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      Chelsea’s leadership group revealed with no Cole Palmer and forgotten star who hasn’t played for FOUR YEARS

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      CHELSEA’S leadership group has reportedly been revealed amid their torrid run.The West Londoners have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions, in which they’ve conceded eleven goals.Several Chelsea players were reportedly frustrated by a lack of leadership from senior players in recent weeksCredit: REUTERSSkipper Reece James is said to have reacted by arranging a team meal to boost moraleCredit: REXEnzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are said to be part of Chelsea’s leadership groupCredit: GETTYThe downturn in form has seen Enzo Maresca’s troops surrender fourth place to struggling Prem champions Manchester City.And the leadership shown by senior players in recent weeks has reportedly prompted “concerns” from several squad members.The Athletic claims the concerned players made their thoughts known to skipper Reece James and other figures in the leadership group.James is said to have promptly arranged a team meal in a bid to boost morale.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe Blues’ leadership group is said to consist of defenders Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, as well as midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is also reportedly part of the group – despite having not played in nearly four years and having only made one appearance for the club.Chelsea stopped a three-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 4-0 thrashing of Championship-bound Southampton.Maresca told the BBC: “[I’m] very happy [with the result]. We said already that from now on every game is important.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSForgotten stopper Marcus Bettinelli is also said to be part of the leadership groupCredit: GETTY”And if we get three points, it’s even better. First of all, every game is tricky and anything can happen.”We have to embrace that and we started the game in the right way.Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wing “This is the worst game because everyone takes it for granted. It’s dangerous.”I think the performance was there. Even the last game against Aston Villa the performance was there.The Blues will be back in action next Thursday, travelling to Denmark to take on FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last 16 tie. More

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      Humble Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he will NEVER agree to replace a sacked manager after turning down 40 jobs

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed why he snubbed former club Molde.The Norwegian, 52, was out of work for three years following his Manchester United exit.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of Besiktas last monthCredit: RexHe returned to the dugout last month, replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst after he was let go Besiktas.Speaking to The Athletic, Solskjaer revealed that he turned down “at least 40″ jobs as he waited for the right opportunity.Among them were Molde, where he worked between 2011 and 2014, and 2015 to 2018.Solskjaer could have replaced Erling Moe, who worked as his No2 at Molde, as boss.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut that did not sit right with him.”It’s a big thing for me,” he admitted. “I’d never take a job which someone had been released from without their agreement.”Moe, 54, has since reunited with Solskjaer as his assistant in Turkey.When it was raised that he was in the fortunate financial position to be able to say no, Solskjaer added: “I get that, but that’s me. I’ve just had three years out of management.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSErling Moe was Solskjaer’s assistant at MoldeCredit: AFP”I didn’t waste that time: I studied, worked for Uefa where I studied tactical trends, went to games, coached my son’s under-16s team.”I really enjoyed it and being with family. I’ve spent nights with Man Utd supporters and I’ve loved that connection.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Besiktas for having ‘no scouting department’ after suffering humiliating Europa League exit “I had so much positive feedback that I started to think ‘Yeah, I did alright actually as a manager’.”Solskjaer has had a promising start to life at Besiktas.The Turkish giants won their country’s domestic cup last season, but had been languishing in seventh when Solskjaer arrived.He has since taken charge of eight games in all competitions; winning six, drawing one and losing just once.Quizzed if he has spoken to Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho since moving to Turkey, Solskjaer said: “No, but we’ll play them soon. I have huge respect for Jose and what he’s done in football.”We’ve never really sat down and spoken for a long time because it was Covid time when I was at United and he was at Spurs. But I’ll see him soon when we meet.”Besiktas are scheduled to face Fenerbahce away from home on May 4.Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho are set to reunite in TurkeyCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 26: Jean-Philippe Mateta among alternatives to popular choice Mohamed Salah

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      DREAM TEAM managers haven’t had to think all that hard about captaincy in recent weeks.Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) is by far and away the game’s top performer having racked up 433 points at an average of 11.1 per game.The popular choice for a reasonCredit: PAOpting to double the returns of Liverpool’s top scorer has essentially been the only logical choice for the majority of the campaign.But ahead of Gameweek 26, gaffers should at least entertain some other possibilities.Staying loyal to Salah will be the most popular decision but the Reds’ only fixture is a tricky one in the form of PSG away in the Champions League round of 16.Luis Enrique’s side have won 14 of their last 15 games and smashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-off round of Europe’s most prestigious competition.Such is Salah’s form, he could easily run amok in the French capital but Dream Team bosses who prioritise fixtures above all else when deciding their strategy may be hesitant to captain the 32-year-old on this occasion.Lone rangerCredit: ReutersGaffers brave enough to bet against Salah in Gameweek 26 will be tempted to bestow the armband on Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m).Manchester United’s captain top scored in Gameweek 25 when he earned a combined total of 27 points from outings against Everton and Ipswich.The Red Devils are almost totally reliant on the Portugal international and so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he started against Fulham (FA Cup) and Real Sociedad (Europa League) in the coming days.Most read in FootballIf this is the case then he may end up playing twice as many minutes as Salah in Gameweek 26.Fernades averages 7.1 points-per-game this season and so it’s reasonable to expect a healthy double-digit haul from him, making him a appealing captaincy option.Corner flags bewareCredit: GettyAlternatively, Dream Team managers might want to target an FA Cup mismatch.Crystal Palace are in fine form right now and Oliver Glasner tends to name strong starting line-ups in the domestic cups.Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.7m) could feast against Millwall on Saturday if unleashed from the off at Selhurst Park.The Frenchman has scored eight goals in nine games since the turn of the year.Captaining a defender would be a very bold move indeed but Daniel Munoz (£5.1m) is worthy of a mention on current form.The Eagles’ Colombian wing-back has contributed to six clean sheets in nine outings – he’s also provided two goals and three assists in the same time frame.Should Guardiola prioritise the FA Cup for the remainder of the season?Credit: GettyElsewhere, Manchester City’s meeting with Plymouth leaps out of the schedule.Pep Guardiola’s side are not at the peak of their powers by any means but a home game against a team in the relegation zone of the Championship is bursting with potential.The FA Cup is the last remaining route to a trophy for City in 2024/25 (not including the post-season Club World Cup) and so a relatively strong starting XI is to be expected.Whether that includes Erling Haaland (£8.1m) remains to be seen – the big No9 only returned from injury in midweek.But with no European fixture in midweek, there’s no real need for Guardiola to take it easy on Saturday.The Pilgrims did upset Liverpool in the last round but a capitulation at the Etihad seems more likely that lightning striking twice.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s almost certainly a worthy captain in City’s ranks in Gameweek 26, he’s just not all that easy to pick out of the crowd.Whatever you decide, make sure to select your captain before 6:30pm today! More

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      Gary Lineker moves to ITV with Match of the Day host to hold ‘most honest interview yet’

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      GARY LINEKER is set for a move to ITV – but he won’t be heading up their footie coverage.SunSport exclusively revealed last year that Lineker’s incredible run as Match of the Day host will come to an end this summer.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season and the Beeb next summerCredit: PALineker has been presenting MOTD since 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former Everton and England star is set to appear on a brand new ITV showCredit: RexLineker is set to leave the Beeb in the summer of 2026.And he’s already bagged himself a temporary gig on a new ITV show.The former Everton and England hitman has been confirmed as the first star on the broadcaster’s new show, Assembly, where guests will face their “most honest interview yet”.In the show, Lineker will field questions from people who are neurodivergent, autistic and/or learning disabled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ITV statement read: “After a long and illustrious career as both a Golden Boot-winning footballer and top sports broadcaster, and with his tenure as the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day drawing to a close this summer, there’s no end to the stories that Lineker might share.”Carefully considered PR fluff won’t cut it on this show.”And the celebrities can expect plenty of mischief and surprises once they get in the hotseat.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker will officially leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup finalCredit: PALineker will appear on the show with other celebs, including former Doctor Who, David Tennant, Little Mix star Jade Thirwall and actor Danny Dyer.Most read in FootballITV have previously tried to acquire Lineker’s services, offering him a chance to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceDuring a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast, he revealed: “Do you know, last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”He added: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million!'”He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget.'”Lineker’s 25-year stint presenting Match of the Day will end at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.He will, however, head up the Beeb’s coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA.The final of the tournament, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19, will be his farewell appearance for the broadcaster.It was announced in December that Lineker will be replaced by veteran footie presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. More

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      AC Milan boss ready to quit without compensation just two months after joining – despite already winning a trophy

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      AC MILAN manager Sergio Conceicao has furiously threatened to QUIT the club after just two months in charge.Conceicao took over at the San Siro in December after replacing Paulo Fonseca.AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao has furiously threatened to quit the clubCredit: RexAnd he has already led Milan to Italian Supercup glory – beating arch rivals Inter 3-2 in the final. But their league form has dipped with Conceicao winning just eight and losing five of his 16 games in charge. Milan sit eighth in the league and recently lost 2-1 to Bologna – leaving Conceicao considering his future. He said: “Every day, people talk about my situation and it’s not fair.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I know what I want, I know what I can do, I see a lot of people talking about me but the situation is simple. “If I have to leave, they tell me ‘you’re no longer needed’, I take my suitcase and leave without asking for a single Euro more. “I don’t come from nowhere. I have almost 100 games in the Champions League, I have won 13 trophies, but every day, they like to talk about me. “Coaches criticise me on match day. I have a family, I have people close to me and they see a lot of bad things about me and it’s not fair. Sorry for the outburst.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMilan – also knocked out of the Champions League – took the lead against Bologna through Rafael Leao. But goals from Santiago Castro and Dan Ndoye condemned the Serie A giants to defeat as Conceicao hit out at referee Maurizio Mariani. Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wingHe fumed: “There was a blatant handball in the first goal. All the incidents that are negative for us become decisive for the result. “We have to keep working, see what we did well. There are also our mistakes, obviously. “In general, we are connected to the game, we know where to attack and press. “When we are in the game and we do what we prepare, we create and arrive at the last 30 metres with ease and quality, but then incidents happen, sometimes through our fault and sometimes through the fault of others.” More

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      ‘Upset’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals Man Utd star he would never have sold as ex-manager blasts transfer decision

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is “upset” Manchester United sold Scott McTominay.The former Red Devils manager admitted he still watches his old side when he can, with Solskjaer now in charge of Turkish giants Besiktas.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he still watches Man Utd gamesCredit: GettyHe believes the club made a mistake selling Scott McTominayCredit: ReutersHe is pleased to see some of his former players doing well but believes the decision to sell McTominay was a mistake.Solskjaer said McTominay was an important part of the team on and off the pitch – as well as his goals he provided a good understanding of the club.Asked if he still watches United matches, Solskjaer told The Athletic: “When I can. “It’s still good to see Bruno Fernandes and Harry [Maguire] doing well. And Scotty [McTominay] is doing well at Napoli. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I’m upset that we let him go because he was important last season when he kept popping up with goals. “His heart and his knowledge of the culture were important.”McTominay, 28, has proved a big hit since leaving Old Trafford.He is adored in Napoli by fans, players and his manager Antonio Conte, having scored seven goals in 28 games this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Italian press have described the midfielder as “the new leader of Napoli” and “the next Maradona” due to the impact he’s had.Napoli fans have fallen for McTominay and have nicknamed him “McTotally”.Roy Keane slams Man Utd in angriest ever rant and has bust-up with Wright over BrunoMeanwhile Solskjaer has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Besiktas, winning six of his first eight games. More

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      ‘True gentleman’ Tomas Soucek reveals why he changed his celebration against Leicester

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      TOMAS SOUCEK has been hailed for holding back with his celebrations during West Ham’s 2-0 win over Leicester City on Thursday night.Soucek opened the scoring for the Hammers on his 30th birthday as the East London club won consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March 2024.Tomas Soucek held back from his trademark celebration after scoring the opener against Leicester on ThursdayCredit: GettySoucek is known to stretch his arms out and spin around for his usual celebrationCredit: GettyDespite prodding in the opener in front of a full home stadium, Soucek held back from doing his trademark celebration.The Czech Republic international is known for his spinning celebration that sees him stretch his arms out and spin around twice before leaping up and punching the air.However, the midfielder opted against doing so on Thursday and instead kept things cool with his arms down by his side.Now Soucek has revealed the “gentlemanly” reason he avoided doing his usual celebration, choosing to respect Leicester’s late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. READ MORE WEST HAM NEWSSpeaking after the match, he said: “I didn’t think my normal helicopter celebration was the right thing to do because of what happened to the Leicester owner.”I wanted to celebrate my goal with my team, but I also wanted to show respect to our opponents.”Late Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of five people who lost their lives in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium in 2018.The October 27 crash occurred after the helicopter took off from inside the stadium following a 1-1 draw between Leicester and West Ham.Most read in FootballLeicester City Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSrivaddhanaprabha lost his life alongside employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare and co-pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Roza Lechowicz.A recent inquest has ruled that the crash was an incident.Graham Potter makes five-word comment the moment he entered press conference after West Ham clashFans have credited Soucek for his decision to not use his usual celebration.On social media, one wrote: “That sums the bloke up, a true gentleman and a Hammer”.While another added: “That is how you know he is the absolute epitome of a gentleman”.And a third posted: “A class act, on and off the pitch.”Soucek’s goal was compounded by a Jannik Vestergaard own goal just two minuted before half time.The victory for Graham Potter’s side means they are now level on points with 14th placed Manchester United and 13th spot Tottenham.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Leicester the defeat means they have now lost 11 of their last 12 Premier League games.Relegation is now staring Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side straight in the face, with the foxes five points clear of safety and sat in 19th spot. More

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      Inside Marc Cucurella’s stunning home as Chelsea star and partner Claudia give glimpse inside plush pad

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      MARC CUCURELLA has given fans a glimpse inside his stunning home.The Chelsea defender, 26, has settled with the West London club since moving from Brighton in 2022.Marc Cucurella and girlfriend Claudia showed their stunning homeCredit: cucurella3 / boconceptukThe spacious lounge featured a cream-coloured themeCredit: cucurella3 / boconceptukCucurella has a perfect spot to tune into the footballCredit: cucurella3 / boconceptukCucurella lives with long-term girlfriend Claudia Rodriguez and their three children; Mateo, five, Rio, three, and Bella, two.The Spaniard has been working with Danish designers BoConcept to spruce up his home.In his latest Instagram post, Cucurella posted several images from inside his property, while thanking BoConcept.His caption read: “Thanks for helping us make our house, our home.”READ MORE ON CHELSEAIn the first picture, Cucurella beamed alongside Claudia as they sat on their comfy-looking cream coloured sofa.His second showed off their vast lounge area, sporting a similar colour scheme and minimalist decor.Cucurella’s third image featured the view from his sofa, a big-screen TV perfect for watching the football… or a certain classic kids’ film.Speaking to TNT Sports, Cucurella recently revealed that his favourite film is none other than Disney epic The Lion King.Most read in FootballThe ace said: “(My favourite film?) The Lion King.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis area is ideal for relaxing with a coffeeCredit: cucurella3 / boconceptukThe eight-seat dining table features a view of the gardenCredit: cucurella3 / boconceptuk“I watch it maybe twice each day, so I want to choose this one.”A fourth picture showed off a coffee table surrounded by three comfortable-looking armchairs, perfect for relaxing with a coffee.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him While the fifth and final image of Cucurella’s post featured his eight-seat dining table, decorated with flowers and featuring a view into his sprawling garden.Shortly after moving to Chelsea, Cucurella’s home was targeted by vile crooks.The burglary is understood to have understandably contributed to his initial struggles to settle in with the Blues.He was one of three Chelsea stars to be targeted by criminals that season, with Raheem Sterling and Reece James’ homes also broken into.Having not enjoyed much game time during his first season, Cucurella has since established himself as a Chelsea regular.He has made 25 Premier League appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side this season, scoring three goals and laying on two assists.Cucurella’s young family are now settled in LondonCredit: instagram/@_claurodri More