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Thomas Tuchel gave his reasons for stepping down as Bayern Munich manager in the summer as the German boss bemoaned his side's long injury list.

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Tuchel to leave Bayern in the summer Opened up on decision to join German outfit Blamed recurrent injuries for misfortune (C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite his contract running until 2025, Bayern's decision to part ways with Tuchel comes on the heels of a three-game losing streak in all competitions, compounded by their second-place standing in the Bundesliga, trailing eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Reflecting on his tenure at Bayern, Tuchel emphasized the club's unfortunate run of injuries, which hindered their ability to maintain peak performance. He also revealed that his decision to take charge was taken in haste and admitted that he has failed to bring consistency to the team.

AdvertisementWHAT TUCHEL SAID ABOUT LEAVING

When asked by reporters if it was a mistake to join Bayern, Tuchel said: "It makes no sense to look back. There was a call back then and we decided to do it within 48 hours because we were confident and wanted to do it. We got many points, we broke a few records.

"It gets forgotten that we were extremely unlucky with injuries. We are and were self-confident enough in the coaching staff to be convinced of ourselves. However, we were not able to consistently bring the team to a higher level. That's why we're going separate ways in the summer."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Tuchel made it clear that while he may not fully understand or agree with the club's decision to let him go, the clarity on his future brings freedom, allowing him to focus on the remaining matches without the burden of long-term consequences.

"It does not matter if I understand the decision of the club or whether I am happy with it," Tuchel said.

"The only thing that matters now is that there is clarity. Clarity brings freedom and it is good for the matches and the training. More freedom for the coach on how to act. You don't have to think about the long-term consequences of your choices. You can be a bit more reckless."

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WHAT TUCHEL SAID ABOUT BAYERN'S PROBLEMS

Bayern's performance has been erratic as they have failed to maintain their usual dominance in German football. Defeats to lower-tier teams like Saarbruecken in the German Cup and a first-leg defeat in their Champions League round-of-16 tie against Lazio have compounded the team's challenges. The recent 3-2 loss to VfL Bochum forced the team management to decide on his future. However, the manager believes that he is not the "only problem" in the club.

"I never felt that we as coaching staff stopped reaching the team," Tuchel said. "But we have a discrepancy from training to matches and the coach is responsible. I don't think I am the only problem but I accept my responsibility. I am not satisfied with the way we play and have been unhappy for quite some time.

"Now we have a new situation but the situation has been solved and communicated but I don't think I am the only problem."

Nottingham Forest supporters will be disappointed that their side failed to secure all three points in Martin O’Neill’s first game in charge, as Bristol City secured a 1-0 win at the City Ground. 

It’s clear to see that improvements are still required after O’Neill’s first game in charge, but they’ll need to hurry with the January transfer window shutting in around nine days time.

Sadly, the Midlands club are lacking quality in the middle of midfield and could do with bringing in another winger to help provide more creativity in the final third.

One player who could make all the difference at the City Ground is Stoke City’s James McClean.

O’Neill worked closely with James McClean during his time as the Republic of Ireland boss, and he also gave him his debut at Sunderland. And, it is said the winger “would jump at the chance to work with O’Neill again.”

The 29-year-old has produced one goal and seven assists this season, with his pace, dribbling ability and strength making him almost impossible to dispossess at times. So, he could definitely take Forest’s midfield to another level and would slot right into proceedings, with Joe Lolley potentially operating more centrally.

Another player who could easily make his way to the City Ground is Scunthorpe United’s Funso Ojo.

Ojo is one of the best defensive midfielders in League One and has been playing well for Scunthorpe this season. And, Forest could definitely do with bringing in midfield reinforcements as they’re currently light on cover and have lacked quality at times, which could harm them in the second half of the season.

Interestingly, it’s believed (as per the Grimsby Telegraph) that Scunthorpe United are interested in taking Ryan Yates on loan, so Forest could use the midfielder in any potential deal to secure Ojo.

The 27-year-old is heading into the peak years of his football career and arguably deserves a move up the Football League ladder after witnessing his performances in the current campaign.

Therefore, it makes sense for O’Neill to make a move for the midfielder.

Nottingham Forest fans – should O’Neill make these two signings?

Despite Trent Alexander-Arnold's hybrid position still being new to Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk has complimented the diversity it brings to the club.

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Van Dijk talks about new TAA roleSays Liverpool still adapting TAA in a transitional role for the clubWHAT HAPPENED?

Since April, Jurgen Klopp has altered the set-up of the Liverpool side around the strengths of the Englishman. The 25-year-old has been stepping into midfield when the Reds are in possession, while he drops into his old role when defending. He equalised the scoring at the Etihad on Saturday night in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City by shooting into the bottom corner from the outside of the area.

AdvertisementWHAT VIRGIL VAN DIJK SAID

“It’s about mixing it up," Van Dijk said [via The Athletic]. "We started doing that since April and I think we had a very good run where we did well. We’re still learning, he's still learning, adapting in certain situations. City are very good in that they have that proper plan and we are getting better and better at that as well. It’s a new dimension but still working on it and we can only benefit from it."

“I don’t know that’s for the coaches that work with him," he added. "For the moment he’s playing just fine where he is right now. He has that freedom to mix it up and he has to do that because you see teams are working it out at times so he has to be able to switch from staying on the outside and going on the inside as well."

"It’s a good learning curve for him as well and (on Saturday) he did that well because obviously, he was playing against one of the most in-form wingers (Jeremy Doku) at the moment. So to be important with the goal and also his interceptions is very important."

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Alexander-Arnold has played in a more traditional midfield role for England in recent internationals, but Van Dijk has stated that there are no intentions to replicate that at club level for the time being.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

The two defenders will next be in action in the Europa League when Liverpool take on LASK on Thursday, November 30.

Weston McKennie and Tim Weah seem to be competing for the same position, with the former getting the start in Juventus' win over Empoli on Sunday.

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McKennie starts at right wingbackFirst start of season for USMNT starWeah named to bench

McKennie started the match at the right wing-back position, having come off the bench in the club's first two matches of the Serie A season. He replaced his U.S. men's national team teammate Tim Weah in the XI, with the ex-Lille man seemingly picking up a knock in Juve's recent draw with Bologna. Weah, though, would ultimately come off the bench late on and nearly pick up an asisst for Juve.

With McKennie in the XI, Juve were able to seal a 2-0 win, taking them to seven points from their first three Serie A matches. That puts them third in the table, behind only Inter and AC Milan, who are perfect with three wins from three to start the season as clubs head into the international break.

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Juventus seized the lead in the 24th minute through Danilo, who took advantage of some chaos in the box. Empoli were unable to clear a Juve corner kick, and, after both teams had several swings at it, it was Danilo that fired it home to put Juve ahead.

The Old Lady had several chances to increase that lead, but were thwarted time and time again. Dusan Vlahovic missed a penalty late in the first half, while Paul Pogba saw a goal ruled out midway through the second due to an offside call on Vlahovic.

Winger Federico Chiesa scored the eventual winner for Juventus with a stunning solo-effort where he rounded Empoli goalkeeper Etrit Berisha to make in 2-0 and seal all three points.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

McKennie was solid enough in his start out wide, looking comfortable despite only having limited minutes in the position.

Defensively, McKennie was steady as can be, making several tackles while winning 100 percent of his duels. On the attacking end, he left a bit to be desired, giving the ball away a few too many times while failing to really threaten with his crosses. He also had one shot, which was blocked away.

The 25-year-old routinely found himself in dangerous positions, though, especially early on as he made multiple back post runs, but was never found by any of his teammates in those moments.

As for Weah, he came on for a late cameo, replacing McKennie for the game's final moments. And you could argue he was more dangerous in those minutes than McKennie was as his cross towards Arkadiusz Milik was headed off the bar in stoppage time.

GettyUSMNT IMPACT

While it's not ideal for the USMNT to see McKennie and Weah splitting time in a position they likely won't play at the international level, it could be worse.

For now, the key for both will be getting consistent minutes and, at the moment, both are. In a perfect world, McKennie would be starting in Juventus' midfield but, at the moment, he hasn't quite broken into that group.

Can that change going forward? Absolutely, especially if he puts in solid performances in this wing-back role. For now, both Weah and McKennie can focus on the international level, though, as they prepare to play on the wing and in midfield, respectively, over these next two games.

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GettyGOAL'S RATINGS

Weston McKennie (7/10):

A decent shift for the American, who was a bit better defensively than he was in the attacking end. A good option in this position, as he has the workrate and physical ability for it. However, he'll need to be more efficient with the ball at his feet and, because of that, this performance wasn't enough to see him threaten to leapfrog Weah for a regular spot.

Timothy Weah (N/A):

Came on late to replace his international teammate, but did make an impact during his cameo. Should have had a late assist on a fantastic cross to Milik.

Mikel Arteta was in no mood to answer questions about goalkeeper David Raya after his error in Arsenal's 4-3 win against Luton on Tuesday.

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Raya conceded three goals against LutonDisplay will likely revive Ramsdale debateArteta refused to comment on goalkeeperWHAT HAPPENED?

The goalkeeper conceded three times as Luton took a 3-2 lead in the second half, with Ross Barkley's goal a particularly glaring error from the shot stopper. However, Arteta refused to address the Spaniard's performance as he spoke to the media afterwards.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ARTETA SAID

Asked to comment on Raya's display, Arteta said: "I was so happy for the team. I have spoken to all of them, they are so happy they are jumping around."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Raya's display will likely revive the debate surrounding Raya's place in the team. Many fans have been calling for Aaron Ramsdale to be reinstated as the first choice shot stopper as they feel he is a more reliable option, whereas Raya has faced criticism for his many errors since joining the Gunners on loan from Brentford.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

It seems Arteta will stand by his decision to make Raya his starting goalkeeper when his side meet Aston Villa at the weekend. The north London side will hope to extend their winning run to seven matches in all competitions in Saturday's game.

Alex Morgan has been criticised by fans on social media for a post she shared on social media prior to the USWNT's Gold Cup opener.

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Morgan replaces Fishel in Gold Cup squad Hinted at change before ACL injury confirmed Fans not happy with social media postWHAT HAPPENED?

On Tuesday it was announced that Morgan would be replacing Mia Fishel in the Stars and Stripes' roster for the tournament, after the Chelsea forward suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury in training. However, the San Diego Wave striker actually hinted at the change before confirmation of Fishel's injury came through.

AdvertisementWHAT MORGAN POSTED

Ten minutes prior she quoted a post previewing the USWNT's Gold Cup curtain-raiser against Dominican Republic, adding an 'eyes' emoji. It soon became clear why, but some fans were unhappy at Morgan supposedly celebrating her new-found place in the squad, given the sad circumstances that led to her call up. "Read the room girlie because your TEAMMATE just tore her acl," one user posted. Another wrote: "How about showing some respect for Mia?"

XWHAT MORGAN POSTED AFTERWARDS

The veteran opted to delete her post shortly after it went up, replacing it with another with a caption that read: "Not how I would wish to come into camp but ready to get to work! Praying for a speedy recovery 🙏 @miafishel10."

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

The veteran was controversially left out of Twila Kilgore's roster for the tournament initially, along with other high-profile names like Becky Sauerbrunn, Kristie Mewis and Andi Sullivan. However, due to Fishel's injury, she will now have an opportunity to help win the trophy on home soil. Morgan is currently experiencing something of a goal drought at international level, though, having not found the back of the net for the USWNT since February 2023 in the SheBelieves Cup against Brazil.

Fulham star Joao Palhinha has denied that he is thinking about a possible move to Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.

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Palhinha almost joined Bayern in summerMidfielder says his focus is on FulhamBayern said to be cooling interest in himWHAT HAPPENED?

Palhinha came close to joining Bayern in the summer transfer window and is even reported to have travelled to Munich for a medical, only for the deal to fall through. Despite signing a new contract with Fulham, he has been linked with a possible January switch and Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund admitted the midfielder is still being monitored by the club.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT PALHINHA SAID

The Portugal international was asked if he is still considering a switch to Bayern, but he insists his focus is on finishing off the month of December with Fulham. He said to (via ): "It's not messing with my head, I'm calm. I'm not thinking much about what will come next. I'm thinking about the seven games we have ahead of us in December, they are complicated games, there is Boxing Day, it all comes together. It's an important month for Fulham and for me too. And that's where my focus is. Whatever has to happen in January will happen."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite their efforts to sign him in the summer, Bayern are not lining up a new bid for him in the next transfer window, reports. Despite this, Fulham are preparing for the possibility of him leaving next month and are eyeing Brazil and Fluminense midfielder Andre as a possible replacement, according to

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WHAT NEXT FOR PALHINHA?

Palhinha, who has scored twice in the Premier League this season, has six more games to play in December with Fulham before the January transfer window opens. The Craven Cottage club are up against West Ham at home on Sunday.

Bukayo Saka sat out Arsenal’s hard-fought win over Manchester City and will not be available to play for England as a result.

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Winger nursing muscle complaintRarely misses games at club levelWill not figure for the Three LionsWHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old winger rarely misses a game at club level, with a 1-0 victory against City the first time he has failed to figure in a Premier League fixture for the Gunners since May 2021. Saka is nursing a muscle complaint that was picked up in a Champions League meeting with Lens.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Gareth Southgate selected Saka in his latest England squad in spite of that knock, but the Three Lions boss has been informed that the Arsenal talisman will not be available for games against Australia and Italy. Mikel Arteta said when asked for an update on Saka: "He hasn't trained at all in the last two days. He's not available to play football at the moment."

WHAT THEY SAID

While Saka was ruled out against City, Gabriel Martinelli did make a welcome return to action off the bench. Arteta added on having the Brazilian back, with Leandro Trossard picking up a first-half knock: “He’s been saying for a few weeks ‘I’m going be there against City even though everyone said it would be too soon’. Leo after 30 minutes felt something in his hamstring and he was ready with his kit straight away there. He’s a joy of a boy.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Martinelli’s deflected effort ended up settling a heavyweight clash with City, with a three-point haul against the defending champions preserving Arsenal’s unbeaten record in 2023-24 while pulling them level with north London neighbours Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table.

The decision to cut the funding for the 2025 women's European Championship in Switzerland has been labelled a "catastrophe".

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Federal govt cuts Euro 2025 fundsCompetition to take place in SwitzerlandDecision labelled a 'catastrophe'Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Swiss publication SRF states the country's Federal Council does not want to spend as much money on the women's Euros, where Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann will be the face of the tournament, as originally planned. The report says 15 million Swiss Francs (£13.5m) were initially earmarked but that has fallen to 4 million Swiss Francs (£3.6m) – something that has been widely criticised.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT CRITICS HAVE SAID

GLP National Councillor Corina Gredig, who is co-president of the parliamentary group “Euro 25”, said there is outrage in parliament. “If you say now that you don’t have any money, then it will turn into a grumpy tournament," she told SRF.

Meanwhile, SP National Councilor Matthias Aebischer, president of the parliamentary sports group, said this was the wrong message for young girls looking to get into the sport.

He commented: "And now the Federal Council comes and says: We are not giving any money for the 2025 Women’s European Championship in Switzerland. This is simply a catastrophe.”

Thun local councilor Katharina Ali-Oesch added: “Pure disappointment. We were expecting something completely different than what has now come from the federal government and that poses major challenges for everyone."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 2025 tournament is taking place in eight Swiss cities: Zurich, Basel, Bern, Thun, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Sion and Geneva. The fact that funds have been significantly slashed is not a good look for promoting women's football in Switzerland and, arguably, sends a negative message about the game, too. Moreover, the less funds a tournament has, the less likely it will be will run smoothly; plus, they beat France, Poland, and a joint Scandinavian bid to stage the competition – one that others desperately wanted to host.

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WHAT NEXT?

The 14th edition of the women's Euros is scheduled to get underway on July 2, 2025, and will be made up of 16 teams. England will be looking to retain their title when the tournament comes round in just under 18 months' time.

The Norwegian scored a penalty and a sensational strike from the edge of the box, mere days after being substituted at half-time due to injury

Manchester City came into Tuesday's game with Young Boys well aware that a victory would secure early passage into the Champions League knockout rounds, and they duly delivered, thanks in no small part to Erling Haaland, who was only deemed half-fit before the game.

Fresh from being substituted at half-time against Bournemouth with a twisted ankle, the Norway international opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Matheus Nunes was fouled by Sandro Lauper in the penalty area, coolly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from 12 yards. Phil Foden then added a second with a glorious finish, curling the ball into the bottom corner after a superb pass from Jack Grealish.

Strangely, at half-time, John Stones was withdrawn, potentially with an injury, but that didn't slow City down, as Haaland then scored the third just five minutes after the restart, as he rifled an absolutely stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Lauper was then sent off for a second booking two minutes later, and with 10 men, Young Boys naturally retreated, allowing City to have a host of chances to extend their lead, although they were strangely profligate in front of goal following a slew of substitutions.

GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Ederson (6/10):

Barely troubled throughout a quiet night.

Kyle Walker (7/10):

Drove an excellent free-kick at goal, forcing a good save. Rarely in danger in defence but got up and down well. Replaced on the hour by Phillips.

Ruben Dias (7/10):

He may never have an easier night. Organised and cajoled constantly.

Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

Was able to step up routinely and was strong in his distribution.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

John Stones (6/10):

His usual economical self in possession in midfield before his surprise withdrawal at half-time. It remains unclear if he is injured or if he was merely being rested.

Rico Lewis (7/10):

Denied only by a brilliant goal-line clearance early on. Moves the ball so well; City have a player on their hands here.

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Won City's penalty with a clever piece of control in the area and kept looking to get forward, although his finishing left something to be desired.

Mateo Kovacic (7/10)

Danced through Young Boys' defence to win a free-kick early on. Superb footwork and a level above the visitors' midfield. Replaced by Doku late on.

Getty ImagesAttack

Phil Foden (8/10):

Scored a superb goal, collecting Grealish's pass and driving into the box before curling an effort into the bottom corner. Some excellent touches when under immense pressure, as Young Boys doubled up on him.

Erling Haaland (9/10):

Scored coolly from the spot after Nunes was brought down, then completed a stunning brace with a fierce effort from the edge of the box that was rifled into the top corner. Subbed for Bobb on the hour. A sensational showing, and even more so given that he was subbed at half-time at the weekend.

Jack Grealish (7/10):

Provided an excellent assist for Foden and played some truly sumptuous passes. The defence could not get near him at times.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Nathan Ake (6/10):

Subbed on at half-time. Had more time on the ball in Young Boys' half than his own.

Oscar Bobb (6/10):

On for Haaland. Some promising touches but the 20-year-old could not fashion a chance for himself.

Kalvin Phillips (6/10):

A rare appearance as he came on for Walker on the hour. Saw a shot deflected just wide of the post but kept City ticking from deep.

Jeremy Doku (7/10):

On for Kovacic late on. Almost provided an assist for Nunes immediately but the midfielder fluffed his chance. Some truly outrageous trickery, as he almost mocked Young Boys' defence.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

A straightforward night at the office. City were always likely to win and they did, as Guardiola fielded a strong XI and rotated after the hour mark, with the game already won.