Longtail

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      How boxing legend played by Sydney Sweeney beat cocaine addiction before surviving murder attempt by vicious hubby

      by

      WITH a bullet lodged three inches from her heart and several stab wounds, boxing champ Christy Martin lay on the floor and prepared to throw in the towel.But then a voice in her head said it was not her time to die just yet.Boxing champ Christy Martin beat addiction and survived a murder attemptCredit: GettySydney Sweeney will play Christy in a film about her lifeCredit: instagram/sydney_sweeneyShowing incredible strength and de- fiance against her monstrous husband Jim Martin, who had just tried to kill her, Christy dragged herself outside, where a passing stranger took her to hospital.Now, 14 years on, the woman who made female boxing mainstream, fought as the undercard to Mike Tyson and was the first female slugger to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, is being played by Sydney Sweeney in a movie about her life.This week, the actress was unrecognisable during filming on location in North Carolina.The as yet untitled flick will show how the fighter from small- town West Virginia took the sporting world by storm, earning more than £3million during 35 undefeated bouts, only to lose herself in domestic violence and drugs.READ MORE ON BOXINGChristy, now 56 and happily married to a woman having divorced violent former manager Jim, is keen to make one thing clear: “It is not a boxing movie.”She said in an exclusive interview: “That was the main thing I wanted to stress when I met the producers.‘Not born to box’“This is the underdog story. It’s about domestic violence, sexuality and sexual abuse.“I’m a coal miner’s daughter from a small town and no one expected I would make it. And at the same time, I had all these other things happening in my life.Most read in BoxingHuge Hollywood sexbomb unrecognisable on set of new movie – but can you guess who it is?“I hope it’s a movie that, in ten years, a father will sit down with his daughter and say, ‘These are the things I don’t ever want you to endure. I don’t ever want you pushed into a relationship’.“I want parents to watch it then say to their children, ‘If you’re gay, we will love you no matter what’.“I want people to know that to be a professional boxer, you don’t have to sell your soul to the devil. It’s a complex story and I hope it’s got a lot to say to lots of different people.”It was November 2010 when Christy, following years in an abusive marriage, finally plucked up the courage to walk out the door.Enraged Jim stabbed his wife multiple times in the chest and shot her once with her own pink revolver.The bullet narrowly missed her heart and her leg was cut almost to the bone.But in a heroic effort, she managed to escape and flag down help.Anyone But You actress Sydney, 27, signed up to play Christy despite — or perhaps because of — being famed for racy TV shows, rom coms and horror movies until now.Both women hail from unfashionable US towns. Sweeney is from Spokane, Washington, while Christy grew up in Mullens, West Virginia.But while the Hollywood star, who set pulses racing in Euphoria and White Lotus, is engaged to producer Jonathan Davino, Christy spent much of her life hiding her sexuality.Heterosexual actors playing gay roles has proved controversial in the past.Sydney coming onboard is huge. I met her over a Zoom call the other day. She has a mixed martial arts background, so she understands combat sports. It’s not exactly the same, but she understands the mentalityChristyBut Christy said: “I wasn’t worried that a straight person would be playing the part.“I was more concerned how she would feel portraying a gay person. I think she will do fine. It’s acting, so you get to be whoever you want, straight or gay.“Too much is put on that stuff. Let’s just be us and whatever happens, happens.”She added: “Sydney coming on board is huge. I met her over a Zoom call the other day. She has a mixed martial arts background, so she understands combat sports. It’s not exactly the same, but she understands the mentality.“I watched her in Anyone But You and I liked her. It will be interesting seeing her being me and I’m excited.“Sydney is an A-lister. If you ask a young guy who she is, they know her, so I think she’s pretty cool.”Christy first boxed in college, aged 18, when she was secretly dating a woman.Raised in America’s devoutly religious Rust Belt, her parents would not have approved and fighting was an escape.At her current home in Austin, Texas, Christy said: “I was definitely not born to box.Sydney has mainly starred in rom coms and horror films in the pastCredit: GettyChristy in the ring in 1996Credit: Rex“I accidentally stumbled into boxing while I was in college. I thought it would be a great challenge and I got hooked.“My mother wasn’t happy about it and my dad said, ‘If you are going to do it, get trained and don’t get hurt’. I trained very hard.“I think the instinct to go for a knockout came from the emotional turmoil within me. I knew I was gay and I knew it wasn’t going to be accepted.“My family was very religious. When I was six, an older cousin sexually molested me and I didn’t tell anyone because I was scared. I had a lot of internal turmoil and, when you get into the boxing ring, you can be aggressive and violent and that is acceptable.“But to learn the skills I had to spend hours in the gym on hand pads trying to improve my hook and jab. I had to work really hard. Nothing came easy for me.”‘Prayed to survive’The sporting star was 22 when she met Jim, who was 25 years her senior. They married in 1991, at a time when she was becoming a household name, on a run of 35 consecutive fights undefeated and appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996.The same year, she fought on the undercard to heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson in a bout promoted by Don King.Boxing brought unimaginable riches and she estimates she made around $4million in a career that stretched from 1989 to 2012, and saw her win the WBC female super-welterweight title in 2009. Christy with her husband and trainer JimCredit: GettyThe boxing great and her wife, Lisa HolewyneCredit: instagram/christymartinpromotionsMeanwhile, her troubled personal life ended up bringing nothing but pain.She said: “Jim controlled every move I made and every person I spoke with. I was his ATM machine, his only source of income, and he isolated me.“I tried to love him and be happy, but he knew I had feelings for women and he would threaten to expose me. It was not easy to be accepted as a female boxer, and I was always worried my fans would turn against me if they found out I was gay.”In 2007, she began using cocaine to escape the misery and it took her three years to kick the habit.She said: “My husband was supplying me with coke and I was snorting it. Before I even got out of bed in the morning, he would bring a line to me. If I complained I was tired after the gym, he would crush up a line before I had the chance to take my gloves off. I would be up for days — coke, coke, coke — and I was drinking a lot of beer. I wouldn’t even leave the house because I was afraid someone would see me high.“I’m lucky I didn’t die. I looked in the mirror one night and thought, you look like an addict.When I lay down, I was ready to dieChristy on night Jim tried to kill her“And I had to accept, you don’t look like an addict, you are an addict.“It took me a couple of days to get clean, but I had to realise, this is not who I am.”Christy’s husband had always vowed he would kill her if she left him.And in 2010, when she finally plucked up the courage to walk out of his life, he attempted to make good on his word.Having found the strength to fight back from the brink, Christy now lives with fellow former boxer Lisa Holewyne, 58, who she fought in Las Vegas in 2001 and married 16 years later.Christy said of the night Jim tried to kill her: “When I lay down, I was ready to die.“But at some point during the attack, I told him, ‘You can’t kill me’, and I prayed to survive.“I believe God had a plan for me, which must be talking about domestic violence and stopping others from going down that path.“And I hope my ex spends every day of his life in jail.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he ever gets out, I am convinced he will kill me and, who knows, he might. I still look over my shoulder sometimes. He always told me, ‘If I can’t kill you, I will find someone that will’.“I get the occasional message from someone who has been in jail with him, and that shakes me up a bit.”Jim stabbed wife Christy multiple times in the chest and shot her once with her own pink revolverCredit: AlamyChristy was the first female slugger to grace the cover of Sports IllustratedCredit: Supplied More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Eubank Jr rival Liam Williams, 32, retires from boxing in emotional speech and says ‘some hits you can’t come back from’

      by

      LIAM WILLIAMS – the brilliantly brave Welsh boxer – has retired with a beautifully soft speech every fighter should read.The 32-year-old Clydach lad suffered three defeats in his last five fights – the swansong a hard-to-watch single-round knockout to Hamzah Sheeraz.Brit Liam Williams has announced his retirement from professional boxingCredit: RICHARD PELHAMWilliams, seen here in action against Alantez Fox in December 2021, has retired to be as fit and healthy as possible for his familyCredit: GETTYThe Welshman challenged Demetrius Andrade for the WBO middleweight title in April 2021Credit: MATCHROOM BOXINGAnd he has hung up his gloves without a world title but with his health intact to spend and share with his young family.”I don’t want to box just for money and get a hit to the head you can never come back from,” he said after suffering a string of concussions.”I’ve got a lovely family, a lovely partner.”If I can’t enjoy my life with them because of damage to my brain, what would it be for?READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I’ve taken too much, I’ve had a long career, boxing has been all I’ve ever known.”Heavy sparring, heavy hits, my resistance to punches is not as good and the risks are just too great.”Some hits you can’t come back from.”Williams was a gym-mate of Nick Blackwell, who suffered life-changing injuries in a 2016 loss to Chris Eubank Jr, so he is tragically aware of the dangers of the sport he loves.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiam Williams has no regrets about calling time on his career as a professional boxerCredit: GETTYWilliams faced off with Chris Eubank Jr in a domestic dust-up in February 2022Credit: RICHARD PELHAMThe former British super-welterweight champ said: “I know that boxing is brutal.”I trust the people around me and when they are telling you it’s over, you have to listen. It was very hard to hear.Chris Eubank Jr claims he could have KO’d Liam Williams any time but ‘wanted to punish him’ “I would have liked to have won a world title, I was a bit unfortunate that when my opportunity came it was against one of the best world champions (Demetrius Andrade).”I think I proved in my career that I could box at a world level.”But I can look back and be proud of what I have done.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      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

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England candidate Thomas Tuchel is confrontational ex-Chelsea boss who once made player crawl on all fours as punishment

      by

      THOMAS Tuchel is the combustible figure who has managed to fall out with the hierarchy at EVERY job he has been in.The German football manager, 51, is now the hot favourite take over the vacant England job.Fiery Thomas Tuchel is the favourite to take the reins of the Three LionsCredit: GettyTuchel has a reputation for falling out with players and club hierarchyTalks are ongoing with the ex-Chelsea boss’s representatives over taking the reins of the Three Lions and the FA appear to be hopeful of getting their man.They add Tuchel could quickly be confirmed in the role if negotiations progress well.However, exact terms for his contract are yet to be agreed.But be warned, it could be a bumpy ride with Tuchel in charge who has a habit of epic rows with senior figures, his players, and even rival coaches.Read more football news That escalated quickly…Serial winner, yes. But at what cost?Tuchel had already made a name for himself at Mainz as being a difficult personality, when he took on the Borussia Dortmund job.He reportedly demanded more investment in team, and when he didn’t get what he wanted he walked away from his job.Dortmund hired him in 2015 to replace club favourite, Jurgen Klopp. Most read in FootballSoon, though, players were unhappy with his man-management skills.The five possible contenders to take over England manager job from Pep to PotterAnd although he won the German Cup, his time there is best-remembered for the bust-ups he had.There were disagreements with senior players, including Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Roman Weidenfeller.With Hummels he criticised his performance after a game. “Mats can do better,” Tuchel explained on why he substituted him in the 78th minute of their DFB Pokal final in May 2016 against Bayern.But the best was yet to come. A disagreement with forward Emre Mor resulted in one of the most extraordinary punishments a manager could have dished out.Miffed that Mor would question his methods, Tuchel employed his fitness coach to make the Turkish forward crawl across the pitch on his hands and knees as a punishment for not working hard enough.When the youngster complained, Tuchel barked: “Shut your mouth! Shut your mouth! Shut your mouth!”Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Michael Zorc also had their issues with Tuchel during his two-year tenure.The coach was unhappy when the club signed Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, claiming in a press conference he knew nothing about the deal.Then, when a Champions League fixture against Monaco had to be rearranged because of a bombing on the team bus, Watzke rearranged the game 24-hours later, ensuring the players were fine with this arrangement.Tuchel wasn’t. He moaned publicly and said the decision for the match to be played was made for them, and wasn’t his decision. Watzke later revealed that Tuchel had an opportunity to say he didn’t want the clash to happen but kept quiet.At Dortmund Tuchel was seen as a hard taskmasterTuchel didn’t want Alexander Isak, left, at the club, and punished Turkish forward Emre Mor, rightJust days after he won the German cup for the club, Tuchel was sacked with Watzke saying he was “worn out” dealing with the manager.Leaving Germany behindAfter leaving his homeland, PSG decided Tuchel was the top man to replace the successful and harmonious Unai Emery.Largely, there were few disagreements – given he inherited a squad chock-a-block of the game’s biggest superstars.He got on well with Neymar, and there was just once spat with Kylian Mbappe who he confronted after the France forward showed his dismay at being subbed off.Tuchel’s problem at PSG was sporting director, Leonardo. In an interview, he compared his job to being a sports politician and not a coach.The former AC Milan star didn’t like that, and when Leonardo insisted the club signed midfielder Danilo Pereira – Tuchel played the Brazilian in defence in protest because he wanted a centre half instead.Despite winning the treble, he was dismissed in 2021.Surprisingly, Tuchel had a good relationship with maverick NeymarKylian Mbappe and Thomas Tuchel had a brief fallout when the France star was subbedPSG’s sport director Leonardo did not see eye-to-eye with Tuchelread more sport featuresLondon callingIn 2021, Tuchel was hired by Chelsea to replace Frank Lampard.He inherited a team that had a healthy mix of experienced players, leaders and young fledgling talents.The team got to the FA Cup final, losing to Leicester City 1-0.However, they would land a bigger trophy – winning the Champions League a month later beating Man City thanks to a Kai Havertz goal.Trouble began to brew when Chelsea were taken over by Todd Boehly.He was already reportedly tetchy during their preseason tour of the US – blasting his players for their performances in Chelsea’s friendlies.According to the Telegraph, Tuchel was unhappy with being given extra responsibilities in terms of buying, selling and negotiating for players.Then, on another occasion when Boehly was insistent Chelsea should move for Cristiano Ronaldo, the tactician was said to be exasperated having to explain his decisions why they shouldn’t buy him.Tuchel was reportedly dismayed that former technical and performance advisor Petr Cech left the club after the takeover.Tuchel’s role at Chelsea lasted just 20 monthsIn his first season Tuchel delivered the Champions League trophy for the BluesHowever, he soon began to get tetchy in his role at Stamford Bridge – famously arguing with Antonio ConteTuchel’s romance with Brazilian beauty Natalie Max reportedly became dressing room gossip among Chelsea’s starsCredit: RexThe German also publicly revealed he had no involvement in the appointment of a new Sporting Director at the club, which revealed a distance between him and the new ownership.A separate report in The Independent claimed Tuchel’s romance with Brazilian girlfriend Natalie Max, 13-years his junior, was a hot topic in the dressing room.It was claimed some players changed their perception of Tuchel around the time he split with Sissi after 13 years of marriage.If it wasn’t his players, or bosses, Tuchel was also having fallouts with rival managers – infamously squaring off with Antonio Conte after refusing to let go his hand following a handshake.It happened again…He lasted just 20 months in his role at Chelsea, but beat that by six months at Bayern Munich.Again, his man-management style seemed to irk the superstars at the club dubbed ‘Hollywood FC’.BILD were the first to report of a division between the manager and his playing staff.Bayern stalwarts Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich were the loudest to voice their discontent.Forward Muller was believed to be frustrated by his lack of playing behind-the-scenes under Tuchel – who didn’t feel the Germany legend could fit into his tactical plans.Tuchel’s Bayern Munich experience ended in unrest amongst the senior playersCredit: ReutersJoshua Kimmich had an epic fallout with Tuchel over his positionCredit: GettyWith Kimmich, it was a little different – and, perhaps, more personal.The relationship began to unravel when Tuchel wanted to bring in a midfielder to play in Kimmich’s role.The 29-year-old was fuming, and told to play in the right-back position.Then, in a match against Bochum last season, he unravelled. After being subbed off in the 63rd minute, he sat on the bench frothing at the mouth.Post-match, Kimmich then got into a huge row with Tuchel’s trusted assistant Zsolt Low as they made their way back to the dressing room. The ill-feeling was spreading throughout the club.Things got worse when Tuchel reportedly told his players: “You’re not as good as I thought, then I just have to adapt to your level,” according to Sky Germany following a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.Unimpressed by his negativity, Bayern’s board members decided enough was enough and gave him his marching orders.READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate 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-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%In his last few months as Bayern Munich manager, Tuchel cut a frustrated figure on the sidelinesCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Thomas Tuchel could be reunited if England hire the GermanWith his reputation preceding him, Tuchel might just be the most divisive manager England could get.Imagine Harry Kane having to crawl on all fours as a punishment? More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      She lived with us for 9 wonderful years – Luis Enrique opens up on death of his daughter in heartbreaking interview

      by

      LUIS ENRIQUE has opened up about the heartbreaking death of his daughter Xana.The Paris Saint-Germain manager’s beloved daughter tragically passed away at the age of nine in 2019.Luis Enrique has spoken beautifully about keeping daughter Xana’s ‘memory alive’Less than a year after taking over as Spain manager, Enrique would step away from the role in June 2019 for personal reasons.Two months later, Enrique shared the news of Xana’s death after her five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder has again paid a heartfelt tribute to his youngest daughter.Enrique opened up about her passing in a profoundly moving segment in the third episode of his documentary You Haven’t Got a Clue.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “Can I consider myself fortunate or unfortunate? I consider myself fortunate, very fortunate.”My daughter Xana came to live with us for nine wonderful years. We have a thousand memories of her, videos, incredible things.”My mother couldn’t keep photos of Xana. “Until I came home and asked, ‘Why are there no photos of Xana, Mom?’ ‘I can’t, I can’t, she used to say. Most read in Football”‘Mom, you have to put up photos of Xana, Xana is alive,’ I replied.”Enrique added: “Physically, she may not be here, but spiritually she is. Barcelona legend, 32, breaks down in tears as he leaves after 18 years and 25 trophies with Spanish giants”Because every day we talk about her, we laugh, and we remember because I think Xana still sees us.”The images of Xana that accompanied his words reflect the happiness she radiated, which Enrique vowed to keep alive in his memory.The Champions League winning manager with Barca returned to his Spain job to replace interim coach Robert Moreno ahead of Euro 2020.He lost on penalties to eventual champs Italy in the semi-finals and stepped down after Spain lost another shootout to Morocco in the Round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup. Back in November 2022, after his Spain side drew 1-1 with Germany in the group stage in Qatar, Enrique paid tribute to Xana ahead of what would have been her 13th birthday.He said: “It was a special day for me and my family.”Obviously we don’t have our daughter with us physically anymore, but she is still present every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We remember her a lot, we laugh and think about how she would act in each situation that we experience.”Enrique also thanked the medical team who treated his daughter “for their dedication and treatment”.Xana Enrique passed away following a battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in 2019 More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Inside ‘World’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt’s jet-setting summer after amazing trips to Italy, Thailand and Maldives

      by

      ALICA SCHMIDT had fans longing for the beach as she shared pics from her glamorous sunny holidays.Schmidt, 25, is a German runner who competed in the Paris Olympics last summer but failed to qualify for the women’s 4x400m relay final.Alica Schmidt shared pics of her glamorous sunny holidayCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt went to Italy, Thailand and the MaldivesCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt shared a series of bikini snaps for her fansCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt enjoyed the crystal waters with some jet-skiingCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt shared a series of glam pics for her followersCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdThe athlete has amassed a huge following on social media with her glamorous persona seeing her dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete”.And she took Instagram by storm as she shared pictures of her recent trips to Italy, Thailand and the Maldives.The German posted photos and videos of her in a bikini enjoying the sun and crystal waters. She also showcased her jet-skiing skills for her fans during her time off.Read More on SportSchmidt posted: “Life is worth living.”The former Olympics competitor’s 5.8million followers were left gobsmacked as they took to the comments section.One fan wrote: “Beautiful caption & video.”Another commented: “I cannot get enough views of that gorgeous water!!!”Most read in AthleticsA third posted: “Life is beautiful and worth living – live it.”This one said: “Absolutely amazing.”Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse behind scenes at final day at Olympic village and closing ceremony And that one gushed: “Strong and beautiful.”SEE MORE OF ALICA SCHMIDT’S GLAMOROUS LIFE…Schmidt is one of Germany’s top athletesCredit: GettyShe competes in track and field for her countryCredit: GettySchmidt was part of the relay squad for the Tokyo Olympic Games but didn’t competeCredit: ReutersSchmidt has acquired a cult following onlineShe has five million Instagram followersCredit: alicasmd/InstagramThe German is very particular about working with brands More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Football here is like religion’ – Inside Jamal Lewis’ amazing life in Brazil after ‘whirlwind’ transfer from Newcastle

      by

      JAMAL LEWIS is commuting 6,000 miles between Belfast and Brazil with an amazing new life at Sao Paulo.The Northern Ireland defender — on loan there from Newcastle — jets in from the other side of the world for internationals.Jamal Lewis is currently on loan at Sao Paulo FC from NewcastleCredit: Instagram / saopaulofcHe says he is ‘proud’ to be a Northern Irishman playing in BrazilCredit: PacemakerLeft-back Lewis, 26, becomes the first Brit to play for the Brazilian giants and hopes the Samba-style football can help his countrymen.Ahead of facing Belarus on Saturday, he joked: “I guess I’m going to have to give man-of-the-match performances every week now.“There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.“And I am very proud to be a Northern Irishman playing in Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The hotter climate makes for a different intensity in the football and, at times, I feel far away.“But there is a rich culture of football and some hugely-talented players who have played in the ­Premier League before.There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.”Jamal Lewis“It’s a massive challenge for me — and one that I am embracing with both hands.”Northern Ireland held Belarus to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in their C3 Nations League clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManager Michael O’Neill’s side next host Bulgaria at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.Former Norwich defender Lewis confessed: “Belfast will feel a lot colder than Brazil but I love Windsor Park.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“The atmosphere created by a relatively small crowd when it’s full is so close to my heart.“I came into the senior squad just after the great run at Euro 2016 and there’s another major tournament in this squad for sure. We just need to gel.”Lewis may well have also ruined one of Northern Ireland’s most famous football anthems — but it is all the same to him.Every international is accompanied by the Green and White Army’s lusty rendition of We’re Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland.But in the defender’s case, he is both.Opportunity of a lifetimeThe chance to make history as the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful teams, and make a fresh start was too good to turn down.Lewis said: “I knew  my time at Newcastle would be limited so I was looking for an option — loan or permanent.“Once my agent told me, it sparked my interest and it is definitely something different. It’s a chance I wanted to seize with both hands and see where it takes me.I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.”Jamal Lewis“It went from zero to a hundred quickly and I flew to Brazil the next day.“We got all the documents done and  it’s been a whirlwind. I’m still in the adjustment phase but I’m really enjoying it — the people, the culture, the club.“In the same way that the English love their football, and we love the Premier League, the Brazilians are renowned worldwide for their football.“It’s such a huge thing, it goes hand  in hand with religion for the Brazilians. The fans, the clubs, the history that it comes with  is amazing.The left-back has fallen out of favour at NewcastleCredit: Getty“You can see it with Sao Paulo — the history of the place. The championships they have won and the pride of the people that support the club is immense.“So, to represent them is amazing and hopefully this is the start of a long journey with them.”Every home international for Lewis is now a minimum 6,000-mile trek from the country of Neymar and Co to Belfast.He continued: “Sometimes I feel far away from home, especially when I am messaging and it’s already dark in the UK and I am enjoying the sun.“The four-hour time difference has an effect. But it comes with the job. It doesn’t feel much further than being in Newcastle, really.“Football is a learning profession. My wife’s coming over after this international break so we’ll get to experience it together, which will be great.“I made my full debut in the last match before the international break.“I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.“I’m proud to represent myself, my family and Northern Ireland in Brazil.“Challenging myself each and every day to communicate with people is a little bit difficult but I am embracing the new culture, the weather, the people.”New homeSao Paulo have never been relegated from Brazil’s top division.Lewis’ loan is slightly different, given the split season in the country that  has blessed the world with so many superstars of the game.Home games for his new club are at the 72,000-capacity MorumBIS stadium.One recognisable team-mate is former Tottenham striker Lucas Moura, 32.And Lewis had a full-on taste of what to expect in last month’s Copa Libertadores — a rough equivalent of our Champions League — as an unused sub against Botafogo in the quarter-finals.He said: “The stadiums in Brazil are immense. Ours holds 70-plus thousand, it’s just amazing.“I got to see the best of it against Botafogo. It was a packed house, the fans were amazing and the atmosphere was great. I just hope I get to make some starts before the season finishes.Lewis is loving life in BrazilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jamal_lewis1/“It ends in December. So not many games left. There is then a month off before a small pre-season. Then we go into the Paulista Cup where you play more local teams through to March and then in April, the season starts again.“It’s a one-season loan as far as Newcastle are concerned — but two half-season loans for me. My loan ends in June but there is an option to make it permanent once that finishes.“Sao Paulo’s densely packed but I live in London back home so it’s nothing I am not used to. It feels like a home away from home but with better weather.“I am adjusting to the team and they are adjusting to me. We have only played a handful of games.It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.”Jamal Lewis“I am getting up to pace with the style of play. It’s a hotter climate so that brings a different kind of intensity of football with it.“I have taken a big step out of my own environment of being able to communicate easily to now having to immerse myself and learn to get by day to day.“I have played with many foreign players and now I empathise with the process they go through to integrate into British culture. I am making sure I can do that in Brazilian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The beauty of me being in Sao Paulo is exposing myself to so many different things, growing as a person, learning as an individual.“It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.” More