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      Ball boy injured after being hit in the neck by a burning flare during Champions League clash

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      A BALL boy at Stuttgart’s Champions League match against Atalanta was hit in the neck by a burning flare, German reports say. The match ended 2-0 to the visiting Italian side but it was the home supporters who made themselves most known. A ball boy at Stuttgart’s match against Atalanta was hit in the neck by a burning flareCredit: EPAOne Stuttgart end was filled with smoke after red flares were set off during the game. In the second half, a burning flare flew was thrown towards the pitch and hit a ball boy in the neck. The incident was caught on surveillance cameras, police said. Medics attended to the ball boy with his injuries remaining unknown. READ MORE IN football According to German outlet Welt, another fan in the stands suffered burns while two others had to be treated for the smoke.Away spectators are also said to have set off fireworks.Second-half goals from Ademola Lookman and Nicolo Zaniolo settled the sides. But there was history made as 18-year-old Jarzinho Malanga became Stuttgart’s second-youngest debutant. Most read in FootballManager Sebastian Hoeness said:  “He immediately gave us an impetus with his easy-going manner, which is how it should be when you make a substitution. “His shot was a little statement of intent. We’re confident he’ll continue to put a lot of hard work into his development.” Champions League games have been using incredible hidden technology all season but have you noticed it? More

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      Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad

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      JACK GREALISH was seen on FaceTime with Aston Villa fans after being left out of Manchester City’s Champions League squad.Villa and City were both in action this week in Europe, with Grealish’s old side taking on Club Brugge on Wednesday and his current taking on Sporting CP on Tuesday.Jack Grealish was seen on FaceTime with Aston Villa fansCredit: XIt came after he was left out of Man City’s team to face Sporting CPCredit: XGrealish was not present as Pep Guardiola’s team suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Portuguese side on Ruben Amorim’s final home game in charge before he takes over at Manchester United.However, the 29-year-old opted to spend some of the evening on FaceTime with fans of his former club.A video shared to social media showed Grealish on a video call with Villa fans following their game in Bruges, where they lost 1-0 following an inexplicable handball from Tyrone Mings.But seeing Grealish on the phone while they were in the pub seemed to brighten their spirits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were heard chanting about Grealish during the call.It went: “Take me on up to the spirit in the sky. “It’s where I want to go when I die. “When I die and they lay me to rest, I’m going to go on the p*** with Jack Grealish.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish was expected to be out of action until after the international break.But earlier today he was named in Lee Carsley’s final England squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over the team.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashGrealish has had a stop-start season after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.He has made 10 appearances and has two assists to his name, but is yet to score.The defeats in the Champions League this week were the first for both Villa and City in the competition this season.This weekend Man City pay a visit to Brighton, while Unai Emery’s Villa are away at league leaders Liverpool. More

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      Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has NO influence on his squad

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      LEE CARSLEY sent Thomas Tuchel a classy message after he was announced as England’s new manager.The interim boss will take charge of his final two matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League next week.Lee Carsley congratulated Thomas Tuchel on landing the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel starts as England boss on January 1As Carsley’s time at the helm comes to an end, he said: “I have really enjoyed it. It has been a massive honour to be given this opportunity.”The 50-year-old was then asked if he had spoken to Tuchel, revealing he sent a classy message to the German after his unveiling.Carsley said: “I have only messaged him on text and congratulated him.”On his time as England boss, he added: “I still see this as a massive privilege. I have really enjoyed it. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been a massive honour to be given this opportunity. We have shown we are capable of doing it.”My focus was always on the games. People know how tough the job is without worrying about outside influences.”Carsley announced his squad for the games versus Greece and Ireland today, calling-up three uncapped players in Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones.It is the first time the Southampton and Newcastle defenders have been named in a senior England team after both starred for Carsley during his time as Under-21s gaffer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLiverpool midfielder Jones was called-up last time but withdrew due to personal matters.On the squad’s new additions, Carsley said: “He [Tuchel] had no influence on the squad selection.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett runs the rule over England’s squad after two players are given first call-up”They are both players who have played a lot of minutes this season and players I both know really well.”Taylor is a player I know, an outstanding Under-21s captain. “Lewis is high quality. We have lots of competition at right-back but not the same challenges at left-back.” More

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      Man Utd promote 17-year-old wonderkid to squad at last-minute ahead of Europa League clash against PAOK

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have added academy starlet Jayce Fitzgerald to their Europa League squad.The Red Devils are set to welcome Greek side PAOK to Old Trafford this evening.Jayce Fitzgerald has been added to Man Utd’s B ListCredit: GettyOn September 4, United were required to submit their 25-man “List A” Europa League squad to Uefa.Throughout the group stage, however, further players can be be made eligible if they meet certain criteria.Uefa rules state: “A player may be registered on List B if he is born on or after 1 January 2003 and has, since his 15th birthday, been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years.”Or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club from the same association for a period not longer than one year.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDClubs have until midnight prior to matchday to add players to List B.With Fitzgerald, 17, fitting the bill, he has been added to United’s squad and will be eligible to feature this evening.The academy starlet has been introduced to the Red Devils’ first team set-up since Ruud van Nistelrooy took caretaker charge.He was an unused substitute as United beat Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup, in what was Van Nistelrooy’s first game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFitzgerald was again named on the bench for last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.The youngster has shown his versatility for United’s Under-18s this season.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City He has featured in midfield and at centre-back.While he has also been deployed as a No10 and even a right-back during Under-18 Premier League games.Fitzgerald was in action yesterday as Man Utd’s Under-19s beat Lithuanian side Zalgiris Vilnius in the Uefa Youth League.He should still be relatively fresh, however, having been withdrawn at half-time.Fitzgerald, 17, will be available if called upon this eveningCredit: Getty More

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      Where Arsenal go now after Edu’s emotional exit – and why it’s essential new sporting director gets on with Mikel Arteta

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      ARSENAL were hit with a shock resignation from their Sporting Director Edu on Monday.The Brazilian, 46, is set to join up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakas as head of his expanding multi-club empire in what is believed to be a triple-your-money deal.Edu unexpectedly left his Arsenal Sporting Director role on MondayCredit: GettyThe Brazilian helped to craft Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing sideCredit: GettyEx-Invincibles hero Edu has overseen Arsenal’s long-overdue rise back to the top of English football following his return to the club in July 2019 initially as technical director.During his five-year stint, he helped hire Mikel Arteta as manager, terminate the contracts of numerous bad eggs from the dressing room, revolutionise their recruitment philosophy and create a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.But now, they are on the lookout for his replacement. So, how did this happen, and what are Arsenal’s next steps?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhy did Edu resign? While extremely happy with his position and his lifestyle in North London at a club he adores, Edu has had one eye on the future and a new role for some time now.He has spent the last few years as a ‘tracksuit’ Sporting Director – an ever presence at the London Colney training base, building relationships with the players with a more hands-on approach to finding and working with new talent.There is a sense that Edu now sees himself as more of a ‘suit’ Sporting Director – one who works behind the scenes and oversees a more vast and all-encompassing vision.Arsenal were aware of other teams taking an interest in Edu and his progress.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManaging director Richard Garlick sat down with Edu at the end of this summer’s transfer window. While Edu was open about his future, there was no sense of a real desire to leave.Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty decisions as Arsenal lose to Inter Milan Arsenal insist there was no falling out between Edu and any board members – or Arteta for that matter – and this was simply an offer too good to turn down, one that Edu feared would not come up again should he pass on it.So, while his resignation announcement on Monday was a shock, there was no ill-feeling.Edu said his goodbyes to the players and staff on Tuesday afternoon in the dressing room at London Colney, before the group headed to the airport for their Champions League clash away at Inter Milan.SunSport understands Edu’s address was an emotional one.Arsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.So, who will replace him? Arsenal feel it would be foolish to try and replace Edu like-for-like – having a legend with a real connection to the club as a Sporting Director was by chance, not by design.But there is a common agreement that the Sporting Director model has worked for them, so why change it? However, Arsenal are said to be open to different options.Their new hire could be based more on an analytical/data-driven approach, whereas one of Edu’s great strengths was his contacts across the globe that drove recruitment.And whereas Edu covered all areas from the men’s first team, the women’s first team and the academy, there are talks over whether that brief is streamlined and made more focused.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu.There is a feeling this is a chance for a refresh – a mini reset.Arsenal are also considering using an outside recruitment agency to help with the process, one which is set to scour the continent for the best person.One thing is for sure: the new hire MUST have a good working relationship not just with the club leadership group on the board, but Arteta too.Edu would often act as a sounding board for Arteta to vent his frustrations to throughout a calendar year. Others are stepping in to fill that void currently.There is no real timeframe on when they will have someone through the door, the process IS still in very early stages, but Arsenal believe they can cope without him in the short term.While Edu will be unable to begin his new role at Forest for another six months due to his notice period, Arsenal will rely on managing director Garlick, co-chairman Josh Kroenke and executive vice chair Tim Lewis as senior voices to share responsibility.Jason Ayto – Edu’s no.2 since April 20233 – will also step up temporarily having worked his way up from a scout at the club since 2014.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs a result, Arsenal are not concerned about their approach for the next two transfer windows – January is not seen as a priority, more a reactive window, while next summer’s window plans are proceeding as normal.Garlick is flying out to the States on Monday to speak with the Kroenke’s about funds and strategy for 2025, something that would have been done with or without Edu in his role. 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      Kylian Mbappe DROPPED from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been dropped from the France squad after a difficult start to life at Real Madrid.The French captain, 25, missed last month’s internationals through injury but manager Didier Deschamps revealed his “one off” decision was nothing to do with fitness.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of France’s squad for their upcoming internationalsCredit: GettyDidier Deschamps has played down talk of any issue with the Real Madrid superstarCredit: GettyMbappe has struggled to settle in Madrid following his dream free transfer in the summer.The former Paris Saint-Germain man has eight goals in all competitions for the Spanish giants but has gone missing in big games, including in the 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona and in their midweek defeat to AC Milan.Deschamps held talks with Mbappe who told the manager he wanted to be included in the squad for games against Israel and Italy.But the France boss said: “I’ve had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s my responsibility to make decisions. I think it’s better that way.”I’m not going to argue.”What I can tell you are these two things. One, that Kylian wanted to come.”And two, it’s not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist. It’s a one-off choice for this gathering.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe last month dismissed reports in Swedish media linking him to a rape inquiry in the country as “fake news”.His lawyers said he was “stunned” by the reports and they were preparing to hit back with a claim for defamation, according to the BBC.Mbappe is expected to play for Real Madrid when they host Osasuna in LaLiga on Saturday.Carlo Ancelotti’s side will return from the international break with a trip to Leganes, before they jet off to England to take on Liverpool in the Champions League.Fans ask ‘why was Mbappe shocked to see the referee?’ as hilarious video emerges during Real Madrid clashThey are nine points adrift of Barcelona in LaLiga with one game in hand.In Europe, they have won two and lost two, leaving them 18th out of 36 teams in the league phase of the Champions League with four games remaining. More

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      My flat overlooks a Premier League stadium – men try to go on dates with me just to watch football

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      A woman who owns a flat that overlooks Brentford’s stadium has revealed men try to date her in order to watch Premier League games.Football fans pay huge sums of money to watch top-flight matches across England every weekend.Noemi Oberhauser has shared the view from her flat on social mediaCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe can watch all Brentford’s home games from her West London residenceCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhIn one post she captioned it ‘When dreams turn into reality’Credit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhIn a video she called on her followers to ‘watch the match with me’Credit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhThomas Frank’s Bees welcome more than 17,000 people into the Gtech Community Stadium for their home fixtures.The ground also played host to London Irish from 2020 to 2023.Yet Noemi Oberhauser, 24, is able to watch all games at the stadium without paying a penny.That is because the singer lives in a £1,200-a-month flat that overlooks the Brentford pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNoemi, who did not move into the West London residence because of the stellar view of the football, has shared several social media clips of her watching games from her window – where almost all of the pitch is visible.This has garnered an Instagram following of 17,000 people.However, she has admitted one negative is receiving messages from people asking to date her in the hope they can watch a match from her flat.Speaking to What’s The Jam, she said: “I have quite a few people messaging me on Instagram about the apartment.Most read in FootballSinger Noemi pays £1,200 per month for her London flatCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe has revealed people want to go on dates with her to watch the gamesCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhNoemi insists she finds requests to watch matches hilariousCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe has received comments saying things such as ‘Marry me’Credit: Jam Press/@noemi.brh”Mostly offering to come to watch the match with me and turning it into a little date.”A lot also comment saying things like ‘Marry me’. So, it is quite funny.”Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch Noemi was not a Brentford supporter when she moved into the London flat.But given the incredible opportunity she now has to watch the games, she insists it has triggered an interest in football and Frank’s side.She added: “I’ve obviously been supporting Brentford ever since.”I was never that bothered about football before, but now I am really interested.”I even catch up [with matches] when I’m abroad!”Brentford sit 12th in the Premier League table and are unbeaten in their five home league games this season – winning four and drawing one.They have also scored 19 goals in their 10 Premier League matches – the fourth-highest in the division behind only Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea.Noemi is now a Brentford supporter and regularly watches the gamesCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe has even explained how she keeps up with Brentford’s results while abroadCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brh More

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      Where it’s all gone wrong for Real Madrid, from the Mbappe dilemma to Ballon d’Or strop and even Wag blasting Ancelotti

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      REAL MADRID were supposed to be world beaters this year.Ending last season as Spanish and European champions they – finally – added Kylian Mbappe, the star who had been in their sights for the past three years.Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent over the summerLos Blancos suffered back-to-back defeats at the Bernabeu after AC Milan’s 3-1 winCredit: RexVinicius Junior scored Madrid’s only goal against the Rossoneri from the spotCredit: AlamyBut after back-to-back Bernabeu thumpings, first at the hands of Barcelona and then AC Milan, even Carlo Ancelotti appears to be scratching his head.Speaking after the Milan humbling, their second defeat in four Champions League games, Ancelotti said: “What’s not so normal is that this team had a very good run and has fallen so fast.”But that is part of football too: when you think everything is perfect, you fall.”The reality is what was seen on the pitch. We have to be worried. We’re lacking something.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn recent performances, lacking something appears to be quite the understatement – Don Carlo has a lot on his plate.Mbappe’s Madrid move hasn’t got off to great startMBAPPEAfter years of flirting the French superstar finally arrived in the Spanish capital this summer, albeit off the back of a deflating Euro 2024.He was supposed to be the final piece in an already impressive jigsaw but his arrival has caused more problems than it has solved.Mbappe has eight goals in all competitions, six of which came in an impressive run of five games, but the forward has unsettled Ancelotti’s plan.Most read in FootballAnd his shot conversion rate as plummeted down from an average of 21 at Paris Saint-Germain to just 11.42 at Madrid.Against Barcelona, his first taste of a fixture he will have played over in his head time and again over the years, things went badly wrong.The forward was caught offside a shocking eight times – more than any player in one game across Europe’s top league for eight years.Mbappe might have to learn how to play as a number nineJude Bellingham kicks bottle in fury after he is subbed in AC Milan defeat as Thierry Henry gives theory behind strop But merely pinning the problems on his arrival could be misleading.Spanish football expert and pundit, Terry Gibson, told SunSport: “People couldn’t be more wrong.”He is an easy target, there are loads of reasons why they are faltering.”He suffered at the start before he scored a goal, but got going and his goalscoring record is good.”He has moved to a new club, league and position but he is working hard and is a constant threat.”There are other reasons Real Madrid are struggling.”It has made it complicated for Ancelotti to find a way of playing but he has failed so far this year to find a system.”Madrid already trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by nine points and are in the bottom half of the Champions League table.BELLINGHAMAnother who looks a touch lost is last season’s boy wonder, Jude Bellingham.By this time last year, 14 games into his debut season at Madrid, Bellingham had 13 goals. The England star is still waiting for his first of the campaign.Fatigue over the summer with the Three Lions spilled into injury at the start of this season, with the 21-year-old missing four games.But even when fit he looks well off his best, shunted around by Ancelotti as the Italian struggles to find a role for last season’s talisman.During the summer Ancelotti insisted Mbappe and Bellingham would gel just fine, stating the best players can adapt to any situation. But neither look happy and the Englishman booted a water bottle after being hooked against Milan midweek.Jude Bellingham kicked a water bottle in frustration after he was subbed off during Madrid’s latest Champions League defeatBellingham and Mbappe’s talents are yet to gel at MadridCredit: ReutersThierry Henry leaped to his defence, detailing just how Mbappe’s languid form was hurting Bellingham.Speaking on CBS, he said: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10-ish is going. I know it can happen sometimes but not all the time. Every single time.”He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side. And then after, he gets substituted?”I would have been upset too.”Thierry Henry stuck up for Jude Bellingham after Tuesday’s defeatCredit: X / CBSSportsGolazoMIDFIELD MESSDue to injuries and absences, with Luka Modric also on the wane, Ancelotti has failed to settle on any sort of structure in the middle.Dani Carvajal’s injury at right-back means the likes of Bellingham are having to be re-shuffled to cover rather than played in his best position.Aurelien Tchouameni, part of the succession plan to replace Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, was whistled off in midweek and is fast becoming a scapegoat.Gibson said: “There is enough there for Ancelotti. It should be Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde and Bellingham at the tip of the diamond and then Vini and Mbappe.”They have to go and get a right-back in January, they won’t win things this year without a right-back.”They got away with this last year because they had Nacho. He has left and no one else came in.”Casemiro’s replacement Aurelien Tchouameni is faced becoming a scapegoatCredit: GettyANCELOTTI QUESTIONEDHe may be the best of the best when it comes to managers in Europe in recent years, but at Real Madrid no one is above criticism.There are already rumours swirling of a return for Zinedine Zidane, while fans will cast eyes towards Xabi Alonso working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen.Gibson said: “I am looking at him and thinking he is changing players and formations. It looks really untidy at the moment. It looks like a group of players making it up as they go along.”Zidane coming back would be a popular choice. It would be classic Real Madrid.”I am not saying he should get the sack or leave but there is a big clamour now for Ancelotti to go.”They have got a weird squad. There are superstars all over the place but they lack depth. They got away with it last season.”Carlo Ancelotti is yet to find the right forward systemBEHIND THE SCENESIt is not just on the pitch where things look askew.The hierarchy’s tantrum over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, with the club boycotting the ceremony in Paris once it became clear Vinicius would not walk away with the prize, exposed an unhappy camp.That petulance is seeping down to the dressing room too. Ancelotti has insisted there is a “healthy” atmosphere within the squad.But the wife of midfielder Fede Valverde recently broke cover, ranting on social media and asking: “When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”She then claimed the account had been hacked.Valverde’s wife Mina Bonino appeared to criticise the decision to haul him offMina claimed he was being used wrongly by the managerMadrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or after Man City star Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gongCredit: RexSUMMERLike all big clubs in Europe, Real Madrid spent most of the summer without their key players.Madrid went on tour to America, where by the end some of the senior players who did travel out were completely fed up – ready to go home.Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yet.Endrick,18, and Arda Guler, 19, have had limited time on the pitch which, in comparison to rivals Barcelona, is a touch embarrassing.Hansi Flick took a flock of La Masia graduates on their summer tour and has embedded them into the team rather than dropping them back down.Gibson said: “One of the criticisms of Ancelotti is he doesn’t use young players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Endrick could play centre-forward but that is not being done apart from when he is off the bench, which isn’t often enough.”Guler had a fantastic Euros but hasn’t had a look in.”Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yetCredit: GettyTurkey international Arda Guler has been limited to roles from the benchCredit: Getty More