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      Ange Postecoglou warns Tottenham players AND staff face axe – so who should stay and who should go?

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU warned players and even staff members could go in his bid to turn Spurs into title challengers.The Aussie already implemented an overhaul in his first two transfer windows but, after three straight defeats, revealed more change is on its way.Ange Postecoglou says he is ready to make big callsCredit: AlamyTimo Werner’s loan deal can be made permanent for £15mCredit: GettyPlaymaker James Maddison’s form for Spurs has dipped recentlyCredit: RexPostecoglou, whose Tottenham side’s Champions League hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, said: “We’ve already made tough decisions.“We let some experienced players leave the club at the beginning of the year, some by choice.“But I feel like if we’re really going to change, that means change. You have to make decisions.“Some of those decisions aren’t that tough because, whether it’s a player or a staff member, they realise it themselves.READ MORE TOP STORIES“But some of them you have to make just because of change, not necessarily because they don’t fit in the picture.“I’ve got to change this squad.  I’ve got to build a squad I think can play our football. For that to happen, there have to be exits.”Postecoglou witnessed the early stages of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution up close with a Boxing Day trip to Anfield in 2016.And just like the Reds board backed the German’s vision then — to great reward — Postecoglou feels he has the support of  Spurs’ hierarchy now to continue his own overhaul.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Aussie will head to Anfield on Sunday with some fans doubting him after three straight losses — including two painful London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea.Yet he is further ahead than Klopp was in his first Reds campaign, where he finished eighth, given the Spurs chief is on course to come fifth.Jamie Redknapp forced to apologise after ‘stealing Sky Sports host’s thunder’ in awkward moment on live TVPostecoglou recalled a visit to take in Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing of Stoke seven-and-a-half years ago in Klopp’s second season — which ended with the Reds finishing fourth — when discussing his own backing from Spurs bosses.The 58-year-old, a boyhood Liverpool fan, said: “In 2016 I came over with the family and  took my oldest son to Anfield to watch Liverpool.“It was just at the beginning of that building phase and, to be fair, they hadn’t done anything significant up until that point.“But there was just a real energy in the stadium around Jurgen.“The whole club, the supporters, everyone had bought into him, even though they hadn’t quite got to where they wanted to yet.“But I felt that in the stadium and that’s why I’ve always got drawn to managers like that.“You could see he could see things that others couldn’t in that time.“For the most part with the most successful clubs, that’s the  formula.“Part of that responsibility lies on me to make sure  I’m leading in a way that allows people to believe in me and support me because . . . it’s the only way I’m going to have success.“I’m not going to do it on my own, that’s for sure. I never have. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve had great support and right now I’ve all the support I need.“I really feel like the club has bought into the vision I have and it’s up to me to maintain that.”Some Spurs supporters questioned Postecoglou’s appointment in June from Celtic, arguing his success in Japan and Scotland was not enough to warrant a top Premier League job.Those worries soon vanished when he started the season like a house on fire, going unbeaten in his first ten games to send Tottenham top of the league.Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are under the microscopeCredit: GettyYet that old narrative has reared its head again after losses to Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea have now left Spurs’ Champions League chances almost in tatters.Thursday’s display in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was particularly concerning.Some fans are worried that though his open, attacking, uncompromising style won league titles with Yokohama and Celtic, it may not necessarily translate to the Premier League.And straight-talking Postecoglou understands he will have doubters until he delivers success.He explained: “What do you reckon they said when I got to Japan? [The same].“What do you reckon they said when I got to Scotland?“I get that. I understand that. It’s legitimate until success comes and then it doesn’t become legitimate.“My role is to navigate us to where I think we’ll be successful.“It’s not new to me. It’s not something I haven’t been asked before.“I’ve always just navigated it exactly the same way.“But that doesn’t mean those questions shouldn’t be there because until you achieve something, obviously people are just going to try and figure out if my ideas are going to work here.“That’s understandable. Until you have success, of course those questions are going to remain.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham is at doubtCredit: Rex“But do I have any doubts?  Absolutely none. I have clarity in terms of building us a club which will become successful.“I believe what I believe, down to my core. I’ll stand on the highest ground, die a noble death, believing in what I believe.”With Spurs’ hopes of a top-four finish seemingly wrecked, Ange Postecoglou knows he needs to overhaul his squad next season.Here, SunSport’s TOM BARCLAY runs the rule over who is likely to survive the cull — and who is in danger of going.FIVE TO STAYGUGLIELMO VICARIO: A little shaky from set-pieces but, overall, a big hit for just £16million.CRISTIAN ROMERO: Postecoglou hailed the World Cup winner as “outstanding”.MICKY VAN DE VEN: Dutch heir-apparent to Virgil van Dijk and lightning quick.DESTINY UDOGIE: Sensational in the first half of his maiden campaign and still so young.JAMES MADDISON: Tailed off recently but when he’s good, he’s perfect for Postecoglou.FIVE TO GOPIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG: Dependable but not a natural Ange fit. One year left on his deal.BRYAN GIL: Talented but looks too lightweight for the Premier League.RYAN SESSEGNON: Injury issues mean Spurs may let him go for nothing.OLIVER SKIPP: A rare home-grown player but Postecoglou has hardly given him a look-in.TANGUY NDOMBELE: Spurs’ biggest-ever flop will be back this summer — but surely not for long.FIVE IN DOUBTYVES BISSOUMA: Form has nosedived since electric start to the season.GIO LO CELSO: Has shown glimpses but rarely features and has only a year left.EMERSON ROYAL: Spurs rejected £25m Saudi offer in January but may rethink.READ MORE SUN STORIESTIMO WERNER: Club can make his loan permanent for just £15m — but jury is out as to whether it is worth it.MANOR SOLOMON: Injury has ruined Israeli’s first season, prompting durability concerns. More

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      Little-known rule means Bundesliga side may need to LOSE final match to qualify for Champions League

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      EINTRACHT FRANKFURT could squeeze into next season’s Champions League by losing their final match.The Bundesliga is set to send an extra team to Europe’s remodeled elite competition next term thanks to their clubs’ performances across all three Uefa competitions and co-efficient ranking.Eintracht Frankfurt may qualify for next season’s Champions League if they finish sixthCredit: GettyEintracht will need Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League and finish fifth in the BundesligaCredit: ReutersThat means Eintracht may have to lose their final game to RB LeipzigCredit: RexThat means Germany’s top five teams – Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund – will be in the draw.Eintracht are currently sixth with 12 points separating them from fifth-placed Dortmund, whom they will never overcome as there are only three more matches left in the German top flight.However, there is still a chance for Dino Toppmoller’s side to join their rivals in the Champions League – but they will need some help from BVB.Dortmund are currently in the competition’s semi-finals and targeting a place in the final at Wembley after beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg at the Signal Iduna Park.Read More on FootballAs per Champions League rules, if Edin Terzic’s men win the competition then they will automatically qualify for next season’s modified tournament.According to Bundesliga rules, however, if Dortmund win the Champions League and finish fifth in Germany then the sixth-placed team will also be joining all the other five teams in Europe next season.This is an absolutely crazy scenario but it could help Eintracht do the unthinkable, and what makes this even more insane is that the Bundesliga outfit can help themselves in the most surreal way.Eintracht host Leipzig in the final day of the campaign and may have to lose to Marco Rose’s side to ensure the Red Bull club finish above Terzic’s side in fourth.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut that is still a tall order as Leipzig and Dortmund are within touching distance of Stuttgart in third, who still need to gain three points to ensure they finish ahead of the latter.Plus Eintracht don’t have sixth place sealed yet as Freiburg, Augsburg and Hoffenheim are very close.Bayer Leverkusen celebrate in dressing room as they seal Bundesliga titleIf Frankfurt finish sixth then they have Europa League qualification sealed as a worst case scenario.Toppmoller’s side face Xabi Alonso’s undefeated Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach before taking on Leipzig.How the Bundesliga can send SIX teams to the Champions LeagueGermany can send an extra team to next season’s Champions League thanks to their clubs’ performances across all three Uefa competitions and co-efficient ranking
      Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund will be playing in next season’s Champions League.
      But all five clubs could be joined by the team that finishes sixth in the table.
      Eintracht Frankfurt are currently sixth with 12 points separating them from fifth-placed Dortmund whom they can’t overcome as there are only three more matches left in the German top flight.
      However, there is still a chance Eintracht can join their rivals in the Champions League – but they will need some help from BVB.
      Dortmund are currently in the competition’s semi-finals and targeting a place in the final after beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg at the Signal Iduna Park.
      According to Champions League rules, if Edin Terzic’s men win the competition then they will automatically qualify for next season’s modified tournament.
      And as per Bundesliga rules, if Dortmund win the Champions League and finish fifth in Germany then the sixth-placed team will also be joining all the other five teams in Europe next season. More

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      I’m an Arsenal Invincible, we were met by honeytrap Russian models to try to tire us out before Champions League clash

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      FORMER Arsenal defender Pascal Cygan has claimed Russian models were used as part of a honeytrap to tire out the famous Invincibles side before a Champions League clash.Arsene Wenger’s side went unbeaten throughout the entire 2003/04 Premier League campaign.Pascal Cygan recalled how Russian models were used to try and tire Arsenal players outCredit: GettyCygan was a part of Arsenal’s iconic Invincibles side from the 2003/04 campaignCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThey also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League before being eliminated by Chelsea.But earlier on during their European campaign they were met with a rather unconventional pre-game tactic from Lokomotiv Moscow.Ex-French centre-back Cygan, 50, has since recalled that in the lead-up to the game Russian models were waiting for them at a bar in a bid to act as a distraction from the match.Speaking to La Voix du Nord in 2019, he said: “When we entered our hotel in Moscow there were 10 Russian top models waiting for us. They were seated in front of the bar.”READ MORE ON ARSENALHe then went on to add: “We were later told that they had been there to tire us out during the night before the match.”We didn’t lose, and as far as I remember none of our players were stupid enough to fall into the trap.”Cygan had a wife and two children back home at the time of the incident.Arsenal ended up playing out a goalless draw in Russia, before they beat Lokomotiv 2-0 in the reverse fixture three months later.Most read in FootballMeet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant

      Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
      Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.
      They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.
      Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard
      A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.
      Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz
      Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.
      Milly White – partner of Ben White
      The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.
      Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard
      The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
      They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
      Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
      Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.
      She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.
      Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale
      Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
      The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.

      Cygan spent four season in North London, racking up 98 appearances for the club.His only major trophy at Arsenal came in the shape of the 2003/04 Premier League title.Meet the Arsenal Wags behind Gunners’ successHe then left to join Villarreal in 2006 for £2million.He ended his career with two years at Spanish second-tier side Cartagena, retiring in 2011 after being released by the club. More

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      Jurgen Klopp vows NEVER to watch TNT Sports again as Liverpool boss launches hilarious rant over ‘favourite TV channel’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has jokingly claimed that he will never watch TNT Sports again after he leaves Liverpool.The German coach, 56, dropped the bombshell in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.Jurgen Klopp has joked he’ll never watch TNT Sports againCredit: GettyThe Liverpool boss has hit out at his side regularly being scheduled for the Saturday lunchtime slotCredit: GettyThe ex-Dortmund manager has transformed Liverpool back into one of the game’s top sides since taking charge in October 2015.He achieved legendary status when ending their 30-year title drought in 2020 while he also led the Reds to three Champions League finals – tasting success in 2019.Despite Liverpool’s title aspirations and Europa League hopes going up in smoke over the past fortnight, Klopp is departing Anfield with a Carabao Cup triumph.He was in good spirits this morning at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he could not resist another rant of fixture scheduling and pile-ups as he took a swipe at TNT Sports again for the broadcaster regularly putting his side in the Saturday lunchtime spot after they had been in midweek European action.And he also said English football’s congested calendar is hindering our sides from enjoying more success against the continent’s top teams.Klopp began his tongue-in-cheek rant by saying: “The boys had a few days off this week which was super important and we could have proper training sessions again, which we are not used to.“We stumble from one -1 into the next. I said it from the first day, training helps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“In general it’s a really interesting subject, seeing that Aston Villa lost 4-2 last night. If they go out it would mean no English team is in a European final.“You will all stay here, you will all talk about it. If you don’t decrease the intensity for the players…Michail Antonio ‘reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Mo Salah’ in furious touchline spat vs West Ham “If you think that all English teams underperformed, there were definitely moments – us against Atalanta and things like this. “But the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people.”Klopp continued: “You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, ‘They pay you! They give money for football’. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.“They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you. “You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out.”Klopp was not finished as he added: “I will watch a lot of football but not all – people can survive without matches from time to time. “Manchester City and Arsenal are out in the quarter-finals, it’s just not a reflection of quality. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into laughter. I would like to be thereJurgen Klopp”We are out in the quarter-finals. Yes other countries have good teams, it’s not about that – it’s a sign.“We have to change our approach. That’s how it is. When I speak about it they think it’s because of our situation, if we lost the last game. “But it’s a general problem. Nothing to do with our schedule now. They dare to give Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime!Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      “I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into [laughter]. “I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!“They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy. “They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but… what was the question by the way?”Klopp and Liverpool talisman Mo Salah were spotted rowing on the touchline in last week’s draw at West Ham.And talk of a rift between them escalated after the forward’s post-match remarks.However, the departing boss has rubbished any talk of a fall-out, saying: “Completely resolved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not a problem. We have known each other for (a long time) and respect each other. “We have a right to deal with these things completely independently. It’s a non-story.”Klopp says English football’s schedule is killing our sides in EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      Under-pressure Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag shock name ‘being discussed’ by Bayern Munich to replace outgoing Tuchel

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      ERIK TEN HAG is reportedly a shock candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.The German manager will leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag is reportedly getting interest from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyManager Thomas Tuchel is leaving the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTuchel, 50, announced his decision to leave Bayern back in February.Last year he won the Bundesliga title by capitalising on Borussia Dortmund’s final game draw to Mainz.However, this season has seen Bayern surrender the title for the first time in 11 years.The club were also knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by third-tier minnows FC Saarbrucken.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel’s side has reached the Champions League semi-finals and could reach the final after drawing 2-2 in the first leg against Real Madrid.Despite this Tuchel is still set to leave the club and a host of names have been attracting interest to replace him.Bayern had been linked with the likes of Unai Emery and Ralf Rangnick but have so far been unsuccessful.Outlet BILD has now reported that Ten Hag is being discussed at Bayern.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman is under huge pressure at Manchester United after a disappointing season.The Red Devils dropped out of the Champions League at the group stage and look set to miss out on the top four.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?If United decide to pull the trigger on Ten Hag then he could find a new job at the Allianz Arena.The report also adds that Tuchel is interested in replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.It is also suggested that he does not want to speak to the club until after Bayern’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Madrid.The match is scheduled for May 8 which could suggest that talks could open up before the season is over.There has already been a host of names linked with the managerial role at United.England boss Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are reportedly of interest.Willy Kambwala wants to become rock at the back for Man Utd… but Erik ten Hag probably won’t be around to see itBy Ken Lawrence
      ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.
      The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.
      And teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.
      United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
      Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”
      Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.
      Comeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.
      And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer
      Read Ken Lawrence’s comment piece in full.
      Or read more from Ken Lawrence. More

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      Germany swiped extra Champions League spot from entitled Premier League while keeping fans happy – they put us to shame

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      WHAT a good week to be German — a sentence you never thought you would read in this newspaper.But confirmation that the coveted fifth place in next season’s expanded Champions League is heading to the Bundesliga instead of the Premier League caps a stunning few days for our noisy neighbours across the North Sea.Borussia Dortmund’s players genuinely shared their joy with fansCredit: ReutersHarry Kane notched a penalty for Bayern in a 2-2 draw with Real MadridCredit: APHow impressive to see Borussia Dortmund’s deliriously exhausted players celebrating Wednesday’s win over Paris Saint-Germain with the massed hordes standing on the famous Yellow Wall at their monstrous stadium.And the night before with the brilliant, cosmic glow of red neon strip lights illuminating Bayern Munich’s admirable fightback against Real Madrid.Two mighty German clubs, each with one foot in the Champions League final.If the irony is lost on you that more than 90,000 Germans could be descending on Wembley next month to contest the biggest game in club football, it shouldn’t be.READ MORE TOP STORIESWhen Uefa announced an extra place for the league performing the best overall in Europe this season, you could almost smell the sense of entitlement in the Premier League.State-backed Manchester City and Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United flying the flag for the blue-chip corporations of England? What could possibly go wrong?For the 20-team conglomerate whose unofficial motto is ‘here comes money’ it looked a shoo-in that it would lead to a fifth team from England asserting the Prem brand authority.Instead the prize for ‘best all-round effort’ is going to a league where there remains some notion of perspective.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhere the clubs are not allowed to ‘squeeze the lemons’ of the fans until the pips squeak even if they want to.Dortmund match-winner Niclas Fullkrug is not a particularly good dancer.Five things you didn’t know about Jadon SanchoBut the sight of his awkward arms-flapping, skip jive in full view of 81,000 fans during the post-match party on the pitch only fuels the feeling that German  football possesses something we do not. And it’s not money.German clubs are closer than ever to their supporters, just as English ones are growing further and further apart.Estimates put Fullkrug’s weekly pay at around £130,000 a week. That is comparable to some in the Premier League but it wouldn’t be a standout wage.Moreover, he has worked his way up from humble beginnings, playing second-tier football with Werder Bremen and Hannover, suffering dreadful injuries along the way.At 31, Fullkrug is believed to have earned less than £3million altogether before his move to Dortmund. His misfortune and spirited nature appeal to the fans.There are widespread discrepancies in pay levels like there are here. But there is no need to even mention pay caps for players in Germany like there is here.Ticket prices for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against PSG were as little as £17.Buy a ticket for any game and public transport within the city limits comes free. Germany is a big country. When clubs and TV colluded with the idea of Monday night football, it was met with tennis balls lobbed on pitches during games, angry demos and was quickly binned.No sending Newcastle fans to Arsenal for an 8pm Saturday kick-off.Bayern ended their association with Qatari Airways last June because it did not sit well with fans unhappy about allegations of human rights abuses in the Middle Eastern state.At the Allianz Arena, it is half price for pensioners. Let’s see what happens if Bayern tried scrapping that like they are at Spurs. Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern’s Bundesliga title gripCredit: GettyThe Prem clubs will argue that the ‘50 per cent plus one’ rule placing fans in majority ownership of German teams makes the league unwieldy, unable to operate as efficient businesses and uncompetitive.Bayer Leverkusen just won their first Bundesliga title. Bayern are the only team in the current top four who also finished there last season. Leverkusen are in the semi-finals of the Europa League.It’s almost as if German football is run for the people who fill its grounds, create the atmospheres and act as the lifeblood of the game. It’ll never catch on here.How very obviousHOWARD WEBB has revealed “football’s played by human beings and officiated by human beings”.Webb was a copper before he became  the most senior referee in the country but you do not need to be Sherlock Holmes to work out his  latest pearl of wisdom for yourself.Of course, his comments come after  an almighty ruck erupted because Nottingham Forest should have had a penalty against Everton last month.Webb’s effective public apology for a mistake by match ref Anthony Taylor points to the fact people get things wrong. It’s called the human condition.Yet the whole theory behind the introduction of hated VAR technology was to move away from the margins of error caused by malfunctions in the human brain.The umpteen cameras and replay facilities were — by design — supposed to eradicate discrepancies. But now  Webb has testified to confirm what most of us already thought.That is, until players, managers, fans, refs, assistant officials and VARs are replaced entirely by Artificial Intelligence or eagle-eyed gizmos with faster reaction speeds than a snail on Valium, there will still sometimes be the odd cock-up.Which means, m’lud, that VAR has only added another layer of potential arguments to a sport already riddled with angry people fired up by a burning sense of injustice.Therefore we can all deduce that it has merely just added to the  beautiful game’s existing problems instead of solving them.And, therefore, it should be scrapped with immediate effect.No further questions, Mr Webb. I rest my case.Infamy, infamy, they’ve all pot it in for meFAREWELL, Rocket Ronnie. Snooker’s greatest showman tumbled out of the World Championship with a typically colourful exit.If Ronnie O’Sullivan were a footballer, he would be strung up on an FA charge for claiming some referees ‘have got it in for me’ as a parting shot.Ronnie O’Sullivan congratulates his conqueror Stuart BinghamCredit: ReutersHopefully he won’t be punished, though, because O’Sullivan going out in the quarter-finals for the second year in a row is more of a blow for the tournament than it is for him.There are three qualifiers and the world No 12 left to fight for the biggest prize in the sport.O’Sullivan has had run-ins with snooker’s authorities before amid suggestions that no single player is bigger than the game itself.Let’s see what happens to the interest in events at the Crucible from now until Monday’s finale and then decide, shall we?Bax lyrical over dedicated keeperBOLTON play at Barnsley tonight in their League One play-off semi-final first leg.In goal for them will be Nathan Baxter, formerly of Chelsea, who went out on loan to seven clubs to gain experience.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne spell was at Scottish Prem side Ross County, where he barely played due to injury and was sent back to London for treatment.Baxter, now 25, paid his own air fares to fly to Scotland regularly just to remain part of the squad. If anyone deserves a bit of success, it is him. More

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      Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0: Pochettino gets revenge on former team as Blues deal Spurs’ Champions League hopes fatal blow

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU deserves all he gets for being a Billy Joel fan.By quoting Mr Supermarket Music to defend his dislike of boring, set-piece practice, Tottenham’s manager betrayed himself twice.Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s second as they sealed a 2-0 win over TottenhamCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino got revenge on his old teamCredit: AFPWhile Ange Postecoglou cast a miffed figure on the sidelinesCredit: AFPHe firstly ruined any street cred he may wish for and secondly revealed to every opposition manager that he does not care for such trivial things as free kicks and corners.And so Chelsea duly carved his team open twice from free kicks to leave his hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in his first season hanging by a thread.Defeat here leaves Tottenham fifth, seven points behind Aston Villa and now with just one game in hand.And with only four games to go it is highly unlikely they will somehow recover from their alarming dip in form to make it to the Promised Land.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceding from similar free kicks in each half made it three defeats on the spin with Liverpool and title-chasing Manchester City still to play.But more than failing to reach the top four in his debut year, Postecoglou is learning at great cost how Tottenham contrive to cock it up around this time each season.This was their second London derby defeat inside four days too, suggesting his players need to toughen up when it comes to facing the neighbours.Two down to Arsenal inside half an hour on Sunday, they were caught on the hop again, proving they haven’t learned any lessons from the weekend or from recent history as another season of such promise threatens to crumble in the home stretch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJust 25 minutes had gone when they went down to the first dead ball situation.Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher hooked a free kick into the box to find defender Trevoh Chalobah surging forward and free to loop a classy header over keeper Guglielmo Vicario.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceVAR tried to come to Tottenham’s rescue with delays to check nonsensical possible offside then a foul. But after the usual lengthy delay, Chalobah’s goal stood and Postecoglou found his team up against it again.Big Ange is having problems getting a tune out of his team at the crucial part of the campaign. Sound familiar Spurs fans?It was the son who got things going with Trevoh Chalobah lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt carrying the slogan ‘Jehovah’s Son’ across the chest as he wheeled away in delight after scoring first.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min was anonymous.  His supply line cut off as Tottenham were overwhelmed. Spurs are running out of steam.James Maddison, signed with such expectation last summer, is fading from view.Chelsea were more clinical than the visitorsChalobah impressed at CBHaving been subbed in his last nine games he finally bit the bullet and was dropped altogether last night.The £40million midfielder has not completed a full 90 minutes since Brighton at home on February 10. His England place for the Euros is not safe.It wasn’t even as if Chelsea suddenly found a string of superstars to roll out on a big night at Stamford Bridge. It was the same old bunch that has pitched and rolled like a North Sea trawler all season long.Boss Pochettino even hinted there could be some surprises in his selection. With a crippling injury list, added to by the absences of Thiago Silva and fellow centre half Axel Disasi, he was not wrong there.Trevoh Chalobah put in a starring display and was rewarded with a goalCredit: PAThe defeat leaves Spurs with a mountain to climb for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe bench was not so much a ‘Who’s who?’ As a ‘Who’s he?’ with greenhorns Zak Sturge, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer among the 20-man matchday squad.Last night was eight years to the day since the notorious Battle of the Bridge resulting in nine bookings, a six match ban for Spurs’ Mousa Dembele and a punch up on the pitch.Early hopes of a repeat performance came and went with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Jackson shoving each other in a petty dispute at a dead ball in no man’s land just two minutes in. After that Spurs became Chelsea’s punch bag. Jackson went agonisingly close to putting them ahead after only five minutes.Put through on the chase by Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea’s erratic centre forward did everything right for once, slipping the ball through Vicario’s legs. Luckily, Spurs have flying Dutchman Mick van de Ven – clocked at more than 23 mph this season – in the ranks and he scampered back to hook the shot off the line, earning a massive hug from his mightily relieved keeper.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

      At least last weekend they put up a fight against the Gunners. Here they settled in to be overrun from start to finish, making a fairly average Chelsea team look like world beaters.A few half chances with Pape Sarr having a shot deflected and Brennan Johnson scuffing one wide in the second half . Postecoglou went from irate madman in the first half to deflated and defeated in the second, especially after Jackson grabbed the winner 18 minutes from the end.Palmer chipped in a free kick which cannoned off the crossbar. And given that free kicks don’t matter at Spurs, nobody bothered to pick up Chelsea’s centre forward who pounced to head in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s the 16th time they have conceded from a set-piece. Postecoglou quoted Joel song ‘You May Be Right’ to justify his decision to ignore free kicks and corners but it’s hitting a duff note.Victory takes Chelsea up to eighth, above West Ham. They are now just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with their own dreams of Europe improving. More

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      in Soccer

      Laura Woods gives glimpse into life behind the scenes as adoring fans say ‘so much slay on display’

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      LAURA WOODS collared herself in glory yet again – dazzling fans with varied snapshots of her life.A black choker round the presenter’s neck was a recurring theme in her Instagram pics, narrowly appearing more often than her French bulldog!Laura Woods’ fans loved her array of snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura didn’t explain this expressionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The presenter had a giggle over her hairCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura’s companion was in mischievous moodCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Of course she included a Euro night shotCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woodsy neglected to include any pics with partner Adam Collard, such as this cosy snap, nor even a single photo of her beloved ArsenalCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyFootball fans’ favourite broadcaster showcased her recent activities – with and without her TNT Sports’ Champions League hat on.”So much slay on display,” was one verdict, while another admirer posted: “Killing it Laura! COYG!”That’s a reference to her love for Arsenal, even though the Gunners and boyfriend Adam Collard were glaring omissions from a photo dump she labelled “Lately x”.Three photos showed Woodsy in the same neckwear – a classy number fastened at the front by a silver-coloured buckle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThat pipped the two-pic total for Lu, her pet Frenchie who she is often seen out in the wild with.She also shared a glamorous shot from a spot-lit event – and a snap of what appeared to come from behind the scenes at work.In that image, 36-year-old Laura wore an off-the-shoulder black outfit  – a bodycon dress.But a gadgety-looking khaki bag and a bottle of water in the background gave the game away – suggesting she had a date with a microphone.Most read in FootballAgain in her fave choker, Woodsy switched to a glam eventCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura’s dog took pride of place in two photosCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Lu had a muddy great time in this picCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/”Scrumptious,” claimed one of her 754,000 Instagram followers.”Love this girl” and “Lovely smile” were similar opinions.Laura Woods can’t keep her hands off boyfriend Adam Collard as loved-up couple snog on the beach in Mexico”Gorgeous” was also on the list of compliments.Laura also revealed a clip of herself having her hair done as she laughed around in a car with a female backseat companion.And apart from pics at famous football venues, there was a mini-mystery over one snap.She shared a screenshot of her in a black gown with a huge frown – with no clue as to what changed her usual happy expression.Maybe it’s a sign of her humour – as the choker in the pack!Laura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: RexShe has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: GettyLaura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramThe presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: GettyShe loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: InstagramWoods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: Instagram More