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    Bundesliga star thanks quick-thinking referee for saving his life after horror collision saw him swallow his tongue

    A TOP footballer has thanked referee Patrick Ittrich for potentially saving his life after a horror on-field collision. Mainz star Josuha Guilavogui’s head collided with team-mate Anthony Caci’s knee during Saturday’s match at Bayern Munich. Josuha Guilavogui thanked referee Patrick Ittrich for potentially saving his life after a horror on-field collisionCredit: EPAThe Frenchman was left motionless on the ground and looked to be unconscious before Ittrich arrived and put him in the recovery position. Quick-thinking official Ittrich then adjusted his tongue so he could breathe again.The incident took place on the half hour mark and Guilavogui was subbed off five minutes later for Edimilson Fernandes. And he expressed his gratitude to ref Ittrich on social media after the game. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe posted on X: “Thank you very much for the quick intervention and the help provided, Patrick Ittrich, my teammates and the doctors at Mainz!”Ittrich said: “You just have to act quickly, there’s no praise for it.”The game ended in an 8-1 hammering for Mainz with Harry Kane scoring three but – due to Bundesliga rules – it did not count as a hat-trick. For a “true hat-trick” in German football, one must score three goals in the same half all consecutively, with no one else bagging in between.Most read in BundesligaWith Kane scoring Bayern’s first, third and seventh unfortunately it does count, despite him taking home the match ball regardless. He posted after the game: “Perfect afternoon! Gotta keep this momentum up.”Micah Richards accuses Harry Kane of ‘having a dodgy box’ in hilarious interviewThe emphatic result sees the Bavarians move to within seven points of leaders Bayer Leverkusen.And England skipper Kane improved his sensational tally for the season to 36 goals in 34 matches. Harry Kane poses with the match ball despite his hat-trick not officially counting More

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    Harry Kane failed in sensational bid to lure England team-mate and Premier League star to Bayern Munich

    KIERAN TRIPPIER revealed Harry Kane tried to get him to sign for Bayern Munich in January.Newcastle rejected a £12.5million bid from the German giants for the England right-back.Kieran Trippier said Harry Kane tried to lure him to Bayern MunichCredit: GettyTrippier, 33, admits the interest was “flattering”, with former Tottenham pal Kane telling him to leave the North East for Munich.The Magpies skipper said: “I was in New York on holiday and I was woken at 5am being told that Bayern Munich wanted to sign me.“I was like, ‘This is a bit random’. I never thought at 33 that Bayern would want to sign me, so it was more of a shock to me than anybody.“Harry [Kane] was texting, of course, but it just wasn’t the right thing for me. READ MORE IN ENGLAND “He was asking if it’s true, telling me it’s warmer than Newcastle and having a bit of banter.”But I never once tried to force a move out of the club. I’ve been loyal to Newcastle.”Trippier will miss this month’s England friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley with a calf injury.But he is still expected to be in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 46-cap defender added: “We can’t be afraid to say that we can win it. We’ve got an unbelievable squad.”Trippier was part of the side that reached the 2018 World Cup semis before Euros final heartbreak in 2021.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichOn whether this is a new Golden Generation with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, he added: “Yes. It’s crazy because the last World Cup compared to now, all the young players have come out of nowhere.“You see the level that everyone is playing at now, so hopefully we can go one step further and win the tournament.” More

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    Alphonso Davies’ front teeth knocked out of place after horror challenge as Bayern Munich star is forced off

    ALPHONSO DAVIES was forced off in Bayern Munich’s latest match after his front teeth were knocked out of place.The defender started in Bayern’s 8-1 thrashing of Mainz on Saturday.Alphonso Davies was hooked after 18 minutes after taking a boot to the faceCredit: GettyHowever, the 23-year-old had to be substituted in the 18th minute.It came after Davies was inadvertently kicked in the face by Silvan Widmer in the 14th minute.The Swiss defender had lost his balance after colliding with Davies, so no foul was called against him.But Canada international Davies had been left with a bloody injury which left him in a heap on the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing treatment on the field, Davies was taken off in the 18th minute and replaced by Raphael Guerreiro.Davies later posted an image of his teeth on social media, revealing his bloody and out of place gnashers.Speaking after the game, manager Thomas Tuchel said: “He’s at the dentist because he had a heavy hit there.”We hope that it’s not too bad.”Most read in FootballDavies revealed his bloody teeth after the gameCredit: Instagram alphonsodaviesCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The blow came after his return from a knee injury which had kept him out of action for three weeks in February.He has played 30 times for Bayern in all competitions this season, scoring once and assisting three goals.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe 8-1 thrashing was only the Bavarians second league win in their last five games, with the club now seven points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who face Wolfsburg later today.England captain Harry Kane bagged a hat-trick in the game, as well as laying on as assist for Jamal Musiala, to bring his goal tally to 36 in 34 games in all competitions for the season.However, a “true hat-trick” in German football means the goals must be scored in the same half and scored consecutively, with no one else bagging in between.But due to Kane’s trio coming both sides of half-time and having other scorers in the middle of them, it doesn’t count. More

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    Man Utd loanee Jadon Sancho nets amazing solo goal as defender left for dead after recently being branded ‘worst player’

    JADON SANCHO scored his first Borussia Dortmund goal since 2021 – and he did so in spectacular style. The Manchester United winger returned to his former German club on loan in January amid his Erik ten Hag exile.Jadon Sancho grabbed his first goal of the season away at Werder BremenCredit: GettyIt proved to be the winner for Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyAnd on his eighth appearance back in the Bundesliga again, he found the net.Dortmund were leading 1-0 away at Werder Bremen on Saturday when Sancho received the ball from Julian Brandt down the left channel.The £73million man collected it then breezed past the right-back with a sublime piece of skilful trickery before racing into the box.Sancho then opened up his body, picked his spot and tucked into the back of the net at the near post to finish off a superb solo effort.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe on-loan England international barely let out a celebration, jogging off with a composed look – probably more relieved to break his duck than anything.Sancho’s previous goal came in May 2023 on the final day of last season as United beat Fulham.And his stunning effort at Werder Bremen helped bury the critics on his back following an underwhelming start to his loan spell.As well as failing to score in his opening seven appearances for Die Schwarzgelben, Sancho was savagely labelled the “worst player on the pitch” in the 3-2 defeat to Hoffenheim at the end of February.Most read in BundesligaCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL So it was no surprise Borussia Dortmund fans celebrated yesterday’s goal with delight – nearly three years on from his double in the DFB-Pokal final win over RB Leipzig.One said: “Jadon Sancho back doing what he does best.”Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through’Another wrote: “Good to see him back on the scoresheet… Big moment.”A third added: “What a goal from Jadon Sancho. Ten Hag was holding this demon back all along.”A fourth commented: “We are so back.”And a final user replied: “Makes it all worth the wait, that goal. Incredible from Sancho 2-0.”It proved an important strike, too, as Dortmund were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time when Marcel Sabitzer saw red.Then Justin Njinmah pulled one back for the hosts 20 minutes from time. However, Dortmund held on for the 2-1 victory – as Sancho’s goal turned out to be the winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESEdin Terzic’s side are fourth in the Bundesliga table, 17 points off leaders Bayer Leverkusen who have a game in hand.Dortmund are battling it out with RB Leipzig to claim the fourth and final Champions League spot. Sancho picked up the ball on the leftCredit: DAZN / ElevenSportsBeHe did brilliantly to beat his man and get into the area for the shotCredit: DAZN / ElevenSportsBe More

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    Classy Jude Bellingham in rarely-seen gesture to rival manager after Real Madrid’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was involved in a rarely-seen gesture at the end of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig yesterday.The draw was enough to see Madrid through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after they won the first leg 1-0.Bellingham ran up to Rose to give him a hugCredit: GettyHe then gave his former manager his shirtCredit: GettyAfter the final whistle, Bellingham ran over to RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose.They exchanged a hug before Bellingham gave the manager his jersey as a memento from the match.The two worked together during Bellingham’s time at Dortmund, with Rose leaving the club in 2022.The midfielder followed Rose out the Dortmund exit door a year later when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans on X responded generally positively to the gesture, with a Dortmund fan writing: “Jude first started developing his overall game thanks to Marco Rose. Gave him the freedom that got the best out of him on the pitch. Miss both these guys”Another wrote: “What Bellingham did with his old coach is like a bromance!”A third posted: “I like the bond between them both.”While a fourth said: “Memories.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Rose’s team ran Madrid close despite being unfancied at the Bernabeu.After acquitting themselves well in the first leg and losing narrowly, Leipzig created the majority of the chances during the game in Spain.Jude Bellingham stunned as dramatic ‘winner’ for Real Madrid ruled out as referee blows final whistle with ball in airBut it was Madrid who opened the scoring through Vinicius in the 65th minute against the run of play.Leipzig equalised in the 68th minute through Willi Orban but were unable to find a second that would have taken the game to extra-time. More

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    Thomas Tuchel ‘would consider shock Chelsea return’ after Bayern Munich sacking as fans say ‘bring him back home’

    THOMAS TUCHEL is ready to consider a return to Chelsea this summer, according to reports.The German, 50, was sacked by Todd Boehly in September 2022 just a few months after the American’s takeover.Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTodd Boehly concedes that he may have made a ‘mistake’ sacking TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel subsequently took over at Bayern Munich last March, but it has already been confirmed that he will be leaving at the end of this season.With the former Blues boss set to be out of work, he is said to be targeting a return to the Premier League.According to German outlet Bild, Tuchel would be open to returning to Stamford Bridge, should he and Boehly be able to settle their previous differences.Prior to Tuchel’s departure, he and his boss endured a strained relationship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoehly, 50, even frustrated the former Chelsea manager by trying to show a group of guests the home dressing room… while Tuchel was attempting to deliver a half-time team talk.At the end of last season, reports claimed that Blues chiefs privately acknowledged that sacking Tuchel may have been a mistake.According to the Mail at the time, Tuchel was owed a £13million severance pay.Chelsea replaced the Champions League winner with Brighton’s Graham Potter, who only lasted seven month before being axed himself.Most read in FootballFrank Lampard subsequently returned as caretaker boss, before Mauricio Pochettino eventually succeeded Potter full-time.The Argentine has failed to restore the Blues’ fortunes, with his side currently sitting 11th in the Premier League.Thomas Tuchel suffers broken toe in bizarre dressing room incident as he tried to motivate Bayern stars before Lazio winPochettino, 52, has come under pressure in recent weeks, with fans singing “f*** off Mauricio” at Brentford last Saturday.Chelsea have made a habit of bringing back former managers in recent years.Prior to Lampard’s return last year, they also re-hired Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink.Commenting on a potential Tuchel comeback, one Chelsea fan wrote: “Bring him back home.”While a second gushed: “I’d cherish this opportunity so much.”A third reasoned: “I still think he will give us the results we want.”And another added: “Wow! Bring him home nowww.”While Tuchel would consider Chelsea, Manchester United is claimed to be his “dream destination”.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince Ineos’ arrival as partial owners, doubts have lingered over whether Erik ten Hag will remain at Old Trafford next season.Elsewhere Liverpool are hunting a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, while West Ham and Brighton could also have vacancies – with David Moyes set to be out of contract and Roberto De Zerbi being targeted by the likes of Barcelona.Tuchel, 50, is craving a Premier League returnCredit: AFPFans turned on Mauricio Pochettino during the recent clash with BrentfordCredit: Alamy More

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    Sheffield Wednesday announce controversial transfer for Nico Schulz is OVER after fan fury over domestic violence charge

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have decided against the controversial transfer signing of Nico Schulz amid fan pressure.The 30-year-old former Borussia Dortmund defender was charged with assaulting his former partner on three separate occasions in 2020 in court last month.Sheffield Wednesday have opted against the controversial signing of Nico SchulzCredit: GettySchulz, who has been capped 12 times by Germany, was ordered to donate over £128,000 to five different charity organisations over a three-month period.That was for the case to be discontinued after his ex-partner refused to testify, according to various reports.Amid that investigation, Schulz was released by Dortmund following a four-year period there last summer.He has since been unemployed but spent time training with Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday last month.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever an open letter was posted on social media by the Sheffield Wednesday Women’s Supporters Group in which the club was urged not to sign the player.And now the club’s German coach confirmed after the Owls’ win over Plymouth that he would not be pursuing a deal amid the outcry from supporters.Danny Rohl told The Star: “I would not normally speak after a game about a player who is not here, that’s not in my mind, but I have made a final decision.“I’ve said before with transfers that I always look to the whole picture, and that was the same in this case.Most read in Championship“I’m very happy with my team here, I know Kristian Pedersen will come back soon, and that’s the reason why I will stay with my squad… Nico Schulz will not be coming.”Schulz came through the ranks at Hertha Berlin before leaving for Gladbach in 2015.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersHe spent two years there prior to signing for Hoffenheim but it was not long before he was on the move again.In 2019 Dortmund swooped with a £22m transfer deal and he went on to lift both the DFB Pokal and DFL Supercup with the Yellow Submarine.Meanwhile, last night’s victory was Wednesday’s fourth-straight triumph.It is only goal difference that now separates them from safety as they sit on 38 points along with Stoke, Huddersfield and QPR.They are next in action on Friday when they host promotion hopefuls and neighbours Leeds United. More

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    Xabi Alonso ‘opens talks with Bayern Munich with Spaniard leaning towards snubbing Liverpool job’

    XABI ALONSO has reportedly opened talks with Bayern Munich as he leans towards snubbing Liverpool.The Spanish boss is on the list of both clubs after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga.Xabi Alonso is reportedly in talks to join Bayern Munich from Bayer LeverkusenCredit: RexThomas Tuchel will leave Bayern, who are ten points off leaders LeverkusenCredit: GettyAlonso’s men are ten points clear of Bayern and remain unbeaten this season.However, Leverkusen’s rivals are looking to destabilise the title race by opening talks with Alonso.Bayern have already confirmed they will part ways with Thomas Tuchel this summer.And Sky Germany claims they are now in discussions for Alonso to become their new boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former midfielder won three titles playing for Bayern between 2014 and 2017.Liverpool were hoping Alonso’s connections to Anfield would swing things their way.But he apparently believes the void that will be left by Jurgen Klopp’s impending exit is too big to fill.Alonso fears there will be too much risk attached to the Liverpool hot seat once their German supremo departs after a decade of decadence.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Bayern, who have won the previous 11 Bundesliga titles, are a safer option at this moment in time.Alonso has already given “positive” indications that he is willing to join Leverkusen’s rivals.Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are two names who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summerLiverpool were hoping to replace Jurgen Klopp with Alonso this summerCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is an option on Liverpool’s listCredit: GettyBut Bayern will have to cough up a tasty fee for the tactician.He is tied down to the BayArena until 2026.And due to a release clause in his deal which doesn’t kick in until 2025, Alonso could cost anywhere between £13million and £21m in compensation.It means Liverpool could have to look elsewhere for a new manager this summer.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is on their shortlist after leading his side to the top of the Portuguese league table.And the Reds are also keeping a close eye on Brighton maverick Roberto De Zerbi.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Seagulls sit ninth in the table with ten wins from 27 games.But it’s the Italian’s attacking style of football and willingness to develop youngsters that makes him an attractive option.Xabi Alonso is perfect man for LiverpoolBy Dan King
    XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
    The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
    Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
    He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to ten points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
    It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
    For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
    It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
    But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world. More