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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Marcelo Bielsa is a difficult man to figure out.

The Argentine’s nickname is El Loco for a reason as that means ‘the crazy one’ in English, and Bielsa has more than earnt that moniker.

Whether he is delivering a powerpoint presentation to journalists explaining everything he knows about Derby County or admitting to listening to a tape of football tactics when going on a late-night run – and almost being arrested, nobody can predict what’s going to happen next in the life of Bielsa.

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Even the greatest minds in football can’t quite figure him out as Harry Redknapp spoke about the gaffer this week in an appearance at Leeds Town Hall.

What’s been said then?

In quotes relayed by Leeds Live, the former Tottenham manager seemed a bit bemused by Bielsa as he stated that he couldn’t quite figure him out.

“The manager is a strange one I can’t quite work him out. He’s supposed to be a genius and he probably is, his record is good, I’m not sure what will happen but I think they will get up – it is an open division.”

We mastered the trick in the video below in 8 attempts… could you do better?

Don’t worry Harry

Redknapp shouldn’t be worried about the fact that he can’t figure Bielsa out, because seemingly nobody can.

Whether you’re a journalist with close ties to the club,  or a World Cup winner – nobody can crack the code of the Leeds United manager.

Phil Hay once described how he tried to offer him a lift in the rain but he refused it, claiming he liked the weather as it was.

It was a bizarre exchange of words but it shows what Bielsa is about. This is a manager who has openly disclosed his team selections in the past so there is certainly legs behind Redknapp’s comments.

Bielsa is a one of a kind, enigmatic genius and to be honest, there’s no point in wasting time trying to figure him out because he’s so unpredictable, and we absolutely love him for it.

If Leeds end up going up, they won’t care how bizarre his behaviour has been.

Former Chelsea man Jason Cundy believes “trophy pig” Jose Mourinho still has a role to play in the game and would “probably” win a trophy for Tottenham Hotspur if they decided to recruit him in place of struggling Mauricio Pochettino – but at a price.Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The 56-year-old has been without a job since he was sacked by Manchester United in December last year, but has been mooted as a potential replacement for Pochettino with Spurs languishing in ninth place.

Mourinho won the Europa League and League Cup with the current Premier League strugglers during his three-year tenure and also claimed achieving 2nd place was one of his finest achievements in management.

Judging by the current state of the club and squad, that doesn’t surprise us at all.

Tottenham have won just one trophy, the League Cup, since the turn of the century. Last season’s Champions League run returned some semblance of joy, but ultimately no reward and their current form suggest it might be another year painfully absent of silverware.

Would things be different with Mourinho in charge, though? Check out Cundy’s thoughts below…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Brahim Diaz has not really been a prominent part of Real Madrid’s squad. And if recent reports coming from AS are any indication, that’s not likely to change any time soon.

Los Blancos are reportedly pushing for the young talent to go on loan but so far, he’s been very reluctant to accept. That could be a big mistake on his part.

What’s the word then?

Ever since he was at Manchester City, the 20-year-old talent has been rather impressive.

Back then, he scored 11 goals and assisted ten for their U23 squad and even made 15 appearances for their senior team, netting twice in the process. For that reason, Real’s interest and eventual purchase were not really a surprise.

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What was a surprise, however, was their decision to completely freeze him out of the squad. It has been over 140 days since Diaz last featured for Los Blancos.

He made 11 appearances for them across all competitions in 2018/19 and then he was gone – just like that.

Seeing how that trend is unlikely to change any time soon, his decision to refuse to go on loan might cost him.

A chance to shine

The youngster doesn’t really have to look any farther than his on loan teammates to see the full benefits of such a deal.

Both Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos have decided to take a step away from Real in order to fully show what they have in store and what they are capable of.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

Now, both of them are thriving with their temporary clubs – Odegaard is excelling at Real Sociedad, making eight appearances in La Liga and Ceballos thriving at Arsenal, with 11 appearances in all competitions.

But if Diaz eventually decides to stay at Real, which is looking likely according to AS, he could put his whole career in danger.

Not playing is the worst thing that can happen to a young and developing player and if this continues in the future and Zidane remains reluctant to play him, his talents could truly go to waste.

And that would be a shame – for him, the club and all the fans.

Let’s hope he makes the right choice in the end.

QPR’s continued search for consistency goes on after falling to a 3-0 defeat to Cardiff on Wednesday, their fourth loss in the Championship from ten games.

Mark Warburton has made a decent start to managerial life in West London, but the loss to the Bluebirds is his second in as many games, so it is once again time to go back to the drawing board.

Prior to that the R’s had enjoyed a four-game winning streak, taking them as high as the play-off places, so there is clearly quality in the side and an understanding of what it takes to win.

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However, it hasn’t taken some fans long to identify a recurring issue, and until Warburton fixes the defensive problems it is unlikely QPR will fight for places higher up the league than where they are currently positioned.

Other fans were simply left exasperated following the defeat, with one even calling for the return of Steve McClaren, who was sacked back in April – Warburton eventually being appointed his successor.

Here is some of the reaction to QPR’s thrashing at the hands of Cardiff.

As per a report by 90min, an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim has dropped with the Lilywhites now eyeing Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Paratici, time to get working?

After Spurs humbling 1-0 defeat away to Vitesse in the Europa Conference League, managing director Fabio Paratici has been urged to get working on the signings of alternative attacking options.

As well as being short of natural centre-forwards bar Dane Scarlett and Harry Kane, the club’s wide options are also a point of contention.

Injuries have already occurred to the likes of Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn while Lucas Moura could be slowly reaching the twilight phase of his career.

As the January transfer window slowly approaches, news has emerged on what Spurs ‘may be willing’ to offer Dembele.

The Latest: Spurs ‘may be willing’ to offer Dembele wage increase…

As Tottenham eye the Barcelona forward, along with several other clubs, his current side are working to try and tie him down with a contract extension.

His current deal expires in 2022 and agreeing fresh terms is proving difficult for Barca, especially considering their financial situation and the fact Dembele wants a pay rise on his current wage in excess of £200,000-per-week.

This is where Paratici and Spurs come in, with the 90min report claiming they could be one of several interested sides now ‘willing to offer the money he wants’.

The Verdict: Worth the gamble?

Despite being called ‘frightening’ by Lionel Messi himself, offering the Frenchman over £200,000-per-week could be a very risky move by Paratici.

Dembele’s injury record speaks for itself and could be a real bone of contention to any Spurs move regardless of his ability, not to mention multiple incidents of behavioural issues affecting his career in Catalonia.

In other news: Matter of time: Yet another Spurs player eyeing N17 exit, he’s already said yes…find out more here.

Sunderland confirmed on Thursday evening that teenager Dan Neil has put pen to paper on a long-term contract.

And, as to be expected, a number of Black Cats supporters were quick to share their thoughts to the update on social media.

Neil, who made his senior debut back in 2018, has been a regular in Lee Johnson’s side this season, making 17 appearances in all competitions.

The 19-year-old, whose previous deal was set to expire in 2023, has netted twice and registered five assists this season and has now penned fresh terms until 2025 at the Stadium of Light.

He’s followed in the footsteps of Elliot Embleton in extending his stay in the north east, admitting it’s a ‘dream come true’ to be playing for the club.

Sunderland fans react

Sunderland posted the news on their official Twitter page on Thursday. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with many delighted and one labelling it as ‘excellent news’.

“This has just made my day”

Credit: @COLINDLYNCH

“I’ve got my club back”

Credit: @Rye_Moran

“Excellent news”

Credit: @titch471

“What a statement that is actually keeping our best young players, would’ve been sold for pennies under previous regime”

Credit: @gabenoble12

“We won’t make a bigger signing in the next 4/5 years. Superb this”

Credit: @mickysafc20

“Class news this absolutely buzzing with it”

Credit: @leanne_w_

In other news: ‘No idea’ – Many Sunderland fans react as ‘odd’ news is now confirmed.

A loan move may be ‘the next step’ for Celtic defender Dane Murray, according to The Daily Record’s Mark Pirie. 

The lowdown

Murray came on at half time in the first leg of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland in July after Nir Bitton was sent off, and he kept his place for the second leg.

Celtic were ultimately knocked out after extra time, and Murray hasn’t featured for Ange Postecoglou’s senior side since. His only action has come at reserve level.

Team-mate Stephen Welsh had been impressed with the 18-year-old against the Danes, hailing him as ‘fantastic, both on the ball and defensively’.

Murray could now join fellow Hoops youngsters Luca Connell, Jonathan Afolabi, Kerry McInroy and Ross Doohan out on loan.

The latest

Pirie writes that Murray will be ‘desperate’ for a first-team recall, but his chances look slim, with Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers seemingly the ‘current first-choice defensive pairing’.

‘A loan stint away from Glasgow’s east end’ may be the logical next move, he adds.

The verdict

While Murray wasn’t entirely convincing in the second leg against Midtjylland, it is a little surprising that he’s not even featured in the matchday squad for a league game.

He might be finding it a little dispiriting after a debut which seemed to herald a breakthrough season.

Still, a loan move that will allow to build his experience of top-flight football seems smart, particularly as Christopher Jullien’s return will only push him further down the pecking order.

In other news, Celtic tried to sign this left-back last summer. 

The Man Utd youngster is thriving on loan at Spurs and not only was she rewarded with her senior international debut, she also marked it with a goal

For a team that saw 2023 end in such heartbreaking fashion, England have certainly started 2024 with a bang. The Lionesses flew to Spain for a warm-weather camp in February, playing friendlies after not making the UEFA Women's Nations League finals, with Sarina Wiegman hoping to try out fresh ideas, see new players and learn plenty about her squad. As the players start to return to their clubs, it certainly feels like the Dutchwoman can tick all three of those boxes.

There were bonuses, too, in the performances that England put on and the results they picked up, as they comfortably beat two strong teams in Austria, who were thrashed 7-2 on Friday, and Italy, defeated 5-1 four days later. "There are very many positives about this week," Wiegman told after the latter result.

So, who were the winners as the Lionesses kicked off 2024 in style? And who didn't fare so well? GOAL takes a look…

• WINNER: Grace Clinton

  The biggest compliment that can be paid to Grace Clinton after her performances for England this week is that it hardly looked like this was the camp in which she made her international debut. Awarded that first cap on Friday against Austria, she marked the occasion with a superb goal, was unlucky not to get a second, and backed it up with another terrific display in the win over Italy.

  On loan at Tottenham from Manchester United this season, the 20-year-old has been in sublime form and she showed it in these friendlies, her clever footwork and ability to carve defences open making her one of the most eye-catching players across England's two games. But Clinton worked hard off the ball, too, ranking second for tackles won and third for possession among the Lionesses' squad. That she shone in two different midfield roles, box-to-box against Austria and then as a No.10 in the win over Italy, was also impressive.

  "She just went out to play, played with a lot of freedom and showed her quality," Wiegman said of the youngster in a perfectly-put piece of praise. Given how well she slipped into England's starting XI, it'd be a surprise not to see more of her in the April window as qualifying for the 2025 European Championships begins.

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  LOSER: Leah Williamson

  As Wiegman says, there were tons of positives for England in this camp but there were also a couple of negatives. The first came before the Lionesses had even got together as Leah Williamson's long-awaited comeback was delayed further, a minor hamstring injury causing the Arsenal star to pull out of the squad.

  Williamson has worked so hard to get back on the pitch after a devastating ACL injury that ruled her out of the Women's World Cup and this camp felt like the perfect opportunity for her England return, the friendly games removing some of the pressure. However, she'll be targeting a chance to pull on her country's colours again in April instead.

• WINNER: Lotte Wubben-Moy

  Every cloud has a silver lining and Williamson's absence opened the door for Lotte Wubben-Moy, her Arsenal team-mate who she will have no doubt been pleased to see get a rare opportunity to show what she can do for England. There have been plenty of calls for Wubben-Moy to receive more game time, especially given her sublime recent form at club level, and she saw significant minutes in both games this week.

  Though starting from the bench against Austria, the 25-year-old came on at half time and got an assist thanks to a strong header. She then went one better in the game with Italy, scoring her first England goal with just 60 seconds on the clock, this on her first start since June 2022 and just her third overall. Her defensive work and general play in both matches was superb, too.

  Asked if Wubben-Moy had taken a step forward in her thinking after the two performances, Wiegman told : "She's definitely taken a step forward because she's developing a lot and very well. That's what we see weekly at Arsenal and that's what she shows here, too." The coach did add that the competition at centre-back is "really high" but Wubben-Moy has certainly done nothing this week to harm her chances of getting more of a look-in when the opportunity presents itself.

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  LOSER: Fran Kirby

  After losing Williamson before the camp had even begun, England suffered another blow in the warm-up for the clash with Austria when Fran Kirby felt some irritation in her knee. The Chelsea star was replaced in the starting line-up by Ella Toone and, in the following days, withdrew from the camp altogether. "We didn't want to take any risks so she's being assessed at the club," Wiegman explained. "We don't expect it to be a bad injury."

  Though it doesn't sound overly-concerning for Kirby, it is another frustration for the 30-year-old in what has felt like a real stop-start period of her career. After coming back admirably from some health scares in recent years, it is these knee injuries that are now plaguing Kirby as she looks to rediscover the form that made her one of the most talismanic footballers on the planet.

  Chelsea have long been excellent at looking after the playmaker and will no doubt take the necessary steps to deal with this issue. Meanwhile the Blues, England and essentially every football fan will hope that she is able to ride this storm and get back to that level that made her so wonderful to watch.

Harry Kane was singled out for criticism after Bayern Munich’s shock defeat to Bochum, with the England striker spurning one glorious opportunity.

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• Prolific England star was on target again
• Title hopefuls came unstuck in five-goal thriller
• Big misses & another red card proved costly

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Tottenham frontman has been sensational in front of goal during his debut campaign at the Allianz Arena, and did find the target in his latest appearance – taking his overall tally to 29 through 30 appearances in all competitions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane did, however, blaze a first-half chance against Bochum over the bar, with Bayern 1-0 in front at that stage following an early opener from Jamal Musiala. That rare rush of blood to the head in the final third helped to keep Bochum in the game, and they went on to secure a stunning 3-2 win.

• WHAT TUCHEL SAID ABOUT KANE

  Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel told afterwards, with his star No.9 made aware that he really should have wrapped up a game that was disrupted on a couple of occasions by protests from the home support: “We created some top-class chances. Harry's chance in the first half may have been the deciding factor. If he finished that with one touch instead of trying to play it, the game is over. I don’t think today’s defeat was fair; I think a lot went against us. I think we had an xG value of 3.4 and we had four, five, six top-class chances. We completely dominated the game and actually went behind out of nowhere. We never stopped putting in the effort until the end and then played with a man down for a long time. A lot went against us. I feel today's defeat is different to the last two.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Bayern have suffered three successive defeats, with Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio getting the better of them in Bundesliga and Champions League competition. They have also seen Dayot Upamecano collected red cards in back-to-back fixtures, with the France international defender doing their cause few favours.

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as an update emerged on their game at home against Brentford in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

As per the official website of the Premier League, Stuart Attwell has now been appointed as the VAR official for the match.

He has already caused controversy in a game earlier on in the season involving the Midlands club, as he failed to give them a penalty in their 1-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur, which was heavily ridiculed by some members of the Molineux faithful.

Attwell has also given more yellow cards and yellows leading to reds to the Wanderers over any other side in his career so far (Transfermarkt), suggesting that they have not had the best of luck whenever he has been officiating.

Wolves fans on Attwell news

These WWFC supporters were left fuming as the update involving Attwell was shared by Talking Wolves on their Twitter page:

“Omg Attwell on VAR AGAIN”

Credit: @Pinhead1210

“Mad VAR decision incoming then”

Credit: @chayward_9

“The PL are trolling us hard with Attwell on VAR”

Credit: @UltimateJeffShi

“Might as well unplug VAR now as it won’t be needed with that clown”

Credit: @Johnboy42370177

“What is it with us and Attwell on VAR?”

Credit: @Wrightgal80

“This making me feel Att-unwell”

Credit: @Tom_Parker12

In other news, find out which ‘powerhouse’ Wolves could sign in January here!