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      Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka sets unlucky record despite closing in on incredible unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen

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      BAYER LEVERKUSEN star Granit Xhaka is on course to win the Bundesliga title but has set an unwanted record.The 31-year-old has been a crucial part of Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten side this season.Granit Xhaka has set an unwanted record in his first season at LeverkusenCredit: GettyXhaka has started all 26 league games and scored one goal.But Leverkusen seem to be cursed when the Swiss midfielder turns provider as he has created 37 chances – none of which have been scored.No other player in Europe’s top five leagues have set their team-mates up more often than him without registering an assist.Xhaka, however, has picked up one assist in the Europa League.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAt Arsenal, he made the pass leading to a goal 29 times in 297 matches.Xhaka won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners and looks set to add a Bundesliga medal to his collection.Unbeaten Leverkusen are ten points clear of second place Bayern Munich at the top of the table with just eight games remaining.The club also remain in the Europa League where they face West Ham in the quarter-final.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey could complete the Treble by winning the DFP Pokal and Alonso’s men are into the semi-final where they play Dusseldorf next week.Glory could pave the way for the Liverpool and Bayern legend to return to one of his former clubs next season as Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel are quitting their jobs in the summer.Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate More

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      Bayern Munich ‘line up Premier League boss as Xabi Alonso considers staying at Bayer Leverkusen’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are lining up an alternative managerial option to Xabi Alonso in the form of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, reports suggest.Alonso, 42, is hotly tipped to leave table-topping Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has not made a call on his futureBayern Munich are eyeing Roberto De Zerbi as an alternative to AlonsoCredit: PAWhat appear to be his two main suitors, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, both have managers leaving at the end of the season in Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp respectively.However, despite heavy interest in Alonso’s services which is said to have included talks behind the scenes, there is no guarantee of an appointment.The Spaniard is yet to make a decision on his future and could yet stay put in Leverkusen next season.According to Florian Plettenberg, the Bayern are already preparing alternatives.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTop of that list is said to be De Zerbi, who the club’s sporting director Max Eberl is said to be a big fan of.It is claimed De Zerbi has been informed of the interest from Bavaria.Although Bayern could end up missing out on two managerial targets with Barcelona – another club in the market for a new coach this summer – also shortlisting the 44-year-old Italian.Christian Falk added on CaughtOffside that Alonso may yet make a play for the Real Madrid job in 2026 to become Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, since it coincides with his contract expiry at Leverkusen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlonso has guided his Leverkusen side to a unbeaten start to the season.They have a ten-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, are in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal and face a Europa League quarter-final against West Ham.In De Zerbi’s case, the Seagulls have not fared as well as they did last season.They are currently eighth in the Premier League, were knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the fifth and third rounds respectively and were thrashed in the last-16 of the Europa League by Roma.Although he has plenty of credit in the bank from his performance last season.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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      ‘That’s the real secret’, reveals Leverkusen keeper Hradecky as he spills beans on why Liverpool target is real deal

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      LIVERPOOL and Bayern Munich managerial target Xabi Alonso has been hailed as the real deal.That’s the verdict of Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who says the German league leaders will not stand in his way of a move.Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are flying in the BundesligaCredit: AFPJurgen Klopp has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyAlonso played for Liverpool but he won the Bundesliga three times with BayernCredit: AFP or licensorsIn-demand Alonso, 42, is on the brink of leading Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title and that success has attracted both Liverpool and Bayern, who will be without managers this summer.Jurgen Klopp will wave farewell to the Reds in the summer having announced his decision to step down as boss in January.While Thomas Tuchel will also leave Bayern at the end of the campaign.Ex-Spain midfielder Alonso, who played for Liverpool, Bayern and Real Madrid, has a deal at Leverkusen until 2026. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Hradecky, 34, who has been at the club since 2018, said: “The hype is definitely justified.”He brings standards, a winning mentality, train how you play and how you go on every action in every training session with intensity.”That’s where the real secret is. We are pretty clear about what we do.”Tactically, he’s fantastic. How we think about corners, pressing the game, staying low. He brings football intelligence with him.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”You guys don’t see him on a daily basis but the atmosphere he’s brought in Leverkusen – we didn’t have it before – I think it comes from the way he has experienced football. “He lives the game as he did when he was a player.Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quit”In Madrid, Liverpool – that’s the level we strive for every day. Xabi brings a mentally-spirit from the top clubs.”It was here when he came but it’s up here right now. It’s the best Leverkusen team I’ve experienced. It’s hellishly difficult to play us.”  Ex-Spain midfielder Alonso, who played for Liverpool, Bayern and Real Madrid, has a deal at Leverkusen until 2026.When asked if Alonso should stay put amid the fierce interest, Finland No1 Hradecky added: “That’s our wish and dream. “Of course, no-one would be angry or argue if he wins the Bundesliga and decides to go another route.”There’s going to be another open post in the coach’s spot. We see it on a daily basis that he loves to be in Leverkusen.He brings standards, a winning mentality, train how you play and how you go on every action in every training session with intensity.Lukas Hradecky“He enjoys Dusseldorf where he lives. From another point of view: How can you make it better than this season?”There’s a lot to ponder but he’s enough of a gentleman to make the right decision and only he knows what’s best for him.”Alonso’s Leverkusen are unbeaten after 26 Bundesliga games, winning 22 and drawing four to be a mammoth ten points clear of Harry Kane’s Bayern.  Hradecky added: “We have to keep believing. The closer we get and the fewer fixtures there are, the closer we are to our dream.“My dream didn’t come true with Finland but I hope it comes true with Leverkusen.”With or without Harry Kane, that plays no part in our preparation. Or our mental way of approaching games. Lukas Hradecky was Finland’s captain in the 4-1 Euro 2024 play-off semi-final loss to Wales last Thursday”I hope it’s not just a one-time chance. We have built something that’s worth a trophy. I hope it comes.“Football is cruel sometimes, you don’t want Bayern breathing down your necks but hopefully the platform we have created is enough. “We’re getting closer. That’s the mission.”Leverkusen also face David Moyes’ West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals next month.Hradecky, who suffered a rare loss in Finland’s 4-1 Euro 2024 play-off semi-final defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Thursday night, said: “They beat a German team twice in the group phase and we have them now in the quarter-finals.“We played them in a pre-season friendly but that doesn’t matter as much. A Premier League team in the top ten are always dangerous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Actually, it’s going to be my first club game on English soil but I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium and hearing ‘Bubbles’. “I’m looking forward to the challenge in front of me.” More

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      Donny van de Beek’s future up in the air as German giants make shock decision on Man Utd star

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK is set to return to Manchester United this summer with Eintracht Frankfurt unlikely to make his loan permanent.The Dutchman, 26, joined the Bundesliga side on loan in January having hardly featured for the Red Devils this term.Donny van de Beek has played six times for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: GettyVan de Beek, 26, struggled for game time at Man UtdCredit: RexVan de Beek viewed the loan switch as a chance to revive his career away from Old Trafford.Things have not gone to plan, however, with the midfielder having only managed six appearances for his loan side, failing to register a goal or assist.He has lost his starting place in recent weeks, with Eintracht disappointed in his output.According to German outlet Bild, the Bundesliga side do not want to active their £8.5million option to buy Van de Beek.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Ajax ace will have a year remaining on his United contract come the summer.Van de Beek was managed by Erik ten Hag during his successful stint in Amsterdam.But Ten Hag’s arrival in Manchester failed to kickstart Van de Beek’s United career.He made just two brief substitute appearances for the Red Devils during the first half of this season, prior to moving on loan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERVan de Beek joined Man Utd in a £39m deal in 2020.He has played 62 times for the Red Devils, scoring two goals and laying on a pair of assists.Gabby Agbonlahor says that Donny Van de Beek should be given a chance in the Man Utd midfield The playmaker spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Everton.He played seven times for the Toffees, netting once. More

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      Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s love affair with Eintracht Frankfurt after Man Utd legend becomes ‘life member’ of club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson surprised fans by becoming a “life member” of Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.As his former side Aberdeen geared up to play against the Bundesliga side in December, representatives from the German club met with Fergie to hand him a Frankfurt scarf and shirt with his name on.Sir Alex Ferguson became a ‘life member’ of Eintracht Frankfurt on TuesdayCredit: Twitter @EintrachtHis relationship with Frankfurt stretches all the way back to the 1960sCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyBut many will have been confused as to how the Scottish icon’s relationship with the team first came to be.In fact, it is a story that stretches back more than 60 years to Fergie’s early years as a player.Frankfurt vs Rangers in European Cup semi-finalFergie watched Frankfurt beat Rangers before the Germans lost the European Cup final to Real MadridCredit: PA:Press AssociationSeven years before he joined Rangers as a striker – where he scored 35 goals in 66 games – he attended the 1960 European Cup semi-final between Frankfurt and the Scottish giants.Rangers lost the first leg 6-1 in Germany, before they were beaten 6-3 on their home patch in a 12-4 aggregate thrashing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd that is where Ferguson’s admiration for the club began – despite Frankfurt losing the European Cup final 7-3 to Real Madrid.Speaking about the semi-final tie, he said: “That was unbelievable. In the first leg, Frankfurt beat Rangers 6-1. “I was at the second leg when Eintracht came to Ibrox with 70,000 spectators.”Of course we felt hopeful and told ourselves that the Rangers could come back. In the end they lost again by six goals.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I was a Rangers fan and only lived about 200 meters from Ibrox. I also attended the final and hoped Frankfurt would win as they had beaten Rangers. “At the time I was 17 years old and played for Queens Park FC from Glasgow.”It was a great game. Kress scored the first goal. We said to ourselves, ‘Wow! A great German team.’ “But then there were Puskas, Di Stefano, Gento. I don’t think there will ever be another team as charismatic as the Real Madrid team at the time.”Puskas scored four goals and Di Stefano three. They were fantastic players and the 7-3 win was an incredible game. “There was no shame in losing this game. Frankfurt had proven itself in the semi-final against the Rangers.”Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campScoring hat-trick against FrankfurtStriker Ferguson scored a hat-trick for Rangers against Frankfurt in 1967Credit: GettyIn 1967, Ferguson was given the opportunity to avenge that defeat in the European Cup semi-final when he faced Frankfurt in his first game since moving to Rangers.The two teams played in a pre-season friendly as Fergie bagged a debut hat-trick in a 5-3 win.But while the legendary manager has fond memories of the match, he admits it did not quite atone for what had happened seven years earlier.He added: “It was my first game for the Rangers. We won 5-3, but I wouldn’t call it revenge for 1960.”I scored a hat trick against Hans Tilkowski in the Frankfurt goal. Grabowski also played. “He was only 23 years old at the time and played until 1980, unbelievable.”He also played in the 1974 World Cup and I still remember his cross for the Muller goal against Italy in 1970.”Facing Frankfurt as Aberdeen bossFerguson’s Aberdeen side lost 2-1 on aggregate to Frankfurt in the Uefa Cup in 1979Credit: GettyMore than a decade on from scoring a treble against Frankfurt, Fergie came up against them in the Uefa Cup first round as Aberdeen manager in 1979.And the Germans got the better of his side as they earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg, before returning home and securing a 1-0 victory for a 2-1 aggregate win.But the aftermath of the match saw Ferguson learn an important lesson in his development as a coach.He recalls: “I was in my second season as coach of Aberdeen FC and we had once again qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup.”Frankfurt were the better team, but we saved the game with an equaliser. We had the chance to travel to Frankfurt, where we lost 1-0.”Bernd Holzenbein scored the goal in the second game that knocked us out of the competition.”I learned an important lesson when we played abroad. Some players went out after the game. After that, I made sure that something like that never happened again.”Watching Frankfurt beat Rangers againFrankfurt beat Rangers in the 2022 Europa League finalCredit: GettyFerguson never ran into Frankfurt during his sensational 27-year spell as Manchester United boss – where he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.But after retiring from management, he then watched as Frankfurt and Rangers met once again in the 2022 Europa League final – 62 years after Fergie saw the two clubs clash in the European Cup.And once again the Glasgow-born icon was left bitterly disappointed as Frankfurt beat his boyhood club on penalties.But he still admired the spectacle fans from both sides created in Seville, Spain.When asked if he watched the game, he said: “Naturally. I saw the game. It was pretty even.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was nice to see that both teams brought so many fans to Seville that they had to open another stadium in the city to bring in additional fans.”It was fantastic to see a final like that.” More

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      Harry Kane could be reunited with ex-Tottenham boss as Bayern Munich reveal ‘top target’ to replace Thomas Tuchel

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      BAYERN MUNICH are interested in appointing Antonio Conte as their next manager, according to reports.The Italian boss has been out of work since March last year following his sacking by Tottenham.Antonio Conte could manager Harry Kane again if he joins Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersBut he could be tempted by the chance to manage in Germany for the first time with Bayern.It would also provide him with the opportunity to work with Harry Kane once more, having managed the striker at Spurs.He is viewed as a priority for Bayern and one of their leading candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel, according to La Repubblica.But negotiations are proving tricky and Conte would likely demand a significant salary, having earned £15million a year at Tottenham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern have a number of targets they are looking at including Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.Facing a first trophyless season in 12 years, Bayern’s primary plan was to reach the end of the campaign with Tuchel and assess the situation.But it was confirmed last month that Tuchel will in fact leave at the end of this campaign.Conte, 54, has won the Premier League and Serie A on four occasions with two different clubs.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe also led Spurs to an unlikely Champions League qualification and brought the best out of Kane, who scored 32 goals under Conte last season.If Conte returns he will also re-unite with Eric Dier, who he has managed previously.Thomas Tuchel suffers broken toe in bizarre dressing room incident as he tried to motivate Bayern stars before Lazio win More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson leaves Man Utd fans baffled as he becomes life member at European giants

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has surprisingly become a life member of Eintracht Frankfurt.The legendary manager was in charge at Old Trafford from 1986 to 2013, winning an incredible 38 trophies with the club.Sir Alex Ferguson has become an Eintracht Frakfurt life memberCredit: Twitter @EintrachtBut to the shock of fans, he has confessed his love for Eintracht Frankfurt.Representatives from the German side met with Ferguson while they were in the UK for their group stage Conference League tie with Aberdeen in December.They presented him with a club scarf and a shirt with his name on the back as he became an honorary life member.Ferguson’s connection with Frankfurt stretches back 64 years to 1960 when his beloved Rangers faced them in the European Cup semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe explained: “In the first leg, Frankfurt beat Rangers 6-1. I was at the second leg when they came to Ibrox with 70,000 spectators. “Of course, we felt hopeful and told ourselves that the Rangers could come back. In the end they lost again by six goals. I was a Rangers fan and only lived about 200 metres from Ibrox. “I also attended the final and hoped Frankfurt would win as they had beaten Rangers. “At the time I was 17 years old and played for Queens Park from Glasgow. It was a great game. We said to ourselves: ‘Wow. A great German team.'”Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFerguson’s admiration for Frankfurt begun from that point on and he always kept an eye on how the Bundesliga side were doing.He eventually went on to play for his boyhood club Rangers and made his debut fittingly against Frankfurt in 1967.Sir Alex Ferguson jokes Rio Ferdinand made his hair go whiteThe 82-year-old said: “We won 5-3, but I wouldn’t call it revenge for 1960. I scored a hat-trick against Hans Tilkowski in the Frankfurt goal. Jurgen Grabowski also played.”While in charge of Man Utd, Ferguson never got the chance to come up against them, but he did while boss at Aberdeen in 1980.Fans were left surprised by his previously untold passion for Frankfurt, with one saying: “Things I did not expect to see today.”Another added: “Now I have to start supporting Frankfurt.”More joked: “He’s running from United.” More

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      Joshua Kimmich ‘considering huge Arsenal transfer with Bayern Munich ready to sell in the summer’

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      JOSHUA KIMMICH is reportedly considering a shock move to Arsenal.The Germany international’s future with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich has been up in the air for several months.Joshua Kimmich’s future at Bayern Munich is unclearCredit: GettyThe Germany international is reportedly considering leaving the Allianz ArenaCredit: GETTYBayern tried to flog the versatile midfielder to Newcastle last summer in a deal involving defender Kieran Trippier, who they tabled three bids for.And they remain keen to sell the former RB Leipzig man this summer so as not to lose him on a free transfer next year.Arsenal are said to be one of five teams keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich, who is said to be open to the idea of potentially moving to the Emirates.That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who claim Kimmich isn’t “ruling out a move, and he is open to discussions” with potential suitors.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSKimmich was reportedly involved in a bust-up with Thomas Tuchel’s assistant Zsolt Low after their defeat to table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen last month.BILD claimed he had to be held back by team-mates in the tunnel after Low shouted something at him.The incident, however, was downplayed by Tuchel, who said: “I know what was going on.”This is not for the public. We are in a football locker room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern Munich are ten points behind Bundesliga table-toppers Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GETTY”This is a pretty normal occurrence if kept within limits. And it stayed within limits.”Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern have endured a disastrous campaign this season.Astonishing moment man tries to steal Kimmich’s shirt thrown to kid in crowd after Bayern Munich clash Tuchel’s troops are a whopping TEN points behind Leverkusen – despite the impressive haul of £82million summer signing Harry Kane.And they face a tricky path to winning the Champions League, facing Arsenal in the quarter-finals and potentially meeting Manchester City or Real Madrid in the semis. More