Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares81 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard sent home from international duty barely 24 hours after arriving

      by

      ARSENAL midfielder Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international duty – despite returning from injury last week.The 25-year-old made his first start in three months against Chelsea on Sunday after recovering from a damaged ankle.Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international dutyCredit: ReutersHe will continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in LondonCredit: GettyHe then joined up with the Norwegian national team ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.But after being assessed by Norway’s medical staff, he returned to London.Odegaard said: “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.”I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practised football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100 per cent yet.Read More in Football”I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.”The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.”It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games, I love playing for Norway and with this team.”Norway manager Stale Solbakken went on to say that he was not willing to risk the midfielder’s health.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready.”He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health.”Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryOdegaard will now continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in London.Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad on Monday due to injury.Saka was forced off with a knock during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.Meanwhile, Rice suffered a broken toe prior to the Premier League clash, but was fit enough to play 71 minutes.Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

    • 238 Shares68 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked – this wouldn’t have happened under Gareth Southgate

      by

      WHAT a mess England’s latest international break is before a ball has even been kicked.Less than four months after contesting the Euro 2024 final, the Three Lions are struggling to put a decent team out for the important – yes, they are, actually – Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.Lee Carsley will have to make do with a depleted squad ahead of his final games as interim England bossCredit: GettyGareth Southgate made England respected again on the pitchCredit: GettyOf course, it is ridiculous that this is the third opportunity for a club versus country row already season.Naturally, over-mighty clubs, mostly the same ones who were prepared to betray English football to set up a European Super League, are taking advantage.But poor old Lee Carsley, his staff and the hordes of fans travelling to Athens for Thursday’s game really have been hung out to dry by the Football Association.By appointing Thomas Tuchel last month but pandering to his desire not to actually start work until January, the Wembley bosses have made what would already have been a difficult situation much, much worse.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPutting the F and the A in farce since…well, for most of the last few decades.But that is the point. Under Gareth Southgate, England stopped being a laughing stock on and off the pitch.Pulling on the shirt became something players wanted to do again, a pleasure instead of the chore it had become across years of underachievement and bad feeling.Fans and media reconnected with the national team. Everyone was in it together.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat culture, years in the making, has been eroded in just a few short weeks.Being manager of England no longer feels like the biggest honour our game can bestow on a coach – the sentiments that Carsley was expressing only a matter of days ago.Lee Carsley reveals classy message to Thomas Tuchel and says new England manager has no influence on his squad If Tuchel can opt in and out and decide which games matter, then why not the players and the clubs who ultimately call the shots?Among the eight withdrawals, there will be genuine injuries which would make it unlikely or unwise for the individual to take part in either match.Yet you can bet if Tuchel was even just going to show his face at St George’s Park this week, or attend Thursday’s game in Athens or Sunday’s at Wembley, some of them would have turned up.You could argue that having Tuchel around if he wasn’t going to mastermind the actual matches, would have undermined Carsley.What, any more than making the interim boss pretend he did not know that he was not going to get the job full-time and his successor had been chosen?Skipper Harry Kane is available for the two upcoming matchesCredit: GettySouthgate 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, 2024The point is, if Tuchel is serious about England and the FA are serious about Tuchel, he should be in charge right now.If he and the FA find themselves having to contest Nations League play-off matches in March instead of World Cup qualifiers and/or top-level friendlies, they will only have themselves to blame.And if the Tuchel/England experiment does not succeed overall – which, by the standards they have publicly laid down, means winning the 2026 World Cup – then they can expect pelters from the fans.Supporters are paying large sums of money to go to Athens to watch what will be an under-strength team. Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.The next major tournament, being staged across four time zones and three countries, will be a major undertaking.And most of the flags you will see in Mexico, Canada and the USA won’t bear the names of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City, the sides who have had players pull out of Carsley’s squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe majority of the fans who cross the Atlantic will be proudly representing clubs like Luton, Colchester, Stoke and Chesterfield, as well as their country.What a shame others don’t have the same commitment. More

    • 250 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Real Madrid star’s house left a charred wreck after horrific fire as partner says ‘we are still in shock’

      by

      FORMER Real Madrid striker Borja Mayoral has suffered a devastating fire at his home that has left his family in “shock”.The Spanish forward, 27, who now plays for Getafe, saw the top floor of his Madrid chalet go up in flames.Borja Mayoral has revealed a fire ripped through his Madrid homeCredit: GettyMayoral’s wife Favia Natalini shared a picture of the devastating impact of the blazeCredit: Instagram @flavianataliniFlavia also thanked the firefighters for putting it outCredit: Instagram @flavianataliniMayoral and Flavia thanked those who sent them well wishesCredit: RexTwo fire engines arrived at the scene to put out the fire.According to Marca, the first two floors were damaged along with the chalet.And Mayoral took to Instagram to provide an update for his 926,000 followers.He said: “As you may have read in various media outlets, I had a problem at home today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Luckily, my family and I are fine and everything has just been a scare.”Thank you very much for your messages of concern.”Mayoral’s partner, Flavia Natalini, posted a picture of the destroyed house showing the rubble that has been left behind.And she said: “You’re asking us a lot about what happened to us… We’re still in shock but we’re all fine and that’s the important thing. Thank you all very much.”Most read in FootballMayoral spent seven years at Real Madrid between 2015 and 2022Credit: AP:Associated PressAlongside another image of the firefighters who put out the blaze, she added: “You are heroes. Thank you.”Mayoral spent seven years at Real Madrid but played just 33 games for the club, scoring seven goals.He won the Champions League and Club World Cup during his time with the Spanish giants, before he eventually departed permanently in 2022 for Getafe.Since penning a long-term deal at the club, Mayoral has scored 26 goals in 69 matches for Getafe.Last season, he racked up his best goal return with 17 in 31 appearances. More

    • 213 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard one of ‘EIGHTY’ applicants for vacant EFL job as owner confirms Chelsea legend has applied

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD could be set for a return to management with Coventry City – but there’s no shortage of competition. The 46-year-old has been out of work since a spell as interim boss of Chelsea last year. Frank Lampard has been tipped for a return to managementCredit: RexThe former England midfielder endured a miserable tenure with EvertonCredit: GettyLampard has managed the Blues, Derby County, and Everton since hanging up his boots in 2016. The three-time Premier League champion is now in the running for the vacant managerial position at Coventry.Sky Blues owner Doug King has confirmed Lampard is being considered for the role. The club parted ways with Mark Robins last week after a poor start to the Championship season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKing told Sky Sports: “We’ve received a huge amount of CVs from high-quality people of which Frank is one. “We’ve done nothing on that process. But clearly we’re in the international break, and we’ll be assessing everything.”We’ll work out who’s going to make the shortlist and we’ll go from there.”King also confirmed as many as 80 applications have been received by the second-tier club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRobins’ departure was a shock among Coventry fans, who watched the former Man Utd star drag them from League Two to the cusp of the top-flight. Coventry reached the Championship playoff final in 2022/23, losing on penalties to Luton Town. Frank Lampard hints at next job after Chelsea sacking he’d be ‘crazy’ to turn downRobins guided them to a ninth-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final last year, but despite serious investment the club currently sit 17th. Following the surprise sacking last week, Coventry legend Steve Ogrizovic spoke of his “shock” at the decision. Ogrizovic told BBC CWR: “Very few things in football shock me but this is a poor decision.”Mark Robins had more to give, look at the club since the day he came in and it’s been year-on-year success and progression.”The sun has been shining on Coventry and they got back into the Championship and along the way there were some great memories for people.”The stadium is full now and it wasn’t when Mark Robins first came to the club.”Mark Robins was sacked by Coventry City last weekCredit: PALampard has not had a managerial position since an interim role with Chelsea in 2023Credit: GettyLampard is a free agent after being sacked by Everton last year.He left the club 19th place in the Premier League, earning just 12 wins from 44 games in charge. Earlier this month, Lampard was tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Sky pundit Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT: “Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought. “He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.” More

    • 188 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes helps rescue stricken passenger while heading to Portugal international duty

      by

      BRUNO FERNANDES has been hailed as a “hero” after helping a passenger on a plane while heading to Portugal.Following his Man of the Match performance in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday, Fernandes had began the journey to link up with Portugal over the international break.Bruno Fernandes remarkably helped an unwell passenger on an easyJet flightCredit: ReutersThe incident happened on an easyJet flight from Manchester to LisbonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils’ captain was taking an easyJet flight from Manchester to Lisbon with team-mate Diogo Dalot.However, the 30-year-old was quick to act when he noticed a man appearing to pass out at the back of the plane.As fellow passenger Susanna Lawson told Business Cloud, Fernandes was heard shouting: “Excuse me! We need help! Excuse me! We need help!”Lawson was heading to Web Summit – where Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada, runner Sir Mo Farah, Manchester City star Ruben Dias and Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy will be among those speaking – when the drama unfolded. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “Bruno went to the loo at the back of the plane during the flight.”(We) suddenly heard a shout for assistance which those within hearing distance looked back, including us as we were toward the back.”Bruno was holding a gentleman who looked like he was passing out. “I don’t know if he lost consciousness or not.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Members of the crew rushed to the back to help. “There was a spare seat at the back which Bruno helped the gentleman to sit down on.What does Bruno Fernandes’ celebration mean ?”He stayed at the back with them and made sure he was OK. “It might have been about 5-10 minutes and then he made his way back to his seat but again very unassuming. “He wasn’t looking for any attention on himself.“He was very unassuming. “Unless you knew who he was you would never have known he was anyone special if you know what I mean.“We were not sure whether to ask him for a selfie because of that. “He didn’t mention Man Utd at all.”At the end of the flight, Lawson managed to grab a photo with Fernandes.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?She added: “When I asked him politely for a selfie as we were leaving the plane he was absolutely lovely and actually took the selfie himself.”I praised him for looking after the ill passenger. “Honestly if you didn’t know who he was you would have just thought he was any other passenger.”Fernandes’ match-winning exploits at Old Trafford on Sunday marked his 250th appearance for the club.These 250 games have seen him score 83 goals and add 73 assists.When he returns to Carrington after international matches against Poland and Croatia in the Uefa Nations League, Fernandes will be greeted by a new head coach.Ruben Amorim has arrived in England to take over the Man Utd job after leaving his own role at Sporting Lisbon.The club’s last four games had been managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy on an interim basis, with three of those four games since Erik ten Hag’s sacking ending in victory and the other being a draw.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.However, the Dutchman has now left the club with Amorim bringing his own backroom staff in to oversee his new squad.A statement from the club on Van Nistelrooy’s departure said: “Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. “Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach. Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.”We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.”Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also left the club.Before Amorim was announced as the new Man Utd coach, Fernandes tipped the 39-year-old to be a future Premier League manager. He said: “He is a coach who has shown that he is prepared. Being Sporting’s coach and winning championships is not easy. “Sporting went 20 years without winning a championship, and then Mr. Rúben came and won two. That in itself shows that his work is being done well.”Now, whether he can do the same in England or Spain or anywhere else, we will never know until we get there. But I am sure that Mr . Rúben Amorim’s qualities are there for all to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Since coach Rúben Amorim arrived at Sporting, I think they have been one of the teams playing the best football, they have been very consistent, the signings have been very successful. “They are in a very good moment. They have just become champions last year and this year they are already starting in the lead. They are a team that is very well prepared.”Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

    • 225 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag ‘could make immediate return after Man Utd sacking’ but battling Frank Lampard and Graham Potter

      by

      SACKED Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could make an immediate return to management with Italian giants Roma.The Dutch gaffer is out of work after Ineos called time on his Old Trafford adventure last month.Erik ten Hag is being lined up for an immediate return to management with RomaCredit: GettyThe Italians are looking for their third boss of the season after sacking Ivan JuricCredit: AlamyTen Hag won 70 of his 128 games at United after joining them from Ajax in 2022.But he picked up just three wins from the first nine games of the new Premier League season to leave the Red Devils in the bottom half of the table.Ten Hag was replaced by interim Ruud van Nistelrooy, who in turn has been booted for Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.But United’s former boss could now be set for an immediate return to the beautiful game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLItalian outfit Roma are on the hunt for their third manager of the campaign after sacking Ivan Juric at the weekend.The Serb struggled to pick up the pieces left by the brutal axing of club legend Daniele De Rossi in September.Roma have won just three of their 12 Serie A games and are already 13 points off leaders Napoli.Big things were expected of the capital club after a summer spree saw them land stars including Ukraine striker Artem Dobvyk and Word Cup winner Mats Hummels.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut De Rossi failed to win any of his first four games being getting chopped.While Juric won just four of 12 in all competitions, with his final game a 3-2 home defeat to Bologna on Sunday.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureGraham Potter is a top candidate for the Roma jobCredit: PAFellow ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has also been linkedCredit: GettyIl Messaggero claims Ten Hag has now emerged as a contender to take charge at Roma, who are owned by American businessman Dan Friedkin.He reportedly favours hiring a manager from outside the Italian game.And Ten Hag could soon be summoned to a meeting in London, where Friedkin has apparently been holding talks with several other candidates.It’s reckoned former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is a leading contender to take charge at Roma.While Blues legend Frank Lampard could also be in line for the role.He has been tipped as a replacement for Mark Robins at Coventry City too.And it remains to be seen who Friedkin opts for ahead of a tough run of games against Napoli, Tottenham and Atalanta. More

    • 188 Shares112 Views

      in Soccer

      Legendary Champions League stadium unrecognisable as rival fans ‘get backache just looking at’ 104,000-seater rebuild

      by

      ONE of Europe’s most beloved football stadiums is currently undergoing a facelift – and fans are not best pleased.The iconic Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona closed in June 2023 ahead of a complete redevelopment.New images of the redeveloped Nou Camp have been revealedCredit: XFans don’t seem to be pleased with the seatsCredit: XIt was completely demolished to make room for a new £1.25billion stadium that will have a capacity of 104,000.Barcelona have since been housed at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium around five kilometres away.Club officials are hoping to move back into the Nou Camp within the next few months.But the stadium will not be fully complete until 2026.Read More in FootballSome new images of the development were shared on social media last week, but fans were far from impressed.One of the biggest complaints was the apparent lack of padding on seats.One person took to X to write: “What sh***y seats. Low cost seats with 100% comfort 😂 or you get a cushion or your butt will get square 😂.”Another commented: “I got a backache just looking at those seats.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a third simply said: “Horrible.”The stadium improvements are set to earn Barcelona an additional £25m in revenue each year.Inside iconic abandoned stadium that hosted England matches before falling into disrepair when club went bust Hansi Flick’s side currently sit top of the La Liga table, six points ahead of close rivals Real Madrid. More

    • 263 Shares68 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC speaks out after Gary Lineker QUITS Match of the Day & leaves for good after fronting 2026 World Cup coverage

      by

      THE BBC have confirmed that Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day and leave for good after fronting coverage for the 2026 World Cup.It comes after The Sun revealed the former England striker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.The BBC have now confirmed Gary Lineker will quit Match of the DayCredit: AlamyThe star has presented the flagship footie show since 1999Credit: BBCBut a new deal with the BBC will keep him on our screensCredit: GettyNow, the BBC have officially confirmed that “world-class presenter” Lineker will quit the hit show.Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. “He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”Read More on Gary LinekerIt comes as…Lineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down.But – as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage before bowing out on the biggest stage at the next World Cup.Most read in FootballBreaking his silence today, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”Anchoring the World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, will mean Lineker ends his time covering the most prestigious tournament in football.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsThe BBC statement added: “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup. “Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.”Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.”The BBC confirmed that Lineker will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The ex-Three Lions bagsman is understood to be on new terms which which will see his salary reduced significantly.He currently receives £1.35million, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.Over the past two months there has been frenzied speculation that the star was leaving the BBC’s flagship football programme. Last night a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. “The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.”The source paid a touching tribute to Lineker, adding: “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shock-waves around the Corporation. “In other words, no-one is immune from change.”They added: “Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger. and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside. “BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”Lineker’s pay cut, in part, is because he will no longer be fronting MOTD – and stand alone payments for the World Cup and FA Cups won’t compensate for this financially.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Last month a reported leaked email suggested he could be quitting the long-running series mid-season – promoting Gary to joke on air it was his “last game”- before clarifying he meant before the international break. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, the ex-Spurs star was asked if he would be stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. “Whether that will be the case I don’t know.”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”The Sun previously revealed Lineker – who took over from Des Lynam in 1999 – was keen to stay on MOTD and had offered to take a pay cut.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sun understands that the BBC is now planning a number of shake-ups to revive the format once Lineker leaves.One proposed change includes a series of presenters with Mark Chapman, currently host of MOTD2, one of the anchors likely to be rotated. Gary Lineker was spotted in public today after it was revealed he is leaving Match of the DayCredit: SelwynPics More