Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares36 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m Patrick Dorgu’s former manager, he’s an exciting player but he should NOT join Man Utd

      by

      PATRICK DORGU’S former manager has urged him to reject Manchester United.The 20-year-old star is a target for Ruben Amorim and talks have reportedly begun over a potential deal.Patrick Dorgu has been urged to not sign for Man UtdCredit: GettySerie A side Lecce are thought to be holding out for a fee of £33.7million for their versatile youngster.United could make a bid for him should they sell Alejandro Garnacho to Napoli for £60m in the final days of the January transfer window.Jens Fonnskov Olsen managed Dorgu when he was part of Denmark’s Under-19s setup.And the player’s old boss has shockingly encouraged him not to join United. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe told Tipsbladet: “If I have to be a little cheeky, I hope he chooses something other than Manchester United right now. “I don’t know if it’s a bad fit, but they’re just in a period where… I don’t know if you can afford to say no to United, but maybe somewhere where there’s a little more structure and where things fit in with his pace.”Sometimes things have to go in the right order, if you can say it like that.”The thing is that there are many paths to the goal.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDorgu has featured at full-back and on the wing for Lecce, with Amorim believing he will suit his 3-4-3 system.Explaining what type of player he is, Olsen said: “Patrick left and went to a slightly smaller side in Italy and took the chance there.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager'”He has been really well-educated, especially in the defensive part of the game, where he may have lacked something.”I was really happy with him. I think he had some exciting skills. “Patrick is fast, he is forward-thinking, he can head both offensively and defensively, and he has a very, very good left foot.””He is a creative player. I am incredibly happy that I brought him in and just believed in him. “I am really happy for him, in terms of how his career has developed.”MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. More

    • 250 Shares30 Views

      in Soccer

      TV legend reveals disgusting act performed with FA Cup trophy as he says ‘more than one player has told me…’

      by

      EAMONN HOLMES has shockingly claimed footballers have told him the FA Cup has been used as “a receptacle for urine”.The TV legend, 65, was reacting to tennis ace Aryna Sabalenka’s “disrespectful” antics following her Australian Open final defeat on Saturday.The FA Cup has been used ‘as a receptacle for urine’, according to TV presenter Eamonn HolmesCredit: PAAryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet in a fit of rage after losing the Australian Open finalCredit: GettyThe Belarusian, 26, and her team, including boyfriend Geogios Frangulis appeared to pretend to urinate over the runners-up trophy.That came after her shocking meltdown following defeat to Madison Keys in Melbourne.Reflecting on the odd video, Holmes shockingly told GB News: “I know for a fact the FA Cup is often used as a receptacle for urine.”Players have told me. More than one player over the years has told me that.”READ MORE SPORT STORIESHolmes failed to elaborate on the disturbing claims, including who told him and when it’s believed to have happened.Meanwhile, fans have torn into Sabalenka for her behaviour on Saturday.The world No1 was chasing a third straight Australian Open when she fell to defeat to surprise package, Keys.The American became a major winner for the first time with a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory in Melbourne, in her first Grand Slam final since her 2017 US Open loss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd while Keys celebrated with her family in the stands, Sabalenka smashed her racquet in a fit of rage in front of the 15,000-strong crowd.She then slumped onto her chair and hid her face under a towel.Aryna Sabalenka goes Instagram official with new racing driver boyfriend during Wimbledon months after ex’s tragic deathEamonn Holmes revealed a shocking story about the FA CupCredit: GettyAfter receiving her runners-up trophy, Sabalenka exited the court and was spotted on camera with her team appearing to mock-urinate on it.One viewer took to X to moan: “What a disgusting and disrespectful action. They deserve an explanation and public apology for this terrible gestures.”Another posted: “OK, that’s way too much… never seen something more disrespectful in tennis.”Reflecting on her loss, Sabalenka herself said: “I think when you get to the point of finals, it’s trophy or nothing. Nobody remembers the finalist, you know?”Should I say anything to my team? As always, that’s your fault guys. I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I really hate you.”No, thank you so much for everything you do for me, blah blah blah.” More

    • 213 Shares38 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m English football’s ultimate journeyman… Cilla Black once walked in on me naked in the dressing room

      by

      IT takes a lot to surprise a footballer who’s turned out for 24 different clubs across ten tiers of the English football pyramid.But for veteran striker Leroy Lita, there is one day he’ll never forget.Leroy Lita has revealed Cilla Black once walked in on him naked in the changing roomCredit: Getty Images – GettyCilla Black was a close friend of then-Reading owner John MadejskiCredit: Getty Images – GettyLita kicked off his career on the books of Chelsea’s academy and has turned out for the likes of Reading, Middlesbrough and Swansea, as well as a swathe of non-league teams. Now at seventh tier Barwell, aged 40, Lita has opened up on some of his most hilarious stories from his decades-long playing career.And topping the list? Cilla Black giving him the surprise, surprise of his life by walking in on him naked.Lita told The Times: “My first experience [at Reading] was walking in with the chairman and Cilla Black.READ MORE SPORT STORIES“He walked past me like he didn’t know who I was, and he had just paid £1million out of his own pocket for me.”It wasn’t out of the club budget. He didn’t even know what I looked like and my agent had to tell him.”I was just shocked that he was with Cilla Black. I used to watch Blind Date and Surprise Surprise, and was like, ‘That’s her, isn’t it?!’“She used to always come to our games and come into the changing room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I remember playing Arsenal away, getting changed, I was naked. She was just there with a big smile.”Talk about a Blind Date…Cilla Black: Television highlightsLeroy Lita was on the books of Chelsea as a youth star and even played for England’s Under-21sCredit: ReutersCilla’s regular appearances at Reading come as no surprise, with then-owner John Madejski calling the former pop star and TV personality his “soulmate” after they enjoyed a long friendship.The Blind Date host died in 2015 aged 72.Lita – who scored six times in nine games for England’s Under-21s – has racked up nearly 600 career games, scoring close to 200 goals in that spell.However, his last stint in the English Football League came way back in the 2015-16 season, at League Two Yeovil.Since then, Lita has enjoyed stints in Greece and Thailand, before returning home to embark on a journeyman non-league career.Before joining Barwell last year, the striker turned out for Margate, Salisbury, Chelmsford City, Nuneaton Borough, Hednesford Town, Ilkestone Town and Coalville Town. More

    • 275 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      Brave AC Milan fan reveals she was sexually assaulted by gang of groping men on train and says ‘I feel so dirty’

      by

      A DISGUSTED football fan has told how a vile man performed a sex act on her while his groping pals surrounded her on a train.Shocked Larah Rapelli, 24, piled into the packed carriage on her way to watch her beloved AC Milan take on Spanish side Girona in the Champions League at the San Siro on January 22.Brave AC Milan fan Larah Rapelli has revealed she was sexually assaulted by gang of groping men on a Metro trainCredit: Instagram / @lara.rapelliLarah claims the men performed a sex act and she only realised when fellow Metro users pointed it outCredit: Instagram / @lara.rapelliLarah was on her way to watch her beloved AC Milan in the Champions League when the sickening incident occurredCredit: Instagram / @lara.rapelliBut moments after the doors closed on the Metro, she found herself surrounded by a gang of groping men.After finally breaking free and getting off the train, she found out one of the disgusting individuals had performed a sex act on her clothes.Brave Larah revealed the full story in a video – which she filmed “two minutes after it happened” – telling her 40,000 Instagram followers: “I was going to the Milan match and you guys won’t believe the s*** that happened.”There were some disgusting men who were leaning on me, so I was elbowing them, I was avoiding them… but we were all crowded together so it was really difficult to avoid them.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”And one disgusting guy really did the worst thing to me.”I got off the train and hadn’t noticed anything, but a Spanish couple told me ‘you have something on your trousers’.”I look at my hands… I was disgusted. I can’t think of it without getting the shivers.”I don’t know how not even how it happened… basically the person behind me had [performed a sex act].Most read in Football”I have no words… I had to dry my hands. These guys gave me tissues to dry myself as I was all wet.”A traumatised Larah continued: “I’ve never been through something so disgusting.”I still feel dirty.”I would really like to forget this thing but I want to tell you because I hope it never happens to you. I really have no words.”Larah was understandably left traumatised by the assaultCredit: Instagram / @lara.rapelliLarah has amassed close to 40,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram / @lara.rapelliLarah bravely spoke out in a bid to empower her fellow victimsCredit: Instagram / @lara.rapelliCaptioning her video, Larah urged victims to unite, while defiantly vowing to find her assaulter.She wrote: “Before the MILAN – GIRONA match this s*** happened…”I want to get this to as many people as possible to always have an extra eye of attention wherever you go.”Unfortunately sometimes even with a thousand eyes it is not possible to stop certain actions…”But we can all unite to have more control and strength against this s***…READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope to find you and to spread your face everywhere.”Larah confirmed in a comment to her original post that she had contacted the police, claiming to have six eye-witnesses – three of whom can attest to what they saw on her trousers. More

    • 250 Shares30 Views

      in Soccer

      Ashley Cole, wife Sharon, Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy belt out Freed from Desire in bar on luxury skiing holiday

      by

      ASHLEY COLE and Peter Crouch partied alongside their Wags as they enjoyed a luxury skiing holiday.The two former England stars were joined by their wives Sharon Cole and Abbey Clancy on their trip to Verbier in Switzerland.Peter Crouch belted out Freed from Desire at a ski barCredit: Instgram / @riley.ugglaAshley Cole danced alongside his ex-England team-mateCredit: Instgram / @riley.ugglaCole’s wife Sharon shared a snap of them ready to hit the slopesCredit: Instagram / @sharon_cole_canuCrouch and wife Abbey Clancy were all smiles at a luxury restaurantCredit: Instagram / @abbeyclancyThe couples hit the slopes and the dancefloor, sharing several snaps of them all having a great time on social media.Cole and Crouch were videoed belting out Freed from Desire alongside other revellers at an apres-ski bar.The former Premier League stars were jumping up and down to the hit tune while their wives stood on a bench and danced.They were all gathered around a table full of empty glasses of wine and beer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe part-goers enjoyed showing off their moves after dinner at Le Rouge restaurant.A double ribeye filet steak at the fancy venue costs £83. The couples were joined by the pals Lucinda Cox and Riley Uggla on the holiday.Fashion designer Riley posted a snap of the group all smiles together, captioning it: “Best memories made with the best people.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCrouch also hilariously photo-bombed a picture of the girls looking glam in designer jackets and sunglasses. Before partying, the couples skied down the scenic Swiss Alps.We’ve got 4 kids in 4 different schools & it’s so hectic, says Abbey Clancy – there’s an intense mum task that makes it even worseSharon and Cole posed for a selfie with all their gear on, while Abbey looked smitten as she sat on Crouch’s lap.The ex-footballers were team-mates during their England days and Cole was recently a guest on That Peter Crouch Podcast. The group were loving life in Verbier, SwitzerlandCredit: Instgram / @riley.ugglaCrouch appeared to be a confident skierCredit: Instagram / @abbeyclancyThey had dinner at Le Rouge restaurantCredit: Instgram / @riley.uggla More

    • 250 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner in talks with ITV for HUGE reality show – and is told ‘name your price’

      by

      ENGLAND ace Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner is in talks for a huge ITV reality show, The Sun can reveal.Insiders said Annie is a top target for Celebrity Big Brother – with the booker for the ITV series asking her reps to name their fee.Annie Kilner is a top target for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: instagram/annievkilnerHusband Kyle has just moved to MilanCredit: InstagramA source said: “ITV have approached Annie’s team about her taking part in the upcoming series of Celebrity Big Brother.”Coleen Rooney’s success on I’m A Celebrity proved how much interest there is for WAGs and they would love to replicate her success on CBB.”Annie’s team were told to name their price, they’d do anything to get her on board.”Because Annie has never spoken it would be an absolute coup to get her in the house.READ MORE ON ANNIE KILNER”The amount of headlines it would generate for the show would be publicity gold too, and it would give Annie a chance to speak in a completely natural way without it being formal like an interview.”The offer is on the table and it’s Annie’s for the taking if she wants it.”The TV offer comes as Kyle starts a new life in Italy with giants AC Milan after leaving Manchester City.His move is seen as a chance for Annie and Kyle to rebuild their damaged marriage after she called off divorce proceedings – though it is currently hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballThe couple is still reeling from the birth of Kyle’s second child with ex Lauryn Goodman in 2023 following another fling.An insider told The Sun: “Annie has made it clear to friends she is making the move to Italy for the sake of her family, telling them, ‘I’m doing it for the boys’.Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage – as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giants“Getting away from the UK and the noise surrounding Kyle’s sex scandals and drama with Lauryn is what they desperately need. They feel smothered.“It’s been a traumatic 12 months and they now just want to put it behind them and attempt to lead some sort of normal existence for a while.”Kyle is relishing his new chapter, writing on Instagram: “Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies . . . is something I could only have dreamt as a child.“To my teammates: from the moment I walked through the door, thank you for the great memories and all the success we have shared.”Lauryn Goodman has two children with KyleCredit: GettyAnnie recently called off divorce proceedingsCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares38 Views

      in Soccer

      Dream Team bosses scuppered as most popular recruit James Maddison absent against Leicester

      by

      THE Dream Team gods can be so cruel.James Maddison (£4.2m) was the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 21 but the best laid plans of almost 20% of managers were left in tatters when the midfielder was missing from Tottenham’s matchday squad against Leicester on Sunday.A maddening weekend for many Dream Team bossesCredit: Dream TeamRumours of a disagreement between Maddison and Ange Postecoglou started to circle social media after the team was announced but the Australian tactician explained that the playmaker was merely a fitness concern following Thursday night’s win over Hoffenheim, the latest availability headache in a long list for Spurs this season.”He’s still a bit sore from the other night,” Postecoglou revealed prior to kick-off. “It took a fair bit out of the group and he just wasn’t 100%.”It’s up to the 59-year-old coach to reveal or conceal availability news as he sees fit but Dream Team bosses certainly would have appreciated a word or two on Maddison’s condition prior to the Gameweek 21 deadline.Postecoglou gave no indication that the England international was a doubt in his Friday press conference.Postecoglou was without Maddison as he watched his side lose 2-1 to the FoxesCredit: PAWith Spurs due to face Leicester and Elfsborg in Gameweek 21, it’s easy to see why Maddison was such a popular option when he was assumed fully fit.The 28 year-old playmaker scored one goal and assisted another in Germany last Thursday to help boost his side’s chances of automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16.A 14-point haul took Maddison’s overall total to 197 for the season, a tally only bettered by four midfielders at the time of writing.He’s scored nine goals, registered nine assists, and his total of 35 bonus points is second only to Youri Tielemans (£3.8m).Most read in FootballSpurs have desperately struggled in the league this term but Maddison has thrived in Dream Team, as have several of his team-mates.On paper, he was a strong option for Gameweek 21, which makes his unexpected absence even more painful.Postecoglou said Maddison should return “next week”Credit: GettyIt’s all eyes on Thursday night when Spurs host Elfsborg in their final league phase fixture of this Europa League campaign.If Maddison is fit enough to play against the Swedish outfit then he may be able to offset his weekend blank to some degree.Looking further ahead, Spurs also have two fixtures in Gameweek 22 but it’s a comparatively difficult double header in the form of back-to-back away days to Brentford (Premier League) and Liverpool (Carabao Cup).Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

    • 213 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League draw simulated with Arsenal and Liverpool facing horror ties… after Man City don’t even qualify

      by

      THE new Champions League format could throw up some enthralling ties if a supercomputer’s predictions are anything to go by.All 36 teams face off at the same time on Wednesday night in the final matches of the league phase.The Champions League league phase has been predicted by a supercomputerCredit: GettyManchester City are in line to miss out on the next roundCredit: PAThe Champions League tournament tree shows which team will face who depending on the league phase finishing positionTeams will be fighting for the lives with everything up for grabs as those who secure a top eight spot will book an automatic spot in the last 16, the teams placed ninth to 24th head into a play-off round and those from 24th to 36th head straight out of the tournament.Thanks to the boffins at Bettingexpert.com and their supercomputer BETSiE, we now know what the most likely outcome is of the league phase.Their supercomputer has simulated the final round of games 100,000 times, taking into account all the necessary data to make the best predictions it can.And according to their simulations, Manchester City are set to MISS OUT on qualifying for the next round! READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe four-in-a-row Premier League champions need to beat Club Brugge and hope other results go their way to finish in the top 24, but the supercomputer thinks that is pretty unlikely to happen.City are predicted to narrowly miss out, finishing in 25th place.Liverpool are predicted to finish top of the table, while Arsenal should advance in third spot and Aston Villa have been tipped to sneak into the automatic last 16 places by finishing in eighth place.With the way that the new Champions League format works, the predicted table means we can look at who would face who in the qualification round and ultimately the last 16.Most read in FootballLiverpool are predicted to top the Champions League league phaseCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe complicated format means that the seeded top eight will be split into opposite sides of the tournament bracket, i.e. the first and second place sides will be treated equally, and split into one side and the other.While the sides that finish from 9th to 24th go into a play-off round to join them, with the top eight of this middle section seeded.The new Champions League format explainedThey are then put in pairs, for example, 9th and 10th together, 11th and 12th together, and so on.The duos are then put into fours based on their league finishes and there is then a draw to decide the match-ups from the quartets.For example, 9th and 10th will play worst qualifiers either 23rd or 24th; 11th or 12th will be drawn against either 21st or 22nd, and so on.This has allowed SunSport to simulate the play-off draw to show what we could expect in the last 16 of the tournament.In our randomised draw, Liverpool’s top spot would mean they take on the winner of Juventus vs Celtic in the last 16 – throwing up a tricky tie for Arne Slot’s in-form Reds.While Arsenal’s third place finish could leave them with the tall task of getting the better of the winner of the play-off tie between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.However, they’ll be confident that they could advance past PSG given their 2-0 victory over the Parisians in the league phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt won’t be a walk in the park for Aston Villa either with Unai Emery’s side in line to face the winner of Benfica vs Bayern Munich in the last 16.Similarly to Arsenal and PSG, Villa have already played – and beaten – Bayern Munich in the league phase and will be buoyed by their previous result over the Bavarians.Here’s a look at how the play-offs round fixtures could lookHere’s what that would mean for the Last 16 tiesAston Villa could face Bayern Munich againCredit: GettyArsenal have a good chance of taking on PSG for a second timeCredit: Getty More