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      Why Premier League conquerors Olympiacos’ European success is no miracle after Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool triumphs

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      OLYMPIACOS have officially made history as the first ever Greek club to win a European trophy.The Greek giants also became the first team to win a Uefa honour outside of the world’s top five league competitions since 2011 after beating Fiorentina 1-0 in the Europa Conference League final at rivals AEK Athens’ OPAP Arena ground.Olympiacos’ Europa Conference League triumph was no miracleCredit: GettyOlympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis has been building a European club since 2010Credit: RexOlympiacos have beaten some of the biggest Premier League clubsCredit: GettyMany have understandably coined the Piraeus outfit’s success as a miracle, but there is a lot more to it.The Greek Superleague has made headlines around the world often in recent years for all the wrong reasons due to fan violence and alleged corruption.In turn, football fans around the globe wrongfully dubbed Greek football with a series of unflattering monikers, such as “farmers’ league”.But Olympiacos transcend the Greek league and their recent track record proves that as they have made it out of the group stages of a major European competition in 14 out of their last 16 attempts.Read More on FootballUnder Evangelos Marinakis, who took over the club in 2010 and won 10 Superleague titles as well as four domestic Doubles, the team has made it out of the group stages of a major Uefa competition 11 times out of the last 13 attempts.And all of that has been under a Greek budget at a time when Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and US money is taking over football.Olympiacos have evolved into a European club that has also picked up some major scalps along the way from Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and more.All of the above also fell at the fiery Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium which poses as a powerful fortress filled with passionate, rowdy and loud fans who have been the backbone of this club since its creation in 1925 and always demand nothing less than perfection.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Red and White have bested a series of Premier League clubs along the way, such as Liverpool whom they beat 1-0 in 2004 in their first ever European match at Karaiskakis, a few months before the miracle of Istanbul.Olympiacos went on to overcome the likes of Manchester United, Burnley, West Ham and Aston Villa, while Tottenham, Chelsea and Wolves couldn’t win in Piraeus.Olympiacos receive FIERY heroes’ welcome after Europa Conference League triumphBut no Prem club has ever struggled more against Marinakis’ club than Arsenal.So far the two clubs count six wins each against one another with none of their 12 previous meetings ending in a draw.In fact, Olympiacos have beaten Arsenal three times at the Emirates, which is more than the Gunners’ home losses to rivals Tottenham who have only won twice across all their visits at that ground.The Greeks rose to prominence in Europe largely thanks to a series of milestones they have reached in recent years, all of which set new standards that were never lowered.Arsenal pose as one of those unforgettable nights as they became the first ever English club Olympiacos ever beat away in 2015 after a 3-2 victory at the Emirates.The Gunners also became the first Premier League club the port city outfit eliminated in the knockout stages of a major competition in 2020 when they knocked them out of the Europa League’s Round of 32.Olympiacos’ milestone victories over the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United laid some strong foundationsCredit: GettyHow it all startedBut the night that truly changed everything took place in 2007 in Germany when the pride of Piraeus finally won an away game in the Champions League following 10 unsuccessful years.The unfancied conquerors defeated Werder Bremen 3-1 at the Weserstadion and never looked back since.Olympiacos, though, for years couldn’t even tie their previous best finishes that saw them making the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Europa League in 1999 and 1993 respectively.That came to an end this year in the Europa Conference League, and they did it in style as they eliminated Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Last 16 with the greatest comeback victory in Greek football history as they won 6-1 away after an embarrassing 4-1 loss at home.Other than the title win in Nea Filadelfia, Villa pose as the most recent milestone as Unai Emery’s side became the first ever Prem side Olympiacos eliminated by winning both legs – a 4-2 in at Villa Park and a 2-0 victory in the return fixture.But those milestones wouldn’t have happened without all the hard work that went into the club the last few years with Marinakis – also owner of Nottingham Forest – adhering to European standards since his arrival at the wheel.Jose Luis Mendilibar’s impactManagers like Ernesto Valverde, Marco Silva, Pedro Martins and now Jose Luis Mendilibar have left bits of their philosophy deeply ingrained into the club’s mentality, philosophy and character.Mendilibar especially transformed Olympiacos in just three months and has already made a strong case as the club’s greatest ever manager ahead of past legends like the aforementioned tacticians as well as Dusan Bajevic and Marton Bukovi.The Spanish tactician brought his experience and winners’ mentality a year after winning the Europa League with Sevilla but simply unlocked the best of the abilities of every star he already had at his disposal, unlike predecessors Diego Martinez and Carlos Carvalhal.Mendilibar found the likes of Kostas Tzolakis, Santiago Hezze, Rodinei, Vicente Iborra, Francisco Ortega as well as Ayoub El Kaabi and just let them play their game by implementing his own philosophy while reinstating some much-needed confidence to the team.The Basque head coach was also helped by the club’s greatest ever January transfer window that saw the likes of David Carmo, Chiquinho and Andre Horta taking things to the next level.Veterans like Giorgos Masouras, Youssef El Arabi and captain Kostas Fortounis also kept the standards sky high in the meantime with their past experience of European success.Star signingsThe club’s structure has attracted a number of stars thanks to its own star quality which is headed by Champions League and World Cup winner Christian Karembeu, who has been working with the club since 2013 as an ambassador.That led to the signings of Mathieu Valbuena, Esteban Cambiasso, Marcelo, Eric Abidal and Daniel Podence, who came back for another stint last summer on loan from Wolves.The work Olympiacos have put in behind the scenes was proven this season when the Under-19s became the first ever Greek club to win the Uefa Youth League.Marinakis’ investment and support shown for the likes of Jose Anigo and Thomas Benedet who ran the academies as well as youth manager Sotiris Silaidopoulos also led to two league titles in the last two years.There was a method and logic into this year’s miracle, which coincidentally took place 20 years after Greece’s stunning Euro 2004 triumph.SunSport previously analysed the Greek national team’s triumph all those years ago which carried many similarities to Olympiacos’ recent success.Learning from Euro 2004 failuresAnd the Superleague outfit will now need to avoid the same mistakes that saw Greece decaying and missing out on all major competitions in the last 10 years, including the upcoming Euros.Olympiacos have been raising the bar for years, and now it has been higher than ever.Thus, the demands have shattered whatever glass ceiling there was and there is a major hangover awaiting the club, who won’t have to worry about qualifiers for the first time since 2015 as they made it straight into next season’s Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESGreece lost their first match after Euro 2004 at Albania and missed out on the 2006 World Cup before completely dropping their standards following the 2014 World Cup.Marinakis has claimed those standards will be raised even higher as he suggested the Europa League is on Olympiacos’ sights next, and that’s exactly what needs to be done to follow such a hard act as this past season.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. 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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand reveals he could have been professional DANCER but chose football instead

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed the amazing gift that could have kept him on his toes even more than waltzing football icons like Lionel Messi did.The Manchester United legend chose the Theatre of Dreams over the Theatre of Streams – well, Swan Lake – despite being a ballet prodigy.Rio Ferdinand is now doing punditry instead of pirouettesCredit: RexFerdinand got a lift-off with the Red Devils, her with Diego Forlan and Rio Ferdinand, but could have been thrown into a whirl via balletCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former England defender was known for his grace carrying the ball out from the back.But he could have been famed for his elegance carrying his feet high – had he accepted a rare dancing scholarship.Ferdy ended up with 81 caps, plus six Premier League titles and one Champions League success in 12 years with United.Now he’s explained a background with hints of Billy Elliott, the fictional kid from the same-named movie who became a ballet star.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLFerdinand, 45, told the Guardian: “I was given a scholarship to the Central School of Ballet, which was a big thing for a boy from a council estate in south London. “I had an amazing time, but it got to the point where I’d have to go every single day to be able to audition for bigger productions. “It was my decision to come away from it and choose football.”The ex-West Ham ace is skilled at other sports, too, notably table tennis.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd he also stepped into ring for emotional well-being a few years ago.The TV pundit said: “I took up boxing for my mental health. Rio Ferdinand fears Marcus Rashford will need to leave Man Utd as he warns struggling star has brutal decision to make “I needed to find something to take my mind off a personal situation that was happening at the time.  “People said I was mad. I was training obsessively five or six times a week, sparring with Olympic fighters. “But he reckons it was a “blessing in disguise” when boxing chiefs turned him down for a fight licence.Yet choosing to fling his fists up to spar rather than fling his legs up to the ballet barre still seems less of a… twist!PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Real Madrid break tradition with new 2024/25 kits – but fans can’t buy Kylian Mbappe’s shirt

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      REAL MADRID have both thrilled and frustrated fans with their new kits for next season.Supporters hailed the “cold” gear which in one case break tradition – but have also realised one striking problem.Kylian Mbappe is focused for now on the Euros with Didier Deschamps’ FranceCredit: APReal Madrid fans have mostly given the new kit the thumbs-upYou can’t buy one with new No 9 Kylian Mbappe on it!However, there’s a perfect explanation for that – and one which means fans will only have to wait until July 1.It comes as Real and adidas opt for a more simple look, with black trim on a textured white shirt for their first kit.And it’s the second strip that departs from the Spanish giants’ usual colours.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLThe Champions League and LaLiga kings have gone for bright orange.But for any fans unsettled by that move away from the past, Real have provided a reassuring appearance for their third kit.That will be in Los Blancos’ more typical black and grey pattern.However, the lack of a Mbappe top has stolen much of the attention, just days after the frontman’s free transfer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballLos Blancos look to have amazing attacking options next termEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSReal would no doubt love to have rushed out Mbappe shirts after their lengthy pursuit of the French icon ended successfully.But the matter is complicated as his PSG deal runs until June 30.Kylian Mbappe’s crazy Real Madrid contractMbappe’s move tested the relations between the two clubs.And Diario AS say PSG were unwilling to give up early all the image rights concerning the 25-year-old.That’s also why fans have yet to see a picture of the potential Euro 2024 hero in a Real shirt. Meanwhile, supporters have praised Madrid’s new outfits as “fantastic” and a “thing of beauty”.A few, however, reckon next season’s kit has hardly altered.”Looks the same as the last 100 home kits,” insisted one, while another said: “I see no changes.”Real’s new outfits each cost 100 euros (about £85). That rises to 160 euros (£136) if you want the exact version worn by the players.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet even at those prices many fans reckon they are strips to die for – if not yet to Kyl for.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balcony

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE’S eyes have been opened to the luxuries enjoyed by Real Madrid stars.The former Paris-Saint Germain winger was gifted with his own stunning private suite with a lavish balcony at Madrid’s £100million training base.Kylian Mbappe has been gifted with his very own private suiteCredit: Real MadridEvery player has their own stunning suiteCredit: Real MadridThe bed is fitted with Real Madrid crested pillowsCredit: Real MadridA luxuriant en-suite is among the facilities on handCredit: Real MadridAs well as a HUGE modern balconyCredit: Real MadridMbappe, 25, joined Los Blancos as a free agent last week, in what many consider the ‘most expensive free transfer in football history’.And now he has discovered that no expense is spared for players who wear the Madrid shirt, after being introduced to his very own private room.The video released by Spanish TV channel Conexion Deportiva shows that Mbappe’s name has been nailed to the door of his exclusive digs.Each room is only accessible by the fingerprint of that specific player, with an immense balcony overlooking the impressive training pitches.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJust like a five-star hotel, Mbappe’s en-suite is larger than most flats. The hallway walls are covered in white gloss with luminous club crests, before you get to French World Cup winner’s room 103.The building boasts an indoor swimming pool, games room, cinema and 57 individual bedrooms across an area of more than 7,800 squared metres.The Valdebebas Park facilities were opened in 2005 and cost an estimated £100million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMbappe was reportedly allocated the room which was previously occupied by legendary German midfielder Toni Kroos.The suite emptied quite recently when Kroos, 34, left the club last week, having announced his retirement from football.Play Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionMbappe ended his career at Paris Saint-Germain by lifting the Coupe de France trophy a few weeks ago.Before announcing his move to the former club of his favourite player, Cristiano Ronaldo.He expressed his excitement about joining Madrid on social media and even received words of support from Ronaldo himself.Fans joked that after Ronaldo had left Madrid’s stunning training base for Juventus, he was forced to suffer with Manchester United’s ancient facilities when he re-joined in 2021.After seeing the video, one Man Utd fan account wrote: “Wow. We’re sorry Ronaldo.”Another said: “Now I understand why Ronaldo was complaining about Man Utd’s leaking roof.”Mbappe joins the 15-time European cup winners after a six-year spell with PSG in which he scored 256 goals in 308 appearances.The French midfielder penned a five-year contract with Madrid that will see him take a whopping £51MILLION pay cut to join.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s believed that the star was earning a whopping £63.9m per year during his final season in Paris with an annual £25.6m signing-on-bonus too.While his new deal in the Spanish capital will see him earn a comparatively measly £12.8m per year deal after tax.Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agentCredit: AFP More

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      Clive Tyldesley says football commentators should be allowed to use F-word ‘once a season without losing their job’

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      CLIVE Tyldesley says he and other footie commentators should be allowed to use the F-word.The veteran game caller, 69, who spent 20-plus years at ITV, said: “Sometimes it’s the only word that will do.”Clive Tyldesley says he and other footie commentators should be allowed to use the F-wordCredit: ITVHe added: “I just think once a season a commentator should be allowed to use the F-word without losing their job. “Some goals, some moments, some misses, simply demand a swear word — the swear word — to capture their full impact.”Speaking to former manager Martin O’Neill on their Football Authorities podcast, Clive added: “I would need to choose the moment carefully . . . but sometimes you need to say what you see.”In 2018, pundit Gary Neville was heard on Sky Sports saying something was “f***ing obvious”read more on footballTyldesley, 69, who appears on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, also blasted Wembley security after pitch invasions marred last Saturday’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.The pundit – who has covered five World Cups, 17 Champions League finals, and nine FA Cup finals – said: “Pitch invasions at the start of Saturday’s game were not a laughing matter. “I think there are all kinds of implications now for Wembley’s ability to stage major international matches. “It’s a real worry.”Most read in FootballThe most bizarre football rules you may not have heard of More

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      Champions League team forced to move stadiums and play home games 70 MILES away in revamped tournament

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      BREST will be forced to play European games 70 miles away from their Stade Francis Le Ble home next season.The French side earned a spot in the Champions League courtesy of a brilliant third-placed finish in Ligue 1.Brest qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in Ligue 1Credit: AFPTheir Stade Francis Le Ble home has not been deemed suitable to host Uefa competitionsCredit: GettyEric Roy’s side have qualified for Europe for the first time in their 121-year history.But fans will have to hit the motorway in order to watch their games.Uefa have ruled that Stade Francis Le Ble does not meet their standards.In fact, the 15,220 capacity stadium possesses just 5,000 seats deemed acceptable by European football’s governing body.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrest have submitted a request to Uefa to use Guingamp’s Stade de Roudourou instead.The 18,462-seater ground is located 70 miles east of Brest.It is regularly used for Ligue 2 games, with Guingamp languishing in the second tier.Brest qualified for the Champions League by finishing third, only behind Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrest will play European games at Guingamp’s Roudourou homeCredit: AFPThey beat off strong competition from 2021 champions Lille, with Nice and Lyon finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.Their Champions League debut will coincide with the competition undergoing a huge revamp.Forgotten wonderkid dubbed ‘Messi’s heir’ who Chelsea and Man City fought over at 13 signs for League One clubThe move to a new “Swiss Model” will see the group stage expand from 32 to 36 teams.Clubs will play eight different teams during this phase, guaranteeing four home games and a further four away.All results will contribute to a 36-team league, with the top eight going straight into the round of 16.Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will then take part in two-legged play-off ties in a bid to join the top eight in the knockouts.Brest’s squad includes former Premier League stars Steve Mounie and Jordan Amavi.They also have an Englishman among their ranks in former Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Blackpool.Steve Mounie led the line for Brest this seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Rose Bertram wows in sexy blue bikini ahead of boyfriend Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid

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      ROSE Bertram looks like she’s licking forward to her boyfriend Kylian Mbappe moving to Real Madrid.The curly-haired Belgian beauty, 29, clutched a lollipop as she posed in a blue bikini for PrettyLittleThing.Model Rose Bertram clutched a lollipop as she posed in a blue bikini for PrettyLittleThingCredit: PrettyLittleThingThe Belgian stunner has been linked to football aces as well as actor Leonardo DiCaprioCredit: AFPIt comes after striker Mbappe, 25, confirmed his transfer from PSG.Real fans will hope he doesn’t suck. In May 2023, Rose was rumoured to be dating actor Leonardo ­DiCaprio, 49 — after being previously linked to then-24-year-old French football ace Kylian Mbappe.Rose previously dated Gregory van der Wiel, once of Ajax and capped 46 times by the Netherlands.READ MORE ON MODELSThe two got together when she was just 19, and had a whirlwind romance – where she followed his career from Paris to Istanbul to Sardinia and Toronto.They would welcome two children in their time together.But cracks began to form in their relationship as van der Wiel suffered some mental health problems such as anxiety and panic attacks, which began to affect the couple.In 2023, Rose said: “There are a lot of people who deal with this.Most read in Football”It’s not talked about enough and in my case if you don’t know enough about it, it’s very difficult to understand that person. “It hasn’t always been easy to deal with. It breaks my heart that he feels this way and that I can’t help it.”Kylian Mbappe’s crazy Real Madrid contractRose is currently dating Real Madrid star Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP More

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      Premier League clubs given vote on new one-season PSR rule with Champions League side concerned after points deductions

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      PREM clubs have the chance to vote to loosen loss limits for next term by £30million this week.Aston Villa are urging an increase in the “permitted losses” in Prem Profitability and Sustainability Rules from the current £105m to £135m over a three-year period.Premier League clubs have the chance to vote to loosen loss limits for next seasonCredit: GettyEverton and Nottingham Forest were deducted points last term for PSR breaches.Promoted side Leicester are facing a similar penalty this coming season.The proposal to up the limits after more than a decade is to be tabled by Villa at the Prem AGM in Harrogate but it is unclear how much support it will receive.League chiefs also want to agree the principle of the planned PSR replacement based on Uefa-style “squad cost ratios”.Read More on FootballPortsmouth currently hold the Premier League record following their nine-point deduction for entering administration in 2010.Sheffield United, meanwhile, will start the Championship season minus two points relating to the 2022-23 campaign.Leicester’s predicament stems from breaches prior to their relegation in 2023 after nine seasons in the top flight.The club avoided a points deduction last term after launching a legal case accusing the Premier League and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Foxes also asked for an injunction against a penalty before the end of the campaign.Everton were slapped with an eight-point deduction this season while Forest were docked four points.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna set to become one of highest paidThe Toffees started the new cycle £89.1m in the hole, meaning they can only afford to suffer £15.9m more in losses before breaking the £105m cap again. More