Soccer

ARSENAL have tasked a former fan favourite with finding the next Bukayo Saka.Ex-Gunners captain Per Mertesacker hopes to bring another golden ticket through the club’s youth ranks.Ex-Arsenal centre back Per Mertesacker is currently the manager of Arsenal AcademyCredit: GettyThe club are hoping to find the next Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyArsenal first-team stars Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have all risen to fame through the Gunners Academy.Mertesacker took over his current role as manager of the Arsenal youth setup in July 2018. And the towering German believes the “most important age group” in the Academy is the under-9s.He claims that by the age of 8, talented youngsters could have “five or six offers from clubs in London.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMertesacker told The Telegraph: “That is where the resources go and also where I need to present to parents. “I would not call it an under-eight transfer market but it is probably close to that.”Mertesacker adds that “football talent” initially gets you into the building on Wadham Road. But he warned: “It’s the character that sets the ceiling. Kicking the ball around is not enough.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We are big on respect and humility – you are here to respect yourself and make yourself better.”You have to respect others and the environment as well.”Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star Mertesacker, who played 104 times for Germany, admits scouting young talent has come a long way from his own playing days.He claims all he could do as an eight-year-old was “run in a straight line.”But despite being tasked with creating the Premier League stars of the future, Mertesacker doesn’t rush his recruits.The 40-year-old eases in youngsters to build an “inclusive environment.”Mertesacker continued: “Obviously it is early, and at that age, you make it fun. “You make it playtime, you make it musical. It’s a foundation phase, where they need to express themselves as much as possible.”Mikel Arteta has given first-team opportunities to a host of academy players in this year’s Carabao CupCredit: AlamyLiverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most.Mertesacker’s success was in evidence earlier this month in a Carabao Cup third round tie against Bolton. Boss Mikel Arteta named academy product Jack Porter, 16, as goalkeeper for the clash.It made him the youngest-ever player to start for the Gunners.Teenagers Ayden Heaven, Josh Nichols, Ismeal Kabia and Maldini Kacurri could all feature in Wednesday’s fourth-round tie against Preston.Arteta said: “It’s not a question about age, it’s that if they play it’s because they deserve to, the same as the rest of the players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At the end of the day, we have to reward the people who each day they behave in a certain manner and they have the level to play in the manner we want.“I don’t care if they are players from the academy, youth players or seniors, tomorrow they will play.” More

PAUL SCHOLES is not convinced Ruben Amorim is perfect for Manchester United – and claims the club missed out on a better target. The Red Devils are searching for a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday. Sporting Lisbon head coach Rúben Amorim has been approached by Man UtdCredit: GettyFormer Red Devils star Paul Scholes believes the club have already missed out on the perfect coachCredit: AlamyUnited have agreed to pay Amorim’s £8.3million release fee with Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon. But Scholes believes the board should have acted sooner to secure the services of new England boss Thomas Tuchel.He told The Overlap Fan Debate: “I think Thomas Tuchel was the right one to coach Manchester United, but obviously he’s gone now with England. “He’s someone that can manage an elite football club and win big games. He’s been there and done it.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim has twice won the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Sporting.He boasts an impressive 71.85 win percentage since joining the club in March 2020.But Scholes can’t help but feel there are comparisons with Ten Hag after he arrived from Ajax two years ago with similarly impressive numbers. Scholes continued: “I agree on Ruben Amorim – [the hype] feels a bit like Erik ten Hag [joined Manchester United].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He’s coming from the Portuguese league which is a bit better than the Dutch league. “What he’s done there has been good – he looks charismatic, and he has a bit about him.Ruben Amorim jets in for Man Utd talks with Sporting boss set to be in charge for Chelsea clash on Sunday“I know he’s meant to sign in the coming days and hours, but Sporting play Manchester City next week, and Arsenal in the next three or four weeks.”It might be a chance to give him a public interview, and see how he handles the media, see how his team plays.”Despite his reservations, Scholes is excited to see Amorim’s potential impact on a shot-shy United team.The Red Devils have scored just 8 goals in 9 Premier League games this season, the third-lowest in the division. Thomas Tuchel was announced as England boss earlier this monthCredit: SplashRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.He continued “In England, we don’t watch a lot of Portuguese football, so we don’t know too much. “We see them a bit in European football, and all the things we hear about him are good – exciting football, three at the back and possession-based – something United don’t really do. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he comes in to do that, it could be exciting.”Paul Scholes was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. More

PREMIER LEAGUE leaders Manchester City are in cup action this week, traveling to face Spurs in a tasty fixture.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the League Cup encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesSpurs vs Man City previewAnge Postecoglou was raging after defeat to toiling Crystal Palace on Sunday and needs to pick his players – and himself – up for a tough cup tie at home to Manchester City.Spurs have won their last four at home and seven of their last nine games home and away – their only two losses coming in both of their last two away.Their issue? They’re coming up against an unbeaten machine in Manchester City, who’ve now moved back to the top of the table.This ground and this away fixture proved to be a bogey trip for Pep Guardiola’s side, losing five on the spin before winning both of their last two trips here – both in 2024.Tottenham vs Man City latest oddsManchester City at 8/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Tottenham vs Man City prediction and betting tipsGoals showThere have been 15 goals scored in City’s last four games. Might not sound too many, but that includes Saturday’s 1-0 win.Spurs’ high line here will be put to the test and with it being a one-off cup tie, someone needs to win.And you know for a fact both managers will go out to win it. Could be entertaining.Over 4.5 goals at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECity slickHaving said that both will look to win, City come into this favourites.They’re yet to taste defeat this season and easy to see why.Won this cup four times on spin from 2018 to 2021 but not since. Will want to set that record straight.Man City to win and BTTS at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More