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      Arsenal are the people’s champs and the most of the country wants us to beat Man City to Prem title, claims Mikel Arteta

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      MIKEL ARTETA has declared Arsenal the People’s Champions and claims most of the country wants them to win the title.Wednesday’s 3-1 home defeat by Manchester City knocked the Gunners off the top of the Premier League for the first time in five months.
      Mikel Arteta believes most people want Arsenal to win the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Yet Arteta is convinced that most people still want his team to win and is determined to tap into that public support.
      Ahead of the trip to Aston Villa, Arteta said: “People want us to win the title because they have a lot of sympathy for us, for our players and the way we have done things.
      “But I don’t think we have ever been the favourites and that hasn’t changed.
      “Manchester City have been the No 1 candidates from day one because they have been in that position for most of the last five years.
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      “Before this season, if you had to bet your house on one team, I don’t think a lot of people would have put their money on us.
      “But when you see the team performing and winning matches like we have been doing this season, there is more enthusiasm to try to achieve something bigger.
      “We have not had many situations to win the title recently, but we want to be in the mix.
      “It doesn’t happen overnight and we cannot control what other teams will do, so the only challenge is to win our next game because what happens in the table this weekend is going to change in three weeks’ time, that’s for sure.”
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      Yet Arteta is unhappy at today’s lunchtime kick-off at Villa Park coming just 63 hours after Wednesday’s final whistle against City.
      And he is calling for the Premier League to change its fixture scheduling to give teams more time to recover from their midweek exertions.
      He complained: “There are certain rules with the Champions League teams.
      “When you are playing on Wednesday night, you cannot play on Saturday lunchtime. That should apply to any competition.
      “It’s been discussed at the managers’ meetings and that is why the changes were made towards the Champions League teams.
      “If you follow the same principle physiologically, it is very difficult to turn around in that period to get the best outcome and reduce the injury risk for players.”
      Premier League chiefs changed their kick-off rule for the teams involved in the Champions League in May 2021 following a rant from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
      But it doesn’t apply to domestic fixtures selected by BT Sport for their 12.30pm Saturday slot.
      And now Arteta fears his team could pay the price as they look to end a run of four games without a win.
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      He said: “They put the schedule the way they did and it’s a bit unusual, but it is what it is.
      “The players are highly motivated for the Villa game because we want to perform well and win.” More

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      Zinedine Zidane takes surprising job in new sport despite link to PSG manager’s job

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has taken a shock pit-stop from football – switching to another sport despite being linked to PSG.French F1 team Alpine announced the former Real Madrid manager as their ambassador at the same time they unveiled their new car for 2023.
      Zinedine Zidane has joined home-country F1 team Alpine as an ambassador but confirmed he aims to be a manager once again at some stageCredit: AFP
      Zidane insists he still wants to return to football management but was attracted by Alpine’s “vision” for fulfilling childhood dreams.
      The World Cup winner’s appointment comes just as it’s claimed PSG are monitoring him in case Christophe Galtier is sacked.
      Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League home loss to Bayern Munich was the Ligue 1 leaders’ third defeat in a row.
      And Galtier reportedly only has until the last-16 return leg on March 8 to convince club chiefs he remains the right man.
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      Fellow Frenchman Zidane, 50, confirmed his “desire” to manage again when he was quizzed at Alpine’s presentation for the 2023 race campaign.
      The two-time Real chief helped the Spanish giants win the Champions League three times in a row from 2016 to 2018.
      But Zidane explained why he’s happy to change track for now – at least until the summer.
      He said: “I liked the vision and the concrete approach of the Alpine teams, especially in the implementation of their equal opportunities programmes, especially since I have a particular affection for Alpine as a Frenchman and Formula 1 fan.
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      “I think it’s important to tell children that, wherever they come from, they can one day become the champions of tomorrow in whatever walk of life they choose and that they should always believe in their dreams.
      “This Alpine project is here to help make that possible. 
      “Change takes time, so if I can contribute and help speed things up, it’s with great satisfaction for me.”
      But he admitted his managerial ambitions as he added: “Now I have time… but I don’t know for how long. I know I want to coach again.
      “Maybe I will have time until June, but things can go very fast — for sure, to resume coaching remains my desire.” More

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      Barcelona boss Xavi shares private messages to Erik ten Hag after Man Utd draw in Europa League

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi has revealed what he told Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the two European juggernauts played out a 2-2 draw in the Europa League.The two sides met at the Camp Nou on Thursday in an enthralling round of 32 first leg clash.
      Xavi has revealed what he privately told Erik ten Hag after the 2-2 drawCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea ace Marcus Alonso handed Barcelona the lead in the 50th minute.
      But Marcus Rashford inspired a Red Devils comeback, equalising two minutes later.
      Rashford then forced Jules Kounde to turn the ball into the back of his own net in the 59th minute to hand Man Utd the lead.
      Former Leeds main man Raphinha came to Barca’s rescue, though, scoring 14 minutes from time.
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      After the game, Xavi revealed he congratulated Ten Hag, who appears to have United on an upward trend.
      Barca are on a similar trajectory themselves, topping LaLiga by eight points.
      Xavi says a Barca-Man Utd clash can be Champions League final-worthy in the future.
      He said after the draw: “It was a really tough game with a lot of passion and intensity.
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      “We have to be proud because we competed until the end. We played against a top team in Europe.
      “Manchester [United] is coming back and today they showed their best version.
      “Both teams are more or less in the same position. We are coming back.

      “I told Ten Hag congratulations because he is doing very well.
      “It can be a final or semi-final in the future Champions League.”
      There were 36 shots in total at the Camp Nou More

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      Axed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel being lined up for return to former club as he looks for return to management

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      OUT-OF-WORK Thomas Tuchel is being lined up for a return to Paris Saint-Germain with boss Christophe Galtier struggling to get a tune out of the super team, reports say.The Parisians have lost their last three outings – including Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16 first leg AT HOME to Bayern Munich.
      Thomas Tuchel still has fans in PSG’s hierarchyCredit: Getty
      Christophe Galtier is under pressure at the French giants following three-straight defeatsCredit: Getty
      And according to RMC Sport, boss Galtier’s position at PSG has weakened.
      The Frenchman, regarded as one of the country’s current best coaches only behind France World Cup-winning boss Didier Deschamps, will remain coach of the Parisian club up to March 8.
      That gives the ex-Lille manager the second leg against Bayern.
      However, after that, his position will be determined by results.
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      The report states that there were concerns in the summer before Galtier joined, whether he could lead their dressing room filled with football’s biggest personalities.
      Fast forward six months, and those same questions are shared by the decision-makers in Doha, Qatar.
      A name being touted as Galtier’s replacement is Tuchel.
      The 49-year-old has history with the Parisians, managing the team between 2018 and 2020.
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      He won two Ligue 1 titles and guided the team to their first-ever Champions League final, which they lost to Bayern in 2020.
      Tuchel was dismissed that year, joined Chelsea and won the Champions League in 2021.
      But he has been out of work since late last year after being sacked by Chelsea’s new ownership, headed by Todd Boehly.
      His departure came shortly after a summer transfer splurge, which saw the Blues blow close to £300million on eight high-profile players.
      Despite his strained relationship with PSG chief Leonardo, Tuchel still has supporters at the club.
      PSG also remain big admirers of Zinedine Zidane, who they were keen on after dropping Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.
      The France football icon has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
      Zidane was said to be wanting to take over from Deschamps as France boss post-World Cup.
      However, France have confirmed Deschamps will lead the team at Euro 2024 – a competition he hasn’t won as a manager.
      PSG’s next five games More

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      Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man Utd

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      RAPHINHA repeatedly PUNCHED Marcos Alonso’s seat in a meltdown after being subbed off against Manchester United.The Europa League first-leg tie ended all square at the Nou Camp after Raphinha made it 2-2 on the night.
      Raphinha was left fuming after being subbed off

      But the Brazilian was left fuming after he made way for Ferran Torres on 83 minutes.
      Raphinha’s frustrations were evident on the subs bench as he took his anger out on Alonso’s seat.
      But he did apologise to manager Xavi afterwards – despite not needing to.
      Xavi said: “I see and understand Raphinha’s anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone
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      “Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn’t have to. I see it as a positive that everyone wants to play.”
      Alonso headed Barca 1-0 up on 50 minutes but just moments later Marcus Rashford levelled.
      And Rashford had a part in putting United 2-1 up after his cross was diverted in by defender Jules Kounde.
      Kounde’s blushes were sparred by Raphinha, whose curled cross sailed all the way in.
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      United boss Erik ten Hag claimed the game was so good it was more fitting for Champions League football.
      He said: “I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we dictated the game and we outplayed [them], so many chances, so I was a little bit disappointed that in half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored.
      “The opportunities they had, we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [level] and even more than that.
      “So I really enjoyed the game a lot. In the end, 2-2, and we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”
      Erik ten Hag after the draw in BarcelonaCredit: PA More

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      ‘Jamie, do better’ – Bellingham calls out ‘desperate’ Carragher in brilliant interview after Dortmund’s win over Chelsea

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM called out “desperate” Jamie Carragher in a brilliant interview after inspiring Borussia Dortmund to victory over Chelsea.Bellingham, 19, played a key role in his side’s 1-0 Champions League last-16 win in Germany on Wednesday.

      Jamie Carragher was called out by Jude Bellingham after Borussia Dortmund’s win over ChelseaCredit: https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1625985521796407296
      Carragher was hounded after he tried to make a reporter propose live on airCredit: https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1625985521796407296
      Dortmund just need a draw in the return leg at Stamford Bridge to book their spot in the quarters.
      But Bellingham, linked with a summer move to Chelsea, arguably saved his best performance for the post-match interview on US channel CBS Sports.
      Prior to the chat, pundit and ex-Liverpool star Carragher attempted to convince pitchside reporter Nico Cantor to propose to his girlfriend on live TV.
      And Bellingham, also a top target for the Reds, made no secret of his support for Cantor’s decision to reject Carragher’s pleas.
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      Bellingham said: “When he was trying to get you to propose? Jamie, do better.
      “Not on Valentine’s Day when she’s there, come on. I’ve got your back there (Nico).
      “You should have protected yourself a little bit more though… big names in the studio, crumbled a little bit, it’s alright.”
      But Carragher had no problem with Bellingham’s telling-off, admitting he’d do anything the England star says if he joins Liverpool as a result.
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      Carragher declared: “Listen, I want that man in a red shirt so I’m going to do whatever he tells me to do!
      “So if Jude Bellingham has got anymore advice for me, I’m taking it all day my friend!”
      However, fellow pundit Micah Richards refused to let Carragher get off lightly.
      He said: “You sound quite desperate right now!”
      To which Carragher replied: “For Jude Bellingham? I am! We are!”
      He isn’t the first Kop icon to make a play for Bellingham though, with Steven Gerrard admitting he’ll “fly to Dortmund” to sign the ace for Liverpool.
      Gerrard said last month: “All he needs to do is send his diary to me when he’s got a free day.
      “I’ll fly to Dortmund personally, take him out for a nice dinner, and we’ll talk about it!” More

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      Man Utd in Marco Reus transfer boost as Dortmund boss publicly apologises to star after win over Chelsea

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND manager Edin Terzic has publicly apologised to Manchester United target Marco Reus for not using him against Chelsea.Dortmund beat the Blues 1-0 in the Champions League last-16 at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday thanks to Karim Adeyemi’s winner.
      Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus has been linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
      Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic apologised to Marco Reus for not using him against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      But BVB captain Reus was left on the bench by Terzic, who preferred to bring on veteran Anthony Modeste and teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
      The German-Croatian tactician publicly apologised to the playmaker after full-time, but insists he has to “respect” the decision.
      Terzic told DAZN: “Of course, I’m deeply sorry.
      “But it’s not just about Marco. We also had other guys who didn’t come on.
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      “He has to respect it. But don’t accept it.
      “He can show tomorrow in training and in the next few games that he doesn’t accept it.
      “But right now he has to respect it like everyone else.”
      According to Bild, Reus was one of the first Dortmund players to leave the pitch after the celebrations as he “disappeared” down the tunnel.
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      The 33-year-old’s supporting role in the first leg could work as a transfer boost for United with manager Erik ten Hag keen to give him a key role in his squad.
      Ten Hag has reportedly met with the Germany international’s agent Dirk Hebel to discuss a potential move to Old Trafford.
      Hebel and fellow representative Darren Freeman watched the Red Devils beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 from the Old Trafford stands last month.
      Reus’ contract runs out in June and he still wants to play at top level for the next two years.
      Dortmund want the German star to extend his deal but will have to accept a significant pay cut. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal transfer boost as Ancelotti ‘doesn’t care’ if three-time Champions League winner quits Real Madrid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been handed a transfer boost after Carlo Ancelotti said he doesn’t care if his three-time Champions League winner quits Real Madrid. Marco Asensio, who is out of contract at the end of the season, scored as Real Madrid beat bottom side Elche 4-0 in LaLiga on Wednesday night.
      Marco Asensio in action for Real Madrid during their win over ElcheCredit: Alamy
      Asensio celebrating after scoring for Real MadridCredit: Alamy
      Speaking after the match to Diario AS,Ancelotti was quizzed on the forward’s future and wasn’t very endearing with his response.
      He said: “He looks good to me, I don’t know if he will stay or not. He may or may not stay, I don’t know, I don’t care much.”
      Ancelotti added: “We have a very important challenge this season.
      “The important thing is that he is contributing, like last year. Let him continue like this, and the club will make the most appropriate decision.”
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      Asensio tried to leave Real Madrid last summer but has since maintained he wants to stay at the club but a new contract is looking unlikely.
      The Spanish international has been linked with a move to Premier League giants United and Arsenal.
      Spanish outlet Sport reported in December 2022 that Asensio was close to a move to Old Trafford but that didn’t materialise.
      The Spaniard has also been subject to interest from Arsenal and it remains to be seen if he will come to the Premier League in the summer.
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      He has made 176 appearances for Real Madrid scoring 31 goals and has had loan spells at Mallorca and Espanyol during his time at the club.
      The winger, 27, has won three Champions Leagues and three LaLiga’s during his time at the Bernabeu.
      Asensio joined Real Madrid from Mallorca for around £3.5million in 2014. More