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      in Soccer

      Meet the machete-wielding football hooligan gangs who chop off each others’ HANDS in blood-soaked ‘Holy War’ derby

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      PREMIER League fans are well-aware of the dangers of going to a game given the number of thugs hell-bent on violence.  But our hooligan problem pales in comparison to the one in Poland, where wearing the wrong colours outside a stadium could lead to you being MURDERED.Football fans in PolandCredit: AlamyUltras in clouds of smoke during a Polish Cup Final in 2016Credit: AlamyA Cracovia supporter during the derby match between Wisla Krakow and Cracovia KrakowCredit: GettyAs part of our new series, League of Shame, The Sun examines how football hooliganism is seeing an unwelcome resurgence across the continent – and poses a worrying threat to fans ahead of this summer’s European Championships.Krakow has been dubbed the ‘City of Knives’ because of its 30-year long history of violence, with supporters having been killed, stabbed and mutilated outside games.The two main hooligan firms there are said to be manned by 100-strong teams of highly trained UFC fighters that refuse to drink alcohol in case it impacts their combat skills.And both gangs, supporting rival teams Wisła Krakow and MKS Cracovia, routinely carry weapons having become deeply entrenched in organised crime, according to experts. READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESThe rivalry reaches boiling point every year during the annual derby match, which has been dubbed the ‘Holy War’ as the clashes are so extreme. Professor Radoslaw Kossakowski has conducted a number of studies on football hooliganism in Poland. He told The Sun: “Krakow is definitely the most dangerous city in Poland for football fans. “If you are a normal supporter you shouldn’t – and this is really important for your safety – show your club colours, your scarf or T-shirt. Most read in Football”That could be really dangerous if you go to the wrong place in the city.“Krakow has become an island of barbarians and gangster-style hooligans. People are killed and murdered.”Fans killed and hands chopped offPub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultrasViolence took place during a match between Wisla Krakow vs CracoviaCredit: AlamyDominik Luty reportedly chopped off a rival supporter’s handCredit: SuppliedWe can reveal that Polish hooligans are now considered to be among the most violent in the world – up there with Russian ultras and those supporting clubs in Latin America, where life is notoriously cheap.  Wisla fans are nicknamed “dogs” by their rivals as the club was previously run by the hated communist police for 40 years.Cracovia, meanwhile, are known as Pasy (Stripes) or Jews because of their supposed Jewish roots, which leads to antisemitic chants being sung by far-right rivals during games.The depth of hatred between the two is bottomless. So there was little surprise when both refused to sign the 2004 ‘Poznan Pact’ which banned the use of weapons.  Krakow has become an island of barbarians and gangster-style hooligans. People are killed and murderedProfessor Radoslaw Kossakowski Shocking incidents include eight fans being killed in the build-up to the 100-year anniversary match between Wisla and MKS Cracovia in 2006.Water cannons, riot vans, choppers, dogs, and nearly 1,000 cops were on hand during the game.In 2011, members of Wisła’s ultras ‘The Sharks’ were found guilty of brutally murdering a member of a Cracovia hooligan group called ‘The Jude Gang.’Four years later, Wisla fan Dominik Luty, 22, was reported to have chopped off a rival Cracovia fan’s hand with a machete when they were both out drinking in the city.Horrified passer-by Jakub Nowak, 34, said: “I came round the corner and saw this man covered in blood. “He was unconscious and had wounds to his legs and his hand was lying a few centimetres away.”Drugs and money launderingPawel Michalsk – who once threw a knife at a football player – led a Wisla firmCredit: PoliceDino Baggio was thrown a knife at by a rival supporterCredit: AlamyDino Baggio was almost hit by the blade mid-gameCredit: YouTubeViolence erupted between fans during a Wisla Krakow versus Cracovia matchCredit: AlamyIt is the strong links with organised crime that make Polish footie thugs so much more sinister than those in the UK.Incredibly, a Wisla firm called ‘The Sharks’ once became so powerful they effectively took over the club.Operating as the SKWK fan group, they were led by 39-year-old hooligan Pawel Michalsk, who was nicknamed ‘Teddy Bear’ and was once convicted of throwing a knife at Italian star Dino Baggio’s head during a UEFA Cup tie in 1998.From 2016, the firm took up key positions on Wisla’s board as they began using the club as a base for criminal activities, laundering drug money and siphoning off legitimate funds through fake supply contracts.Players and staff were abused and intimidated and even the biggest stars went months without being paid. Attacks were organised on rival fans, with flares handed out by club bosses in the stadium toilets.Wisla’s gym was used to train hooligans in street fighting, according to reports.By the time the gang’s leaders were arrested and a new, legitimate board installed in 2019, a debt of £7.95m – or 40m zloty – had been run up, putting the club’s future at risk.Machete attackA supporter holds a flare during the Polish PKO Ekstraklasa League match between Legia Warszawa and Warta PoznanCredit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettA huge police crackdown followed and fighting is much less common at Polish stadiums today. Yet hooligans continue to stage organised clashes in the countryside and in abandoned warehouses.In June 2020, a Cracovia supporter was hospitalised following a machete attack by Wisła fans.The following year, a group of young Wisla hooligans was caught on video attacking a more established firm on a housing estate after accusing them of co-operating with the police.Professor Kossakowski added: “Paradoxically, stadiums in Poland are really safe. I came round the corner and saw this man covered in blood. He was unconscious and had wounds to his legs and his hand was lying a few centimetres awayJakub Nowak”We have very restrictive laws dedicated to football so if you use pyrotechnics or do something illegal you are automatically banned – so there are no fights at the stadiums now.“But they do fight in the woods and abandoned places, sometimes on the street.”Szymon Jadczak, an investigative journalist that made a TVN documentary on Krakow’s gangster hooligans, warned: “People are still afraid. The bandits have not disappeared.“You can still see their influence in the club and the city. You can still buy anti-Semitic Sharks paraphernalia at the club store!”Poland’s hooligan problem started with the fall of communism in 1989. The previous regime ruled with an iron grip that kept football’s more thuggish elements under lock and key. Deadly weapons snuck inA sound cannon – a weapon used by Polish police in their battle against brawling football hooligansCredit: London Media PressSome hardcore football fans attended the Independence Day march in Warsaw, where some participants calshed with riot policeCredit: GettyBut the switch to a capitalist system led to a breakdown of law and order that the hooligan firms took full advantage of. By the 1990s, the terraces had become a dangerous place for ordinary fans.It was common for deadly weapons to be snuck into stadiums and when fights and rioting broke out, the police would respond with brutal force.Professor Przemysław Piotrowski is from Krakow but insisted “it is better not to publish” which team he supports.He said: “I’ve been inside the crowd when policemen shot at us with rubber bullets.I’ve been inside the crowd when policemen shot at us with rubber bulletsProfessor Przemysław Piotrowski“In the 1990s, it was easy for the fans to bring wooden sticks and other potential weapons in the stadium. When they started to clash, the police would try to stop them.“There are games when the tension is very high and in Krakow with the rivalry between the two teams it can be dangerous.“Outside the stadiums there are organised clashes that can be very violent. It’s hard to say how often they happen.“Krakow is known as the place where deadly weapons are used and there have been a few deaths.“Because of their association with the old communist party, there is a tradition of not speaking to the police in Poland. “So even when a person has lost their arm and is in hospital, he will say he fell down the stairs.”The Sun reached out to Wisła Krakow and MKS Cracovia for comment. A spokesperson for Wisła Krakow said: “The dynamics within the club have undergone substantial changes since 2019, subsequent to the pivotal “rescue operation” orchestrated by Jakub Błaszczykowski – a distinguished figure in the club and national team, in his capacity as the owner, alongside Jarosław Królewski, who assumes the roles of the majority shareholder and president of Wisła Kraków.”The sustained operation of Wisła Kraków would be unfeasible without the significant dedication exhibited by its supporters, who have been instrumental in ensuring the club’s survival. “Currently, they continue to offer their support, notably through initiatives like the Socios association.”The management of the club is in the hands of esteemed individuals who are committed to preserving Wisła as an emblematic football brand. “Our operations are founded on principles of transparency and wholesome support and we play a significant role in the community by presenting positive exemplars, including to our supporters.”Our stadium has become a welcoming venue for families, individuals with disabilities, and the youth, many of whom aspire to be future Wisła Kraków players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wisła Kraków stands as a paragon of fair play and healthy support, categorically distancing itself from any conduct that diverges from its ethical guidelines. “Legal actions are currently in progress against individuals whose past action placed the club in a dire predicament.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Rollercoaster life of F1 rookies like Oliver Bearman who must find MILLIONS to race – only to wait tormented in wings

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      THEY’RE the young adrenaline junkies set to take over the world of Formula One – if they can hold their nerve.After impressing on his debut in Saudi Arabia, where he filled in for teammate Carlos Sainz while he underwent surgery for appendicitis, Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman is now tipped to receive a first-team call-up for rival Haas, where he’s also a reserve driver.Oliver Bearman is considered one of the ‘hottest’ young stars in F1Credit: GettyHe placed seventh during his first F1 race, while filling in for Carlos SainzCredit: GettyThe F2 driver from Chelmsford beat seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to finish seventh in Jeddah, and has now been tipped as one of the sport’s hottest young drivers.Oliver, who is dating glamorous TiKTok star Estelle Ogilvy, is reportedly already a millionaire at the age of 18, and can look forward to lapping up the spoils enjoyed by F1 stars if he makes the grid. But while his career appears to have gone from zero to 100mph in no time, it follows years of hard graft and sacrifice as a reserve driver. Contrary to what you might expect, the life of F2 stars is far from the glitz and glamour of a Formula 1 driver, says The Sun’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt.READ MORE SPORT FEATURES“What they do a lot of the time is the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do,” he explains.“Where the F1 drivers will go home to Monaco after a race, the reserve driver will go to the factory and in the simulator and try to ascertain what went right and wrong to make changes and progress.“It’s a thankless task doing all the preparation and making the car better. “You’re not driving, so it can be dispiriting. You’re not getting the chance to show what you can do.Most read in Motorsport”It’s not necessarily a glamorous life.”Here we take a deeper dive into life behind the scenes of a budding F1 star – and the pitfalls that can derail their careers.British wonderkid Oliver Bearman, 16, joins Ferrari young driver academy Cheering him the Ferrari reserve driver on is glamorous girlfriend Estelle, who’s a law studentCredit: Instagram’£9million gamble’The majority of F1 reserve drivers race in the F2 Championship and are part of a team’s young driver programme. Ben explains that they are scouted from the age of 11 – sometimes younger – from go-kart tracks. But go-karting is an expensive hobby, with costs running into tens of thousands, which is why so few racers come from working-class families.Ben says: “We’re seeing less and less stories of people from humble beginnings, like Lewis Hamilton, getting into F1.“That’s because it costs thousands and thousands to race each year, and then hundreds of thousands to do it internationally, with all the flights and accommodation.”Ben estimates it would cost a driver £9million to get into F1, which rules out most budding racers who don’t have wealthy families.But that money can come from a variety of sources. Ferrari Academy driver Oliver during his go-karting career in 2014Credit: AlamyNico Hulkenberg was reportedly paid up to $500,000 a year as a reserve driverCredit: RexBen says: “That can be made up of their parents’ money, sponsorship money, or funds from the young driver programme, which covers most of the costs.“There is also private funding through companies where a business may be asked for £2million in return for a sum from a racer’s future earnings, which could get them many more millions – but that is a gamble for the business.”Working their way up to the F1 championship is a costly endeavour, too, with junior drivers in F2 reportedly needing to stump up around £1.5million to race in competitions. This, for the majority, is covered by the owners of the racing teams.Yahoo reported F2 drivers can make between £180 and £400 per day of work. Other sites have reported they can earn tens of thousands through sponsorship. Costly endeavourAlexander Rossi, who raced for Manor Marussia in 2015Credit: AP:Associated PressIf an aspiring youngster has what it takes they may be called up to serve as an F1 reserve, where they become salaried employees, though they could take home just shy of £20,000 a year. Should an F1 team’s regular driver be forced to pull out – due to injury or sickness – they are compensated, but the sums vary depending on the team. You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with youAlexander RossiUnlike their first-team racing counterparts, few reserve drivers live in glamorous locations like tax haven Monaco, instead settling in the country where their F1 team is based. Alexander Rossi, a test driver for two years until 2014 at Caterham F1 and then a F1 reserve driver for Manor Marussia in 2015, admitted it is an awkward waiting game.“You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with you,” he told The Athletic.  He added it was “a necessary role” as it gives hopeful racers their “first foot in the door” and a taste of what being a first-team driver is like.Who are the 2024 Formula One reserve drivers?RESERVE drivers are the budding F1 stars waiting in the wings for a chance to show what they can do on the race track.
      Often they are already front-runners in the F2 Championship and, alongside racing, carry out testing and simulation work to improve the cars for racing teams.
      Here are the 2024 F1 reserve drivers:

      Red Bull – Liam Lawson
      Ferrari – Oliver Bearman, Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman
      McLaren – Ryo Hirakawa and Pato O’Ward
      Mercedes – Mick Schumacher and Frederik Vesti
      Aston Martin – Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne
      Haas – Pietro Fittipaldi and Oliver Bearman
      Williams – TBC (Development driver: Jamie Chadwick)
      Kick Sauber – Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney
      RB – Liam Lawson
      Alpine – Jack Doohan

      Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan using the simulator to help improve the team’s F1 carCredit: InstagramThe F1 hopeful alongside girlfriend Ebony GoldCredit: GettyHaas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer palsCredit: Getty Images – GettyRossi explained they go into the weekend preparing and participating as if they are going to race the car – despite rarely receiving a call-up.Speaking of the other responsibilities, he added: “You go to all of the same briefings, you go to all the same meetings, you do the track walks, you train with the same physio, you eat the same food, you’re on the same schedule.“You just don’t get to drive. So while the guys were doing the cool things and driving, you’re sitting either in hospitality or on the pit stand, drinking your cappuccinos, playing Candy Crush.”McLaren reserve Pato O’Ward joked he was a “benchwarmer”, adding that the gig offers few thrills. “You get to jump into an F1 car from time to time, which is never a bad thing,” he said. “The rest of it is, it’s probably the worst part of the job.They can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. They really do have to be at the top of their gameBen Hunt, The Sun’s F1 correspondent“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s a lot of sitting down and just listening to experiences that, well, you truly aren’t experiencing. “You’re just hearing what someone else is kind of feeling.”Haas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer pals. “It’s for sure, strange,” he admitted. “You never want to wish anything bad on anybody, and then when something does happen, it’s like, you’re happy that there’s the opportunity, but at the end, you’re friends with the race driver.”He made his F1 debut in 2020, after his teammate Romain Grosjean cheated death in a horror crash at Bahrain.The Frenchman suffered burns on his hands and ankle when he was trapped in his burning car for 28 seconds after hitting a barrier at 120mph which ripped it in two before it burst into flames.’Absolute professionals’Reserve drivers like Mick Schumacher do ‘the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do’Credit: Mick SchumacherThe reserve drivers have to be in ‘peak physical condition’The 24-year-old with his model girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: InstagramAs they could be called on to race at any moment, the reserve drivers need to remain in peak physical condition and train up to four hours a day during pre-season. Ben says: “Reserve drivers are ready-to-go professionals, so they need to be eating the right things, training a few times a week, and in peak physical condition.“That’s part of their role, so they can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. “They really have to be at the top of their game and are absolute professional athletes at that stage.”When it’s their time, they need to do really well. It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them againBen HuntWhen they hit the gym, F1 reserves aren’t looking to ‘get ripped’.Instead they need to hone a lean frame capable of withstanding the brutal conditions inside a cramped F1 car. The muscles that get the toughest workout are in their necks, which need to keep the racer’s head and helmet upright through the twists and turns on a track.Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s neck is reportedly so strong he can crack a walnut with it. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz are said to have spent time lying horizontally with weights strapped to their head to strengthen their necks for races.These exercises are coupled with plenty of running, cycling and swimming to keep them fit and lithe.Liam Lawson with Daniel Riccardo in MelbourneCredit: RexWhen they are not hard at work, some F1 reserve drivers like Liam Lawson share snaps from enviable F1 race locationsCredit: Liam LawsonThe Red Bull reserve driver with his student girlfriend Charlotte MillerCredit: Liam LawsonBen adds: “The key is really being as light as possible but they also need to be strong. “Drivers are subjected to huge G-force in the cockpit that even the best drivers ache and have sore necks.” The reserves also follow strict diet plans from nutritionists – some include eating five to six small meals a day, that are full of greens and protein with minimal carbohydrates. It can come as quite an adjustment for some future F1 stars – before reigning world champion Verstappen hit the big time, the Dutch driver would scoff McDonald’s once or twice a week while racing in F3. ‘Next best thing’Ben explains that the biggest challenge for reserves is staying focused and up to speed on all systems and processes while waiting for their chance to shine. “Reserves can be thrown in at any minute,” he explains. “Driving in F2 is very different to F1, you’re competing in a slower car, so it’s very different.”He adds: “When it’s their time, reserve drivers need to do really well.”It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them again. Mick Schumacher had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slimBen Hunt“With Oliver, he came in with a good attitude, made good qualifying times and had a good race, which led to people saying he deserved to be in F1. “The key is to take the opportunity and not to stuff it up – and if you can do that, like Oliver, you will be called ‘the next best thing’.” Ben says the Ferrari reserve is likely to expand upon his £1m fortune at the end of the season.He adds: “I think he could join Haas, it will be interesting to see what he can do. On the track, he proved he was ready for F1.”Wasted opportunityIt doesn’t always work out for all reserve racers – ultimately, results are key, as Mick Schumacher found out the hard way. The son of legendary driver Michael was dropped by Haas in 2022 after failing to impress, and is now back to being a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Ben says: “Mick had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver, and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slim.” Others become frustrated by constantly waiting in the wings and move on to other disciplines.Former F1 reserve driver Sam Bird decided to make the jump to Formula E – the motorsport championship for electric cars.Ben says: “Sometimes F1 reserve drivers don’t make it. Sam Bird was a good driver and had good F2 form, but never got an opportunity. “He moved to Formula E and has won lots of races. He’s become a success in his own right. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He never got the chance to fulfill his F1 dream because Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were both in the Mercedes team at the time.” While Sainz looks set to return to F1 for the Australian GP this weekend, Oliver will be ready and willing to jump in his seat should his teammate back out last minute…🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      in Soccer

      Three ways Harry Kane has improved after transfer to Bayern Munich and how England can reap rewards at Euro 2024

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      HARRY Kane’s £104million move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich has come with an added bonus for England boss Gareth Southgate.Kane, 30, has been in remarkable form for the German champions as he seeks to end his long trophy drought.Harry Kane is England’s top goalscorerHarry Kane has been banging in the goals for Bayern this season in the BundesligaHe has scored 37 goals in 35 games in all competitions this season since moving to Bavaria.His haul includes a remarkable 31 goals in 26 Bundesliga games, along with nine assists.But his exploits are not just benefitting Bayern Munich.Southgate stands to reap the rewards of Kane’s move to Germany, as the England captain has improved in the past seven months.Read more footballs storiesWe have highlighted three ways in which Kane’s game has improved in Munich.And the new improved Harry Kane could be the key man for England in Germany in the summer, at Euro 2024.More traditional positioningKane has never been a traditional target striker and he has always liked to drop back into the midfield to help link the play for his team. There was a sense, however, that during his last season in England with Spurs he was coming too far deep and leaving his side without a focal point of attack. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERKane is a creative forward who is also an incredible finisher.And at Bayern he is spending more time playing in a position that we would consider to be more normal for centre forwards.This is partly because of the fact that Bayern are, usually, dominant domestically in a way that Spurs never really were. This means that they tend to play against teams who sit in a deeper defensive block and try to deny Bayern any space to attack into the final third. As such, we have seen Kane develop his ability to push the opposition defenders back through his positioning.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichKane holds a central position against Lazio and allows his team to move into the space behind himHarry Kane plays the more traditional No9 role for BayernBut for England, Kane has tended to drop deeper and widerIn a recent Bundesliga game against Mainz, Kane scored three goals and had two assists, and had 10 touches in the opposition penalty area.Compare that to a recent game for England against lowly Malta last November, where he only touched the ball three times in the box – one of which was a finish for a goal.England in major tournaments tend to struggle to break teams down in the early stages as they sit deeper and look to restrict the space in the final third. With Kane starting to develop his game more, even at 30 years old, to be able to play effectively against this kind of team will be hugely helpful for England in Germany.Kane’s skill in the box will help as the Three Lions look to make the most of their dominance in possession.Interestingly, we have also seen Kane start to trust teammates more. This means that the English international striker no longer thinks that he has to constantly be around the ball in the final third in order to link the play and help his team to create or break through the opposition. Now, we have started to see Kane move away from the ball more often.This in turn stretches the opposition defence and creates opportunities to attack an isolated opponent in the defensive line.Kane is stretching out the defensive line by making a run on the far side to attack the back of the penalty areaThe move to Bayern Munich seems to have allowed Kane to take a step away from having to be the captain and key attacking player, as he was at Spurs.The England legend has started to develop his game into becoming a better all-round striker.Giving his team the platform to attackWith Kane starting to position himself more as a traditional centre forward he has also developed his ability to play with his back to goal.He as found himself developing his skills like linking the attack and bringing others into the game. This is a result of the fact that, as discussed above, we are now seeing Kane position himself more centrally and higher up the pitch for longer periods of time. When Kane was still at Spurs he would receive the ball with his back to goal.But typically these were in transition as Spurs were counter attacking.During Kane’s time at White Hart Lane, Tottenham were never a side that could be described as being possession-dominant domestically. This meant that he would receive and look to twist and turn to outplay the defender or prolong the attack.With Kane now playing at Bayern he is in a side that are far more dominant in terms of possession.And we see Kane in positions where he can take in the ball and then immediately look to feed it off to link with teammates who are making runs to support the attack.Kane drops off a yard or two to receive the ball and then links in immediately with a teammate moving from a deeper positionThis, again, will be important for England this summer in the Euros as they will have a more dominant possession-based style than a lot of their opponents. It is vital in these kinds of tactical systems to have strikers who are comfortable playing high and pushing the opposition back, and who can receive and link with teammates in one or two touches.The fact that Kane will now initially position himself higher and against the opposition central defenders before dropping deep towards the ball will also disrupt the opposition by pulling defenders out of position. As Kane is becoming expert at staying high and then dropping deep at the right moments so opposition defenders will be forced out of position as they come out to match the run. This should, in turn, create space in the defensive line that Kane’s teammates can exploit. This should mean that the likes of Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham will have space to attack in the summer.Harry Kane times the right moment to drop deep and drag a defender out of position, and his teammates move to attack the space he has createdAs a striker who acts as the focal point, the move to Germany appears to have led to Kane developing his game understanding and tactical intelligence.Intelligent pressureWith Kane having moved from the Premier League to the Bundesliga he has left a league where the schedule and constant quality of opposition is intense – to move to a league where the style of play is intense. German football has long been characterised as being intense both in terms of the play on the ball in possession, with an emphasis on forward passes, and intensity out of possession with pressing and counter-pressing against the ball.While Kane was at Spurs there were times that they would act as a high-pressing side but there were also long periods where he was not expected to press aggressively out of possession. At Bayern, however, there is an expectation that he presses and works hard immediately against the opposition in order to disrupt and slow down the pace of their build-up.Harry Kane reads the game well and moves forward at the right moment to put pressure on the centre half and force the mistakeThis coming summer should see England and their coach Gareth Southgate look to be more aggressive out of possession in terms of looking to be dominant in winning the ball back as quickly as possible as the opposition attack.With Kane now becoming more conditioned to working and pressing, even when isolated as the only player who is looking to add pressure and regain possession we will see England become much more effective against the ball in the summer.Harry Kane’s hard work as a pressing forward again forces the ball wide, where team-mates also press the defenderThere is little doubt that the move from Kane to a league where pressing and counter-pressing is the norm has developed his ability and willingness to work against the ball for his team. This should see him effectively lead the press for England.ConclusionHarry Kane took a risk last summer in leaving an extremely comfortable situation where he was a leader in the changing room to move to a new league and a new culture where he had to prove himself again. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe move has been a success both in terms of the way that he has played and in terms of the development of key parts of his game.This coming summer should see England reap the benefits of this move as they have a more well-rounded captain and striker leading the team. More

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      in Soccer

      Man City ace Erling Haaland signs new two year contract as he boosts career away from the pitch

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      FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has netted again — this time a tasty deal promoting his home nation’s seafood.The Norwegian super-striker has proved to be a prize catch for Manchester City, scoring 81 goals in 87 games so far.Man City ace Erling Haaland has netted a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood CouncilCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetHaaland in the Seafood Council advertCredit: PressworksAnd now the Leeds-born 23-year-old has landed a whopper, signing a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council.The deal will run until October 2026 and see the goal machine appear in TV commercials, posters and digital ads worldwide.Haaland, who signed for City from German side Borussia Dortmund in a £51million deal in 2022, said: “Seafood has been part of my upbringing and my diet growing up.“Norwegian seafood, which I consider to be the best in the world, still has a natural place in my life. READ MORE ON ERLING HAALAND”The Norwegian Seafood Council does an important job of inspiring and building knowledge about tasty and healthy seafood, globally and at home in Norway.”Haaland has also scored 27 goals in 29 games for Norway’s national team and is expected to face the Czech Republic today.NSC chief executive Christian Chramer said: “Haaland is recognised as one of the world’s best footballers, and is a gigantic profile with unrivalled global visibility.“The match with Norwegian seafood is obvious. Being able to combine two of Norway’s best exports and strongest brands fills us with enormous pride.”Most read in FootballBut it is not just seafood that fuels the Nordic net-buster.The Sun revealed last week that Haaland is inspired by a lucky hat-trick pasta dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHe regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten at the restaurant once a week, almost every week, for the last two years and credits its signature dish for his prowess.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off. I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick, didn’t he? It was funny.” More

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      in Boxing

      Inside KSI’s manager’s 40-year plan to bring WWE to life in boxing ring with never-before-seen tag and handicap matches

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      KSI’S manager Mams Taylor is making his childhood dreams come true by bringing WWE to life in the boxing ring.Taylor, a music mogul-turned boxing promoter, launched Misfits alongside KSI in 2022 to home celebrity-style crossover bouts. Misfits Boxing became the first to have tag-team boxingBoxers tag in and out of the boutCredit: GettyIt is part of Mams Taylor’s dream to bring boxing to lifeStars from the worlds of social media, music and entertainment – including KSI himself – have all taken to the Misfits ring. But Taylor has tried to revolutionise spectacle showdowns by blending them with a bit of pro wrestling both in and out of the ring. Misfits have sensationally had tag-team matches and this weekend in Nashville host their first two-on-one HANDICAP bout. And it has all been part of Taylor’s master plan since he began watching WWE almost 40 years ago to bring the best of pro-wrestling to the world of boxing. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “I think it’s a good blend and you’ve got something for everyone, especially with the two-on-one outnumbered tag match, again, shades of WWE but with real fighting.“Because for me, when I watched WWE as a kid it was WWF and I remember when I found out that it was predetermined outcomes and I was more heartbroken than when I found out there’s no Santa.“So I said one day we’re going to make it so that they really fight each other but you still have that entertainment and the storylines and all of that.“And I think Misfits Boxing is as close as you can get to that because obviously there’s no predetermined outcomes, nothing’s choreographed or anything like that it’s all real boxing.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“But you’ve got some colourful characters.”Taylor got his break in the music industry, which is where he met UK chart-topper KSI before becoming his manager. KSI’s Misfits Boxing in talks with FIVE footballers with Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney still expected to make shock switchBut his dream was always to be a shot caller like former WWE boss Vince McMahon. Taylor said: “I wanted to be like the Vince McMahon of something, of some kind of combat sports organisation.“So it’s absolutely a manifestation of something I’ve thought about over and over again.“I remember playing with the WWE toys and organising them and playing the matches out and doing the story lines and it was like practise for what it’s like now.“Obviously, I didn’t know it would be in boxing per say but that’s how it’s kind of worked out.”I think Misfits Boxing is as close as you can get to that because obviously there’s no predetermined outcomes, nothing’s choreographed or anything like that it’s all real boxing.Mams Taylor on comparisons between WWE and Misfits Boxing Taylor appeared to come out of nowhere when he teamed up with British promoter Kalle Sauerland to launch Misfits on streaming service DAZN. But in fact, it was a long time coming after testing the waters in MMA.Taylor revealed: “I was a boxing fan through way of proxy through my brother as well who loved that and I boxed myself from the age of 14. “Then MMA came about and tried my hand at that and actually put on an MMA show with some friends of mine about 20 years ago. “So as a fan and someone who has trained it’s something I am very passionate about just in general, combat sports.” Misfits co-founder KSI rarely misses an event and the man himself is hoping to be in the house to watch the never-before-seen two-on-one bout.READ MORE SUN STORIESTaylor said: “We’re working on it, hopefully. “He hates missing them but he’s got some commitments so we’re trying to work some things around. Hopefully he’ll be there.” KSI with manager and Misfits co-founder Mams TaylorCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing More

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      Inside Luxembourg’s football factory as perennial underdogs go from 9-0 drubbings to the brink of Euro 2024

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      LITTLE Luxembourg, for so long the laughing stock of international football, are two wins away from having the last laugh.Incredibly, the nation once ranked 195th out of 205 by Fifa, are on the brink of a footballing miracle as they close in on a shock place in this summer’s European Championship.Luxembourg are closing in on a place at Euro 2024Credit: GettyIf they beat Georgia tonight they will face either Kazakhstan or Greece in a Play-Off final matchCredit: GettyVictory for head coach Luc Holtz’s battlers against Georgia in Tbilisi tonight would send them through to a final Play-Off match against either Kazakhstan or Greece.Win both and they will be lining up in a major football tournament for the first time, taking their place in Group F alongside Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic in Germany.It’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the Red Lions, who were more like the Red Lion for most of their history.As recently as 2006 they were regarded as the pub team of international football when they played eight internationals, lost eight – including a 7-0 drubbing by Germany – and failed to score a goal.Read More in FootballAt that point they had failed to win a game for a decade – a record winless stretch of 83 matches!FIFA ranked them 195th out of 205 nations, just one place above Montserrat – a Caribbean island that had been destroyed by a volcano – and American Samoa, who had suffered a world record 31-0 defeat to Australia!The turning point for the nation of 600,000 inhabitants came in 2004 when the Grand Duchy drew up a grand plan for the future.Paul Philipp, Luxembourg manager between 1985-2001, took over as President of the Luxembourg Football Federation.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe sent out scouts to scour the country for the best 400 eight to 11-year-olds and placed them in regional centres of excellence,The best progressed to the recently built National Youth Academy at Mondercange where the top 250 of Luxembourg’s young talent between the ages of 12 and 19 are trained by professional coaches every day.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThey play one international match a week and for their clubs at the weekend. The pay-off came when Luxembourg qualified for the Uefa Under-17 Championship in 2022.Luxembourg now exports their talent and only one of the squad who beat Liechtenstein in the Euro 24 qualifiers play locally, while the rest ply their trade in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.Luxembourg beat Bosnia and Herzegovina home and away, drew in Slovakia, took four points off Iceland and six off Liechtenstein to finish third in their qualifying group. Losing 6-0 at home to Portugal and 9-0 away from home was a painful reminder of the past – but at least it is the exception now rather than the rule.”We are small and we will always be small,” said Philipp.But that won’t stop Luxembourg from dreaming big tonight. More

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      Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s love affair with Eintracht Frankfurt after Man Utd legend becomes ‘life member’ of club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson surprised fans by becoming a “life member” of Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.As his former side Aberdeen geared up to play against the Bundesliga side in December, representatives from the German club met with Fergie to hand him a Frankfurt scarf and shirt with his name on.Sir Alex Ferguson became a ‘life member’ of Eintracht Frankfurt on TuesdayCredit: Twitter @EintrachtHis relationship with Frankfurt stretches all the way back to the 1960sCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyBut many will have been confused as to how the Scottish icon’s relationship with the team first came to be.In fact, it is a story that stretches back more than 60 years to Fergie’s early years as a player.Frankfurt vs Rangers in European Cup semi-finalFergie watched Frankfurt beat Rangers before the Germans lost the European Cup final to Real MadridCredit: PA:Press AssociationSeven years before he joined Rangers as a striker – where he scored 35 goals in 66 games – he attended the 1960 European Cup semi-final between Frankfurt and the Scottish giants.Rangers lost the first leg 6-1 in Germany, before they were beaten 6-3 on their home patch in a 12-4 aggregate thrashing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd that is where Ferguson’s admiration for the club began – despite Frankfurt losing the European Cup final 7-3 to Real Madrid.Speaking about the semi-final tie, he said: “That was unbelievable. In the first leg, Frankfurt beat Rangers 6-1. “I was at the second leg when Eintracht came to Ibrox with 70,000 spectators.”Of course we felt hopeful and told ourselves that the Rangers could come back. In the end they lost again by six goals.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I was a Rangers fan and only lived about 200 meters from Ibrox. I also attended the final and hoped Frankfurt would win as they had beaten Rangers. “At the time I was 17 years old and played for Queens Park FC from Glasgow.”It was a great game. Kress scored the first goal. We said to ourselves, ‘Wow! A great German team.’ “But then there were Puskas, Di Stefano, Gento. I don’t think there will ever be another team as charismatic as the Real Madrid team at the time.”Puskas scored four goals and Di Stefano three. They were fantastic players and the 7-3 win was an incredible game. “There was no shame in losing this game. Frankfurt had proven itself in the semi-final against the Rangers.”Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campScoring hat-trick against FrankfurtStriker Ferguson scored a hat-trick for Rangers against Frankfurt in 1967Credit: GettyIn 1967, Ferguson was given the opportunity to avenge that defeat in the European Cup semi-final when he faced Frankfurt in his first game since moving to Rangers.The two teams played in a pre-season friendly as Fergie bagged a debut hat-trick in a 5-3 win.But while the legendary manager has fond memories of the match, he admits it did not quite atone for what had happened seven years earlier.He added: “It was my first game for the Rangers. We won 5-3, but I wouldn’t call it revenge for 1960.”I scored a hat trick against Hans Tilkowski in the Frankfurt goal. Grabowski also played. “He was only 23 years old at the time and played until 1980, unbelievable.”He also played in the 1974 World Cup and I still remember his cross for the Muller goal against Italy in 1970.”Facing Frankfurt as Aberdeen bossFerguson’s Aberdeen side lost 2-1 on aggregate to Frankfurt in the Uefa Cup in 1979Credit: GettyMore than a decade on from scoring a treble against Frankfurt, Fergie came up against them in the Uefa Cup first round as Aberdeen manager in 1979.And the Germans got the better of his side as they earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg, before returning home and securing a 1-0 victory for a 2-1 aggregate win.But the aftermath of the match saw Ferguson learn an important lesson in his development as a coach.He recalls: “I was in my second season as coach of Aberdeen FC and we had once again qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup.”Frankfurt were the better team, but we saved the game with an equaliser. We had the chance to travel to Frankfurt, where we lost 1-0.”Bernd Holzenbein scored the goal in the second game that knocked us out of the competition.”I learned an important lesson when we played abroad. Some players went out after the game. After that, I made sure that something like that never happened again.”Watching Frankfurt beat Rangers againFrankfurt beat Rangers in the 2022 Europa League finalCredit: GettyFerguson never ran into Frankfurt during his sensational 27-year spell as Manchester United boss – where he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.But after retiring from management, he then watched as Frankfurt and Rangers met once again in the 2022 Europa League final – 62 years after Fergie saw the two clubs clash in the European Cup.And once again the Glasgow-born icon was left bitterly disappointed as Frankfurt beat his boyhood club on penalties.But he still admired the spectacle fans from both sides created in Seville, Spain.When asked if he watched the game, he said: “Naturally. I saw the game. It was pretty even.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was nice to see that both teams brought so many fans to Seville that they had to open another stadium in the city to bring in additional fans.”It was fantastic to see a final like that.” More

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      The rise of Amad Diallo, from name change and finding shooting boots at Sunderland to becoming an FA Cup classic hero

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      NO sooner had Amad Diallo become a hero for downing fierce rivals Liverpool in an FA Cup classic, he was unfortunately the villain of the piece in the referee’s eyes.After his shot evaded Caoimhín Kelleher in the Reds goal, kissed the post and bounced over the line at an ecstatic Old Trafford, he whipped off his shirt to celebrate in front of a delighted Stretford End.Amad Diallo celebrates scoring the winner against LiverpoolCredit: EPAIvorian youngster Amad’s low shot beats Caoimhín Kelleher in the Liverpool goalCredit: GettyUnderstandably overcome by emotion, he had forgotten he was on a yellow card and gave John Brooks no option but to show the 21-year-old a second yellow.But as he trudged down the tunnel, that didn’t matter one bit. The Ivorian had cemented his name in folklore, fans were singing it with gusto, and the £37million signing from Atalanta had finally landed.”I think that is the best goal of my career,” a beaming Amad, who had been playing on an empty stomach while observing Ramadan, told ITV afterwards.Sunderland fans may argue he scored better when he starred at the Stadium of Light during the 2022-23 season.Read more Man Utd newsHowever, the joy on his face told the story of a man who has come a long way, and banished his past behind.Leaving Ivory Coast behindWhen he was 10, he left Abidjan behind with his brother and headed to Italy.They settled in Parma, where a young Amad would star for youth club Boca Barco.Following interest from a host of Serie A clubs, the youngster signed for Atalanta in 2015 and would develop into one of the most coveted players in European football.Most read in FootballBut in 2020, local authorities launched an investigation into how Amad arrived in Parma.Man Utd fans say ‘we’re going to be SCARY’ as forgotten man who has never played for Ten Hag returns to trainingIt was handed over to the Italian football federation (FIGC), who later revealed Amad and his brother were at the centre of a child trafficking ring.They alleged five adults smuggled Amad and his brother, Hamed Junior Traore, into Italy from their native Ivory Coast on a family visa.The fake documents claimed that Amad and Hamed, who is now a Bournemouth player, would be cared for by their apparent parents, Mamadou Hamed Traore and Marina Edwige Carine Teher.The FIGC alleged the two adults were not their parents, and even questioned if Hamed was Amad’s real brother.A carefully worded statement from the FIGC said that Amad had: “Allowed, in order to be able to enter into his first professional contract with Atalanta, on 11 July 2018, the use of the false name Traore Diallo Amad.”Other non-registered subjects (Traore Hamed Mamadou and Teher Marina Edwige Carine) carried out acts aimed at obtaining false or altered documents to circumvent the rules on entry into Italy and membership, as a non-EU citizen already residing in Italy.”It was found that they pretended to be the parent of the footballer, using false certificates attesting the relationship of kinship.”Finally, for himself, to obtain subsequent membership cards with companies affiliated with FIGC, continuing to use the false certifications that had allowed him to settle in Italy with fictitious parents.”Aspiring footballer Amad poses with Paul PogbaAtalanta gave Diallo his first team debut in 2019Credit: GettyMan Utd paid £37m to bring Amad to EnglandCredit: GettyThe case was concluded in 2021, after the FIGC accepted a plea bargain from the pair who were fined £42,000.Moving onTo distance himself from the scandal, the United winger changed his name and has just ‘Amad’ on the back of his No16 shirt now.Although his chances at the Theatre of Dreams have been limited, his progress hasn’t been hampered.It was on loan with the Mackems where he soon became a fans’ favourite.Before that an underwhelming loan at Rangers made many feel the gamble on an unproven talent who had appeared just four times for Atalanta before United spent big was money down the drain.A spell in the Championship was just what he needed to kickstart his career on our shores.Something seemingly clicked four months into his spell, when Amad scored three goals in five games in December, 2022.An underwhelming spell at Rangers in Scotland made many question if United had wasted their moneyCredit: Willie VassHowever, a loan spell at Sunderland would give him the confidence he neededCredit: GettyEx-Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray understood how to get the best out of AmadCredit: ReutersHis performances earned him the EFL Young Player of the Month award.He single-handedly propelled Sunderland into the playoff picture and was a handful for the opposition.Tony Mowbray got the best out of him, playing to his strengths and allowing him the licence to play a free role.It was fitting that when Mowbray was sacked earlier this season, Diallo sent his well-wishes on social media.In an Instagram story, alongside a photo of the manager, he wrote: “Thanks for having [helping] me a lot in my training. Good luck boss.”By the end of the 2022-23 season, Amad had scored 14 goals and managed 4 assists for the club in all competitions.The standout – a spectacular strike against Luton Town in the playoff semi-final – wasn’t enough to earn his side a spot at Wembley.Fittingly, he has done that with United who will face Coventry City next.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he might have just fired himself into Erik ten Hag’s first team plans now.But first, he must serve that pesky suspension in their next Premier League fixture against Brentford.Amad was unfortunately sent off after taking his shirt off celebrating his late winnerCredit: APAmad will now surely force Erik ten Hag’s hand in giving him more first team opportunitiesCredit: Rex More