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      The shortest managerial reigns in Premier League history as Nuno Espirito Santo is sacked by Spurs after four months

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      THERE is a changing of the guard at Spurs.Tottenham have sacked manager Nuno Espirito Santo, after just four months in charge.
      Portuguese boss Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked by Spurs after just ten league gamesCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese boss, 47, lasted just ten league games until Daniel Levy wielded his axe.
      His reign is one of the shortest in Premier League history, but others were given their matching orders sooner.
      Here’s 11 bosses who took a bullet before they could get their feet under the door.
      PEPE MEL, 120 DAYS
      The former West Brom boss held his position from January 9 to May 12, but was relieved of his duties after the Baggies survived the drop by three points.
      However, his tenure was best remembered by the epic fallouts he had with playing staff.
      Mel sacked Nicolas Anelka, while Saido Berahino and James Morrison had a heated dressing room fight.
      West Brom won just three of his 17 games at the club.
      Pepe Mel arrived at West Brom with much fanfare but won just three of his 17 games at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      STEVE WIGLEY, 107 DAYS
      In 2004, Wigley was a surprise choice to replace Paul Sturrock on a permanent basis as Southampton manager.
      But the former Nottingham Forest star was highly thought of on the South Coast, already impressing as a youth team coach.
      Fans were also against Glenn Hoddle returning to the club, so the decision became easy.
      14 games later, though, and Saints fans soon changed their tune and turned on him after just one win.
      Steve Wigley went from youth coach to first team boss, but flopped at SaintsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      CLAUDIO RANIERI, 106 DAYS
      After the Leicester title-winning miracle, Ranieri’s return to our shores came at relegation threatened Fulham in 2019.
      But with just three wins from his 16 games, he was unable to save the Cottagers from the drop.
      In-squad fighting between Aboubakar Kamara and Aleksandr Mitrovic during a squad yoga session certainly didn’t help.
      Like Espirito Santo at Spurs, Ranieri was also faced with ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ chants in his final game – a 2-0 defeat to Southampton.
      Claudio Ranieri faced chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ during his time at FulhamCredit: Reuters
      TONY ADAMS, 106 DAYS
      The Arsenal legend had a brief spell as Wycombe boss before being hired by Portsmouth to take over from Harry Redknapp in 2009.
      However, his cause wasn’t helped by the sales of Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra before the transfer window closed.
      Memorably, his Pompey side almost caused an upset in the UEFA Cup – leading 2-0 against the mighty AC Milan, before they were pegged back for a 2-2 draw.
      Two wins from 16 games wasn’t enough to save his bacon.
      Inexperienced Tony Adams endured a woeful spell at PortsmouthCredit: AFP
      COLIN TODD, 98 DAYS
      During the 2001-02 season, Todd was brought in to replace legendary Derby boss Jim Smith with the club lying in 19th place in the league.
      Matters weren’t helped with no financial support to bring in new players, and talented youngsters Malcolm Christie, Seth Johnson and Chris Riggott having their heads turned with links to bigger clubs.
      Johnson did go, in the end, to Leeds. But Christie and Riggot stayed for the fight.
      An FA Cup defeat to fourth tier Bristol City saw Todd fired.
      Colin Todd’s time at Derby County lasted just 98 daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      TERRY CONNOR, 91 DAYS
      With Wolves struggling in the Premier League in 2012, they turned to Connor after sacking his pal, Mick McCarthy.
      It was a mistake Jez Moxey, the club’s chief executive, would soon regret – promising before hiring Connor he would be looking to appoint an experienced hand.
      With 13 games left to play, Wanderers failed to pick up a win and finished the campaign rock bottom of the league.
      That summer, Connor was back as assistant – leaving the club just months later.
      Terry Connor managed Wolves for 13 games but didn’t win a single matchCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES, 85 DAYS
      The suave Spaniard returned to Watford in 2019, when the Hornets disposed of Javi Gracia – who months earlier had led the club to an FA Cup final.
      In his first spell, Flores led the London side to a mid table finish.
      Second time around, though, he was unable to replicate the magic.
      In fact, it was a bit of a disaster all round, winning just once and getting hammered 8-0 by Manchester City.
      Quique Sanchez Flores’ second spell with Watford proved to be a disaster
      BOB BRADLEY, 84 DAYS
      Before Ted Lasso, there was Bob Bradley.
      The American beat Ryan Giggs to the vacant Swansea post in 2016. However, he was soon poked fun of by fans for calling away games “road games”.
      The “long term appointment” as chairman Huw Jenkins called it, was anything but.
      Bradley was given the boot after just 11 games, picking up just eight points from a possible 33.
      Bob Bradley’s Americanisms were poked fun at during his time as Swansea bossCredit: PA:Press Association
      FRANK DE BOER, 77 DAYS
      Palace should have known.
      Before turning up in South London in 2017, the Dutch legend failed spectacularly at Inter Milan and was fired 85 days in the job.
      Here, he bettered that by eight days – just fours games into the league season.
      In that time, Palace had lost all their games without scoring.
      Frank de Boer managed Crystal Palace for just four league games before he was sackedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      RENE MEULENSTEEN, 75 DAYS
      From being Sir Alex Ferguson’s right hand man and leading the coaching at Manchester United to being his own boss, Meulensteen got his opportunity with Brondby, first, but that was a disaster.
      Evidently asking his players to find their spirit animals and then quizzing each one about what animal they wanted to be alienated his Danish stars.
      He didn’t appear to make that mistake at Fulham from 2013, but couldn’t win for toffee.
      After 13 games, he was off probably counting his chickens.
      Rene Meulensteen was fired by the Cottagers after just 13 gamesCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      LES REED, 41 DAYS
      Ironically, the worst football manager in the Premier League wrote the handbook  ‘The Official FA Guide to Basic Team Coaching’ before taking on the role of Charlton boss in 2006.
      In just six weeks, the Addicks were beaten by lowly Wycombe in the league cup and won once in the league.

      His gloomy demeanour on the touchline also earned him the nickname ‘Les Miserables’ with things coming to a head before Christmas.
      He was sacked on December 24, with Alan Pardew soon appointed.
      Not quite the present Charlton fans would’ve wanted.
      Les Reed wrote the book on coaching, but he couldn’t hack the top job at CharltonCredit: Action Images More

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      Tottenham target Antonio Conte’s hair through the years, from full thatch at 20 to balding at Juventus to transplant

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      HE could be hair today, gone tomorrow.Antonio Conte, 52, is believed to be leading the race to take over the reigns at Tottenham.
      Antonio Conte is the hot favourite to take over from Nuno Santo at Man Utd
      Nuno Santo has been given his marching orders after a woeful start to his reign.
      And while Spurs fans have been pulling their hair out in recent weeks, you can bet Conte won’t be grabbing at his if he replaces Nuno.
      The Italian tactician’s thatch has been the talk of the football world through the years.
      From when he started as a player at Lecce with fuller hair to a comb over at Juventus and now a mop as a manager, SunSport looks at Conte’s ever-changing hairstyles through the years.
      1988
      At the tender age of just 20, Conte began his football career with his hometown club Lecce.
      Ahead of the 1988-89 season, he posed for a club photo – showing off an impressively thick head of hair a Hollywood film star would’ve wanted.
      At this point, there was very little indication he was losing any.
      Aged 20, Conte sports movie star hairCredit: Getty
      1993
      Within five years, a bald spot appears to be forming on the top of Conte’s head.
      He decides the best thing for it is to shave his hair, perhaps to disguise the balding.
      Still, he is as competitive as ever – flying into a tackle against rivals Inter Milan.
      With a shaved head, Conte looks to be thinning up top in 1993Credit: Getty
      1994
      When representing your country, it’s imperative you look the part.
      Especially if that’s at a World Cup, like this snap from 1994 was.
      As Conte lined up against Mexico, there are some curls in there and although it’s bushy on the side you can’t help but see scalp on the front.
      At the 1994 World Cup, Conte’s curly locks appeared thinCredit: Getty
      1996
      Deciding to grow his hair long now, Conte has blonde locks added for distraction. His hairline has taken a huge hit – perhaps with the added pressure of playing for Italy’s most famous club.
      This photocall snap from the mid-90s shows a definite thinning up top.
      But he kept on growing it.
      A 1996 photocall snap at Juventus showed Conte was adamant he was growing his hairCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      1999
      A goal against Manchester United in the Champions League is wildly celebrated by Conte whose hair is flapping around as he wheels away.
      Interestingly, although there’s not much on top there’s lots to work with on the back and sides.
      You could say he’s just about getting away with it. Has he already had a hair transplant by this point?
      Conte celebrates scoring at Old Trafford with his hair flapping aroundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      2003
      Four years later, Conte has come up with a clever plan – one that worked well for Bobby Charlton many moons ago.
      By growing longer strands of hair and splitting it into a side-parting coming out the sides it appears that he has more hair than before.
      Certainly less scalp on show, that’s for sure.
      To disguise the balding, Conte parted strands of longer hairCredit: Photo Alive
      2007
      Conte took on the Arezzo post for his first job in management.
      Many lose their hair after years of coaching in the game, but Antonio was a trend-setter in that regard.
      He sported a shaved head, with clues that he might’ve had Follicular Unit Transplantation.
      This is where strips of flesh are removed from the back of the head and then implanted into incisions in the area of the scalp affected by hair loss.
      An indication Conte had a hair transplant was when he showed off a completely shaved look as Arezzo bossCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2012
      Five years later, and it’s a miracle.
      Looking very much like a stylish Italian banker, Conte is managing Juventus with a thicker hairdo.
      There’s a slight side-parting that hints there’s more to come.
      By 2012, Conte’s hair was back with a vengeance
      2016
      Another few years down the line, Conte is happily wearing a thick fringe in press conferences as Chelsea boss.
      There’s no curls, though, like he had in his youth – it’s a dead straight hairdo.
      Still, he appears happy with the results.
      A thick fringe was on show when he became Chelsea bossCredit: MATTHEW CHILDS
      2018
      Confident Conte is now happy to lift his fringe and slick it back like an action hero.
      As he kisses the FA Cup, there’s absolutely no sign of thinning here – and he looks a bit like Dimitar Berbatov.
      Sadly, it wasn’t enough to avoid him getting the sack a few months later.
      Conte lifts the FA Cup with an action man slicked back haircutCredit: Alamy Live News

      2021
      Today’s Conte cuts a thicker-haired figure.
      Bouffant up top, it’s a million miles away from his wispy look some 25 years earlier.
      At the unveiling of the Serie A title, Conte proudly showed off his mane – with not a bit of grey there.
      Could taking the Tottenham job affect that though?
      Today’s Conte with his thicker thatch on showCredit: Getty
      Gabby Agbonlahor says that Antonio Conte makes players run non-stop More

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      Brazilian football has welcomed back fans after the coronavirus pandemic, but tensions are high in the stands

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      FOOTBALL without fans in the stadium is simply not the same thing.Following the action on the field is only part of the pleasure of going to a game; breathing in the atmosphere created by the supporters is also important to the experience. Football fans are not spectators. they are active participants.
      Fans of Flamengo cheer on their side against Atletico MineiroCredit: Reuters
      The mood they create in the stands has a profound effect on what happens on the pitch – for better or for worse.
      With the coronavirus pandemic now under relative control in Brazil, fans are gradually being allowed to return to the stadiums. It has come at a decisive moment.
      The league comes to a conclusion in early December. The campaign is now in the final straight, and emotions are running high.
      There is a built in level of insatisfaction in Brazilian football. The tradition of the game in such a giant country is strongly local – there was no genuinely national championship until 1971, and for years being champion of the local city was seen as more important than being champion of the country.
      These regional competitions have lost their importance. There are now three major titles on the table – the league, the cup and the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League equivalent.
      There is not enough silverware to go round to all of the clubs who, based on the regional exploits, claim to be giants. And so many fans feel cheated.
      They were brought up to think of their club as something immense. Mid table mediocrity, or worse, is more than they can cope with. There are plenty of stories in Brazil of fans physically attacking their own team.
      Winning, then, is a big deal. One of the biggest myths in football is the view that Brazilian football is all about self-expression, with no one caring about conceding goals. It is a serious business where results are the be all and end all.
      Brazilian giants Flamengo are fighting on three fronts, in the league, cup and Copa LibertadoresCredit: Reuters
      Having fans back in the stadiums has raised the stress level. Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo were fighting on three fronts; in the final of the Libertadores, the semis of the domestic cup and in contention to retain their league title.
      But last week they were knocked out of the local cup at home, and the fans in the Maracana were quick to turn on the team and the coach.
      On Saturday, then, when they received league leaders Atletico Mineiro they had to bounce back – and after taking the lead in the first half they made sure they did not concede – with a level of time wasting, especially from the goalkeeper, that astonished Atletico striker Hulk, back in Brazil after many years abroad.
      At the other end of the table are Gremio, from the south of the country. Highly successful for the last few years, they have surprisingly run into serious problems.
      A local idol, former Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, was brought back to stop the rot. That did not work, and he was recently sacked.
      With the club second from bottom in the league (four go down) alarm bells are ringing, and having fans in the stadium may well be counter-productive.  The players are under so much pressure that it is as if they are running through treacle.
      On Sunday they took the lead at home to Palmeiras, a very strong side from Sao Paulo. But they ended up losing 3-1.
      One of the Palmeiras goals came from an iffy penalty awarded after consultation with VAR. This was too much for the Gremio fans to take.
      As the game came to an end a portion of the fans went on the rampage. They invaded the pitch and took out their uncontrolled fury on the VAR equipment. It could have gone further.
      Gremio’s supporters invade the pitch after a disappointing loss at home to PalmeirasCredit: AFP

      Some of them wanted to force their way down the tunnel and attack the players, and it took around an hour to bring the situation under control.
      Might it be easier for Gremio to play without fans? This question will surely soon be put to the test.
      As a punishment for the events of Sunday the club will certainly be punished, and will probably have to play their next home matches behind closed doors.
      Tuchel hits out at Fifa over Thiago Silva’s Brazil call-up amid international quarantine chaos More

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      Inside Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s extravagant romance, from a £105k LV jewellery trunk to having twins

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      THE romance and bond between Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez just gets stronger.The loved-up pair have revealed they are expecting twins, as they shared the news on Instagram to their fans.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have announced they are having twins
      Ronaldo and Georgina already have four children
      The pair lead a lavish lifestyle
      Ronaldo stunned Rodriguez by gifting her a £105,000 Louis Vuitton jewellery trunkCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina in three months pregnant with twins, they revealed with a photo of the pregnancy scan.
      He captioned the snap: “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins👶🏻👶🏻. Our hearts are full of love – we can’t wait to meet you ❤️🏠”
      Earlier this month,the Man Utd legend, 36, left partner Georgina Rodriguez, 27, speechless with a gift for the Spanish beauty – a £105,000 Louis Vuitton jewellery trunk
      But it should come as no surprise that this loved-up pair lead an extravagant romance.
      After all, they live a life of luxury and are accustomed to ONLY the finer things in life.
      SunSport takes a peak at their glam lifestyle, as well as a penchant for spoiling each other.
      BEST BIRTHDAY EVER
      Now, not only is Georgina beautiful, she’s also incredibly generous.
      Just ask Cristiano what the former Gucci shop assistant got him for his 35th birthday.
      The pair first went on a dinner-date, before she had a present waiting outside the restaurant in Turin for him.
      As he walked outside, in front of his eyes was a customised Mercedes G-Class Brabus SUV worth a staggering £300,000 waiting for him.
      Even better, it was gift-wrapped with a big red bow.
      For date night on Ronaldo’s 35th birthday Georgina had a special gift waiting outside a restaurantCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Georgina gave her beau a £300,000 Mercedes G-Class Brabus SUV on his special dayCredit: BackGrid
      GLAM HOLIDAYS
      While you and I might be happy with a week in Benidorm, Georgina and Cristiano do things a bit differently, and certainly with more sophistication.
      In recent years, the pair have enjoyed Mediterranean breaks away on board their luxury £5.5m yacht, as you do.
      After the Euros, Ronaldo whisked Georgina away to Madeira last summer, where they lounged on board their Azimut Grande boat.
      It boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      Before that, the jet-set couple stayed in a £10,000-per-night mansion in Majorca with a helipad, tennis court, pool and spa.
      Ronaldo and Rodriguez also love going to Greece, and once went to Costa Navarino where they were said to have tipped hotel staff a whopping £18,000.
      Glam breaks away on board their £5.5m yacht have become the norm for Ronaldo and partner Rodriguez
      Georgina Rodriguez is certainly making the most of her holidayCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      The Juventus striker has been resting ahead of the new season with partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children with trips out on his luxury yacht.
      Ronaldo splashed out a whopping £10k-a-night to stay at a luxury resort in Majorca last summer
      The mansion in Majorca even has its own helipad
      RUN THE JEWELS
      Between them, Cristiano and Georgina have amassed a jewellery collection to die for.
      In fact, we roughly estimated between them their extravagant pieces were worth a combined £3million.
      Last year, Ronaldo gifted his beloved an engagement ring from Cartier said to be valued at £615,000.
      The ring is emblazoned with a large sapphire stone and encrusted with diamonds, and the most expensive a footballer has gifted their Wag ever.
      Georgina often pairs the ring on nights out with a £33,000 Patek Philippe TWENTY 4 in 18 carat rose gold watch, as well as three diamond bracelets worth £25,000 each.
      Cristiano’s love of jewellery extends further than the pair of diamond studs he wears in his ears.
      At the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in 2020 he was spotted wearing the most expensive Rolex ever – a £380,000 GMT Master Ice.
      But that’s not his most expensive timepiece. Back in 2018, he wore a £1.2million Franck Muller timepiece during a press conference ahead of a match for Juventus against United.
      Georgina loves spending money on expensive jewelleryCredit: Splash
      Spanish beauty Rodriguez shows off her £615,000 sparkler on board a private jetCredit: Instagram
      While Ronaldo wore a £1.2m Franck Muller watch for a press conferenceCredit: Reuters
      NICE ALLOWANCE
      Maintenance is key for any self-respecting Wag.
      But when your footballing other half is Cristiano Ronaldo, the limit of your spending is unimaginable.
      When the ex-Real Madrid star was playing for Juventus, earning a staggering £28million-per-year, he ensured Georgina was looked after.
      According to a report in Italy, the all-time international goalscorer gives her an £80,000-per-month allowance.
      Georgina does have one child together with Ronaldo, two-year-old daughter Alana Martina. However, she also raises his three other children, so the money will be spent on them.
      However, fashion is of importance too.
      Ronaldo reportedly gives Rodriguez a £80,000-per-month allowanceCredit: Instagram
      Rodriguez is the world’s best-kept WagCredit: PrettyLittleThing
      DESIGNERWEAR
      With all that money at her disposal, Georgina isn’t afraid to go on a spending spree – with Prada being a big beneficiary.
      In the summer of 2020, on board their lavish yacht, she was snapped ‘lounging’ in a £2,500 outfit.
      Impressively, she was head-to-toe in the Italian designer.
      Her socks alone cost £140, along with £510 shorts, £705 shoes, and a pricey £1,120 leather jacket.
      While, handbags are also this girl’s best friend. Her extensive collection, as seen on Instagram, features a £146,000 crocodile Birkin bag.
      Rodriguez shows off a £2,500 Prada outfit on board their yachtCredit: Instagram
      Fashionable Rodriguez sports a Louis Vuitton coatCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo and Rodriguez cut stylish figures on the red carpetCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PET SMART
      Forget a designer dog, Cristiano and Georgina are more into cats.
      In 2018, the Portugal legend splashed £2,600 on a bald Sphynx, the ultimate accessory for any mansion.
      The hairless creature called ‘Pepe’, after a former team-mate, became a hit on Instagram – often appearing in snaps with the two.
      However, in 2021 the cat escaped from their Turin home and was sadly hit by a car.
      Luckily though, Pepe survived the encounter and was taken to Spain on a private plane after it was released from intensive care.
      The family pet is a £2,600 Sphynx catCredit: Instagram/georgiagio
      Ronaldo reportedly named it Pepe after his international team-mate of the same nameCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      HOMES FIT FOR A KING & QUEEN
      Over the years, as Ronaldo has moved clubs the couple have lived in lavish homes in Madrid, Turin, and now Manchester.
      When Georgina and Cristiano first began dating, he lived in a £4.8million abode in the expensive La Finca neighbourhood, designed by renowned architect Joaquin Torres.
      However, when his time at Los Blancos came to an end – it was time for them to move country together.
      Their Italian adventure saw them move to a home that featured two adjoining villas found on a private road guarded by security.
      It boasted a state of the art gym, which they used together during lockdown.
      In 2019, Ronaldo reportedly spent £1.4million on a holiday home in the Costa del Sol.
      The area the lavish house sits in is called ‘The Superstars Cul-De-Sac’ because of the number of famous residents who live there, including UFC star Conor McGregor.
      Ronaldo lived in a stunning £4.8m home in the posh La Finca region of MadridCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Ronaldo’s former home in Turin featured two adjoining villasCredit: Instagram
      A view of Cristiano Ronaldo’s plush villa in MarbellaCredit: OTERO Group

      Now, the pair are living in a £3million home in Cheshire, although it’s already the second place they’ve lived in since Ronaldo returned to Manchester.
      As SunSport reported, the first house they lived in was too noisy for Ronaldo, who was being kept awake by nearby sheep.
      They’ve got followers on social media, as well as in the field.
      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo fights ninjas in bizarre ad for new business venture alongside Salford shareholder More

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      The making of Man Utd target Antonio Conte, from choirboy to Red Devil, including match-fixing scandal and wig row

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      ANTONIO CONTE is being lined up for a return to our shores.The former Chelsea boss, 52, is the hot favourite to take over from beleaguered Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
      Former Chelsea Premier League winning manager Antonio Conte is the hot favourite for the Man Utd jobCredit: Getty
      Famously, the Italian won the Premier League title with the Blues, before falling out with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy and getting the boot.
      Last season, he restored Inter Milan’s name as the pride of Serie A, before leaving the club in a storm, after they were forced to sell off star talent in the wake of a financial crisis.
      Fiery Conte has come a long way since growing up in Leece as an altar boy, and as a devout catholic has been known to carry around holy water, which he sprinkles onto the pitch.
      It’s the divine intervention United might need if they are to regain some momentum in the title race.
      EARLY YEARS
      The deeply religious coach, who also captained Juventus in his playing days, showed he was a leader from a very young age.
      Growing up southern Italy, he took on a huge responsibility at Mass that endeared him to the priests.
      Conte revealed: “When I helped at Mass the priest would decide who got to carry the big candles and I always wanted to be picked.
      “When I was it made my day and I was so happy! I used to like being in charge and organising all the other altar boys.”

      Conte showed leadership as a altar boy at Mass in his local church in Lecce
      PLAYING CAREER
      Conte began a life in football with his hometown club, Lecce.
      A tenacious and hard-working midfielder who kept things simple, he made his debut at the age of 16 – showing maturity beyond his years.
      A fractured tibia in 1987 threatened to derail his career, but he returned to the pitch a year later and went on to make 99 appearances for the club.
      In 1991, he secured a dream move to Juventus when Giovanni Trapattoni signed him.
      They would form such a strong bond Conte would later refer to him as his second father.
      The ball-winner became a servant to Juventus for 13 years, amassing 420 appearances for the club.
      He won Serie A five times, while on the European stage he added the Champions League and Uefa Cup medals to his glittering trophy cabinet.
      For many years he was Juve’s captain during their most historic moments.
      Conte appeared 20 times for his country too, and was a member of both the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000 squads that finished runners-up.
      Midfielder Conte began his football career at hometown Lecce, pictured here aged 20Credit: Getty
      At Juventus, Conte became a legend as a player – captaining the sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NATURAL PROGRESSION
      Given his nature, it was expected that Conte would make the step into management.
      However, he had to cut his teeth at a lower level – first with Serie B’s Arezzo, who he couldn’t save from relegation.
      Then, more successfully with Bari, who he did get out of a relegation fight. Remarkably, a season later, he would achieve the unthinkable and lead the club to promotion.
      In 2009, he was snubbed for the vacant position at Juventus. Instead, he joined Atalanta but under pressure from their ultras tendered his resignation four months later with the club in 19th place in Serie A.
      He returned with Siena in Serie B, again showing his nous to gain promotion to the top flight – doing so in his first season.
      In 2011, Conte finally got the call to return to his spiritual home and was installed as Juventus boss.
      Despite some doubt whether he had the experience, the club won three Serie A titles in a row under the tactician.
      However, following disappointment on the European stage, Conte resigned from his post during preseason in 2014.
      Many believed it was because of his lack of support in the transfer market. A belief he fuelled.
      “Well, you cannot go to eat at a €100 restaurant with just €10 in your pocket, can you?” he responded about Juve’s plans for the coming season, which was seen as an attack at the club’s directors and said just days before he walked.
      Conte cut his teeth in management in Serie B, first with ArezzoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Conte celebrates winning the Scudetto in 2013Credit: EPA
      CONTROVERSY
      During his three-year tenure in charge of the Old Lady, Conte was hit with a scandal that dated back to his Siena days.
      He was accused of failing to report attempted match-fixing by ex-Siena star Filippo Carobbio, who was connected with the betting debacle that tarnished the reputation of the Italian game in the 2011-12 season.
      Carobbio said during a meeting before a match against Novara, Siena owner Massimo Mezzaroma indirectly sent a message to the players asking them to ensure the game finished in a draw.
      Mezzaroma allegedly wanted to turn a large profit on a bet he had made. The match finished 2–2 and Carobbio testified Conte was present when the message was relayed to the players.
      Carrobio also claimed the result of the final match of the season, in which Siena lost 1–0 to AlbinoLefee, was prearranged after Siena’s assistant manager asked he and another player “contact someone at AlbinoLeffe to reach an agreement over the return match”.
      Further allegations were aimed at Conte in regards to a 5-0 win over Varese, a match Carrobio accused his coach of knowing he was asked to lose, but didn’t report it.
      Conte denied all accusations through his lawyer, and took on their advice of taking a plea bargain, which would’ve seen him serve a three month ban and receive a fine.
      But it was rejected by the Italian authorities and he was slapped with a 10-month ban, although Conte maintained his innocence.
      Juventus appealed weeks later, and Conte’s touchline ban was shortened to four months.
      Their players would later dedicate their Supercoppa Italiana win to their under fire manager.
      In 2016, the preliminary hearing judge of the court of Cremona eventually acquitted Conte of all charges in regard to his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal.
      Throughout the Scommessopoli investigations, Conte expressed his gratitude to his wife Elisabetta and daughter, Vittoria for their support.
      Of them, he has said: “I have a great woman by my side, one who always tries to understand me. As for my daughter, she is the other woman in my life. She is beginning to understand that her dad gets nervous when he does not win [a match].”
      After allegations of match-fixing, Conte was forced to watch Juventus from the stands
      After coming through the match-fixing scandal vindicated, Conte thanked his wife Elisabetta and daughter Vittoria for their supportCredit: Getty – Contributor
      BLUE IS THE COLOUR
      A month after leaving Juve, Conte was handed the reigns of the Italian national job, following Cesare Prandelli’s resignation.
      It was only ever going to be a two-year deal, with Conte reluctant to commit further.
      He suffered his first defeat after 10 games, 1-0 to Portugal in a friendly.
      However, he managed to guide Italy comfortably to Euro 2016 qualification, and then out of the group stage at the competition, where he drew praise for his team’s defensive strength and team organisation.
      But, after they fell to defeat to Germany in the quarter-final on penalties, he admitted his time was up and he was desperate for a “return to the cut and thrust of club football”.
      Two months later, he would take Stamford Bridge hotseat after just 25 games coaching the Azzuri.
      In 2016, after just two years, Conte walked away from the Italian national team jobCredit: AFP or licensors
      LONDON CALLING
      Roman Abramovich came calling in 2016, and Conte’s debut season at Chelsea couldn’t have been better.
      A title win in his debut Premier League campaign, in which the West Londoners won an incredible 30 league wins from 38 games, was only slightly blighted by an FA Cup final loss to Arsenal.
      Still, he was handed a new contract for a further two years.
      His second season was disappointing, with the club finishing in fifth – out of the Champions League places.
      They did win silverware, though, lifting the FA Cup by defeating Manchester United 1-0.
      But things began to unravel when Conte fell out with Diego Costa, who he sent an infamous text telling the centre forward he wasn’t part of his plans.
      Then, there were clashes with the hierarchy over transfers – with the Italian saying in an interview Chelsea had “lost momentum” after failing to sign players he wanted, including Romelu Lukaku and Virgil van Dijk.
      Conte was sacked in 2018 and replaced by Maurizio Sarri, but received a staggering £26.6million payout in compensation for his team and legal fees.
      Under Conte Chelsea won the Premier League title in his first full seasonCredit: Rex Features
      A fallout with Diego Costa marred Conte’s time at ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      INTER REDEMPTION
      Conte’s habit of winning transferred to Inter, but he had to wait a season for it to happen.
      A promising first campaign saw i nerazzurri finish runners-up in both Serie A and the Europa League.
      There was an epic square-up between Sevilla star Ever Banega and Conte during that European final, who taunted him about his hair transplant and shouted towards him on the touchline: “Let’s see if his wig is real.”
      But the groundwork was in place for a title challenge the next year, as Conte’s masterplan began to come to fruition.
      With the signing he wanted at Chelsea, Lukaku, leading his line Inter were champions for the first time in eleven years.
      They also ended Juventus’s run of nine consecutive titles, storming to the championship with 91 points – some 12 clear of rivals AC Milan.
      Conte left in a blaze of glory in the summer – with the club confirming his departure was by mutual consent.
      Rumblings of lack of transfer support before he left were a constant, with rumours of unrest growing.
      During the Europa League final Conte was taunted by Sevilla star Ever Banega about having a hair transplantCredit: BT Sport
      Conte helped Inter return to winning ways by winning last season’s Serie A titleCredit: Getty
      Inter were also stripped of star assets, including Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi with owners Suning Holdings Group having to balance the books after the coronavirus pandemic hit their finances.
      With that in mind, wherever Conte goes, he will want assurances on the budget he will be given for his next challenge.
      Surely choosing the richest club in the world as his next project is a no-brainer.
      Gabby Agbonlahor says that Antonio Conte makes players run non-stop More

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      in Soccer

      How England’s U17 World Cup winners from 2017 are getting on now, from non-league to Man Utd and Champions League heroes

      by

      THEY were the Young Lions ready to break through as the next Golden Generation.Back on 28 October 2017, Steve Cooper led England’s youngsters to Fifa Under-17 World Cup glory.
      What has happened to the English young guns that conquered the world in 2017?Credit: Getty – Contributor
      England were crowned U17 World Cup winners in October 2017Credit: Getty
      It is now four years since the talented teens achieved the incredible milestone – with several going on to bigger and better things.
      The victory led to head coach Cooper moving into club management with Swansea – where he TWICE suffered Championship play-off agony.
      He is now in charge of Nottingham Forest, leading a stunning transformation in form with the Tricky Trees.
      But for all the successes of Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, not every member of his victorious team have taken the next step.
      While some struggle for first-team football, others have fallen out of the Football League all together.
      We run through which players have made their mark on the senior game and which are yet to hit the big time after their historic win.

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      Curtis Anderson, 21
      Anderson was No1 in India and played a crucial role in guiding the Young Lions to victory with his penalty shoot-out heroics against Japan in the last-16.
      He left Manchester City’s academy in 2019 to join American second tier outfit Charlotte Independence and played ten league matches for them.
      The stopper returned to these shores with Wycombe Wanderers but is yet to play in the league for them and was even sent out on loan to non-league Walton Casuals last term.
      He is now currently getting more experience on loan with National League South outfit Eastbourne Borough.
      Curtis Anderson was No1 for the Young Lions in IndiaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Josef Bursik, 21
      Long considered as a potential long-term successor to Jack Butland at Stoke, the teenager was loaned out to gain first-team experience after the triumph with England.
      Bursik had spells in non-league with Hednesford Town and AFC Telford United before stints in the Football League with Accrington Stanley, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough and Lincoln City.
      He became Stoke’s No1 last season before losing his place in January and eventually joining Posh on an emergency loan.
      Bursik has played nine of Stoke’s 14 Championship games this season.
      Josef Bursik has made the breakthrough in goal for Stoke CityCredit: Phil Greig 2020
      Billy Crellin, 21
      Fleetwood boss Joey Barton ended Crellin’s loan move to FC United of Manchester early after the National League North side won just one of 10 games with the then-teenager in 2018.
      Barton recalled the ace, who made just one appearance for England in India, when he was just 19 and gave him a first-team start in the EFL Trophy.
      He went back out on loan to non-league Chorley before spending last season at Bolton in League Two and played 11 times.
      The starlet has played just twice for Fleetwood this season – both in the Papa John’s Trophy.
      Timothy Eyoma, 21
      The versatile defender, known as TJ, caught the attention of Mauricio Pochettino, who gave him a first-team debut in Spurs’ 7-0 FA Cup third-round win over Tranmere in 2019.
      Eyoma was a regular for Tottenham’s Premier League 2 side but was also named as a substitute for an FA Cup win against West Ham, having been on the first-team’s pre-season tour.
      But he went on loan to Lincoln City last season in League One and impressed that much that they bought him permanently from Spurs this summer.
      Timothy Eyoma was signed by Lincoln City in the summerCredit: Rex
      Lewis Gibson is highly-rated at Everton and is currently loaned to Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Rex
      Lewis Gibson, 21
      Three months before winning the World Cup, Newcastle academy product Gibson moved to Everton from St James’ Park for £6million.
      Despite not making a first-team appearance, U23s boss David Unsworth has heaped praise on the teen who can play left-back or central defence.
      The now England U20 international has gained further experience at Fleetwood and Reading and is currently on loan at League One Sheffield Wednesday.
      Marc Guehi, 21
      Captained England at the European Championships before scoring in the World Cup final, and then starred in Jody Morris’ Chelsea youth team that won five trophies in a year.
      But the central defender, who was born in the Ivory Coast, is one of many that struggled to make a mark on the Blues first-team despite impressing for the U19s.
      And after shining on loan under Cooper at Swansea in the Championship last season, he is now a regular in the Premier League at Crystal Palace after they signed him in the summer.
      Marc Guehi captained England to World Cup glory and is now starring at Crystal PalaceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Jonathan Panzo is now plying his trade in the French second tier at DijonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jonathan Panzo, 20
      After nine years in Chelsea’s academy, the central defender signed a five-year deal with Ligue 1’s Monaco in 2018 search of first-team opportunities.
      Panzo made the first-team after impressing former boss Thierry Henry who handed him a full debut in that December’s League Cup quarter-final win over Lorient.
      However, he has struggled since and was shipped out to Cercle Brugge in Belgian before he transferred to French second tier side Dijon as he continues to try to cut the mustard in the senior game.
      Joel Latibeaudiere, 21
      The World Cup winner was involved in a contract stand-off with Manchester City after failing to make a single senior appearance.
      The concerns over a lack of first-team games led to Latibeaudiere leaving in 2020 for Swansea after a spell on loan in Holland at Twente.
      Latibeaudiere has 17 Championship appearances to his name in a little over a year.
      Joel Latibeaudiere is now playing for Championship side Swansea CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      Steven Sessegnon has so far failed to make a major breakthrough at FulhamCredit: Alamy Live News
      Steven Sessegnon, 21
      Twin of Tottenham star Ryan Sessegnon, versatile defender Steven broke into the Fulham first-team in 2018-19 with 14 Championship appearances.
      But after he was axed – failing to play in the horror 2019-20 Premier League campaign – he was sent away for a loan spell at Bristol City.
      Sessegnon is yet to make an appearance this term for the West London outfit.
      George McEachran, 21
      Younger brother of former Blue Josh McEachran, George has managed to impress at Chelsea in the youth ranks.
      The central midfielder has still not managed to progress into the star-studded first team squad.
      But he has gained experience with loan stints at Dutch clubs Cambuur and MVV although he is back at Stamford Bridge now.
      George McEachran is not getting regular action at Chelsea this termCredit: Getty
      Phil Foden is blossoming into one of the greatest talents of his generationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Phil Foden, 21
      The Golden Ball winner at the 2017 U17 World Cup, Foden – who scored twice in the final – is a favourite of Pep Guardiola’s and is also a regular in the England side under Gareth Southgate.
      The star is one of the biggest success stories from the tournament and already has three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four Carabao Cup medals in his trophy cabinet.
      Foden is set to be rewarded with a new six-year contract after helping City to the Champions League final last season.
      He also helped guide the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 showpiece and is well on course to becoming one of the finest talents of his generation.
      Tashan Oakley-Boothe, 21
      Was given a first-team debut by Pochettino at Tottenham with a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup win over Barnsley – replacing Dele Alli – but Oakley-Boothe never went on to make a regular breakthrough.
      He struggled with injury problems, which limited his involvement, before leaving Spurs in 2020 without having played a Premier League game for them.
      But he has made 18 appearances for Stoke in the Championship since his departure.
      Tashan Oakley-Boothe never got a chance at Tottenham before his departure to Stoke in 2020Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      England U21 star Angel Gomes left Man Utd for LilleCredit: Getty
      Angel Gomes, 21
      Made his first-team debut before the 2017 World Cup and became the youngest ever Premier League player at 16 years and 263 days old.
      Gomes made several appearances after that but it was still not enough to keep him at Old Trafford.
      Despite United’s best efforts, the now U21 international quit the Red Devils to join French side Lille in 2020.
      He is spending this term on loan at Portuguese outfit Boavista.
      Jadon Sancho, 21
      Another successful product of the squad, Sancho replaced Christian Pulisic in the Dortmund first-team, was named Bundesliga Player of the Month soon after and quickly earned an England call-up after the World Cup success.
      He continued to flourish with the Bundesliga side having bravely quit Manchester City to conquer Europe in 2017.
      Sancho missed the U17 World Cup final after leaving the tournament midway through to return to Dortmund duty.
      Now back in Manchester after United ended their long-pursuit to sign him this summer for £73m, Sancho is yet to find his top form.
      Manchester United forked out £73m for Jadon Sancho this summerCredit: EPA
      Nya Kirby continues to be unable to make a breakthrough at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nya Kirby, 21
      Tottenham academy product Kirby left Crystal Palace in January 2019 in search of first-team opportunities after 18 months without a game.
      The midfielder, now 21, moved to then-League One side Blackpool and went on to spend time at Tranmere Rovers last season.
      He is still yet to feature for the Eagles in the Premier League.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, 20
      A key figure in the U17 World Cup final, Hudson-Odoi excelled at Stamford Bridge and broke into the Blues first team.
      Bayern Munich were soon chasing his services after he broke into the senior England set-up.
      But the winger eventually penned a new big-money deal at Chelsea which coincided with his form dropping.
      Tasted Champions League success with the club last season but is now struggling to get regular minutes under Thomas Tuchel.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi is having a tough time of it currently at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Emile Smith Rowe is excelling for both Arsenal and England U21sCredit: Alamy
      Emile Smith Rowe, 21
      Another huge success story from the World Cup-winning squad.
      After loan stints in Germany at RB Leipzig and with Huddersfield Town, the attacker is now a fully-fledged member of both Arsenal’s first-team and the England U21 squad.
      So strong is his current form, Gareth Southgate recently admitted the ace is on the verge of a senior international call-up.
      Morgan Gibbs-White, 21
      Became an instrumental figure in the Wolves team under Nuno Espirito Santo and is another one of the most successful products of the U17s squad.
      The midfielder, who scored against Spain in the final, was a regular in the first-team squad but has headed out on loan this term after his game-time was reduced.
      Gibbs-White, who had a spell on loan at Swansea, is now in the Championship with Sheffield United for the rest of the campaign.
      Morgan Gibbs-White headed out from Wolves to Sheffield United on loan this summerCredit: Getty
      Conor Gallagher is getting rave reviews on loan at Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
      Conor Gallagher, 21
      The midfielder is now fulfilling his potential in the Premier League after joining Crystal palace on loan.
      The Chelsea youngster is getting more headlines with each passing week under Patrick Vieira.
      Stints at Charlton and Swansea gave Gallagher his first taste of senior football after the World Cup success and that was followed by a spell at West Brom last term.
      Big things are expected of the England Under-21 international.
      Rhian Brewster, 21
      Golden Boot winner at the U17 World Cup and one of the stars of the tournament, Brewster signed a five-year deal at Liverpool and was tipped to break into the first-team, with Jurgen Klopp a fan of the young striker.
      But the high hopes around the club never materialised.
      Following an injury, he went on loan to Championship side Swansea in January 2020  and scored ten goals in 20 appearances.
      After missing a penalty in the Community Shield following his Liverpool return, Sheffield United forked out a whopping £23.5m – but it has turned into a nightmare move.
      The striker suffered relegation with the Blades last term and has STILL not scored a league goal either in the top-flight or second tier in 33 appearances.
      Rhian Brewster was Golden Boot winner at the World Cup but his move to Sheffield United has turned into a nightmareCredit: Reuters
      Striker Danny Loader left Reading for Porto last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Danny Loader, 21
      Berkshire-born Loader only scored once in 28 games for Reading after his World Cup success.
      But the striker, who was back-up to Brewster in India and managed two goals in two games, caught the eye of Portuguese giants Porto and moved there in 2020.
      He bagged nine times for their B side last season but the England U20 international still has not played for the first-team in the league.
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      Gareth Southgate slams ‘not fluid’ England flops after dreadful 1-1 home draw against Hungary More

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      in Soccer

      Bernd Leno’s stunning Wag Sophie Christin calls herself ‘the proudest wife’ and is Arsenal star’s No1 fan

      by

      ARSENAL fans won’t mind missing out on watching Bernd Leno after he lost his place in the Arsenal side to Aaron Ramsdale – as instead they can take turn their attention to his stunning partner.Leno, 29, has been usurped as No1 between the sticks at the Emirates by summer signing Ramsdale.
      German stunner Sophie CristinCredit: Instagram @sophiechristin_
      But if Leno is feeling under pressure himself, he’ll have his beautiful missus Sophie Cristin to turn to in times of crisis.
      For Sophie, 24, is the German stopper’s biggest supporter, regularly sharing gushing messages on social media about her beau and going to his games.
      She was at the Carabao Cup last-sixteen clash between Arsenal and Leeds, and filmed her other half from the stands.
      And she posted the video of Leno giving his shirt to a fan to her Instagram story, saying: “My number 1. The best heart. Forever the proudest wife.”
      The pair tied the knot in August last year, having been together since August 2015.
      Sophie hails from Dusseldorf in Leno’s native Germany.

      Cristin was also snapped surprising husband Leno with an epic Arsenal shirt cake for his 27th birthday two years ago.
      And when she’s not championing Leno for his performances off the pitch, she’s quick to tell him how wonderful he is off it.
      Sophie often shares glamorous snaps on holiday with the 6’3″ keeper, showing she’s settled into Wag-life well.
      Sophie is the wife of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno
      A seasoned traveller, she regularly poses for snaps on glamorous holidays
      Stunning Sophie lightens up the Emirates on her trips to the ground
      As his biggest fan, Bernd Leno can always rely on Sophie
      Bernd and Sophie have been together for six years
      The couple have been dating for six years and regularly appear in the German tabloids, although Leno initially kept his romance under wraps.
      But now the pair’s relationship is very much in the open and there’s no stopping Sophie’s Instagram game.
      In fact, since her bae signed for Arsenal three years ago her following has rocketed to 75k followers.
      And fans who follow her will soon understand the girl likes to travel.
      Since Bernd Leno signed for Arsenal, Sophie Christin’s Instagram following has rocketed
      Sophie flaunts her style on a romantic break away
      Elegant Sophie has appeared in the German tabloids alongside Bernd
      Beautiful German Wag Sophie loves to travel around the world
      Bernd Leno and Sophie Christin initially kept their romance under wraps

      Romantic city breaks to Paris, Venezia, Milan and San Francisco – check. Glamorous trips to Dubai and Bali – check… it’s a tough life for Sophie.
      And if she’s not flashing her bikini bod somewhere exotic, she’s flaunting her abs in the gym, getting ready for a break away.
      Now, if we ever needed any excuse to get down to the Emirates, this is our chance.
      No doubt if times are hard for Arsenal as the season rolls on, at least Sophie will be on hand to brighten up our day. More