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      I played under Jose Mourinho when Chelsea had SEVEN national captains in starting XI… I know what truly made him special

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      MICHAEL BALLACK has explained why Jose Mourinho was so special to play under – when Chelsea had SEVEN national skippers.The midfield legend says the “provocative” Portuguese boss “stood out” from other managers and persuaded the German to snub Manchester United.
      Jose Mourinho made a huge impression on Michael BallackCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Ex-Bayern Munich hero Ballack won the Premier League once and the FA Cup three times with Chelsea from 2006-10.
      And even though Mourinho departed Stamford Bridge for the first time in 2007, the 98-cap ace singled him out for a glowing tribute.
      Incredibly, Ballack featured for a Blues side containing six fellow national captains whose status was as iconic as his own.
      That exalted list contained England’s John Terry, Ivorian Didier Drogba, Ghanaian Michael Essien, Ukraine superstar Andriy Shevchenko, Czech keeper Petr Cech and Nigerian John Obi Mikel.
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      And interviewed on Jeff Stelling’s Football’s Greatest, Ballack said: “This is something really special, to play with six or seven national team captains.
      “That was an interesting group. But as I mentioned, with Jose Mourinho there was a coach who stands out. 
      “You know, of all these characters, he was leading the team in a certain way. 
      “You trusted him. It’s really important that the team trusts the coach.
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      “He was also a nice guy – a little provocative, in a nice way. 
      “But in the dressing room he was really a nice guy, and he was funny. He was a family guy. He was really special.”
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      Mourinho famously called himself “a special one” when meeting the press after Chelsea lured him from Porto in 2004.
      The tag stuck as he moved on to boss Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea again, Man Utd, Tottenham and, most recently, Roma.
      Now, at the age of 61, Mourinho is in a rare spell out of management.
      But having won the Champions League twice and eight domestic titles amid a huge haul of silverware, he’ll expect to find another top-level role – should he want one. More

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      Fans fear for Premier League’s fifth Champions League spot after tricky Europa League draw

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      FANS fear the Premier League could miss out on a fifth Champions League spot after English teams were dealt a tricky Europa League draw.Uefa’s expansion of the Champions League next season means there will be an extra automatic place from the domestic leagues of the two best-performing countries across the three European competitions.
      West Ham and Brighton could play a big role in boosting the Premier League’s coefficient
      England stood in third, narrowly behind second-placed Germany, at the end of the group phase in December.
      But the Prem’s coefficient ranking will be boosted if English clubs continue to progress in European competition this season.
      However Arsenal are in danger of Champions League elimination after losing the first leg of their second round tie with Porto 1-0.
      While Brighton have now been handed a tricky tie against Roma, who won the Europa Conference League in 2022.
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      Liverpool will be expected to beat Sparta Prague but West Ham face a challenging test in Freiburg.
      Aston Villa, meanwhile, have been paired with Ajax in the Conference League draw.
      Fans fear the Premier League’s coefficient will take a hit if Brighton and West Ham exit the Europa League in the next round, particularly the Hammers as opponents Freiburg play in the Bundesliga and a win for them would push Germany further ahead of England.
      One supporter reacted to the draw saying: “Premier League’s coefficient is finished if West Ham and Brighton both go out. More damaging if West Ham go out.”
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      Another added: “West Ham have an easy draw….more sad for Brighton”
      And a Chelsea fan wrote: “It’s looking long for our chances of Europe if we lose this Sunday.”
      Uefa’s coefficient ranking sees all the match and bonus points acquired by a country’s clubs divided by the number of teams involved at the start of the season – with England and Spain both having the maximum possible eight.
      It meant that City’s win over Copenhagen and a potential Arsenal win at Porto can earn England a maximum 0.5 ranking points.
      By contrast, Germany with five teams in action, could have earned 2.142pts, France (five clubs) 3.167pts, Spain (six clubs) 1.5pts and Italy (five teams) 2.286pts.
      The Premier League was not helped by Man Utd and Newcastle’s last-placed finishes in the Champions League group stage, which saw them exit Europe altogether.
      ‘Very good, I like that’ says Europa League draw host after Man Utd icon John O’Shea’s cheeky joke live on TV More

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      Sky Sports pundit forced to leave studio in middle of Porto vs Arsenal while reporting on match

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      THE SURPRISE reason Keith Curle left his punditry role live on TV in the middle of a game has been revealed.The 60-year-old former England defender has been out of work since he was sacked as manager of Hartlepool United in February 2023. 
      Keith Curle left TV viewers completely bemused on WednesdayCredit: Alamy
      The ex-Man City ace left the Sky Sports News studio midway through Arsenal’s loss at PortoCredit: Sky Sports News
      Manchester City’s ex-captain has since returned to the world of punditry.
      This week Curle was tasked with updating viewers on Sky Sports News with developments from Arsenal’s defeat in Porto on Wednesday.
      However, supporters were left completely bemused as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1998 Player of the Year disappeared midway through the Champions League game.
      Some surprised viewers even took to social media, with one tweeting SSN directly and asking: “Anyone know why Keith Curle stopped commenting tonight on sky sports??”
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      Now the remarkable reason behind him abandoning his post during the broadcast has been revealed by the Daily Mail.
      And it was all to ensure that he made it home on time.
      Curle was working live from Sky’s studio in Isleworth, which is a town located within Hounslow Borough in West London.
      He removed his headset and left 15 minutes into the second half of the Arsenal match.
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      That was because he had to dash across the capital in order to get to Euston.
      Curle was booked on a 10.30pm train to Sheffield, where he lives, and had to depart in order to ensure he was on it.
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      The much-liked former centre-half played for Bristol Rovers and City, Torquay United, Reading and Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang before signing for Man City in 1991.
      He spent five years with the Cityzens before going on to have a four-year stint at Wolves until 2000.
      Curle then moved to Sheffield United for two-seasons before ending his playing days with Barnsley and Mansfield Town.
      The three-time capped England international then became player-manager of the Stags and has since been in the dug-out at Chester City, Torquay and Notts County.
      He took over Carlisle United in 2014 and spent four years there prior to joining Northampton Town and leading them to play-off promotion from League Two in 2020.
      After leaving there in 2021, he had a short stint in charge of Oldham Athletic before last season’s 29-game tenure at Hartlepool. More

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      Benfica star Joao Neves reduced to tears as fans chant in support of 19-year-old following mum’s death in Europa League

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      BENFICA star Joao Neves was reduced to tears after a touching tribute from his fans at the Estadio da Luz tonight.The 19-year-old’s mother died last week after a long battle with cancer and the midfielder was emotional as soon as the final whistle blew.
      Joao Neves was emotional at the final whistleCredit: Reuters
      Neves thanked fans for their supportCredit: Reuters
      The Benfica faithful showed their support for Neves by chanting his name at the end of the game.
      And the support of his fans brought the young midfielder to tears.
      Benfica drew 0-0 with Toulouse on the night, which was enough to see them advance through to the next round.
      Neves has played 38 times in all competitions for Benfica this year, despite being just 19 years old.
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      He has already been capped three times by Portugal.
      A combative deep-lying midfielder in the Rodri mould, Neves was linked with a big money move to the Premier League in the summer and January.
      United were interested in the midfielder last summer, although the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo in his position may see their interest in him cool.
      He has also attracted the interest of Arsenal as they look to replace Thomas Partey in the summer.
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      Neves was thrust into the Benfica first team last year when he was just 18 to replace the outgoing Enzo Fernandez, who signed for Chelsea in a £107million deal.
      Benfica were playing in the play-off of the Europa League after dropping down from the Champions League this year.
      They will find out their opponents in the round of 16 in March. More

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      Thomas Tuchel snubs Premier League club despite soon-to-be-axed Bayern Munich boss being desperate to return to England

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is not interested in managing West Ham despite being desperate for a Premier League return.The outgoing Bayern Munich boss has unfinished business with English football having been sacked by Chelsea in September 2022.
      Tuchel is not interested in taking the West Ham jobCredit: AP
      West Ham’s current boss David Moyes is out of contract at the end of this season and recent results have placed him under extra pressure.
      Some fans even want him out following a run of eight games without a win in which they have conceded 16 goals.
      Hammers’ chiefs are exploring possible options for a change of coach while remaining firmly behind Moyes for the immediate future.
      Tuchel will become a free agent in the summer after it was announced he will be leaving German champions Bayern at the end of this season.
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      But sources close to the German say Tuchel will only entertain ideas to manage at the biggest clubs in England.
      Liverpool are losing head coach Jurgen Klopp this summer and with new people on the board at Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag is facing an uncertain future.
      Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is also under pressure with his team eighth in the Premier League despite the backing of Saudi billions.
      Tuchel managed Chelsea for a year and a half from January 2021 and won the Champions League and Club World Cup before helping the club through the most turbulent period in its history.
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      Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced then club owner Roman Abramovich to sell the club amid strict financial sanctions imposed by the UK government.
      Americans Todd Boehly and sidekick Behdad Eghbali bought Chelsea for just over £2 billion in May 2022 and sacked Tuchel 100 days later following a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
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      Graham Potter, Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui are all names also thought to be being considered by the West Ham hierarchy. More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot Inter Milan used never-before-seen tactic as they bizarrely compare it to the US date system

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      EAGLE-EYED fans spotted a never-before-seen tactic from Inter Milan against Atletico Madrid.The Italian giants bagged a 1-0 win against the Spaniards in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
      Inter MIlan played a never-seen-before tactic in their win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
      Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of the game in the Champions League tieCredit: Getty
      Watched on by Kanye West, Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of the game as Inter dominated both the possession and the attacking stats.
      And supporters have now discovered the way Inter kept Diego Simeone’s men at bay.
      The Serie A leaders usually play a 3-5-2 formation under Simone Inzaghi.
      However, while in possession of the ball against Atletico, Inter would transition to a 4-3-3 shape.
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      It saw the wing-backs pull deep, with striker Marcus Thuram and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan providing width in more advanced areas.
      But bizarrely, the change also moved remaining midfielders Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu to centre-back.
      While the three defenders – Benjamin Pavard, Stefan De Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni, pushed forward to create a midfield triumvirate.
      The incredible tactical change allowed Inter to build up possession from the back with more speed.
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      And the centre-backs in midfield gave the Italians the physical edge over Atletico’s three of Saul Niguez, Koke and Rodrigo De Paul.
      Simeone’s side were completely outfoxed by Inter’s clever plan.
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      Inter saw their defenders push into midfield as the two groups swapped places
      And fans were also blown away, with one comparing it to the date system used in the USA.
      One said: “This is like a visual representation of the American MM/DD/YY date format.”
      Another declared: “Inzaghi is a fascinating coach, you don’t see many teams with 3atb using the wide CBs to overlap in attack.”
      One noted: “So like counter-counter pressing. I don’t think I can brain this right now.”
      Another added: “Why park the bus in front of goal where it’s so close to danger when you can park it in the middle of the pitch.”
      Inter’s tactics are certainly paying off this season, with Lautaro Martinez and Co top of the Serie A table.
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      They are nine points clear of Juventus with a game in hand after losing just one all term.
      Inter are also the top scorers with 59 goals, and boast the meanest defence after conceding just 12 times. More

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      ‘Henry pick up your jaw’ – Fans in stitches at Thierry Henry’s reaction to 2007 throwback clips of CBS host Kate Abdo

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      FANS were left in stitches by Thierry Henry’s reaction to throwback clips of Kate Abdo.The popular pair were joined by Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher as they returned to Champions League action on CBS Sports last night.
      Fans loved Thierry Henry’s reaction to throwback clips of Kate AbdoCredit: CBS SPORTS
      The Arsenal legend was left open-jawed at the video from 2007Credit: CBS SPORTS

      She appeared mortified while her pals chuckledCredit: CBS SPORTS
      Viewers were treated to live coverage of Arsenal’s painful 1-0 defeat to Porto, with the group also casting their eyes over Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Napoli.
      But it was the studio action that really set the night alive.
      That’s because a reel was played, showing throwback clips of Abdo in her early days as a presenter in 2007.
      The wholesome host appeared mortified as she looked back on herself.
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      However, it was Henry’s reaction that really had viewers chuckling.
      The Gunners legend was left open-jawed and wide-eyed at seeing a younger Abdo on the screen.
      Henry appeared in disbelief while Richards and Carragher howled with laughter.
      And viewers loved seeing the gang back on the box.
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      One said: “Henry couldn’t believe his eyes.”
      Another declared: “Henry pick up your jaw.”
      Kate Abdo apologises to Thierry Henry after interrupting Arsenal legend revealing what he got for Valentine’s Day
      Abdo is a fan favourite on CBS SportsCredit: Getty
      The popular presenter is regularly on screensCredit: Getty
      Abdo fronts CBS Sports’ Champions League nightsCredit: Reuters
      One noted: “The greatest show on TV strikes again.”
      Another added: “I really love this studio, the chemistry and the passion Henry and Big Meeks bring are unmatched.
      “And Kate knows exactly how to bring out the best in them.” More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand left stunned as Martin Keown makes awkward Jude Bellingham admission live on TNT Sports

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      MARTIN KEOWN has revealed that he “would question” whether Jude Bellingham can be considered world class.The former Arsenal defender, 57, appeared on TNT Sports’ coverage of the Champions League on Wednesday night alongside Rio Ferdinand.
      Rio Ferdinand called Jude Bellingham world classCredit: Rex
      Ferdinand, 45, debated with Martin Keown
      Bukayo Saka was NOT deemed to be world classCredit: Getty
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand, 45, recently riled Gunners fans by claiming that Bukayo Saka is NOT world class, but that Phil Foden is.
      Covering tonight’s clash between Porto and Arsenal, popular presenter and Gooner Laura Woods asked Ferdinand to compile a list of players he considers to be world class.
      The list featured Ederson, Alisson, Kyle Walker, Virgil van Dijk, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Bellingham, this time missing Foden.
      Ferdinand asked fellow pundit Keown if he disagreed with any of his picks.
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      Keown replied: “Bellingham would be one I would question.
      “Of course, he is an amazing footballer with what he is doing to Real Madrid right now – but Saka has been England Player of the Year the last two years – Bellingham hasn’t got a look in on that.
      “He’s still on Rio’s list – maybe he’s being a little bit mischievous.”
      In response, Ferdinand explained: “For me, it’s time, I think he is in world-class form, but he needs that time.
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      “Saka has got world-class potential, but he hasn’t been exposed to the knockout stages of the Champions League, the longevity which is the difference.
      “All of the other players on that list have been in the top most prestigious games and they have produced in those moments.”
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand so stunned at Jude Bellingham’s appearance up close his voice breaks live on TV

      Wading into the debate, Ally McCoist added: “The key factor to being world-class is brilliance and trophies but key to it is longevity.
      “Guys are capable in their career of having world-class moments or world-class periods.
      “At this moment in time, Saka and Bellingham are hopeful of world-class moments and can hopefully be described as world-class at the end of their careers.”
      The gang went on to witness Saka and Co lose 1-0 to Porto in their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash.
      With the Gunners having failed to break their well organised opponents down, Galeno struck in the 94th minute to hand Porto a precious lead going into the second leg. More