Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares197 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League manager sacked just two days before play-off clash as club release extremely blunt statement

      by

      FEYENOORD have sacked head coach Brian Priske just two days before the Champions League play offs.The Dutch side face AC Milan in the first knockout round of the tournament after finishing 19th in the league phase.Brian Priske has been axed by FeyenoordCredit: RexThe club confirmed the decision with an extremely blunt statement.It read: “Brian Priske part ways with immediate effect”Feyenoord is saying goodbye to head coach Brian Priske in good consultation.”Very inconsistent results and a lack of chemistry are reasons for the departure of the head coach.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Assistant coaches Lukas Babalola Andersson and Björn Hamberg are also leaving the club with immediate effect.”Feyenoord expects to be able to appoint an interim staff tomorrow.”Feyenoord’s general and technical director Dennis te KloeseHe said: “It is very disappointing for all parties that we had to come to this decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Although Feyenoord has certainly achieved impressive results with Brian in the UEFA Champions League, the past few months have been far too inconsistent and we unfortunately see too little structural progress.”As a professional and as a person, I still hold Brian in high regard.”Sometimes, however, you have to conclude that despite everyone’s good intentions and intentions, it does not work, and at a certain point there is no longer enough support within all levels to continue.”More to follow…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 175 Shares197 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney lands first job since Plymouth sacking amid tug-of-war over Man Utd legend

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY has landed his first job since being axed by Plymouth Argyle – and he will return to TV screens tomorrow.The 39-year-old left Home Park on New Year’s Eve following a terrible run of results which left Plymouth rock bottom of the Championship table.Wayne Rooney will return to punditry this weekCredit: GettyRooney has since admitted that he would like to return to management one day – but only if the right opportunity comes up.While he is yet to secure a new full-time job, the Manchester United legend will return to TV this week.Amazon Prime has confirmed that Rooney will join the line-up of pundits for Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid tomorrow.It will be his debut on the streaming service.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney has already had some experience as a pundit on various channels.The ex-striker has also featured on The Overlap with the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on several occasions.Rooney is currently understood to be in the midst of a four-way battle among broadcasters.Last month SunSport reported that he was in talks over a punditry role on Match of the Day and could demand up to £200,000-a-year depending on appearances.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also been approached by Sky Sports and TNT Sports as well as Amazon Prime.Sky and TNT are the chief broadcasters of the Premier League in the UK and would be able to offer a busier role.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington More

    • 263 Shares128 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘No way this is real’ – Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico win

      by

      FANS can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his Atletico Madrid shirt for after Atletico Madrid made the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.The Frenchman has gone viral for exchanging his match-worn shirt for a rare set of Pokemon trading cards.Footie fans can’t believe that Antoine Griezmann swapped his Atletico Madrid shirt forGriezmann was lucky to find a famous YouTube streamerGriezmann swapped his shirt with a fan for a rare set of Pokemon cardsThe 33-year-old is a huge fan of PokemonAfter helping Diego Simeone’s side to a 5-0 win over Getafe in the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup, he made the trade with a fan in the stands.Griezmann was caught on video exchanging his shirt with popular Pokeman streamer Darizard and the YouTube guru’s son.They offered the former French international two sealed boxes of the highly sought-after Prismatic Evolutions set of cards.In return, Griezmann handed over his sweaty red and white jersey to the streamer and his delighted kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the fan reaction surrounding the 33-year-old World Cup winner’s trade has been wild.One wrote: “No way is this real 🤣.”A second said: “As a collector Griezmann just won.”Another commented: “That’s not a fair trade! Can’t believe he’s done this”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile one more replied: “This is how hard it is to get Prismatic Evolutions!”Griezmann – who is Atletico’s record goalscorer with 196 goals – is a well-known lover of Pokemon and trading cards in general.World Cup winner and 137-cap legend Antoine Griezmann shockingly retires from international duty He previously expressed his love of the phenomenon on X in 2016, when he posted a picture of himself alongside Pikachu with the caption: “Pokemon hunting”.He told Topps in 2022: “A couple of years ago, I started with a chrome card from my first year, my rookie card.”I think Koke, our captain, has some chrome cards of his own, but I’m a real collector and I believe there is no football player that is collecting like me with rooms full of cards.”Asked about his favourite card, he said: “I have a Topps Mercury of Victor Wembanyama, maybe that one. “But I would love to have Michael Jordan one of one.”Meanwhile, the draw for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey is on Wednesday.Atletico are joined by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Real Sociedad in the last-four.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 200 Shares98 Views

      in Soccer

      Injury-hit Real Madrid confirm squad for Man City clash with makeshift defence barely known outside Spain

      by

      REAL MADRID will be without several key players when they face Manchester City.The mammoth tie first leg takes place at the Etihad on Tuesday night.Youngsters Gonzalo Garcia and Raul Asencio have deputised in recent weeksCredit: AlamyAnd misfiring City have received a welcome boost with the news Real Madrid have named a makeshift defence.The LaLiga leaders have not been at their usual best in Europe this season, and they have twice suffered heavy defeats to Barcelona this campaign.And they will be without several experienced defenders for their trip to Eastlands, including centre-backs David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.That means Aurelien Tchouameni, a natural midfielder, will have to cover in the heart of the backline – possibly alongside youngster Raúl Asencio who started against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe derby ended in a 1-1 draw despite Real’s rag-tag backline.But they also lost right-back and captain Lucas Vazquez to injury, having already been without their first-choice in that position Dani Carvajal.The veteran defender has been missing for much of the campaign and manager Carlo Ancelotti may have to call upon Jesus Vallejo instead.He has been selected for the matchday squad along with five other defenders – Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia, Jacobo Ramon and Lorenzo Aguado.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat could give City some much-needed encouragement after they were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final last year.City have also struggled in Europe this season and won just three of their eight league phase matches.BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityBut they will have a fresh Erling Haaland leading the line as the striker sat out of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Leyton Orient.Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku were also rested, although new signing Nico Gonzalez went off injured. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham at risk of LaLiga punishment as mic catches Real Madrid star’s X-rated rant at derby linesman live on TV

      by

      Jude Bellingham risks possible LaLiga punishment after an X-rated blast at an assistant referee.In the 12th minute of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, the England superstar screamed “f*** you man, f*** off” as a throw went against the home side.Jude Bellingham risks LaLiga punishment after an X-rated blast at an assistant refereeCredit: GettyReal Madrid star Bellingham lashed out against Atletico MadridCredit: GettyThis foul-mouthed outburst comes months after he told a referee he was a “piece of s***” during Real’s 4-1 win against Espanyol.Bellingham, 21, escaped sanction for those actions in September but it remains to be seen whether Spanish league bosses will penalise this latest emotional rant, which was heard clearly on TV.Julian Alvarez, formerly of Manchester City, scored a penalty on 35 minutes for Atletico but Real equalised through France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe on 50 minutes.Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain top of the league by a point ahead of their City rivals with 15 games left.Read More on FootballBritish Formula 1 driver George Russell attended the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu, watching the match from the comfort of the presidential box.Ancelotti might make several changes for the Champions League playoff first-leg trip to Man City as he tries to juggle domestic and continental competitions.The reigning European champions have a mounting injury list with defenders David Alaba (muscle) and Antonio Rudiger (hamstring) out – while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are long-term absentees with serious knee injuries.The Italian chief said: “For Tuesday’s game, we have to see the recovery of those who have played.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Those who haven’t played today have an advantage to play on Tuesday.” Spanish defender Lucas Vazquez said: “Another huge game awaits us in Manchester.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clash“It will be a difficult match against a great opponent that we have faced in the last four years.“The team is eager to show our football and our worth and try to get a win there.” More

    • 225 Shares158 Views

      in Soccer

      Sergio Ramos’ wife ‘refuses to move with Real Madrid legend, 38,’ following shock transfer after six months unemployed

      by

      SERGIO RAMOS has reportedly made his shock move to Mexico without wife Pilar Rubio.The Spanish legend signed for Mexican side Monterrey after six months as a free agent.Sergio Ramos has moved to Mexican club MonterreyCredit: AFPThe Spanish legend was a free agent after leaving Sevilla last summerCredit: AFPReports suggest Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio has not made the switch to Mexico with himCredit: Getty – ContributorRamos was without a club after leaving Sevilla over the summer.The 38-year-old penned a surprise one-year deal with the Liga MX outfit last Friday. Ramas married Rubio, a popular TV presenter and model in Spain, in 2019. The pair have four children – but Pilar has reportedly chosen not to join her husband on his new South American adventure. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to Bild, Rubio will remain in Spain during Ramos’ time in Mexico for “professional reasons”.The outlet cites a source close to Pilar, who claims she is “tired of moving.”Ramos left Real Madrid to join Paris Saint Germain in 2021 before switching back to LaLiga with Sevilla in 2023. Pilar is now reportedly back in Madrid and living there for the foreseeable future. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPer the report, Rubio said: “This time I will not give in, I have already given in twice. “Now I am staying here, in Madrid. The family is staying here, Sergio is going alone.”Furious Sergio Ramos goes berserk at Sevilla fan as he stops live TV interview Monterrey are currently 12th in LigaMX with just one win from their opening six matches. They will compete in the revamped Club World Cup, set to start in the USA in June. Monterrey will face Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group phase. Ramos has opted to wear the No. 93 shirt during his time in Mexico.The World Cup winner scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner for Real Madrid against Atletico in the 2014 Champions League final.READ MORE SUN STORIESExplaining his choice, he said: “The 93rd minute was epic. “It is a tribute to Real Madrid and to my career.” More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League legend dropped from Saudi Pro League squad for rest of this season to make space for £42m January signing

      by

      AL-AHLI have decided to drop Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino from their Saudi Pro League squad for the rest of the season.The striker has fallen foul of rules on foreign players – after Al-Ahli paid Porto £42milion for fellow Brazilian Galeno.Roberto Firmino will miss the final 15 games of the Saudi top-flight termCredit: RexAl-Ahli newcomer Galeno celebrates beating Al Sadd with Ali MajrashiCredit: ReutersFirmino, 33, is under contract until next year but speculation is growing over an early exit.However, Al-Ahli  are flying in the AFC Champions League.And the 55-cap star can still play in that tournament – the top competition for Asian clubs.Al-Ahli are already guaranteed a spot in the knockout phase after winning six of their first seven Group B matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut domestically, amid a blitz of signings from Europe, the Saudi League has limited the number of overseas recruits to 10 per club.And the arrival of 27-year-old winger Galeno from Porto has put paid to Firmino’s domestic season.It comes after the inventive attacker netted five times in 17 league games for Al-Ahli during the current campaign.Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle said: “It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules.”Most read in FootballGaleno was a big name at Porto but switched to Al-AhliCredit: RexJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Jaissle appeared to suggest Firmino could still have a major role – away from the final 15 games in the Saudi Pro League.He added: “We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He’s still one of our leaders.”Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statement But Firmino’s new situation could now spark transfer talk.And Al-Ahli might be amenable to offloading one of their big earners – if he finds a suitable taker. Firmino arrived at the Middle East club in July 2023, having won the Champions League, Prem and FA Cup in eight years with Liverpool.There’s speculation Firmino could now wave goodbye early to Al-AhliCredit: Rex More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane breaks silence on his transfer release clause from Bayern Munich which could see him return to Premier League

      by

      HARRY KANE refused to deny he has a release clause in his Bayern Munich deal that could signal a sensational Premier League return.The England captain joined the Bundesliga giants from Tottenham in August 2023 for £104million.Harry Kane reportedly has a release clause in his Bayern contractCredit: GettyReports in Germany claim there is a buy-out option of £54million in the striker’s contract that he can activate in January 2026.The clause could have allegedly been met during the recent winter transfer window for the higher fee of £67million.Asked about the situation, Kane, 31, said: “What I can say is that I’m very happy at FC Bayern. No comment on the clause.”Deadly from 12 yards, Kane scored two penalties on Friday night at the Allianz Arena in a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored 21 goals in this season’s German top-flight and converted 20 of his 20 penalties for the club.His last spot-kick failure dates back to December 2022 in an England shirt in the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in Qatar.Kane said: “I’m on a good run. Misses can happen. It has happened in the past, too.“It was another nice game. There will always be tight games throughout the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I want to take responsibility and open the game up. It’s happened a few times this season which is good.“I’m enjoying being out here with the boys.How much Mathys Tel will cost Tottenham for four months revealed… with no guarantee Spurs can activate buy option“There’s always room for improvement for myself personally, like the one I missed with the left foot. But it’s always nice to score.”Bayern president Herbert Hainer gushed: “That’s a quality Harry has. I don’t know anyone who converts penalties quite like he does.“It’s crazy that the goalkeeper always flies into the wrong corner.”Vincent Kompany’s side will be in good form and confidence ahead of a key week in two competitions.They play Celtic away on Wednesday in the Champions League playoffs first leg and then it is a visit to league rivals and reigning champions Bayern Leverkusen on Saturday.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More