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Life between the sticks dictates that the odd mistake will be made, but the Reds have seen their chosen shot-stoppers drop more clangers than most

It is often said that goalkeepers are wired a little differently to your average footballer.

Life between the sticks can be lonely and unforgiving, with a special kind of character required to pull on a pair of gloves.

As the last line of defence, a tightrope between praise and scorn is walked each and every time said individuals take to the field.

Those to have graced the books at Liverpool during the Premier League era know that better than most, with the Reds boasting an unfortunate history when it comes to costly clangers.

With the club’s most recent outing seeing them add another entry to that list, Goal casts an eye over some of the performances from recent memory that those at Anfield would rather forget.

GettyDavid James

Picking up the nickname ‘Calamity’ tells you all you need to know about a man who was still considered good enough to earn 53 England caps. James’ spell at Anfield was littered with high-profile gaffes, with his flap to Eric Cantona in the 1996 FA Cup final costing the’ Spice Boys’ dear. A trio of errors during a classic meeting with Newcastle in 1997 would see James make his infamous excuse of playing too many computer games, telling reporters: “I was getting carried away playing Tekken II and Tomb Raider for hours on end.” A matter of weeks later and James was still clearly distracted as he strayed off his line during a meeting with Manchester United to wave a seemingly harmless cross onto the head of a grateful Andy Cole.

AdvertisementGettySander Westerveld

With Liverpool looking good to take a point from a trip to Bolton in August 2001, a dramatic late error from their Dutch goalkeeper ultimately saw them head home empty-handed. Dean Holdsworth fired in a speculative drive from distance which dipped in front of Westerveld. Unable to get his body behind the strike, the Reds’ No.1 could only watch on in horror as the ball squirmed underneath him and into the back of the net. Then Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier had seen enough and within the space of a week Chris Kirkland and Jerzy Dudek had been signed, with Westerveld never to be seen again as he was initially benched and then moved on to Real Sociedad before Christmas.

GettyJerzy Dudek

Manchester United fans to this day still sing about the time Diego Forlan made the Merseyside natives cry in December 2002. Reds supporters were left aghast after seeing Dudek make the most stunning of errors during a meeting with their old adversaries. The Poland international – who enjoyed plenty of highs at Anfield, including the 2005 Champions League final – for some reason endured one of those days against United. The lowest point on afternoon of painful lows came when Dudek allowed a ball nodded back to him by Jamie Carragher to slip through his arms, out between his legs and into the path of Forlan to roll into an empty net. He also rather flapped at a fierce drive from the Uruguayan frontman which wrapped up the points for the Red Devils.

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GettyScott Carson

Will forever be remembered for his mistakes on a greasy Wembley pitch during a qualifying clash with Croatia which cost England a place at Euro 2008, but Carson has made the odd error elsewhere as well. He was an emerging talent when on the books at Anfield and faced fierce competition for places, which restricted him to just nine appearances. One of those came against Juventus in the Champions League back in April 2005, with Liverpool en route to a stunning European triumph in Istanbul. The first leg of a quarter-final clash with Juve saw them move two goals to the good, but Carson – who had performed admirably on the night up until that point – allowed a Fabio Cannavaro header to slip through his fingers and make the end result a little closer than it should have been.

After a global vote involving 44 editions, Goal proudly presents its list of the best 25 male and best 25 female footballers on the planet for 2019-20

Learn how to claim free football bets to use when betting on football onlineGoal25. Paulo Dybala @man

In the summer of 2019, Paulo Dybala was so close to leaving Juventus that he had already recorded a goodbye video for the Bianconeri supporters that love him so dearly.

Now, he is set to sign a new contract with the Italian champions, having reminded everyone in Turin of his importance to the Old Lady with a string of sensational performances that helped secure the club's ninth consecutive Scudetto.

Indeed, Dybala, who hit 17 goals in all competitions, was named Serie A's Player of the Season, while Juve's Champions League elimination to Lyon was partly due to the injury which limited his involvement in the second leg.

AdvertisementGoal25. Cristiana Girelli @woman

After becoming well-known to the entire nation of Italy for her hat-trick at last summer’s World Cup, Cristiana Girelli kept up her reputation as a serial goalscorer in 2019-20.  

Scoring 16 goals in 16 Serie A games, the 30-year-old helped Juventus win yet another league title while finishing top of the goalscoring charts herself.

Girelli also scored the opening goal in Juve’s 2-0 win over Fiorentina in the Italian Super Cup and was in fine form for her country throughout the year, only failing to find the net in one of the seven games she played for Italy.

Goal24. Jadon Sancho @man

Borussia Dortmund and Portugal star Raphael Guerreiro says Jadon Sancho has the ability "to be just as good as Cristiano Ronaldo, maybe even better someday."

It is easy to understand why Sancho is held in such high esteem.

At just 20 years of age, the winger is already an England regular, having run riot in the Bundesliga since joining Dortmund from Manchester City in 2017.

Last season alone, Sancho scored 20 goals, and created a further 19, as he established himself as one of the most coveted young players in world football.

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Goal24. Asisat Oshoala @woman

When it comes to off the ball movement and the ability to be in the right place at the right time, Asisat Oshoala is impeccable.  

One of the most exciting things is that the 25-year-old can still improve her finishing and be even more prolific.

"She has pace and power which is tough to find in any player nationally," Barcelona head coach Lluis Cortes said after the club brought in the Nigeria international on a permanent basis.  

With 20 goals in 19 games, the signing proved even better in hindsight, helping Barca win their first title since 2015.

We're set for repeats of both last season's final and the 2020 tournament decider, which Pep Guardiola will no doubt be happy about…

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League always promised to throw up some mouth-watering match-ups – and it did not disappoint in that regard.

Reigning champions Real Madrid will take on the side they beat to claim the trophy in Paris last May, Liverpool, while Bayern Munich will meet Paris Saint-Germain in a repeat of the 2020 final.

Man City fared far better, with the favourites paired with RB Leipzig, while Napoli will also be pleased, having drawn Eintracht Frankfurt.

Below, GOAL runs through all of the winners and losers from a fascinating last-16 draw…

GettyWINNER: Pep Guardiola

As it stands, this will be Pep Guardiola's last season at Manchester City. His contract expires next summer and it remains to be seen if he will sign a new one, which is a real cause for concern for the club's supporters, who understandably fear an era of unprecedented success will end the moment the Catalan leaves.

Still, even if Guardiola does depart at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, there's every chance he would do so after finally winning a Champions League with City. Their prospects have certainly been boosted by the draw for the last 16.

Guardiola, of course, knows all about the quality of RB Leipzig. Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick at the Etihad in last season's group stage, and he struck again when the Germans beat City 2-1 at the Red Bull Arena on matchday six.

However, there is no getting away from the fact that Leipzig represent an excellent draw for City, who could have been paired with the likes of AC Milan, Inter or PSG.

Guardiola's side should have far too much creativity and firepower for a team currently sitting sixth in the Bundesliga standings.

Expect City to cruise into the quarter-finals while two of their four biggest rivals for the title (Madrid, Liverpool, PSG and Bayern) fall by the wayside.

AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp would surely have been hoping for anyone but Real Madrid. Liverpool have endured nothing but misery every time they've faced the Spanish side during his Anfield reign.

A resurgent Mohamed Salah may well be looking forward to another chance to avenge the injury he sustained in the Champions League final loss to Los Blancos in 2018, but history is most certainly against his team.

Liverpool may have beaten Madrid in the 1981 European Cup decider, and knocked them out of the last 16 in 2008-09, but the reigning Liga champions have got the better of Klopp's Reds every time they've met.

There was Loris Karius horror show in Kyiv, a 3-1 aggregate win in the 2020-21 quarter-finals, and, of course, a 1-0 victory in Paris in May that owed much to the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois.

There are signs that Liverpool are improving after a dire start to their Premier League campaign and they should have some key players back by the time the last 16 rolls around.

It's also worth pointing out that Europe has proven something of a safe space for them in recent weeks, as underlined by last week's win over Napoli, but they have paid a heavy price for failing to pip the Partenopei to top spot in Group A.

Klopp and his players may be 'mentality monsters' but they will have nothing but bad memories of Madrid.

GettyWINNER: Benfica

Club Brugge were undoubtedly the side that every top seed wanted in the draw – and Benfica got them.

Nobody could begrudge the Portuguese side their good fortune either. They deserved it after eliminating Juventus and then taking top spot away from PSG by the narrowest of margins, and in the most dramatic fashion.

Indeed, Joao Mario's 92nd-minute strike against Maccabi Haifa could prove one of the defining moments of this season's Champions League. It resulted in two European heavyweights being pitted against one another in the last 16.

Benfica have their own campaign to worry about, though, and they will now be supremely confident of reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive season.

Brugge should not be underestimated, of course. They qualified for the knockout stage by winning their first four games, and without conceding a goal.

However, they still ended up finishing as runners-up in Group B to a Porto side that an undefeated Benfica currently lead in the Primeira Liga by eight points.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: PSG

Paris Saint-Germain's players didn't know Benfica were running riot against Maccabi Haifa last Wednesday evening. They thought victory over Juventus would be enough to seal top spot in Group H.

"They tried to warn us," Kylian Mbappe revealed to . "But only at the end."

And by that stage, it was too late. A relentless Benfica had secured a 6-1 win that changed everything.

PSG had finished dead level with the Eagles on points, goals scored and goals conceded, while their head-to-head record was identical. But it was the Portuguese who progressed as group winners by virtue of having scored more goals away from home.

Mbappe was upbeat. "It doesn't matter," he argued. "We qualified."

But PSG were already through when they touched down in Turin. First spot was the primary objective, and they blew it by not keeping their players abreast of what was happening in Haifa.

Now, the Ligue 1 leaders must face Bayern Munich, who emerged from a group containing Inter and Barcelona with a 100 per cent winning record.

PSG have no reason to fear any side, of course. They have Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe up front.

However, their quest to win a first Champions League has been made a whole lot more difficult by an avoidable breakdown in communication.

Despite spending £320 million in January, Chelsea's new era got off to an uninspiring start in a goalless draw with west London rivals Fulham.

There was a palpable buzz before kick-off as Graham Potter threw caution to the wind and named both Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk in his attacking starting line-up for a west London derby under the Friday night lights.

The Chelsea faithful got in early to catch a glimpse of their new £106 million man, as well as Mudryk after his tantalising cameo against Liverpool a fortnight ago. Reece James' return only added to the buoyant mood.

Unfortunately, the match didn't deliver on the pre-game optimism.

A feisty first half produced few chances, but Enzo was at the heart of the best of them. After Kepa Arrizabalaga had got down expertly to turn a fierce Andreas Pereira strike round the post, the Argentine's long ball played Mason Mount in but Kai Havertz was unable to finish from his cut-back on the stretch.

The German was the villain again as he spurned another glorious opening on the stroke of half-time, looping the ball onto the post after a sumptuous pass from Hakim Ziyech.

The second half was similarly fractious and cagey, with a raft of chances arriving in the latter stages. Enzo came within a whisker of capping off a fine debut as he whipped a loose ball narrowly wide from range, before substitute David Datro Fofana showed excellent composure to round the goalkeeper AND a defender, only to see his weak finish agonisingly blocked on the line.

Yet again Chelsea's lack of goalscoring prowess cost them on a frustrating night, despite Enzo's midfield dynamism.

Here are GOAL's winners, losers and player ratings from Stamford Bridge…

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Enzo Fernandez:

There was tangible anticipation around the ground when it was revealed Enzo would be starting following his British record move from Benfica, and he didn't disappoint on debut. The Argentine sprayed passes about with ease to earn oohs and ahs from his adoring new fans, and sprung two of Chelsea's best attacks with sumptuous long balls. You have to pay a premium for diamonds like this guy.

Noni Madueke:

The winger has been somewhat overshadowed by some of his fellow, bigger-name, bigger-money new arrivals. He was keen to grab the limelight here, though, taking the game to Fulham off the bench and popping up all over the pitch. A very encouraging start for the English youngster.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:

Having been cut from Chelsea's Champions League squad earlier on Friday to make way for the Blues' raft of new signings, Aubameyang was left out altogether here, not even getting a place on the bench despite being fit – perhaps an indication that the veteran striker won't figure in this new era at Stamford Bridge. Not a good day for Auba.

Kai Havertz:

A rough night for the German. Some will say he was unlucky, others will say he lacked a clinical edge. Either way, he probably should have scored at least once on the night, first failing to convert from Mount's cut-back on the stretch and then hitting the post after dinking the onrushing Bernd Leno. Most of Stamford Bridge probably would have preferred to see him smash it.

Mykhailo Mudryk:

Failed to build upon his dazzling debut at Anfield, with Fulham often doubling up on him and ensuring he didn't have the time or space to influence proceedings. With Marc Cucurella often put under pressure at the other end, he was forced to do more defensive work than he would have liked, too.

Marc Cucurella:

Fulham had clearly earmarked Chelsea's left flank as a weak area – whoever might have been starting – and Cucurella was targeted by Bobby Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic throughout. His inclination to push forward often left him exposed, but he was fortunate to either have his colleagues covering or to make it back in the nick of time.

Getty ImagesChelsea Ratings: Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):

Top-drawer save to get down and palm away Pereira's vicious drive that was destined for the bottom corner. On his toes to catch an Aleksandar Mitrovic shot from halfway.

Reece James (6/10):

Back from injury (again). Understandably didn't look wholly fit. Lasted until the hour mark but the best is yet to come.

Thiago Silva (7/10):

Marshalled with his usual poise and didn't look unduly bothered by anything Fulham threw his way.

Benoit Badiashile (7/10):

Another assured performance and his ball-playing ability is a real plus. Did well in aerial duels against the imposing Mitrovic.

Marc Cucurella (5/10):

Fulham seemed to target him with a number of their attacks coming down his flank. Recovery pace helped him out.

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Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesMidfield

Conor Gallagher (6/10):

Able to do the dirty work that he so loves with Enzo playing the deep-lying creator. Fired just wide late on before creating the chance for Fofana.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

A full debut for the British record transfer – and he didn't disappoint. Launched Chelsea's two best attacks in the first period with sublime long balls and barely misplaced a pass.

Mason Mount (6/10):

Fired up for the derby and full of running. Deserved an assist for Havertz. Subbed in the second period as his influence waned.

The Blues were left counting the cost of the Portuguese's profligacy as they slumped to a 1-0 Champions League loss at Signal Iduna Park.

Chelsea spent a fortune on players during the winter window but they were once again left counting the cost of their failure to sign a proven goalscorer in Wednesday night's Champions League loss at Borussia Dortmund.

Joao Felix was the most high-profile forward to arrive at Stamford Bridge in January but the Portuguese has never been prolific, and the Blues' 1-0 loss at Signal Iduna Park showed precisely why.

Having already squandered one great opening, after receiving a clever cut-back from Hakim Ziyech, Felix fired against the bar after being put clean through on goal by Kai Havertz.

Unsurprisingly, his profligacy was punished in the second half, as Karim Adeyemi raced away from Enzo Fernandez to score a stunning solo goal that gives Dortmund the narrowest of advantages ahead of the second leg of this last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge next month.

Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from another frustrating evening in front of goal for Chelsea…

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Karim Adeyemi:

Truth be told, this wasn't a high-quality contest but it was decided by a goal worthy of a Champions League final. When Raphael Guerreiro hooked the ball clear in the 63rd minute, he was merely trying to relieve some of the pressure on the Dortmund goal. However, in doing so, he inadvertently released Adeyemi, who picked up possession deep inside his half before absolutely rinsing poor Enzo Fernandez. Adeyemi also took a wonderfully delicate touch to take the ball around the onrushing Kepa before slotting home. It was no more than the Germany international deserved, too. He had looked the man most likely to break the deadlock for Dortmund during a dominant first half and he now has three goals in his last three appearances – more than he had in his first 20 outings combined (two).

Jesus Gil Manzano:

The Spaniard is not many people's favourite official. Gerard Pique had a few choice words for Manzano before retiring from the game last year… But credit where it's due, Adeyemi's wonder-goal would not have been possible without the referee, who decided to play the advantage after his assistant had flagged a Chelsea offside just moments before Dortmund broke to such devastating effect. Match officials are copping an awful lot of criticism right now – some justified, some horribly over the top – so it's only right that we highlight great calls when they're made.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:

The man's stock is rising without even having to take a seat on the bench. Seriously, what was Potter thinking leaving Aubameyang out of his squad for the knockout stage of the Champions League?! He may have been a Thomas Tuchel signing but he's the only proven goalscorer in this dreadfully imbalanced Chelsea squad. Yes, Potter has too many players to choose from right now. He's not been helped at all by his bosses' scattergun approach to recruitment. But to not even have Aubameyang as an option off the bench is madness. Chelsea needed a goal at Signal Iduna Park and they couldn't even bring on a player who used to score goals there for fun.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Joao Felix's finishing:

The Portugal international is a joy to watch at times. He's got a wonderful ability to get out of the tightest of situations with the ball still glued to his feet. But, for all his attributes, and he does have plenty, finishing is not one of them. Remember, he scored just 34 goals in 131 games for Atletico Madrid, while he's only netted four times for his country. He was never likely, then, to suddenly run riot at Chelsea. However, one is perfectly entitled to expect a player of his undoubted quality to convert the second chance he had in Dortmund. The goal was at his mercy and yet he somehow construed to crash the ball off the bar. It cost Chelsea the game, and could yet end up costing them the tie too…

Mykhailo Mudryk's first touch:

The Ukrainian's potential is obvious, his pace absolutely breath-taking, but he's far from the finished article, which is quite something given his transfer fee. There is a worrying lack of control right now; at times, it's almost as if he is too quick for his good, as underlined by the way in which he never quite got the ball out of his feet after being released into acres of space by Felix early on. The net result was that he ended up being dispossessed on the edge of the area. Then, just moments before he was subbed midway through the second half, his pace got him in behind the Dortmund backline once more but he failed dismally to control a lofted pass from Kalidou Koulibaly. Mudryk scares defenders. He should develop into a serious and constant threat but it's clear that it will take some time and patience to polish this roughest of diamonds.

Graham Potter:

Had the Blues boss got the victory that his team arguably did enough to earn (their xG was 2.13, to Dortmund's 1.41), he would have become the first English coach to win five consecutive games in the Champions League, which would have gone some way towards easing the intense pressure he is under. As it was, though, Europe provided no respite for the former Brighton manager. Indeed, Chelsea have won just two of their past 12 games in all competitions, and tasted victory just once in 2023. This is obviously a team in transition, one in the middle of the most expensive overhaul in football history. It can't be easy working in such an unstable environment but there's no denying that Potter's results simply aren't good enough right now. He needs to mastermind a second-leg turnaround to buy himself more time to work with this expensively-assembled side.

GettyChelsea Ratings: Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10): Didn't have much to do, truth be told, but could have done better to make life more difficult for Adeyemi, who rounded the Spaniard with ease.

Reece James (7/10): One of Chelsea's better players, looking more and more like his old self going forward.

Thiago Silva (6/10): Booked for stupidly handling the ball into the net in the first half but was otherwise his usual clever, composed self.

Kalidou Koulibaly (7/10): Performed well on his return to the starting line-up and very nearly levelled the game late on with a low drive that Can cleared off the line.

Ben Chilwell (5/10): Looked unsurprisingly rusty in his first start since November. His distribution was particularly poor but he'll be delighted to get 70 minutes under his belt.

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GettyMidfield

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (7/10): A very solid showing from the Englishman, who won the ball back repeatedly and used it well.

Enzo Fernandez (6/10): Embarrassed by Adeyemi's pace for the only goal of the game but did his best to try to make things happen. Indeed, everything went through the Argentine, who drew a great save out of Gregor Kobel in the dying seconds.

The decision to suddenly change coach at such an important stage of the season has shocked many but it is the correct call.

Eighteen months ago, Julian Nagelsmann was unveiled as Bayern Munich manager to the adulation of football hipsters and Bayern fans alike.

Here was a young tactician, with a cool haircut and trendy jackets, now taking over the biggest club in Germany.

On Thursday evening, Bayern let him go, opting to bring in the best manager on the market in Thomas Tuchel.

The Bavarians have long coveted the former Chelsea and PSG boss. With Nagelsmann plummeting out of favour and Tuchel jobless, Bayern made their move, quickly agreeing on a long-term deal with the German.

And it's the best move they could have possibly made.

This is less of a question of where Nagelsmann failed, than where Tuchel will succeed.

Nagelsmann is a terrific manager. He will prove his greatness. After all, he is still just 35. He was accomplished before he arrived in Munich, and leaves the club with a Bundesliga title to his name.

However, in Tuchel, Bayern now have their grown-up, their already-elite manager who can not only turn a domestic season around but could also deliver European glory.

Commanding respect

Nagelsmann was sacked hastily, right at the start of the international break.

While things had been tense at the Allianz Arena for some time, his dismissal wasn't expected. Indeed, Nagelsmann was on a skiing holiday just 24 hours before the news broke. He only learned of his sacking via the media, which is obviously poor form on Bayern's part.

However, there were some clear warning signs. Nagelsmann had lost the respect of some senior players. There was a perception that he was too quick to criticise his team after a defeat and unwilling to take his share of the blame.

His relationship with the board had become fractious. And he also fell out with the club's most important player, Manuel Neuer.

The German international has endured a tumultuous few months, first breaking his leg in a skiing accident before seeing his good friend and longtime coach Toni Tapalovic let go by the side.

He followed it all up by giving an explosive interview with , an act that reportedly drew the ire of Nagelsmann and the board.

The manager also struggled to silence the furore caused by his inconsistent use of Joao Cancelo. The full-back's January arrival from Manchester City was hailed as an important acquisition for a team that needed full-back cover.

But the Portuguese has been used sparingly and proven more of an off-field distraction than on-pitch benefit.

Fortunately, Bayern have brought in a specialist in damage control.

Tuchel has not avoided dressing-room drama in his career. But he has been in the big locker rooms with the big egos.

This is a manager who has overseen a PSG team complete with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. He has dealt with the bright lights of being Chelsea boss. He even embraced the unenviable task of following Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund.

This is not just a stabilisation job. But Tuchel will know how to settle the personalities; he is not afraid of a challenge.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTactical conviction

It may never be known what exactly has gone on behind the scenes at Bayern, both in the boardroom and the dressing room, but the issues on the pitch have been clear to all.

Bayern have been maddeningly inconsistent in the Bundesliga, going from thrashing title rivals Union Berlin to whimpering to a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. They've not had so few points at this stage of the season until 2011-12 – the last time they failed to win the title.

The directors felt the players were only lifting themselves for big games, which obviously reflected terribly on Nagelsmann's powers of motivation.

More than anything, though, Bayern have lacked tactical conviction. Performances have been inconsistent because Nagelsmann could never settle on a system. He had principles, but never continuity.

For a while, he aimed to load the centre of the pitch, and play through Robert Lewandowski. Then, once opponents adapted, he shuffled systems.

Since the Pole's departure, Nagelsmann has tinkered even more, asking his team to play wide, and failing to create chances as a result.

Tuchel, if nothing else, will stick to his tactical guns. The German has evolved over the years, adapting from the gegenpressing idealism of his Dortmund years into a more pragmatic 3-4-3 at Chelsea.

But wherever the manager goes, he will have a clear system in place. According to Florian Plettenberg, it was Tuchel's pitch of a clear, enticing project that convinced Bayern to make a sudden switch.

And it's understandable, too. Bayern are at a precarious point in the season.

Trailing in the Bundesliga and facing Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals in three weeks, there is little time to tinker or second guess.

Tuchel will have his ideas, and he will live by them. That's brought results in the past.

GettyPep's worst nightmare?

Bayern managers are cursed with the weight of expectation; such is the byproduct of being a massive club.

The Bavarians don't have to win the Champions League every year in the same way that PSG are pressured to, but they are still expected to make a deep run. And in big games, such as their quarter-final contest with Man City, they are supposed to compete.

It makes sense, then, that Bayern picked up the one manager that Guardiola fears the most. He admitted it in his own way, the signature fear-by-way of flattery.

"He's so creative," Guardiola said in 2022. "One of the few managers I learn constantly from to develop as a better manager.

"[He is] excellent in all departments. I enjoyed him since he was in Mainz. I enjoy watching his teams and the way he's playing and the approach. He makes world football better."

Tuchel enjoyed some significant success against Guardiola while in the Chelsea job, beating City three times in a row – including in the 2021 Champions League final.

Managers are not hired for single games alone, at least, they shouldn't be.

But it is a convenient coincidence that Tuchel has been brought in less than a month before Bayern face City in their biggest European clash of the season.

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Getty ImagesShort- and long-term success

Bayern didn't necessarily need to sack Nagelsmann – at least not in the middle of the season.

But perhaps the culmination of all of this tension has come at a perfect time for the Bavarians. They can now get the man they have coveted for years, moving before the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Tottenham, and at a crucial point in the season.

Dortmund, currently one point ahead of Bayern in the Bundesliga, are up next. A loss would throw a 10-year league-winning streak in jeopardy. A win would reestablish much-needed control.

And this is all very un-Bayern. It's been a long time since the nickname 'FC Hollywood' has been bandied about.

Indeed, they haven't parted with a manager on such short notice since Carlo Ancelotti in September 2017 – and even that felt amicable.

Back then, they didn't have a perfect replacement lined up and were forced to turn to a safe pair of hands in Jupp Heynckes.

This time, though, Bayern have secured the best manager possible, the right man at the right time.

And their short and long-term future should be all the better for it.

Karim Benzema grabbed a hat-trick while Rodrygo showed his best as Real Madrid shrugged off relegation-threatened Almeria.

Although Benzema bagged a hat-trick, Rodrygo's star showing was perhaps the most intriguing performance as Real Madrid battered a heavily-rotated Almeria side, 4-2.

Benzema opened the scoring swiftly, benefitting from a fine piece of work from Vinicius Junior to turn the ball home from close range.

He added a second 10 minutes later, handed an easy tap-in after a wonderful Rodrygo nutmeg and pass. A composed penalty sealed a first-half hat-trick for the French forward.

Rodrygo was at it again for the Madrid fourth, lashing a long-range effort in. He had a goal disallowed, too, a tidy header that would have turned a comfortable win into a thrashing.

We've seen so many flashes from Rodrygo, and the performance Saturday must serve as personal inspiration for the level to reach more consistently.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos weren't exactly steady at the back. They conceded two soft goals to a much-changed Almeria side – something that manager Carlo Ancelotti will, no doubt, be concerned about.

Still, Madrid were wonderful going forward, and their promising Brazilian youngster showed a vision of what could be for years to come.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (5/10):

Nothing to do, really. Can't be blamed for the Almeria goals. Two quality assists took him out of the game.

Lucas Vazquez (7/10):

A lot more creative than expected in a rare start. Started at right-back, ended up playing left-wing. Won't get many more of these opportunities.

Eder Militao (6/10):

A few nice runs forward, but lost his position once or twice. Needs to find some consistency.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

The better of the two centre-backs. Barely misplaced a pass.

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Lost Lazaro at the back post as the Almeria forward pulled one back for his side just before half-time. Otherwise solid. He's a very good left-back for a player who openly hates playing left-back.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Dani Ceballos (8/10):

More involved in the attack from a right-sided position. Grabbed an assist, completed the most dribbles in the match. The best of Madrid's midfield trio.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Handed a start after a rough run. Was agreeable on the ball and positionally sound. Will need to find form; he will likely be in the XI more regularly with Luka Modric out.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

Allowed Lazaro to run through too easily for Almeria's solitary goal. Typically metronomic in his passing. Will need to turn in a better defensive showing against Man City.

Getty ImagesAttack

Rodrygo (9/10):

Assisted Benzema's second with a lovely flick and pass. Scored one of his own with a driven strike. A glimpse of what he can be at his best.

Karim Benzema (9/10):

Opened the scoring inside five minutes, added a second after 16. Completed his hat-trick before half time. Visibly angry for not scoring more. Moved up to fourth in La Liga's all-time goalscoring charts.

Vinicius Junior (8/10):

Set up Benzema's opener, made some opponents look very silly. Now has 20 goals and 20 assists between club and country. Madrid will hope there are more to come this year.

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Subs & Manager

Marco Asensio (6/10):

Would be disappointed not to start. Didn't offer much in a 20 minute run around.

Nacho (6/10):

Fresh legs for a tired-looking Kroos.

Dani Carvajal (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Keeps going for strong lineup, despite the relative unimportance of the contest. His selection paid off, though, as Madrid were rampant going forward. Ancelotti might be concerned with Madrid's defensive lapses — they shouldn't concede two to this side.

The tournament, which is being co-hosted by Romania and Georgia, kicks-off on Wednesday with a number of intriguing talents to keep an eye on

The Under-21 European Championship is a tournament that has seen a number of star names produce breakout performances before going on to become superstars of the senior game. The likes of Luis Figo, Manuel Neuer, Andrea Pirlo and Xavi have shone at the tournament, and a whole host of talented youngsters will be hoping to follow in their footsteps in 2023.

The competition is being co-hosted by Romania and Georgia, and gets under way on Wednesday, June 21, with 16 sides set to battle it out for continental glory over the next three weeks.

But who are the players to keep an eye on? GOAL breaks down 21 players you can't miss during the tournament…

Getty ImagesAlex Baena (Spain)

Baena's season was dominated by a physical altercation off the pitch with Real Madrid star Fede Valverde following a game in April. But on the pitch, the Villarreal star was one of the unlikely breakout stars in Spain's top-flight.

A versatile attacking player, Baena has been singled out as a potential option for Barcelona after their failed pursuit of Lionel Messi. He won't reach that level, but here's a player with plenty of potential.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBrian Brobbey (Netherlands)

It was a miserable season for Ajax, as they surrendered the Eredivisie crown to Feyernood, and finished 13 points behind the winners. But there were some bright spots, and Brobbey was among them.

The right-footed forward scored 13 and assisted three, finishing with both feet and also proving that he can be deadly in the air. Now it's time to prove he can do it against the best in his age group.

GettyRayan Cherki (France)

Six months ago, Cherki seemed almost certain to be a Paris Saint-Germain player. However, an expected move never materialised from Lyon, and the attacking midfielder remained at the club.

But that has done little to deter the big names this summer. Cherki is an exciting attacking midfielder who can play in multiple positions. For France, he'll be expected to pull the strings.

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(C)GettyImagesLevi Colwill (England)

There's been a lot of reports regarding a potential move away from Chelsea following his eye-catching loan spell at Brighton, but nothing has materialised yet for Colwill. Until then, the centre-back will look to prove that he can be among the best in Europe at his age. He certainly has the talent to be.

While one icon has called for change, the star striker will now need to step up and lead a sputtering attacking unit

The calls are growing louder after the United States women's national team's disappointing 0-0 draw against Portugal. It's an almost unthinkable prospect, given what we know. After all of these years, after all of these big moments, big goals and big wins, could the U.S. really bench Alex Morgan for their upcoming last-16 clash with Sweden?

That's what the legendary Carli Lloyd is calling for after a frustrating group stage, one headlined by Morgan's own struggles in front of goal. For years, Morgan has been among the top players in the sport. Whether you judge by the eye test or data, you have to put Morgan in that pantheon of attacking greats.

Yet, she's been anything but great since the World Cup began. Through three games, she's yet to find the back of the net as the USWNT attack has totally floundered. With just four total goals in three games, three of which came against Vietnam, it's safe to say attacking woes may just be their Achilles Heel this summer.

Is dropping Morgan the way to fix that and, if not, what can Vlatko Andonovski do to get more out of his superstar forward?

GettyThe tournament so far

At the time, it seemed like a blip, just one missed chance. But, with the blessing of hindsight, Morgan's missed penalty in the opening game against Vietnam looks worse and worse, doesn't it?

With her side up a goal, Trinity Rodman was hacked down on the left-hand side. Up stepped Morgan for the ensuing penalty… saved. The score remained 1-0, as Morgan's World Cup was off to a poor start. The U.S., of course, went on to win the game 3-0, with that penalty of little consequence. But that dark cloud has seemingly hung over Morgan and the USWNT attack since the tournament started.

Against the Netherlands, the U.S. needed Lindsey Horan to Hulk up after a Danielle van de Donk tackle to score from a set-piece. Morgan, meanwhile, saw a goal called back for a tight offside call.

Then, against Portugal, the U.S. was held scoreless and, if not for an incredible stroke of luck and one perfectly-placed post, they'd have gone home earlier than anyone would have expected.

Defensively, the U.S. has been solid, allowing just two big chances through this tournament so far, but, on the attacking end, this is not the U.S. team we're accustomed to seeing.

AdvertisementGettyMorgan's change of style

American fans will remember the 'Baby Horse' version of Morgan, who used her physicality and speed to torment helpless defenders. This version, though, is something different, a bit more of a provider than in years past.

As her career has continued, Morgan has begun to occupy a deeper role, dropping back to help create space. Morgan, of course, is a magnet for opposing defenders and, in Andonovski's system, she's used to draw out the opposition and create space for the wingers.

But what happens when the wingers aren't able to find that space? And what happens with Morgan when the team needs a goal?

So far, it's looked like three attackers not on the same page. Morgan is far from the only culprit in this, as the U.S. attack as a whole has looked far from World Cup-winning quality. For Morgan's new role to function as it should, all three attackers need to be playing as one, which they obviously haven't been able to do. She isn't out there trying to create goals through sheer force of will, but rather by being part of a fluid attacking unit that, so far, hasn't been very fluid.

Still, even when Morgan has gotten her chances, she hasn't taken them. She is co-leader of this tournament in big chances missed with four in three games. Lynn Williams, meanwhile, missed three against Portugal, while six other U.S. players have missed a big chance.

So how does the U.S. fix it? Will they continue to underperform the statistics here? Is this something that just required a bit more composure in front of goal or a total overhaul?

Well, there is one big way to shake things up…

Getty ImagesLloyd's analysis

Lloyd's analysis has divided opinion this World Cup, for sure. The USWNT legend has been plenty critical of the team for a variety of reasons, and her former team-mate Morgan hasn't escaped her criticism.

Speaking on ahead of the Portugal match, Lloyd said: "To spice things up a little bit, to change it up, I am going with the line-up that is behind me. I am taking Alex Morgan out. She's done well, she's occupied the center-backs, she's dragged and pulled players out and whatnot.

"But I just feel like the three up top have been very narrow, so we need to create some width. So if we can put Sophia Smith up in the nine, on the left Trinity Rodman, on the right Lynn Williams."

Andonovski instead decided to leave out Rodman to bring in Williams, but the possibility of Morgan being left out of the line up continues to be discussed as the knockout stages loom.

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GettyCould Vlatko actually do it?

It would be a massive call, for sure. For Andonovski, a coach that has repeatedly said he won't be influenced by outside critics, to drop a player that has so important for this team? It would be hard to believe.

Does that argument have merit? Probably. The U.S. attack obviously isn't doing well and something has to change. Maybe that change is to put Smith in a central spot with Rodman and Williams on either side. It would give the U.S. a different look, for sure, and put Smith in a position where she can be at her most dangerous.

But, like most problems with this team, fixing this particular issue with that solution only creates more issues. Moving Julie Ertz to defensive midfield creates a tidal wave at center-back, for example. Switching formations all together could leave the midfield even more exposed than it is. And benching Morgan could make an already broken attack even more broken.

The chances have been there, which is an encouraging sign, even if there haven't been quite as many in recent years. What has been lacking has been the composure, the viciousness, the decisiveness. For young players, that's understandable. For Morgan, that's frustrating. But, even with that, you'd bet on Morgan to figure it all out based on her history.

Benching Morgan is the nuclear option, the point of no return. Andonovski, then, will be hoping that he can get his attack humming with a few small tweaks leading up to Sunday's clash against Sweden. And, if he can't, the U.S. will be on their way out.

The big-name players that moved to the Middle East were expected to dominate, but things have not gone that way so far

The Saudi Pro League's entrance into the transfer market this summer may have changed football forever. Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to join Al-Nassr in January opened the door, and Europe's best players have since flooded over to the Middle East to experience a 'new challenge' – and become even more wealthy in the process.

So much of the debate surrounding this great migration has focused on off-field considerations, such as transfer fees, wages and commercial potential. Whereas the effect that this influx of talent might have on the pitch was scarcely considered.

However, the season is now finally underway and the performances of these glitzy arrivals have been surprising to say the least. Marquee signings like Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez were expected to take the Pro League by storm. Instead, the European imports have had variable success.

Perhaps what's been even more surprising is that some of them have struggled to get their own way in the dressing room, allaying any fears that Pro League clubs would bend to every whim of their new signings.

GOAL ARBenzema and Al-Ittihad is not a happy marriage

The prime example of such tension is Benzema's apparent power struggle with Nuno Espirito Santo at Al-Ittihad. The Frenchman is yet to score in the league since joining the Saudi champions, and there's been a storm brewing in the dressing room too.

Shortly after arriving at the club, Benzema is said to have requested the captaincy, but Nuno refused to budge, with the armband remaining with Brazilian forward Romarinho this season.

This disagreement is threatening to spiral into a full-blown internal war. Benzema is understood to be 'uncomfortable' at Al-Ittihad, meaning a quite sensational early-season departure cannot be ruled out. All of this is playing out amid a backdrop of further uncertainty.

Saudi newspaper recently reported that there is a disagreement over foreign player registration at the club. Former West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi is currently injured but is demanding his contract be paid up in full if Al-Ittihad wants him to leave. Skipper Romarinho is even understood to have asked to depart at one stage

Then there's the strange story of Jota, a £25 million ($31.7m) arrival from Celtic in July, who is apparently set to exit after just a few weeks. The reasons for his apparent departure are not entirely clear and nothing is confirmed yet, but it's indicative of the wider culture of chaos that has engulfed the champions this summer.

It's not what Benzema signed up for when he agreed to swap Madrid for Jeddah back in June.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe heat is no joke

It's not just off-field politics that has taken some of the Saudi Pro League's new arrivals by surprise. The unrelenting heat has also proved challenging.

When asked about his first impressions of the country after scoring his maiden Al-Ahli goal against Al-Khaleej, Mahrez joked that it was "very hot". In truth, though, the conditions are no laughing matter for athletes not used to the stifling weather.

In August, temperatures in the Gulf State can reach highs of 49°C and things rarely get cooler than 30°C – even in the 'coldest' moments. Fabinho has also mentioned how the heat got to him on his Al-Ittihad debut, saying: "We dominated the course of the match, despite the difficult atmosphere and the high temperature."

His feelings are likely shared by a significant portion of players in the league. It's something they will have to adjust to as they look to make a new life in the country.

Getty ImagesRonaldo makes shaky start

It's not just the recent signings that haven't had it all their own way in the Pro League this season. The division's poster boy, Ronaldo, has also endured a challenging start to the campaign.

Since helping his side lift the Arab Club Champions Cup by grabbing a fine brace against Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr's form has fallen off a cliff. With Ronaldo injured, they slipped to a shock defeat against Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq on the opening day.

Things didn't go much better when they hosted Al-Taawoun the following week, with Ronaldo looking far from fit as his team suffered another disappointing loss. Victory over Shabab Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League may look like a return to form, but they made hard work of their win – even if some questionable refereeing decisions made their task much harder.

So, what's going wrong? Well, we are used to Premier League managers complaining about fixture congestion, but Saudi clubs also have to contend with tricky schedules too. Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro recently fumed after his side had to play Al-Ettifaq just 48 hours after that aforementioned Arab Club Champions Cup final.

"I do not know how to play on Monday, it is impossible, besides that we played extra-time in the final tonight. We have to respect the players. It is impossible for us to play after 48 hours of a strong final," he said.

In this sense, playing at the top clubs in Saudi is far from the holiday it was presented as by some onlookers this summer. Combine the heavy fixture load with the intense heat and it's a recipe for underperformance.

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(C)Getty imagesAll not well at Al-Nassr

Fixture congestion is not Al-Nassr's only problem either. Much like at Al-Ittihad, disputes about the squad's composition have played out rather publicly in recent times.

David Ospina remains contracted to the Saudi side until next summer, but the club are understood to want to move him on due to a long-term injury. Supporters have also loudly voiced their dissatisfaction over the team's lack of defensive solidity on social media in recent weeks.

Ronaldo has had plenty of complaints in addition to the schedule too. Back in April, he took aim at the poor condition of the pitch after Al-Nassr's King's Cup defeat to Al-Wehda, and various referees have attracted his ire already this season.

His complaints are not entirely unreasonable. They are more of a reflection of how the Saudi Pro League needs to continue developing in areas separate from on-field talent if they want to seriously rival the big European leagues.