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      ‘We trusted the way of Pep’ – Germany legend claims country has completely lost its DNA after Guardiola ‘mistake’

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      A BAYERN MUNICH legend has claimed that Germany lost its DNA due to Pep Guardiola’s spell at Bayern Munich.The Spanish coach won the lot at Barcelona during his four years in charge with his famous tiki-taka style of football.Bastian Schweinsteiger lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: GettyHe has explained how Pep Guardiola helped the Germans to ‘lose their DNA’Credit: EPAGuardiola, 53, left the Nou Camp in 2012 and, after taking a one-year sabbatical in New York City, he returned to the dugout 12 months later.He took charge of Bayern Munich in 2013 just after they had lifted the Champions League and immediately set about imposing his style of play into the club.Bayern stormed to the Bundesliga and German Cup titles during his first season before the German national side went on to claim World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014.Bastian Schweinsteiger was part of the both squads at the time – although he left Bayern for Manchester United in 2015.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGuardiola stayed at the Allianz for three years in total, lifting the title in each campaign – and his former midfield star says his impact on the game there left a lasting legacy.However, 39-year-old Schweinsteiger says that it also led to Germany losing its DNA with the national side struggling ever since, including group stage eliminations at the past two World Cups.Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by SkyBet, he explained: “2012, 2013, 2014 – Bayern was probably the best team in Europe… and the national team won the World Cup, so we were very high.“Then Pep came to Munich and obviously not easy, when you are a coach and you come to a country, and you’re the No1 in Europe or the world, but he had his style of football which is amazing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When we played Barcelona, it’s difficult of course, and he tried to impact his way and he’s a genius. The ideas which he gives to the players, and during the game as well, it’s amazing.“But what happened is that a lot of other clubs, and even the national team tried to copy, and we focused more on that style that keeping the values of the Germans.Awkward moment iShowSpeed confronted by Man City fans and forced to shut down stream during Real Madrid clash“We forgot completely about our DNA, and we trusted a lot in the way of Pep, which is very good, and we won everything, but that was a little mistake of German football, I would say.”Schweinsteiger continued: “We changed not only Bayern Munich, but even the other teams in the Bundesliga and our national team adapted to it because Pep’s way is great.“But I think that you cannot always play in one half, high up, it’s impossible, it’s very difficult.“I’ve always said, Pep trained in Barcelona and had eleven actors on the field, and he had a movie – he’s trying to do the same movie in Munich or in Manchester City, but sometimes the actors are changing so that’s a tough thing for him.“But I would never say that Pep was bad for Bayern Munich, he was amazing and I wish we had a coach in Munich like him again.”Guardiola departed Bayern for Man City in 2016 and he finally guided them to Champions League glory last season – although Real Madrid ended their hopes of defending that crown on Wednesday night.And Schweinsteiger says that Guardiola has adapted his style since winning it last term with City.He added: “When he [Guardiola] won the Champions League, you could see how the defenders were defending.“When you saw Stones playing as a six, and how he was playing with the ball, but more about the defensive way – that has changed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He learned from his time in Munich, and maybe the first years at City, what does he need to win the Champions League – it’s also having defensive strengths.“City has got it and has changed it. German football was No1 in the world, and we have lost our values, or we’re not focused anymore so much on our values and trusted a little bit more other things.” More

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      Bayern Munich president hails Thomas Tuchel for ‘tactical masterpiece’ against Arsenal… just weeks after sacking him

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      BAYERN MUNICH president Herbert Hainer hailed manager Thomas Tuchel for his “tactical masterpiece” against Arsenal, just two months after letting him go.Tuchel, 50, confirmed an agreement was reached with Bayern chiefs that he will depart at the end of the season following a series of poor results that saw the team miss out on all domestic honours.Thomas Tuchel was praised by Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer after eliminating ArsenalCredit: GettyHowever, Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over the Gunners at the Allianz Arena has lifted the mood as the Bavarians’ bid for Champions League glory is very much alive after making the semi-finals.Hainer was ecstatic after full-time and spoke in glowing terms about the ex-Chelsea boss’ work against Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title challengers.The German businessman was especially impressed with the way Tuchel handled star left-back Alphonso Davies’ absence.The ex-Paris Saint-Germain manager fielded right-back Noussair Mazraoui in Davies’ place and had natural left-back Raphael Guerreiro playing ahead of him down the wing.Read More on FootballHainer said: “I think Thomas Tuchel did an excellent job. A tactical masterpiece.”The fact that he played with Nous Mazraoui and Guerreiro was a perfect fit.”Director of sport Max Eberl also commended Tuchel’s tactical move down the left wing.The German tactician’s bold risk paid dividends as he also added cover for Serge Gnabry, who was also absent, while neutralising Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s threat at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEberl said: “Simply done cleverly. Serge was out, Phonzy [Davies] was suspended.”They discussed it very cleverly with the coaching staff how they wanted to do it.”Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal Tuchel is still expected to leave Bayern in May when the season concludes.However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea manager has remained true to his promise of keeping up the hard work until his departure.Tuchel said in February: “We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after the end of this season.”Until then, my coaching staff and I will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success for FC Bayern.” More

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      Arsenal’s ‘spooky’ April curse leaves fans astonished with third Mikel Arteta season on verge of being torpedoed

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      ARSENAL fans have bemoaned their April “curse” as another season threatens to go off the rails in the month.Defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich last night saw the Gunners dream of making a first semi-final since 2009 left in tatters. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen foul of their April curseCredit: RexIt is the third year running Arsenal have seen their season derail in AprilCredit: GettyThat followed a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa which saw Manchester City regain the advantage in this season’s title race, another dream of the Gunners having not won it in 20 years. However, a consistent reality of the last three seasons has seen results for Mikel Arteta’s side crumble in the month of April.When Arsenal were gunning for the top four in 2022, a three-game stretch at the start of the month saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.And despite bouncing back to win their final two games of the month, in the end it would cost them as two back-to-back defeats in May allowed Tottenham to pip them to fourth.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile, last season saw Arsenal in a title race, but three draws on the spin against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before a defeat to Manchester City saw them relinquish their top spot.And history in threatening to repeat itself this season.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

      Arsenal, who are in a title race and the Champions League quarter-finals, have seen their form slip up massively.Despite a wins over Brighton and Luton at the start of the month, this followed a 2-2 draw at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and 1-0 loss to Bayern yesterday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the deja vu results, one fan said online: “Arsenal in April, spooky times.”A second said: “April curse continues.”‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichA third added: “Football heritage.”Another said: “Arsenal is the biggest April fool.”Arsenal have three games left in the month to try and dispel their curse and get their season back on track, with those matches coming against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham.Arsenal April fixturesHere’s how Arsenal have performed in the April over the last three seasons.
      2021/22
      Crystal Palace (A) 3-0 L
      Brighton (H) 1-2 L
      Southampton (A) 1-0 L
      Chelsea (A) 2-4 W
      Man Utd (H) 3-1 W
      2022/23
      Leeds (H) 4-1 W
      Liverpool (A) 2-2 D
      West Ham (A) 2-2 D
      Southampton (H) 3-3 D
      Man City (A) 4-1 L
      2023/24*
      Luton (H) 2-0 W
      Brighton (A) 0-3 W
      Bayern Munich (H) 2-2 D
      Aston Villa (H) 0-2 L
      Bayern Munich (A) 1-0 L
      *Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham still to play
      Overall April record in last three years:
      Played: 15, Wins: 5, Draws: 4, Losses: 6 More

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      Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More

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      Bernardo Silva ‘incredibly stressed and had complete meltdown’ before Real Madrid penalty, says body language expert

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      BERNARDO SILVA had a “meltdown” as he was taking his penalty last night, a body language expert has claimed.The Portuguese star played 120 minutes as Manchester City took on Real Madrid at the Etihad.Bernardo Silva’s spot kick was saved by Andriy LuninCredit: RexLunin made an easy save after opting not to diveCredit: RexSilva was left devastated by his missCredit: GettyCity went on to lose the shoot-outCredit: APFollowing their 1-1 draw, the two sides went to penalties to decide the quarter-final tie.When Silva stepped up it was 1-0 to City, with Julian Alvarez having scored and Luka Modric’s effort having been saved by Ederson.The attacking midfielder couldn’t extend his side’s advantage, however, instead tamely striking his effort down the middle.With Andriy Lunin opting not to dive, he was presented with an easy save.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSSilva had been made to wait to take his spot kick, after Modric had kicked the ball into the crowd following his miss.He then appeared nervous as he stepped up, poking his tongue out.Speaking to OLBG, body language expert Darren Stanton pointed to Silva’s nervous wait.He said: “The crowd might have been giving Bernardo Silva time to compose himself by holding onto the ball, but it might have come across as a sign of disapproval from the fans. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”This would have caused a more stressful wait for the player before taking his penalty.”Stanton then gave his verdict on Silva sticking his tongue out, continuing: “It reminds me of someone having a kickabout in a park, it lacked any focus, or passion, get up and go.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City loss”The tongue is the most significant gesture, it’s got several connotations depending on the context. Kids will do it for fun, sticking their tongues out.”But one of the main reasons people do it is when people try to concentrate and focus. He was sticking his tongue out in a pacifying gesture.”He was incredibly stressed under incredible pressure. But in slow motion, everything was wrong about the whole thing.”Stanton concluded by claiming that Silva looked to be in “meltdown”.He added: “The goalkeeper didn’t even have to move, it’s like kids in the park playing a normal game, using jumpers as goalposts. You can’t believe it was a professional footballer who took that shot. “We don’t know what he was thinking, but from a body language point of view, he’s having a bit of a meltdown. It’s a crisis of confidence.”The facial expression with his eyes just seemed to go into space, and the tongue is the main thing.For some reason, in that moment, he’s had a complete meltdownBody Language Expert”He was trying to concentrate but at the same time, the way his tongue stuck out, he was trying to reassure himself. That’s what children do.”For some reason, in that moment, he’s had a complete meltdown regarding his confidence in his abilities and craft.”City went on to lose the shoot-out 4-3, with Lunin also denying Mateo Kovacic – after the Croatian’s former Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger told him which way to dive.Following his heroics, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, standing in for Thibaut Courtois, said: “I needed to take a risk with one of the kicks, we picked one (to stay in the middle) and thank goodness it worked out in our favour.”It’s an away Champions League game and we went through a lot of suffering… but I’m very grateful to the team for everything they’ve fought for.”I can’t imagine myself running like my team-mates did today.”He also told Marca: “We prepared it with the goalkeeping coach and there were three players with whom we had doubts about whether to stay in the middle or not.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReal Madrid will now face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, after the German side defeated Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate.City, meanwhile, will turn their attention back towards domestic action – with an FA Cup semi-final against Brighton to come on Saturday. More

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      Rafa Benitez ‘in talks over new job thousands of miles away with club who denied ex-Liverpool boss, 64, major trophy’

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      RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to become manager at Sao PauloCredit: GettyBenitez has history with Sao Paulo as they cost him the Club World Cup while at LiverpoolCredit: APAccording to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.Read More on FootballLiverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBenitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryDaniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third. More

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      Huge fight breaks out in tunnel after PSG clash as Barcelona stars ‘went after Kylian Mbappe following boasts’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE sparked a 60-man brawl after Paris Saint-Germain knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League, according to reports. The French giants ran out 6-4 aggregate winners thanks to a 4-1 win over Barcelona in the second leg on Tuesday, with Mbappe scoring twice.Kylian Mbappe reportedly triggered a 60-person brawl in the tunnel after PSG beat BarcelonaCredit: GettySome ‘vindictive’ comments were made by Mbappe that angered Barcelona playersCredit: ReutersAnd reports in Spain have now revealed things got heated after the final whistle.According to Mundo Deportivo, PSG players left the pitch at Barcelona’s temporary home of the Olympic Stadium in an excited manner and made no attempts to hide it, to the annoyance of some Barcelona stars.But when Mbappe, 25, entered the tunnel the tension boiled over. The Frenchman is said to have entered the tunnel to head to the dressing room shouting and celebrating in a “vindictive way” with some team-mates. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbappe, who is fluent in Spanish, is then alleged to have said: “This is football and it is on the field where we have to talk.”His comments enraged more than one Barca star as they believed him to be addressing them.This then led to a confrontation with insults and shouting as a shoving match ensued, with players and staff involved as security personnel tried to defuse the situation.The report says there were more than 60 people in the crowd.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFortunately, the report adds that no physical damage or injury was inflicted on anyone.It’s also been claimed Mbappe made a provocative gesture towards Barca fans as he left the pitch, shouting “let’s go” in French.Micah Richards told to ‘consider other career paths’ after dreadful Champions League prediction re-emergesMbappe has confirmed he will be leaving PSG when his contract expires in the summer, with Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid believed to be his next destination on a free transfer.PSG will face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Champions League.Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will compete in the other semi-final after defeating Manchester City and Arsenal respectively. More

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      Harry Kane ready to ‘go to war’ with England team-mate Jude Bellingham as he eyes first major trophy

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      HARRY KANE is ready to go to ‘war’ with Jude Bellingham as English football’s two great exiles prepare to face off in a Champions League semi-final.Kane’s Bayern Munich and Bellingham’s Real Madrid ended Premier League interest in Europe’s elite competition with quarter-final victories over Arsenal and Manchester City on Wednesday night.Harry Kane has revealed he is ready to go to ‘war’ with Jude Bellingham to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyBellingham’s Real Madrid will face Kane’s Bayern Munich in the semi-final of the Champions LeagueCredit: APAnd Kane, who left Tottenham for Bayern last summer, says he and Bellingham snubbed moves to English clubs to give themselves a better chance of competing at the sharp end of the Champions League.Kane said: “Jude has had a fantastic season, he’s a top player, so I’m really happy for him.“But it will be another war against his team but these are the experiences that we both went abroad to try to achieve.”To play in these big nights in the Champions League, to play in these big semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It will be one to enjoy and I’m sure there will be a lot of English fans watching both of us. We have to focus on ourselves. I’ll say hello but once we’re on the pitch, it’s business.”Kane and Bellingham are both targeting a Champions League Final at Wembley on June 1, ahead of England’s Euros campaign in Germany.And Kane said: “Wembley is the dream for both of us, for sure. With Wembley being our national stadium, it’s extra motivation for us”But there are two games ahead of us before that, which are going to be really tough so we have to focus on that.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham and Kane will have to put their England friendship aside for the Champions League semi-finalCredit: GettyKane and his Bayern team-mates, including fellow Englishman Eric Dier, watched Real’s penalty shoot-out victory over City from their Allianz Arena dressing-room after they had defeated Arsenal 1-0 to complete a 3-2 aggregate success.The England captain said: “We watched in the locker room, having a bit of food – Real Madrid are a big club with an amazing history in the Champions League so it’s going to be a really difficult game for us.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossThis one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga 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.

      “But that’s what the semi-finals of the Champions League are all about, playing the biggest teams.”Kane says Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel – a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021 – is determined to sign off with the European Cup before he leaves Bavaria this summer after his side surrendered their Bundesliga crown to Bayer Leverkusen.He added: “We are going to stick behind Thomas as long as he is here, until the end of the season.“He has given all his energy to make us successful in this competition and we feel we can come together and finish his reign here on a high.“We need that togetherness, we’ve lacked it a bit in the Bundesliga this year, we’ve had it in the Champions League, so we are going to need more of it in the semi-final.“It feels amazing to be there. Credit to Arsenal, they put up a tough test but in the second leg we knew we had an extra five per cent, which was the crowd behind us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We knew we could find a way to get through and that’s what we did. “The first half, I thought the game was 50-50, a bit cagey, but in the second half we came out with a real intensity, we had a few chances that hit the post and we got the goal, we stuck together and we saw it through.”Kane and Bayern ended Arsenal’s European dream with a 3-2 aggregate winCredit: GettyManchester City were knocked out by Real Madrid on penaltiesCredit: PA More