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      ‘Do you like London?’ – Viktor Gyokeres gives swift three-word response when asked about Arsenal transfer links

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES brushed away a cheeky question about a potential move to Arsenal this summer amid swirling rumours over his future.The Sporting Lisbon striker has been linked with a switch to the Gunners as well as a host of other top clubs given his flying form in Portugal.Viktor Gyokeres was asked about a potential move to Arsenal this weekCredit: GettyArsenal have been linked with the Sporting strikerCredit: ReutersGyokeres, 26, is one of the most in-demand strikers in the world after already scoring 47 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions this season.And the Swedish international is thought to be one of Arsenal’s top targets on their list of potential strikers this summer.But when probed by Portuguese media on a switch to the Emirates, Gyokeres remained tight-lipped on his future.Asked if he liked London, he simply replied: “I like Lisbon”. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGyokeres is understood to have a £85m release clause in his deal with Sporting, but SunSport previously revealed that he has a gentleman’s agreement with the club to be allowed to leave for around £63m this summer instead.When asked about that agreement, he replied: “I can’t say anything about that”.While he also remained coy on a summer move when asked about being able to leave at the end of the season in general.”No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment,” he said.Most read in FootballGyokeres replied ‘I like Lisbon’ when asked if he likes LondonCredit: Juiz FinalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesGyokeres continued his fine form in front of goal on Friday night as he scored his fifth hat-trick of the season in a 3-1 win over Moreirense – meaning he has now scored 34 goals in 29 league games this term.Arsenal aren’t the only side who will be vying for his signature this summer.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Manchester United are thought to be keen on the centre-forward, who previously worked under boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting.While Liverpool and Manchester City have both been mentioned as possible suitors too.Arsenal are understood to have multiple options when it comes to bolstering their front line ahead of next season, with Gyokeres not the only star on their list.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is a known favourite of Mikel Arteta’s, while Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike are both admired by the club. Arteta has urged new transfer chief Andrea Berta that the club must spend big to compete on all fronts next season.He said: “Squad quality and availability — without those, we cannot compete in four competitions.”At this level, especially in this country, it is impossible. The higher the quality, the higher the availability, the more chances you have.Read More on The Sun”After you have to do it. But the probability goes high. I hope that Andrea has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones.”And his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right calls.”Arsenal are looking to sign a striker in the summer More

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      Laura Woods kisses Adam Collard as TNT Sports presenter and Love Island star enjoy rare night out after becoming parents

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      LAURA WOODS had a kiss with Adam Collard during a night out after becoming parents.The loved-up couple took a break from their baby bubble following the arrival of Leo Ernie Collard in January.Laura Woods gave Adam Collard a kiss on the cheek during a night outCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyThe couple enjoyed some time away from new baby boy LeoCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyThey were all smiles as they took a selfie togetherCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyLaura is finding it ‘trickier’ to get ready these daysCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyThe sports presenter and former Love Island star got dressed up as they went out for the night.Laura, 37, looked stunning in a long green dress with a snazzy jacket over the top.While Adam looked sharp in a grey suit and unbuttoned white shirt, which were paired with some black trainers.Laura shared pictures from the evening away from Leo on her Instagram story.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSThey showed the two cosied up to each other with a drink in hand.In one picture, Laura could be seen giving Adam a kiss on the cheek.Laura captioned the evening “breaking out last night” and tagged Adam with a white heart emoji.Before heading out, Laura gave a glimpse into her new getting-ready routine which has become a “bit trickier” with Leo.Most read in FootballLaura gave birth to their baby boy in January, but there has already been some debate over his allegiances to football.Adam is keen to raise his son as a Newcastle United supporter, while Laura prefers Arsenal.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post Baby Leo was born in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura gave birth at a hospitalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Adam has already claimed him as a Newcastle supporterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The couple started dating in October 2023Credit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The couple have been dating since October 2023 and got engaged the following September.The ex-talkSport host kept her pregnancy under wraps as she worked the entire Euro 2024 campaign with ITV.She went public with her pregnancy last summer between the Euros and the Olympics.The couple got engaged in September 2024Credit: InstagramLaura kept her pregnancy under wraps for the EurosCredit: Getty More

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      Aaron Ramsey lands first manager job as Arsenal legend is named player-interim boss of Cardiff after they sack Omer Riza

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      AARON RAMSEY has been tasked with saving Cardiff City’s season after manager Omer Riza was sacked.The former Arsenal star will take charge of the relegation-threatened Championship side for Monday’s clash with Oxford United.Cardiff City have sacked Omer RizaCredit: ReutersAaron Ramsey will take charge of the team on MondayCredit: GettyThe Bluebirds confirmed the decision on social media with a 94-word statement.It read: “Cardiff City FC can confirm that a decision has been taken to relieve Omer Riza of his duties as first team manager.”Aaron Ramsey will lead the club for the remaining three games of the Sky Bet Championship season, beginning with Monday’s match at home to Oxford United.”Chris Gunter, Joe Ralls, Tom Hutton and Matthew Bloxham will join Aaron in the technical area.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We’d like to thank Omer for his passion and effort during his time as Cardiff City manager and wish him the very best for his next steps in the game.”Cardiff are currently 23rd in the Championship and are staring relegation to League One in the face. The Welsh side has not dropped into England’s third tier of football since the 2003/04 season.Riza hit out at the club’s supporters earlier this week as he slammed them as “clueless”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment came before his side lost 2-0 to Sheffield United which proved to be the final straw before his axing.Ramsey, 34, will be hoping to work a miracle in order to save his beloved boyhood club from the drop.Ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey launches brand new side hustle as Cardiff midfielder follows in Gareth Bale’s footsteps Aaron Ramsey won the FA Cup at ArsenalCredit: GettyHis first match ever in charge of a team will come against Oxford, which is vital as a win could send the club up to 20th place.The former Arsenal star will also remain in charge for the following two matches before the season ends.These fixtures are against play-off chasing West Brom and mid-table Norwich City.He will be joined by former Wales stars Chris Gunter and Joe Ralls on the touchline.Ramsey is familiar with Gunter, having had him as his best man at his wedding.Former Tottenham ace Gunter was also Ramsey’s landlord while he played for Arsenal.Ramsey starred for the Gunners between 2009 and 2019, having made 369 appearances for the club and scoring 64 goals.He returned to Cardiff City in 2023 following spells at Juventus, Rangers and Nice.Ramsey became Cardiff’s youngest player at the age of 16 in 2007 before his £5million move to Arsenal.Since his return to his boyhood club in 2023, he has helped the club’s U18s team in a coaching capacity.The 86-cap ace is the third manager Cardiff have had this season following Riza and Erol Bulut.The Welsh club are five games without a win and have not been in the third tier since 2002.He also revealed last October that he would love to succeed Craig Bellamy and be the Wales manager one day.Read More on The SunHe said: “It would be a very proud moment for me one day.”Hopefully, that is a few years away yet, but it would definitely interest me one day.”Cardiff’s remaining gamesHere is what the remaining fixtures of Cardiff’s season are…April 21 – Cardiff City vs Oxford United (H)April 26 – Cardiff City vs West Brom (H)May 3 – Norwich City vs Cardiff City (A) More

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      Man Utd fans baffled as Kobbie Mainoo celebrates birthday by posting throwback pic wearing rival club’s shirt

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      KOBBIE MAINOO left Manchester United fans baffled when he shared a photo of himself wearing a TOTTENHAM shirt.The Man Utd midfielder is Manchester through and through, but shared a throwback picture on his birthday wearing a retro Spurs shirt.Kobbie Mainoo has sparked confusion amongst Manchester United fans with his latest Instagram postCredit: GettyMainoo shared a snap of him wearing a retro Tottenham Hotspur kitCredit: instagram @kobbieTeddy Sheringham wears the same kit while playing for Tottenham against Leeds United in 1996Credit: GettyMainoo, who turned 20 today, took to Instagram to show his 3.3MILLION followers a glimpse at his childhood.The England international posted a picture of himself playing football as a kid alongside the caption, “20! Blessed”.Bizarrely, Mainoo was donning a retro Tottenham third shirt from the 1996-97 campaign – an unusual choice for someone born in 2005 in Manchester.The shirt, worn by the likes of Sol Campbell and Teddy Sheringham, sparked confusion and outrage from United supporters online.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne wrote: “Why was he wearing a Spurs kit?”While another added: “Is Mainoo a Spurs fan or something?”A third commented: “Kobbie Mainoo posting pictures in a Spurs kit is not a good look for the club. They’ve upset him somehow, he’s sending a clear message.”And a fourth posted: “Why is Kobbie Mainoo wearing a 96/97 Spurs shirt, thought he was one of us.”Most read in FootballMainoo has shared snaps of him wearing Man Utd kits in his youthCredit: Social mediaJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMainoo has always been a part of the Manchester United academy, graduating to the first team in 2023.While pictures of him wearing old Man Utd shirts in his youth had many thinking he was always a Red Devil.Ruben Amorim insists he wants to keep Kobbie Mainoo at Man Utd but admits it is a ‘difficult situation’ It’s worth pointing out that another youngster can be seen wearing the same kit in the background of Mainoo’s photo, possibly suggesting it was the kit of choice for Mainoo’s youth team at the time.Mainoo helped move Man Utd one step closer to setting up a Europa League final against Tottenham with his late heroics against Lyon on Thursday night.The Carrington graduate popped up with a 120th minute equaliser as United turned around two-goal deficit to beat the French side 5-4 in the Europa League quarter-finals.Mainoo’s calm curling effort was one of THREE extra-time goals scored by United as they clawed their way into the semi-finals after trailing 4-2 to Lyon with just 11 minutes to play.A Bruno Fernandes penalty kickstarted the comeback, before Mainoo levelled the scoring and Harry Maguire nodded home an injury-time header to seal the deal and resuscitate Ruben Amorim’s season.United will now face Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, while Tottenham take on Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt – setting up a potential all-English final in May.Mainoo fired home a late equaliser as Man Utd completed a Europa League comeback against Lyon on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

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      Nikola Pokrivac dead at 39: Former Croatia star dies in horror car crash as tributes flood in

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      CROATIAN midfielder Nikola Pokrivac has been killed in a car accident aged just 39. The ex-Monaco and RB Salzburg star won 15 international caps from 2008 to 2010.Nikola Pokrivac, 39, has been killed in a car accident in CroatiaCredit: AFPThe midfielder won three league titles with Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyPokrivac returned to football in 2021 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a decade ago. He played for fifth-tier team NK Vojnic after joining the club last summer.Pokrivac was killed following a four-vehicle collision in the Croatian city of Karlovac on Friday evening.Local media claim he was joined in the vehicle by three Vojnic teammates, who were taken to hospital with serious injuries.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA 42-year-old person in another car was also killed.The Croatian Football Federation confirmed on Saturday morning that Pokrivac had died of his injuries. CFF president Marijan Kustics said: “Nikola was a great football player, who lived football until his last moment in this world.”He showed great courage in life by overcoming a terrible disease.Most read in Football”This is a great loss for our football community, and especially painful for the family.”It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.”I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss.”The HNS [the national football association] and the Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments.”Pokrivac faced England twice in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.He also featured in Croatia’s successful Euro 2008 campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals. Since returning to the field in 2021, Pokrivac has also been a youth team coach. He enjoyed his most successful playing time at Dinamo Zagreb, winning three Croatian league titles.The club issued an emotional statement on Saturday, writing: “With great sadness and disbelief, we received the news of the severe traffic accident in Karlovac in which, unfortunately, our former player Nikola Pokrivač lost his life. “Nikola will forever remain part of the Dinamo family – as a talented midfielder, a fighter on the pitch, and a man with a big heart.”He played for the Blues 69 times and contributed to four championship titles and three Cup winners’ trophies. “To his family, as well as the families of all those who perished in this tragic accident, GNK Dinamo expresses sincere and profound condolences.”Read More on The SunMonaco, who Pokrivac played for in 2008, added: “The Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its former midfielder Nikola Pokrivac. “To his family and loved ones, AS Monaco extends its most sincere condolences.” More

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      As a player the jump to Prem from Championship is astonishing… only TWO stars from bottom three will be back next season

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      THERE are 75 players in the first-team squads of Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town — and how many of them will be playing Premier League football next season?My guess is two — Ipswich striker Liam Delap and Southampton kid Tyler Dibling. Two out of 75.Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling, 19, is likely to be in big demandCredit: GettyIpswich striker Liam Delap, 22 has been linked to Prem giantsCredit: RexWhat a damning indictment that is of the recruitment at the three clubs who were promoted last summer and are all going straight back down to the Championship.When I was promoted with Watford a decade ago, we made a point of telling each other, ‘Ten wins and we will stay up’. Well, these three clubs have managed only ten wins between them!This is the second successive season in which the three promoted clubs will all suffer instant relegation but don’t tell me the gulf between the top two divisions has suddenly got a lot wider.Three years ago, Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest went up together and all three are in the top half of the table, eyeing Europe, with Forest even vying for a Champions League spot.Nothing much has changed financially in two years, so bridging the gap between the Championship and Premier League can be done.What you need is a club united in its vision, with pragmatic management and with players who have experience, character and desire.Don’t get me wrong, it is a huge gap. As a player, you notice an astonishing difference in the physical and mental demands when you’re promoted into the top flight.I’d had three consecutive seasons of scoring 20-plus goals in the Championship before we went up in 2015.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn the Premier League, I had never felt more motivated and I was playing some of the best football of my life but I didn’t score in my first nine games.On Match of the Day, they were saying, ‘Well, he scored a lot of goals in the Championship but can he do it in the Premier League?’ and that got me riled — although I’m getting my own back a bit on that show these days!Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town But I’d got four or five assists, the team had picked up two wins and four draws and I was performing well in a different role with more defensive duties — but there I was being doubted to the whole nation.And that’s another thing you really notice in the Premier League — the incredible media attention.Watford versus Crystal Palace in the Championship barely registers on the radar.That same fixture in the Premier League has a massive worldwide event.As a player, you notice an astonishing difference in the physical and mental demands when you’re promoted into the top flight.Troy DeeneyAnyway, my tenth match in the Premier League was Stoke away — and when I scored, it was a pretty aggressive goal ‘celebration’.It was such a release of frustration that I belted the s**t out of the corner flag.But that was a difference between the Championship and the top flight — you’d often only have two shots per match. Sometimes you wouldn’t have any because you’d be getting humped by Manchester City.The amount of effort you have to put in to get one win — to score one goal — in the Premier League is extreme.Those levels of determination are what Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich have been lacking — as well as a proper vision from the clubs as a whole.Transfer-market strategy has to be ruthless.Ex-Man City kid Delap has amassed impressive stats this termTroy Deeney, centre, says taking on Crystal Palace was a global event in the Prem but pretty low-key in the ChampionshipCredit: Action ImagesDibling has been a rare bright spot for the long-doomed SaintsMatej Vydra scored 16 goals in Watford’s promotion season, he was hugely popular and I loved playing with him, but the club bombed him out, selling him to Reading without him playing a single top-flight game.That felt cruel but it’s an example of what’s needed.We also signed a host of players who had been captains at their previous clubs, which gave us the necessary  character.I also look at Fulham under Marco Silva and Brentford, who were promoted under Thomas Frank a year earlier, and remember how they adapted so ­intelligently to the Premier League.Both played champagne football in the second tier but changed markedly when they went up.Brentford became much more direct, while Fulham released their tiny ball-playing defensive midfielder Jean Michael Seri and signed an absolute beast in Joao Palhinha.Contrast that with Southampton, whose manager Russell Martin stuck with his purist footballing philosophy and was sacked after 13 defeats in 16 games — many of them good hidings.But it’s not as if the Saints improved under Ivan Juric — they got even worse and registered the fastest-ever relegation.Unless they can earn two more points in their final six games, they will go down as the worst team in the history of the competition.And it’s not as if Leicester are much better — they haven’t scored a single goal during eight successive home defeats and are likely to be relegated by Liverpool tomorrow.There are no short cuts to staying in the Prem – everything has to be done the right way. But at Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, pretty much everything has been done wrong.What were they doing in sacking Steve Cooper after just 13 games, when they weren’t even in the drop zone?They wanted a more attractive style of football, apparently — well what’s so attractive about losing eight straight home games without scoring, while conceding 21?The appointment of Ruud Van Nistelrooy always felt doomed to failure.Leicester are a mess.Many would cut Ipswich a bit more slack after back-to-back promotions under Kieran McKenna but I’m not really inclined to as their recruitment has been poor.Despite Delap looking a real player, Ipswich have too often been too nice to play against.I don’t see enough desire and belief.In January, they spent £20million on Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa — who has never looked worth that kind of money.And last summer, there was Kalvin Phillips — a ‘name’ signing but a player who seems to have lost his fire.In short, there are no short cuts to staying in the Premier League — everything has to be done the right way.But at Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, pretty much everything has been done wrong. 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      When can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?

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      LIVERPOOL are edging closer to winning the Premier League title – but when can they win it? Last weekend, Arne Slot’s team secured a late 2-1 win against West Ham that aided them move 13 points clear at the top.Virgil van Dijk can celebrate his new contract with a title as soon as THIS weekendSince taking over for Jurgen Klopp, Slot has only lost two league games, and it appears that he will follow in the club legend’s footsteps in his debut season.Following their defeat in the Carabao Cup final and subsequent elimination from the Champions League, the significance of preserving their advantage at the top has increased in recent weeks.Arsenal’s run in Europe’s elite club competition has aided Liverpool’s tilt at the title, with back-to-back draws to Everton and Brentford all but ruling them out of a domestic comeback. Additionally, the Anfield club have been handed an early summer boost as they secure the futures of key duo, Mohamed Salah and now Virgil van Dijk. READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEWhen can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?Liverpool can win the Premier League with just SIX points from their last six games.The Merseysiders would therefore have 82 points, whereas even if they won every game they had left, second-place Arsenal could only get to 81.However, Liverpool may win the league this Sunday. The Reds would need a win at Leicester to become champions if Arsenal lose at Ipswich in the early game of the day. With 15 points remaining and a far better goal differential, a Liverpool victory would almost guarantee the title if Arsenal drew.Most read in FootballIn order to postpone Liverpool’s coronation, Arsenal would need to avoid losing at home against Crystal Palace on April 23 if both clubs’ results were equal.Liverpool would win the title on April 27 if they defeated Tottenham Hotspur at home, even if Arsenal prevailed. More

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      Arne Slot denies claims Darwin Nunez was dropped over training ground bust-up – but admits Liverpool star wasn’t injured

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      LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot has hit back at rumours Darwin Nunez was dropped over a training ground bust-up.The Reds forward watched from the stands and was not named among the substitutes for Liverpool’s win over West Ham last Sunday.Arne Slot has denied Darwin Nunez was involved in a training ground bust-upCredit: AlamyThe Liverpool playmaker sat out the win over West HamCredit: AlamyNunez is Liverpool’s record signing but has been linked with a move away from AnfieldCredit: PANunez, 25, sat behind the subs bench during the 2-1 victory at Anfield.Slot had previously criticised the Uruguayan for his work rate against Wolves and Aston Villa in February.And speculation was rife that he had been involved in a training ground incident with a coaching staff member.But Slot denied those claims ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester on Sunday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Dutchman said: “He didn’t feel himself the day before the match.”He went inside [at training] and he wasn’t able to be part of the team the day after.”Pushed on whether Nunez had rowed with a member of the coaching staff, Slot repeated that the star “didn’t feel himself.”He added: “No, he didn’t [have an altercation].Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He did leave the [training] pitch because he didn’t feel himself.”He didn’t have words with a staff member.”Virgil van Dijk ‘destroys’ Michael Owen with brutal 13-word put-down on live TV after Liverpool beat Everton Slot confirmed the £85million club record signing would be in the squad for the Leicester game.Liverpool were boosted by Virgil van Dijk penning a new deal at the club on Thursday. It followed Mo Salah’s decision to remain on Merseyside for another two years.Asked about van Dijk’s influence, Slot added: “You know how important he is when you see him play.Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.Manager Arne Slot, 45Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot.”I have not worked with a player like him in terms of leadership. “The energy he brings, how professional he is, tries to influence his teammates.”He continued: “At Liverpool there is always a big summer and it is already a big summer now.Read More on The Sun”By already holding on to two it is already a big summer. Let’s see what the rest of the summer will bring, but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team. “Maybe if we can keep that team it will already be a big summer.” More