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      Bayern Munich star footballer ‘is caught drink-driving in Germany after partying with pals at club & faces ban and fine’

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      BAYERN Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reports.The Canadian defender, 24, now faces a driving ban after he was reportedly found to be over the legal limit in the early hours of Thursday morning.Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reportsCredit: GettyDavies training with his teammates before a Champions League tie this weekCredit: APThe Bayern Munich team before they played PSG on TuesdayA breathalyser test revealed he registered a blood alcohol level of 0.6 grams per litre, according to Bild.In Germany, the allowed level is under 0.5 grams per litre.Davies had spent Wednesday evening with friends at a Christmas market in Munich, say German media.He then moved on to a nightclub before making his way home in the early hours of Thursday morning where he was stopped by cops at around 2:15am.read more in Bayern MunichDavies is now expected to have his driving licence taken away for a month and fork out £4,100 in fines, He will also receive two points on his licence.His club side, Bayern Munich are not expected to punish him any further. They had allowed the star leftback to have a day off following their huge Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Most read in FootballHe returned to training as normal on Friday as the Bundesliga favourites prepare to face off with Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.They are still unbeaten with 11 games played.Davies also captains the Canadian national soccer team. He became the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Major League Soccer match when he played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Canadian defender also became the youngest player to appear in the national team. Born in Ghana to refugee Liberian parents, Davies and his family relocated to Canada when he was five-years-old.He obtained Canadian citizenship in 2017. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.Credit: AFP More

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      Former Premier League title winner now owns and coaches Japanese club who play in sixth tier of German football

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      FORMER Premier League champion Shinji Okazaki has turned his attention to building a Japanese club… in Germany.Okazaki, 38, is a member of Leicester City’s 2016 title winning side and hung up his boots last summer after a career that spanned England, Belgium, Japan and Spain.Premier League champion Shinji Okazaki has embarked on a new career since retiringCredit: GettyOkazaki is the founder and manager of German sixth tier side FC Basara MainzBut it was his time playing in Germany for Mainz and Stuttgart that has shaped what he’s doing now with the retired bagsman the owner and head coach of a club in the country’s sixth tier.Okazaki founded FC Basara Mainz 10 years ago during his time in the Bundesliga at Mainz 05 and has had a huge hand in their success since that time.The aim was to create an environment where talented Japanese players could develop their game and earn their stripes with facilities that could help them improve as players.Speaking to Transfermarkt, Okazaki recalled: “Takashi Yamashita [President of Basara Mainz] noticed that many [Japanese] players didn’t develop as much as expected. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Some found opportunities to play, but when faced with tough conditions, they often blamed their environment or coach instead of taking responsibility for their growth. “The cultural and practical differences between Japan and Germany were immense – not just in everyday life but on the pitch as well.“I suggested to Yamashita, ‘Why don’t we create our own team and develop Japanese players ourselves?’ He immediately agreed, saying, ‘Let’s do it!’ That’s how Basara was born.”It wasn’t a simple start for the club who had to begin their journey in the 11th tier of the German game.Most read in FootballOkazaki played in England, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Japan during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut thanks to their commitment, and a little help from founding star Takuya Hidaka netting 40 goals in a single season, Basara Mainz earned FIVE consecutive promotions.As much as Okazaki is aiming high with his new team, the former Foxes frontman is still wanting the club to mainly function as a hotbed for Japanese talent, as well as Germany youngsters too.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe added: “The core idea is to be a place for young Japanese players. “But I also think we could send ambitious German players to Japanese teams or even to Belgium. “I want Basara to be a stepping stone for players to try again elsewhere. It’s a concept that’s normal in Japan, but I’d like German players to make use of it too.”Some 12 of Basara’s 30 registered players herald from Japan with 11 stars coming from Germany.Okazaki’s ambition of taking the team further up the leagues in Germany has been hit by a stumbling block this season with the club currently 8th in the league.While Basara are unable to gain promotion to the fifth tier of German football, the Oberliga, without a number of strict requirements, including having at least three youth teams.Okazaki acted as an owner for the club’s first nine years of operation but is now taking a more hands on role as manager of the side.The 119-time Japan international conducts his training sessions in English and is currently pursuing his coaching licenses for the future.But despite his passion for developing Japanese and German talent with Basara, his end goal lies elsewhere.Okazaki told Transfermarkt that his dream is to one day manage the Japanese national team at the World Cup, eyeing the incredible feat within 20 years.He said: “I don’t want to just earn a licence and coach in the J-League.”I want to do things no one else has done, like competing in intense environments. The World Cup is my ultimate goal, and I’ll keep working toward it, even if it takes 10 or 20 years.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOkazaki is Japan’s third all-time top goalscorer and is considered one of the country’s top footballers in recent history alongside the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Makoto Hasebe. But if he can create a club that can feed talent to the national team and then take charge of the nation himself, then he may go down as one of Japan’s most important players in history.Okazaki wants to become Japan manager in the futureCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Holland legend Guus Hiddink reveals the key mistake Erik ten Hag made at Man Utd that left him ‘watched with suspicion’

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      FORMER Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink believes Erik ten Hag’s downfall at Man Utd was due to an over-reliance on his personal circle. According to Holland legend Hiddink, Ten Hag failed to integrate into the culture at Old Trafford and left himself “isolated”.Former Holland manager Guus Hiddink has explained where Erik ten Hag went wrong at UnitedTen Hag was finally axed after a chaotic final 12 months in chargeTen Hag, 54, was sacked by United after a dismal run of results which culminated in a 2-1 defeat to relegation strugglers West Ham.United’s fourth Premier League defeat of the season proved to be the breaking point as Ineos swiftly replaced him with Ruben Amorim.While the autopsies on Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford are still being crafted, Hiddink has shared his own thoughts on where the former Ajax manager went wrong.He told Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur: “Everyone does it in their own way, but I was surprised at how many confidants Erik gathered around himREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then you end up on an island, which makes it more difficult to integrate into the culture of your new club and is watched with suspicion. “I always took one assistant abroad with me, with whom I could map out things in the field of football. “I therefore opted for local trainers and supervisors. People who knew the club or the country well.”You play a role in how you are judged. Sometimes approach it with a wink. I mean, we are talking about football, not about war and peace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You should not respond to force that comes your way with force. Then it will explode somewhere.”Hiddink had two successful spells in charge of Chelsea, leading them to the FA Cup in 2009.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?It comes as first-team coach Steve McClaren and trainers Benni McCarthy and Richard Hartis all departed over Ten Hag’s reign.The decision to sack Ten Hag was not taken easily after a summer in which United had backed him with a new contract, £205m spent on the transfers he wanted, and even his own additions to his staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy, who Ten Hag hired in the summer, was waiting in the shadows as he was named interim manager before Amorim arrived.Van Nistelrooy, who wanted to return to his assistant role after his four game stint, was dismissed by Amorim on day one.But the legendary United striker has since been named as Leicester City’s new manager after Steve Cooper was sacked on Sunday.With Ten Hag gone, Amorim now faces the challenge of steering United back to success after enjoying an undefeated record with Sporting this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim started his reign with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich but claimed his first Old Trafford victory with a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.The Red Devils sit 12th in the Prem as they host Everton on Sunday.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Man City fans say ‘Liverpool on Sunday and he’s lost his mind’ as Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s birthday

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans are worried about Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard sang a song for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. A pre-recorded video showed Guardiola lip-singing with a scar on his nose, which he picked up during City’s capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola sported a scar on his nose as he lip-synched a song to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversaryGuardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his faceThe former Barca player and manager mimed along to ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic club.The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with huge applause by all in the grand auditorium. Guardiola was not present in Barcelona but shared a video message for the audience – and the cut on his face provided some clues as to when it was filmed.But online fans were less than enthusiastic about Guardiola’s performance, with some wondering what he’ll do if City lose at Anfield on Sunday. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter wrote: “Lose to Liverpool and Pep will officially lose his mind.”A second said: “I’m worried about him, what will he sing if City don’t win a game this month?🤣”While another replied: “Making a stressed out man sing is crazy. 🤣”A fourth added: “This has to be some type of torture he looks so tired.”Most read in FootballLiverpool have won 17 of their 19 games in competitions this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne more wrote: “I dare City to lose against Liverpool. Imagine.”The song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyAs Guardiola celebrated Barcelona’s milestone, his current side, City, face a challenging period.The reigning Premier League champions are enduring one of their worst stretches in recent memory.City have gone six games without a win across all competitions- even San Marino have won more matches than them this month.They squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League at the Etihad on Tuesday.Guardiola appeared with scratches on his face and red marks on his head as he conducted post match interviews.When quizzed on his cuts he told TNT: “I want to harm myself. My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”He apologised for the comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at AnfieldThe cut on the bridge of his nose was visible in the video that beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday.Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion.While there were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola won 14 trophies with the Catalans including two Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles during his four-year stint.But should City lose to in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, they will be 11 points behind the Prem leaders after 13 games.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘I’m definitely not fast any more’ Lewis Hamilton’s damning verdict of his form after Qatar Grand Prix sprint qualifying

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has given a damning assessment of his own performances this season after another disappointing effort in qualifying.Hamilton, 39, qualified seventh for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton has claimed he is ‘definitely not fast anymore’Credit: RexHamilton finished 0.399 seconds slower than teammate George Russell in sprint qualifying in QatarCredit: AFPThe Mercedes ace, who will join Ferrari next season, has claimed he is “definitely not fast anymore” after finishing 0.399 seconds slower that teammate George Russell. He said: “Same as every other qualifying – not that great.”I’m just slow. Same every weekend. Car felt relatively decent. You know, no issues. Not really much more to say.”When pressed on if the issue is related to him or the car, Hamilton doubled down that it’s a him-problem.READ MORE IN SPORTHe added: “When you are always back where I am it makes it almost impossible to compete for wins from there. But that’s the sprint. I’ll do what I can tomorrow.”Not particularly [any positives]. The positive is the car is fast and George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow.”Who knows? I’m definitely not fast anymore.”Hamilton’s teammate Russell will start today’s sprint in second, behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRussell has now out-qualified Hamilton 17 TIMES in 22 races, despite the seven-time world champ holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history (104).While Russell is averaging an advantage of 0.16 seconds per lap over Hamilton this season. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPThe 26-year-old, who won last week’s Las Vegas GP, is also one place ahead of Hamilton in the driver’s standings.Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc when he makes the highly-anticipated switch to Ferrari next season.Today’s sprint in Qatar is set to get underway at 2pm UK time with the race itself taking place on Sunday at 4pm.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      I was hauled off at half-time of dreadful FA Cup final thanks to Mick Jagger and his snake hips

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      MICK JAGGER had an unexpected influence on one former Chelsea star’s display in the 2007 FA Cup final.Joe Cole has opened up on how the rock ‘n’ roll superstar’s “snake hips” left him unable to concentrate on the Wembley turf.Joe Cole has opened up on how Mick Jagger cut his FA Cup final appearance shortCredit: Youtube/Football’s GreatestMick Jagger was at Wembley for the 2007 FA Cup finalCredit: AFPCole, 43, started the 2007 FA Cup final for Chelsea, a heavyweight clash against a Manchester United side littered with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.But it wasn’t the big name players or the occasion of playing the first game in new Wembley that threw Cole off, rather the presence of one of his musical heroes.Speaking to former Blues teammate Ashley Cole on the Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic podcast, brought to you by Carling, Joe Cole opened up on being starstruck by the Rolling Stones frontman.He said: “It was a dreadful, dreadful game. Do you know what I remember about that game? Weird things that spring to mind. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember, because it was the first game at the new Wembley. So it was sort of extra exciting. For some reason, I’m a big Rolling Stones fan, right? And Mick Jagger was walking around. “Do you not remember this? See, Mick Jagger was walking around the tunnel. He must have been doing a song or something before the Cup final.”Might have been a national anthem, giving it these snake hips there. I don’t know what it was. “But I remember seeing him, but I’m focused on the game and nothing could take me off. There’s nothing that could put me off, I’m ready.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I wouldn’t even look at the opposition because you’re playing against, like, [former West Ham team-mate Michael] Carrick, who we know, or the boys from England, the United boys. “And I just see Mick and I just went proper fan boy. I think I went, ‘All right, Mick!’ And he’s probably why I got taken off at half time, my head was gone. I couldn’t concentrate. Mick had done me.”Joe Cole scores opening goal at Soccer Aid 2024Cole was hooked at half-time with the scores tied 0-0 after the first 45 minutes.But it ultimately proved to be the right decision as Chelsea went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 116th minute extra-time goal by Didier Drogba.That FA Cup is one of three won by the former England international during his career.While he also lifted the Premier League three times too.Joe Cole lifted the FA Cup in 2007 after being subbed off at half-timeCredit: Action Images – ReutersFootball’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic with Joe Cole and Ashley Cole, brought to you by Carling, the official sponsor of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. You can watch the show on YouTube and Spotify or listen to it wherever you get your podcasts. More

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      Van Nistelrooy must urgently sort out Leicester’s toxic dressing room – but that’s just one of five pressing problems

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY swept into Leicester City last night as Steve Cooper’s replacement.But he won’t be able to sweep the problems he has inherited under the carpet if he wants to succeed at the King Power.Ruud van Nistelrooy has been announced as the new Leicester City managerCredit: GettyHere are the five most pressing problems Van Nistelrooy must tackle if he is going to fix the Foxes – and avoid a Ruud awakening in his first permanent gig as a Premier League boss.SORT OUT A TOXIC DRESSING ROOMLast week’s video from a Copenhagen nightclub was an embarrassment to the club, the owner and the fans.But most importantly it should have been an embarrassment for the players.They might have thought it was ever so clever to display a sign expressing their love for Enzo Maresca and how much they missed him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIf it was meant to be a slap in the face for their former boss Steve Cooper, sacked hours later, then it missed the mark and the point by miles.They should remember Maresca walked out on them at the first opportunity, so their loyalty was misguided at best.They deserved to have the riot act read to them by owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha during showdown talks on Tuesday.Van Nistelrooy has previous and doesn’t suffer fools lightly after falling out with his PSV players and backroom staff after one season in charge – and that was after a successful season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis stellar reputation as a player will earn him instant respect – but the evidence is that won’t last long if the current squad take a dislike to him and start pining for Maresca again!It’s vital Van Nistelrooy has a harmonious dressing-room if Leicester are to prosper.Leicester City players were spotted partying in CopenhagenCredit: ekstrabladet.dkA sign was held aloft referencing former boss Enzo MarescaCredit: ekstrabladet.dkLeicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedDEAL WITH A DODGY DEFENCEThe best bosses build from the back.Because, as any builder knows, without the proper foundations your house is in danger of collapsing at any moment.Leicester have scored in all but one of their Premier League games this season and bagged as many goals as high-flying Nottingham Forest.But they have only kept one clean sheet and only Wolves and rock-bottom Southampton have leaked more goals than the Foxes’ 23.Cooper recognised the problem and his priority in January was to sign a savvy stopper.He watched enviously in the summer as his old club Nottingham Forest snapped up rock-solid Serbian Nikola Milenkovic.Caleb Okoli is a bright prospect but as raw as Sushi.Jannick Vestergaard is a Championship proven defender who struggles in the Prem.While Conor Coady is best suited to a three-man defence.Van Nistelrooy needs to source a reliable partner for Belgian international Wout Faes – and quickly!Leicester have had a leaky defence this seasonCredit: GettyFIND A LONG TERM REPLACEMENT FOR CLUB LEGEND JAMIE VARDYJamie Vardy is by far Leicester’s best striker – but at 37, that’s the problem.He may be enjoying an Indian summer but the great man can’t go on forever and he really should be used sparingly while younger legs do the donkey-work for him.Unfortunately for Leicester fans there is still no heir apparent to assume Vardy’s throne.Steve Cooper brought in Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Eduard but neither look like the long-term future.The Foxes have had the fewest shots on goal in the Premier League and their expected goals total is the second lowest in the Prem.Losing key winger Abdul Fatawu with an ACL injury for the rest of the season was a massive blow.If Van Nistelrooy is to survive at Leicester he has to find a younger version of himself from somewhere!But if anyone knows what it takes it is surely RVN!An ageing Jamie Vardy is still Leicester’s best front manCredit: AlamyVan Nistelrooy’s controversial appointmentBy Neil Custis, Football writerRUUD VAN NISTELROOY walking into the Leicester job must have managers further down the leagues tearing their hair out.This week at the Northwest Football Awards, for example, Dave Challinor of Stockport was named manager of the year ahead of Pep Guardiola.Now that may be because organisers felt he would probably turn up to get his gong, unlike Guardiola.Still, two promotions in 2½ years to lift the area’s poor relation from the National League to League One — where they sit fourth — is incredible.Yet that and a managerial background at Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde and Hartlepool would sadly never put him on a Premier League club’s radar.Van Nistelrooy was on that radar at the Foxes in the summer after one season managing at PSV Eindhoven before they went for Steve Cooper.Now after a further four games as interim Manchester United boss and he is in at the King Power and Cooper is out.Big names excite fans and Van Nistelrooy has one, literally.But he also comes with a red flag or two…CONNECT WITH THE FANSPerhaps they have been pampered with previous success.After all, virtually every Leicester fan is old enough to remember their team winning the Premier League, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League and lifting the FA Cup!But those heady days of cardboard clappers and an electric atmosphere have been replaced with moans, groans and grumbles.Foxes fans can be a fickle lot, just ask former heroes Claudio Ranieri, Brendan Rodgers or Craig Shakespeare – let alone Claude Puel or Steve Cooper!Cooper was never given a chance by Leicester fans who couldn’t see past his Nottingham Forest past.Van Nistelrooy is already being viewed with suspicion by many fans who are dubious about his coaching credentials after just one full season with PSV.The Dutchman may have to turn on the charm to turn the tide with a fanbase who appear to have fallen out of love with many aspects of their club.Van Nistelrooy must win over the Leicester faithfulCredit: GettyRECRUIT THE BEST SCOUT AVAILABLESteve Cooper found it almost impossible to sell Leicester to many potential signings last summer – because they all feared a potential 10-point penalty over Profit and Sustainability breaches would condemn them to a relegation battle.Don’t expect much to change in January with Leicester still walking a financial tightrope.Money is in short supply at the King Power these days and there will be a limited transfer budget for Van Nistelrooy to work with.He will have to conjure up some pretty creative bargains – hence the need for a top talent spotter.The temptation will be to return to the Netherlands and a market he knows well.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut as Erik ten Hag discovered to his cost – the Eredivisie is no longer paved with gold nuggets!Van Nistelrooy will have a tight transfer budget to use in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      England U21 sensation Jamie Gittens tipped to be better than Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho as he shines at Dortmund

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      HARRY KANE may be the Englishman most fans focus on when German football’s biggest rivalry is rekindled on Saturday night.But as far as Borussia Dortmund supporters are concerned, Jamie Gittens deserves all the attention.Jamie Gittens is already close to world class, says Karl-Heinz RiedleCredit: RexRaal Madrid’s Jude Bellingham might ultimately be usurped by GittensCredit: GettyFormer Dortmund Champions League winner Karl-Heinz Riedle believes Gittens can be the best English star to play for the club yetCredit: GettyThe winger from Reading was 17 when he walked out on Manchester City to join Dortmund in 2020, following Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho’s Bundesliga footsteps.Now, the 20-year-old is a vital cog in new coach Nuri Sahin’s side, with four Champions League goals so far — including one against Real Madrid and Wednesday’s stunner at Dinamo Zagreb.Dortmund legend Karl-Heinz Riedle feels Gittens can shine in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.Ex-Liverpool striker Riedle, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.“He is very quick, very good in a one-against-one situation and with the ability to finish as well.“I see a young player who has the full package, plus he is someone who I see working on how  to make himself better.“And that comes from games — the more you play, the more you learn, the better your decision-making and  better you become.Most read in BundesligaChelsea loanee Jadon Sancho has struggled to match his Dortmund formCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The most important thing is  you have to be quick, to not be afraid of going one- on-one against a defender. That’s what we want to see.“It was why Sancho and Haaland brought people to the stadium. Jude Bellingham says he feels like a ‘scapegoat’ as he discusses England woes”Fans wanted to see them do that and it’s there with Jamie as well.”Gittens — who dropped the “Bynoe” in  his double-barrelled surname  at the start of the season — has  played for every England  team from Under-15 to U21.That includes tasting 2022 European U19 Cham­pion­ship glory. Now he aims to make the final step to the senior ranks — and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as new Three Lions boss could speed that up.Riedle suspects Gittens will not be the last English rookie to see the Ruhr-based club as a stepping stone.He  explained: “Dortmund is a family. The guys who come to us   know we have everything here to let them become the best players they can be.“They can get a chance to play at the top level but maybe with less pressure than in England at football clubs such as Manchester United and City.“We give them the time to grow into players and be something special.“Jamie is an incredible talent and can make the same impression — if not a bigger one – as Jude and Jadon made before him.”Striker Kane has hit 50 Bundesliga goals in 43 games — the fastest pace ever.Despite this and Munich’s unbeaten domestic start, the England skipper was criticised by ex-Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for not scoring in the  “big” games.Riedle, though, thinks Hamann is talking rubbish.He said: “Didi criticised him even though he scored like crazy last year — and I’m not with him at all.“Harry’s just a fantastic finisher and fantastic football player.“No player can score every game or every chance. He has done very well for Munich and is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He just wants to play football. He loves the game. He is such a humble guy who likes to play and score and wants to win things.” KARL-HEINZ RIEDLE was speaking to mark the ten-year anniversary of Borussia Dortmund’s long-term investment in Singapore.Riedle was stunned by criticism of Bayern’s Harry KaneCredit: RexErling Haaland is one of the aces who Gittens could soon compare withCredit: Rex More