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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s Champions League clash at Lille set to be moved to neutral venue after France’s Covid crackdown

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      CHELSEA’S Champions League game at Lille and England’s Six Nations showdown in Paris look set to be moved to a neutral country after the French government vowed a Covid crackdown.In a surprise move, French government sources have briefed that any athlete coming to compete in the country will have to be vaccinated to be allowed to enter a sports arena.
      Chelsea are set to travel to Lille in MarchCredit: AP
      But the match is set to be moved to a neutral venue due to a Covid crackdown from the French governmentCredit: REX
      That would immediately impact France’s scheduled Six Nations against Italy, Ireland and England.
      But it also would prevent Chelsea’s unvaccinated players from taking part in the Champions League last 16-second leg in March.
      And it means Novak Djokovic, who landed in Dubai yesterday after being booted out of Australia, faces being barred from the French Openas well.
      Uefa is currently drafting a new “Annex J” to the current Champions League regulations, to apply for the knock-out phase of the competition.
      That will be specifically designed to deal with ongoing Covid situations across Europe in a bid to ensure the tournament remains on schedule, with a final draft due before the end of this month.
      But precedent suggests that clubs will be entitled to select all eligible players and that local rules preventing them from doing so will see matches moved.
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      Chelsea are understood to have a handful of unvaccinated members of their first-team squad and the Stamford Bridge outfit will have the right to argue that being prevented from selecting them is a breach of regulations and natural justice.
      The law change would also impact the glamour tie between PSG and Real Madrid, with the French champions due to host the first leg on February 15.
      But there will also be an issue for England rugby union coach Eddie Jones.
      It is understood that at least five members of his likely Six Nations squad – including Exeter centre Henry Slade – remain unvaccinated and have indicated they will not be jabbed.
      That will put pressure on Six Nations organisers to step in, a situation which would be all the more pressing were March 19 showdown, due to be played at the Stade de France, a title decider.
      The change of heart by the French was a major surprise after it had been signalled the country was ready to lift its current strict Covid regulations and grant an exemption for sport.
      Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu hinted on January 7 that a “health bubble” would be created for major sporting events, although it was unclear how that would apply to individual sports such as the French Open tennis at Roland Garros.
      But the new clampdown would appear to apply to all sport, making a further blow to Djokovic after his Aussie Open visa row and eventual deportation.
      The French government’s decision could wreak havoc with the Six NationsCredit: AFP
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      Man Utd hero Paul Scholes brutally wrote off Chelsea’s 2008 Champions League chances after looking at Avram Grant

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      PAUL SCHOLES brutally wrote off Chelsea’s 2008 Champions League chances – by taking one look at Avram Grant.The Blues reached their first European Cup final with boss Grant taking them to Moscow after replacing Jose Mourinho.
      Paul Scholes did not believe Avram Grant could outwit Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2008 Champions League finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Scholes and his United team-mates won the penalty shootout to be crowned kings of EuropeCredit: AFP
      But they came up against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils and eventually lost on penalties following John Terry’s infamous slip.
      However, legendary United midfielder Scholes was convinced his side would come out on top because he wrote off the Chelsea manager.
      Scholes told BT Sport’s What I Wore: “It was hard, it was a tough game because we knew how good Chelsea were with the quality right through.
      “Saying that, we had some great players at the time and we should have won the game really with the chances we had.
      “It was always going to be a tight game, Frank Lampard scored, Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele in midfield – I actually smashed my nose in that game.
      “But the one thing I always thought about this game – rightly or wrongly – was when you look at the managers.
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      “I don’t know why but I just looked at the managers and looked at Avram Grant and thought, ‘How can he beat Sir Alex Ferguson?’
      “I just couldn’t see how he could do it and that’s the wrong way to look at it because the game is played on the pitch.
      “I can still see John Terry slipping in that shirt now unfortunately for him.”
      Grant had only managed in Israel before moving to Portsmouth as technical director in 2006.
      He switched Fratton Park for Stamford Bridge a year later and two months after that was in the dugout as Mourinho departed – despite not holding the full Uefa coaching badges.
      The Israeli, who went on to manage Pompey, West Ham and Ghana, signed a four-year contract at Chelsea three months after taking over.
      He led the Blues to the League Cup final, losing to Spurs, and second in the Premier League.
      But his Champions League heartbreak and a shock early FA Cup exit to Barnsley saw him sacked at the end of the season.
      RED-FACED DEVIL
      That night in Moscow was the second time Scholes had lifted the Champions League trophy.
      But he admitted feeling embarrassed the first time around.
      He and Roy Keane had to watch the dramatic finale from the stands at the Nou Camp in 1999 as they were both suspended.
      The midfielders were allowed on the pitch at the end to join their team-mates – but stood out in their grey suits and security badges.
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      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp’s most explosive bust-ups from rows with BT Sport’s Des Kelly to grudge against referee Paul Tierney

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      JURGEN KLOPP is no stranger to an explosive bust-up.The Liverpool manager was at it again on Sunday as he clashed with referee Paul Tierney.
      Jurgen Klopp was involved in his latest bust-up on SundayCredit: AP
      He was booked by Paul Tierney for his behaviour on the touchline at TottenhamCredit: AFP
      First he was shown a yellow card for his reaction to Harry Kane not being sent off for a dangerous tackle.
      And then after the match he raged “what’s his problem with me”.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at the German’s biggest rows from calling out BT’s Des Kelly to his bust-up with a sweary Frank Lampard.
      PAUL TIERNEY
      Klopp lost his cool as a number of key decisions went against Liverpool during the 2-2 draw away at Tottenham.
      After Harry Kane escaped a red card for a wild lunge on Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota’s penalty appeals were waved away, the German went ballistic on the touchlines.
      Ref Tierney showed him a yellow card with Klopp then sarcastically bowing – and avoiding an immediate second yellow.
      Robertson was later sent off for a swipe on Emerson Royal and Klopp confronted Tierney at full-time.
      He told the official: “I don’t have a problem with referees, only you.
      “Anyone who has played football knows you can’t stop there to win a penalty.”
      The German sarcastically bowed to Tierney after being shown the yellow cardCredit: Getty
      He approached the officials on the pitch at full-time following the 2-2 drawCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
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      And after the match the Liverpool boss said to Sky Sports: “It is always helpful when you play football yourself. When you see the situation back (Jota’s penalty appeal), the VAR is there. Why is he stopping? I don’t understand.
      “The draw is fine. We are not crazy enough to think we cannot draw at Tottenham but these situations are crucial.
      “I have no idea what his [referee Paul Tierney] problem is with me.
      “I was a bit more emotional in the game but he gives me a yellow card but it is not allowed in a situation like this? He comes over and gives me a yellow card but I’d have preferred the right decisions on the pitch.
      “But just an objective ref who sees the situations and judges them. He told me he thinks he stops on purpose. It is incredible. He had the best spot on the pitch and doesn’t give it. You will have to ask him what his problem is with me.”
      DIEGO SIMEONE
      Atletico lost a dramatic Champions League encounter to the Reds, who picked up a late 3-2 win at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in October 2021, and Simeone stormed down the tunnel after the full-time whistle.
      Klopp stood furiously outside the tunnel, seemingly bemused by Simeone’s decision to ignore his handshake. Two HUGE VAR calls went against the Argentine’s side as Liverpool took the three points.
      But Simeone insisted the snub was nothing personal as he “never shakes hands after a match”.
      The 51-year-old added that next time he saw Klopp he would definitely extend his hand.
      However, when the sides met at Anfield a few weeks later, Simeone snubbed Klopp AGAIN.
      Jurgen Klopp was not happy when Diego Simeone refused to shake his hand after Liverpool beat Atletico MadridCredit: BT Sport
      The Atletico boss ran straight down the tunnel at the end of his side’s 3-2 defeatCredit: BT Sport
      Jurgen Klopp gesticulated down the tunnel after SimeoneCredit: Rex
      DES KELLY
      Klopp and BT Sport reporter Des Kelly have developed a comical rivalry in recent seasons.
      One of their first clashes came in November 2020 after Klopp blasted Kelly’s employers BT Sport for scheduling his team to play on Saturday lunch time after a Champions League game midweek.
      Klopp labelled it criminal but Kelly hit back and suggested Klopp was “aiming at the wrong target” and said “having a go at the broadcaster isn’t going to change anything”.
      A similar situation occurred when Klopp’s team played Watford at 12.30pm after an international break.
      And rounding on Kelly again, the German said: “Who had the idea to bring us at 12.30pm? Was it Watford?
      “If [BT Sport] wouldn’t have said it we would’ve had to reply. Ah yeah thank you for your help, really, thank you, thank you very much.”
      Jurgen Klopp and BT Sport reporter Des Kelly have developed somewhat of a comical rivalry in recent seasonsCredit: The Times
      SADIO MANE
      There have been a few incidents involving the stern-faced Senegalese.
      The forward famously threw a strop at the end of a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in 2017.
      Mane’s tantrum came after coming on just one minute before injury-time — and he let his boss know exactly how he felt before storming down the tunnel.
      And there was more of the same from the former Southampton man earlier this year when he refused to shake hands with Klopp at the end of a 4-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
      Klopp later explained it was because he dropped Mane in place of Diogo Jota shortly before the game with little explanation.
      But studio pundits Roy Keane and Graeme Souness took exemption to the Senegal international’s display and called it ‘disrespectful’.
      Klopp has also been involved in some frosty exchanges with Sadio Mane after matches
      SEAN DYCHE
      Klopp and Sean Dyche angrily clashed in the Anfield tunnel as tempers boiled over at half time between Liverpool and Burnley in January.
      The Reds chief was quizzed about the incident after the defeat and replied: “If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it. But I didn’t start it.”
      It was not the first time the pair had crossed swords having gone head-to-head after a game in December 2018.
      Dyche whispered something to Klopp making him visibly confused after the match.
      But the Clarets boss insisted he only told Klopp “well done” after Liverpool nicked a stoppage time win.
      And their most recent encounter came in August when Klopp called Burnley’s players wrestlers and Dyche hit back by criticising the German for ‘name-checking’ members of his team.
      “If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it.” 🤐Jurgen Klopp wasn’t giving anything away from his half-time confrontation with Sean Dyche, but revealed that he ‘didn’t start it’. 👀 pic.twitter.com/B0E7xkpBD9— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 21, 2021

      FRANK LAMPARD
      In one of Klopp’s more feisty encounters, he was reportedly told to ‘f*** off and sit down’ by then-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
      The ex-England midfielder lost his cool with Klopp and his assistant Pep Lijnders after the referee awarded the Reds a free-kick which led to their second goal in a 5-3 thriller last July.
      Klopp fired back by saying the former midfielder ‘has a lot to learn’.
      Lampard has since admitted he regretted the bust-up and confirmed there was no bad blood between the pair.
      But he did call the German a ‘hypocrite’ just two months later after the Liverpool boss criticised Chelsea’s spending.
      Frank Lampard and Klopp clashed on the touchline at Anfield with the Blues boss labelling the Liverpool staff ‘arrogant’
      ARSENE WENGER
      Klopp slated Arsene Wenger for not getting the best out of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
      The Liverpool boss said he found it ‘unbelievable’ the Ox’s attacking talents were not used to the full by the Gunners’ chief.
      That had come after Wenger said Klopp and his fellow Prem managers had been ‘disappointing on all levels’ the year before.
      And needle between the pair emerged again in 2020 when Liverpool blew the chance to match Wenger’s Arsenal in going unbeaten in the Premier League.
      Rather than sympathise with the Reds, Wenger said he was ‘very satisfied’ to see them lose 3-0 to Watford.
      JOSE MOURINHO
      Where to start with these two?
      A famous early clash occurred in January 2017 when the two squared up to each other on the touchline in a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Mourinho’s Manchester United.
      Fans then suggested Klopp had got Mourinho the sack for the third time in December 2018.
      Their rivalry continued after Mourinho took charge at Tottenham as the Portuguese took aim at Klopp’s touchline ‘behaviour’ after Spurs lost at Anfield in December 2020.
      He said: “The best team lost and [Klopp] disagreed but that’s his opinion.
      “By the way, if I behave on the touchline like he does then I’m not there.
      “Come on, that’s animated. Do you want to take the table with the time from the fourth official? I’m saying for some reason I’m different and I’m sad.”
      Klopp and Jose Mourinho have had many heated exchanges during their Premier League encounters
      Jurgen Klopp reacts to Liverpool’s dramatic win in Madrid More

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      Arsenal draw Wolfsburg in Champions League quarter-finals with winners facing tricky Barcelona or Real Madrid duel

      by

      ARSENAL will battle it out with Wolfsburg for a spot in the Champions League semis this term.And the quarter-final duel with the team that trounced Chelsea could see the Gunners face their former striker Jill Roord.
      Arsenal will play German giants Wolfsburg in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Pacific Coast News
      The two-legged tie could see ex-Gunner Jill Roord take on her former Meadow Park team-matesCredit: Rex
      The first leg of the knockout tie between the WSL leaders and the German giants will take place at Arsenal’s home on March 22 or 23 next year.
      And the away leg between the rivals is due to be held on March 30 or 31.
      Arsenal, who are currently the only English side to have won a Champions League title, have lost four of their most recent encounters with Wolfsburg.
      The German team, who won the title three times, knocked the Gunners out of the 2012-13 contest before going on to win it.
      The victors of the duel between Jonas Eidevall’s side and the Women’s Bundesliga leaders will face Barcelona or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
      Before then the Catalan giants will go head-to-head to with domestic rivals Real for a place in the Champions League final eight.
      And the Johan Cruyff Stadium club have already beaten Madrid once this term, in a 3-1 away win in Spain’s top tier.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Champions League.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Barca, who won last term’s trophy, trounced the Gunners twice in the group stages this season with 4-1 and 4-0 victories.
      Arsenal’s other potential semi-final opponent Real are playing in the tournament for the first time this term.
      And the Spanish side pulled off a shock earlier this term when they knocked Manchester City out in the qualifying rounds
      The Gunners reached the quarters of this term’s contest despite being thrashed by Hoffenheim in a 4-1 defeat on the road – their final group game encounter this season.
      A semis clash with Barcelona could be on the cards for Arsenal if they knock Wolfsburg out of the contestCredit: Getty
      And they will be the only side representing the WSL following Chelsea’s group-stage exit after a 4-0 loss to Wolfsburg.
      Other teams vying for a semi-final spot include Bayern Munich, Juventus, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.
      Juve, who are managed by ex-Gunners chief Joe Montemurro, are facing a tough quarters fight with seven-time contest winners Lyon.
      The victors of that tie will go up against French champions PSG or German title-holders Bayern Munich.
      Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final Draw
      Arsenal vs Wolfsburg
      Barcelona vs Real Madrid
      Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain
      Juventus vs Lyon

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      Supercomputer predicts Man Utd will crash out of Champions League in last 16 against Atletico Madrid after avoiding PSG

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Champions League campaign will be brought to a sudden end in the last 16 if a supercomputer’s prediction is to be believed.The Red Devils were at the centre of the Champions League draw storm which saw the scheduled ties redone due to an epic balls-up by Uefa that was blamed on a technical glitch.
      United won’t get past Atletico in the Champions League last 16 draw a supercomputer reckonsCredit: PA:Press Association
      United and Atletico were drawn against each other after Uefa messed up the original eventCredit: Reuters
      United had drawn Paris Saint-Germain initially but will now go up against Atletico Madrid.
      However, Fivethirtyeight’s supercomputer reckons United’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the elite European competition’s semi-final stage are just 38% despite avoiding a nightmare tie against PSG.
      That’s because the supercomputer claims Ralf Rangnick’s side only have a 23% chance of winning compared to Atletico’s 53% when the two sides meet in the last 16 first leg in February – with a draw given a 24% possibility.
      However, the supercomputer give United a better chance of defeating Atletico in the second leg with a percentage of 38, slightly edging Atletico’s 36% ranking – while the possibility of them sharing the spoils given 26 %.
      But judging by United and Atletico’s recent form, the supercomputer may need to tweak its findings.
      United have won their last three Premier League outings while Atletico have lost the same amount of La Liga games consecutively.
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      If United manage to keep up their recent rich vein of form and dispose of Diego Simeone’s men in the last-16, they’ll certainly come unstuck in the quarter-finals which the supercomputer gives them just 12% chance of winning.
      And even if they defy the supercomputer once again to reach the semi’s, the all-knowing machine still believes United have only a three percent possibility of getting to the final.
      Not even Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League experience can help United lift the coveted trophy as the supercomputer ranked their chances of winning the competition for the fourth time at just ONE PERCENT.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      United’s Premier League title chances were also written off by another supercomputer.
      Instead of battling rivals Manchester City and Liverpool for the Prem trophy, Rangnick’s troops will be scrapping for a place in the top four with Tottenham, West Ham and Arsenal, according to bettingexpert.com’s supercomputer.
      But they predict the Red Devils will clinch fourth spot, meaning they can challenge for the Champions League once again next season. More

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      Chelsea boss Hayes says Covid ‘stress’ affected players after Blues suffer Champions League knockout

      by

      EMMA HAYES was ‘gutted’ to see Chelsea suffer a shock Champions League group stage exit with Wolfsburg thumping her aces 4-0. And the Blues boss reckons the Covid surge – wreaking havoc across the sport in recent weeks – may have affected the mindset of her players.
      Chelsea fell to their second defeat in a week following their 4-0 loss to WolfsburgCredit: Reuters
      Tabea Wassmuth scored two of the goals that led to Chelsea’s exit at the contest’s group stageCredit: Rex
      A clinical Tabea Wassmuth brace was among the efforts that helped the German giants stun the WSL champs, avenging their March quarter-final loss to last term’s finalists.  
      The result comes in a week that has seen two Chelsea stars – Ann-Katrin Berger and Drew Spence – test positive for coronavirus.
      After the game, Hayes said: “I’m gutted for the players because we all know that was nowhere near a performance that represents my team.
      “I’ve got players being sick, they’ve got diarrhoea, they’re exhausted, and maybe some of that mental anxiety plays a part in it.
      “But I just feel like this was deja vu and we’re here again 12 months on after a really, really bad Covid outbreak at exactly the same time last year.
      “I think that played a major part in our performance tonight.”
      Chelsea’s loss to Wolfsburg comes days after a Conti cup game between Manchester City and Leicester called off due to a number of Covid-19 cases in City’s squad.
      On how the virus has affected her side, Hayes added: “We had 20 cases last year that saw my entire team struck off and unable to go home to see their families.
      “They don’t earn hundreds of thousands of pounds every week. A few days ago, we had two players struck down with Covid.
      “Our heads are all over the place. We are human beings.
      “The stress, the anxiety, the worry of having to perform in a game when you’re thinking, ‘I just want to go home. I haven’t seen my family, I’ve been to an Olympics. Oh, no, another Christmas alone.
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      “I’m not making excuses for the players, but I can tell you in the last three days their heads have been all over the place.”
      The Blues defeat was compounded by the WSL aces’ losing skipper Magda Eriksson to injury early on in the second half
      At our usual best we wouldn’t be 4-0 worse off against a teamEmma Hayes
      And the result means the Blues have now gone three matches without scoring.
      Hayes added: “We’ve had lots of fantastic moments. In this club and this is not one of them.
      “When you’re faced with having to get the right result everything has to be so right and unfortunately it was not.
      Svenja Huth netted a brace for the Women’s Bundesliga leaders to help them reach the Champions League quartersCredit: AP
      “At our usual best we wouldn’t be 4-0 worse off against a team.
      “My team has been amazing for so long. Now’s not to leave each other we have to stick together in a really, really tough moment.”
      Chelsea came into the game needing to draw or win to book their place in the competition’s quarters.
      But Wolfsburg harried their visitors from the get-go with Svenja Huth latching onto a rebounded ball from a Shanice van de Sanden shot to put the hosts 1-0 up in the 16th minute.
      Fran Kirby prompted a comfortable save from Almuth Schult moments later before the German side doubled their lead.
      They did so with skipper Huth bagging her brace with a 23rd-minute tap-in past Zecira Musovic.
      Sam Kerr hit the woodwork near the half-hour mark shortly before Pernille Harder forced a save at the near post.
      Hayes looked to boost her attack by bringing on Ji So-yun close to half-time in place of Sophie Ingle.
      And the South Korea playmaker tested Schult from distance shortly before the whistle.
      The second spell saw Chelsea attempt to up the tempo of their play with a Kirby shot prompting a fine save from the keeper.
      Emma Hayes hopes to see her side bounce back from their loss and Champions League exitCredit: Reuters
      And they were forced to bring on Aniek Nouwen in place of Eriksson with the captain still the effects of her awkward landing earlier.
      The Blues’ efforts to fight their way back took a huge dent with Wassmuth slotting the ball past Musovic after Huth’s flicked on header around the 60th minute.
      And the Bundesliga goal ace sealed the 4-0 victory smashing in her second with around a quarter of an hour of normal time left.
      The German title-chasers saw out the win to book their place in the contest’s last eight with Chelsea having lost two of their last three games across all competitions. 
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      in Soccer

      Eden Hazard could make shock transfer return to Lille after Chelsea legend’s struggles at Real Madrid, says club chief

      by

      EDEN HAZARD could make a shock return to Lille in January after reportedly being placed on the transfer list at Real Madrid.The winger joined the Spanish giants in 2019 for a huge fee of £89million but has failed to live up to expectations.
      Real Madrid are willing to let Eden Hazard go in JanuaryCredit: AP
      He has not scored a goal in the 12 appearances he has made so far this season, with the club reportedly willing to let him leave in the next window.
      Now, Lille president Olivier Letang about the possibility of a return to the club for the 30-year-old.
      When speaking to L’Equipe Letang said: “A return of Hazard to Lille? It is not impossible to see it here.
      “I go to Spain if necessary. It may seem impossible.
      “Obviously, Hazard is an incredible player with a lot of quality.
      “Right now, he is a Real Madrid player and is under contract with Real Madrid every day.”
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      BETTING SPECIAL – GET 20/1 ON LIVERPOOL TO HAVE ONE OR MORE SHOTS ON TARGET AGAINST NEWCASTLE
      Hazard made his professional debut for Lille in 2007 and remained at the club until he signed for Chelsea in 2012.
      He scored 50 goals during his five-year spell at the French club and helped them win a league title and the Coupe de France in the 2010-11 season.
      Whilst a return to France is possible, the winger will have to lower his wage demands if Lille are to have any chance of taking him back.
      Hazard has already been linked to a number of clubs this season with offers from teams such as Belgian Minnows KVS Westerlo and Fenerbahce.
      A move back to England is also a possibility after he was linked to West Ham, Newcastle and Chelsea.
      Belgium manager Roberto Martinez recently revealed that Hazard is ‘unhappy’ at Real Madrid due to his situation in a hint he is looking to leave the club. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd can copy Chelsea and win Champions League with superstar squad under Rangnick, claims Saha

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could be serious contenders for the Champions League trophy this year under new boss Ralf Rangnick, according to Louis Saha.The former United striker believes that the club can follow in the footsteps to Chelsea, who won the title last season with Thomas Tuchel.
      Louis Saha celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo after winning the Carling Cup in 2006Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Chelsea won the Champions League in May, only four months after Thomas Tuchel took over as managerCredit: PA
      Tuchel took over the Blues in January and completely turned things around at the club, winning the Champions League only four months after signing.
      Saha is confident that the Red Devils have the squad to go on and win the competition this year, and that Rangnick can get the best out of his players.
      Speaking to Bookmakers the Frenchman said: “With the type of players Manchester United have, yes I think they can win the Champions League.
      “But they need to find the right form.
      “In cup ties, you have to show up and be good on the day and the bigger the side you face, the stronger you have to be mentally.
      “If you can do that, anything is possible.
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      “When you don’t have the right spirit or attitude, or you overthink things or don’t have the right tactics, you are in trouble.
      “But you can find all that with a change of management.
      “We saw Chelsea do it last season when they brought in a new manager and won the Champions League.
      “It happens, and when things click – as it did with Chelsea – big things are possible.”
      Saha also believes that Rangnick will be an important figure at United for years to come.
      Ralf Rangnick has made an immediate impact at Man UtdCredit: PA
      He said: “I definitely think he’ll be a part of a long-term project.
      “I don’t think the Premier League title is reachable this year, so it’s about building a strong squad, full of people committed to the club.
      “That will be the most important thing.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo re-joined Manchester United in the summer but has been subject to criticism for his performances and lack of involvement on the pitch.
      However, Saha has argued that his former teammate is still United’s main man and that others should be facing the judgements: “Cristiano should not be worried about his place because he’s scoring goals and saving the team, along with the goalkeeper.
      “I think it’s the other players who should be worried about their place, not Cristiano.
      “At 36, he’s still doing his magic, so I’m surprised people are questioning him.”
      Ronaldo has been United’s top goalscorer this season, netting 13 times in 18 games and also earning two assists.
      The Reds are due to face Athletico Madrid in the next round of the Champions League which will be a tough test for Rangnick’s side. More