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      Robert Lewandowski opens up on ‘special’ Jurgen Klopp, his failed Man Utd transfer and eating dessert before his main

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has described Jurgen Klopp as a “special” man in a fitting tribute to the outgoing Liverpool manager.SunSport exclusively sat down with the legendary striker to discuss his old Borussia Dortmund boss, a failed move to Manchester United, the Euros, and the real story behind him eating dessert before main meals.Robert Lewandowski sat down with SunSport for an exclusive interview in BarcelonaThe former Borussia Dortmund striker gave a touching tribute to Jurgen KloppCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe interview was in honour of his partnership with gaming company G2ABut we start with Klopp – who said farewell to Anfield on Sunday after a stellar nine years at the club.Lewandowski, 35, spent four seasons playing under Klopp at Dortmund during which he scored 103 goals in 187 games.Prior to Bayer Leverkusen’s recent triumph, Dortmund were the last team to topple Bayern Munich and clinch the Bundesliga title when they won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.Klopp’s side also reached the Champions League final in 2013, losing to Bayern at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lewandowski has nothing but fond memories of his time with the iconic German coach.’I still have amazing contact with Klopp’Speaking about Klopp at the announcement of his partnership with gaming company G2A, he said: “He’s just special as a man, not only as a coach.”I think that he wrote the new history of the Liverpool because he won everything.”When I saw what’s happened in the last game, not even the last game, even last week, he is still not only the legend but he’s the person who you loved and you love him because not only what he won, what he did on the pitch, but everything around [him] and you understood that this man is special.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRobert Lewandowski major honoursMajor honours won by Robert Lewandowski:
      Lech Poznan: Polish league, Polish Cup, Polish Super Cup
      Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga x2, German Cup, German Super Cup
      Bayern Munich: Bundesliga x8, German Cup x3, German Super Cup x5, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup
      Barcelona: LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup
      Individual awards: Best Fifa Men’s Player x2, European Golden Shoe x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year, Uefa Team of the Year x2, Bundesliga Player of the Season x2, Bundesliga top scorer x7, Bundesliga Team of the Season x9, Bayern Munich Player of the Season x3, LaLiga Team of the Season x2

      “When I was with him in Dortmund I had and still have with him amazing contact because I know everything he does is pure.”He never lied. Even the tough decisions or tough conversations he said to you exactly what he wanted to say, not what you wanted to hear.Robert Lewandowski pays tribute to Jurgen Klopp”So it’s different. Always he was clear with the players, with the people. And in the end for sure he was clear with himself. And that’s why everything what he did for Liverpool, for this club, for the players, for sure that’s staying with him for the next years.”For one side it’s very sad that he’s leaving. But he knew that he needed a break. To be the coach not only of Liverpool but to be the coach of a top club costs a lot of energy. It’s a difficult job, very tough.”I’m very grateful for everything what he did, what kind of person he is. And I think that so many fans are going to miss him.”So nearly a Red DevilLewandowski wanted to join Manchester United by Dortmund blocked the dealCredit: PA:Empics SportLewandowski insisted he ‘could not say no’ when Sir Alex Ferguson called himCredit: GettyLewandowski left Dortmund for Bayern in 2014, one year before Klopp also departed the Westfalenstadion.But his exit could have come much earlier had he been granted his wish to join Man Utd.Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson spotted the forward’s supreme talent and was keen to bring him to Old Trafford.Yet despite both Fergie and Lewandowski wanting the move to happen, Dortmund refused to let him go, and instead Manchester United signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal.Recalling that time, the striker said: “I had decided to go to Manchester United. I remember when I was speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson and I was already decided.”I was 22, 23 [years old] and it was after one or two years in Dortmund [when Sir Alex called me]. You cannot say no [to him], it’s the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join to Manchester United.”But in the end Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”He has not held that decision against Dortmund – insisting it will be a “dream” if they win the Champions League final at Wembley against Real Madrid on June 1.It comes 11 years after he lost with Dortmund at Wembley alongside team-mate Marco Reus – who he hopes is given the most “beautiful” send-off with a European triumph.As a person, Lewandowski has a number of eccentric quirks.They include his love of gaming – particularly anything F1-related – as he revealed his admiration for both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.But the main idiosyncrasy he has become known for is eating dessert BEFORE main meals.’I don’t like to mix food’Lewandowski was keen to set the records straight on this tale, elaborating on exactly what the unusual eating habit entails.”If you are talking about lunch, for example, I want to eat dessert like one and a half hours before I’m eating or one and a half hours after the lunch because I don’t like to mix food,” he said.”If you have the sweet things and you mix with protein, for example, if you boil it up, it doesn’t work well. So this is the idea.”I know the story was that I first [eat] dessert and [then] soup, something like that. But yeah, it’s not so correct.”On his dessert of choice, he added: “Chocolate fondant. Hot chocolate with the inside. I am so ready to eat this.”Lewandowski has scored 25 goals for Barcelona this season – the 13th successive campaign he has achieved this goalscoring tally.But, with the Catalan giants set to close out their campaign away at Sevilla on Sunday, they have already been condemned to a trophyless term.Behind the scenes with Robert LewandowskiROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is just as impressive off the pitch as he has been on it for the best part of 20 years, writes SunSport’s Dylan Terry.
      From the moment he walked into the room of 30 or 40 people at the G2A media day, there was a humbleness you would not expect from one of the best players of his generation.
      He then proceeded to give what appeared to be an off-the-cuff speech about his excitement for the partnership – a task many sports stars may have found daunting but which Lewandowski took in his stride.
      Sitting down for the interview, he was quick to ask about my time in Barcelona and how I had found the city.
      He then proceeded to joke that I had “forgotten my sun cream” after catching a glimpse of my redder-than-usual complexion.
      Across the next 15 minutes he was happy to answer anything, speaking with an impressive eloquence and relaxed nature.
      At the end I requested a photo which was warmly received by Lewandowski – who was happy to oblige.
      We shook hands and he wished me the best, before he prepared for his next two interviews in German and Polish.

      Lewandowski backs three teams at EurosNow the Poland captain, who has scored 680 goals in 988 games for club and country, will lead his nation into this summer’s European Championships.A tough group awaits them after they were drawn alongside France, Netherlands and Austria.And Lewandowski believes the French are one of three teams with a realistic chance of glory in Germany – alongside England and Portugal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “France, I think also England. Also Portugal, I think they can be very dangerous because of the coach, because of the players of this generation.”G2A.COM is the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for digital entertainment where users can choose from more than 75,000 digital offerings including games, DLCs, in-game items, as well as non-gaming items like gift cards, subscriptions and software.Lewandowski previously revealed he eats dessert before main mealsCredit: InstagramLewandowski has been scoring for fun as usual this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Neville looks shellshocked as he’s told Sir Alex Ferguson had RESIGNED before Man Utd won Treble

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Gary Neville was left stunned after finding out that Sir Alex Ferguson almost left Old Trafford in 1998.The legendary United boss handed in his resignation on the eve of the 1998-99 season after growing frustrated with the club’s hierarchy.Sir Alex Ferguson handed in his resignation before the 1998-99 seasonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdGary Neville was left stunned after finding out he intended to leaveCredit: AmazonHaving narrowly lost out on the Premier League title to Arsenal just a few months prior, Ferguson was accused of taking his eye off the ball.Addressing the situation in an episode of Man Utd’s new Amazon Prime documentary ’99’, former chairman Martin Edwards revealed: “We’d felt that maybe he’d got a little bit more interested in his outside interests than perhaps he should’ve done, and that just needed readdressing.”He was obviously becoming a celebrity, interested in his racing and all the rest of it.”So as chief exec it’s your job to know your staff. It was just a – what shall we say – a correction.Read More on Football”I put it in writing. I knew he wouldn’t be happy about it and he wasn’t.”He offered his resignation, which obviously I had to accept.”Ferguson was quick to backtrack on his resignation and withdrew it just a few hours later.The revelation did not reach the players at the time due to the manager’s immediate change of heart.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUpon hearing the news while filming for the documentary, which focuses on Man Utd’s historic Treble-winning campaign, former defender Neville was left completely taken aback.He said: “The manager?! I wouldn’t like to have that conversation with him.’I hated it,’ admits Wayne Rooney as he reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson asked him to do during Man Utd days”I didn’t even know that until today.”United went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League that season under the guidance of Sir Alex.Ferguson eventually left Man Utd in 2013, 15 years after initially handing in his resignation.He retired with 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups.Sir Alex Ferguson guided the club to a Treble – including the Champions League – in 1999Credit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Seven bosses who could replace Pochettino at Chelsea from bookies favourite De Zerbi to McKenna… or could it be Jose?

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      CONTRASTING names like Kieran McKenna and Jose Mourinho are on a seven-man list of possible successors to Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.The Blues announced the end of Pochettino’s 12-month reign on Tuesday night, despite five straight wins earning sixth spot in the Premier League.Mauricio Pochettino is departing Chelsea after 12 monthsCredit: GettyIpswich’s Kieran McKenna is rated a strong early contenderCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca is another manager fresh from Championship joyCredit: GettyIpswich’s promotion-winning chief McKenna was instantly mentioned, having already been linked with Manchester United and Brighton.The 38-year-old is the youngest of a mostly youthful bunch of candidates.The main exception is the “special” long-shot being talked of.That of course is 61-year-old Mourinho, who won three Prem titles in his two previous stints as Stamford Bridge manager.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ex-Red Devils and Real Madrid boss was axed from his last position, in charge of Roma, four months ago.However, SportItalia claim the Portuguese is being lined up by Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah to become sporting director.Pochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOther managers touted for the Blues’ job include Leicester City’s Championship-winning chief Enzo Maresca, 44 and Stuttgart’s 42-year-old boss Sebastian Hoeness.There’s also room on the list for two highly-rated coaches currently out of work.Most read in FootballMauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesRoberto De Zerbi, 44, might be regarded as the likelier candidate, having also been rated a potential contender for Old Trafford even before he left Brighton this week.And former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, 59, has not been in management since being axed as Germany boss in September 2023.Here’s our guide to seven men who just might be in contention for Stamford Bridge…Kieran McKennaThe former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.Roberto De ZerbiThe Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.Roberto De Zerbi is highly regarded by a string of Prem giantsCredit: GettyEnzo MarescaMaresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.Hansi FlickFlick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role, becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany.Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the BluesSebastian HoenessChelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich.Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.Sebastian Hoeness has been a big success at StuttgartCredit: GettyMichelMichel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.READ MORE SUN STORIESJose MourinhoStill adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?Ex-Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho must be rated an outsiderCredit: PA More

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      Relegated former Chelsea star Ross Barkley ‘set for immediate return to Premier League with Champions League side keen’

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      ROSS BARKLEY is tipped to rejoin Aston Villa – despite Manchester United also showing interest in Luton’s star man.After qualifying for the Champions League, Villa are reportedly in “advanced talks” over recruiting the 30-year-old ex-Chelsea midfielder.Aston Villa have reportedly made the first move for Ross BarkleyCredit: GettyBarkley’s inspirational season failed to keep the Hatters up but led to calls for a place at Euro 2024, five years after the last of his 33 England caps.The Merseysider has arguably produced his finest football since 2018 – when Chelsea paid Everton £15milion for the then-prodigy.Barkley’s four years at Stamford Bridge proved to be a massive frustration, with poor form and then limited opportunities.He spent 2020-21 on loan at Villa before departing Chelsea permanently a year later to spend a single campaign with Ligue 1 club Nice.READ MORE TOP STORIESLuton pounced for him in August 2023 after squeezing back into the Premier League via the play-offs.Now The Guardian reckon negotiations on a switch to Unai Emery’s Villa are already at a serious stage – with Barkley keen on the move.United have also been linked to the all-round ace, not least as he impressed Red Devils’ minority owner Sim Jim Ratcliffe while at Ineos-owned Nice.Barkley said last month: “I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play in Europe again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I feel like for the next three years maybe I’ll still be in my prime years.”Villa are thought to be in the market for two midfielders in all, plus a full-back and a forward.Aston Villa stars and wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions LeagueChelsea’s England workhorse Conor Gallagher is a known target for Emery.It’s understood Villa might be willing to include Jhon Duran in a swap deal.Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues have long admired the 20-year-old Colombian. More

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      Jadon Sancho forced to take huge pay cut as Man Utd name price tag for Borussia Dortmund loanee

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      JADON SANCHO will not be handed a cut-price dream ticket back to Germany.And even if Borussia Dortmund do meet Manchester United’s asking price, he will have to take a hefty cut on his £275,000-a-week wages.Manchester United won’t be selling Jadon Sancho on a cut-price dealCredit: RexSancho wants to return to Borussia Dortmund after falling out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Red Devils winger, 24, wants a permanent return to Dortmund after a sparkling loan spell for the Champions League finalists.United are happy to listen to offers but will not let the 23-cap England man go for less than 75 per cent of the £73million they paid Dortmund for him in 2021.Sancho, who became a global star in his first four years at the Bundesliga giants, was exiled at Old Trafford in September after falling out with boss Erik ten Hag.He went to Dortmund in January but his United deal runs to 2026 and there is talk of reconciliation.Read More on Man UtdIf Ten Hag is axed this summer, Sancho may be welcomed back as new technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada worked with him at Manchester City.Sources also say Ten Hag’s tough stance has softened and could have him back if he stays at Old Trafford.But much will depend on how much Dortmund offer for their fan favourite and Sancho’s willingness to take a wage cut.Sancho’s turbulent three-year stint at United has only seen him amassing 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances.Most read in FootballBut since returning to Dortmund on loan in January the winger has been regaining his old form.The forward has already registered three goals and three assists in 20 appearances with the Bundesliga giants.Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho on live TV after EIGHT PINTS and CBS Sports studio cannot bear to watchSancho has also played a crucial role in BVB’s road to the Champions League final where they will face Real Madrid on June 1 at Wembley. More

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      Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich nightmare takes another horror turn after Bundesliga final day meltdown

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      HARRY KANE’S time at Bayern Munich has sunk to a new low.The England captain joined the Bundesliga giants to win trophies but has fallen short on every single front.Harry Kane’s season has ended in another disappointmentCredit: RexBayern Munich were beaten on the final day of the Bundesliga seasonCredit: GettyAndrej Kramaric scored three goals to down BayernCredit: GettyBut after domestic and Champions League failures, Kane’s season has now got even worse as Bayern Munich finished third in the Bundesliga.Thomas Tuchel’s side lost their final game of the season despite being 2-0 up inside six minutes.Hoffenheim staged a remarkable comeback to win 4-2 as former Leicester City flop Andrej Kramaric bagged a hat-trick.Kane, 30, could only watch on from the stands as he was ruled out of the match with a back problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo make matters worse for the striker, VfB Stuttgart thumped Borussia Monchengladbach 4-0 to snatch second place.Bayern and Kane will now have to settle for third place, the club’s worst league finish since 2011.The former Tottenham Hotspur star would have been hoping for so much more after completing his £104million transfer last summer.The club saw their 12-year grip on the Bundesliga title snatched away by the invincible Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the Champions League, Bayern did reach the semi-finals but could not find a way past Real Madrid.The DFB-Pokal did not spring any joy either as third-tier minnows Saarbruken knocked out Bayern back in November.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’Due to finishing third, there is no chance that Bayern will be in the German Super Cup at the start of next season.This means that Kane will have to wait until May 2025 to have a chance of winning his first-ever club trophy.On a personal level, Kane has excelled since moving to Germany.He finished the season with an impressive 44 goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions.He will be hoping to recover from his injury in time for the Euros, which will be his last chance of a trophy before next season.Michail Antonio’s strike should be the wake up call football chiefs need… frazzled stars need a restBy Andrew Dillon
      WHEN highly paid footballers moan about their workload, most people roll their eyes, mutter about having a ‘real job’ then get on with their day.
      But there is something about Michail Antonio’s concerning revelations about his mental health that strike a different chord.
      Charismatic, engaging, outwardly confident and built like a prize bull, surely nothing can touch such a successful athlete with a life most young men dream of?
      So for West Ham’s 67-goal, all-time leading Premier League scorer, a veteran of more than 16 seasons in the game, to admit he has cracked, is a big deal.
      One of the drivers behind the 34-year-old striker’s reluctant advance into therapy is the now relentless football calendar, coupled with the similarly incessant levels of scrutiny.
      Trying to put the ball in the net for a top-flight team is a minor part of the job.
      Simply wondering where your passport is, or feeling secure enough to turn on your phone without receiving 50 gigabytes of abuse, is taking over from the role you have been hired to do.
      Antonio revealed he is now divorced, and what’s behind it is his business.
      But one of his old team-mates, Robert Snodgrass, once told me how he spent an entire season commuting from Essex to Aston Villa while on loan, forcing him to eat at motorway service stations en route.
      His reward for trying to be a good husband and dad by being at home each night?
      To be singled out for putting on weight by then Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini.
      It’s ironic that Jamaica international Antonio chose to air his deepest-held secrets on the High Performance podcast, because his struggle to cope with the “constant” of football has significantly harmed his game.Yes, top footballers are paid vast amounts but are we getting to a situation where that is not really the point?
      The latest cry for help from someone who should be enjoying every waking moment could not be better timed.
      Just 24 hours earlier, Fifa’s announcement that the spectre of the dreaded ‘39th game’ is being revived must send a shudder through every Premier League dressing room.
      To read more from Andrew Dillon, click here. More

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      Laura Woods teases ‘Big Man’ will join TNT Sports’ coverage of Champions League final… but can you figure out who it is?

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      FANS have been left guessing who the “Big Man” is after TNT Sports dropped a Champions League final trailer.Real Madrid are set to take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in the showpiece on June 1.TNT Sports pundits starred in a Champions League trailerCredit: TNT SPORTSFans are trying to work out who the ‘Big Man’ might beCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd ahead of the big game, the TNT Sports crew showed off their acting skills.The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, Joe Cole, Ally McCoist and Laura Woods all feature.As they stand in a team huddle, presenter Woods gives a team talk to inspire the pundits into giving their best performance for the big occasion.She says: “Okay, everyone gather round, listen up, As well know this is THE game. It’s the one our whole season has been building up to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And to make sure we do it justice, make sure we do it properly, I thought I’d get the ‘Big Man’ in for some words of encouragement.”Crouch hilariously limbers up before Woods shuts him down, saying: “No, no, not you. The real ‘Big Man’.”All the pundits turn their heads and a figure appears out the Wembley tunnel to applause from the TNT Sports team.Fans have been guessing who it is – but can you figure it out?Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMany theories have been thrown out there, but actor Brian Cox looks a strong bet.The 77-year-old legend is famous for his role as Logan Roy in TV drama Succession.Music from the show is playing in the background and in the TNT trailer he stands on a box, just like his character does when addressing staff in a memorable scene.Laura Woods asks ‘did I get pied there?’ in awkward moment during interview with Wolves boss Gary O’NeilWoods features in the clip – but she is in danger of missing this year’s Champions League final after already withdrawing from covering Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk tonight.The glam host suffered horror injuries to her arm and face after a freak accident while on holiday.Sports star and fellow presenters have been wishing her a speedy recovery in the hope she is back in time for Real Madrid vs Dortmund. More

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      Jurgen Klopp reveals James Maddison is the one Premier League star he doesn’t like after holding grudge for FIVE YEARS

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      JURGEN KLOPP has revealed that James Maddison is the Premier League player that he dislikes the most ahead of his Liverpool exit.The German, 56, rocked the Reds when he announced in January that would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp has revealed which Premier League player he dislikes the mostCredit: RexHe still holds a grudge against James Maddison after five yearsCredit: APVincent Kompany scored a famous late winner against Leicester to help Man City claim the 2019 titleCredit: ReutersKlopp blames Maddison, who was in action for the Foxes that night, for not closing Kompany downCredit: Getty[embedded content]He ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding Liverpool to Carabao Cup success in February.And he had already achieved legendary status on Merseyside after ending their 30-year wait for the title and lifting the Champions League.Klopp secured seven major trophies during his nine-year reign but he had a host of other near misses.Two Champions League final defeats to Real Madrid must still hurt, but it is for something domestically that the ex-Borussia Dortmund chief still holds a grudge over Maddison for.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBack in the 2019 Premier League title race, Vincent Kompany scored an unforgettable late piledriver against Leicester City that essentially secured them the crown.The Cityzens beat Liverpool to the title by just a point – but Klopp says he blames then Leicester ace Maddison for giving Kompany time to shoot.Klopp told Redmen TV: “The moment when Vincent Kompany touched the ball there, I am really happy I didn’t get a stroke in that moment as that’s how it must feel.“I remember exactly how I was lying on the sofa watching and thinking ‘Maddison block him, close him down’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Since then I don’t like Maddison. I was angry with Brendan [Rodgers] that day because he should have taken him off, he was tired.“Leicester played really good first half, after that they should have scored.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament game“It’s just a personal thing, I have no problem with him, but when I see him it’s… and now I saw him again last weekend.”Klopp came face-to-face with Maddison when Liverpool beat the England star’s Tottenham 4-2 win at Anfield.Meanwhile, the Red have announced that popular duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara will be leaving the club amid Klopp’s departure.The Cameroon defender, 32, will follow him out of the exit door along with the 33-year-old Spanish midfielder when their contracts expire in June.Matip was one of Klopp’s first signings when he arrived as a free agent following a spell at Schalke 04.Thiago joined weeks after the 2020 title triumph for £20m from Bayern Munich, and both he and Matip were celebrating double cup joy in the 2020/21 campaign as the Reds won the League and FA Cups – although the Spaniard missed the first of those finals through injury.Matip suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Fulham in December that has sidelined him since.Thiago’s own injury issues have restricted him to just 28 appearances last season and he has only featured once this term due to fitness issues – meaning both missed out on collecting another League Cup medal.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.

      While the duo and Klopp will make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday,  two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.His assistant Pepijn Lijnders will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool.He will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman, 45, set to move into Klopp’s seven-bedroom house on Merseyside.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe £4m mansion Formby boasts three lounges, a home cinema, an indoor swimming pool plus a landscaped garden and is owned by the Premier League club.Liverpool bought it from their former manager Brendan Rodgers after he had previously purchased it from legendary ex captain Steven Gerrard. More