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      ‘If we don’t win the league I’ll f***ing blame you’ – Arne Slot’s furious derby rant at Michael Oliver revealed in full

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      ARNE Slot told referee Michael Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him if Liverpool did not win the league in a four-letter torrent of abuse after last month’s Merseyside derby.Reds boss Slot was handed a two-match ban and fined £70,000 for his meltdown after the 2-2 Goodison draw.Arne Slot had some choice words for Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derbyCredit: GETTYThe Dutchman was given a red card and subsequently slapped with a two-match banCredit: GETTYThe FA have revealed the full written reasons for Slot’s punishmentCredit: REUTERSAnd the FA has now published the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot, his assistant Sipke Hulshoff and BOTH clubs after incidents sparked by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time equaliser celebrations.The three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’ Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArne Slot said he’d blame Michael Oliver that he’d blame him if Liverpool didn’t win the leagueCredit: GettySlot will be suspended for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Southampton on SaturdayCredit: REUTERS”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal fusillade.Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban The commission said: “Hulshoff is alleged to have entered the field of play following the full-time whistle to confront the referee in an ‘extremely aggressive manner.’“It is alleged he said the referee was ‘f*****g’ s**t’ and ‘gave them everything’ and he was a ‘f****** disgrace.’“We are advised that the referee attempts to remove himself from the situation to deal with the dismissals of Jones and Doucoure but Hulshoff continues to follow him and is eventually restrained by colleagues, but continues to shout ‘f****** shit.’ “He was also shown a red card by the Referee and dismissed.”While both Slot and Hulshoff admitted their misconduct charges, the manager “disputed” Oliver’s version of events.He claimed he had actually said: “If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that” but conceded his actions were “unacceptable”.But the panel determined it was “more likely than not” that Oliver’s recall was correct, pointing out that Slot was a “role model” who “should be exercising good discipline both on and off the pitch, and setting an example to his players”.The commission, headed by leading sports solicitor Laura McCallum, accepted that the last Merseyside derby at Goodison before Everton’s move to their new home at Bramley Moore Dock had taken place in an “emotional atmosphere both on and off the pitch.”It condemned Doucoure for his response to the final whistle, which ended in an angry altercation involving Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, players from both sides, police and stewards.Both Doucoure and Jones were handed second yellow cards and dismissed and the commission ruled: “Instead of celebrating with his teammates or indeed his own supporters, Doucoure chooses to run 20-25 yards and goad the Liverpool support. “We consider that that was inflammatory in itself and but for that action, the mass confrontation may have been avoided. “Equally, Curtis Jones’ actions in response were aggressive and disproportionate. Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s red cards sparked pandemoniumCredit: PAA mass melee ensued, which ressulted in both clubs being fined for failing to control their playersCredit: PA“Once Doucoure and Jones come together, Doucoure is supported by two other Everton players. “Instead of pulling him away, they appear to back him up aggressively so it becomes three against one. “This causes the confrontation to spiral with more and more players running into the melee, with involvement then from police officers and stewards.”Both clubs argued for the “standard penalty” of £20,000 for failing to control their players, but Everton were fined £65,000 and Liverpool £50,000.Slot initially refused to divulge details of his interaction with Oliver after the match but admitted he’d overstepped the mark.He said: “The emotions got the better of me. If I could [do] it differently, I would love to. I would hope to do it differently next time. “There were many things that happened in extra-time that led me to being emotional.”But there is a process now which I have to respect so I won’t go into details.”There was a VAR check and then five minutes of extra-time ended up as eight minutes, a lot of things happened that led me to be emotional.”But it wouldn’t be smart to go into every incident.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot’s ban saw him miss the Reds’ 2-0 win over Newcastle United last Wednesday.The suspension will also see the 46-year-old miss Saturday’s visit of Championship-bound Southampton. More

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      Gary Lineker calls for major FA Cup rule change after Man Utd’s defeat to Fulham and Alan Shearer is ‘all for it’

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      GARY LINEKER has called for the FA to scrap extra-time in the FA Cup following Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham on Sunday.Lineker, 64, called for the major change after United and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw that saw over an hour of goalless football lead to a penalty shootout success for the Cottagers. Gary Lineker has called for extra-time to be scrapped in the FA CupCredit: AlamyThe claims come after Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by FulhamCredit: APLineker labelled the clash as “bad” as he suggested that penalties are often more exciting than the extra-time that precedes it.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “We’ve argued many times, just get rid of extra time. Just go to penalties. It makes so much sense.”Particularly with the amount of football teams are playing now, the amount of injuries we’re getting. Just play 90 minutes, then settle it on penalties. “Because once it goes to extra time, the vast majority of us are thinking, particularly when it’s as bad as it was last night [Man Utd vs Fulham], you’re just thinking ‘come on, penalty shootout, a bit of excitement’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFellow podcast host and England icon Alan Shearer was in full agreement with Lineker too.He added: “Straight to penalties, I’m all for that.”The FA Cup already saw replays scrapped after the first round at the start of this season, meaning clubs lower down the football pyramid lose their shot at lucrative repeat fixtures.So much so that the EFL urged the FA to “re-evaluate their approach” before the season began, claiming clubs are being “marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid”.Most read in FootballAlan Shearer echoed Lineker’s sentiment on extra-timeCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, ditching extra-time alongside the replays could give smaller teams a better chance of advancing with the lottery of spot-kicks somewhat levelling the playing field.Lineker spoke out on that issue earlier in the season after Tottenham edged past non-league Tamworth in extra-time.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary LinekerSpeaking back in January, he said: “We still have extra-time. Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra-time.”Because otherwise, it really favours the strong teams.”Because they’ve got bigger squads, and they can put on their best players in extra-time like Spurs did. And they went on to win.”Of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties that took place last week, four of them went to extra time, with three being decided via penalty shootouts.FA Cup replays after the first round have already been axedCredit: Reuters More

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      Moment Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe floors porn star girlfriend Teanna Trump in playfight

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      NICOLAS PEPE sensationally floored his pornstar girlfriend during a light-hearted play fight.Arsenal’s former record signing, who is now plying his trade in Spain with Villarreal, began dating the American adult actress in early 2024.Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has been dating adult star Teanna TrumpCredit: ReutersThe couple started dating in 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM@IMTEANNAThe couple recently had a playfight outsideCredit: XPepe floored his other half with a perfectly-timed sweepCredit: XTheir relationship was the subject of intense speculation prior to Trump – who entered the adult industry aged 18 – confirming it late last year.Pepe and Trump have looked like the picture of happiness since the world learned of their relationship, which clearly has a playful aspect to it.Footage emerged this week of the couple having a playful sparring session outside.Trump threw several low kicks the way of a topless Pepe, who effortlessly blocked them.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd he ended up flooring his other half with a beautifully timed sweep that a Muay Thai fighter would have been proud of.The cameraman was left in stitches, as was Pepe.Trump saw the funny side of her tumble, laughing before getting back to her feet and resuming the playfighting.The clip went viral on X and received a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom said: “They look happy together.”Most read in FootballTeanna Trump entered the adult industry at age of 18Credit: GettyShe has a large following on social media and several other websitesCredit: GettyAnother said: “She needs more practice.”And another said: “Them legs dangerous.”Former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump after cryptic relationship hintsOne remarked: “They’re having a nice time together.”Another chimed in: “Damn bro kickin s**t for real.”Ivory Coast international Pepe has bounced around from club to club over the last two-and-a-half years.He departed Arsenal on a free in September 2023 following the termination of his contract at the Emirates.He joined Villarreal last August and has scored one goal and provided two assists in 17 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.Nicolas Pepe is now plying his trade in Spain with VillarrealCredit: GETTY More

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      Chelsea files: Why Maresca’s tactical rethink is bearing fruit and how club’s top priority will be made clear this week

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      IT’S been another eventful season down the King’s Road.Having flirted with the title race, Enzo Maresca’s men are now fighting tooth and nail for Champions League qualification while also competing in Europe.Enzo Maresca’s side are fighting for European qualificationCredit: RexThe Blues thumped Southampton 4-0 last weekCredit: GettyStarting today, only on Sun Club, our team of experts will bring you the inside track on Stamford Bridge goings on every week.TO THE LEFTEXPECT TO see Enzo Maresca dressing more to the left from now on.Chelsea’s astute manager is being tipped to have a tactical rethink as the fashion for inverted full backs grips the Premier League.And once-maligned left-back Marc Cucurella is at the heart of the Italian’s remodelling as he looks to make his team a more potent force at both ends of the pitch.For some time Chelsea would drag whoever was playing right-back into the midfield to add weight to attacks.That would be mainly Malo Gusto or when fit club captain Reece James.  But Maresca has been fine-tuning Cucurella to do it from the opposite flank and senior staff at the training ground are noticing.Cucurella has risen to the manager’s challenge and now has three Premier League goals this season as a result. James has just one and Gusto none in comparison.The added bonus of employing Cucu in this way means the defence shifts left and not right – which seems to suit everyone.In the case of the last game – the 4-0 drubbing of Southampton in which Cucurella scored the final goal – it meant Levi Colwill could move left and allow Tosin to occupy the centre-back role.This made for an entirely more comfortable night all round and the tactical tweak looks set to stay.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists that Cole Palmer is a happy player THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTSCOLE Palmer’s role when Chelsea resume their Conference League campaign on Thursday will be a clear sign of Enzo Maresca’s priorities.The England star was omitted from the 25-man squad for the group phase of the competition before Christmas.That allowed him some rest through the autumn and early winter demands and was rewarded by a series of stellar displays.Chelsea were unbeaten in their eight matches immediately following European games and were second in the Premier League at the conclusion of the initial Conference League stage in December.But Palmer has played all 12 matches since then, scoring just three goals and adding no assists after 11 goals and six assists up to that point.The former Manchester City man was added to the Blues squad for the knock-out stage.But with Chelsea expected to negotiate last 16 opponents Copenhagen, leaving him out of the starting side would be a signal that a top four finish is the bigger goal than Europe’s third competition.However selecting him for Thursday’s game would signal that Maresca buys into the philosophy that Chelsea need to start winning trophies again.Cole Palmer will be hoping to rediscover his very best formCredit: GettyDJORD DROPPINGONE of Enzo Maresca’s biggest headaches this season has been in goal.Neither Robert Sanchez or summer signing Filip Jorgensen have managed to step up and grab the No1 spot for themselves.Meanwhile, at sister club Strasbourg last season’s No1 is making quite the impact.Djordje Petrovic, sent on loan to improve his ability on the ball, has kept four straight clean sheets and boss Liam Rosenior has touted him for a big future.Rosenior said: “Petrovic is getting better by the day. It’s very important in our game system.”He is only 25 years old and will become a great player.”Maresca may find that the Serbian is a cheap solution to a big problem this summer.Djordje Petrovic has impressed for Strasbourg this seasonCredit: AFPEXTENDING AN ARMARMANDO Broja has had a lot of luck during his career – most of it bad.The 23-year-old striker is currently injured on his latest loan at Everton. He moved there last September after an equally disappointing temporary move to Fulham where he barely played.The Albanian also spent nearly a year on the sidelines between December 2022 and September 2023 after tearing knee ligaments.But there is still hope he can make a go of it on Merseyside.Everton boss David Moyes has told staff at the club that he does not want to make any decisions on Broja’s future – short or long term – until he has actually seen him play.Broja may just be back in time to feature at the end of this season and get the chance to seal a permanent move away from Chelsea in the summer.Armando Broja has endured a luckless spell at EvertonCredit: GettySOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUTTODD BOEHLY’S state of the nation address regarding Chelsea last week has been met with a resigned shrug of the shoulders by many fans.In the wake of a pre-match protest taking aim at his near three year involvement in the club, many were hoping for stronger words from the American who jointly led the takeover at Stamford Bridge alongside now estranged business partner Behdad Eghbali.Around 150 diehards took to the streets outside Stamford Bridge last Tuesday to voice their displeasure. At what exactly is just as big a talking point among the fanbase, with some believing their fellow Blues may have become a bit too used to glittery success over the years.Even so, speaking some days after at the suitably thrill-a-minute sounding FT Business of Football Summit, Boehly conceded ‘criticism is par for the course’ and once you get your head around that ‘it brings freedom’. That’s neither fight nor flight.The wet-lettuce words may well have done the trick though. It appears there are no plans yet for further demos. Maybe because Boehly’s inert sermon made up of American-ese business inspired babble has snuffed the life out of the anti-Todd brigade like two damp fingers pinching a small candle flame.One prominent fans figure at The Bridge told SunSport: “There is too much entitlement and revisionment. We haven’t challenged for the title since Antonio Conte was manager.“Chelsea is a business now, not a toy. It’s very different now to life under Roman Abramovich and that change is hard for some to accept.”The knot of fans who gathered outside the gates to Chelsea’s home ground last week chanted for their former owner, now sanctioned by the UK Government over his links to Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin.They also sang for former bosses Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel. Conte’s name was skipped even though he is the last manager to win the Premier League for the club.It’s healthy for fans to hold their club’s owners to account but having spent £1billion plus on players and with Chelsea still sitting inside the top eight on the night of the protest, there is a feeling among more ‘experienced’ followers of the club that the younger, more recent arrivals need to get a grip.Chelsea supporters protested outside Stamford Bridge last weekCredit: EPAHOME AND AWAYBOEHLY is finding out the hard way that developing the Blues’ home is a much harder task than it was with his Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.Despite MLB sides playing 81 home games in the regular season, there are no matches between October and March.That is in stark contrast with a Premier League campaign running from the start of August to the end of May and Boehly conceded: “The thing you learn about football is how little down-time there is.“When we renovated Dodger Stadium, we had a lot more time to affect change than in the football season. There’s a lot less down-time and that makes it a little harder.”Former owner Roman Abramovich pulled the plug on a planned £1bn revamp of the Bridge, Chelsea’s home since 1905, in 2018 after he was refused an extension on his special “investor” visa.That came after proposals to potentially move to sites at Old Oak Common near Wormwood Scrubs, Earls Court and Battersea Power Station were dropped.One extra complication is that the freehold of the Bridge playing surface is owned by the Chelsea Pitch Owners, who can prevent the club using the name “Chelsea” if a move takes place without their consent.But Boehly appears to feel either a move or a major rebuild is both necessary and inevitable – even if it means Chelsea having to play FOUR seasons or more away from SW6. He added: “If you think about what ultimately the drivers are, of building a self-sustaining, very competitive club, figuring how to increase revenues is part and parcel of success.“So you have to be very mindful of how you continue to do that.”Todd Boehly has spoken about Chelsea’s potential stadium renovationCredit: GettyWIN-WIN DEALCOLE PALMER’S move to Stamford Bridge was win-win for both Chelsea and Manchester City – according to the man at the heart of the £40m deal.Palmer has scored 39 games in just 75 games for the Blues since his switch.And long-standing agent Frank Trimboli, who brokered the move, recalled: “When it came to the Palmer deal, Manchester City understood the value of the player but they had a lot of players that they could use and play.“So they also knew his future value would be high and given the amount of football Cole had played for City it was still a high number.“There were people at Chelsea who had previously worked at City, so they knew what they were buying and credit to Chelsea because they were willing to put the money on the table.“And 18 months after the deal, that £40m looks like money well spent.”Cole Palmer has been a smash hit at ChelseaCredit: GettyTOOTH ACHEFRANK LAMPARD still feels the pain from the ‘kick in the teeth’ when Chelsea sacked him.Even though the club’s legendary midfielder and former boss is now flying high with promotion chasing Coventry – it still hurts.Lampard was hired and fired by Cheslea’s former owner Roman Abramovich within 18 months – getting the chop in January 2021 to make way for Thomas Tuchel.  Lampard said: “In this job you understand that you will get some kicks in the teeth.”I went in at Chelsea and was loving doing my job there, at a club that I clearly love.”And when you lose your job – it’s the first time I lost my job – it’s a difficult moment and you have your own feelings about that, which I had and still have. “So, kicks in the teeth, unfortunately feel harsh at the time. “And when you look back, you understand that they’re part of life and they mould your future.”Frank Lampard managerial stats2018-2019 – Derby County P 57 W 24 D 17 L 16 2019-2021 – Chelsea P 84 W 44 D 17 L 232022-2023 – Everton P 44 W 12 D 8 L 242023 – Chelsea (caretaker) P 11 W 1 D 2 L 82024-present – Coventry City P 20 W 12 D 3 L 5Frank Lampard has enjoyed a return to form at CoventryCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League star Jason McAteer, 53, breaks down as he bravely opens up on battle with depression

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      JASON MCATEER has bravely opened up on his battle with depression – admitting he contemplated taking his own life.The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in 2007 following a three-year stint with Tranmere Rovers.Jason McAteer has bravely opened up on his battle with depression following his retirementCredit: BEIN SPORTSMcAteer had a 15-year professional career, in which he made over 100 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: GETTYMcAteer retired from football in 2007 following a stint with Tranmere RoversCredit: PAAdjusting to life after football, as it is for many former players, has proven difficult for McAteer – who often works as a pundit.But the sporadic nature of the work left him without a sense of “purpose” in his life, which he once contemplated ending while en-route to pick up his son.During an appearance on beIN SPORTS’ Tales, Tears and Trophies podcast, an emotional and teary-eyed McAteer recalled: “I just had no purpose, mate, it was no structure.”The TV stuff, I mean I wasn’t working every day of the week. It would be like maybe one show a week or maybe two shows a week. READ MORE IN SPORT”It was very sporadic. Days and days and days with nothing to do, yeah.”I got to the tunnel, that tunnel between the Wirral and Liverpool.”My child, who I was keeping this relationship with under difficult circumstances, lived on the other side of this tunnel.”And I was driving through the tunnel, and it upsets me because it takes me back to this moment because I can feel it.Most read in FootballIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.An emotional Jason McAteer shed a tear as he recalled his battle with depressionCredit: BEIN SPORTS”And as you go out the daylight into the tunnel light, it’s like this kind of light. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m just going to swing the car here and just end it.’ That’s how easy it is.”McAteer, 53, fought with every ounce of his being to not let the dark thoughts in his mind prevail and take his own life.He continued: “I was fighting myself not to do it, fighting going, ‘Do it, do it, do it, do it do it.’ And I’d be like, ‘No. Do it. No’.”And I’d be fighting the steering wheel and I remember coming towards the end of the tunnel and it was like the daylight was opening up.”And I remember coming out the tunnel thinking, ‘Thank God. Just thank God’.”And I went to get my little boy, because I always used to take him to the pictures. I took him to the pictures and I drove home.”Jason McAteer has struggled to fill the void football has left in his lifeCredit: GETTYMcAteer was overcome by a wave of emotion shortly afterwards and bravely opened up to his mum on her doorstep.He said: “I got to my mum’s, my mum lived 10 minutes around the corner.”And I knocked on a door and I remember just saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore. ‘That’s it, that’s it.’ And I was just at that point.”A visibly emotional McAteer then broke down as he said: “It was tough. Just like everything had gone – I don’t half miss it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I miss – I miss everything about playing. I miss it. Yeah, I just miss it.”Just like running, just running out, just running out, just free on a footy pitch. No problems.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season with two players tipped for huge transfers

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      REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.Los Blancos are reportedly tracking both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.Jude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was approached by Madrid in JanuaryCredit: GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam WhartonCredit: GettyThree Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.He has since gone on to become an England standout, helping Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euros final last season.Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGood pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window.He is out of contract in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on a move for the full-back. Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonMadrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.Wharton is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month, alongside Bellingham.Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. 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, 2024Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.He would cost in the region of £70m, per ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack. More

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      Ex-Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy, 47, lands new manager job months after he was let go from Ten Hag’s staff

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      FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has landed a huge new job after being let go by the Red Devils last summer.McCarthy, 47, worked under Erik ten Hag for two years at Old Trafford before leaving the club during a coaching shakeup last summer.Benni McCarthy has been named as the new manager of the Kenya National TeamCredit: GettyNow the former Blackburn and Porto striker is taking his first steps into international management after being named as the new boss of Kenya.McCarthy has penned a two-year deal with the Harambee Stars, securing his position in charge of the side for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.Prior to his stint as a coach at Man Utd, McCarthy held two management roles with first division South African sides AmaZulu FC and Cape Town City.The retired bagsman represented South Africa 80 times as a player, playing in both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and is the nation’s top goalscorer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow he is aiming to get Kenya to the World Cup in 2026, hoping to take the nation to the world’s biggest stage for the first time in their history.He told the BBC: “Participating in the World Cup, it is one of the most special feelings in the world and I want to give them that.”With the right mindset and dedication from the players, and the willingness to learn and willingness to give everything they’ve got for the course,”I think we can surprise a lot of people by still qualifying for the World Cup.”Most read in FootballBenni McCarthy’s careerA brief look into Benni McCarthy’s career so far…Playing Career1996 – 1997: Seven Stars1996 – 1997: Cape Town Spurs (loan)1997 – 1999: Ajax1999 – 2003: Celta Vigo2003 – 2006: Porto2006 – 2010: Blackburn Rovers2010 – 2011: West Ham2011 – 2013: Orlando PiratesCoaching Career2015 – 2016: Sint-Truiden (Assistant Manager)2017 – 2019: Cape Town City (Manager)2020 – 2022: AmaZulu FC (Manager)2022 – 2024: Manchester United (Forward Coach)2025 – present: Kenya National Team (Manager)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKenya are currently fourth in their six-team Group F for qualification to the 2026 tournament in North America.They sit some five points of leaders Ivory Coast, with only the group winners qualifying automatically for the tournament, and the best four runners-up given another chance in the playoffs.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian matches Neymar record as he scores stunner for Palmeiras

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Estevao Willian matched an incredible record set by Brazil legend Neymar after scoring a stunner for Palmeiras.Estevao, 17, is rated as one of world football’s top young talents.Estevao Willian has matched a record set 15 years ago by NeymarCredit: GettyThe future Chelsea star hit a wonderstrike for PalmeirasCredit: GettyHe’s scored 20 senior goals for top Samba side Palmeiras since making his debut in 2023.Estevao, nicknamed “Messinho” in his homeland, has already landed a league title and cup with his side.And he even has four Brazil caps to his name after making his debut against Ecuador in September.But now Estevao is set to become the latest exciting talent to join Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe agreed a long-term deal with the Blues last summer for an initial £28million fee, potentially rising to £47m with add-ons.And with Estevao turning 18 years old next month, he will finally link up with Enzo Maresca’s side for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.Chelsea fans are already excited at the prospect of adding Estevao to an attack featuring the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.But they could have an even bigger gem on their hands after the teen shattered a 15-year-old record previously set by Neymar.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe veteran forward, now at Santos after leaving Saudi side Al-Hilal, reached a combined 30 goals and assists before the age of 18 in 2010.And Estevao’s latest goal saw him become the first Brazilian to match that feat after netting a howitzer in Palmeiras’ 3-0 win at Sao Bernardo.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Neymar was the first Brazilian under the age of 18 to bag 30 goal contributionsCredit: GettyThe left-footer picked up the ball from wide before drifting inside the field.As the goal opened up, he unleashed a rocket of a shot that zipped past the opposition goalie in lightning speed.Estevao’s strike sent the crowd wild, as well as the commentators.But his night was not over as the youngster bagged a second goal on the stroke of half-time.Chelsea fans are excited for Estevao to bang in similar strikes at Stamford Bridge.One said: “Shaping up to be the future of the right wing in the Premier League.”Another declared: “He is the next Neymar.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Phenomenon.”Another added: “Chelsea have a gem on their hands.” More