jobs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim as Sporting boss reunites with former star and top Arsenal target

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.The Portuguese manager is hotly tipped to arrive at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim could put his own stamp on the Man United teamCredit: GettyAmorim could be the replacement for the sacked Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyManuel Ugarte played for Amorim while at Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was finally put out of his misery after the disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.Ten Hag was not expecting his time to come to an end as he still held the team’s press conference for the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester on Tuesday.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the side while a new manager is appointed.Amorim, 39, is the leading candidate to be offered the job by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and could be appointed quickly.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Sporting Lisbon manager will be familiar with Man United’s newest signing Manuel Ugarte.The midfielder starred for Amorim before he left the Portuguese outfit for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.The Uruguayan would be expected to be given a leading role under the manager in the centre of midfield.The line-up could also drastically change at Old Trafford after a transfer window under Amorim.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan United have been heavily linked with both Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and defender Goncalo Inacio.Amorim could insist on the pair’s arrival at Old Trafford to add more quality to his side.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentViktor Gyokeres could be a top target for Amorim to bolster the frontlineCredit: ReutersGoncalo Inacio could be signed to reinforce the defenceCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes could be used in a more advanced role under AmorimCredit: GettyInacio would command an immediate starting space in the backline and could take up a spot in the middle between Lisandro Martinez and Yoro.While Gyokeres would take up the striker role and replace the Red Devils’ misfiring pair of Hojlund and Zirkzee.The Swedish striker is amongst the most prolific in Europe, having netted 57 goals in 64 appearances for Sporting.He is already familiar with English football, having spent three seasons at Coventry City in the Championship.Man United would face competition to sign Gyokeres, with Arsenal also interested in the striker.Amorim favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s current defensive options.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both capable of playing as wing-backs to add width.The back three could be made up of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.However, this will only be possible once Yoro has returned to full fitness following his injury in pre-season.The £52million summer signing is closing on his return from a foot fracture and has been training on grass.Without a transfer window, Amorim would likely opt for Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead the attack as he has similar qualities to Gyokeres.Marcus Rashford could then flank the Danish striker on the left and Bruno Fernandes on the right.Another option for Amorim would be to replace Rashford with Garnacho on the left and Hojlund with Joshua Zirkzee.He could also tinker with the defence and put faith in Victor Lindelof.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim played alongside the Swede during his four seasons in the Benfica first-team.Long-term injury absentee Luke Shaw could bag the left wing-back spot.Victor Lindelof played alongside Amorim while he was at BenficaCredit: Getty – ContributorLeny Yoro is closing in on his return from a fractured footCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s back to work policy costing Man Utd money as club forced to convert hospitality suites into offices

      by

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rigid “back to work” policy is costing Man Utd money as the club are paying to convert Old Trafford hospitalty suites into temporary offices and back again every week.United’s staff were all ordered back to the office on a permanent basis in June after Ratcliffe banned flexible working arrangements, but the club do not have enough desk space to accommodate all staff at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s policy of forcing Man Utd staff to work on-site is costing the club moneyCredit: PAOld Trafford hospitality suites are being used as officesCredit: APSunSport has learned that United have responded to the problem by hiring an agency to convert hospitality areas into pop-up offices after every home game.The conversion process is time-consuming and expensive however, with staff kicked out of their offices the day before the match and not allowed back until two days after the fixture has taken place.During the period in which the offices are out of action United staff are permitted to work at home.Back-to-back games at Old Trafford are particularly problematic and leave the temporary office space unusable for the best part of a week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe temporary offices will be shut for eight days from next Tuesday for example, with United at home against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before welcoming Chelsea to Old Trafford in the Premier League the following Sunday.In addition to moving and storing the office equipment extensive electrical safety checks are also required before staff are allowed back in.While the ban on flexible working is understood to have come from Ratcliffe, United’s senior leadership have embraced it on the grounds that office work promotes a greater sense of cohesion, team spirit and creativity.While club sources conceded that creating temporary offices has led to additional costs they believe that is offset by the gains in having more staff on site.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe appointed consultancy firm Interpath Advisory to undertake a root and branch review of United’s cost base after completing his £1.25billion investment in the club last January, which led to the club implementing significant cost-cutting measures.Around 250 members of staff were made redundant last summer, while anyone unwilling to return to the office permanently by June was let go.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagThe drive for savings has continued however, with Ratcliffe targetting both executive perks and money spent on poorly-paid match-day staff.The use of private chauffeurs and company credit cards were among the first areas targeted last season, while senior staff were also dismayed at the removal of other perks ahead of the FA Cup final, such as a pre-match party and hotel accommodation in London.Rank and file staff members were also hit as free coach travel was also axed for United’s shock win over Manchester City at Wembley, while the ticket allocation was reduced.The cuts have continued this season at Old Trafford, with packed lunchboxes provided to matchday staff removed and the number of programmes given to corporate fans cut in half.The biggest saving however came in United’s surprise decision to strip Sir Alex Ferguson of his ambassadorial duties, which will save the club around £2.1million-a-year.United posted losses of £113.2m for the 2023/24 season last month, with their ­cost-cutting measures projected to save the club between £40m and £45m in total.United declined to comment.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the pitch, the Red Devils lost 2-1 at West Ham on Sunday.They missed a host of chances in the first half before VAR controversially overruled the referee to award a late penalty to the Hammers, scored by Jarrod Bowen.Man Utd ratings vs West HamTHE LONDON STADIUM was the venue for the latest defeat in a shocker of a season.To be fair, it was a hugely controversial VAR call in the dying moments that handed West Ham a 2-1 win.And the first half from the Red Devils was impressive.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the players…Andre Onana – 6Very loose with the ball at his feet early on but soon settled.Manchester United conceded from West Ham’s first shot on target, though given Ings’ deflected strike there was little Onana could have done about it.Diogo Dalot – 5Delivered one of the most entertaining missed chances you will see all season – doing so well to clip the ball past Lukasz Fabianski before smashing the ball high and wide of an open goal.Despite that, had little trouble from those in claret and blue attacking down his side until Summerville was introduced. The former Leeds man tested Dalot a number of times with his pace.Redeemed himself a touch with the header back in ahead of Casemiro’s equaliser.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Hard done by in conceding the penalty for what looked a soft challenge on Hammers striker Ings.Restricted West Ham well for the most part but United never looked entirely comfortable at the back and a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.Lisandro Martinez – 6Struggled at times to deal with the strength and direct nature of Michail Antonio, who tested all across United’s back line well until he was replaced by Ings.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Struggled to keep a handle on both Bowen and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the most part and was thrown around by Michail Antonio at times.Having looked soft at the back he also offered very little going forwards down the left.Casemiro – 6Started strongly dominating in the middle but struggled to wrestle that back when West Ham picked up.Was denied a first half goal by Fabianski’s superb save but got one eventually as he refused to give up and made sure the ball.Christian Eriksen – 5Some flashes of creativity in the first half but could not help United keep control in the second after West Ham perked up.Marcus Rashford – 4Entirely absent throughout the hour he was on the pitch. Played down the right he was easily managed by Emerson Palmieri who had little of note to do before the winger went off.Bruno Fernandes – 7Caused huge problems for West Ham and created plenty of chances which his teammates put to waste.Fernandes made a fine run to meet a Casemiro cross but headed over the bar and had to watch both Garnacho and Dalot pass up huge chances after his good work to set them up – especially the latter, a wonderful looped ball to cut out the entire West Ham defence.Alejandro Garnacho – 5The young winger should have had two goals inside the opening eight minutes. One chance was rattled against the bar before a poor finish sent the second wide of the far post.He continued to cause trouble down the left but faded as the game went on and crucially gave the ball away in the build-up to Summerville’s goal.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Drew a couple of saves from Hammers keeper Fabianski but neither looked too difficult.The Dane was rather comfortably dealt with by West Ham’s central defenders and never looked too much of a threat.SubstitutesAmad Diallo – 6Added some life and threat to a forward line which had offered little after the break and lifted a clever ball over to Dalot in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Claimed an assist but did not know a lot about it and struggled to have an impact from there on.Victor Lindelof – n/aUnused subs: Altay Bayindir, Manuel Ugarte, Jonny Evans, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United ‘hold secret talks’ with ‘a number of managers’ leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in huge uncertainty

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have held “secret talks” with “a number of managers” according to reports, leaving Erik ten Hag’s future in serious doubt.The Dutchman held onto his job this summer after the Old Trafford hierarchy, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decided to hand him a new deal. Erik ten Hag’s job as Manchester United boss remains in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe could already be looking at replacementsCredit: PABut that was only after interviewing potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, who has since taken over as England boss. According to the Daily Mail, United are back in the market scoping out a possible successor to Ten Hag. It is claimed chief executive Omar Berrada already travelled to Spain for talks with former Barcelona manager Xavi. Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also said to be on a four-man shortlist. READ MORE IN football Gareth Southgate – who stepped down as Three Lions manager after Euro 2024 – and out-of-work Graham Potter are also linked. United are 12th in the Premier League table going into their trip to West Ham this Sunday. And Ten Hag’s side have failed to win any of their first three Europa League ties following a draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.The ex-Ajax boss has consistently insisted that he is on the same page as United’s leadership team of Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballPaul Scholes: No improvements under Ten HagMan Utd legend Paul Scholes insisted he is yet to see any improvements under Erik ten Hag’s side this season. He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it…”READ MORE ON SCHOLES DAMNING VERDICT HERE CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut billionaire Ineos owner Ratcliffe refuses to give Ten Hag his public backing.And United’s co-owners are weighing up their options again amid concern over the lack of progress after another £200million was spent on transfers. Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory Ten Hag brought in Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraou this summer. But United legend Paul Scholes claimed he is yet to see any improvements following a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce this week.He said: “I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.”But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.”There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.”You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.”You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.”I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.”Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”Barcelona legend Xavi is a potential candidate to replace Ten HagCredit: PABrentford manager Thomas Frank is also linked to Man UtdCredit: ReutersSporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is another potential replacementCredit: Reuters More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel ‘was NOT England’s first choice and Pep Guardiola could still get the job’

      by

      DON’T rule out Pep Guardiola managing England in the not-too-distant future.In fact, Thomas Tuchel was reportedly NOT the FA’s first choice manager, despite agreeing an 18-month deal earlier this month.Pep Guardiola could yet manage England in the not so distant futureThomas Tuchel was NOT the FA’s first choice, according to Spanish football expert Guillem BalagueGuardiola was allegedly offered the job as England manager but turned it down after “thinking about it for two months”.That is, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.Tuchel was announced as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor last week.And FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed that he interviewed 10 managers for the role – but zero names were disclosed.READ MORE ON ENGLAND Guardiola had been linked with the England job with his £20million-a-year Manchester City contract up for renewal in the summer.Appearing on Radio 5 Live, Balague, who is a close friend of Guardiola’s, was asked whether the England job was something the former Barcelona boss would be interested in at some point in the future.Balague responded: “He actually was offered the job. He thought about it for two months.”And after two months he said, ‘No because I don’t even know what I’m going to do at the end of this season’.Most read in FootballJournalist Guillem Balague has revealed secrets about Guardiola’s meeting with the FAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Manchester City right now feel he’s closer to staying than leaving but nobody really knows.”Tuchel has been given an 18-month contract by the FA, a deal that will see him take charge of England for the 2026 World Cup. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdBut Balague revealed that after 2026, he believes England are the favourites to secure Guardiola’s services.He said: “What seems clear is that in the cycle from the next World Cup to the following one in 2030, Guardiola will have a national side – and England are favourites.”But the Spaniard added: “If Tuchel wins the World Cup, forget that plan!”Guardiola was sounded out by the FA and accused of cryptic comments which gave many England fans hope earlier this month.One intriguing remark came on Italian TV just days before Tuchel’s announcement.Guardiola teased: “Leaving City? It’s not true. And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach.”If I had decided, I would say it… don’t know either, anything can happen.”For now, Guardiola would be more likely to extend his contract at the Etihad if they are severely punished by the Premier League over their 115 financial charges, according The Mirror.READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to the severity and huge amount of charges, there has been speculation City could be hit with a massive points deduction – or even relegated in the worst possible scenario, leading to questions Guardiola’s future.Meanwhile Tuchel’s first matches in charge will be in March next year when he will oversee two 2026 World Cup qualifiers though England’s opponents are not yet known.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter joins Eddie Howe on eight-man list of managers who were NOT interviewed for England job

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER has joined Eddie Howe on the list of managers snubbed from the England job.Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was named as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor and will take over from Lee Carsley.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: SplashGraham Potter was not approached for the roleCredit: PAEddie Howe was also snubbedCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti insisted he was not contacted by the FACredit: GettyTuchel, 51, will become the third foreigner to lead the Three Lions as he follows in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.Howe revealed that the FA did not approach him to interview for the job.This is despite ten different candidates being interviewed for the role, including some English managers.However, one name that was not on that list was former Blues boss Potter.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Daily Mail have claimed that he was not interviewed for the role.Potter had been hotly tipped to be in the running for the job following the stellar work he did at Brighton and Hove Albion.The report also claimed that English managers Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard and Gary O’Neil were also not considered.This is also extended to Welshman Steve Cooper, Italian Carlo Ancelotti and former Scotland international Russell Martin.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Real Madrid boss admitted that he was not approached by the FA for the role.He said: “No. I didn’t hear from the English national team at all.’I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.”They’ve chosen a very good coach, in my opinion.”He’s very strong tactically and he has proven so throughout his whole career. I wish him the best.”Speaking in his press conference, Howe insisted that he is focused on his job at Newcastle.He said: “I was not. There was no contact from the FA. England have to do what is right for them.”Only they will know the processes they have gone through.”For me it is about Newcastle. I remain 100 per cent focused to my work, if you drop focus the job becomes impossible.”Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I was sacked as an art dealer because I was too obsessed with football, now I’m making history in the Premier League’

      by

      FABIAN HURZELER is equally as comfortable discussing Picasso and pressing — although he has a clear preference.The Brighton boss was once sacked as an art dealer for being too obsessed with football, the sort of dedication which has turned him into a groundbreaking coach.Fabian Hurzeler was once sacked as an art dealer for being too fixated on footballCredit: GettyYou may have heard he is quite young, a fact he is constantly reminded of.But despite being 31, the decision to end his playing career and start coaching at 23 means he already possesses bags of experience.Hurzeler has been coaching as long as Mikel Arteta, 11 years his senior.Although the Arsenal manager never had to flog art on the side to keep things going as Hurzeler did when in charge of fifth-tier FC Pipinsried in his first role as a coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Life in Munich is expensive, like in London. When I sold one picture or one painting in a month, it was like I was done so I could focus more during this time and watch a lot of football games during this time during my work.“That was also the reason why I got fired. The owner, she was very polite but one day she recognised that I’m watching more football during work instead of really working because we weren’t selling any paintings any more. Then I got fired.”Hurzeler got the job in the first place through friend Roman Plesche, a sports-science student who worked in the gallery.Plesche, who would later be Hurzeler’s sporting director in his first post as a head coach, recalled: “I told the boss that my best friend speaks good English and can also sell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He had a very good feel for art, he knew how to inspire customers.”We sold an Andy Warhol together. But I think football is better for him than art.”Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs Hurzeler has already enjoyed more than the 15 minutes of fame that Warhol talked about.The German talks a lot about the work ethic his parents instilled in him. But those values also gave him the confidence to end a playing career which had seen him as a young talent in the Bayern Munich academy.His family were still taken aback at the decision, explaining: “Of course they were surprised. I always say, it’s my life and it’s a choice I make. I take responsibility for that.“No one else will take responsibility for my life. It’s something I always try to follow. I have to feel happy with the situation.“A lot of people don’t understand it and because they said I could easily play, maybe in second or third division.“But they will never understand the feeling inside of me, what I really want to achieve in life, my vision in life.”Born in TexasFamily values and vision is something Hurzeler comes back to a lot over an hour chatting at Brighton’s Sussex base.One of four siblings, born to two dentists in Texas before moving to Germany at the age of two, all of them have a fierce competitive streak.The Seagulls boss already has one yellow and one red card for his touchline antics this season and knows that competitive edge can get the better of him, in a football game or even playing Uno or Catan at Christmas. He said: “Honestly, when you talk to some guys who I played against, they would say, ‘What an a*******’.“When we were on the pitch, it was like winning, winning, winning. And that’s the same, honestly, with my family.“When I’m with my family, let’s say at Christmas and we played games and I lost the game, the night was over for me.“We are all made of the same blood, so my sisters and brothers and also my father, when they lose, they were the same. That’s how I grew up, it was a competition all the time.”Fabian Hurzeler has lifted the lid on his competitive sideCredit: GettyThe German was the Prem’s manager of the month in AugustCredit: InstagramThe desire to compete now extends to the padel court with Hurzeler — like almost everyone in football — having become a huge fan of the sport.He is now campaigning for a court to be built at the Brighton training ground. Those luxuries are a far cry from his start as a coach, with FC Pipinsried eight years ago.There was a fast start, promotion to the fourth tier in his first season but then the tests arrived. Losing the first seven games of the new term taught Hurzeler he must be able to adapt.He has always wanted to control a game through possession and with a high line but never just for the sake of it.Hurzeler added: “I had a good start in my career. We went from the fifth league to the fourth in the first year.“But we started by losing the first seven games. I was sitting in a  coffee shop and the media called and said, ‘Do you think if you lose the next game, then you’ll still be the coach or not?’ Then I was like, ‘OK, that’s the business’.”Premier League meetingThere has been adapting to do in the Premier League too.Not even a year ago, Hurzeler was touring English clubs, watching Brighton as well as visiting Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham to try to learn from their experiences.But that only went so far in preparing him for the Prem, admitting: “I didn’t expect it to be this intense and this demanding.“Every team in this league, also the teams who were promoted like Ipswich, they have individual quality in their team to win games.“Then during the game, it’s so fascinating for me… that’s what I learned, you have to work hard for the momentum.“When you have momentum, you have to use it, otherwise the other team will take it.”The final match before the international break was a perfect demonstration of this.Hurzeler said little at half-time, deciding not to go in all guns blazing and it paid off — coming from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 3-2.He said: “Football is crazy sometimes.”For all the questions over his age, that calm approach after a rotten first half showcased the benefit. Few other managers will have such a keen understanding of their squad’s mindset.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked what the biggest advantage of being a young manager is, he said: “Speaking the language of the players.“I’m their age, so we have the same needs. We are in the same situations. Maybe we lose a girlfriend. Maybe you experience the same things, you have a similar sense of humour.”Hurzeler sees his young age as a benefit, helping him connect with his playersCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘England is not a dream job’ – Premier League managers react after being snubbed by FA for Thomas Tuchel

      by

      SEAN DYCHE claims managing England is no longer a job bosses are desperate to land.The Everton chief had no interest in succeeding Gareth Southgate and says “lots of coaches” felt the same.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettySean Dyche has claimed the England role is no longer a ‘dream job’Credit: ReutersSteve Cooper believes British coaches need to prove themselvesCredit: PADyche confirmed he was not among the ten candidates interviewed by the FA before they appointed Thomas Tuchel and said: “I’m not sure ‘dream’ is the right word for the England job.“It’s a respected job but I don’t think it’s a dream, having spoken to a few England managers  — it’s a massively challenging job and changed over the years.“It’s certainly something that at some point of your career you’d like to have a look at. But it’s certainly not my time now — for lots of coaches.”Tuchel won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 18 months at Chelsea.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFA chief executive Mark Bullingham gave the England job to the German — on an 18-month deal worth £7.5million — because he believes there is a lack of elite English coaches.Eddie Howe was not one of those approached because the FA knew that Newcastle would demand huge compensation.Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are the only other English bosses working in the Prem.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter was on the FA’s shortlist.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDyche, 53, added: “I know most people would have liked an English coach to come in but Tuchel clearly has a record that says he can do it.“Gareth did a fantastic job but there have also been plenty of other very good managers since we won the World Cup in 1966.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.“It’s not disheartening for English coaches like me — and I certainly wasn’t one of the candidates.”England legend Wayne Rooney is “surprised” that Tuchel landed the job.The Plymouth boss, 38, said: “What the FA have built over the last ten to 15 years has been a great platform for young coaches coming through.“So I’m surprised they haven’t gone with one of their own.“He’s a very good coach but I’m surprised the FA have employed him.”Leicester manager Steve Cooper believes British coaches need to stop moaning about not landing the England job until they prove they can compete on a global stage.But the Welshman, 44, does not feel the FA’s coaching pathway is broken.Cooper won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, with a squad that included Marc Guehi, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.He said: “Hopefully over the course of time, British coaching will continue to improve and we’ll be right up there with the world’s best.“In the meantime, any opportunity we’re given, we have to take it and do a good job.“Until we do that on a regular basis maybe we shouldn’t say so much.“I really believe in British culture, I believe in the coaching education pathway as well.“The ones I’ve been involved with have been the FA and FA of Wales, and they have been  brilliant courses which have evolved over time.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“They develop coaches and educate coaches in the right way.“But there’s no doubt the FA have appointed a top coach — and assistant with Anthony Barry — and hopefully they can carry on the progress of the last few years.”Gary Neville, who worked as No 2 to former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson, feels that England are “damaging ourselves” with Tuchel’s appointment and says it leaves “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.Yet his old Manchester United and England team-mate Michael Carrick, now in charge at Middlesbrough, said: “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong.“It would be nice if there were more English coaches at the top level and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Southampton’s Russell Martin, born in England but a Scotland international, insists “loads of English coaches are capable of doing the job”.He added: “Maybe English managers aren’t given enough credit. Or maybe they are deemed not good enough by the most important people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s going to cause a lot of interesting discussion,  especially at the FA.“We have a renowned coaching education system that people come from far and wide to do, then we can’t appoint someone from that.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More