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      When is the Europa Conference League draw? EXACT start time, TV channel, Stream FREE as Chelsea learn opponents TODAY

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      CHELSEA will learn their Europa Conference League opponents TODAY!The Champions League draw and Europa League draws also take place, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United among the British teams learning their fates.Chelsea learn their Conference League opponents and what side of the draw they are on TODAYCredit: PAIn the Champions League, Arsenal were handed a decent draw against PSV – but it means they will face the winner of Real Madrid vs Atletico in the quarter-finals.United and Tottenham are learning their opponents now.Chelsea are the heavy favourites to win the Conference League and made very light work of the group phase.Enzo Maresca’s team won all six of their matches – scoring 26 and conceding just five in the process.That was despite the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson not playing any minutes in the tournament.When is the Europa Conference League draw?The draw takes place on Friday, February 21.It will start at 1pm UK (1pm CET).It will take place after the Europa League draw in Nyon, Switzerland.What TV channel is the Europa Conference League draw?UK viewers will be able to watch the draw on TNT Sports 1.Most read in FootballHow can I watch the Europa Conference League draw for FREE?Who can Chelsea face in the Europa Conference League draw?The draw is already partially complete, with Chelsea knowing they can only face one of two teams.What is also to be decided is which side of the draw the Blues will end up on.The two potential opponents are either Real Betis of Copenhagen. More

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      Inside Man City star Erling Haaland’s car collection, from a £350k Aston Martin to a Porsche 911 GT3 worth £160k

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      MAN City star Erling Haaland has collected a fleet of astonishing motors over the years.The Norwegian star, 24, recently inked a new deal at the Etihad – earning him a whopping £500,000-per-week.Erling Haaland boasts an amazing car collectionHaaland has a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 worth £160k in his garageCredit: Supplied
      It’s a salary that allows the Cityzens’ top scorer to live a life of luxury.One of his favourite pastimes is adding to his extensive garage.Since his pay rise, Haaland has splashed the cash on two incredible new motors.In the past week, the poacher has been seen driving into City’s training ground in a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 worth around £160,000.Read more on Erling HaalandThen, just a few days later, he rocked up in a Aston Martin DBX 707 that carries a price tag of £350,000, as he left Manchester Airport.But those two stunners are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his car collection.Join SunSport in marvelling at what Haaland enjoys to drive.Porshe 911 GT3, £160,000No sooner had he put pen to paper on his 10-year bumper contract, Haaland was seen with a flashy new set of wheels.Most read in FootballThe bold orange colour of his 911 GT3 certainly made him stand out from the crowd as autograph hunters waited for signatures outside City’s Etihad Campus.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash It’s one of Porsche’s greatest ever cars – since its release in 2017.Incredibly, it’s super-fast and is able to crush 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.Aston Martin DBX 707, £350,000Upon returning to our shores, following a Champions League humbling by Real Madrid in the Champions League, Haaland was seen leaving Manchester Airport in ANOTHER new car.This time, it was a lime green Aston Martin DBX 707 – better known as a special edition Formula 1 safety car. It was the world’s most powerful SUV – producing 715bhp – until the Ferrari Purosangue came along.It’s no slouch, either, capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.Aston Martin’s timeless DBX 707 is famously used by F1 as a safety carCredit: Aston MartinIt can reach 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.3 secondsCredit: Aston MartinRolls-Royce Cullinan, £300,000Costing a mega £300,000, Haaland’s also got himself a luxury Roller.The Cullinan is a favourite among sports stars, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Ruiz Jr owning one.It is a giant of a car, reaching 5.3m long, 2.1m wide and 1.8m tall.But that’s not to say the 2.6 tonne Cullinan lacks any power.Its 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine means the giant motor is still capable of hitting 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is one of the most expensive in Haaland’s car collectionCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresRange Rover Sport, £120,000Another stereotypically footballer’s car, Haaland’s Range Rover Sport is top of the range.It features massage electric memory seats and a Meridian sound system.Back in 2018, it was the most leased car by Premier League stars.A quick glance at Man Utd’s Carrington training ground car park and you will see tons of them.Incredibly, it can manage 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 176 mph.Haaland has been seen behind the wheel of footballer’s favourite – Range Rover SportCredit: GettyAudi RS6 Avant, £120,000The RS6 is Haaland’s go-to.When he played in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, he had a red one.Now he’s playing for Man City, he’s been spotted cruising around the city in a ridiculously trendy Carbon Black performance model.A zippy vehicle, it’s capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.The Audi RS 6 Avant costs £120,000Credit: AlamyMercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, £90,000Just because it is the cheapest in Haaland’s fleet, it doesn’t mean it is the worst.This leg roomy Mercedes is the height of luxury in the SUV world.At 6ft4in, the forward needs to feel comfy – and with the GLE Couple he’s found his everyday runner.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s a car Haaland often takes to and from training every day.And he won’t be late considering it manages 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.A £90,000 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 Coupe is the cheapest car in Haaland’s car collectionCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘I need to f***ing change’ – Arsenal’s David Raya reveals he was at ‘my lowest’ after ‘worst game as a professional’

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      DAVID RAYA has opened up on his “worst game as a professional” footballer and how it inspired him to improve.The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford in 2023, with Gunners set to decide in the summer of 2024 whether they would trigger a £27million option to buy him permanently.David Raya has opened up on the lowest moment of his professional careerCredit: GettyHis career had started well there as he managed to dislodge Aaron Ramsdale as the No1.But his chances of sealing a full transfer and keeping the No1 spot took a dramatic dent after a pair of clangers against Luton in December.Raya had firstly flapped when trying to come off his line for a cross at a corner to allow Elijah Adebayo to head home an equaliser to make it 2-2.Less than ten minutes later Raya was once again found wanting as Ross Barkley fired a shot straight through him for the Hatters to take a shock lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoals from Kai Havertz and an injury time winner from Declan Rice publicly spared Raya’s blushes, but the game proved to be a major trigger of self reflection privately.Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast with legendary Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman, Raya said: “We go back to last year, it was like an adaptation year. “I think we saw one David before the Luton game, and one David after Luton. That was a turning point of when I was at my lowest. “That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I needed to change things and I need to turn it around because I wasn’t myself. So from there, I think we saw an improving David in goal and off the pitch.”I think this season, from the start of the season, there’s been another goalie more like myself. I don’t think I was myself the whole season last year. There were good periods, very bad periods. Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”And then from Luton towards the end of the season, it was a very good period, personally, but I knew I had more to give to the team and to everyone. I said to myself, this is the season.”Raya pushed on from that disastrous performance to lead Arsenal to 12 more clean sheets that season to bring his total to 16 overall.Mikel Arteta subsequently triggered the purchase option in the loan deal, with Raya affirming his spot as No1 in year two.He has led the Gunners to nine shut outs and the best defensive record so far this season.That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.David RayaHe added: “It was just an adaptation season because it’s difficult to come from Brentford to a big team. All the noise, of course you can not listen to it, but you know it’s behind you, so it’s tough. “To turn it around to this season, I think I’m just myself, I’m just having fun playing. That’s the most important thing for a player. If you don’t have fun, you’re not going to be your best version. “So I’m having fun every single game, enjoying playing and just taking the challenges.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The pressure from last season to this season is completely different, in my opinion. “I always said the pressures are what you put on yourself because you know how good you are, what you can do, and then just don’t listen to the outside world.” More

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      Champions League draw LIVE: Arsenal handed HORROR draw as Aston Villa and Liverpool learn round of 16 fate – updates

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      ARSENAL, Liverpool and Aston Villa have found out their Champions League Round of 16 opponents after a huge draw.The Gunners got a decent tie against PSV – but means they will now face the winner of Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final.Aston Villa will face Club Brugge and Liverpool take on Benfica.The first leg of the round of 16 will take place on March 4/5, and the second leg will take place on March 11/12.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Arsenal’s route to the finalThe Gunners face a monumental task to win a maiden Champions League title.Arsenal go up against Dutch side PSV in the last-16, before a potential route to the final that includes Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona.Round of 16: PSVQuarter-final: Atletico Madrid or Real MadridSemi-final: Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge or Aston VillaFinal: Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund, Lille, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter MilanCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedLiverpool’s route to the finalArne Slot’s men will have to beat the very best if they are to lift Big Ears for the first time since 2019. With Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16, things get no easier as the draw progresses for the Premier League leaders.Round of 16: PSGQuarter-final: Aston Villa or Club BruggeSemi-final: Arsenal, PSV, Real Madrid or Atletico MadridFinal: Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund, Lille, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter MilanCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMersen – Villa bring the noiseSky Sports pundit Paul Mersen believes Aston Villa can go far in this season’s tournament – thanks to their intimidating home atmosphere. Unai Emery’s men have already beaten Bayern Munich on home soil this season.They will now face Club Brugge for the chance to play either Liverpool or PSG in the last-eight.Mersen said: “Villa should have a real go in the Champions League. “The atmosphere at Villa Park during these European games has been incredible and they must keep it up in the knockout stages.”If they do that, they have a chance at progressing further.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League draw in fullA horror draw for both Liverpool and Arsenal – with Aston Villa potentially on a collision course with the Reds in the quarter-finals.Here’s how the ties came out of the hat in Nyon, with each team learning their potential last-eight opponent. PSG or Liverpool vs Club Brugge or Aston VillaPSV or Arsenal vs Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica or Barcelona vs Dortmund or LilleBayern or Bayer Leverkusen vs Feyenoord or Inter MilanCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGrueling Gunners runArsenal’s tough Champions League draw will leave them facing a horror run of fixtures in March.The Gunners take on PSV on March 4, followed by a visit to Old Trafford to face Man Utd.They will then welcome PSV back to the Emirates on March 11, before welcoming Chelsea to North London five days later.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWarnock – You have to beat the bestFormer Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has tipped his former club to beat PSG – despite the “disappointing draw.”He told the BBC: “I think Liverpool will be slightly disappointed to draw PSG – ideally they would have liked Benfica.”But if you are going to win the Champions League, you are going to have to beat some big teams along the way.”Liverpool will fancy their chances against PSG, who have been a little bit hit and miss.”Copy linkCopiedFrench fancy History isn’t on Liverpool’s side ahead of their clash with PSG.The Reds have not won any of their past five away games against French clubs.You have to go back to 2008 for their last win on French soil, a Champions League victory against Marseille. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLiverpool vs PSG head-to-headPSG lead Liverpool on all metrics, other than clean sheets per 90, according to Squawka’s underlying stats.Of course, take this with a pinch of salt, as PSG beat Brest 10-0 on aggregate to reach the round of 16, whereas Liverpool didn’t play.Copy linkCopiedArsenal vs PSV head-to-headAccording to the underlying stats on Squawka, it will be defence vs attack in this one.Arsenal lead for clean sheet and expected goals against, whereas PSV lead for fast breaks and set-piece xG, but Arsenal lead on xG overall, surprising as their power from corners is no secret.PSV also attempt more shots and crosses.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa vs Club Brugge head-to-headAston Villa have performed better than Club Brugge considerably on the underlying numbers, according to Squawka.The have performed better in the following metrics:Clean sheetsxG against PossesionxGSet-play xGShots attemptedTouches in opposition bixPasses into opposition boxCrosses attempted Take-ons attemptedHowever, Emery must be cautious, as Club Brugge have show better performance in fast breaks, so their defensive line will have to be on high alert. Copy linkCopiedArsenal-PSV rerunArsenal and PSV met in the 2023/24 Champions League.On matchday one of the season, Arsenal were 4-0 winners, and then drew 1-1 with PSV in the Netherlands.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedWrong competition?Unai Emery is looking to win the Champions League with Aston Villa, but already has huge European pedigree. Emery has won the Europa League FOUR times, the most by a manager in history, but never the Champions League.Can he do it for the first time?Credit: Peter Byrne/PA WireCopy linkCopiedScores to settleThe Champions League website has Liverpool and PSG tied at one game a piece, with both games coming in the 2018/19 group stage.Liverpool won the first game 3-2 at Anfield, and then PSG won 2-1 in Paris.Something has to give as they do battle in the round of 16.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa’s first meeting with BruggeAston Villa have made a good account of themselves in the Champions League this season, and will face Club Brugge for the first time in the competition.Emery’s side finished in the top eight, and qualified automatically for the round of 16.They will be hoping to add two wins over Brugge to their record.Credit: Andrew Yates / SportimageCopy linkCopiedNot pretty for the EnglishLiverpool and Arsenal both have tough draws in the Champions League knockouts.Described as a “horror draw,” Liverpool and Arsenal have their work cut out for them if they want to win the Champions League.Copy linkCopiedGunner be toughArsenal fans are not excited about their prosepcts in the Champions League knockouts. Should they get beyond PSV, they will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid, then either Liverpool, PSG, Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the semi-finals.Ouch.Copy linkCopiedIt’s been ages!According to X user OptaJoe, this will be the first meeting between Liverpool and PSG in a major European knockout since the semi-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996/97.Of course, the two sides have met in the group stages since then.Credit: Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty ImagesCopy linkCopiedThe all-English quarter-final potentialThere is potential for an all-English quarter-final in the next round.Arne Slot’s Liverpool recently went to Villa Park, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Unai Emery’s side.If Liverpool were to get past PSG, and Aston Villa were to get past Club Brugge, then they would meet in the quarter-final.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal’s record vs PSVAccording to OptaJoe on X, Arsenal are unbeaten in all of their home matches against PSV (3W 2D).This also happens to be the longest they have played against a side in European competition without losing.Credit: Mike Egerton/PA WireCopy linkCopiedThe BIG derbies to look out for!Real and Atletico Madrid had some HUGE Champions League battles throughout the 2010’s, meeting in two finals.They also met once in the semi-finals, and one in the quarter-finals.On every occasion, Real Madrid got the better of their bitter rivals.Those two being drawn against each other also means the Bundesliga has a HUGE clash, as Bayer Leverkusen take on Bayern Munich. Bayern won 11 straight Bundesliga titles, but were toppled by Bayer Leverkusen last season, and the two now meet in the Champions League.Both ties promise to be entertainers! Copy linkCopiedEl Classico final?Barcelona and Real Madrid seems to be what people are looking at for the final after the round of 16 draw.One user on X (FKA Twitter) said “I speak for all Barcelona fans when I say it’s coming home,”And another user said “Never bet against Real Madrid.”The two have been drawn on opposite sides of the draw, and would only meet in the final.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League last 16 draw in fullBefore we get too ahead of ourselves looking at quarter-finals and the final four, here are the last-16 ties in full. A Spanish derby, an all-Bundesliga grudge match and No. 1 seed Liverpool drawing PSG. Tasty. The first legs for all these ties are set for March 4/5.Aston Villa vs Club BruggeLille vs DortmundAtletico Madrid vs Real MadridBayern vs Bayer LeverkusenFeyenoord vs Inter MilanPSV Eindhoven vs ArsenalPSG vs LiverpoolBenfica vs BarcelonaCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedFull bracketThere are no easy games at this stage.But the Road to Munich is suddenly looking a lot tougher for all three Premier League clubs than it did half an hour ago.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedChampions League draw complete Oof, a brutal draw for both Arsenal and Liverpool.The Gunners will have to get through PSV and either Real Madrid or Atletico to reach the semi-finals.While Liverpool’s reward for topping the group is a nightmare tie with Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.Villa meanwhile get Club Brugge, but will face the winner of PSG or Liverpool in the quarters. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedChampions League QF draw in fullPSG or Liverpool vs Club Brugge or Aston VillaPSV or Arsenal vs Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica or Barcelona vs Dortmund or LilleBayern or Bayer Leverkusen vs Feyenoord or Inter MilanCopy linkCopied More

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      ‘This is RIGGED man’ say fans as Champions League draw sees Arsenal handed horror route to final and derbies galore

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      FANS whinged that the Champions League draw was “rigged” after several interesting fixtures emerged.English sides Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa were among the teams to learn their round of 16 opponents during this morning’s draw.The Champions League draw was conducted in SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersReal Madrid landed a tasty derby with city rivals Atletico, while Bayern Munich will face Bundesliga foes Bayer Leverkusen.Arsenal, meanwhile, got PSV Eindhoven – and will face the winner of the Madrid derby in the quarter-finals, should they triumph over the Dutch side.Moaning over the draw, a fan wrote on X: “this ucl draw is rigged man.”While a second whinged: “Nah Real – Atletico. No-one can tell me this s*** isn’t rigged.”READ MORE FOOTBALLIn a further unfounded claim, a third cried: “How rigged is this draw, two German teams against each other and two Spanish teams against each other.”This means England have a huge advantage in points for top 5 leagues and get a extra UCL spot….”Elsewhere in the round of 16, Liverpool will face French champions Paris Saint-Germain, while Villa will rematch Club Brugge.The Belgian side beat Villa 1-0 in November courtesy of Hans Vanaken’s 52nd minute penalty.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSChampions League round of 16 drawAston Villa vs Club BruggeLille vs DortmundAtletico Madrid vs Real MadridBayern vs Bayer LeverkusenFeyenoord vs Inter MilanPSV Eindhoven vs ArsenalPSG vs LiverpoolBenfica vs BarcelonaBenfica will face Barcelona, Feyenoord are set to take on Inter Milan and Lille have drawn Borussia Dortmund.The quarter-finals could see an all-English clash with the winners of PSG vs Liverpool and Club Brugge set to face off.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingBenfica or Barca will do battle with Dortmund or Lille.And either Bayern or Leverkusen are set to face Feyenoord or Inter Milan.PSG, Liverpool, Club Brugge or Aston Villa will meet one of PSV, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Atletico in the first semi-final.While Benfica, Barcelona, Dortmund or Lille will face off with either Bayern, Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter Milan in the other semi.Champions League QFs and SFs drawQuarter-finalsPSG or Liverpool vs Club Brugge or Aston VillaPSV or Arsenal vs Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica or Barcelona vs Dortmund or LilleBayern or Bayer Leverkusen vs Feyenoord or Inter MilanSemi-finalsPSG, Liverpool, Club Brugge or Aston Villa vs PSV, Arsenal, Real Madrid or AtleticoBenfica, Barcelona, Dortmund or Lille vs Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord or Inter Milan More

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      Champions League draw puts Arsenal and Liverpool on collision course with horror ties – as Gunners avoid frosty reunion

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      ARSENAL, Liverpool and Aston Villa are on a Champions League collision course after all the Prem trio were handed tricky draws.Liverpool landed the most difficult of the lot in Friday’s ceremony, facing French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16.The draw for the Champions League knockout stage has been completedCredit: ReutersArsenal face PSV in the last-16Credit: AFPChampions League draw LIVEThat’s despite Arne Slot’s Reds finishing top of the League stage and, in theory, earning an easier tie.Meanwhile, Arsenal, who finished third in the League, have been drawn against PSV Eindhoven.And Aston Villa, who also made the top eight, take Club Brugge for a place in the quarters, having already lost to the Belgians earlier in the competition.Read More in FootballBut, while those ties might sound relatively friendly, it what comes next that may give Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery sleepless nights.All three Premier League clubs were placed on the same side of the draw, meaning a high possibility of at least one all-English encounter.While it also ruled out the possibility of an all-English final.Should Liverpool defeat PSG – who smashed French rivals Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round – across two legs, they could meet Aston Villa in the quarters.Most read in Champions LeagueThe winners of that could then face Arsenal in the semis.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool will take on PSGCredit: APBut it will NOT be simple for the Gunners to get the far, with defender champions Real Madrid – who just dumped out Manchester City – or bitter local rivals Atletico Madrid awaiting in the last-8.A potential Liverpool vs Arsenal semi-final match-up would mean an incredible THREE games in just 11 DAYS between the two sides.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobThe pair are already scheduled to meet in the Premier League on May 10 in what could be a blockbuster title decider – just three days after the conclusion of the semi-finals.Arsenal’s draw did see them avoid a potentially awkward reunion with ex-striker Robin van Persie.Van Persie agreed to become the new manager of Dutch side Feyenoord, who were the Gunners’ other potential last-16 opponent.The 41-year-old left Arsenal in 2012 to join rivals Manchester United – a decision which saw him dramatically fall out of favour with fans.Instead, Feyenoord will face Inter Milan for a spot in the quarter-finals.Benfica are set to take on Barcelona, with Borussia Dortmund in line to face Lille.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the biggest match on that side of the bracket sees Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen go head-to-head.Last-16 ties with commence next month with the first legs played on March 4 and 5, with the return games the following week.A Madrid derby is set for the round-of-16Credit: Alamy More

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      ‘When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE owner Simon Hallett made a “Freudian slip” during last night’s fans’ forum by inadvertently admitting that his club are getting relegated.Chairman Hallett took questions from supporters alongside Argyle CEO Andrew Parkinson.Plymouth Argyle owner Simon Hallett spoke at a fans’ forum last nightCredit: YouTube/Plymouth ArgyleArgyle drew 1-1 at Luton on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersDuring the event, Hallett and Parkinson were asked about the club spending money on infrastructure, “rather than the playing squad”.Parkinson revealed that increased revenue generated via improved infrastructure is used to fund the playing squad – pointing to the fact that the club’s wage expenditure has gone up from around £2.5million annually 4-5 years ago to being “just under £15million” now.After building on his colleague’s point, Hallett then made an unfortunate slip of the tongue.”It’s generating revenues that can go into the football squad for many, many years,” the Argyle owner said.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This is why when we go down to League One… if we go down to League One – oh God.”Host Charlie Price interjected calling Hallett’s gaffe a “Freudian slip”, before the chairman added: “Oh God… get it right. If we go down to League One, we will be one of the strongest clubs in League One, financially.”The last time we got promoted from League One we were in the middle of the pack.”Suggesting inevitable relegation again, Hallett added: “When we go back we’ll be at the top.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Pilgrims sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year’s EveCredit: GettyArgyle have had four permanent managers in the last 15 months.League One title-winner Steven Schumacher left for Stoke City in December 2023, with the Pilgrims opting for former England youth coach Ian Foster as his successor.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayFoster was sacked after just three months at the helm, with Wayne Rooney eventually appointed as his successor.After a promising start Rooney’s tenure soured, with the Manchester United legend sacked on New Year’s Eve as Argyle sat bottom of the Championship.Argyle subsequently pivoted to new boss Miron Muslic, who guided them to a famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool earlier this month.The Pilgrims opted for a style change in Muslic, who favours a direct style of football, rather than reappointing title-winner Schumacher.’WE WERE SO BAD’On the decision, Hallett said: “Clearly Steven was in consideration during the process that Andrew described.”At the end of the day we decided, among the people on the shortlist, which is not to say that Steven was on the shortlist at all, we ended up going with Miron because we felt we had to do something different.”Coming with any manager, not just Steven, with a similar style to what we had… we were so bad both in attack and defence, that trying to do the same thing but a bit better would be inadequate to increase the probability of survival.”So one of the attractions of Miron was that he was very different. I mean all the other attractions are obvious.”The guy is a fantastic communicator, he’s a wonderful human being, he has that emotional intelligence to be able to deal very well with the players, they all love his clarity of thinking, his ability to communicate, all of that stuff is fantastic.”But in some ways, the core issue is that we were trying something different.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgyle drew 1-1 with bottom side Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday night.They are 23rd in the Championship table with 15 games remaining.Argyle opted against bringing back Steven SchumacherCredit: RexMiron Muslic was appointed Argyle manager last monthCredit: PA More

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      Lionel Messi grants referee’s unusual request after Inter Miami win but waited until they’d left the pitch

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      LIONEL MESSI had a very unusual interaction with a referee this week.Messi, 37, has done and seen it all throughout his glittering 21-year career.Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was asked for his shirt by the REFEREECredit: GettyMessi played in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas against Sporting KCCredit: RexMessi handed over his prized No10 shirt to the referee backstageCredit: APReferee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistleCredit: ReutersThe star forward has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League trophies, 10 LaLiga titles, two Copa America honours and the World Cup.And the Argentina international has played all around the world against the best football has to offer.But perhaps nothing could prepare the Inter Miami superstar for what he encountered on Thursday in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas.Messi and co visited Sporting KC at the freezing Children’s Mercy Park in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.Read More on FootballThe visitors braved the awful cold, with temperatures going as low as -22C.The Barcelona legend led Javier Mascherano’s side to a 1-0 win thanks to his winner on 56 minutes, which marked his first official goal of the calendar year.Messi’s performance finally put to bed the cliche theory of whether he could produce the same magic on a “cold Tuesday night in Stoke” as he shone bright against Sporting.According to ESPN, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star then received a very unusual request from the referee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMexican official Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistle.And Nara asked the Argentine great for his SHIRT as a memento – a tradition usually reserved for players.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami The MLS superstar agreed but passed on his prized No10 jersey backstage in the dressing room later on.That wasn’t because of the freezing temperatures, but rather that the Inter Miami star wanted to avoid any potential controversy on the field. More