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      Legendary Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable in throwback pics as it celebrates 50th anniversary

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      FEW stadiums rival Signal Iduna Park for size and atmosphere.So it’s fitting that Borussia Dortmund’s spectacular venue has so many special dates to recall on its 50th anniversary.This is how the Westfalenstadion looked at its onsetCredit: YouTubeThe venue looked far more humble half a century agoCredit: YouTubeThese flashback pics show how the ground was built on a tight budgetCredit: YouTubeNow the stadium is one of the greatest in EuropeCredit: GettyNow throwback pictures show how the stadium has grown from modest to magnificent in that half-century of fame. Apart from emerging as a glorious setting for Champions League matches, the home of the German giants has been full of historic occasions.Westfalenstadion – to give it the German name – hosted matches in the 1974 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Liverpool’s famous 2001 Uefa Cup final triumph.Yet the main reason it was even built in the first place now seems incredible.Dortmund were the first German team to win a European club title – the 1966 Cup Winners’ Cup.And the increasing number of fans attracted by such success meant the Stadion Rote Erde – Red Soil Stadium – became too small.But Dortmund couldn’t afford a suitable new stadium, while federal authorities were unwilling to help out.However, when the city of Cologne backed out of hosting 1974 World Cup games, cash set aside for that project was switched to Dortmund, albeit still with a tight budget.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp famously managed at the Westfalenstadion from 2008-2015Credit: PAThe club officially moved in on April 2 1974.But having been relegated two years earlier, they were the only German second tier side to hold World Cup ties, before returning to the Bundesliga in 1976.Five things you didn’t know about Jadon SanchoAnd with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp being Dortmund’s most feted ex-manager, it’s fitting that the Reds took part in arguably Westfalenstadion’s greatest ever club match.Gerard Houllier’s team beat Alaves 5-4 via an extra-time GOLDEN GOAL in the Uefa Cup final 23 years ago.The stadium has of course gradually been improved over the decades.Already Germany’s largest football venue, its league capacity has soared to 81,365.The Westfalenstadion is also the seventh-biggest ground in Europe.And just two top-flight sides in the continent can boast a larger stadium – Barcelona and Real Madrid.Unsurprisingly, The Westfalenstadion also holds the record for average attendance over a season – 80,588 during 2011-12. More

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      Roberto De Zerbi ‘leads Bayern Munich’s three-man shortlist’ to replace Thomas Tuchel as manager

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      BRIGHTON’S Roberto De Zerbi has allegedly emerged as the favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich and put on a three-man shortlist.The ex-Chelsea manager confirmed in February that he would be departing the German champions this summer.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is allegedly the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich jobCredit: ReutersTuchel could even leave Bayern immediately, claims ex-Germany international Dietmar Hamann, after he conceded the title to Bayer Leverkusen after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.Xabi Alonso, who was also wanted by Liverpool, was lined-up until he confirmed he was staying with unbeaten Leverkusen, who are 13 points clear.Now The Times have claimed that De Zerbi is “highly rated by Bayern’s management” and has now “become the frontrunner for the job”. Max Eberl has recently arrived on Bayern’s board and has been tasked with overhauling the squad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut this update states that he “is a particular admirer” of Brighton’s boss and that he “has already put out feelers to discover whether the Italian would be available” and also if he is “interested in a move”.De Zerbi, 44, succeeded Graham Potter at Brighton in September 2022 led the Seagulls to sixth – their best-ever finish – to qualify for the Europa League.He is under contract until 2026 but several reports have hinted that it has a buyout clause included that may be triggered in the summer.He is another that is on Liverpool’s shortlist to take over from Jurgen Klopp, but both the Reds and Bayern have also switched their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDe Zerbi refused to give much away regarding his future after Brighton’s 2-1 loss at Liverpool on Sunday, saying: “I want to speak with my club.“I have a contract, but the problem is not the contract — the problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision for the future.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveStuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness is the nephew of Uli Hoeness, Bayern’s long-time general manager.He had been linked and was on the shortlist until he recently extended his contract.Former boss Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked by them 12 months ago, has also been reported to have been mooted for a shock return.The 36-year-old still had over three years before the end of his contract. Some reports say that it is now “understood that certain people at the club have realised that his sacking was somewhat premature”.Ex-Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, who will take charge of Austria at Euro 2024, is another name that has been rumoured. More

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      Thomas Tuchel told to leave Bayern Munich NOW with Premier League legend touted as immediate replacement

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      THOMAS TUCHEL should be replaced as Bayern Munich boss immediately, claims former Germany international Dietmar Hamann.The ex-Chelsea boss, 50, conceded the title race to Bayer Leverkusen after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.Thomas Tuchel’s side are 13 points behind Leverkusen with seven games leftCredit: GettyDietmar Hamann has been unimpressed with Tuchel’s work at BayernCredit: GettyIt’s already been confirmed that Tuchel will leave Allianz Arena at the end of the season.But Hamann has called for him to go now, while suggesting who Bayern should go for instead.The ex-Liverpool midfielder told Sky90: “It’s not about Thomas Tuchel or Max Eberl, Harry Kane or Joshua Kimmich, it’s about Bayern Munich.”You are among the eight best teams in Europe and if Bayern play what they can, they have a very good chance of progressing against Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This [Arsenal] is a good team, but still very inexperienced at this level.”And in my opinion you now have to make a decision as to whether this is the best possible setup to progress against Arsenal.”For me, the management has to ask itself the question of whether it will now go into the final spurt of the league and the Champions League with Thomas Tuchel in the next few weeks.”You now have to seriously think about getting a new trainer for the last few weeks. There are many on the market.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I think of a (Jose) Mourinho. You can think whatever you want about Mourinho, but at Chelsea the players loved him.”He’s an outstanding man from a professional perspective.”Thomas Muller hilariously calls out Kai Havertz as Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League Mourinho, 61, has been out of work since being axed by Roma in January.Prior to that, he was sacked by Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.Tuchel replaced Nagelsmann at Bayern 12 months ago, with the 36-year-old going on to succeed Hansi Flick as Germany boss ahead of their home Euros this summer.Incredibly, Bild’s Christian Falk claims that Bayern chief Eberl has been in contact with Nagelsmann over bringing him back.Jose Mourinho is currently without a jobCredit: RexJulian Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern 12 months agoCredit: Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel makes bold Arsenal claim moments after conceding ‘title is over’ as fans fume ‘what a loser’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL admitted the Bundesliga title race is OVER – but still backs his Bayern Munich side to beat Arsenal in the Champions League. Bayern fell to a 2-0 home loss to Borussia Dortmund to leave Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen 13 points clear at the top of the table. Thomas Tuchel admitted the Bundesliga title race is overTuchel: ‘We are able to beat Arsenal even if today this is hard to believe. We have very different performances within a short period of time. Wouldn’t be the first time we bounce back with a crazy good performance’ [🎥 @archiert1, @ESPNFC]pic.twitter.com/qlVBRlzQSI— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 31, 2024

      With just seven games left, Tuchel conceded the title early following the crushing defeat. Asked if the race is now over, he said: “Obviously, yes. “After today’s game there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen.“We are very disappointed because we felt we did not bring the necessary passion to win the game. READ MORE IN football “It was too little from us when it came to the basics.” Tuchel’s comments angered fans as one said: “What a loser.”Another added: “What a loser mentality.” With hope lost in the league, Bayern will now turn their attention to their quarter-final clash with Arsenal next month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel – who had several showdowns with the Gunners during his reign at Chelsea – is hopefully the Germans can turn their form around. He said: “That is not the first time that it happens to us and it’s not the first time we could bounce back with a crazy good performance. Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen after showdown talks with club”That is basically the hope. It’s a bit strange but that is actually it. If we are honest, we could not have to guarantee that if we perform today at highest level that we do this again at Heidenheim. “This is our point for many, many months. We struggle to find this consistency. So today we didn’t find and now we prepare for Heidenheim. “We are able to beat Arsenal even if today this is hard to believe. We have very different performances within a short period of time so this is not new to us.” More

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      Heartbroken Harry Kane’s hopes of winning Bundesliga all but over as he misses sitters in Bayern’s loss to Dortmund

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND put the final nail in Harry Kane’s Bundesliga coffin.Kane and Co suffered a fourth league defeat of 2024 and first at home in the Der Klassiker for 10 years to virtually hand Bayer Leverkusen the title.Harry Kane and Bayern Munich have all but waved goodbye to a chance at winning the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: GettyKane missed some huge chances as Bayern Munich lost 2-0 to Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyBayern are 13 points behind Xabi Alonso’s men, who continued their unbeaten run against Hoffenheim earlier in the day thanks to two late goals, with just seven games left.Karim Adeyemi, who fired through the hands of Sven Ulreich after 10 minutes, opened the scoring and Julian Ryerson’s crisp late strike sealed a memorable victory for Dortmund.Kane’s eggs are now all in the Champions League now – with the ex-Tottenham striker facing the genuine reality of going trophyless in his first season in Germany.But while Kane has been one of Bayern’s consistent performers this term, even he had a night off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England skipper missed two sitters with his head, twice somehow nodding wide with the goal gaping.And when he finally did find the back of the net, his effort just before the clock struck 90 minutes was ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR check.Bayern travel to Heidenheim next weekend in their final outing before travelling to Arsenal for the first leg of their crunch Champions League quarter-final on April 9.A return to north London for Kane represents a last chance saloon at silverware this season despite an exceptional campaign since leaving Tottenham in his £104m move this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKane has netted an incredible 37 goals and registered 12 assists in his 36 appearances for the Bavarians.And if his old neighbours Arsenal get the better of Bayern in the Champions League then his only hope at a career-first trophy this season will be when he returns to Germany with England this summer for Euro 2024.How Harry Kane got even better at BayernDortmund’s 2-0 victory makes it almost impossible for Bayern Munich to win the leagueCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘add Bayern star to three-man list as they hunt centre-back transfer’ with Maguire and Varane futures unknown

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn-up a three-man shortlist of centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.New partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to revolutionise the Red Devils’ squad ahead of next season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to significantly strengthen United’s squadCredit: PAImproving their defence is set to be on the agenda, with a trio of targets having emerged.According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, United are interested in Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano.He adds that the Frenchman is open to a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga, having played in Germany since 2017.Upamecano has featured in just seven minutes of Bayern’s last four Bundesliga games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 25-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order of late, falling behind former Tottenham star Eric Dier.Come the summer, the 6ft 1in defender will have two years remaining on his Bayern contract.He initially joined the German giants from RB Leipzig in 2021, and has since played 107 times for them.Also on United’s list is Upamecano’s French compatriot Jean-Clair Todibo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDayot Upamecano tussles with Marcus RashfordCredit: PAJean-C;air Todibo battles Kylian MbappeCredit: RexTodibo, 24, plays for Nice, owned by Ratcliffe’s Ineos.He has impressed in Ligue 1, and was strongly linked with Tottenham earlier this season, before the Lilywhites signed Radu Dragusin.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson The third defender on United’s radar is Benfica’s Antonio Silva.The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest with his performances in his native Portugal.In addition to United, he has also been linked with Chelsea this season.Galetti adds that there remains uncertainty around the futures of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.Maguire, 31, was strongly linked with West Ham last summer after being stripped of the United captaincy.But after snubbing the Hammers, he managed to fight his way back into the first team picture at Old Trafford.Varane, meanwhile, has had a topsy-turvy season.Earlier in the campaign he found himself sidelined by Erik ten Hag, withJonny Evans preferred.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later fought his way back into the team, and has been a regular in recent weeks.The former Real Madrid star will have just a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.Antonio Silva has impressed for Benfica this termCredit: Getty More

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      Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen after showdown talks with club amid Liverpool and Bayern interest

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      XABI ALONSO has shut down the rumours and confirmed he will stay at Bayern Leverkusen next season.Fans have been guessing whether the Spanish boss will leave the German side to join Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich or Liverpool.Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will stay at Bayern Leverkusen next seasonCredit: Sky SportsAlonso was rumoured to leave the club to join either Bayern Munich or Liverpool next seasonCredit: GettyAlonso has done extraordinary things with Leverkusen this season, with his side still unbeaten in all competitions and 10 points clear of second-placed Bayern with eight games remaining in the Bundesliga.With Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel each due to depart their sides at the end of campaign, Alonso was in demand to take over the leading role at one of the clubs.But the 42-year-old has now confirmed today that he will not be leaving Leverkusen.He said: “After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This is the place to be for me. My job at Bayer is not over.”I want to help the club, and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.“I’m still young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way, to continue together.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I have also informed the players, it’s true. My deadline was this week, it’s matter of respect. Now everything is clear.“I’m not gonna comment about Liverpool or Bayern. How Harry Kane got even better at Bayern”These are big clubs and I’ve strong links with them but I’m in the place where I want to be.”It’s not time to decide my future now, I want to develop at Bayer Leverkusen”.I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will STAY and continue at the club.Xabi AlonsoSky SportsLeverkusen are also looking to secure European glory as they are one of the favourites in the Europa League this season.They face West Ham in the quarter-finals with the first leg taking place at home on April 11.Alonso’s mangerial record at Bayern Leverkusen
      SINCE arriving in Germany from Real Sociedad in October 2022 Alonso has achieved an impressive record at the Bundesliga club.
      In 75 games, Alonso has won 50 and drawn 15 of them. And has not faced a single defeat this season leaving him with a 66 per cent success rate.
      During his 18 months at the club, he has lost only 10 times which all occurred last season.
      This saw Leverkusen finish sixth in the Bundesliga and reach the semi-finals in the Europa League. More

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      Liverpool forced to abandon plans to replace Jurgen Klopp with Xabi Alonso… and may turn to Europe’s hottest prospect

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      LIVERPOOL are unlikely to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager, according to reports.The Reds are on the lookout for a boss to replace Jurgen Klopp with him quitting at the end of the season.Xabi Alonso supposedly wants to stay at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: APRuben Amorim is an alternative for LiverpoolCredit: RexBrighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is also an optionCredit: PAAlonso has been the hot favourite to takeover from the legendary German – but the club may now have to look elsewhere.The Times report that Liverpool believe the highly-rated Spaniard wants to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season.Alonso’s side have not lost a game in all competitions this campaign and are aiming to lift the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Europa League.His possible plans to stay at Leverkusen leave Bayern Munich also needing a re-think.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bavarian giants also had their hearts set on appointing him as their new boss.Liverpool will now reportedly turn their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.Amorim is supposedly popular among chiefs at Anfield.He guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in 2021 and has since lifted two domestic cups and taken them into the knockout rounds in Europe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAs for De Zerbi, his style of play has caught the eye of several top clubs and he has Premier League experience.The Italian guided the Seagulls into the Europa League last 16 before defeat to Roma in their first ever season in a Uefa competition.Meanwhile, shock reports have linked ex-Manchester United gaffer Ralf Rangnick with the Bayern job.Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quit More