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      ‘Seemed like a part-time job’ – Carlo Ancelotti reveals he rejected huge role with Real Madrid future in doubt

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI has revealed he rejected the chance to take up a huge managerial role because it seemed “like a part-time job”.The Italian coach, 65, is hoping to mastermind a stunning comeback from 3-0 down for Real Madrid against Arsenal on Wednesday, although preparations have been anything but smooth.Carlo Ancelotti has said he rejected the Italian national team job in 2018He said he thought it might ‘make me lose a bit of my passion’Credit: RexAncelotti has been with the club since 2021, but he has now opened up on how he turned down the Italian national team gig in 2018, before they ultimately appointed Roberto Mancini.Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, he said he rejected the role because he feared it would make him “lose a bit of passion”.He explained: “I said no because I didn’t feel like it.“I really like being on the pitch daily to prepare training sessions, and the national team seemed like a part-time job that would make me lose a bit of my passion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That’s the only reason.”Ancelotti’s contract with the Spanish giants runs until 2026.However, the club face a mountain climb to defend their Champions League crown and are trailing Barcelona in La Liga by four points.They also play their arch-rivals in the Copa del Rey final later this month, and if they fail to overcome Barcelona in at least one of the domestic competitions, they could be left trophyless this season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, ruthless club bosses may not waste any time in relieving him of his duties as manager despite his stellar record during his second spell in Madrid.Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Real Madrid will make a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso if Ancelotti leaves.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionAncelotti said he would discuss his future with the club at the end of the season, telling reporters: “I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.”Whatever it is, it will be discussed at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially in difficult moments.”Since returning to manage Los Blancos, Ancelotti has won 11 titles, including two Champions Leagues, two league titles, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup.The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager joined the club from Everton, and revealed he initiated contact over a return.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophiesHe added: “Actually, I was the one who called them.”The year before, I had reached out to see if they had any players available, and we ended up signing James Rodriguez.”I knew they were looking for a coach the following year.”I spoke to the director and said they needed to get a good one.”I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.Carlo AncelottiAncelotti also admitted that before joining the Toffees his dream was to manage Liverpool, but after experiencing the Merseysiders’ rivalry first hand he was now “absolutely” an Everton fan.He said: “My dream was to coach Liverpool, but then I found myself at Everton and I experienced their rivalry, and now I’m absolutely an Everton fan.Read More on The Sun”I really liked the environment, because there is a spectacular passion for colours.”You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, which for many years and still today excels in the Premier League.” More

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      Real Madrid in chaos before Arsenal second-leg with stars in bust-up, Mbappe red card shame and Modric busy buying club

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      REAL MADRID will need all hands on deck to complete an unbelievable Champions League turnaround against Arsenal on Wednesday.However, the Spanish giants have been hit by internal chaos ahead of the crunch quarter-final tie.Real Madrid have been hit by chaos ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against ArsenalCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe was sent off at the weekendCredit: AFPThe first leg at the Emirates saw the 15-time European champions fall 3-0 behind after a second half blitz by the Gunners led by two outrageous free-kicks from Declan Rice.Carlo Ancelotti called for calm ahead of the reverse leg at the Bernabeu, but it seems the message has not trickled down to his distracted multi-million pound stars.Los Blancos returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Alaves, despite Kylian Mbappe being sent off for a horror tackle when he went diving in with his studs raised and caught Antonio Blanco high on his shin. Training before the game was equally chaotic for Ancelotti’s squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports in Spain claim Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger had to be separated in a training ground bust-up on Friday.El Chiringuito claims that former Chelsea star Rudiger clattered Bellingham with a rough challenge during a training game.This prompted the England international to bite back with a scathing insult, which subsequently sparked a clash between the pair as team-mates were forced to intervene to separate them.Despite the confrontation, Bellingham and Rudiger are said to have resolved the matter quickly.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Antonion Rudiger had a training ground bust-upCredit: GettyLuka Modric is looking to become a shareholder in SwanseaCredit: Sunday TimesFerland Mendy has also been ruled out of the clash through injuryCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMeanwhile, news has emerged that veteran midfielder Luka Modric is set to become a minority shareholder in Championship club Swansea.A deal has reportedly been agreed that sees the 39-year-old legend acquire a stake in the Welsh club.Thierry Henry’s blunt six-word statement to Kylian Mbappe before Arsenal’s incredible win over Real MadridThe amount of the Swans he is buying and the cost of the investment is currently unclear with Modric set to join Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and Jason Cohen as part-owners of Swansea.The move will not impact his ongoing playing career and he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet.But buying into a football club is likely to have been a distraction.On top of all of this, Madrid have also been rocked by news that defender Ferland Mendy is definitely out of the tie.The left-back suffered a hamstring injury before the first leg, and it has now been reported by AS there is no chance of him making a sudden comeback.That adds on to the already absent Eduardo Camavinga after he was sent off at the end of the game at the Emirates.There are also fitness doubts surrounding Federico Valverde and David Alaba, while Dani Ceballos is almost certainly out against his former club.The one boost Real can count on is the return of Aurelien Tchouameni from suspension.Speaking about the clash, Ancelotti referenced previous times huge deficits have been turned over in the Champions League, with the term “remontada” being born after Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.He said: “Remontada? We will try. Read More on The Sun”It happened many times. “We will try until the last minute.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      Luka Modric, 39, set to become new owner of Championship club in ‘extremely random’ career move

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      LUKA MODRIC is set to become a minority owner of Championship side Swansea.A deal has reportedly been agreed that sees the 39-year-old Real Madrid legend acquire a stake in the Welsh club.Luka Modric is buying a stake in Swansea CityCredit: GettyThe club are currently 12th in the ChampionshipCredit: RexThe amount of the Swans he is buying and the cost of the investment is currently unclear.But the move will not impact his ongoing playing career and he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet.The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner’s Real Madrid contract expires this summer and the club are still weighing up whether to offer him a new deal. Modric is set to join Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and Jason Cohen as part-owners of Swansea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club changed hands in November after Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan sold their 74.95 per cent share to end their eight years at the helm.American businessman Coleman promised a “new era” when he took over the club.He said his dream was to return Swansea, who have been out of the top-flight since their relegation in 2018, to the Premier League.Coleman claimed they need to be a “Championship club not doing Championship things” to boost income.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe explained: “The new partners that I have inside of Swansea City are as fully committed as I am to helping every single day to take this club where it deserves to be.”We hopefully have the ability to reach out across the aisle to our supporters and to rebuild their trust and to work together on this fresh start here.Josh hitting the right Key for Swansea”We want to build a sustainable football club that eliminates a lot of the risks of the ever-changing economics of football.”And obviously I’m a dreamer by nature, we all want to get back to the Premier League, but we want to get there in the right way so that we can sustain that when we get there.”I for one am terribly excited about what the future holds for us. I can’t wait to see where we go.”Swansea currently sit 12th in the Championship table, eight points off the play-offs, with four games of the season to go.They are currently without a permanent manager following the sacking of Luke Williams in March, with Alan Sheehan in caretaker charge. Ex-Tottenham star Modric is one of the most decorated players this century, having won six Champions League and four LaLiga titles at Real Madrid.And fans have been left baffled by the Croatian’s unusual move of investing in Swansea.One supporter said: “This is extremely random.”Read More on The SunAnother added: “One of the weirdest things I have ever seen. Completely out of the blue.”A third wrote: “This is crazy.” More

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      ‘This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after LaLiga transfer

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      OLI MCBURNIE has left fans stunned with his fluent Spanish – less than a year after joining Las Palmas.The former Sheffield United star left the Premier League last summer to join the LaLiga side. Las Palmas striker Oli McBurnie was back in the goals against GetafeCredit: GettyThe 28-year-old conducted his post-match interview entirely in SpanishCredit: XMcBurnie, a Scottish international raised in Leeds, has gone to great lengths to integrate since his move. And he showed off his Spanish in a TV interview following a 3-1 win over Getafe on Saturday. McBurnie conducted the entire interview in Spanish after netting his team’s second goal – impressing his interviewer in the process.The 28-year-old said: “It’s a very good day for us. We know we need more wins and points. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s a great day for us, now we need more.”I want more goals. This year is difficult for me. I want to help the team”.Fans were quick to praise McBurnie for going above and beyond to learn the language.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne stunned fan wrote on X: “No way is that him talking?!”Most read in FootballAnother said: “This is so impressive from @oli_mcburnie he’s integrated so well into life in Spain both on and off the pitch.”Moment Rangers-daft frontman Oli McBurnie bags assist against Real Madrid two months after Ibrox side could have signed him for FREEWhile a third added: “Great to see him doing well and proving doubters wrong.”McBurnie began his career at Bradford City before a breakthrough year at Swansea in 2018. The striker netted 22 goals in 42 Championship games, earning him a £20m move to the Premier League with Sheffield United.Oli’s Spanish interview in fullQ: Ollie, is speaking in Spanish with us… finally this victory.McBurnie: It’s a very good day for us. We know we need more wins and points. It’s a great day for us, now we need more.Q: Today, a goal and a win. You said the other day you were sad because your goal counted for nothing.McBurnie: Yes, definitely. I want more goals. This year is difficult for me. I want to help the team, but today is good with goals for me and Fabio (Silva). We won and it’s all incredible, and today is for the fans.Q: And above all it’s a win that helps everyone keep believing?McBurnie: Definitely. We know we need more wins. Today is only one game and only three points. It’s good, but now more and tomorrow more work. We want more wins, more points, come on!Q: Ollie, congratulations for the win, and the Spanish.McBurnie: Thanks a lot, I’m trying!McBurnie was unable to live up to his big fee in the Steel City, scoring 29 goals in 159 games.He left for the Canary Islands and Las Palmas last summer, signing a three-year deal.McBurnie endured an 11-game goal drought to start 2025.But he now has two in two games after his strike against Getafe. More

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      ‘That’s a Keane Haaland tackle’ – Kylian Mbappe SENT OFF for sickening challenge days before Arsenal clash

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE was sent off for a horror tackle just days before Real Madrid face Arsenal.The striker picked up the fifth red card of his career against Alaves — but his first in six years.Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a horror lungeCredit: EPAIt is the fifth red card of his careerCredit: AFPOne fan likened it to Roy Keane’s ‘tackle’ on Alfe Inge HaalandFortunately for Mbappe his side were 1-0 up at the time of the incident with Eduardo Camavinga on the scoresheet.And that is how the match ended, with Alaves also going down to ten men when Manu Sanchez was dismissed in the 70th minute.Mbappe, 26, will now serve a three-match suspension after he was sent off for serious foul play, which means he will crucially miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.The Frenchman was given his marching orders for a shocking tackle that left his opponent in a heap on the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbappe went diving in with his studs raised and caught Antonio Blanco high on his shin.He was initially shown a yellow card before the referee increased his punishment following a VAR review.Fans were left shocked by the aggressive nature of the challenge, with one comparing it to Roy Keane’s infamous ‘tackle’ on Alfe-Inge Haaland.A fan reacted saying: “Proper grim challenge.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Disgusting tackle.”A third wrote: “That’s a Keane-Haaland tackle that bad bad stuff.”Newly-emerged footage shows ‘disgusting act’ Kylian Mbappe did that could see him BANNED for Arsenal vs Real MadridAnd another commented: “They should ban him from all football for that! 🤷‍♂️”Mbappe’s red card comes days before Real Madrid face Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with the Spanish side trailing 3-0. More

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      Arsenal receive major transfer boost as Real Madrid ‘make decision over top target’

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      REAL MADRID are “highly unlikely” to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer, according to reports.The Spanish giants are eager to recruit a new centre-back ahead of next season.William Saliba was in action for Arsenal against Real MadridCredit: RexSaliba, 24, is a player that Real Madrid have admired for several years, having considered recruiting him from St-Etienne in 2019.But despite the Frenchman being among their top choices, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are unlikely to fork out the fee that it would take for Arsenal to sell Saliba this summer.The commanding defender’s Gunners contract is set to run until 2027.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs would rather Saliba run down his contract than pay big money to sign him sooner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe LaLiga champions are keen to either swoop for Saliba on a free transfer in 2027, or in a cut-price deal 12 months earlier.It’s claimed that Real Madrid chiefs have a very good relationship with the Arsenal star’s team of representatives.Ancelotti’s men are also interested in Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen, although the Spain international is more likely to move to another Premier League side as Real do not want to pay his £50million release clause.Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah could be a more experienced option.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDean Huijsen has been linked with several clubsCredit: RexSaliba helped Arsenal to a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Real Madrid in mid-week.Following the match, the centre-back vowed that the Gunners cannot go the Bernabeu next week simply to defend their lead.Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury He said: “We are not scared. We want to go there and win the game.“We cannot defend the whole game. We won 3-0 but we know it is not finished. There are a lot of things that can happen.“It was incredible because to win in a quarter final like this against Madrid, in front of our fans, is amazing. But now we have to do it again next week.“One of the best [nights of my career] and I hope it’s not the last one.” 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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      Leo Beenhakker dead at 82: Legendary manager who almost shocked England in World Cup dies as Koeman pays tribute

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      LEGENDARY Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.The Dutchman’s career spanned over five decades and saw him win three La Liga titles with Los Blancos.Leo Beenhakker has passed away at the age of 82Credit: EPAThe former Real Madrid and Ajax coach also took charge of Poland and Trinidad & TobagoCredit: AP:Associated PressA native of Rotterham, Beenhakker served as Ajax head coach in two separate spells. Beenhakker won the Dutch Eredivisie title with the club in 1980 and 1990. News of his passing was announced by the club on Thursday.An Ajax statement read: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax.”Beenhakker was a winger during his playing days but found his calling in coaching. He began his career way back in 1965 at SV Epe, before serving as a youth coach at both Ajax and Feyenoord.Beenhakker twice took charge of the Dutch national team as his star power rose.Most read in FootballAnd he enjoyed a hugely successful period during the 1980s and 1990s.Beenhakker won six trophies during his time with Real Madrid.Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over NetherlandsThat included three consecutive league titles between 1987 and 1989.The Spanish club wrote on X: “Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”Beenhakker’s Trinidad & Tobago also gave England a huge scare at the 2006 World Cup.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions looked to be heading to an embarrassing 0-0 draw before late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.Since leaving the Poland national team job in 2009, Beenhakker served as a technical advisor at various clubs.His last role was at Sparta Rotterham, where he retired in 2018.Beenhakker was a proud advocate of “total football”, the mantra followed by Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman for Holland.Ronald Koeman (centre) has paid tribute to his former coachCredit: ReutersHe famously said: “Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win.”Koeman wrote in tribute on X: “A great loss for Dutch football.”Leo was a coach with an unparalleled passion and vision, who knew how to touch not only matches, but also people. Read More on The Sun”Leo appointed me as coach of Ajax, I am grateful to him for this. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Leo!” More