Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 163 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Liverpool’s Champions League exit forces drastic change of strategy among Dream Team bosses

    MAKE no mistake, Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League will have huge ramifications in Dream Team.Many gaffers will have wanted several of Arne Slot’s favourites in their ranks for the rest of the season with a view to targeting European points, perhaps all the way until the final in late May.But the Reds’ elimination at the hands of PSG via a penalty shootout has changed the outlook entirely.Liverpool’s schedule now appears comparatively relaxedCredit: Dream TeamGigi Donnarumma saved spot-kicks from Darwin Nunez (£3.8m) and Curtis Jones (£2.5m) to send the Anfield crowd home in a state of shock on Tuesday night.Liverpool remain overwhelming favourites to win the Premier League and they have a chance to lift silverware at Wembley this weekend in the Carabao Cup final.While a successful campaign is still highly likely, Dream Team bosses should be aware of the impact their shootout defeat will have on the schedule.After this Sunday’s meeting with Newcastle in the capital, Liverpool’s only remaining games will be their last nine league fixtures – who could forget their FA Cup loss to Plymouth in the fourth round?Therefore, their players will have fewer point-scoring opportunities than the English teams who remain active in Europe.Salah has a maximum of ten fixtures remaining in 2024/25Credit: RexArsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea are all up on aggregate in their respective round of 16 ties while Manchester United are locked at 1-1 with Real Sociedad ahead of Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford.Tottenham lost 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands but have a chance to overturn that deficit in North London this week.Most read in FootballAt the very least, it seems likely that three Premier League clubs will have two quarter-final legs to fulfil across Gameweeks 30 and 31.When that time comes, the likes of Ollie Watkins (£5.2m), Cole Palmer (£5.6m) and Gabriel (£4.8m) will be more appealing than Liverpool counterparts Cody Gakpo (£4.6m), Luis Diaz (£3.4m) and Virgil van Dijk (£4.8m).For the simple reason that more fixtures generally equals more points.Van Dijk’s viability took a dip when Liverpool’s Champions League exit was confirmedCredit: GettyThis is not to say that gaffers should rush to ditch their Liverpool assets.Mohamed Salah (£8m) remains the game’s top performer by a gigantic margin, 120 points to be precise.While Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) is 47 points clear at the top of the defensive rankings, although he is now an availability doubt having suffered an injury of some kind against PSG.The point is that Slot’s side have been the best team in the country this season and they will probably provide plenty of points in their remaining fixtures.Gaffers will have to weigh up their prospects against rivals with a fixture advantage on a Gameweek-by-Gameweek basis.Luis Diaz features in 40% of teams right noeCredit: GettyIn a way, this development is good for the game as it opens up many more viable strategies.READ MORE SUN STORIESHad Liverpool edged out Luis Enrique’s side and progressed to the final of the Champions League, almost every engaged manager would have the same four or five players locked in their XI for the remainder of the campaign.As it is, gaffers may be divided on the subject of Liverpool’s top stars from the international break onwards.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

  • 200 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    Former Chelsea star’s daughter signed up for exciting TV role in popular show after marriage split

    JADE LEBOEUF has signed up for a popular reality show after announcing that her marriage is over.The daughter of Chelsea legend Frank revealed earlier this year that she has separated from husband Stephane Rodrigues.Jade Leboeuf has signed up for The TraitorsCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufIt comes after announcing she had broken up with Stephane RodriguesCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufJade is one of 18 French celebs going on the showCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufFrank Leboeuf won six trophies at ChelseaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufGlamorous Jade is now getting over the break-up by going on the French version of The Traitors.The 34-year-old revealed the news on Instagram, posting a snap of her in one of the show’s red cloaks.She captioned the upload: “In your opinion… Cheater or Loyal?”I am happy to share this beautiful journey with you starting Thursday, April 3 at 9:10pm on M6.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJade is one of 18 French celebs going on the show and attempting to deceive their competitors for a charity.Ex-tennis star Alize Cornet and former World Cup-winning centre-back Adil Rami are among the others on the series.Jade has signed up after the model and influencer split from fellow reality star husband Stephane.The couple, who have a son named Elon, two, said there was “love, understanding and mutual respect” behind their decision.Most read in FootballAnd that after nine years together, the priority was to “preserve a harmonious family relationship for ourselves and for our son”.Jade’s father Frank, 57, won six trophies at Chelsea in his five years at the club.Chelsea legend’s daughter puts on busty display in low-cut top for stunning holiday snaps as fans call her ‘radiant’Since hanging up his boots, he has gone into acting and punditry.Like his daughter, Frank has also gone on French reality TV, featuring as a peacock on the Masked Singer.Take a look inside Jade’s glamorous life…Jade has built up a loyal following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe stunning model is followed by over a quarter of a million peopleCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe regularly shares risque contentCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe French national works as a modelCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe was used to the limelight from an early age as the daughter of Chelsea legend Frank LeboeufCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeufJade describes herself as a digital creatorCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer posts tend to draw hoards of comments with fans often describing her as ‘beautiful’ and ‘sexy’Credit: instagram @jade_leboeufShe’s not afraid to wear revealing outfitsCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagramSee-through outfits are a favouriteCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer father Frank played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001Credit: Instagram @jadeleboeufHe won two FA Cups during his time in West London when Jade was still a kidCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHe was also a World Cup winner with France in 1998, giving him legendary status in his home countryCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufJade is now making her own wayCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf More

  • 175 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    Former Champions League star, 37, ‘asked to leave Anfield for supporting PSG against Liverpool’

    FORMER France international Jeremy Menez was allegedly asked to leave Anfield last night for supporting Paris Saint-Germain against Liverpool on Tuesday.The 37-year-old travelled to England to watch his ex-club face Arne Slot’s side for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.Former PSG star Jeremy Menez was allegedly kicked out of Anfield on TuesdayCredit: GettyMenez made 110 appearances for PSG as a playerCredit: Getty – ContributorSamir Nasri claimed that the ex-PSG star was kicked out in the 70th minuteCredit: GettyPSG were trailing 1-0 on aggregate prior to the match, but Ousmane Dembele levelled things up after just 12 minutes at Anfield.The two teams could not be separated after 120 minutes and the match went to penalties, where the Parisians prevailed.However, Menez allegedly missed the winning moment after being kicked out of the stadium.Former Premier League midfielder Samir Nasri told French TV channel Canal Plus: “A thought for those who were also kicked out of the stadium.Read More in Football”Jeremy Menez was at the match, he was asked if he was French. After his answer, they told him to leave the stadium… in the 70th minute no less!”Menez made 110 appearances for PSG across three years during his professional playing career.During that time he scored 19 goals and provided 37 assists.The forward also played for the likes of Monaco, Roma, AC Milan and Bordeaux before retiring last year.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd he earned 24 senior caps for the France national team.Following Tuesday’s last-16 clash, PSG boss Luis Enrique said: “Both of the teams deserve to go to the next phase.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG “They play better than us here, but I think my team at Anfield, in a special stadium, showed great personality and character.”We tried to play our best, but it was difficult as they’re so intense. Both teams deserve to qualify.”The character and personality, even when we shoot at the penalty shootout they showed great character. I think it shows clearly the team we are.” More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos ready to come out of retirement to play for his brother’s team

    TONI KROOS is set to return to football for a special match just eight months after his retirement.Toni, 35, rolled credits on a glittering 17-year career that saw him win almost everything with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany.Toni Kroos is set to return to football just eight months after his retirementCredit: GettyToni will be playing for his brother Felix’s team Two Stripes United in the ICON LeagueCredit: GettyThe midfielder’s last game took place at Euro 2024 in his homeland when his national team was eliminated by eventual European champions Spain in a controversial quarter-final.According to Marca, however, the German legend is set to lace up his boots for just one more match.But it won’t be for a top-tier competition or an elite club, like everyone is used to seeing him.Instead, Toni will play for his brother Felix’s team named Two Stripes United in the ICON League.Read More on FootballThe competition is mostly consisted of streamers, content creators and footballers – similar to the Kings League in Spain.The six-time Champions League winner agreed to cross over to the non-pro competition, but he had one demand.And that was to play side by side with Felix, 34, with whom he started his professional career.The Kroos brothers cut their teeth together at Hansa Rostock but their paths were separated in 2006 when Bayern came knocking for Toni.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsFelix stayed in Germany where he played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig until his retirement in 2021.Toni’s addition to Two Stripes United works as a major boost for the younger brother.Toni Kroos shows his skills at Real Madrid training Felix’s team only managed six points out of 13 matches last season.Toni will be the most successful and experienced player in the league after 465 appearances with Real, 205 games with Bayern and 114 caps with Germany. More

  • 275 Shares119 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Loss not bad enough’ – Liverpool fans suffer more pain as tunnel video of Virgil Van Dijk emerges from after PSG defeat

    LIVERPOOL star Virgil van Dijk was spotted speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefs ahead of his contract’s expiration, leaving fans concerned.The Reds crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday when they lost 4-1 on penalties after PSG tied the aggregate on 1-1 thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s goal.Liverpool fans were left concerned after seeing Virgil van Dijk speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefsVan Dijk’s Liverpool contract runs out in JuneCredit: GettyVitinha, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele and Desire Doue went on to score all of the visitors’ spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma caught Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones’ pens.After the heartbreaking loss in the Last 16, the Merseysiders’ captain Van Dijk, 33, was seen speaking to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and strategic advisor Luis Campos in the tunnel.A viral clip showed the trio having a cordial conversation a week after the centre-back clashed with Campos, who complained about a red card he thought Ibrahima Konate should have been shown in the first leg.However, Liverpool fans were left very worried as the Netherlands international’s contract runs out in June and there are still no developments regarding his status.Read More on FootballSome fans were left fearing Van Dijk was discussing a potential free transfer to PSG.One fan tweeted: “Like the loss wasn’t bad enough.”Another commented: “Great thanks for this what a lovely thing to see.”A third wrote: “Oh. That’s just beautiful, isn’t it.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThis fan gushed: “Oh, wow.”And that one simply said: “Hmmmm.”Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Nevertheless, there are currently no reports linking Van Dijk to a move to PSG.However, Liverpool are still facing the risk of losing the Dutchman as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and superstar Mohamed Salah whose contract also run out in June. More

  • 163 Shares199 Views

    in Soccer

    Benfica fans brawl with Barcelona stewards with limbs everywhere during Champions League KO

    BENFICA supporters clashed with stewards following their Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday.The Portuguese side suffered a 3-1 loss to Hansi Flick’s team at Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys.Benfica fans clashed with stewards in the standsCredit: https://x.com/hooliganscz1999Some could be seen hitting each otherCredit: https://x.com/hooliganscz1999They subsequently crashed out of the Champions League by losing 4-1 on aggregate.Supporters were left furious at full-time and clashed with stewards in the stands.Some fans and stewards appeared to hit each other, with objects also thrown.Both sets of supporters clashed outside the stadium before the match.Read More in FootballThe fixture was deemed high-risk prior to the clash, with Barcelona leading 1-0 on aggregate.Raphinha broke the deadlock with an 11th-minute strike before Nicolas Otamendi equalised just a few moments later.Barcelona then sealed the win thanks to additional goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.After the match, Flick said: “I’m happy, of course. We have respected Benfica, their coach.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”It was a difficult game for us but we did very well.”On Yamal, he added: “I’m very happy for him; he hasn’t scored in a while. He was happy too because it was an important goal for us.”He was great. He’s showing a lot of confidence; the goal came at the perfect time.”I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby now More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Trippier reveals why Newcastle have changed HOTEL as they prepare for Carabao Cup final after 2023 Man Utd heartache

    KIERAN TRIPPIER has warned Liverpool that Newcastle are far better prepared for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final than they were two years ago.And that even extends to changing their hotel — in the hope it changes their luck.Kieran Trippier has warned Liverpool that Newcastle are far better prepared for the Carabao Cup final nowCredit: PAToon right-back Trippier says the emotion of the 2023 showpiece at Wembley was overwhelming for Eddie Howe’s squad as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United.It was Newcastle’s first major final since 1999 and the pressure was on to deliver a first major domestic trophy since 1955, with the local players particularly feeling the heat.Trippier, however, says the squad are much more relaxed now as they prepare to take on Arne Slot’s men.The Magpies claimed a 1-0 win at West Ham on Monday in their last game before Sunday’s final.READ MORE IN footballAnd former England defender Trippier, 34, said: “There was a lot of noise the first time in the final.“But now the lads have experienced it, we know how to handle it. It’ll be a different feel this time. The most important thing is to stay calm, stay relaxed.“The emotion in the first cup final got the better of us, I can’t say an individual but as a group.“It was the first final for some of the players, playing at Wembley, the cup final for Newcastle, the fans are all excited, etc.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But the lads have gained that experience and are fully prepared, calm, relaxed for this final.“I’m not picking anybody out — but if you look at the Geordie lads in our team, for example, it means so much to them, because they’re from Newcastle.Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ “Family and friends, everyone’s buzzing because it’s the first final in so many years.“So the emotion was very, very high for a large part before the final.“But this time around it’s more calm, more relaxed — and that’s from the supporters as well.“But all we can do is just give everything in that final.”Newcastle have made logistical changes too, moving away from the Hilton hotel that is right next door to Wembley.The Hilton is so close to the stadium it leaves players trapped inside on the morning of the game.Trippier added: “Staying at the Hilton was too close, shall we say. It’s about learning. The club learned a lot from the first time around.The emotion in the first cup final got the better of us, I can’t say an individual but as a group.Kieran Trippier“A lot more things are well organised this time. I’m not saying it was bad last time but we’re more prepared because we’ve been in this position now.“We played United in the last cup final and we’re more relaxed.“Now we’ve just got to review this game and look forward to another special occasion at the weekend against Liverpool.”After back-to-back defeats — in the Prem by Liverpool and Brighton in the FA Cup — as well as losing forward Anthony Gordon to suspension plus defenders Sven Botman and Lewis Hall to injury, Newcastle still saw off the Hammers to go into the final on a high.Bruno Guimaraes converted Harvey Barnes’ 63rd-minute cross to seal three points and take Toon back into the Premier League’s top six.They are now just two points off the top four in the race for the Champions League places, which has proved to be a tough balancing act alongside their run to the Carabao Cup final.Boss Howe and his players know they will have to perform much better than they did at the London Stadium if they are to make history against Liverpool on Sunday.Trippier added: “We know how close it is at the top of the table, so it was a big win, especially before the final.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You want to win any game before a cup final, you don’t want to go in on the back of a defeat.“But we know we can improve and we’ve got to show that same character on the weekend.”Trippier will lead Newcastle into the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Reuters More

  • 238 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Old Trafford holds so many special memories’ – Sir Alex Ferguson breaks silence on Man Utd’s £2bn 100,000-seat stadium

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON has urged Manchester United to “seize the opportunity” to leave Old Trafford for a new stadium.On Tuesday, the Red Devils announced they would be moving to a brand-new, state of the art stadium near the Old Trafford side.Sir Alex Ferguson believes Man Utd should ‘seize the opportunity’ to move into a new stadiumCredit: GettyMan Utd are set to build a new £2bn stadiumCredit: AFPThe new state-of-the-art stadium is set to have a capacity of 100,000Credit: PAThe stadium, which could be completed in the next five years, is set to cost £2billion and hold 100,000 fans.Therefore, it will become the biggest stadium in the United Kingdom, surpassing Wembley.Although those affiliated with United will be sad to leave Old Trafford, the club’s home for the last 115 years, legendary manager Ferguson believes it will be hugely beneficial for the Red Devils.He said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch.Read More on Man Utd”And that includes the stadium we play in. Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally.”But we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build anew home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”Architects at Foster and Partners have said the stadium will feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza “twice the size” of Trafalgar Square.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up a sweeping canopy that will cover the stadium itself and the area around it.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe struggling Premier League side will fund the ground, while the UK government will support the wider park area around it.Under-fire co-owner Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of anincredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.” More