Philippa Kaur

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    Man City boss Pep Guardiola APOLOGISES to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes

    MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola is “so sorry” Jack Grealish isn’t playing enough this season.Grealish, 29, became the most expensive British signing in Premier League history four years ago when he joined City from Aston Villa following a staggering £100million deal.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola apologised to Jack Grealish for his lack of minutesCredit: GettyGrealish has been struggling for a place in Man City’s starting line-upCredit: RexThe versatile forward hit the ground running under Guardiola, 54, and he was a key part of the treble-winning side during the 2022-23 campaign.However, the England international has significantly slowed down the last two seasons, something that led to a heartbreaking omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer.Grealish has only managed a mere two goals and four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this term – that adds up to just 604 Premier League minutes.The ex-Villa star hasn’t been part of Guardiola’s starting line-up since January 11 when the Citizens demolished Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup.Read More on FootballGrealish will be hoping to start in the competition’s fourth round on Saturday at Leyton Orient where the Catalan tactician can rotate.Guardiola addressed the issue with an apparent public apology to his player.However, the City boss insists this is not personal and instead this comes down to better displays by the likes of Jeremy Doku and especially Savinho.Guardiola said: “I’m so sorry he doesn’t get the minutes that maybe he deserves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But [in] the end, the contributions from Jeremy or Savinho have been massive this season, this is the only reason why.”It’s not personal, or [that] I don’t like Jack, or I don’t have confidence in him.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad”Of course when you play one player more minutes than another, you have more confidence [than him] right now. “But I know his attributes, it’s just for the fact that for the impact of Savinho.It’s [Savinho’s] first season; his impact in goals, and assists, the last game at Arsenal made an incredible step-up defensively and challenging duels. And this is the reason why.”SunSport revealed that Grealish’s lack of minutes at the Etihad led to interest from Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan during the January transfer window amid doubts about his Man City future. More

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    Man Utd vs Leicester live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup clash today

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S former striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks for MASSIVE UPSET on his return to Old Trafford with Leicester.United are fresh from a 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace, currently sitting in 13th, and are in need of a good cup run to revive their season.Ruud van Nistelrooy travels back to the ground he once played on for Manchester UnitedCredit: RexRuben Amorim has had a tough start to life in EnglandCredit: GettyMAN UTD VS LEICESTER LIVEThe Foxes themselves are in need of a much-needed boost, having lost at The Goodison last weekend and faced the threat of immediate relegation back to the Championship.United knocked out Arsenal in a resilient 10-man display at The Emirates in the third round, whereas Leicester were 6-2 winners over QPR.Ruud van Nistelrooy beat Leicester twice in four games during his interim spell at Old Trafford, scoring eight and conceding two against The Foxes.Despite a big win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, van Nistelrooy has had a mixed start at The King Power and needs a big result against his old side.How to watch Man Utd v Leicester for FREEThe FA Cup remains on freeview TV in the UK, and the game will be live on ITV1.The game will also be available to stream for free on ITVX.Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s coverage of the game for all the action as it happens.The game is the first of the fourth round, kicking off at 8pm GMT on Friday, February 7.What other FA Cup games are happening this weekend?There is a pair of 12:15pm GMT kick offs on Saturday lunchtime, with Manchester City visiting Leyton Orient, and Leeds hosting Milwall.There are six 3pm GMT kick offs, with Wigan hosting Fulham, Ipswich travelling to Coventry, Southampton hositng Burnley and Everton playing Bournemouth among the Premier League sides.Most read in FA CupCardiff also play Stoke, and Preston will host Wycombe at 3pm GMT.League One topping Birmingham will host Newcastle at 5:45pm GMT, and Brighton host Chelsea at 8pm GMT to end the day.Plymouth host Liverpool in Sunday’s main event at 3pm GMT, with Blackburn playing Wolves prior at 12:45pm GMT and Aston Villa vs Tottenham following at 5:35pm GMT.Man Utd stars hit Ruben Amorim as he runs birthday gauntlet in training… and is left holding his backDoncaster host Crystal Palace on Monday night, kicking off at 7:45pm GMT, before high flying Nottingham Forest travel to Exeter at 8pm GMT on Tuesday. More

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    Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

    The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

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    Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd

    ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on how Marcus Rashford has been training after his dramatic exit from Manchester United.Rashford, 27, left United under a cloud after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford was criticised by Ruben Amorim for the way he trained at Manchester UnitedCredit: Aston VillaAston Villa boss Unai Emery is very happy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.The Portuguese tactician then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during the January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get the United star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Emery insists he is very happy with the way Rashford trains under him.The Spanish tactician, who pushed hard for that signing, described his new player’s efforts as “fantastic”.Emery said: “Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match. “We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prominence during his temporary stint at Villa, which could become permanent in June.The United academy graduate could make his debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday at Villa Park.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd Emery, who convinced Rashford to join him after a long phone call, is relishing the challenge of helping his new player regain top form.The Villa boss added: “I’m very happy with the window we did, I’m very happy with him,””The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football.”I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us.”I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here.”I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.” More

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    ‘He’ll kill you!’ – Man Utd star opens up on Ruben Amorim’s zero tolerance approach towards lazy players in training

    LENY YORO has opened up over Ruben Amorim’s zero-tolerance approach towards lazy players in training.The Manchester United boss has shown it’s his way or the highway after packing Marcus Rashford out on loan to Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim’s brutal training demands have been revealedCredit: PALeny Yoro says all Man Utd players are expected to work to the highest standardsCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford felt the wrath of Amorim for his lack of effort and is now at Aston VillaCredit: ReutersA key man under former manager Erik ten Hag, Rashford was quickly axed by Amorim after failing to match the intensity demanded at Carrington.It saw the forward linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.But in the end it was Aston Villa, eight points above United in the Premier League table, who won the race for Rashford.Amorim has since wished the ace good luck while insisting he could not find a way back for Rashford in United’s squad due to his lack of work ethic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd defender Yoro has now lifted the lid on Amorim’s no-nonsense approach to life on the training field.Admitting the tactician has a zero-tolerance policy for passengers, Yoro told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast: “I have a really good relationship with Amorim.“I just try to do what he asks me to do. He’s big on communication with the players because he played at a top level.“He’s been at a lot of clubs so he knows your feelings when you’re not playing or when you have a bad game.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He knows how to speak with you and that’s really important for me. In training, it’s really, I would say, hard. But it’s important.“We have a lot of training and, for him, training is really important because you play the game like you train. Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transfer“The most important thing is to be really good in training. If you are not working, if you are lazy, he won’t like you — he’ll kill you!“It’s normal because you play like you train. He’s really strict on this because, to win games and trophies, you need to be disciplined outside the pitch. You need to be punctual.” More

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    Tottenham’s Europa League squad announced with £200,000-a-week star and £12.5m signing left OUT

    TOTTENHAM have announced their renewed Europa League squad… and there are a few surprises.Spurs punched their ticket straight into the Last 16 after finishing fourth in the league phase.Tottenham have left two major names out of their renewed Europa League squadCredit: ReutersTimo Werner was omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League squadCredit: GettyTottenham January signing Antonin Kinsky was also axedCredit: GettyThe North Londoners were allowed to make three changes to the squad ahead of the knockouts.Manager Ange Postecoglou added two January signings in Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.Danso, 26, moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy for around £21million.Tel, 19, also joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for about £52m, which would then lead to a six-year contract.Read More on FootballThe forward initially rejected Tottenham but changed his mind after a long phone call with Postecoglou, who won him over after he explained how he plans to use him on the pitch.Danso and Tel were joined in the Europa League squad by Djed Spence, who has shone bright this season amid Spurs’ injury hell, as the third change.Postecoglou had to make two major omissions to make space for the aforementioned trio.That led to Timo Werner and another January signing in Antonin Kinsky being axed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKinsky, 21, joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague after a £12.5m deal as an emergency transfer following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and a series of gaffes from back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.However, Vicario is expected to return from an ankle injury and Postecoglou decided to have Brandon Austin as the Italian shot-stopper’s back-up after also axing Forster.’Horrendous’ – Jamie Carragher reveals moment Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign changed and they’ve been ‘awful’ ever sinceWerner has fallen down the pecking order following a series of below-par performances.The winger, who earns about £200,000 per week amid his loan stint from RB Leipzig, recently received some brutal criticism from Postecoglou, who claimed: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The Germany international is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which could have contributed to his omission.Radu Dragusin has also been axed following a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.Tottenham Europa League squad 2024/25Here’s Tottenham’s renewed Europa League squad for the knockouts stage:Goalkeepers: Vicario, Austin, Whiteman, GunterDefenders: Danso, Udogie, Romero, Porro, Spence, Davies, Van de Ven, Dorrington, Cassanova, King, HardyMidfielders: Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Moore, Hall, Kyerematen, OlusesiForwards: Son, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Lankshear, Scarlett, Ajayi, Williams-Barnett More

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    Glamorous football presenter Kathy Valencia wears dress so daring she has to check she’s not had wardrobe malfunction

    PRESENTER Kathy Valencia put the “low” in “Yellow Night” – with a daring look in front of 20,000 fans.The popular and almost popping-out broadcaster fronted a famous Ecuadorian extravaganza that peaks with big rivals Barcelona SC and Deportivo Quito clashing.Kathy Valencia was an Amarilla thriller for many fans at Barcelona SC’s match with Deportivo Quito in EcuadorCredit: XShe decided it was worth a check as thousands of viewers looked onCredit: XKathy was also the spokesperson for the event in Ecuador’s capitalCredit: XShe sparked scarlet fever not yellow with this snapCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecAnd Kathy’s dress was so low-cut she had to glance down to check she hadn’t suffered a wardrobe malfunction while holding her microphone out on the pitch.The traditional “Noche Amarilla” event was held in Ecuador’s capital city Quito for the second year running.The full day of music and entertainment ends with “Yellow Night” – involving a friendly match pairing two top-flight clubs.Yet Kathy matched the thrills and nearly the spills of that contest with her own colourful contribution at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe’s also the spokesperson for the whole Amarilla occasion, so she made media appearances ahead of the special day to boost what was already guaranteed to be a sizeable attendance.World Cup winner David Trezeguet was another reason the Quito crowd was so massive.The former Juventus striker, who scored France’s Golden Goal in the Euro 2000 final, was the special guest.Barcelona SC, runners-up in last year’s Ecuador League, proceeded to fall 3-0 down against Deportivo.Most read in FootballA second-half fight-back then cut SC’s margin of defeat to 3-2.That recovery made it a game as stirring as the reaction Valencia herself received online throughout the evening.”Is Ecuador shaking?” asked one fan after seeing images of the social media star, who has 31,000 Instagram followers.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleOther verdicts included: “Awesome look”… “That’s amazing”… and “Tremendo” – a Spanish word that means exactly what you think.Action in Ecuador’s top-tier, LigaPro, starts on February 16 – in other words, 48 hours after Valentine’s Day and one week past Valencia’s Night!Kathy’s online following has grown to 31kCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecKathy impressed in front of shades of greyCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecShe might dream of global fame after Yellow NightCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecLocks amazing! Hair flair is one factor in Kathy’s imageCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaecShe looks hip both online and on the pitchCredit: Instagram @flakavalenciaec More

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    Celtic-Rangers League Cup final chaos update as four charged in connection with Glasgow mayhem

    FOUR men have been charged in connection with violent scenes which broke out ahead of the Old Firm League Cup clash in December.Violence erupted on Glasgow’s city centre ahead of the Rangers v Celtic game which saw the Hoops clinch the cup in a nail biting penalty shoot-out.Members of the Green Brigade march down Argyle Street on December 15, last yearPyros were let off during the violent scenes between Rangers and Celtic fansHowever the excitement of the December 15 game was already marred by horror scenes in the city’s Argyle Street before the match when gangs of Rangers and Celtic yobs rampaged in the city.We told how Christmas shoppers were left terrified as masked ultras wearing Santa hats threw pyros and confronted cops in the city centre before the Celtic-Rangers Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden. One officer was allegedly struck in the eye by a glass bottle while a 26-year-old fan was said to have been badly hurt as Green Brigade and Union Bears thugs faced-off.Revellers dodged a lit flare hurled inside Celtic fan favourite pub Gallagher’s, while horrified women and kids watched as thugs in balaclavas charged their rivals.Police had been hunting 19 people involved in the violence and today confirmed four men, aged 23, 26, 27 and 28, were arrested from the Glasgow and South Lanarkshire areas.All four suspects are all being held in Police custody and are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February.Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “This is an ongoing operation and enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace those involved in the disorder. Most read in Football”I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to please attend at a local police station or contact us via 101.”The arrests come as Celtic managed to avoid a predicted away fan ban for the Champion’s League play-off round tie against Bayern Munich.The Hoops have a suspended one-match ban hanging over them over the use of pyrotechnics, which was assumed would be initiated after a fan threw a green smoke bomb onto the pitch during the defeat to Aston Villa.However in a shock move Uefa opted for just a 10,000 Euro fine, meaning that Celtic fans will be allowed to attend the huge clash against the German giants at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.However the club reminded fans that the suspended one-match ban remains in place and any future pyrotechnics events would leave an “extremely high risk” of it being triggered down the line.The Club added: “Again we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.” More