10/10/2024

SPORTS THURSDAY | OCT 10, 2024

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F ORMER Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has joined Red Bull as their new Global Head of Soccer. The German has been linked with several vacancies since deciding to leave the Reds at the end of last season with Barcelona among those speculated to have made an approach before Hansi Flick’s appointment. Klopp vowed last season that he would remain away from the touchline for at least 12 months before potentially returning to management, though he appears to have decided to step back into the world of football in a different capacity. Klopp has signed a long-term contract with the Red Bull group to become their Head of Soccer, with his new post starting on Jan 1, 2025. In his role, the 57-year-old will “advise all Red Bull teams” on a host of different areas of management, such as coaching, philosophies, player development and signing new players and managers. Klopp will therefore be involved in ongoings at Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig and their Austrian sister club Red Bull Salzburg. The group also own MLS outfit New

Klopp lands new job Ex-Liverpool boss ‘signs long-term contract’ with Red Bull

farewell match for Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lukasz Piszczek. Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke however, has claimed he already knew about the development. “For me, it was no surprise because we had spoken about it personally. I wish Jurgen, as always, good luck in his new job.” The terms of Klopp’s deal with Red Bull have not been disclosed. However, the company say they have come to a “long-term” agreement, although the 57-year-old has reportedly put provisions in place to enable him to return to management. An “exit clause” has reportedly been inserted into his contract which would allow him to become the head coach of the German national team if he is approached for the role. Julian Nagelsmann is currently set to be in charge until after the 2026 World Cup. – Express Newspapers

Bull Sazlburg manager Pep Lijnders, as well as coaches of the other Red Bull clubs. However, he implied his role would be advisory and he would not be responsible for team decisions. Dutchman Lijnders spent six years as Klopp’s No. 2 at Liverpool, and currently has Salzburg fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga. “I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking,” Klopp added. “As I said, this could not excite me more.” The development may come as a shock to some, with Klopp initially expected to return in a senior role to ex-club Borussia Dortmund. Indeed, in September, he returned to the Westfalenstadion to play a part in a special

York Red Bulls and Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino. “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” Klopp said. “The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. “By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. “There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries. Together we can discover what is possible.” Klopp said he has been in contact with Red

Madueke raves about ‘Player of the Year’ Palmer NONI MADUEKE yesterday has hailed the boundless potential of his Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer, who was crowned England’s men’s “Player of the Year” on Tuesday. decide that!

Appiah plots Black Stars downfall

made quite an impact with nine caps under his belt, and scoring from the bench against Spain in the Euro 2024 final – impressively without starting once during the tournament. Madueke, who transferred to Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, celebrated his senior England debut against Finland with an assist for skipper Harry Kane last month.

Madueke stretches back to their days in the England Under-15 team, with Palmer referring to Madueke as his “brother”. Madueke added: “Listen, Cole is a phenomenal player. In

“I think the sky’s the limit for him. I don’t know if he has a ceiling. I feel like the form that he’s showing now is incredible and I just hope he can continue that.” After his standout England debut a g a i n s t Malta last November, Palmer was hailed as England’s “Player of the Year” on Tuesday. T h e y o u n g ta l ent , a g e d 2 2 , has

FORMER Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah hopes to guide Sudan to victory over his country of birth in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier today. The off-form Black Stars cannot afford to lose the Group F match in Accra to rivals 50 places lower in the world rankings after making a dismal start in the campaign to reach the finals in Morocco. Last month, Ghana lost at home to Angola and then surrendered the lead in a draw away to Niger, and sit third in a section where only the top two finishers qualify. Angola and Sudan are first and second with six and three points respectively after the first two matches in a six-round competition. Appiah, a 64-year-old who has had two spells as Ghana coach, has impressed with Sudan, a team unable to play at home since last year because of a civil war. The Sudanese top a 2026 World Cup qualifying group that includes Senegal. They boast a consistent scorer in Mohamed Abdelrahman. Ghana coach Otto Addo has lost four of his squad 54 to injuries, with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey the most notable absentee. Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen will have to do without 2023 African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen against Libya. Bottom-placed Libya have fired Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic and local replacement Nasser al Hadhiri has admitted that “a draw in Nigeria would be a positive result for us”. Cameroon, the second most successful nation in the Afcon with five titles, will look to Bryan Mbeumo for goals when they host improving Kenya in a top-of-the table Group J showdown. The France-born forward has scored six Premier League goals for Brentford this season – a tally bettered only by 10-goal Erling Haaland of Manchester City. Cameroon and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana says the Harambee Stars “are the only serious threat” in a section including Namibia and Zimbabwe. – AFP

Palmer has been a revelation since his audacious move from Manchester City to Chelsea last summer, netting 22 goals and contributing 11 assists in his debut Premier League season. His scintillating form continues this term with six goals and five assists in just seven league matches, including a quartet of strikes against Brighton. Madueke praised Palmer’s unique ability to remain unfazed under pressure, stating: “Cole Palmer’s a very unique player. A type of player that doesn’t feel pressure in the most pressurised situations. I admire that about him. “He’s a great footballer and I’m sure he’s going to produce for England just as he does for Chelsea.” The bond between Palmer and Madueke

With excitement ahead of the games against Greece and Finland, Madueke expressed, “I’m honoured to be back in the squad. It’s an honour to play for your country. It’s one of the best squads in the world so it’s always a blessing to be part of it.” – Express Newspapers

terms of the best player in the world, I don’t know if I should be the one to

stretches back to their days in the England U 15 team, with Palmer referring to Madueke as his “brother”. M a d u e k e added: “Listen, Cole is a phenomenal player. In

terms of the best player in the world, I don’t know if I should be the one to decide that! The bond between Palmer and

Cole Palmer

Noni Madueke

Grealish insists Southgate’s Euro snub was wrong

JACK GREALISH still believes Gareth Southgate should have taken him to Euro 2024 but is feeling the love under interim England boss Lee Carsley. The 29-year-old was a high-profile omission from the summer’s shot at glory in Germany having been part of the team that reached the Euro 2020 showpiece and then 2022 World Cup quarterfinals. Grealish was “absolutely heartbroken” to be dropped from the expanded pre-tournament selection and Southgate’s decision still sticks in the craw. “I think everyone can imagine I was absolutely devastated,” the Manchester City winger told BBC Radio 5 Live . “I mentioned it before saying that it was

player now. I’ve played in quite a lot of big games, Champions League finals, FA Cup finals and I’ve won a lot of stuff now. “I still think I should have (been picked) but obviously it wasn’t meant to be.” Grealish was recalled in Carsley’s first selection having made a promising start to the campaign with City, starting both of September’s Nations League matches. “I thank the manager here, Lee Carsley, for giving me the chance and having that trust in me. It’s obviously really meant a lot. Grealish shied away from comparing camps under Carsley to predecessor Southgate but said he has “felt a lot of love and a lot of trust” from the interim boss. – Express Newspapers

probably one of the most difficult periods of my life, in terms of football especially. “But I think when you’re in the situation you’ve got to try and flip it into a positive and do what you can to come back stronger and better for it. I’m obviously still working towards that now. “I felt like I didn’t have the best season. You look at some players in my position, the likes of Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, people like this, they scored a lot of goals, which 100% I agree with. “But I know that my game is not just about goals. I think I give so much more to the team than just goals. “I think you need a bit of a balance in every position and I class myself as quite an experienced