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      Who is Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes?

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      RUBEN Amorim will be hoping he and his team can lead Manchester United back to greatness.The highly-rated Portugese coach officially joined the Red Devils on November 11, 2024.Carlos Fernandes is assistant head coach to Ruben Amorim at Manchester UnitedCredit: RexAmorim is the sixth permanent Man Utd boss since club legend Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He follows the likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.Amorim has brought SIX members of his backroom staff that he worked with at Sporting during his hugely successful four-year spell at the Lisbon club.That includes his right-hand man Carlos Fernandes – and SunSport has the lowdown on Man Utd’s new assistant head coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWho is Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes?Carlos Fernandes is assistant head coach to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim.During his early days in the sport, Fernandes played for amateur side Canecas, but his playing career never reached the professional stage, leading him to start coaching at the remarkable age of 14.As a teenager, he was coaching Benfica’s youth development teams, which was where Amorim was a first-team player at the time.He linked up with Amorim in a coaching capacity for the first time at Casa Pia in 2018, beginning life at the third-tier side as an unpaid intern, but he rose through the ranks to earn his chance as an assistant.Most read in FootballSince then, he has been assistant to Amorim at Braga and then Sporting before joining footballing giants Man Utd.Fernandes is known for his modern approach to training and deep tactical understanding – he is expected to play a huge role in the Red Devils’ on-pitch preparations.The 30-year-old is the same age as his namesake and Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes.Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd backroom staffIn addition to Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro join Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson as Man Utd first-team coaches.Jorge Vital takes up the role of first-team goalkeeper coach – and will be assisted by Craig Mawson – while Paulo Barreira arrives as physical performance coach.Amorim has also brought 39-year-old analyst Eduardo Rosalino with him from Sporting. More

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      ‘It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain

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      PAUL SCHOLES reckons the international break “felt like the beginning of the end” for England captain Harry Kane.The former Tottenham striker, 31, is his country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 69 goals in 103 games.Paul Scholes reckons it the ‘beginning of the end’ for Harry Kane’s England careerCredit: AlamyScholes fears what will England will look like without their captainCredit: GettyKane has also led the Three Lions to consecutive Euros finals.And he will now be hoping for a starring role under new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who paid £100million to sign Kane for Bayern Munich last year.However, former interim boss Lee Carsley made a huge call by leaving his skipper out of England’s 3-0 win in Greece last week.Ollie Watkins was preferred up front, despite the Three Lions needing to win after losing the reverse fixture at Wembley in October.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd although Kane was restored to the XI that beat Ireland 5-0 on Sunday, his absence against Greece made a huge impact.Indeed, former England and United midfielder Scholes reckons it has signalled the “beginning of the end” of Kane’s international career.And with the forward turning 32 next summer, his presence on the pitch could begin to wane even further.Scholes told the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet: “It felt like the end of Harry Kane.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The beginning of the end. He looked out of place in the team.“When you get older you feel like everything happens a bit quicker around you.Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ finally unveiled after sitting in storage for almost five years Kyle Walker has been backed to thrive in a new positionCredit: Getty“It looked a bit like that. But I don’t know how we’d replace him.”However, one older player who appeared to benefit from Carsley’s reign was Kyle Walker.The right-back found himself moved into the middle of defence during the Greece game and for the entirety of the Ireland match.And ex-England defender Gary Neville reckons Walker could end up thriving in his new role.Neville added: “You can look at Kyle Walker in the last few weeks and think he looks a bit different than he has done in previous seasons.“He’s been lightning quick and all of a sudden you think, hang on, there are balls being played inside him.“Kyle’s saviour could be what he’s done with England in the last few weeks, playing centre-back. He could play on the right side of a three, as an example.”England ratings vs IrelandEngland’s newbies put on a five-star second half performance to hammer ten-man Ireland.No fewer than four young Lions bagged their first international goal during the 5-0 win.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the England stars at Wembley.Jordan Pickford: 6Matched the great Gordon Banks by reaching 73 caps. But the Everton stopper was pretty much a spectator as Ireland showed little ambition in attack.Tino Livramento: 7Became the seventh player across Carsley’s three England camps to be handed a debut. It was his cross which caused panic in the Irish defence, allowing Gordon to volley home his first England goal. Kyle Walker: 6Played at centre-back in back four for his 93rd cap. Headed an early chance over, had a couple of scares before the break before being withdrawn just after the hour when the game was up for the visitors.Marc Guehi: 7Was a little clumsy with a challenge on Evan Ferguson inside the box before the break, but nothing was given. Set up a first England goal for his best mate Gallagher with a flick-on from a corner during the goal blitz at the start of the second half.Lewis Hall: 7Admitted to nerves before his debut on Thursday but did not seem to have any here on his first start, playing alongside his Newcastle colleagues Livramento and Gordon. Could this be the start of a long England career for one of our few natural left-backs?Conor Gallagher: 8Was given the nod ahead of Angel Gomes for the second successive game and capped it with his first England goal by poking home Guehi’s flick just before the hour. England’s confidence at that point was summed up by Gallagher attempting a rabona.Curtis Jones: 7Tidy, if not hitting the heights of his magnificent debut three days earlier. But overall, another success story of the brief Carsley era which has given Thomas Tuchel plenty more options to consider.Noni Madueke: 7His final ball was not quite there compared to his man-of-the-match performance in Athens. But the Chelsea man still caused Ireland all manner of problems with the explosive way he runs at opponents.Jude Bellingham: 9 STAR MANEffectively had three assists as he won the penalty for Harry Kane’s opener – which led to Scales being sent off – and teed up goals for subs Bowen and Harwood-Bellis. A brilliant display from the Real Madrid superstar. How lucky we are to have him. Anthony Gordon: 7Lovely volley for his first England goal and you could see how much it meant to him with his celebration. Caused Ireland issues with his direct running in a promising display.Harry Kane: 7A ponderous first half led to genuine questions over his suitability to this team… but then he showed why he is still the man with a stunning ball to Bellingham in the build-up to the opener.Stuck away the resulting penalty when Bellingham was tripped for his 69th England goal.SUBS:Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on for Walker, 62): 8Followed up Jones’ feat in Greece of netting on his England debut as he brilliantly headed home Bellingham’s fine cross to make it five.Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon, 74): 7Looked confident when coming on and ready to cause more misery against the tired ten men of Ireland. Would have had an assist had Jarrod Bowen put away his cutback.Dominic Solanke (on for Gallagher, 74): 6Almost diverted in his first England goal from fellow sub Bowen’s cross but was beaten to it, just, by the defender.Jarrod Bowen (on for Madueke, 74): 8Crashed home his first England goal with his first touch, seconds after coming on, to make it 4-0.Angel Gomes (on for Jones, 79): 6Tidied up and looked comfortable again in possession. Booked. More

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      Gary Neville negotiated my Man Utd contract with Sir Alex Ferguson – he made him give me more money

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      DANNY SIMPSON claims Gary Neville bagged him more cash after negotiating his Manchester United contract with Sir Alex Ferguson.Simpson, 37, came up through the ranks at Old Trafford but played just eight times before joining Newcastle in 2009.Danny Simpson has revealed how Gary Neville got him more pay at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyNeville negotiated on Simpson’s behalf with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyThe right-back, who also played for QPR and Leicester, was at one stage hailed as a future Red Devils star.And he took plenty of inspiration from fan favourite Neville, who played in his position.But Simpson knew he was tucked firmly under his fellow defender’s wing when Neville went face-to-face with Sir Alex in contract talks.Fergie famously hated dealing with agents when he would negotiate deals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Scot did it all during his time at United manager, sorting out moves and renewals while also coaching his side to titles.And in a stroke of genius, Simpson decided against using an agent in contract talks with Ferguson, instead leaving negotiations to pal Neville.It worked wonderfully too, with Simpson revealing his mate actually bagged him more money.Simpson, who won a Premier League title with Leicester in 2016, told talkSPORT: “Gary Neville actually negotiated my contract with Fergie.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As a young kid, when you’re starting to knock on the door and get around the first team, you’re scared that you’re going to annoy him.”He’d go, ‘I want to give you a new contract,’ and you’d say to him, ‘My agent will see you.’ Sir Alex Ferguson ECSTATIC as his horse Spirit Dancer makes history with back-to-back wins in $1million Bahrain raceSimpson later went on to win the Premier League title with LeicesterCredit: –“You were scared to say that. Whereas now it’s the first thing you say.”I’m thinking, ‘If I say that, he’s going to bin me off.’ So I spoke to Gaz and Gaz was like, ‘I’ll go see him for you.'”It was me, Gaz and Sir Alex in the room.”I didn’t really know what to do. So I’m just sat there in the middle.”He (Neville) actually got me more money, to be fair. He actually didn’t [ask for a cut].”The Gaz that you see now is always that Gaz.”Danny Simpson’s career statsMan Utd, 2005-2010: 8 games, 0 goalsRoyal Antwerp (loan), 2005-2006: 30 games, 1 goalSunderland (loan), 2006-2007: 14 games, 0 goalsIpswich (loan), 2007-2008: 8 games, 0 goalsBlackburn (loan), 2008-2009: 20 games, 0 goalsNewcastle, 2009-2013: 138 games, 2 goalsQPR, 2013-2015: 44 games, 1 goalLeicester, 2014-2019: 133 games, 0 goalsHuddersfield, 2019-2020: 25 games, 0 goalsBristol City, 2020-2022: 8 games, 0 goalsTrophies: Championship (Sunderland); Championship (Newcastle); Championship play-offs (QPR); Premier League (Leicester) More

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      David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid lockers set to fetch enormous sums at historic auction

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      LOCKERS used by the likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid are being auctioned off this month.The lockers were used by the Spanish giants between 2002 and 2022, but were removed during the Santiago Bernabeu’s staggering renovations which took the iconic stadium’s capacity to 85,000.An incredible selection of Real Madrid lockers have gone to auctionCredit: APFans can get their hands on lockers previously belonging to global superstarsCredit: PAGareth Bale’s locker is among the star-studded selectionCredit: ReutersA total of 24 lockers went on display at Sotheby’s in London yesterday.Bidding will remain open until November 26, with prices starting at £10,000 each.In addition to Beckham and Ronaldo, the likes of Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric’s lockers are also available.While fans of the Galacticos era could also bid for lockers previously belonging to Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA slice of the revenue generated will go Real Madrid’s charitable foundation.Sotheby’s are collaborating with Pursuit 3 Marketing Group on the auction.Pursuit 3 are Real Madrid’s “memorabilia partner”.Following its renovation work, the Bernabeu now features a huge 360 degree screen that wraps around its upper tier.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is now a retractable roof on the stadium, as well as a newly designed outside facade.Real Madrid have also built a plush new VIP “Sky Bar” – a stunning 700-metres-squared space designed by Room 1804.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Tickets for the exclusive bar are said to cost up to £2,500 per match, but so far it has not opened its doors.According to El Confidencial, Anastasia Gourmet have slapped the 15-time European kings with a lawsuit worth £13.8m for being unable to use the space.Of that whopping sum, approximately £6m is said to correspond to suppliers, Mundo Deportivo add.The reports claim Anastasia Gourmet have been blocked from accessing their new premises – prompting the huge loss of expected earnings.Real Madrid have built a stunning SkyBarCredit: room 1804 DesignThe Santiago Bernabeu has undergone an incredible transformation in recent yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane snubs Man Utd by choosing Christmas jumper of rival Premier League club in pic with darts star Luke Humphries

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      ROY KEANE snubbed Manchester United by wearing a Tottenham Christmas jumper in a meeting with darts star Luke Humphries.Keane made the bold choice on an episode of The Overlap.Man Utd legend Roy Keane wore a Tottenham Christmas jumper alongside Luke HumphriesCredit: @lukeh180 on XRed Devils legend Keane played 480 times for United during a 12-year period.He won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.And United’s former captain is considered by many to be one of the club’s greatest-ever players.However, Keane left fans shocked two years ago when he revealed he grew up supporting Tottenham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ace admitted as an Irishman, United and Liverpool were the two main English sides people cheered on.But for some inexplicable reason, he was always drawn to Spurs.Keane said: “Growing up in Ireland, you were either a Man Utd or Liverpool fan, or Celtic.“Strangely enough, I supported Spurs. Not sure why, but I did.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNow, Keane has taken his support for the North Londoners to another level by donning their Christmas jumper.The bearded pundit cracked a rare smile as he wore a Lilywhite top with the words “Ho ho ho” on the front.Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back’Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.As for darts star Humphries, who supports Leeds, he kept his usual style with his regular blue darts shirt.He posted his delight at the meeting on Twitter, saying: “Had a great time filming for The Overlap today with some of the best footballers to have played the game.”Was a great laugh and enjoyed the experience.”Last Christmas saw Keane lift the lid even higher on his support for Spurs.He said: “I am a Spurs fan, I played for Man United but Spurs are my team.”Just because I played for Manchester United didn’t mean I was a fan of the team.”When I played for Rockmount, one of my team-mate’s fathers used to bring me to training and he supported Tottenham.”That’s where it started, I liked their players, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Clive Allen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But after I’d come back from trial at Nottingham Forest, Spurs offered me a trial.”I turned it down because Forest had been good me, I liked the club and felt some loyalty to them. I had a soft spot for Spurs, and still do.” More

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      Former Man Utd star Juan Mata makes history with move into MLS as he takes major step towards career after playing

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      JUAN MATA has made history after announcing a stunning move to join the ownership group of Major League Soccer side San Diego FC.The former Manchester United and Chelsea star currently plays for A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers, where he has been since September.Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of San Diego FCMata currently plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-LeagueCredit: RexHowever, the 36-year-old has now taken to social media to announce he would be investing into America’s newest top flight franchise who will be joining the league in 2025 as the 30th club.A statement on his Instagram said: “Really happy to announce that I’m a partner at the newest and most special franchise in the MLS!”The club’s own announcement on the move also revealed how the Spaniard has made history by becoming the first active player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer.Mata is now also in illustrious company with Inter Miami owner David Beckham as only the second international player to be involved in MLS ownership, according to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard added: “Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth.”The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values. “I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game and working alongside everyone here to build a Club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”San Diego’s first ever competitive match will take place at the 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium against five-time MLS winners LA Galaxy on March 1 2025.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club statement described Mata as a “widely respected humanitarian” and mentioned his charitable schemes such as the Common Goal initiative which sees players pledge one per cent of their salary to social causes.He is also an active collaborator and partner of Right to Dream, and has visited RTD’s Academy in Egypt and Denmark.Hirving Lozano surprises San Diego FC in visit to his new MLS club after being left off Mexico’s Copa America rosterSan Diego chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said: “Juan has been an active and long-term supporter of Right to Dream, and he shares our values of wanting to use football to deliver long-term social impact and change. “As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League, among many other titles, he is a serial winner, and in San Diego, we are committed to building a winning team for the long term.”The playmaker starred in England for 11 years with Chelsea and Man Utd.He spent two-and-a-half years with the Blues where he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.Mata then played for the Red Devils from January 2014 to summer 2022, winning the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.After leaving Man Utd, Mata joined Galatasaray, where he won the league before leaving to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he also won the league.Meanwhile – having started his career with Real Oviedo – prior to arriving in the Premier League he won the Copa del Rey with Valencia.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn an international level, Mata won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship and was also a European Champion in both the Under-19 and Under-21 categories.His various business ventures away from football have helped him cultivate a reported net worth of £66million, and it seems club ownership could be up his street when he eventually retires.Stars signed up for San DiegoSAN DIEGO will be Major League Soccer’s 30th franchise team, but who will they have playing for them? Only a handful are on the books so far, but there are names you may recognise…Hirving Lozano – Mexican winger is joining from PSV in January. He is a title winner with the Dutch club and Italian side Napoli and has 70 international appearances under his belt.Marcus Ingvartsen – One-time Dane international has proven to be a prolific goalscorer for Nordsjaelland with 53 goals in 134 games.Alex Mighten – Nottingham Forest academy product is joining from the Premier League side after signing a deal in the summer, but is currently on loan with Nordsjaelland.Jeppe Tverskov – Third star associated with Nordsjaelland, the defensive midfielder only joined the club from Danish rivals Odense BK in 2023. He is a Superliga veteran with more than 220 appearances to his name.Paddy McNair – Man Utd academy star is joining the MLS side from West Brom. Now 29 years old, it will be his first transfer outside of England after spending most of his career with Middlesbrough. McNair won the FA Cup with United in 2016 and won the Under-21 Premier League twice. More

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      Premier League boss Russell Martin escapes sack fears on luxury holiday with former glamour girl partner Lucy Pinder

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      SOUTHAMPTON boss Russell Martin escaped fears over the sack on a luxury holiday with former glamour girl partner Lucy Pinder.Martin’s Saints are bottom of the Premier League table with just four points from 11 matches.Russell Martin and Lucy Pinder looked loved-up on a trip away during the international breakMartin has survived the chop at Southampton after just one win all seasonThe pair soaked up the sights and sounds of CornwallSunSport revealed their relationship in AugustPinder is a die-hard Southampton fanMartin’s Saints have a tough run of games coming upThe promoted side have won only once, losing nine times in the process.And pressure has been growing on Martin over his fanatical desire to dominate possession in every game.The 38-year-old went into the international break as the bookies’ joint-favourite for the chop with West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui.But with players returning to their clubs, Martin has survived at St Mary’s for now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he enjoyed a trip away from the south coast over the fortnight with girlfriend Pinder, 40.SunSport exclusively revealed their relationship had kicked off in August.Pinder is a die-hard Saints fan and the pair were previously seen together at a Sky Sports social function.And during the international period they enjoyed some more quality time with a beach break in Cornwall.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe loved-up couple posed for a heartwarming photo together on the sand.While another snap showed them enjoying a stroll along a cliff.Inside Russell Martin’s amazing journey from living at bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League managerPinder is a former glamour model to shot to fame in the early 2000sCredit: AlamyShe later appeared on Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: AlamyMartin will be hoping the trip can inspire his Saints side to victory against table toppers Liverpool this weekend.A tough run then sees Southampton face Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham in the league before Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup.But Martin is sure to be supported all the way by Pinder.A source told SunSport in August: “They’re a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton.“They’re mad for each other. Amid the grief (of his marriage ending), as he threw himself into work, Russ grew intimate with Lucy.“She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan.“Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPinder now works as a TV personality after shooting to fame as a glamour model in the early 2000s.She starred in now-defunct lads’ mags like Nuts, FHM and Loaded before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother. More

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      I got a doctorate in biomechanics after average football career, now I want to follow Wenger’s footsteps in the Prem

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      REGIS LE BRIS revealed Arsene Wenger’s early work inspired him to become a boss.The Frenchman has guided Sunderland to the top of the Championship as they chase a return to the Prem following their relegation in 2017.Regis Le Bris has left the Black Cats eyeing promotion to the PremCredit: RexArsene Wenger taught his fellow Frenchman well at MonacoCredit: RexLe Bris, 48, grew up in Brittany and had an unremarkable career as a defender in France.But he knew he wanted to coach after studying Arsenal legend Wenger during his seven years at Monaco from 1987.Saluting the 75-year-old’s Monte Carlo masterclass, Le Bris said: “I really liked Monaco under Arsene Wenger. I wasn’t really a fan but when I was young I liked this team and  his style.“If a player, team or manager had a specific style, I liked analysing the way that they played, their personality . . . there was something different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was new — with many young players and  a proactive style of play.“I was young, so it was difficult to assess the different elements involved in a game.“But I think it was about emotional elements, which were different from other teams.“You can see a football team and think, ‘They are playing well’ or, ‘This is interesting’. But  you don’t really know  why — it just makes you  feel something different.Most read in Football “As a player, I was  interested in understanding the game because I probably didn’t have the  X factor technically or physically.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“When you have a specific talent then you just  have to use it and be good on the pitch — but I was average everywhere.“So I had to think how I could compete with stronger players, understand the game better and be connected with the other players to  solve problems.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland After an “average” playing career as a defender at Rennes, Laval and Belgian minnows Ronse, Le Bris went on to achieve a doctorate in sport physiology and biomechanics while first embarking on his coaching career.Following a spell as youth coach at Wasquehal, he spent eight years at Rennes before moving  to Lorient to help bring through their kids into  the first team.Ex-Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi and Leeds keeper Illan Meslier were just two of those prior to him becoming first-team boss in 2022.Le Bris always had a “curiosity” to work abroad — and felt England would be the perfect place having visited many clubs.He added: “I wanted to discover new cultures, environments and languages.“I’m just curious and, when I’m in  the same environment for a long   time,  I like working on a long project but  need to be fed new elements to learn.“If it all just stays the same, then I’ll need something else to grow, keep the energy  and connect with other people.“It was a whole new experience and I was  aware that it would be different — but I liked that difference and was prepared for that.“I have visited many football clubs in Spain  and England so  was aware of the environment  and  really liked it.England U18 midfielder Chris Rigg is one of Sunderland’s hot prospectsCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe is another top Black Cats teenCredit: PA“Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Everton, Leeds,  Chelsea, Arsenal and probably two or three more.“I’m like that, I’m curious about new ideas, behaviours and thinking about football.”Le Bris ended up joining Sunderland in July and has no doubts his  young guns —  including Chris Rigg, 17, and Jude Bellingham’s 19-year-old younger brother Jobe — can reach the very top.The impressive Frenchman has already scooped two manager-of-the-month awards but a Premier League return is the biggest prize he is chasing.Le Bris, whose side go to Millwall on Saturday, explained: “The players are good — very good.“I have worked with many, many players that  have worked at the highest level.“It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League.“But the question between the potential and  reality is down to the pathway.I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at SunderlandRegis Le Bris“I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. “Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential.“If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult.“I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Away to Preston, the stands were full and it was crazy. It’s a new experience for me.“This  football club is very important and its history, the fanbase is big and the passion around the club is impressive.” More