Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea injury blow to key midfielder as his international boss details ‘hamstring injury’ that is ‘bothering him’

      by

      CHELSEA have suffered a major injury blow as Romeo Lavia’s injury problems resurfaced on Nations League duty. Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has confirmed that Lavia was unable to train with his Belgium team-mates this week.Chelsea have suffered a fresh injury below to Romeo LaviaCredit: GettyLavia has suffered a knock in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with ArsenalCredit: RexTedesco told RTL Sports: “I think Romeo Lavia has a hamstring problem.”It was bothering him this morning and we didn’t want to risk him.”The midfielder was forced off in the closing stages of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal but still reported for international duty with Belgium.But despite insisting he “should be fine”, Lavia was not selected to feature in the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Italy.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd he will not be involved against Israel on Sunday either.Lavia’s lack of action has left Chelsea fans and Enzo Maresca sweating on his fitness. The 20-year-old missed the entire 2023-24 campaign following his £50m arrival at Stamford Bridge last summer.He was also unavailable for four games in August and September with a thigh issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the former Southampton star has enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign in Maresca’s new-look midfield. Lavia has formed a formidable partnership with Moises Caicedo since being introduced to the starting XI.Chelsea fans lose their minds as club legend RETURNS in Lavia announcement video and beg him to ‘sign one-year deal’The £165m pairing have even pushed Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez out of the starting line-up.Fernandez’ benching amounts to a huge midfield conundrum as the 23-year-old Argentine was brought in on a £107m price tag.Maresca admitted only last month that he was “afraid” of Lavia potentially getting injured.Chelsea will hope Lavia will be fit when they return to action against Leicester City on 23 November.Meanwhile, those in West London stand on tender hooks to see how Cole Palmer is too.The 22-year-old Prem star was spotted limping after the Arsenal game and withdrew from England’s Nations League duty.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Palmer wore a disguise as he rocked up to watch Stockport County beat Wrexham 1-0 in League One on Saturday. More

    • 213 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham suffer yet MORE injury woe as £30m summer signing shares photo from hospital bed after surgery

      by

      TOTTENHAM star Wilson Odobert has undergone hamstring surgery.The Frenchman, 19, has barely featured for Ange Postecoglou’s side since sealing a £30million switch from Burnley in August.Wilson Odobert initially suffered a hamstring injury against CoventryCredit: PAOdobert, 19, shared a snap from his hospital bedCredit: INSTAGRAM / @wilson.odobertOdobert started Prem matches against Everton and Newcastle before making a cameo from the bench against Arsenal.He then suffered a hamstring injury just 18 minutes into Tottenham’s Carabao Cup clash with Coventry on September 18.The injury initially sidelined him for around five weeks, before he made a brief return from the bench in Spurs’ 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar last month.Odobert then suffered a further setback, before the decision was made for him to go under the knife in a bid to fix the issue.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPostecoglou said at the time: “(It’s) not exactly the same (injury) but (it’s the) same area.”A club statement has since read: “We can confirm that Wilson Odobert underwent surgery to his right hamstring yesterday (Saturday 16 November).”The 19-year-old will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team to determine when he can return to training.”Odobert posted a picture of himself in his London hospital bed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOdobert made a brief return to action against AZ AlkmaarCredit: AlamyTottenham are sweating on several players’ fitness ahead of their trip to Manchester City next Saturday.Micky van de Ven missed out on their recent 2-1 defeat to Ipswich with a hamstring issue.Ange Postecoglou shows his disappointment after Tottenham loss to Ipswich Forward Richarlison is a long-term absentee having suffered a serious hamstring injury against Aston Villa.Cristian Romero was substituted at half-time during Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Paraguay last Friday, having reportedly felt pain in his foot.While teenage wonderkid Mikey Moore, 17, has missed recent matches through illness.Tottenham go into next weekend’s clash with City sat 10th in the Premier League table after 11 games.Postecoglou’s men have won five and lost five so far this season, with their one draw coming on the opening day against Leicester.Spurs will next face a City side that they dumped out of the Carabao Cup last month.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 213 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside beachside retreat loved by England boss Thomas Tuchel with treatments like herbal enemas and therapeutic vomiting

      by

      WHEN Thomas Tuchel was unceremoniously sacked by Chelsea he looked for a factory reset.The England boss, 51, found it in India and embarked a remarkable spiritual journey in 2022.Thomas Tuchel ‘found himself’ at the Sitaram Beach Retreat in IndiaCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatStays at the Sitaram Beach Retreat start at around £3,000Credit: Sitaram Beach RetreatGuru Dr Vignesh Devraj worked with Tuchel at the Indian retreatCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatHe spent three weeks at the incredible Sitaram Beach Retreat, where he took on the practices of Ayurveda –  an ancient Indian system of medicine that prioritises holistic wellness and healing.There, Tuchel put all his focuses on yoga, meditation, and personal reflectionThe German tactician had a difficult year professionally and personally.Not only was he sacked by the Blues, his marriage to long-time partner, Sissi was dissolved in court.Read more football newsHe then faced scrutiny over his love life – moving on with a Brazilian beauty 13-years his junior.Tuchel sat down with guru Dr Vignesh Devraj to discuss how the experience changed him.He said in a video clip: “I trained myself not to read about myself because the more I thought about it the more I got affected by it, also by praise, not also by critique.”Critique sticks with you, if you want it or not, and I don’t want it. In the end, I asked myself, ‘Why would I read something about my team or my match and who should know better than me?’Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”For a long time, I’ve been getting closer to Ayurveda through meditation and got familiar with the lifestyle – with the routine that is attached – to this philosophy.”I always had a good feeling about it. I had a very demanding year, and a very demanding year privately and personally.”Health benefitsA beautiful serene setting, Sitaram Beach Retreat overlooks the shores of the Arabian sea.Thomas Tuchel gives his first message to fans as England manager Luxurious rooms include stone or wooden cottages, as well as premium villas.Prices start at around the £3,000 mark for a 14-day package, but rise with the different treatments you may want.Sitaram Ayurveda offers Panchakarma treatment which is an ayurvedic treatment methodology which specialises in intensive waste elimination from our body at a cellular level.Panchakarma treatment is said to help in rejuvenating the body by detoxifying and purifying at cellular level, thereby enhancing the immunity of the body.It is also believed to heal pains due to inflammation, like joint pain, arthritis, gout, knee pain, back pain, and helps in losing excess weight from your body.In short, it cleanses the impurities of the human body to restore the balance of the body, mind, heart, and soul.There are some more extreme Panchakarma procedure measures, of course.Guests undertake the philosophy of AyurvedaCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatRooms available include wooden cottagesCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatGuests stay in peaceful rooms like these as they restore the balance of the body, mind, heart, and soul.Credit: Sitaram Beach RetreatSeveral ancient medical treatments linked to Panchakarma are carried out at the retreatCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatOne, called Vamanam, is an induced vomiting procedure that is performed to release the toxins present in the upper part of the body.There’s also TWO different enemas called Kashayavasti and Metravasti – designed to eliminate and normalise the deranged Vata in the lower part of the body.The reason for that is to promote strength and restore general well-being.Tuchel’s own experienceIt is not known what procedures Tuchel chose to do.However, during his 21-day stay he was able to leave the pressures of the football world behind him.He embraced a minimalist lifestyle and engaged in local culture.It all guided him to find a sense of peace and introspection, where he reflected on his career, his coaching methods, and what he wanted moving forward.In his interview with Dr Vignesh Devraj, he revealed his struggles.Soon after his arrival, Tuchel went six days without sugar.Tuchel spoke candidly to Dr Vignesh Devraj about his experienceCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatTuchel struggled with giving up chocolate while on the retreatCredit: APThat meant giving up sweet treats, including his favourite, chocolate as he came to terms with a new diet.Admittedly, the first 72 hours were a challenge.He confessed feeling “irritable” and “restless”, which could have been likened the last months of his Chelsea tenure when he was frustrated with the Todd Boehly regime. But, by the end of the stay, he appeared in the 41-minute clip at ease with the world.However he does admit he did drink some warm ghee as part of his therapy.Dressed in an unbuttoned shirt, he told Dr Vignesh Devraj: “I got a bit grumpy. There was zero sugar and the ghee drinking was not very pleasant.”I was not in the best mood but I wanted to be here. Now I feel a difference. And when I look in the mirror I see I lost some kilos. “It was my wish to come here for a long time, one of my assistants did it five or six years ago, and we still keep on talking about it.”So now is the moment for a little break and a new start in my life. I am very happy I did it.”It’s nice to be hear, the butterflies are so big, the view to the sea… to hear the sound of it.”How the place is set up, the memories, the temperature, the location, having this kind of routine, having this limited amount of distraction, and being with yourself.”It actually gives me a lot of self-confidence in the basic meaning of me.”After three weeks, I am very aware of myself and I am happy with myself.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Tuchel admitted the retreat helped him find some clarity in his lifeCredit: Sitaram Beach RetreatTuchel left the resort happier, more relaxed, before he took on the Bayern Munich roleCredit: Sitaram Beach Retreat”I allow myself to be happy and not to force things.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel healthy and it was kind of a ceremony to close things, but also restart things.”That sounds similar to what England need after Gareth Southgate’s successful tenure. More

    • 275 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend reveals what players had to do for Sir Alex Ferguson to agree to sign off on bigger dressing room

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON promised Manchester United stars a bigger dressing room on one condition.Patrice Evra has revealed that Britain’s most decorated boss refused to sign-off on new facilities unless his players achieved football immortality.Patrice Evra opened up about the dressing room saga on a recent podcastCredit: Getty – ContributorThe United legend revealed that Ferguson would only change the facilities on one conditionCredit: ReutersEvra and Ferguson worked together at United for seven years between 2006 and 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunThe dressing room is now much bigger compared to when Evra joined the club in 2006Credit: GettyFerguson was reluctant to change the area of Old Trafford where he gave his legendary team-talks simply because of the history within it.But the players were after a bigger, more lavish space to get ready before matches back in 2008.Evra recalled the anecdote while referencing how the current younger generation are often handed things without putting in the work. The United legend told the Tea With Me Podcast: “I’ll give you a crazy story. READ MORE ON MAN UTD“We had to win the Premier League and the Champions League to get a bigger dressing room.“Our dressing room at Old Trafford was like maybe the size of this room. Sir Alex Ferguson never wanted to change the dressing room.“We were like, ‘come on boss it is too small’. But this is the history, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, this is why he doesn’t want to change the dressing room.“But he said if you win the Prem and the Champions League maybe you are going to have a dressing room.”Most read in FootballThe changing room used to be much smaller than thisCredit: GettyFerguson agreed to an upgrade if his players won the Prem and Champions League in 2008Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited did just that in 2008 when a penalty shootout win against Chelsea in Moscow capped off the unforgettable double.Ferguson kept true to his word but Evra revealed the hilarious conversation the pair had about it.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noThe former French left-back added: “He was like, ‘f*** sake, I’m going to have no money’. I was like, ‘it is not even your money boss’.“I remember the first time we came in and we had big TV screens, a speaker, and I was so happy, like Christmas, just because we got a bigger dressing room.“But we had to win those trophies to do that.” Sir Alex’s Man Utd trophy haul Sir Alex Ferguson won 49 major trophies during his time as manager of Manchester United:13 Premier League titles5 FA Cups4 League Cups10 Community Shields2 Uefa Champions Leagues1 European Cup Winners’ Cup1 European Super Cup1 Intercontinental Cup1 FIFA Club World CupWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

    • 213 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We are not a medical department’, says club chief, as Neymar’s chances of shock transfer brutally ended

      by

      NEYMAR is set for an emotional transfer – after a rival club shot him down in brutal fashion.The Brazilian star, 32, is at a crossroads in his career once again.Neymar has been snubbed by one possible club over his fitness woesCredit: GettyHis £78million move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal has not worked out as planned. The ex-Barcelona and PSG forward missed a year of action following ACL surgery just weeks after making the big-money switch. He suffered yet another physical setback soon after his comeback when he injured his hamstring and limped off. And there has even been talk of Al-Hilal – who won the Saudi Pro League title without their biggest name – ripping up his lucrative £2.5m-a-week contract early.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat has led to transfer speculation over Neymar’s future as he approaches the swansong of his career.And that includes a return back to his homeland Brazil.However, Palmeiras ruled out a swoop for the three-time Champions League winner in a savage dig.Club president Leila Pereira insisted to UOL they were not interested in the injury-prone forward. Most read in FootballShe said: “I want to invest in someone who can come in immediately, who can start tomorrow if the coach decides.”Palmeiras is not a medical department.Top 10 highest paid footballers”I do not accept that a player signed by Palmeiras is not ready to play immediately.”Instead, though, Pereira seemingly revealed where Neymar will go next.She added: “Great player, but he’s going to Santos.”Neymar came through the youth academy at Santos and announced himself on the world stage as a teenager before earning his move to Barcelona.And now it looks as though he could go full circle by heading back to Santos to finish his career – and enjoy the £7m six-acre private island he has reportedly splashed out on.Reports in Brazil claim Neymar is ready to make the transfer home and an agreement is in place.Now it is simply a matter of working out the termination of the Al-Hilal contract and then figuring the best time to make the huge announcement. The Al-Hilal forward picked up a hamstring problem just weeks after returning from ACL surgeryCredit: GettyPalmeiras club president Leila Pereira took the swipe at the BrazilianCredit: YouTube / UOL EsporteWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 213 Shares59 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea flop Benoit Badiashile offered way out of Stamford Bridge nightmare with shock transfer to European giants

      by

      CHELSEA star Benoit Badiashile could be set for a January exit, according to reports.The Frenchman, 23, has struggled for game time this season under Enzo Maresca.Benoit Badiashile has been linked with a Chelsea exitCredit: RexBadiashile has been a regular in the cups, starting every Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup tie thus far.But in the Premier League he has been limited to just one 37-minute cameo.According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Badiashile has attracted interest from Serie A giants Juventus.Thiago Motta’s side are eager to strengthen their back-line in January, following long-term injuries suffered by Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that Juve would be interested in a permanent or loan switch in order to bring Badiashile in.The centre-back cost the Blues £35million when he signed from Monaco nearly two years ago.He has since played 41 times for Chelsea in all competitions, having suffered with groin and hamstring injuries.This season boss Maresca has preferred Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as his centre-back pairing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile he also has Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi to call upon.The Blues have so far defied pre-season expectations and sit third in the Premier League.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemLast time out they drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.Following the international break they return to action next Saturday, when they travel to Maresca’s former club Leicester. More

    • 225 Shares63 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland to become highest-paid Premier League player EVER as Man City make ‘record breaking new deal’ offer

      by

      ERLING HAALAND is in line to become the Premier League’s top earner.The goal-scoring machine has reportedly been offered a new deal at Man City that will make him the highest-paid player in the history of England’s top flight.Erling Haaland has reportedly been offered a record-breaking new contract at Man CityCredit: GettyThe offer would see him topple Man City teammate Kevin De Bruyne off the top of the list of the Premier League’s top earnersCredit: GettyHaaland, 24, has been sensational since his arrival in Manchester in 2022, scoring 105 goals in 114 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund.And despite already being the league’s second highest-paid player, earning £375,000-per-week, City have reportedly laid a record-breaking new offer on the table that will make him the Prem’s top earner.According to The Mirror, the four-in-a-row champions have offered Haaland a staggering £500,000-per-week contract that will see him stay at the Etihad until the end of the 2028/29 season.That HALF A MILLION pound a week contract would see him pull away from teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who is currently the Prem’s best paid player with his £400,000-per-week deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnsurprisingly, City are said to have received a “positive response” to the lucrative offer from Haaland and his camp after negotiations in Norway alongside the bagman’s family and Brazilian super-agent Rafaela Pimenta.Man City are reportedly “increasingly confident” that the Norwegian international will put pen to paper on the proposed two-year extension.However, it’s claimed there is still a stumbling block that could de-rail the deal.Haaland’s camp are understood to be steadfast in keeping the striker’s £150million release clause in place, but City execs want it dropped.Most read in FootballHaaland would earn £150k more than Mohamed Salah every weekCredit: GettyHe would earn £200k-a-week more than Bruno FernandesCredit: APFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Mirror’s report says that both parties could agree on increasing the release clause to £200m to get a deal over the line.Should Haaland sign the deal he will be one of the best-paid players in all of Europe and the standout earner in the Premier League.Top 10 highest paid footballersThe former RB Salzburg forward will be making over £150,000 more per week than the Prem’s third and fourth highest earners – Mohamed Salah and Casemiro.He would earn some £175,000 more every week than Raheem Sterling, who’s £325,000-a-week wage – which is split between Arsenal and Chelsea – makes him the Prem’s fifth top earner.Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish are also part of the league’s top 10 highest-paid players and would still see their £300,000-per-week wages pale in comparison to Haaland’s.While the Prem’s 10th best-paid star, Kai Havertz, would be earning almost HALF of Haaland’s salary, despite making some £280,000 every week.Raheem Sterling’s £325k-per-week wages are split by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyKai Havertz is the Prem’s 10th top earner, pocketing £280k every week at ArsenalCredit: GettyA look at the Premier League’s top earners at the moment More

    • 163 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham and Southampton in transfer battle with Celtic for 16-year-old twin wonderkids

      by

      WEST HAM and Southampton are chasing Airdrie’s twin sensations Cole and Dylan Williams.The Premier League clubs are battling to sign the youngsters — and want to snatch them from under Celtic’s nose.West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui could have some more assets in his arsenal soon with the Hammers keen on Cole and Dylan WilliamsCredit: GettyRussell Martin’s Southampton are also keen on the twinsCredit: GettyThe midfielders, 16, can quit the Diamonds, where they are on short-term agreements.The pair have played for Airdrie’s U18s but are yet to make senior debuts for the Scottish Championship side.They both starred at youth level against Celtic, who are keen, but Saints and Irons head the race.Both Cole and Dylan have been unused substitutes for Airdrie three times so far this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenagers were previously on the books at Celtic.West Ham are already looking at some other youngsters as they look to bolster their squad too.The Hammers fancy nabbing Manchester City forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.The attacking midfielder will be their top target for the role that could be available in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrazilian star Paqueta is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.And West Ham see McAtee as his successor — with the City squad man dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLMcAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan with Sheffield United but is going nowhere, stuck on the bench at City.The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should not have a problem affording a fee of £20million or more.West Ham are also keen on signing James McAtee from Manchester CityCredit: Reuters More