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      I won a major trophy with Chelsea and got sacked months later… nothing has changed in 27 years

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      THE HEAT is on Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.And Ruud Gullit knows what that is like when a manager is under pressure.Ruud Gullit won the FA Cup with Chelsea – only to get the boot months laterCredit: PA:Empics SportEnzo Maresca is feeling the heat at Chelsea in the run-inCredit: PAGullit gave Chelsea their first major trophy in 26 years but things unraveled at speedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former Chelsea and Newcastle boss left both jobs against his will, when results, players and fans turned against him.Gullit was sacked by former chairman Ken Bates in February 1998, despite winning the FA Cup the previous year- the club’s first major trophy for 26 long years.And he fears nothing much has changed at Chelsea in the 27 years since, despite changes in ownership and years of success.The Dutch legend is unconvinced that Maresca and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are aligned.Today’s home clash with Spurs, the one club Chelsea fans HAVE to beat, could develop into a tipping point moment.In a wide-ranging interview, Gullit, now a member of the Laureus Academy, questioned the direction of his former club.And Gullit, 62, also told Sun Sport he feels Ruben Amorim needs time at Manchester United, that the Marcus Rashford “backlash” explains why players do not speak out on social issues and how he cannot understand Liverpool fans piling in on Trent Alexander-Arnold.GULLIT ON…….CHELSEAChelsea to me, still, is a little bit of an enigma. I don’t know really how good they are or how bad they are.They are looking for their identity a little bit.They are trying to creep up the table and maybe in the long term they will be contenders for the title.Chelsea legend Gullit becomes ‘instant meme’ as video of him staring at wine drinker who shakes waiter’s hand goes viral But I don’t know yet where they are exactly.People tell me that one of the problems with Chelsea is that they change the manager all the time – so tell me something new!I don’t get it. I don’t get what they really, really want. Even if they are successful, they still sack you as a coach.So I don’t know. That’s why I say Chelsea’s still an enigma. I try to find out what they stand for, what is their philosophy and what is the football they want us to watch?They haven’t got that yet, they just don’t have it.A lot of things start with your roots.You cannot always buy success. It’s very difficult to buy success and you have to sometimes wait and retain a certain philosophy.Maybe Chelsea just started with this philosophy, because now they want young players.But they aren’t players coming from the academy. They have been bought and you need to have patience.At least when Mourinho was there, you knew what was going on. You could love it or you could hate it, but at least you knew what you’re going to confront.They had a fantastic and very successful team.But now we don’t know what the way up is. Still, we don’t know.MANCHESTER UNITEDGullit believes United should give Ruben Amorim a full season to show his credentialsCredit: AlamyThe most difficult job for any manager is if you come in half-way through a season, like Ruben Amorim did at United.Especially if you arrive when the team is already in difficulty.I understand that you don’t know if that train will come by again, so you think ‘Okay, I have to step onto the train now – it’s Manchester United and I might not get the chance again’.But coming in half way through has been very difficult and to be fair to Ruben we have to judge him next season, when he has the chance to do his preparation, can buy the players he wants and get rid of the players he doesn’t like.It’s been tough. The reality is that you can ruin your reputation coming in at the point he did with a team in trouble.So it’s hard to make any real difference – although you do get exceptions, like the job David Moyes has done at Everton – but most of the time you can’t make a lot of difference.He hasn’t had the chance to really show what he can do there.He needs to have another season, from the summer, to work on the things that he needs to work on, get the players that he needs to play. Then we can really judge him.SPANISH DOMINATIONReal Madrid could win yet another Champions League crown this seasonCredit: AlamyThe two best teams in football are from Spain – the national team and Real Madrid.They are both exceptional and that’s why they are the big contenders for the Laureus World Sports Team of the Year Award.We saw Spain in the Euros, how good they were, especially Lamine Yamal, who is another nominee and is an unbelievable talent.It is why I see Spanish football is dominating again. They are incredible.But what I do like about Real Madrid is how they can transform themselves in the course of a season.Before Christmas, they looked like they might go out of the Champions League early.Now you look at them and think they will win it AGAIN.MARCUS RASHFORDMarcus Rashford is hoping to kickstart his career at Aston VillaCredit: RexOne of the problems with being a sportsman is that you only have a short career. You have maybe 16 years and you have to live for that.You can’t be a sportsman and a politician or an activist.Look at Marcus Rashford. He did a great job in England with his project on school meals. He was leading a very good cause, helping the kids in schools.But he suffered the backlash, where he was accused of being too busy with other things to concentrate on his football.That was ridiculous, awful, horrible.It just shows that sportsmen to talk about politics or human rights is so difficult, because of what follows, even when you are doing something for all the right reasons.All the time the criticism is that footballers have nothing to say. But this is why – because if you do say something your words get used against you. So you can never win.LIVERPOOLArne Slot’s Liverpool are marching towards the Premier League titleCredit: EPAI didn’t anticipate Arne Slot would be so successful.But one of the reasons he has done so well is the set-up he walked into at Liverpool.Liverpool knew exactly what Jurgen Klopp was about and what he would do.He was hired because he would bring a certain way of playing football. They played four-three-three, attacking football, and were very successful.And when Jurgen said he was leaving, they went out to get a new coach who does exactly the same.’A brilliant failure’ – Incredible footage of Arne Slot’s craziest coaching idea resurfaces from his playing daysYes, a few of the small details are a bit different, but most of the things are just exactly the same.That should be done by a lot of clubs.First, decide your DNA as a club, how you want to play and then put the right coaches in place. That’s exactly what Liverpool did.Arne has done exceptionally well. I didn’t know if he was going to do this, and the majority of people are surprised that it’s gone well.But if you know Slot, and I do, he’s a nice guy. He’s very educated, talks well, speaks perfect English, so he doesn’t have to translate from Dutch to English.He’s just a good guy. Psychologically, he’s very good with the team. So I’m very happy for him.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLDTrent Alexander-Arnold is preparing to swap Merseyside for the Spanish capitalCredit: GettyThe reaction to him moving to Real Madrid is strange to me – something I don’t understand.Maybe it’s me but I just don’t get why there’s been so much criticism on him.Look – the biggest club in the world wants him, simple as that.You can also say to him, ‘You’ve been great for us but congratulations, go and do well there’.Why is that not possible? Why is that so strange?After all, it was only a few months ago that he wasn’t in the team and everybody wanted to see Conor Bradley playing at right-back.Now, all of a sudden, because Alexander-Arnold wants to go to Real Madrid, everybody is upset.I don’t understand that.We are talking Real Madrid, the best club in the world. It’s a fantastic move for him. Be happy for him.I just don’t get all the fuss. If he was leaving for a lesser club than Liverpool, just for the money, then maybe. But it’s Real Madrid. Real Madrid!*Ruud Gullit is a member of the Laureus Sports Academy and speaking ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards, the “Oscars of Sport” taking place in Madrid next month More

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      Virgil van Dijk ‘destroys’ Michael Owen with brutal 13-word put-down on live TV after Liverpool beat Everton

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      FOOTIE fans reckon Virgil van Dijk put Michael Owen in his place following his claim about Liverpool’s season after the Merseyside derby.Former Kop icon Owen suggested the Reds’ campaign was set to end on a sour note following last month’s Champions League exit and Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle.Ex-Kop star Michael Owen put a dampener on Liverpool’s season after the Merseyside DerbyCredit: BEIN SPORTSReds skipper Virgil van Dijk snapped back at the former Kop star’s claim that they’ll have a “bitter taste” in their mouthCredit: BEIN SPORTSAfter Arne Slot’s troops saw off Everton on Wednesday night, he said to van Dijk: “It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks.”Liverpool were poised to have a phenomenal season, if they win the Premier League, it’ll still be fantastic.'”But with a little bit of a bitter taste because it was building into something special.”And Owen’s insinuation that the season has been somewhat of a failure well and truly drew the ire of Van Dijk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dutchman replied: “So you’re suggesting the season is not going to be special any more?”Van Dijk’s blunt response to Owen went viral and received a slew of comments, with one viewer saying: “Owen blasted out of the water by VVD!Another said: “Absolutely bodied him there.”And another said: “The f***ing aura.”Most read in FootballOne remarked: “Virgil’s response is as cool and sinister as Joe Pesci’s character in Goodfellas asking Ray Liotta’s, ‘Do I amuse you?'”BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVirgil van Dijk celebrates Diogo Jota’s winner in the Merseyside derbyCredit: REXAnother chimed in: “Virgil van Dijk casually destroying Michael Owen post-match has made our morning!”Owen slightly walked back his comments after being pressed by VVD, saying: “It will be, absolutely, it will be special. Fury as James Tarkowski escapes red card for horror tackle on Mac Allister just minutes into Merseyside derby”But I thought it could’ve been building into something very special.”But his rebuttal similarly annoyed Van Dijk, who reminded the former Red striker that they weren’t even considered title contenders before the season started.The centre-back, whose contract at Anfield expires in the summer, said: “Well, I think we have to change that narrative a little bit.”We’re fighting for the biggest prize of the season, we worked so hard for it, 20 teams are working so hard to be on top of the Premier League.”We have eight games to go, we know what’s at stake, we have to go for it, we have to fight, we have to enjoy the whole ride and then let’s see.”Like I said, it’s still looking very special in my eyes.”I think what you said, at the start of the season, I think no one expected us to even try to fight on all four fronts.Read More on The Sun”Obviously, we’re at the stage now where we’re still fighting for the biggest, and that’s the reality.”It’s still a possibility that this season will be very, very special.” More

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      Jack Grealish is ultimate family man from loving relationship with disabled sister to tribute to baby brother who died

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      JACK GREALISH is one of the Premier League’s biggest stars but at heart he is a loving family man.The Manchester City star dedicated his goal against Leicester on Wednesday to his baby brother on the anniversary of his death.Jack Grealish is a big family man and he dedicated his most recent goal to his late brother KeelanCredit: GettyHe is best friends with sister HollieCredit: INSTAGRAM @jackgrealishHe always makes time for sister Kiera tooCredit: Keira Grealish/instagramThe Man City star often shares his pride in HollieKeelan Grealish passed away from cot death aged nine monthsIt is not the first time he has paid tribute to Keelan, who passed away at nine months old from cot death.When he scored his first senior goal while on loan at Notts County in the 2013/14 season, he dedicated it to Keelan. And in November 2018 while playing for Aston Villa, he did the same after scoring in a 4-2 victory over Birmingham. Grealish choked back tears as he spoke about Keelan following his latest goal and what it means to his family.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England star has been open about his baby brother’s passing and his little sister Hollie’s disability, describing her as his “best friend”.He said previously: “My little brother passed away when I was young.”My little sister has cerebral palsy, so she, you know, she’s like my best friend. I speak to her all the time.”She’ll live with my mum forever, so my mum was always looking after the kids, whereas my dad would take me and my brother to Villa Park on a Saturday.Most read in Football“We are so close. She was born three months premature and they said she would not be able to talk, walk.”And here we are today, and she can do everything.”Grealish has babyGrealish celebrated City’s title victory last season with Hollie on the Etihad pitch.With his winners’ medal around his neck, Grealish hugged and kissed her on the cheek.He often expresses how proud he is of his sister and sang her praises after she began her first job as a waitress.Grealish shared a photo of Hollie at work and wrote: “Go on Hols. First job… Birmingham’s best waitress. Proud of you.”The 29-year-old has previously talked about how Hollie was born three months premature, adding: “They said that she wouldn’t be able to talk, she wouldn’t be able to walk, and do a lot of stuff but here we are and she can do everything.”I’m so close with my little sister. I love her so much.” He has called Hollie his “inspiration” and his “hero”.Although Hollie is his best friend, Grealish always makes time for his other sister Kiera and makes sure to remember Keelan with touching tributes.Read More on The SunAfter his goal on the anniversary of Keelan’s death, Grealish said: “I felt like I deserved to play tonight and I was just happy. It was a nice day because my little brother passed away 25 years ago today.”So this day is always hard in the family. My mum and dad were here and I think this day is always difficult in the family so to score and to win is brilliant.” More

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      ‘We have to move’ – Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms

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      OXFORD UNITED’s chief executive Tim Williams has warned the club is in danger of being homeless after plans stalled for a new ground.The Championship side’s lease on the Kassam Stadium expires in June 2026. Oxford United are hoping to move away from the Kassam StadiumCredit: PAThe club have submitted plans for a new 16,000-seater groundCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford UnitedOxford were promoted to the second tier last season for the first time since 1999.The U’s have more than held their own this term and currently sit 19th, two points above the drop zone.CEO Williams admits the club are currently in limbo in regards to a new home – and will soon need to inform the EFL where they intend to play from next summer. Oxford have submitted plans for a new 16,000-seater stadium to Cherwell District Council.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA decision on the plot, located just outside the city, was delayed in February as the council requested more time to review the application.Williams told The Dub podcast: “There is nothing more important – and I mean literally nothing more important. “We don’t have a stadium to be in if this doesn’t work out. “I don’t particularly like binary decisions. But this really is that binary.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We are in a position where we have to move. This actually isn’t now about moving into a stadium that will allow us to generate more revenue. This is about getting into a stadium.”Fundamentally, if we don’t have a stadium, we don’t have a football club. It’s appallingly as binary as that.” ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunderWilliams added that extending the club’s licence at the Kassam was his favoured option in the short term.And he was also keen to avoid any possibility of a groundshare. He continued: “I think for everybody involved, none more so than fans and supporters, the path of least resistance would be to see if we can stay where we are for the couple of years that we need to.”I don’t particularly want to groundshare anywhere, that’s not a particularly good option – that’s an understatement.”So, for me, the most attractive option is to stay where we are, assuming that we can.”Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds last month claimed the club should be allowed to move.The club are now awaiting a decision from the council, which is expected in June at the earliest. More

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      James Tarkowski SHOULD have been sent off for horror lunge vs Liverpool say PGMOL but won’t face any punishment

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      PGMOL bosses admit James Tarkowski should have been sent off in the Merseyside derby.Everton defender Tarkowski only saw yellow for a horrible tackle on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Alister as he cleared the ball on the edge of his own box in the first half of the Anfield clash.James Tarkowski avoided a red card for this tackle on Alexis Mac AllisterWhile former England defender Tarkowski clearly played the ball first, his out of control follow through saw him clatter into the Argentine midfielder‘s calf.Referee Sam Barrott judged it to be a “reckless” challenge and worthy of only a booking.But PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitch side monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.The Everton defender apologised to Mac Allister after the final whistle and the pair appeared to kiss and make up.But commentators, pundits and former refs unanimously agreed Tarkowski should have saw red.Gary Neville suggested he was “lucky” not to be sent off and ex-Prem official Mike Dean confirmed his view.Dean said: “The follow through is awful. He hasn’t got his leg planted, luckily enough.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But it’s a red card – speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball but the follow through… it’s a terrible challenge.”For me he (Barrott) should have gone to the screen, should have sent Tarkowski off – 100 per cent.” Fury as James Tarkowski escapes red card for horror tackle on Mac Allister just minutes into Merseyside derbyAt half-time, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said of Barrott: “He’s in a great position, he has to see that.”Carragher then added: “For Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR, shocking.” More

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      UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament

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      THE UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland joined forces with the English Football Association earlier this year in a bid for the major tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the UK submitted the ‘only valid bid’ for the competitionCredit: GettySpain are the reigning Women’s World Cup champions having won the tournament in 2023Credit: GettyEngland’s Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil in 2022Credit: PAThe deadline for initial submissions came earlier this week on Monday afternoon.And while the UK lodged their interest on time, rival nations did not.Therefore, there is no real competition for the 2035 tournament.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has described the UK’s interest as the “one valid bid” for the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain, Portugal and Morocco had previously expressed a desire to host on a joint basis, but all three countries withdrew from the running.Speaking at the UEFA Congress on Thursday morning, Infantino said: “I can also confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035.”The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together.”And the 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 in some great countries, some great nations, to boost the women’s football movement even more.”The UK will now need to submit a compliant bid by the end of this year in order to guarantee the tournament will be played on British soil.England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darknessInfantino also revealed that FIFA intend to increase the number of teams competing in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 by 2031.The number of teams was increased from 24 to 32 for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final for the very first time.The Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.”Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”UK football chiefs are yet to announce which stadiums would likely be earmarked for the tournament.However, it can almost be guaranteed that Wembley Stadium in London will host the final – as it did for the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros in 2022.Read More on The SunManchester United’s proposed £2billion, 100,00-seater venue could also be used as it is set to be fully completed before the tournament year.In addition, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the home of the Scottish national team, would likely be used as a venue.Man Utd’s proposed new £2bn stadium could be a potential host venueCredit: AFP More

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      What James Tarkowski did at full-time spotted after avoiding red card for horror lunge in Liverpool vs Everton clash

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      JAMES TARKOWSKI was lucky to avoid a red card in the Merseyside derby but he produced a touching gesture at full-time.The Everton defender caught Alexis Mac Allister high on his leg with a risky follow-through after making a tackle.James Tarkowski appeared to say sorry to Alexis Mac Allister at full-timeCredit: X @SkySportsPLMac Allister seemed to accept the apologyCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe Everton defender caught Mac Allister with a dangerous follow throughTarkowski initially won the ball but the aggressive nature of his tackle posed a danger to his opponent.He was booked and VAR did not deem the challenge worthy of serious foul play – a red card offence – but the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher believe he should have been dismissed.PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitchside monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the centre-back realised the serious nature of his tackle and after the final whistle he spoke to Mac Allister.The Everton ace appeared to issue an apology to the Argentine and at the end of their discussion Mac Allister appeared to forgive him.Some fans appreciated the gesture but not everyone responded compassionately.One supporter reacted saying: “Touch of class.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Even he knew it was a red.”A third wrote: “So even he knows he’s a very lucky boy!”Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntAnd another commented: “Fair play. Both players classy here.” More

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      Fate of West Ham chair David Gold’s nine-figure estate revealed in will – and who will inherit huge stake in club

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      FORMER West Ham chairman David Gold’s enormous will has been revealed.Probate has now been granted to his daughter Vanessa Young to administer the estate of the ex Hammers’ joint owner – which totalled more than £137million.Former West Ham co-owner David Gold died in January 2023Credit: SWNSA tribute to Mr Gold displayed at West Ham’s London StadiumCredit: GettyPallbearers carry Mr Gold’s coffin at his funeralCredit: Louis WoodMr Gold was initially thought to have died “intestate” in January 2023 with no instructions on how his fortune should be split.But fresh documents now reveal a will was actually made in August 2021 outlining his final wishes.The will includes details of how to deal with his family’s trust fund – and the right to sell his stake in West Ham United if “appropriate”.It gave a gross value of his estate in the UK as £137,241,336 – with a net value of £127,529,095.Daughter Vanessa was named as the executor and trustee.And the will also stated those in charge of his estate could “sell all or any” of its assets they deem “appropriate” – including his 25.1 per cent stake in Premier League club West Ham.In a document published last week, the grant of probate outlined: “The last will and testament of David Gold is proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.”The Administration of David Gold’s estate is granted by this court to the following Executor – Vanessa Julia Young.”Most read in FootballMr Gold’s other daughter Jacqueline Gold died in March 2023 after a seven year battle with breast cancer – leaving Vanessa as the sole administrator of his fortune.In his will, Mr Gold wrote: “I appoint my daughters JACQUELINE GOLD (Jacqueline) VANESSA JULIA YOUNG (Vanessa) to be the executors and trustees of this Will.David Gold dead at 86 West Ham pay tribute after co-chairman passes away with family by side following short illness”I give my trustees all my personal possessions with a request to distribute them according to the latest wishes I have expressed in any note left with my papers at my death.”Beneficies of the trust listed on his will included his two daughters, his two son-in-laws, a granddaughter and his partner.Mr Gold also left a series of legacies free of inheritance tax including £100,000 to his sister Marie Mould, £50,000 each to two named individuals, and £25,000 each to two others.Some of the awards were conditional on the benefactors remaining as employees at the time of his death.Mr Gold also outlined in his will that his trustees must hold his estate on trust.He added: “They may sell all or any of the assets in my estate as they consider appropriate.”Before the will was discovered, a letter of administration was granted by the High Court of Justice to Vanessa.Read More on The SunIt added that the “Ad Colligenda Bona grant” is “limited for the purposes only of collecting in and receiving the estate and doing such acts as may be necessary to preserve and protect the shareholdings of the deceased in WH Holdings Ltd, GGIH Holdings lTD and Goddington Manor Management Ltd, to include for the avoidance of doubt the right to sell the said shares and to sell (his main home) and until further representation be granted.”The application has stated the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £130M and the net value amounts to £125M.”Vanessa Gold, left, and Jacqueline Gold, right, with their father Mr GoldCredit: AlamyDavid Gold and his fiancee Lesley Manning at the London StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport More