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    West Ham refuse to give up on appointing former Real Madrid manager to replace David Moyes

    WEST HAM are not giving up on persuading Julen Lopetegui to take over at the London Stadium should David Moyes depart.The former Wolves and Real Madrid boss, 57, had informed the Hammers over the weekend that his preference was to take over at AC Milan next season after being offered a deal by the Italian giants.Ex-Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui is West Ham’s top managerial candidateCredit: PAWest Ham manager David Moyes’ contract runs out in the summerCredit: GettyHowever, Milan supporters have reacted poorly to the prospect of the Spaniard taking over at San Siro and other options – including Lille manager Paulo Fonseca – are being explored by the club.West Ham have met with Lopetegui a number of times and he remains their preferred candidate should, as expected, Moyes leave when his contract is up at the end of the season.From proactively evaluating candidates, West Ham are now left playing a waiting game over Lopetegui while everything else is up in the air.No final decision has been made on the Scot’s future by the Hammers board, with chairman David Sullivan waiting until after the final Premier League game against Manchester City to hold talks with the ex-Manchester United and Everton boss.Read More on FootballWest Ham also held face-to-face talks with Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, though the 39-year-old held a press conference over the weekend to apologise to the club and supporters.Both Fonseca and former Germany manager Hansi Flick have been proposed to the club but neither suggestion was received enthusiastically.It leaves Sullivan, Moyes and the rest of the club in a near identical situation to that of the end of his first spell six years ago.Moyes saved the club from relegation, started to plan for the future but was then informed after the final game against Everton that Manuel Pellegrini would be taking over.Most read in FootballSupporters and the club wanted more, they wanted stardust, but Pellegrini did not deliver and Moyes returned, going on to record two top-seven finishes, a Europa League semi-final and the club’s first trophy for 43 years.The difference this time around is that, after all that success, things appear to have grown tired. West Ham 2-2 Liverpool, David Moyes in bizarre ‘I’ll be glad to see the back of him’ tirade, full press conferenceThe fanbase have been split over Moyes’ style, the manager has concerns about the structure of the club above him and has said that if he were to stay “things would need to be right between me and the club”.West Ham’s hopes of progressing in the Europa League and qualifying for a fourth straight year in Europe have collapsed in recent weeks.Given no decision has been made on Moyes’ future, there is a chance a strong end to the campaign could save him. But end-of-season wins over Chelsea and City should not dictate whether he is the right man or not.It all means the club are going into a crucial summer – during which the squad needs major work and technical director Tim Steidten is planning around eight new signings – unsure of what direction they will take.The lack of clarity is neither fair on the club’s most successful manager for decades nor is it healthy for those who will be left behind should Moyes go.READ MORE SUN STORIESWest Ham’s aim with making a change is to progress as a club – should the managerial search continue like this it will only damage that ambition.Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness, who recently renewed his contract with the German club, is not a candidate. More

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    Zinedine Zidane ‘on verge of managerial return with Real Madrid legend close to agreeing contract with European giants’

    ZINEDINE ZIDANE is on the verge of becoming Bayern Munich manager, it’s been claimed.The Frenchman hasn’t worked since leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYZinedine Zidane is on the verge of replacing the German, it’s been claimedCredit: AFPThe 51-year-old is reportedly “one step away” from taking charge of the BavariansCredit: GETTYBut the 51-year-old is said to be on the brink of returning to the dugout with Bayern.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the former Los Blancos player and gaffer has held successful talks with the German giants.And the Spanish newspaper claims the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner is “one step away” from taking charge of the Bavarians.An official agreement has not yet been reached, although Mundo claims the deal is “practically done”.Zidane is said to have asked for a war chest to bolster the squad upon his arrival.And the World Cup winner has reportedly prioritised strengthening Bayern’s’ leaky defence.Zidane is in line to succeed former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.Tuchel will leave the club at the end of the season, in which his troops were pipped to the Bundesliga title by high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZinedine Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League triumphsCredit: APZidane has been enjoying the fruits of his playing and managerial careers since his second departure from the Bernabeu in June 2021.He stepped down from his role due to the club’s lack of “faith” in him following their first trophyless season in 11 years. Zinedine Zidane ‘will only return to management for three jobs’ as Bayern Munich hunt new boss In an open letter to Madristas, he said: “Right now, things are different … I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need.”Nor the support to build something in the medium or long term.“What we achieved together has to be respected.”I know football and I know the demands of a club like Madrid.”I know that when you don’t win you have to go.”But this time, something very important has been forgotten, everything that I have built on a daily basis has been forgotten.”What I have contributed in the relationship with the players and with the 150 people who work at the club.” More

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    Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty win

    REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham went wild with fans as he chanted in Spanish after a stunning Champions League triumph over Manchester City.Real punched their ticket to the semi-finals on Wednesday after beating City 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham went wild with the crowd after beating Manchester CityCredit: RexBellingham chanted in Spanish with the rest of the travelling Real Madrid fansCredit: ReutersBellingham helped Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League semi-finalsBellingham, 20, helped Los Blancos set sail for their 15th European title as his spot kick was on target.And the star midfielder broke out into passionate celebrations after his team-mate Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial penalty while Anriy Lunin denied both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.The camera caught a number of Real stars, such as Rudiger and Rodrygo, climbing over the barriers and hugging travelling fans.Bellingham followed suit and joined the crowd in singing one of the club’s most famous chants.Read More on FootballA clip on TikTok showed the England international belt out: “Asi, Asi, Asi gana el Madrid (Like this, like this, like this Madrid always win!)”Bellingham has shown once more he has adjusted perfectly to his new life at the Santiago Bernabeu ever since his British record £115million move from Borussia Dortmund only last summer.The ex-Birmingham star has amassed a whopping total of 20 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances.And the versatile midfielder is so happy at Real he insists his move to the Spanish giants was a “no brainer”.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players. Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants “I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
    Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
    And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
    Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
    He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
    “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
    Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
    “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
    Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.” More

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    Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

    REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More

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    Fans joke it’s ‘like flexing a tenner to Elon Musk’ as they spot what Man City did before Real Madrid loss

    MANCHESTER CITY were mercilessly mocked for “flexing” their Champions League trophy… against record winners Real Madrid.City hosted Real on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final clash at the Etihad following last week’s dramatic 3-3 draw in Madrid.Manchester City ‘flexed’ their sole Champions League trophy before facing Real MadridCredit: EPAFans were left cringed by Man City’s botched mind games against the most successful Champions League clubCredit: GettyReal Madrid eliminated City and will challenge for their 15th Champions League titleCredit: PALast year’s winners proudly displayed their first-ever Champions League trophy in the stadium before kick-off for all to see.The only catch is their rivals have FOURTEEN of them in their cabinet at home.And the stunt had fans watching on cringing.One fan tweeted: “Like me flexing a tenner to Elon Musk.”Read More on FootballAnother added: “Wow i’m sure Real Madrid are very impressed, they’ve never seen a CL trophy before.”A third posted: “They’ve won it 14 times. This was pathetic.”One said: “Small club mentality, got 14 ffs..”While another quipped: “They can flex when they win 13 more.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhy Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
    Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
    And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
    Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
    He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
    “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
    Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
    “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
    Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

    It’s safe to say the sight City’s trophy did not psych Madrid out – despite losing to Pep Guardiola’s side in the semis last season.Carlo Ancelotti’s men put on a stellar defensive performance to earn a 1-1 draw, with Kevin De Bruyne cancelling out Rodrygo’s early opener.Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubGuardiola withdrew De Bruyne and star striker Erling Haaland during a goalless extra-time period.And City suffered penalty heartbreak as they lost 4-3, with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missing from the spot. More

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    Real Madrid legend Raul’s agent reveals world record offer from Premier League giants – but he ‘didn’t consider’ it

    REAL MADRID legend Raul once received a world record offer to join Chelsea – but “didn’t consider it” as he opted to stay in Spain.Raul, 46, is a Bernabeu legend after spending 16 years leading Real’s attack.Chelsea tried and failed to sign Raul from Real Madrid for a then-record £70m in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRaul opted to remain at Real, going on to become their all-time appearance makerCredit: GettyHe won six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues during a glittering career in the Spanish capital.Raul is Real’s third top scorer of all time with 323 goals.And he still holds the record for most appearances with 741 games.However, things could have panned out differently for Raul had he jumped ship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeven years before his 2010 departure for Schalke, Chelsea are claimed to have made an offer for Raul.In 2003, Roman Abramovich had just purchased club and was looking to make some statement signings.Chelsea spent huge fees on stars like Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Juan Sebastian Veron.And they even managed to lure superstar midfielder Claude Makelele from the Bernabeu too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, Chelsea also tried to sign Real team-mate Raul at the same time.According to his agent, the Blues offered a then-world record £70m for the striker.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDChelea did end up signing Raul’s team-mate Claude Makelele in the same windowCredit: GettyBut Raul, who joined Real’s academy in 1992 and is now boss of their reserves, had no interest in discussing a Stamford Bridge switch.Gines Carvajal said in 2010: “Many English clubs asked in the past for Raul, but the only formal proposal was the one of Chelsea.“(Then Chelsea manager Claudio) Ranieri wanted Makelele and Raul. So the same people of Chelsea who negotiated for Makelele made contact with me and Madrid.“They offered €100million (then a world record £70m), but Raul didn’t consider the offer because he just didn’t think of leaving Madrid.“I believe that generally clubs know that Raul is the captain of Madrid and, as it happens with players as (Ryan) Giggs, they know that there are not many options for them to change clubs.”Raul’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Real Madrid, 1994-2010: 741 games, 323 goals

    Schalke, 2010-2012: 98 games, 40 goals

    Al Sadd, 2012-2014: 61 games, 16 goals

    New York Cosmos, 2015: 32 games, 9 goals

    Spain, 1996-2006: 102 games, 44 goals

    Trophies: LaLiga x6, Spanish Super Cup x4, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup x2 (Real Madrid); German Cup, German Super Cup (Schalke); Qatar Stars League, Emir of Qatar Cup (Al Sadd); North American Soccer League, North American Supporters’ Trophy, Soccer Bowl (New York Cosmos) More

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    Fans spot Real Madrid stars’ classy gesture as training footage emerges ahead of huge Man City clash

    REAL MADRID stars were hailed for their immense sportsmanship ahead of tonight’s crunch Champions League clash against Manchester City.Real take on City in the quarter-finals at the Etihad following a stunning first leg between the two title favourites at the Santiago Bernabeu which ended 3-3.Real Madrid stars avoided stepping on Manchester City’s badgeReal Madrid take on Man City in a crunch Champions League quarter-final clashLos Blancos trained for the crucial game at the Citizens’ ground and the camera caught Carlo Ancelotti’s players paying respect to the hosts.Real players were seen walking down the corridors where City’s badge was placed on the floor.And all the Madrid aces walked around the club crest making sure they wouldn’t step on it.Fans stormed social media to congratulate Real for the class and dignity they showed.Read More on Man CityOne supporter tweeted: “Values.”Another commented: “Sportsmanship.”A third wrote: “They are real players.”This ones said: “Respect.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one stated: “Class.”City are looking to replicate last season’s Treble triumph but are facing a daunting task against Champions League record winners Real.Guardiola is hoping Man City can see off Real Madrid to make more historyThe winner of tonight’s fixture will go on to face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the semi-finals.Speaking ahead of the clash, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham revealed he held talks with other clubs – thought to include Man City – before making the switch to the Bernabeu.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.” More

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    Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants

    JUDE BELLINGHAM says it was a “no brainer” for him to join Real Madrid over Wednesday’s opponents Manchester City.The treble winners were one of a host of clubs chasing the signature of the England star when it was clear he was leaving Borussia Dortmund last spring.Jude Bellingham insists joining Real Madrid was the best decisionCredit: GettyBellingham was approached by a raft of elite clubs, including Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe admitted he spoke with several teams – but could not resist the lure of the Spanish giants when they came calling.City became aware in May that the former Birmingham midfielder had set his heart on a switch to the Bernabeu rather than the Premier League.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.Read More on Football“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Now he hopes to show he made the right call by sending Pep Guardiola’s holders tumbling out of the Champions League at the Etihad.The quarter-final tie is finely poised at 3-3 after a thriller in Spain last week.He said: “I think everyone has spoken about them being favourites – they’re the treble winners and an amazing team.Most read in Football“I’m not a gambler – and I’ve never been to the bookies.“But that’s the impression from the outside. We are Real Madrid – we are pretty good and have some brilliant players.Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss“Internally we are confident and we trust what we have in the dressing room.“These are the sort of games I joined for. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there and play.”Almost a year has passed and Bellingham says he has no regrets over his decision – hoping England will reap the benefits.He also hopes other young talents will follow his path and try their luck abroad.Bellingham said: “I was at Dortmund for three years and I took a path that is unfamiliar but I feel grateful every time I go into training.“It’s a good idea for young players to go abroad and hopefully I’m showing that.“You learn a lot and hopefully I take that with me into the national team.”Bellingham made an explosive start to life in Spain and while the goals have dried up he hopes there are still more to come.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I didn’t expect to score this many goals. People were asking me when I joined and I just wanted one – but I’m up to 20 now.“Hopefully I can get more before the end of the season.”Real Madrid star Bellingham will look to end Man City’s Treble hopes More