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      Sir Alex Ferguson seen for first time since axe as Man Utd ambassador as he dines with former member of staff

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has been spotted for the first time since having his £2million-a-year salary cut by Manchester United.New Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently on a major cost-cutting spree at Old Trafford, which has included axing 250 jobs.Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted leaving a plush Cheshire restaurant just hours after it was revealed he’s no longer a club ambassador at Manchester UnitedCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKEFergie, 82, didn’t seem to be down in the dumps and even took the time to take a selfie with a giddy United fanCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKERed Devils co-owner is on a major cost-cutting spree at Old Trafford and removed Fergie from the £2million-a-year roleCredit: GETTYThe Scot will retain his role as a non-executive member of the boardCredit: PAAnd the INEOS chief has made the decision to remove legendary club manager Fergie from his lucrative ambassadorial role.But the Scot, who amicably agreed to the decision, didn’t look down in the dumps about losing the gig as he was spotted leaving a plush restaurant on Tuesday night.The 82-year-old looked chipper as he left the Cibo Restaurant in Cheshire’s plush Hale Village.He even took the time to take a selfie with a United fan who spotted him.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFergie, who is understood to have been at the Italian eatery with one of United’s former kit men, zoomed off in a black Mercedes after taking the snap.Fergie had his ambassadorial role – which earned him £2.16m a year – since October 2013 – five months after he retired from management.He will, however, continue to be a non-executive member of the board and be permitted to attend games.Ratcliffe’s decision to remove Fergie from his ambassadorial role has stunned the Old Trafford faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFergie axe comes at the right time – and he knows itBy Phil ThomasIT is over a decade since he left the dugout but Sir Alex Ferguson has lost none of his sense of timing.When to sell, when to buy, when to change and ultimately when to go, Fergie has always been in a class of his own.Over the years there were countless decisions which had everyone scratching their head — but Sir Alex always knew the time was right.Some were more obvious than others. Like the night Manchester United won the Treble on the back of his substitutions.Others less so, like the summer of 1995 when terrace legends Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei  Kanchelskis were sold at the peak of their powers.The whole of football thought the manager had lost his marbles.But Fergie knew better, as he chose that year to unleash his “you win nothing with kids” Double heroes.Just as he knew best when it came to right-hand men.Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Archie Knox and Co — an endless list of world-class coaches who all came and went.And, of course, the biggest decision of all. Calling time on 26 years in which he had gone from the brink of the bullet to English football’s greatest-ever gaffer.The majority of people are convinced Ferguson stepped down because he knew United’s era of dominance was over.Maybe not the nosedive to come but certainly that an almighty rebuild was just around the corner. Another mass overhaul, yet not one he was prepared to oversee.Now another end has arrived. Not as dramatic or as out-of-nowhere, admittedly, but an end nonetheless.Next summer Fergie will leave his 12-year role as global ambassador. Many see it as the most ruthless swing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting axe — and they are wrong.For while he is trying to save every penny in making United great again —  how’s that going, Sir Jim? — Ferguson has not suddenly and callously been told he is surplus to requirements.This decision was a two-way call. An amicable parting. Football’s own conscious uncoupling, in Chris  Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow lingo.And not, incidentally, a departure which means we will no longer see Fergie at Old Trafford on a matchday.That  simply  will  not  happen.   He  will still be there rain, wind or shine . . .Only now as a high-profile non-executive director, rather than a man with the ear — and the sway — behind the owners’ biggest decisions.Like he was when urging United to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.Admittedly not his finest hour, rather an indication of the influence he still retained.Back then, until just before  Ratcliffe and his Ineos team arrived, in fact, Ferguson had the owners’ ear. Almost a hotline to the Glazer family, you could say.And those days are done.Not that Sir Alex is bereft at the thought. For a start, some of the staff sackings have enraged the Scot — long-serving photographer John Peters and kitman Alec Wylie, for example.This is not a cosy-cosy relationship with Ratcliffe being severed.If anything, it is closer to the opposite. And as Fergie the Red, in every sense The Boss — those who played under him still call him that  — knows, trousering £2million or so a year in such tight times is not a good look.Fair enough, not an amount anyone would turn down in normal circumstances.Yet when many in the steerage class are losing their livelihoods, it is not something that would have sat well with him.There is also the practical side of things as well.At the end of December, Sir Alex will be 83 years old, albeit still a freakishly fit 83 years old.Yet even though the grey matter remains oh-so-sharp and the mind clear as a bell, the bones grow creakier and even Superman had to put his feet up on occasion.That does not mean you will not see shots of Fergie alongside Ratcliffe at various points — Sir Jim loves too much the associated glamour of being pictured with the greatest.But any idea of Sir Alex having an emperor’s thumbs-down power has gone for good — and quite frankly that is something which suits both sides.Several Red Devils supporters have accused the billionaire of showing “disrespect” to the legendary manager, who will cease to be paid by the club at the end of the season.And that view is shared by Fergie’s former player Eric Cantona.What Sir Alex Ferguson ruthlessly told Man Utd stars after Aguero’s iconic goal won Man City the Premier League The Frenchman wrote on Instgram: ” Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.”Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous.”Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”Former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand also chimed in on the shock decision.He wrote on X: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.”Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Brentford to the Theatre of Dreams. More

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      Mendy ‘thought he could act irresponsibly as he’d like, break rules & STILL keep £6m Man City salary after rape arrest’

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      EX-MANCHESTER City star Benjamin Mendy thought he could behave “as irresponsibly as he liked” and still be paid his £6million-a-year salary, an employment tribunal heard.The French World Cup winner, 30, is claiming £11m in back pay which the Premier League champions withheld after he was charged in August 2021 with four rapes and one sexual assault.Benjamin Mendy celebrating with the Premier League trophy in May 2021Credit: GettyMendy leaving Chester Crown Court on July 14, 2023Credit: AFPThe offences were alleged to have been carried out during Covid lockdown parties at his £4.6m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.But Mendy was cleared after two trials in January and June 2023.A month after he was charged, City bosses wrote to the player – bought for £52m in 2017 from Monaco – and told him they were stopping his £500,000-a-month salary.They said he was “not presently ready and able to perform” the obligations of his contract, namely to train and play games.Read more footballHe had also been suspended by the Football Association from taking part in “footballing activity”.Sean Jones KC, for Man City, also outlined a number of times where Mendy breached Covid rules by hosting house parties, some of which resulted in him being remanded in custody for breach of bail.He told the hearing in Manchester today/yesterday(TUES): “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard.”He says ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like, I can ignore all the rules, both legal, of the club and common sense to the point where my behaviour results in prison.’ Most read in Football”He is trying to make a moral hazard into a virtue.“He says ‘It should in no way affect my entitlement to pay. There should be no consequences to my behaviour.'”As Mendy listened in via video link, Mr Jones told Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop: “The contract of employment is at its heart a work/wage bargain. “He should be able to play and he could no neither because of his behaviour.”We are not here saying he committed rapes and assaults and it was not assumed that he was guilty. “It is not the allegations per se, it was the way he behaved under police bail which made custody inevitable.”The culpability is very clear. He had, in whole or in part, contributed to the state of affairs where he was unable to perform his duties.”The question about whether his salary was payable is not about discipline.”The reason is not because he was subject to disciplinary sanction but because he was unable to perform his duties.”Mr Jones said there were four periods to consider – from September 2021 until January 2022 when he was in prison on remand for breach of bail conditions; from January 2022 to December 2022 when he was released on bail with restrictive conditions; from December 2022 to January 2023 when he was again in custody on remand and from January 2023 to Juine 2023 when his contract was terminated.He said that Mendy’s arguments that he was not doing anything different to five other City players who went to parties was “a red herring” because the other players were still “ready, able and willing” to play and train.In documents submitted to the hearing, Mendy suggested teammates who attended the parties were Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and John Stones. None are accused of any wrongdoing.The tribunal was also told Mendy’s bail conditions included reporting requirements and travel restrictions which meant that he would not be able to get to any of City’s fixtures.Jenny Wiltshire, a solicitor who represented Mendy during his two rape and sexual assault trials, admitted the footballer had not tried to change the bail conditions to allow him to train and play because she knew that he was subject to an Interim Suspension Order from the Football Association which prevented him from taking part in any footballing activities.She said: “We couldn’t specifically ask for conditions that allowed him to work when he was suspended. “If the club was happy for him to work or to train, we would have applied to amend any bail conditions so that he could do so.”The purpose of the bail conditions was never to prevent him working. It was just the fact that the reality at the time was he was not working.” Mendy, now at the French club Lorient, was cleared of seven rapes and two sexual assaults after two trials at Chester crown court in January and June 2023.He has brought a claim for unauthorised deductions from wages, saying under the terms of his contract, the club had the right to stop his wages only for six weeks.Mendy also revealed he was lent money by teammates Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as cash dried up after his arrest.Man City deny breaching employment law and say Mendy violated his contract by bringing the club into disrepute and indulging in behaviour which prevented him from playing or training.On Monday City’s then chief football operations officer Omar Berrada – now in the top job at Man United – denied telling Mendy’s agent the player would receive his salary in full if and when he was cleared.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time at City, the tribunal heard, Mendy received around £25m in salary but missed 123 of 240 games.Employment Judge Dunlop will issue a verdict at a later date.Mendy is trying to reclaim wages from Manchester CityCredit: GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)Credit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to Man Utd job axe revealed as club stop paying legendary manager millions

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON amicably accepted the decision to axe his multi-million pound role at Manchester United.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut costs by removing the legendary boss from his lucrative ambassadorial position.Manchester United will no longer pay Sir Alex Ferguson his £2million per yearIt is understood that Fergie received the decision well during a meeting with Sir Jim RatcliffeFerguson will still act as a non-executive member of the board and be welcome at matches.Just five months after leaving in 2013, the Scot signed a £2.16m-per-year deal to become a global ambassador and club director.But that arrangement will cease at the end of the season as Fergie, 82, steps away from a number of time-consuming duties.SunSport understands that it was an amicable decision between both parties.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFergie accepted the termination of his paid role with no rancour.Ratcliffe met with the Scot in person to tell him that cost-cutting measures will include no longer paying him his seven-figure salary.The Ineos CEO and his team have embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February.Last month, it was revealed he is letting go of 250 employees at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have been making losses for some time and have been forced to exercise cost saving measures across the board to strengthen their position.The Red Devils’ latest figures take total losses over the past five years to more than £370m, according to BBC Sport.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagIneos’ cost cutting methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.Staff and the players’ Wags had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were scrapped.Fergie, who turns 83 in January, regularly attends games home and away, most recently a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on October 6.The ex-Aberdeen boss won 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 27 years as Man Utd manager.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      England ‘contact Pep Guardiola about becoming next manager with Man City boss to make decision in weeks’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has sensationally been sounded out over the vacant England job, it’s been claimed.The Football Association are on the lookout for a permanent successor for Gareth Southgate, who left the role in July after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.The FA have approached Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola about the vacant England jobCredit: PAGareth Southgate resigned as England manager in July following yet more Euros final heartacheCredit: GETTYLee Carsley is in temporary charge of the Three LionsCredit: PAFA bigwig Mark Bullingham is heading up the search for Southgate’s successorCredit: PAManchester City boss Guardiola is understood to be on the FA’s shortlist of candidates to replace the recently departed Southgate.SunSport understands Eddie Howe and the out-of-work Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel are also on the FA’s list.And it’s claimed they’ve made overtures to appoint Spaniard Guardiola as the national team’s new gaffer.That’s according to The Times, who claims the FA made “informal contact” with Guardiola’s representatives over the role earlier this season.READ MORE ON ENGLANDFA chiefs are said to see the 53-year-old as the “standout” candidate to take charge of the team, who are under the temporary leadership of Lee Carsley.Guardiola, however, has yet to respond to the FA’s attempts to gauge his interest in becoming only the 20th man to manage England.The future of the former Barcelona boss – who guided City to an unprecedented FOURTH-STRAIGHT Premier League title last season – is currently up in the air.His existing contract with City expires at the end of the season and he’s yet to commit his future to the champions.Most read in FootballGuardiola did, however, suggest in the summer that he could pen a NEW contract at the Etihad.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland player ratings vs FinlandENGLAND secured a commanding 3-1 win over Finland following their horror show at home to GreeceHere’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay assessed the Three Lions’ stars performances.Dean Henderson – 6Only his second cap after long-time No1 Jordan Pickford was dropped. Not a lot to do, but pretty assured when he was called into action, including a smart, first-half stop to repel a Benjamin Kallman strike – even if the Finn was later flagged offside. Could do little to prevent Finland’s goal.Kyle Walker – 6After the calamity against Greece, it was no surprise to see Lee Carsley turn to his most experienced defender. Now just nine caps shy of a century, Walker was solid. Could have had an assist late on but his cushioned down header was poor.John Stones – 6England’s more conventional system meant the defence was far less exposed – though Carsley’s attacking approach did still see the Finns create chances. Stones made a good early block to deny Kallman after Angel Gomes gave the ball away.Marc Guehi – 6Our best defender in the Euros group stages, Guehi was back in here with Levi Colwill dropping out. Pretty assured for a player who by his own admission has not started the season particularly well for his club.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7We saw him in midfield at the Euros, and here the Liverpool right-back was shunted to left-back. Looked vulnerable defensively at times but who cares when he produces such quality on the ball – epitomised by his terrific free-kick to kill off this game.Angel Gomes – 8The big success story of the Carsley era, however long it lasts, has been bringing Gomes into the fold. He created Jack Grealish’s opener with a beautiful, flicked-pass round the corner and was excellent in possession – barring one sloppy early pass.Declan Rice – 7Looked far more comfortable with Gomes playing in behind him, as opposed to the one-man defensive operation he was forced to put up against the Greeks. Looked proud as punch after stroking home England’s third from Watkins’ cross.Cole Palmer – 5Played in a more familiar wide right position compared to his central-midfield experiment against Greece. Yet it reduced him to a peripheral figure, adding more questions than answers as to where best to deploy him, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.Jude Bellingham – 6The Real Madrid superstar played off Harry Kane and had the occasional, exciting link-up with Grealish, but this was not one of his more memorable games overall.Jack Grealish – 8No doubt will be hoping Carsley does get the job full-time as his fellow Brummie seems to appreciate his talents. His composed finish was his second goal in three games under Carsley – doubling his overall haul from 39 caps.Harry Kane – 6Cap 101 for the captain but not one he will remember particularly fondly. He offered the presence the team lacked against Greece when they played with no striker, but did not get much of a sniff in front of goal.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, 69) – 7This game was made for him to make an impact off the bench and he almost teed up Watkins after one fine run but the Finns cleared.Ollie Watkins (for Kane, 69) – 7Low cross for Rice’s third was right on the money.Rico Lewis (for Gomes, 80) – 6Slotted in at centre midfield when coming on and looked busy.Phil Foden (for Bellingham, 80) – 5Embraced the post ruefully after Madueke opted to shoot instead of crossing to him for a tap-in seconds after Finland’s goal. Was marking Arttu Hoskonen when the Finn headed home a consolatio.Conor Gallagher (for Rice, 89) – 6His first appearance under Carsley but too late to make an impact.Lee Carsley – 7His tactical gamble backfired against Greece but he held his hands up and went more conventional here. It paid off as England were relatively comfortable – although his teams have looked defensively vulnerable at times in all four of his games and this was no different. But the three best players, Gomes, Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, were all given starring roles by Carsley when used sparingly or not at all by predecessor Gareth Southgate – and for that, the interim boss should take credit.But he’s also sensationally opened the door to taking the Wembley hot seat, insisting “anything is possible.”He said: “(Leaving City?) That’s not true, in the sense that I have to think about it. (England?) No, that’s not true.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymous”If I had decided something, I would say so. Anything is possible.”Interim Three Lions boss Carsley has guided the team to three wins and a shock loss to Greece during his brief tenure.But he has left fans confused over whether he actually wants the job going forward.The England interim boss raised eyebrows when he mentioned that he would “hopefully” return to his role as Under-21s manager on the back of England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week.Then, following the 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday, Carsley urged the FA to appoint a “world-class” manager to replace Gareth Southgate, before adding that he hasn’t ruled himself out.Carsley said: “I have been doing the Under-21s and I am really happy with my job.”I am an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.”I am really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team.”I am in a really fortunate position in that I am on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is one of the best jobs in world football. There aren’t many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning.”I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.” More

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      Gary Lineker reveals England manager ‘rumours’ and offers theory Lee Carsley ‘protecting himself’ with bizarre comments

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      GARY LINEKER has offered his theory on Lee Carsley’s bizarre comments on his future as England manager.The Match of the Day host also revealed details about the “rumours” he has been hearing about the next Three Lions boss.Gary Lineker believes Lee Carsley ‘knows more’ and is ‘protecting himself’Carsley’s recent comments have left fans confused over his futureThe England interim boss raised eyebrows when he mentioned that he would “hopefully” return to his role as Under-21s manager on the back of England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week.Following the 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday, Carsley urged the FA to appoint a “world-class” manager to replace Gareth Southgate, before adding that he hasn’t ruled himself out.His words have left fans confused over whether he wants the role on a permanent basis, with just two games remaining of his scheduled three-camp stint.But Lineker has suggested on The Rest Is Football Podcast that Carsley is being “protective” and could already be aware of what his future holds.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLineker said: “I wonder. I’ve heard rumours and stuff. Whether he knows something about what’s happening, in terms of they’re looking for a new manager.”I think they’ve sounded out coaches. That’s what the rumours are, that’s what we’ve heard.”And I wonder whether he thinks he’s not going to get it so therefore he is perhaps protecting himself and wants to get his other job back.”I don’t know, because it seems a little bit defeatist. ‘They need a winning coach’, I mean, look at the two teams who have just won international tournaments.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Spain didn’t have a guy who had won trophies before, certainly not in league football. Lee Carlsey has won the European Championship with England’s U-21s.”I wonder whether they have been sounding out people and he’s found out and he just doesn’t believe he is going to get the job.”England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymousCo-hosts Micah Richards and Alan Shearer agreed that Carsley was “hard to read”, with the former Man City defender adding: “He’s playing poker”.But Shearer later added: “Gary, if the FA were not speaking to and sounding out people then they’re not doing their job properly.”Whether it’s Pep, Eddie Howe or Tuchel, they must be speaking to these people.”And Gareth wasn’t a guy that had won trophies and he was in the job for eight years.”Carsley has won three of his interim games in charge, picking up victories over Ireland and Finland twice.But many thought he’d failed his England audition after his striker-less system saw England lose at Wembley to 48th ranked side Greece last Thursday.Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola and Howe remain the favourites to get the full-time gig but it is unclear if any discussions have taken place.Lee Carsley simply doesn’t sound like an England managerBy Dave KiddAfter three months of uncertainty, it is now absolutely as clear as mud.Does Lee Carsley want to be England’s permanent manager or not?And why is he so reluctant to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to such a simple question?Following a team selection which brought a welcome return to common sense — and an England victory which restored a certain amount of pride — came another chaotic round of post-match interviews in which Carsley contradicted himself several times.And given that communication is such an important part of the England job, it does not help his cause when you feel as if you are disappearing down a rabbit hole every time you speak to Carsley.He is a likeable man and a gifted coach — but he simply doesn’t sound like an England manager.There simply isn’t enough authority or clarity about him.At the age of 50, Carsley has never been the full-time manager of any senior football team and it shows.That is irrespective of the tactical car crash of Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat by Greece.Read the full article here More

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      New quirk of Jurgen Klopp’s job emerges after former Liverpool manager lands £10m-a-year role at Red Bull

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      A NEW surprising detail of Jurgen Klopp’s job with Red Bull has emerged.The former Liverpool boss is set to earn a bumper £10m-a-year pay packet as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.A new quirk to Jurgen Klopp’s job at Red Bull will see him not appear at any stadium until the end of the seasonRed Bull have made their new executive’s life a little easier by reducing his travel during his first season.So much so that Klopp might not appear in any stadium until the end of the current 2024/2025 campaign, according to Sky Germany.Journalist Florian Plettenberg said: “He intends to work in the background at the start and will be getting a feel for the Red Bull teams on-site.”Klopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Dortmund boss has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.It’s an opportunity that keeps Klopp involved in football without the draining day-to-day demands of being a manager. Klopp has also been assured that he can walk away from this deal if there is another concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him in the future.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a very public admission of exhaustion at Liverpool, the 57-year-old can be forgiven for taking the less gruelling option with Red Bull.The Austrian energy drinks producer has landed a public relations coup by hiring one of the most respected figures in European football.Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopps wife tearful as Klopp leaves LiverpoolIn 2009, Red Bull caused controversy in German football when it took over fifth-division club SSV Markranstadt and turned it into RB Leipzig.German Football Association (DFB) laws state German clubs must operate on a ’50+1′ rule, meaning members – essentially fans – own the majority of shares and can influence decisions such as ticket prices.Rivals feel RB Leipzig exploited the system by having just 17 members with voting rights – most are directly linked to Red Bull.Klopp, who left Liverpool in May after “running out of energy”, has received a lot of criticism for joining Red Bull – especially among fans of his former club Dortmund.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW 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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      Bullish Lee Carsley happy to take the flak for England meltdown so players don’t suffer

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      DEFIANT and selfless, Lee Carsley finally went on the front foot yesterday.The England interim boss saw his team, without a recognised striker, crash to Greece at Wembley — before delivering his own muddled performance in front of the media after the embarrassing 2-1 defeat.Lee Carsley is prepared to make changes so he doesn’t have ‘regrets’Credit: EPAEngland stars like Cole Palmer, centre, failed to gel against GreeceCredit: SplashYet here in Finland, Carsley spoke positively and insisted he was happy for the s**t to be flying in his direction rather than at the players.It is clear he will put the team before himself and that’s why nobody should rule him out of replacing Gareth Southgate on a permanent basis.Carsley was upset by the shock result and a dreadful defensive show against the  Greeks.But the Brummie  is able to put it  in perspective.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe 50-year-old’s son Connor has Down’s syndrome and, while he is happy to take criticism on board, he is not going to let it  turn him off.Carsley, who takes charge of England for the fourth time in ­Helsinki on Sunday, said: “I definitely have to accept the criticism.“I am glad it was directed towards me, not the players, and we move on.“The last thing that is  important to me in this whole process is me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The reason I believe I have done so well in coaching is because people know that it’s not about me.“It’s about the players, it’s about the environment, it’s about the culture.Lee Carsley’s slip of the tongue after Greece nightmare hints he wants England U21s job back and not replace Southgate“It is something that I’m totally accepting of in terms of the changes I made the other night and trying something different. I’m not put off by that.“I understand the interest and the criticism, which is fine.“I wouldn’t describe it as a setback . . . Connor made a big difference to our lives in terms of having a child born with Down’s Syndrome, so that puts things into perspective.“After the other night, I felt bad for a couple of days — of course I did.“But it’s a game of football, I’m realistic about the understanding that it is a game. I have tried my best, it didn’t come off, I am here to fight again.“Having watched the game back two or three times, as you can imagine, it’s never as bad or as good as you think.“I would change the result. But it’s not put me off. “I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself . . . for the rest of the staff and the players to try something different.”Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins only came on as subs vs GreeceCredit: RexCarsley did not help himself after the defeat by claiming he would “hopefully” be back with the Under-21s.What he meant, as he said when being unveiled as interim manager, was he would look to get his old job back if he did not get this one permanently.When pressed on his comment again, he said last night: “Hopefully is a word and a phrase I use quite a bit. There are no guarantees in life.“It’s a job, the Under-21s, that I’m really proud of and massively invested in.“The plan is to give this job for three camps the best I can do along with the rest of the staff and, hopefully, we can be in a good position.”He must make sure he does not get flustered quite so quickly in future. Equally, we should not forget that even in the caretaker days of Southgate, not everything went to plan.In his second game, England scraped a 0-0 with Slovenia — Joe Hart making a brilliant late save to prevent a defeat.Southgate suffered fierce criticism afterwards and was always prepared to take the flak.Carsley left Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke out of his starting line-up even though star striker Harry Kane was injured and fielded a glut of attacking midfielders with Jude Bellingham as a false nine.I have tried to remove myself from the emotion of, ‘It’s my job to lose or get’.Lee CarsleyCarsley added: “I spoke with Ollie after I had named the team. I didn’t speak to Dom but I have spoken to Dom. I have got a good relationship with Dom. He can understand we were trying something different.“They all could see that. With the personalities they have got, they are very much team orientated, as opposed to selfish.“If I try something different, they can see I’m trying to get the best out of the team or the individual rather than myself.”On whether he feared defeats to average opposition could impact his chances of the job, Carsley replied: “I wouldn’t say that. That would be reckless.“There’s probably a reason why I have not got into senior football, managing at club level, because I enjoy the player development and the journey they go on.“I have tried to remove myself from the emotion of, ‘It’s my job to lose or get’. It was totally clear when I came in, the remit.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s what I have tried to do to the best of my ability, with the understanding I want to try something different at times.“It is good I have the trust of the staff we have got.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Lee Carsley confirms that he did NOT apply for England manager’s job following bombshell ‘hopefully’ comments

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      LEE CARSLEY has confirmed that he did not apply for the England job.The interim coach has overseen three games for the Three Lions since Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Lee Carsley did not apply for the England jobCredit: EPACarsley has taken charge of England since Gareth Southgate stepped downCredit: AlamyThe FA closed applications for the role on August 2 as they searched for Southgate’s successor.Carsley, 50, was appointed as the interim coach seven days later.However, he had revealed that he did not send a formal application for the role.He said: “I didn’t apply for it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”Because hopefully… I have been doing the Under-21s and I am really happy with my job.”I am an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.”I am really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team.”I am in a really fortunate position in that I am on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is one of the best jobs in world football. There aren’t many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning.”I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.”Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerHe will lead the team against FinlandCredit: GettyEngland’s shocking stats against GreeceHere are the shocking stats that were set in England’s defeat to Greece…- Lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.- The lowest-ranked side ever beat England on home soil.- Greece had never beaten England in their history.- Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before.- Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.- Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also Bellingham)Carsley also claimed that he is not treating his interim job as an audition with a view to taking the job full time.He added: “Definitely not. I don’t see this as an audition at all.”I see it as simple as I was asked to take the team for three camps, it wasn’t with a view to anything, it was literally do your best try as hard as you can and look after the players and that is what I am doing.”When asked if he would take the job if it was offered to him, Carsley insisted he is just trying to do his best for the team.He said: “It’s hypothetical. I think it’s important that we are in a position where, hopefully, we have had a brilliant campaign.”That will be in a good position going into World Cup qualifying and I would see that as a success.”The revelation follows his comments in which he suggested he was “hopefully” returning to his role with the Under 21s.Carsley has since clarified his statement and suggested that he and his team are aiming to be in a “good position” after their three camps with the senior team.He will be in charge of the team for the Nations League clash against Finland on Sunday.So far, he has won two of his three games, with the only defeat coming against Greece on Thursday.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly held talks with the FA over the job.If the German was to land the job with the Three Lions, then he could hand a shock return to the team to at least one player.Thomas Tuchel is believed to have had negotiations over the England jobCredit: GettyEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More