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      Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel ‘slapped with strict warning at secret meeting with club annoyed by negative ex-Chelsea chief’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has reportedly been slapped with a strict warning at a secret meeting with Bayern Munich board members.The Bayern boss has been informed about his negative behaviour in recent months.
      Thomas Tuchel has been slapped with a strict warning from Bayern chiefsCredit: Getty
      According to German outlet Bild, Bayern chiefs have been unimpressed by Tuchel’s “erratic” conduct following the club’s failed transfers during the summer window.
      Bild claims there was a secret meeting held earlier this month while the players were away on international duty to discuss the matter.
      The 50-year-old was told to be less negative and emotional when talking about his squad in public.
      Bayern bosses are also said to be concerned about his comments upsetting players and have given a strict warning that his attitude needs to change.
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      The ex-Chelsea chief arrived at the Bundesliga side less than six months ago when he replaced Julian Nagelsmann – and he reportedly tested the bosses’ patience during the summer transfer window.
      Although the German giants managed to sign Harry Kane for £100m, Tuchel also wanted Declan Rice, Kyle Walker and Joao Palhinha – and was frustrated when the club missed out on their signatures.
      Tuchel has endured a difficult start to his management at the Allianz Arena.
      He arrived having a potential Treble on the cards in the latter stages of the season.
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      But they were knocked out of the German Cup, then lost to Man City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and nearly blew the Bundesliga title before snatching it on the last day from Borussia Dortmund.
      Meanwhile, Bayern had a strong start to this season, thrashing Werder Bremen 4-0 in their Bundesliga campaign opener.
      But they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bayer Leverkusen last Friday.
      Tuchel’s squad return to the Champions League tonight where they will host Manchester United.
      The Bayern boss will not be on the sidelines however as he serves a one-match suspension.
      The German coach was sent to the stands during Bayern’s 1-1 second-leg draw with City in April, and was handed the punishment of watching tonight’s game away from the dugout. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘finally some good news’ as FOUR injured stars return to training ahead of Bayern Munich test

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have rejoiced at the news that FOUR stars have returned to training ahead of tomorrow’s game against Bayern Munich.Manager Erik Ten Hag had preached patience to fans wanting the injured stars to return for the Bayern Munich game, saying they were more likely to make the squad for next week’s trip to Burnley.
      Mason Mount returned to training in a major boost for Erik Ten HagCredit: PA
      Raphael Varane also took part in the sessionCredit: PA
      Amrabat returned but did not train with the main group
      He said after Saturday’s defeat to Brighton: “Maybe, maybe one player, but I think Munich is a little bit too short. But I think, when we go to Burnley in the week after, I think players will return, yes.”
      But United fans have in fact been handed a huge boost with Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Sofyan Amrabat and Kobbie Mainoo all returning.
      Varane missed the last two United matches with an unspecified muscle problem and Mount has missed the last three.
      The pair trained alongside the main group and should be available for selection against Bayern Munich.
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      Sofyan Amrabat meanwhile is continuing to train away from the main group as he looks to regain fitness before making his United debut.
      The midfielder was set to play a part for Morocco during the international break but picked up a minor tweak, meaning he’ll have to continue to wait to make his debut for United.
      In another boost for United, Kobbie Mainoo has finally returned to training after picking up an injury against Real Madrid in pre-season.
      The 18-year-old was one of United’s highlights of the pre-season but a tackle from Madrid winger Rodrygo ruled him out for months.
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      Mainoo took part in individual trainingCredit: twitter @UtdPlug
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      Like Amrabat, he did not take part in full training.
      Anticipation for his return will be high as Ten Hag continues to tinker to try and find his strongest possible midfield.
      United fans on Twitter were buzzing with the injury boost after a testing opening period of the season.
      Reacting to the return of the four, one fan on Twitter said “Finally, some good news for United. Will the presence of Varane and Mount be sufficient to inspire a positive result for them at Bayern tho? I highly doubt it.”
      Another wrote: “Great to see Mason Mount and Raphael Varane back in action for Manchester United! The team is looking stronger than ever!”
      A third wrote: “Good news. They’ll be back to their winning form.”
      United face Bayern Munich at The Allianz Arena tomorrow at 8pm in what will be Harry Kane’s Champions League debut for the Bundesliga side.
      Earlier today, reports emerged that Kane had his heart set on a move to United, not Bayern, this summer but United opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead.
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      Julian Nagelsmann ‘confirmed as new Germany coach for Euro 2024’ just six months after Bayern Munich sacking

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      JULIAN NAGELSMANN has been appointed as the new German national team coach for Euro 2024, according to reports.The 36-year-old was sacked from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich just six months ago.
      Julian Nagelsmann has been appointed as the new Germany managerCredit: Getty
      The former Bayern manager has been out of work since last season as he was replaced by ex-Chelsea and PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.
      Nagelsmann had been linked to the then-vacant role at PSG, only for Luis Enrique to be named the new manager in the French capital. 
      Now he is set for a return to the dugout for the national team, according to German outlet Bild. 
      Germany will host the Euro 2024 and the national team has been without a manager after sacking Hansi Flick last week.
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      Despite not being a manager at the Bundesliga side anymore Nagelsmann was still under contract until 2026.
      Bayern thought they would be able to demand a fee for any side willing to take him.
      But the Bundesliga side recognises the importance of him leading Germany into next summer’s home European Championships.
      The 2014 World Cup champions suffered two group-stage exits at the last two World Cups and crashed out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 to England.
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      They have recorded just three wins from their last 12 fixtures – beating Oman, Costa Rica and Peru.
      For this reason, they are not demanding a fee from the German FA in order to release Nagelsmann.
      This will be Nagelsmann’s second time replacing Flick as he took over his role at Bayern in 2021. More

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      Man Utd handed unexpected boost as Thomas Tuchel WON’T be in Bayern Munich dugout – and they have rivals to thank

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      MANCHESTER UNITED can thanks neighbours City for a surprise boost for Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Bayern Munich.Home boss Thomas Tuchel will serve a one-match dugout ban for a red card against Pep Guardiola’s men in last year’s quarter-finals.
      Bayern chief Thomas Tuchel will be missing from the benchCredit: Rex
      Harry Kane must be champing at the bit to take on misfiring Man UtdCredit: Getty
      United might need any help they can get against Harry Kane and Co.
      And that includes the absence of Tuchel’s animated antics pitch-side.
      The ex-Chelsea chief lost his cool in the second leg against Man City at the Allianz Arena in April.
      Tuchel was restrained by a Bayern assistant as he protested over a challenge by Aymeric Laporte on Kingsley Coman in the dying minutes.
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      But the German continued his complaints and referee Clement Turpin sent him to the stands.
      Tuchel was no doubt frustrated as Bayern were being held at 1-1, which was the final score, meaning a 4-1 exit on aggregate.
      City, of course, went on to win the Treble.
      In contrast, Erik ten Hag’s United go to the same venue after three defeats in their opening five Premier League games.
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      Ex-Tottenham striker Kane seems certain to line up against the Red Devils after four goals in four unbeaten Bundesliga matches for Bayern.
      That makes a hamstring injury for United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka that rules him out for a “few weeks” even more of a problem for Ten Hag.
      But midfield loanee Sofyan Amrabat is eyeing his Red Devils debut. More

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      Stadium with capacity that puts Premier League grounds to shame is shadow of former glory after it was left abandoned

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      SCHALKE moved out of their Parkstadion home back in 2001 after 28 years.The Bundesliga side had played at the multi-purpose venue since 1973, but departed for the glossy new Veltins Arena.
      Parkstadion is a shadow of its former selfCredit: Alamy
      Most of the ground has been demolishedCredit: Alamy
      A pitch still remains at the siteCredit: Alamy
      Parkstadion had hosted five matches at the 1974 World Cup, including Yugoslavia’s record-breaking 9-0 thrashing of Zaire.
      It also put on a series of high-profile concerts, with the likes of Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones having played there.
      But as it began to age, Schalke deemed it necessary to move to a new state-of-the-art home.
      The 2000-01 campaign would be the German side’s last season at the 62,004 capacity venue, which held more than most Premier League grounds.
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      They beat SpVgg Unterhaching 5-3 in a dramatic thriller to end their 28 years at Parkstadion.
      Schalke fans celebrated wildly as they thought the win had clinched them the title, only for a last-minute Bayern Munich equaliser elsewhere to snatch it away.
      Following the Royal Blues’ departure, Parkstadion was partly demolished.
      As the ground was taken apart, Schalke even gave its old jumbotron to a stadium in German town Aue.
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      The remains of Parkstadion stand under a kilometre from Veltins ArenaCredit: Alamy
      Fans can occasionally still get into ParkstadionCredit: Getty
      Standing under a kilometre from the 62,271 capacity Veltins Arena, the remains of Parkstadion offers fans a reminder of what used to be.
      The old ground still has one of its stands open – featuring benches rather than individual seats.
      A pitch still remains in the same spot, with Schalke using it occasionally.
      They played there as recently as March of this year, when they beat VVV-Venlo in a friendly in front of just 1,113 people.
      In exhibition matches against SC Verl and SV Meppen during the summer of 2022 they were cheered on by 2,999 fans.
      Behind one of the goals now stands a hotel, where fans can stay on matchdays over at Veltins.
      Schalke have had a rough time of it in recent years.
      Since finishing second in 2018 they have twice been relegated from the Bundesliga.
      After winning just seven matches all year last time out they crashed back down to the second tier, where they currently languish.
      Parkstadion hosted matches at the 1974 World CupCredit: Alamy
      Weston McKennie has played in friendly matches at ParkstadionCredit: Getty More

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      Granit Xhaka’s error helps Harry Kane make it four goals in four games for Bayern… but ex-Arsenal star has last laugh

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      HARRY KANE made it four goals in four games for Bayern Munich on Friday… thanks to an error from his old North London derby foe Granit Xhaka.However, the former Arsenal star had the last laugh during their Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
      Granit Xhaka’s error allowed Harry Kane to score early on for BayernCredit: Sky Sports Football

      Kane continued his fine form since signing for the German champions as he scored inside seven minutes – his 300th career club goal.
      The England captain nodded home from close range after a flick on from a corner.
      And it was Xhaka who was supposed to have been marking him at the back post.
      The Swiss midfielder was caught ball-watching, leaving Kane free behind him with a simple task.
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      Fortunately for Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo levelled the score shortly after with a superb free-kick into the top corner.
      Kane was ultimately subbed off for old Stoke flop Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting with five minutes left as Bayern chased a winner.
      And the Spurs icon was soon sprinting down the touchline thinking his side had it after Leon Goretzka poked in.
      However, deep into stoppage time, Bayern hearts were broken when VAR intervened to award a soft-looking penalty against Alphonse Davies.
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      Exequiel Palacios converted the resulting spot-kick to tie the match at 2-2 and maintain both side’s unbeaten league starts.
      Like Kane, Xhaka is also a summer arrival at his club, having left Arsenal after seven years in North London.
      He has since started all four Bundesliga matches this term for Leverkusen, who are managed by former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso.
      As for Kane, he has picked up where he left off in the Premier League following his £104million move.
      His goal on Friday follows a brace against Augsburg and a debut goal and assist on the opening weekend away to Werder Bremen.
      He will hope to continue that form in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Manchester United the opponents.
      Kane has scored four goals in four Bundesliga matchesCredit: Getty More

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      Former footballer who opened string of sex shops after retiring accused of stalking and robbing estranged wife

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      A RETIRED goalkeeper who owns several sex shops has been accused of stalking and robbing his estranged wife.Benedikt Pliquett opened a series of adult shops and a bar after hanging up his boots in 2016.
      Benedikt Pliquett is accused of stalking and robbing his estranged wifeCredit: Getty
      However, the 38-year-old has now been accused of following his estranged wife and her new boyfriend before allegedly attacking them.
      According to Bild, Pliquett was allegedly travelling in a car behind the couple before they stopped at around 12.30am.
      He is then said to have ripped open their car door, causing his wife to tell her new partner to run away so nothing would happen to him.
      Pliquett allegedly then dragged his wife out of the car and took her handbag and car keys.
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      It is claimed this was followed by him locking her in the car before driving away in his own vehicle.
      The report adds that his estranged wife’s new boyfriend called the police, who then reached Pliquett by phone.
      After speaking with officers, he is said to have returned with the handbag and keys.
      A police spokesperson confirmed to Bild that “an investigation into robbery has been initiated”.
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      Pliquett (right) has opened several sex shops since retiring
      If found guilty, Pliquett could face prison time for his alleged offences.
      The former goalkeeper came through the academy at Hamburg before spending nine years with city rivals St. Pauli.
      He later played in Austria and Spain before retiring in 2016 aged 31.
      Since ending his playing career, Pliquett has returned to Hamburg, where he has opened several sex shops and a bar.
      The businesses are located in the Reeperbahn area, the city’s famous red-light district.
      His shops sell a variety of adult items, ranging from sex toys to bondage gear.
      During the Covid pandemic, one of the shops was even converted into a supermarket offering toilet roll, cleaning products and food alongside Pliquett’s usual raunchy catalogue of products. More

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      Bayern Munich ‘already planning for Thomas Tuchel’s exit with Real Madrid legend targeted to replace ex-Chelsea chief’

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      BAYERN MUNICH are reportedly targeting former Real Madrid and Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to replace manager Thomas Tuchel.The German giants are believed to be already planning for the former Chelsea boss’ exit from the club.
      Bayern Munich are reportedly planning for Thomas Tuchel’s exitCredit: AFP
      Xabi Alonso is claimed to be the number one target to replace TuchelCredit: EPA
      Tuchel was only appointed as Bayern Munich manager in March as he replaced Julian Nagelsmann.
      The club manage to win the Bundesliga title, although they did need help from Borussia Dortmund who failed to win on the final day of the season.

      Reports in Germany have claimed that Tuchel is “irritating” the club’s board with his negative comments about the club’s summer transfer business.
      Further claims have now suggested that Bayern are already planning for Tuchel to leave the club, and his replacement has been identified.
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      It has been claimed Alonso is Bayern’s number one target to replace Tuchel.
      The Spaniard has built a strong reputation as a manager since taking the helm at Bayer Leverkusen.
      Alonso is familiar with Bayern, having spent the last three years of his playing career at the club after leaving Real Madrid.
      During his time at the Allianz Arena, the midfielder won three league titles, a DFB-Poka title and German Super Cup.
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      Since becoming manager of Leverkusen, he has overseen 21 wins from 41 games.
      When Alonso was appointed, he managed to drag the club away from the relegation zone to a sixth-placed finish and a semi-final in the Europa League.
      Alonso’s performance saw him linked with the vacant Tottenham job in the summer before Ange Postecoglou took the role.
      He is also a potential target for Madrid once Carlo Ancelotti leaves the club at the end of the season.
      He’s also been tipped to one day take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. More