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      Man Utd lost more than HALF A MILLION pounds per injury last season as full injury table revealed – but who had most?

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      THE cost to Prem clubs of injuries has more than doubled over just four years.Top flight clubs paid out £266m in wages to players who were NOT available last term.Man Utd were most affected by injuries last seasonCredit: GettyLisandro Martinez spent a long spell on the sidelinesCredit: GettyHarry Maguire also suffered injury problemsCredit: AFPAnd Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s gripes about his side’s injury woes WERE justified – as the Old Trafford club came out top of the crocks.With the international players’ union Fifpro having now launched legal action against Fifa in a bid to force the scrapping of next summer’s Club World Cup, the latest edition of the European Football Injury index by insurance brokers Howden could not have been better-timed.Howden found Prem clubs suffered 915 injuries last season, adding up to one every 94 minutes of match action..While that was slightly down from the previous campaign, the salaries paid to injured players rose to a new high – and compares to the £113m cost as recently as the 2020-21 season.Read More on Man UtdAnd the average amount of time players are spending on the sidelines because of injury has ALSO doubled.This season has already seen Manchester City star Rodri ruled out for the rest of the campaign, Liverpool gearing up to be without Alisson for six weeks or more and Arsenal lose Martin Odegaard for over a month.United were the worst-hit in all of Europe’s big five leagues in cash terms, with 75 injury absences seeing £39.81m spent on players Ten Hag could not select.And Newcastle’s return to the Champions League took its toll as well, with Eddie Howe’s men suffering a Prem-high 76 injuries across the season and losing 14 players last December, coinciding with the climax of their Group Stage campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPremier League injury table for the 2023-24 seasonThe report states: “The overall injury severity figure in the Premier League has almost doubled since 2021 from 15 days to 28 days.“That would potentially infer that the Premier League is the most competitive by workload and overall strain on playing squads.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten Hag“Across the five major European leagues, the 2023-24 season saw a record high in both injuries and cost as leading clubs and players continue to contend with fixture congestion and the overall effects on injury susceptibility“It will be fair to expect a continuation of this upwards trajectory.“The squad depth of clubs will continue to be tested particularly with the impending introduction of the new Club World Cup“But the cost of injuries in the Premier League has also risen markedly in comparison with the other four ‘Big Five’ leagues.”United’s issue switch injuries hit their height in April with Ten Hag without 16 players at various stages in the penultimate month of the campaign.According to Howden, the Old Trafford side, Newcastle, Chelsea – whose injuries last term came at an average cost of £540,000 – and Liverpool all suffered “above average” issues over the past four seasons.Howden’s James Burrows said: “United have been hard hit in terms of player absences and the impact on team performances. But this has happened to a significant number of clubs.”Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years… More

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      How England could line up under Thomas Tuchel with new formation and return for forgotten man

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      ENGLAND could be set for a new look team with Thomas Tuchel closing in on being appointed manager.The German is in advanced talks with the FA over the role vacated by Gareth Southgate earlier this year.Thomas Tuchel is reportedly in talks to become the next England managerCredit: GettyHe could offer a recall to Mason Mount should he be appointedCredit: GettyRuben Loftus-Cheek could be given another chance in a England shirtCredit: GettyThe Three Lions are currently under the management of interim boss Lee Carsley, who has won three of his four games.But Carsley left supporters in serious doubt over whether he actually wanted the job in his post-match interview in Helsinki.Following the 3-1 victory over Finland, Carsley said England needed a “world class coach” and he was “still on the path to that” – though he later backtracked on the comments.The interim boss has been more than willing to experiment, both successfully and unsuccessfully.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLille’s Angel Gomes has been a revelation since coming into the team in the number six role.However, Carsley’s decision to play Jude Bellingham as a false nine proved less successful as the Three Lions were outplayed by Greece in a 2-1 loss at Wembley.Tuchel, however, could opt for a very different style to the interim boss should he be appointed.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation, which could provide an opportunity for one forgotten star.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMason Mount has not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.However, he enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace SouthgateWhile playing under Tuchel, Mount scored 19 goals in 87 appearances in all competitions and won the Champions League in 2021.Should Tuchel land the England job, then he could get the best out of Mount for the national team.However, the midfielder would need to bounce back and improve his form at Manchester United, having missed a lot of football due to injury since joining the club.Mount’s reintroduction could be the first of former England players to get another crack at the whip on the international stage.Ben Chilwell could return to the England teamCredit: AlamyTuchel could reinstate Eric Dier to the Three Lions’ backlineCredit: GettyAlthough if Mount returns then it could be in the place of Phil Foden or Cole Palmer.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.Luke Shaw is considered the nation’s best left-back, but due to his injury struggles, Tuchel could opt for Chilwell in his place.The full-back starred for the German during his time at Stamford Bridge and has already earned 21 caps for England.Loftus-Cheek could come back into the team to partner Declan Rice in the midfield.The midfielder has excelled since his move to AC Milan, scoring ten goals in his 48 appearances.Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Reece James could also be a beneficiary of Tuchel’s potential appointment.Should the Chelsea star regain his fitness, then he would certainly be a shoo-in over Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right-wing-back role.Tuchel has also often used a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time as a manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis could see the likes of Mount, Dier, Chilwell and James keep their spots in the team but in more traditional roles.Dier could be used in the pivot alongside Rice, while James and Chilwell could line up a back four.England player ratings vs FinlandENGLAND secured a commanding 3-1 win over Finland following their horror show at home to GreeceHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the Three Lions’ stars performances.Dean Henderson – 6Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.Kyle Walker – 6After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.John Stones – 6England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.Marc Guehi – 6Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.Angel Gomes – 8The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.Declan Rice – 7Looked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.Cole Palmer – 5Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.Jude Bellingham – 6The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.Jack Grealish – 8No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.Harry Kane – 6Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.Lee Carsley – 7His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different. But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit.Reece James excelled under TuchelCredit: AP More

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      Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love life

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      THOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.Thomas Tuchel is edging closer to becoming the new England managerCredit: GettyHe brings with him trophy-winning experience, notably lifting the Champions League with ChelseaCredit: GettyChelsea’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.Yet having told close associates only a week or so ago that he was not yet ready to return to coaching after leaving behind an unflattering year at Bayern Munich in the summer, he has found the England job impossible to resist.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAnd English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Tuchel, 51, won the Champions League with Chelsea just four months after getting the job in January 2021.Opponents Man City had Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Sergio Aguero. Chelsea had Timo Werner.You can rabbit on as much as you like about tactical flexibility and systems, And they do play a part.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut in those early days under the irascible German, Chelsea’s ambitious squad was hooked up to a daddy long legs with one spindly limb stuck in an electric socket.A dressing room that included Antonio Rudgier, Thiago Silva, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James responded to Tuchel’s powerful touch and won the biggest trophy in club competition when they barely even knew their new head coach.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymousThe following season they clinched the Club World Cup and completed the set with the one prize missing from the Chelsea trophy cabinet.And when the s*** hit the fan just 12 days after, on February 24, 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tuchel stood tall during an international crisis that threatened to drive Chelsea out of business.The curious spin-off from the war in Eastern Europe sent Tuchel’s Russian employer Roman Abramovich into hiding, triggering an emergency fire sale of every fixture and fitting at Stamford Bridge.While the top brass hid from public view and scarpered into the shadows at its height, Tuchel faced question after question about everything except football as Chelsea went into meltdown and faced liquidation.It’s one thing dragging off an underperforming striker at half time, the decisive leadership he displayed during those anxious months should never be underestimated.Hopefully it was noticed at the Football Association as they sought a coach to pick up the baton from Gareth Southgate’s methodical, reasoned approach.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.Tuchel clashed with his bosses at Paris St.Germain, he could not work with the American-led ownership who assumed control of Chelsea in 2022.Tuchel has lived a quiet life since leaving Bayern Munich in MayCredit: GettyHe currently resides in Bogenhausen with his Brazilian girlfriend Natalie MaxCredit: RexHis hilarious shoving match with equally combustible Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is the stuff of legend. All arms and legs with a startling height advantage in favour of Tuchel after a feisty London derby.Tuchel’s antics in the dugout are a spectator sport in their own right. There followed a £35,000 fine and a touchline ban. Not long after came the sack from Chelsea following an unedifying Champions League group game defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.Tuchel was too headstrong for the new owners who seemed to be looking for an excuse to give him the boot and took their chance when it came.But international football differs greatly to that at club level. With no transfers to worry about, there can be no arguments over signings. That should take a large sting out of Tuchel’s working relationship at The FA.At Chelsea he was admired for doing simple things like greeting every member of staff at the training ground. Standard behaviour but all too often ignored at the top level.Working as a glass collector in a Stuttgart bar while studying business administration at university has kept him grounded.His approach to tactics was viewed by many as refreshing as the mojitos he used to make and a sign of his inner confidence.Tuchel showed his passion during a touchline fracas with Antonio Conte in 2022Credit: GettyThe pair locked horns during and after a match between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2022Credit: Getty Images – GettyWhile mainly favouring a back three, he is not nailed to that philosophy.He is respected for having the intelligence to take stock of his squad and write a team sheet around that instead of shoehorning the players to fit in with his ideas.Often it was a 3-4-3 formation. Tuchel talked often of the ‘double sixes’ – two holding midfielders. At Stamford  Bridge that was generally Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.With England it could be Declan Rice and Angel Gomes, allowing Jude Bellingham to push forwards and further strengthen the team’s strongest area in attack. Or it could be something completely different. That’s a strength.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel was only at Chelsea for a year and a half. Sacked after a 100 day review by Chelsea’s owners who didn’t fancy his style.But he retains a deep love for England after a brief time here, telling an English journalist just a few months back that he couldn’t wait to return and experience the joy and fun of a press conference with the English media again.Tuchel began his managerial career with Mainz in his native GermanyCredit: GettyThe 51-year-old has gone on to manage Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea and BayernCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League TV games released as Arsenal handed EIGHT fixture changes including huge Man Utd and Boxing Day clashes

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      ARSENAL have been handed EIGHT fixture chances with the release of the televised matches.One of the club’s vital clashes against Manchester United has been pushed back from December 3 at 7.45pm.Arsenal have been handed multiple fixture changesCredit: GettyThe second North London derby of the season has been movedCredit: AlamyThe match will now kick off the following day on December 4, at 8.15pm.The clash will be televised for supporters on Amazon Prime Video.Arsenal’s trip to Fulham has also been moved back a day from December 8 to the next day at 2pm and will be shown on Sky Sports.The clash at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace will still be played on December 21.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSHowever, the match will no longer be a 3pm kick-off and will start at 5.30pm.Arsenal’s Boxing Day fixture against Ipswich has also been changed.The Gunners will now face the Tractor Boys at the Emirates Stadium on December 27.The match will be shown on Amazon Prime Video for supporters to watch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal will also take on Brentford on News Year’s Day now at 5.30pm.The fixture against the Bees was originally scheduled for December 29 but will now be on TNT Sports.Arsene Wenger was ‘lucky’ at Arsenal and ‘not a football man’ says Souness in extraordinary blast at ex-Arsenal boss Three days later Arsenal will travel to Sussex to take on Brighton and Hove Albion in a 5.30pm kick off shown on Sky Sports.The second North London derby of the season will now be played on January 15 at 8pm.The highly anticipated clash was originally planned for January 14 at 7.45pm.The rival clash will be shown on TNT Sports.The last match that has been moved is the January 18 fixture with Aston Villa at the Emirates.The match will now be played at 5.30pm rather than 3pm. More

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      Cole Palmer delivers one-word verdict on Chelsea wonderkid, 17, in message to him before he’s even played for Blues

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer called Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, who will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, a “star”. The Blues reached a deal with Palmeiras to sign Estevao, 17, in May following a £56million agreement with the youngster staying with the Brazilian giants until he turns 18 years old.Chelsea star Cole Palmer called soon-to-be team-mate Estevao Willian a ‘star’Credit: AFPEstevao emulated Palmer’s signature celebration a day after signing with ChelseaCredit: AlamyThe winger scored a goal a day after penning with the West Londoners and revealed he emulated Palmer’s famous “cold” celebration, which sees him rub his arms as if he’s shivering.That led to an exchange between the two soon-to-be team-mates on social media with the England international complimenting the forward’s skills and talent.The Chelsea star also told the teenage sensation that he is looking forward to doing “a lot of great things” together next season.Estevao told The Guardian: “When I signed for Chelsea, the next day I scored a goal and celebrated like Palmer.Read More on Football”His celebration was trendy, very popular. We talked on social media, I tagged him on Instagram.”He called me a star, I said he’s a star too. He said we’re going to do a lot of great things together for Chelsea.”Estevao has amassed a total of 15 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances with Palmeiras and was also called up for international duty by Brazil’s senior team.The forward has already picked up two caps and is expected to mix things up with some of his international team-mates in the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat includes Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, with whom he had a funny interaction recently while on national duty.Estevao added: “In shooting training, I started to hit all the shots and Alisson got a bit angry.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involved”He said he was still warming up, that I should wait a little bit. But I took it a bit seriously and scored many goals [against] him.”He took it all in jest, but I hope that next year I can do [it] again against him in [Premier League] matches. We’ll see a lot of each other in England.” More

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      ‘Fantastic coach’ – Harry Kane breaks silence on Thomas Tuchel as he closes in on England manager’s job

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      HARRY KANE has spoken out about Thomas Tuchel with the former Chelsea boss closing in on taking over as England manager.Three Lions captain Kane has heralded Tuchel as a “fantastic coach” amid the speculation.Harry Kane has broken his silence on Thomas Tuchel amid reports that the German is in line to become the next England managerCredit: ReutersKane, who played under Tuchel last season with Bayern Munich, told Sky Sports: “Until it’s announced obviously I can’t really comment, but we have to wait and see.”Obviously, I know Thomas well from last year. Fantastic coach, fantastic person, so I am sure the guys at the FA will contact me, when they know more about it.”Tuchel is understood to be in advanced talks with the FA over becoming the long-term successor to Gareth Southgate.No deal has been agreed with the 51-year-old coach yet but talks are expected to continue over the next 24 hours.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSTuchel, who has been without a job since he was sacked by Bayern Munich in the summer, would become England’s third overseas boss should he be appointed.The German would follow in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.Tuchel began his managerial career with FC Ausburg II before earning a spot in the dugouts at some of Europe’s biggest teams – including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.His time at Stamford Bridge saw him guide the Blues to the 2021 Champions League title.Most read in FootballHarry Kane had an exceptional record under Tuchel at Bayern Munich last seasonSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTuchel is familiar with England captain Kane having been the man who signed him for Bayern last summer.Despite Tuchel ultimately losing his job, the tactician helped Kane to his best ever goalscoring season.Thomas Tuchel reveals ‘ridiculous’ thing Harry Kane does when asked what surprises him about England starThe 31-year-old bagsman netted an astonishing 44 times in 45 games last term, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot as Bayern missed out on the title. 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.Lee Carsley was initially appointed as England’s interim manager but he has not been seen as a suitable candidate.The former England U21s boss failed to impress when England were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat to Greece last week under his management. While he himself has claimed that the Three Lions deserve a “world-class coach who has won trophies” and that he is “still on the path to that” after England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday.Execs at the FA are also understood to have sounded out the idea of hiring Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as well as Newcastle gaffer Eddie Howe.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Guardiola is thought to be committed to Man City for the time being and Howe’s contract with Newcastle promoted concerns for the FA over the size of a potential compensation payout.England’s next two games in the Nations League, when Tuchel could be in charge, are against Greece and Ireland next month.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel in the frame to be the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      England candidate Thomas Tuchel is confrontational ex-Chelsea boss who once made player crawl on all fours as punishment

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      THOMAS Tuchel is the combustible figure who has managed to fall out with the hierarchy at EVERY job he has been in.The German football manager, 51, is now the hot favourite take over the vacant England job.Fiery Thomas Tuchel is the favourite to take the reins of the Three LionsCredit: GettyTuchel has a reputation for falling out with players and club hierarchyTalks are ongoing with the ex-Chelsea boss’s representatives over taking the reins of the Three Lions and the FA appear to be hopeful of getting their man.They add Tuchel could quickly be confirmed in the role if negotiations progress well.However, exact terms for his contract are yet to be agreed.But be warned, it could be a bumpy ride with Tuchel in charge who has a habit of epic rows with senior figures, his players, and even rival coaches.Read more football news That escalated quickly…Serial winner, yes. But at what cost?Tuchel had already made a name for himself at Mainz as being a difficult personality, when he took on the Borussia Dortmund job.He reportedly demanded more investment in team, and when he didn’t get what he wanted he walked away from his job.Dortmund hired him in 2015 to replace club favourite, Jurgen Klopp. Most read in FootballSoon, though, players were unhappy with his man-management skills.The five possible contenders to take over England manager job from Pep to PotterAnd although he won the German Cup, his time there is best-remembered for the bust-ups he had.There were disagreements with senior players, including Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Roman Weidenfeller.With Hummels he criticised his performance after a game. “Mats can do better,” Tuchel explained on why he substituted him in the 78th minute of their DFB Pokal final in May 2016 against Bayern.But the best was yet to come. A disagreement with forward Emre Mor resulted in one of the most extraordinary punishments a manager could have dished out.Miffed that Mor would question his methods, Tuchel employed his fitness coach to make the Turkish forward crawl across the pitch on his hands and knees as a punishment for not working hard enough.When the youngster complained, Tuchel barked: “Shut your mouth! Shut your mouth! Shut your mouth!”Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Michael Zorc also had their issues with Tuchel during his two-year tenure.The coach was unhappy when the club signed Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, claiming in a press conference he knew nothing about the deal.Then, when a Champions League fixture against Monaco had to be rearranged because of a bombing on the team bus, Watzke rearranged the game 24-hours later, ensuring the players were fine with this arrangement.Tuchel wasn’t. He moaned publicly and said the decision for the match to be played was made for them, and wasn’t his decision. Watzke later revealed that Tuchel had an opportunity to say he didn’t want the clash to happen but kept quiet.At Dortmund Tuchel was seen as a hard taskmasterTuchel didn’t want Alexander Isak, left, at the club, and punished Turkish forward Emre Mor, rightJust days after he won the German cup for the club, Tuchel was sacked with Watzke saying he was “worn out” dealing with the manager.Leaving Germany behindAfter leaving his homeland, PSG decided Tuchel was the top man to replace the successful and harmonious Unai Emery.Largely, there were few disagreements – given he inherited a squad chock-a-block of the game’s biggest superstars.He got on well with Neymar, and there was just once spat with Kylian Mbappe who he confronted after the France forward showed his dismay at being subbed off.Tuchel’s problem at PSG was sporting director, Leonardo. In an interview, he compared his job to being a sports politician and not a coach.The former AC Milan star didn’t like that, and when Leonardo insisted the club signed midfielder Danilo Pereira – Tuchel played the Brazilian in defence in protest because he wanted a centre half instead.Despite winning the treble, he was dismissed in 2021.Surprisingly, Tuchel had a good relationship with maverick NeymarKylian Mbappe and Thomas Tuchel had a brief fallout when the France star was subbedPSG’s sport director Leonardo did not see eye-to-eye with Tuchelread more sport featuresLondon callingIn 2021, Tuchel was hired by Chelsea to replace Frank Lampard.He inherited a team that had a healthy mix of experienced players, leaders and young fledgling talents.The team got to the FA Cup final, losing to Leicester City 1-0.However, they would land a bigger trophy – winning the Champions League a month later beating Man City thanks to a Kai Havertz goal.Trouble began to brew when Chelsea were taken over by Todd Boehly.He was already reportedly tetchy during their preseason tour of the US – blasting his players for their performances in Chelsea’s friendlies.According to the Telegraph, Tuchel was unhappy with being given extra responsibilities in terms of buying, selling and negotiating for players.Then, on another occasion when Boehly was insistent Chelsea should move for Cristiano Ronaldo, the tactician was said to be exasperated having to explain his decisions why they shouldn’t buy him.Tuchel was reportedly dismayed that former technical and performance advisor Petr Cech left the club after the takeover.Tuchel’s role at Chelsea lasted just 20 monthsIn his first season Tuchel delivered the Champions League trophy for the BluesHowever, he soon began to get tetchy in his role at Stamford Bridge – famously arguing with Antonio ConteTuchel’s romance with Brazilian beauty Natalie Max reportedly became dressing room gossip among Chelsea’s starsCredit: RexThe German also publicly revealed he had no involvement in the appointment of a new Sporting Director at the club, which revealed a distance between him and the new ownership.A separate report in The Independent claimed Tuchel’s romance with Brazilian girlfriend Natalie Max, 13-years his junior, was a hot topic in the dressing room.It was claimed some players changed their perception of Tuchel around the time he split with Sissi after 13 years of marriage.If it wasn’t his players, or bosses, Tuchel was also having fallouts with rival managers – infamously squaring off with Antonio Conte after refusing to let go his hand following a handshake.It happened again…He lasted just 20 months in his role at Chelsea, but beat that by six months at Bayern Munich.Again, his man-management style seemed to irk the superstars at the club dubbed ‘Hollywood FC’.BILD were the first to report of a division between the manager and his playing staff.Bayern stalwarts Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich were the loudest to voice their discontent.Forward Muller was believed to be frustrated by his lack of playing behind-the-scenes under Tuchel – who didn’t feel the Germany legend could fit into his tactical plans.Tuchel’s Bayern Munich experience ended in unrest amongst the senior playersCredit: ReutersJoshua Kimmich had an epic fallout with Tuchel over his positionCredit: GettyWith Kimmich, it was a little different – and, perhaps, more personal.The relationship began to unravel when Tuchel wanted to bring in a midfielder to play in Kimmich’s role.The 29-year-old was fuming, and told to play in the right-back position.Then, in a match against Bochum last season, he unravelled. After being subbed off in the 63rd minute, he sat on the bench frothing at the mouth.Post-match, Kimmich then got into a huge row with Tuchel’s trusted assistant Zsolt Low as they made their way back to the dressing room. The ill-feeling was spreading throughout the club.Things got worse when Tuchel reportedly told his players: “You’re not as good as I thought, then I just have to adapt to your level,” according to Sky Germany following a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.Unimpressed by his negativity, Bayern’s board members decided enough was enough and gave him his marching orders.READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%In his last few months as Bayern Munich manager, Tuchel cut a frustrated figure on the sidelinesCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Thomas Tuchel could be reunited if England hire the GermanWith his reputation preceding him, Tuchel might just be the most divisive manager England could get.Imagine Harry Kane having to crawl on all fours as a punishment? 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      Mendy ‘thought he could act irresponsibly as he’d like, break rules & STILL keep £6m Man City salary after rape arrest’

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      EX-MANCHESTER City star Benjamin Mendy thought he could behave “as irresponsibly as he liked” and still be paid his £6million-a-year salary, an employment tribunal heard.The French World Cup winner, 30, is claiming £11m in back pay which the Premier League champions withheld after he was charged in August 2021 with four rapes and one sexual assault.Benjamin Mendy celebrating with the Premier League trophy in May 2021Credit: GettyMendy leaving Chester Crown Court on July 14, 2023Credit: AFPThe offences were alleged to have been carried out during Covid lockdown parties at his £4.6m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.But Mendy was cleared after two trials in January and June 2023.A month after he was charged, City bosses wrote to the player – bought for £52m in 2017 from Monaco – and told him they were stopping his £500,000-a-month salary.They said he was “not presently ready and able to perform” the obligations of his contract, namely to train and play games.Read more footballHe had also been suspended by the Football Association from taking part in “footballing activity”.Sean Jones KC, for Man City, also outlined a number of times where Mendy breached Covid rules by hosting house parties, some of which resulted in him being remanded in custody for breach of bail.He told the hearing in Manchester today/yesterday(TUES): “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard.”He says ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like, I can ignore all the rules, both legal, of the club and common sense to the point where my behaviour results in prison.’ Most read in Football”He is trying to make a moral hazard into a virtue.“He says ‘It should in no way affect my entitlement to pay. There should be no consequences to my behaviour.'”As Mendy listened in via video link, Mr Jones told Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop: “The contract of employment is at its heart a work/wage bargain. “He should be able to play and he could no neither because of his behaviour.”We are not here saying he committed rapes and assaults and it was not assumed that he was guilty. “It is not the allegations per se, it was the way he behaved under police bail which made custody inevitable.”The culpability is very clear. He had, in whole or in part, contributed to the state of affairs where he was unable to perform his duties.”The question about whether his salary was payable is not about discipline.”The reason is not because he was subject to disciplinary sanction but because he was unable to perform his duties.”Mr Jones said there were four periods to consider – from September 2021 until January 2022 when he was in prison on remand for breach of bail conditions; from January 2022 to December 2022 when he was released on bail with restrictive conditions; from December 2022 to January 2023 when he was again in custody on remand and from January 2023 to Juine 2023 when his contract was terminated.He said that Mendy’s arguments that he was not doing anything different to five other City players who went to parties was “a red herring” because the other players were still “ready, able and willing” to play and train.In documents submitted to the hearing, Mendy suggested teammates who attended the parties were Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and John Stones. None are accused of any wrongdoing.The tribunal was also told Mendy’s bail conditions included reporting requirements and travel restrictions which meant that he would not be able to get to any of City’s fixtures.Jenny Wiltshire, a solicitor who represented Mendy during his two rape and sexual assault trials, admitted the footballer had not tried to change the bail conditions to allow him to train and play because she knew that he was subject to an Interim Suspension Order from the Football Association which prevented him from taking part in any footballing activities.She said: “We couldn’t specifically ask for conditions that allowed him to work when he was suspended. “If the club was happy for him to work or to train, we would have applied to amend any bail conditions so that he could do so.”The purpose of the bail conditions was never to prevent him working. It was just the fact that the reality at the time was he was not working.” Mendy, now at the French club Lorient, was cleared of seven rapes and two sexual assaults after two trials at Chester crown court in January and June 2023.He has brought a claim for unauthorised deductions from wages, saying under the terms of his contract, the club had the right to stop his wages only for six weeks.Mendy also revealed he was lent money by teammates Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as cash dried up after his arrest.Man City deny breaching employment law and say Mendy violated his contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.On Monday City’s then chief football operations officer Omar Berrada – now in the top job at Man United – denied telling Mendy’s agent the player would receive his salary in full if and when he was cleared.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time at City, the tribunal heard, Mendy received around £25m in salary but missed 123 of 240 games.Employment Judge Dunlop will issue a verdict at a later date.Mendy is trying to reclaim wages from Manchester CityCredit: GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)Credit: Getty More