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    Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snub

    JAMIE CARRAGHER quipped that Micah Richards nearly left CBS Sports after being snubbed for the Champions League final.After a chat with Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, the pundits were joking about a rotation policy.Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards shared a joke in the CBS StudioCredit: CBS SportsCarragher and Richards seem to be enjoying their eveningsCredit: CBSCarragher, 46, said: “Micah got rotated for Peter in the Champions League final, do you remember? That caused a problem.”You nearly left didn’t you?”Richards replied: “It caused a very big problem. It didn’t happen again.”The studio were left in fits of giggles at the exchange – the latest in a series of jibes between the presenters.MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher may have been getting his own back after Richards, 35, claimed he had some “dodgy moments” earlier in the show.He could have been referring to Carra’s misguided joke that Abdo had not been loyal to boyfriend Malik Scott.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarragher has also called on Uefa to make sure Champions League knockout ties are not played at the same time after last night’s thrilling encounters.He said: “Can we just say last night was terrific, one of the best nights in the Champions League we’ve had.Most read in Champions League”The only negative, and I don’t want to put a negative on it, is both matches were played at the same time.”Abdo replied: “Do we want to lodge an official complaint?”‘We need to speak to Uefa’, say CBS Sports panel as Kate Abdo and Co reveal major Champions League complaintCarragher then said: “Uefa, we need to speak to Uefa, don’t we?”Before Richards joked: “Of course we do. We’re big friends with Uefa aren’t we?”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Kate Abdo beams on CBS Sports as Micah Richards says she’s ‘gone up a notch’ and pokes fun at Jamie Carragher

    MICAH RICHARDS talked his way into Kate Abdo’s good books – and managed to poke fun at Jamie Carragher at the same time.The CBS Sports pundit told the presenter she has “gone up a notch” in the popularity stakes and drew a beaming smile.Kate Abdo clearly enjoyed Micah Richards’ commentBut Richards was not as kind to fellow pundit Jamie CarragherCredit: CBSWhile Carragher was told he has had some “dodgy moments” by his fellow pundit ahead of tonight’s Champions League double-header.Discussing who was the most popular pundit, Richards said of Abdo: “You’re a star player now though aren’t you. I feel like you’ve just gone up a notch over the last two months.”You’re everyone’s favourite now. You’re our leader, el capitan.”Abdo, 42, replied: “I’ve only been Pep [Guardiola’s] favourite so far. He’s the person who picked me when we asked.”MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Richards suggested Luis Enrique, Abdo pointed out that he had picked Carragher. And the 35-year-old turned to his pal and quipped: “You were up there but you’ve had some dodgy moments.”He may have been referring to Carra’s suggestion that Abdo had not been loyal to boyfriend Malik Scott in a misguided joke last month.She addressed the incident live on television 24 hours later, delivering a hilarious put-down to Carragher, 46.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Abdo has now spoken again on the comments, claiming that they had “hurt” her in the studio.She told iFLTV: “What Jamie said came from nowhere. It was just a quick line, it was meant to be funny, sometimes they hit, sometimes they don’t. That one went a little bit sideways.Real Madrid fans brutally snub Man City for tour of Old Trafford as Man Utd fans say ‘they know who the biggest club is'”I felt a little bit hurt but it is what it is. You move on. We talked about it, we’re all good, nothing really to talk about.”Richards, Abdo and Carragher are in the studio alongside Thierry Henry for a thrilling night of European action.Arsenal travel to Bayern Munich and Manchester City host Real Madrid with both ties level after their first legs. More

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    ‘We need to speak to Uefa’, say CBS Sports panel as Kate Abdo and Co reveal major Champions League complaint

    KATE ABDO and the CBS Sports panel have threatened to “lodge an official complaint” to Uefa for their Champions League scheduling.Presenter Abdo was joined by the regular trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards for coverage of Manchester City vs Real Madrid and Bayern Munich vs Arsenal.Kate Abdo joked the CBS Sports panel were going to complain to UefaCredit: CBS SportsMicah Richards addressed the situation surrounding games being played at the same timeCredit: CBS SportsBut just seconds into the broadcast, Richards addressed something from the night before when Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund swatted aside Atletico Madrid.It regarded the games having the same kick-off times, a gripe Abdo and Carragher agreed with.The ex-Liverpool star said: “Can we just say last night was terrific, one of the best nights in the Champions League we’ve had.”The only negative, and I don’t want to put a negative on it, is both matches were played at the same time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo which Abdo replied: “Do we want to lodge an official complaint?”Carragher then said: “Uefa, we need to speak to Uefa, don’t we?”Before Richards joked: “Of course we do. We’re big friends with Uefa aren’t we?”When Carragher sarcastically agreed, Richards added: “Not too many complaints but just suggestions.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe complaint came as the panel prepared to watch two more Champions League quarter-finals at the same time.Fans were left furious when the draw was made as they realised they would be forced to choose between Man City-Real Madrid and Bayern-Arsenal.Luis Enrique says he’s ‘upset’ with CBS pundits live on TV and tells panel ‘you know why’ The winners of the two ties will face off for a place in the Wembley final on June 1. More

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    ‘I bet Laura Woods is p***ed off’, say fans as TNT Sports reveal line up for Bayern vs Arsenal & Man City vs Real Madrid

    FANS reckon they can feel Laura Woods’ pain on a huge Champions League night.TNT Sports sent their Arsenal-supporting presenter to Manchester City’s home quarter-final vs Real Madrid, which finished 3-3 in the first leg.Arsenal fan Laura Woods is at the Etihad for Man City vs Real Madrid, alongside pundits Rio Ferdinand and Joleon LescottCredit: ReutersThe broadcaster might secretly be thinking of the Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyWoodsy is a big favourite with viewersCredit: InstagramMeanwhile, her beloved Gunners are at Bayern Munich, locked at 2-2 for another well-balanced return clash.Of course, if Woodsy was disappointed not to be at the Emirates you couldn’t tell from her professionalism.But one fan posted: “I bet Laura Woods is p***ed off.”Another wrote: “Laura Woods must feel sick right now, they’ve got her at the City game instead.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd a third added: “Poor Laura Woods, has to do the City game when Arsenal are at Bayern.”The popular broadcaster would at least have been delighted to see both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were in the Arsenal side when TNT Sports displayed the line-ups from the two glamour ties.The Gunners’ two most creative talents were rated fitness doubts by boss Mikel Arteta just 24 hours beforehand.Nonetheless, Woods had to focus on the Etihad, where Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Kevin de Bruyne were in the hosts’ starting team against Jude Bellingham and Co.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd armchair observers who freely chose the Etihad were as quick as ever with their compliments for the 36-year-old former Sky Sports star.One said: “Laura Woods is such a gorgeous woman, embodiment of brilliance, elegance and beauty. Look at her teeth, blinding white.”Glam life of footie pundit Kate Abdo dubbed ‘new Laura Woods’ as fans hail response to odd Carragher gaffe about boyfriend Malik Scott Another claimed she was “absolute fire”.Alongside Woods at the Etihad were Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand and former City defender Joleon Lescott.The Londoner is a big hit on social media and on the screen 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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    Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal

    BAYERN MUNICH could be about to spring a tactical shock against Arsenal.After a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, the last-16 tie is delicately poised going into this evening’s clash.Thomas Tuchel is plotting Arsenal’s downfall with a sneaky tactical switchCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka is Arsenal’s dangermanCredit: GettyAnd Bild claim Thomas Tuchel is ready to shake things up in a bid to ensure the Gunners’ sights are off.Alphonso Davies is suspended after being booked in the first leg with one of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro expected to replace him.But Bayern’s pre-match training session saw the pair both feature in what is expected to be the first team, with Thomas Muller playing for the reserves.Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka is the visitors’ main driving force and it appears Tuchel, 50, is planning to double up on the danger man.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBild believe Mazraoui will play at left-back with Guerreiro playing higher up.Bayern will still have plenty of firepower with Jamal Musiala  operating behind Harry Kane.The former Tottenham hitman will need no extra motivation to face his former club’s bitter rivals.But a chance to go all the way in Europe and finally break his trophy duck is a huge factor.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKane, who was a beaten finalist with Tottenham in 2019, said: “For sure (it is unfinished business), whenever you reach the final of a competition and don’t quite get over the line there’s always that burning fire inside you to get back there and go that one step further.”Spurs fans may have mixed feelings, however, as the Premier League is in real danger of losing its fifth Champions League spot next season.Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with BayernIf the Gunners KO Bayern, it will be a massive boost England’s battle with Germany to have five clubs in the competition.Tottenham currently sit fifth in the league – three points off in-form Aston Villa in fourth. More

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    ‘You know how sad I am’ – Luis Enrique says he’s ‘upset’ with CBS pundits live on TV and tells panel ‘you know why’

    LUIS ENRIQUE hilariously called out “idol” Micah Richards after the pundit didn’t back Paris Saint-Germain to beat Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.PSG capitalised on Barcelona’s calamitous second-leg performance, despite going 1-0 down on the night, and went on to win 6-4 on aggregate. Luis Enrique hilariously challenged those in the CBS studioCredit: CBSWith his jesting attitude particularly directed toward Micah RichardsCredit: CBSRonald Araujo’s 29th-minute red card changed the course of the tie, as ex-Barca star Ousmane Dembele came back to haunt them.After completing a sensational turnaround in the away leg on Tuesday, the gleeful Spaniard made sure to call out those who doubted his team.During his post-match interview with CBS Sports, Enrique firmly joked: “I’m really upset with all of you!”Former Manchester City defender Richards asked “Why?”, before host Kate Abdo queried: “What did we do?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PSG manager replied: “You know why.”Richards then realised and exclaimed: “Because of the brackets! He knows! He watches the show!”Richards, alongside fellow pundit Thierry Henry, had predicted that Barcelona would advance from the quarter-final tie.But Carragher went with PSG – although Enrique admitted he hadn’t remembered that part correctly.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREnrique said: “I watched on YouTube, all of you predicted that Barcelona were going through to the next phase.”Nobody believed in our possibilities. How sad I am, how sad I am.”PSG boss’s Luis Enrique’s daughter ‘moves on from ex-Premier League star Ferran Torres as she dates his team-mate’The former Barcelona boss then had the studio in stitches when he added: “I can understand Henry, because he was a supporter for Arsenal.”But Micah, you were my idol. I thought you were going to be confident in the team. Oh my god.”Richards begged for forgiveness before exclaiming: “I went against you, I’m sorry.”Earlier this season, the PSG boss had revealed his love for Richards and said he was his favourite pundit after a 3-0 win over AC Milan in the group stage.Kylian Mbappe struck twice to push PSG throughCredit: AFPRichards can be forgiven for doubting the Parisian’s chances of advancing after they lost 3-2 at home last week.But PSG soon found their groove, going on to with 4-1 in Spain, after Araujo’s straight red card ruined things for Barca.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoss Xabi and his assistant were given red cards and forced to leave the dugout in the second half.PSG’s famous win books them a semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund, who dramatically beat Atletico Madrid  More

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    Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’

    HARRY KANE showed off his German for the very first time as he starred in a new advert for Audi with two Bayern Munich team-mates.The England captain, 30, is preparing to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg tonight with the tie poised at 2-2.Harry Kane has shown off his German in a new advertCredit: AudiThe star was joined by Thomas Muller and Mathys Tel in the Audi adCredit: AudiKane has enjoyed a brilliant first season personally at Bayern, scoring 39 times in 39 games, but he could still end the campaign trophyless after Bayer Leverkusen sealed their first-ever Bundesliga title at the weekend.One of the major obstacles he has had to overcome in his new surroundings is the language barrier.Kane refused Rio Ferdinand’s request in December to speak German live on TNT Sports but did reveal that he was taking a couple of lessons a week.That was after fans were left in hysterics after spotting the awkward moment Kane realised he could not argue with a German referee shortly after his £104m move from Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the star showed off some of his newly-learnt lingo as he joined Thomas Muller and Mathys Tel in an advert for the club’s official partner Audi.Kane is behind the wheel driving the motor as Muller asks him: “Harry, where are we going?”He replies “Umleitung” as he follows a sign showing the word – which translates to detour – to the left..The ex-Spurs ace then does another manoeuvre through the Bavarian streets as pal Tel, who is sat in the back seat, asks Muller if Kane is serious.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHerman legend Muller then asks: “Harry, you know ‘Umleitung’ isn’t a place right?”To which Kane responds: “Thomas, I know. I’m just getting to know my new home.”Harry Kane fires warning shot to Arsenal as Bayern Munich star reveals ‘burning desire’ ahead of Champions League clash Another humorous moment then follows at the end of the advert as Muller jokes “next destination ‘Einbahnstrasse’” – which means one-way street.Kane then attempts to repeat his German strike partner but almost ends up bursting with laughter.English fans soon spotted and started to mock the clip after it went viral on social media.And one cheekily asked: “Does a BAFTA count as a major trophy?”Another said: “If you’re not in Germany, then you’re missing out on a stunning piece of acting from Harry Kane in the Audi x Bayern advert.”While a third commented: “Let’s just say he’s better in front of goal.”Fans soon took to social media to comment on his attempts at GermanCredit: AudiMeanwhile, Kane was axed from Arsenal’s academy as a nine-year-old.That is something that used to galvanise him when coming face to face with them in a North London derby during his Tottenham days. And ahead of Bayern’s clash with the Gunners, Kane said: “I know there will be a lot of Spurs fans watching, hoping that Bayern go through, but I can’t focus on that.“All I can do is try and beat the team in front of us, and that’s Arsenal.“It was one of the biggest games of the season for pretty much my whole career.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was always a big occasion, big moment. Maybe it was in the back of the mind, being released from a young age, and there’s always a point to prove.“But for me here, it’s a different chapter, a different moment. I don’t think specifically back to it now.”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddOF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
    This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
    Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
    Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
    And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
    And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
    Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
    Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More