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    Bayern Munich already line up next manager after agreeing to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in summer

    XABI ALONSO is being lined up to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Tuchel will leave the German giants at the end of the season after a disastrous run of fixtures.
    Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of seasonCredit: Reuters
    Alonso is the top managerial target for a host of top clubsCredit: Reuters
    Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel embraced before their 3-0 title showdownCredit: EPA
    The German’s long-term position became untenable following three consecutive defeats – a first for Bayern since the Pep Guardiola days of 2015.
    His side was dismantled 3-0 by Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen last week, which threatened to end their 11-year reign as Bundesliga champions.
    They were then beaten 1-0 by Lazio in the Champions League last-16 first leg in Rome.
    The pressure increased on Tuchel after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at bottom-half Bochum left his side eight points behind Alonso’s Bundesliga leaders.
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    Alonso is now understood to be Bayern’s top candidate to take over in the summer.
    Facing a first trophyless season in 12 years, Bayern’s primary plan was to reach the end of the campaign with Tuchel and assess the situation.
    But it was confirmed on Wednesday that Tuchel will in fact leave at the end of this campaign.
    The former Chelsea boss said: “We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season.”
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    In 44 matches as manager so far, he has won 28, drawn five and lost 11.
    Leon Goretzka has compared Bayern’s recent downturn “a horror movie that doesn’t stop.”
    Alonso,42,is in cruise control at the top of the league and is unbeaten in all competitions.
    The German giants will have to fight off some serious competition from Liverpool in order to employ his services.
    The Spaniard was tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp after the Reds manager dropped the bombshell that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. 
    Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes claims he is “sure” Alonso will stay with the club despite interest from both sides.
    If they fail to nab Alonso, Bayern will consider three-time Champions League winner Zinedine Zidane.
    Meanwhile, rumours swirled that former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could come in as interim boss. More

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    Porto vs Arsenal: Get £20 free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports plus huge Saka price boost

    BOYLESPORTS have a tremendous new customer offer ahead of tonight’s huge Champions League game when Arsenal visit Porto.BoyleSports are offering punters a sensational £20 in free bets PLUS an extra £10 casino bonus, when they stake a tenner.
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    Lionel Messi’s Barcelona replacement hits back after being named one of Premier League’s worst ever forwards

    LUUK DE DONG has hit back at his critics after being named as one of the Premier League’s worst ever strikers. Back in the second half of the 2013/14 season, De Jong had a brief 12-game loan spell with Newcastle where he failed to score.
    Luuk de Jong has hit back at his critics after he was told he was named among the worst strikers in Premier League historyCredit: Getty
    De Jong had a goalless 12-game loan spell at Newcastle in 2014Credit: Getty
    De Jong has been on fire in the Champions League this season
    A decade on from then and he was told about him being ranked at No75 in a 2017 list of “the biggest flops”.
    In an interview with The Guardian, De Jong could not help but laugh at his ranking.
    Biting back, he said: “Really? When I only played 12 matches and not all of them from the start?
    “And not in my position, either? Oh well, that’s the football world, you know. I was young.
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    “I think I am better armed now to take on Premier League defenders.
    “It’s about your response to adversity – that makes the difference.”
    De Jong, 33, has come a long way since then, scoring for PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund for starters.
    His pedigree in European competitions speak for itself, with 12 goals in 38 Champions League games and 17 in 48 Europa League games.
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    Former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart also names him as the best header of the ball in Europe.
    Opta stats backing up that claim, with 77 goals being scored with the 6′ 2″ forward’s head including 13 of the 27 strikes the PSV captain has this season.
    I’m an ex-Premier League star who plays with Lionel Messi – but I’m richer than him at just 23 despite his $650m fortune
    De Jong puts this down to his upbringing – by Dutch international volleyball player parents who played with him in the garden or at the beach – which helped with his sense of timing.
    The Dutchman has also featured for Barcelona for one season, scoring seven goals in 29 games.
    But he admitted his time there was “strange” due to him being labelled as Lionel Messi’s replacement following the Argentine’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.
    He said: “That was very strange. Of course I was not brought in as his direct replacement.
    “No one can replace that man. I came there as a target man. But I was actually sitting at his place in the dressing room. That was nice.”
    One of the crowning moments of his career came after he was told he could leave the Camp Nou by Xavi, who had replaced Ronald Koeman after he signed De Jong.
    De Jong said: “After that I scored some important goals, mostly headers. At one point they sang my name at Camp Nou at every corner or free-kick.
    “You wouldn’t think it gets better than that. I am very proud of that.”
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    Good times come with the tough however, and De Jong has credited his mental strength as part of the reason he is now the “best version of himself”.
    He said: “I never gave up. I always kept working hard and I think I am the best version of myself now.”
    De Jong arrived at Barcelona and was labelled as Lionel Messi’s replacementCredit: Getty
    De Jong scored seven times in his sole season with Barcelona and revealed he sat in Messi’s old seatCredit: Getty More

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    Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori in stands for Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid days after Ultras star in his new track

    KANYE WEST roared on Inter Milan in their Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid – but fans are unsure he saw any of the action.The controversial rapper, 46, was joined by his wife Bianca Censori as they took their seats in the VIP section of the famous San Siro stadium in Italy.
    Kanye West, right, and Bianca Censori were at the San Siro to watch the Champions League actionCredit: Getty
    The rapper wore all black – including a mask over his entire faceCredit: Getty
    Fellow artists Playboi Carti and Rich The Kid – with whom Kanye has worked for his vile new album Vultures 1 – joined the couple in the stands for the last-16 first-leg clash.
    Bianca opted for a black coat to match her slicked black hair.
    However, supporters were distracted by Kanye’s bizarre outfit as he wore a black jacket with the hood up, black gloves and a black mask covering his whole face.
    And that prompted a mixture of witty comments on social media.
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    Specsavers said: “Can he see?”
    Another added: “Looks like he’ll miss most of the match.”
    A third replied: “How does he breathe or watch the game?”
    A fourth wrote: “I doubt he’ll catch very much of the match to be honest.”
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    One wasn’t even convinced it was him, asking: “How do you know that’s Kanye West?”
    The strange costume is nothing new for Ye, though, who regularly heads out in the covered-up outfit – including wearing a similar mask at the 2022 Super Bowl.
    Taylor Swift ‘removed Kanye West from Super Bowl seat after rapper bought tickets in front of pop stars suite’
    West has formed an unusual bond with Inter Milan.
    He brought a group of the club’s Ultras into a studio as they were recorded to provide a raucous backing atmosphere for some tracks on his new album including Carnival.
    And the passionate supporters were even added to the credits for the album.
    Kanye is putting on a listening party for the latest launch in Milan on Thursday before a similar event in Bologna at the weekend.
    But before that, he made the most of his visit to the city to watch Inter take on Atletico Madrid.
    West may well have seen Lautauro Martinez fluff his lines with a glorious chance before half-time.
    Marko Arnautovic then missed two absolute sitters after the break before eventually finding the net to give Simone Inzaghi’s side a slender 1-0 lead to take back to Madrid on March 13.
    Fans joked Kanye could not see any of the footballCredit: AFP
    The married couple were joined by artists Playboi Carti and Rich The KidCredit: Getty
    Marko Arnautovic squeezed in the only goal of the last-16 first leg against Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters More

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    World Cup icon and former Champions League finalist, 38, comes out of retirement to join South American non-league side

    DIEGO GODIN has come out of retirement to join a non-league side.The former Atletico Madrid defender has linked up with Uruguayan outfit Centro Recreativo Porongos FC.
    Diego Godin has come out of retirementCredit: AFP or licensors
    He last played for Velez Sarsfield in ArgentinaCredit: Getty
    Godin, 38, will be a part of the squad for the 2024 season in the Flores Capital Soccer League.
    A club statement on social media read: “Welcome to Porongos, Diego!
    “Diego Godin will be part of the First Division squad in the 2024 season.”
    The club also uploaded a video which showcased some of Godin’s most memorable moments when playing for Uruguay.
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    The Uruguayan initially hung up his boots last July after leaving Argentine outfit Velez Sarsfield.
    He enjoyed a successful career spanning 20 years and eight different clubs before joining Porongos.

    In 2010, he joined Atletico Madrid, where he became one of Europe’s top defenders.
    Godin won the LaLiga title in 2014 and the Copa del Ray in 2013 as well as the Europa League twice.
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    He was a part of the team that reached the Champions League final in 2014 and 2016.
    However, he suffered defeat on both occasions, each time to cross-city rivals Real Madrid.
    Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi
    Godin left the club in 2019 as he moved to Italy and had spells at Inter Milan and Cagliari.
    On an international level, he earned 161 caps for Uruguay, with his first coming back in 2005.
    He featured in four World Cup tournaments for the nation and won the Copa America in 2011. More

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    PSV vs Borussia Dortmund LIVE SCORE: Latest Champions League updates as BVB look to take lead back to Germany

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND travel to PSV for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.Edin Terzic’s side finished above PSG, Newcastle and AC Milan to be crowned Group F champions.
    PSV finished runners-up to Arsenal in Group B to reach the last-16 of the Champions League for the first time since the 2015/16 season.

    Kick off time: 8pm GMT
    TV/Stream: TNT Sports 2

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    Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid LIVE SCORE: Latest Champions League updates as Italian giants host Spaniards

    INTER MILAN host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.The Italian giants are yet to be beaten in Europe this season after winning three and drawing three in Group D.
    Atletico are also yet to taste defeat in the Champions League this campaign after four wins and two draws in Group E.

    Kick off time: 8pm GMT
    TV/Stream: TNT Sports 1

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    Barcelona CRISIS as they are forced into fire sale to slash wages by £57m while facing threat of European ban

    BARCELONA’S crisis situation looks set to go from bad to worse after the club were told by LaLiga they will need to slash their salary bill by £57MILLION.The Spanish giants have underwhelmed in the league this season, sitting in third place behind Girona and eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
    Barcelona saw their salary permit reduced by LaLigaCredit: Getty
    It means they will need to sell players to steer clear of a penaltyCredit: Getty
    The likes of Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski could all be sold as a resultCredit: Getty
    But that gap may stretch over the next few years after Barcelona’s financial situation got even worse amid a feared exodus of players.
    LaLiga announced the Blaugrana would be having their permitted salary limit cut down from £231m to 174m for the 2024/25 season.
    With the club’s real squad cost – the total of salaries and transfer amortisations – for this season officially budgeted at £421m, they are some way over budget and will need to make significant cuts.
    Add to this the fact Uefa are not accepting Barcelona’s plea to accept future media sale revenues in their FFP calculations, which could yet land the club a Champions League ban, and you have a far-from-ideal scenario.
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    It means Barcelona will need to sell a host of their most valuable players to stay in line with the rules or face a transfer ban.
    And all this will happen while having to also convince a new manager to come in and take the reigns after club legend Xavi Hernandez announced he was stepping down at the end of the season.
    Big names who have been linked with the exit door include but are not limited to Frenkie de Jong – who remains on a colossal wage – Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Raphinha, Ronald Araujo and Pedri.
    De Jong was linked with a summer departure to Manchester United two seasons ago before the move fell flat due to the Dutchman’s lack of stomach for a move.
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    However, recent reports suggest the 26-year-old has changed his tune and is now open to an Old Trafford switch.
    With his contract up in 2026, Barca still have £65m to amortise when considering the transfer fee they paid to Ajax and the remaining value on his contract.
    Iconic stadium looks unrecognisable as new footage reveals crane on pitch and every single seat removed
    So if Man Utd come calling again they will smell a chance to make some money back, though De Jong is also said to be settled in Spain.
    Robert Lewandowski seems to have finally hit the other side of the mountain in his remarkable football career.

    He has been average this season despite four goals in his last three league games, and according to The Athletic “multiple sources” at the club would accept an offer for the 35-year-old forward.
    The Pole is reported to be earning a cool £22m a year, wages Barca would love to shift for a star on the decline particularly if Saudi Arabia were to reignite their interest in him.
    However, like De Jong Lewandowski is said to be happy in Catalonia.
    The likes of Pedri and Gavi are among the club’s most valuable assets.
    Selling even one of them would likely go a long way in easing the crippling situation Barcelona find themselves in.
    Who will be Barcelona’s next managerWHEN even a club legend like Xavi Hernandez feels he has to get out of the Nou Camp kitchen because he cannot take the heat any more, you do have to wonder if Barca are now a basket case.
    Whoever comes in will have to deal with a cash crisis that could yet see the Catalan giants banned from the Champions League next season – Uefa are still refusing to allow Barca to count the sale of future media revenues in their FFP calculations.
    Mikel Arteta emphatically denied suggestions that he was ready to leave Arsenal for his homeland. But, in the words of a famous ex-model: He would do, wouldn’t he?
    Win the Prem – or the Champions League – with the Gunners and Arteta might feel he has accomplished all that is possible in N5.
    However, Barca will also be looking at Alonso and De Zerbi, as well as former Bayern and Germany coach Hansi Flick.
    And there is at least one, potentially two, Champions League-winning managers who might fancy the challenge…

    Gavi, 19, has already been linked with a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after Kylian Mbappe confirmed once and for all that he was leaving this summer.
    His £855m release clause likely won’t be triggered and Barcelona do see him as “unsellable”, but when the chips are down in football, money talks.
    Former Premier League star Raphinha seems to be a no-brainer sale option for the club given his dwindling importance after the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the form of Ferran Torres.
    The ex-Leeds star has already been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, who could come knocking once again if they find out he is available in the summer.
    Araujo can consider himself unfortunate to be arguably the club’s most lucrative defensive asset.
    It is not that he is not wanted at the Camp Nou, far from it, but it is that there are far too many options already in the position.
    And with a host of clubs including Bayern Munich sniffing around at the 24-year-old’s availability, it may end up coming down to a financial call from the club’s point of view.
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    Premier League clubs will no doubt be keeping tabs on the situation in case any other stars become available.
    Add to all of this that Real Madrid will be able to spend almost £450m more in wages next year, and you have a recipe for domination likely does not feature Barcelona being the top dog. More