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    Man City vs Real Madrid: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, team news for Champions League semi-final SHOWDOWN

    MANCHESTER CITY return to Champions League action TOMORROW when they welcome Real Madrid in a mouth-watering semi-final clash at the Etihad.A goalless draw against Madrid’s bitter rivals Atletico was enough to scrape through the previous round having beaten Diego Simeone’s side 1-0 in Manchester.
    Temper’s flared as Manchester City scraped past Atletico in the quarter-finalsCredit: AFP
    Benzema’s four goals made the difference for Real Madrid in their tie against ChelseaCredit: Rex
    And the goals have been flowing for the blue machine who comfortably annihilated Watford on the weekend to remain top of the Premier League.
    However, Real Madrid are no strangers to English opposition as they dealt with Chelsea in a thrilling quarter-final exchange earlier on this month.
    Also, the La Liga champions elect pulled off a dramatic 3-1 win over Osasuna on Wednesday night which will have boosted their confidence ahead of this huge encounter.
    What time does Man City vs Real Madrid kick off?

    Manchester City go to battle with Real Madrid TOMORROW – Tuesday, April 26.
    The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm UK time.
    Etihad is the selected venue for the first leg which can hold up to approximately 55,000 spectators.
    Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-1 winners (4-2 on aggregate) the last time these two titans met in 2020.

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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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    What TV channel is Man City vs Real Madrid on and can I live stream it?

    Manchester City vs Real Madrid will be broadcasted live on BT Sport 2.
    Coverage commences from 7pm UK time – one hour before kick-off.
    Subscription members have the option to stream the game live via the BT Sport website or app.

    Team news
    Pep Guardiola will have to cope without Joao Cancelo who’s booking in the previous round has resulted in a one-match suspension.
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    And John Stones could potentially be out having missed the Saturday domination over Watford with a hamstring injury.
    However, England international Kyle Walker is in contention to start following an ankle issue he sustained against Atletico Madrid.
    Elsewhere, Carlo Ancelotti will be delighted to welcome back Eder Militao who served his ban against Chelsea.
    But the Real Madrid boss could be without David Alaba and Casemiro who have both picked up minor muscular injuries.
    Alongside Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz and Ferland Mendy.
    Latest odds
    90 minutes only

    Man City to win 4/9
    Draw 4/15
    Real Madrid 8/15

    To qualify (incl ET and Pen)

    Man City to win 2/5
    Real Madrid to win 8/15

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct as of Monday, April 25 More

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    Every Champions League Team of the Year from 2001 to 2018… but which superstar XI would lift the trophy?

    AHEAD of UEFA’s vote on the team of the decade, every player to make the cut for this century’s annual honours was listed – and it was quite the squad.From back in 2001 and the awesome French presence of Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira to 2018 and the dominant days of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, several legends have been honoured.

    Arsenal duo Henry and Vieira were in their pomp for the national team having helped Les Bleus to World Cup and Euros glory when named in the 2001 best XI.
    Bayern Munich won that year’s Champions League with Frenchman Bixente Lizarazu included to add to his swelling trophy cabinet.
    Most of the players picked over the years come from the same predictable clubs but Damien Duff broke the mould in 2002.
    The Blackburn winger impressed in Rovers’ early exit from the UEFA Cup and, with both competitions included in the Team of the Year considerations, Duff sat alongside Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Nazario and Michael Ballack.
    Old Trafford hosted a dismally unpopular final in 2003 so it is little surprise that the 0-0 draw between Juventus and AC Milan provides the majority of the best XI’s defence.
    Gianluigi Buffon made the first of five appearances on the honours board with Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini also picked.
    THE MOU YOU KNOW
    After Paolo Ferreira made the 2003 side with a UEFA Cup winners’ medal, two other Porto stars were recognised as Jose Mourinho led the Portuguese giants to Champions League glory a year later.
    Maniche and Ricardo Carvalho made the 2004 cut – as well as fellow Iberian debutant Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Liverpool’s Istanbul miracle in 2005 may have won them the cup but they staggeringly landed fewer spots in the Team of the Year than losing finalists Milan.
    Steven Gerrard and semi-final hero Luis Garcia were outnumbered thanks to Maldini, Cafu and penalty flop Andriy Shevchenko’s presence.
    The winning team certainly weren’t overlooked a year later.
    Barcelona’s victory over Arsenal won plaudits for silky smooth forwards Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o while Henry and Cesc Fabregas made the XI from the Gunners.
    For the second year in three, a Liverpool-Milan final asserted the dominance of the Premier League and Serie A in 2007.
    Eight of the top team came from those two divisions, including John Terry and Didier Drogba alongside regular fixtures Ronaldo, Gerrard, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf.

    With Ronaldo finally claiming a winners medal of his own in 2008, he was joined by a worthy adversary making his first appearance.
    Lionel Messi broke into the best XI after Barcelona reached the semi-finals and he has only missed out on a spot once since.
    Signing Ronaldo was Real Madrid’s answer to the growing dominance of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona that took six spots of the 2009 team.
    And while the Portuguese star is on a run of 12 consecutive team of the year appearances, his United exit came after Messi beat him to final glory in Rome.
    That man Mourinho popped up the following year to temporarily halt the Catalans’ inevitable march.
    Maicon and Wesley Sneijder were honoured for Inter Milan’s Champions League triumph but there was still space for six Barca stars.
    Messi and Ronaldo led the way for nominations with 10 and 13, respectivelyCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Gareth Bale was the chief gatecrasher in 2011, joined by an up-and-coming Brazilian defender named Thiago Silva.
    This year also saw Ronaldo moved into attack, offering fresh hope for right-wingers everywhere that they could make the team again.
    Intricate, technical football was evidently in its pomp in 2012.
    With a midfield of Andres Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, Xavi and Mesut Ozil there was clearly a huge appetite for playmakers.
    An all-German final in 2013 marked Bundesliga’s revival as a major force in the European game.
    Franck Ribery and Marco Reus made the midfield of that year’s top team along with three Bayern Munich defenders in a selection that didn’t include Lionel Messi.
    It wasn’t long before the mercurial Argentine return and he featured in a devastating three-man attack with Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo the year after.
    Diego Godin and Angel Di Maria, man of the match in the Madrid derby final, also featured in 2014.
    FRINGE PLAYERS
    Barcelona and Juventus headed to Berlin for the 2015 final with Paul Pogba and Neymar providing the glamour and flair in the Team of the Year.
    Many felt that was the start of Neymar’s residency in the absolute elite.
    The following years Real Madrid dominated the competition, as shown by 2016’s best XI.
    Luka Modic, Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo are all given the nod along with Juve pair Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci.
    No player who had spent the entire year in the Premier League had featured in the UEFA team since 2011 when Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard broke the glass ceiling.
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    Another Real win saw them claim five spots in 2017 alongside the Belgian duo.
    The final Team of the Year before the decade was out once again featured a new face in attack with Messi and Ronaldo.
    Kylian Mbappe’s inclusion signified the start of a potentially very long stay for the Paris Saint-Germain youngster – who showed against Real Madrid that he belongs in the pantheon of modern greats already. More

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    Gareth Bale returns to Real Madrid training ahead of Man City tie after SEVENTH injury of 2021-22 amid MLS transfer talk

    GARETH BALE has returned to Real Madrid training ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City.The Wales captain, 32, missed the 3-1 La Liga win at Osasuna on Wednesday night following discomfort in his left leg.
    Gareth Bale was pictured back in training alongside MarceloCredit: Getty
    Bale is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    But reports in Spain yesterday revealed Bale had trained with the main group as Carlo Ancelotti’s side prepared for the first leg at the Etihad this week.
    Bale’s fitness issue was his “seventh” of the season but was deemed not to be serious.
    The Welshman was pictured working out in the gym with Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo ahead of Tuesday’s last four Euro showdown against Pep Guardiola’s men.
    Casemiro did specific work away from the rest of the squad while Eden Hazard and David Alaba used the indoor facilities at the training ground of the Spanish giants.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GAR BLIMEY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Bale ‘in talks’ to join DC United with MLS side to pay him more than Rooney
    Bale has made just seven appearances for La Liga leaders Real this season – only one more match than he has played for Wales.
    The ex-Tottenham star will leave the Bernabeu when his contract expires this summer.
    Bale’s representatives are in talks with MLS outfit DC United over a switch Stateside.
    The club are prepared to make him their highest-paid player in history after Wayne Rooney, according to The Washington Post.
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    But before any potential move Bale and Co head to the Etihad in the week for the first leg of their semi-final showdown with City, with the reverse fixture eight days later.
    The winners will face either Liverpool or Villarreal in this year’s Champions League final. More

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    Barcelona 5 Wolfsburg 1: Putellas nets a brace as LaLiga champs crush Wolfsburg in front of a record 91,648 crowd

    BARCELONA delivered an attacking masterclass Wolfsburg are unlikely to forget in hammering their rivals 5-1 in the Champions League.The LaLiga Queens trounced their opponents at the Nou Camp with the crowd attendance surpassing the record set during their duel with Real Madrid.
    Alexia Putellas scored in both halves for Barcelona with the team bagging a hefty win against WolfsburgCredit: AFP
    Aitana Bonmati (pictured after the game) netted Barcelona’s openerCredit: AFP
    And Barca’s victory – played in front of 91,648 fans – was their first in Europe against the two-time winners of the contest.
    Wolfsburg, who are currently leading the pack Germany’s top-flight, came into the game off the back of a 3-1 a defeat of Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal Cup.
    But in this match, they were outclassed by their opponents’ quick passing and midfield dominance.
    The last duel between the sides ended in a 1-0 victory for Tommy Stroot’s side in August 2020.  
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ALL TO PLAY FOUR .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Arsenal vs Utd can give one shot in arm for top four – or end their season
    But this clash was an altogether different story. It took just two minutes for the hosts to get off the mark.
    They did so with Aitana Bonmati latching on to a free-kick launched forward to whip in the opener.
    And Fridolina Rolfo gave her old side a scare moments later firing wide of goal.
    But the game was only eight minutes in before the home side went two-nil up.
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    This time with Caroline Graham Hansen punishing her former club slotting home after a neat exchange with Ana Maria Crnogorcevic.
    Wolfsburg had their first shot on goal with Svenja Huth’s first effort blocked before the Germany ace forced a classy clearance off the line from Irene Paredes.
    This came moments before Wolfsburg keeper Almuth Schult took a ball to the face after a team-mate attempted to clear a cross.
    Barca went 3-0 up near the half hour point with Jenni Hermoso burying an effort after a neat cutback from Torrejon
    And the LaLiga champions made it four close to half-time with Alexia Putellas walloping the ball in at close range after her shot struck Schult and the post.
    The second half saw the visitors attempt to up their game with Sveindis Jonsdottir firing a shot from distance.
    Jill Roord was on target with a consolation goal for Wolfsburg in the second halfCredit: Getty
    More than 91,000 fans watched the game on Friday night at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
    And the hosts had a goal disallowed as offside around the 49th minute before Huth attempted to lob Sandra Panos several minutes later.
    The She-Wolves pulled one back towards the game’s closing stages with Jill Roord netting on her 25th birthday.
    But Barca soon restored their four-goal advantage.
    They did so with skipper Putellas netting from the spot after Dominique Janssen, who endured a tough night, conceded a penalty.
    And the result put the Catalan club in cruise control before their second leg clash on April 30th.   More

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    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus face Champions League bans after huge court defeat over rebel Super League row

    SUPER LEAGUE rebels Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus face Champions League bans after a huge defeat in a Spanish court.Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin had promised to make the three remaining insurgents pay for their role in pushing the breakaway plan even after the Prem Big Six staged their embarrassed retreats from involvement 12 months ago.
    Aleksander Ceferin has vowed that Uefa will take action over the three breakaway clubsCredit: PA
    Real Madrid and Barcelona may be punished, along with JuventusCredit: Getty
    The three clubs vowed to press on with their breakaway scheme despite the huge public backlash that forced Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and both Manchester sides to pull out of the plot.
    But the Madrid Mercantile Court, viewed by many as an in-house division of Real Madrid, had agreed with the club case that Uefa’s proposed sanctions unfairly prevented the trio from pushing on with their plot.
    Now, though, a senior judge overturned that ruling, which had prevented Uefa taking any disciplinary action against them for their continued involvement in the doomed project. 
    Judge Sofía Gil of the superior Spanish Commercial Court quashed that legal stay and appears set to dismiss the rebel’s case entirely at a pre-trial hearing slated for June 14, which would open the door for Uefa to take action.
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a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BOMB THREAT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Harry Maguire tells pals ‘angry fan’s’ bomb threat won’t force him out of Man U
    In her 18-page ruling, Judge Gil stated that Real, Barca and Juve were “perfectly aware of the possible consequences” of their actions in defying Uefa.
    The Judge added: “Uefa and Fifa are associations that control and organise sporting competitions.
    “For them to have to give prior authorisation for any alternative competition is reasonable and justified, in order to preserve sporting merit and equal opportunities for participating clubs.”
    In response, a spokesman for the Nyon-based governing body said: “Uefa has today received the order of the Madrid court, lifting the precautionary measures in their entirety.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “Uefa welcomes this decision and is considering its implications. Uefa will not be making any further comment for the time being.” More

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    Man Utd incoming manager Erik ten Hag lived above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff

    ERIK TEN HAG famously lived above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he stacked was his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, 52, has been confirmed as Manchester United’s next manager – signing a three-year deal with the club.
    Erik ten Hag is Man Utd’s next managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    From next season, the Dutch tactician will be in the Old Trafford hot-seat – and is expected to be handed a £200million war chest to improve the fortunes of the Red Devils.
    The quiet thinker had a 13-year playing career in Holland, before he revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
    In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
    Ten Hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
    Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why he was United’s hierarchy’s first choice.
    AJAX ICONS
    On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
    In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Benfica over two legs to exit the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage.
    So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
    Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
    In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
    At Bayern Munich, Ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
    “Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
    Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most Read In Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

    And his approach to training shows Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
    He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
    Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
    Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.DEVELOPING YOUTH
    Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
    Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
    Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
    He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
    Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
    Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Manchester United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
    Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
    Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
    Former defender ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
    And with Ajax now firmly established back as one of Europe’s big guns under Ten Hag, felt his work at the club was done.
    Now, the challenge of the Premier League awaits. Can he succeed where other Dutch coaches have failed? Time will tell. More

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    Man Utd’s incoming manager Erik ten Hag lives above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff

    ERIK TEN HAG famously lives above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he stacked was his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, 52, has been confirmed as Manchester United’s next manager – signing a three-year deal with the club.
    Erik ten Hag is Man Utd’s next managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    From next season, the Dutch tactician will be in the Old Trafford hot-seat – and is expected to be handed a £200million war chest to improve the fortunes of the Red Devils.
    The quiet thinker had a 13-year playing career in Holland, before he revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
    In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
    Ten Hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
    Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why he was United’s hierarchy’s first choice.
    AJAX ICONS
    On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
    In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Benfica over two legs to exit the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage.
    So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
    Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
    In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
    At Bayern Munich, Ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
    “Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
    Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most Read In Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

    And his approach to training shows Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
    He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
    Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
    Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.DEVELOPING YOUTH
    Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
    Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
    Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
    He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
    Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
    Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Manchester United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
    Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
    Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
    Former defender Ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
    And with Ajax now firmly established back as one of Europe’s big guns under Ten Hag, felt his work at the club was done.
    Now, the challenge of the Premier League awaits. Can he succeed where other Dutch coaches have failed? Time will tell. More

  • in

    Premier League teams fear Champions League changes could hurt their cash windfall from TV rights deal

    PREM clubs fear the proposed changes to the Champions League could adversely impact top-flight TV deals.Uefa look set to confirm the 36-team competition will award two “coefficient places”, rewarding sides who missed out domestically but have the best Euro record over the previous five years.
    Steve Parish believes the changes to the Champions League are designed to give the big clubs what they wantCredit: Getty
    Crystal Palace supremo Steve Parish called it “Super League by the back door”.
    And his worries are shared, with clubs arguing the new system will amplify the current financial and sporting dominance of the Big Six — and make it harder for other clubs to catch up.
    If the top-four race loses its importance, the extra fear is that the broadcasters will decide the loss of the “jeopardy” element no longer justifies huge broadcast deals. This could mean a decline in income for all 20 clubs.
    Fifa’s last resort
    Fifa chiefs are working on ANOTHER plan to try to prevent “agreed” last-game results in the 2026 World Cup group phase.
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    Switching to a 48-team tournament, with 16 groups of three in the first round, raised concerns that teams drawn to play each other in the final match could come to unofficial arrangements to ensure both progress.
    Penalty shootouts after every drawn group game — in a tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and US — are one idea.
    Another option would see group winners stay in the same city for their second round, last-32 tie, rather than risk having to travel up to 2,500 miles and potentially cross THREE time zones.
    Plans for the 2026 World Cup are still being drawn upCredit: PA:Press Association
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    Wembley to host “Finalissima”
    Uefa’s link-up with South America was formalised by opening a joint London office.
    Wembley will host the sold-out “Finalissima” between Euro 2020 winners Italy and Copa America champions Argentina on June 1.
    And it is now planned to play an annual play-off between the winners of the Uefa Youth League and their South American counterparts, with a potential 50,000 crowd in Uruguay’s Centenario in Montevideo.
    Wembley is set to host the “Finalissima” between Italy and Argentina on June 1Credit: Getty
    Radrizzani to help Fifa streaming
    Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is playing a major role in Fifa’s planned delivery of 40,000 free live games per year worldwide.
    His sports media company Eleven will deliver the Fifa+ service to provide the new platform’s content.
    Wonder how many old films of Marcelo Bielsa’s teams he will be able to find?
    Andrea Radrizzani’s company Eleven will provide the Fifa+ streaming serviceCredit: Reuters More