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      I’m a Tottenham legend despite getting sacked after 12 months… I know what Spurs must do to beat Liverpool

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      JUANDE RAMOS calls himself a “Spurs legend” as he is the last boss to lift a trophy at the club.The Spaniard won just 19 of his 54 games — but one was a match fans will never forget.Juande Ramos won just 19 of his 54 games in charge of TottenhamCredit: GettyBut one of them was the League Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdAnd Ramos knows how Spurs can repeat their Wembley glory from 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrailing 1-0 to Chelsea at Wembley, Tottenham fought back to win in extra-time as Jonathan Woodgate’s 94th-minute header put the Carling Cup in their trophy cabinet.Despite the high-profile managerial appointments of Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, there has been no more silverware at Spurs since February 24, 2008.But Ramos — who was sacked in October that year after 12 months in charge — now hopes Ange Postecoglou can change all that.Ange’s side take a 1-0 lead to Anfield for tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRamos, 70, said: “I am a Tottenham legend because I am the last manager to win a trophy.“Whether I am regarded like that or not, I don’t know! But I think I am.“It’s been way too many years for a tremendous club without enjoying success.“This is a club that has everything to win lots of titles.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“At some point the drought has to end and let’s hope it’s as soon as possible. The fans deserve it.”If Postecoglou does end the club’s tedious wait for silverware, it would also mean Ramos’ name could disappear from memory. ‘Jack Grealish was a Tottenham player’ – Ex-Spurs chief reveals two huge transfers to ‘replace irreplaceable’ fell apart But the former Real Madrid and Sevilla boss added: “Tottenham are a club that is in my heart and that I love very much.“I hope they win the Carabao Cup, never mind if I go from being the last to penultimate manager to win a trophy.“That doesn’t change the happy narrative of Juande Ramos’ time at Tottenham. I wasn’t there for long but we had a great time.”Ramos warns that aiming to just sit and defend their 1-0 lead at Anfield is a bad idea.He said: “It’s unlikely that Liverpool won’t score at all in 90 minutes.“If they go there to defend it, it’s going to be very difficult to survive.“They have to take risks, take their game to Liverpool. If Liverpool level the tie, Tottenham will have a mountain to climb.“But this game is way more important for Tottenham than for Liverpool because it’s their best chance of winning a trophy.”At Wembley 17 years ago, Didier Drogba gave Chelsea a first-half lead before Dimitar Berbatov’s 70th-minute penalty and Woodgate’s header completed a shock comeback.Ramos said: “Chelsea were the biggest team in England and Europe at the time.“They were clear favourites. We were in mid-table but saw them off and won deservedly.“It was a huge surprise, which made it all the sweeter for the fans.”But his time was up after taking two points from the first eight games of the 2008-09 season.And Ramos laid the blame at the club’s door for selling — and not replacing — lethal duo Berbatov and Robbie Keane.He said: “It was totally unfair because the club sold the two strikers who had scored 44 goals the previous year. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it’s always the manager who pays the price.“After I got sacked, the club splashed £51million to sign Jermain Defoe and others in December.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Stunning stat shows Chelsea star Cole Palmer is Europe’s most creative player – but hasn’t earned a SINGLE assist

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      COLE PALMER has not registered an assist for two months despite being the most creative player in Europe.The Chelsea star has scored 14 goals this season and is on course to match his tally of 22 from last term.Cole Palmer has not registered an assist in two monthsCredit: GettyPalmer registered 15 assists during his first year with the Blues, but he is well behind this campaign with just six to his name. And a shocking stat shows he is perhaps being let down by his team-mates’ poor finishing.The assists have dried up recently and his last one came when he set up Enzo Fernandez in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on December 1.Palmer has still been Chelsea’s main man, making 32 chances in the 11 Premier League games since.READ MORE ON COLE PALMERNo other player in Europe’s top five divisions has been as creative across the last two months.That includes Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who have assisted six and seven goals respectively in this period.Despite Palmer’s baron assist run, he did set up Chelsea’s winner against West Ham on Monday night.But his cross deflected in off Aaron Wan-Bissaka and with it going down as an own goal – no assist could be given.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPalmer’s lack of assists coincides with a drop in form for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.He has not scored in his last eight Premier League games.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsPalmer and Jackson have previously been a deadly duo, combining for 11 goals since the start of the 2023/24 season.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia joins Champions League side in loan transfer and could face Arsenal

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      TYRELL MALACIA has completed a loan move away from Manchester United.The defender will spend the rest of the season at Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.Tyrell Malacia has left Manchester United on loanCredit: GettyMalacia, 25, will now feature in the Champions League and could come up against Arsenal.The Dutchman could face the Gunners if PSV overcome Juventus in the play-off round.Malacia may never return to Old Trafford for the Red Devils as PSV have the option to make his move permanent in the summer.Manchester United will also have his wages fully covered by PSV during the length of the loan.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe defender was expected to leave the club in January, but his exit was thrown into doubt after a move to Benfica collapsed.He joined the club initially in 2022 and showed promise in his debut season with 39 appearances.However, Malacia then picked up a lengthy injury and missed the 2023-24 campaign.After finally regaining his fitness this season and the appointment of Ruben Amorim, he went on to play eight times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the manager opted to let him leave the club after the January arrival of Patrick Dorgu.The Danish left-back joined Man United from Lecce in a deal worth £25million.Man Utd fans say ‘looks like a beast’ as forgotten star appears ripped in boxing training 502 days since last appearanceHe has put pen to paper on a contract worth £40,000-per-week which is the third lowest in the squad.Meanwhile, Malacia has insisted he is aiming to win more than one trophy with his new club.He said: “I’m happy to be here. Finally playing good football again.”I am coming off a long injury, but by now I am fit and know that my time will come again.”In every tough period there are also positive elements and in this case that is that I have become much stronger physically and mentally.”I have more patience, am more mature, know my body better and things like that.”I’m ready to pop and hopefully win several prizes with PSV.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Jack Wilshere’ ‘out of his comfort zone’ in first coaching role since shock Arsenal exit

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      JACK WILSHERE admits he’s been so busy in his new coaching role that he’s barely even had time for a haircut. The former Arsenal star joined the coaching staff at Championship side Norwich City last October. Jack Wilshere has admitted the last few months have been a whirlwind since joining Norwich City as a coachCredit: RexThe ex-Arsenal star left the Gunners academy to become a first-team coach with the CanariesCredit: AlamyWilshere, 33, left his academy position with the Gunners to take up the role at Carrow Road. The ex-England midfielder was forced to cut his playing career short due to persistent injuries. And he is so committed to the new position he’s barely had time to take in his new Norfolk surroundings. Wilshere told the BBC: “I’ve not had much time to go out in Norwich. READ MORE ON ARSENAL NEWS”I got a haircut but apart from that, with the schedule being the way it has been, I haven’t had much time. “Growing up as a player, you were reminded a lot, ‘Don’t be in your comfort zone, don’t be in your comfort zone’, and that kind of always stuck with me.”Wilshere first met Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup while he played in Denmark for Aarhus.He continued: “I saw a few of his teams before, when I played in Denmark, so I sort of knew about him and the way he saw football. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And then when I sat down and spoke with him, it was clear that this was the right step for me.”Wilshere earned 32 caps for England but never fulfilled his potential due to crippling injury issues.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerWith his playing days now behind him, the former Arsenal midfielder is determined to carve out a career in management. Wilshere added: “My ambition – I’ve always been open about this – is to be a head coach at some point.”Now, of course, I don’t know how far that is away.”I’m humble enough to know that being the under-18 head coach and then stepping into first-team football as a head coach is a big step.”Arsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news.He continued: “Trying to grow [as a coach] and trying to develop a playing style and a culture in the club with a new manager and new technical director, it’s really exciting to be part of it. “I’m really grateful to [Norwich Sporting Director Ben Knapper] and Johannes for giving me the opportunity to come and work with them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNorwich are currently in their third consecutive Championship season after relegation from the Premier League in 2022. The Canaries currently sit 8th in the league, on the cusp of the playoffs.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Jose Mourinho congratulates Portugal’s Handball team in swipe at rivals as ex-Spurs star gets away with blatant offence

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      JOSE MOURINHO has congratulated the Portugal Handball team in a swipe at a former Tottenham player.The Fenerbahce manager took issue with Davinson Sanchez’s blatant handball during Galatasaray’s win over Gaziantep.Jose Mourinho has hit out at the refereeing in Turkey yet againCredit: GettyHe shared a picture of Davinson Sanchez’s blatant handball on Monday nightThe Turkish Super Lig leaders ran out 1-0 winners at the Gaziantep Stadium thanks to a goal from Ahmed Kutucu.However, the host should have had a chance to level the game from the spot after Sanchez’s blatant handball.The former Spurs man’s arm was well away from his body as it was struck by the ball.Mourinho, 62, took massive issue with the lack of intervention by the referee.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs manager posted on Instagram a picture of the offence by his former player.He added a caption in which he referenced the Portugal Handball team in a bizarre dig at the referees.He wrote: “In the handball World Cup that ended last Sunday, my Portugal brilliantly reached the semifinals and I want to congratulate them for such an achievement and the impact they will create on our country’s youth.”It is not the first time Mourinho has hit out at the level of officiating in Turkey since being appointed Fenerbahce manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn November, he launched a scathing rant at referees after Trabzonspor were handed two controversial penalties.Last month, in another rant, he branded Turkey’s top-flight as “toxic” after multiple bad challenges from Hatayspor players. Watch classy Jose Mourinho give on-pitch team talk to the OPPOSITION as Fenerbahce secure 3-0 Turkish Cup winMauro Icardi hit back at Mourinho on social mediaCredit: GettyHowever, Mourinho is not gaining the support of everyone as Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi hit back.The Argentine responded to Mourinho on social media as he posted a picture of the “Crying One” meme.Icardi also included an image of a handball by one of the Fenerbahce players as well as a video of an apparent foul on him when the sides met earlier in the season.He shared a picture calling Mourinho the ‘Crying One’Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd flop Antony told ‘good players don’t have to constantly show off skills’ by Real Betis boss after debut assist

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      REAL BETIS boss Manuel Pellegrini has fired a warning to Antony following his impressive LaLiga debut.The on-loan Manchester United winger put in a man-of-the-match performance as Betis drew 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Antony impressed on his debut for Real Betis against Athletic BilbaoCredit: RexThe Brazilian has received a warning from Betis boss Manuel PellegriniCredit: RexAntony, 24, turned provider for Isco just fifteen minutes into his first start in Spain. The Brazilian rushed onto a through ball and lashed a strike towards Unai Simon in the Bilbao goal.It was smartly saved by the keeper – but ex-Real Madrid midfielder Isco was on hand to sweep home.Antony was a constant threat on the right for the hosts, tormenting full-back Inigo Lekue.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was involved again as the hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Romain Perraud. It was a far cry from the 24-year-old’s dismal spell at United, where he was ridiculed for doing needless tricks with the ball while not producing any end product. Following the game, Betis boss Pelligrini sent Anthony a warning to continue his strong start.And he advised the winger from falling back into familiar habits. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPelligrini said: “Well, I think it was a very positive debut.”He’s a quality player. I was talking to him just before the game.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever”I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball.”He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things – a goal, a good pass, a good cross.”I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal.”He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”Antony joined Man Utd in 2022 from Ajax in a deal worth £84million.He mustered just 5 goals in 62 games for the Red Devils, leaving the club with more yellow cards than goals. READ MORE SUN STORIESBetis reportedly do not have an option to buy included in the loan deal that sent Antony to Spain last month. United are still contributing 16 per cent of his mammoth £200,000-a-week salary. More

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      I locked myself in a dark room, refused dinner and talked to myself after missing a penalty, reveals Cristiano Ronaldo

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed he would lock himself in a room and not eat if he missed a chance to score.The Portuguese legend, who turns 40 today, opened up on the impact his career has had on his mental well-being.Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his struggles to cope with failureCredit: GettyCR7 says he would not eat and lock himself away after not scoringCredit: GettyRonaldo’s determination to be the best led to him struggling to cope when he felt he had failed on the pitch.On the emotional toll it took on him, CR7 told LaSexta: “What happens on the pitch. stays on the pitch.”I can’t get back home with my problems from football and get back home with my family. It is not fair on them.”But in the beginning it was very difficult. I tell you clearly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember myself in Madrid for example, missing an opportunity or missing a penalty. I would lock myself in my room, angry at myself.”I did not allow myself to fail and I talked to myself alone with the light off. I was sick. “I would lay down in bed without having any dinner and say, ‘Why did you shoot to the right and not to the left? You’re dumb.'”I was talking to myself like that.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRonaldo posted this snap ahead of his 40th birthdayCredit: Instagram / cristianoWhen it comes to penalties, Ronaldo has scored 171 and missed just 31 across his career, with 13 of the spot-kicks not finding the back of net at Real Madrid.Despite now learning to not take football into his personal life, he has still had struggles with emotion, bursting into tears when his penalty was saved by Jan Oblak at Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOATBut with 923 goals for club and country so far, Ronaldo is convinced he is the GOAT.He said: “I am the best player ever, I believe that.”I’m fast, I’m strong, [I score] with my header, with the left, no one has ever been more complete than me.“You may prefer Pele, Messi, Maradona, I understand and respect that.“If I finish on 920, 925 goals… it doesn’t matter to me at all. I am the best in history. Period.“If I reach 1,000 goals, great. If not, that’s fine too. Numbers don’t lie.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Vinnie Jones buried my tortoise alive while landscaping our back garden… he told me ‘play on son, the ref didn’t see it’

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      VINNIE JONES buried my tortoise alive.It’s not exactly “Freddie Starr ate my hamster” – thankfully dear little Lightning was swiftly dug up, suffering nothing more than a dose of shell shock. But it’s a very true tale.Jones was part of the legendary Wimbledon team who caused one of football’s biggest upsets by beating Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe team lived up to their Crazy Gang tag on and off the pitchCredit: GettyVinnie with Wally Downes Snr after joining Wimbledon in 1986 and then burying his team-mate’s tortoiseLightning enjoying happier times above groundIn 1986, Watford hod carrier Vincent Peter Jones was signed by newly-promoted top-flight side Wimbledon as a young but raw prospect with oodles of potential.In one of the many debacles that plagued Harry Bassett’s magnificent and underrated career, he put the shy Hertfordshire bumpkin under the wing of my dad, midfielder Wally Downes Sr, and said: “Look after him.”With Bassett’s Crazy Gang being a successful rabble of local working-class lads, when the Downes family swapped Shepherds Bush for Kingston-Upon-Thames, my old man didn’t check the Yellow Pages for landscape gardeners.Instead, established first-team pros Mark Morris and Brian Gayle were made project managers – with Jones and a couple of young apprentices roped in to do the leg work.Vin, full of the boundless enthusiasm that would later help him complete the most magnificent FA Cup upset, was eager to impress and set about building the patio.Typically keen to graduate from the cement mixer to more architectural duties, the baby-faced and curly-haired midfielder installed the membrane with expert precision.And then he organised the Dons’ apprentices to rapidly lay the paving slabs to help build new mentor Wally a bespoke BBQ and bar under the glorious weeping willow beloved by the previous owner.Unfortunately, the ex-tenant had also left behind Lightning – a beautiful tortoise who was hibernating throughout the course of the property’s sale.It was agreed after the deeds were exchanged that my mum, Mary, would be in touch as soon as the ancient reptile emerged from its slumber.However, in the weeks after we had the new patio laid, the dinky dinosaur never showed up.Vinnie Jones and Gazza reunited 30 years on from THAT grab And, after repeated visits to the mock-Tudor home, the deflated former owner eventually accepted the loss, along with the estate agents’ fees.Then we realised…And, thankfully before the RSPCA cottoned on, animal-loving Vinnie took a sledgehammer to his freshly laid paving and rescued the bemused Lightning – who is somehow still going today – from the most miserable of deaths.Christ knows what the new neighbours thought, having watched the equivalent of a Premier League side strolling through the allotments and alleyways to build a garden.Lightning, with Wally Jr’s son, also Wally, has somehow survived up to this todayVinnie attacked the rescue mission with the same gusto with which he attacked gamesCredit: GettyThe ball-playing hardman was never afraid to get his hands dirty, as this iconic image of him embracing Paul Gascoigne from 1988 provesCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd he certainly never shied away from a challengeCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd then watching them rip into the ground like desperate pirates looking for treasure, while screaming: “Where the f*** has he buried it?… Get the f***ing thing up before it suffocates!”The patio was eventually re-laid – but the Downes family never did make it on to the Neighbourhood Watch committee.After nine Wales caps and big-money moves to Leeds and Chelsea, plus the odd scandal here and there, Vinnie remains a great family friend.Books and documentaries about the phenomenal feats the Dons achieved – including that 1988 “Crazy Gang beating the Culture Club” FA Cup final upset against Liverpool – regularly pop up, anniversaries come and go.Legends like London youth-football stalwart Geoff Taylor and the Dons’ unlicensed physio/licenced cab driver Derek French are still alive, kicking and screaming from London to Sheffield.I will always remember Jonah as the man who ripped up that patio in record timeTeetotal Vinnie is now, of course, a movie star with over 100 film credits to his name, swapping his bad-boy antics for roles in hit shows such as The Gentlemen and on stage in the West End.The fearsome image of a scrotum-squeezing maniac scything through the divisions – which earned Vinnie a reputation that overshadowed his technical ability and dedication as a player – is a black-and-white one for the ages.He will probably always be the owner of the fastest yellow card in British football history for his caution after just FIVE SECONDS for Sheffield United against Manchester City in 1992.But he is also a brilliantly relatable advocate for men’s mental health, showing a vulnerable side few people would ever have thought possible, following the heartbreaking death of wife Tanya.He may now be starring in Hollywood movies with the likes of Brad Pitt, Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I will always remember Jonah as the man who ripped up that patio in record time.A future football star obliterating bricks and mortar in a frantic search for a tortoise who didn’t have a clue why her charmed little life on a Surrey lawn had suddenly descended into a living hell.Even when I pinged him a WhatsApp message to ask for his memories of the foul-up, he told me, in typical style: “Play on, son. The ref didn’t see it.”Vinnie, seen here in his breakthrough Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels film from 1998, is now a bonafide Hollywood starCredit: AlamyVinnie in his dressing room with Wally Snr during his recent stint in Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London’s West EndHis football talents should not be forgotten though, with the midfielder earning big money moves to Chelsea and Leeds, among othersCredit: GettyHe also represented Wales nine timesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More