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      PSG take training to the next level with ROBOT WALL as fans joke ‘all this to convince Mbappe to stay’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have taken their training into the future with the addition of a new robot wall.The technology has been introduced at the club’s training ground to help their stars practice free-kicks.
      PSG have installed a robot wall at their training groundCredit: X
      Fans have joked the technology is part of a plan to keep Kylian Mbappe at the clubCredit: AFP
      Footage from their Camp des Loges base shows coaches working with the robot wall in front of goal.
      The equipment consists of a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots.
      As movement is made towards the wall, the mannequins mimic a defensive wall’s jump, shown by a coach walking towards the wall in footage from the training ground.
      However, fans could not help but joke about PSG’s lack of European glory and Kylian Mbappe’s potential exit in response.
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      One fan wrote on social media: “Gonna need a robot to take free-kicks too considering everyone’s left.”
      Another added: “Can the training walls give them Champions League?”
      A third fan also commented: “All this, just to convince Mbappe to stay.”
      Mbappe’s future in the French capital remains in doubt with his contract expiring in the summer.
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      The 25-year-old has yet to sign a new deal and is free to pen a pre-contract agreement with clubs overseas.
      He has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid and has reportedly agreed to join the Spanish giants this summer.
      PSG and Real Madrid set for summer battle for Kylian Mbappe, with Frenchman wanting huge money to join Los Blancos
      Reports have claimed Mbappe has given the club his demands to finally complete the long-anticipated move.
      As for PSG, Luis Enrique’s side are currently 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after beating Lille 3-1 on Saturday.
      However, they remain in search of their first Champions League triumph and return to European action this week.
      PSG host Real Sociedad in their round of 16 first leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. More

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      Former Nottingham Forest star set for daunting Champions League debut at side who haven’t played in two months

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      COPENHAGEN might be a bit rusty against in-form Manchester City on Tuesday in their first competitive game for TWO MONTHS.The Danes have been on a winter break since their 1-0 win over Galatasaray clinched a last-16 place back on December 12.
      Scott McKenna could make his debut for Copenhagen against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Boss Jacob Neestrop admits 63 days without a game is not ideal.
      He said: “Of course, it would be an advantage if we had been in full flow but it is what it is.
      “We’ve tried to have the best start regarding our training
      “We feel we’re in a very good place.
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      “We go for playing a good game and deliver a good performance to get a result like we have done in the other Champions League matches.”
      Copenhagen played in the friendly Atlantic Cup in Portugal last week to get some match practice, winning two out of their three games.
      This is only the second time they have reached the last 16 — they lost to Chelsea in 2011.
      But they came through a group that also included Bayern Munich and Manchester United and have lost just two of 18 Champions League matches at their Parken Stadium, which is known for its hostile atmosphere.
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      Scottish centre back Scott McKenna, 27, is in line for a debut after a loan move from Nottingham Forest last month. 
      The defender had fallen out of favour under Steve Cooper and was unable to convince Nuno Espirito Santo that he should be given a spot back in the team.
      Real Madrid team bus involved in crash on way to face RB Leipzig in Champions League clash
      Speaking about facing Manchester City in the Champions League, Mckenna said: “Manchester City are obviously a top team and it will be a difficult match.
      “But I don’t think you should show them too much respect, otherwise they will just run over you.
      “You have to try to make it as difficult for them as possible and hopefully it will work out for us.
      “I have only played against Manchester City once and it didn’t end too well for me! I know Copenhagen played against City last season in the Champions League too so the players at the club have probably faced them more than me.” More

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      Real Madrid team bus involved in crash on way to face RB Leipzig in Champions League clash

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      REAL MADRID’s team bus has been involved in a crash on route to face RB Leipzig.The LaLiga giants are travelling to Germany for their round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.
      The Real Madrid bus has been involved in a crash
      The collision happened on route to Leipzig
      The Real Madrid squad landed in Erfurt, Germany this morning ahead of a 100-mile drive to their final destination.
      The team had to fly to Erfurt rather than Leipzig due to a strike at Leipzig Airport
      However, German newspaper Bild has reported that the bus was involved in a collision with a white Toyota.
      The car’s driver is said to have overlooked the bus while changing lanes and broke the exterior mirror.
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      It has been estimated that the cost of the damage to the Toyota is £2,560.
      There was minimal damage to the Real Madrid bus with only some scratches visible on the driver’s side.
      The collision did cause a brief stop to the team’s journey but after checking that everyone was okay and the bus was fine they continued on their way.
      Real Madrid’s squad including the likes of Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde were on board along with the technical staff.
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      Toni Kroos was among the players on the busCredit: X – REAL MADRID
      The bus finally arrived at the team hotel Steigenberger in downtown Leipzig before 3pm.
      Jude Bellingham was not seen getting off the bus with the England star expected to miss the match.
      Jude Bellingham helped design new 30th anniversary iconic adidas Predator boots
      The midfielder picked up an ankle sprain against Girona on Saturday.
      However, Leipzig manager Marco Rose is yet to be convinced.
      He said: “I will only believe that Jude will be out if he is not in the stadium tomorrow.
      “It’s a Champions League game. I know Jude well, he will definitely want to play.
      “And if it means that he goes to the Leipzig doctors again and gets treated.
      “I’ve read a lot, but we’ll see.” More

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      Supercomputer reveals the chances of Man Utd finishing in Champions League spot after vital win over Aston Villa

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boosted their chances of finishing in a Champions League spot by beating Aston Villa – but the odds are still stacked against them.Goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay helped United complete the double over Villa, their closest Champions League rivals.
      Manchester United boosted their top five chances by beating Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      But Unai Emery’s side are still in control when it comes to qualifying for the continent’s elite competition.
      They sit five points ahead of the Red Devils and will be pushing to finish in the top four, having slipped behind Tottenham at the weekend.
      United will also be aiming to finish in the top four but have been given just a five per cent chance of doing so by Opta’s supercomputer.
      However this season the Premier League is likely to be allocated an additional Champions League qualification spot for the team that finishes fifth.
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      That means Erik ten Hag’s men actually have a 21.3 per cent chance of qualifying for the tournament.
      But United still fall considerably short of Villa and the rest of the teams above them in the table.
      The current top three – Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal – will almost certainly be playing Champions League football next season, while Tottenham have been given an 87 per cent chance of qualifying.
      Villa rank closely behind on 76.4 per cent, so it is unlikely Ten Hag will repeat his success of last year, when United finished fourth.
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      United have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League
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      His side are only just beginning to turn their form around after losing nine Prem games this season.
      The likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton all have a very slim chance of finishing in the top five, with Chelsea set to miss out again after being given a 0.5 per cent chance.
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      Gianluigi Buffon reveals ‘buying a diploma’ is his biggest regret but ‘doesn’t care’ about Champions League failure

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      GIANLUIGI BUFFON has revealed the thing he is “least proud of” in his life.The Italy and Juventus legend, 46, retired from football in August, bringing a close to a glittering 28-year career that saw him win 29 trophies, including the World Cup in 2006.
      World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon has revealed his biggest ‘regret’ in footballCredit: Getty
      Buffon insists failing to win the Champions League is ‘not a wound’ for himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      His trophy collection also included ten Serie A titles, six Coppa Italia’s and the Ligue 1.
      The former goalkeeper never managed to get his hands on a Champions League despite being in the final three times.
      However, Buffon insists the biggest regret in his life came when he was just 18 years old.
      Speaking at an event in Biella via Repubblica, he explained: “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, especially, especially when I was young.
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      “What I’m least proud of is having bought my diploma at 18, I wouldn’t do it again because there is a note of incorrectness and shortcuts and I have never been one for shortcuts.”
      In fact, Buffon says “doesn’t care” about his failure to win the Champions League because playing in it was joyous enough for him.
      He said: “It’s never been a wound for me, for me it was the incentive to fight every year for something extremely big.
      “If I then have to say a general thing that touches the Juve world, team-mates and managers, I was very sorry for them and for the fans who have yearned for this cup for more or less thirty years.
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      “For me, playing in the Champions League was already joy, winning it would have been the closing of a circle, but I don’t care.”
      On his love for Juventus, where he spent 17 years of his career, he said: “Juventus were my footballing life, there were wonderful memories, an adventure and human growth and consecration from a sporting point of view.
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      “The Juve universe turns your certainties upside down, but the moment you succeed they will never give up on you.” More

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      Dele Alli spotted in stands for former club Tottenham’s clash at home to Brighton as Everton lose 2-0 at Man City

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      DELE ALLI was spotted in the stands of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium two years after he left the club.Dele, 27, burst onto the scene at Spurs in 2015 at the tender age of 19 and shone bright in the Premier League as well as the Champions League.
      Dele Alli was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
      Dele watched Tottenham’s last-gasp Premier League victory over Brighton
      Dele currently plays for Everton but is nursing a groin injuryCredit: Getty
      The versatile midfielder was so instrumental that he helped the North Londoners make the Champions League final in 2019 when they were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool.
      And the former England international returned to his old stomping grounds to watch Ange Postecoglou’s men take on Brighton in the Premier League.
      Dele watched Tottenham pick up a last-gasp 2-1 victory following Brennan Johnson’s winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
      That was after Everton’s Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad.
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      The Merseysiders’ relegation struggle continues as they lost 2-0 following a brace by Erling Haaland.
      Tottenham fans were very happy to see their former star back in north London.
      One supporter tweeted: “We love Dele, I just don’t think you understand.”
      Another commented: “DELE COME BACK WE NEED YOU!”
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      A third posted: “Always 💙.”
      This fan said: “Dele we love you! Come back!”
      And that one stated: “Things you love to see. Hope Dele is doing well.”
      The attacking midfielder left Tottenham in 2022 after falling down the pecking order.
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      That led to a move to Everton where he looked to regain his former prowess.
      But Dele struggled to recreate his magic of old and that led to a hapless loan stint at Besiktas.
      The playmaker is back with the Toffees now but has been nursing a groin injury since March.
      He bravely opened up in the summer about the trauma he suffered as a child.
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      Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says blue card will ‘DESTROY football’-
      The 37-time capped England star revealed he was sexually abused by a friend of his mother aged six.
      Dele also said he dealt drugs aged eight, spent time in rehab and got an addiction to sleeping pills. More

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      I beat Mourinho to Europa League title after KOing Man Utd… now I’m taking shock new job after 4 months unemployed

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      EUROPA LEAGUE winner Jose Luis Mendilibar is set to take over as Olympiacos’ new manager.Mendilibar helped steer Sevilla away from relegation when he was appointed late last season in March as Jorge Sampaoli’s replacement.
      Ex-Sevilla boss Jose Luis Mendilibar is taking over at OlympiacosCredit: Rex
      Mendilibar eliminated Man Utd and beat Jose Mourinho in the Europa League FinalCredit: Getty
      Mendilibar will sign a €1.5m contract until the end of the season with the option to extend for another yearCredit: Getty
      And the Basque tactician led the Spanish giants to a record seventh Europa League title, earning qualification to this season’s Champions League.
      This poses as a huge appointment for Olympiacos amid a turbulent campaign that has seen the Piraeus outfit plummet to fourth place.
      SunSport understand Mendilibar will sign a contract until the end of the season with the option to extend for another year.
      Sources also report the ex-Athletic Bilbao manager’s deal is worth €1.5million (£1.3m).
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      The Spaniard is arriving in Greece today and will attend his new team’s Superleague clash against OFI in Piraeus this evening.
      Mendilibar is then set for baptism by fire as he will make his debut on Thursday’s crunch Europa Conference League play-off clash at home against Ferencvaros.
      The experienced coach stunned Europe last season as he eliminated Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals and then offloaded Juventus in the semi-finals.
      He then beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the final on penalties after a 1-1 draw despite Sevilla’s many struggles.
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      Sevilla then almost upset Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Super Cup at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece, which is the home of his new team.
      Youssef En-Nesyri opened the scoring before Cole Palmer’s equaliser took the game to a penalty shootout where City prevailed after Nemanja Gudelj missed his spot-kick.
      Youssef En-Nesyri scores incredible overhead kick in Sevilla training
      Mendilibar was sacked in October as Sevilla’s struggles continued with a poor run of five losses and just two wins in 13 matches across all competitions.
      Olympiacos have a long history of appointing managers with immense European success.
      That includes the likes of ex-Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, Monaco hero Leonardo Jardim and current Fulham boss Marco Silva. More

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      Aleksander Ceferin announces shock decision to quit as Uefa president less than an hour after winning vote to stay on

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      UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stunned European football when he announced he will QUIT his role in 2027 – less than an hour after winning a vote to stay on for an extra FOUR years.In a bizarre turn of events, the Slovenian told a press conference of his intention BEFORE informing Uefa’s 55 member associations.
      Aleksander Ceferin will step down from his role as UEFA president in 2027Credit: Getty
      And it came after the FA was left isolated as the ONLY association to vote against giving Ceferin the right to stay in the role until 2031.
      Wembley chief executive Mark Bullingham objected to the change in Uefa’s ruling Statutes which mean that Ceferin’s initial three year term after replacing Fifa-bound Gianni Infantino in 2016 will no longer count as having been served.
      Yet shortly afterwards, Ceferin made a testy appearance in which he savaged former Croatia superstar Zvonimir Boban – who quit his Uefa role in protest at the proposed changes last month – and made his surprise announcement.
      Ceferin said: “Honestly speaking, I’m tired of Covid, I’m tired of two wars and this nonsense project of the so-called Super League.
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      “I’m also tired of self-proclaimed moral authorities who are moral just until it comes to their personal interests.
      “So I decided – let’s say around six months ago – that I’m not planning to run in 2027 anymore.
      “After some time, every organisation needs fresh blood.
      “But it is  mainly because I have been away from my family for seven years now, and I will be away from them for three more until 2027. My family knew it first.”
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      Ceferin added that he had told a select group of key advisors of his decision and swore them to secrecy.
      That included Boban, who he labelled a “clown” and was a “test” of their loyalty.
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      Ceferin added: “I intentionally didn’t want to disclose my thoughts for two reasons.
      “Firstly, I wanted to see the real face of some people and I saw it; I saw good and bad parts.
      “But I didn’t want to influence the Congress.
      “I wanted them to decide not knowing what I’m telling you today because that’s an honest decision.
      “It was actually amusing to watch all this hysteria around and at the same time getting all the messages of support from my federations.”
      Turning to Boban, whom he did not name, Ceferin spat: “Now just two sentences about the self proclaimed moral authority.
      “This person does not deserve a comment from my side but people who know him and we will make their own opinions.
      “And for his pathetic cry about morality. He was one of the rare persons that knew that I was not going to run in 2027.
      “The moment that he got the information that I would disclose it after Congress he went out with his narcissistic letter.
      “He could not wait because after my disclosure his whining would not make sense any more. Now think, whose personal aspirations are in question? And think, whose morality is in question?”
      Ceferin then left after just three questions, with general secretary Theodor Theodoridis revealing he was heading back to the Uefa hotel across the city to inform the national association chiefs during their lunch break.
      Ceferin’s unexpected move means the FA’s “principled” stance was not actually necessary.
      Despite that, Wembely chiefs insisted they would still have votted the same way even if they had been aware of Ceferin’s real intentions.
      An FA spokeswoman said: “It was always about the principle and didn’t only apply to Aleksander Ceferin.
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      “We were supportive of the statute changes proposed by UEFA, with the exception of the proposed new wording on term limits.
      “We have recently implemented governance changes of our own and think it’s important that we are consistent in our approach.” More