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    ‘That’s all we do’ – Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou left baffled by Eric Dier’s assessment of his training methods

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has fired back at Eric Dier after he claimed the Tottenham boss “doesn’t do any tactical work” during training.Dier, 30, fell down the pecking order once Postecoglou, 58, was appointed at Spurs last summer and that led to a mere four Premier League appearances this season.Eric Dier claims Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t work on tactics during trainingCredit: ReutersTottenham boss Postecoglou insists tactics is all the team works on during trainingCredit: AFPDier has been loaned out to Bayern Munich who are expected to sign him permanently from TottenhamCredit: GettyThe versatile defender was thus shipped out on loan at Bayern Munich in January and he has since turned a corner with a total of 13 appearances already under his belt.The England international then opened up about his experience working under the Aussie tactician and suggested his tactical work leaves much to be desired.Dier previously said when asked whether Postecoglou is the most tactically aware manager he has worked with: “No, interestingly, he really doesn’t do any tactical work.”What he does is, every single training drill from Monday to Friday is drawn up to represent the way that he wants to play.Read More on Football”[Antonio] Conte, I could do it blind, but that was a lot of tactical work Monday to Friday, a lot of 10 versus zero, walkthroughs. You were so well drilled, it would be ingrained in you.”However, Postecoglou hit back at Dier, who is expected to be signed permanently by Bayern in June, insisting he completely focuses on tactics during training.And that has paid off as Tottenham are chasing a top-four finish in the ex-Celtic boss’ debut season in north London.Postecoglou responded: “I don’t know what you mean by tactical work.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Everything we do is geared on how we are going to play our football, so for me by extension is tactical work.”Whether that’s on us, or whether it’s on the opposition. In fact I would probably say we don’t do anything apart from tactical work.Eric Dier reveals ‘unfair’ Premier League title race decision which gave Tottenham ‘a sucker punch every week'”That’s all we do every day. If we’re working on our fitness, we’re still trying to play our football.”But I haven’t seen the interview so I’m not sure what he’s referencing.”If you’re talking about do we do training where we’re standing around and working on how we’re going to stop an opposition, how we’re going to break down, no we don’t do that.”But I don’t think that’s the only kind of tactical work that exists. I think anyone who trains with us will tell you that all we do is train the way we play. Maybe that’s not tactical work, I don’t know!”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
    This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
    Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
    Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
    And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
    And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
    Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
    Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer snubbed international manager job before former Man Utd team-mate took role

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER snubbed the Ireland managerial job – allowing former team-mate John O’Shea to take it. The Manchester United legend has been out of work since being sacked by his former club in 2021. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer snubbed the Ireland managerial jobCredit: ReutersSolskjaer has been linked with a host of jobs since leaving United and the Ireland international job was one linked with the Norwegian. But according to Andy Mitten, the man himself has ruled out the move. Mitten posted on X: “Keep getting asked about the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Republic of Ireland job story. “Spoke to him. He has no idea where it came from. He has complete respect for the country and did speak briefly about the job in Jan, but decided it wouldn’t be right for him.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSolskjaer’s former United colleague O’Shea is now poised to take over Ireland permanently after taking charge on an interim basis. The former right-back replaced Stephen Kenny, who left after failing to qualify for Euro 2024. Solskjaer meanwhile confirmed he has rejected approaches since leaving United. He said on The Overlap podcast: “I have a few offers but I’m not ready.Most read in FootballSolskjaer’s Prem managerial stats

    Matches: 127
    Wins: 59
    Draws: 32
    Losses: 36
    Goals For: 212
    Goals Against: 168

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s got to be somewhere I can be myself not like anyone dictating ‘you need to do this, you need to do that’.”Because when you have been at United and managed them. You learn a few things and you want to do it your way the next time.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals moment he ‘100 per cent knew’ he was getting sacked as Man Utd manager More

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    Unemployed Premier League icon watches Liverpool’s mauling to Atalanta as he searches for next manager job

    RAFA BENITEZ watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against Atalanta as he looks for his next managerial job. The Spaniard spent six years at Anfield, famously guiding them to the Champions League trophy in 2005. Rafa Benitez watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against AtalantaCredit: PAHis last role was with Celta Vigo but he was sacked in March following a horror run of results and eight months in charge. Benitez is still looking for a new venture and was recently a shock candidate linked with replacing England boss Gareth Southgate. Liverpool are also recruiting for a new manager following Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement that he will leave in the summer. Currently, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim leads the race to succeed amid reports he has reached an agreement with Liverpool. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Sports Germany have reported that Amorim, who has impressed as boss of Sporting, is pushing for a move to join Liverpool.The 39-year-old is said to be willing and able to pen a deal that would see him stay at Anfield until at least 2027.However, nothing is set in stone and negotiations with current club Sporting are still yet to take place, meaning the deal could still hit a stumbling block.And Liverpool denied any agreement being reached. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portuguese coach’s deal in Lisbon currently runs until 2026 and is believed to have a release clause of £25m.However, it has been suggested that figure would drop down to a more affordable £17m for clubs outside of Portugal.Awkward moment Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confronts journalist in press conferenceLiverpool are said to be hopeful that they can further drive down that fee to a figure of around £8.5m.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, German boss Julian Nagelsmann and Klopp’s No2 Pep Lijnders are other names in the frame. Liverpool next manager candidates

    Ruben Amorim

    Currently in charge at Sporting Lisbon and linked with top clubs in Europe

    Roberto De Zerbi

    Brighton’s manager who is linked with a big move next after transforming the Prem club

    Julian Nagelsmann

    Former Bundesliga winner with Bayern currently in charge of Germany

    Pep Lijnders

    Klopp’s trusted No2 with a link to Liverpool and the squad

    Ange Postecoglou

    Turned Spurs into a front-foot side chasing Champions League football

    Thomas Tuchel

    Champions League winner with Chelsea available next summer having announced his departure at Bayern

    Xabi Alonso

    Linked with the Liverpool and Bayern roles despite announcing he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen

    Steven Gerrard

    Liverpool legend and Scottish Prem winner with Rangers, currently in Saudi with Al-Ettifaq More

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    Liverpool legend Fernando Torres to step down as Atletico Madrid U19s coach at end of season

    FERNANDO TORRES is set to leave his role as Atletico Madrid’s Under-19s manager, it’s been claimed.The Atleti legend was given the job in July 2021 and impressed early doors.Fernando Torres has been in charge of Atletico Madrid’s Under-19s for over two yearsCredit: REXBut the Spaniard is reportedly set to leave his role at the end of the seasonCredit: EPABut questions were being asked about his future last month after his troops were dumped out of the UEFA Youth League by AZ Alkmaar.And according to reports, the Spaniard has decided to move onto pastures new. Relevo claim Torres has decided to “step down” from his role at the end of the season.His reported plans to leave the club has left the Atletico brass facing a big decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTalks over his future are said to be on tap for the end of the month.Torres, 40, was seemingly being groomed to take charge of Atletico’s B team.But the success of current Atleti B boss Luis Garcia Tevenet has made that unlikely.The Rojiblancos brass could, however, decide to give the club legend a position in first-team manager Diego Simeone’s coaching staff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFernando Torres is one of the greatest players in the history of Atletico MadridCredit: EPAFormer Liverpool hitman Torres was honoured with Atleti’s decision to give him the role of Under-19s coach.Reflecting on the news on Twitter, he said: “I’m proud and happy to be returning home.Hench Fernando Torres works up a sweat and pumps some iron in gym after ex-Chelsea star’s stunning body transformation”It’s an exciting challenge I’ve got in front of me.”And we’ll give everything we can to continue to serve our club.”Torres came up through the Atletico’s youth teams before making his first-team debut in 2001.He would go on to score 129 goals in three separate stints for the club.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Sunderland line up ex-Premier League boss as manager after sacking Michael Beale but will have to agree special terms

    PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is top of Sunderland’s wanted list to be their next manager.The Black Cats want a long-term appointment after staggering along under caretaker boss Michael Dodds.Sunderland are lining up Paul Heckingbottom as their next managerCredit: PASunderland sacked Michael Beale and are under caretaker boss Michael DoddsCredit: RexAnd former Sheffield United chief Heck ticks the boxes.But that is if he is willing to work with the current regime and way of doing things.Sunderland want to promote their young players and keep some existing staff under the next boss.Heckingbottom, 46, had talks with the Wearsiders before Michael Beale got the job in December. Read More on FootballBut the move may suit both parties this time.Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is in talks with a US financial group about a £20million loan.But not all the cash will instantly go to the club.Heckingbottom spent two years in charge of Sheffield United and led them to Premier League promotion in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, the Barnsley tactician suffered a dismal campaign with the Blades in the top flight as he lost 11 out of 14 matches, of which he only won one.Heckingbottom was sacked in December and was replaced by Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.’That’s Freudian slip of the month’, says Sky Sports presenter after embarrassed reporter’s blunder live on TVSheffield United are still bottom of the Prem table with seven points separating them from safety. More

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    Wolves boss Gary O’Neil breaks silence over shock reports linking him to Man Utd job in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul

    GARY O’NEIL is “honoured” to be linked to an Old Trafford coaching role.But the Wolves boss, 40, insists there is “no truth” in such talk and claims he is “always going to be a head coach”.Gary O’Neil has suggested he wants to stay as a head coachCredit: GettyManchester United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants a new set-up off the field.And even the future of manager Erik ten Hag is uncertain.United’s new regime are said to admire England chief Gareth Southgate, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.And former Bournemouth boss O’Neil zoomed onto the radar this week amid suggestions Ratcliffe is keen on a whole new coaching structure.RREAD MORE TOP STORIESBut having guided Wolves to ninth in the Premier League in his first season, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder appeared to rule out the switch.He said: “No, no truth. I don’t know where it came from. Obviously, I’ve heard about it.”Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special, two real special clubs.“Firstly, an honour to be linked even though there is no truth in it.Most read in Football“Of course, when your name is mentioned with one of the biggest clubs in world football it’s an honour.”But, as I’ve said, I love it here [at Wolves].”Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleO’Neil’s insistence that he wants to remain the main man would seem to be another obstacle for the Red Devils, should they pursue him.He added: “I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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    Declan Rice has swaggered to the top with a smile on his face… now he faces intriguing battle against the best

    THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.Arsenal star Declan Rice is on his way to superstardomCredit: GettyRice is facing his biggest challenge against Man City star RodriCredit: GettyTroy Deeney has been very impressed with Rice’s performances for Arsenal and EnglandCredit: APWhen he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.We would tell each other to “do one” every now and again, but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say: “Good touch, mate”.Read More on FootballHe had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be. When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or: “Why him?” It was more a sense of: “Yeah, that makes sense”.There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThose two can drive standards but in the new school way.They are able to do that, want to kill each other on the pitch, and as soon as it’s over they can smile, shake your hand and say: “Good game mate. You alright?”Arsenal star Declan Rice handed custom gift by Frank Lampard to mark his 50th England capThey can go back to their normal personality which is juvenile and fun.The days of your Roy Keane types, intimidating people who were the same on the pitch as they were off it and in life, are long gone. It was very difficult to get any fun out of him.As a captain, if you keep barking at someone with no praise, then they will eventually snap. I’ve heard from people who played and worked with Keane that they were always working to get his approval or a nod, and rarely got it.I compare it to basketball with Michael Jordan and LeBron James — both men ridiculously good. Jordan had this fear factor and wanted people to be scared. LeBron knew he was better than you but still wanted to be your mate.Looking back, Keane needed to be that Jordan character in order to be the best version of himself. Now, as a pundit and an ex-pro, he is a good laugh and is more relaxed. In a weird way, I am probably the last of that old school type. With these young players now, it is a new generation, and they are more jokey. Rice’s biggest challenge yetDeclan does those Muller Rice TV adverts. He appears on A League of Their Own. You see clips of him singing and dancing in and around training. That’s just who he is.Look at Tottenham’s James Maddison. He is hell-bent on winning but he plays with a smile on his face. He interacts with the crowd. It’s the new way and it’s cool. It’s a good way.When they need to work, they work. But then they realise they have the best job in the world and they need to enjoy aspects of it.Declan must be enjoying himself at Arsenal. He practically runs games for them, and has his biggest test yet against Manchester City’s Rodri on Sunday.They are both in the top five best holding midfielders in the world, and all Rodri has over Declan right now is that he has won it all and has scored in big, big moments.Declan has scored a few last-minute winners for the Gunners, but nothing compared to scoring a career-defining winner in a Champions League final, something Rodri did for City last June.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal go into this City game top but need a win – a buffer – heading into the final stretch, and I only say that because of what happened last year and how they lost it.Mark my words, City and Liverpool will not drop many points between now and the end of the season, so what a chance it is for Mikel Arteta’s side to take a chunk out of one of their rivals. More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals he missed out on huge international job twice after owner told ex-Chelsea boss ‘no chance’

    JOSE MOURINHO has revealed Real Madrid stopped him bossing Portugal – before he rejected another chance of taking the job when at Roma.The Serie A club axed the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United chief two months ago but he wants to return to management this summer.Jose Mourinho says he’s keen to resume his legendary managerial careerCredit: RexRoberto Martinez took the Portugal chance after Mourinho says he turned it down when he was approached for a second timeCredit: APNow the 61-year-old claims the “door opened” for him TWICE on taking charge of his own country.Mourinho says the first opportunity came while he was in charge of Real from 2010-2013.But Bernabeu president Florentino Perez responded with “no chance”.The Special One claims Portugal then came back in for him after Fernando Santos was sacked following a poor 2022 World Cup.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut although Mourinho was “proud” to be their first choice, he opted to stay at Roma.Instead Portugal appointed former Everton and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.And while Mourinho went on to be ousted by his Italian top-flight club, Martinez has guided Cristiano Ronaldo and Co to 11 straight wins.The ex-Inter Milan and Tottenham chief told journalist Fabrizio Romano: “I had the door open to be Portugal coach twice.Most read in Football”First time when I was at Real Madrid but Florentino told me, ‘no chance’.”The second time was at Roma, I was sacked a few months later… but I don’t regret that because I’m happy with the reason.”‘He has a special place for Newcastle’ – Jose Mourinho tipped to replace Eddie Howe by former Premier League managerHowever, Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf is among those who have suggested Mourinho would be keen to land the job at some stage.Leboeuf told ESPN: “He admitted that the last thing he would love to do in his coaching career would be to get the Portuguese national team job. “I think that’s going to be his goal.”Meanwhile, Mourinho said earlier this week: “I want to work in the summer, I want to work.”And asked about the Portugal job, he added: “Never say no, especially in football.”My life is football, I can coach anywhere and I have no problems.”JOSE MOURINO NEXT MANAGERIAL JOBHere is how the market is priced up according to Betfair…
    Napoli – 5-1
    Chelsea – 6-1
    Newcastle – 6-1
    Marseille – 9-1
    Bayern Munich – 10-1
    Portugal National Team – 12-1
    Porto – 20-1
    England National Team – 20-1
    Any MLS Club – 25-1
    Sporting Lisbon – 25-1
    Real Madrid – 25-1
    Crystal Palace – 33-1
    *odds courtesy of Betfair More