Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 138 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    Bundle-of-joy Matheus Cunha excels again ahead of favourable Gameweek 13 fixtures

    MATHEUS CUNHA (£4.8m) is a popular man here at Dream Team HQ.We’re forever singing the Wolves forward’s praises and tipping him as a smart differential option when appropriate.And it’s time to beat that drum again after a thoroughly deserved 20-point haul on Saturday.A man in formCredit: Dream TeamCunha stole the show at Fulham with an assist and two goals as Gary O’Neil’s side won 4-1 at Craven Cottage.The hosts took the lead in West London but struggled to contain Cunha’s brilliance as the game progressed.The former Atletico Madrid player displayed a Bergkamp-esque first touch to facilitate the visitors’ equaliser while his second goal came in the form of a sumptuous curled effort from 20 yards out.In between those two efforts, he found Joao Gomes (£2.8m) with a neat pass into the box for his third assist of the campaign.Truth be told, Cunha has deserved considerably more assists this season as he’s created nine big chances for his team-mates in total, a tally only bettered by four players.For comparison, Manchester City’s Savinho (£4.1m) has created the same number of big chances but has twice as many assists (six).108 Dream Team points and countingCredit: RexAfter his brace against the Cottagers, Cunha has seven goals to his name this term, putting him level with Kai Havertz (£4.5m) and Nicolas Jackson (£4m) among strikers.Most read in FootballThe 25-year-old is undoubtedly his side’s talisman and his all-round contribution to Wolves’ attacking play is reflected in his tally of eight bonus points – Son Heung-min (£5.3m) is the only player in his position above him in the metric.In fact, Cunha ranks among the top three forwards for successful dribbles, accurate crosses, interceptions, fouls won and goals scored from outside the area among – he does it all!When discussing Wolves’ brilliant No10 we are usually forced to state the caveat that his viability is limited by the schedule.He doesn’t have European commitments to bulk out his fixture list and O’Neil’s troops were eliminated from the Carabao Cup in the third round, meaning he’s confined to just league games until the top flight clubs enter the FA Cup in the new year.Generally speaking, it’s wise to target as many fixtures as possible and so it’s understandable why so many Dream Team bosses are hesitant to select Cunha over the likes of Dominic Solanke (£4.3m), Ollie Watkins (£5.3m) and Havertz.Wolves are due to face Bournemouth and Everton in Gameweek 13Credit: GettyHowever, Gameweek 13 is a double Gameweek for all 20 Premier League clubs with Wolves set to take on Bournemouth and Everton.Given that Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) and Erling Haaland (£8.6m) are the only forwards with more points than Cunha right now, the latter surely has to be considered a fantastic option ahead of two games against bottom-half opposition.A lack of European fixtures may limit him in the long run but he’s well placed to deliver plentiful returns in Gameweek 13.Cunha’s current ownership? A mere 2.4%…BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Former Premier League boss forced to calm raging fans down after they attacked team coach following shock cup defeat

    PORTO stars were met by furious supporters as their team coach returned to their Estadio do Dragao home last night.Vitor Bruno’s side had been in domestic cup action at Moreirense.Porto slumped to a shock cup exitCredit: GettyThey went ahead in the 35th minute via Brazilian winger Pepe.But Bruno’s men were pegged back before half-time courtesy of Luis Nlavo’s leveller.Disaster struck 13 minutes from time, when Alan converted a penalty to put Moreirense ahead.Porto had been the competition’s holders, but last night found themselves dumped out at the last 16 stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing their 2-1 defeat, they made the 30 minute coach ride back to their Stadio do Dragao base.Waiting for them were a gaggle of furious supporters.Ultras surrounded their bus, with footage even showing an object being flung towards it.Angry supporters made X-rated hand gestures, while chanting: “Porto is ours and will remain so.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEarlier this year, former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas was elected president of his boyhood club.Amid last night’s chaos, the 47-year-old, who managed Porto to a treble back in 2011, went out to speak to supporters.Danny Namaso Loader shows off his skills as he trains at Porto Flanked by director of football Jorge Costa, Villas-Boas braved the rain to attempt to speak to furious fans.The pair were joined by a heavy security presence as they did so.Porto finished third last season, 18 points behind Ruben Amorim’s Sporting.They already trail the new Manchester United boss’ former side by six points, with Sporting having won 11 out of 11 games in the league thus far.Prior to their cup exit Porto were trounced 4-1 by Benfica, having just lost 2-1 to Lazio in the Europa League.Last night’s defeat marked Porto’s third consecutive loss in all competitions – the first time that they have endured such a streak in 16 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESPorto will be desperate to return to winning ways on Thursday night as they travel to Belgium to face Anderlecht in the Europa League.Their next home game will take place on Monday week, when they host Casa Pia at Estadio do Dragao.Andre Villas-Boas was elected club president earlier this yearCredit: Alamy More

  • 225 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Are Man City football’s biggest one-man team? Stats lay bare the misery for Pep Guardiola’s side without Rodri

    MANCHESTER CITY’S recent collapse has coincided with the absence of their key talisman.But just what do the stats say about the importance of Rodri?Rodri’s immense impact on Manchester City is undeniableCredit: GettyThe midfielder won the Ballon d’Or for his performances for club and countryCredit: GettyThe star man will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery in a massive blowCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola is trying to figure out how to win without his key manCredit: PAThe Spanish midfielder, 28, was agonisingly ruled out for the season after injuring his ACL against Arsenal in September. The damage required surgery and the lengthy recovery will keep him out of action until the 2025-26 campaign. And that means he will have to relinquish the Ballon d’Or trophy he collected in Paris last month as he was crowned the best footballer on the planet thanks to his exploits for City and Spain. Asked about being the world’s best footballer, Madrid-born Rodri told Esquire: “It’s hard to explain and when you put it in those words, it’s even more astonishing, it’s scary. I never thought about it. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Life surprises you and it’s an example that dreams can come true.”Never looking beyond, but living day by day, trying to grow… in the end you realise that a boy like me, from a normal neighbourhood, can become the best in the world.”The midfield metronome’s spell on the sidelines is being felt harder than even the most devout Rodri fans and Pep Guardiola could have expected.City limped to a 1-1 draw with Newcastle and – after unconvincing one-goal wins against the likes of Fulham, Wolves and Southampton – have lost their last five matches in all competitions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe nightmare run started at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Carabao Cup before Bournemouth secured a 2-1 win on the south coast.Ruben Amorim’s Sporting stuffed City 4-1 in the Champions League and then Brighton won 2-1 at the Amex.Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir?Then on Saturday, Spurs thumped Guardiola’s men 4-0 in a jaw-dropping result. And that result added further clout to the reliance on Rodri’s role in the team.This season, Rodri has featured in just three matches – coming on at half-time in the 2-1 win over Brentford, the 0-0 draw with Inter Milan and then went off after 21 minutes after sustaining the horror knee injury against Arsenal. It means he has missed 16 of City’s matches this season – and they have won nine, drawn two and lost five of those at a win rate of 56 per cent.But looking back to the start of the 2022-23 Treble-winning season, when the Rodri Rolls-Royce truly started rolling at new levels, the stats laid bare make for astonishing reading. From February 12, 2023 to May 19, 2024, Rodri was unbeaten for Manchester City – a staggering 74-match streak that was finally ended by rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.Of course, he scored some hugely important goals in that time, too – including against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on their way to lifting the Champions League then versus West Ham on the final day of last season to clinch yet another Premier League crown. Across all competitions, Rodri has started 103 times for City in that time.Of those matches, City have won 75, drawn 23 and lost just five.They average 2.5 goals scored and 0.8 goals conceded with a win rate of 73 per cent and a loss percentage of just five.However, of the 35 matches he has not started across the same period, City have lost 11 – more than double despite a sample approximately a third of the size – as the loss rate soars to 31 per cent. The 35 matches also feature 22 wins and two draws as the win rate falls to 63 per cent.City also score fewer (2.3 goals per game) and concede more (1.2 goals per game) when Rodri does not start. And the Premier League figures within that time tell a similar story with the win rate dropping from 75 per cent to 58 per cent – while the loss rate jumps from six per cent with Rodri to 37 per cent without. The goals scored tally takes an even bigger hit, too, from 2.6 per game to just 1.8. And the points per game rate is a staggering 2.4 with Rodri and 1.8 without. All in all, the facts are clear.City suffer without Rodri and lose six times more matches when he is not in the starting XI.Guardiola is reluctant to make sweeping changes – backing up his stance with a trophy cabinet overflowing with medals. Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash with Feyenoord, he said: “What should I change? What should I change? “If I had changed in my first season when I was asked to change we would not have won six Premier Leagues in seven years.”Now I’m not going to change. We are big believers in the process and the fundamentals we have to do. “Injured players have to come back to their best form, players who have played a lot of minutes because of the injuries need rest, one good result can change our mind.”When we were winning a lot I was thinking this too shall pass and right now this too shall pass. Nothing is eternal. “What we have to do is insist. 26 [shots] is not enough? Create more, and try to concede fewer. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One day we’re going to win a game and our mind will be clear. I hope Tuesday, if not Sunday. The desire is there and we are going to try.”But with Rodri not coming back into the team anytime soon, Guardiola needs to figure out his midfield minefield – and figure it out fast – to get back to winning ways consistently before the season completely collapses. Rodri scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe Spanish star injured his ACL against Arsenal in SeptemberCredit: ReutersCity are feeling the effects of his absenceCredit: Getty More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    What fan ‘was REALLY arguing with Roy Keane about’ when Man Utd legend ‘offered him out in car park’

    ROY KEANE’S heated exchange with an Ipswich Town supporter was sparked by an issue that dates back over 10 years, according to a witness.The 53-year-old was filmed confronting the fan after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with the Tractor Boys at Portman Road on Sunday.Roy Keane got into an altercation with a fan following Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with IpswichIn one of the videos he could be heard saying: “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”Keane previously managed Ipswich for 21 months from 2009 to 2011 while they were in the Championship.And his behaviour during that time allegedly sparked the argument between the Irishman and a fan at the weekend.Neil Finbow, who witnessed the incident unfold by the sidelines, has suggested the supporter in question voiced his frustration over Keane’s behaviour towards his children years ago.Read More in FootballThe instigator apparently claimed that Keane had been rude and denied them autographs during his managerial tenure.Finbow told the Daily Mail: “The argument all stemmed from an issue with his children. The fan’s issue was about getting autographs back in the day when he was the manager here. The guy was basically saying Roy Keane ruled with fear. “You could see him pointing to the car park because that is where the autographs were done, and that’s where he had the issue with Roy all those years ago. So, it makes sense they were pointing over there.”He went on to say that Keane’s car park comment was likely misinterpreted, adding: “What Roy said back could have been misconstrued.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He might have wanted to talk in the car park as that’s where it all happened.”It’s hard to tell. But yeah, he could have meant ‘I’ll talk to you in the car park,’ but it came across as if he was inviting him out [for a fight].” ‘If he wants to pay’- Roy Keane accepts Ruben Amorim’s offer to meet Man Utd legend live on TVFinbow also admitted he was surprised by the lack of security while the altercation was taking place.He continued: “There was no security or anything, which I was surprised about. Roy was directing his comments towards the fan who had the big issue because of his kids. There were a few choice words said about that.”The situation eventually calmed down before stewards told the fans to move on.Meanwhile, Keane resumed his punditry duties on the Sky Sports panel. More

  • 225 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Ed Sheeran makes X-rated apology for interrupting Amorim’s Sky Sports interview after awkward moment with Man Utd boss

    ED SHEERAN has issued a grovelling X-rated apology after he interrupted Ruben Amorim’s first post-match interview on Sky Sports.The chart-topping singer gatecrashed Amorim’s chat with the Sky Sports panel after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday.Ed Sheeran has apologised for interrupting Ruben Amorim’s post-match interviewCredit: PASheeran popped into to say hello to the Sky Sports pundits after Ipswich drew with Man UtdCredit: Sky SportsRuben Amorim was unable to guide Man Utd to their first win under his leadershipCredit: PASheeran, 33, is a minority owner of his hometown club Ipswich and was at Portman Road to watch the clash with the Red Devils.But his unannounced entrance into the live broadcast made for awkward viewing with Sky host Kelly Cates having to ask him to leave ALL OF THE STARS while they interviewed Amorim about his side’s performance.Although an obviously honest mistake, Sheeran wanted to set the record straight on Instagram and offered up an explanation for his gaffe that had sent SHIVERS down viewers’ spines.He wrote: “Apologies if I offended Amorim yesterday. I didn’t actually realise he was being interviewed at the time.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I was popping on to say hi and bye to Jamie [Redknapp]. Obviously feel a bit of a b******, but life goes on.”Great game though. congrats to all involved”.Sheeran will be hoping that he doesn’t make any BAD HABITS of accidentally treading on the toes of the broadcaster.While will have been the HAPPIER of the Sky guests given Ipswich managed to take a point off Man Utd.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFor Amorim, he will be hoping that two dropped points are just a SMALL BUMP in the road for him as he begins life as the new United boss.Things haven’t got off to a PERFECT start for the Portuguese gaffer, but he will be looking ahead to Thursday’s home clash with Bodo/Glimt as a chance to win over the crowd in his first game at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim hints at part of Man Utd job he already hates in tense statement at end of Sky Sports interview But Amorim is already struggling with one aspect of life as a Premier League boss, complaining to Sky Sports about his media duties since arriving in the UK.He said: “This week I spoke more to the media than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more.”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury. More

  • 188 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance

    DANNY MURPHY reckons England already have the next Harry Kane waiting in the wings in Liam Delap.England Under-21 international Delap has been the shining light in what has been a difficult season for Ipswich Town.Liam Delap has been Ipswich Town’s main man this seasonCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old has bagged six goals in 12 appearances so far this seasonCredit: REUTERSDanny Murphy reckons Delap is the heir apparent to England legend Harry KaneCredit: REXThe 21-year-old has bagged six goals in 12 matches for the Tractor Boys, who are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone.Delap, who turned in a “bully” esque performance against Manchester United last weekend, has reportedly caught the eye of several teams with his stellar displays.And he’s well and truly impressed Murphy, who believes he’s the heir apparent to Kane’s throne.The BBC pundit said of Delap on Match of the Day 2: “I think he’s got a lot of qualities.READ MORE ON IPSWICH”I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDanny Murphy is a massive fan of Liam DelapCredit: BBCDespite being a million miles away from his prime, Murphy believes former Manchester City academy star Delap is already a complete player.The former Liverpool midfielder said: “I just don’t see a weakness for him.Liam Delap won the golden boot for England at the Under-16s Mercedes Benz Aegean Tournament”I mean, he scored enough goals in a struggling side, really.”But if he gets a lot of chances, he’ll score more. He’s just got that lovely balance between physical and technical [ability].”And rarely, you get both.”Delap and his Ipswich team-mates will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forset. More

  • 200 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Forgotten former Chelsea star reveals Mauricio Pochettino tried to sign him before awkward ‘who’s that’ comment

    FORMER Chelsea defender Malang Sarr has criticised Mauricio Pochettino for “forgetting” his name while he was at the club.The 25-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge in 2020 but made just eight Premier League appearances in four years.Malang Sarr has hit back at Mauricio Pochettino, claiming the manager DID know who he was at ChelseaCredit: GettyPochettino claimed he did not know who Sarr was last summerCredit: GettyHis last outing for the Blues came on the final day of the 2021-22 season – when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge.Sarr did not even train with the first team when Pochettino was at the helm.As a result, the manager claimed he did not know who the defender was last summer.Asked in a press conference about the Sarr’s future, Poch replied: “Who?”Read More in FootballBut the Frenchman hit back in a recent interview, claiming Pochettino did know who he was.He even claimed the manager tried to sign him for Tottenham during his time at White Hart Lane.Sarr told L’Equipe: “I took it badly. It shouldn’t have happened. He knew me.”He even tried to sign me at Tottenham. I didn’t ask for an explanation.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSarr now plays for RC LensCredit: RexThe centre-back had his Chelsea contract terminated in July.He subsequently joined RC Lens in a free transfer.Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment Chelsea player ratings vs LeicesterBy Graham HillCHELSEA survived a late Leicester fightback to win 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.SunSport’s Graham Hill rated each of the players in action.Robert Sanchez – 6He had a few shaky moments playing out from the back, which gave Leicester hope of getting back into the game before the break, but he will not be happy to have missed out on a clean sheet in stoppage time.Wesley Fofana – 7Booed on his second return to Leicester – but he refused to let it unsettle him, the fans could not put him off producing an assured display in the Chelsea defence.Benoit Badiashile – 7Controlled display at the back, he showed some superb vision at times but, apart from a spell in the first half, he was rarely troubled.Levi Colwill – 7Cool, calm and collected in defence – even when Leicester threatened to get back on level terms. A controlled second half display helped keep the Foxes at bay.Marc Cucurella – 7Looked a threat out left going forward and created some of Chelsea’s best opportunities of the game – including their second goal and he knew how to frustrate Leicester when he needed to.Moises Caicedo – 8Booked for dissent at a time when Leicester almost came back into it, but kept his head to make sure Chelsea stayed firmly in command of the game.Enzo Fernandez – 8Set up Jackson’s goal and is making a habit of providing key assists – this was fifth in his last three games.Headed number two from close range for good measure.Noni Madueke – 7Brought an excellent first half save from Mads Hermansen – who then stopped him scoring Chelsea’s second before the break.Blocked a certain Palmer goal though.Cole Palmer – 8Got some unwanted attention midway through the first half after a terrible challenge from Wilfred Ndidi – hit Maduke when he should have scored, otherwise he was excellent.Joao Felix – 6Peppered some shots in early on and proved a thorn in Leicester’s side, but drifted in and out of the game despite being part of a dominant Chelsea display.Nicolas Jackson – 7The opening goal – his seventh of the season – rounded off a powerful run and clinical finish after some help from Fernandez in the build-up. Also had a hand in Chelsea’s second.SubsChris Nkunku: for Joao Felix 81mins – 6Romeo Lavia: for Caicedo 81 mins – 5Jadon Sancho: for Maduke 84mins – 6Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: for Jackson 90 + 1mins – 5 More

  • 213 Shares189 Views

    in Motorsport

    Michael Schumacher DIDN’T go to daughter’s wedding…rumours stricken star was ‘spotted’ were fake, F1 legend’s pal says

    FORMULA One legend Michael Schumacher did not attend his daughter’s wedding, says his close pal. Rumours started to swirl in September that Schumacher watched his oldest child tie the knot in Spain in what would have marked his first public appearance for over a decade.F1 legend Michael Schumacher did not attend his daughter’s wedding, says his close pal Johnny HerbertCredit: PA:Press AssociationGina and Iain Bethke tied the knot in September which reports saying Michael was due to attend the ceremonyCredit: Babiradpicture/ShutterstockMichael with his two kids Mick and GinaCredit: InstagramFellow F1 ace Johnny Herbert has now come out and labelled the idea of the 55-year-old being at the wedding as “fake news”.The Grand Prix winning Brit says he expects Michael’s life to always remain behind closed doors with even major events like a family wedding not being worth the media frenzy it could create.The seven-time F1 champion hasn’t been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.His family have managed to keep his health and current condition a tight-knit secret for years with only a handful of people seeing Schumacher in the last 10 years.read more in Schuey Despite the protective inner circle around the driving icon, it was believed that he was at his daughter Gina’s wedding.There was even hope that this might of meant he could attend his son’s Mick wedding in the future after he recently got engaged. Speaking to FlashscoreUSA, Herbert said: “It will always be a closed shop. “The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding. Most read in Motorsport”Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.”One of the main reasons why many thought he may have gone to the ceremony was due to the location of the event.Formula 1 fans moved to tears by heartwarming video of Michael Schumacher and a young Max VerstappenIt was held in a Spanish £27million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care for Schuey.Reports in the Spanish press first claimed Schumacher was likely to have attended the private ceremony.They named a number of reasons with another being due to guests getting instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door.No media were given permission to attend with only pictures posted to Gina’s Instagram being seen publicly so far. Among the small guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne.Only a few others were present outside of immediate family. THE INNER CIRCLESince 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread over 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash.The F1 legend was left with horrific brain injuries and placed into a coma for 250 days.He was given the best possible treatment as he underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.The pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally.Mick’s fiance Laila Hasanovic, a Danish lingerie model, was reportedly also given a vote of confidence by the Schumacher’s to see Michael earlier this year.Outside of a dozen welcomed visitors, Corinna has also been forced to make the tough decision and cut certain people out of Michael’s life.Some of these people include ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello, former manager Will Weber and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.Weber once made sensational claims that “we have only heard lies” from the distraught family.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe F1 chief is often credited with discovering a young Schumacher and kick-starting his iconic career.But he now admits he fears he’ll never be able to see Michael again.Michael with his wife Corinna who has controlled the inner circle since his horror accidentCredit: GettyRumours also began to swirl that Michael would attend his son Mick’s wedding to model LaliaCredit: Instagram More