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      Fans say ‘that’s clearest red you’ll ever see’ as Conference League star escapes sending off for horror two-footed lunge

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      FOOTIE fans were left stunned after a horror tackle went unpunished in the Europa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday night.The horrific challenge occurred during Welsh side The New Saints FC’s trip to Lithuania to play FK Panevezys in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier.Nicolas Gorbosov’s out in a horror tackle in FK Panevezys’s clash with The New Saints FCThe Argentine crushed TNS midfielder Jack Bodenham, who thankfully avoided serious injuryPanevezys midfielder Nicolas Gorbosov recklessly put in a stomaching-churning two-footed challenge on TNS defender Jack Bodenham.Gorbosov, 34, leapt off the ground with both feet as Bodenham tried to play the ball at the touchline with his left foot.And the Argentine stamped down with his studs showing as the 24-year-old passed the ball.Thankfully for Bodenham, his left leg wasn’t fully planted as Gorbosov’s horrific attempt of a challenge connected with him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tackle looked like an instant red card in real time but the referee didn’t give Gorbosov his marching orders, instead going to the VAR.And much to the shock of TNS fans and players alike, the video assistant referee didn’t deem the tackle worthy of a red card.The challenge went viral on social media and received a slew of comments, with one viewer saying: “Deary me.”As clear a red you’ll see for a decade.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTNS ran out 3-0 winners against their Lithuanian oppositionCredit: TNSAnother said: “Literally jumps in 2 footed. Gone to do him. That’s a bad one.”And another said: “Studs first, excessive force, not in control…how is this not a sending off on several levels?”Viktoria Plzen 1 Hearts 0 – Steven Naismith reflects and Robert Martin rounds up the Europa League play-off first leg in CzechiaOne remarked: “Shocking tackle.”Another chimed in: “Clearest red you’ll ever see.”TNS moved to within touching distance of the group stages of Europe’s third-ranked club competition with a 3-0 win in Lithuania.Second-half goals from Daniel James Davies, Daniel Williams and Ben Clark put the club on the brink of Welsh history.Should they avoid a four-goal defeat in their return leg at Park Hall next week, they’ll become the FIRST-EVER Welsh side to qualify for the group stage of a European club competition. More

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      Chelsea 2 Servette 0: Enzo Maresca scrapes his first Blues win but B-list opposition shows how far they have fallen

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      WHERE once it was the Galacticos it is now a bunch of B-Listers from Geneva.Chelsea picked up the European baton after a season’s absence but in vastly different circumstances to when they dropped it.Nkunku was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Servette goalkeeper Jeremy FrickCredit: PATeam-mates joined Nkunku to celebrate his first goal of the new campaignCredit: PANoni Madueke’s tremendous finish doubled the lead for the home sideCredit: GettyIn April 2023 Stamford Bridge staged a visit from Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finals.Chelsea lost 2-0 under interim boss Frank Lampard to opposition that included Luka Modric, Vinicius Jnr and Karim Benzema. So no disgrace.Now they were back under the lights in midweek but on Thursday instead of Tuesday and facing FC Servette of Switzerland and their unknown squad.Dereck Kutesa, Steve Rouiller and Bradley Mazikou formed part of the formidable line up of a team which lost its last league game 6-0 at home and is fifth in the Swiss first division.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Europa Conference League is Chelsea’s new home, at least for a while – UEFA’s third-tier tournament that is many fathoms below the expectation levels of a club which has won the Champions League twice.It’s so lowly that Servette had to LOSE to set up this game. Getting knocked out of a Europa League play off against Portugal’s Braga meant they rocked up at a ground which has played host to the greats of modern football in the not so distant past.Yet it remains the only European trophy that Chelsea are yet to win and new head coach Enzo Maresca is no snob so wants to win it.Most read in FootballNkunku celebrated his first goal of this campaign with his iconic balloon celebrationCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith nine changes to the starting line up from Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City, it wouldn’t be an easy transition from the spirited performance against the Premier League champions.Debuts for Jorgensen and Tosin Adarabioyo, first starts for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto and striker Marc Guiu.Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Servette descends into chaos as away fans clash with police at Stamford BridgeMarc Guiu was left with his shirt in his mouth after missing a sitterCredit: APGuiu, 18, missed two absolute sitters to round off his first game at the Bridge.The first a sliding header from inches out in the opening seconds, before hitting two shots at the trailing Servette goalkeeper in the 52nd minute.Latest signing Joao Felix received a rousing welcome when paraded on the pitch before kick off.A player who spent six months here before, getting sent off on his debut and eventually scoring four goals before his loan ended received a rousing reception which was over the top.With so many new faces it wouldn’t be that much of a shock to find total strangers wandering into the wrong positions but recent arrival Filip Jorgensen was correctly between the sticks for kick off.And luckily so because he was called upon after just 13 minutes to stand up tall and block a ferocious shot by Kutesa from inside the box.Enzo Fernandez came on to set up the second goalCredit: ReutersThe PA man declared ‘it doesn’t get much better than Thursday nights under the lights at Stamford Bridge’ – which would have been laughed at here not that long ago. But it’s the new normal.Mind you, there was a full house and the fans were up for it, with a solid noise level emanating from three and three quarters of the ground right from the off.It was a bit like old times with the noise and it must have been a while since many of those present had last been in, as the first player chant which struck up after half an hour was the famous anthem about Willian’s hatred of Tottenham.The Brazilian winger left four years ago but with the amount of chopping and changing going in this team, he could well be the last familiar face to the punters in these parts.Every game is a strange experience at Chelsea right now. Unfamiliar atmospheres and performances.Mykhailo Mudryk still has no polish to add to his pace. There seems little cohesion from the players that have been here for a while now. New head coach Enzo Maresca wants time to work his magic.But they won, via the penalty spot when Christopher Nkunku was brought down in the box on 50 minutes and from sub Noni Madueke’s rifled shot in the 76th.READ MORE SUN STORIESGo through from next week’s second leg and it’s the group stage. Win the Europa Conference League this season and it’s the Europa League next year.Win that and Real Madrid could be back at Stamford Bridge by 2026.Cole Palmer held his hamstring after the game to spark injury fears among fansCredit: GettyNew Chelsea signing Joao Felix sat in a private box after being unveiledCredit: PA More

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      David De Gea endures NIGHTMARE return to football 446 days after last game as Man Utd icon makes Fiorentina debut

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      DAVID DE GEA’s hotly anticipated return to football began with a NIGHTMARE.The former Manchester United goalkeeper was named in Serie A side Fiorentina’s starting XI for the first time on Thursday after sealing a free transfer at the start of August.David de Gea had a nightmare debut for FiorentinaCredit: GettyDe Gea conceded twice in the opening 12 minutesCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd keeper De Gea was playing his first game in over a yearCredit: RexHaving last conceded to Ilkay Gundogan in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat in May 2023 – 446 days ago – De Gea surrendered two early goals in the Europa Conference League play-offs.Against a team most football fans will never have heard of – Puskas Academy, from Hungary.Albeit the first goal was an ninth minute penalty.But the former United stopper then swallowed another one in the 12th minute to put his side 2-0 down.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans couldn’t help themselves but poke fun at poor De Gea after watching his horror start.One wrote: “De Gea never changed, 11 minutes bro has already shallowed 2 goals.”Another posted a screenshot of the scoreline, writing: “Oh boy my favourite goalie David De Gea finally got himself signed by a club! let’s check in on how he’s doing on his debut against hungarian plumbers…”A third added: “Some things just never change.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, other United fans were kinder, admitting it feels strange seeing De Gea in a different shirt.One wrote: “Seeing De Gea wear another club’s jersey feels so weird not gonna lie.”Man Utd new-boy Joshua Zirkzee branded ‘class act’ after incredible gesture to fans after last-minute debut heroics A second slammed: “How are so called fans slandering De Gea for conceding goals The guys a legend of our club get a grip.”Puskas Academy were only founded in 2005 and finished third in the Hungarian top division last season.And, fortunately for De Gea, his new team-mates managed to turn things around.Riccardo Sottil pulled one back for the home side before half-time.Lucas Martinez Quarta and Moise Kean then put Fiorentina ahead in the second half.However, the Hungarians stunned the Artemio Franchi stadium at the death as Wojciech Golla netted to level the thrilling tie 3-3.De Gea, 34, signed a one-year contract including the option of a further 12 months with Fiorentina.And boss Raffaele Palladino admitted the Spaniard needed time to get back in the swing of things after so long out.The Fiorentina coach said: “He needed to adapt after a year of working separately.”He has brought great professionalism and worked a lot.”The goalkeeper left United when his contract expired at the end of the 2022/23 season, bringing to an end a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.He joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and during this 12-year tenure at the club made 545 appearances.Seeing De Gea wear another club’s jersey feels so weird not gonna lie.Man Utd fanDuring his time at the club, he broke Peter Schmeichel’s all-time United record for clean sheets and became the highest appearance-maker for a goalkeeper.The Spaniard won five major trophies during his time in Manchester including the Premier League title in 2013, the FA Cup in 2016 and the Europa League in 2017.De Gea amassed several individual honours, including the Premier League Golden Glove in both the 2017-18 and 2022-23 seasons.Additionally, he was recognised as Manchester United’s Player of the Year for three straight seasons from 2013 to 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESFiorentina finished eighth in Serie A last term and reached the Europa Conference League final for the second year running but were beaten by Olympiacos.They fell to West Ham in the 2022/23 season after Prem star Jarrod Bowen scored a 90th minute winner to seal a first European trophy since 1965 for the Hammers.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Former Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable in stunning renovation plans ahead of World Cup

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      STUNNING images of the new Estadio Riazor have been unveiled ahead of a huge renovation project. The ground is set to be used as a venue for the 2030 World Cup.The Estadio Riazor is set to be renovated for the World CupCredit: David Estany Garea / Concello A CoruñaThe ground is the home of DeportivoCredit: David Estany Garea / Concello A CoruñaThe pitch is set to be lowered and a new roof will be installedCredit: David Estany Garea / Concello A CoruñaThe current ground can fit 32,000 fansCredit: 2021 Quality Sport ImagesIt hosted the World Cup in 1982Credit: 2020 Quality Sport ImagesSecond tier Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruna call the stadium home.It hosted Champions League matches as recently as 2004 when the club went on a memorable run to the semi-final and it already has World Cup experience, having been used for three games in 1982.And with the tournament returning to Spain, the city of A Coruna is hoping to be selected once again.In their bid to bring the World Cup back to the northern Galicia region, chiefs have unveiled plans to make the Estadio Riazor a state-of-the-art arena.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe current 32,490 seats will be increased to 48,015 and a new roof will be put in place.An extra tier will be added to the main stand and the pitch will also be lowered.A new underground car park will be built and there will be space for at least 1,765 fans in hospitality. The iconic tower that overlooks the stadium from behind the goal will be preserved in a nod to it’s classic look.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain’s World Cup stadiums Anoeta (San Sebastian)Camp Nou (Barcelona)Gran Canaria (Las Palmas)Estadio La Cartuja (Seville)The Rose Garden (Malaga)Metropolitan (Madrid)New Romareda (Zaragoza)RCDE Stadium (Barcelona, ​​Cornella-El Prat)Riazor (A Coruna)San Mames (Bilbao)Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid)According to stadium chiefs, the construction has an estimated cost of £53m.And they are confident they will be given the green light over a rival project in nearby town Vigo due to the stadium’s good transport links and location in the heart of the city.Estadio Riazor has been the home of Deportivo since 1944 and it was last modernised six years ago when the roof fell into disrepair. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’ More

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      Transfer suggestions ahead of Gameweek 2: Eberechi Eze, Diogo Jota and other appealing options

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday to confirm any transfers they wish to make ahead of Gameweek 2.Many gaffers will be using their two alloted transfers to correct any errors that came to light during the first round of Premier League fixtures.All 20 Premier League clubs showed their hands to some extent in Gameweek 1 and Dream Team bosses should now have a clearer understanding of the pecking orders across the land.Eze and Jota should be popular recruits before Saturday’s deadlineCredit: Dream TeamNaturally, we can’t provide transfer suggestions for everyone’s specific teams but allow us to put forward some general recommendations using logic that can be applied elsewhere.And we won’t condescend anyone by listing blindingly obvious names such as Erling Haaland (£8.5m), Bukayo Saka (£6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7m).Eberechi Eze (£4.5m)Crystal Palace’s talisman was incredibly unlucky not to bank a double-digit haul from his first outing.His pinpoint free-kick was disallowed for a inconsequential foul in the box that may well have been overturned by VAR had the referee not been trigger-happy with his whistle.Even discounting what would have been a Goal of the Month contender, no player registered more shots on target in Gameweek 1 than Eze.Eze deserved more in Gameweek 1Credit: RexThe England international remains the subject of transfer speculation but Ilkay Gundogan’s anticipated return to Manchester City is potentially good news for the Selhurst Park faithful, who are understandably desperate to keep hold of their No10.Most read in FootballThe Eagles are due to host West Ham and Norwich in Gameweek 2 with the latter visiting South London for Carabao Cup commitments.It’s often the case that top flight teams rest their most important players in the early rounds of the domestic cups but Eze cashed in this time last year against Plymouth in the corresponding fixture – as did Jean-Philippe Mateta (£3.5m).Deliberately targeting the Carabao Cup second round is fraught with risk but additional midweek minutes are a useful bonus.Diogo Jota (£4.5m)Jota justified his selection with a goal at Portman RoadCredit: APAt the top we mentioned that some gaffers are using their transfers to backtrack after Gameweek 1.With two days until the deadline, both Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) and Cody Gakpo (£4.5m) are among the five most transferred-out players this week.That’s largely because Arne Slot opted for a starting front three of Mohamed Salah (£7m), Luis Diaz (£4.5m) and Jota against Ipswich, as we predicted in pre-season.Liverpool’s new head coach we surely make full use of his attacking options throughout the campaign but the Portugal international is likely to keep his spot as first-choice centre-forward after his goal at Portman Road last Saturday.Granted, Jota had squandered a close-range header seconds before he broke the deadlock – an uncharacteristic miss – but there can be few complaints about a return of nine points.The Reds welcome Brentford to Anfield this coming Gameweek and while they don’t have a Carabao Cup fixture in midweek, it won’t be long until the Champions League gets underway – gaffers should already have one eye on the European competitions.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m)A real handfulCredit: GettyOnly Saka earned more points than Brighton’s left winger among Dream Team midfielders in Gameweek 1.The Japan international missed the last three months of 2023/24 with a back injury but he reminded everyone of his talent with a 13-point haul at Everton’s expense last Saturday.Like Eze, Mitoma has the benefit of two fixtures this coming Gameweek (if selected in the Carabao Cup) in the form of Manchester United and Crawley.The Seagulls’ No22 averages roughly a goal involvement every other game in the Premier League and his dribbling ability helps him pick up regular bonus points – only Luis Diaz (£4.5m) and Jeremy Doku (£4m) completed more successful take-ons in Gameweek 1.However, gaffers keen on Mitoma should be aware that Brighton are due to travel to Arsenal in Gameweek 3, which is the toughest fixture possible for attack-minded assets given the Gunners’ defensive record in recent times.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWElsewhere, Manchester City’s home game against Ipswich appears ripe.The Tractor Boys resisted Liverpool for an hour on home soil but a trip to the champions’ lair is a different proposition altogether.Haaland owners (and captainers) will be hopeful of plentiful points but who else is best placed to cash in?Mateo Kovacic (£3m) is the fourth most-recruited player at the time of writing but another goal would be a case of lightning striking twice – the Croatian midfielder has scored 13 goals in 378 appearances at club level since he moved to Real Madrid in 2015.Bernardo Silva (£4.5m) is a more reliable attacking threat while Rico Lewis (£3m) offers an affordable route into City’s defence, assuming Kyle Walker (£4m) still isn’t ready to start following his late return post-Euros.READ MORE SUN STORIESLastly, a quick mention for Antonee Robinson (£3m), who racked up EIGHT tackles against Manchester United last Friday.Fulham face Leicester, Birmingham and Ipswich before the international break and their defence has been bolstered by the signing of Joachim Andersen (£3m).BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Dortmund season begins in CHAOS as fans organise major protests and release furious statement

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      DORTMUND fans are planning major protests at their first Bundesliga match of the season.The German giants’ campaign has been thrown into chaos after supporters released a furious statement.Dortmund fans are planning a major protest at their opening Bundesliga match of the seasonCredit: GettySupporters have released a furious statement opposing a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers RheinmetallCredit: APFans of the club are set to voice their opposition to a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers Rheinmetall.Planned protests include unveiling a tank outside the Westfalenstadion on Saturday in club colours.Dortmund host Frankfurt in their opening Bundesliga fixture of the campaign.An activist is also set to be dressed as Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, with signs on display and flyers handed out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three-year deal with the ammunition maker was announced back in May, just days before the Champions League final.Fans and pundits alike slammed the deal, with Gary Lineker admitting it would be the “first time I’ll be cheering for Real Madrid”.Dortmund went on to lose 2-0 at Wembley Stadium back on June 1.Club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke had defended the deal at the time, explaining: “When we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new normality.”Most read in FootballThe deal was announced in May, just days before the Champions League final defeat to Real MadridCredit: ReutersHowever, Dortmund fans have now had their say in a statement from supporter association Sudtribune Dortmund.Released on behalf of over 90 fan groups, it reads: “We won’t allow ourselves to be hitched to your wagon.’Super league by another name’ fume fans as Uefa confirm new Champions League format that is ‘ruining’ football”We firmly reject the idea that management and its committees at BVB have agreed to use Borussia Dortmund’s appeal to improve the public image of an arms company and throw their own values overboard in the process.”The statement continues: “The timing (of the announcement) suggests reactions to this controversial decision were deliberately intended to be overshadowed by reporting on the Champions League final.”Negative effects on fans were consciously taken into account.”Fans were also told to make their feelings known and “express your criticism” against Frankfurt this weekend.Dortmund kickstarted the new season in German Cup on Saturday, beating fourth tier Phonix Lubeck 4-1.Dortmund begin their league campaign at home to Frankfurt on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Frank Lampard lands new job following BBC Euro 2024 role and 15 months after Chelsea exit

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      FRANK LAMPARD can’t stay away from football despite leaving his last role as a manager some 15 months ago.The Chelsea and England legend has landed himself a new job as a pundit for the Champions League.Frank Lampard has landed a role as a pundit for Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageCredit: GettyLampard will join a whole host of other former players as part of Amazon Prime’s brand new coverage of the Champions League.The 46-year-old, who won the European competition during his career, will form part of a stellar cast for the global broadcaster alongside the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge and Gael Clichy.While Gabby Logan is set to head up the coverage with Premier League legend Alan Shearer joining the team as a commentator.Lampard won’t be out of his depth in front of the camera, after playing a part in the BBC’s coverage in Euro 2024 this summer too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 106-time England international is yet to find a new managerial role in football after leaving Chelsea in June last year.Lampard took charge of just 11 games in his second stint as Blues boss after coming in as caretaker manager following the sacking of Graham Potter.Lampard, who has also held roles with Derby and Everton, has been outspoken about wanting a return to the dugout at some point.And BBC colleague Gary Lineker has even suggested he could be the right fit for the biggest job of all – the next England manager.Most read in FootballAmazon Prime Video Champions League TeamPresenter: Gabby LoganCommentators: Jon Champion, Alan ShearerReporters: Gabriel Clark, Alex AljoePundits: Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Frank Lampard, Josephine Henning, Laura Georges, Gael ClichyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard [as Gareth Southgate’s replacement]. “I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.BBC pundit tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager after Euro 2024″Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here but if you’re going to go English you think who else? Eddie Howe maybe?”FA chiefs are still searching for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate following his decision to step down after the summer’s Euro 2024 heartbreak.Former U21s boss Lee Carsley has been handed the job on an interim basis and will take charge of the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.Lampard has already admitted he is “looking to get back” into management at some point in the near future.Speaking to TalkSPORT back in March, he said: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.”Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Gareth Southgate vs Frank Lampard managerial recordFrank LampardDerby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%Gareth SouthgateMiddlesbrough June 2006 – October 2009P151 W45 D43 L63 Win percentage 29.8%England U21 August 2013 – September 2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage 72.97%England September 2016 – PresentP110 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage 60%Overall: P156 W81 D44 L71 Win Percentage 41.3% More

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      Raheem Sterling axed AGAIN by Chelsea after missing Premier League opener and asking for ‘clarity’ over his future

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      RAHEEM STERLING has been axed from Chelsea’s squad for a SECOND successive game.Just two days after being dumped from Sunday’s Prem opener against Manchester City, the England winger, 29, has been excluded for Thursday’s Conference League play-off with Servette.Sterling has been hit with another blowCredit: GettyThe forward was AXED from Chelsea’s Conference League play-off squadCredit: AFPThe Blues welcome the Swiss side to Stamford Bridge for the opening of a two-legged tie that will determine if they will play European football this season.And Sterling – who has three years left to run on his current Chelsea contract – will play no part.Defenders Ben Chilwell, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were also not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to Uefa.But four wingers have been named ahead of Sterling — Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSterling’s camp said in a statement before Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by City they wanted “clarity” over his future.Chelsea have spent £185m on 11 signings this summer and their 43-man bloated squad sparked a series of hilarious memes on social media yesterday.However, striker Armando Broja has agreed a move to Ipswich.The Albania international will go on loan until the end of the season with a £30m option to buy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea’s initial ‘A’ list squad to face ServetteGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus BettinelliDefenders: AxelDisasi, Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Renato VeigaMidfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Romeo LaviaForwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Christopher NkunkuChilwell dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after a series of injuries over the last two campaigns.Boss Maresca said: “The reason he did not play in our pre-season game against Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement”We had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible.”I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens.”Chelsea currently have 43 first team players available for selection.Maresca admitted the squad has to be trimmed before the transfer window closes.Meanwhile, Reece James – who recently suffered a new hamstring injury – has been included in the list of available players to face Servette on Thursday night.Elsewhere, star-boy Palmer returned to Manchester to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.Sterling’s camp statement in fullA statement released before kick-off read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.”He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Sterling’s stats from last season More