Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares27 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea coach QUITS after 18 years at club to join Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up

      by

      HENRIQUE HILARIO is set to end 18 years with Chelsea by leaving to join Thomas Tuchel at England.The goalkeeper signed for the Blues in 2006 as third-choice behind Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini.Henrique Hilario will leave as Chelsea goalkeeping coach to join EnglandCredit: GettyHilario provided back-up for Chelsea stoppersCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd he spent almost a decade providing back-up before retiring in 2014 having been part of Premier League and Champions League-winning sides.Two years after hanging up his gloves, Hilario returned to Chelsea under Antonio Conte as assistant goalkeeping coach. He was then promoted two years later by Maurizio Sarri and remained in that role – under Tuchel too. But the German manager – who succeeds Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss – will take Hilario with him to Wembley. READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport revealed in November how Tuchel plotted a swoop for his former keeping coach.The FA officially announced the out-of-work German as Gareth Southgate’s successor in October.But he won’t take charge of the Three Lions – who he’s signed an 18-month deal with – until January 1.Tuchel, 51, is using the time off to get his backroom team in place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe’s also convinced Chelsea’s current performance analyst James Melbourne to join him.Hilario and Melbourne will be welcomed by a familiar face in former Blues coach Anthony Barry, who Tuchel has installed as his No2.’Why should a player have to be from a country and not the manager’ says Wenger as he questions Tuchel as England boss More

    • 238 Shares25 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola ‘has no relegation break clause’ in new Man City contract despite threat of punishment over 115 charges

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has reportedly agreed to extend his stay at Manchester City.But his new contract does not include a break clause if City are relegated as punishment for the 115 financial charges tabled against them, according to The Guardian.Pep Guardiola’s contract does not include a relegation break clauseCredit: PAGuardiola, 53, is understood to have agreed to extend his stay at the Etihad by a further year until 2026.However there is no agreement in the deal for the Spaniard to simply walk away if City are relegated.City are involved in a court battle with the Premier League over their alleged financial crimes, with the club denying all allegations.Guardiola insisted he was looking forward to the beginning of the trial, despite one possible consequence being City’s expulsion from all domestic competitions. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, SunSport understands that it is unlikely that that the Cityzens would be dumped from all competitions despite the rules allowing for it to happen.But it has been reported that a one-off points deduction is not seen as “sufficient punishment” for City if they are found guilty of their alleged breaches.Relegation remains a potential option and Guardiola was defiant when asked about the possibility of dropping to the lower leagues.Asked if he would consider his position if City were relegated, he replied: “I will answer when I have the sentence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You are questioning like we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved. I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it.“But absolutely I will not consider my future [if] it depends on being here [Premier League] or being in League One. Absolutely. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir? More

    • 225 Shares14 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona BLOCKED from moving into £1.25billion stadium due to little-known rule as return to Nou Camp is postponed

      by

      BARCELONA’S return to the Nou Camp has been DELAYED due to a little-known Uefa rule.The Spanish giants have spent the last 18 months playing at the Estadio Olimpico while a £1.25billion renovation is carried out on their home ground.Barcelona’s Nou Camp has undergone a £1.25billion renovationCredit: RexThe club had hoped to return to their home ground before the end of 2024Credit: FC BarcelonaHansi Flick’s side sit top of the LaLiga table after a superb startCredit: GettyThe development includes increasing capacity from 99,000 to 104,000, as well as the additions of a roof, luxury bar and new escalators.Barcelona had hoped to move back to the Nou Camp before the end of the year.However, Uefa rules dictate clubs cannot change stadiums before the end of the league phase of the Champions League.It means Barcelona would either have had to play league matches at the Nou Camp and European games at the Estadio Olimpico – or push back the move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, in an email to season-ticket holders who had requested a pass to the Nou Camp for the second half of the season, Barcelona have confirmed they will not return until at least mid-February.They said this is because of “Uefa regulations that prevent changing stadiums during the initial phase of the Champions League and the logistical difficulties and extra costs involved in maintaining two large-capacity facilities operating at the same time”.The date change means games against Valencia, Alaves and Atalanta will now take place at the Estadio Olimpico.According to Mundo Deportivo, the first game back at the Nou Camp could either be a LaLiga clash with Rayo Vallecano on February 16 or a Champions League play-off round fixture.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarcelona released virtual images in September of how the ground will look once finishedCredit: FC BarcelonaBut they will not return to the Nou Camp until at least mid-FebruaryCredit: FC BarcelonaBarcelona will discount the price of the passes to account for the matches moved from the Nou Camp to the Estadio Olimpico – the Valencia and Alaves games.The Atalanta clash was already included in the Estadio Olimpico pass.Wojciech Szczęsny spotted ‘smoking cigarette’ in Real Madrid changing rooms after Barcelona’s El Clasico winVirtual images were released on the website Espai Barcelona in September showing how the ground will look once completed.A summary of the development read: “A space where anything is possible, a place to experience new ways of enjoying sport and entertainment, strengthening inclusion and integration with the neighbourhood.”An innovative and groundbreaking project.”A far-reaching improvement to boost the club’s growth, ensure new sources of income, and secure the future of the organisation.”The stadium improvements are set to earn Barcelona £25m more in revenue each year.Barcelona sit top of the LaLiga table, six points clear of Real Madrid having played one game more.In the Champions League, they have won three of their four matches and occupy sixth place in the table, meaning as it stands they will qualify automatically for the last-16. More

    • 238 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City chief slams ‘awful’ transfer window after Treble as stars either wanted more money or were ‘p***ed off’

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY’S historic Treble led to one of their most troubling transfer windows ever, club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed.City matched the historic feat oftheir bitter rivals Manchester United in the 2022/23 season by winning the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League.Manchester City won a historic Treble in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: GETTYBut club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed the historic season led to a summer of turmoilCredit: GettyBut their success, according to Begiristain, prompted a slew of players – some of whom left the Etihad the following summer – to lay down ultimatums to the club.The Spaniard – who is set to leave at the end of the season – said in the soon-to-released Together: 4 in a Row documentary: “The transfer window was a bit awful.”At least for me. After winning the Treble, everyone was confused.”The protagonists from those trophies were thinking they should get more or new contracts and take the opportunities.READ MORE ON CITY”And the ones who didn’t play in finals were p***ed off and trying to get out from the club.”Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gundogan would all leave the Etihad in the months that followed City’s Treble.And the club broke their wage structure in order to stop skipper Kyle Walker from joining German giants Bayern Munich.The slew of departures, however, didn’t stop City from winning a historic fourth Premier League title on the trot last season in what was set to be manager Pep Guardiola’s penultimate season with the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.But the Spaniard is said to be on the verge of inking a new deal with the Citizens.It’s claimed Guardiola, who was on the FA’s shortlist of candidates to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, is on course to sign a new one-year extension at Eastlands.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal Manchester City will be back in action on Saturday evening, welcoming Tottenham to the Etihad. More

    • 263 Shares15 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awards

      by

      COLE PALMER had fans in stitches as he quickly shut down Amelia Dimoldenberg in a cheeky interview.The pair met on the red carpet at GQ’s Men of the Year awards.Cole Palmer and Amelia Dimoldenberg had an interesting exchange on the red carpetCredit: X @BritishGQPalmer had a cheeky retort for one tricky questionCredit: X @BritishGQAnd Palmer put his interviewer on the spot with some clever retorts, comfortably dealing with Amelia’s trademark awkward style.He was asked a string of questions from his potential to be a pundit to whether he would rather score an own goal or be substituted in the first half.Palmer, 22, manoeuvred each question with composure before turning things back around on Amelia, after she asked whether he would score a bicycle kick or a goal from his own half.The Chelsea star replied saying: “It’s tough I don’t know. I feel a bicycle kick is harder.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmelia interjected, saying: “I could probably do both.””You couldn’t”, Palmer hit back immediately, before adding: “I can’t really do a bicycle kick though.”Fans loved the reaction with some suggesting it is another example of ‘Cold Palmer’ in action.One fan said: “You couldn’t”🧊🥶”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Haha classic Cole Palmer response 🤣”A third wrote: “Did cole palmer kinda keep up with Amelia… whaaat.”Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ More

    • 225 Shares15 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League prodigy jailed for stabbing teen with Rambo knife after turning to crime when footie career flopped

      by

      A FORMER Premier League prodigy has been jailed for stabbing a teen with a Rambo knife after turning to crime when his career flopped.Causso Darame left 19-year-old Ronnie Evans partially paralysed with “life-changing injuries” after attacking him in a “vicious” robbery.Causso Darame stabbed a teen in a violent robberyCredit: SolentDarame slipped into a life of crime when his contract was terminatedCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old, who was signed by Swansea City FC when they were in the Premier League, stole the teen’s neck chain and bracelet.Darame has now been jailed for four years and four months after he admitted robbery and possession of a knife.Portsmouth Crown Court heard the horror unfolded in the early hours of May 12 last year near Ken’s Fried Chicken restaurant.Ronnie was with a pal when he clocked Darame, who had a large, Rambo-style hunting knife.Read more newsThe court was told the pair “became aware” of the failed winger behind them.As they began to run, Darame yelled after them: “I’m going to catch you, and when I catch you, I’m going to kill you.”The thug then knifed Ronnie in the leg and snatched his jewellery before fleeing.Ronnie suffered a huge amount of blood loss after two of his major nerves were severed.Most read in FootballProsecutor Paul Fairley said: “Luckily, as far as everyone in the case was concerned, the knife missed by a few millimetres the major blood vessels in his leg.”In a victim impact statement, Ronnie said he has been left with paralysis from the knee down – meaning he cannot walk without a splint on his foot.As a result, he has been unable to continue his work as an apprentice electrician and can no longer play tennis to a high level like he used to.The court was told Darame was given a youth contract with Swansea City FC from the age of 15.The footballer, who once compared himself to Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, was then handed two-year professional contract when he turned 18.His lawyer Daniel Reilly said he felt like a failure when his contract was terminated and began mixing with drug dealers after “struggling to cope”.Sentencing, Judge Daniel Neill said Darame’s actions had changed the life of a man “in the prime of his youth”.He added: “You had hoped to become a professional footballer, it didn’t work out.”Many dreams don’t work out, many ambitions.”By the time that your professional football contract sponsorship came to an end, you had a partner and a newborn child you felt you were failing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn August last year, Darame was sentenced to 28 months in prison after police found him with £1,000 worth of heroin and cocaine.At the time, the court heard he turned to drug-dealing to make money because he refused to accept unemployment benefits. More

    • 163 Shares24 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff: Who are the coaches working alongside Man Utd boss?

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM is the sixth permanent manager Manchester United have appointed since club icon Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.The young Portugese coach follows David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.Ruben Amorim joined Manchester United in November 2024Credit: GettyAmorim is highly thought of in the world of football after a very successful tenure at Sporting.In his first full season at the club, he guided the Portugese giants to a domestic double, including their first league title in 19 years.Sporting only suffered one defeat in Liga Portugal all campaign, which came on the penultimate weekend after they had already become champions.The season before Amorim joined Man Utd, he led the Lisbon club to a second league title in four years, developing some of the hottest talents in Europe, including goal machine Viktor Gyokores.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 39-year-old will be hoping he can replicate his success at Sporting in Manchester and end the post-Sir Alex Ferguson struggles at the club.But who has Amorim brought along for the journey at the Red Devils?Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd backroom staffRuben Amorim has brought SIX members of his Sporting backroom staff to Man Utd.All six worked alongside the Man Utd boss during his four-year spell at the Portugese giants.Most read in FootballCarlos Fernandes is Ruben Amorim’s assistant at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyCarlos Fernandes will be Amorim’s assistant head coach, the same job he occupied while working in Lisbon.The 30-year-old first linked up with the Red Devils gaffer at Casa Pia in 2018 – and the two have worked alongside each other since.In addition to Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro join Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson as Man Utd first-team coaches.Jorge Vital takes up the role of first-team goalkeeper coach – and will be assisted by Craig Mawson – while Paulo Barreira arrives as physical performance coach.Amorim has also brought 39-year-old analyst Eduardo Rosalino with him from Sporting. More

    • 275 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s got to be the man, surely’ – Jeff Stelling names his favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

      by

      JEFF STELLING believes there is only one man up for the job of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.There are several candidates mooted to replace legend Lineker, who will step down after 25 years at the end of the season.Jeff Stelling believes Mark Chapman should be the next presenter of Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – GettyChapman is the host of Match of the Day 2Credit: PAGary Lineker will step down after 25 years at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersFormer footballers and presenters have been linked to the role but Stelling believes the BBC should appoint Mark Chapman.He pointed to Chappers’ good sense of humour, with the Match of the Day 2 host already familiar with several pundits too.Stelling told The Telegraph: “Chappers is the man for the job. Great presenter, nice sense of humour, good rapport with the guests, he’s got to be the man, surely.”Stelling, 69, knows all too well what it is like to step down as a presenter from an iconic role, having left Soccer Saturday after 25 years in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe now presents talkSPORT Breakfast but he saw big changes during his time at Sky Sports, including the departure of several close colleagues as the company sought to appeal to a new demographic.The BBC could adopt a similar strategy to finding Lineker’s replacement, something Stelling is sceptical of.He continued: “Demographics? I’ve never bought the stuff about a new demographic.“It’s a forlorn pursuit to look for a younger audience that probably aren’t interested in the programme anyway by having younger presenters, influencers, social-media types. I’ve never believed that was the way forward.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always felt the way to attract an audience of any demographic is to make sure you put out a high-quality product. “If the programme is watched by mums and dads in their forties, make sure it is good enough so that when the new generation reach their forties it is something they want to watch.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027“If I’m going to hear somebody talking about a football match, I’d rather it was somebody who had played the game and is able to see things people like me standing on the terraces can’t see, than is a big figure on social media.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More