Football

BAYERN MUNICH reportedly made a desperate attempt to convince Thomas Tuchel to stay in Bavaria last season.Tuchel was today announced as the new England manager but things could have been very different had Bayern got their way in the summer.Thomas Tuchel has been announced as the new England managerCredit: GettyBayern Munich reportedly tried to unsack Tuchel last season after struggling to find the right replacementCredit: GettyTuchel was sacked by Bayern last term after steering the club to their first trophyless campaign in 12 years.But after informing Tuchel that he would need to clear his desk at the end of the season, the German superclub were left scrambling to find the right replacement.Tuchel had come to a “mutual agreement” with the club in February – three months before the end of the season – to leave in the summer.But those three months didn’t quite go as expected for the execs at Bayern, who were being rejected left, right and centre by potential replacements.READ MORE ON ENGLANDWhile Tuchel seemed to turn things around on the pitch, pushing the Bavarians into a Champions League semi-final – which they narrowly lost 4-3 to eventual winners Real Madrid.Reports from multiple outlets, including Bild and Sky Sports, were claiming that the lack of a suitable replacement and a turnaround in form left execs at Bayern scrambling to effectively UNSACK Tuchel.It was said that sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund began negotiations with Tuchel to try and reverse their joint decision.ESPN claimed at the time that Tuchel would have needed convincing that he wasn’t going to be used as a stop-gap for a future replacement and was keen to sign an extension on his deal to return to the dugout.Most read in FootballANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose demands clearly couldn’t be agreed and ultimately Tuchel wasn’t convinced to remain at the Allianz.It wasn’t just staff who were pining for Tuchel to stay put though, groups of fans even signed petitions to try and keep their man in pace.Watch smiling Thomas Tuchel ‘drop huge hint’ over England job in interview NINE MONTHS ago while still Bayern boss Ultimately, the 51-year-old walked and it was relegated Burnley boss Vincent Kompany who was snapped up by the Bundesliga side to become the new manager.Among the names who reportedly turned their nose up at taking the Bayern job was Ralf Rangnick, Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery, Oliver Glasner and Julen Lopetegui.Reports also emerged that Bayern Munich players were pushing for Tuchel to stay on at the club, with Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer both speaking in his favour.While England captain Harry Kane was also said to be one of the stars who would have welcomed him staying, alongside Eric Dier.Now Kane will get to play under Tuchel with three lions on his chest instead, labelling the manager as a “fantastic coach and fantastic person” earlier in the week.Kane actually had his best ever goalscoring season under Tuchel, netting an astonishing 44 times in 45 games last term and winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot.In fact, Kane boasts his best ever minutes-per-goal ratio under Tuchel compared to any of his other managers – netting once every 89 minutes under his former boss.The sliding doors moment appears to have worked in England’s favour with Tuchel now primed and ready to lead the nation into the 2026 World Cup.Speaking in his announcement press conference, he brushed off the pressure from the fans.He said: “This is always the last thing I think about because I’m up for the pressure on the sporting side. “I’m up for the big challenge, I’m up for the task. I’m up for these 18 months to work with the group and be part of this amazing federation. These are all the reasons to jump in.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The pressure that could arise if things don’t go so well is never part of the decision making and I don’t feel it so much. “It’s always a privilege and my love and passion for the game is always more than the downside of it.”Harry Kane was said to be one of the Bayern players pushing for Tuchel to stayCredit: GettyKane had an exceptional record under Tuchel at Bayern Munich last seasonInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. 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KYLIAN Mbappe was accused of rape after a whirlwind trip to Sweden that lasted just two days.The football star partied at an exclusive nightclub where pals featured on the guest list reportedly had to put their phones in envelopes when they arrived.Kylian Mbappe leaves the Bank hotel during his trip to StockholmCredit: RexKylian Mbappe – in a mask and cap – leaves Chez Jolie restaurant with friendsCredit: RexInfluencer Julia Franzen who claims she went to the V nightclubCredit: YouTubeDaily Swedish paper Expressen claims he visited the restaurant Chez Jolie and the nightclub V, hosting “exclusive private parties” there.Alongside Bayer Leverkusen player Nordi Mukiele, the Real Madrid star apparently spent both Wednesday and Thursday night at party spot V.Influencer Julia Franzen, 34, who says she has been to other similar parties with Mbappe, revealed how she was made to put her phone in a box.She told the Swedish outlet only women who “look good and have a nice personality” can secure spots on guest lists to parties like this.READ MORE ON MBAPPEFrench football star Mbappe, 25, and his friends reportedly hired the private “ping pong room” at V.Some 30 people were invited to join, most of them women.The exclusive club boasts on its website: “You will find yourself surrounded by celebrities, wealthy men and women, and stunning young ladies dressed extravagantly.”It adds: “Naturally, the drinks are expensive, but besides paying for your drinks you cannot buy your way in here. You need to wait for your turn on the exclusive guest list.”Most read in FootballMbappe’s brief getaway to the Swedish capital was intended to “recharge his batteries” after an intense start to the season with Real Madrid, Le Parisien reports.After arriving last Tuesday by private jet, Mbappe and his entourage stayed at the luxurious Bank Hotel.He dined at pricey restaurant Chez Jolie, with pictures showing him outside the eatery in a hat and mask amongst friends.Other photos from the trip showed him discreetly trying to leave his hotel, again in a hat and hood.Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that the French forward was being looked at by cops over allegations of sexual abuse on Monday.The alleged victim reportedly sought medical help at a Swedish hospital ward for rape victims, according to TV4.No specific details have emerged about the allegations against him.Mbappe furiously hit back at reports, dubbing them “fake news” on X after they first broke.But his lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard later told French BFMTV that after two days he was informed about the ongoing probe.She said: “The only thing I can say is that he has nothing to be ashamed of. The second is that we don’t know anything.”French radio station RMC said those in his inner circle “remain calm” despite the allegations. READ MORE SUN STORIESBernard added: “He cannot even imagine for a second that a complaint has been filed and is directed against him. “He has nothing to accuse himself of and doesn’t even understand what it’s about.”Sturekompagniet, home to V nightclub in StockholmCredit: ReutersMbappe was seen leaving the Bank Hotel on Friday before the complaint was filedKylian Mbappe looks on during a UEFA Champions League football matchCredit: AFP More

RAPHAEL VARANE has pinpointed the exact moment that injury wrecked his career.The Frenchman announced his shock retirement from football in September.Raphael Varane was forced into an early retirement this seasonCredit: GettyHe claimed his injury problems started after a game for FranceCredit: PA:Empics SportVarane, 31, called time on his career after only one appearance for Italian side Como.The defender joined the club in the summer on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United.His time at Old Trafford was blighted by injury, as he missed 219 days due to being on the treatment table.Varane has now revealed that his appearance for France against Ukraine in 2013 was the moment that affected his career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe was suffering from inflammation in his right knee but braved through in order to feature.France won the game 3-0 as they overturned their 2-0 deficit from the first leg in order to qualify for the World Cup in 2014.He told L’Equipe: “I shouldn’t have played the play-off against Ukraine in 2013.”After the first leg, my knee wouldn’t let me alone, it was swelling.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But France needed me, the coach needed me, and I took the risk.”That day I risked my career. But I don’t regret it. Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injuryVarane left Man United in the summerCredit: Getty”For France, I would always do it again.”After the game, the liquid had to be removed from his knee, and he was put on an anaesthetic.Varane spent three seasons at the Red Devils after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid in 2021.He made 95 appearances across three seasons and scored two goals. Varane’s retirement statement in full”They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.”I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”Thank you, football.”With love, Rapha.” More

A FORGOTTEN Premier League champion is reportedly in line to join Thomas Tuchel’s coaching staff with the England national team.Tuchel was today announced as the new permanent England manager after signing an 18-month contract that will see him in the hot-seat for the 2026 World Cup.Thomas Tuchel with FA technical director John McDermottCredit: GettyTuchel, who will take charge from 2025, is assembling his coaching staff ahead of his first game as Three Lions boss.It was already confirmed that his trusted assistant Anthony Barry – who worked with the German at Chelsea and Bayern Munich – will be joining the team as his right-hand man.And now it looks like another man from Tuchel’s days at Stamford Bridge will be joining the ranks – in the form of a unsung title winner.According to Di Marzio’s Nathan Gissing, Tuchel will be bringing in former Chelsea goalkeeper Henrique Hilario.READ MORE ON ENGLANDHilario, best known by his second name alone, spent eight years as a back-up keeper for the Blues before hanging up his gloves and immediately joining the club’s staff as a goalkeeping coach.The 48-year-old has been with the club ever since, including Tuchel’s stint as boss in SW6.But the one-time Portugal international now looks like he will be heading for a new role with the England national team – albeit in a reportedly “part-time” role.Hilario made just 39 appearances for Chelsea during his playing days but was part of the squad for the club’s 2010 Premier League title, 2012 Champions League success and three FA Cup wins.Most read in FootballTuchel is reportedly bringing Chelsea goalkeeper coach Henrique Hilario into his England coaching staffCredit: GettyHilario spent eight years on the books at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt’s also claimed that Tuchel is expected to recruit a Chelsea video analyst to his team too.Tuchel’s recruitment of familiar faces may stretch further than his coaching staff too.England interviewed ten candidates before appointing Thomas Tuchel, admits FA chief in German’s first press conferenceSunSport Online exclusively revealed that the 51-year-old could throw a lifeline to Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling as part of his playing squad in the near future.The pair had fallen out of favour under Gareth Southgate, with neither making an appearance for England since the 2022 World Cup.But Tuchel is known to be a fan of both with the tactician regularly using Sterling during his Chelsea days and signing Dier for Bayern Munich last season.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. More