Sports

‘Best Manager’ Ten Hag Reveals Tuchel Was Approached For His United Job

Published

10 months ago

June 17, 2024

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag revealed Sunday the English giants had admitted courting Thomas Tuchel to replace him but opted to persevere with the under-pressure Dutchman when “they came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager”.

The 54-year-old Ten Hag was the subject of intense scrutiny after United ended last season eighth in the Premier League — their lowest finish since 1990 — and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.

But he did help salvage something from the campaign thanks to a 2-1 FA Cup final win over local rivals Manchester City at Wembley that also secured a place in next season’s Europa League.

“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag told NOS on Sunday, while working as a football pundit for the Dutch broadcaster.

“They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. It was a turbulent season. Never a dull moment.”

Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna, the boss of newly-promoted Ipswich, were both touted for a job where there was technically no vacancy — Ten Hag’s contract with United is about to enter its final season.

Other managers linked to United included Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi and current England boss Gareth Southgate.

But it was former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel who attracted United’s interest.

The German reportedly met with United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, only to appear to rule himself out.

But Ten Hag said United chiefs had flown out to Ibiza to tell him they wanted him to stay in post.

“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”

Ten Hag, reflecting on the club’s end of season review, added: “As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner (Ratcliffe) is new to football, he has taken his time.

“They have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers. That is not even allowed in the Netherlands. Then it is forbidden to talk to other coaches if there is still a trainer (manager).”

Ten Hag, who joined United from Ajax in 2022, said while he had yet to conclude talks on a contract extension he was still confident of a new deal that would keep him at Old Trafford.

“We have had good discussions with each other, various topics have been discussed,” he said. “The conclusion is that we will continue together and that they will extend my contract.

“We still have to reach an agreement on that.”

Ten Hag is United’s fifth permanent manager since the end of Alex Ferguson’s trophy-filled reign in 2013, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

AFP

Sports

NFF denies owning Christian Chukwu $128,000 amid social media claims

Published

7 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it owed former Nigeria captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his death.

Reacting to the reports following Chukwu’s passing on Saturday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the allegations as baseless and misleading.

“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said.

Read Also: President Tinubu, Atiku, Gov. Mbah mourn Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu

“During the first term of the Board headed by Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the documents of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”

He explained that the committee had been mandated to verify and settle all legitimate debts owed to coaches, and there was no documentation indicating that Christian Chukwu was owed any funds.

“I am aware that ‘Chairman’ was in the employ of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kano in August 2005. There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF.”

Sanusi further urged anyone in possession of genuine and verifiable documents proving the NFF owed Chukwu or any other coach to come forward.

“As a credible organisation that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he stated.

The NFF has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing its obligations, especially to individuals who have served the national teams.

Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005.

Sports

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg Preview: Fixtures, Predictions

Published

7 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

As the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals head into the decisive second-leg fixtures, clubs across Europe are preparing for season-defining clashes that will determine their place in the semi-finals.

Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain (Aggregate: 1–3)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Aston Villa return to Birmingham with work to do after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Parc des Princes. Despite managing an away goal, overturning a two-goal deficit against a PSG side boasting significant European experience and attacking firepower will be a major task.

Under Unai Emery, Villa have shown resilience in Europe, but PSG remain favourites to book a semi-final spot.
Prediction: PSG expected to advance (Aggregate Prediction: 2–4)

Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (Aggregate: 0–4)
Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at Camp Nou with a convincing 4-0 win. With a commanding advantage heading into the return leg, Xavi’s men are well-positioned to close out the tie.

Dortmund will rely on home support and pride, but overcoming such a margin against an in-form Barça side appears highly improbable.
Prediction: Barcelona strongly favoured to progress (Aggregate Prediction: 2–6)

Real Madrid vs Arsenal (Aggregate: 0–3)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Arsenal stunned the Spanish giants with a stunning 3-0 away win at the Bernabéu, capitalising on their pressing game and quick transitions. While Real Madrid have a rich history of remarkable comebacks in Europe, the Gunners’ advantage is substantial.

With composure and discipline, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a strong position to seal qualification.
Prediction: Arsenal likely to go through (Aggregate Prediction: 3–4)

Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich (Aggregate: 2–1)
Second Leg: Wednesday, 8 p.m.
This matchup is the most closely contested of the quarter-finals. Inter edged out Bayern 2-1 in Munich, though Bayern’s away goal keeps the tie wide open. With both sides stacked with attacking quality, the second leg at San Siro promises high drama.

Expect a fiercely competitive affair, but Inter may just have the edge with home support.
Prediction: Inter tipped to narrowly advance (Aggregate Prediction: 3–2)

Projected Semi-Final Pairings:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal

Barcelona vs Inter Milan