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      How Man Utd can use Bruno Fernandes in a ‘free role’ to win the tactical battle and Europa League vs Tottenham 

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      THE position of Bruno Fernandes against a depleted Tottenham midfield is the key to Manchester United winning the Europa League.It is an all-English final in Bilbao on Wednesday as both sides look to save themselves from the consequences of a disastrous season.Bruno Fernandes holds the key to United unlocking SpursCredit: GettyThe tactical battle in midfield will make all the differenceCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s spell at United has been incredibly poor and his side are from settled in his 3-4-3 system.But if the Red Devils get it tactically right, they can carve apart a Spurs team without injured trio James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall in midfield.Where should Bruno Fernandes play?Amorim has a conundrum – whether to play his skipper in one of the No10 positions or deeper in his midfield two.United must trust Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the final so Fernandes can be used in a free role further up the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen he has played as one of the No10s, he is expected to run in-behind and stretch defences.But this does not suit his game and against Micky van de Ven, a waste of time. Amorim must ditch that and let his most complete player have freedom, drifting out the structure to give Spurs a headache.Ange Postecoglou wants his team to press aggressively and get high on United when they have possession deep. Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut letting Fernandes float into a “normal” central No10 position will force Spurs to pull one of their midfielders back to deal with him or they will have a 3 vs 2. Spurs will have to form a three to deal with Fernandes moving insideAnd a pass should be on when Spurs attack down their left as they like to do with Destiny Udogie.Fernandes must not get sucked into chasing the ball and instead pull into a pocket to quickly switch the attack as Tottenham overload the left.Getting the ball out quickly to the other side can catch Spurs outIf United’s captain plays as one of the midfield two, they will be pressed relentlessly and struggle to get out.United could struggle to play through Spurs’ press if Fernandes does not use his intelligence to pick up the best areas further up the fieldThey will have no player beyond the ball with the intelligence to drop into areas to receive it, plus his lack of creativity in the final third will hurt.Going direct is not an option as Rasmus Hojlund does not hold it up well enough.Going over the top to the speedy Alejandro Garnacho cannot be done, as again, Van de Ven will have an easy night.Should Amad play wing-back?Amad Diallo can be Amorim’s wing-back long-term but not on Wednesday night.Spurs full-backs drift inside to allow for the centre-backs to then fire passes out to the wingers.Due to this, Amad risks being forced into doing an awful lot of tracking runs and one vs one defending, which are not his strengths.Amad will have to track Udogie inside and stick with him as he runs beyond the ballSpurs work the ball forward with interchanges and overloads down the channels.And to combat this, it is a safer bet to start with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu as the wing-backs.Amad can be an impact sub later in the game when players begin to tire and he can use his pace to burst forward. Amad could end up in one vs one situations defensively and it is therefore safer to play MazraouiCan Man Utd play through the Spurs press?It is unpopular but Postecoglou has changed this season, especially away in Europe with more measured, less gung-ho performances to counter-balance opponents.And they need to be wary of United using their left flank to expose Spurs.United like to circulate the ball in a W shape with the midfield two with the centre-backs so the wing-backs push high.United use a W shape to move the ball around in their own half and get their wing-backs to advanceBalls between the lines into a free role Fernandes will cause issues and they will target right-winger Brennan Johnson to get out.He does not read the game well enough, not cutting out passing lanes and pressing at the wrong moments.Away from passes into Fernandes’ feet, zipped ones to the wing-back Dorgu will cause problems for Spurs as right-back Pedro Porro will be reluctant to press him and leave Fernandes open behind him. United must target Johnson and they will be able to play around himThe ball to Dorgu will be on from midfieldHow Spurs can winWithout Maddison, Kulusevski and Bergvall, it is likely to be a defensive and physical trio from Tottenham in midfield.Instead of the usual 4-2-3-1, Postecoglou should implement a more standard 4-3-3.Spurs should play a 4-3-3An extra man in midfield will allow them to press United’s midfield two and help them combat Fernandes’ drifting in the free role as they have one more player in there.Tottenham can press United’s two and they will have a free man to pick up FernandesSpurs will get Udogie and Porro involved in attack and look to pin United’s wing-backs in a back five rather than a three.It will mean there are spaces in the pockets for Spurs to work the ball into areas to create.But not having Maddison or Kulusevski in these spaces is a real blow as they can produce the killer pass.Read More on The SunSpurs need to pin United’s wing-backs back and createBut Spurs could suffocate United with their press and there is no easy out ball with Hojlund unlikely to win a duel or race against Van de Ven or Cristian Romero.Check out the SunSport YouTube channel on Wednesday night for a LIVE watch-a-long. Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Gary Lineker’s statement in full as he officially quits BBC after anti-Semitism row – and WON’T get pay off

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      GARY Lineker has today officially quit the BBC and will no longer front the 2026 World Cup coverage following an anti-Semitism row.The former Leicester City, Tottenham, Barcelona and England striker, who has hosted Match of the Day for 26 years, has said: “I’m sorry, unreservedly.”Gary Lineker released a video statement on InstagramCredit: InstagramLineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBCCredit: GettyLineker outside his home in London todayCredit: PAHe will present MoTD one last timeCredit: PALineker will make his final appearance on the Beeb’s flagship football show on Sunday to present coverage of the Premier League’s end of season matches.He said in a statement released at midday on Monday: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”He will reportedly not receive a pay off despite being the broadcaster’s highest paid star, raking in £1.35million a year, according to The Times.The parting of ways also includes the licensing deal for Lineker’s Goalhanger podcast titles, The Rest Is Football and The Rest Is History, which ends this year, it is understood.Lineker agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week – with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.The MOTD host’s early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of anti-Semitism.Most read in FootballLineker, 64, faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.Alongside his statement today, he also released a video on his Instagram page in which he said: “I would like to say once again I am sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused. ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message”It was a genuine mistake and oversight but I should have been more diligent.” Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. “Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. “His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses.He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business.Lineker’s statement comes after The Sun revealed he was planning to step down following the scandal.It comes after an anti-Semitism row with the post involved now deletedCredit: SplashHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace on SaturdayCredit: GettyA young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup but his final bow will be on Sunday, we exclusively revealed.A source told The Sun previously: “Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious ­tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup.“He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy.“He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted.”His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.”Those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely.They added: “Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong.“He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over.“And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.”How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables. His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group Palestine Lobby after he had shared it with his 1.2million followers.The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation.HATE ROW APOLOGYIn a statement that day, Gary’s agent said: “Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post.“Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.”On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic. It goes against everything I believe in.“The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the backlash the same day, saying: “The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.“And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup.He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC’s impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out.Read More on The SunIn 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.Gary Lineker has presented Match of the Day for a whopping 26 yearsCredit: GettyLineker played for Barcelona in his heydayCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Rotten vs rancid’ – Lineker, Shearer and Richards predict winner of Man Utd vs Tottenham in Europa League final

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      GARY LINEKER, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their predictions ahead of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.United and Spurs lock horns on Wednesday at San Mames with both teams in desperate need to win the trophy as it is their only hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their Europa League final predictionsLineker and Shearer predicted Tottenham, while Richards backed Manchester UnitedThe two Premier League giants have endured a horrid campaign that will see them finishing in the bottom half of the table and thus the loser will miss out on European football altogether next term.That is why Shearer, 54, dubbed both Man Utd and the North Londoners as “rancid” and “rotten” in his most recent appearance on The Rest is Football with Lineker, 64, and Richards, 36.The Newcastle legend said: “They have been rotten in the Premier League. Rancid and rotten – rancidly rotten the both of them and one of them will be playing Champions League football next season.”Nevertheless, Shearer still predicted an entertaining encounter filled with goals that will go to penalties with Tottenham ending their 17-year run without a trophy.Read More on Man UtdThe legendary striker added: “My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Spurs to win on penalties.”Tottenham legend Lineker agreed with his fellow Match of the Day icon and also isn’t ruling out extra-time.The England icon replied: “Oh, he’s gone full on there, sounds like a World Cup final. I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not.”Shearer responded: “After 90 minutes?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker said: “Well, I’ve got this feeling that it’s the teams that have not won for ages this year. “And I think they’re going to, I don’t know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra-time.”Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessRichards was the only one that backed United to lift the Europa League and finally lift the gloom at Old Trafford following their worst ever Premier League season.In fact, the Manchester City hero expects Man Utd to win 1-0 with Casemiro’s winner following an assist by Bruno Fernandes.Richards predicted: “I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now. “But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, 1-0.” More

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      ‘Incoming’ – Tyson Fury teases imminent announcement as he and dad John head off for business meeting

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      TYSON FURY has teased an imminent announcement following his major retirement U-turn.The Gypsy King hung up his gloves for the FIFTH TIME in January less than a month after his second-straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury announced his fifth retirement from boxing shortly after his second loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: REUTERSThe Gypsy King performed an unsurprising U-turn last monthCredit: PAFury, 36, has teased that a major announcement is on the horizonCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURYBut he performed an expletive-filled U-turn last month when he campaigned for a trilogy fight with the slick southpaw.Fury, 36, has continued to drop hints that he will return to the ring and has appeared to ramp up his training.And the Wythenshawe warrior has teased that a major announcement is on the horizon.In a video on his Instagram story with dad John, the former two-time heavyweight champion said: “Business meeting today, dad.READ MORE IN BOXING”En-route. Incoming, incoming.”A long-overdue domestic dust-up with fellow former heavyweight king Anthony Joshua awaits Fury should he decide to lace up his gloves again.The mammoth Battle of Britain seemed to be a dead cert following Fury’s second straight decision loss to pound-for-pound king Usyk last December.But Fury appeared to put the final nail in the coffin of the fight by announcing his fifth retirement with a bizarre reference to highway robber Dick Turpin.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the biggest fight in the history of British boxing is back on the table following Fury’s latest flip-flopping on retirement.It won’t however, happen any time soon as AJ has recently had surgery on a niggling elbow injury.AJ to have surgery this week as Hearn reveals ‘encouraging’ Fury fightLong-time Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn is anticipating a September return at the earliest.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, the Matchroom Boxing chief said of Fury’s recent social media activity: “Tyson Fury is a big tease.”Every day, I open up Instagram, like today, and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds.”He looks super fit, Tyson Fury. He looks like he’s ready to go now, which is encouraging.”But, obviously, probably the delay that AJ’s got is a blessing, to be honest with you.”One, you’ve got Usyk against Dubois coming up, so that gives you a little bit of time.Read More on The Sun”And number two, you’ve got Tyson Fury. Who could potentially come back to the ring.”So it’s gonna be interesting to see what plays out.” More

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      Josh Taylor reveals his toughest ever fight that left him peeing BLOOD for five days and unable to walk

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      JOSH TAYLOR revealed his most brutal fight left him urinating BLOOD for days and unable to walk – ruining his holiday. The Scot became undisputed super-lightweight world champion but earned it the hard way with a series of challenging bouts. Ivan Baranchyk lost to Josh Taylor in 2019Credit: GettyAnd Taylor revealed none were more gruelling than his 2019 victory over Ukrainian Ivan Baranchyk – which he won on points. He said: “I would say it was Ivan Baranchyk. I went on holiday on the Monday afterwards. I could hardly walk through the airport.”I was so sore my body was so sore, my back, my ribs, my livers. I was urinating blood for about four or five days after the fight.”My kidneys were so bruised, I was in pain for about four or five days for that fight. READ MORE IN BOXING”So yeah, I would say that was probably physically the toughest fight.”Taylor floored Baranchyk, now 32, twice in round six but was taken the full 12 to retain the 140lb IBF title. From there, he added the WBA, WBO and WBC versions with points wins over Regis Prograis and Jose Ramírez. Taylor then retained the undisputed throne in a hugely controversial split-decision against rival Jack Catterall in Glasgow in 2022. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was then defeated for the first time in 2023 against Teofimo Lopez before losing his rematch with Catterall, 31, last May. Now Taylor steps up to welterweight in his return bout against Ekow Essuman, 36, on Saturday. Shocking moment boxing referee is viciously attacked by several men in ring after fight before he is sent flyingHe said: “I just thought I need a fresh start, a fresh change. “New beginnings, new challenges, set new goals, new targets which then refresh your energy, refreshes your enthusiasm for the sport, refreshes everything because then it’s back to being the hunter again.“It’s a new challenge. I’ve been there, done that, worn all four t-shirts so it’s like, ‘Right, you’ve not got any t-shirts at this next weight, let’s go get them.’”Taylor returns against Ekow EssumanCredit: Queensberry Promotions More

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      Incredible moment Scott McTominay’s car is mobbed by Napoli fans as punters rush to get glimpse of their hero

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      NAPOLI are on the brink of a stunning Serie A title success with Scott McTominay at the very heart of it.And the passionate fans in Naples have shown how much they adore the Scotland star in an incredible moment last night.Napoli fans spotted Scott McTominay’s car at the airportCredit: Youtube @CalcioNapoli24TVThey rushed over desperate for a glimpse of their heroCredit: Youtube @CalcioNapoli24TVMcTominay was absolutely loving itCredit: Youtube @CalcioNapoli24TVMcTominay and Napoli are on the cusp of Serie A title gloryCredit: EPANapoli travelled to take on Parma last night knowing a win could potentially secure a second Serie A championship in three years.However, they were held to a 0-0 draw by the relegation-threatened outfit.It could have been a costly slip-up, but title rivals Inter Milan were ALSO held to a draw – 2-2 against Lazio – meaning it’s as you were heading into the final round of matches next weekend.With a one point lead, Napoli’s destiny is in their own hands and they know a win over Cagliari this coming Sunday will confirm them as champions.Inter, meanwhile, head to Como.With the title triumph on the brink of happening, Napoli fans are buoyant and starting to really, really believe.That was evident when a thousand fans headed to the airport in Naples late at night to welcome back their heroes.Footage shared by CalcioNapoli24 shows the incredible moment a large group of fans spotted McTominay in his car.Most read in FootballThe former Man Utd star’s black 4×4 quickly becomes surrounded both by fans on foot and some on motorcycles.Many of them are wearing Napoli gear.Napoli fan gets incredible Scott McTominay tattoo with permanent nod to Scotland hero’s bizarre new nicknameOne fan on a bike filmed the encounter, driving round to the driver’s side where McTominay was sat.Horns are blaring and several shouts of “Scott” can be heard.The footage shows several phones being pressed up against the window with fans desperate to get a picture of their new main man.Some also attempt to take a selfie.McTominay, it’s fair to say, is absolutely loving it.Extremely calm despite the chaos going on around him, the Scotland ace rolls down his window to greet the adoring fans.He has a big smile on his face as he applauds and waves to the fans.McTominay has been loving in life in Naples, both on the pitch and off of it.The city, too, has completely taken the 28-year old to heart.Read More on The SunA shrine – similar to the ones made in honour to the great Diego Maradona – has appeared in the centre of Naples, while other tributes include tattoos and pizzas.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Ajax manager and Tottenham target Francesco Farioli dramatically QUITS just hours after losing title

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      FRANCESCO FARIOLI has quit as Ajax manager, the day after breaking down in tears on the pitch – paving the way for him to replace Ange Postecoglou.Farioli wept on the field after seeing his side throw away the Eredivisie title.Francesco Farioli has quit as Ajax managerCredit: AFPThe Italian wept on the pitch as his side missed out on the Eredivisie titleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax finished on 78 points, one behind champions PSV. And Farioli, 36, has told the board he will walk away less than 24 hours after the heartbreak.He joined from Nice a year ago, penning a three-year contract in Amsterdam. But now Farioli and his backroom staff have opted to leave as Ajax made it three seasons without winning the league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFarioli said: “My journey at Ajax started almost one year ago, at De Toekomst, with the aim of bringing Ajax back to where it belongs. And it ended at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, finally bringing back Ajax to Champions League, the biggest stage of European football. !We wanted to bring new energy to the whole Ajax community, sharing a positive way of working and thinking with the club at all levels.”Being Ajax’s first non-Dutch coach since 1998 and the club’s first-ever Italian one have been an absolute privilege: together with my staff we embraced this huge challenge with respect, responsibility, passion and determination to succeed. “Earning the respect and support from Ajax fans we felt throughout the whole season meant a lot for myself and my staff. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We lived unbelievable and unforgettable moments all together: a unique, intense, emotional season in which we shared belief, fighting spirit and pride, finally achieving our goal, accomplishing our mission.”The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals. Moment furious Man Utd flop Wout Weghorst SLAPS camera out of his face after Ajax lose league title by a point”Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways.”Ajax’s technical director Alex Kroes added: “I find this incredibly disappointing. “Francesco and his staff have been a great help to us.”It’s been an intense season filled with many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League. “Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful. “This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so. “It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June.”Francesco Farioli’s coaching careerFatih Karagumruk 22 March 2021 to 16 December 2021 – P27 W11 D8 L8 GD+4 Win % 40.74Alanyaspor 31 December 2021 to 27 February 2023 – P48 W20 D12 L16 GD+6 Win % 41.67Nice 30 June 2023 to 23 May 2024 – P38 W17 D11 L10 GD+13 Win % 44.74Ajax 23 May 2024 to 19 May 2024 – P53 W34 D7 L12 GD+47 Win % 64.15TOTAL – P166 W82 D38 L46 GD+70 Win % 49.40Now Farioli is available should Tottenham look to replace Postecoglou.Postecoglou’s future at Spurs looks uncertain – and may well leave even if he wins the Europa League final on Wednesday.Italian Farioli was already in the running to take over in North London. And the possible return to the Tottenham boardroom of Fabio Paratici could pave the way for his compatriot Farioli, a former disciple of Roberto De Zerbi. Read More on The SunAfter working under the ex-Brighton boss at Benevento and Sassuolo, ex-goalkeeper Farioli started his own managerial career in Turkey before leading Nice to Europa League qualification despite starting the season without his Uefa Pro Licence coaching badge. Oliver Glasner is the favourite to take over from Postecoglou off the back of his FA Cup glory with Crystal Palace with Scott Parker, Thomas Frank, Mauricio Pochettino and Xavi also in the running.Ange Postecoglou could leave Tottenham even if he wins the Europa League finalCredit: PA More

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      Europa League 2025 prize money: How much are Man Utd and Tottenham competing for in thrilling final

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      IT has been a while since we had an all-English Europa League final – but that changes on May 21 – and the prize money for the winners has been revealed!Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham will face off in Bilbao with several things on the line.Manchester United ran riot in their Europa League semi-finalCredit: PATottenham thrashed Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-finalCredit: GettyRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim will be desperate to mark his debut season at the helm of United by lifting some silverware, especially after the Prem campaign his team has suffered.And after United’s 7-1 aggregate pummelling on Athletic Bilbao, Amorim will be very confident his side can do so.However, Ange Postecoglou promised Spurs fans that he always delivers trophies in his second season, and after their dominant semi-final performance against Bodo/Glimt, there is every chance this could happen.But not only can both teams turn what has been a woeful season into a memorable one, they can win a ton of money too.Read more on Europa LeagueWhat is the Europa League prize money?UEFA have revealed that the winners of this year’s Europa League will take home a staggering £10.95 million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £5.90mHere is the full breakdown:Winner: £10.95mRunner-up: £5.90mSemi-finalists: £3.54mQuarter-finalists: £2.11mRound of 16: £1.47mReaching knockout round play-off: £252,800League-phase wins: £379,201League-phase draws: £126,400Most read in Europa LeagueMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashWhat else do you get for winning the Europa League?Along with earning a substantial amount of prize money, the winners gain automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League.This would be an incredible achievement for both Manchester United and Tottenham considering their current lower-table positions in the Premier League.The Europa League trophy is also the heaviest piece of silverware UEFA have to offer, weighing in at 15kg.When is the Europa League final 2025?The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Wednesday, May 21.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.Estadio de San Mames stadium – the home of Athletic Bilbao will host the thrilling final. More