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      League One coach set to leave for REAL MADRID after being recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s son

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      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real Madrid, according to reports.Mangan, 38, has been chosen to join the Spanish giants after sparking up a close relationship with boss Carlo Ancelotti’s son.Stockport County assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real MadridMangan (left) was recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s sonDavide Ancelotti, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Madrid, undertook a coaching course with Mangan.And now the League One coach will swap the gloomy north of England for sunny Spain.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Mangan was in talks with the European champions.Now, according to The Athletic, he is waiting for his work permit, although no date has been set for his exit.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, should everything go according to plan, the 38-year-old will leave Edgeley Park for the Santiago Bernabeu.Mangan’s arrival is, at Ancelotti’s request, part of Madrid’s broader effort to refresh their coaching set-up after the Los Blancos won their 15th European title this summer. The Ancelotti’s are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the English Football League.It is also understood that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top of the League One table.Mangan moved into coaching in 2018 and held roles alongside pal Joey Barton at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers before his time with Stockport.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues – dotting around a number of clubs.The Englishman retired in 2019 after 15-years playing as a centre-forward for the likes of Accrington, Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, Mangan was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.Barton was sacked in October 2023, giving Mangan the job on a temporary basis until the club appointed Matt Taylor. More

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      Kylian Mbappe set to be booed by his OWN fans as he returns to Paris… but Real Madrid star says he ‘doesn’t care’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE “doesn’t care” if he is booed by his own French fans against Italy when he returns to the Paris Saint-Germain stadium on Friday.The striker finally departed PSG for Real Madrid this summer amid a reported dispute over more than £46million in unpaid wages.Kylian Mbappe looks as relaxed as he claims he is about his receptionCredit: AFPKylian Mbappe and Youssouf Fofana are preparing to face ItalyCredit: AFPNow the 25-year-old will be back at the Parc des Princes for a Nations League opener.The speedster, who netted a World Cup final hat-trick in vain against Argentina, is tipped for a hostile greeting.But he said: “Tomorrow’s reception, I don’t expect much. I don’t care. The important thing is to win.”Mbappe rediscovered his scoring form with a double as Madrid beat Real Betis 2-0 on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat put Carlo Ancelotti’s men second in LaLiga, four points behind 100 per cent team Barcelona.And Mbappe said: “I feel good, physically and mentally”I’m happy where I am and about what I do, and I know it will get even better as the matches go on.”However, he had exacerbated discontent among PSG fans with his ecstatic response to joining Real in a five-year deal three months ago.Most read in FootballMbappe insists he is only thinking of France not the reception he getsCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said at the time: “A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dream.”Nobody can understand how excited I am…”Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawHe notched 256 goals in 308 games for PSG from 2018-2024 before taking a £51M pay cut to leave for the Spanish giants.Now he’s switching his attention back to Les Bleus, for who he’s netted 48 times in 84 matches.France and Italy will both feel they underachieved at Euro 2024.The French still reached the semi-finals in Germany.But Mbappe broke his nose in their first match.After that he played in a vision-restricting mask – until the last-four 2-1 KO against eventual tournament winners Spain.Mbappe confirmed that his injury is completely in the past.He said: “I underwent exams in Madrid, they told me surgery was not necessary.”I don’t have any problem to breathe and to sleep.”Now he is hoping to give the kiss of life to his reputation in the French capital – whatever the reception.READ MORE SUN STORIESDidier Deschamps’ men are in the Nations League’s A2 group alongside Belgium and Israel – but first aim to see off Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri.Mbappe’s Real are only eighth in the list. two spots behind PSG More

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      Barcelona manager Hansi Flick scolds ‘heavyweight’ after huge star ‘slept through morning training session’

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      BARCELONA boss Hansi Flick scolded one of his key players after they SLEPT through a training session, according to reports.The German took over in the summer and has got off to a brilliant start, winning four out of four matches in LaLiga.Hansi Flick scolded a senior player who slept in and missed trainingCredit: GettyLamine Yamal also received unusual treatment after turning up lateCredit: GettyHe has taken a hardline approach with his players and looked to instil discipline in the squad.So when an unnamed important player missed training because he slept in, Flick did not hesitate to scold them, according to Mundo Deportivo.Youngster Lamine Yamal, who starred at Euro 2024, was also sent a warning after he turned up late to a pre-training talk.The winger received a “tunnel of slaps” when he arrived as Flick looked to send a message to the rest of his squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFlick introduced double training sessions to get his players up to speed, and it has paid off with Barcelona four points clear of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.It is an impressive return given the constraints on the manager, with key player Ilkay Gundogan forced to leave due to financial pressures on the club.Barca were also unable to make Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo permanent members of the squad following their loans last season.Flick could go on strike as Barcelona boss as part of a league-wide protest involving Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLaLiga bosses are threatening to strike over a dispute about the payment of compensation when managers are sacked.Former Barca boss Quique Setien had to threaten legal action to get his severance package with clubs able to take advantage of rules that state managers do not have to be paid up immediately after their dismissal.Luis Suarez tears up as Liverpool and Barcelona star confirms Uruguay retirement after 17 years More

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      Barcelona release world’s most expensive football shirt to celebrate Spanish giants’ 125th anniversary

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      FANS are in shock after discovering the price of Barcelona’s stunning new away kit.The Catalan giants unveiled a stylish black strip yesterday to celebrate their 125th anniversary.Barcelona have unveiled their away kit for this seasonCredit: FC BarcelonaLamine Yamal was among stars modelling itCredit: FC BarcelonaIt is the most expensive current kit on offer in the worldCredit: FC BarcelonaA modern maroon and blue trim, reflective Barca badge and the sponsor’s bright Spotify logo give the shirt a unique look.The Nike designed kit is also the most expensive to buy in the world direct from the club’s store.The shirt comes in at a whopping £160.Barca fans can buy the “advanced tech” version that is made from Nike’s best quality material to offer improved “mobility, breathability and ventilation” for £126.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy adding the Champions League logo on the sleeve and a player’s name and number on the back, the cost rises by £34.The price stunned fans, with one saying: “That’s crazy. For that price, I hope it comes with a trophy.”Another added: “These kits should be more affordable.”Despite the price, the kit has flown off the shelves and is already sold out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClub’s most expensive kitsPrices this season:Barcelona = £160Real Madrid = £156Juventus = £153PSG = £151Chelsea = £145Bayern Munich = £143Man Utd = £138Arsenal = £132For supporters looking to buy the cheapest shirt, Barca sell the standard version of the home and away strip without any extras for £84.It is just the fourth time in the club’s history that they will play in black.Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid ‘groundbreaking’ £1.3BILLION renovation as incredible pics show host of new featuresThe colour was chosen as in all three of the previous seasons they won a trophy.Under Pep Guardiola in the 2011/12 season, Barca lifted the Copa del Rey, Super Cup and Club World Cup.In 2013/14 they won the Supercopa de Espana and seven years later it was the Copa del Rey.Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi and Pedri in Barca’s most recent black shirtCredit: AFPNeymar in the 2013/14 stripCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowCesc Fabregas in the 2011/12 black away kitCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Watch Real Madrid star Tchouameni’s bizarre ‘Fifa glitch’ tackle as optical illusion leaves fans completely baffled

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      FANS have been left scratching their heads over Aurelien Tchouameni’s “Fifa glitch” tackle.The optical illusion occurred during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.Aurelien Tchouameni’s tackle on Iker Losada shocked fansCredit: XTchouameni starred in the 2-0 winCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe lived up to expectation as he scored both the goals as Los Blancos moved to second in the LaLiga table.But it was instead a strange challenge put in by Tchouameni that left fans in shock.A pass failed to reach Luka Modric and Betis star Iker Losada intercepted.He then dribbled his team up the pitch, only to be stopped by the outstretched leg of Tchouameni.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt looked like the attacker was past the Frenchman, but he somehow managed to poke the ball away from him without making contact with the player or changing the speed of the ball.The bizarre-looking incident amazed supporters, with one saying: “That looks like a Fifa glitch.”Another added: “I watched this clip 60 times I don’t understand it.”A third reacted: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when i saw it during the game.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOthers are calling the Real Madrid star “Tchouamagic” and “Tchoudini”.Putting the footage into slow-motion, the player appears to time his tackle to perfection and somehow poke the ball through Losada’s legs while he is running.Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Former Arsenal star, 28, posts gruesome photo of ankle injury after being ruled out for two months

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      REAL MADRID’S former Arsenal star Dani Ceballos has posted a picture of his gruesome ankle injury on social media.The Spanish midfielder, 28, has been ruled out for two months after sustaining a grim sprain in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.Dani Ceballos posted this gruesome picture on social media after Madrid’s winThe Madrid midfielder spent two seasons on loan with ArsenalA Real Madrid statement read: “Ceballos has been diagnosed with a Grade III sprain affecting the ligaments in the right ankle. He will be unavailable for six to eight weeks.”Ceballos did not show any visible signs of pain after a tussle with Betis defender Youssouf Sabaly, before being replaced by Brahim Diaz in the 65th minute.Several snaps showed his ankle looking bruised and swollen.The former Gunners loanee posted an update with the grim picture on his Instagram story alongside the caption: “One less day to return🙏🏼”.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSMoments after his substitution, new signing Kylian Mbappe scored his first LaLiga goals – a double in the space of nine minutes.But the swollen ankle injury has put a dent in Ceballos’ hopes of taking advatage of Madrid’s midfield injuries and becoming a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.The former Prem loan star was given his first start of the campaign after barely featuring in Madrid’s first four games.England ace Jude Bellingham has been forced to watch from the sidelines so far this season after picking up a plantar fasciitis injury in his right leg in summer training.Most read in FootballMadrid fans were initially unaware of Ceballos’ injury as he was subbedFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLeft-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni have both withdrawn from France’s Uefa Nations League camp. Mendy was sent back to the Bernabeu with hamstring fatigue and Tchoumameni has a strained left foot.Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsFellow midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also out injured after missing Madrid’s 2-0 Uefa Super Cup victory over Atalanta.Ceballos moved to Madrid from Real Betis in 2017.He subsequently spent two years on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, playing 77 times under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He was picked as part of Spain’s Olympic squad for Tokyo 2021, but his tournament was cut short with a horrific ankle injury then too.Upon his return to Madrid he managed to carve out a role for himself, and won two Champions Leagues, in 2022 and this year.Ceballos’ Arsenal stintMidfielder spent two seasons with the Gunners2019-20 season:37 appearancesTwo goalsTwo assistsNotable for: Unai Emery being sacked on November 29, and replaced by Mikel Arteta the following month. Winning the FA Cup, and starting the final against Chelsea.2020-21 season:40 appearancesZero goalsThree assistsNotable for: Losing his earlier prominence, starting just 17 Premier League games. Slumping to eighth in Arteta’s first season in charge. More

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      Former Premier League striker appears in court as further details emerge of ‘sexual assault’ allegations

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      MORE details have emerged of the accusations against former Wolves striker Rafa Mir over an alleged sexual assault.The 27-year-old footballer was arrested on Sunday by Spanish police and spent a second night in a police cell before appearing in court today. Rafa Mir arriving at court todayCredit: EPAThe player has spent two nights in a police cellCredit: EPAHe is currently on loan at Valencia from SevillaCredit: RexHe was held after two women aged 21 and 25 claimed they had been sexually assaulted by Mir and a friend.The player is currently on loan to LaLiga side Valencia from rivals Sevilla.Police are understood to have arrested the second suspect yesterday.It had already been reported that the arrests took place following an alleged incident during a party at Mir’s home in Betera just outside Valencia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLocal newspaper Las Provincias said the two women agreed to go to the player’s home after meeting up with the accused pair in a nightclub.It has been reported that police found them arguing at the door “semi-naked and very agitated” after being called to the area by neighbours and security guards who had heard shouting.The newspaper said one of the women had accused the footballer’s friend of hitting her.The father of one of the women is said to have arrived while police were still on the scene after receiving a call from his daughter.Most read in FootballHe drove her and her friend away before they filed a formal complaint later in the day at a Civil Guard station in Patraix – where Mir has spent the last two nights.The older of the two women reportedly told cops she agreed to some initial cuddling and kissing with the ex-Premier League star before he ignored her requests to stop and forced himself on her.The alleged sex assault is said to have happened by the villa pool.Las Provincias said the footballer is insisting the woman consented to sex and he has been “collaborative” with officers at all times, letting them into his home on Monday morning.He is due to be quizzed again today this time by an investigating judge, when he appears in court.The hearing will take place behind-closed-doors as is normal in Spain where only trials are held in public.Well-placed legal sources said last night they expected him to be released on conditional bail pending an ongoing investigation even if the alleged victims ratified their police statements before a judge.It is not yet clear whether the Mir will continue to play for Valencia while any criminal probe is ongoing.News of his arrest emerged around lunchtime yesterday after he failed to show for training.A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Valencia subsequently confirmed: “We can confirm a LaLiga footballer has been arrested over an alleged sexual assault.”Mir won the 2019 European Championship with the Spain national Under-21 football team and a silver medal with the Olympic team at the 2020 event.He joined Wolves on a four-and-a-half year contract in January 2018 and took the No9 shirt.He had loan spells at Las Palmas and Nottingham Forest while with Wolves before leaving the club for good in August 2021 when he signed a six-year contract with Sevilla.He returned to boyhood club Valencia on loan in July.Valencia said in a statement yesterday: “In relation to the press reports regarding the arrest of Valencia CF player Rafa Mir, the club is aware of the arrest and, in the absence of any more details about it, can only state for the time being that it will cooperate fully with whatever the courts may require.”READ MORE SUN STORIESClub sources have been quoted as saying they are going to see how the ongoing investigation against Mir develops before taking a decision about his future.He has not yet been charged with any crime. Formal charges are normally laid in Spain shortly before trial following a lengthy judicial probe by an investigating judge. More

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      Real Madrid ‘make Rodri priority transfer target’ in stunning move with Man City star yet to commit to new deal

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      REAL MADRID have made Rodri a priority target ahead of next summer, according to reports.The midfielder has been one of Manchester City’s most important players in recent years and finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or last year.Real Madrid have made Rodri a ‘priority’ signingCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in City winning their fourth Premier League title in a row this year before helping Spain win Euro 2024.That has sparked interest from Real Madrid, who are still in search of a long-term successor for Toni Kroos.Real could make a move for Rodri next summer after making him a “priority” target, report AS.The Spanish outlet claim a move to the Bernabeu would appeal to Madrid native Rodri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever he has also been offered a bumper new deal by City with the club willing to make the midfielder their joint highest paid player on £375,000-a-week.Rodri, 28, still has nearly three years left on his deal but City are keen to tie down his long-term future after he admitted Spain’s contingent of Real players tried to lure him to the Bernabeu.City are even willing to re-structure De Bruyne’s contract to make sure Rodri is level with the Belgian as the highest earner in the squad.That would involve reducing midfielder’s base salary but offering lucrative bonuses to make up for the loss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCity also want De Bruyne to sign a new deal as his contract expires at the end of the season.That means he would be able to talk to clubs outside the UK in January, including Saudi Arabia where teams have shown interest previously.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shreds More