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      Fuming Germany boss Hansi Flick denied access to Man City press box by stubborn Uefa as former club Bayern lose 3-0

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      BEMUSED Germany boss Hansi Flick was denied access to Manchester City’s media room – despite covering the Bayern Munich tie for TV.Flick was reportedly stopped from entering the press box at half-time during City’s 3-0 Champions League win due to petty Uefa regulations.
      Hansi Flick was said to have been prevented from entering the Etihad media room despite covering the tie against Bayern Munich for foreign TVCredit: Getty
      European football’s ruling body are “entitled to control media access” and can keep out “any unauthorised member of the media” – even if that person’s organisation has been granted the right to cover the game.
      The Mail say Flick had a “bewildered look” after not being let in the room.
      The German, 58, guided Bayern to two successive Bundesliga titles and Champions League glory in 2019-20.
      He then took over the national team on a three-year deal in May 2021.
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      And despite coming under heavy fire following Germany’s elimination at the group stages in last year’s World Cup, he is still in charge.
      Flick was said to have been working for foreign TV at the Etihad for Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg.
      He saw Bayern outgunned, with Rodri’s stunning curler, Bernardo Silva’s header and a typical poacher’s finish from Erling Haaland clinching one of City’s greatest ever European nights.
      But Pep Guardiola insists his side had to battle for a victory margin that Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel felt was flattering.
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      Guardiola said: “I have aged 10 more years. It was so demanding a game. It was not comfortable.”
      But the Spaniard’s change in tactics in recent months have cost Kyle Walker his regular place.
      And fellow defender Aymeric Laporte seemingly hinted he might consider a move after also struggling for game time.
      The Spain ace, 28, posted on his Instagram story: “After the rain, a rainbow; after a storm, the calm; and after an end, a new beginning.” More

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      Leroy Sane reveals reason his wife and kids are living in Manchester despite move to Bayern Munich

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      BAYERN MUNICH star Leroy Sane confirmed his family still lives in Manchester.Sane enjoyed immense success during his four-year stint at Manchester City but left in 2020 for Bayern.
      Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane revealed his family lives in Manchester due to renovationsCredit: Rex
      However, City fans started to hope that the winger was on his way back to the Etihad after his wife Candice Brook an their children Rio Stella and Milo moved back to the UK.
      There were reports suggesting that the Germany international also left his country and was “commuting” to Munich.
      However, the 27-year-old denied those claims and revealed that his Bavarian home was being renovated, which meant that it was not habitable for his family.
      That is why the German’s wife and kids temporarily moved back to their flat in Manchester until construction is complete.
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      Sane said: “Unfortunately, there was complex renovation work at my house, so it was not habitable.
      “My wife and the kids returned to our old apartment in Manchester.
      “But my wife hasn’t moved to Manchester permanently, as soon as the renovation in Munich is done, she will come back with our kids.”
      This comes after sensational reports suggesting Sane and Bayern team-mate Sadio Mane had a scuffle after Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to City in the Champions League.
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      According to BILD, the two forwards had a heated altercation during the match after a moment of miscommunication.
      Tensions are said to have boiled up at full-time once the players returned to the dressing room and started yelling at each other.
      Mane was allegedly upset with the way the ex-City star spoke to him during the game.
      Then the Liverpool hero got so furious that he punched Sane in the face and left a mark on his lip, reports say.
      Sane reportedly had a heated altercation with Bayern Munich team-mate Sadio ManeCredit: Rex
      The former Premier League stars then got into a heated altercation that forced their team-mates to separate them.
      It got so serious that Sane had to be escorted out of the locker room as the coaching staff tried to calm the situation down, witnesses reported.
      Bayern refused to comment on that report after the team departed from England. More

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      Sadio Mane ‘punches Bayern Munich team-mate and former Prem rival in lip’ in huge bust-up after Man City defeat

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      SADIO MANE reportedly punched Bayern Munich team-mate Leroy Sane after last night’s defeat to Manchester City.Major German outlet Bild claims the pair had a huge bust-up following Bayern’s 3-0 Champions League loss at the Etihad.
      Sadio Mane reportedly punched Leroy Sane after Bayern Munich’s defeat at Man CityCredit: Getty
      The pair were seen arguing on the field during the 3-0 lossCredit: Getty
      Mane was reportedly left fuming after an on-field argument with Sane.
      The ex-Liverpool star “complained” about how his team-mate, once of Man City, spoke to him late on in the match.
      The pair were pictured talking on the pitch in the 83rd minute following a mix-up over an attacking move.
      And Bild claims that tempers flared in the dressing room once the game was over.
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      Words were said to have been exchanged.
      Mane then allegedly struck Sane on the lip, leaving a mark.
      And team-mates were reportedly forced to separate the pair, with Sane being sent out of the dressing room.
      Bild adds that Bayern Munich have refused to pass comment on the alleged incident or potential consequences.
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      The Germans have it all to do in next week’s second leg battle at the Allianz Arena.
      Thomas Tuchel’s return to England ended in disaster as Bayern were given the runaround by City.
      Goals from Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland saw Pep Guardiola’s men put one foot in the Champions League semis.
      The winner will take on either Chelsea or Real Madrid, who play their first leg tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu. More

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      Kepa ‘passed Real Madrid medical but had transfer vetoed by Zidane’… before joining Chelsea for FOUR TIMES the price

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      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA was on the verge on joining Real Madrid before Zinedine Zidane blocked the transfer, according to reports.The Chelsea goalkeeper is set to feature at the Bernabeu tonight as the Blues take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga almost joined Real Madrid before his Chelsea transferCredit: Getty
      But he almost became a Real Madrid player in 2018 – just a few months before signing for Chelsea.
      That’s according to AS, who claim the shot-stopper even passed a medical at the club.
      The report claims Real activated a buyout clause in his Atletic Bilbao contract worth £17.5million.
      And after the deal fell through because Zidane felt his side did not need a new keeper, Chelsea came knocking.
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      But unfortunately for Blues, Kepa had put pen to paper on a new contract in the meantime, and increased his release clause to an astronomical £71.6m.
      Chelsea were happy to pay it and let Thibaut Courtois leave for Real Madrid in the same summer.
      The Belgian was named European goalkeeper of the year in 2022 after helping Los Blancos win their 14th Champions League title.
      Courtois helped Real beat Chelsea in last year’s quarter-final and is expected to line up tonight.
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      Kepa, 28, remains the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, with Liverpool star Alisson second after joining the Reds for £55m. More

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      Jose Mourinho ‘to push for Chelsea move’ if Boehly makes offer, with Special One keen on Blues and one other club

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      JOSE MOURINHO is allegedly only prepared to leave Roma for two clubs – but will reportedly “push” for a return to Chelsea.It emerged last week that Blues owner Todd Boehly had sounded out the Special One over a sensational THIRD stint in charge of the club.
      Jose Mourinho is being linked with an exit from RomaCredit: Getty
      Chelsea, who face Real Madrid tonight in the Champions League quarter-final, are currently without a permanent manager after Graham Potter was axed.
      That led to Boehly deciding to bring back former Blues boss Frank Lampard to take charge of the team until the end of the season on a caretaker basis while he searches for a long-term replacement for Potter.
      Mourinho, 60, is currently riding high in Serie A after guiding Roma to third in the Italian top-flight and led them to Europa Conference League joy last term.
      He has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer while Crisriano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr are allegedly plotting a mega-money deal to try and secure his services.
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      However, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna says Mourinho “is ready to leave Roma only for certain clubs” – including both Chelsea and PSG.
      He states that if the Blues make an offer then the Portuguese coach will “push to go” there with his family home still in West London.
      Roma are also “open” to his departure – although this fresh update states that Mourinho is “not interested” in Saudi Arabia.
      Mourinho first took charge of Chelsea in 2004 after guiding Porto to an unlikely Champions League triumph.
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      He guided the Blues to two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two League Cup trophies.
      But he left Stamford Bridge in September 2007 following a series of disagreements with former owner Roman Abramovich.
      The Special One returned six years later after leaving Real Madrid and guided the Blues to a league and cup double in the 2014-15 season.
      But his second love affair with the club ended in dismissal in September 2015 as he was axed following a dire run of nine defeats in 15 league matches.
      He enjoyed Europa League and Carabao Cup joy at Manchester United after that before a two-year stint at Tottenham ended in 2021. More

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      Joe Cole makes bold Erling Haaland prediction as Chelsea icon and BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand disagree

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      JOE COLE has made a bold prediction about Manchester City star Erling Haaland.But fellow pundit Rio Ferdinand does not agree with his pal’s stunning claims.
      Joe Cole has made a huge prediction over Erling HaalandCredit: EPA
      Rio Ferdinand did not agree with Cole’s claimsCredit: Getty

      Haaland, 22, scored his 45th goal of the season in City’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich.
      The Norwegian has already shattered his best-ever tally of 41, while also setting a record for most goals in all competitions in a single season by a Premier League player.
      And with a good chunk of the campaign remaining, Haaland is sure to have his sights set on at least half a century.
      However, Chelsea icon Cole believes the hitman can achieve even greatest goalscoring feats.
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      Hailing Haaland’s performance at the Etihad on Tuesday night, Cole sensationally tipped him to end up netting 1,000 career goals.
      Haaland already has 200 strikes in his club career, while also netting 21 times for Norway.
      By comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo has struck 712 club goals and a further 122 for Portugal.
      Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has 713 club strikes and another 102 for Argentina.
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      And Cole believes Haaland can easily eclipse the pair should he too continue playing into his mid-30s.
      However, not everyone agrees, with Cole admitting Man Utd legend Ferdinand laughed at his bold prediction earlier in the evening.
      Cole told BT Sport: “Just ridiculous [Haaland’s goal record]. His assist was outstanding too.
      “The frightening thing is that he is just going to get better and better. He’s going to become more and more complete.
      “I was saying to Rio I think he is going to score 1,000 goals. He laughed at me.
      “But look at the numbers, if he played until his mid 30s and doesn’t get injured [he can do it].” More

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      Gary Neville changes top-four predictions as Man Utd, Newcastle and Tottenham battle it out

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      GARY NEVILLE has changed his top-four predictions as Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle battle it out for a Champions League place.Eddie Howe’s side currently sit third in the Premier League after winning five games in a row to move level on points with the Red Devils.
      Gary Neville believes Newcastle will get a top-four spotCredit: Getty
      Spurs have played a game more than Newcastle and Erik ten Hag’s United, while also sitting three points behind them.
      The Toon’s good form has led to Neville changing his predictions from earlier in the campaign.
      The pundit now believes Newcastle WILL secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “What a week for Newcastle. To beat Manchester United, West Ham away and then Brentford away, that’s a tough week and to get nine points – that’s a brilliant performance.
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      “I didn’t have them down as top-four probably three weeks ago and even after the United game, I thought ‘well they’ve got three tough away games now in West Ham, Brentford and Aston Villa.’
      “You’ll probably drop points in that and it will give Tottenham and Liverpool maybe a chance.
      “But looking at them now, watching them closely against Manchester United – where I thought they were absolutely brilliant – I think they will finish in the top-four now because their confidence will be so high.
      “I thought Man Utd were really poor against Newcastle. But what we’ve seen with this side under Erik ten Hag is that they do respond and they do bounce back.
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      “They were dominant against Everton but beating Brentford was really important. Six points from that week doesn’t look so bad now.
      “They do respond and come back which will mean they do finish in those Champions League places.
      “With Tottenham, they were pretty fortunate against Brighton. But it gives them a chance, they’re still in it.”
      Although Spurs have played an extra match, they have a chance to overtake their rivals as they meet both United and Newcastle this month. More

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      How many points-per-game does Erling Haaland need to break Cristiano Ronaldo’s Dream Team season record?

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      HERE at Dream Team HQ we have long abandoned the pretence that Erling Haaland (£9.3m) faces any credible competition in the realm of Dream Team this season.Marcus Rashford (£6.8m) threatened to make it a two-horse race briefly but Manchester City’s No9 seemed to take that notion personally and he’s since opened up a 92-point lead over his cross-town rival at the top of the rankings.
      And so, in search of tension in relation to the Norwegian’s exploits, we’ve been forced to consult the history books.
      Cristiano Ronaldo holds the all-time record for most points in a single campaign – the Portuguese superstar amassed a whopping 477 points in 2007/08.
      In fact, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the only man to ever register 400+ points.
      A memorable campaignCredit: GETTY
      A quadruple century looks a formality for Haaland at this stage.
      The 22-year-old added a further 22 points to his tally this Game Week at the expense of Southampton and Bayern Munich.
      A brace against Saints returned 12 points while a goal and assist versus the Bavarian giants produced ten more.
      Haaland has banked 83 points in his last four outings, which is incredible even by his standards.
      With 366 points to his name, he’s 34 shy of becoming just the second player ever to rack up 400 in a season – only an significant injury in the next few days will deny him that taste of history.
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      Whether he can overhaul Ronaldo’s imposing record is another matter and his chances may hinge on City’s progression in the Champions League and FA Cup.
      On the prowlCredit: GETTY
      If Pep Guardiola’s side were to combust in Munich and give up their three-goal aggregate lead before suffering a shock defeat to Sheffield United at Wembley – a severely unlikely double – then Haaland would be have ten games remaining from this point.
      He would therefore need to average 11.1 points-per-game to make up the 111 needed to level Ronaldo’s total – not beyond Haaland but a tough ask.
      For reference, he averages 9.6 points-per-game in 2022/23 to date.
      Assuming City convert their significant advantage over Bayern and qualify for the semi-finals before getting past the Blades, Haaland would have 13 games at his disposal.
      City’s prolific poacher would therefore need to average 8.54 points-per-game to claim the record – very achievable.
      Haaland has scored 45 goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: GETTY
      Now let’s say Guardiola’s men reach the Champions League final as well as the FA Cup final, that would give Haaland 14 fixtures, which would allow for an average of 7.93 points-per-game to topple Ronaldo.
      These scenarios assume Haaland will start every available game which may not be the case – it wouldn’t be that surprising if Julian Alvarez (£4.2m) led the line in the FA Cup semi-final, for example.
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      But with City chasing a treble, their top scorer is assured the vast majority of minutes if fit.
      Ronaldo’s record, which once looked unassailable, is very much under threat. More