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    Jurgen Klopp ‘ready to open talks with Real Madrid’ as Carlo Ancelotti set to leave after Arsenal defeat

    JURGEN KLOPP is reportedly “ready” to take over at Real Madrid with Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave the Bernabeu before the end of the season.Klopp is allegedly “unhappy” in his new job at Red Bull after quitting the Liverpool dugout after nine years at the end of last season.Jurgen Klopp has been for a return to managementReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti reportedly won’t see out the season and will leave the club after the Copa del Rey final on April 26Credit: GettyKlopp was appointed as Red Bull’s new Global Head of Football just a few months after walking away from Anfield last May.But less than a year into his new role, Klopp is open to talking to Madrid, with the intention of starting coaching as early as July, according to Spanish outlet UOL Esporte.And the legendary Premier League gaffer could be in luck, with Ancelotti about to part ways with Madrid for the second time.According to Sky Sports, the Italian boss is set to walk away from Los Blancos after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 – with five games in LaLiga remaining. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAncelotti cast doubt over his future as Real head coach after Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, which saw his team lose 2-1 at home and 5-1 on aggregate.Speaking about his Real future following defeat to Arsenal, Ancelotti said: “Maybe the club decides to replace me and maybe it could be this year, or next year when my contract is over.”But when I am done here, I will be grateful to this club. That could be tomorrow, 10 days, one month or in one year, but if my contract ends or doesn’t end, I really don’t care.”We have managed the bright side many times and we have won titles, but we need to manage the dark side too.Most read in FootballArsenal beat Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate on WednesdayNext Real Madrid manager oddsOdds from BetfairXabi Alonso 4/9Andoni Iraola 5/1Jurgen Klopp 11/2Zinedine Zidane 9/1Jose Mourinho 12/1Herrero Michel 18/1Raul 20/1Massimilliano Allegri 20/1Unai Emery 25/1Alvaro Arbeloa 25/1Antonio Conte 33/1Mikel Arteta 33/1Erik ten Hag 80/1CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We need to accept it because over the two games, Arsenal have been better than us.”Real and Barca are fighting it out for the domestic double, with Ancelotti’s side sitting four points behind their rivals in LaLiga, with seven games to play.Liverpool sent a private jet to sign me and Klopp called me a mix of Fabregas and Gundogan – but I turned him down The pair meet in El Clasico on May 11, but the Italian – who has already been hammered twice by Hansi Flick this season – is not expected to be in charge for the game at the Nou Camp.Ancelotti rejoined Real in the summer of 2021 and has won 11 trophies in his second stint in charge, including two LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues and the Club World Cup.The prospect of Klopp taking over has excited officials at the Bernabeu.Club president Florentino Perez will allegedly go “all out” for a charismatic coach.The German coach was allegedly considered as a potential managerial candidate a few years ago but Perez did not approve at the time.Should he join Madrid, he will likely be reunited with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who reportedly agreed personal terms with the Spanish giants last month.The former Borussia Dortmund boss does have a special clause that could see him cut short his contract and return to coaching.Should he be approached by the German national team, Klopp will be allowed to quit his job at Red Bull immediately.Read More on The SunDuring his time with Liverpool, Klopp managed almost 500 games and won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.Ancelotti’s future has been the subject with speculation for some time, with the former Everton boss also linked with becoming Brazil manager. More

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    Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson joins fellow Arsenal stars’ Wags at Bernabeu for Real Madrid clash

    BUKAYO SAKA’S girlfriend joined Arsenal’s Wags at the Bernabeu for the vital Champions League clash.The Gunners were in the Spanish capital for their quarter-final second leg 2-1 victory against defending champions Real Madrid.Tolami Benson was at the Bernabeu to support boyfriend Bukayo SakaCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurahlvnShe was joined by Leandro Trossard’s partner LauraCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurahlvnThey watched the match from the standsCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurahlvnSaka and co boasted a 3-0 lead after a stunning performance in the first leg back in London last week.The Arsenal players faced a heated cauldron in the ground, with the home support fiercely cheering on the hosts.However, there was a part of the famous stadium that was passionately cheering on the visitors.Saka’s girlfriend, Tolami Benson, was in attendance to show her support for the England star.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe 24-year-old was pictured alongside Leondro Trossard’s partner, Laura Hilven.Laura shared the snap on her Instagram account as the two could be seen posing for the camera.Her 30.6k followers flooded the comment section with praise for the pair.One posted: “Finally, I love me some L and T queens supporting kings.”Most read in Champions LeagueA second commented: “Have fun girls, enjoy the game.”A third wrote: “Our pretty queens, wish the boys all the best.”Arsenal star Saka stars in touching ad for PersilSaka missed a penalty in the first halfCredit: ReutersHis chipped effort was well saved by Thibaut CourtoisCredit: GettyTolami Benson has often shown her support for SakaCredit: GettyShe was at the Euro 2024 finalCredit: PAA fourth said: “Great supporters, COYG.”Another added: “Beautiful girls.”Tolami would have been stressed from the stands as she had to watch on as Saka was denied from the spot.The winger had the opportunity to put Arsenal out of sight just ten minutes in, but Thibaut Courtois saved his chipped spot-kick.Arsenal were handed a reprieve after the miss as VAR overturned a Real Madrid penalty after it was judged that Declan Rice had not fouled Kylian Mbappe.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement.They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Saka was also involved in a furious confrontation with Real star Dani Carvajal in the tunnel after the whistle blew for half-time.But he did end the match with a smile on his face as he scored a vital goal to extend Arsenal’s buffer to four.He was subbed for Trossard in the 76th minute and was able to put his feet up and watch his side qualify for the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.Gabriel Martinelli put the cherry on top with a goal in added time to seal a famous victory for the Gunners.However, there was one blow for Arsenal as Thomas Partey picked up a needless booking and will miss the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.Read More on The SunIn November, Tolami walked the red carpet at The Fashion Awards in London.She looked every inch the superstar as she posed for pictures in her custom black Asos outfit.Tolami stunned at the Fashion Awards 2024 in LondonCredit: GettyShe wore a beautiful black dress on the red carpetCredit: Getty More

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    Jude Bellingham squares up to England pal Declan Rice as tempers risk boiling over in Real Madrid vs Arsenal clash

    JUDE BELLINGHAM squared up to Declan Rice during Real Madrid’s crunch match with Arsenal.The Los Blancos star cut a frustrated figure on the pitch as his side struggled to close the gap on the Gunners.Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham challenged for the ballCredit: AFPBellingham squared up to Rice in the aftermatchCredit: ReutersThe North London side won the first leg 3-0 and were maintaining their lead in the second leg in Spain.And Bellingham could not hold his temper in during the match as he clashed with Rice.The midfielders were caught in a tangle as they jostled for the ball by the halfway line.After the ball went out of play, Bellingham squared up to Rice before officials ran over to intervene.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Borussia Dortmund man did back off after the arrival of Rice’s team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.Tensions were already high in the Spanish capital with the home fans praying for a famous comeback victory.This was also seen during half-time as Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was seen clashing with Saka.The Spaniard grabbed the back of the Arsenal star’s neck as he walked down the tunnel.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis caused Saka to react angrily to the attempted goading.They were eventually separated after Carvajal put his finger in Saka’s face.Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeThat moment came after Saka had missed a penalty in the first half to put Arsenal out of sight.The Gunners were handed a boost after the miss as VAR overturned a Real Madrid penalty after it was judged that Declan Rice had not fouled Kylian Mbappe.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement.They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Saka made amends for his missed penalty as he scored a great goal in the 64th minute.However, Vinicius Jr levelled the game on the night just minutes later.But hopes of a comeback were put to bed as Gabriel Martinelli scored a winning goal in the 93rd minute.Bellingham appeared frustrated during the match as Real struggledCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal confronts Bukayo Saka and grabs Arsenal star’s neck in angry half-time tunnel row

    BUKAYO SAKA had to be separated from Dani Carvajal during a heated half-time bust-up.Carvajal grabbed the back of Saka’s neck as Real Madrid and Arsenal made their way towards the tunnel during the half-time interval of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.Dani Carvajal had some choice words for Bukayo Saka during the half-time intervalCredit: TNT SPORTSCarvajal tried to wind up Saka by grabbing the back of his neckCredit: TNT SPORTSSaka reacted angrily to the Spaniard’s attempt to goad himCredit: TNT SPORTSThe pair had to be separated after Carvajal stuck his finger in Saka’s faceCredit: TNT SPORTSAn irate Saka snapped at the Spain international, who proceeded to point his finger in his face.They were promptly separated, with Saka going down the tunnel and Carvajal being gestured towards the pitch.Footage of Carvajal’s attempt to wind up Saka went viral.One footie fan said of the incident on X: “Carvajal aggravating Saka at halftime.”READ MORE ON REAL VS ARSENALAnother said: “Playing mind gamesssss.”And another said: “Does he know his team are losing 3-0?”One remarked: “You are getting [are] destroyed, hence you make a fuss off the pitch.”It’s so embarrassing LMAO.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBukayo Saka had his head in his hands in the 13th minute after missing a penaltyCredit: RexAnother chimed in: “Dirty in a moment, dirty forever.”Saka missed a golden opportunity from the penalty spot to put the visitors 4-0 up on aggregate in the 13th minute.Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka But the England international fluffed his lines with a poor attempt at a spot kick, which Real stopper Thibaut Courtois easily saved.Real thought they’d have the chance to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty of their own ten minutes later.But VAR overturned the spot kick due to an offside in the build-up, much to the relief of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and the travelling Emirates faithful.Saka would eventually break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike.Saka had the last laugh though as he scored with a fab chipCredit: GettyDani Carvajal missed the game through injuryCredit: AFPArsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. More

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    Leo Beenhakker, Winning Soccer Coach Without Borders, Dies at 82

    Among many other accomplishments, he led tiny Trinidad and Tobago to the World Cup and Poland to its first appearance in the European championships.Leo Beenhakker, a globe-trotting soccer coach who managed his native Netherlands during the 1990 World Cup, won three Spanish League titles with Real Madrid in the 1980s and, perhaps most impressively and improbably, guided Trinidad and Tobago to the 2006 World Cup as the smallest nation at the time ever to compete in soccer’s global championship, died on April 10. He was 82.His death was announced by the Dutch soccer federation and by Ajax, the powerful Amsterdam club that Beenhakker coached to two Dutch League titles. The announcement did not cite a cause or say where he died.His own playing career, as a winger, did not carry him beyond the amateur level. But neither did it prevent him from achieving national and international success as a coach.In that role, Beenhakker displayed wit and charm as well as the ability to engage with and inspire his players and to immerse himself in various cultures in the soccer diaspora. One of his accomplishments was to coach Poland to its first appearance in the European championships, in 2008.He dismissed the idea that to coach at a high level, one needed to have played at a high level. “You can be a very good milkman,” he once said, “without having ever been a cow.”Beenhakker (pronounced bin-HACK-er) never possessed the authority or standing of Johan Cruyff, who captained the Netherlands to second place at the 1974 World Cup and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Nor did he have the tactical skill of Guus Hiddink, who in 1988 coached PSV Eindhoven to both the Dutch League title and the European Cup, the forerunner of the European Champions League title.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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    Gary Lineker didn’t hesitate when naming best player he played alongside with Gazza and Shearer snubbed

    GARY LINEKER did not hesitate when asked who the best footballer was that he played alongside.The retired striker starred alongside the likes of Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne during his career.Gary Lineker has revealed the best player he ever played alongsideCredit: PAHe played alongside Diego Maradona during a Rest of the World matchCredit: GettyLineker, 64, featured for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Barcelona before hanging up his boots in 1994.He also earned 80 caps for England and featured alongside other legends such as Peter Shilton, Chris Waddle and Bryan Robson.But it was none of his English compatriots that he believed were the best he played with.Lineker insisted the best player he lined up with was Argentine star Diego Maradona.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring a snooker match with Stephen Hendry he revealed he played with the mercurial forward during a Rest of the World match.He said: “Well, I only played with him for half a game, but it was Diego Maradona.”Hendry then asked if Lineker thought that the skilful forward would have been successful in today’s game.Lineker replied: “Yeah, as in those days he would have been kicked to bits.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMaradona is considered one of the best to ever grace the football pitch.He captained his homeland of Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, during which he scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.’You never lose it’ – Gary Lineker stuns former world snooker champion as he shows off impressive skillsMaradona ended his playing career in 1997 at Boca Juniors, having enjoyed spells at Napoli, Barcelona and Sevilla while in Europe.He was prolific on the pitch and scored 348 goals across 690 appearances in domestic and international football.After hanging up his boots, he went into management and even coached the Argentina national side.He passed away at the age of 60 from a heat attack in 2020.Meanwhile, during the snooker match with Hendry, Lineker was able to showcase his impressive cue skills.He admitted that he was no stranger to the felt and would often play during his time in Spain.Lineker’s most regular team-matesHere is a list of the players that featured alongside Gary Lineker the most during his career…Pat van den Hauwe – 163 matchesGary Mabutt – 139 matchesAndoni Zubizarreta – 137 matchesRobert Fernández – 129 matchesPaul Allen – 126 matchesPaul Stewart – 124 matchesSteve Sedgley – 117 matchesErik Thorstvedt – 114 matchesDavid Howells – 112 matchesIan Wilson – 105 matches More

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    Who is Thibaut Courtois’ model wife Mishel Gerzig and how long has she been married to the Real Madrid goalkeeper?

    MISHEL Gerzig is the wife of star footballer and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Courtois will be appearing in Real Madrid’s Champions League 2025 quarter-final clash against Arsenal as Los Blancos attempt to comeback from a 3-0 defeat in the first-leg.Mishel Gerzig is a famous runway modelCredit: Getty ImagesShe is married to Real Madrid star Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigThe star regularly takes fans behind the scenes on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigMishel’s incredible careerMishel was born on June 5, 1997, in Tel Aviv, Israel. She gained fame as a print model before being signed by Model MGMT, Next Miami and View Spain. The star was recognised on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and even appeared on the magazine’s cover, wearing a white suit. Thrilled about the news, she posted on social media: “Excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Read More on Football“Thankful for this recognition.”Meeting a football legendMishel opened up to Israeli lifestyle magazine La’Isha about how she met Thibaut.She said that the footballer messaged her on social media about a picture of her and her pet dog. Mishel said: “He started asking me questions about Israel, about the army.Most read in Football”In April I had several jobs in Madrid, and then we met for the first time face-to-face. “We met again in early July, that’s when the relationship between us became romantic.”Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’Thibaut proposed to Mishel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Mishel shared pictures from the romantic event. She captioned the post with: “Yessss to a lifetime with you.”The pair tied the knot at the Château de la Croix des Gardes in France in 2023. Real Madrid vs ArsenalFans are clamouring to see whether Mishel will be supporting Thibaut at the Champions League 2025. The competition kicked off on April 8, 2025 and concludes in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 31 May 2025. Thibaut will be representing Real Madrid in their faceoff with Arsenal at 8pm on April 16, 2025, in what could be one of the competition’s great comebacks.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

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    Who is Rodrygo’s girlfriend Bruna Rotta?

    BRUNA Rotta is the girlfriend of Real Madrid fan-favourite Rodrygo. The footballer will be competing in the Champions League as part of Los Blancos’ elite squad, as they go head-to-head with some of the biggest clubs in football.Bruna Rotta is a famous influencer and modelCredit: Instagram/@brunarottaBruna has been dating Rodrygo since 2023Credit: Instagram/@brunarottaRodrygo plays for Brazilian football team Real MadridCredit: Getty ImagesMeeting a world famous footballerBruna was born on September 23, 1998, in Brazil. She is a hugely famous TikToker who boasts over 2 million followers on the social media platform (as of April 2025).The star regularly posts videos which take fans behind the scenes of her hectic life, as well as fitness content. Bruna started dating Rodrygo in September 2023, kicking off their whirlwind romance.Read More about FootballShe made headlines, though, when she suggested that her famous boyfriend doesn’t shower. Taking part in a TikTok trend which talks about how “destiny” can “play with people”, she said that she would “never date a guy who doesn’t shower”.Bruna then posted a picture of Rodrygo, which was captioned: “I paid with my tongue.”What Luka Modric told Rodrygo in classy message after Croatia knocked Brazil out of World CupRodrygo’s fantastic careerRodrygo is one of the biggest footballers in the world and began his career at Brazilian side Santos. Most read in FootballHe moved to Real Madrid for €45million in 2019, and became an integral part of the side which won the Champions League in 2022 and 2024.His contract was extended on November 2, 2023, which means he will stay with the team until June 2028. The footballer has two sons, from a previous relationship with Pamella Cristina Costa, whom he welcomed in February 2022.  More