More stories

  • in

    Arsenal tipped to sign former Man Utd star, 24, they could get on a free transfer next summer

    ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign ex-Manchester United ace Angel Gomes, whom they could get for free in the summer.Gomes, 24, has been turning heads ever since rolling credits on his 11-year stint at United where he started out at the age of 6 in the academy.Arsenal legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign Lille star Angel GomesCredit: GettyDixon predicted Arsenal could get ex-Manchester United ace Gomes for free in JuneCredit: AFP or licensorsDixon insists England star Gomes would be a ‘superb’ fit for Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe versatile midfielder moved to France in 2020 and has since amassed a staggering 123 appearances, despite spending a season on loan at Boavista.That earned the defensive midfielder an England call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley and he proved he can play an integral part in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.Gomes has been so good he left United fans scratching their heads and wondering why he was let go.Dixon, 60, urged his former club to capitalise on the Red Devils’ inability to hold on to the England international, whom he described as a “superb” fit and the perfect partner for Declan Rice in midfield.Read More on ArsenalThe former full-back predicted the North Londoners could indeed sign the United academy graduate for next season as his contract with Lille runs out in June.Dixon told plejmo.com: “I think Angel Gomes would fit in at Arsenal superbly.”His qualities are clear to see, he’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal keep strengthening in their bid to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ campaign in 2004.Dixon believes it is important to end that duck and urged his former club to also work on finally winning their first ever Champions League title.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG The England international is adamant that titles need to be won and even claimed that manager Mikel Arteta would be deemed a “failure” if he failed to win any major trophies at the Emirates.Dixon added: “If Mikel Arteta leaves Arsenal without winning the Premier League or Champions League at Arsenal you’d have to say it’s been a failure because that’s what he is there to do, to win the biggest trophies.”He would be the first to say that and of course we don’t know how long he will be in the job, but not winning one of those would be a massive disappointment.”It’s a tough competition to win of course, but Arsenal’s defence could be the key to winning the Champions League for the first time.”It’s so tough to win, as Arsenal have proved over the years since they got to the final, they haven’t come anywhere close since.”It’s tough with all the big teams and you do need a bit of luck, but you have to have a firm base and they have got that with their defence now.”They’ve got that solidarity to build on and they need to get through the winter months with few injuries, that is the challenge for all the clubs in Europe.”Arsenal legend Dixon believes Gomes would be a stunning partner for Declan Rice in midfieldCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Egos, formations and selection dilemma.. Thomas Tuchel’s England to-do list in just 15 games before bid to win World Cup

    THE ultimate mission is simple – you have 18 months to win the World Cup for England.But for Thomas Tuchel the pathway to glory resembles a minefield.Thomas Tuchel will have at most 15 games before the World CupCredit: SplashTuchel will have to find a spot for Jude Bellingham in the teamCredit: ReutersUnder Gareth Southgate, England were one step from heaven – losing two consecutive European Championship finals, as well enjoying two very decent World Cup campaigns.But the final step – that of actually winning a trophy – is the most important, and most difficult.So what are the major issues facing England’s incoming German manager, who has a maximum of just 15 matches in charge before the World Cup kicks off in the United States?The personalities and egos. The potential formations. The surplus of English talent in some areas and the glaring lack in others. The need to build on Southgate’s successes as well as learning from his failures.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAnd there will be precious little time for experimentation, given that Tuchel must first secure qualification.JUDE BELLINGHAMTHE Real Madrid Galactico is the greatest English talent of his generation – so what’s the problem?Well, how best to integrate Bellingham as a footballer and a man.For Real and England, Bellingham has played as a No 10, as a deep-lying midfielder, wide on the left and as a false nine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd while No 10 is almost certainly his best position, the same can be said for Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, so is it possible to include all three of these major players in one effective starting line-up?Then there’s the issue of Bellingham’s star status. During the Euros there were whisperings of an oversized ego and personality clashes with other key players. If so, Tuchel needs to stamp on the problem.Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager HARRY KANETuchel worked with Harry Kane at Bayern MunichCredit: PATUCHEL is a huge fan of the England skipper and was proud of his significant coup in capturing Kane for Bayern.Kane will remain as captain as first-choice No 9 – but what if he is misfiring?What if Kane has an injury issue, such as the one which hampered him during the Euros, when Southgate was unwilling to drop him?Kane is more likely than most players to deny any fitness problem, and to insist on playing through pain – but Tuchel must have the balls to bench his captain if it is necessary.FORMATIONThe manager has used multiple formations during his careerCredit: APTUCHEL is tactically flexible, having played with a 4-3-3, a 4-2-3-1 as well as with a 3-4-3 wing-back system at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League.With so few matches in which to settle on his best England formation – and with Tuchel bafflingly not taking charge of next month’s two Nations League fixtures – he must be clear in a tactical vision which best suits his players and then stick to his guns.This issue is connected to the ‘Bellingham-Palmer-Foden’ conundrum as well as England’s lack of left-backs.Could Bukayo Saka be employed as a left wing-back to counteract that problem?And if you haven’t got two world-class centre-backs, is it better to go with a back three, including the pace of Kyle Walker, a man Tuchel tried hard to sign for Bayern?Then there’s the issue of Southgate’s reputation for over-caution. Tuchel is no free-wheeling entertainer. Is he bothered if the nation yawns while England win games?OLD FAVOURITESTuchel worked with Reece James while at ChelseaCredit: APTHERE are at least three English players currently out of the England set-up who have been favourites of Tuchel at club level – Reece James, Mason Mount and Eric Dier. Does the German bring them back into the fold?James and Mount have both been seriously affected by injury in recent years but if fit and firing, could James challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker at right-back and would Mount enter the argument in the crowded attacking midfield positions?Dier was frozen out by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou as well as Southgate but Tuchel revived his career at Bayern. Is he worth another England chance?FIND A LEFT-BACKTuchel will have to find a replacement for injury-prone Luke ShawCredit: GettyTHIS is England’s most glaring problem area given that Luke Shaw is rarely fit, while Ben Chilwell has been frozen out at Chelsea – where he was never a Tuchel favourite anyway.England have been employing specialist right-backs on the left in recent times, which has affected the balance of the team.Tuchel cannot stick with that plan so does he opt for a wing-back system with Saka on the left or find a new specialist in a back four?Brentford’s Rico Henry will soon return from a long-term injury, while Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell or Leif Davis are also worthy of Tuchel’s consideration.CLUB v COUNTRYGareth Southgate built a great team atmosphereCredit: GettyFOR decades before Southgate came along, England were often hampered by club-versus-country rows – resulting in plenty of dodgy sicknotes.Southgate virtually eradicated these issues, having worked hard to forge excellent relationships with individual managers, as well as between the FA and Premier League clubs, before and during his own reign as England’s senior manager.Firebrand Tuchel is a less clubbable personality so can he avoid burning the bridges his predecessor did so well in building?MASON GREENWOODMason Greenwood has been in good form since joining MarseilleCredit: ReutersA LEFT-FIELD issue this – but what if Tuchel wants to bring back Greenwood, a great English talent, who brings a vast amount of off-field baggage?In pure footballing terms, Greenwood is outstanding. A direct wide forward and an excellent finisher who has been tearing it up in France since joining Marseille, after a successful spell at Getafe in La Liga last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESGreenwood is expected to switch international allegiance to Jamaica but might Tuchel be tempted to keep him in the England system?If so he would be stepping into a moral maze. Charges of domestic violence against Greenwood have been dropped and he has not been convicted of any crime but many, including the FA top brass, would baulk at the idea of seeing him in an England shirt again.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More

  • in

    Non-league club boast entire ex-Premier League front three after signing former Champions League star

    NON-LEAGUE club Kettering Town are looking to relive the glory days of the Premier League.That’s after signing former Champions League star Gary Hooper to complete an ex-top flight front three.Kettering Town have signed ex-Norwich and Premier League striker Gary HooperCredit: Press Association ImagesThe forward also netted in the Champions League for CelticCredit: GettyKettering Town player in the seventh tier of English football.The Northampton-based club are hoping to improve on last season’s 15th-place finish in the Southern League Premier Division Central.And they first bolstered their ranks with the surprise signing of former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger, 33, last month.Later in September, ex-Bolton and Burnley forward Marvin Sordell, 33, came out of retirement to join Kettering.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now, the minnows have added a third top striker to their squad.On Thursday, Kettering delighted fans by announcing the arrival of Hooper.The 36-year-old left National League side Barnet at the end of last season.But it’s his prowess as a former Premier League and Champions League striker that is sure to excite supporters.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHooper clocked up two top-flight appearances for Norwich after firing them out of the Championship in 2015.Before his Canaries stint, the hitman bagged 63 goals in 95 games for Celtic – winning two titles in the process.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersKettering now have an ex-Prem front three after also landing Nile RangerCredit: Kettering Town FCHe played for Newcastle in his primeCredit: GettyHooper also featured in 19 European games for the Scots, including two Champions League campaigns, scoring a further seven times.And fans responded with glee to Kettering’s latest arrival.One said: “What is going on with this club lately?!”Another declared: “What a signing.”One noted: “Dreamland!”Another added: “Sign all the strikers.”Kettering have also snapped up Marvin SordellCredit: Kettering Town FCHe starred for Burnley and BoltonCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

  • in

    Former Champions League star who ‘changed club’s world image’ with goal vs Barcelona now playing in non-league at 33

    A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero has left elite football to return to his roots for a non-league club in Greece.The famous defender stood out in Serie A playing for Roma and Napoli as well as Salernitana most recently.Kostas Manolas has left elite football for non-league club PannaxiakosCredit: Getty – ContributorManolas is remembered for his legendary goal for Roma that eliminated BarcelonaCredit: Getty The ex-Greece international’s performances in Italy attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in 2018 and 2019.Reports at the time suggested the Premier League trio was willing to splash over £30million before the centre-back joined Napoli in 2019 and embarked on a three-year stint in Naples.That is none other than Kostas Manolas, who made headlines around the world in the Champions League six years ago when his late header led Roma to a famous 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Olimpico.It was thanks to the Greek star that the Giallorossi qualified for the semi-finals where they faced Liverpool, who moved on to the final.Read More on FootballManolas is now 33 years old and it looks like top-level football is over for him as he surprised the world with his decision to play for his local club Pannaxiakos in the Cyclades’ First Division until June.The Olympiacos legend returns to his place of birth in the isle of Naxos where he and his family have now settled to play in the fourth division, with his new team now hoping for promotion to the third division.The ex-AEK Athens star decided to help the team after a few training sessions with Giorgos Mostratos’ side.Pannaxiakos announced: “The President, the members of the Board of Directors and Pannaxiakos FC’s great family announce the arrival of Kostas Manolas to the men’s team with great joy, emotion and pride.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The player who wore the shirt of AEK, Olympiacos, Roma, Napoli, the player who honored the shirt of Greece’s Youth and Men’s National Team, the Greek central defender who has been admired by Europe, the Naxos native who has chosen his place of birth to reside with his family, will strengthen Pannaxiakos’ effort in this year’s championship. Welcome Kostas!”Manolas joined Roma in 2014 following two stunning years at Olympiacos in the Champions League and went on to amass a total of eight goals in 206 appearances before joining Napoli.Kostas Manolas shows off his football skills playing for Salernitana 1919 However, none of his goals are more famous than the one against Lionel Messi and co, which he claimed “changed Roma’s image in the world”.The ex-Greece star, who stood out in the 2014 World Cup and helped his country make it to the knockouts for the first time ever, claimed the Italian giants could have even made it to the Champions League final if VAR was available.Manolas said two years ago: “It changed Roma’s image in the world.“Yes, it was important. Not only because it was a 3-0 scoreline to qualify for a Champions League semi-final. “But because the whole world understood that Roma are a great team. Before, Roma had another image in Europe, another story.“But we too could have reached the final of that Champions League, if there had been VAR. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They didn’t give us a penalty on [Edin] Dzeko for an offside that wasn’t there. “They didn’t see a handball by [Trent] Alexander-Arnold which would have been a penalty and red card. A goal would have been enough to beat Liverpool.” More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel is ‘more English than German’ and would tell Bayern Munich chiefs how he preferred jobs in England

    GERMANY is proud that the English FA has appointed one of our coaches to the most important post in the motherland of football.I admit there would be a huge outcry in Germany if a foreigner was to become our national coach — this has never happened.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: AFPHe has faced questions from pundits due to being GermanCredit: ReutersHowever, Tuchel is perhaps more English than German.I know from his time at Bayern he always raved about the Premier League to the Munich players and told club chiefs he preferred working in England than Germany.There is no question that Tuchel, as a manager, is an expert in tactics and football philosophy.But in the end, there were always problems with his bosses at both Dortmund and Bayern.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSHe didn’t have that at Chelsea when he formed a team that won the Champions League in 2021.Unlike in the Bundesliga, a boss in England is allowed to make more decisions about the squad.And that will be the big difference… Tuchel doesn’t have to fight with his bosses if he wants players. He can simply select them.In recent years, the football world has wondered why England doesn’t play better with perhaps the best players in the world. I think the coach was the problem.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne thing that must be clear to the players is Gareth Southgate’s feel-good oasis is now over. Tuchel will challenge them.When I saw Southgate on the sideline, I was amazed at how little influence he had on the running game.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Things will be very different under Tuchel. England will see a man actively coaching his players.This is perhaps the missing piece of the puzzle.Tuchel is considered the master of knockout games. It shouldn’t be forgotten how close he came to reaching the Champions League final against Real Madrid.A wrong referee decision alone lost him that semi-final in May.Tuchel knows tactics. Tuchel can win titles. And that is exactly what England was missing recently to achieve a great triumph.We know we have a new big rival when it comes to our goal, which coach Julian Nagelsmann has set, of becoming 2026 world champions.Tuchel can beat Germany at its own game — he now brings the winning mentality to England.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel is ruthless, demanding and humourless but he’s a WINNER – and just what England need for next manager

    ENGLAND’S new manager has a ruthless streak that has seen him fall foul of players and club bosses — but it might be just the job for the Three Lions.Those who know him best admit Thomas Tuchel has not been out to win any popularity contests while fighting his way to the top.England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel has the ruthless streak the Three Lions needCredit: PATuchel played for German club Augsburg before a series of injuries ended his careerCredit: PATuchel is said to put ‘tactics and results over all’Credit: PAFootball writer Carsten Germann told The Sun: “He’s absolutely unhumorous. “He’s not a coach for the people.“He’s a football scientist, he puts tactics and results over all. “But that winning mentality is what England could need.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTuchel, the 51-year-old former chief coach at Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain, was caught on video bawling out a young striker — and French superstar Kylian Mbappe said the only German word he learned from him was “scheisse” (s***).Tuchel, who has followed rival Jurgen Klopp into posts at various club sides, has also been known to bristle if compared to the former Liverpool boss.Experiences that have shaped him include one seven years ago, while manager of Borussia Dortmund, when he survived a bomb attack on the team bus, with shrapnel striking seats close to him.And the father of two ended his 13-year marriage to an ex-journalist after allegedly beginning an affair with a Brazilian businesswoman 14 years younger than him.Most read in FootballBut there are also accounts of him offering warm words of encouragement to stars in one-to-one chats — and paying for his cleaner’s son to receive life-saving medical care.Tuchel was born in the small town of Krumbach in Bavaria, and was coached by dad Rudolf with the local side. Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager At 15 he was spotted by top-flight German club Augsburg, and he played three times for the national Under-18s.Yet teammate Heiner Schuh recalled: “He had few friends as he was exacting and demanding.”Defender Tuchel turned professional at lower league Stuttgart Kickers. He never drank with the other players and is still almost teetotal, often opting for drinking warm water.A series of knee injuries ended his playing career when he was at FC Ulm, aged just 24.The cartilage damage was considered wear and tear by the insurers, so he did not get a payout. He said: “I was insured for everything apart from this one lousy condition.”Tuchel waited tables at the Radio Bar in Stuttgart in 1999. It helped him become more gregarious and fund his business administration course at university.A year later he was hired as a youth coach at top side Stuttgart, before moving on to Augsburg’s second team and then Mainz 05.In a shock move he was promoted from under-19 coach to first team manager in 2009.IS TUCHEL RIGHT MAN FOR THE THREE LIONS JOB?YES: says Shaun SHAUN Custis, Head of SportYES, it would’ve been ideal if we could have had an Englishman.But football is not an ideal world and nobody who listened to Thomas Tuchel yesterday could doubt his passion for the job. He loves our football history and he loves the country.He is our third foreign coach but the first to convince us this is made for him. Sven-Goran Eriksson would have left in a year for Man United had Alex Ferguson not stayed. Tuchel rejected United this summer still hoping he’d get the England gig. Fabio Capello gave the impression he was doing us a favour.Tuchel is a top coach and a proven winner whose dream is to deliver us the World Cup. What more could we ask for?NO: says Harry Redknapp, Ex-Prem managerI WANTED an Englishman. I’m very patriotic.All the clubs are owned by foreign owners and they bring a foreign manager in.With the FA and the money we spend on coaching courses and everything else it’s sad.Thomas Tuchel lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs. It’s not like he’s been a massive success. People say you’ve got to be a great coach for England, (but) you just have to have a bit of common sense. Pick the best players, make them feel great about themselves, make them feel good about playing for England, let them know we can go and win a trophy, that the team is fantastic.Harry spoke to Sky SportsAll of Tuchel’s trophies as a managerTuchel pictured with rival Jurgen KloppCredit: AFPBut Tuchel’s thin skin could be a problem as England coachCredit: GettyANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobTuchel admitted at the time that the Bundesliga club had been willing to take the risk because it had worked with Klopp in the past.In the same year he married Sissi, a journalist at the highly respected national newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.She reportedly gave up her career to bring up their two daughters, Emma and Kim.Sissi, who is very private, was seen by his side celebrating successes on the pitch as unfashionable Mainz twice qualified for the Europa League.But an amateur cameraman caught Thomas screaming at young striker Shawn Parker for almost a minute in the dressing room after one game — before telling him: “So go join the under 17s.”Club executive Christian Heidel wanted his manager to engage with the fans and media more — like the popular Klopp did. But he regretted starting a conversation saying, “with Kloppo we used to . . .”In an unauthorised biography titled Rulebreaker, Heidel said: “That’s when Thomas started yelling at me, ‘How dare I?’ “The conversation was over. “I thought to myself, ‘Whoops, I hit a nerve’.”He’s very sensitive to criticismFootball writer Carsten GermannEngland’s Liverpool players, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, may do well to remember that anecdote.Indeed, Tuchel’s thin skin could be a problem as England coach — where flak comes with the job.Carsten, who has interviewed Tuchel, said: “He’s very sensitive to criticism.”Who has Tuchel coached?Here is a list of the England stars that have already worked with Thomas Tuchel…Harry Kane – Bayern MunichEric Dier – Bayern MunichMason Mount – ChelseaReece James – ChelseaBen Chilwell – ChelseaCallum Hudson-Odoi – ChelseaRuben Loftus-Cheek – ChelseaRaheem Sterling – ChelseaRoss Barkley – ChelseaTammy Abraham – ChelseaConor Gallagher – ChelseaHowever his undoubted talents led Dortmund to hire him as Klopp’s replacement in 2015.Two years later he won Germany’s equivalent of the FA Cup and reached the quarter final of the Champions league.In April that year a controversial 3-2 defeat against Monaco showed how hard it can be to know the truth about Tuchel’s character.It came after he survived the team bus attack, which left him being viewed by some as a heroic defender of his squad, and by others as a callous villain.Sports journalist Pit Gottschalk’s book Locker Room Whispers reported he responded to seeing tearful players by saying: “I’m supposed to beat Bayern with these wimps?”The manager gave a totally different account. He had been angry that his side had been ordered to play the game against Monaco just 24 hours after the bombing.He said: “We had the feeling we were being treated as if our bus had been hit by a can of beer.”Bizarrely, it turned out that perpetrator Sergei Wenergold hid homemade devices filled with hydrogen peroxide and a dozen bolts close to the bus in order to make money on the stock exchange.Shortly before the attack he “bet” that the club’s shares would drop.In November 2018 Wenergold, 35, was jailed for 14 years. The fallout from the incident caused a rift with Dortmund’s chief executive and Tuchel was dismissed.He joined PSG, taking the French side to their first Champions League final. He’s a football scientist, he puts tactics and results over allFootball writer Carsten GermannHowever it was reported that he fell out with star player Mbappe as well as Brazilian sporting director Leonardo, and he lost his job.Before leaving the French capital, Tuchel heard his cleaner’s son was going to hospital and paid for his care.In January 2021 he arrived in London, replacing Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager.Tuchel took them from ninth in the Premier League to fourth, qualifying for the Champions League, but lost in the FA Cup final to Leicester.Off the field, there were problems with Tuchel’s marriage. He started a relationship with Brazilian Natalie Guerriero Max, 37, and in 2022 he split from Sissi.Natalie, who still lives in London, could be one of the reasons he was keen to take the England job.An insider said: “Thomas is obsessed with Natalie, but he is still close to his children and is a good father who sees them often.”Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, masterminding victory against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.Yet he was dismissed by the club’s new American owners in September 2022. An email included in Sissi’s divorce papers suggested that he had been fired for “’off-field reasons” with the players “losing respect for him.”But the manager remained in demand. Hired by Munich, he won the league title in his first season before a poor set of results the following year led to yet another departure.Three Lions fans will be hoping Germany’s loss is England’s gain.Cops at the team bus after the bomb attackCredit: Getty Images – GettyForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.German laughter at rivals’ boss bidBy Rob PattinsonTHE Sun’s front page announcing Thomas Tuchel as the new England boss was the talk of Germany yesterday — even being retweeted by its ambassador in Britain.Diplomat Miguel Berger cheekily added a laughing emoji as he sent out yesterday’s splash with the headline “Football’s coming home” translated into German. He wrote: “A German manager for England! Congrats to Thomas Tuchel. A brave decision.”Reaction across Germany was mixed, with many gleefully mocking Tuchel’s deal to manage their arch rival.Bild, the country’s biggest-selling newspaper, used a picture of The Sun’s splash and claimed England must be desperate if we were turning to a German. It said the ideal outcome would be England losing the World Cup final to Germany on penalties.An online vote had 80 per cent of Germans gloating England would not win the World Cup with Tuchel.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd one journalist wrote: “The desperation on the island must be enormous if they admit that only a German can help now.”Upmarket magazine Der Spiegel promised Tuchel “can be trusted” but warned he would inevitably “face anger” for crossing the North Sea.Diplomat Miguel Berger retweeted The Sun’s front page with the headline ‘Football’s coming home’ translated into German More

  • in

    From acute winning mentality to being an actual football SCIENTIST, 10 reasons Thomas Tuchel is perfect for England job

    Gott in Himmel! A German running the England football team?What next – an American running English cricket?German coach Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettyThe former Chelsea boss is the right man to manage England, says PiersCredit: ReutersPiers has shared ten reasons why Tuchel is perfect for the jobThat was the immediate wide-spread reaction on social media yesterday when news broke that Bavarian-born Thomas Tuchel had been appointed as England manager.Much of it doubtless spewed by the same fans who chant ‘Ten German Bombers’ at England matches to the tune of She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain – ending with the line, ‘There were no German bombers in the air…’cause the RAF from England shot them down!’Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereThat chant’s going to be a tad #awks now we have an actual German in charge of the team.READ MORE FROM PIERSI don’t buy into the absurd Little Englander mentality that only an Englishman can manage the England football team.I only care about having someone who can win us the trophy we’ve all been craving since the World Cup glory of 1966.And I believe we now have the right man to do it in this intense, charming, virtually tee-total perfectionist who speaks five languages, loves hip-hop (he was once a barman in a hip-hop club) and crime thrillers, and considers himself an ‘imperfect vegetarian.’Here are ten reasons why I’m sold on Thomas Tuchel:Most read in Football1. NO SELF-DOUBTHe desperately wanted the job and has chilling self-belief in his confidence to do it successfully. Compare and contrast with what current stand-in manager Lee Carsley said: ‘This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and been there and done it. I’m still on the path to doing that.’’I didn’t mean that!’ Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for comment in first England presserWeak, weak, weak. You’re 50 years old, Lee – if you don’t back yourself for a big job now, you’ll never be up to it. Thankfully, Herr Tuchel has no such self-doubt.2. HE KNOWS WHAT IT TAKESThomas Tuchel knows what it takes to win trophies – seen above after Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2021Credit: APHe’s a winner of multiple major trophies at some of the world’s biggest clubs. Nine in total, including League titles in Germany (with Bayern Munich) and France (with Paris Saint-Germain), and a Champions League with Chelsea where he brilliantly out-smarted Manchester City’s mercurial genius Pep Guardiola in the final. Tuchel knows what it takes to get over the line for silverware in tournament football, something Gareth Southgate repeatedly failed to do at the last hurdle.3. LOVE FOR ENGLANDTuchel is said to love English players and English footballCredit: GettySetting aside the fact that he speaks more eloquent and articulate English than half our team of actual Englishmen, Tuchel loves England.‘He’s an avowed Anglophile,’ German football journalist Raphael Honigstein told talkSPORT. ‘He loves English football, loves English players and has a real passion for English football. I think he sees himself as somebody that can take a team that’s come close that one decisive step further and deliver the trophy and become a German hero in England. I think that has a special kind of fascination for him.’ Love that.4. UNIQUE TRAININGHe’s a football science graduate, inspired by an actual German scientist, Professor Wolfgang Schollhorn, who preaches the power of disruptive tactics designed to compel students to find new solutions to problems. ‘If we want to have extraordinary performance, we need to train extraordinarily!’ is Schollhorn’s mantra, and Tuchel applies that to his training sessions, making players do mad things like making them hold tennis balls during defensive drills to keep unnecessary fouling in check, deliberately pushing their buttons to wind them up so that by match day they’re prepared for any eventuality. It works.5. HE’S PASSIONATEHe’s temperamental, especially when it comes to his executive bosses. Tuchel was a self-confessed pain in the a**e as a player and has been exactly the same as a manager, because he hates losing. Good.I like fire, passion and a burning desire to win in my managers. Southgate, bless him, was always a bit too nicey-nicey. 6. SURROUNDED BY STARSHarry Kane loved his time with Tuchel at BayernCredit: PATuchel’s used to working with the world’s biggest stars like Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi. That’s why he’ll have no fear working with our home-grown superstars like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, or Harry Kane who loved his time with him at Bayern. We need someone who can get the best out of our brilliant squad of players, something that again, Southgate never quite managed.7. NO SCANDALS TO COMETuchel and his wife Sissi split in 2022Credit: GettyTuchel’s already got his sex scandals out of the way. Unlike the late, great but very randy Sven-Goran Eriksson, it’s very unlikely he’ll be using the job as a casting couch for new lovers.Thomas’s marriage ended in 2022 amid feverish dressing room rumours of an affair, but he’s now happily ensconced with the woman involved, a beautiful Brazilian named Natalie Max, 13 years his junior. She should keep his eyes from wandering.8. AN INTENSE, OBSESSIVE PERFECTIONIST‘Never underestimate the power of preparation,’ he once said, ‘it is the most crucial aspect of success.’ Tuchel will be all over every tiny detail of getting his players ready for winning tournaments, from their diet to their video game habits.9. HE’S NUTS, IN A GOOD WAYPierre-Emerick Aubameyang branded Tuchel ‘one of the best coaches I’ve had’Credit: AFPFormer Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who played under him at Borussia Dortmund, said: ‘He’s one of the best coaches that I’ve had. He’s someone a bit crazy, a bit like Guardiola, they play with the same spirit. He likes to keep the ball with a style of play that likes to see the ball move forward, no matter what happens.’England need that more attacking mentality to unleash our exciting talent.10. A FIERCE MOTIVATORAt Mainz, during a bike tour up a mountain, Tuchel buried the club badge and told the youth team that if they reached the U19 Bundesliga final, he would retrieve it. ‘We all had goosebumps,’ recalled one of those players, Konstantin Fring. ‘We would have killed someone for him. We wanted to win so much. And we did.’ Tuchel later retrieved the badge. READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, if he takes the England team on a bike ride and buries the three lions’ badge, we’ll know what’s going to happen at the 2026 World Cup. Es kommt nach Hause!Tuchel at Wembley after being announced the new England managerCredit: GettyTuchel and FA CEO Mark Bullingham during Wednesday’s press conference at WembleyCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd

    THOMAS TUCHEL was lost for words when asked why he chose to take the England job over Manchester United.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager was today revealed to the world as the new Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel was briefly lost for words after being asked why he chose England over Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel had an awkward pause as he considered his responseTuchel, 51, has signed an 18 month contract that will see him earn £5million a year.FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed they interviewed 10 people for the job before appointing Tuchel, with the contract being signed on October 8.However, before taking the job he was one of the biggest names linked with the Man Utd job amid the pressure hanging over Erik ten Hag.Asked about why he opted for England over United, Tuchel appeared lost for words at first as he only answered with an “umm”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hesitating for a moment, he said: “Because the idea… and the way Mark and John [McDermott] presented it was very fast, very exciting, very confidential and trustful.”That was a decision for this job, and not against anyone else. I will not comment on any other clubs.”In a social media video before the press conference, Tuchel said he wanted to “get a second star” for England – as in win the World Cup.But one reporter gave Tuchel an apology after their “flippant” comment regarding those chances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA reporter said: “Good luck,” in response to Tuchel’s declaration before offering an apology following a moment of awkwardness.Tuchel managed England captain Harry Kane at club level last season, but has revealed he did not consult the former Tottenham ace before taking the job.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.He also refused to confirm whether Kane would remain captain under him.Tuchel said: “Too early to answer these questions but you know how I think of Harry and how I fought to bring him to Bayern Munich.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024″He is on his way to be a legend but it is important to have respect to Lee (Carsley) and not interfere next month.”Interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of England’s Uefa Nations League games next month, before Tuchel takes full charge of the team in January.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Another flashpoint saw Tuchel asked a question in German.He was asked how he would win over any grumbling England supporters that wanted a homegrown coach, before answering in English: “Everyone has their opinion and I can understand when someone says they would fancy an English coach more for the English team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can understand it, but I think we deserve a fair chance. We deserve it for having a good record, for never being shy of how much we love living here and working with Premier League players.”Maybe this counts a little bit for a British edge on my German passport, so we will try to convince [the fans] by results and how we play.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More