Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 238 Shares72 Views

    in Soccer

    Chelsea vs Southampton LIVE SCORE: Latest updates from Stamford Bridge as Gomes fires Wolves back level in early game

    CHELSEA welcome Southampton for a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT!The Blues will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss away at Aston Villa on the weekend.Chelsea took the lead in the West Midlands, but a Marco Asensio double saw the Villans complete the turnaround.Enzo Maresca will be hoping his men can put an end to their losing run against a Southampton side that is rock bottom of the table.SunSport will also bring you all the goals from all the other matches taking place in the Premier League this evening.Kick off time: 8.15pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Chelsea team: To follow…Southampton team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Coach ready for tough fixtureThe Chelsea boss spoke with BT Sports about his decision to bring Jadon Sancho and Tosin into the team, as well as whether he thinks bottom of the table Southampton offer a dangerous threat:Jadon is working well so we wanted to give him some minutes. He is arriving in the box and creating chances. I don’t trust any game, you prepare in the best way, it is a tricky/tough game. Hopefully we can win.Enzo MarescaChelseaCopy linkCopiedWolves 1-1 Fulham18. Finally Molineux breathes a sigh of relief as their team manages to get back on level terms in this one.Semedo picks out Gomes in the middle and he drives his shot into the top corner to give Leno no chance.Now we have a game on our hands in this one.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Gomes (Wolves)Copy linkCopiedChelsea dream of promised landIt was something the club were able to take for granted for some time but now, Champions League football seems a distant memory.The fans want to see their team competing at the highest level once again and in order to achieve it, they need to rediscover their form.Tonight, they have the chance to move back into fourth place in the table and put pressure on the sides chasing for that coveted top four spot.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-0 Bournemouth12. Joao Pedro wins a penalty for The Seagulls as he looks to take the ball past Kepa and keeper brings him down.The referee points to the spot and VAR sees nothing to change that.Brighton’s striker picks himself up and slots the ball into the bottom corner to give Fabian Hurzeler’s side the lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Pedro (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedCole looking to cool down concernsOne thing that is integral to this Chelsea team getting results in the last few seasons is the form of Cole Palmer.If he is on form, he makes The Blues tick, without that things tend to go pear-shaped for Maresca’s side.’Cold Palmer’ will be hoping he can get that ice coarsing through his veins once again as they lock horns with The Saints tonight.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Fulham1. What a start to the match from The Cottagers.Pereira plays it into Sessegnon, wide in the penalty area, as he drills a left-footed shot into the far corner.Not the start the hosts were hoping for after their impressive win on the south coast against Bournemouth on the weekend.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)Copy linkCopiedPassions reaching fever-pitch in West LondonAs the fans continue to make themselves heard outside Stamford Bridge, Blues’ fans hope they can start seeing this sort of passion from their high-paid players.Results and performances have really dropped off since the festive schedule and a top four finish hangs in the balance.Maresca will expect nothing but victory against tonight’s visitors Southampton, who are rooted to the bottom of the table.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxBoth teams have something to go for at Molineux this evening. A win for Wolves would take Vitor Pereira’s side a step closer to Premier League safety – but Fulham still have ambitions of making it into Europe. Eighth spot could be enough so expect Marco Silva’s side to make a determined effort to make up for Saturday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.Two Portuguese managers are on show here, and judging by their pre-match chat, they seem to get on very well. Former Wolves striker Raul Jimenez got a good welcome when he stepped off the Fulham team coach – but he is only a sub this evening.Copy linkCopiedMisfiring Blues favourites for victoryDespite their in and out form, the bookies cannot see anything but a Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge this evening.Chelsea – 1/6Draw – 7/1Southampton – 12/1All match odds brought to you Betway.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Amex StadiumBournemouth were forced to rearranged their back line when they discovered this morning that Illia Zabarnyi had lost his appeal against Saturday’s sending off against Wolves. Tyler Adams came in for the Ukraine defender and David Brooks replaced Marcus Tavernier who went to the bench. Brighton gave January signing, the former Inter Miami star, his full debut while Pervis Estupinan replaced Jack Hinshelwood who joined the subs.Copy linkCopiedChelsea vs Southampton line-ups Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Palmer, Sancho, Neto; Nkunku.Southampton XI: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Bree, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Downes, Smallbone, Fernandes, Aribo, Kamaldeen; OnuachuCopy linkCopiedChelsea’s horror runThe Blues have endured a torrid time of things since Christmas.Prior to their clash with Everton, Enzo Maresca’s side were presented with a chance to go TOP of the Premier League – however briefly.But, two months later and Chelsea find themselves 21 points behind Liverpool in first.They need to turn the form around and fast, as Man City, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Bournemouth all contend for a Champions League spot next year.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedChelsea protestsAhead of their game with Southampton, Chelsea fans have been protesting against the club’s ownership. Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth’s away runThe Cherries love a day on the road.Andoni Iraola’s side haven’t lost an away game since losing 3-2 away at Brentford in NOVEMBER.However – good as their away record is, Brighton already having bragging rights.The Seagulls came to the Vitality in November and won 2-1, with the Bournemouth goal not coming until deep into added time.Brighton are on a game of three wins in a row after their 7-0 battering by Nottingham Forest, and haven’t conceded in 180 Premier League minutes.Their last seven Premier League away games: 🟢 4-2 vs. Wolves🟢 2-1 vs. Ipswich Town🟢 3-0 vs. Manchester United🟡 2-2 vs. Fulham🟡 2-2 vs. Chelsea🟢 4-1 vs. Newcastle United 🟢 3-1 vs. SouthamptonCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedWolves Teen17 year old talent Matheus Mane will be on the bench for Wolves today, one year after signing with the club.From Non-league at Rochdale last year to first team at Wolves tonight.Copy linkCopiedWolves vs Fulham line-ups Wolves XI: Sa; Semedo, Doherty, Bueno, Gomes, Ait Nouri; Andre, Gomes; Bellegarde, Munetsi; CunhaFulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Lukic, Berge; Pereia, Traore; MunizCopy linkCopiedBrighton vs Bournemouth line-ups Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Baleba, Gomez; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; PedroBournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga; Cook, Hill, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa line-ups – Asensio and Rashford on BENCHCrystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, EzeAston Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Disasi, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans, Bogarde; Ramsey, Rogers, WatkinsCopy linkCopiedAsensi-hero’s and VillainsMarco Asensio scored a brace for the Villains last time out.Aston Villa are surging towards the Champions League for a second season in a row, with the Spanish attacker helping Unai Emery’s side see off Chelsea. Their win was not without the helping hand of Filip Jorgensen, who arguably could have saved his winner. Crystal Palace will be hoping their clash against Aston Villa would be on the road, winning all FIVE of their last away games 2-0.There is nobody better than in-form Jean Philip Mateta, who has provided a goal or an assist in four of those five games.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedPremier League table heading into tonight’s gamesWe are at a crucial moment in the season, with points making all the difference as we tick towards the business end.Liverpool – 64 pts Arsenal – 53 Nottingham Forest – 47Man City – 44 Newcastle – 44Bournemouth – 43Chelsea – 43Aston Villa – 43Brighton – 40Fulham – 39Brentford – 37Tottenham – 33Crystal Palace – 33Everton – 31Man United – 30West Ham – 30Wolves – 22Ipswich – 17Leicester – 17Southampton – 9Copy linkCopiedHow to watch all of the action tonightTNT Sports are covering EVERY Premier League game LIVE over the next three nights. The games will be on these channels: TNT Sports 1: Chelsea vs Southampton TNT Sports 2: Crystal Palace vs Aston VillaTNT Sports 3: Brighton vs BournemouthTNT Sports 4: Wolves vs FulhamBut, make sure to keep an eye on SunSport’s blog to keep up to date with the action from EVERY Premier League game.Copy linkCopiedMidweek Premier League Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Chelsea vs Southampton, and all the Premier League games live TONIGHT.Enzo Maresca’s out-of-form Blues welcome the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton in tonight’s 8:15pm GMT kick-off.Both sides come into the fixture with identical records, having both lost four and only won once in their previous five games.Chelsea’s win came over West Ham, whereas Southampton’s came over Ipswich.There are three other games to dig your teeth into this evening before kick-off at Stamford Bridge.Brighton host Bournemouth at the Amex, Champions League chasing Aston Villa travel to Crystal Palace, and Wolves take on Fulham.All of the action is LIVE on TNT Sports.Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

  • 238 Shares86 Views

    in Soccer

    Cole Palmer left stunned as he finds out family member had UK number one single with 70s soul icons

    COLE PALMER has been left speechless after learning he has “musical royalty” in his family. The Chelsea midfielder’s great-uncle scored a coveted No. 1 way back in 1974. Cole Palmer was stunned to find out his great-uncle had a UK No. 1 hit singleCredit: X / footballontntThe 22-year-old was unable to pick out his uncle after being shown footage of Top of the PopsCredit: X / footballontntPalmer was taken on an unexpected trip down memory lane in an interview with TNT Sports. The 22-year-old joined Kenny Allstar for a chat, with the host revealing the Palmer family has a storied musical history.Bringing out a vinyl record, Allstar explained: “This record is from a band called Sweet Sensation.”Your great uncle was in this band. They had a No.1 in the 1970s. This vinyl here went No. 1 here in the UK.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA stunned Palmer replied: “I didn’t even know that.”The England star was shown a clip of the band playing the hit Sad Sweet Dreamer on Top of the Pops. His great uncle St. Clair Palmer was the lead singer – but Palmer couldn’t pick him out on screen. He added: “He’s too young there I can’t recognise him!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Obviously people in my family have talked about.”But I’ve never listened to it or researched it.”Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer Palmer has enjoyed a meteoric rise since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023.The England star headed to Stamford Bridge in a £42.5million transfer just under two years ago.He has since become one of the Premier League’s most impressive young stars.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku.Palmer recorded 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances during his debut season in West London.It saw him given a lucrative contract extension last August. READ MORE SUN STORIESPalmer received a huge boost to his previous £60,000-a-week wage.And he signed on to remain with Chelsea until 2033. More

  • 275 Shares92 Views

    in Soccer

    I could still play for Man Utd aged 33, Sir Alex Ferguson said I was better finisher than Ronaldo, says Federico Macheda

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON boasted a stacked attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez when Manchester United won the Premier League in 2009.But the legendary Scot insisted Federico Macheda was his best finisher at the club – and the Italian striker believes he could still get into the current Red Devils team.Federico Macheda made his name with his dramatic winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorHis crucial goals helped Manchester United win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson insisted Macheda was the best finisher at the clubThe Italian striker is now playing for Asteras Tripolis in GreeceCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda, 33, wrote his name into Old Trafford folklore with his dramatic 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa on his debut aged 17 in April 2009.He repeated the trick a week later at Sunderland as United won the Premier League by four crucial points from Liverpool.Macheda was the unlikely hero despite sharing a dressing room with legendary forwards Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov and Tevez – as well as a teenage Danny Welbeck.His natural instincts in front of goal, demonstrated by his iconic turn and curl beyond Brad Friedel, earned a prestigious title from Fergie.Macheda, who received an unexpected catch-up phone call from Ferguson this month after seven years without contact, told SunSport: “Sir Alex would tell everybody I was the best finisher in the club.“I was surprised. It was the best team in the history of Manchester United with the names and quality.“He must have some special feeling for me and for sure hoped things would be different for me.”The Villa goal made Macheda a household name overnight and he acknowledges that magic moment will always be “part of me”.But he failed to kick on from his “perfect” start, totalling five goals in 36 appearances, intertwined with loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.Macheda admits it was his loans and lack of effort that meant he remained a cult hero rather than a club legend in Manchester, despite having the example of Ronaldo, the epitome of dedication, to learn from.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ He said: “My dream was to keep going like I started but I knew it was impossible. I had not just one striker in front of me but four stars of crazy value, talent and history.“Cristiano was an idol. It was never enough for him.“Ronaldo was working next to me, swimming for one hour, but at 18 I didn’t understand this big mentality. I did what I was told but was not looking for extra steps.“I never reached my full potential. Never.“My United career should have been more. You get chances but I didn’t take some.“The biggest regret is I didn’t focus fully or work as hard as I should.“Football came naturally. It wasn’t arrogance, I just didn’t know.“Sir Alex liked me lots as a player but I didn’t give him extra reasons to keep going with me.“You must work 200 per cent every day to stay at United because they can have any player they want. I had the ability but you must give more than everything to stay.“I understand this now I’m older.”Federico Macheda’s career in numbersCLUB (ALL COMPS)2008–2014 – Manchester United: 36 appearances (5 goals)2011 – Sampdoria (loan): 16 (1)2012 – Queens Park Rangers (loan): 6 (0)2013 – VfB Stuttgart (loan): 18 (0)2013–2014 – Doncaster Rovers (loan): 15 (3)2014 – Birmingham City (loan): 18 (10)2014–2016 – Cardiff City: 33 (8)2016 – Nottingham Forest (loan): 3 (0) 2016–2018 – Novara: 52 (11)2018–2022 – Panathinaikos: 116 (40)2022–2024 – Ankaragucu: 41 (6)2023 – APOEL (loan): 17 (2)2024– – Asteras Tripolis: 21 (6)INTERNATIONAL2006–2007 – Italy U16: 10 (2)2007–2008 – Italy U17: 3 (0)2009 – Italy U19: 1 (0)2009–2012 – Italy U21: 10 (4)HONOURSManchester UnitedPremier League: 2008-09, 2010-11League Cup: 2009–10Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year: 2008–09PanathinaikosGreek Cup: 2021–22Macheda left United in 2014, joining his ex-academy coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Cardiff.The “highlight” of his “rollercoaster” career was, interestingly, a four-month unemployed stint in 2016 when the then-25-year-old couldn’t find a club and “changed everything about myself” including hiring a mental coach.FROM GOAT TO GOATSHe has since had stints in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus before returning to Greece in September.Macheda signed for Asteras Tripolis during Claude Makelele’s 25-day managerial reign and fittingly took the vacant No41 jersey, the same number he wore for his famous breakthrough.It is a far cry from the grandeur of Manchester United: the man who once played with a GOAT now trains next to a field of sheep and goats.Just like 16 years ago, though, Macheda wants to fire his team to glory, either in the Greek Cup or a strong league finish, to take Asteras back into Europe.Asteras, against whom Harry Kane went in goal and Erik Lamela scored that rabona in 2014, face Crete’s OFI on Wednesday in the cup semi-final first leg.Star-man Macheda loves Greece and, fit and healthy, thinks he could play for another decade.And with his six goals in 18 league games this term, he is matching United’s top scorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in the Premier League and outperforming both Joshua Zirkzee (three) and Rasmus Hojlund (two).Macheda received a phone call out of the blue from Ferguson this monthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe striker managed five goals in 36 appearances for UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was just 17 when he had his magic moment against Villa at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press AssociationMacheda revealed he did not realise the sheer hard work required to succeed at UnitedCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesThe striker left in 2014 and reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at CardiffCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe backed up his Villa winner with another crucial goal at SunderlandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMacheda reckons he was too young to appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard workCredit: Action ImagesThe United team of that era boasted outrageous talentCredit: GettyAsked if he could do a better job in the current Red Devils starting XI, Macheda was candidly confident but admitted even Robert Lewandowski would struggle.He replied: “Now? At 33? I think I could play there. Yes. Do better? I don’t know.“I must say it’s not easy to play for Manchester United now but I think I could still play there.“Personally, I like Zirkzee and Hojlund. The club is under pressure. The situation is not easy for any striker, even if you put Lewandowski in the team.“But as a player, I can see myself playing there at the moment. A couple of games if Ruben Amorim needs me!“I know the Premier League level. It’s very difficult but I could play there. Why not?”Keeping tabs on his old employers has been more painful viewing this season with the fallen giants languishing 15th in the table despite Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag.Federico Macheda’s goal vs Aston VillaFEDERICO MACHEDA’S life changed forever when he scored a 93rd-minute winner to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Aston Villa on April 5, 2009.Sent on for Nani at 2-1 down, Macheda came up trumps with his epic turn and finish into the corner – a goal that lives long in the memory for all United fans. Here’s what Macheda remembers of that special day…On finding out he would play“We were short of strikers because Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov were unavailable. We had a reserve game at Newcastle on the Wednesday. Sir Alex said if I did well I might be in the first team on Sunday. I scored a hat-trick. Against Villa we were 2-1 down and on 60 minutes he called to me. I thought he was calling Danny Welbeck but he shouted again. It was my time. I went on and I was so sure of myself. I told all my friends that if I played, I would score.”On the finish“It just came in a moment. My technical abilities were pretty good. At this moment I wasn’t thinking about too much when I had the ball. It just came and I knew I had the chance to try and do something good. My instinct told me to do this. It was perfect.”On Martin Tyler’s commentary“The goal and the commentary are iconic. It’s the moment and the celebration from the fans. It’s something that remains. It’s not easy to have those kinds of moments in football.”On the dressing room“The dressing room was electrifying. When you win a game, it should be like this. But it was more than this. I was all over the place. I don’t know if I’ve seen this atmosphere again. Everybody was coming around me, kissing me, hugging me. Big players came to me to celebrate me. Sir Alex hugged me.”On the man-of-the-match champagne and celebrations“I didn’t drink it, I still haven’t. Gary Neville gave it to me afterwards. But I never drank it. Now it’s in my family’s house. My mother and father still love it. We went to a restaurant with my family. My goal was showing everywhere. I felt shy to see myself on TV. Everybody was talking about the goal.”On the goal’s legacy “It’s part of me of course. It was probably the most famous goal I scored. For sure it changed my life. My target when I went to Manchester was to play only one time for this club in this stadium. I was dreaming about a moment like this. Maybe that moment was even better than my dreams. Because everything was perfect.”Macheda thinks no manager, not even Ferguson, could get a title-winning tune out of the current squad which features just three leaders.But speaking at Asteras’ 6,500-seater stadium, he is adamant Amorim can deliver a Premier League within “two to three years” on three conditions.Macheda added: “I believe yes he can. Amorim has a special connection. He’s one coach that can get Manchester United to fight for everything.“I like Amorim even if you don’t see the results, maybe sometimes they play bad football.“It’s difficult because for a club to be successful, you need great players.“United doesn’t have the team at the moment to win the Premier League. They have good players but if you put any coach in, it wouldn’t change a lot.“There are only a few leaders: Bruno, Maguire, Lisandro. But it’s not enough. Maybe the others are not ready to play for this club.“Amorim should keep the legacy and history at Manchester United going by rebuilding like they used to with young players. Then I believe the wind will change.“If they trust Amorim and give him time, bring in the right players and change some things in the club like the bad mentality, I believe Manchester United will be back in two to three years.”Macheda returned to Greece with Asteras Tripolis in SeptemberCredit: Asteras TripolisHe has scored six goals in 18 league gamesCredit: Asteras TripolisJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are struggling under the pressureCredit: GettyMacheda reckons he could get into the current Red Devils teamCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda sat down with SunSport at the 6,500-seater Theodoros Kolokotronis StadiumCredit: Asteras TripolisSunSport visited Macheda in the build-up to their Greek Cup semi-finalCredit: Asteras TripolisThe first-team training pitch is next to a field with sheep and goatsCredit: SunSportAsteras are desperate to get back into Europe once againCredit: SunSportThe set-up at Asteras is a far cry from Old Trafford and CarringtonCredit: SunSportThe club have a loyal fanbase in the city in the middle of the Peloponnese region of GreeceCredit: SunSport More

  • 238 Shares72 Views

    in Soccer

    Man Utd appoint new transfer guru on ‘reduced wage’ just hours after plans announced to slash 200 more jobs

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made former Chelsea chief Christopher Vivell their permanent director of recruitment on a REDUCED salary.The 38-year-old German initially joined on a short-term contract last summer.Christopher Vivell has been made Man Utd’s director of recruitment on a permanent basisCredit: PAAnd he played a big role in helping United land several promising youngsters including Sekou Kone.Vivell’s old deal was set to expire at the end of the season.But after United sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth in November, Vivell’s role as director of recruitment has been made permanent.The ex-RB Leipzig man has penned a long-term deal and will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox, claims The Athletic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Vivell’s new agreement has seen him take a pay cut a day after United announced they are set to make a further 200 redundancies.Vivell will oversee club recruitment around the world, while also taking charge of United’s scouting system and young talent operation.He will be hoping to last longer in the role than his previous job at Chelsea.Vivell was appointed technical director in December 2022 as a replacement for Marina Granovskaia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he lasted just seven months after Todd Boehly decided to hand all power to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.Vivell’s sole transfer window at Chelsea came in January 2023 and saw plenty of activity.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts He helped Chelsea sign players like Benoit Badiashile in January 2023Credit: GettyVivell lasted just seven months before being axed by the BluesCredit: GettyA then-record fee of £105million was spent on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, who had just won the World Cup with Argentina.Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana were also signed permanently, while Joao Felix arrived on loan.There were few exits though, with Jorginho the only senior star to depart.It left then-Chelsea boss Graham Potter with a hugely-bloated squad featuring unwanted misfits including Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic.The Blues finished the season with Frank Lampard in charge as interim boss.And Vivell paid the price when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in West London. More

  • 275 Shares106 Views

    in Motorsport

    ‘Never going to get out of the hole’ – Max Verstappen told ‘roles have reversed’ with Lewis Hamilton ahead of F1 season

    FORMER F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya isn’t convinced Max Verstappen’s dominance will continue in 2025.Red Bull driver Verstappen, 27, is hoping to win a fifth consecutive Drivers Championship this season.Juan Pablo Montoya has given his bold prediction ahead of the new F1 seasonCredit: GettyMax Verstappen is chasing a fifth consecutive F1 title this seasonCredit: GettyMontoya believes Lewis Hamilton (pictured) will dominate for FerrariCredit: RexThe Dutchman’s was pushed hard by Lando Norris last season and will now renew his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, who has moved to Ferrari from Mercedes.The seven-time world champion, 40, has penned a two-year, £78million deal with the Italian giants. Both Ferrari and McLaren went toe-to-toe with Red Bull on the track last season.And Montoya – winner of seven F1 Grand Prix races – believes Verstappen will be “no problem” for Hamilton in 2025.READ MORE ON F1The Colombian said: “Verstappen is not going to be a problem for Lewis this year. “I would be surprised if Red Bull came out to fight like in recent years”.Red Bull finished third in last season’s Constructor Standings.Verstappen won nine races on his way to a slender title win over Norris – ten fewer than his all-conquering championship season in 2023.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMontoya continued: “You just start moving sideways or even backwards. “If you keep going based on wrong principles, you’re never going to get out of the hole. And that hole can be very deep, that’s the problem. Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue “Max doesn’t like to lose, and Max is a guy who would rather crash than let himself be beaten.”We saw it at the end of last year, when he did things that surprised people. We were wondering: ‘Why did he do that?’ “When he went up against Lewis [to end Hamilton’s dominance] and took no prisoners, everyone thought: ‘Oh, great. Finally someone is standing up to Hamilton.'”Now the positions are reversed.”Hamilton will make his first Grand Prix appearance for Ferrari next month. The 2025 F1 campaign kicks off in Melbourne, Australia on March 16 with Albert Park staging its first season-opener since 2019.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.But he admitted he’d been enjoying the Italian food a little too much over the offseason.The Stevenage native laughed: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.” More

  • 250 Shares72 Views

    in Soccer

    How Jesse Lingard has bounced back with move to South Korea by embracing Asian culture and releasing a rap song

    MANY British footballers keep to themselves and refuse to embrace local culture when they move abroad.But not Jesse Lingard. The former Man Utd midfielder was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.Jesse Lingard is living his best life in South Korea playing for FC SeoulCredit: RexEx-Man Utd star Lingard shares his culinary experiences like eating Korean BBQ onlineCredit: InstagramBy embracing local culture, Lingard has made himself a fan favouriteCredit: InstagramHe was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was was earning a whopping £180,000-per-week.Although it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans.However, it isn’t just Lingard’s football skills that have scored him admirers in The Land of Han.The midfielder has immersed himself in Asian culture – not just indulging in Korean BBQ – but also releasing music.read more football newsWhile, his epic social media posts – in partnership with CGI firm Vertex – have made him and the K League appear cool, as well as drawn millions of eyes through social media to his experience.Asian football expert and author John Duerden has seen first hand the impact Lingard has had from his home in Seoul.He told SunSport: “Not many foreign players make the national news in South Korea for actions on and off the pitch but Jesse Lingard has not been any normal signing.”For a start, he is the biggest name import to play in the 42-year-old K League and, therefore, has had more expectations and pressure than others.Most read in Football”In the early days, it looked as if it wasn’t going to happen at FC Seoul, one of the country’s big clubs that has struggled a little in recent years.Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league “He took time to settle, leading to a rebuke, of sorts, from the coach but most don’t appreciate how big a cultural difference there is between South Korea and the UK both on and off the pitch.”Just take the weather, absolutely freezing in winter and very hot and very humid in the summer and then there is the rainy season.”Culture clubLingard adapted. After all, he would have been use to a rainy day or two in Manchester, so that wouldn’t have hurt.But, he seemed particularly enamoured with the local culture and has brought cool to a country that is producing award-winning TV in shows like Squid Game.No sooner had he made the move to the Far East, he was sharing his dining experiences on Instagram to his nine million followers.Lingard then realised there was a market for a video diary of his career in South Korea, and he rebooted his YouTube channel last year.On there, and on his Instagram, he has shared his epic lifestyle. From cruising on a boat to making music and creating epic CGI clips.One of those clips dropped in December shows ‘J Lingz’ performing some kick ups, before volleying a ball into the sky towards a ribbon that drops a sheet to reveal a gold statue of his famous J-L hand celebration.Another sees the ex-Three Lions winger show off his dance moves, before Moonwalking out of shot.Before the end of the year, Lingard revealed his single KamsahamnidaA CGI viral video Lingard uploaded to Instagram in December has been watch 4.5 million timesIn another clip, Lingard can be seen showing off his dance movesread more sport featuresThe former has been liked almost 4.5 million times, while the latter has drawn almost 240,000 likes since it was uploaded in November.Lingard even found time to release his first rap single before the end of last year.Kamsahamnida, which means ‘thank you’ in Korean, was well received by his fans and is incredibly catchy.Duerden explained: “It is off the pitch though that Lingard has been different to any signing in the past.”His music single Kamsahamnida was a surprise but his CGI video, released in December, attracted hundreds of millions of clicks, went down very well in Korea and made national news.”Usual interactions with foreign players have usually not progressed much past questions such as ‘do you like kimchi?’ Or ‘how good is Son Heung-min?’ and comments about chopstick wielding competence. “This is not something that has happened in the K-League before, it is a competition that is solid but seen by many, at home and abroad, as lacking a little in the excitement and coolness stakes.”Officials at Seoul and at league headquarters were delighted. Lingard may not rival some of the megastars in Saudi Arabia in terms of talent and achievements, but he has brought a certain coolness and street cred that wasn’t really thought about when Seoul decided to try and sign him.”It helps that he is here at a time when there is huge global interest in Korean music, food, television, beauty products, fashion, technology and movies and getting involved in that culture is always going to go down well.”Too many foreign players stay in their bubbles and rarely experience, let alone embrace, the culture. Lingard has shown what can be done. Like anywhere, the more you put in, the more you get out.”Lingard has been credited with bringing cool to the K LeagueWhile on his YouTube channel, Lingard has shown he’s not afraid to try new experiencesPlaying in the K LeagueIn terms of his football, Lingard is clearly loving life on and off the pitch.After scoring his first goal of the season, with the K-League running from February to November, he performed FIVE goal celebrations in the 2-1 win over Anyang.Lingard’s popularity is bigger than ever, but it’s a tough league to adapt to.Duerden explained: “Few coaches speak English and they have historically tended to be quite conservative tactically, liking to counter-attack and players who work hard, run hard and listen well.”The league is of a good standard, physical and fast but you have to work for goals and games often only open up in the latter stages. “The average league attendance was 11,000 last season but with Lingard Seoul attracted over 27,000.”The K League does not have the same central place in Korean culture as the Premier League in England but those that go are often hugely passionate and will support their players through thick and thin, if they give their all on the pitch.Lingard arrived in Asia to much fan fare and took a pay cutCredit: APEx-England star Lingard suffered a set back when he required knee surgery last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C57gyVmtuXw/?img_index=2Lingard scored his first goal of the season last weekendCredit: Rex”There is no doubt that Lingard has done this and his performances have improved. Being made captain in June and then officially getting the nod ahead of his second season was a reflection of that. Seoul coach Kim Gi-dong is not the type to hand out the armband on a whim.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The new season has started well with a goal in the first home game in front of 40,000 fans.  “It looks as if there is more to come.” More

  • 213 Shares119 Views

    in Soccer

    Controversial moment Euro giants ‘give away penalty by throwing second ball on to pitch’ in never-before-seen blunder

    PANATHINAIKOS ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest blunder of the year, and ended his team’s title hopes.Mancini, 28, and his team-mates visited bottom-of-the-league Lamia on Sunday in a match where the Greek giants needed the three points to maintain pressure on bitter rivals Olympiacos at the top.Panathinaikos ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest gaffe of the yearCredit: RexMancini thought the ball went out for a throw-in against LamiaBut it was still in play as it never went over the line so Gustavo Furtado chased after itThe Panathinaikos ace Mancini kicked another ball onto the pitchAs per a rather unknown rule, that led to a penalty for Lamia who sealed a 3-1 winRui Vitoria’s side endured a horrendous start that saw them conceding after just four minutes by ex-Reading and Aston Villa ace Aaron Tshibola.Panathinaikos equalised on 72 minutes with Filip Djuricic but Lamia fought back and regained the lead just six minutes later with Gustavo Furtado, who used to play for the visitors.The Athens outfit pushed hard for another equaliser but disaster struck three minutes before full-time.Ex-Grimsby Town ace Sebastian Ring tried to find Furtado with a through ball.Read More on FootballMancini, who was playing out of position at right-back thought the ball went out for a free throw.But Ring signalled towards Furtado that the ball was surprisingly still in play as it never went over the line, while the Panathinaikos ace was getting ready for the throw-in the referee never awarded.Furtado gained possession and broke into the box with his marker completely oblivious to what was happening.The Lamia star tried to beat goalkeeper Bartlomiej Drągowski from a tight angle but the Poland international denied him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, Mancini’s woes were about to become much worse as, for some reason, he decided to kick another ball into play before Furtado’s shot.Referee Angelos Evangelou stopped the match and awarded the hosts a penalty, as per the rules, before booking the winger.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ Furtado took spot kick and beat Dragowski to seal only Lamia’s second win of the season.The rules state that if another ball or object is thrown onto the pitch by another player then the referee awards a set piece for the opposing team at the spot where it landed.Because the ball was thrown inside the Panathinaikos area, where the action was taking place, the ref awarded a penalty.Two years ago, Valencia got away with a similar piece of ‘s***housery’ against Real Madrid.As Vinicius Jr approached the hosts’ penalty area, a defender kicked a second ball against the one he was dribbling with before the Brazilian could enter the box.Furtado enjoyed quite the redemption as he was offloaded by Panathinaikos last year after going viral in a clip showing him chasing after the B team’s bus, which forgot about him and almost left him behind.PAO are now third in the table with eight points separating them from the top. More

  • 288 Shares106 Views

    in Soccer

    I was abandoned by my parents in an orphanage at two, now they ask me for money for life, says former Arsenal star

    FORMER Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has opened up about his difficult upbringing and strained relationship with his parents.Perez kicked off his professional playing career with Rayo Vallecano in 2010 and went on to play across Europe with the likes of Karpaty Lviv and PAOK.Lucas Perez has revealed why his strained relationship with his parents contributed to his Deportivo exit last monthCredit: GettyPerez made 21 appearances for Arsenal after joining in 2016Credit: AFP AFP or Licensors AFP or LicensorsHe spent another year in Spain with Deportivo La Coruna before sealing a huge move to Arsenal, where he scored seven goals in 21 appearances.The striker then joined West Ham and spent another season in London before returning to his homeland with Alaves.Following short spells with Elche and Cadiz, Perez eventually found his way back to Deportivo.However, he was forced to leave last month due to personal reasons.Read More in FootballIn a recent interview with El Partidazo de Cope, Perez revealed that his strained relationship with his dad, who abandoned him as a child, was a key factor behind his shock exit.He also opened up about his difficult childhood and explained that both of his parents now demand money from him.The 36-year-old divulged: “I was raised by my grandparents, my father’s parents.”When I was two, my parents left me in an orphanage because they couldn’t or didn’t want to take care of me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This season, I received a complaint from my father demanding that I pay maintenance for the rest of his life.”From then on, I spent several months until I left Deportivo with a lot of stress and a lot of anxiety because I had to relive very difficult moments in my life.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bid”When I signed for Arsenal, my mother also sent me a burofax demanding money… but she can’t claim it because she’s not listed in the joint custody.”My grandparents asked for custody and, later, my grandmother allowed my father to take over. I was lucky to have my grandparents, but they couldn’t last as long as they should have.”Discussing his recent exit from Deportivo and move to PSV Eindhoven, he continued: “I’m leaving now because the issue with my father continues. I’ve met him several times this Christmas and it’s not a pleasant experience.”Given that the situation at the club wasn’t right, because I didn’t feel valued or supported, I decided to be honest and tell them that I’m having a hard time stepping aside.”The club and I spoke… There were two games left to reach the 20-year mark with which I was going to renew and I didn’t want to.”Two days later, after saying that we were going to take a break, I received a letter from the club asking me to sign a written commitment with them.”I consider that they don’t know what Deportivo means to me and when there is doubt like that, the best thing to do is to step aside.”Perez also disputed claims that he left Deportivo for financial reasons, insisting he actually stepped away due to his personal situation.”What father doesn’t want to be close to his son? Obviously I want to be close, but if my job doesn’t allow it… I was already far away from him,” he added.”What happened is that they (the media) have echoed a lie and I am partly to blame for having allowed them to buy that lie. The person who released that information did so to hurt me.”Perez signed a short-term deal upon his arrival at PSV earlier this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is set to remain at the club until June unless his contract is extended.But the striker will NOT be eligible to play against Arsenal in the Champions League round-of-16 because PSV are unable to add him to their already-submitted squad list.Perez signed for PSV earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / psv More