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      Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian, 36, set to return to football after being left unemployed following Fulham exit

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      WILLIAN has joined Olympiacos as a free agent shortly after his exit from Fulham.The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal ace stood out for the Cottagers last season with five goals and two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.Willian is joining Olympiacos as a free agent after leaving FulhamCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea and Arsenal ace Willian passed his medical at OlympiacosCredit: GettyThe West Londoners’ manager Marco Silva wanted the winger to stay at Craven Cottage and the club offered him a new one-year contract after his previous deal expired in June.The ex-Brazil international, though, decided to move on and will continue with last season’s Europa Conference League winners who will be playing in the Europa League this season.The 36-year-old agreed a deal with Olympiacos and flew to Athens where he passed his medical in Piraeus and put pen to paper.The summer transfer window in Greece runs until September 11 and Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side is eager to add more attacking reinforcement.Read More on FootballOlympiacos missed out on signing Wolves ace Daniel Podence on a permanent deal after his successful loan stint last season.Podence is moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Shabab after Gary O’Neil’s side landed Carlos Forbs on loan from Ajax.Mendilibar’s side has also been linked with another former Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech, who is looking to leave Galatasaray.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWillian moved to the Premier League in 2013 when he joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went on to enjoy a glittering seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles, the 2015 EFL Cup, the 2018 FA Cup and the 2019 Europa League trophy.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubThe ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star registered a total of 63 goals and 57 assists in 339 appearances with the Blues.Willian then moved to Arsenal but struggled to replicate the same success in north London with only one goal and seven assists in 37 matches before his departure just a year later in 2021.The Gunners’ sporting director Edu Gaspar claimed the forward failed to be a success at the Emirates because he wasn’t “100 per cent comfortable” during a season in which he started well but became “inconsistent”, just like the rest of the team.After a brief spell at Corinthians, Willian returned to London for Fulham where he scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 67 appearances.Fulham offered Willian a new contract and manager Marco Silva wanted him to stayEvery Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6m More

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      Inside Raheem Sterling’s first meeting with Arsenal team-mates in dressing room after controversial Brighton draw

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      RAHEEM STERLING met his new Arsenal teammates for the first time in the dressing room in the aftermath of their 1-1 draw with Brighton.And the 29-year-old is ready to hit the ground running thanks to a specialised individual fitness programme alongside a former Three Lions coach. Raheem Sterling signed for Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on Deadline DayCredit: GettySterling visited the Arsenal dressing room after watching the 1-1 draw vs BrightonCredit: GettySterling is expected to train for the first time at London Colney todayCredit: GettySterling was in the stands at the Emirates for the Seagulls clash – hours after joining the Gunners on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Deadline Day.Having only seen his Arsenal switch confirmed at around 2am on Saturday morning, Sterling was unable to make the squad, instead showing support for his new club alongside his family.And he was given a great reception from the Arsenal fans just before kick-off with his name read out over the tannoy system.Joined by another late loan capture in Bournemouth keeper Neto, Sterling made his way down to the changing rooms at the final whistle to introduce himself to members of the squad he was yet to catch up with.read more arsenalIt was a game that saw Arsenal drop points after Declan Rice’s controversial sending off for two yellow cards in either half.Sterling is expected to take part in his first full training session at London Colney today – reuniting with boss Mikel Arteta who was Manchester City’s assistant under Pep Guardiola between 2016 and 2019.SunSport understands that Arsenal are anticipating Sterling to be a fast learner under Arteta as a result, with the player raring to go to prove himself after being brutally axed from the Chelsea squad. Sterling has been keeping fit away from Cobham over the last two weeks with England’s former lead physical performance coach Ben Rosenblatt – who stepped down from his role in June 2023 after seven years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe pair have worked together for pre-seasons in the past, and have recently made use of Sterling’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities at his home in West London.Sterling could be thrown into a Prem debut for Arsenal straight after the international break due to Rice’s suspension ahead of the trip to face North London rivals Tottenham on September 15.Arsenal travel to Man City later this month More

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      Arsenal wonderkid, 22, has contract ripped up after transfer request and asking to leave on Deadline Day

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      OMAR REKIK is reportedly a free agent after RIPPING UP his Arsenal contract.The defender joined the Gunners in January 2021 with the hopes of breaking into the first team.Omar Rekik joined Arsenal in January 2021Credit: GettyThe 22-year-old has reportedly had his contract ripped up after asking to leave the clubCredit: GETTYBut the 22-year-old wonderkid, like many other youngsters at the Emirates as of late, has failed to make an impression on Mikel Arteta and graduate into the first-team squad.The centre-back has had FOUR loan spells throughout his time at the club, enjoying stints with Sparta Rotterdam, Jong Sparta, Wigan Athletic and Servette.But he’s said to have grown frustrated by his lack of progression at the club and asked to leave.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Dutchman’s wish to have his contract terminated was granted by the Arsenal brass.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSHe wrote on X: “Omar Rekik, [is] no longer an Arsenal player as [his] contract was terminated on mutual agreement yesterday.”Rekik [is] now available as [a] free agent after his specific request to leave and try [a] new chapter.”The Emirates faithful were quick to react, with one saying: “Interesting, another youth player leaves.”Another said: “An amazing player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.And another said: “Interesting, now where is he downgrading to.”One remarked: “He has a good talent, but he can secure a position at Arsenal?”How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outAnother chimed in: “OMG amazing player.”Several Arsenal fans were quick to send the outgoing Rekik messages of support.One wrote: “Wishing Omar Rekik all the best in his next chapter. Excited to see where he lands next.”Another said: “Wishing Omar Rekik all the best in his future endeavours!”It takes courage to ask for a change and pursue new opportunities.”Hopefully, he’ll find a great fit and continue to grow as a player.” More

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      ‘I’m glad he’s gone’ – Rio Ferdinand speaks out on ‘ridiculous’ Raheem Sterling transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal

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      RIO FERDINAND is happy to see Raheem Sterling put his Chelsea nightmare in the rear-view mirror.The England international completed a deadline-day loan move to Arsenal earlier this week after Blues boss Enzo Maresca told him he was surplus to requirements.Raheem Sterling was deemed to have been surplus to requirements by Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: ALAMYThat prompted the England international to join Arsenal on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYRio Ferdinand reckons the move is a great one for the 29-year-oldCredit: GETTYBarring a massive change of heart from Maresca, Sterling likely would’ve sat on the sidelines until January.And Ferdinand is pleased the veteran forward managed to avoid a prolonged period of inactivity.The former Manchester United star said on his YouTube channel: “What a mad circus act this was.”But I’m just pleased and happy that the situation got sorted out for Raheem Sterling and he got a move he wanted.READ MORE ON STERLING”‘The situation wasn’t handled properly – it could’ve been better from Chelsea. But I’m glad he’s gone now.”It’s a great business by Arsenal. From their perspective, this is a ridiculous bit of business.”You’re getting an experienced winger who has won four league titles, he knows how to get it done.”He’s played for some of the biggest clubs this country has to offer.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.Ferdinand reckons the addition of Sterling will help Arsenal in their bid to end their 21-year-long wait for Premier League glory.The 45-year-old continued: “He knows the path to trophies and that is invaluable.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement”How Chelsea have let that out the door I don’t know, it’s crazy.”‘his is a marriage made in heaven for Arsenal. It’s a perfect fit for me. Raheem has something to prove, too.”I think he will deliver there and I’ll say it again, I think Arsenal will win the league this year and this signing only reinforces that thought.”I think he could be that important.”Sterling, 29, watched from the stands on Saturday as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton.And he’s relishing the new task ahead of him, saying: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting.”It [the move] is one where we kind of left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Looking at everything, I’m just, like, “this is a perfect fit for me”, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”Sterling could make his Arsenal bow a week on Sunday when the Gunners face Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London derby of the season. More

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      Arsenal’s week from hell revealed as Gunners face three nightmare trips within eight days… and without Declan Rice

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      IN just 24 hours Arsenal have gone from stealing Sterling to the penny dropping  – on the prospect of three brutal trips in eight days.And the Gunners will face their travel nightmare with main midfielder Declan Rice banned for one match after his first ever red card.Boss Mikel Arteta and Co were frustrated after drawing vs BrightonCredit: PADeclan Rice protested in vain after a first red card in 245 Prem gamesCredit: GettyA day after Arsenal borrowed Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling for the season, Brighton ended the Gunners’ 100% Premier League record with a 1-1 comeback draw at the Emirates.And Rice’s contentious dismissal was the turning point.Bukayo Saka lobbed the Gunners in front but his England team-mate was sent off for a soft second booking – nudging the ball away to stop the Seagulls taking a quick free-kick.Joao Pedro then rewarded Brighton’s growing pressure with a point-saver.READ MORE TOP STORIESSaturday’s setback for Mikel Arteta’s men comes ahead of what could be their toughest spurt of fixtures in the whole season.The international break is up next, before Arsenal resume action with a visit to their biggest rivals Tottenham on Sunday, September 15.Then comes Arsenal’s Champions League group opener four days later – at Serie A side Atalanta.And the following Sunday, September 22, the Gunners are at the Etihad against champions Manchester City.Most read in FootballArteta spoke out strongly afterwards on refereeing ‘inconsistency’Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPep Guardiola’s team made it three wins in three Prem games with Saturday’s 3-1 victory at West Ham.And although it’s surely too early in the campaign to talk about pivotal periods, the mood around the Emirates – buoyed by Sterling’s arrival – could swing violently, depending on how Arsenal’s testing trio of games go. Arsenal’s Declan Rice was targeted by masked robbers in broad daylight It means Arteta will quickly have to turn his resentment at Rice’s red card into a rousing rev-up for his squad.The Spaniard claimed Brighton got away with kicking the ball away – before his £105million star picked up a costly second caution for a similar offence.Arteta said: “If it [bookings] happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency.”And asked if he’d had an explanation afterwards, he replied: “None, like always.” More

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      Declan Rice breaks silence over controversial Brighton red card as Arsenal star delivers ‘obvious’ verdict

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      DECLAN RICE admitted he was ‘shocked’ by his controversial sending off against Brighton.The Arsenal star also apologised to his teammates as the Gunners dropped points in their title race with Manchester City.Declan Rice could not believe he was sent off against BrightonCredit: GettyRice was left on the floor after tapping a ball away from Joel Veltman at a free-kickCredit: GettyRice was forced to watch from the dressing room as Arsenal hung on for a drawCredit: GettyKai Havertz gave the North Londoners a 38th minute lead at the Emirates.Rice received a yellow card for a strong but late tackle on Joel Veltman just before half time – a challenge Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler believed could have been a straight red.And in the 49th minute, Rice nudged the ball away from Veltman while it was still moving as he tried to take a free-kick – being floored in the process.But ref Chris Kavanagh deemed it enough for a second yellow – despite allowing Joao Pedro to get away with a similar incident in the first half.read more arsenalPedro went on to equalise with a 58th minute strike as Arsenal held on for a point.Boss Mikel Arteta said he was “amazed” by the decision from Kavanagh – and criticised the inconsistency shown by the officials.And Rice – who will now miss the North London Derby against Tottenham on September 15 – said: “I was shocked, I think you could see in my face I was shocked.“He’s obviously gone over… I’ve not sprinted back in front of him and smashed the ball away. I’ve touched the ball with the outside of my foot, look, this is the law of the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“If you touch the ball away, even a little bit, obviously it’s a red card, after my challenge in the first half – which I fully accept was a 50-50 that I didn’t win.“But the second-half one, especially with it being in the corner flag, they can’t really progress anywhere from there. It was tough, it was harsh, but it’s one of those things.“I have to move on from it, I will be better for it and I can only praise the players for digging deep for me and the manager for pushing everyone and the fans as well who were unbelievable again this afternoon. That’s how I see it.”The dismissal was Rice’s first Prem red card in 245 appearances – and his return will be away at the Etihad to face City on September 22.Arsenal have a tough run of fixtures to start SeptemberHe continued: “I just wanted to apologise to my teammates, which I’ve done, and to the fans.“When you get sent off, it’s never nice, you get a sense of guilt over you, and I was lucky today that my teammates really helped me out and we didn’t lose the game.“It’s not in my nature really to get red cards, so I’ll learn from it, I’ll see where I can be better, and I’ll be back for sure.”Rice was forced to watch the rest of the game from the Arsenal dressing room as the hosts almost nicked a win through late chances for Havertz and Bukayo Saka.Keeper David Raya was also forced to make a string of important saves to deny Brighton a famous victory.England midfielder Rice added: “I was up off my seat when those big two chances came. Obviously David as well who made another big save for us.“On another day maybe [Arsenal’s chances] go in, but to even generate those chances shows the desire of the boys.“In the end is not ideal because we want to win every game, that’s what we strive for and believe we can do.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Take the context out of it, we had ten men for 50 minutes, it’s a really strong point.“We will keep fighting and battling, it’s only been three weeks since the start of the season, and we’re going to keep going in the right direction for sure.” More

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      Watch Portsmouth and ex-Arsenal defender’s contender for funniest own goal of season as fans say ‘this cheered me up’

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      PORTSMOUTH ace Zak Swanson may have already scored the season’s most comical own goal.Swanson, 23, started for Pompey in the Championship clash against Sunderland at Fratton Park.Portsmouth ace Zak Swanson may have scored the funniest own goal of the seasonPortsmouth ace Swanson ‘s own goal helped Sunderland win 3-1Credit: RexHowever, the right-back had a moment to forget as he inadvertently sent the ball to his own net following a mad error.Sunderland ace Eliezer Mayenda fired a close-range shot that was saved by goalkeeper Will Norris.Portsmouth defender Jordan Williams got the rebound and tried to clear the danger.But Williams’ kick was careless as he shot the ball straight onto Swanson’s abdomen and the deflection diverted into Norris’ own net.Read More on FootballThe Black Cats went on to win 3-1 as the fans were left in absolute disbelief by that howler.One fan tweeted: “This cheered me up a bit.”Another commented: “This Portsmouth own goal is comical.”A third exclaimed: “Wow.”Most read in ChampionshipThis fan said: “Even I can I find that funny.”And that one wrote: “How the f**k has that happened then?”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelSwanson joined Portsmouth in 2022 from Arsenal, where he started his career at the age of six but never managed a senior appearance. More

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      Champions League fixtures CONFIRMED with Arsenal handed rarely-seen Thursday night fixture as new format kicks in

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      THE dates for this season’s Champion League fixtures have been confirmed – with a major change to scheduling also being announced.Europe’s elite club competition – which was won by Real Madrid last season – returns next month.The new format Champions League draw took place on ThursdayCredit: GettyArsenal learned their fate in the draw along with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man CityCredit: APThe Gunners have been handed a rare Thursday night fixture to kick off their campaignCredit: GETTYPremier League quartet Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City learned their fates for this season’s instalment of the competition, the first outing of the new 36-team league format, this week.But for the first time in the modern era, there’s been a major change to the scheduling of games.Due to the increased number of teams in the tournament, games will now be played on Tuesday, Wednesday and THURSDAY nights.And Arsenal will be the first English team to play Champions League footie on a Thursday night.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners will kick off their campaign away to last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta on Thursday, September 19.Aston Villa and Liverpool will both be in action on Tuesday, September 17, travelling to Switzerland and Italy respectively to take on Young Boys and AC Milan.Premier League champions Manchester City, meanwhile, will welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad the following night.As well as their match with Atalanta, the Gunners will also be on the road for their clashes with Inter, Girona and Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikel Arteta’s troops will welcome Shakhtar Donetsk, GNK Dinamo, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates.In addition to their trip to Young Boys, Villa will be on the road against RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Monaco.The new Champions League format explainedBayern Munich, Juventus Bologna and Celtic will be the 1982 tournament winners’ opposition at Villa Park.Liverpool’s proverbial ‘Group of Death’ will also see them travel to Spain, the Netherlands and Germany to take on Girona, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.Arne Slot’s lot will welcome Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Bologna at Anfield.Manchester City, meanwhile, face away days to Juventus, Sporting Lisbon, Slovan Bratislava and Paris Saint-Germain.The 2022/23 winners will also host Club Brugge, Feyenoord and Sparta Prague at the Etihad.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More