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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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      Arsenal ‘make £39m bid for top Bundesliga centre-back as Gunners move ahead of Liverpool in transfer race’

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      ARSENAL have reportedly tabled a bid for defender Willian Pacho, it’s been claimed.Pacho, 22, has been a shining light for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt this season.Willian Pacho has caught the eye of several teams this seasonCredit: REXAnd the Ecuadorian’s impressive form is said to have caught the attention of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.It was claimed earlier this week that the North Londoners have “inquired about” potentially signing him in the summer.And now Bolavip are claiming the Premier League big boys have tabled a £38million bid for the centre-back.The offer is said to be short of Frankfurt’s valuation of the player, whom they want a minimum of £43m for.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal will likely face competition for the services of the Ecuador international.Prem rivals Liverpool are also said to be interested in bolstering their squad with the youngster – despite Jurgen Klopp’s imminent departure.The Merseysiders, however, have yet to table an offer for his services.Arsenal are said planning on splashing the cash this summer following their disappointing Champions League exit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport revealed that, following their quarter-final heartache against Bayern Munich the brass have sanctioned the strengthening of the team.We revealed how Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are all on the radar.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichSpeaking after the 3-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Arteta said: “At the moment it is a gutted dressing room.”We are very disappointed. We have to go through it.”We tried against a team with a lot of experience. Through the tie, the margins have been very small.”Arsenal will be back in action on Saturday night, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves. More

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      ‘We trusted the way of Pep’ – Germany legend claims country has completely lost its DNA after Guardiola ‘mistake’

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      A BAYERN MUNICH legend has claimed that Germany lost its DNA due to Pep Guardiola’s spell at Bayern Munich.The Spanish coach won the lot at Barcelona during his four years in charge with his famous tiki-taka style of football.Bastian Schweinsteiger lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: GettyHe has explained how Pep Guardiola helped the Germans to ‘lose their DNA’Credit: EPAGuardiola, 53, left the Nou Camp in 2012 and, after taking a one-year sabbatical in New York City, he returned to the dugout 12 months later.He took charge of Bayern Munich in 2013 just after they had lifted the Champions League and immediately set about imposing his style of play into the club.Bayern stormed to the Bundesliga and German Cup titles during his first season before the German national side went on to claim World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014.Bastian Schweinsteiger was part of the both squads at the time – although he left Bayern for Manchester United in 2015.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGuardiola stayed at the Allianz for three years in total, lifting the title in each campaign – and his former midfield star says his impact on the game there left a lasting legacy.However, 39-year-old Schweinsteiger says that it also led to Germany losing its DNA with the national side struggling ever since, including group stage eliminations at the past two World Cups.Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by SkyBet, he explained: “2012, 2013, 2014 – Bayern was probably the best team in Europe… and the national team won the World Cup, so we were very high.“Then Pep came to Munich and obviously not easy, when you are a coach and you come to a country, and you’re the No1 in Europe or the world, but he had his style of football which is amazing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When we played Barcelona, it’s difficult of course, and he tried to impact his way and he’s a genius. The ideas which he gives to the players, and during the game as well, it’s amazing.“But what happened is that a lot of other clubs, and even the national team tried to copy, and we focused more on that style that keeping the values of the Germans.Awkward moment iShowSpeed confronted by Man City fans and forced to shut down stream during Real Madrid clash“We forgot completely about our DNA, and we trusted a lot in the way of Pep, which is very good, and we won everything, but that was a little mistake of German football, I would say.”Schweinsteiger continued: “We changed not only Bayern Munich, but even the other teams in the Bundesliga and our national team adapted to it because Pep’s way is great.“But I think that you cannot always play in one half, high up, it’s impossible, it’s very difficult.“I’ve always said, Pep trained in Barcelona and had eleven actors on the field, and he had a movie – he’s trying to do the same movie in Munich or in Manchester City, but sometimes the actors are changing so that’s a tough thing for him.“But I would never say that Pep was bad for Bayern Munich, he was amazing and I wish we had a coach in Munich like him again.”Guardiola departed Bayern for Man City in 2016 and he finally guided them to Champions League glory last season – although Real Madrid ended their hopes of defending that crown on Wednesday night.And Schweinsteiger says that Guardiola has adapted his style since winning it last term with City.He added: “When he [Guardiola] won the Champions League, you could see how the defenders were defending.“When you saw Stones playing as a six, and how he was playing with the ball, but more about the defensive way – that has changed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He learned from his time in Munich, and maybe the first years at City, what does he need to win the Champions League – it’s also having defensive strengths.“City has got it and has changed it. German football was No1 in the world, and we have lost our values, or we’re not focused anymore so much on our values and trusted a little bit more other things.” More

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      How Borussia Dortmund ensured TWELVE Bundesliga teams qualified for Europe in unprecedented turn of events

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      GERMANY are hoping to bag an extra Champions League spot ahead of England next season, giving them five teams in the competition.But even if they gain another spot, they’ll still be some way off the TWELVE Bundesliga teams who qualified for Europe in the 1996/1997 campaign.Borussia Dortmund are leading the way for Germany to bag a fifth Champions League spotCredit: RexIn 1996/97, Dortmund were one of 12 Bundesliga sides to qualify for EuropeCredit: GettyBorussia Dortmund’s win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday saw them book their place in the Champions League semis against Paris Saint-Germain.Meanwhile, the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are hoping to progress further, with both facing Premier League teams to boost Germany’s coefficient chances.However, there were no less than 12 Bundesliga teams competing in Europe nearly 30 years ago after an astonishing end to the 1996/1997 season.Dortmund won the Champions League that year, confirming their place in the following term’s competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, top two Bayern and Leverkusen both sealed spots in the elite competition thanks to their league finishes.Fourth-place Stuttgart then booked a place in the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup after winning the German Cup.It meant their spot in the Uefa Cup, as well as Dortmund’s through their third-place finish, went to the next teams in line.Bochum, Karlsruhe and 1860 Munich made it seven teams in Europe for the following season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the numbers continued to pile up for Germany’s sides.Free spots were suddenly available for the Intertoto Cup, with those going to Cologne, Werder Bremen, Duisburg and Hamburg.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowThe latter made it after Gladbach, who finished above them, rejected the chance to participate in the competition.Finally, a 12th and final spot went to Schalke, who won that season’s Uefa Cup and therefore qualified for it once again despite finishing 13th in the Bundesliga.German teams who qualified for Europe 1996/97Those 12 teams and the competitions they reached:

      Champions League: Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen

      Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup: Stuttgart

      Uefa Cup: Schalke, Bochum, Karlsruhe, 1860 Munich

      Intertoto Cup: Cologne, Werder Bremen, Duisburg, Hamburg More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘make contact with Eintracht Frankfurt’ over mega-money summer transfer

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool have “made contact” with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for defender Willian Pacho, according to reports.The centre-back, 22, has started all but one of the German club’s Bundesliga games this season.Willian Pacho only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but has had a superb seasonCredit: GettyPacho has been ever-present for Frankfurt in the 2023/24 campaignAnd his impressive displays have seen his asking price skyrocket as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs circle for his signature.Pacho joined Frankfurt from Royal Antwerp last summer for just £7.6million.Now Sky Sports are reporting the 2022 Europa League winners want between £43-51m in the summer.Pacho, who has already earned 10 caps for Ecuador, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal and Liverpool are both understood to have “held discussions”, with Frankfurt “aware” of their interest.But the strength of Frankfurt’s contractual situation with the player means they can demand a substantial fee.And manager Dino Toppmoller recently revealed he believes the centre-half can become one of the best in the world.Toppmoller said: “He’s doing a great job, and is getting better all the time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s really reliable and has world-class potential.”Frankfurt sit sixth in the Bundesliga table and are poised to qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerBut they are just three points ahead of Augsburg, so could still miss out on European football. More

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      Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’

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      HARRY KANE showed off his German for the very first time as he starred in a new advert for Audi with two Bayern Munich team-mates.The England captain, 30, is preparing to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg tonight with the tie poised at 2-2.Harry Kane has shown off his German in a new advertCredit: AudiThe star was joined by Thomas Muller and Mathys Tel in the Audi adCredit: AudiKane has enjoyed a brilliant first season personally at Bayern, scoring 39 times in 39 games, but he could still end the campaign trophyless after Bayer Leverkusen sealed their first-ever Bundesliga title at the weekend.One of the major obstacles he has had to overcome in his new surroundings is the language barrier.Kane refused Rio Ferdinand’s request in December to speak German live on TNT Sports but did reveal that he was taking a couple of lessons a week.That was after fans were left in hysterics after spotting the awkward moment Kane realised he could not argue with a German referee shortly after his £104m move from Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the star showed off some of his newly-learnt lingo as he joined Thomas Muller and Mathys Tel in an advert for the club’s official partner Audi.Kane is behind the wheel driving the motor as Muller asks him: “Harry, where are we going?”He replies “Umleitung” as he follows a sign showing the word – which translates to detour – to the left..The ex-Spurs ace then does another manoeuvre through the Bavarian streets as pal Tel, who is sat in the back seat, asks Muller if Kane is serious.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHerman legend Muller then asks: “Harry, you know ‘Umleitung’ isn’t a place right?”To which Kane responds: “Thomas, I know. I’m just getting to know my new home.”Harry Kane fires warning shot to Arsenal as Bayern Munich star reveals ‘burning desire’ ahead of Champions League clash Another humorous moment then follows at the end of the advert as Muller jokes “next destination ‘Einbahnstrasse’” – which means one-way street.Kane then attempts to repeat his German strike partner but almost ends up bursting with laughter.English fans soon spotted and started to mock the clip after it went viral on social media.And one cheekily asked: “Does a BAFTA count as a major trophy?”Another said: “If you’re not in Germany, then you’re missing out on a stunning piece of acting from Harry Kane in the Audi x Bayern advert.”While a third commented: “Let’s just say he’s better in front of goal.”Fans soon took to social media to comment on his attempts at GermanCredit: AudiMeanwhile, Kane was axed from Arsenal’s academy as a nine-year-old.That is something that used to galvanise him when coming face to face with them in a North London derby during his Tottenham days. And ahead of Bayern’s clash with the Gunners, Kane said: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES“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.”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddOF 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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      Premier League no longer favourites for fifth spot in Champions League with Tottenham now desperate for Arsenal to win

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE is in real danger of “losing” its fifth slot in next season’s expanded Champions League.And that’s why Tottenham fans should be desperate for North London rivals Arsenal to beat Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.Tottenham will also pay the penalty if former striker Harry Kane and Bayern Munich knock Arsenal out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyIf the Gunners can knock out Bayern Munich, it will be a massive boost to England in its battle with Germany to have five clubs in the 2024/5 Champions League.And if Manchester City can see off Real Madrid as well, the Premier League will move back ahead of the Bundesliga and the chances will increase of fifth place being enough for Spurs (or Aston Villa) to qualify for Europe’s blue riband competition.Next season’s CL will have 36 teams, compared to the current 32. Two of the four additional places will be awarded to the countries whose teams perform best in this season’s European competitions.Right now Italy are way out in front at the top of Uefa’s coefficent rankings on 18.428, with Germany second on 17.214 and England on 16.750.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis makes Arsenal’s clash with Bayern particularly important and presents a dilemma for Spurs fans who would otherwise naturally support former striker Harry Kane and his Munich mates.If Mikel Arteta’s side triumph in Munich, they will add more Uefa points to England’s total AND prevent Bayern adding more to Germany’s, while leaving the Bundesliga with just two clubs (Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen) competing in Europe. Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals two reasons why Bayern Munich have ‘advantage’ over Arsenal in Champions League A City win over Real will add points to England’s total, too. But if City win and Arsenal lose, Germany will have 17.642 and England 17.125 – in other words, the Bundlesliga’s lead over the Premier League will increase.Most read in FootballIn contrast, a Gunners victory and defeat for Pep Guardiola’s men would leave Germany on 17.214 and England on 17.125, closing the gap.Best of all, City and Arsenal going through would put England on 17.5 and Germany on 17.214Confused? You will be. Because all these figures rely on the English teams winning their second legs (earning two points plus one for reaching the semi-finals), rather than drawing and winning on penalties (one point for a draw and one for progressing).UEFA COUNTRY COEFFICIENTS 2023/4The battle to have five clubs in the 2024/5 Champions League

      Italy 18.428 points
      Germany 17.214
      England 16.750
      France 15.250
      Spain 15.062

      It’s simpler to say: Spurs supporters might want to do the math, forget about local squabbles and look at the bigger picture.In fact, Tottenham fans should be cheering on not only Arsenal this week but also West Ham, another club not normally on their list of favourites..David Moyes’ side are two-down to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen going into tomorrow night’s Europa League quarter final second leg at the London Stadium.But if the Hammers can pull out a shock win, that would also boost England and damage Germany in the battle to secure a fifth spot in the Champions League.Unfortunately for the Premier League, West Ham and Liverpool both look likely to go out of the Europa League.Aston Villa, though, seem to have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League as they lead Lille 2-1 from the home leg.Unai Emery’s side are also in pole position to claim fourth place in the Premier League this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the further they go in the Conference League, the better the chances of the PL having five teams in the Champions League next season.THE FACE FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – REMAINING GAMES
      ASTON VILLA, played 33, 63 points, 4th place
      Bournemouth (H) April 21
      Chelsea (H) April 27
      Brighton (A) May 4
      Liverpool (H) May 13
      C Palace (A) May 19
      TOTTENHAM, played 32, 60 points, 5th place
      Arsenal (H) April 28
      Chelsea (A) May 2
      Liverpool (A) May 5
      Burnley (H) May 11
      Man City (H) May 14
      Sheff Utd (A) May 19 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