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    Jurgen Klopp’s former club’s fans turn on him as Liverpool legend is portrayed in offensive carnival float

    FANS of Bundesliga club Mainz have turned on ex-manager Jurgen Klopp in the wake of his move to Red Bull.Klopp was appointed the Global Head of Football at Red Bull in October, just months after ending his nine-year stay at Liverpool.Jurgen Klopp started his new job with Red Bull last monthCredit: GettyMainz fans have protested his move with a huge carnival floatCredit: ReutersHaving officially started his new job on New Year’s Day, he is now tasked with advising the group’s teams – including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.The 57-year-old is responsible for guiding philosophy and the development of young players.He is also in a position of power when it comes to managerial appointments and transfers.Klopp’s move to Red Bull sparked criticism from the German media and fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe group’s approach to football hugely differs from other clubs across Germany.Red Bull clubs have been accused of financial doping, rather than acting as fan-led organisations.Many Bundesliga fans have now turned against Klopp – including the supporters of his former club, Mainz.Fans of Mainz have made the ex-player and manager the subject of a controversial float at the Rose Monday carnival parade.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe float shows Klopp with wings made of bank notes, holding a can of Red Bull energy drink in one hand and a football in the other.He is also wearing a baseball cap with a euro symbol on.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.And written across the side is: “For Kloppo values ​​​​he no longer cares about, used to matter. Because Red Bull lures with a lot of money, he is now falling off his pedestal with a crash.”Mainz supporters previously spoke out against Klopp back in October, shortly after his new job was announced.A huge banner was brandished during a match following the reveal.It read: “Have you forgotten everything we made you become?” More

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    Former Bayern Munich star who collapsed in tears after epic 1999 Man Utd comeback looks unrecognisable 26 years on

    A FORMER Bayern Munich star looked unrecognisable as he appeared at a special event last night.Bayern put on a lavish bash to celebrate the club’s 125th birthday.A former Bayern Munich star beams at last night’s eventThe German giants invited 650 guests to the event, hosted at Munich’s Paulaner Nockherberg.Several famous guests attended, including plenty of Bayern stars past and present.From the current crop, Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer rocked up.While club legends including Philipp Lahm were also in the building.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn addition to Lahm, an ex-Bayern centre-half attended the event.The popular Ghanaian, now 48, played 277 times across a 12-year span with the Bundesliga giants.He won six league titles, four domestic cups and the 2001 Champions League during his stint.Several fans in England, however, will unfortunately remember him from the 1999 Champions League final.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Bayern Munich star was devastated upon the final whistleCredit: PA:Empics SportThe defender couldn’t believe his side let their lead slipCredit: PA:Empics SportSamuel Kuffour was picked up by referee Pierluigi CollinaCredit: Rex FeaturesFollowing Bayern’s late collapse to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Treble-chasing Manchester United, Samuel Kuffour was devastated.In now iconic images, Kuffour could be seen falling to the ground in floods of tears following Bayern’s late defeat.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelThe Germans had led 1-0 for almost the entire match, courtesy of Mario Basler’s sixth minute goal.But stoppage time strikes by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned the game around.With anguish etched across his face, Kuffour had to be picked up by referee Pierluigi Collina.Last night, he thankfully appeared to be in much better spirits.Appearing at the event, he beamed while wearing a sharp suit and glasses.Having tended to have very short dark hair as a player, Kuffour now sports a white hair and beard combo.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince hanging up his boots, Kuffour has worked as a pundit for South African channel SuperSports.He has also been involved in the Ghana national team at an executive level.Harry Kane beams on the red carpetCredit: FC BayernGiovane Elber, left, current boss Vincent Kompany, middle, and Mark van Bommel, right, pose for a snapCredit: FC BayernJoshua Kimmich attended alongside girlfriend Lina MeyerCredit: FC Bayern More

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    Bundesliga 2 star left covered in blood and needs stitches after kneeing himself in the face and collapsing to floor

    BUNDESLIGA 2 star Enzo Leopold was left in a bloody mess after remarkably kneeing himself in the face.The crazy injury occurred during Hannover 96’s match against Paderborn last Saturday.Bundesliga 2 star Enzo Leopold remarkably kneed himself in the faceCredit: Sport1The Hannover star was treated at the side of the pitch but was able to continueCredit: RexSome blood was seen coming from his eyebrowCredit: RexLeopold, 24, was attempting to get his foot up to control a ball when he was shoved in the back by rival midfielder Santiago Castaneda.The push ended up pushing his face towards his knee, where they remarkably collided.Cameras saw blood coming from the midfielder’s eyebrow.Play had briefly continued before referee Florian Lechner told Leopold to get treatment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo medics treated the wound pitchside with tissues before placing him on his back on the floor.Leopold was able to return to the field with some blood coming from the injury, but far less than before.He eventually only left the field of play in the 89th minute, being replaced by English defender Josh Knight.Hannover took a 1–0 lead after just four minutes through Marcel Halstenberg.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Paderborn equalised through Adriano Grimaldi seconds after Leopold left the pitch to see the game end 1-1.It was Hannover’s fifth draw on the bounce, a run which left them down in eighth place and dropping away in the hunt for promotion.Bundesliga match suspended after goalkeeper struck by lighter thrown from crowdThe club currently sit on 35 points, six points behind the automatic promotion spots and four points behind the promotion play-off spot.Hannover last played in the German top flight in 2019. More

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    Bundesliga star shellshocked as stepfather shot dead in street after ‘shooting 10-year-old son and going on rampage’

    GERMAN league star Kenneth Schmidt has been left in shock… after armed police shot his stepfather dead in the street.The 22-year-old defender belongs to his hometown club, Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg.Kenneth Schmidt plays for hometown club SC FreiburgCredit: GettySchmidt, 22, has been on loan at Hannover 96Credit: AlamyCapped 18 times at youth level, he joined second-tier Hannover 96 on loan last month.But Schmidt’s world was turned upside down on Sunday when his stepdad reportedly attacked his mum Samira and half-brother.Reports say the man, named as Christoph S., threatened the pair at their home in the quiet village Eichstetten near Freiburg.The 48-year-old is said to have fired a shotgun through his son’s bedroom door, wounding the ten-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInvestigators told German media that the man then rampaged though nearby streets, armed with the shotgun and a pistol, before being gunned down by armed cops.He was rushed to hospital, but could not be saved.A police spokesman said: “The man’s motives seem completely unclear.”Samira, 47, and her younger son have received treatment for their injuries as well as psychological help.Most read in BundesligaSchmidt bravely turned up to Hannover training on Tuesday despite learning of the tragic drama the day before.However club chiefs have urged the centre-back to take time off to process events.North Korea’s Bizarre Ban on Tottenham HotspurA Hannover spokesman said: “We ask for people’s understanding that we are unable to comment more precisely about this matter at this time.”Hannover’s coach is Andre Breitenreiter, who had a three-month spell as Huddersfield boss last year.He was sacked after the Terriers’ relegation from the Championship, having won just two of his 13 games in charge.Christoph S. reportedly had previous convictions for drug offences and illegal gun possession.Schmidt is contracted to hometown team SC FreiburgCredit: Alamy More

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    I helped guide my team from fourth tier to the top division.. but highlight was falling in love with and marrying MASCOT

    MARKUS KRoSCHE was named in SC Paderborn’s Team of the Century – and he even married the club MASCOT.The Eintracht Frankfurt CEO, 44, is one of European football’s rising stars in the boardroom.Markus Krosche, sporting director of Eintracht Frankfurt, met his wife Viktoria when she was a mascotCredit: GettyViktoria donned the costume for Holli the Mouse at Paderborn games in the early 2000sCredit: GettyKrosche started his football journey in more modest surroundings, signing his first pro papers with Werder Bremen aged 15.He would go on to spend the majority of his career with Paderborn, where he became a club legend. As a tough-tackling midfielder, Krosche helped lift the club from the fourth tier all the way to the Bundesliga.Krösche played almost 400 games for Paderborn and skippered the side in the top-flight. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it was the club’s mascot – mouse Holli – that had a lasting effect on the former German under-21 international. Speaking to BILD, Krosche revealed: “My [now] wife worked for an agency that marketed the mascot. “She worked there alongside her studies and accompanied Holli to appointments as a photographer, among other things. “That’s how we met.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKrosche confirmed that his wife Viktoria would also help out as Holli on some match days.He added with a laugh: “It’s true, yes. That’s our story.”Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebrationThe pair now have two teenage daughters – Maya and Clara – with the family still living in Paderborn. Krosche worked as a sporting director at RB Leipzig before landing his current role with Frankfurt.The club have enjoyed success in recent seasons, winning the Europa League in 2022 and finishing 6th in the Bundesliga last term.Krosche admits he was fortunate to enjoy such a stunning career – as he lacked “outstanding skills.”He added: “I wouldn’t sign me at all because I didn’t have any outstanding skills. “No good technique, no outstanding header, I wasn’t particularly fast. “I would definitely fail our scouting team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[Frankfurt Director] Charly Korbel once told me that he wanted to sign me to Eintracht in the mid-2000s. “The manager at the time turned me down – I would have done the same!” More

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    Europa League manager ‘dressed up as a chef and waved a sex toy at his players’ in bizarre motivational ploy

    A EUROPA LEAGUE manager took his motivational ploy for his players to a new level.Christian Ilzer was hired as the boss of Hoffenheim in November 2024 as he replaced Pellegrino Matarazzo.Christian Ilzer took charge of Hoffenheim in NovemberCredit: GettyIlzer, 47, was tasked with dragging the Bundesliga side away from the threat of relegation while competing in the Europa League.The Austrian took on the role with the club in 15th place and just one point above the relegation zone.But to inspire his squad he made the decision to perform a bizarre motivational speech.Sport Bild claimed that in December, ahead of a game against Freiburg, he left the team stunned with his speech.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring the moment, he wore a chef’s hat with an apron as he stirred an “imaginary magic potion”.Throughout the speech he added “ingredients for a successful game” in order to inspire.It is then believed that he spoke of “more spice” and revealed real chilli peppers to the watching players.Ilzer then moved on to the team needing “manly strength”, and to demonstrate this, he presented them with a dildo.Most read in FootballIt is thought he said: “You have to be just as hard as this dildo.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollowing the bizarre speech, Hoffenheim managed to earn a respectable draw against Freiburg, which put an end to a run of three straight defeats.However, since then, the team has only managed four wins from 17 matches under Ilzer.EXCL Wayne Rooney spotted training his England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son at £5k a night Dubai hotelDespite the questionable form, the team has secured seven points above the relegation play-off spot.The club remained tight-lipped over the speech when approached by the outlet.It said: “The basic rule at TSG is: what happens in the dressing room stays in the dressing room.”Last time out, they beat Werder Bremen 3-1 to add some much-needed breathing room. More

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    Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football with BetMGM

    BAYERN MUNICH have a 2-1 lead to build on when Celtic visit the Allianz Arena for the Champions League second leg on Tuesday.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the play-off showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsBayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Bayern Munich vs Celtic prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview for second leg

    BAYERN MUNICH have a 2-1 lead over Celtic heading into their Champions League play-off second leg on Tuesday.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the European showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBayern Munich vs Celtic previewDefeat at Parkhead makes the task of progression to the round of 16 almost impossible for Celtic.Even victory might not have been enough last week, given Bayern’s ability to blow sides away at home.The Hoops defended well for the majority of the night before conceding to a stunning Michael Olise strike on the stroke of half time. A lapse in concentration allowed Harry Kane to add a second just minutes into the second half.The tie has been just about kept alive by Daizen Maeda’s goal with 10 minutes to go.Brendan Rodgers might want to take notice of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, who held Bayern to a goalless draw on Saturday and restricted them to NO shots of any description in the first half for the first time in decades and not a single shot on target in 90 minutes for only the second league match in 20 years.Might it be the perfect time to play them? Time will tell. Celts registered 21 efforts at goal beating Dundee United 3-0 at Celtic Park on Saturday, while being able to rest a couple of their key players in the process.William Hill make them 28/1 to progress and Bayern 1/100. So fair to say them progressing is quite a stretch.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 4-1 at 11/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Michael Olise 13/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREBayern Munich vs Celtic latest oddsBayern Munich at 2/13 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Bayern Munich vs Celtic predictions and tipsBlow away earlyThis tie could be put to bed early doors, with Bayern having the ability to blow Celtic away in the first half.They HAVE to respond to the poor attacking showing from Saturday and actually had five shots – with two on target – in the opening 45 minutes last Wednesday.Celtic will be trying to keep the tie alive in the early exchanges but that might prove tough.Ol or nothingMichael Olise scored the opening goal in the first leg and is one of the standouts to perform here.That was his first goal since mid-January but can be the attacking force down their right.Michael Olise shot on target in each half at 23/10 – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More