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      Barcelona dressing room ‘divided into four clans’ after astonishing red card row between Gundogan and Araujo

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      BARCELONA’S dressing room is reportedly divided into FOUR clans.It comes after an astonishing row broke out between Ilkay Gundogan and Ronald Araujo this week.Barcelona’s dressing room is divided into four clans amid the row between Ilkay Gundogan and Ronald AraujoCredit: RexAraujo was singled out by his team-mate after the club’s Champions League exitCredit: GettyThe German midfielder singled out his team-mate after their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Araujo’s sending off proved to be the turning point in the 4-1 second leg loss.Gundogan’s wife has since come out in his defence but the dressing room appears far from harmonious.According to Sport, the squad is divided into four clans with players mixing based on age, language and nationality.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe report claims the players are split between youth, Spanish-speaking, English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking.Summer signing Gundogan is said to be part of the English-speaking group which features Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.Meanwhile, despite hailing from Spanish-speaking Uruguay, Araujo is close to Raphinha and the rest of the Portuguese speaking players.Despite the clans, some players are said to mix across the groups.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarcelona’s ‘dressing room clans’According to Sport, the Barcelona dressing room is split into these four clans.
      Spanish-speaking:

      Gavi
      Pedri
      Sergi Roberto
      Ferran Torres
      Marcos Alonso
      Inigo Martinez

      Youth:

      Pau Cubarsi
      Hector Fort
      Marc Guiu
      Fermin Lopez
      Lamine Yamal
      Ander Astralaga
      Marc Casado

      English-speaking:

      Marc-Andre ter Stegen
      Frenkie de Jong
      Robert Lewandowski
      Ilkay Gundogan
      Andreas Christensen

      Portuguese-speaking:

      Joao Cancelo
      Joao Felix
      Vitor Roque
      Raphinha
      Ronald Araujo

      English-speaking Marc-Andre ter Stegen and De Jong are close to Spain’s Sergi Roberto.The trio have good relationships which extend to their partners, says the report.Iconic stadium looks unrecognisable as new footage reveals crane on pitch and every single seat removedElsewhere, Brazilians Raphinha and Vitor Roque are very close, whilst Portugal team-mates Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix get on very well.Barcelona’s Champions League exit has all but ended their hopes of a trophy this season.The Spanish giants were beaten in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and lost to Real Madrid in the Super Cup final.Xavi’s side are also sit second in LaLiga eight points adrift of their El Clasico rivals with seven matches remaining. More

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      Man City become fourth English team to be hit by Champions League curse which only Real Madrid have ever overcome

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S defeat to Real Madrid means they are the fourth English team who have failed to defend their Champions League crown.City won the competition for the first time in their history last year but suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak against 14-time winners Real on Wednesday.Manchester City failed to defend their Champions League crown after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid are the only team to successfully defend the Champions LeagueCredit: APThe result means they have failed to defend their Champions League title – a curse that has affected every team except for Real Madrid.Incredibly, the Spanish giants won the tournament three years on the bounce between 2016-18 with a team featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.No team has been able to repeat the trick, with City failing despite being favourites.They have good company, however, including in England where Liverpool failed to back up their Champions League successes in 2005 and 2019 with another trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds suffered surprise exists to Benfica in 2006 and Atletico Madrid in 2020, though did make the final again in 2007 and 2022.While Manchester United could not repeat their 2008 triumph a year later, losing to Barcelona in the final the following season.Chelsea also proved inadequate when it came to defending their European crowns after tasting success in 2013 and 2021.While the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also experienced the curse despite winning the Champions League multiple times since it changed format in 1992.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal Madrid are now favourites to claim the Big Ears trophy for a 15th time, though face Harry Kane and Bayern Munich for a place at Wembley.If they make it through that tie they will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Borussia Dortmund in the final.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’ More

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      Germany World Cup winner sticks the boot into Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Co with brutal seven-word tweet

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Mats Hummels took a brutal swipe at Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham after their European eliminations.Aston Villa are now the only Prem club left in Europe after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to punch their ticket to the Europa Conference League semi-finals where they will face Olympiacos.Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels trolled Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West HamCredit: GettyMan City were eliminated from the Champions League after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern MunichCredit: GettyCity surrendered their Champions League crown and failed in their bid to win their second consecutive Treble as they lost to Real Madrid 4-3 on penalties in their quarter-final clash at the Etihad.And Arsenal’s dreams of a first ever Champions League title went up in flames after a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.Liverpool’s hopes of a Treble in Jurgen Klopp’s last ever season as manager also faded away as they were eliminated from the Europa League quarter-finals by Atalanta, even though they beat them 1-0.And West Ham’s European campaign came to an end by Xabi Alonso’s newly-crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who extended their undefeated streak with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.Read More on FootballHummels, 35, couldn’t help himself as he took to social media to poke fun at all the fallen English clubs.The centre-back issued a tongue-in-cheek post referencing the derogatory term “farmer’s league”, which has been used to describe inferior leagues.This term has also been used against competitive divisions, such as Ligue 1, and there were also occasions when it was addressed to the Bundesliga.Hummels tweeted: “Good harvesting this week my fellow farmers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner is now gearing up for the Champions League semi-finals.The defender helped Dortmund eliminate Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen gave Edin Terzic’s side a comfortable lead early on.But an own goal by Hummels and a strike by Angel Correa levelled things up and put Atletico in the driver’s seat on aggregate.However, two quick goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer turned the game on its head and capped off a stunning triumph for the Bundesliga giants.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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      How Man Utd lined up last time they played Coventry with Barcelona legend unable to prevent humiliating defeat

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      A BARCELONA legend was left red-faced the last time Manchester United faced Coventry City.The Red Devils will meet the Sky Blues in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.Coventry City’s Michael Mifsud celebrates after his second goal against United in 2007Credit: PA:Press AssociationGerard Pique was in defence for United on that night against the Sky BluesCredit: GettyJonny Evans (pictured in 2007) is back at Old Trafford playing under current boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyJohn O’Shea has just taken his first job in managementCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side will go into the clash as heavy favourites against the Championship team managed by their former striker Mark Robins.The two clubs were regular opponents in the Premier League throughout the 1990s but have barely met since Coventry were relegated from the top-flight in 2001.However, there was a shock the last time they went head-to-head back in September 2007.Old Trafford hosted the League Cup third round tie with over 74,000 fans packed in to watch the action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut it was Coventry who were left celebrating as they ran out 2-0 victors thanks to a brace from Michael Mifsud.It was far from a star-studded line-up named by Sir Alex Ferguson that night.And the result seemed to have little impact on their season as they lifted both the Premier League and Champions League.Here’s who was in the United starting XI that night:Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTOMASZ KUSZCZAKThe Polish goalie spent six years at United having caught the eye previously at West Brom.He later played for Watford, Brighton and Wolves before finishing his career at Birmingham City in 2009.It’s baffling,’ says Gary Neville as he blasts Ten Hag’s coaching and reveals what Man Utd are ‘worst in the league at’DANNY SIMPSONCame through the academy at Man Utd but it would be at Leicester City where he enjoyed his greatest success as he helped them to Premier League glory in 2016.PHIL BARDSLEYThe ex-Scotland defender left United for Sunderland at the end of this season and later played for Stoke, Burnley and Stockport.JONNY EVANSThe veteran defender is now back at United after rejoining on a free transfer following an eight-year absence that included spells at West Brom and Leicester.GERARD PIQUEThe Spanish icon won the Euros and World Cup with Spain and everything possible at Barcelona after his move to the Nou Camp in 2008 but he was given a torrid time by Mifsud on this night. JOHN O’SHEAThe versatile Irishman was a huge favourite with Fergie and fans but left in 2011 to join Sunderland and then ended his career at Reading.ANDERSONThe Brazilian spent eight years at United before returning to his homeland, and then he headed to Turkey to finish his career.LEE MARTINAlso played for Rangers and Nottingham Forest on loan before he dropped down the pyramid and ended up in non-league.CHRIS EAGLESLeft for Burnley in 2011 and became a big fave and was equally loved at Bolton before spending the latter years of his career with several clubs in the lower leagues and Scotland.READ MORE SUN STORIESNANIThe Portuguese winger was a first-team regular for years at United after this and still plays as a winger for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.DONG FANG ZHOUThe Chinese forward was simply not good enough to cut it at United and after just a handful of appearances he was shipped out, and following some stints elsewhere in Europe, he finished his career back in his homeland.WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Here’s what the United players from that night are doing now:
      KUSZCZAK
      He was most recently the goalkeeping coach of the Poland national team.
      SIMPSON
      Still plays for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Macclesfield.
      BARDSLEY
      Assistant manager of Macclesfield.
      EVANS
      Back playing for Man Utd under Ten Hag.
      PIQUE
      Retired from football in 2022 and then hit the headlines after splitting with his pop star wife Shakira.
      O’SHEA
      Recently appointed interim manager of the Republic of Ireland.
      ANDERSON 
      Assistant manager of Adana Demirspor in Turkey.
      MARTIN
      Signed for Isthmian League South East Division club Ramsgate at the start of the season.
      EAGLES
      He joined Alcoholics Anonymous in September 2021.
      NANI
      Still playing for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.
      DONGCoaches youngsters back in China after retiring from playing More

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      Arsenal ‘make £39m bid for top Bundesliga centre-back as Gunners move ahead of Liverpool in transfer race’

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      ARSENAL have reportedly tabled a bid for defender Willian Pacho, it’s been claimed.Pacho, 22, has been a shining light for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt this season.Willian Pacho has caught the eye of several teams this seasonCredit: REXAnd the Ecuadorian’s impressive form is said to have caught the attention of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.It was claimed earlier this week that the North Londoners have “inquired about” potentially signing him in the summer.And now Bolavip are claiming the Premier League big boys have tabled a £38million bid for the centre-back.The offer is said to be short of Frankfurt’s valuation of the player, whom they want a minimum of £43m for.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal will likely face competition for the services of the Ecuador international.Prem rivals Liverpool are also said to be interested in bolstering their squad with the youngster – despite Jurgen Klopp’s imminent departure.The Merseysiders, however, have yet to table an offer for his services.Arsenal are said planning on splashing the cash this summer following their disappointing Champions League exit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport revealed that, following their quarter-final heartache against Bayern Munich the brass have sanctioned the strengthening of the team.We revealed how Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are all on the radar.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichSpeaking after the 3-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Arteta said: “At the moment it is a gutted dressing room.”We are very disappointed. We have to go through it.”We tried against a team with a lot of experience. Through the tie, the margins have been very small.”Arsenal will be back in action on Saturday night, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves. More

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      FA Cup confirm major broadcasting change as they respond to furious backlash from EFL clubs and Number 10 wades in

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      THE FA have announced a major broadcasting change in response to the backlash from EFL clubs.Teams outside the Premier League were left furious on Thursday after the latest changes to the competition.The FA have announced a major broadcasting change to the FA CupCredit: APFrom next season, replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards following a deal between the FA and Premier League.The decision was met with criticism from supporters and lower league clubs with concerns over the financial impacts of the decision.Number 10 has also waded into the row.The FA have now confirmed that more matches from the earlier rounds will be broadcast live on TV as a result.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, they said: “To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams.”Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.”Additional changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, played without clashing with Premier League matches.Meanwhile, the fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday and the final has been moved to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.Most read in FootballThe statement continues: “The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      “This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.”We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision”We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.”Number 10 has also joined the growing row, saying: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities. But clearly its incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interest of fans.” More

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      Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans “don’t deserve” their superstar team according to one particularly passionate Real Madrid fan.The Cityzens were knocked out of the Champions League by Madrid on Wednesday night on penalties after a tightly fought 4-4 aggregate draw.One Real Madrid fan took aim at Manchester City fans after their Champions League clash on WednesdayCredit: TikTok @olyan15kMan City suffered penalty heartbreak to exit the competition in the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyReal Madrid showed their experience in the competition to prevailCredit: GettyThe quarter-final heartbreak was made worse when one Real Madrid supporter went viral for his controversial opinions on the Man City supporters inside the Etihad Stadium.The fan made his thoughts clear as he suggested the City support was silent and claimed that the fans don’t deserve the wealth of talent that they have in their ranks.He said: “Let me tell you something. City don’t deserve this amazing team because the supporters…” before mimicking a zip across his mouth to suggest the fans are quiet.He went on to add: “They cannot be like that. You give this team to [Manchester] United and see how excited they will be to see these kind of guys playing every single weekend.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Madrid-mad fan continued his rant as he explained that he believes Man City’s lack of support is the reason they are not considered to be one of Europe’s biggest clubs by many.He explained: “The City supporters… they will realise why they are not as big a team as Real Madrid, or Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus, even Barcelona as well.”We show we are the big team in Europe and in the world so maybe in the future you will realise how big Real Madrid is as well. Thank you very much.”The passion-fuelled monologue wasn’t the only finger pointing at Man City fans on the night that their back-to-back treble dreams came to a halt.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTNT Sports pundits and ex-pros Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lecott also suggested that the fans were to blame for Bernardo Silva’s missed penalty.The Portuguese midfielder tried to drink his spot kick down the middle only for Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin to stay put and comfortably save it.Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty winAnd Ferdinand and Lescott pointed towards the City fans holding on to the ball for around 40 seconds before the penalty as the reason Bernardo Silva was unable to convert.Former City defender Lescott said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.”You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?”Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”Before Man Utd legend Ferdinand chimed in saying: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s no time to dwell on their European exit for City as they have a quick turnaround for their FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.And it doesn’t end there either, with Pep Guardiola’s side just two points clear at the top of the Premier League table and a run of six fixtures standing between them and a fourth consecutive league title.Pep Guardiola and his side must lift their heads and focus on the FA Cup and Premier League nowCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty win

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      REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham went wild with fans as he chanted in Spanish after a stunning Champions League triumph over Manchester City.Real punched their ticket to the semi-finals on Wednesday after beating City 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham went wild with the crowd after beating Manchester CityCredit: RexBellingham chanted in Spanish with the rest of the travelling Real Madrid fansCredit: ReutersBellingham helped Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League semi-finalsBellingham, 20, helped Los Blancos set sail for their 15th European title as his spot kick was on target.And the star midfielder broke out into passionate celebrations after his team-mate Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial penalty while Anriy Lunin denied both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.The camera caught a number of Real stars, such as Rudiger and Rodrygo, climbing over the barriers and hugging travelling fans.Bellingham followed suit and joined the crowd in singing one of the club’s most famous chants.Read More on FootballA clip on TikTok showed the England international belt out: “Asi, Asi, Asi gana el Madrid (Like this, like this, like this Madrid always win!)”Bellingham has shown once more he has adjusted perfectly to his new life at the Santiago Bernabeu ever since his British record £115million move from Borussia Dortmund only last summer.The ex-Birmingham star has amassed a whopping total of 20 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances.And the versatile midfielder is so happy at Real he insists his move to the Spanish giants was a “no brainer”.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players. Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants “I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.” More