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    Former England star Adam Lallana, 36, lands shock new job in rare player-assistant manager role

    ADAM LALLANA has been given the unusual role of player-assistant coach after Ivan Juric’s Southampton axe.The Saints fired the Croatian on Monday following relegation from the Premier League. Adam Lallana will be Southampton’s player-assistant for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyThe 36-year-old made an emotional return to St Mary’s last summerCredit: X @SouthamptonFCSouthampton came up through last season’s Championship playoffs, beating Leeds in the final.But they have endured a miserable return to the top flight, sacking Russell Martin in December. Juric was brought in to steady the ship, but Southampton have mustered a pitiful 10 points from 31 games.Following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham, they became the earliest team ever to be relegated from England’s top flight. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAssistant coach Simon Rusk will now take charge of the team until the end of the season.And former England midfielder Lallana has bagged a role as his No2.Lallana returned to St Mary’s on a one-year contract as a free agent last summer.The 36-year-old came through the academy at Saints and played over 260 times between 2006 and 2014.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has featured in 18 games across all competitions this season. Rusk and Lallana will be in the dugout for this weekend’s visit of Aston Villa.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history Juric leaves the Saints after just 2 wins from his 16 games in charge.He goes down as statistically the worst boss ever in the Premier League.A statement from the club read: “Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation.”Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”With relegation now confirmed, we believe it is important to give fans, players and staff some clarity on the future as we head into a very important summer.”The process of finding a new manager to lead us as we look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League has now begun and is being led by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors.Read More on The Sun”We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans.”Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club.” More

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    ‘Not clever enough’ – Pep Guardiola slams OWN player as he reveals why Man City midfielder is playing out of position

    MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has sensationally claimed that Matheus Nunes is “not clever enough” to play in midfield.Nunes joined City in a £47million transfer from Wolves in the summer of 2023 and was initially considered by many as a natural replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who had just left as a free agent.Pep Guardiola has claimed that Matheus Nunes is ‘not clever enough’ to play in midfieldCredit: GettyPep Guardiola instead believes he is better suited to the full-back positionCredit: PAHowever, the midfielder has struggled to impress over the last 19 months.And Guardiola has even suggested that he is not good enough to play in his favoured position.Instead, the Spaniard believes that Nunes is best suited to playing as a right-back.Following City’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, Guardiola said: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure.”He has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot; full-backs always have a big mistake when a cross to the far-post where you are, always they’re sleeping. “And he defended really well two or three crosses from Bruno Fernandes, [Patrick] Dorgu. He has physicality to do it, he can play that position and he’s helped a lot.”When we started the season and I tell we’re going to play Matheus at right-back, Nico [O’Reilly] left-back, you’d tell me, ‘What are you talking about?’Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But the season is what it is. Akanji is coming back, and we have two young central defenders.”But the last two or three games, the back four today again was excellent.”Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantNunes has been playing as a full-back since Kyle Walker left to join AC Milan on loan in January.A utility player, the Portugal international has been rotating with Rico Lewis in right-back the position.This season, Nunes has also played at left-back, left midfield, left wing and in the centre of midfield. More

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    Jorge Bolano dead at 47: World Cup star dies suddenly as Gianluigi Buffon leads tributes

    FORMER World Cup star Jorge Bolano has tragically passed away aged 47.It is reported the ex-midfielder died of a heart attack after celebrating a family birthday in Cucuta, Colombia.Jorge Bolano has died aged 47Credit: GettyBolano it is understood the former midfielder died of a heart attackCredit: AlamyGianluigi Buffon has paid tribute to his ‘unforgettable’ team-mateCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was rushed to a nearby clinic but doctors were unable to save his life.Players and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Bolano following the news of his death.The Colombian’s former Parma team-mate Gianluigi Buffon said: “Jorge was an unforgettable friend and team-mate, a constant in a locker room of extraordinary champions.”We played and won together in the golden years of a great Parma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the pitch he fought without sparing himself and, off the pitch, I fondly remember his kindness and humanity that made him an example for everyone.”We will always carry you with us, rest in peace, my friend.”Bolano kicked off his playing career with Colombian side Atletico Junior in 1993 and spent six years in Atlantico before moving to Italy.There, he joined Buffon in playing for Parma and won the Italian Cup during the 2001/02 season.Most read in FootballThe midfielder enjoyed loan spells with Sampdoria and Lecce before joining Modena in 2007.He then returned back to his home country in 2010 with Cucuta Deportivo, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring.Bolano also made 34 appearances for the Colombia national team, scoring once.He appeared for the nation at the 1998 World Cup in France. More

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    Virgil van Dijk drops clearest hint yet on Liverpool future as he gives major update on contract talks

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has revealed he is close to signing a new deal with Liverpool.The club skipper is out of contract at the end of this season along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Virgil van Dijk is close to signing a new deal with LiverpoolCredit: ReutersThe towering centre-back joined the club from Southampton in 2018Credit: GettyBut Van Dijk has delivered the news that all Liverpool fans want to hear and that he has – along with his advisors – staged positive talks with the club.Asked about his contract situation, he said: “There is progress, yes.”Quizzed as to whether he is definitely staying, he said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. “Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrent Alexander-Arnold looks certain to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer. Striker Salah is yet to agree a new deal with Liverpool hopeful he will remain at the club.But they are unwilling to meet his demands of £400,000-a-week.Van Dijk, 33, has proved to be a brilliant signing after arriving from Southampton for £75million in 2018.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe centre-half, whose team lost 3-2 to Fulham on Sunday, said: “I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again at Fulham and we wanted to reward them. “But I want them to be there again on Sunday and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil Van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’The game Van Dijk is referring to is for the visit of West Ham.Liverpool are 11 points clear at the top with seven games left.The Reds conceded three goals inside 14 minutes at Fulham with manager Arne Slot unimpressed.Van Dijk said: “We can speak about the tactics as well but he said it was down to us being sloppy and letting them score three goals. “It was not acceptable as a team.“But obviously we had another 50 minutes in the second half to turn it around and that was the focus and unfortunately we couldn’t do it.“It was a poor day at the office for all of us. I think they were individual moments that should have been dealt with better. Read More on The Sun”In games, these moments can happen but if you let them back in, they obviously scored three goals and we were on the back foot. “No-one can ever be perfect and we were sloppy and we got punished quickly.” More

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    Who is Phil Foden’s mum Claire Rowlands?

    PHIL Foden joined Man City’s academy at the tender age of four before breaking into the first team aged just 17.Every step of the way his protective mum Claire has been supporting her boy. Here’s everything you need to know about her.Phil Foden shared this pic with his mum and dad on X and captioned it: ‘Thank you to my mum and dad who have made all this possible’Credit: XWho is Phil Foden’s mum Claire Rowlands?Claire Rowlands, 45, is the mother of Phil Foden — one of England’s most talented footballers.Born and raised in Stockport, Greater Manchester, she has been a driving force behind Phil’s success.Claire told the Telegraph that Phil was “the cheapest kid ever,” before adding: “No games, no toys, nothing — just a football.”Supportive motherClaire’s dedication to her son’s football career began early.read more on phil fodenPhil Foden joined Manchester City’s academy at just four years old, and Claire was there every step of the way to encourage him.In 2022, Phil explained: “City were training the under-6s and I think I might have only been four at the time and they asked the school if they had anyone else who could play, and my PE teacher said ‘yeah we have this little guy who is pretty good’.”So they brought me out for individual training and then gave me a card to give to my parents — and I have been there ever since!”Claire’s passion for football is evident — she even supports her son’s team, Manchester City, while her husband, Phil Sr., supports Manchester United.Most read in FootballFamilyClaire is a mother of five children: Phil, Callum, Kenzi, Lois, and Avayah.In January 2019, Phil had his first son, Ronnie with childhood sweetheart, Rebecca Cooke at the age of 18, paying homage to his late grandfather.Thug punches Man City star Phil Foden’s mum in the face in backstage brawl at Brook vs Khan fightThey later welcomed two more children to their brood.His mum Claire stepped in to help with childcare responsibilities while Phil focused on his footballing commitments.Protective parentClaire is known for her strong personality and protective instincts when it comes to her family.One notable incident occurred at a boxing event in Manchester in 2022, when Claire confronted individuals during an altercation involving Phil.We keep goingPhil FodenInstagramShe was seemingly punched in the face during a furious brawl after Amir Khan’s loss in his boxing grudge match against long-time foe Kell Brook.The clip, which was widely shared on social media and filmed in a corridor of Manchester’s AO Arena, began with a seething Phil turning as he appeared to be goaded following City’s 3-2 loss to Spurs earlier that day.His girlfriend Rebecca Cooke shouted at the aggressors: “Who you calling a c***?”The couple walked into a private room in the arena following Amir’s bloody defeat by Kell.Phil Foden with mum Claire and girlfriend Rebecca at the Qatar World Cup in 2022Credit: GettyPhil’s mum Claire was then seen walking out and asking the group: “Right, who’s calling him?”One of the men replied: “No one.”Claire said: “Right, then f*** off.”She appeared to push out at a man in a black jacket, forcing him back several steps, before the attacker stepped in and took a swing at her.It’s not clear if the blow connected, but Claire reeled backwards before a man in a black baseball hat stepped in to defend her.Phil pictured signing a new Man City contract alongside his proud parentsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOHNDrgVS0/?hl=en&img_index=1Derogatory derby chantPep Guardiola slammed United fans for “shameful” chants about Phil Foden’s mum during the Manchester derby on Sunday, April 6, 2025.Some sections of the home crowd were heard chanting “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the Old Trafford stalemate.City boss Guardiola condemned the fans responsible, saying: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”He added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Read More on The SunOn Monday, April 7, 2025, Phil responded on Instagram.Alongside five photos of himself from the match, the Man City star wrote: “We keep going.” More

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    New footage shows Phil Foden’s reaction to Man Utd fans’ sick chant aimed at his mum

    NEW footage has emerged of the moment Phil Foden was targeted by Manchester United supporters at Old Trafford.The 24-year-old was subjected to vile chants about his mum during Manchester City’s 0-0 draw with United on Sunday.Footage has emerged of the moment Phil Foden was targeted by Manchester United supportersCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10The midfielder sarcastically clapped the home supportersCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10Foden also gave a sarcastic thumbs upCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10City boss Pep Guardiola later told those responsible that they should be “ashamed” of themselves for targeting Foden and mum Claire Rowlands, in such a way.He said: “Lack of class. But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?”We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially.”Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Now, footage of the moment Foden was targeted by the foul-mouthed chant has emerged on social media.In the clip, filmed from the stands, the England midfielder can be seen sarcastically clapping and giving a thumbs up to the home supporters.Foden issued his own response to the abuse after the match.Most read in FootballHe wrote on Instagram: “We keep going.”United supporters also directed a chant at Guardiola after the match.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumAs the Spaniard walked towards the tunnel, they sang: “Cheating b*******, you know what you are.”Guardiola then turned towards the Stretford End to wave in their direction with both hands.Foden has posted on social media following the abuseCredit: Getty More

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    How Arsenal could line up with £200million of new talent as they target Gyokeres as part of dream triple transfer swoop

    ARSENAL are working on a sensational £200million triple transfer spree ahead of the summer market.SunSport revealed the Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta is planning to sign a top centre-forward and elite midfielder, while hoping to also add a quality winger.Arsenal are targeting Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: RexArsenal are also hoping to add Athletic Bilbao star Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is a top Arsenal target as wellCredit: GettyThe North Londoners are confident of landing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for around £50m.Berta is also doing the sums to see if Arsenal can afford a star centre-forward as well as a game-changing wideman.And Sporting Lisbon hitman Viktor Gyokeres as well as Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams pose as top targets for the Italian chief.The Premier League giants’ chances depend in part on whether Sporting and Bilbao hold out for release clauses for Gyokeres and Williams, believed to be £83.6m and £49m respectively.Read More on ArsenalHowever, Berta knows he will first have to generate significant income by selling players.Arsenal chiefs are also determined to do all they can to give manager Mikel Arteta the superstar signings he needs to finally win the Premier League title.Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both expected to leave the Emirates on free transfers this summer.Therefore, it will be essential to buy Zubimendi or another top defensive midfielder.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Spain international has been very impressive this season with two goals and two assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.Gyokeres, on the other hand, has been absolutely dominant with Sporting as he currently counts a staggering total of 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to match against Real Madrid And after a stunning Euro 2024 with Spain, Williams continues to impress with Bilbao where he has registered nine goals and seven assists in 39 appearances. More

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    Juric leaves Southampton as worst Prem boss EVER with ex-England star and current player part of new management team

    IVAN JURIC has left Southampton following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.The Saints became the earliest team ever to be relegated from England’s top flight after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham.Ivan Juric has left Southampton after 107 days in chargeCredit: GettyThe Saints were relegated from the Prem after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at TottenhamCredit: RexAdam Lallana will become a player-coach for the rest of the season and assist Simon RuskCredit: GettyThe club are slumped at the bottom of the table on just ten points and risk setting the record for the lowest tally in Premier League history.The Croatian departs St Mary’s less than 24 hours after club’s immediate return to the Championship was confirmed.Assistant coach Simon Rusk will take the team until the end of the season and current midfielder Adam Lallana will assist him as a player-coach.Former England star Lallana – who won the Prem with Liverpool in 2020 – returned to St Mary’s on a one-year contract as a free agent last summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Saints’ statement read: “Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation. “Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”With relegation now confirmed, we believe it is important to give fans, players and staff some clarity on the future as we head into a very important summer.”The process of finding a new manager to lead us as we look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League has now begun and is being led by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans. Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club.”Despite the challenges that relegation will bring, our goal is to restore a sense of pride for them in their team and club once againBoy Wonders: Is Southampton star Tyler Dibling the new Grealish?Juric signed an 18 month deal when he took over from sacked Russell Martin on December 21.His contract had a break clause which would be reviewed at the end of the season.That means his 107-day spell in charge is the 11th-shortest managerial stint in the Premier League era, just one day more than Claudio Ranieri at Fulham in 2018-19.Incredibly, Juric has picked up just 0.29 points per game during his nightmare stint in charge on the south coast.And that is the lowest average for any manager in Premier League history to oversee ten or more matches.The Southampton players were told on Monday morning, with Juric’s backroom staff also set to leave the club, according to Sky Sports.Settlement talks for both Juric and his staff are ongoing.Juric oversaw just two victories — an FA Cup third-round win over Championship side Swansea and the league win at Ipswich.He lost 13 of his 16 games as the newly promoted side were relegated in record time, with seven games still remaining.Their relegation in GW31 means they beat the record previously jointly held by Ipswich and Derby County.The latter sides relegation’s were confirmed with six matches left to play in 1994-95 and 2007-08 respectively.Southampton could yet finish on the lowest-ever points total in the Prem, as their total of ten so far is one less than Derby in 2008.The club also beat more Championship teams this season (three), than Prem sides – with EFL wins over Stoke and Cardiff either side of the Swansea one.When the final whistle went at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Juric walked onto the pitch and stared across at the corner where the away fans were gathered.On being applauded by Saints fans, he said: “For me, this is something completely new, a new experience.“I said to the players they have to be really thankful that they have fans like this.“It is something incredible the way they love their team even though we were relegated. “They really deserve much more. It’s another type of culture [to Italy]. “They show love in this moment. It is a great thing in English culture, Southampton culture.”Juric lost 13 of his 16 games as the newly promoted sideCredit: RexThe south coast club have won just two of their 31 league games this seasonCredit: RexJuric didn’t address his exit after the relegation game and instead hinted at wanting to stay.He added: “If we take the long road to come back here, I am ready.“We have lots of young players, talented players. They are good but lack experience. “The gap is huge but from this moment the players can grow up and improve and be ready for the Premier League; this is my idea.”The south coast club have won just two of their 31 league games this season, conceding 73 goals despite signing England international Aaron Ramsdale.Juric – who was sacked by Roma after a dismal six-week spell in November 2024 – hit out the club’s lack of recruitment as well.He said: “Recruitment is everything in football. We have a lot of talented young players, but with not many games in the Premier League. “What I noticed most in three or four months here is the completely different physicality between us and the other teams in the league.”Now is the moment to understand the mistakes the club made in the last three or four years and start to create something really good.”The Saints are the third team to lose as many as 25 of their first 31 games of a top-flight campaign, after Sunderland in 2005-06 and Sheffield United in 2020-21 (both also 25).Read More on The SunIt has been quite the contrast to last season, when a 22-match unbeaten run in the Championship helped aid their successful bid for promotion to the Prem via a play-off final win over Leeds at Wembley.In three full seasons under the ownership of Sport Republic, Southampton have been relegated, promoted and relegated again. More