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      Stop obsessing over set-piece coach ‘messiahs’ – top-class football will always be about special stars like Declan Rice

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      DO you want to know the best thing about Declan Rice’s two magnificent free-kicks against Real Madrid?It’s that we can all now stop obsessing about set-piece coaches — and Arsenal’s supposed ‘Messiah’ Nico Jover in particular.Football will always be about the top starsCredit: GettyWe need to stop obsessing over so-called set-piece ‘messiah’s’ like Nico JoverCredit: RexGreat players do great things in the heat of the momentCredit: GettyI loved the fact that Declan came out in his post-match TV interview and revealed Jover had wanted him to cross the ball rather than shoot from 28 yards.And also that Declan, 26, had told Bukayo Saka: “I fancy this.” And Saka had replied: “Go on, then. Have a go.”The statisticians, sports scientists, number crunchers and coaching gurus would have said: “You’ve played 400-odd games as a professional footballer, Declan, and you’ve never scored a direct free-kick, so you ain’t taking one against Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final.”But here were two excellent footballers, Rice and Saka making an instinctive, off-the-cuff, on-field decision in a hugely consequential match.That is what top-class football will always be about: great players doing great things in the heat of the moment. And even more special was the fact that Declan went and did it twice.The coverage of football is becoming far too intellectualised by people in the media who want to make themselves sound clever by over-complicating a game which is both simple and chaotic.Great coaches can rein in that chaos factor but most goals come from elements of individual brilliance which cannot be coached, or from serious defensive errors which can’t be predicted.Arsenal’s supporters painted a mural of Jover on a wall near the Emirates. But surely we can now stop mythologising these blokes?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Gunners are good at set-pieces for the same reason that certain teams have always been good at set-pieces — great delivery and great heading ability.Saka, Rice and Martin Odegaard can all deliver a wicked dead ball and Gabriel, in particular, is seriously good at heading them in. Jover’s routines are not rocket science.’Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentFrom corners, Arsenal usually position a bunch of players beyond the back stick, a couple move to the near post, a couple to central areas and a few remain at the far post so that all areas are covered.It’s pretty much the same as it ever was. Set-piece coaches became a major part of the game about seven or eight years ago, when I was playing in the Premier League.The best ones are the guys who realise they are not the stars of the show, that they are at training to deliver a short, sharp 20-minute session without trying to bore the pants off of everyone — because very few footballers enjoy practising set-pieces.These coaches can sometimes give a team an extra one per cent. But they aren’t reinventing the wheel.I reckon Newcastle’s set-piece coach must keep to himself because when Dan Burn scored the opening goal in the Carabao Cup final, we didn’t hear about coaching genius.We just saw Kieran Trippier — one of the best dead-ball merchants in the business — crossing it to the tallest bloke on the park, who nutted it in.When it comes to taking direct free-kicks, that is a true art form.I’d have fancied myself to score them in training but doing it in a match, getting the ball up and over a wall of 6ft 3in blokes — or round them — in front of a full house is a different matter.At Watford we had three particularly good free-kick takers — Gerard Deulofeu, Tom Cleverley and Jose Holebas.There were times when, as captain, I had to intervene when they were arguing about who was going to take one.And given that I was substantially bigger than all three of them, that was where the argument ended.Gerard would want to take every single one but some days he just wasn’t at it and I’d have to tell him as much.Before Rice’s first goal against Madrid, he and Saka had a conflab with Odegaard and Mikel Merino.Skipper Odegaard was telling them that Jover wanted the ball crossed, while Rice was simply going with his gut instinct.He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. Troy DeeneyOn Declan RiceBut if Arsenal get a free-kick around 25 yards out against Brentford today, no conversations will be necessary. Declan will take it.For Declan to have scored two direct free-kicks in 12 minutes made Tuesday a career-defining night for him.Having played against him and met him, it is impossible not to like Dec. I was just delighted that it was him.Here is a kid who fully appreciates the life of a professional footballer and who thoroughly enjoys it.There is no sense of entitlement. He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. It’s lovely when good things happen to good people.Especially when they’ve treated a crucial moment in a Champions League quarter-final as if they were having a kickabout with their mates at the park.“I fancy this, I’m going to have a pop here” — and not just once, but twice. That is the sort of instinct you simply cannot coach.Rice revealed Bukayo Saka told him to ‘go for it’ More

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      Pilar Rubio stuns in stripes but draws the line at moving home after footie ace hubby Ramos signs for Mexico’s Monterrey

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      MODEL Pilar Rubio draws the line at moving home after Spanish centre-back partner Sergio Ramos signs with Mexico’s Monterrey.Pals say Pilar, 47, who recently wore a striped dress to launch Selmark Mare’s new swimwear collection, is settled in Madrid and doesn’t want to relocate.Pilar Rubio, 47, stuns in stripes as pals say she’s staying put in MadridCredit: GettyFormer Real Madrid and Sevilla centre-back Ramos signed a one-year deal with Mexican club Monterrey in FebruaryCredit: GettyPals say Pilar can not ‘bear the thought of moving again’Credit: GettyFormer Real Madrid and Sevilla centre-back Ramos signed a one-year deal with Monterrey in February.A friend revealed: “She went to Paris with him, then Ramos moved to Seville. Later, she decided to settle in Madrid for professional reasons.“She can no longer bear the thought of moving again.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRamos was without a club after leaving Sevilla over the summer before penning the surprise one-year deal with the Liga MX outfit.The ace has opted to wear the No. 93 shirt during his time in Mexico.The 38-year-old married Rubio, a popular TV presenter and model in Spain, in 2019.Ramos left Real Madrid to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving back to La Liga with Sevilla in 2023.”Most read in FootballSergio Ramos’s wife Pilar Rubio wows as she poses in a red swimsuit for her second collection with Selmark More

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      Ex-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad accused of child sex abuse after ‘victim’ watched documentary on footballer

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      EX-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad was accused of child sex abuse after his alleged victim watched a documentary on the footballer, a court heard yesterday. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted her from the age of five until she was 19. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted the victim from the age of five until she was 19Credit: CHRIS NEILLThe alleged victim came forward after watching Channel 4 documentary Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022Credit: GettyShe came forward after Channel 4 screened Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022 where the former Man United star praised his grandfather. Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC said the woman told police: “They made the documentary and I just thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received. “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.” Lingard, of Warrington, appeared in the dock in a wheelchair at Liverpool crown court to deny 17 indecent assaults. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe trial continues. Former Man Utd midfielder Jesse was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was earning a whopping £ 180,000 per week.Most read in FootballAlthough it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans. More

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      Sonia Bompastor urges Chelsea to be ruthless in battle with Liverpool for Women’s FA Cup final spot

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR  wants Chelsea to be ruthless in their FA Cup clash with Liverpool and go full throttle for more trophies.This month is a massive one for the WSL leaders with a place in two major finals at stake.Bompastor hopes to guide the Blues to a second cup final duel this season following their League Cup triumph over Man CityCredit: AlamyThe last clash between the teams ended as a 3-0 away win for Chelsea in the WSL last NovemberCredit: GettyAmber Whiteley hopes to guide Liverpool to their first FA Cup final since 1996Credit: GettyFollowing their League Cup triumph, on Saturday at Kingsmeadow they hope to claim a spot in this year’s FA Cup decider. On April  20th they will be in Spain for the first-leg of a mammoth Champions League last four battle with Barcelona.A Wembley duel with Manchester City or holders Man United on May 18 awaits the victors of the duel between Bompastor’s side and their visitors. And they also hope to avoid any more dropped points in the top-flight as they attempt to claim an eighth Women’s Super League title.Read More Football StoriesOne that will, should they succeed, be their first since Bompastor took charge last summer.Before then Amber Whiteley’s Reds take on the Blues in a lunchtime duel with their opponents hoping to reach their first FA Cup final since 2023.Chelsea boss Bompastor, whose side won this year’s League Cup said: “It’s up to us to make sure we have this ruthless mentality as a team.”Probably the best version of ourselves is the game we had against Man City, in the second leg in the Champions League quarter-final. Most read in Football”But then also the first 30 minutes we played against West Ham.”We are still in three competitions and we have the opportunity to play against the best teams in Europe, in big games.”And that’s an opportunity for us to just show our best version and our levels and make sure we keep our standards high.”While Liverpool clinched a shock win against Arsenal to reach the FA Cup semis, they will be going into today’s game as underdogs.The Reds have lost 16 of their last 19 games against Chelsea across all competitions.And they were knocked out of the fourth round of the contest by the Blues back in 2022-23.Despite the odds being in her side’s favour, Bompastor is unlikely to underestimate her foes.Particularly with Chelsea having dropped points in the league against West Ham before the international break.She added: “In terms of a ruthless mentality, it will be really important for us to show up.”We need to be more consistent during the game from the beginning until the end.”If you analyse the West Ham game, we started strong, we had the opportunity to win the game by three, four goals difference.”We need to be aggressive. This is a semi-final and we will be facing a team who will be hugely motivated.”Saturday’s match follows an international break in which two of Chelsea’s England stars – Keira Walsh and Aggie Beever-Jones – bagged their first senior international goals.Bompastor said: “All the English people should be proud to have these players in Chelsea and in England.”They are world-class players and they are making a big impact on the women’s game.”Whiteley’s Reds hope to become the first Liverpool side to reach an FA Cup final in almost three decades.The last time the team battled in a decider for the trophy was in 1996.That year they were beaten on penalties by a Croydon side captained by Hope Powell.Liverpool’s last FA Cup final outing ended as a loss on penalties with a Croydon side captained by Hope Powell lifting the trophy 29 years agoCredit: PAIn her column for Liverpool’s website, Whiteley wrote: “The prize doesn’t come much bigger than the opportunity to play in an FA Cup final at Wembley. Read More on The Sun”We’ll put absolutely everything into it.We have the opportunity to do something really special in this competition.”We have to go into the game prepared and with the confidence and belief that we can go all the way.” More

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      Tammy Abraham slumps to his knees and PRAYS after AC Milan team-mate is rushed to hospital after horrific collision

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      TAMMY ABRAHAM fell to his knees and started praying for the health of his team-mate after a sickening clash of heads.The AC Milan ace was playing during the club’s Serie A match against Udinese when goalkeeper Mike Maignan was left in a worrying condition following a collision with team-mate Alex Jimenez.Mike Maignan was left in a bad way after a collision with team-mate Alex JimenezMaignan and Jimenez were both left flat on the floorPlayers and the ref immediately signalled for medical helpCredit: GettyConcerned players stood around the stricken starsMaignan had to be stretchered off and taken to the hospitalCredit: ReutersTammy Abraham was seen praying for his team-mateMilan confirmed Maignan was conscious when he left the pitch.The clash of heads occurred in the 52nd minute when Maignan came rushing out of goal to try and clear a long pass in behind the Milan defence.The onrushing goalkeeper was unable to arrest his momentum while Jimenez back-pedalled with the pair not seeing each other before smashing into one another.Both stars fell to the floor, with Maignan appearing to briefly lose consciousness.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMilan players and the referee immediately gestured for medical staff to be brought on to the field so they could be treated, with a stretcher also summoned as Maignan was rolled into the recovery position.The 29-year-old was then placed on a stretcher and taken down the tunnel while covering his face with his gloves.Reports in Italy said he would undergo further tests at the hospital.Former Chelsea and Aston Villa star Abraham, who started the match on the bench, was seen praying on the pitch while the Frenchman was carried off.Most read in FootballJimenez, 19, was miraculously allowed to carry on playing before he too was taken off looking visibly dazed around 18 minutes after play had resumed.The game ended in a 4-0 win for Milan, with goals from Rafael Leao, Strahinja Pavlović, Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders.Speaking to DAZN after the game, ex-Chelsea star Christian Pulisic said: “The most important thing is that Mike is okay. Our thoughts are with him.”Rafael Leao added: “With what had happened before in Udine, it’s a strange environment. “We came in focussed, having prepared well for the game after a good week of work. This victory, however, is for Maignan.” More

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      Crystal Palace owner being SUED for £6million by manager who never actually worked for club in bizarre High Court case

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      CRYSTAL PALACE co-owner John Textor is being sued for £6million by former Wolves boss Bruno Lage, according to reportsThe extraordinary lawsuit reported by The Telegraph sees Lage, who never worked for the Eagles, suing Textor following the appointment of Oliver Glasner.Former Wolves boss Bruno Lage is suing Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor for £6mCredit: RexTextor, who also owns Lyon, is alleged to have signed a deal saying he would offer Lage a jobCredit: RexLage remained out of work during an alleged ‘restricted period’ before taking the Benfica jobCredit: AlamyHe accuses the American businessman of signing a contract stating he would use his power as the largest shareholder at Selhurst Park and French giants Lyon to offer him the head coach role to at one of those teams.The alleged contract covers the period between January 1 to April 15 last year and was signed after Lage became manager of Textor’s Brazilian side Botafogo.Lage, now in his second spell managing Portuguese side Benfica, was sacked less than three months into a six-month deal in July 2023 in what was his first job after being axed by Wolves in October 2022 following a 16-month spell in charge.The Portuguese was never publicly linked with the Palace job and the South London club ultimately appointed Glasner in February 2024 when Roy Hodgson stepped down after he was taken ill during training days before.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Lyon made Pierre Sage their new boss in July after appointing him as an interim manager the previous November.After being sacked by Botafogo, Lage remained out of work during the alleged “restricted period” before taking the Benfica job.Documents seen by The Telegraph claim a “retainment agreement” signed by Textor would offer Lage a minimum of a two-year fixed-term contract with a salary of £3.6million for him and his staff.The “legally binding” contract also states Eagle Football Holdings would pay Lage that amount by April 29 last year if he failed to make such an offer during the agreed period.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLage, 48, is also claiming interest, costs and “further or other relief as the court deems fit,” to a total amount of £5.9m.The lawsuit also claims the deal included a clause which would see Lage pay Textor £2.75m if he took a managerial role other than with one of Palace or Lyon during the same period.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineA statement from Eagle Football Holdings on the matter said: “Eagle Football is aware of a court claim filed against it on behalf of Bruno Silva Do Nascimento (known as ‘Bruno Lage’). “The claim relates to a dispute over the proper interpretation of a historical agreement between Eagle and Mr Lage. Eagle’s view is that Mr Lage is not contractually entitled to the sums being claimed on his behalf. “Accordingly, Eagle will vigorously defend the claim and seek to recover its costs of doing so from Mr Lage.”Eagle Football notes that Bruno Lage’s claim relates to an alleged failure to offer him a role at one of its clubs. “Eagle Football finds it curious that Bruno Lage feels aggrieved by this given that, as was widely reported, he effectively walked away from one of Eagle Football’s clubs Botafogo.”Eagle Football remains open to a constructive discussion with Bruno Lage or his representatives with a view to resolving the dispute and settling the litigation which will ultimately serve neither party.”Textor, 59, announced in May he was trying to sell his 45 per cent stake in Palace after declaring interest in buying fellow Premier League side Everton.The bid ultimately ended in failure due to the bid resting on Eagle Football Holdings losing its stake in a rival team.Read More on The SunCrystal Palace currently sit 11th in the Premier League, four points behind rivals Brighton in ninth, and are in the FA Cup semi-finals against Aston Villa later this month.They face Manchester City away tomorrow morning but have not lost a football game since February 15, a 2-1 defeat at home to Everton. More

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      What I’ve heard about Phil Foden makes he respect him and even more angry at sick chants about his mum

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      THE problem with teenagers, a headteacher told me this week, is that they are trying to live in two different moral universes.He says that there is the moral universe we all know, with its rules, conventions and niceties.Pep Guardiola embraced Phil Foden after he had endured Man Utd fans chanting ghastly things about his MumCredit: GettyIncredibly, to a significant number of fans such conduct is quite acceptableCredit: GettyDeclan Rice endures similar stuff as Foden, along with his long-time partner Lauren FryerCredit: RexAnd then there’s another universe, the internet’s moral universe, where there are next to no rules and precious few niceties.OK, every day’s a school day, so I’ll take that on board and, just for good measure, I’m going to throw a third moral universe into this mix — football’s moral universe.This one, while not all bad by any means, can be a very ugly place indeed.I’ve not met Phil Foden but from what I’ve seen and heard, as well as being a prodigiously gifted footballer he’s a decent guy.READ MORE FROM ADRIAN CHILESI was talking to one of his coaches at England youth level. Listing the attributes Foden showed as a kid — speed, awareness, bravery, command of the ball etc — the coach added another, one which has stuck in my mind. “He cared what his teammates thought about him,” said the coach.Interesting that. You’d think that caring what your teammates thought of you would be common enough among footballers to not even merit mention. It would seem this isn’t the case.Most read in FootballPhil cares though, and that’s another reason I hold him in high esteem.Perhaps that’s why I was more appalled than usual at the behaviour of football fans when I saw that photo of Pep Guardiola embracing him after he’d endured Man Utd fans chanting ghastly things about his Mum.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumAwful. But incredibly, to a significant number of fans such conduct is quite acceptable. Because, you see, this is in football’s moral universe where, for some reason, there are those who think it’s OK to behave despicably.Declan Rice, double miracle-freekick scorer and another nice guy, endures similar stuff — along with his long-time partner, the equally appealing Lauren Fryer.Lauren, you see, doesn’t conform to some football fans’ idea of what a footballer’s wife should look like. So the poor woman gets abused on social media and, for Declan’s benefit, from the stands. Dreadful.This is what happens in football’s moral universe. We seem to forget that footballers are human beings with, you know, feelings. However thick their skins have to be, they still have feelings.I’ve been as guilty of forgetting this as anyone. Many years ago, when I was presenting Match Of The Day 2, I made a joking reference to Arjen Robben’s baldness. The following week I got a letter — yes, a letter, that’s how long ago it was — from someone who said I should be ashamed of myself as Robben could well be very sensitive about his hair loss.Initially I scoffed and was minded to reply that Chelsea’s multi-millionaire Dutch superstar could probably deal with a jibe from me.But when I had thought about it, even though the man himself probably couldn’t have cared less, I concluded that I had been very wrong to mock his appearance.That was on TV. I’m afraid I’ve said a lot worse as a fan at matches.I’m not without sinSo I don’t preach this sermon from any moral high ground, because I’m not without sin. I confess, I’ve yelled and chanted stuff at football matches that I would never, and I mean never, have yelled or chanted anywhere else.I shouted some dreadful things at Jack Grealish, for example, at a play-off semi-final when he was at Villa. I’m quite sure he couldn’t care less, but I can’t say it was my finest hour.I don’t excuse myself, but these things happen in football’s moral universe, where it’s not that there’s no right or wrong, but there is a big, bad grey area.There’s a line in there somewhere and we all know where it is.Bawling abuse at a footballer, calling them terrible names, isn’t a good look. But it probably, arguably, just about falls on the right side of the line.Abusing that footballer’s family is a different matter. That’s on the wrong side of the line.It’s bang out of order, and everyone guilty knows this.BOB’S A COMEDY GREATThere was no danger of anyone else but Bob Mortimer winning Last One LaughingCredit: RexSOME comedians you look at, and think there walks a genius, with a routine to die for.Others, often by means of cruelty or crudeness, shock you into laughter despite yourself.And then there’s Bob Mortimer, who just seems to have funny bones.Really funny bones.There was no danger of anyone else winning TV’s Last One Laughing.What chance did any of them have against a man who can make “have you got a kitchen island?” sound like the funniest question ever asked.And as for, “I like sausage dogs, with those tiny legs”, I will never again see a dachshund waddling past without thinking of Bob.DON AND ON AND ON AND ..The role journalists played in Donald Trump’s rise will one day be worthy of examinationCredit: GettyWHEN the history books about Donald Trump are written, the role of us journalists in his rise will be worthy of examination.We can take a lot of the blame/credit – delete according to your view of The Orange Man. Like him or loathe him, laugh at him or with him, we have found it quite impossible not to give him all the attention he craves because he provides us with all the material we crave.He fills pages of papers and hours of television, radio and podcasts. Where would we be without him.After his first term ended in ignominious defeat, we assumed we’d seen the last of him.Back then, the brilliant political commentator, comedian and excellent Trump mimic Matt Forde captured the mood of many of us when he tweeted, “Goodnight sweet prince”. And now it’s like he never went away.IT’S BOT TO BE A BONUSTHE march of artificial intelligence will, at worst, destroy humanity or, at best, just take a lot of our jobs.One thing pleases me, though, even if it means me being replaced by a machine – I’ve heard what’s about to happen described as the first technological step-change in history that’s going to hit middle-class jobs the hardest.Writers and radio presenters will be easy meat for the machines.But it’ll be a long time before AI can do proper jobs, requiring blood, sweat and tears as well as great skill.Plumbers, chippies, sparks, gardeners, scaffolders, bricklayers – your jobs are as safe as houses.Enjoy the ride, you’ve earned it.WHY do so many people sit on public transport looking at or listening to their phones without wearing headphones?Why should we all have to hear terrible music from those who look at their phones on public transport without wearing headphones?Credit: GettyWhy should we all have to hear their terrible music, boring conversations or mindless TikTok-ery. I’m genuinely interested.But I can’t come up with a way of asking the question in a way that’s not going to end with some kind of violence visited upon me.PAIN IN THE CHIP BUTTYA chip shop owner in Gloucestershire has apologised for putting up its price to fifteen quidCredit: GettyA CHIP shop owner in Gloucestershire has apologised for putting up the price of cod and chips to 15 quid.I can’t remember the last time I left a chippy having dropped anywhere near that little. I just get too excited.After a couple of pints with some mates in Stourbridge last month, I popped into the local chip shop on the way home.Before I knew it I’d bought large cod and chips, small cod and chips, mushy peas, two battered potato slices and some cod roe.And this was only for me and my Mum. We’re still not back to full health, financially or physically.AIMEE’S PEARLY QUEENAimee Lou Wood is just brilliant in the White Lotus, despite the show being absolutely indigestibleCredit: HBOEVERYONE I know is banging on about White Lotus being the best TV ever. I’ve heard it praised so many times that it must be true.Well, I’ve found it to be absolutely indigestible, veering wildly between rather silly and terribly boring.Read More on The SunBut I’m glad I saw the bits I managed to stay awake for because that was enough to confirm for me that Stockport’s Aimee Lou Wood is just brilliant.At first you can see nothing but her proudly prominent teeth. But before long all you’re seeing is a brilliant acting talent going from strength to strength. More

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      No TV interest, dismal ticket sales and furious bosses… ‘ridiculous’ Club World Cup is nothing but Fifa vanity project

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      FRANK by name and frank by nature, as Brentford boss Thomas Frank has got his Bees in the right bonnet.His sting was aimed at the Club World Cup, which he described as “ridiculous”. And I agree with him.Fifa’s revamped Club World Cup has not gone down well with some Prem bossesCredit: APBrentford boss Thomas Frank is refusing to watch the tournamentCredit: PAFurious Frank said: “Who wants it? No one. “The addition of the Club World Cup is ridiculous and there is a bigger conversation needed about the number of games being played over a year – but that is not for us and more for the teams in Europe.”You sometimes feel Fifa is run by Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em’s Frank Spencer and this is further proof.Frank criticised Fifa for hugely expanding a tournament for which there is little interest.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat’s not exactly true as the winner could bank £97MILLION for seven games, which does give the bean counters an incentive, if not the players.The fact that it has been turned down by BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and TNT Sports suggests the TV execs aren’t that bothered either, even though Manchester City and Chelsea are in it.But what Frank is angered by is simple – the players are bloody knackered.Come the end of a gruelling Premier League season, often with European games in midweek, footballers have run themselves into the ground.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLike anyone else, they need a few weeks in the sun to relax and recover.‘Ah’, I hear you shout, ‘but what about all those pre-season tours to the Far East?’ Fifa show off incredible new Club World Cup trophy that has be opened with a giant gold KEYIt’s a fair point, but these tours can get players back up to fitness.As well as the Club World Cup, what is also a concern is the increasing gap between Champions League qualifying clubs and the rest.For instance, if Chelsea or City both finish in the top five, that will now guarantee them Champions League football next season and around £150m.If one of them wins the Club World Cup that all adds up to nearly £250m! How are the other 15 Premier League clubs supposed to compete with that?The Club World Cup strikes me as a vanity project for Fifa.City boss Pep Guardiola is unhappy clubs must field their strongest squads in the 32-nation tournament, which starts in America in mid-June and lasts a whole month.If Guardiola is cheesed off now, can you imagine his temper if Erling Haaland got injured in the big match against Morocco’s Wydad AC.Frank insisted there is absolutely “no chance” he will even be watching it.He’s not the only one, as by all accounts, ticket sales have been dismal.No wonder the TV giants didn’t want to touch it as nothing stinks out a sporting event more than banks of empty seats. Everyone has worked out there is no glory to it, only money.Read More on The SunThe 24-carat gold-plated trophy was unveiled in the White House. At the rate things are going there, Donald Trump might be melting it down to flog it soon. More