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      Meet Enzo Maresca, from forgotten EFL youngster and working under Pep Guardiola to Chelsea’s top boss target

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      ENZO MARESCA has gone from forgotten Football League youngster to working under Pep Guardiola and now Chelsea’s top managerial target.The Blues have asked Leicester for permission to speak to their Championship-winning boss as they look for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. Enzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: RexMaresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: EPAMaresca started his career at West BromCredit: GettyIt could bring Chelsea’s search for a new manager to a close with Maresca the latest in the ever-changing Stamford Bridge hotseat. But who is the 44-year-old Italian? Well, Maresca actually started his professional playing career at 18 with West Brom after coming through Cagliari’s youth system.That was despite not speaking any English when he first arrived in the West Midlands. READ MORE IN football In an interview with Manchester City, Maresca recalled: “When you move from, in my case Italy to England directly to Birmingham, you can adapt immediately to the language and to the country.“My English was not so good and also I learned a lot when I was there, though I struggled a bit at the beginning but after it worked quite well.” Maresca had two seasons with the Baggies before moving to Juventus in 2000 for what was a West Brom record £4.5million deal.He played under two of football’s managerial greats in Turin, in Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.

      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaresca told SunSport in September: “Ancelotti was just starting his career as a manager but you could see clearly how he wanted to coach. “He was so straight, honest and humble — and unbelievable in terms of relations with his players.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses“Lippi was much stronger but fantastic in terms of motivation.”Maresca bounced around Europe playing for Bologna, Piacenza, Fiorentina, Sevilla, Olympiacos, Málaga, Sampdoria and Palermo.He then ended his playing career in 2017 with Hellas Verona in Italy’s second division. Maresca had three years away before returning to football with City’s Elite Development Squad, winning the Premier League 2 in 2021. He also coached current Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his time at the Etihad. The tactician had a short spell in charge of Parma before going back to City in 2022 as Guardiola’s assistant. It gave Maresca the chance to learn from the Spanish legend up close and personal, as Mikel Arteta once did before taking the Arsenal job. Maresca joined Juventus from West BromCredit: GettyHe bounced around European clubs, including SevillaCredit: EPAMaresca had a spell with PalermoCredit: GettySo before long it was Maresca’s turn to take the leap of faith when Leicester – who had just been relegated from the Premier League – came knocking. He said at the time: “Coming to Leicester was an easy decision because our ideas are perfectly aligned. “They wanted to change the way they play and refresh things. And the most important thing is that they’re patient.“The club knows sometimes it’s not so quick to change things, they’re aware of that.“When the club is aware and patient, the only target is to realise what you want to realise. “The problem is when people start to get nervous, this can be a big problem.”City recruited assistant managers Carlos Vicens and Juanma Lillo after Guardiola gave his blessing for Maresca to leave.Maresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: GettyJack Grealish speaking to Maresca in 2023Credit: GettyMaresca left City to become Leicester bossCredit: Getty“From the very first moment Pep knew that I really wanted to go on to be a manager,” Maresca told The Telegraph. “He knew that I think he is the best coach in the world and that I went there to help and work with him. “But he always encouraged me to keep progressing.”Maresca turned the Foxes into a possession-based side who regularly lined up with 4-3-3 or the occasional 4-2-3-1 while being known to play with inverted full-backs. His side went from strength to strength and ultimately pipped Ipswich to the title by just a point.But Maresca’s revolutionary football at the King Power came at the cost of top clubs suddenly taking notice. And for Chelsea, Maresca fits their criteria. Maresca speaking to SunSportCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyMaresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: GettyIt was his first piece of silverware in EnglandCredit: GettyExperienced former Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino left the club after just one season and a clear falling out with the board. So for the third time under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, they were seeking a permanent replacement. But the board were not out for a serial winner who would demand a say in the running of the club. Instead, they turned their attention to a young boss with fresh ideas who would do their part to turn things around of the field and leave the rest to the hierarchy. Kieran McKenna – whose Ipswich were just pipped by Maresca’s Leicester – was an early favourite. But Chelsea informed McKenna – a former United coach who is linked with replacing Erik ten Hag – that he was no longer being considered.Maresca became Chelsea’s No1 managerial targetCredit: RexBrentford’s Thomas Frank was another appreciated by the Blues board. But none made as bigger impact than Maresca, who is now closing in on a deal to take over at Chelsea. It will cost the West Londoners around £10million in compensation but the board will feel it is money well spent. They have been encouraged by how Guardiola’s protege Arteta turned Arsenal into title contenders. And Maresca faces an equally challenging task following Chelsea’s underwhelming sixth-placed finish. Pochettino lasted a season, Graham Potter just over half a year and Thomas Tuchel just four months working under Boehly and Eghbali. Now it is just a matter of time until Maresca becomes the latest to try and take Chelsea back to their trophy-laden glory days. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is to be offered a three-year deal – a mark of the Blues’ commitment to make the appointment part of a long-term plan. And Chelsea hope to wrap the deal up in just a matter of days. More

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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