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    Fan forced to step in after linesman suffers horror injury and helped off pitch in Bundesliga clash

    A FAN had to step in from the stands and referee the Bundesliga clash between Wolfsburg and Cologne after a linesman got injured.Official Thorben Siewer fell victim to a miskick as the ball hit him so hard in the head he went down and required medical attention.
    A linesman got injured during the Bundesliga clash between Wolfsbug and CologneCredit: AP
    A fan had to step out of the stands to replace the fourth officialCredit: Rex

    Cologne ace Max Finkgrafe tried to clear the ball during a Wolfsburg attack and accidentally hit the ref who was standing behind the line.
    Physio staff from both teams immediately tended to Siewer who thankfully got back up to his feet.
    Unfortunately, however, the 36-year-old couldn’t carry on with the match and underwent further checks after being taken to the tunnel.
    Fourth official Nicolas Winter replaced his colleague but there was no one else to fill in for the former.
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    Therefore, hosts Wolfsburg issued an announcement at the Volkswagen Arena asking for any potential certified referees within the crowd.
    Thankfully, there was someone with the necessary badges who could carry out those duties and the match continued soon after.
    Tobias Krull, a goalkeeper of German sixth-tier club MTV Gifhorn, stepped away from the crowd and filled in as the fourth official.
    Krull stood between the two Bundesliga managers’ bench during a 1-1 draw.
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    A similar incident took place only last week in the FA Cup third-round replay between Wolves and Brentford.
    Qualified referee Ross Bennett, who officiates at grassroots Under-12 games, gave up his seat at Molineux after assistant ref Harry Lennard felt unwell and fourth official Gavin Ward stepped in to run the line.
    Bennett then replaced Ward and had to contain his jubilation after Wolves star Matheus Cunha’s extra-time penalty winner. More

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    Inside Xabi Alonso’s glamorous life, from wife who Liverpool team-mate tried to pull to model shoots and love of cars

    XABI ALONSO is the talk of the town in Germany and Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen manager has the club seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
    Xabi Alonso is top of the Bundesliga and is the man linked to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty
    But how about the man away from football?
    This has firmly put them on course to land their first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history.
    Alonso has grown a strong reputation in coaching for his innovative and attractive brand of football.
    Whether he is the man to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield remains to be seen, given there are a number of other candidates to consider.
    But what about the man away from the pitch and tactics board?
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    Star crossed lovers
    Alonso is married to Nagore Aranburu.
    The couple tied the knot all the way back in 2009, a month before Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid.
    They met when Alonso was still a teenager and playing for boyhood club Real Sociedad.
    Alonso and Nagore have had three children together, Jontxe born in 2008,  Ane, born in 2010 and Emma, born in 2013.
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    Xabi Alonso married wife Nagore Aranburu in 2009Credit: AFP
    They first met when Alonso was a kid at Real SociedadCredit: Getty
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    Nagore has worked as a model, actress and fashion designer.
    But one hilarious tale came while she worked as a hotel receptionist in Liverpool.
    Ex-Reds ace and Alonso team-mate Peter Crouch recalled the first time he met Nagore.
    Crouch confessed his love at first-sight reaction to meeting Nagore, before Liverpool team-mates including Jamie Carragher broke the news to him that she was with Alonso.
    He said: “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel.
    “On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time.
    The couple have three children togetherCredit: AFP
    Despite busy work schedules they have always made time to enjoy days out togetherCredit: Splash News
    “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’
    “So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.
    “She was doing a bit of work to practise her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so.”
    Despite their busy lifestyles, Alonso and Nagore have always been sure to make time to spend with one another.
    While at Bayern Munich Alonso and Nagore were a regular sight during Oktoberfest celebrations.
    Following Alonso’s retirement from football in 2017 the pair were spotted enjoying a walk on the beach during a family holiday to California.
    Alonso has also revealed the pair love a trip to the museum and going for a mountain drive with the family.
    Alonso and Nagore were often sighted at Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: AFP
    Alonso revealed the family used to enjoy mountain car ridesCredit: Getty
    Petrolhead and modelling
    Perhaps it is an echo of his sleek playing style, but whenever Alonso is pictured in a car it is one of elegant design.
    And his fashion sense goes in the same direction.
    Alonso loves getting behind the wheel of classic beamers, with a number of Instagram posts showing him driving a variety of classic cars.
    During his time in Munich, Alonso modelled for Porsche and Adidas as they launched the Porsche Design Sport SS17 and sportswear range.
    Alonso modelled for the launch of the Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17Credit: Adidas / Porsche

    Alonso and Nagore living the high life
    The pair, seen posing for Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17, really are the model couple
    However, when going to training he would drive a rather inconspicuous Audi, rather than his classic Mercedes 190 SL convertible.
    Cost estimates for that car today put it between £70,000 to £166,000.
    In an interview with Mr Porter, Alonso – who has been likened to James Bond – is seen driving a Porsche 356 and not looking one bit out of place.
    One thing Alonso can’t stand is the idea of tattoos on his body.
    In a 2016 interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso said: “They [friends] know that they have zero chance with me.
    “By the way, I am not against tattoos in principle. It may well be that this looks cool on others.
    “But not for me. I just can’t imagine myself with piercings, chains or anything else. Obviously, I’m hopelessly old-fashioned.”
    Alonso has always championed a sleek fashion styleCredit: Adidas / Porsche
    One thing he can’t get behind are tattoos on his bodyCredit: Adidas / Porsche
    Alonso is also pretty fed up of the idea that footballers have bad taste in music and TV shows, saying: “It’s the eternal cliché that footballers don’t have taste.
    “I think that’s pretty unfair. But I already know that, I’ve gotten used to it.”
    He has previously raved about hit shows like True Detective and Fargo, describing them as “masterpieces”, while also revealing bands he has listened to.
    The Shins, The Flaming Lips, The Delgados, The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed to name a few.
    Special moments are like watch links
    Despite his often suave appearance, Alonso is not one who often dresses to impress.
    But when he does, he goes all out, and watches are the crown jewel of his wardrobe.
    Alonso has likened special moments in his life and career to links in a watch.
    He told The Journal: “For me, every special moment is bound to be linked to a particular watch, and whenever I put it on I’m transported back to that moment – such as when we won the Champions League with Liverpool or the World Cup with Spain.”
    Jurgen Klopp’s successor?By 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 seven-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.

    A IWC Steel Ingenieur Automatic 40, £10,500, similar to the one Alonso was givenCredit: IWC
    Alonso shows off one of his many watches on a trip to London with Nagora
    Watches in his collection include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet and Panerai – not that he has a particular desire to show off such accessories for fear of coming across as vulgar.
    However, his favourite and most special member of his watch collection was a gift from Nagora on their wedding day – an IWC Ingenieur – worth £10,500 according to Watches of Switzerland.
    For Alonso, the stunning watch “represents the fact that I had found a woman who thought about me, about what I like, and my personality.
    “I don’t wear it much, just on really special occasions.”
    Alonso says he likes IWC watches in general because “they’re not overly showy, attention-grabbing watches” and “have a certain sophistication without being flashy”.
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    The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man from the shoes he’s wearing and the watch he has on.”
    And it seems for Alonso, simple but beautiful efficiency is runs through everything he does. More

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    Jurgen Klopp next job odds: Germany national team most likely after Liverpool departure, Dortmund 15/2

    THE German national side looks most likely to be Jurgen Klopp’s next job once he steps away from Liverpool.The 56-year-old shocked the footballing world when revealing this season would be his last at Anfield as he plans to step down from the role in the summer.
    Where will Jurgen Klopp go next?Betfair odds

    Germany national team 1/9
    Dortmund 15/2
    Real Madrid 11/1
    Barcelona 14/1
    England national team 16/1
    Bayern Munich 50/1
    Man Utd 200/1

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    Klopp admitted he was simply running out of energy, having given everything to the role since his appointment in 2015.
    Speaking back in 2020, he revealed when he did leave Liverpool that he’d take a year away from the game, only returning if he felt he missed football during that time.
    While Liverpool begin their search for a replacement, this announcement is sure to spike the interest of other chairmen across the footballing world, who now know he’ll be available come the summer.
    Taking into account what he’s said, bookmakers Betfair have a pretty clear idea of where Klopp will be heading next, making the German national team as short as 1/9 to be his next role.
    That move might work as preference for Klopp, taking him away from the 24/7 nature of club football.
    It’s a role he’s regularly been linked with and certainly would seem a likely target of his.
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    A return to Dortmund – where he enjoyed great success before leaving for Merseyside – is next in the betting at 15/2.
    Dortmund won two Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals and finished runners-up in the 2012/13 Champions League.
    Real Madrid (11/1) and Barcelona (14/1) come next, with Xavi under increased pressure at the Catalan side.
    Reports in Spain also already linked Klopp with Barcelona following his announcement earlier.
    At bigger odds come the England national team (16/1), Bayern Munich (50/1) and Manchester United at a huge – but probably not huge enough – 200/1.
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    Arsenal fans say ‘Wenger has done it again’ with ‘eight-year master plan’ close to completion

    ARSENAL fans joked “Arsene Wenger has done it again” after noticing the potential repercussions of Granit Xhaka’s career path.Xhaka, 31, joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and went on to make 297 first team appearances.
    Granit Xhaka could win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this seasonCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are currently behind Leverkusen in the league tableCredit: Getty
    Football fans have joked that Arsene Wenger is responsibleCredit: Getty – Contributor
    He endured a mixed experience in North London before eventually becoming a fan favourite.
    The midfielder’s captaincy was revoked in 2019 after he told Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace.
    But supporters were devastated last summer when he completed a £21.5million move to Bayer Leverkusen.
    Since returning to Germany, Xhaka has been one of Leverkusen’s star players.
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    The Black and Reds sit at the top of the Bundesliga table, four points clear of Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
    Football fans are now convinced that he could prevent his ex-North London rival from winning a trophy once again.
    One person tweeted: “Arsene Wenger signed Granit Xhaka in 2016 so that 7 years later he could join Bayer Leverkusen to lead their title charge against Bayern Munich and ensure that Harry Kane does not win a single league title in his career.
    “Arsene Wenger has done it again 😂.”
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    Granit Xhaka’s career path
    May 2016: Xhaka joins Arsenal in £30million transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
    September 2016: He scores his first goal for the Gunners.
    May 2017: The midfielder wins the FA Cup with Arsenal
    September 2019: Xhaka is named Arsenal captain, replacing Laurent Koscielny.
    October 2019: He tells Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace while being booed.
    November 2019: His captaincy is revoked and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is named as Arsenal’s new captain.
    January 2020: The midfielder takes a first team hiatus and is rumoured to leave Arsenal.
    August 2020: Xhaka wins his second FA Cup with Arsenal.
    May 2022: He admits he is “ready” to captain Arsenal again.
    July 2023: Xhaka joins Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5million transfer.

    Another wrote: “If that pans out, it’s absolute genius!?!”
    While a third commented: “Arsene Wenger at it again 😂.”
    Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and spent 22 years with the Gunners before leaving in 2018.
    During his time at the club he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. More

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    Liverpool and Man City set for transfer battle over Bayern Munich superstar – and could land him for a bargain

    LIVERPOOL and Manchester City will reportedly go head-to-head to sign Joshua Kimmich.The Bayern Munich star is in the final 18 months of his contract and has yet to agree on a new deal.
    Joshua Kimmich is reportedly a target for both Liverpool and Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is said to have ‘good connections with the BundesligaCredit: Getty
    Kimmich, 28, would be able to leave the Bundesliga giants for free in the summer of 2025.
    This means that the Bavarian side could look to cash in on the Germany international this summer.
    German outlet Bild have claimed that both Manchester City and Liverpool are “closely monitoring” the star’s situation at the club.
    The Premier League sides are expected to make moves for the midfielder should he become available.
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    However, the report has also suggested that Jurgen Klopp may have an advantage over Pep Guardiola in the race to win his signature.
    This is due to Liverpool’s sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, having “good connections” to the Bundesliga.
    Bild journalist Christian Falk said: “He’s in the final year of his deal at Bayern and they would like to celebrate a purchase price rather than lose him for free.
    “They could lose if he does not extend. And that’s where Manchester City and Liverpool come in.
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    “Thiago is always injured at Liverpool and his contract is running out, [Jordan] Henderson has left, there is a bit of space in midfield and Jurgen Klopp of course knows how important Kimmich is.
    “Schmadtke, the sporting director, has good connections in the Bundesliga.
    ‘So, Klopp is also now in the race for Kimmich.”
    Pep Guardiola did work with the midfielder during his time managing Bayern, having signed him in 2015 from RB Leipzig.
    In their one season together, the pair won the German treble of the league, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.
    Newcastle have also been linked with Kimmich with reports claiming that the Magpies had “opened talks” over a move.
    Kimmich’s Trophy HaulJoshua Kimmich has enjoyed a brilliant career at Bayern Munich which has seen him won 20 titles.

    Bundesliga titles x8
    DFB-Pokal x3
    DFL-Supercup x6
    Uefa Champions League x1
    Uefa Super Cup x1
    Club World Cup x1

    On the international level, the 82-cap midfielder has also picked up the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017. More

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    Fans reckon Eric Dier has ‘gone full Steve McClaren’ as ex-Tottenham ace gives live TV interview after Bayern debut

    ERIC DIER was accused of going “full Steve McClaren” after making his Bayern Munich debut last night.The defender, 30, joined the Bundesliga champions a fortnight ago from Tottenham after spending nine-and-a-half years in North London.
    Eric Dier was accused of going ‘full Steve McClaren’
    Dier, 30, made his Bayern Munich debut last nightCredit: Getty
    McClaren was accused of mimicking a Dutch accent during his time at FC TwenteCredit: PA
    He was an unused substitute as Thomas Tuchel’s side lost 1-0 at home to Werder Bremen over the weekend.
    Dier made his Bayern debut last night, replacing Dayot Upamecano at half-time during their 1-0 win over Union Berlin at Allianz Arena.
    After the game, the England international told Sky Sports: “A very proud moment for me obviously to make my debut for this club.
    “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family and obviously I really enjoyed it.
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    “I really enjoy playing here and I’m happy to have made my debut here at this stadium.
    “So I’m really happy with how I’ve settled and obviously to make my debut and hopefully I can continue to help my team.”
    After the interview was posted to social media, many fans thought that Dier had done a McClaren by mimicking the German accent while speaking in English.
    McClaren, now a first team coach at Manchester United, famously did something similar during his time at Dutch side FC Twente.
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    One fan wrote: “Bro developed a German accent after 1 game.”
    While, followed by a laughing emoji, a second asked: “Why’s he putting on a foreign accent?”
    A third said: “Another Steve McClaren moment. Strong accent.”
    And a fourth pointed out: “That accent came outta nowhere lol.”
    Another cheekily added: “Been having lessons off Scheeeve McClaren?”
    Soccer Saturday host Simon Thomas tweeted: “Absolutely magnificent.
    “That embarrassingly common English habit of thinking a terrible accent equals a valiant attempt at speaking another language.”
    Dier moved to Portugal with his family at the age of seven.
    He is able to speak Portuguese fluently, and even used the language at times while chatting with former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.
    The defender is also fluent in Spanish, which over the years has helped him communicate with team-mates that don’t speak English.
    Dier came on with Bayern level at 0-0 against Union, but his side would take the lead within 30 seconds of his introduction.
    The defender’s former Tottenham pal Harry Kane struck the post with a left-footed effort, with the ball ricocheting to Raphael Guerreiro.
    He then did the rest, slotting the ball home with his right foot.
    The match took a bizarre turn in the 74th minute when Union Berlin coach Nenad Bjelica was sent off for twice striking Leroy Sane in the face.
    Sane had tried to retrieve the ball from Bjelica, only for it to be knocked away.
    As a melee subsequently ensued, Dier could be seen trying to defend his new team-mate.
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    Bayern’s win saw them close the gap with leaders Bayer Leverkusen to four points after 18 games.
    Xabi Alonso’s table-toppers are yet to lose a Bundesliga game this season.
    Nenad Bjelica bizarrely lost his head as he confronted Leroy SaneCredit: Getty More

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    Union Berlin boss Nenad Bjelica sent off for shoving Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sane in the FACE as fans predict ‘long ban’

    UNION BERLIN coach Nenad Bjelica stunned fans after he was sent off for pushing Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane in the FACE.The Croatian head coach, 52, was watching his side trail 1-0 when he picked up the ball after it went off by the touchline.
    Nenad Bjelica pushed Leroy Sane in the face and earned himself a red cardCredit: Reuters

    The ugly scenes saw the Union coach sent offCredit: Getty
    Sane was booked for his part in the spatCredit: Getty
    Ex-Manchester City man Sane, 28, attempted to grab it from him, but Bjelica whipped it away.
    The manager then lost control of the ball, before he proceeded to thrust his hand into the Bayern man’s face.
    The moment sparked chaos on the sideline as backroom staff pulled the pair apart.
    And Bjelica was rightly dismissed for his shocking actions as those watching were left astonished.
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    Sane was given a yellow card for his part in the altercation.
    Reacting on social media, one person said: “He deserves a long ban. That’s bad.”
    Another added: “Why would he do that?”
    A third replied: “Surprised Sane is still standing. Some force in that.”
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    While a fourth simply responded: “That’s crazy.”
    Bjelica now faces the prospect of a lengthy ban following the violent act – which came moments after his side appealed for a penalty that was not given.
    Bayern held on to win the game 1-0 and close the gap on Bayer Leverkusen to four points at the top of the Bundesliga table.
    It comes after Harry Kane and Co suffered a shock 1-0 home loss to Werder Bremen at the weekend. More

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    Bayern Munich fearing the ‘curse of Harry Kane’ as CEO launches stinging attack on Thomas Tuchel’s German giants

    WHAT started off as a bit of light-hearted joshing about Harry Kane is turning into a sick joke.The England captain, 30, left his boyhood club Spurs in the summer to go to Bayern Munich where he would be as guaranteed as you can be in football of ending his trophy hoodoo.
    Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are seven points off top spot in the BundesligaCredit: Getty
    Some laughed: “But what if he takes his silverware jinx with him to Bavaria?” —  not for one minute thinking it might actually happen.
    Yet here we are, past the midway point of the Bundesliga season. And somehow, despite Kane’s record-breaking goals haul, Bayern are seven points off the top and out of the cup.
    In the wake of Sunday’s shock slip-up at home to Werder Bremen, a column in Germany’s leading tabloid Bild yesterday read: “The question has to be seriously asked: Will Bayern now also suffer the curse of Harry Kane?”
    The article went on to point out that none of what has happened to Bayern this term is his fault — and rightly so.
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    Kane has been magnificent for his new side, banging in 26 goals in 24 games — including a jaw-dropping 22 in 17 league matches. But even he must be starting to wonder if the footballing gods are punishing him for a crime in a previous life.
    His barren trophy run could have been over instantly as he made his debut in the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig but found himself on the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline thanks to Dani Olmo’s hat-trick.
    Scarcely-believable embarrassment was suffered at the hands of third-tier side Saarbrucken in the German Cup, who dumped Bayern out with a 2-1 win.
    Bayern’s league campaign would actually not look so bad were it not for the stellar efforts of table-topping Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso.
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    And Munich remain in the hunt for the greatest club prize of all as they face Lazio in the Champions League last 16 next month.
    But the way they are playing right now, nothing is assured. Boss Thomas Tuchel is certainly feeling the heat as a result.
    Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen is not known for making outlandish statements but he described his side’s football for the first 70 minutes of Sunday’s defeat by lowly Werder as “boring”, that the team played  a “bad game” and “didn’t show the attitude you have to show”.
    Alarm bells should be ringing out now for Tuchel, who is yet to stamp his identity on the team and could oversee Bayern’s first trophyless since 2011-12.
    It is not a case of £104million signing Kane being a one-man band — like he was for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham  side last season — because Leroy Sane is flourishing.
    But question marks have been raised about the lack of creativity as well as problems in defence and midfield.
    Under-pressure Tuchel needs a response in tonight’s home game against Union Berlin.
    ‘IT’S NOT EASY’
    He said: “We can do a lot better, there’s a lot of room for improvement.
    “It’s not a case of simply flipping a switch. It’s not easy.
    “We’re very aware of the state of play. It’s our job and my responsibility to ­influence it. We’re actually very positive but we are falling well short of our expectations in matches.
    “We will continue to demand it until it works and we’re ready to show the desire that will also spark the fans. We’re below our expectations.”
    Leverkusen have a history of hiccups and ­Bayern are hoping that proves the case again this season to allow them to secure their 12th successive ­Bundesliga triumph.
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    But all of a sudden, Kane and Co look right up against it to ensure they do not end the campaign potless.
    This was not how it was supposed to go for the Three Lions skipper.
    Thomas Tuchel is coming under pressure at BayernCredit: Rex More