwear, former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp introduced a stricter dress code, ensuring ‘appropriate sports clothing’ is worn.
      The Liverpool manager also introduced an Italian chef at his old club – with three now full-time in the kitchen serving up everything from salads and fish to rice pudding.
      Another ex-head coach, Lucien Favre, even brought in fist-bumping to cut down on handshakes and hugging – even before coronavirus – after a flu outbreak in the camp.
      There is an £86 fine for wearing the wrong outfit.
      And players need to be extra careful this season as the club has different sponsorships – and therefore different training kit – for the Bundesliga and Champions League.
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      Sticking with clothing and players are allowed to give away just ONE matchday shirt per season across all competitions.
      They must reimburse any additional jerseys given to opposition players or fans by buying a replacement from the club shop.
      A big thing at many clubs is punctuality – as Aubameyang knows only too well after his snubbing for the North London derby for his tardiness.
      Dortmund players are fined £863 if they do not get on the team bus ready for the time of departure and a further £431 if late for training – significantly less than the £20,000 when Frank Lampard was at Chelsea.
      Jadon Sancho was slapped with an £86,300 punishment for returning to the club late after heading back to England for international duty.
      On top of that, part of the retribution saw the winger walks across the training ground alone in the rain for 60 minutes.
      Furthermore, players must live within 20km of the club’s Signal Iduna Park home – many opt for the Lake Phoenix area – must pay £215 if they do not park in their designated spot and are charged £4,315 for any unauthorised absences.
      On the technology front, if a phone goes off on the bus to the stadium the guilty party can expect a £863 bill.

      The same amount goes for missing a sponsorship or advertising appointment.
      Goalkeeper Marwin Hitz is the current treasurer looking after all the fines – whereas Manchester United have a committee of Harry Maguire and Nemanja Matic.
      Hitz took over from left-back Marcel Schmelzer, who in turn replaced ‘Iron Man’ Sven Bender who was as brutal off the pitch spotting misdemeanours and collecting fines as he was on it collecting the ball.
      Borussia Dortmund have a three-rule policy for social media.
      Stars are reminded they are role models to many young people so must post with that in mind, they must also think three times before uploading a post because ‘the internet never forgets’ and they must be authentic, not boring to keep fans entertained and engaged.
      The fines list at Chelsea was pretty hefty under Frank Lampard
      Players can only give away one shirt per season before they need to start paying for themCredit: AFP
      Lastly, it appears there are some freedoms given to the players – they have free reign to play music inside before and after training, with Sancho often DJ.
      And they can choose to drive whichever cars they like – unlike at rivals Bayern Munich where they must roll up in their ‘company car’ Audis.
      Kingsley Coman has twice risked the wrath of the Allianz Arena chiefs and a £43,000 fine in the last year by driving in with his McLaren and, more recently, his Mercedes AMG.
      Philippe Coutinho and Niklas Sule had previously stirred the pot, by being spotted in their Mercedes and Ferrari motors respectively.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho are given free reign to pick whichever car they wantCredit: Getty
      Jurgen Klopp brought in the dress code and chefs while Lucien Favre tried to prevent diseases from spreading with fist-bumpingCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Erling Haaland and Phil Foden chat after whistle as Man City eye transfer swoop for Dortmund sensation More

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      European Super League dealt huge blow as PSG join Bayern Munich in refusing to enter breakaway competition

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      BAYERN MUNICH and Paris Saint-Germain have turned down the opportunity to join the European Super League.The duo were the two most notable absentees, when 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs enraged supporters, players, managers and pundits alike by announcing the formation of a new European Super League.
      Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that Bayern will NOT take part in the ESLCredit: AP

      And while both have been invited, neither appear likely to join up any time soon.
      Bayern, who are partially fan-owned, have instead backed Uefa’s proposed reforms to the Champions League.
      Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “FC Bayern did not participate in the planning of a Super League.
      “We are convinced that the current structure in football guarantees a reliable foundation.
      “FC Bayern welcomes the reforms of the Champions League because we believe that they are the right step for the development of European football.
      “The modified preliminary round will contribute to more excitement and emotion in the competition.
      “I do not believe the Super League will solve the financial problems of European clubs that were caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s hands are tied by his relationship with Fifa and UefaCredit: Getty
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      “Rather, all clubs in Europe should work in solidarity to ensure that the cost structure, especially players’ salaries and agents’ fees, are brought in line with revenues in order to make all of European football more rational.”
      PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was today re-elected to the Uefa Executive Committee as representative of the European Club Association, echoed Bayern’s stance.
      He said: “Paris Saint-Germain has the firm conviction that football is a sport for all. I have been constant on this point from the very beginning.
      “It must be remembered that as a football club, we are a family and a community, whose heart is our supporters, we must remember that.
      “There is a clear need to change Uefa’s existing competition model, and the proposal presented yesterday by Uefa, which concludes 24 months of in-depth consultation of the entire European football landscape, is a step in this direction.
      “We believe that any proposal without the support of Uefa – an organization which has strived to advance the interests of European football for almost 70 years – does not solve the problems the football community is currently facing, but is otherwise motivated by personal interests.
      “Paris Saint-Germain will continue to work with Uefa, the European Club Association and all stakeholders in European football on the basis of the principles of good faith, dignity and respect for each”.
      Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also confirmed their disdain for the new European Super League, all-but confirming that there will be no German participation.
      PSG are quite happy with their current situation, with Champions League qualification each season virtually locked in due to the financial disparity between themselves and the rest of Ligue 1.
      And while determined to dine at Europe’s top table, club president Al-Khelaifi has a very strong relationship with Fifa and Uefa – and with Ceferin in particular.
      The club’s owners, the Qatar Sports Investments group, also hold rights to broadcast Champions League football on BeINSports.
      And Qatar itself is to host the World Cup next year, making conflict with either Uefa or Fifa counter productive.
      Bayern and PSG played each other in last season’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      The two sides also battled in this season’s most entertaining Champions League tieCredit: Getty
      These developments mean that, as it stands, the ESL would be without Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski – four of the world’s most popular and brand-friendly footballers on the planet – undermining their product as a whole.
      The ESL’s formation has been met by anger and derision from all quarters, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson having written in The Sun that he will do whatever he can to stop it.
      Prince William has also spoken of the ‘damage’ it will do to the game, while Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville launched a rallying cry to fans on Monday Night Football, attempting to mobilise disgruntled supporters into action.
      The likes of James Milner and Ander Herrera have spoken up against the hideous plans – while Jurgen Klopp was also less than impressed – having admitted his unease with the idea of an ESL two years ago.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      James Corden gives passionate speech about European Super League on Late Late Show in full More

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      Chelsea step up Niklas Sule transfer chase with £30m-rated defender’s Bayern Munich future up in the air

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      CHELSEA have stepped up their interest in Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule, according to reports.Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is said to have prioritised a centre-back this summer and the £30million man is top of the club’s wanted list with his future up in the air.
      Chelsea are plotting a move for Bayern Munich defender Niklas SuleCredit: Getty
      Sule, 25, has less than 18 months remaining on his Bayern contract.
      And due to financial restraints brought about by the pandemic, the burly German centre-back could be sacrificed at the end of the season.
      Sule has been heavily linked with a move to the Blues for months.
      Interest seemed to cool when Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard but conversations have been revived behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, according to the Athletic.
      Bayern boss Hansi Flick is ‘reluctant’ to sell Sule but other people within the club are ‘not satisfied’ with his ‘attitude’.
      Chairman and club legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, however, isn’t one of them – and recently opened the door to handing Sule a new deal.
      He said: “We want the good German national players at FC Bayern. Niklas still has one year of contract.
      “We will hold talks and see where they lead. We will look at it seriously and calmly until the summer.
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      “Corona [coronavirus] has also caused financial damage to FC Bayern.
      “If we find a solution, we are generally happy to extend the contract, but that will only be possible under certain conditions.”
      The 29-cap defender has impressed since joining Bayern in 2017, but has seen his career already blighted by two cruciate ligament ruptures.
      Sustained in the 2014-15 season, the first saw him miss half of the campaign as he was making his name at Hoffenheim.
      And the second, suffered in October 2019, ruled him out of 35 games last season, only returning to action in August for the delayed Champions League run-in.
      Things have been brighter this time around, with Sule so far managing 32 appearances in all competitions for Flick’s side this season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      European Super League explained: Which clubs involved, how many matches would be played and what about Champions League? More

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      Dortmund REJECT European Super League but ‘at least two’ French clubs set to join controversial breakaway competition

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND have snubbed the renegade European Super League.But while the Bundesliga giants have rejected the unpopular proposals, two French sides are reportedly set to join.
      Borussia Dortmund have rejected the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      Money-grabbing plans for the new league have been widely slammed by fans across Europe.
      The competition could start as soon as NEXT SEASON with the 15 founding clubs signing up for 23 YEARS.
      Last night, the Prem Big Six alongside Spanish trio Real and Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, as well as AC Milan, Inter and Juventus, officially broke cover to confirm their membership.
      In a statement outlining the breakaway scheme, the 12 rebels said they ‘anticipated a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable’.
      But Dortmund released a statement denouncing the competition that read: “On Monday morning, Borussia Dortmund’s chairman of the board, Hans-Joachim Watzke, took a position on the discussion about the introduction of a European Super League.
      “Watzke said: ‘The members of the board of the European Club Association (ECA) got together for a virtual conference on Sunday evening and confirmed that the board decision of last Friday is still valid.’
      “And he added: ‘This decision means that the clubs want to implement the planned reform of the Uefa Champions League.
      “It was the clear opinion of the members of the ECA board that the plans to found a Super League were rejected.’
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      “Watzke also emphasizes that ‘both German clubs that are represented on the ECA Board, FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, represented 100 per cent congruent views in all discussions’.”
      Fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig have also turned their back on the breakaway group, according to Sky Germany.
      And Portuguese giants FC Porto are also out, according to their president Pinto da Costa.
      He is quoted as saying: “There were informal contacts but we didn’t pay much attention.
      “We are in the Champions League and we hope to continue to be there for many years to come.”
      And according to an unnamed Super League source quoted by AFP, at least two French clubs are set to join where Dortmund have turned away.

      Paris Saint-Germain are yet to declare a position with Lyon and Marseille both being discussed as potential participants given their size, history and fanbase.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is one of several star names to slam the proposals saying ‘fans like European competition the way it is’.
      Elsewhere, Spanish LaLiga chiefs slammed the breakaway plotters in a withering attack.
      Real Madrid are the ringleaders of the self-appointed elite, with neighbours Atletico and rivals Barcelona joining the Prem Big Six in becoming ‘Founding Clubs’ of the competition.
      But as the Spanish clubs left out showed their disdain, with Real Betis publishing a table which wiped out the results of games involving the want-away trio, the League added further weight to its onslaught.
      LaLiga said it ‘strongly condemns’ the plan for ‘a breakaway, elitist European competition that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid’.
      It said: “Today football fans across Europe can dream that their club, no matter the size, may excel, climb to the top and compete at the pinnacle of European football.
      “LaLiga defends this European tradition of football for all. The concept proposed by 12 European clubs destroys that dream, shutting the door to the top of European football, allowing in just an elite few.”

      ⚽ ⚽ EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE LATEST ⚽ ⚽

      The Spanish top flight added: “The newly proposed top European competition is nothing more than a selfish, egotistical proposal designed to further enrich the already super rich.
      “It will undermine the appeal of the whole game and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future of La Liga, its member clubs, and all the entire footballing ecosystem.
      “This destruction of the European football ecosystem will also ultimately cause the failure of this new competition and its participating clubs, which have built their success based on the achievement of sports titles and triumphs, which will now be more limited.
      “We use all measures at our disposal and work with all stakeholders to defend the integrity and future of Spanish football in the best interests of the game.”
      According to Super League, the new elite will generate £346m EACH year in ‘solidarity’ payments for the rest of European football.
      That is up to three times the amount due to trickle down to the minnows from Uefa’s planned Champions League revamp.
      Super League insiders insist that figure, for each of the 23 years of the initial deal, is a ‘minimum’ return, with a fixed percentage of revenues doled out through the rest of the European club game.
      But the reality of why the ‘dirty dozen’ are willing to risk a legal fight with Uefa and their domestic rivals was evidenced in the news that the founding clubs will share an initial £3billion pot ‘to support their infrastructure investment plans and to offset the impact of the COVID pandemic’.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      European Super League explained: Which clubs involved, how many matches would be played and what about Champions League? More

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      Wolfsburg 2 Bayern Munich 3: Jamal Musiala nets twice as Bayern cling on to take huge step towards Bundesliga title

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      JAMAL MUSIALA’s doubled helped Bayern bounce back from their Euro exit and stay on course for the German title.The 18-year-old prospect scored twice in a 3-2 win at Wolfsburg that sent his team seven points clear.
      Jamal Musiala scored twice in a 3-2 win for Bayern on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      How is Jamal Musiala this good already?Two goals in a 3-2 win away to Wolfsburg, including this magnificent header 🤩Bayern have another star on their hands… pic.twitter.com/wc2Fm2vmcn— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 17, 2021

      Bayern were dumped out of the Champions League by PSG midweek but hold a commanding Bundesliga lead with just five games to play.
      Boss Hansi Flick announced he will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season and looks set to do so with another Bundesliga title.
      Musiala scored two goals and was involved in the other as Bayern pounced on second-placed Leipzig’s goalless draw with Hoffenheim on Friday night.
      The 18-year-old Musiala opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he eluded three Wolfsburg defenders before squeezing his shot under goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
      Musiala was again involved for Bayern’s second in the 24th when he played in David Alaba.
      Casteels cut out the Austrian’s cross but dropped the ball right at the feet of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who gratefully tapped it in.
      Wout Weghorst pulled one back against the run of play in the 35th, but Thomas Muller crossed for Musiala to head in his second goal two minutes later.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      The 18-year-old scored twice in a 3-2 win over Wolfsburg that put Bayern seven points clearCredit: Getty
      Bayern bounced back from their Champions League exit in styleCredit: AP
      Wolfsburg coach Oliver Glasner was left dumbfounded, but his team regrouped after the break.
      Bayern left too much room for Paulo Otavio to cross from the left for Maximilian Philipp to score in the 54th.
      Jerome Roussillon missed another good chance for Wolfsburg as Bayern held on for the win.

      It was Wolfsburg’s first defeat at home this season and they hadn’t conceded in any of their previous five home games.
      Bayern, on track for a record-extending ninth straight league crown, are on 68 points, with RB Leipzig in second place on 61.
      Wolfsburg held on to third spot on 54 points despite their defeat after Eintracht Frankfurt’s 4-0 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach that left them a point adrift in fourth.
      Jamal Musiala signs first pro contract with Bayern Munich until 2026 More

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      Hansi Flick confirms plan to quit Bayern Munich amid internal power struggle with coach set to land Germany job

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      BAYERN MUNICH boss Hansi Flick has confirmed his desire to quit the club in the summer.The 56-year-old won the treble last season and is well set to deliver another Bundesliga crown this term.
      Hansi Flick confirmed his intention to leave Bayern Munich on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      But rumours of discontent behind the scenes have persisted amid links with the soon-to-be vacant Germany national team position.
      Flick told Sky Sports in Germany: “I would like to exit my contract at the end of the season – that is a fact.
      “It was just important to me that the team found out about this from me. I’m absolutely thrilled with them.”
      The decision was taken after ‘careful consideration’, Flick added, with the reasons for his exit remaining ‘internal’ for now.
      Despite Bayern’s domestic dominance, the coach’s relationship with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has soured throughout the season, coming to a head with the holders’ exit from the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain.
      Flick was appointed assistant to former boss Niko Kovac before taking over on an initial interim basis in November 2019.
      Flick guided Bayern to the treble in 2019-20Credit: Reuters
      The club handed him the reins full-time the following month and the Uefa Men’s Coach of the Year is under contract to 2023.
      His comments came after Saturday’s 3-2 win over Wolfsburg, keeping Munich seven points clear atop the table.
      And Flick confirmed a return to the German FA (DFB) was ‘an option’ ahead of Joachim Low’s exit as coach after Euro 2020.
      He continued: “The future is not at all clear.
      The DFB is an option that every coach has to consider. But I have to digest everything now.Hansi Flick

      “There has been no discussion about [the Germany role]. Of course, the DFB is an option that every coach has to consider.
      “But I have to digest everything now, the last few weeks have not been easy for me either.
      “That’s why the process of telling the club and team was extremely important today.”
      Flick worked as Low’s assistant in the Germany setup for eight years from 2006, before a three-year stint in the DFB sporting director’s chair.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Barcelona offer Lionel Messi staggered pay packet, ambassador role and Haaland transfer in bid to convince him to stay

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      BARCELONA have pulled out all the stops to try and convince Lionel Messi to stay, according to reports.The Catalan giants are said to have offered the Argentine a staggered pay packet, an ambassador role after he retires and the signing of Erling Haaland this summer.
      Barcelona have offered Lionel Messi a multi-layered deal to convince him to stay at the Nou CampCredit: Rex
      The signing of Erling Haaland is included in the list of tempting elementsCredit: Getty
      Barca are in dire financial straits with the Nou Camp club said to be around £1BILLION in debt.
      And as a result, they cannot offer Messi anywhere near the £2.4million-a-week salary he is currently getting.
      Club chief Joan Laporta knows he cannot compete with the financial might of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain who are the favourites to sign the 33-year-old if he does leave Barca.
      And as a result he has offered Messi a deal that would see his earnings start lower than what he currently earns but gradually increase throughout the duration of the new deal as the club’s finances improve, according to RAC1.
      This would also see him transition into a role as a club ambassador when he decides to retire.
      One of Messi’s main gripes when he submitted a transfer request last summer was the quality of Barca’s sporting project.
      He was annoyed his mate Luis Suarez was forced out and allowed to join LaLiga rivals Atletico.
      And he was generally underwhelmed by the squad’s chances of winning trophies.
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      As a result, Catalan chiefs have assured the Argentine they will pull out all the stops to sign Haaland from Borussia Dortmund who they believe will transform the team’s fortunes.
      Messi’s representatives insist they have not received an official offer from Barca yet.
      But is understood an informal approach of this nature has been made and Messi’s agent and father Jorge is just waiting for it to be formalised.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Alexandre Lacazette makes powerful anti-racism statement by kneeling in front of Slavia Prague stars after Glen Kamara abuse More

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      Jude Bellingham, 17, gives cheeky response when asked about Champions League debut after leaving Guardiola stunned

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM joked he is ‘not bad for a Championship player’ after being hailed for his debut Champions League season. The England international joined Borussia Dortmund last summer for £25million after leaving boyhood club Birmingham.
      Jude Bellingham joked he is ‘not bad for a Championship player’

      In his first European campaign, he proved instrumental in Dortmund’s midfield, with ten appearances and a goal.
      The strike came in the second leg of their quarter-final against Manchester City, which they lost 4-2 on aggregate.
      But afterwards the 17-year-old was asked to comment on his meteoric rise and Bellingham took the chance to poke fun at any prior critics.
      He said: “Not bad for a Championship player eh?
      “I think I’ve taken every game in my stride, I had a bit of a tough start away at Lazio and then since then I think all of my best performances in BVB colours have come in the Champions League, including tonight.
      “For me it’s brilliant to play in this competition and for this club, it’s a huge honour, so I can take a little bit away from that and learn from it but I’m still gutted we didn’t make it through.”
      Bellingham was in demand at the end of last season, with City’s rivals United among the interested bidders.
      But he moved to Germany in favour of more guaranteed game time, as Birmingham retired the No22 he wore.

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      Etihad boss Pep Guardiola was so blown away by Bellingham’s ability, he reckons the starlet must be fibbing about his age.
      Guardiola said: “I cannot believe it, maybe he’s a liar! He’s so good for 17 years old, he’s a fantastic player.
      “There was one moment when he didn’t get the ball from central defenders, how he shouts and demands that ball to him at 17 means a lot.
      “I spoke with his manager, Edin [Terzic], and he told me what you see in these two games is like every training session.”
      Despite the high praise, it was Phil Foden, 20, who stole the headlines after the two ties, following his winning goals in both games.
      After Jude Bellingham made #UCL history against #MCFC, here’s a look at the ‘Hits & Misses’ from the quarter-finals…👇— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 15, 2021

      Guardiola said: “You have the feeling that he is a guy who never hides.
      “He always creates something. He is dynamic offensively, defensively with quality in the smaller spaces.
      “He is learning right now not to take just one touch. He is able to make more touches when making decisions.
      “He scored two important goals. The second goal in the Etihad and now helped us to be in the semi-final. We knew it from the beginning and how he grew up.
      “In the quarter-final of the Champions League, he was the important player to go through to play against PSG.”
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