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      Football stars are ‘super-clever’, study claims…putting old sterotype to bed

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      FOOTIE stars are “super-clever”, according to a study — putting an end to stereotypes of stupidity.They have “exceptional cognitive abilities” and are better at mental planning, focus, memory and decision-making.Football players are ‘super-clever’, a study claimsCredit: GettyThis is honed by working out when to pass, dribble or shoot while quickly predicting what other players will do.Teams from Oxford University and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute compared 204 top-flight male and female players from Sweden and Brazil to 124 regular people.Writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr Petrovic said: “Our study demonstrates that elite soccer players significantly outperformed others in memory, problem-solving and planning tasks.“The ability to plan several steps ahead in a quickly changing environment may be one of the most crucial processes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Being an elite player may not solely depend on athletic capacities and instead, it may be crucial to have a deep understanding of the game, process information quickly, and make decisions faster than others.”Dr Petrovic added: “They might have a superior ability to perform under pressure.”Similar studies have found above-average intelligence in other athletes including volleyball, basketball, chess and ice hockey players, as well as in elite musicians.Study co-author Professor Leonardo Bonetti, from Oxford University, said footballers might keep their unintelligent reputation because many are not book-smart.Most read in FootballHe added: “Even if they are clever, they are not educated – most stop at high school, possibly before.“This might be related to lower knowledge, not lower intelligence.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More

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      Treasures from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career on sale including Armani suits & legendary kits…after he died £8m in debt

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      INCREDIBLE treasures owned by legendary manager Sven-Goran Eriksson have been put on sale – including a snazzy Armani suit and various winners medals.Football went into mourning when the legendary coach passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 in August last year.Valuable items once owned by the late Sven-Goran Eriksson have been put up for saleCredit: The TimesIncluded is the legend’s winning Serie A medal with LazioCredit: bna.nuweauctionsThe manager’s Armani suit he wore during his time as England boss will also be floggedCredit: bna.nuweauctionsEriksson was one of the country’s best performing managers, taking the national team to two World Cups and one Euros quarter final.But eye-opening accounts published in his native Sweden on January 14 reveal he had debts totalling 118 million kronor – the equivalent of £8.6 million – when he died.A staggering £7.2 million of that was owed to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK.Now, a cluster of the late manager’s valuable belongings have been flogged.read more Sven Goran ErikssonThe items all have a starting price of 100 Swedish Krona, equal to roughly £7. The splendid collection feature items commemorating Sven’s accomplished career as head coach of the England national team, Italian giants Lazio and Roma and in the Premier League with Manchester City, among others.The collection includes several Armani and Burton jackets from Eriksson’s time as England manager.An Ivory Coast jersey signed by iconic former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is included in the auction, as are winning medals from Eriksson’s tenure guiding Lazio and Roma to silverware.Most read in FootballFor the former, punters can put in a bid for the legend’s eye-catching Serie A winners’ medal from the 1999/2000 season.For the latter, a Coppa Italia medal from the same year is available to buy.LIVE: Sven-Göran Eriksson is laid to rest at funeral in Torsby, SwedenAn award commemorating the Swede’s Premier League Manager of the Month award during his time as gaffer of Manchester City also features.LEGENDARY BOSSThe Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001.He managed superstars such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.During his time with England Eriksson managed 67 matches, he won 40 and lost 10 – of his 67 games 40 were competitive.Eriksson left the England role after the 2006 World Cup and would later manage a host of clubs at domestic and international level.Due to his health issues, he was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.Revealing his illness in January, Eriksson told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.He added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.”But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”The 76-year-old has now seen his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video where he gave a touching farewell.TEARFUL FAREWELLSven gave a poignant final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.During Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s “Golden Generation” went from 17th in the world rankings to fifth.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s nabbed the Manager of the Month prize during his time as gaffer of Manchester CityCredit: bna.nuweauctionsIconic striker Didier Drogba’s gave his signed Ivory Coast jersey to his former managerCredit: bna.nuweauctionsA handful of other signed jerseys from previous teams Eriksson coached are included in the auctionCredit: bna.nuweauctionsSven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001) More

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      Declan Rice pelted with bottles by Dinamo Zagreb fans in shameful scenes during Arsenal Champions League clash

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      DECLAN RICE received a shower of beer bottles and cups during Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.The England international lit the blue touch paper two minutes into the Croatian giants’ visit to the Emirates on Wednesday night.Declan Rice broke the deadlock in Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Dinamo ZagrebCredit: EPAA minority of Zagreb fans targeted the Gunners midfielder with bottles and cupsCredit: REUTERSRice ended up being struck by one of the missilesCredit: GETTYGunner skipper Martin Odegaard was also in the the firing lineCredit: GettyAnd sections of the travelling supporters took their anger out on the midfielder by twice pelting him with missiles.The first incident occurred in the tenth minute when Rice looked to take a corner, with bottles, cups and what appeared to be a lighter being thrown.Yobs in the Zagreb end targeted Rice again in the 27th minute with even more missiles, one of which hit the midfielder.Footie fans watching the match took to social media to blast the louts, with one writing on X: “These Zagreb fans are actually crazy.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother sarcastically said: “Classy from Zagreb fans.”And another said: “Absolutely nasty from Zagreb fans throwing stuff at Declan.”One remarked: “What is the point of stewards?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”They’re literally just stood watching Rice get peppered by the Zagreb fans when he goes over to take a corner.”Most read in FootballAnother chimed in: “Well I must say, that’s definitely a new and interesting tactic for stopping Arsenal corners.Mikel Arteta admits that he uses music to inspire his Arsenal players “Kudos to the Zagreb fans for their creativity and stupidity.”The actions of a minority of Zagreb’s fans will likely land the Croatian champions in hot water with Uefa.European football’s governing body could now throw the book at Zagreb, who will likely have to pay a penalty fine.The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners and all-but sealed automatic qualification for the last-16 thanks to second half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. More

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did it

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has made a flying start to life in Turkey.The former Manchester United manager led Besiktas to a thumping 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kickstarted his Besiktas reign with an impressive winCredit: GettyHis side beat Atletic Bilbao 3-0 in the Europa LeagueCredit: APSolskjaer has been out of work since leaving Old Trafford in 2021 but has returned to management on an 18-month, £3million deal.Former Norwich City man Milot Rashica scored twice while Rafa Silva and ex-West Ham man Joao Mario also scored.Solskjaer said: “This is a very good start for the team and a great result.”But most of all, it’s great to see how my players fought for each other and how connected my players were with the fans, against a great football team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Since we started working with the players, we’ve worked on confidence.”Football is about feeling good. We got everything we wanted tonight.”We worked together as a team. It’s easier to win when you work hard and work smart.”Fans were quick to work out why Solskjaer’s side had such joy in his first match, pointing to Atletic Bilbao’s high line.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne reacted saying: “Athletic Bilbao playing a high line against Solskjaer? They really aren’t familiar.”Another added: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroying a top of the table team playing a high line.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer holds his first training day as manager of Besiktas And a third wrote: “They played a high line against an Ole side. Were they not informed?”Besiktas are sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and face Antalyaspor on Sunday in Solskjaer’s first domestic game. More

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      Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flares

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE clash was suspended after just 72 seconds due to fans’ flares.Feyenoord hosted Bayern Munich on matchday seven at De Kuip.Feyenoord fans set off flares in the early stages of their match with Bayern MunichCredit: XThe flares began as the players got ready for kick-offCredit: RexPlay had to be suspended due to the thick smokeCredit: GettyBut with just over a minute on the clock in the 8pm kick-off, the referee had to halt proceedings. That is because the Feyenoord fans set off a ton of flares inside the stadium in scenes more akin to November 5 than a football match.The fireworks and smoke bombs started as the players made their final preparations on the pitch for kick-off.But once the fires of pyrotecnics died down, they were replaced with a huge cloud of smoke.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it became so bad that visibility was reduced for the players and officials on the pitch that the referee temporarily paused the Champions League match.Play was stopped for more than five minutes as everyone waited for the smoke to dissipate. And once the referee was happy, he allowed the game to continue.But on 21 minutes, the stadium exploded into life once again.Most read in Champions LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThat is because Santiago Gimenez gave the Dutch side the lead.Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae failed to deal with a ball over the top.Man United players don’t trust Amorim’s tactics or each other – the utter humiliation by Brighton proved itThat allowed Gimenez to run in behind.And the Mexican took his strike early, sweeping a fine left-footed finish past Manuel Neuer. Seven minutes of injury time were added on at the end of the first half to make up for the early delay. Right at the end of the seven minutes, Feyenoord launched a blistering counter attack.The danger appeared to be cleared but then Raphael Guerreiro – who had only just come on for Alphonso Davies – stuck his leg into a needless challenge.The ref had no choice but to point to the spot.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Gimenez stepped up to blast home the penalty in the ninth added minute.Ayase Ueda then rounded off the 3-0 win in the 89th minute – with Feyenoord’s third shot on target while Bayern had 30 attempts. The fireworks made for an impressive display and a crackling atmosphereCredit: APFeyenoord fans were desperate to give their side any advantage possibleCredit: RexPlay was simply not possible with the reduced visibilityCredit: RexSantiago Gimenez scored twice in the first half once the smoke clearedCredit: Getty More

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      Sam Allardyce, 70, dreaming of return to management at former club with three other bosses in running

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      STEVEN SCHUMACHER is favourite to become Bolton boss — while Sam Allardyce dreams of an emotional return.Ian Evatt, 43, has left after four and a half years with Wanderers ninth in League One, three points outside the play-off places after a run of just two wins in nine.Bolton parted company with manager Ian Evatt on WednesdayCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is the leading candidate to replace EvattCredit: GETTYWanderers legend Sam Allardyce is dreaming of a return to the clubCredit: GETTYAllardyce, 70, fancies a return to the club he managed from 1999 to 2007 but his wages would be a big step up for Bolton.Schumacher, 40, is available and keen to return to management — with no compensation required.The former Plymouth and Stoke City boss has experience and success at the level so looks a perfect match.Bolton have invested in the squad and want the return of promotion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey may pay for a rival club manager but it would help if he was a free agent.Rotherham’s Steve Evans has support while St Mirren’s high flying Stephen Robinson is another possible as the Bolton regime look for a solution.Former Barrow boss Evatt joined Wanderers in July 2020 and guided the club to automatic promotion from League Two in his first season.He led the Trotters to EFL Trophy glory at Wembley in 2023, in addition to reaching the League One play-off final last season, which ended in a 2-0 loss to Oxford.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSam Allardyce’s wage demands could scupper an emotional return to the clubCredit: GETTYEvatt said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.”Working with Sharon and Nick (Luckock) has been a pleasure, and I’ve been superbly backed along the way by my team of staff and the players.Victor Adeboyejo on joining Bolton Wanderers“There comes a point in football when a change needs to happen and the last thing I want is to damage what we have all built together.“I believe the Club is still well placed to achieve its goals this season, and I want to give the Board and players the best chance of doing that.“I am very grateful for everybody’s support and to be the manager of this wonderful football club has been the greatest honour of my career.”To our fans, thank you for the support you have shown me and my staff.“Together we have created some very special memories and I will always be a fan of this amazing football club.” More

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      Arsene Wenger changed my life with two-minute meeting and life lesson – I’ll never forget that conversation

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      EMMANUEL PETIT has revealed the major impact a brief training ground conversation with Arsene Wenger had on the rest of his life.Wenger brought his fellow Frenchman to Arsenal in the summer of 1997 from his former club Monaco for a fee of £2.5million.Arsene Wenger brought Emmanuel Petit to Arsenal along with Marc Overmars in the summer of 1997Credit: PAWenger knew his country from his time in charge of MonacoCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDA conversation he had with a teenager Petit still lives in the retired midfielder’s memoryCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe pair, however, were already well acquainted as Wenger handed the defensive midfielder his professional debut with the Ligue 1 club.A teenage Petit shone in that match against then big boys Sochaux but cut a dejected figure in training the following day.Sensing something was up, Wenger pulled him for a chat – in which he gave the future France star a life lesson he’d never forget.During an appearance on That Peter Crouch podcast, Petit said: “After that game, I was man of the match but the following day at the training session, it was a beautiful day on Sunday morning, and I was not happy at all.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”And I was very quiet, I didn’t talk to anyone. I knew I did something good the day before but for my first game, I should’ve been proud of it.”But I was not happy at all and he asked me to have a meeting with him for a couple of minutes on the pitch.”And he looked at me and he said, ‘Manu, if you want to discover what kind of player you can be on the pitch, you must discover what kind of human being you want to be in this world.'”And he said, ‘If you are able to open your eyes, you will see the beautiful things in the world. Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”There is not always bad things in the world.”‘There are beautiful people and beautiful things. You just have to see and to look at [them] the right way.Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup draw”So he taught me lessons, but he was supporting me all the time.”And he looked at me and he said, ‘That’s why I want you to go outside after the game.”‘I want you to socialise with people to open your heart and your mind to people and you will discover the world is bigger than what you think in your head.'”So I said, ‘Why are you asking [this] from me?’ He said, ‘I want you to go to nightclubs, I want you to have drinks.”‘I want you to see girls or boys whatever you want. “‘I want you to live your life to understand what kind of guy you can become and then I can help you to become a better player.’Emmanuel Petit will never forget that conversation he had with Arsene WengerCredit: REUTERS”So I said, ‘Gaffer, you ask me to go t nightclubs?’ So he said, ‘I trust you because we know everything behind players.”‘We don’t have a spy at the club. We know because it’s a small town. We know exactly what’s going on in Monaco.”‘And we know that every single when you finish your training session you go back home.”‘Every time you finish the game you go back home. You don’t have a life. You live alone in the dark.'”READ MORE SUN STORIESPetit would go on to make 118 appearances for Arsenal over a three-season period, in which he won the double with the North Londoners in the 1997/98 season.He’d also make 63 appearances for his country, whom he scored for in a successful 1998 World Cup final against Brazil. More

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      PSG vs Man City LIVE SCORE: Latest Champions League updates as Guardiola’s side face crunch tie in Paris

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      MANCHESTER CITY travel to PSG for a crunch Champions League clash TONIGHT.Both teams find themselves well adrift of the top eight with just two league phase matches remaining.Defeat for either side would end their chances of automatically progressing to the last-16 of the Champions League – meaning they would be forced to scrap in the knockout play-offs or be eliminated from the competition completely.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+PSG team: Donnarumma, Mendes, Pacho, Marquinhos, Hakimi, Ruiz, Neves, Vitinha, Barcola, Doue; Lee Kang-InMan City team: Ederson, Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Savinho, Foden, HaalandCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More