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    Ex-Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick ‘shock favourite to replace Tuchel at Bayern Munich and deal could be done this week’

    FORMER Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is reportedly in line to take over from Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Tuchel is set to leave the Allianz Arena this summer, just 15 months after taking the helm.Ralf Rangnick is reportedly in line to become Bayern Munich managerCredit: GettyThe German giants have endured an underwhelming season and now risk ending the campaign with no silverware.They lost out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 12 years earlier this month, with Bayer Leverkusen taking the crown.Bayern executives are now on the hunt for a new manager.And according to German outlet TZ, Rangnick has emerged as a top target.Read More on FootballIf all goes to plan, the ex-United boss could complete a deal this week.If Rangnick decides to make the switch, he will take over after Euro 2024 this summer.The 65-year-old is currently manager of the Austria national team.He took charge back in April 2022, shortly after leaving Man Utd.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVictory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
    Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
    Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
    Victory has never been less glorious.
    As a party-starter, it fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
    Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
    Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
    After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
    Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

    Rangnick was appointed as United’s interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.He took charge of 29 games during his time at Old Trafford.Man Utd outgoing boss Ralf Rangnick admits club can’t compete with Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea in transfer market The manager won 11 games and suffered nine defeats.Rangnick has also managed the likes of Stuttgart, Schalke and RB Leipzig. More

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    Unai Emery jumps into shock lead to become new manager of Champions League giants with Premier League rival also wanted

    UNAI EMERY has emerged as the front runner to become Bayern Munich’s next manager, a report claims.The Aston Villa boss returned to the Premier League in October 2022 and has transformed Villa from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is now the front runner to become Bayern Munich’s next managerCredit: RexEmery, 52, has had a magnificent season at Villa Park with his side currently fourth in the table while also reaching the Conference League semi-finals.His resurgence in success following his tenure at Villarreal, after parting ways with Arsenal in November 2019, has captured the attention of Europe’s top clubs, including Bayern Munich.The Bundesliga giants are searching for their next manager to replace Thomas Tuchel.German newspaper Bild now claim that Emery is the hottest candidate to succeed Tuchel, with newly-appointed director of sport Max Eberal a big fan of the Spaniard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Bayern and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus wants to see the ex-PSG boss get the job, telling Sky Germany: “I would get Unai Emery from Aston Villa. “He’s doing a great job there. He has a lot of experience – including internationally – and he has titles to his name with Sevilla, for example.”He speaks perfect English. He can then learn German, but the players can all speak English anyway, so I don’t see any language barrier. “Emery would also be someone who would bring in a new wind, he would be a new face in the Bundesliga and That would fit well with Bayern Munich.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Bavarian giants, who last week lost the German title for the first time in 12 years as unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga.Despite leading Bayern into this year’s Champions League semi-finals, where they’ll face Real Madrid, it’s already been confirmed that the ex-Chelsea boss will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakBayern have seen their ex-manager Julian Nagelsmann turn down the chance to return to Munich, signing a new two-year contract with the German national team, while Zinedine Zidane reportedly isn’t interested either. And Eberl said language could come into play when choosing the next boss. He said: “I can say that our search for new manager is at the final stages. The coach should speak English, not necessarily German.”Emery isn’t the only Premier League manager in the race as Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has also come into Eberl’s thinking.Bayern have four Bundesliga games left, alongside their Champions League semi-final clashes with Real and a potential final at Wembley. More

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    Man Utd hoping Borussia Dortmund shock PSG in Champions League semi after clause put into Jadon Sancho loan deal

    MANCHESTER UNITED will pocket extra cash thanks to Borussia Dortmund’s run in the Champions League.The German giants beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-final to set up a last four clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Jadon Sancho helped fire Dortmund into the Champions League semi-finalCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe will pocket bonus cash after Dortmund’s successCredit: PASancho joined Dortmund in January on loan until the end of the season after a public fall out with Erik ten Hag.In the deal that saw the 24-year-old return to his former club, Man Utd inserted clauses that have now been met.The Times report that Dortmund owe the Red Devils additional funds as they have made the Champions League semi-final.Should they progress further, the amount is expected to rise up to £3.4million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOther clauses in the contract are based on appearance numbers and if Dortmund qualify for next season’s Champions League.With five games left to play, they sit fifth in the table and are level on points with RB Leipzig.Although the Bundesliga look set to earn a bonus spot in next year’s competition after England’s Uefa coefficient took a hit as Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham all crashed out of Europe this week. Dortmund reportedly paid £3m to secure the loan signing of Sancho.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSpeculation suggests both them and Man Utd are helping cover his £290,000-a-week salary.Sancho has not played for the Red Devils since September.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through’The exiled winger claimed he was made a “scapegoat” after being left out the squad for the trip to Arsenal.He has since refused to apologise to Ten Hag and been banned from training and all first-team facilities.But the door could now be open for his return after the boss said: “Of course, I follow international football and follow the players on loan at other clubs.“It was a fantastic game, Dortmund against Atletico Madrid.“It was a great performance from Dortmund and for Jadon it’s good news.“He made his contribution to the result for Dortmund.” More

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    Zinedine Zidane ‘prefers Man Utd to Bayern Munich with managerial move to Bundesliga giants in doubt’

    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’

    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’

    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

    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

    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