Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares79 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Thirteen years of lying’ – Chelsea manager opens up on secret relationship with assistant who she has children with

      by

      CHELSEA manager Sonia Bompastor opened up on her secret romantic relationship with assistant Camille Abily, which they had kept under wraps for 13 years.Bompastor, 44, took over the Blues’ women’s team last May after legendary predecessor Emma Hayes ended her glittering 12-year stint at Stamford Bridge to coach the US national team.New Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor (right) revealed she’s been in a relationship with assistant Camille AbilyCredit: GettyChelsea coaches Bompastor and Abily kept their relationship secret for 13 yearsCredit: RexBompastor (bottom left) and Abily (top left) enjoyed immense success, such as in 2012 when they beat Eintracht Frankfurt to win the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyThe French tactician brought over Abily, 40, having spent years playing together for Montpellier, Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain and France.The pair then switched to coaching after hanging up their boots and enjoyed a stunning three-year run at Lyon.Together they led OL to three consecutive league titles, one French Cup and the 2022 Champions League trophy.To the outside world, Bompastor and Abily seemed the perfect coaching duo, but their relationship was more intimate behind the scenes.Read More on FootballThe new Chelsea boss revealed in her recent autobiography A Life of Football – published in France on Wednesday – that she has been in a relationship with her assistant for 13 years.And the couple also have FOUR children, who are now aged between three and nine years old.The Lyon legend admits this was a “heavy” secret to keep all these years.Bompastor told L’Equipe: “Revealing my life together with Camille, our couple, after – as I say in the book – these 13 years of lying, is still a subject on which today we are not entirely comfortable.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We are rather discreet and we like to have a completely normal life. Finally, we realised that having lied for 13 years is a heavy secret to keep. “With hindsight and our different experiences, we say to ourselves that we should have revealed it from the start.”Enzo Maresca criticises Chelsea after 3-0 defeat by Brighton Abily, who was also interviewed before the book’s launch, revealed their decision to keep their relationship secret had to do with their public profiles.However, the Chelsea coach hinted she didn’t feel the need to disclose her personal life anyway.Abily said: “There is modesty, self-acceptance. Then, we were still two well-known players. We were already associated a lot on a lot of things.”These are not subjects that I necessarily like to discuss. I think it’s a self-acceptance already. “Everyone around us, our children, know there’s no problem. But I’m not going to be the first to tell someone who doesn’t know. And yet, we were really lucky, it went really well.”Nevertheless, Bompastor and Abily retain a strictly professional relationship while on duty at Chelsea.The couple maintained the same stance during their time in charge of Lyon, and it led to immense success.READ MORE SUN STORIESBompastor added: “Camille isn’t my wife at work. Camille is my duo, my partner. “We know each other very well, we complement each other very well in qualities that as a result, we’re very effective at what we do.” More

    • 225 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m not Kurt Zouma’ – Jose Mourinho makes outrageous comment when asked if he prefers dogs or cats

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO took a dig at his former player Kurt Zouma after being asked about his preference of dogs or cats.The ex-Chelsea boss was being interviewed by another old star John Obi Mikel for his Obi One podcast.Jose Mourinho made an outrageous joke referencing Kurt Zouma’s cat-kicking scandalCredit: YouTube/The Obi One PodcastZouma played under Mourinho during his second spell in charge of ChelseaCredit: GettyZouma was fined and banned from owning cats for five years after a video emerged of him kicking and slapping his pet catCredit: PADuring the interview, the Fenerbahce manager was asked whether he prefers cats or dogs.Mourinho replied by saying: “Dogs.”But never one to shy away from controversy, the sharp-tongued 62-year-old then raised his hands in the air and added: “But I don’t have a problem with cats.”I’m not Kurt Zouma.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe joke saw Mourinho and Obi Mikel burst into laughter.It came as a reference to Zouma’s cat-kicking scandal in February 2022. In a leaked Snapchat video obtained exclusively by The Sun, the then West Ham defender was seen kicking and slapping his pet cat in his kitchen in a video filmed by brother Yoan.His club condemned the act and fined him £250,000, which they said was the maximum they were able to hand out.Most read in FootballThe Frenchman pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.Zouma avoided a jail sentence for the crime but was fined £8,887 and handed a 12-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work.Kurt Zouma arrives at Thames Magistrates Court to be sentenced for animal crueltyHe was also banned from keeping cats for five years.Speaking about the sickening incident, Zouma said: “It’s been a difficult spell for me and my family.”Obviously, I have done something very bad and I apologise again for what I’ve done. I know it was very tough for people to watch and to see that and obviously I feel very, very sorry.”I have great remorse about it and now I’m trying to move on with my family and looking ahead. I learned from it, that’s the most important thing, I would say.”Obviously, I had support from many, many people around me who helped me stay focused on football and I try to stay happy.”Zouma, now 30, left the Hammers in August 2024 to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Orobah.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played under Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s second spell at Chelsea.Mourinho is a known dog lover, and admitted in 2019 he had had a “very sad” Christmas because his beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Leya, had died on Christmas Day. More

    • 225 Shares127 Views

      in Soccer

      How David Moyes has transformed Everton and why it’s bad news for Man Utd ahead of Saturday’s clash

      by

      THERE seems to finally be light at the end of the tunnel for Everton.Just before Christmas last year the ownership of the club was finally stabilised with the Friedkin Group completing the deal to purchase the club from the previous owner Farhad Moshiri.David Moyes has transformed Everton’s fortunes by freeing up their attacking spiritCredit: RexThis should pose a major issue for Ruben Amorim when they visit the ToffeesCredit: GettyProgress has continued with the building of a new stadium, with the club expected to be playing home games there from the start of next season.And that has been bolstered by an upturn in form following the return of David Moyes, with four wins from the six Premier League games he has taken charge of.The in-form Toffees take their new manager bounce into a clash with Moyes’ old club Manchester United, whom he originally left Everton in 2013 to manage before he was sacked ten months later.Below we look at the subtle tactical changes Moyes has made since taking charge and how these will make life very difficult for the Red Devils this weekend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA more modern approachOne of the most undeserved criticisms levelled at Moyes throughout his career is that he is a tactical ‘dinosaur’ who had not been able to keep up with the tactical shifts of the modern game. This is a lazy criticism of the Scot as he has consistently shown clever tactical features in his teams. Everton were very organised under Sean Dyche, so much so that it stifled their attacking approach with too few players making supporting attacking runs in favour of keeping the team compact.One of the first changes Moyes implemented saw the defensive line shift from a back four to a more fluid structure, with Jake O’Brien coming in at right-back and playing a deeper, more hybrid role.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis has allowed Vitalii Mykolenko on the left side to move higher and join the attack with the back line shifting into a three. This slight tweak has allowed Everton to remain strong in their defensive structure while also releasing more players to join the attack.10,000 attend test event at Everton’s new stadiumHere, we can see the back three shape from Everton now under MoyesThis switch to a back three in possession created more opportunities for creative attacking patterns through the centre and down the left-hand side of the pitch.The movement and attacking intent of Mykolenko have been key to this by creating overloads as he pushes forward. With Everton now being less structured in the way they attack and penetrate into the final third they are clearly more difficult to defend against and they are starting to create more chances on goal.This more creative approach in possession will be difficult for Ruben Amorim’s side to deal with, as a number of teams have already had great success against his 3-4-3 system.Here Mykolenko combines down the left by looking to play combinations with attacking playersThe movement of Mykolenko and his combinations down the left provide threat, but they are only present now because of the change in the way the defensive line has been structured.Moyes has retained the defensive strength of the Everton team while unlocking more attacking creativity just with a change in role from the right-back.Unlocking the threat in the centreWe have already touched on Moyes changing the basic structure of Everton to get the best out of Iliam Ndiaye on the left side of the pitch. Under Dyche we saw how rigid Everton were when they attacked with the front three being supported, for the most part, by one midfield player. But under Moyes, the left-sided attacker has more freedom to drift in and out of the channels or even the central spaces.Unfortunately for Everton, Ndiaye has picked up an injury and is facing at least a few weeks on the sidelines.Jack Harrison is likely to fill in the left-sided attacking role this weekend given he came on for the stricken Ndiaye when he got injured against Liverpool.Despite Harrison having a very different profile to Ndiaye, the role will remain fluid with Harrison coming inside to receive in pockets of space where he can get turned to attack and hurt the opposition with his ball-carrying ability.The left winger can bring threat for Everton when receiving wide with Mykolenko immediately overlappingHaving a player with the profile of a Ndiaye or a Harrison who can carry the ball in the channels or even centrally and force defenders to engage them will immediately create space and time in the final third.This will be especially important against the Red Devils who have struggled in recent weeks with an inability to deal with intelligent movement and positioning.We saw this in their last game against Spurs with James Maddison having a real impact with his positioning and creativity. This is why the left-sided attacker and their movement into central areas will be extremely important this coming weekend.Alternatively, here Jack Harrison has narrowed off to get the ball in a more central area and create an overloadThis weekend expect to see Moyes release Harrison with Mykolenko regularly making aggressive runs to stretch the pitch and occupy the right wing-back for United, likely to be one of Diogo Dalot or Patrick Dorgu.How United react and deal with the overload in central areas could be key in the deciding the outcome.More attacking presence and chance creationOne of the clear improvements since Moyes took over from Dyche has been the ability for Everton to create goal scoring opportunities.They have gone from being one of the worst teams in the league in terms of the quantity and quality of chances created to being one of the best. Much of the credit for this goes to Moyes for getting the best out of players like Ndiaye – though he is out of the Man Utd clash through injury – and Beto in the attacking third.Crucially, the Toffees are now willing to commit more players into attacking positions in all areas of the pitch. This sees them stretching the width of the opposition defensive structure and sending more runners from central areas in order to overload the opposition through the middle.Everton are now far braver by attacking in numbers during transitionTheir willingness to send numbers forward in the attacking phase will be an important tactical concept this weekend against Man Utd. Part of the issues they have faced so far this season have been their lack of organisation in defensive transitions. Teams that can stretch them and attack aggressively with numbers, especially centrally, can really hurt Amorim’s set-up.It will be interesting to see whether Moyes keeps with the same structure and style of play against Man Utd, who managed a 4-0 win against Everton when Amorim previously faced Everton under Dyche.Here we see Everton willing to commit multiple players into attacking positionsThere is no doubt Amorim’s side will have to push and attack as they look to find some form and create chances of their own. This will leave them vulnerable to being attacked on the counter attack and this has been a clear strength of Everton so far under Moyes.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionWhile it is difficult to be too critical of the job Dyche did at Everton, there is no doubt Everton are looking far more settled and effective under Moyes. If they can secure all three points this weekend when United visit Goodison Park, Everton should comfortably climb the table. More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars spotted on night out as they hire bowling alley for team bonding trip to help address terrible season

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED stars hired out an entire bowling alley for a team bonding trip in a bid to save their season.Ruben Amorim’s men have been way off the pace in the Premier League and find themselves 15th in the table.Man Utd stars including Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans enjoyed a team bonding night outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAces like Rasmus Hojlund spent several hours at a bowling alleyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes was all smiles as he arrivedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeStars later walked in groups to a Brazilian restaurant – with (from left to right) Alejandro Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte, Lenny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collier and Ayden Heaven joined by an unknown man (front)Credit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe players indulged in fun games before having a biteCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeSunday’s 1-0 defeat at Spurs was United’s 12th loss of the campaign.Fans are praying that the club can find finally find some form with just 13 games to go.United’s next game sees them travel to Everton, who are now managed by former boss David Moyes and sit just one point ahead.But players have taken matters into their own hands by organising a team bonding trip to a bowling alley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs rivals Man City lost to Real Madrid and Liverpool drew at Aston Villa, United aces paid a visit to Lane 7 Bowling Alley in Altrincham.The group spent two hours there between 5pm and 7pm.They enjoyed games of 10-pin bowling, darts, basketball, ping pong and pool.United’s players clearly worked up an appetite as they loosened up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s because after their time at Lane 7 ended, they walked in small groups down Stamford New Road for a slap-up meal at Brazilian restaurant Jardim Rodizio.Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Matthijs de Ligt led the way on the night out.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Matthijs de Ligt appeared relaxed on his night outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCasemiro was part of the group enjoying their time in AltrinchamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMason Mount was stopped for a photoCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeLeny Yoro enjoyed some juice on his strollCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeDiogo Dalot was full of beansCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee also looked stylish as they soaked up the vibes.Andre Onana, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were also spotted in the group.While Jonny Evans, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot appeared to be having a grand night out.The team bonding session came on the same day United chiefs revealed that club debt had hit the £1billion mark.The figure rose after United spent £10.4million on sacking Erik ten Hag and staff.While Dan Ashworth’s exit cost £4.1m as total revenue dropped by 12 per cent over the quarter.The group hit up Lane 7 bowling alleyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThey were there between 5pm and 7pmCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeUnited’s stars played several games of bowlingCredit: Instagram @lane7_They also enjoyed some dartsCredit: Instagram @lane7_They later dined out at a Brazilian restaurantCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

    • 250 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’ve not seen Phil for well over a year,’ admits Gary Neville as brother’s special birthday message surprises Roy Keane

      by

      GARY NEVILLE admitted he has not seen his brother Phil in over a year after he was sent a touching birthday message by him.The Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit celebrated turning 50 on Tuesday.Phil Neville wishes his brother Gary a happy 50th birthdayCredit: YouTube/The OverlapThe Neville brothers won six Premier League titles and the Champions League togetherCredit: EPAAnd the Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast pulled out all the stops for a special birthday episode.Party poppers, huge balloons and a personalised cake filled the studio as Gary was played video messages from his loved ones.His brother Phil, 48, sent him his best wishes from the US where he manages MLS side Portland Timbers.Phil said: “Gary, it’s Phillip here. Just wanted to send you a massive happy birthday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I know we have not spoke or seen each other for ages. I’m always thinking of you and always watching what you’re up to and reading about you all the time.”Happy 50th and I will catch up with you when I’m back in the UK or if you come to Portland to see your brother.”Love you lots, miss you and have the most amazing birthday.”Roy Keane was then left shocked when Gary admitted he has not seen his brother, who he won six Premier League titles with at Manchester United, in over a year.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary admitted: “I’ve not seen Phil in ages. I’ve not seen him for well over a year now. “We text sometimes, we don’t speak that often but that’s really more me. Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary Neville”My brother will ring my mum every day, will ring my sister and text her whereas I’m a bit more [distant]. I need to book a week over in Portland.”The two children Harvey and Isabella, I miss them the most. Me and Phil have seen each other a long time. But the kids, I adore the kids.”Keane then encouraged Gary to take his family over to the States to visit.Gary was also sent birthday messages from his sister Tracey, 48, and her son, as well as David Beckham.Tracey now lives in Australia and it was revealed that he only sees her at Christmas when she is back home.As the birthday celebrations continued, Gary’s wife Emma and mum Jill later joined the show to share stories about what he is like off the pitch and away from the cameras.Emma joked about his “strange” habit of going to sleep by 9pm and his mum claimed her family grew up in a non-stop sport environment.Gary’s wife Emma and mum Jill later joined the showCredit: YouTube/The Overlap More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human’, says Millie Bright on fan abuse of players 

      by

      MILLIE BRIGHT says speaking out about the abuse she received from a fan was prompted by her wish to protect players who have been through similar ordeals. And the Chelsea and England star wants supporters of the women’s game to see footballers as “human” and “not items”. Millie Bright and her England team-mates are in Portugal preparing for their Women’s Nations League games this monthCredit: GettyThis month Lioness centre-back spoke out on being the target of an expletive-laden insult from fan at a WSL gameCredit: GettyBright, who is in Portugal ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Nations League games, was reflecting on being the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan at a WSL game. The England vice-captain said a supporter who had attended Chelsea’s away duel with Aston Villa had made the remark after her for pictures and autograph.In an online post shared via her Instagram account following the incident, Bright recalled being ”hugely disappointed.”While the centre-back usually has “good responses” and interaction with supporters she hopes they treat female players will respect Read More Football StoriesBright, who is preparing to face Portugal in the Nations League tomorrow, said: “If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. “Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.”Reflecting on how she felt immediately after being the target of insults from a supporter, Bright added: “In the moment I didn’t actually do anything. I was really taken aback and disappointed. Most read in Sport“That was the biggest thing. Football is opinionated and everyone can have one. I wasn’t actually bothered about the opinion of my performance.“It was more the fact I had gone to the fans to give my time, give signatures and inspire the next generation and say hi to little ones. “To give that time and to try to have a genuine conversation and to then be disrespected afterwards immediately, I just thought ‘I’m here off my own back.’. “I thought ‘I’m so glad it was me and not one of my team-mates, a youngster, or someone going through something that nobody knew about.’ “We go out to play for our fans every single game – whether that’s with our clubs or countries – and we want to make everyone proud. “We’re trying to inspire the next generation. “I’ve heard of a couple of situations that players went through where they maybe didn’t feel strong enough to speak out. “You don’t deserve to be disrespected, especially not when you have given your time and efforts after a game.”England will play Portugal at Portimao Stadium on February 21 in their first Women’s Nations League fixture this yearCredit: Getty“Ultimately, I wanted to protect my team and let them know that if they need to speak out, they have a right to. READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.” More

    • 275 Shares151 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I can’t say that, he’s my captain’ – Aston Villa star put in awkward situation live on TNT Sports before Liverpool game

      by

      ASTON VILLA star Amadou Onana was put in an awkward spot before the Premier League match against Liverpool when asked about captain John McGinn.Villa snatched a point against the Prem leaders thanks to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park, where Onana, 23, was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.Aston Villa star Amadou Onana was asked about captain John McGinn on TNT SportsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntAlan Hutton egged Onana on as he asked him if McGinn is ‘still annoying’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntOnana refused to comment on Hutton’s tongue-in-cheek statement about McGinnCredit: GettyOnana sang Aston Villa captain McGinn’s praises before the Liverpool gameCredit: RexThe midfielder joined TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage to preview the game and host Lynsey Hipgrave asked him about his skipper’s personality and leadership in the dressing room.McGinn’s former Villa and Scotland team-mate Alan Hutton jumped in with a tongue-in-cheek comment about the 30-year-old.Hutton asked: “Is he still annoying? You can tell, he’s still annoying…”Onana responded with an awkward chuckle before refusing to comment as Hipgrave and Hutton started laughing.Read More on FootballThe Belgium international went on to sing McGinn’s praises after the warm welcome he received from him after his £50million arrival from Everton last summer.Onana responded: “I can’t say that, he’s my captain. But really fun guy, [he] welcomed me and the new boys really really well.”Always up to a joke here and there but we just love him, we love him.”Onana was then asked about McGinn’s unique fashion sense that sees him constantly wearing shorts no matter what the weather is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Belgian maintained his silence and continued to hold a neutral stance.Onana added: “I can’t say much about it, it’s really different to mine.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concern”But as long as he’s comfortable, that’s all that matters.” More

    • 250 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Totally unforgivable’ – Fans furious at Man City stars’ antics in Real Madrid clash and demand ‘they need to leave’

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY fans were left furious with the antics of several of their stars in their heavy defeat to Real Madrid.City were sent packing from the Champions League after losing 3-1 at the Bernabeu.Man City fans blasted the body language of several stars against Real MadridCredit: X @footballontntPep Guardiola’s men crashed out of the Champions League 6-3 on aggregateCredit: GettyThe result saw Real secured a 6-3 aggregate win over Pep Guardiola’s struggling side.But supporters were far from pleased with City’s efforts in Spain.The Premier League champions lined up with a new-look midfield diamond.Yet they found themselves completely overrun in the middle of the park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans took aim at a number of City players who had been patrolling that area, insisting their effort were “unforgivable.”One said: “The body language of certain Man City players on the pitch at the moment is totally unforgivable.“Thankfully they’ll be given the chance to leave the club in the summer.”Another went ahead and named two players who they felt were underperforming.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe fan declared: “Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan need to leave.”One supporter reckoned one forward was barely visible during the game.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headIlkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva came under fire from fansCredit: AlamyPhil Foden was also targeted for his performanceCredit: GettyThey asked: “Has Savinho ever been on the pitch?”Another took aim at Phil Foden and his startling decline.They added: “I’ve never seen a player get Player of the Season and then suffer a fall from grace the following season like Foden has.“24 years of age and we still don’t know what his best position is in this City team.“They’re now looking for a Kevin De Bruyne replacement in the summer. That tells you everything.” More