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      Man Utd target Kieran McKenna ‘no longer under consideration for Chelsea job as Blues aim to confirm new boss this week’

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      KIERAN McKENNA is no longer in contention for the Chelsea job. The Blues board are in the process of finding a successor to Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club after just one season. Kieran McKenna is no longer in contention for the Chelsea jobCredit: GettyMcKenna – who led Ipswich to Premier League promotion – was an early favourite for the role. The Northern Irishman took Ipswich from League One to the Premier League to become a hot commodity. Chelsea were seeking a younger candidate for the role and McKenna was deemed the perfect candidate. But according to The Athletic, the ex-Manchester United coach is no longer being considered by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt is believed McKenna is still in the running to take over from Erik ten Hag, who faces being sacked despite winning the FA Cup. Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi are now in a three-horse Chelsea race. The search is being led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart alongside owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Maresca, who worked alongside City manager Pep Guardiola, is coming off a title-winning Championship season at Leicester. Most read in FootballTHE RISE AND RISE OF McKENNAFew managers have risen so dramatically as Kieran McKenna.

      But then few were tipped for coaching success so young.
      London-born McKenna, now 38, retired as a player aged just 22 due to a chronic hip injury.
      He’d begun with  Northern Irish sides Enniskillen Town United and Ballinamallard United before joining Tottenham in 2002.
      But by the time he was forced to quit seven years later, he’d failed to make a single senior appearance.
      However, after graduating from Loughborough University, Spurs appointed him Head of Academy Performance Analysis.
      It was then, in two years guiding Manchester United Under-18 where his reputation soared fastest.
      Having won the Premier League Northern Division title, McKenna was promoted all the way up to Jose Mourinho’s assistant in 2018, remaining high up in the backroom under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick.
      Ipswich took the plunge on him in 2021.
      And after an impressive half-season in League One, he took the Tractor Boys up in his first full campaign – repeating the feat this term to restore the club’s long-lost top-flight status.
      Now, one way or another,  McKenna is poised for his greatest challenge in management – either keeping Ipswich up or moving to a major club.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the Blues board are admirers of his style of play but it could cost £10million to prise him away from the Foxes. De Zerbi meanwhile is said to have impressed Eghbali and would cost £5m in compensation despite leaving Brighton in the summer. Frank is an outsider for the job despite gaining plaudits for his work with Brentford as Chelsea look to announce their new manager this week. Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses More

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      Kieran McKenna would be mad to take Chelsea job and would think twice about Brighton – but couldn’t turn down dream role

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      KIERAN McKENNA is the hottest managerial property but I would be gobsmacked if he quits Ipswich this summer.UNLESS  … Manchester United come knocking.Kieran McKenna might resist anything except Man UtdCredit: GettyThere is a gut feeling around Portman Road he would be unable to turn them down.I’ve met and spoken to McKenna on a number of occasions, talked to his players, some of those who work alongside him and watched his team’s incredible journey from League One mid-table fodder to the Premier League.And it is no surprise he is being linked with the current vacancies at Chelsea and Brighton. He was already getting touted for top-flight jobs LAST SUMMER such is the high regard he is held in elite football circles.Crystal Palace approached him before opting for Oliver Glasner when Roy Hodgson left.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet — knowing the way McKenna operates and works — he would think twice about making what is effectively a side-step move to the Sussex coast after everything he has built in Suffolk.Yes, Brighton are more advanced in their journey and now an established Premier League club that has just had a season in the Europa League — but McKenna firmly believes Ipswich can reach that level too.And he would be stark raving mad to walk into what is effectively a snake pit at Stamford Bridge. Talk of him suddenly pitching up at Chelsea — especially after what happened to Graham Potter — is for the birds.A few defeats there and he would be out of a job and his reputation could be tarnished.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever keeping Ipswich up would only enhance his standing in the game — while going down would not harm it at all. Although Ipswich are already a better side than the likes of Luton and Nottingham Forest.McKenna has a long-term strategy of where he wants to head. That is to manage in the Champions League and competing for trophies. Clearly that is something that is unlikely to happen at Ipswich.How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino But, he understands that he is only two-and-a-half years into his own frontline management journey.McKenna is genuinely excited to be leading Ipswich into the Premier League and has no desire to walk away at this moment.He has completely invested himself into Ipswich and when I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago he was adamant he wanted to write another glorious chapter in his Portman Road story.And that is what he is most likely to do before inevitably leaving for one of the big guns.But I understand Manchester United would be too huge an opportunity and personally special for him to turn down if they decide to give Erik ten Hag the tin tat after this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.McKenna understands United inside out — running their academy and working as an assistant and first-team coach under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer.He always speaks highly of his time there and his fondness for United as a club and is still popular and in touch with many of the backroom staff he worked with during his five years there.It was apt he received his LMA manager of the year award from Sir Alex Ferguson and there is a gut instinct at Ipswich that they would struggle to keep him if SIr Jim Ratcliffe did call him up.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton, who was with McKenna, certainly is not worried about losing McKenna and is confident that quadrupling his annual salary to £5million-a-year in a new four-year deal is proof they mean business and are not just going into the top flight to make up the numbers.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players. You will struggle to find a single one who has anything but the highest praise.McKenna’s biggest assets are his calmness under pressure, his meticulous attention to detail, attacking mindset and loyalty to those he has enjoyed working with.When Ipswich won promotion to the Championship, players at Portman Road were openly talking at the start of the season about having a tilt for Premier League football.Leif Davis — who McKenna signed from Leeds two years ago and has helped make him the best left-back in the Championship last season — told me the manager spoke only about going for promotion rather than consolidating.And that is typical of McKenna — he doesn’t see any point in setting the bar low. His bar is always raised high. Anyone who has played for him or worked with him will tell you exactly that.He is always bold when making substitutes. The amount of games that have been won thanks to McKenna switches usually around the hour mark has been nothing short of remarkable.Just when teams feel they have had Ipswich’s measure he has brought on impact players such as Omari Hutchinson and Jeremy Sarmiento in particular to power to victory.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players and egos. You will struggle to find a single one of them who has anything but the highest praise for McKenna.Even Solskjaer believes McKenna is destined for the top – and he is. But not right now.Another manager being touted for a switch this summer after leading his club to promotion is Leicester’s Enzo Maresca.Oliver Glasner, seen with England call-up Eberechi Eze, landed the Crystal Palace job despite McKenna being approached for the jobCredit: GettyThe Foxes boss, who worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, won the Championship title, pipping Ipswich by a point.Chelsea are said to have spoken with him.There is little doubt that the Spaniard has transformed the way Leicester play — and at times this season were the Man City of the Championship.But Leicester fans started to get restless with him for what they perceived as painstakingly slow football at times. Maresca was unhappy when details came out that Leicester could face a points deduction in the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules.When I spoke with him after they wrapped up the Championship title at Preston, he was seeking assurances going forward that the club were not in any danger of being punished this coming season.Although he did a pretty good job at the King Power, he surely needs to earn his stripes in the top-flight before he can be seriously considered for the Stamford Bridge job.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs good as he has been, he is not as strong a candidate at McKenna.The Ipswich boss is destined for a top job soon — but the jury is still out on Maresca. More

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      Jose Mourinho ‘close’ to sealing deal to return to football after four months unemployed

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      JOSE MOURINHO is closing in on a return to football, it’s been claimed.The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has been unemployed since being sacked by Italian giants Roma in January – eight months after guiding them to Europa Conference League glory.Jose Mourinho has been unemployed for four months after being axed by RomaCredit: AFPThe Portuguese is reportedly close to becoming the Sporting Director oF Saudi Pro League side Al-QadisiyahCredit: REXMourinho, 61, has been linked with a slew of jobs in the four months since his axing – including a shock return to Old Trafford.But The Special One’s period of unemployment is said to be nearing an end.That’s according to SportItalia, who claim the Portuguese is being lined up to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah.But the controversial Mourinho won’t be taking charge of the Saudi Pro League side’s first team.READ MORE ON MOURINHIOIt’s claimed he’s “close” to being appointed as the Kingdom club’s new sporting director.The job would be the first first non-managerial role of Mourinho’s recent career.Mourinho has remained tight-lipped on the intense speculation over his future, which included rumours of a move to Liverpool to replace the recently departed Jurgen Klopp.He did, however, outline the minimum requirements for his next job in late April.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told The Telegraph: “The only thing I want is that the targets and the objectives have to be established by everyone in a fair way.”I cannot go to a club where, because of my history, the objective is to win the title. No.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conference”The only thing I want is that it has to be fair.”Do you think if I was at a big Premier League club and we were sixth, seventh, eighth, in the table, I still have a job?”What I am saying is people [should] look at me the way they look at others.”What is important for me is if the club has objectives and for me to be able to say I am ready to fight for these.”I don’t want to say realistic, but [at least] semi-realistic.”Because when I went to Roma nobody was dreaming about European Cup finals and we did it.”It’s not possible I go to a club almost relegated and the objective is to win the Champions League. It’s good but it is not fair.” More

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      I won biggest game of my club’s 148-year history at Wembley – 48 hours later I’m back at my humble day job

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      A NON-LEAGUE star has returned to his day job despite helping Romford win their first national cup competition.Romford trounced Great Wakering Rovers 3-0 on Saturday at Wembley to lift the FA Vase.Lee Hursit helped Romford to the FA Vase trophyThe cup victory has gone down as one of the greatest moments in the ninth-tier club’s 148-year history.After a goalless first half, Romford sprung to life as Hassan Nalbant broke the deadlock.Sam Deering doubled the lead in the 54th minute before Nalbant bagged his brace to seal the result.But unlike the eventual winners of the world’s biggest tournaments, the players afterwards returned to their day jobs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is down to many of them being part-time footballers One such player was Lee Hursit, 27, who made a late appearance as a substitute in the match.He posted on social media that he would be back “cutting lawns”.He posted: “Back to cutting lawns today I guess.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans were quick to spot the comment on social media as they hailed his modesty.One commented: “The life of a non-league footballer hahahaha, it keeps you honest and hard working.”Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowA second said: “It still seems so unreal it’s like it didn’t really happen to me mad.”Hursit had been a regular for “Boro” throughout the season having made 43 appearances, scoring once.The midfielder was once of Hashtag United and had even scored a goal at Manchester United’s Old Trafford in a match against Tango Squad FC.It was not the only notable goal during his time at the club, as he also scored from halfway in 2021.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Gary Lineker says ‘I’ve heard a little rumour’ about Jurgen Klopp’s next job despite ex-Liverpool boss’ retirement hint

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      GARY LINEKER “heard a little rumour” that Jurgen Klopp could become president of Borussia Dortmund after leaving Liverpool.Klopp, 56, rolled credits on a glittering nine-year stint with the Reds that saw him winning all major honours, including a first league title in 30 years.Gary Lineker heard a wild rumour about Jurgen Klopp’s next job after leaving LiverpoolCredit: GettyLiverpool legend Klopp could become president of Borussia Dortmund, claims LinekerCredit: RexThe German tactician led the Merseysiders to a 2-0 victory over Wolves during his last ever match in charge of the Premier League giants at Anfield on Sunday.The Liverpool legend announced his departure in January as he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.Lineker expects Klopp to take some time off but is confident “there will be a battle” between the world’s biggest clubs to sign him in “a year or so’s time”.But the Match of the Day host also revealed there’s been speculation about him returning to Dortmund in a different capacity that would see him taking charge of the entire club.Read More on FootballKlopp burst onto the scene back in 2008 when he was appointed to the Bundesliga giants’ dugout and led them to two consecutive league titles as well as the 2013 Champions League final.Lineker told the Rest is Football podcast: “I will be interested to see what Jurgen Klopp does next. “I think he will definitely take some time out because I think he’s genuine when he says he has run out of energy.“You can see why that job is so demanding. There will be a battle for him in a year’s time. Or they’ll be lining up for a year or so’s time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I heard a little rumour that he might end up being president of Borussia Dortmund, which would be amazing.”Klopp appeared to have hinted towards managerial retirement after leaving Liverpool.Moment Pep Guardiola is brought to tears and struggles to speak as he pays respects to Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool exitHowever, the ex-Dortmund boss set the record straight after the victory over Wolves and insisted he is not done just yet.Klopp said: “I will work. I have just finished this job. I don’t know exactly why nobody believes I will probably not be a manager again, but I understand because obviously it seems to be a drug.”It looks like that as everybody comes back and everybody works until they are 70-something. I have always had the idea I won’t do that. “Other people are smarter and do it in different ways, but I have to be all-in. I have to be the spark, I have to be the energiser, I have to be all these kind of things. And I am empty. That’s it.”My biggest worry today was that [goalkeeping coach] John Achterberg was coughing all the time next to me, and I thought I’d wake up tomorrow and I’ll be ill because he’s coughing in my direction! I have to start with the rest now and then we will see.”It’s not that I’m looking outside for the next opportunity and which clubs are available and stuff like this. There will be opportunities but I’m not thinking, ‘Maybe in a year’s time I’ll take that’. In this moment, see you later.”I have no clue [what I will do tomorrow]. Packing probably. I have enough things to do, private life must be planned as well but I’ve been here doing things and probably Ulla [Klopp’s wife] will update me where we go. I have no clue what’s coming up. We have a party tonight.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Neil Lennon back in football and opens up on ‘responsibility’ in new role worth £1.5m and Celtic similarity

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      NEIL LENNON has landed a new job after 19 months out of the game.The Celtic icon and former Hibs boss has recently been working as a pundit on TV and online, but has landed a lucrative return to the dugout.Neil Lennon has been working as a pundit since returning to ScotlandCredit: PAAs Omonia Nicosia boss he earned plaudits for performances against Man UnitedCredit: PAHe’ll now look ahead to the Romanian Super LigaCredit: GettyHe has been linked to vacancies at Aberdeen and a return to Easter Road – as well as interviewing for the vacant Republic of Ireland post.But Lennon has now agreed to become new boss of Romanian side Rapid Bucharest.It’s a massive change for the Northern Irishman who broadened his horizons with a surprise move to Cyprus in 2021.He led Omonia Nicosia to the Europa League group stages including commendable performances against Manchester United before being sacked in October 2022.Now he’s heading to Romania where Rapid share the stage with city rivals Steaua, CFR Cluj and rising side FCV Farul Constanta.Sunsport carried the news earlier this month and exclusively revealed he had accepted the lucrative terms of his two-year and £1.5m contract.Lennon led Celtic to five SPFL titles in two spells as manager, adding to another five as player and captain of the Hoops.He also steered Hibs’ return to the Premiership and had a two-year spell at Bolton Wanderers.Most read in FootballHe’s become a regular pundit and analyst on TV since returning from his stint in Cyprus.Watch hilarious moment Chris Sutton pokes fun at Neil Lennon’s pronunciation He frequents online video at PLZ Soccer and is also a regular on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme.Sky have also drafted him in for studio punditry in their live SPFL games, as have Premier Sports and Viaplay for Cup games.But now he has a big “responsibility” in Romania.He opened up on his new move and said: “In the beginning, I spoke with Mr. Șucu and Daniel Sandu, I had extensive discussions with them. “Then we met again a few weeks ago and I was very impressed with the project they presented to me. I was very impressed by Mr. Șucu, he is a very strong, very intelligent man, a man with principles. “It was impressive to me. Then, talking to Daniel as well, it was a simple decision for me. I am very happy to be here, I know that Rapid is a very important name in the history of Romanian football. It’s an opportunity for me.”I hope to create a strong connection between myself and the fans, but that comes with getting positive results and performing. It is my responsibility. “I know they are very passionate supporters who love the club. They are similar to Celtic fans. I want us to perform, that’s my main goal.I hope to meet the supporters soon and I will do everything possible to perform with Rapid.”Rapid axed boss Cristiano Bergodi last month. He had replaced former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu at the Giulesti Stadium.They finished second in Liga 1 before losing seven of their eight play-off matches. His new club confirmed his appointment on Monday lunchtimeThey were initially linked with a move for veteran Hoops favourite Martin O’Neill before turning attention to his Parkhead captain.Chairman Dan Sucu added: “I am pleased that Mr. Neil Lennon, a legend in Great Britain, both as a player and as a coach, is joining our project. Considering his career, he is the most titled foreign specialist who came to train in Romania.”He comes from a soccer culture based on seriousness, work, success. A culture where decisions, once made, are no longer commented on or negotiated, but simply implemented.”A coach with exceptional results, experienced but still young, energetic, very authoritative, a true leader. And, on top of everything, a coach who can make balanced decisions without coming with a baggage of dislikes or subjective preferences regarding the team.”Rapid last won their national league 23 years ago but fell on hard times and went bankrupt in 2016 and had to reform in the fifth tier of football, before battling back and returning to the top flight three years ago.Rapid sports director Daniel Sandu said: “Moving forward, we have to figure out exactly what we’re looking for and what we want from both the players and the new staff.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At the moment we are not in a very good place, but I have faith the new management team will reset us and show what Rapid is all about.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Liverpool No2 Pep Lijnders lands management job with club set to play in major tournament Klopp couldn’t qualify for

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      LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager has landed a new job as boss of a club set to compete in a competition Jurgen Klopp couldn’t qualify for.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders (left) has landed a new job in AustriaCredit: PAThe two men will both bid farewell to Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, while Klopp is set to make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.Pepijn Lijnders, will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool this weekend.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Lijnders said: “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”Lijnders initially worked at Liverpool from 2014 as U16s coach but then stepped up to be first-team development coach in 2015.Working initially under Brendan Rodgers, he remained in his role under Klopp before the Dutchman headed for a one-year spell as boss at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland.What they have said about Arne SlotHere’s what the experts think about Klopp’s replacement:
      MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
      “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
      “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
      “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
      SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
      “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
      “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
      “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
      Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
      “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
      “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
      Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
      “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
      “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

      But Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and played a key role in Klopp’s success.Liverpool were denied a place at the expanded 2025 Club World Cup while Arsenal also missed out after they were eliminated from the Champions League.Fifa decided that no more than two teams per country would be guaranteed participation in the controversial 32-team event with Man City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.Each Champions League winner from the period between 2021 and 2024 qualifies, meaning the 2023 and 2021 winners both make the cut.That ruled out the Kopites, while Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part in it.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat by Bayern Munich in the quarters.Instead, their spot will go to RB Salzburg – who will have their new man at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.The second criteria is based on a club’s place in the Uefa Champions League coefficient over the same period, which is how Salzburg got in.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Jose Mourinho ‘approached for shock job at European giants’ after four months unemployed

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      JOSE MOURINHO has reported been approached to become the new manager of Fenerbahce.The Portuguese manager has been out of work since he was sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho is a reported target for FenerbahceCredit: RexMourinho would join former Man United ace Fred at the clubCredit: Times Newspapers LtdMourinho, 61, has since been linked with a host of jobs with roles in Saudi Arabia.However, he has remained a free agent and is yet to accept a new job.Reports in Turkey have now claimed that he has been “contacted” by Fenerbahce’s chairman Aziz Yildirim.It is suggested that Mourinho could be offered the chance to replace Ismail Kartal as manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould Mourinho accept the position he would be reunited with one former player Fred.The two worked together briefly at Old Trafford before Mourinho was sacked in December 2018.Fenerbahce is likely to finish second in the Turkish Super Lig, only behind Galatasaray.The club is six points behind their rivals with two games remaining in the league campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club will be in the Champions League next season as third-placed Trabzonspor can not catch them.Mourinho did enjoy some success at Roma as he led the club to the Europa Conference League trophy in 2022.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceBut he lost his job earlier this year following a dismal run of form and a string of outbursts.He was replaced by club legend Daniele De Rossi, who has helped the Rome-based club to 6th place and the Europa League semi-finals.Since being out of work, Mourinho has been racking his brain on new tactical innovations.Last month, he revealed that he believes a manager will one day not play with a goalkeeper as they attempt to score late on in a game.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More