Philippa Kaur

JUDE BELLINGHAM has broken his silence following a training ground bust-up with Antonio Rudiger.The two Real Madrid stars had to be separated during a tense session ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal. Jude Bellingham was quizzed on his training ground bust-up ahead of the second leg versus ArsenalCredit: GettyBellingham and Antonio Rudiger were involved in a training ground altercationCredit: GettyReports in Spain claim a rash tackle on the England midfielder by the German centre-back sparked the incident.But Bellingham has played down the altercation in his post-match press conference today, saying: “It’s football, it’s normal on the pitch that emotions get high. “You communicate with team-mates louder than you’d communicate with your mum and dad.”For every negative interaction you see, there’s 20 positive interactions. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That will get lost in the media which is fine, as long as the team respects each other to have those honest conversations.”Arsenal head to the Santiago Bernabeu with a 3-0 lead after an incredible first leg that saw Declan Rice score two free-kicks.Bellingham insists an improved Real Madrid will be on show this time, saying: “There wasn’t one aspect of our game in the first leg that was up to the standard we expect of ourselves.”We know we can play a lot better and that’s what we want to show tomorrow. It’s one thing to lose, but it’s another thing not to learn.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I think there’s an expectation of Real Madrid that when we get in these holes we can come back.”In England it’s not as common but it does happen. The club have done it so many times, so the expectations are huge.”Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid And Bellingham’s boss Carlo Ancelotti believes that the Gunners are far from in the semi-final yet, adding: “We have the quality to turn this tie around, along with the commitment, the experience and the fans.”The resources are there and now it’s time to bring our best. “Mentally we’re doing very well and we have to have good control of the game.”The Santiago Bernabeu has magic and everyone knows it’s a special atmosphere.”Tomorrow we need a bit of everything – quality and a complete performance, both physically and collectively. Not one of these things can go wrong. “The motivation is there, and now I want the player to be calm before the game. I’m clear that we’re going to give it our all.” More

CHELSEA’S stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca’s role but it could wipe £70million off his summer budget.The Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but are convincing few that they will be able to get over the line.Chelsea could risk losing £70m if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s job could also be at riskCredit: AlamyAnd another year away from Europe’s top table will come at quite the cost – with one financial expert saying they are on a “knife edge”.A run into the knockouts would – thanks to their coefficient ranking and gate receipts – net at least £90m for the west Londoners.But a year in the Europa League – which they are expected to qualify for via the league or winning the Conference League – would land them just £20m.And after having to sell hotels and the women’s team to the club’s holding company, BlueCo, in order to dance around the Premier League’s financial rules – things could get tricky.Chelsea’s latest financial results showed a profit of £129.6m, but Professor Rob Wilson, an academic lead at University Campus of Football Business, is concerned.He told SunSport: “Their reported profits are suggesting financial health, but the underlying losses basically indicate a reliance on accounting strategies.”You can’t trade on accounting strategies forever.”What you’re doing is essentially just putting off the inevitable, which is at some point you’re going to post a pretty significant loss or you’re going to have to have a big asset sale.”They are kind of protecting that with the longevity of the player contracts that they’ve been including.”They are properly on a knife edge in my view.”They are backing themselves or have already backed themselves into a pretty unmanageable corner.”Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundKEEP KEPA?GOALKEEPING has been a hot topic at Chelsea this season and it’s not just restricted to those currently at the club.The future of Kepa Arrizabalaga is also of interest as his loan at Premier League side Bournemouth nears its end.The world’s most expensive keeper is desperate to stay on the South Coast to the extent that he would be willing to take a pay cut on his present wages of around £170,000 a week.Kepa, 30, has a year left on his contract at Chelsea but he knows there is no future for him at Stamford Bridge.Kepa Arrizabalaga is willing to accept a pay cut to stay at BournemouthCredit: AlamyEven though there are serious questions about the suitability of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, there are other keepers further up the pecking order.Even untried teenager Mike Penders seems to be more popular with Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca than Spaniard Kepa, who cost a whopping £71.6 million in 2018.Bournemouth are keen on a permanent deal and it’s believed one could be struck for around £25 million.Kepa has played the last 14 games in all competitions for Bournemouth and is close to manager and fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola.There has been speculation that Bournemouth fancy Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but Kepa is more likely to be the club’s number one next season.BLUECO NO-GODROPPING into the Europa League would not only pose financial problems, but a mammoth headache for Chelsea’s American owners.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be forced to place their shares in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg into a “blind trust” if both qualify for the Europa League.Strasbourg’s involvement in the Europa League could be a huge issue for Chelsea if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPStrasbourg, managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, have been a BlueCo success story and are just a point off of the Europa League places in Ligue 1.While their qualification would be celebrated, it would cause an awful lot of admin for the owners.Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced a similar problem.His company INEOS also owns Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.Their ownership of both has been placed into a blind trust, with Nice in the Europa League alongside Manchester United.Their both being in the same competition also saw UEFA block any transfers between the two – which put a stop to United’s move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo.Chelsea have sent a number of youth prospects on loan to Strasbourg since the two clubs were brought under the BlueCo umbrella.Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian who will complete his move to Chelsea this summer, has been training with Rosenior’s side ahead of a possible loan move next season – which could be barred under these rules.SECURITY CONCERNSLEGIA WARSAW’S infamous ultras are on their way to London and the police are on high alert.Extra cops will be on duty for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Legia Warsaw’s ultras caused chaos outside Villa Park in 2023Credit: GettyJust 1,000 fans of the Polish club are being allocated official tickets into the away section of the away end.Although with a sizeable Polish population in London already, there could be more in the home sections of the ground.Chelsea though are confident that their robust ticket policies will be enough to stop large scale infiltration by visiting supporters.Legia Warsaw have been dogged by controversy involving their fiery fans. They have been hit with travel bans.There was trouble in 2023 when the club played Aston Villa in the Conference League – several police officers were hurt in disturbances outside Villa Park.The Met won’t disclose details of their anti-hooligan policies but issued a statement to Sun Sport which read: “The Met works closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London. We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves but we will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.“We have increased the policing presence for Chelsea’s home match against Legia Warsaw this Thursday to ensure it takes place in a safe and secure environment. This decision was taken following a careful assessment of information and intelligence.”Warsaw have had their ticket allocation reduced on advice from the Safety Advisory Group and Chelsea.The statement continued: “We will continue to work with the club and our local partners to ensure the safety of those attending the match and those in the wider community.”NO PROBE FOR TODDDespite outraged Chelsea fans firing off a letter of complaint to the Premier League demanding a probe into the club chairman’s links to an unauthorised ticket resale site, the police won’t be knocking on Boehly’s door anytime soon.Supporters have openly protested about the fact the leading figure in the Stamford Bridge boardroom is cashing in with a 40 percent stake in Vivid Seats – a US-based outfit that passes on match tickets, often at vastly inflated prices.Todd Boehly has infuriated fans by earning money from Vivid Seats, a ticket resale siteCredit: ReutersThe Premier League is currently considering options on what to do about the tricky situation – after all on their own website they advise customers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ when dealing with companies like Vivid Seats.But any investigation is a long way off as so far, English football’s governing body will only confirm receipt of the letter from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.However, it is still a delicate state of affairs with the Premier League under pressure to investigate the business dealings of one of the game’s most high profile players.LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNCHELSEA Women’s final away game of the WSL season has been selected for live broadcast by the BBC.And a kick off time has now been finalised with The Blues heading to Tottenham on Sunday, May 4 and it gets underway at 2.15pm.NEW INITIATIVEANYONE attending Sunday’s home game against Ipswich will have noticed the large number of brightly coloured flags fluttering in The Shed End before kick off.The plan to liven up Stamford Bridge comes from fans’ group We Are The Shed, who are also masterminding the creation of a singing section in the famous stand.While it’s not exactly keeping the blue flag flying high, it’s good to see that some supporters are not just giving up on the fading atmospheres at Premier League grounds.Where English stadiums were once revered for their noise and sway, they are now silent tourist attractions. Keep up the good work.Chelsea Women vs Tottenham will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: Reuters More

ASTON VILLA will look to the support of Villa Park to host another European classic as they seek to overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain. Unai Emery’s side were outclassed in the first leg in Paris, as Morgan Rogers’ opener wasn’t enough as PSG went on to win 3-1 and take firm control of the time.The Villans’ European campaign has been littered with glorious moments so far, and will have to pull another if there dream run is to continue.As for their French visitors, the star-studded squad showed their blossoming talent in full and with the league wrapped up, the quest for Champions League success is firmly in sight. Live stream: Amazon Prime Aston Villa XI: To follow… PSG XI: To follow…. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below… “I’m really enjoying myself in this team” – Ousmane DembéléAs for challenges, they don’t come more fierce than this version of Ousmane Dembélé. 32 goals, 10 assists places him amongst Europe’s premier players firmly casting away failed wonderkid discourse.Ahead of the match, he spoke to the media about his and team’s surge in form: “I believe I’m one of the key players in the team, but I’ve stayed the same, as always. I just try to do what I know how to do and set an example for the younger players.””Being decisive is an objective: whether that’s scoring or getting an assist. What drives me the most is winning team trophies. I’m really enjoying myself in this team.”The team has a lot of character, it doesn’t give up until the last minute. No matter what happens during the match, the coach tells us to always believe. Whether it’s the young players or the older ones, we give everything until the last minute to turn things around. I think that’s one of our strengths.”Copy linkCopiedThe challenges that faces Villa Paris Saint-Germain are currently on a four-game winning streak on the road in Europe, which equals the record set by Les Rouge et Bleu in the 1994–1995 season. Ousmane Dembélé has scored seven goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, with only four Paris players having netted more times in a single UCL campaign. Les Parisiens have scored 28 goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, thereby breaking their previous record of 27 goals from the 2017–2018 season.Luis Enrique has now overseen 100 competitive fixtures as Paris Saint-Germain manager. In his nearly two seasons at the club, the Spaniard has picked up 70 wins, 19 draws, 11 losses and, most importantly, five trophies. The one that eludes him… the Champions Legaue!Copy linkCopiedUnder the Villa Park lightsAfternoon and welcome to a massive upcoming night of Champions League football. For Aston Villa, this is exactly what they dreamed of when they qualified for Europe’s elite club competition. The biggest nights under the lights of Villa Park. Well, it’s exactly what they’re getting. Albeit with a two-goal deficit to overturn, the theatre of drama still remains fresh in the minds of hopefuls.PSG come without the bling bling nowadays but heck they’ve got some star-studded talent in the ranks, as seen in the first leg. The big one is upon us, 8pm BST kick-off with build-up and more to come.Copy linkCopied More

AN ex-Manchester United star looked unrecognisable on his return to Old Trafford.The three-time Premier League winner, who spent six years at the club, watched the recent goalless derby against City from the stands.The cult hero returned to Old Trafford to watch the Manchester derbyCredit: instagramHe won three Premier League titles at Man UtdCredit: instagram He posted a photo alongside his old team-mate Darren FletcherCredit: instagram He shared photos of his trip down memory lane on Instagram and he even posted a snap alongside his former team-mate and now coach Darren Fletcher.The 43-year-old wrote: “A few years have passed but the sentiment remained the same.”It was nice to stand on the Old Trafford turf again and meet old friends.”The former player lifted ten trophies during his time at United, including the Champions League in 2008.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 61 appearances for the club in all competitions before leaving in 2012.The goalkeeper was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from West Brom and later had spells at Brighton, Wolves and Birmingham.On the international stage, he was capped 11 times by Poland.Have you worked out who the unrecognisable cult hero is?Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt is, of course, former back-up keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.Kuszczak hung up his gloves in 2019 and returned to his homeland to start a construction business and get a degree in sports journalism.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problemHe also briefly worked as a goalkeeper coach to the Polish national side.Tomasz Kuszczak played 61 times for UnitedCredit: GettyKuszczak won ten trophies in six years at Man UtdCredit: Action Images – ReutersJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

FORMER Wimbledon star Carlton Fairweather has died at the age of 63.The ex-Crazy Gang member passed away on Monday evening after a battle with cancer.Carlton Fairweather has passed away at the age of 63Credit: GettyThe former Wimbledon star spent 9 seasons with the DonsCredit: GettyFairweather was coach of Sunderland Ladies in the WSL from 2014 to 2017Credit: GettyFairweather rose up the football pyramid in the late 80s, going all the way from non-league to the Prem. A native of Camberwell in London, he started his career at Dulwich Hamlet.Spells with Bromley and Tooting followed, with scouts from Wimbledon spotting the tricky winger in 1984. He would go on to make 138 league appearances for the Dons, scoring 26 goals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFairweather joined the club in the third tier and helped them rise up the pyramid, with Wimbledon founder members of the Premier League in 1992.He was part of the famous Crazy Gang, who memorably beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final – although Fairweather sat the game out at Wembley due to injury. Fairweather would go on to play for Carlisle and Connecticut Wolves in the US before retiring in 1999. After hanging up his boots, the winger became a coach with Sunderland Ladies in the WSL. Most read in FootballThe club wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carlton Fairweather, aged 63. “A beloved character behind the scenes at the Academy of Light, Carlton passed away on Monday evening surrounded by his family and loved ones.”Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is there youngest-ever outfield player Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, told the club website: “Carlton’s personality and charisma were unique. “He worked across all aspects of our club and the reason he’s so highly thought of is down to his dedication, humility, and work ethic. “He will be truly missed by all within our club.”A statement from AFC Wimbledon added: “Everyone at AFC Wimbledon was deeply saddened to learn that popular former Dons winger Carlton Fairweather has passed away. “Our thoughts are with Carlton’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Fans from both clubs paid their respects on social media after Fairweather lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.One fan wrote: “So so sad such a lovely man, RIP Carlton, you were one in a million.Read More on The SunAnother said: “A lovely man with a heart of gold.”While a third added: “One of life’s true gentlemen who will be sadly missed by so many at the AOL both players and staff alike. Taken far too soon. More

WOLVES are finishing the season in fine style.A 4-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday means Vitor Pereira’s side have taken the maximum of 12 points from their last four Premier League games.Vitor Pereira has made a positive impact at WolvesCredit: GettyWolves remain 16th in the table as the campaign as a whole has been a disappointing one but Dream Team managers should monitor the form table closely at all times.No team has taken more points from their last five league games than the Black Country club.This fact alone should prompt gaffers to consider the options available to them from Molineux. Jorgen Strand Larsen (£3.6m) is among the game’s most in-form strikers at present having notched 46 points across his last four outings.This fruitful run has featured five goals at a rate of one every 67.6 minutes.The Norwegian forward has impressed in his first campaign on English soil with 12 league goals to his name in total.Strand Larsen has chipped in with a dozen goalsCredit: GettyElsewhere, Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.2m) is statistically the most in-form defender in Dream Team right now.The Algeria international scored one goal and assisted another against Spurs for a 16-point return last time out.Most read in FootballMore broadly, he’s amassed 62 points in his last eight appearances.This prosperous spell has catapulted him up the rankings – he’s now 11th among assets in his position.A defender in the loosest sense of the wordCredit: GettyAit-Nouri is categorised as a defender but his actual role on the pitch resembles that of a midfielder.His attacking attributes have allowed him to register 11 goal involvements this season.Only Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz (£5.4m) boasts a higher tally among defenders at the time of writing.Most intriguing is Matheus Cunha (£5.3m).The Brazilian forward returned from suspension as a second-half substitute against Spurs and marked the occasion with a goal, his 16th of the campaign in all competitions.Cunha seemed to offer his apologies to the Molineux crowd after scoring against SpursCredit: PAThe 25-year-old has irked more than a few Wolves supporters in recent times as he has been publicly open to a transfer away from the club, with some ill-advised social media activity thrown in for good measure.But Cunha’s talent is undeniable, as evidenced by the Dream Team Stats Centre.Cunha’s average of 8.4 is only bettered by three players in the whole game: Mohamed Salah (£7.2m), Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.5m).That he is rubbing shoulders with players of such calibre is mightily impressive given Wolves have spent most of the campaign one or two places above the relegation zone.Cunha ranks among the top five forwards for goals, shots on target, big chances created, tackles and bonus points!Cunha averages 8.4 points-per-game this seasonCredit: ReutersWolves have just six league fixtures remaining but with Manchester United and Leicester up next, there may be an opening for one or two of their best performers in a competitive XI.Read More on The SunWith just a few Gameweeks remaining, there must be some Dream Team bosses willing to take a punt on some lowly-owned difference-makers.Cunha is the most popular Wolves player right now but he appears in just 1.6% of teams.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

COLE PALMER’s girlfriend Connie Grace has turned heads with her stunning holiday outfits. Connie, 22, is currently enjoying a sun-drenched Easter break to Montego Bay, Jamaica.Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace is enjoying the Caribbean sunCredit: INSTAGRAM @conniegrace_The 22-year-old hit up the beach under sun-drenched skiesCredit: INSTAGRAM @conniegrace_She also headed off on a river cruise with a cocktailCredit: INSTAGRAM @conniegrace_Grace and the Chelsea star went public last NovemberCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The Manchester-born blonde stunned in a series of bikini snaps as she posed on sun-kissed beaches in the Caribbean. Connie and Cole, 22, went public last November at the GQ Men of the Year Award.And the influencer documented her trip of a lifetime to a legion of 36,000 Instagram fans. Connie hit the beach for cocktails under bright blue skies, rocking a barely-there blue bikini.READ MORE ON WAGSShe later headed up river for a relaxing cruise, stopping off at a bar en route. Connie captioned the snaps: “Montego bae.”One fan responded in the comment section: “You look amazing.”Another said: “The best ever.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third joked: “I liked this before Cole does!”And a fourth wrote: “Don’t listen to impolite comments, you two are a perfect couple!”Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Palmer, 22, and Connie met when they were both 17 years old.But they only went public with their relationship just before Christmas.Palmer, who cost Chelsea £42.5mllion from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has endured a rough 2025. He has not scored for the Blues since January 14, a run that now stretches to 14 games across all competitions. Opening up on their relationship in a recent documentary, Connie said: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.”Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”When you know how much someone wants something and you know that’s someone’s dream, you just feel so proud.Palmer and Connie first went public at the GQ Mens AwardsCredit: Splash”Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17.”Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Cole will adapt to whatever situation he’s in. He’s not bothered that he’s that far from home because all he wants to do is play football. Read More on The Sun”If it means leaving home and being in a place which is completely different to where he’s from, he’ll do it.”He’s not bothered about the whole fame side of it and he’s not bothered what people think of him.The influencer boasts almost 80,000 followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

ARSENAL are reportedly in talks with Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman over a stunning summer transfer.The serial winner, 28, is on course for a 13th career league title of his career after also lifting trophies at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.Arsenal are in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for Kingsley ComanCredit: GettyWhile Coman could make his 330th appearance for Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Inter Milan.However, the French winger may not be making many more amid reports that he is up for sale.Florian Plettenberg claims Bayern are ready to listen to offers for Coman this summer as he approaches the final two years of his contract.And Arsenal are said to have already made an approach as Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements in attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard has been forced to deal with injuries to key men this season including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.Coman’s stellar winning record makes him an ideal candidate to help the Gunners finally secure a Premier League title.And the star could be willing to take a cut on his current £275,000-a-week wages for a go in England’s top flight.However, it’s also reckoned that Saudi teams are lining up for Coman this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are ready to offer him mind-boggling numbers to snare the star in his prime.But Arsenal are hopeful they can win the race by offering Coman a first-team spot, Champions League football and the chance to participate in another title battle.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionMeanwhile, the Gunners are said to be confident of keeping William Saliba this summer.The defender is a target for Real Madrid but they have reportedly cooled their interest due to the mega fee it will take to sign him. More