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      Legendary Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable as first seats are installed in 104,000-capacity redevelopment

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      A LEGENDARY Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable in the latest redevelopment photos.The first seats have now been installed as the venue’s capacity is increased to 104,000.The iconic Champions League stadium looks unrecognisableCredit: X / @FCBarcelona_esNew seats have been added as part of the £1.25billion renovation workCredit: X / @FCBarcelona_esWork started in June 2023 ahead of the start of last season to add around 6,000 new seats.A new roof will also be installed by the time the expansion is fully completed by the summer of 2026.However, the club plan to move back in to the stadium at a reduced capacity before the end of this year whilst their £1.25billion renovation continues.Ahead of that return, seats have been added to the top tier of the stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe iconic colours of Barcelona are now back on display at their Nou Camp home.Snaps of the stadium show red and blue seats overlooking where the pitch will go.A construction site currently sits in the centre of the stadium as work remains ongoing, though.The iconic bowl shape of the Nou Camp can still be seen, but the venue looks largely unrecognisable.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarca have played at the famous ground since it was built in 1957.During the renovations, however, the Blaugrana have instead been using the nearby Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers everBarcelona are expanding the capacity of the Nou Camp to 104,000Credit: X / @FCBarcelona_esRed and blue seats now overlook the stadium from the top tierCredit: X / @FCBarcelona_esTheir temporary home has a capacity of just under 56,000 and was previously housed city rivals Espanyol for 12 years.It also hosted the Barcelona Summer Olympics back in 1992.Despite playing away from their iconic stadium once again, Barca have made a strong start to the new season.Hansi Flick’s side are currently three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.They have also won all four of their matches across all competitions ahead of the visit of Sevilla on October 20 after the international break.The redevelopment is set to be fully completed by the summer of 2026Credit: X / @FCBarcelona_es More

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      Lee Carsley explains surprising ‘hopefully’ comment over England U21s job and answers striker question for Finland clash

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      LEE CARSLEY has explained his surprising “hopefully” comment that suggested he wanted to return to the England U21s.The interim boss of the senior side suffered his first defeat on Thursday when the Three Lions lost to Greece.Lee Carsley has explained his ‘hopefully’ commentCredit: GettyHe made the comment after England’s defeat to GreeceCredit: GettyAfter the loss, Carsley put doubt on his ambition to land the job on a full-time basis.He suggested that he would be “hopefully” returning to the youth side once a permanent boss is appointed.However, the 50-year-old has now explained his use of the word and claimed he and his team are aiming to be in a “good position” at the end of their three camps.He said: “Hopefully is a word and a phrase I use quite a bit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”There’s obviously no guarantees in life, including tomorrow.”It’s a job, the under-21s, that I’m really proud of and massively invested in. But I know there are no guarantees.”But the plan is to give this job for three camps the best I can do along with the rest of the staff, and hopefully, we can be in a good position.”The loss to Greece came as Carlsey set his team up to play a tactic that they had only spent 20 MINUTES practising.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe visitors became the lowest-ranked side ever to beat England on home soil.Carsley will once again lead the team in the Nations League as they face Finland on Sunday.Lee Carsley appears to admit staggeringly short amount of time England practised bold new tactic before Greece shockerEngland’s shocking stats against GreeceHere are the shocking that stats that were set in England’s defeat to Greece…- Lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years.- The lowest-ranked side ever beat England on home soil.- Greece had never beaten England in their history.- Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before.- Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.- Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on target since the third minute (also Bellingham).He has demanded a reaction in order to get back support and trust from supporters.He added: “I’m not sure, to be honest. I think it’s important that I’ve got support and trust from the team.”The amount of praise the team and myself got from the first two games was very good, very positive.”We fell below those standards the other night that the players have set for themselves.”The most important thing is a reaction.”You want the public to trust and love the team because the impact that the national team has on the public is very inspiring.”Carsley will be hoping Harry Kane can make his return after missing the loss to Greece.The captain’s absence meant that the team lined up without a recognised striker, as Jude Bellingham played as a false nine.Carsley has admitted that he will revert to a more traditional side against Finland.He said: “It’s something that I’ll look back on in two-three months and be better for it.”I wanted to give this job my best shot for the three camps. I didn’t want to have any regrets.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think it’s important that we do try something different at times and I think I’ll be a better coach for that.”But I think we’ll be a bit more conventional tomorrow night.”England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Arsenal wonderkid, 14, dubbed the ‘next Kaka’ and already playing with Jack Wilshere’s U18s backed to star for England

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      ARSENAL’S conveyor belt of talent may have found its next big hit.It comes after a 14-year-old was tipped to be a future England star.An Arsenal coach has compared an academy talent to KakaCredit: GettyMax Dowman has been tipped to star for England in the futureCredit: GettyThe 14-year-old is playing many levels higher than his age groupCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ Hale End academy has produced some major talents in recent years, including teen Ethan Nwaneri and Crystal Palace ace Eddie Nketiah, while talisman Bukayo Saka is chief among them.However, academy coach Gustavo Oliveira has earmarked wonderkid Max Dowman as the next big talent to come out of the club.The teen has built a reputation for being a fast dribbler and gifted on the ball.Speaking to PL Brasil, he even compared Dowman to Brazilian icon Kaka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “He plays in the style of Kaka.”He can write his name. One day he will play for the England national team and in the Premier League.”Such is Dowman’s talent, that he is already playing with Jack Wilshere’s Under-18 team and made his debut for the England Under-17s last month.He recently put in a standout performance against Birmingham, putting up two assists in a 3-2 comeback win.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWilshere lavished praise on him after the game, saying: “Max’s performances speak for themselves, but there’s still a lot of room for development.”For a 14-year-old, his character and personality are unreal. When we were 2-0 down, he was the one who wanted the ball.I’m mum of an Arsenal star – I have a side hustle to help parents of Premier League footballers “[He] drove at their defence and made things happen. His mentality to keep going, despite being kicked, and staying calm in those moments is impressive.”Dowman also started for Arsenal’s Under-19s in the Uefa Youth League last month, making him the second-youngest ever player in the competition and joining the likes of Evan Ferguson and Shola Shoretire in featuring in the competition aged 14. More

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      Watch Copa del Rey star get red card for booting ball at rival from yards away sparking brawl… but he barely flinches

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      VIEWERS were stunned by one of football’s most brutal half-volleys ever – a deliberate kick into a rival’s face sparking a huge chase and brawl.”Insane scenes,” was one verdict on the Copa del Rey madness, while other fans claimed it was more exciting than the action out in the middle.This volley in a rival’s face sparked a furious reaction from both teamsThe bizarre incident led to a race across the pitchCredit: XThe referee showed the red card twice as the flare-up continuedCredit: XThe incident erupted when a player collapsed dramatically in a heap by the touchline when he seemed to be gently pushed as the ball went out.A team-mate of the downed man grabbed the loose ball just a few yards away – and smashed it straight into the face of his pal’s “attacker”.The player responded by putting his hands to his head – but somehow regained his senses in just a split-second and hared off after his assailant.Cue a chase involving half of the players on the pitch – leading to a mass skirmish of pushing, shoving and the referee twice waving the red card.READ MORE TOP STORIESOff went the player whose half-volley shocked observers.One viewer responded: “This red card from the Copa del Rey is sensational. Scenes nobody wants to see, but everybody will gladly watch.”Another wrote: “The accuracy on the punt to the face is awesome.”A third suggested: “Who doesn’t want to see this?”Most read in FootballOpponents squared up, with the offender in stripes grilled over his actionFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut a fourth said: “Punts the ball into dudes face then runs to the ref for protection. So embarrassing!”However, a fifth fan reckoned the flare-up would have been more suited to another sport.Forgotten five-time Champions League winner, 32, wins 19th MOTM award in just 28 games after stunning career revival He claimed: “See? It’s moments like this where hockey gets it right: you let the boys sort it out on their own, then you hand out discipline and give them the gate.”Meanwhile, another viewer blamed the whole matter on the player whose theatrical tumble led to the whole clash.He wrote: “Hand brush across face: flail around on ground Ball punted into face: retaliate with fury!”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘Mamma Mia, I wet my pants,’ admits Marc Cucurella after Chelsea star’s controversial moment at Euro 2024

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      CHELSEA star Marc Cucurella admits he “wet my pants” when he handled the ball in Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter final against Germany.Cucurella stopped Jamal Musiala’s goalbound shot with an outstretched arm when the score was 1-1 early in the second half of extra time.Marc Cucurella admitted he wet his pants after his controversial handballGermany’s Jamal Musiala fires the ball against Cucurella’s armBut English referee Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty.The Chelsea left back said: “Mamma mia, what a shock. I wet my pants.“I looked at the referee and saw him say firmly: ‘No penalty!’“I told myself, ‘Relax’, but I couldn’t do that until the game resumed.”Most read in FootballVAR Stuart Attwell chose not to intervene, much to the fury of the German players, crowd and media.Cucurella and Spain got away with it, and Mikel Merino, now of Arsenal, grabbed a late winner for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who went on to beat England in the final.In September, Uefa’s Referee Committee ruled Germany should have been awarded a spot kick.But that was no consolation for the host nation and also left Cucurella bemused.Most read in FootballHe told Gazzetta dello Sport: “And now they come and say it was a penalty. Who benefits from that?”Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Uefa said both Taylor and Attwell were at fault.Who are these famous footballers?The RC report said: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases, a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.“In this case, the defender [Cucurella] stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making itself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Cucurella was booed for the rest of the tournament by German fans, but had the last laugh when Spain were crowned European champions.Meanwhile, Cucarella has sparked a banter battle of “Stamford Fringe” – with an odd comment about Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer’s hair.The wing-back said of Palmer: “There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.” More

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      Dad of Tottenham star Son Heung-min ‘fined over child abuse’ as he issues grovelling apology in court

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      SON HEUNG-MIN’s father has been fined over child abuse and issued a grovelling apology in court.Woong-jung Son and his brother Heung-yun Son were sentenced on Friday in a South Korean court.Son Heung-Min’s father had been found guilty of child abuseCredit: AlamyWoong-jun Son is a best-selling author for his book about raising the footballerCredit: Facebook/Tottenham HotspurThe pair were fined three million won which is the equivalent of £1,700.They were both charged for having insulted and hit young players in the football academy run by Woong-jun Son.As well as being fined, the two, along with another coach, will have to undertake 40 hours of anti-child abuse training.The defendants have a week to appeal the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the sentencing, Woong-jung Son apologised to the court.He insisted that the coaching staff at his academy have “never spoke or acted in a way that was not based on love for children”.Woong-jung Son is a best-selling author for his book about training his son, Son Heung-Min, to become one of the best in the world.Meanwhile, the Tottenham star is currently in the treatment room for a hamstring injury.Most read in FootballThe forward picked up the knock while playing for the North London outfit in the Europa League clash against Qarabag.Tottenham fans concerned as footage emerges of Brennan Johnson after late winner against CoventrySo far this season, Son has featured in seven matches in all competitions for Spurs, scoring twice.He has been outshone at the club by the sparkling recent form of Brennan Johnson.The Welsh winger has started to justify his £50million price tag that the club paid to prize him away from Nottingham Forest in 2023.Johnson has scored six goals in 10 appearances this campaign, including goals in his last three Premier League games. More

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      ‘I cringe when I hear it,’ says Man Utd legend Nicky Butt as he slams Class of 92 and Paul Scholes agrees

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes slammed the Class of 92 tag as “cringey”.Butt, 49, and Scholes, 49, were part of a special generation at United along with fellow greats David Beckham, Ryan Giggs as well as Gary and Phil Neville.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt revealed the Class of 92 nickname makes him ‘cringe’Man Utd hero Paul Scholes believes that nickname takes away from all the legends that paved the way for themThey all came through the academy together and were focal points behind the Red Devils dominating during the Premier League’s first two decades, while also standing out in the Champions League.The United greats have been referred to as the Class of 92 for many years and a documentary was even put together to honour them in 2013.However, Butt and Scholes revealed they actually don’t like that moniker, with the former even claiming it makes him “cringe”.The Salford City co-owner agrees and feels the characterisation excludes all the legendary veterans they found and paved the way for them when they were promoted to the senior squad.Read More on Man UtdScholes asked Butt on the Football’s Greatest podcast: “Did you like that Nick? I didn’t like that.Butt responded: “No, I don’t like it”Scholes followed: “I don’t like it now.”Butt added: “I cringe when I hear it. But it is what it is. It’s what we’ve been known for since we all came through with Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And yeah, it’s something that I do cringe about and it just becomes something probably bigger than it really was, if I’m honest with you.”Scholes responded: “Do you know why I feel bad about it? Cause there was like another 10 or 15 of us the same year.”A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Butt said: “Yeah. I also think it seems like we were the ones that won it but if it wasn’t for older pros and the more experienced players there would’ve been no Class of 92 I’d say.”But yeah, a bit cringey for me, but it is what it is and that’s what we’re known for and embrace it, I would say.”Scholes was part of a special Man Utd generation with ButtCredit: GettyButt and Scholes came through Man Utd’s academy with David Beckham Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothersCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says top manager ‘has quality’ to manage in Premier League as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has hailed a top European manager as having the quality to lead a Premier League side.The Manchester United star’s comments come with Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt.Bruno Fernandes has hailed Ruben Amorim as doubts continue over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyAmorim has enjoyed success at Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils boss has come under scrutiny over the club’s poor start to the season.Old Trafford chiefs held a meeting earlier this week in which Ten Hag’s future was discussed.It appears that the club are willing to stick by the former Ajax manager for now, but that has not stopped others from being linked with the post.The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, club captain Fernandes has insisted that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, 39, is capable of succeeding in England.The Portuguese coach has led the club to two titles in his homeland and is well-regarded.He was believed to be one of the front-runners for the Liverpool and West Ham jobs in the summer before the roles went to Arne Slot and Julen Lopetegui. Fernandes has suggested that Amorim is “prepared” and full of “quality” as a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told CNN Portugal: “Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football.”They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars”In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared.”Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two.”This shows that the work has been done well.”If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”Fernandes joined Man United from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020 in a £47million transfer.Amorim arrived at the club in March of that year when he replaced the sacked Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More