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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      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’

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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Boxing

      I’ve had 100 fights but training Francis Ngannou is just as painful… he punches as hard as Mike Tyson

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      TRAINER Dewey Cooper had over 100 professional fights – but taking shots from Francis Ngannou is a far more painful experience. Cooper fought in boxing, kickboxing and MMA before moving into coaching after retiring. Trainer Dewey Cooper with Francis NgannouCredit: Matchroom Boxing And he has been working with Ngannou since 2017, bravely holding the pads and body belt for the 6ft 4in powerhouse. Cooper admits not even a 15-year fighting career brings as much agony as withstanding Ngannou’s power.He told SunSport: “In the fights when I was fighting I had really good defence. I would defend a lot of techniques, getting hit clean was a rarity.”Getting hit by Francis, I’m giving the body away getting hit by him. It’s not happy, it’s not nice for sure. READ MORE IN MMA”It hurts but like I said, I signed up for the job and I’m happy to be here. We’re going to keep working hard.”Ngannou’s power was once tested at the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas. And the ferocity had the same impact as a 12lb sledgehammer being swung at full force or comparable to being hit by a Ford Escort at top speed. Cooper chuckled: “I believe it! I can tell you right now, I’ve been hit by a lot of guys, recently I’ve been doing pads for Mike Tyson. No one’s hitting harder than Francis, man.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When he places those punches correctly and bends his knees and turns his hips, sometimes I get hit so hard I’m like, ‘How am I taking this? What am I doing to myself?'”It’s funny to me because I’m like, ‘What am I doing here?’ It’s a lot of pain involved.”‘That would be something’ – Francis Ngannou’s coach opens door to boxing fight ‘everybody wanted to see in first place’ Ngannou, 38, last year put his MMA career on hold to pursue a lifelong ambition of boxing. He sensationally dropped Tyson Fury, 36, in his boxing debut before being knocked out by Anthony Joshua, 35, in March.Cooper led the corner on those occasions but now he welcomes Ngannou back to MMA to fight Renan Ferreira, 34, on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. The coach said: “We’re refreshed to see him back in MMA. “Boxing, kickboxing, grappling, wrestling, all the elements. It’s been a good camp and he’s ready to go.” Ngannou facing off with Renan Ferreira More

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      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel is ruthless, demanding and humourless but he’s a WINNER – and just what England need for next manager

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      ENGLAND’S new manager has a ruthless streak that has seen him fall foul of players and club bosses — but it might be just the job for the Three Lions.Those who know him best admit Thomas Tuchel has not been out to win any popularity contests while fighting his way to the top.England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel has the ruthless streak the Three Lions needCredit: PATuchel played for German club Augsburg before a series of injuries ended his careerCredit: PATuchel is said to put ‘tactics and results over all’Credit: PAFootball writer Carsten Germann told The Sun: “He’s absolutely unhumorous. “He’s not a coach for the people.“He’s a football scientist, he puts tactics and results over all. “But that winning mentality is what England could need.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTuchel, the 51-year-old former chief coach at Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain, was caught on video bawling out a young striker — and French superstar Kylian Mbappe said the only German word he learned from him was “scheisse” (s***).Tuchel, who has followed rival Jurgen Klopp into posts at various club sides, has also been known to bristle if compared to the former Liverpool boss.Experiences that have shaped him include one seven years ago, while manager of Borussia Dortmund, when he survived a bomb attack on the team bus, with shrapnel striking seats close to him.And the father of two ended his 13-year marriage to an ex-journalist after allegedly beginning an affair with a Brazilian businesswoman 14 years younger than him.Most read in FootballBut there are also accounts of him offering warm words of encouragement to stars in one-to-one chats — and paying for his cleaner’s son to receive life-saving medical care.Tuchel was born in the small town of Krumbach in Bavaria, and was coached by dad Rudolf with the local side. Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager At 15 he was spotted by top-flight German club Augsburg, and he played three times for the national Under-18s.Yet teammate Heiner Schuh recalled: “He had few friends as he was exacting and demanding.”Defender Tuchel turned professional at lower league Stuttgart Kickers. He never drank with the other players and is still almost teetotal, often opting for drinking warm water.A series of knee injuries ended his playing career when he was at FC Ulm, aged just 24.The cartilage damage was considered wear and tear by the insurers, so he did not get a payout. He said: “I was insured for everything apart from this one lousy condition.”Tuchel waited tables at the Radio Bar in Stuttgart in 1999. It helped him become more gregarious and fund his business administration course at university.A year later he was hired as a youth coach at top side Stuttgart, before moving on to Augsburg’s second team and then Mainz 05.In a shock move he was promoted from under-19 coach to first team manager in 2009.IS TUCHEL RIGHT MAN FOR THE THREE LIONS JOB?YES: says Shaun SHAUN Custis, Head of SportYES, it would’ve been ideal if we could have had an Englishman.But football is not an ideal world and nobody who listened to Thomas Tuchel yesterday could doubt his passion for the job. He loves our football history and he loves the country.He is our third foreign coach but the first to convince us this is made for him. Sven-Goran Eriksson would have left in a year for Man United had Alex Ferguson not stayed. Tuchel rejected United this summer still hoping he’d get the England gig. Fabio Capello gave the impression he was doing us a favour.Tuchel is a top coach and a proven winner whose dream is to deliver us the World Cup. What more could we ask for?NO: says Harry Redknapp, Ex-Prem managerI WANTED an Englishman. I’m very patriotic.All the clubs are owned by foreign owners and they bring a foreign manager in.With the FA and the money we spend on coaching courses and everything else it’s sad.Thomas Tuchel lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs. It’s not like he’s been a massive success. People say you’ve got to be a great coach for England, (but) you just have to have a bit of common sense. Pick the best players, make them feel great about themselves, make them feel good about playing for England, let them know we can go and win a trophy, that the team is fantastic.Harry spoke to Sky SportsAll of Tuchel’s trophies as a managerTuchel pictured with rival Jurgen KloppCredit: AFPBut Tuchel’s thin skin could be a problem as England coachCredit: GettyANDY 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 jobTuchel admitted at the time that the Bundesliga club had been willing to take the risk because it had worked with Klopp in the past.In the same year he married Sissi, a journalist at the highly respected national newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.She reportedly gave up her career to bring up their two daughters, Emma and Kim.Sissi, who is very private, was seen by his side celebrating successes on the pitch as unfashionable Mainz twice qualified for the Europa League.But an amateur cameraman caught Thomas screaming at young striker Shawn Parker for almost a minute in the dressing room after one game — before telling him: “So go join the under 17s.”Club executive Christian Heidel wanted his manager to engage with the fans and media more — like the popular Klopp did. But he regretted starting a conversation saying, “with Kloppo we used to . . .”In an unauthorised biography titled Rulebreaker, Heidel said: “That’s when Thomas started yelling at me, ‘How dare I?’ “The conversation was over. “I thought to myself, ‘Whoops, I hit a nerve’.”He’s very sensitive to criticismFootball writer Carsten GermannEngland’s Liverpool players, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, may do well to remember that anecdote.Indeed, Tuchel’s thin skin could be a problem as England coach — where flak comes with the job.Carsten, who has interviewed Tuchel, said: “He’s very sensitive to criticism.”Who has Tuchel coached?Here is a list of the England stars that have already worked with Thomas Tuchel…Harry Kane – Bayern MunichEric Dier – Bayern MunichMason Mount – ChelseaReece James – ChelseaBen Chilwell – ChelseaCallum Hudson-Odoi – ChelseaRuben Loftus-Cheek – ChelseaRaheem Sterling – ChelseaRoss Barkley – ChelseaTammy Abraham – ChelseaConor Gallagher – ChelseaHowever his undoubted talents led Dortmund to hire him as Klopp’s replacement in 2015.Two years later he won Germany’s equivalent of the FA Cup and reached the quarter final of the Champions league.In April that year a controversial 3-2 defeat against Monaco showed how hard it can be to know the truth about Tuchel’s character.It came after he survived the team bus attack, which left him being viewed by some as a heroic defender of his squad, and by others as a callous villain.Sports journalist Pit Gottschalk’s book Locker Room Whispers reported he responded to seeing tearful players by saying: “I’m supposed to beat Bayern with these wimps?”The manager gave a totally different account. He had been angry that his side had been ordered to play the game against Monaco just 24 hours after the bombing.He said: “We had the feeling we were being treated as if our bus had been hit by a can of beer.”Bizarrely, it turned out that perpetrator Sergei Wenergold hid homemade devices filled with hydrogen peroxide and a dozen bolts close to the bus in order to make money on the stock exchange.Shortly before the attack he “bet” that the club’s shares would drop.In November 2018 Wenergold, 35, was jailed for 14 years. The fallout from the incident caused a rift with Dortmund’s chief executive and Tuchel was dismissed.He joined PSG, taking the French side to their first Champions League final. He’s a football scientist, he puts tactics and results over allFootball writer Carsten GermannHowever it was reported that he fell out with star player Mbappe as well as Brazilian sporting director Leonardo, and he lost his job.Before leaving the French capital, Tuchel heard his cleaner’s son was going to hospital and paid for his care.In January 2021 he arrived in London, replacing Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager.Tuchel took them from ninth in the Premier League to fourth, qualifying for the Champions League, but lost in the FA Cup final to Leicester.Off the field, there were problems with Tuchel’s marriage. He started a relationship with Brazilian Natalie Guerriero Max, 37, and in 2022 he split from Sissi.Natalie, who still lives in London, could be one of the reasons he was keen to take the England job.An insider said: “Thomas is obsessed with Natalie, but he is still close to his children and is a good father who sees them often.”Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, masterminding victory against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.Yet he was dismissed by the club’s new American owners in September 2022. An email included in Sissi’s divorce papers suggested that he had been fired for “’off-field reasons” with the players “losing respect for him.”But the manager remained in demand. Hired by Munich, he won the league title in his first season before a poor set of results the following year led to yet another departure.Three Lions fans will be hoping Germany’s loss is England’s gain.Cops at the team bus after the bomb attackCredit: Getty Images – GettyForgotten 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.German laughter at rivals’ boss bidBy Rob PattinsonTHE Sun’s front page announcing Thomas Tuchel as the new England boss was the talk of Germany yesterday — even being retweeted by its ambassador in Britain.Diplomat Miguel Berger cheekily added a laughing emoji as he sent out yesterday’s splash with the headline “Football’s coming home” translated into German. He wrote: “A German manager for England! Congrats to Thomas Tuchel. A brave decision.”Reaction across Germany was mixed, with many gleefully mocking Tuchel’s deal to manage their arch rival.Bild, the country’s biggest-selling newspaper, used a picture of The Sun’s splash and claimed England must be desperate if we were turning to a German. It said the ideal outcome would be England losing the World Cup final to Germany on penalties.An online vote had 80 per cent of Germans gloating England would not win the World Cup with Tuchel.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd one journalist wrote: “The desperation on the island must be enormous if they admit that only a German can help now.”Upmarket magazine Der Spiegel promised Tuchel “can be trusted” but warned he would inevitably “face anger” for crossing the North Sea.Diplomat Miguel Berger retweeted The Sun’s front page with the headline ‘Football’s coming home’ translated into German More

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      in Soccer

      Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL was lost for words when asked why he chose to take the England job over Manchester United.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager was today revealed to the world as the new Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel was briefly lost for words after being asked why he chose England over Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel had an awkward pause as he considered his responseTuchel, 51, has signed an 18 month contract that will see him earn £5million a year.FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed they interviewed 10 people for the job before appointing Tuchel, with the contract being signed on October 8.However, before taking the job he was one of the biggest names linked with the Man Utd job amid the pressure hanging over Erik ten Hag.Asked about why he opted for England over United, Tuchel appeared lost for words at first as he only answered with an “umm”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hesitating for a moment, he said: “Because the idea… and the way Mark and John [McDermott] presented it was very fast, very exciting, very confidential and trustful.”That was a decision for this job, and not against anyone else. I will not comment on any other clubs.”In a social media video before the press conference, Tuchel said he wanted to “get a second star” for England – as in win the World Cup.But one reporter gave Tuchel an apology after their “flippant” comment regarding those chances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA reporter said: “Good luck,” in response to Tuchel’s declaration before offering an apology following a moment of awkwardness.Tuchel managed England captain Harry Kane at club level last season, but has revealed he did not consult the former Tottenham ace before taking the job.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.He also refused to confirm whether Kane would remain captain under him.Tuchel said: “Too early to answer these questions but you know how I think of Harry and how I fought to bring him to Bayern Munich.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″He is on his way to be a legend but it is important to have respect to Lee (Carsley) and not interfere next month.”Interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of England’s Uefa Nations League games next month, before Tuchel takes full charge of the team in January.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.Another flashpoint saw Tuchel asked a question in German.He was asked how he would win over any grumbling England supporters that wanted a homegrown coach, before answering in English: “Everyone has their opinion and I can understand when someone says they would fancy an English coach more for the English team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can understand it, but I think we deserve a fair chance. We deserve it for having a good record, for never being shy of how much we love living here and working with Premier League players.”Maybe this counts a little bit for a British edge on my German passport, so we will try to convince [the fans] by results and how we play.”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

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      in Boxing

      Francis Ngannou’s amazing rise from borrowing money as MMA champ to making millions in boxing and eyeing property empire

      by

      FRANCIS NGANNOU went from borrowing money as the MMA champion of the world to earning millions in the boxing ring. The heroic Cameroonian – who emigrated from Africa to Europe over the course of a year on foot – put his cage career on hold in 2023. Francis Ngannou emigrated from Cameroon for a better lifeHis life changed after switching from MMA to boxingCredit: ReutersNgannou has made millions from his boxing boutsHe walked out on the UFC as their heavyweight champion to pursue a his lifelong ambition of boxing. At the time, he had beaten Ciryl Gane in January 2022 but had no plans to re-sign with the UFC. He made only £450,000 for the bout and revealed he borrowed £150,000 from friend and former UFC champ Kamaru Usman. But after two boxing bouts – against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – he is believed to have earned over £10MILLION. READ MORE IN MMAAnd Ngannou told SunSport: “Yes, there was a day that I have to borrow money from Kamaru Usman, I might not have to borrow the same amount today.”But I can still borrow because my project gets bigger and bigger. So things are changing as a person I’m growing.”Life is moving, I have different perspective in life. My ambition grows, you know. I set no limit for myself. The sky is my limit.”Ngannou revealed he leant the money from Usman to focus on his fledging property empire. Most read in BoxingNgannou with friend and former UFC champion Kamaru UsmanCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Personal things, investment, having a house, building a house. I love houses, I love real estate.”I come from a family that we never owned any house. We never had a house. Francis Ngannou’s first fight since tragic death of his son Kobe announced with MMA star to take on giant 6ft 8in rival”Then my first thing was to build houses in different city and then maybe buy one wherever I’m living make some investment. “Think of my future. Think of a potential retirement plan or in case things don’t work out.”I’m doing a job that I have no guarantee, no insurance. I have no guarantee of the future of tomorrow, everything can stop right now.”So yes, you think about that. When you think about that, you need to plan things out at least, like for 1,2,3 years or more in case s*** happens. “So you have something you have some time to reset and start back. I think that’s what every single combat sports athlete should do.”Ngannou left Cameroon when he was 26 for a better life, having began working in the sand mines from the age of just TEN. It took him 14 months to go from his hometown of Batie to eventually France, where his journey as a fighter began. Now, he is a former world champion with two huge paydays in the bank – but there was once a time when securing food to eat was his biggest problem. He said: “There were days that when I wake up my only worry, my only concern was what I was going to eat that day. There were days like that in my life. Ngannou used to work in the sand mines in Cameroon and often visits backCredit: @francisngannouNgannou left Africa for Europe on footCredit: @francisngannouIt took him a year to emigrateCredit: @francisngannou”Basically growing up there were days that going to school, I worry because I didn’t have a pen to take notes or because I didn’t have a note, because my school tuition hasn’t been paid.”So life evolved, doesn’t mean he was that bad day. I think it was just a process. “Because at the end of the day, life is mostly a journey that you have to understand, enjoy the journey is not a destination.”Because, if you set a destination and then you get to destination, then what’s happened? It’s the trusting the process.”Ngannou, 38, sensationally dropped Fury, 36, on his boxing debut only to lose a controversial decision. He then remained in boxing but was knocked out by Joshua, 34, in two rounds in March. Now, he returns to the cage for the first time in over two years to face 6ft 8in Brazilian Renan Ferreira, 34, in his Professional Fighters League debut. And he welcomes the familiar feeling of strapping on the tiny 4oz MMA gloves and stepping foot back in the cage. He said: “I would say the transition was going from MMA to boxing not to from boxing to MMA, because that’s not the transition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been doing MMA my entire career. I mean, both are definitely two different trainings which MMA has their own complexity. “But, I’m more used to the complexity of MMA.” Ngannou facing off with Renan Ferreira More