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    Family of international burglars facing jail for raiding Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak’s home

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    A FAMILY of international burglars is facing jail for raiding footballer Alexander Isak’s home. Three previously admitted conspiracy to commit burglary while Valentino Nikolov, 32, was found guilty yesterday. The gang made off with £68,000 of jewellery and up to £10,000 cash from Newcastle star Alexander Isak’s Northumberland home last AprilCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedValentino Nikolov and Charlie Jovanvic both face jail over the raidThe gang drove from Italy to target homes in the North East — stealing more than £1million of items from two houses. They then made off with £68,000 of jewellery and up to £10,000 cash from Newcastle star Isak’s Northumberland home last April. Valentino and brother Giacomo, 28, their sister Jela Jovanovic, 43, and her son Charlie, 23, were traced and arrested. Judge Robert Spragg said jail “is inevitable” when they are sentenced at Newcastle crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDetective Constable Mark Armstrong, of the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “This is a fantastic result.” “Burglaries are an insidious crime and cause a great amount of emotional and financial trauma to victims.” Prosecutor Daniel Cordey said: “It is the prosecution case that they all travelled to the North East together as part of that conspiracy or agreement to commit high value targeted burglaries of residential properties. “The burglary was discovered when Mr Isak returned just after 10pm. He found his bins had been moved and entry had been gained by smashing a glass door leading from the back of the property to the TV room. Most read in Football”Inside an untidy search had taken place and cash to the value of between £5,000 and £10,000 had been stolen together with jewellery valued at about £68,000.” Giacomo Nikolov and sister Jela Jovanovic both played a part in the raidNewcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires More

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      Inside Tuchel’s plan to win World Cup from high-fives and NFL tactics to calling players at 10pm and telling them off

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S plan to win the World Cup has been revealed — and it is more about high fives than back fives.The new England boss has told his players he does not have time to introduce any visionary new tactics — but wants his team to become a ‘brotherhood’.Thomas Tuchel’s plans to win the World Cup have been revealedCredit: GettyTuchel wants his team to become a ‘brotherhood’Credit: GettyAnd the German believes body language is key, claiming that NBA outfits who perform the most high-fives with team-mates are more likely to win.Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who has the 6ft 7in frame of a basketball player himself, is in Tuchel’s squad as much for his strong character as his playing ability.And while Burn insists ‘I’m not just here to be a cheerleader’, he clearly buys into Tuchel’s philosophy that team bonding will play a major role at next year’s  tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.Burn, 32, said: “The manager had a meeting on Monday night, saying that we have only got 24 training days until the World Cup, so it is not a lot at all.Read more football news“It is not going to be that he can really implement a strong way he wants us to play, which can take time, it is more about how we interact with each other and push each other. Not being afraid to speak up if something is not right.“Especially when I was younger, I would struggle with that because you didn’t want to ruffle any feathers.“But I think that is how you learn best about each other — if something is not right or you feel you could push more, I feel that is how we are going to have to be if we want to achieve that ultimate aim of winning the World Cup.”BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAsked if he would be happy, as an international rookie, to have a go at Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane, Burn replied: “Absolutely. I’ve  no problem with that!”Most read in FootballTuchel has been asking previous tournament winners from other nations for insights on what makes a successful team, as well as studying  sports such as basketball.And Burn said: “There was more talk about ‘brotherhood’ in that initial meeting. It was more about mentality and how he wanted us to act around each other.Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for upcoming match with Albania “He said he’d spoken to players from previous tournaments and from other countries about what the difference was between where they went out in early rounds and what happened when they won it.“And a lot of it was about interactions. The best teams historically in the NBA are normally the teams high-fiving each other, picking each other up and having a lot of those interactions.“We do a lot of that at Newcastle and speak about it, knowing those things keep people switched on and keep motivation levels high.“Working under people like Graham Potter and Eddie Howe, they say a lot of the time in meetings, people don’t want to speak up because they find it a bit embarrassing.“But I love the NFL and I feel like they’re really good at that. If they feel something going to help the group, they’ll just get up and say that — and I feel that’s something English football could probably  learn from.“I feel we’ll learn most about each other and you get close to each other as a team. When you do that, you take a risk and stand up in front of people and speak and be a bit vulnerable.”Burn has enjoyed a dream week, scoring the opener in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool, just two days after receiving his first England call-up from Tuchel.And the bruising defender admits he has to apologise to a few new team-mates, saying: “I absolutely smashed Jarrod Bowen when we were at West Ham and straight away, I went to apologise. I think it was a bit of red mist.”Burn confesses to having played his entire career with a ‘chip on my shoulder, wanting to prove people wrong’ after a career of ups and downs.Dan Burn spoke about Tuchel referencing NFL and NBA teams and their mentalityCredit: RexAnd he knows his ungainly frame can make him the target for excessive criticism.When Tuchel announced his squad last Friday he quipped that ‘despite being 6ft 7in, Burn was easy to overlook’.Burn said: “That made me laugh a little bit but it’s probably the story of my career. Visually, on the pitch, if I do make a mistake, I feel it is probably magnified just by how it looks. I was actually surprised how tall the gaffer is!”Tuchel is 6ft 4in and he made Burn feel ten feet tall when they spoke on FaceTime twice last week.Burn said: “It started off with the  manager FaceTiming me on Tuesday, saying they were debating calling me up and he’d let us know by Thursday.“Then it got to six o’clock on Thursday night and I’d not heard anything, so I said to my wife ‘nothing’s going to happen’. Then I got a text saying ‘are you still awake?’ at 10pm.“He FaceTimed, told us the good news and said I was very unprofessional for not being in bed by 10 o’clock!England’s stars enjoy a training session on Tuesday under Tuchel’s gazeCredit: GettyTuchel has 24 training days with his squad before the World CupCredit: Rex“He said he wanted me in the squad and just to use what he felt my strengths were.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I thought I could offer just as much off the pitch as on it. I feel I’m a leader on and off the pitch.“I know it’s going to be tough coming here with all these international players but that’s how I feel I can best help the team.” More

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      ‘Everyone was very impressed’ – Dan Burn reveals Thomas Tuchel’s rallying cry for England to win World Cup

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      DAN BURN is determined to win England’s first trophy since 1966 – just like he ended Newcastle’s long wait for silverware.The 6ft 7in Toon defender earned his first international call-up two days after heading the opener in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.Dan Burn has praised Thomas Tuchel after his maiden England call-upCredit: RexThomas Tuchel has told his player to ‘put a second star on the shirt’Credit: GettyIt was the Toon’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.  And now he wants to be part of England’s first World Cup success since 1966 – after revealing that new boss Thomas Tuchel has urged his players to ‘put a second star on the shirt’.Burn, 32, said: “I see a lot of similarities between Newcastle and England in that respect so it would be amazing for everyone associated with the whole country.“We’ve got a long way to go but I’d say from speaking to the manager, I’ve got confidence that everything possible will be done to finally bring the trophy home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley on Friday night.And as Tuchel assembled his squad for the first time at St George’s Park on Monday, he left them in no doubt that his ambition is to win the tournament in the United States next year.  Burn said: “He told us that the goal is to put another star on the jersey and, speaking to the lads afterwards, everyone was very impressed with how he came across, with his vision of what he wanted to do.“You could just see that people were tuned in and really want to buy into that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Personally, I just want to make as much of a big impression as I can and then try and make the next camp.“Every little kid’s dream is to play in a World Cup or even just to play for your country so to know I have got that opportunity if I take it is special.”How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricks More

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      Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final

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      LIVERPOOL fans believe they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Alexander Isak after the final whistle of the Carabao Cup final.When the whistle blew, Van Dijk was spotted congratulating several Newcastle players on the Wembley pitch following their 2-1 win.Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak embrace after the Carabao Cup finalFan are speculating van Dijk told Isak to join the RedsHowever, cameras soon panned to the Dutch defender embracing goal hero Isak.As the players came together, the Reds captain was seen whispering in the Sweden star’s ear.Now, Liverpool fans are speculating on social media what they think Van Dijk said to Isak.One wrote on X: “See you in pre season.”Read more football newsA second shared: “See you in the summer.”A third posted: “That was definitely Alex saying to Virg “see you next season.” Im so happy i could cry.”While a fourth added: “Virg telling Isak he’s Liverpool’s number 9 next season.”Isak was in inspired form for the Toon in their famous win over the Reds in the final.Most read in FootballCarabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis instinctive strike, Newcastle’s second goal of the game, proved to be the winner.The 25-year-old has scored 23 goals in 33 games this season, which has seen him linked with a move away from the club.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Arsenal are said to be interested in bidding for the Sweden international – who could cost over £100million.While transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool have made contact with people close to Isak, as they attempt to bring him to Anfield.Ahead of the cup final, Isak was asked about his future.He said: “This club can achieve great things.”I think we should really look at it one season at a time and this season we can achieve winning a trophy which would be amazing for everyone.”About my future, it’s nothing really I think about. I’ve said many times during a season – just focus on the job – and now is probably the worst time to think about anything else, so all of our focus is just on Sunday and doing good and hopefully bringing the trophy back to Newcastle.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen he was quizzed about signing a new contract, Isak added: “I’ve said I’m not really thinking about the summer, but yes, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished.”We will really see because no talks have been held yet.”Isak scored Newcastle’s winner in the Carabao Cup final win over LiverpoolCredit: Rex More

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      Newcastle and England’s Dan Burn’s ex-team mates recall his ‘baptism of fire’ pro debut that ended in 5-0 hammering

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      DAN BURN is still pinching himself after celebrating a shock England call-up by scoring and then lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley.The boyhood Newcastle fan is living his football fairytale at long last – but it’s all a far cry from his first senior professional appearance.Dan Burn’s Wembley heroics against Liverpool were a million miles away from his EFL debutCredit: GettyHis big breakthrough in pro football came with struggling Darlington in League TwoCredit: XBurn’s EFL debut came as a 19th minute substitute aged 17 on December 12, 2009 for bottom of League Two Darlington in a 5-0 thumping at Torquay United.Mark Bower was the man Burn replaced at the back that day and is now the manager of seventh tier Guiseley.The 45-year-old, who was later a team-mate of another future England and Prem star, told SunSport: “I remember him coming on for me but I’d never twigged that it was his debut. I did my ankle and needed an operation after that.“He was a big boy back then but obviously he’s filled out a bit now and has done brilliantly.READ MORE ON DAN BURN“I remember it was December and it was a very long drive down there. We got there quite late on Friday. That was possibly his first experience of an overnight stay.“He managed to get himself on but it was a bit of a baptism of fire for him. We were on a bad run, couldn’t score any goals and conceding plenty.“Then to lose 5-0. But stuff like that builds character. You learn lessons from it and he has learned some lessons and done really well.”Ex-midfielder Nathan Mulligan, now a coach at Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off hopefuls Stockton Town, was on the bench alongside Burn at Plainmoor.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 38-year-old said: “It was a real bad time for us. I think we’d lost four in a row.“I don’t remember being particularly worried when Dan had to come on. Even though he was a scholar at the time, he had been in and around the first team squad and because of his size you had no worries about him stepping in physically. He was very slim but was tall as he is now. Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header“He was a quiet lad. Really nice too and kept his head down.”Bower, part of the Bradford side that won promotion to the Premier League in 1999, admits that it was not Burn’s playing abilities that first caught the eye after the then scholar was brought into the first-team.He said: “He just sort of kept himself to himself pretty much and did his job as a young lad and was just trying to make his way in the game and was pretty quiet.“His size was a standout thing for someone so young. He’s obviously a big unit now and has filled out a lot but back then he was very skinny. Really tall and maybe a little bit awkward too, but a really good left foot on him and he could obviously win headers.The star is now hoping to win his first England cap on FridayCredit: Getty“You always feel when young players have got them kind of tools that they’ve got a chance but I don’t think anyone back then would have thought he’d have been playing in major cup finals, playing the Premier League and potentially England.”Burn played three more times that season, losing on each occasion, as Darlington were relegated out of the EFL.But after making more appearances in the National League it appeared his dream had already come true when Premier League Fulham brought him in.Mulligan admitted: “It was a surprise but it just shows you that you never know who could be watching you.“Dan is a good example for anyone to show that you have to give everything you’ve got every single time you go on the pitch.“We’ve seen it a few times in football. Someone could spot you at any time and that one person’s opinion can change everything.”Burns journey has taken him to the likes of Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan and Brighton before he realised his ultimate ambition when signing for Newcastle three years ago.He would have retired a happy man with just that, let alone helping them to end their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.But Burn now has the opportunity to add the cherry on top to an already magical week by winning his first England cap on Friday.Something that his old team-mates admit they would never have thought possible in a million years.Mulligan said: “No, I’d never have thought that back then. But it’s a great reward for him. He is one of them that gets an eight out of ten every week and doesn’t have a bad game and now he’s got his chance with England due to injuries.“But this isn’t the end. He can still keep this going. He might get this first cap and once he’s in he could be for a long time.“Another year or so of hard graft and he might make the World cup squad. What an extreme that would be to go from the bottom of League Two with Darlo to a World Cup.”Burn’s journey is the second football fairytale that Bower has seen from close quarters.He added: “Just a year after I played with Dan Burn at Darlington I went to Halifax and played with Jamie Vardy. I’ve seen it firsthand twice how you can come from the bottom and work your way up. It is inspirational to young lads who get knockbacks early on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But in all honesty, I don’t think you’d have predicted him to have done so well and when you listen to him on TV now he’s probably surprised himself a little bit. “Fair play to him. He’s used what he’s got and has become a really good player. And, due to his size, he probably doesn’t get credit for how good of a footballer he is.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      All 44 players to win a trophy since leaving Tottenham as Trippier picks up second… but still none for Harry Kane

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      IT has been 17 years since Tottenham got their hands on silverware.And while serial winners Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have been unable to end the drought, a horrible trend has emerged of players leaving Spurs and winning trophies elsewhere.Luka Modric has won the lot since heading to Real MadridCredit: GettyKieran Trippier picked up his second trophy as he helped Newcastle end their 70-year wait for successCredit: RexHarry Kane is yet to end his trophy drought but Bayern are closing in on the titleCredit: GettyKieran Trippier picked up his second since moving on by helping Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory on Sunday.The “curse” remains on Harry Kane, for now, but a whopping 44 others have shook off the “Spursy” jibe.To make this list, a player must have gone trophyless at Spurs and lifted a cup since the last time the club did in 2008.Winning something while on loan doesn’t count (sorry, Bryan Gil) and nor do international trophies (sorry, Giovani Lo Celso).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly league titles, major domestic cups and continental competitions count – as it is only fair to ignore Spurs’ pre-season Audi Cup win in 2019.Luka Modric Lifted four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.Kyle WalkerMost read in FootballTreble winner at Manchester City with six Prem crowns to his name.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSKieran TrippierAdded a Carabao Cup to his LaLiga with Atletico Madrid in 2021.’So long as they’ve got NFL and Beyonce they’re happy’, Jamie Redknapp slams Spurs owners in brutal live Sky Sports rantLucas MouraCult hero has won three trophies since going back to his boyhood club Sao Paulo in Brazil.Toby AlderweireldSpurs icon won the double with Royal Antwerp in 2023.Jan VertonghenAlderweireld’s partner at the back came top of the league with Benfica in Portugal two years ago.Christian EriksenLifted the FA and Carabao Cups at Manchester United. Christian Eriksen has won two trophies at Man UtdCredit: GettyDavinson SanchezHelped Galatasaray to Super Lig glory last season.Tanguy NdombeleFrench midfielder was in the Galatasaray squad with Sanchez.Carlos ViniciusThe third and final ex-Spurs man in that team. Erik LamelaScored a penalty in the shootout as Sevilla won the 2023 Europa League final against Roma.Etienne CapoueWon the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, beating Man Utd in the final.Etienne Capoue lifted the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty – PoolJuan FoythFoyth was Capoue’s team-mate at the Spanish club.Roman PavlyuchenkoStriker returned to Russia after his spell in North London and won the cup with Lokomotiv Moscow.Vedran Corluka Also went on to play for Lokomotiv Moscow, winning one league title and four major domestic cups.Rafael van der VaartHad a brief spell at Danish outfit FC Midtjylland before retiring and won the Superliga in 2018.Joe Hart Lifted seven trophies at Celtic. Cameron Carter-Vickers Also tasted glory under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.DeAndre Yedlin Won the Championship with Newcastle in 2017 and the Leagues Cup alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami two years ago.DeAndre Yedlin won the Leagues Cup and lifted the trophy with MessiCredit: GettyPaulinhoFlopped at Spurs but won trophies at Barcelona and with Guangzhou Evergrande in China.Harry WinksEarned promotion to the Premier League with Leicester last season, topping the Championship.Georges-Kevin NkoudouScored just once for Tottenham but did the Turkish double at Besiktas.Fernando LlorenteWon the Coppa Italia at Napoli five years ago.Vincent JanssenLeague glory at Monterrey and Royal Antwerp in Mexico and Belgium respectively. Paulo GazzanigaWon the Championship at Fulham.Josh OnomahWas part of Marco Silva’s title-winning team.Benjamin StambouliGot his hands on the Ligue 1 title at PSG.Kevin Prince-BoatengTrophies added to his collection at AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona.Clint DempseySupporters’ Shield glory with the Seattle Sounders.Clint Dempsey won trophies with Seattle Sounders in his homelandCredit: APSteven PienaarEnded his career by winning the South African Cup.Vlad ChirichesThree-time league winner with Romanian outfit FCSB.Pierluigi GolliniPart of the squad that won the 22/23 Serie A with Napoli.Adam SmithSpurs academy graduate won the Championship with Bournemouth.Zeki Fryers League Two glory at Swindon Town.Fraizer CampbellLifted the Championship with Cardiff.Fraizer Campbell fired Cardiff to promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPJimmy Walker Did not play but won the National League with Lincoln before retiring. Hossam GhalyAfrican Champions League winner in 2012 with Egyptian club Al Ahly.Paul-Jose M’PokuNever played a senior game. Went on to win the Belgian Cup at Standard Liege.Tomislav GomeltWon the Romanian Cup at CFR Cluj.Simon Dawkins MLS Supporters’ Shield winner at San Jose Earthquakes.Tomas Pekhart League champion at AEK Athens, Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Legia Warsaw.Bongani Khumalo Decorated player in his homeland of South Africa after leaving Spurs.Nathan OduwaDid the league and cup double in Slovenia with Olimpija Ljubljana.Nathan Oduwa has played in Slovenia, Ireland and Azerbaijan since leaving SpursCredit: SportsfileTom GloverGoalkeeper was part of the first-team on Spurs matchdays. Later won three Aussie titles a Melbourne City.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnton WalkesTragically passed away in 2023 aged 25 after winning the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019. More

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      ‘In the bottom of my heart’ – Mauricio Pochettino makes Tottenham return admission with Ange Postecoglou under pressure

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is among the bookies’ favourites to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs in what would be a hugely emotional return.Sacked by Tottenham in 2019, Pochettino still feels he has unfinished business in North London — and he has a good relationship with owner Daniel Levy despite that axe.Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to an emotional Spurs returnCredit: GettyTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is under pressureCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut Spurs fans should avoid putting a few quid on the Argentine, 53, as he will not be heading back there anytime soon.Because the one person you would not want to upset in the world right now is Donald Trump.The US President expects Poch to deliver in his new job as manager of the country’s men’s football team.After leaving Chelsea last May, he was appointed as the States’ manager in September and will be in charge for the 2026 World Cup, which the nation is co-hosting.READ MORE IN football And he will hope for better luck next year . . . as the only time Poch played at a World Cup he lost to England in 2002.His seventh game as boss is tomorrow night against Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals.Smiling, Pochettino said: “I was listening to a conversation between our President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino from Fifa.“The President asked, ‘Can we win the World Cup?’ And Gianni said, ‘Yes’. But I was disappointed with this answer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He should have said, ‘You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino! He can give a better opinion’.“Pressure is there as we’re a host country. It’s also a country where the mentality is about winning.Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar“Now with our President that likes to put pressure on, that is good. So, yes, we are ready to deliver.”Pochettino spent just one season at Chelsea after arriving in 2023.He led them to sixth spot — they were 12th the previous season — before leaving by “mutual consent”.Being diplomatic, Pochettino said: “It was very positive to join a project different to anything we’d done in the past. We learned a lot.“We already knew before we signed it was going to be a big challenge. In the circumstances, we can be proud of how we finished.”At the start, the team had many, many problems and even then were performing well without getting the results that we wanted.”But if you see the table in the last six months, you can see the progression was massive.Despite managing the US team, Poch has not had special treatment so is without a fabled green card — a permanent resident card.In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back.Mauricio Pochettino on Spurs It means he must queue for ages at passport control like all other overseas visitors.Laughing, he said: “Last time in LA, we were waiting 1½ hours in the queue. Maybe one day they will give me the green card.”Yet you get the impression that after the next World Cup, Pochettino could return to club football.So could it be Spurs?He said: “In the bottom of my heart I still feel the same. I would like one day to come back. “Not because of my ego but as I’d like to win with Spurs. We were so close and it was so painful.“We spent nearly 5½ years at Tottenham. We not only played in the Champions League but were a Premier League contender.’I feel empty’“We improved the facilities — the training ground, the stadium. We did not sign a player for 18 months as the focus was on other things.“The problem was this type of journey creates a lot of friction. Also, I made mistakes. “But when you are clever, you learn from mistakes. When a relationship finishes, I feel empty.“I didn’t always manage well and that was part of my responsibility.“Now Tottenham is a club with an expectation to win because if you see the facilities — training ground and stadium — you can see it is about winning trophies.“That is why I would like one day to come back. It’s six years since we left and it’s always going to be a special club for me.”Poch still has a bond with Levy, who got rid of him following a poor start to the 2019-20 campaign.The Argentine added: “It’s true after nearly six years with all that we lived together, it was tough.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s difficult in football that that doesn’t affect your relationship.“For us, we split very well. Now, like the day after I left Tottenham, we have a very good relationship.”Poch still has a bond with Spurs chairman Daniel LevyCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man Utd legend’s trendy restaurant shuts suddenly after going bust with eye-watering debts

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      A RESTAURANT owned by former Man United star Ryan Giggs has gone bust.George’s Dining Room and Bar, which shut suddenly last month, was wound up with debts of £563,600.George’s Dining Room and Bar was wound up with debts of £563,600Credit: Jim Clarke – The SunFormer Man United star Ryan Giggs owned the restaurantThe restaurant closed its doors last month, blaming ‘unforeseen circumstances’Credit: SplashThat included £129,357 owed to traders, £75,616 in taxes and £44,095 in bank loans and overdrafts, according to the last set of accounts for the business.Giggs, 51, opened George’s in Worsley, Greater Manchester, with old school pals Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor in 2014.Last month, the restaurant closed its doors, blaming “unforeseen circumstances”.On March 7, the RKB Ventures Ltd company set up by Giggs and his mates to run the business was officially liquidated.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSWhen George’s shut, staff were sent text messages telling them bosses “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.The message added: “This is due to the obvious reduction   in trade and business against   the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of ­living crisis.”A staff member said then: “It came totally out of the blue.”We were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.” Most read in FootballFormer Man Utd stars Bryan ­Robson, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville were all at the opening of George’s.At the time Giggs, director of football at Salford City, said of his fellow owners: “We’ve known each other for 30 years and we always said it would be great to do something like this together.Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson “We’re all local lads and have lived in this area all our lives so we wanted to do something in Worsley and we think we’ve got a really different offering for the area.”Giggs is involved in property development, hospitality and fashion.Last year girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, gave birth to daughter Cora. More

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      Jean-Philippe Mateta wears enormous bandage after horror ear injury so bad doctor wouldn’t show him picture

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      CROCKED Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta wanted to carry on playing despite suffering a gruesome gashed ear in the FA Cup win over Millwall.Lions goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a horror kung-fu kick to the head which resulted in the Frenchman needing 25 stitches.Jean-Philippe Mateta wanted to carry on playing despite suffering a gruesome gashed earMateta showing off his injured earBut Mateta was unaware of the seriousness of his injury and told Palace’s doctor he wanted to continue before being rushed to hospital.Mateta, 27, declared: “When the keeper kicked me, I was on the floor waiting for him to get the red card.“I was good to go. I thought, ‘just get the blood off and keep going’.“I was arguing with the doctor for 30 seconds, saying I wanted to play. The doctor saw the injury, but I couldn’t see it.READ MORE IN football “I couldn’t feel pain. The blood, for sure. But I thought it was a little cut.“My ear was like this (dangling). But it was not painful. I remember everything, I was not concussed.”Yet, despite Mateta insisting he wanted to carry on – the plastic surgeon who repaired his ear was left totally stunned.Mateta recalled the doc “didn’t know how he would start”, adding: “They showed me, the doc showed me three days after. He didn’t want to show me. But I was like, “show me the picture.Most read in Football”Everything was open, cut here, cut open, behind was worse, cut everywhere. It was crazy.”Mateta insisted his “reflex” head turn away from Roberts’ kick “saved me.”’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starRef Michael Oliver sent off the keeper – but only after a VAR intervention.Roberts – who suffered online abuse – has since been handed an extended six-match ban.Mateta underwent a successful operation in Paris last month to save his left ear.And, wearing a huge white bandage on the side of his head, he told Sky Sports: “Liam texted me while I was in hospital and I told him, ‘it is OK, it is football.’ He apologised. He was worried.“I don’t think he woke up and thought: ‘I want to cut the head of JP.’ There is a lot of pressure. “He wanted to do good, too much emotion makes you do crazy things. It was just a mistake. You learn from it.”Mateta, who has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances for Palace this season, has set his sights on an FA Cup quarter-final return against Fulham on March 29.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I will need to wear a mask, the best one, but, hopefully, I can play.“I feel great and can’t wait to come back. But the doc is the boss. He will decide.”Liam Roberts was sent off for a horror kung-fu kickCredit: GettyMateta underwent a successful operation in ParisCredit: GettyMateta remarkably wanted to carry on playingCredit: PA More