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    Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss with talks taking place TODAY after Thomas Tuchel is SACKED

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO is set to be named as the new boss of Paris Saint-Germain after the club SACKED Thomas Tuchel.
    The former Spurs boss has reportedly already held talks over the role with further negotiations taking place TODAY.

    Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to take over at PSGCredit: AFP – Getty

    Thomas Tuchel has been sacked as manager of PSGCredit: Reuters

    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports contracts and the make up of Pochettino’s backroom staff are said to be the things standing in the way of an official announcement after RMC Sport first reported the ex-Southampton manager was the frontrunner.
    It will be an emotional ‘dream’ return to the city for Poch after he skippered the side in his playing career and it was previously revealed that he ‘loves’ Paris.
    The 48-year-old recently said: “I have always said that one day it would be a pleasure to manage a big club like Paris, a dream.
    “I try to watch all of their games, especially in the Champions League and sometimes I speak with [Paris Saint-Germain assistant coach] Jean-Louis Gasset.”

    Earlier this month, French football expert Julien Laurens said: “Pochettino has really good ties with PSG, he was their player, their captain, and he loves Paris as a city and a football club.”
    Poch made 95 appearances for PSG between 2001 and 2003.
    The French champions have fired Tuchel after two-and-a-half years at the helm, despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase.
    His job is set to be taken by Argentine Pochettino who has been out of work since being sacked by Daniel Levy in November 2019.

    Mauricio Pochettino captained PSG during his playing daysCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Pochettino is thought to love both the club and the city of ParisCredit: EPA

    The former Borussia Dortmund boss’ last game in charge was a 4-0 win over Strasbourg on Wednesday.
    That result took PSG to just one point behind Ligue 1 top two Lyon and Lille but it was not enough to save the 47-year-old German’s position.
    The French giants clearly opted out of the festive spirit this year, giving Tuchel the boot on Christmas Eve after initially handing him the reins in 2018.
    He is believed to have been given his marching orders by PSG’s sporting director Leonardo on Wednesday night.
    PSG had topped their Champions League group, that included Manchester United who dropped into the Europa League, and are due to face Barcelona in the last 16 in February – but will do so under new guidance.
    It was only FOUR months ago that Tuchel had steered Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Co to within 90 minutes of a first ever Champions League crown.

    But PSG were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in last season’s showpiece final and the hunt for European silverware at the Parc des Princes goes on.
    Before getting the axe, Tuchel had complained to Sport 1 about a lack of recognition for his work, stating it was ‘sad’ his achievements were underplayed.
    In the interview before Wednesday’s game, Tuchel was reported to have claimed it was difficult to keep his big name players happy and even said he felt more like ‘a sports politician or sports minister than a coach’ during his first year in Paris.
    But the now departed boss had come out and tried to clarify his comments, suggesting they had been mistranslated and that he was ‘making a joke’.
    Speaking to Canal +, Tuchel said: “I didn’t say it’s more about politics than sport, nor that I lost the fun of training. This is not true.

    I was making a joke in German. The translation is not correct.”
    Thomas Tuchel

    “It is possible they translated incorrectly.
    “Watch the video interview. I just said that PSG are unique and that it’s a big challenge for me. It’s always been like that. I like this challenge and nothing has changed.”
    The German coach went into further detail about the saga, which left him raging after an off-the-record quip was published, in his post-match press conference – which turned out to be his last.
    He explained: “I gave a video interview to a journalist who told me to do a story about German coaches.
    “It is not an interview for him. It is not allowed. I was making a joke in German. The translation is not correct.
    “We cannot translate word for word. It was a joke while we were talking and it is not allowed.”

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    Neymar linked to stunning model Melodie Penalver – star of Temptation Island – after ‘being charmed by her Instagram’

    MELODIE PENALVER is the latest stunner to have attracted Neymar’s interest.
    The 28-year-old appears to have caught the Brazilian striker’s eye on Instagram.

    The stunning reality TV star now lives in Ibiza

    Melodie Penalver loves to bombard her fans with sexy snaps

    Neymar made his interest known as he ‘liked’ one of her saucy social media snaps.
    In the picture, Melodie is wearing a skimpy black swimsuit and white high heels.
    Marca claim Neymar has been ‘captivated’ by the reality TV star’s beauty.
    Newspaper Proto Thema claim he has been ‘charmed’ by her incredible pictures.

    Melodie has racked up over 793,000 followers on her Instagram page.
    She was born in Elche in Spain, but now lives in the party island of Ibiza.
    According to Lecturas.com, she has been in a relationship for nine years.
    Melodie and her partner Cristian Jerez both featured on reality TV show Temptation Island.

    Neymar cheekily linked one of the 28-year-old’s Instagram picturesCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

    Melodie Penalver has reportedly been in a relationship for nine years

    The stunner has been linked to former Barcelona forward Neymar

    Melodie Penalver has amassed over 793,000 followers on Instagram

    The show sees them spend time on an island where challenges test the strength of their relationships.
    But Neymar’s interest could prove to be the ultimate test for Melodie and Cristian.
    Neymar has been single since his split from long-term Bruna Marquezine.
    But the Paris Saint-Germain forward is continuously linked with different ladies.
    He was spotted kissing stunning popstar Anitta at the Rio Carnival during his tour of Brazil.

    She recently featured on the Spanish TV show Temptation Island

    Melodie Penalver does not follow Neymar on Instagram
    And he sparked romance rumours with another stunning Latino actress after he called her “beautiful” on Instagram.
    The former Barcelona striker even entered the New Year with 26 women at a wild party in his homeland.
    Neymar also is said to have spent a night in Paris with Swiss stunner Liza Brito.

    The Brazilian has reportedly been ‘charmed’ by Melodie Penalver

    She loves to share gorgeous selfies with her Instagram followers

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    FC Lorient volunteer in critical condition after light bar fell on pitch following 3-0 defeat to Rennes

    A MAN is in critical condition after a light bar fell on him at the end of a Ligue 1 match.
    He has been identified by French media as a volunteer ground staff member for French side FC Lorient.

    A man is in critical condition after a light bar fell on him after a Ligue 1 matchCredit: AFP or licensors

    He has been identified by French media as a volunteer ground staff member for French side FC LorientCredit: AFP or licensors

    The ‘very serious’ incident occurred shortly after Lorient’s 3-0 home defeat to Rennes on Sunday afternoon.
    The man was said to be doing his job after the final whistle when the floodlight ramp, used for pitch maintenance, collapsed on him.
    Doctors immediately performed cardiac ‘massage’ on the Lorient volunteer, with pictures showing an ambulance on the field with staff gathered around.
    He was then taken to a local hospital for further treatment 45 minutes later.

    Brazilian left-back Dalbert, on loan at Rennes from Inter Milan, reportedly saw the incident and was ‘greatly shocked’.
    A TV report from Canal+ said: “Immediately, the firefighters and resuscitators arrived.
    “Currently they are carrying out incessant cardiac massages on this man.
    “We have seen players from Rennes completely panicked, other players came out of the locker room.

    The ‘very serious’ incident occurred shortly after Lorient’s 3-0 home defeat to Rennes on Sunday afternoonCredit: AFP or licensors

    “Club doctors, presidents, everyone is very worried.”
    A TV report from Telefoot added: “It’s the terror, the horror.
    “It happened under the eyes of Dalbert, the Rennes player, who is greatly shocked.
    “We are all shocked, the ambulance is in the process of providing treatment.
    “It is really very serious, what just happened in Lorient.”

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    PSG may not be able to afford bumper new contract for Kylian Mbappe alerting Real Madrid to mega-money 2021 transfer

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN may be unable to hand Kylian Mbappe a new bumper contract having been hit hard by the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
    According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Parisian’s accumulated losses of £90million last season and it could rise to £180m this season.

    Kylian Mbappe is on Real Madrid’s shortlist for 2021Credit: Getty Images

    The club need to come up with more than £40m in the January window to somewhat help recoup the loses, with Julian Draxler and Leandro Parades most likely to be sacrificed.
    The report states that the current financial crisis at the club could push Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid’s direction.
    Madrid have already expressed their desire to snap up the World Cup winner, as well as targeting a potential move for Borussia Dortmund attacker Erling Haaland in 2022.
    And Mbappe is also reportedly keen to link up with fellow countryman and French footballing icon Zinedine Zidane.

    Mbappe’s current contract expires in 2022 and although both parties have already opened negotiations, no agreement has been found.
    Should PSG lose one of their most prized possessions, they’re reportedly lining up Lionel Messi as a potential replacement.
    Barcelona, much like PSG, are facing financial problems of their own with the players agreeing to a pay cut totalling to an eye-watering £110m.
    Barcelona are also set to elect a new president in January to fill the vacant spot left by Josep Maria Bartomeu.

    And presidential candidate Emili Rousaud has stated that Messi’s £90m salary cannot be sustained.
    PSG moving on Mbappe and bringing in arguably the biggest star in world football could be seen as counter productive.
    And a viable financial plan for the future needs to be found and fast otherwise the club risk losing one of their biggest and brightest assets.

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    Neymar set to make PSG return in January after spraining his ankle during the loss to Lyon, Ligue 1 champions confirm

    NEYMAR will be out until January after spraining his ankle against Lyon last weekend.
    The Paris Saint-Germain star was carried off on a stretcher during his side’s 1-0 home defeat and he will not return until the New Year.

    Neymar will be out until January after spraining his ankle against Lyon Credit: EPA

    PSG said in a statement: “Following the sprain to his left ankle, there is some bruising to the bone and he continues to undergo treatment at the training ground.
    “He is expected to make his return in January.”
    The Brazilian superstar was scythed down in stoppage time.
    Lyon’s Thiago Mendes was sent off for the late horror tackle.

    Neymar was then writhing in pain and could be seen holding his face as he fought back tears.
    After a few minutes of treatment, he was carried down the tunnel by medical staff.
    The attacker had already missed seven matches this season through injury, coronavirus and suspension.
    Mendes’ family were said to have received death threats after the lunge.

    PSG will be watching today’s Champions League draw knowing they will be without Neymar for some time 😔The Brazilian suffered a nasty-looking injury in the 96th minute after a challenge that was shown a red card after a VAR check.Get well soon 🙏 pic.twitter.com/F5FctQB3Y0
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 14, 2020

    Neymar was carried off in tears

    According to the midfielder’s partner Kelly, furious Neymar and PSG fans have sent a number of threatening messages their way over the last few days.
    When asked by CES to shed light on the alleged threats, Kelly said: “For your boyfriend’s actions, if anything happens to Neymar, you will pay with your life.
    “You and your family, one by one.”
    Lyon leapfrogged PSG in the Ligue 1 table after a 1-0 win at the Parc des Princes, Tino Kadewere scoring the only goal in the first half.
    PSG said at the time: “The medical examinations carried out on Neymar are reassuring following his twisted ankle in Sunday’s game against Lyon.”

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    Kylian Mbappe ‘remains keen’ on Real Madrid transfer with PSG superstar out of contract in 2022

    KYLIAN MBAPPE reportedly remains keen on a Real Madrid switch despite opening contract talks with Paris Saint-Germain.
    Spanish paper AS claims the France star, 21, would very much like to link up with fellow World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane either this summer or the next.

    Kylian Mbappe remains keen on Real Madrid despite opening contract talks with PSGCredit: EPA

    Mbappe’s current PSG contract expires in 2022.
    And although he has started negotiations with club chiefs over a new pay packet, Mbappe will continue to stall signing any offer as he bides his time for Real.
    PSG revealed last week they had opened contract talks with Mbappe, as well as world record signing Neymar.
    But the Ligue 1 champs fear they could lose both star forwards in the near future, with Neymar’s deal also expiring in 18 months.

    Indeed, PSG midfielder Marco Verratti admitted on Sunday that he asks the pair about their plans ‘every day’.
    But Mbappe, who has also been linked with Liverpool, says his next move could depend on his parents.
    He told COPA90: “We make every decision together, as a family. I think it’s the strongest possible thing.
    “This has pushed me higher and allowed me to be where I am today.

    “Without them, it would be impossible, because sometimes you have bad moments.
    “When you have bad moments in your career, you can see which people are there for you, and my parents are there for me every time.
    “Without them, I don’t think I would have everything I do at the moment. They show me the right way to be and I’m really lucky to have these parents.”
    Should PSG part ways with Mbappe, reports claim they could replace him with a free transfer swoop for Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.
    Mbappe has scored 103 goals and added 59 assists in 140 games for PSG since joining from Monaco in 2017.
    He’s since won three Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups, while also reaching last season’s Champions League final.

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    From Thierry Henry to David Trezeguet and Karim Benzema, top 5 French strikers in history with no Olivier Giroud

    REAL MADRID boss Zinedine Zidane has labelled Karim Benzema the best French striker of all-time… but is he right?
    Les Bleus have been blessed with several world-class players over the years, helping rack up two World Cups and two European Championships.

    Reigning world champions France have boasted a number of star forwards over the yearsCredit: Reuters

    Strikers such as Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Eric Cantona and Olivier Giroud can all stake a claim to being in the top five.
    And a number of great attacking midfielders, including Zidane, Michel Platini and Raymond Kopa, have provided the ammunition.
    But, as with any list of this calibre, some top names must be left out.
    Here, SunSport details our top five strikers in French football history.

    5 – Antoine Griezmann
    As mentioned, several top players would be jostling for this position with Giroud, Mbappe, Jean-Pierre Papin and Sylvain Wiltord unfortunate to miss out.
    Yet Barcelona star Griezmann has spearheaded the attack to two finals in his three major tournaments.
    Vital goals past Ireland and Germany set up a Euro 2016 final defeat before he netted the go-ahead goal in the World Cup final two years later.

    Antoine Griezmann was a focal point in France’s 2018 World Cup winCredit: Getty – Contributor
    4 – David Trezeguet
    Scoring goals in friendlies or against minnows in qualifying is all well and good, but it is the big moment when the heroes turn up.

    Trezeguet’s golden goal winner to win Euro 2000 is forever etched in France football history.
    And the ex-Juventus ace formed part of an impressive attack for over a decade, sitting as his country’s fourth-highest scorer of all-time with 34 goals.

    David Trezeguet netted the goal that won Euro 2000Credit: EPA
    3 – Karim Benzema
    What could have been, had Benzema not become embroiled in a sextape blackmail scandal with former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, is anyone’s guess.
    The 32-year-old denies all allegations but has not featured for Les Bleus since 2015.
    Zidane praised his work ethic and quality at bringing others into the attack, which cannot be doubted with Benzema so far claiming four LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns and four Ligue 1 wins in a fantastic career.

    Karim Benzema is still France’s tenth-highest scorer despite not playing for five yearsCredit: AFP or licensors
    2 – Just Fontaine
    Registering 30 goals for his country is only good enough to make 87-year-old Fontaine the equal-seventh top scorer in the annuls of French football.
    But a career-ending injury meant he did so in just 21 games, putting him head and shoulders above almost any player of any nationality for goals-to-game ratio.
    Fontaine’s 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup remains a record, in a tournament where only Pele’s Brazil could knock out Les Bleus.

    1 – Thierry Henry
    Bursting onto the scene as France’s top scorer in the 1998 World Cup triumph, Henry set out his stall for the years to come.
    Another trio en route to Euro 2000 continued his ascent before his best calendar year came in 2003 – hitting 11 goals in 14 games.
    Retiring internationally in 2010, he held a national record of 51 goals with his tally of 123 caps by far the most of any attacker to play for France.

    Thierry Henry is France’s all-time top goalscorerCredit: AP:Associated Press

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    ‘Lionel Messi to PSG transfer imminent’ as Parisians ‘prepare club stores’ following warning over Barcelona pay-cut

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have reportedly ordered their club stores to prepare for Lionel Messi’s arrival.
    Barcelona presidential candidate Emili Rousaud claimed Messi will leave the Nou Camp if he doesn’t agree to a pay cut.

    Lionel Messi has scored 642 goals for Barcelona in 746 appearancesCredit: Rex Features

    PSG are among the long list of clubs that have been linked to the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
    According to journalist Robin Bairner, the French side are growing increasingly confident of signing him.
    They have allegedly warned stores around the French capital to prepare an influx of business when he joins.
    PSG reportedly expect sales of shirts and club merchandise to go through the roof if Messi makes the move.

    Messi tried to force his way out of Barcelona when he handed in a transfer request this summer.
    Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side were frontrunners in the race to sign him.
    But Messi decided to stay as his kids cried when he told them his plans to leave.
    The 33-year-old’s contract expires next summer anyway and his future is far from decided.

    Rousaud has insisted Messi will have to take a cut on his £500,000-per-week wages if he wants to stay at Barcelona.
    But fellow candidate Victor Font claimed last week he is ‘convinced’ he can keep Messi at the club.
    Messi has scored 642 goals and made 278 assists in 746 appearances for Barcelona.

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