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      Bayern Munich’s move for Ralf Rangnick COLLAPSES as flop Man Utd manager rejects German giants

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      BAYERN MUNICH’S move for Ralf Rangnick has reportedly collapsed.The former Manchester United interim gaffer was reportedly leading the charge to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.Thomas Tuchel is set to wave goodbye to Bayern Munich at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyRalf Rangnick has allegedly snubbed Bayern Munich’s advances for him to take overCredit: AFPThat led to supporters launching a petition urging chiefs to stick with Tuchel, insisting he is head and shoulders above Rangnick.Now they have got one of their wishes after a BILD claimed that the coach has snubbed Bayern.And journalist Christian Falk says that the 65-year-old will stay in charge of the Austrian national team instead. It is the latest blow to Bayern after suffering a number of setbacks in their search for Tuchel’s successor.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey first tried poaching Xabi Alonso from rivals and new Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen.However, after also receiving an approach from Liverpool, the Spaniard declared his intention to stay put for at least one more year.Bayern then had a move for Julian Nagelsmann fall through when their ex-boss extended his deal with the German national team.Then, when fellow target Unai Emery also penned a new contract at Aston Villa, Bayern opened talks with Austria boss Rangnick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRangnick is best-known to English supporters for his ill-fated stint as interim manager at United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.But he failed to impress during a six-month spell at United and left the club once Erik ten Hag arrived with Cristiano Ronaldo slamming his abilities.Ralf Rangnick responds after Cristiano Ronaldo slammed ex-Man Utd manager as ‘not even a coach’He soon took over the Austrian national team and he has secured qualification for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament, where they will be grouped with France, Poland and Netherlands.Meanwhile, Tuchel is still hoping to bow out of Bayern as a Champions League winner.The ex-Chelsea manager, who led the Blues 2021 success in the competition, and his team drew 2-2 at home to Real Madrid in the first-leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.That leaves Harry Kane and co. with it all to do next Wednesday in the return match at the Bernabeu.Ralf RangnickThe 65-year-old’s managerial numbers in full:

      Stuttgart II (1985-1987):P70 W28 D16 L26
      Reutlingen 05 (1995-1996):P51 W26 D12 L13
      Ulm 1846 (1997-1999):P75 W36 D18 L21
      Stuttgart (1999-2001):P86 W36 D16 L34
      Hannover (2001-2004):P98 W44 D22 L32
      Schalke (2004-2005):P65 W36 D15 L14
      Hoffenheim (2006-2011):P166 W79 D43 L44
      Schalke (2011):P23 W10 D3 L10
      RB Leipzig (2015-2018):P36 W21 D7 L8
      RB Leipzig (2018-2019):P52 W29 D13 L10
      Man Utd (2021-2022):P29 W11 D10 L8
      Austria (2022-2024):P21 W13 D3 L5
      Trophies:Regional League South (Ulm); Intertoto Cup, U19 Bundesliga (Stuttgart); Bundesliga 2 (Hannover); German Cup, German Super Cup, German League Cup (Schalke) More

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      I’m a former team-mate of Harry Kane but left Premier League a decade ago, now I’m set to become his Bundesliga rival

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      HARRY KANE is set to be reunited with an old Tottenham team-mate in the Bundesliga next season.Kane has been starring in Germany since his £104million transfer to Bayern Munich from Spurs last summer.Harry Kane is set to be reunited with an old Tottenham team-mate in the BundesligaCredit: RexKane starred alongside the star seven times in a Spurs shirtCredit: GettyThe German international left to join Hamburg in 2015Credit: RexDespite Bayern failing to win the German top flight for the first time in 12 years, Kane has still managed an impressive 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 games, including 35 in 31 league games.Kane, 30, still has the chance to land his first-ever career trophy with the Champions League this season, however, he will be hoping to dethrone Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen domestically next term.But on that journey, the England captain looks set to face a familiar foe in Lewis Holtby, who played for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 after signing from Schalke.Holtby, 33, shared the pitch with Kane seven times – remarkably with a 100 per cent win rate and just two goals conceded – in north London before he departed to join Hamburg in 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter four years Holtby did briefly return to England to star for Blackburn before he sealed a free transfer in 2021 to join current club Holstein Kiel. And following an impressive season in the 2. Bundesliga, Kiel now look set to secure promotion to the German top flight for the first time in their history.Holtby has played a key part of the north German sides efforts to get promoted, appearing in 28 games with four goals and ten assists.Holtby and co sit in the second automatic promotion spot in the table with just three games of the season remaining and a five-point gap over Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are in the promotion play-off spot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis Holtby is closing in on promotion with 2. Bundesliga side Holstein KielCredit: GettyKane and Holtby won 100 per cent of their games togetherCredit: GettyThey can secure promotion in their next game if they beat relegation threatened SV Wehen Wiesbaden and Fortuna Dusseldorf fail to beat FC Nurnberg.However, providing Dusseldorf win it will set-up a promotion shootout between the two in the penultimate game of the season.How Harry Kane got even better at BayernShould Kiel fall to third in the table they will face a play-off match against the third-bottom side in the Bundesliga – a position currently occupied by Mainz.There is also the possibility that Holtby is promoted as a 2. Bundesliga champion with Kiel, but they will have to overcome a two-point gap to St. Pauli to achieve that.On the team, the three-time capped Germany star said: “It’s really a lot of fun to be with this young and hungry team right now.”We have a great spirit and still a lot of potential for improvement. “I have a very very good relationship with everyone at the club, because people here are simply honest, northern and direct.”Holtby has been a key player for the side this season and barring a late collapse should find their way into the top flightCredit: GettyThis 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, the Bundesliga 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…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

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      Bundesliga ace Aymen Barkok rushed to hospital after terrifying attack in Berlin bar

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      HERTHA BERLIN Aymen Barkok was rushed to hospital after a terrifying attack in a bar.The Morocco international, 25, was enjoying a night out in Germany’s capital on Saturday when he was set upon.Aymen Barkok was rushed to hospital after being attacked on a night out in BerlinCredit: RexBarkok was physically assaulted and was rushed to hospital with facial injuries.After staying overnight, he had an operation on Sunday.And Barkok is likely to miss the rest of the season as he recovers from the traumatic incident.Hertha confirmed the attack on Barkok in an emotional statement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they sent the winger their best wishes.It read: “We were horrified to learn yesterday that Aymen Barkok was physically attacked in a Berlin bar during the night from Saturday to Sunday and had to be taken to hospital with facial injuries.”Aymen had a successful operation yesterday, Sunday, but will not be available to us for the time being. “We wish you a speedy recovery, Aymen! We are thinking of you.”Most read in FootballBarkok joined Hertha on loan in January from Bundesliga side Mainz, dropping down a division in the process.He had played nine times this season, with Hertha just one point off the playoff places.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersBarkok started his career at Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2016/17 season.He scored four goals in 64 games before departing in 2022, winning a Europa League and German Cup in the process.Barkok, who also spent time on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf, joined Mainz 18 months ago and scored twice in 40 outings before his Hertha switch.Aymen Barkok’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Eintracht Frankfurt, 2016-2022: 64 games, 4 goals

      Fortuna Dusseldorf (loan), 2018-2020: 18 games, 0 goals

      Mainz, 2022-2024: 40 games, 2 goals

      Hertha Berlin, 2024: 9 games, 0 goals

      Morocco, 2020-2024: 18 games, 1 goal

      Trophies: German Cup, Europa League (Eintracht Frankfurt) More

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      Jadon Sancho breaks Bundesliga record as Borussia Dortmund prepare to negotiate permanent transfer for Man Utd outcast

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      JADON SANCHO showed why Borussia Dortmund want to keep him permanently after breaking a Bundesliga record.The winger re-joined Dortmund on loan in January after being frozen out by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Jadon Sancho is now the top scoring Englishman in Bundesliga historyCredit: GettyHe has revived his career with three goals and two assists while helping his side reach the Champions League semi-final.And Sancho’s latest strike, a wonderful curling effort against RB Leipzig, means he is now the highest-scoring Englishman in Bundesliga history.Sancho, 24, has 40 goals in 116 games in the German top-flight – one more than previous record holder Tony Woodcock, who played for Koln, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.But he will likely be overtaken soon by England captain Harry Kane, who took his tally to 35 after netting twice against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bayern Munich striker has been rampant this season and managed his total from just 31 games.However Sancho might be able to defend his record for a little longer if he signs for Dortmund on a permanent deal.United are willing to accept a loss to sell Sancho, who will not return to Old Trafford unless Ten Hag is sacked.And SunSport understands Dortmund are ready to offer £35million to make his loan deal permanent this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited could even try to pinch Donyell Malen off Dortmund in an exchange deal for Sancho.Red Devils chiefs have given up on any reconciliation between Ten Hag and Sancho.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window More

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      Harry Kane set for huge windfall after smashing targets in record-breaking season despite Bayern Munich slump

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      HARRY KANE is set for a major bonus payment after meeting a stunning goalscoring clause in his Bayern Munich contract.Bayern are undergoing a turbulent campaign that saw them surrendering their Bundesliga crown to Bayer Leverkusen and missing out on the German Cup as well as the Super Cup.Bayern Munich star Harry Kane is set for a bonus of over £200,000 after scoring over 40 goalsCredit: GettyKane is also on course to break Robert Lewandowski’s historic recordCredit: GettyKane is the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer in his first season with BayernHowever, Kane, 30, has been enjoying a marvellous season which has led the Bavarians to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will meet Real Madrid after eliminating his former rivals Arsenal.According to BILD, the star striker’s incredible performances will lead him to a lucrative €250,000 (£218,000) bonus.That is due to a clause in the England captain’s contract that stipulates he is entitled to that windfall if he scores over 40 goals across all competitions.And Kane has already registered a staggering total of 41 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances.Read More on FootballThe centre-forward also tops the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 34 goals in 31 matches.The Tottenham legend is on course for the Golden Boot with Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy in second place with 25 goals.Kane is targeting another special Bundesliga record in only his first season with Bayern.The forward is only eight goals away from beating Robert Lewandowski’s career best return of 41 league goals in a single campaign.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat record took almost 50 years to break after Gerd Muller set the bar during the 1971-72 campaign with 40 goals.And Kane seems to be well on his way, while he has also been directly involved in 42 goals this season.Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettySince detailed data collection began in the German top flight back in in 1992/93, nobody has ever reached that figure so quickly. More

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      ‘Angel’ Newcastle star Joelinton rescued his manager in Subway after he fainted buying a sandwich

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      JOELINTON’S former coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has revealed that the Brazilian once helped him after he fainted in Subway.Hoffenheim boss Matarazzo, 46, was assistant manager at the club during Joelinton’s stay in Germany.Pellegrino Matarazzo has recounted the time Joelinton helped him in SubwayCredit: GettyJoelinton played for Hoffenheim before joining Newcastle in 2019Credit: Reuters
      The American was recently asked which former Hoffenheim star he’d bring back to the club, if he could choose any.
      When relaying his answer, Matarazzo opened up on how Joelinton, 27, once helped him out of a spot of bother.He said: “Good question… probably Joelinton.”Once I was very unwell, and I was alone here in Hoffenheim, back when I was assistant coach.”I knew I needed to eat something and I didn’t have any food at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I quickly went to Subway, because I knew I needed to eat something, I didn’t feel well.”I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well, I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoelinton’s Newcastle revival
      BRAZILIAN ace Joelinton arrived at Newcastle in 2019 as their then-club record £40million signing.
      He was initially handed the No9 shirt and was expected to fire Steve Bruce’s side up the table.
      The 27-year-old initially struggled with the Toon, as he appeared to lack goalscoring nous.
      Bruce decided to move his No9 into midfield, with promising results.
      When Eddie Howe took over in 2021, the former Bournemouth boss continued to use Joelinton at the heart of the team.
      Now wearing No7, Joelinton has flourished under Howe, playing a key role in last season’s top four finish.
      His 2023-24 campaign was abruptly ended in January when he was forced to undergo groin surgery.
      But he did give fans something to savour prior to his injury, by helping his team to a thumping 3-0 FA Cup win over Sunderland on Wearside.

      “I fell over, and when I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?’Most read in Bundesliga”He lifted me up and I had a quick visit to the hospital. He’s an incredibly good person, and a good footballer.Watch as Newcastle fans wrestle in stands over Joelinton’s shirt after 3-0 win at Leicester”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Joelinton scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Hoffenheim before joining Newcastle in a then-club record £40million deal in 2019.The Brazilian signed under former boss Steve Bruce, and initially struggled as he was played as a striker.When Bruce moved him into midfield, Joelinton’s performances took an uptick.Following his arrival Eddie Howe continued to utilise the former No9 in the middle of the park, with Joelinton continuing to flourish.He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?Pellegrino MatarazzoNewcastle’s No7 has been out since January after having to undergo groin surgery.A fortnight ago, Joelinton penned a new four-year contract at St James’ Park.Upon signing, he said: “I feel great. I feel very happy and my family is happy.READ MORE SUN STORIES“A lot of things have happened in my years here. I’ve learnt a lot and grown a lot, and for me to come here to Newcastle was the best decision of my career.“I love playing for the club. I love the club, I love the fans. We had a lot of discussions and I always wanted to be here. I’m glad to continue and I hope to have success in the years to come.”Joelinton recently penned a new four-year contractCredit: Getty More

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      Fuming Bayern fans go to extreme lengths to BLOCK Ralf Rangnick appointment as they protest against ex-Man Utd boss

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      BAYERN MUNICH fans have gone to extreme lengths to block Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as their new boss.The former Manchester United interim gaffer is reportedly leading the charge to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.Bayern Munich fans are desperate for the club not to hire Ralf Rangnick as their new bossCredit: ReutersThe former Man Utd interim manager is favourite to replace Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBayern first tried poaching Xabi Alonso from rivals and new Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen.But after also receiving an approach from Liverpool, the Spaniard declared his intention to stay put for at least one more year.Bayern then saw a move for Julian Nagelsmann fall through when their former coach extended his deal with the German national team.And when fellow target Unai Emery also penned a new contract at Aston Villa, Bayern opened talks with Austria boss Rangnick.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned he could take charge for as little as one year while Bayern hold out for Alonso or even Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who will rest for 12 months when he leaves Anfield this summer.Rangnick failed to impress during a six-month spell at United two seasons ago.And some Bayern fans seem displeased by the idea he could replace current boss Tuchel.The ex-Chelsea man has led Bayern to the Champions League semis, despite the club having already announced they will be cutting him loose in June.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERShould Tuchel win Europe’s biggest prize for a second time, it could leave Bayern bosses wondering if they’ve pulled the trigger too soon.And supporters have now launched a petition urging chiefs to stick with Tuchel this summer, insisting he is head and shoulders above Rangnick.How Harry Kane got even better at BayernCandidates for Bayern Munich jobIn the running:

      Ralf Rangnick (Austria)

      Zinedine Zidane (unattached)

      Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon)

      Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)

      Out of running:

      Unai Emery (Aston Villa, new deal)

      Julian Nagelsmann (Germany, new deal)

      Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen, public declaration)

      The petition was only launched on Tuesday but has already clocked up over 10,000 signatures.And supporters believe Tuchel’s performances in the Champions League proves he remains the right man to lead Bayern, despite their shortcomings on the home front.It read: “Despite the negative media coverage surrounding him and the personnel situation with the injury-plagued Munich team, the Champions League winner led his team to the semi-finals of the Champions League.“With all due respect to candidates like Emery or Rangnick, these coaches can’t hold a candle to ‘Juppel’ (Tuchel).“Considering that the ‘Finale Dahoam’ (Champions League final at the Allianz Arena) will take place next season, Bayern Munich should actually be glad to have such an outstanding Champions League coach like TT.”Ralf Rangnick’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:

      Stuttgart II, 1985-1987: P70 W28 D16 L26

      Reutlingen 05, 1995-1996: P51 W26 D12 L13

      Ulm 1846, 1997-1999: P75 W36 D18 L21

      Stuttgart, 1999-2001: P86 W36 D16 L34

      Hannover, 2001-2004: P98 W44 D22 L32

      Schalke, 2004-2005: P65 W36 D15 L14

      Hoffenheim, 2006-2011: P166 W79 D43 L44

      Schalke, 2011: P23 W10 D3 L10

      RB Leipzig, 2015-2018: P36 W21 D7 L8

      RB Leipzig, 2018-2019: P52 W29 D13 L10

      Man Utd, 2021-2022: P29 W11 D10 L8

      Austria, 2022-2024: P21 W13 D3 L5

      Trophies: Regional League South (Ulm); Intertoto Cup, U19 Bundesliga (Stuttgart); Bundesliga 2 (Hannover); German Cup, German Super Cup, German League Cup (Schalke) More

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      Bayern Munich hold talks with ex-Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick ‘as part of plan to hire Jurgen Klopp or Xabi Alonso’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are prepared to play the long-game as they wait to employ either Jurgen Klopp or Xabi Alonso, according to reports in Germany.Both managers will be unavailable for at least a year, despite Bayern seeing them as the perfect candidates for the hot seat in Munich.Bayern have turned their attentions to Austria coach Ralf RangnickCredit: ReutersThe club would love to appoint Liverpool manager Jurgen KloppCredit: RexBayern could also bide their time as they wait for Alonso to leave LeverkusenCredit: RexKlopp is expected to take a sabbatical after stepping down as Liverpool coach saying he is “running out of energy”.Alonso, meanwhile, wants to stay at Leverkusen for at least another year after winning the Bundesliga at Bayer.Kicker report that a manager could be appointed in the interim until one of these men becomes available.But whether Klopp, who managed Borussia Dortmund between 2008 and 2015, would ever take a job at his former club’s fierce rivals remains to be seen.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKicker claim that Bayern have gone off the idea of appointing a big name in Zinedine Zidane or project manager in Roberto De Zerbi in favour of waiting for Klopp or Alonso.Names mentioned for interim manager include Lucien Favre and former boss Hansi Flick.But a more permanent alternative could be former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick according to Bild.The Austria boss confirmed that talks have been held.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told 90Minuten: “Bayern have made contact with me and I informed the Austrian Federation about it.“My focus now is on Austria and the Euros. Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’“If Bayern will tell me: we want you… then I have to ask myself: do I want this at all?”Rangnick had an unsuccessful stint as United manager during the 2021-22 season after taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.The original plan had been for the German to move upstairs as a technical director after his interim spell but that was cancelled after a dismal end to the season.He has gone on to rebuild his reputation as manager of the Austrian national team, qualifying them for the Euros playing attacking, high-pressing football.Prior to his stint at United, he was crucial in building Red Bull’s footballing product for their teams Salzburg and Leipzig.He had two spells at Leipzig as coach but his main role was as a technical director.READ MORE SUN STORIESBayern feel he could perform a similar role for them as they look to restructure the club off the back of several disappointing managerial appointments.Whether he could be tempted into an interim role at Bayern remains to be seen.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More