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      Pep Guardiola slams European Super League as ‘not sport’ and ‘unfair’ after Man City join controversial breakaway cabal

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has blasted European Super League plans and labelled the competition: “Not sport.”City are one of six renegade clubs trying to breakaway to play in the closed shop tournament and Guardiola is clearly not a fan and thinks it is ‘unfair’.
      Pep Guardiola gave a withering assessment of the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      Along with City, it emerged Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham want to take part in the franchise style competition with no relegation.
      The announcement has been subject to widespread outrage across the country.
      Furious fans took to stadiums across England on Monday to voice their anger at the clubs’ chiefs with more protests planned. Liverpol supporters also hung banners outside Anfield aimed at their ‘money-grabbing’ owners.
      And Guardiola has added his name to the ever growing list of dissenters.

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      Speaking ahead of City’s game at Aston Villa on Wednesday, the Spaniard said: “If you ask me about these teams that have been selected, I don’t know the reason why. Are they going to play this competition in the future?
      “Sport is not sport when the relation between the effort and success and the effort and reward does not exist. So it is not sport.
      “It is not sport if the success is already guaranteed. It is not sport and it doesn’t matter if you lose.
      “That’s why I have said many times I want the best competition and the strongest competition possible. Especially the Premier League.
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      🗣️ “It is not sport if the relationship between the effort and reward doesn’t exist.”🗣️ “It is not sport if it doesn’t matter if you lose”Pep Guardiola shares his thoughts on the European Super League pic.twitter.com/Qy7gJMYdUW— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 20, 2021

      “And it’s not fair when one team fight, fight, fight, arrive at the top and afterwards cannot qualify because the success is already guaranteed for a few clubs.
      “This statement is what I feel. I don’t know if it’s going to change and the people say ‘no, no, maybe four or five teams can go up and play in this competition’.
      “But what happens if the other 15 don’t have a good season and every time they will still be there. This is not sport.”
      The clubs have been slammed by everyone from Prince William and PM Boris Johnson to Gary Neville and David Beckham.
      Johnson today threatened new laws over the European Super League plot – and backed Prem bosses to kick out the ‘Big Six’ if they want to.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      UEFA President Infantino says Super League a ‘disgrace’ and clubs must face consequences More

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      Three Premier League clubs ‘cracking under pressure of European Super League uproar and considering PULLING OUT’

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      REBEL English clubs are already cracking under pressure casting doubt on the formation of the controversial European Super League, say top sources in Germany.Respected news outlet Bild has published claims that ‘doubts have grown in several English clubs in the last 24 hours’.
      Three of the six Premier League clubs are trying to pull out of the European Super League plansCredit: PA
      Fans have reacted angrily to the rebels trying to force a breakaway league and line the owners’ pockets with cashCredit: Getty

      A massive fan backlash is believed to be one of the major factors behind half of the six Premier League teams involved having second thoughts.
      This latest development follows rumours that Chelsea and Manchester City only learned of the plan to form a breakaway league last week.
      They, along with Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal comprise the ‘Big Six’ elite in England who have signed up for the ‘biggest shake-up in soccer’ in thirty years.
      In total, 12 European teams have announced the setting up of a new franchise league in which they will be free of relegation fears.
      The bombshell announcement has drawn stinging criticism from governments, governing bodies, supporters and rival teams around the world.
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      Bild claim there could be as many as three Premier League clubs getting cold feet and that if they break ranks it will bring the whole idea crashing down before it even gets going.
      The remaining 14 top-flight clubs met today to discuss how to fight back against the proposals and how they will challenge the six rebels.
      A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League, alongside The FA, met with clubs today to discuss the immediate implications of the Super League proposal.
      “The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition.
      “The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those Shareholders involved to account under its rules.
      “The League will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.
      “The Premier League would like to thank fans and all stakeholders for the support they have shown this week on this significant issue. The reaction proves just how much our open pyramid and football community means to people.”

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      Chelsea fans are among those outraged at their club’s behaviour.
      They have asked for banners inside the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium to be taken down and will protest outside the ground this evening before the home game against Brighton.
      And as revealed by SunSport, the club’s players were left shocked, gutted and confused when they were told the club was part of the Dirty Dozen.
      Blues chairman Bruce Buck called a meeting of the players in an attempt to explain why they were signing up to the European Super League.
      But the news did not go down well with the squad, with individuals concerned about the damage it threatens to do to the game.
      Those fears only grew when it became clear Uefa were threatening to throw them out of the Champions League.

      But as reported elsewhere, we are also hearing suggestions to the contrary…Unclear how easy it would be for any of the 6 to now extract themselves from this if contracts have been signed…— Dan Roan (@danroan) April 20, 2021

      Liverpool were due to stage a Zoom call with the owners, Fenway Sports Group, this morning to update and inform the club’s employees about the Super League plans.
      But this meeting was canned soon after full-time of last night’s 1-1 draw at Leeds.
      Chief executive Billy Hogan sent an email to staff on Monday to begin to explain the club’s actions – which have drawn particular criticism from Sky Sports pair Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
      Skipper Jordan Henderson will lead an emergency meeting between Premier League captains to discuss their response.
      The Reds midfielder, 30, is a well-respected figure within English football, having led footballers’ reaction during the NHS crisis last year.
      And the England man will step up to the plate again to get the 20 captains – including those of the rebel clubs – talking.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson, writing in The Sun, assured English football fans he will do all in his power to stop the Super League from going ahead.
      He said: “You only need a pulse to know that football is not a brand or a product. In fact it’s so much more than even a sport.
      “A year of empty stadiums has reminded us all that football without fans is an altogether more anaemic spectacle.
      Fans massively against ESLA YOUGOV snap poll has revealed football fans are overwhelmingly against the proposed European Super League, see it is a huge money grab and will not watch the matches if it goes ahead…
      · 79 per cent of football fans oppose the creation of European Super League, 68 per cent strongly oppose it; just 14 per cent support it
      · Half of football fans (51 per cent) think ‘big six’ European Super League clubs should be kicked out of the Premier League; 55 per cent think they should face financial penalties; 32 per cent think they should face points deductions; 22 per cent think they should be stripped of existing domestic titles; only 10 per cent think there should be no punishments whatsoever
      · 75 per cent say they are not interested in watching the ESL when it begins
      · Just 3 per cent say the formation of ESL was driven by fans’ desire; 89 per cent say it was driven more by financial gain
      · 75 per cent say clubs down the football pyramid will suffer financially from the ESL formation; only 7 per cent think they will benefit
      · 73 per cent think football club owners should face punishments; 51 per cent want to see clubs themselves face punishments

      “It is your game – and you can rest assured that I’m going to do everything I can to give this ludicrous plan a straight red.”
      And the PM reiterated his promise by threatening new laws surrounding the plot – and backed Premier League bosses to kick the so-called ‘Big Six’ out it they want to.
      Johnson vowed to do all he could to stop it from going ahead in a meeting with top footie bosses.
      Downing Street said today the PM ‘expressed his solidarity with football fans and agreed they must always be at the heart of any decisions about the future of the game’.
      The PM urged clubs who were reported to be wobbling to pull back from the brink.
      No10 said: “The Prime Minister confirmed the government will not stand by while a small handful of owners create a closed shop.
      “He was clear that no action is off the table and the government is exploring every possibility, including legislative options, to ensure these proposals are stopped.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Liverpool owner John Henry as well as Manchester United’s Glazers have been central to the ESL plans

      UEFA President Infantino says Super League a ‘disgrace’ and clubs must face consequences More

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      Furious fans flock to Man Utd, Chelsea and Prem Big Six stadiums for second day of protests over European Super League

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      PLANS to create a new European Super League involving only the game’s richest clubs led to a second day of furious fan protests.Premier League teams involved in the proposals have faced a huge backlash from their own faithful.
      Thierry Henry’s statue held a card asking for ‘our Arsenal back’ on TuesdayCredit: EPA
      Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was adorned with a ‘Shame on you’ placardCredit: Getty
      On Tuesday, a number of supporters turned up on their club’s doorstep to demand they backtrack from the controversial plot.
      Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool have signed up to the ESL alongside three Spanish and three Italian teams.
      The proposals will take clubs out of the Champions League and into a new closed-shop setup, where teams qualify regardless of their performance.
      Uefa, Fifa, the UK Government and the Premier League are among the bodies to threaten the plotters with significant punishment, including throwing them out of this year’s competitions.
      While European football’s governing body and 14 other top-flight English clubs met on Tuesday, protests continued.
      Outside Liverpool’s home of Anfield, banners reading ‘FSG OUT’ and ‘SUPER GREED’ were hung up to condemn the club’s owners.
      A bouquet of flowers was left at Anfield with the message ‘RIP LFC’Credit: Reuters
      A banner at Liverpool called for owners FSG to leave the clubCredit: PA
      A Manchester United fan turned up at Old Trafford with an ‘RIP The Working Class’ messageCredit: PA
      Another supporter appeared at Chelsea to condemn his club’s plan to join the ESLCredit: Rex
      The Reds’ home will no longer feature fan banners across the empty seats after supporters’ groups demanded they be removed.
      Blues fans are set to appear en masse outside their home to demonstrate before Tuesday’s clash with Brighton, echoing Monday’s display before Leeds’ draw with Liverpool.
      Due to the coronavirus pandemic, supporters have been largely unable to make their feelings known in person with games played behind closed doors.
      The statue of Thierry Henry at Emirates Stadium was handed a cardboard message that read: “Give us our Arsenal back.”
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      Another banner put up at Old Trafford condemned the projectCredit: PA
      Another Anfield flag declared ‘RIP’ for the clubCredit: PA
      One Liverpool banner attacked the club’s American ownersCredit: Getty
      On Monday, fans turned up at Leeds’ draw with Liverpool to slate the ESLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      At Old Trafford, Manchester United fans put up a banner stating: “We adored you and you sold our souls. RIP MUFC 1878-2021.”
      One placard attached to the gates at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium simply read ‘Shame on you’ alongside two club scarves.
      The protests were not limited to England with a message from Barcelona fans posted onto the Camp Nou.
      Their statement read: “FCB is our life, not your toy. Super League, NO.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      UEFA President Infantino says Super League a ‘disgrace’ and clubs must face consequences More

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      Uefa make direct plea to Prem Big Six to make U-turn over European Super League for sake of ‘home of football’ England

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      UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin today made a personal plea to the Prem Big Six to admit to their ‘mistake’ and recant the decision to sign up to a breakaway Super League.In a remarkable direct statement to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, United and City, Ceferin’s address to the Uefa Congress in Montreux urged the six to reflect on the damage they were on the verge of dealing to English and world football and to the fans who ‘bleed themselves dry’ for their clubs.
      Aleksander Ceferin has addressed the ‘Big Six’Credit: AP
      Ceferin, who branded the owners of the rebel 12 as turning their backs on the heritage and integrity of football, recognises Real Madrid and Juventus are now too far gone to come back into the fold.
      But while Liverpool and United were the two English ringleaders, the Slovenian clearly feels an emotional appeal could yet bring a U-turn.
      Ceferin said: “I would like to address the owners of some English clubs. 
      “Gentlemen, you have made a huge mistake. 
      “Some will say it is greed, others disdain, arrogance, flippancy or complete ignorance of England’s football culture. Actually, it doesn’t matter.
      “What matters is that there is still time to change your mind. Everyone makes mistakes in life.
      “English fans deserve to have you correct your mistake. They deserve respect.”
      Ceferin revealed he had received an email on Monday “from a Tottenham fan, Trevor”.

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      He added: It was a very touching email, with two simple but strong messages.
      “If you read the email, you would be close to crying.
      “Trevor said ‘I am terribly disappointed by my club; if I can help in any way to help stop the breakaway, please let me know’.
      “England, this incredible nation with such strong and unique links to football, deserves to have you correct your mistake. It deserves respect.
      “Correct your mistake, turn back, come to your senses. 
      “Not out of love for football – because I imagine some of you don’t have much of that.
      Do it out of respect for the English people, for the home of footballAleksander Ceferin
      “But out of respect for those who bleed themselves dry so that they can go to the stadium to support their team and want the dream to be kept alive.
      “Do it out of respect for the English people, for the home of football.
      “About the email, a message to Trevor, you already helped me, more than you can imagine. Because with your message, I know that we are right, and they are wrong. 
      “And I will fight for you and the fans. We will fight and it’s a match, together, that we cannot lose.”
      Ceferin’s appeal came just minutes after Fifa chief Gianni Infantino backed Uefa’s determined stance against the breakaway 12.
      Infantino was accused in January by LaLiga boss Javier Tebas of helping orchestrate the breakaway movement,
      But the Fifa President nailed his colours to the mast as he said:  “At Fifa we can only and strongly disapprove the creation of the Super League, which is is a closed shop and which is a break away from the current institutions.
      “It would be outside the system and there is no doubt whatsoever of Fifa disapproval for this and our full support for European football.

      Gianni Infantino also bemoaned the ESLCredit: EPA
      “The magic of football is the direct link from the very lowest league to the top.
      “People need to think very carefully and reflect and assume responsibility. 
      “They need to think not only about their shareholders but also about all the people, the fans and those who have contributed to create what European football is today.
      “It is our task to protect the European model to protect clubs and club competitions and national teams.
      “If some elect to go their own way then they must live with the consequences of their choice and answer for it.
      “This means either you are in or you are out. You cannot be half in or half out. Everybody has to think about it. This is absolutely clear.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says any players who take part in European Super League will be banned from World Cup and Euros More

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      The night European Super League was born revealed as Prem Big Six chiefs have secret Dorchester meeting – FOUR years ago

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      THIS is the day the European Super League really kicked off, when five Premier League bigwigs booked a room in the Dorchester for a secret summit.SunSport broke the story in March 2016 that a top American TV exec was planning a rival competition to the Champions League that would also undermine the Premier League.
      Owners and execs of the Prem’s Big Six – including Chelsea’s Bruce Buck (front centre), Man City’s Ferran Soriano (back centre), Liverpool’s Ian Ayre (left) and Arsenal’s Ivan Gazidis (right) – first met in 2016 at London’s DorchesterCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Man Utd’s Ed Woodward and Joel and Avi Glazer then met with Liverpool owner John Henry and Gazidis again in 2017 in New York
      Woodward was also present at the 2016 meetCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The rest of the Prem demanded answers at the time. And now it has come to this, with the only change that Tottenham have finally got their invite to the party after an original snub.
      The faces are mainly familiar. Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, Manchester United’s Mister Big Ed Woodward, Arsenal chief exec Ivan Gazidis and Manchester City official Ferran Soriano.
      Only Liverpool’s Ian Ayre has left that original cast, moving on to new pastures while his successors continue the plotting.
      The TV guru behind it was known to them all. The backer was billionaire Stephen Ross, who had already made good money for himself and the clubs with trips and competitions.

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      Those long-haul games in the International Champions Cup cluttered up the calendar but gave him a toehold and an idea. Why not have a European Super League?
      Unfortunately for Ross and his team they did not own the exclusive rights to that concept and five years later someone has nicked the plan – and found the same old allies.
      Ross and his Relevent Sports company still have the International Champions Cup and even at the start of the year he was trying to promote the European Super League version.
      Ironically the ICC competition has not proved lucrative in its original form and he has threatened to pull the plug because it was losing money.
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      Plans for a breakway league have been in the offing for yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Former Liverpool exec Ian Ayre was present in 2016Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Ross, 80, has managed to survive all the same. He is the main owner of Miami Dolphins and his net worth is estimated at £5.44billion.
      Since the renegade plans for the franchise-style, closed-shop Super League emerged on Sunday, it has been subject to widespread outrage across the country.
      Furious fans took to stadiums across England on Monday to voice their anger at the clubs’ owners with more protests planned. Liverpol fans also hung banners outside Anfield aimed at their ‘money-grabbing’ owners.
      The clubs have been slammed by everyone from Prince William and PM Boris Johnson to Gary Neville and David Beckham.
      Johnson today threatened new laws over the European Super League plot – and backed Prem bosses to kick out the ‘Big Six’ if they want to.
      The PM vowed not to stand by ‘while a small handful of owners create a closed shop’ and promised to back fans all the way.

      Downing Street said today the PM ‘expressed his solidarity with football fans and agreed they must always be at the heart of any decisions about the future of the game’.
      They added: “He reiterated his unwavering support for the football authorities and confirmed they have the government’s full backing to take whatever action necessary to put a stop to these plans.”
      The PM urged clubs who were reported to be wobbling to pull back from the brink.
      The group agreed that any club should always have the chance to play and win against the biggest football players in the game.
      And the PM stuck to his guns over possible new laws to stop the group going ahead with their plot.
      No10 said: “The Prime Minister confirmed the government will not stand by while a small handful of owners create a closed shop.
      “He was clear that no action is off the table and the government is exploring every possibility, including legislative options, to ensure these proposals are stopped.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Angry fans fly ‘Say No To Super League’ banner over Leeds clash with Liverpool More

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      Chelsea stars concerned over European Super League plans and threats over being kicked out of Champions League

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      CHELSEA stars were left in a state of shock and confusion after they were told the club was part of the Dirty Dozen splitting football in two.Blues chairman Bruce Buck called a meeting of the players in an attempt to explain why they were signing up to the European Super League.
      Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea players were left shocked and confused by the club’s decision to break away as part of the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty

      But SunSport understands the news did not go down well with the squad.
      Individuals are concerned about the damage it threatens to do to the game.
      Those fears only grew when it became clear Uefa were threatening to throw them out of the Champions League.
      Chelsea face Real Madrid in the semi-finals, with the first leg in Spain next Tuesday.
      To make matters worse, players potentially face being banned from international football in the future.
      Stars were left ‘gutted’ by the announcement, which came as they were putting the finishing touches on their preparations for tonight’s clash with Brighton – before which a planned protest of Chelsea supporters is expected outside Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues know victory will see them climb back into the top four above West Ham who they face on Saturday.
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      Earlier today, it was revealed cracks were appearing among the Super League breakaway rebels.
      Seeds of doubt are creeping in with two of the six top-flight English rebels ‘close to losing their nerve’.
      It is thought their support of the proposed ESL is ‘wavering’ – and for one of them, that may mean a U-turn in their plans.
      Politico editor Alex Wickham said one of the group may try and get out of the deal, accusing breakaway leaders Liverpool and United of ‘lying to them and f***ing up’.
      Liverpool were due to stage a Zoom call with the owners, Fenway Sports Group, this morning to update and inform the club’s employees about the Super League plans.
      But this meeting was canned soon after full-time of last night’s 1-1 draw at Leeds.
      Chief executive Billy Hogan sent an email to staff on Monday to begin to explain the club’s actions – which have drawn particular criticism from Sky Sports pair Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
      The remaining ‘angry and dismayed’ 14 Premier League clubs are meeting today to discuss how to deal with the other six – and could even order them to quit the division.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Blues chairman Bruce Buck explained the decision to join the ESL in a meeting with the squadCredit: Getty
      Chelsea beat Porto to set up a Champions League semi-final date with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Arsene Wenger says a European Super League cannot be allowed to happen More

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      Emotional Ian Wright says David Rocastle would be ‘turning in his grave’ after Arsenal joined European Super League

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      IAN WRIGHT has slammed Arsenal for joining the European Super League – adding that David Rocastle would be ‘turning in his grave’.Club legend Rocastle was a former team-mate of Wright’s and tragically died aged 33 after winning two league titles with the Gunners.
      Ian Wright criticised the European Super League plan in a Twitter clip
      Late club legend David Rocastle would be ‘turning in his grave’, said old team-mate WrightCredit: Rex
      Former striker Wright, 57, was left aghast at how the club had gone from making an impeccable tribute to its heritage to joining the ESL.
      He told his Twitter followers: “I literally couldn’t believe it when I saw Arsenal’s name.
      “This is the same Arsenal that was only just, a couple of weeks ago, commended for its tribute to David Rocastle.
      “God, he would be turning in his grave knowing what’s going on now.
      “Is this how far we’ve fallen? That we are now getting into competitions because we’re not good enough to get into [the Champions League].
      “So, to the detriment of the English game, we’re getting a seat to the table we have no right to be at. It’s shameful. I’ve heard that word used, it is shameful.”
      Wright joined the growing number of players past and present, fans and clubs in condemning the ESL project.
      Arsenal are one of six English teams who signed up to the proposals despite last winning the Premier League in 2004, with Mikel Arteta’s team currently sat ninth in the table.

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      Uefa have threatened to kick the club out of the upcoming Europa League semi-finals, and Wright pondered how the players feel about the move.
      He continued: “If I’m a player I’m worried like, ‘If I play in this competition, I can’t play in the Euros, in the Fifa World Cup’.
      “They’re saying the teams in the [current season’s European] semi-finals may get disqualified because of this.
      “Where is the competition in all of this? Why haven’t we seen exactly how this is going to work? I totally disagree with this.
      “But where’s the jeopardy? Who goes down, who wins, what do they win? Are we supposed to play these great teams on a weekly basis.
      “I played against AC Milan twice in my career, it is something I will never forget. Are we supposed to be playing these teams so frequently? It’s not meant to be like that.
      “You dream of playing in the Champions League and the World Cup. Now they’re saying you’re not allowed to play in those competitions.
      “How do you feel as a player right now? I’d be absolutely s***ing myself now.
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      “You look at the time the announcement was made, they’re not catering for us. They don’t care about what’s going on in England.
      “Those clubs involved are English by name only. It’s a shame. It just makes me very sad.
      “There is no way the fans, they will see straight through this b*******, I just love the way that everybody is roundly condemning this, we have to stick together with this.”
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      James Corden gives passionate speech about European Super League on Late Late Show More

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      Hayes says Chelsea are ‘focused’ on beating Man City to WSL title amid ‘Big Six’ breakaway outcry

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      EMMA HAYES is “fully focused” on helping Chelsea beat Man City despite the furore surrounding the Blues’ role in plans for a European Super League.  And the Kingsmeadow boss says she has no knowledge of controversial proposals to set up a women’s version of the breakaway division.
      Emma Hayes says Chelsea are focused on notching up their second match win in the league against Man CityCredit: Rex
      Chelsea’s clash with Man City is the first of two big games for the Blues who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semisCredit: PA
      Hayes, whose aces aim to strengthen their grip at the top, was speaking hours after the Blues revealed themselves as one of six Prem giants joining the league.
      A Chelsea statement on the £4.6billion 12-team competition – which entails no relegation – says a ‘corresponding women’s league will also be launched, helping to advance the women’s game as soon as practicable.’  
      However, Hayes, whose team will visit Man City – who are also among the ‘Big Six’ sides joining the league – says she knows little about the proposals. 
      The Chelsea boss told reporters: “I don’t know anything about it (a women’s league). I’ve been on the training pitch mostly. 
      “I don’t know about any conversations around those things. I leave those matters to people at the top end of football.
      “I’d love to tell you I was sitting down reading a lot about it late on Sunday night, early Monday morning. 
      “The reality is, I haven’t looked at any media. I haven’t had time to have an opinion, to be honest.”
      The breakaway plans, which include six other football giants from Italy and Spain, have been met with growing anger and dismay within the sport.
      FA President Prince William and Fifa Council candidate Laura McAllister are among the influential figures who have criticised the move.
      Man City have won nine of the WSL games on the bounce in 2021Credit: PA

      And Blues supporters network The Chelsea Social fears plans for a corresponding women’s European Super League would ‘ignore a number of clubs with a serious pedigree in the women’s game’ and ‘prioritise those with the deepest pockets.’ 
      Chelsea’s involvement in the ‘Big Six’ breakaway has been criticised by some of the club’s supporters
      Hayes, whose team are bidding to retain their WSL crown says registering a second win at Man City’s Academy Stadium fortress is her priority. 
      The Blues gaffer added: “I’ve just had my head fully focused on Wednesday’s game and I’m paid to win football matches so I’m just focusing on the game.” 
      Just two points currently separate Chelsea from City who are second in the table. 
      And the WSL champs have won 16 matches and drawn one less than their in-form rivals who have picked up maximum points from nine league games this year. 
      A victory for the Blues would see them move five points clear at the summit with just two games remaining against Tottenham and Reading. 
      It would also give them a boost ahead of the first-leg of their Champions League semis clash with Bayern Munich.
      This term Chelsea are aiming to become the first English side since Arsenal to win the top prize for women’s football clubs in Europe. 
      Hayes added: “I think winning always breeds confidence, that’s for sure. 
      “But these are two different competitions and you do perform differently in the league over the Champions League as it’s a different style of opponent.
      “I think for the neutral our match against Man City is going to be a great game to watch knowing that the outcome will play a massive factor in where the league title is going to end up. 
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      A win for Chelsea against Man City would put them five points ahead in the WSL with two games remaining this termCredit: PA
      “I’ve been here long enough to know that I’m used to these games, so forgive me for not sounding delirious about it.
      “It’s just another one for us in what has already been a brilliant season so far.
      “What I know is that this these are the top two teams in England, playing on Wednesday vying for the league. 
      “And I think Man City’s qualities, throughout the season with the quality that they’ve got amongst their group, have demonstrated why they are in and around it.”
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      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More