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Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ‘No.1 target’ for Champions League club

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Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, according to new reports from Germany. Ten Hag has been without a club since leaving Old Trafford earlier this season after a disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

Despite winning just three of the opening nine league matches, his tenure at United saw success in cup competitions, with the Dutchman guiding the team to victories in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. Before his time in England, he enjoyed a highly successful spell at Ajax, where he won five trophies, including three Eredivisie titles.

Now a free agent, Ten Hag is reportedly Leverkusen’s top choice to take over the managerial role this summer. The German club is preparing for the likely departure of Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to become the next head coach at Real Madrid.

Alonso, who has led Leverkusen to remarkable success during his tenure, is thought to be high on Madrid’s shortlist as they plan for life after Carlo Ancelotti. The veteran Italian coach is reportedly fielding a lucrative offer to manage in Saudi Arabia worth around €50 million per season, effectively ruling him out of the running for Brazil’s national team job.

Leverkusen’s interest in Ten Hag is bolstered by his previous experience in Germany. He coached Bayern Munich’s second team for two years and is fluent in German, a factor that could ease his transition if he accepts the role.

According to the German outlet Kicker, Ten Hag has already been contacted by Leverkusen and is currently the number one name on their shortlist. Also reportedly under consideration is Xavi, the former Barcelona coach, who remains in the mix as Leverkusen evaluate their options.

Alonso’s time at Leverkusen has been nothing short of historic. Last season, he led the club to a domestic double and a spot in the Europa League final, where they lost to Atalanta.

Leverkusen also made history by completing an entire Bundesliga season unbeaten, setting a European record of 51 consecutive games without defeat across all competitions. Alonso’s achievements have greatly enhanced his reputation, accelerating his rise to the top of Madrid’s managerial targets.

Amid ongoing speculation, Alonso has remained calm about his future. When asked recently about his plans, he emphasized the importance of open communication with the club’s management and suggested that decisions would be made collectively and without pressure.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed that Leverkusen are actively planning for the future behind the scenes, suggesting that clarity is coming soon as the club navigates this pivotal transition.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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