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      Jose Mourinho’s incredible managers prediction from four years ago goes viral as fans say ‘Special One for a reason’

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      XABI ALONSO has wowed football fans with his managerial heroics at Bayer Leverkusen – but Jose Mourinho won’t be surprised.That’s because the Special One tipped the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder to be a top boss FOUR years ago.
      José Mourinho predicted Xabi Alonso was going to be a ‘very good’ coachCredit: YOUTUBE @topeleven
      Bayern Leverkusen manager Alonso is unbeaten this season in the BundesligaCredit: AFP
      Leverkusen are surprise leaders of the Bundesliga, four points above Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, having gone unbeaten so far this season.
      And much of the credit has gone to Alonso, 42, in his first managerial job.
      The former Spain international has already been linked to some of the top jobs, including Real, Liverpool and Manchester City.
      And Mourinho, who coached Alonso while he was playing at Real Madrid from 2010-2013, predicted he would excel in his managerial career.
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      An interview from four years ago has gone viral where the Roma boss revealed, “Xabi has conditions to be a very good coach.”
      And fans could not agree more as they took to Twitter to praise Mourinho’s prediction.
      As one said: “He’s so good in analysis. Special one for a reason.”
      While another put: “That’s why Mou will remain to be the GOAT.”
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      Then a third fan added: “Mourinho is the goat for a reason, this man’s footballing brain is great and he knows when a great player will take that next step above…”
      Alonso was perhaps destined to be a great boss with football running through his veins as his father Periko was a player and manager.
      Periko won La Liga twice with Real Sociedad and then a third time with Barcelona.
      He then went on to coach lower league Spanish sides including Beassain and Hercules before ending his managerial career back at Sociedad.
      Now his son and World Cup-winner Xabi who played for Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich has not disappointed since retiring from playing in 2017.
      The three-time Bundesliga winner is now dominating the top-flight German league as a manger.
      After taking over the leading role at Leverkusen in 2022, he guided the team to the semi-finals of the Europa League, but was booted out by Mourinho’s Roma side last term.
      However, this season the German club are the frontrunners for Bundesliga glory with not a single defeat and only drawing against Stuttgart, Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. More

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      Real Madrid ‘considering making transfer move for Erling Haaland’ as fresh doubts emerge over Kylian Mbappe switch

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      REAL MADRID could turn their attention to Erling Haaland if they fail to sign Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.The Paris Saint-Germain star has just six months left on his deal in the French capital, meaning he is allowed to negotiate with other clubs ahead of a summer move.
      Real Madrid are concerned they won’t be able to agree a deal with Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      Erling Haaland is an alternative for Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid are in talks with the superstar but no agreement has been struck.
      Reports suggest that Mbappe will have to take a pay cut to secure a move to Los Blancos.
      And Real Madrid have put an end of January deadline on discussions to force him to pen a pre-contract.
      This has reportedly left Mbappe “unimpressed” with their approach as he planned to make a decision later this year.
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      Real Madrid are desperate to sign a marquee forward this summer.
      Should Mbappe reject them, the club could instead go for Haaland.
      Outlet AS claim the release clause in his Manchester City deal is closer to £100m than £200m.
      City have never confirmed a figure.
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      Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta revealed in November that the striker is open to a transfer in the future.
      She said: “Erling is the master of own destiny, always.
      “He will always do what’s good for him and for Man City.
      “When they all are open to make a change, it will happen.
      “Erling will always be respectful. For sure respect has to be on both club and player side. I’ve no doubts, Man City will respect him.
      “If something has to happen one day, we will agree on every step together with the club. It’s always about respect.”
      His dad Alf-Inge previously suggested his son wants to play all over Europe, saying: “I think Erling wants to test out his capabilities in every league.
      “Then he can stay in every league for three to four years maximum.
      “He could have two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half in England, and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?” More

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      Three ex-Chelsea stars combine as Kepa howler sees Real Madrid let in ‘most impressive own goal ever’ against Atletico

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      THREE ex-Chelsea stars combined for the “most impressive own goal ever” as Real Madrid beat Atletico 5-3 in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final thriller in Saudi Arabia.Real keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga flapped the ball onto his shin and over the line – with flailing team-mate Antonio Rudiger adjudged to have got the final touch.

      Real Madrid keeper Kepa and Antonio Rudiger watch as the centre-back nets an own goal as fellow ex-Chelsea ace Alvaro Morata hoversCredit: AFP
      Legs were flying everywhere as the ball goes in off Rudiger via Kepa’s fumble
      There was nothing Real could do once the ball ricocheted off Rudiger
      And the calamity was all done under pressure from a third former Blues’ player – Atletico striker Alvaro Morata.
      It was the most undignified moment of an unbelievable game in Riyad.
      The tie later went to extra-time at 3-3 before an own goal from Atletico’s Stefan Savic and Brahim Diaz’s freak breakaway strike nicked it for Real.
      Yet it had all begun so much better – not to say calmer – for Rudiger.
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      Mario Hermoso headed Atletico in front early on – but the German centre-back nodded the home side level midway through the first half.
      Ferland Mendy cleverly edged Real in front.
      But Antoine Griezmann’s pinpoint finish and Rudiger’s unlucky moment meant Atletico led 3-2 with just 12 minutes of normal time remaining.
      However, Dani Carvajal hammered Real all square.
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      And in the 116th minute a cruel deflection off Savic spiralled in.
      Diaz rounded off victory by tapping in on the counter-attack after desperate Atletico stopper Jan Oblak went up for a corner at the other end and was left stranded.
      But despite that sizzling climax, many fans focused on Rudiger’s earlier misfortune.
      Kepa came out hesitantly to meet an inswinging cross from Rodrigo Riquelme but pawed the ball downwards.
      It then veered in off the stopper’s leg at the same time as Rudiger appeared to get a touch in an ungainly scramble.
      Most viewers blamed the Costa Rica No1, who is on loan for the season from Stamford Bridge.
      One observer posted: “That’s the most impressive own goal I’ve ever seen. Fair play Kepa.”
      Another baffled fan wrote: “What did this mean LOL.”
      “Bizarre,” was another online verdict, with the harshest assessment of all being: “Kepa being a goalkeeper just shows that I can also be a player.” More

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      Arsenal make £22million transfer offer for ex-Real Madrid striker starring alongside Mason Greenwood at Getafe

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      ARSENAL have made a £22million bid for Getafe striker Borja Mayoral.The Real Madrid academy graduate has been starring alongside Mason Greenwood in La Liga this season.
      Arsenal have bid £22million for Getafe striker Borja MayoralCredit: Getty
      His form could now earn him a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to sign a new striker this month.
      Ivan Toney was the Spaniard’s first-choice to galvanise his misfiring frontline.
      However, Bees boss Thomas Frank has also warned off an approach and Brentford slapped a huge £100million asking price on the 27-year-old.
      Instead, Arteta is now looking to La Liga for a cheaper alternative to his striker woes.
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      Mayoral was also tipped as a target for Brentford last month, as a potential replacement for Toney, with Fulham also linked.
      But SunSport understands that it is the Gunners who have tabled a bid worth £22million for Mayoral.
      Getafe have knocked back their initial offer as they hold out for closer to £39m for their star striker.
      The 26-year-old has been followed closely by Arsenal since November after scoring 12 league goals for Getafe so far this term.
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      Mayoral has formed a strong partnership with Mason GreenwoodCredit: Getty
      Only Jude Bellingham has outscored the former Spain under-21 international in La Liga, with Mayoral forming a strong partnership with Greenwood.
      The pair have combined for three goals already, helping to fire Getafe to eighth in the table and within six points of the European places.
      Mayoral completed a permanent move to the Deep Blues in 2022 after an initial loan spell.
      He was previously linked with a Premier League move a year earlier, with Crystal Palace targeting the then Roma man.
      Three years on, he could now be the answer to Arsenal’s issues in front of goal. More

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      Barcelona raising funds for £1.3bn Nou Camp stadium renovation by selling bits of GRASS to fans for staggering sums

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      YOU couldn’t rake it up! Barcelona are selling pieces of Nou Camp grass to fans for hefty sums to boost funds for their £1.3billion stadium refit.And the Spanish giants believe the going is good on the turf – with prices ranging up to around £360.
      Barca supporters can buy a piece of their favourite turf
      The bits of grass are lined up in an attacking formation ready for salesCredit: Rex
      The LaLiga champions left their iconic venue with its 99,354 capacity at the end of last season as they stepped up its massive renovation.
      Barca are now at the city’s Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys stadium, which holds 54,000.
      But they hope to return to the Nou Camp for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
      And Barcelona have pitched in with what some might consider a cheeky idea to help pay the enormous sum needed for all the work. 
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      They are moving heaven and turf to offload little portions of Nou Camp grass – with sales via their website since last autumn.
      The costliest grass segments are presented in a wooden frame for 419.99 euros (£360).
      And the cheapest come in a neat scale model of the stadium for €49.99 (£43).
      Meanwhile, a methacrylate version sets fans back €79.99 (£69).
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      Club chiefs say they will provide written evidence that each piece of grass is from the Nou Camp surface.
      So in a way transfer-mad supporters can make their own lawn signings!
      The Spanish giants are going green, financially anyway More

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      Former Man Utd and Barcelona star Gerard Pique announces shock return to football just over a year after retiring

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      GERARD PIQUE is set to make a shock return to football – just over a YEAR after hanging up his boots.The Barcelona and Spain legend emotionally brought the curtain down on his trophy-laden career last November.
      Gerard Pique announced his retirement from football in November 2022Credit: GETTY
      The former Manchester United star has taken up a coaching roleCredit: X@3GERARDPIQUE
      But the defender’s love of the beautiful game will see him cut short his retirement to take up a new role.
      The former Manchester United man revealed on Tuesday that he’s on the verge of taking up his first coaching role.
      Pique, 36, refused to divulge details of his new gig – insisting he’ll keep his cards close to his chest until the right moment.
      The retired defender said: “It’s a new year, and after thinking carefully, I have decided to return to football.
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      “I miss it a lot. This time it won’t be as a player.
      “It will be as a coach. I’ll share more details at the end of the week.”
      A coaching role at his beloved Barcelona – who are managed by his former long-time team-mate and pal Xavi – could be on the cards.
      Although it’s more than likely he’ll take up a gig in his recently formed seven-aside Kings League.
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      Pique did, however, vow to return to his boyhood club as he fought back the tears in his final address to the Nou Camp faithful.
      He said: “In life, when you get older, you realize that sometimes to love is to let go.
      “I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future.
      “I love Barca. That’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go.
      “This is not a goodbye. I was born here, I’ll die here.”
      Gerard Pique was hoisted high in the air by his Barca team-mates after his final matchCredit: AFP More

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      Erling Haaland ‘would sign for Real Madrid tomorrow’ as Spanish giants told of Man City star’s bargain release clause

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      ERLING HAALAND “would join Real Madrid tomorrow” if the Spanish giants were to trigger his release clause, according to reports.The Manchester City striker, 23, joined the Premier League champions from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51million.
      Erling Haaland has been sensational since arriving at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      And he has been a phenomenon for Pep Guardiola’s men, scoring 71 goals in 75 games and helping Man City secure the Treble last season.
      His status as one of the best players in the world means a fellow Premier League club would have to pay a release clause of around £171m to steal him away from the Etihad.
      However, according to AS, the release clause for a non-English side is HALF that sum.
      This means Real Madrid could lure him to Spain for just £86m.
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      The report also states that Haaland – who is under contract until 2027 – has a house in Marbella and enjoys travelling to Spain when he has time off.
      AS go on to claim Haaland would “sign for Real Madrid tomorrow” if the 14-time European champions came calling.
      But it is more likely Los Blancos will try to acquire the Norwegian superstar in 2025.
      That is because they are continuing to pursue Paris Saint-Germain talisman Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
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      It is being widely reported that the Frenchman will arrive in the Spanish capital when his contract expires on June 30.
      Yet Haaland could still join Real Madrid next year as Carlo Ancelotti’s men are understood to be in a financial position where they can afford both Mbappe and the Man City man.
      Real already boast superstar attackers Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.
      They sit top of the LaLiga table, above Girona on goal difference and seven points clear of rivals Barcelona.
      Meanwhile, Haaland has not featured since early December after suffering a foot injury.
      He is expected to return before the end of the month.
      Man City sit third in the Premier League, five points adrift of Liverpool with one game in hand. More

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      Real Madrid ‘to turn to Erling Haaland if they fail in Mbappe transfer but will only have to pay HALF his release fee’

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      REAL MADRID will attempt to sign Erling Haaland if they can’t seal a deal for Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to reports.Mbappe’s representatives have strongly denied claims that the Frenchman has agreed to join Los Blancos on a free transfer.
      Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland if they fail to land MbappeCredit: Getty
      Kylian Mbappe’s representatives have denied claims that he agreed to join Real MadridCredit: Getty
      As reported by RMC Sport, a statement from his team read: “There’s no agreement on Kylian future.
      “There have been no discussions about his futures. No type of influence could dictate the timing of Kylian’s discussions, reflections, decisions.”
      The World Cup winner has just six months remaining on his current Paris Saint-Germain contract, meaning he is now free to negotiate with other clubs.
      Real Madrid have been pushing to sign Mbappe for years, but there is no guarantee that he will make the switch this summer.
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      If the Frenchman decides against moving, Los Blancos could attempt to sign Haaland instead.
      According to Spanish outlet AS, the Manchester City striker is still on Carlo Ancelotti’s radar.
      Haaland’s current deal runs until 2027 and includes a £172million release clause.
      However, that clause allegedly just applies to Premier League clubs.
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      Mbappe has scored 18 league goals so far this season
      Haaland is leading the Premier League Golden Boot race
      For European clubs it is said to be closer to £86m.
      Haaland enjoyed a record-breaking debut season in England.
      He won the treble with Man City and scored the most Premier League goals in a single campaign. More