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      Boxing world champion breaks silence to CONFIRM talks to fight Conor McGregor in never-before-seen two-bout deal

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      TERENCE CRAWFORD has CONFIRMED talks to fight Conor McGregor – but admitted no amount of money could tempt him into the MMA cage.McGregor revealed an offer was on the table for a never-before-seen two-fight deal in boxing and MMA with Crawford. Terence Crawford confirmed talks to fight Conor McGregorCredit: GettyMcGregor revealed Crawford turned the deal downCredit: GettyBut the former undisputed world boxing champion is not getting kicked or elbowed for any number. Crawford said to Bernie the Boxer: “I told Conor, ‘Hell no’. “They called me and they offered me the fight and me and Conor got on the phone and started trying to figure something out.”And I told him, ‘Man I ain’t getting into no octagon with you so you can be kicking me and elbow me and s***’.READ MORE IN UFC”He started laughing and s*** and he said ‘Man, I respect it. You respect my sport just like I respect your sport and you understand that if you get in an octagon you’re going to be at a disadvantage.”‘Just like if I get into the boxing ring with you, I’m going to be at a disadvantage’.”But he was like, ‘We will make a s*** ton of money’. I said, ‘Yeah, sometimes it ain’t about the money, I can make money but you ain’t about to be kicking me, dude’.”Kicks and elbows man that s*** ain’t no joke.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to face ring great Floyd Mayweather in a crossover clash worth huge sums.Crawford meanwhile wrestled in his youth but went on to become one of the greatest boxers of his era. McGregor said during a Duelbits livestream: “Crawford is very slick, he also has a wrestling background pedigree.”You know they’re always talking to me about bouts. I’ve already boxed a boxer, and the best boxer in MMA is me.”You know what I mean? I generate the most. We were talking back and forth about a two-fight deal.”In Crawford’s last fight he beat Israil Madrimov to win the WBA super-welterweight world title.It was also his first with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season – who recently partnered with the UFC.And McGregor, 36, was the first to reveal that Crawford, 37, was approached for the two-fight double header before declining. He said: “I get on the phone and say ‘Crawford, they’re here talking about you and me. Two-fight deal, MMA first, boxing second.”I know you have an extensive wrestling background, and balls the size of a Bengal tiger.”They’re asking for a fight, it’ll be hundreds of millions on the line. ‘What’s up?’, I said.”And then he goes, ‘I don’t fancy taking a kick off Conor McGregor’, that’s what he said. You have to respect that.”Crawford is a four-division champion and considered one of the best boxers on the planet.He is currently eyeing a super-fight against Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, 34, despite rumours of pondering retirement.McGregor meanwhile has been out of action since July 2021 when he broke his leg before being ruled out of his return bout in June.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman was forced to pull out of facing Michael Chandler due to a toe injury.Chandler, 38, has since signed to rematch Charles Oliveira, 34, on November 16 to leave McGregor’s next fight in doubt. More

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      Mike Tyson insider reveals strategy for Jake Paul fight after fresh health concerns arise for boxing legend

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      MIKE TYSON’s strategy for his showdown with Jake Paul has sensationally been revealed by a camp insider.The former undisputed heavyweight champion will throw down with the YouTube sensation in a controversial crossover clash on Netflix next month.Mike Tyson is set to throw down with Jake Paul in a shock showdown next monthCredit: REXBoxing legend Tyson is a huge underdog going into the Texas tussleCredit: GETTYIron Mike plans to go hell for leather in the controversial crossover clashCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSONTyson is a huge underdog going into the Texas tussle due to the staggering 31-YEAR age difference between himself and The Problem Child.Iron Mike struck fear into the hearts of heavyweights around the world in the late ’80s and early ’90s with his ferocious style, which he plans to utilise against Paul.A member of Tyson’s team said in a recently released promo video: “We’re not looking to throw just one bomb. We want to throw missile after missile.”Tyson, who hasn’t fought since his Covid clash with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, has been hard at work in the gym trying to get his near-pensioner-aged body into fighting shape.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd one of the boxing legend’s trainers has claimed Paul would be in a world of trouble if he were to step into the ring right now.He said: “If the fight were today, Jake Paul would be done.”He throws missiles, not just one bomb. The bombs, they come one after another.”Tyson, however, is feeling every bit his 58 years ahead of his ring return, recently admitting: “It’s hard to walk right now.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But two months from now I’m going to be perfect. The fight is won in the gym.”Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me.Mike Tyson sends chilling warning that Jake Paul ‘has to go’ as he claims ‘I started his career, now I’ll finish him’ “I’m going to enjoy my time here tonight with all my childhood friends, and the hell with Jake Paul.”Tyson will be handsomely rewarded for his Dallas dust-up with Paul but insists his decision to return to the ring isn’t financially motivated.The New Yorker recently admitted: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for – to get all this f***ing status.”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.” More

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      ‘Go on YouTube’ – Cole Palmer reveals he would choose ex-Premier League bad boy to take a penalty to save his life

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer picked a shock Premier League cult hero when asked who he would choose to take a penalty to save his life.Palmer, 22, is a spot-kick expert having scored every one of the 15 he has taken during his stellar four-year career so far.Chelsea star Cole Palmer picked a controversial penalty taker to save his lifeCredit: AlamyPalmer picked Mario Balotelli, who scored 48 out of 53 penalties in his careerCredit: GettyThe forward has netted ten of them with the Blues, where he already counts six goals in as many Premier League matches this season.However, if his life depended on it, the winger would choose someone else to step up to the plate and take a penalty for him – and it is no ordinary pick.The ex-Manchester City star would go with none other than Mario Balotelli as he remembers how dominant he was when it was just him and the opposing goalkeeper.Palmer told BBC Sports: “One penalty taker to save my life…?Read More on Football”If I can’t say me – I would but I’ll say one just for the content.”The one that comes to my head is Balotelli.”The interviewer seemed a bit surprised by that answer but Palmer stood by his pick.And the England international is not wrong as Balotelli, 34, has scored a whopping 48 out of all the 53 penalties he has taken during his controversial 18-year career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer responded: “Have you seen his pens?”The Chelsea star was then asked if he would have any worries about Balotelli doing something unpredictable: “Nah, I trust him. Go on YouTube and search his penalties.”Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalBalotelli fell from grace despite playing for the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan, Man City, Liverpool and of course Italy.That was mainly due to the current free agent’s unpredictable character.That is why Palmer continued to be egged on by the interviewer regarding his pick.The forward seemed to concede that point as he changed his taker and opted for a star England team-mate before adding that there are actually quite a few favourites he would go for.Palmer said: “Actually, maybe Ivan [Toney]. I don’t know, there’s a few.” More

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      Inside the whirlwind career of Ravel Morrison as ‘too good’ former Man Utd ace with ‘Messi like skills’ joins 14th club

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      FROM Manchester to Middlesbrough, D.C. to Derby, Ravel Morrison has enjoyed quite the career.The 31-year-old, once likened to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, recently joined the 14th club of his career – UAE second division side Precision FC.Ravel Morrison has joined Precision FC in DubaiThe midfielder came through Man Utd’s academy, where he was highly ratedCredit: GettyIt marked the end of his 18-month spell as a free agent, which began after he was cut from Wayne Rooney’s D.C. United squad at the start of 2023.Around 14 years ago, nobody would have guessed that Morrison’s career path could take such a turn.Fresh out of Manchester United’s academy – alongside Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard – the midfielder was quick to make a name for himself.Many predicted that he would go on to become the next big thing, with former star Quinton Fortune even suggesting he was “the most naturally talented” player at Carrington.Read More in FootballIn 2021, the ex-midfielder told FourFourTwo: “At a club like Manchester United, it’s very difficult to say who the best youngster was.”Ronaldo was obviously incredible but Wayne Rooney was unbelievable when he arrived too.”But then you had another special talent who hasn’t progressed as he should have done: Ravel Morrison. He was definitely the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen, but he didn’t make that next step like Ronaldo and Rooney did. In terms of talent, he was up there with them.”Former Man Utd acadamy coach Paul McGuinness also had high hopes for Morrison when he was a youngster.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPrecision is Morrison’s 14th clubEarlier this year, he revealed: “He was an amazing player. And the best way to coach him was not to coach him.”The best way was to create a game where his stuff would come out. If you start telling him what to do, he wasn’t go to be having it, you know? So he was an amazing player and I’ve had some really top players so it means that, as a coach, you learn from your players as well.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”So, in the sense that [fellow coach] Jim Ryan had a phrase. He said it’s the ‘arrogance of timing’ and so some coaches in the position thought he was being arrogant. But it was just the way he played.”It was like Messi. He’d wait for you, wait for you to go closer and closer. Close to the fire, without getting burnt and get close, then he’d just play it. And you’d be like ‘oh, you’d better pass it now’ and he wouldn’t.”McGuinness went on to add: “He was like, somebody do something because he was too good! And he could do those things with the first team and a lot of people say: ‘Oh yeah but he’s thrown it all away, he’s wasting it’ and so on.”But, actually, if you know the full story from being younger, his background and different things, he may actually be one of the best performing. You know, he might actually have done well despite all the sort of disadvantages he had.”Morrison was limited to just three first team appearances for Man Utd after making his senior debut against Wolves in October 2010.Deemed surplus to requirements, he was sold to West Ham just over one year later for an undisclosed fee.He made 24 appearances for the Hammers but was loaned out on three separate occasions – to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff – during his three-year spell.The midfielder went on to play for Lazio, Atlas, Ostersund, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, ADO Den Haag, Derby County and D.C. United.The midfielder played for D.C. United before becoming a free agentCredit: GettyHe was axed by then-manager Wayne RooneyCredit: AlamyBut his career hit a low when he was axed from the MLS side by his former United team-mate, Rooney.The ex-D.C. United boss said at the time: “I felt with players we were bringing in and different things you need to look at in terms of the budget, international slots, etc, it was more important I got different players in for different positions, which we felt were more important to me.”Morrison was left without a club for over 18 months as a result.He spent this summer training with the Professional Footballers’ Association in a bid to regain fitness.The PFA held an exclusive pre-season camp for eligible free agents to help them find a club.Scouts were invited to training sessions and some exhibition matches, with the likes of Dwight Gayle and Carl Jenkinson securing moves.Although Morrison didn’t secure an EFL move, he will now get to show off his experience in Dubai.A statement from Precision FC read: “We are beyond excited to welcome the incredible Ravel Morrison to Precision FC! “This is more than a signing – it’s a statement, a game-changer for both our club and football in the UAE.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Known for his electrifying talent and skill, Ravel brings world-class experience and flair that will help our team to achieve it’s goals.”This is the start of something extraordinary. Welcome to the family, Ravel!”Morrison has 18 caps for the Jamaica national teamCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow’s turbulent two-year marriage, from stag do scandal to footballer’s France move

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      ANDY Carroll and his reality TV star Wag Billi Mucklow have revealed they are divorcing, after a turbulent two year marriage.In a statement, the ex-England, Newcastle and Liverpool striker said: “Billi and I have privately separated earlier this year and we are under way with our divorce proceedings.Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow revealed they are going through divorce proceedingsCredit: InstagramCarroll and Billi have only been married for two yearsCredit: InstagramHowever, the nuptials nearly never happened after Carroll’s boozy stag doCredit: instagram”It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.”The pair share three kids, having been together for 11 years.A source told us: “Andy and Billi care about each other a lot and have made some great memories together, but decided it was best for the family if they went their separate ways having grown apart.”They’re still focusing on the kids and being the best parents they can be and being respectful of each other.Read more Carroll news”They want the process to be straightforward for everyone involved. Andy has been throwing himself into his football.”Their relationship has been fraught with issues. SunSport looks at where it all went wrong.The stag do scandalIn 2014, Andy and Billi were seemingly headed for eternal happiness.They were very much in love, having got engaged just a year after meeting each other in a whirlwind romance.Most read in FootballEight years later, the two finally walked down the aisle at luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire.Billi Mucklow and Andy Carroll Divorce After Two Years of MarriageBut, it was a wedding that nearly never happened.Prior to their special occasion, Carroll went on his now infamous stag do with pals.Pictures surfaced of the towering forward passed out in bed with two women in Dubai.One of the girls, Taylor Jane Wilkey was also seen posing in a bathroom wearing the footballer’s personalised dressing gownWhen the photos circulated on social media, Billi reacted as you would imagine.She took off her £200,000 engagement ring and left their Essex home. It seemed like they would never exchange nuptials.Bar manager Taylor even shared an image on social media wearing Carrol’s bath robeTaylor Jane Wilkey shared images of her in bed with Carroll on the stag doA reprieveHowever, bar manager Taylor expressed her regret at the situation.She also insisted that nothing sexual happened.Taylor told The Sun: “It was all just a bit of entirely innocent fun. “It was an afterparty. We all went back to his hotel. There was me, Andy and my female friend.”I didn’t sleep with him, it wasn’t like that, there was three of us in the room.”It was a full day and night of drinking, we’d been at Cove Beach since 12, it was a really boozy day. Andy was steaming, we were all drunk.”She added: “We went back to Andy’s hotel suite and we played some music and he got into bed and passed out.”I was there with my friend until the early hours and took the photo as a joke.”My mates back home were goading me for the lowdown so I took that picture for a laugh and sent it to them.Carrol was forgiven by Billi after Taylor revealed nothing sexual happenedCredit: InstagramCarroll and Billi wed at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in HampshireCredit: INSTAGRAMCarroll left England and began a career at Amiens in FranceCredit: Instagramread more sport features”Nothing sexual happened. It was just a bit of banter.”After Billi requested Carroll show her all the pictures from the boozy stag do in clear-the-air talks, the wedding was back on.However, it was clearly a moment that broke trust between the pair.A fresh startIn August, 2023, Carroll left Reading after triggering a release clause in his contract.He joined French second division club Amiens – with his career in its twilight years.A year later, he would continue his adventure across the channel and sign for Bordeaux, where he currently plays.For Carroll, it encouraged a quieter life, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Newcastle and London, where the nightlife may have proved a temptation.However, rather tellingly, he was alone.Billi made the decision to stay in their Essex home, as Carroll continued his career in France – one that hasn’t been profitable given Bordeaux’s financial struggle and fall from grace.Andy, who is said to be on £750-per-week, revealed to RMC Sport: “To be honest, it’s even costing me money to come and play for Bordeaux but I’m playing football and I am simply happy to be playing football.Carroll left his family behind to pursue his career in FranceCredit: InstagramBilli continued to live in their Essex home while Carroll played in FranceCarroll reportedly earns around £750-per-week playing for BordeauxCarroll has been linked to Harry Styles’ hairstylist Lou Teasdale”I want to be a part of this club’s history and to be frank, it wasn’t a question of money. In my career, it’s never been a question of money.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarroll has since reportedly moved on from Billi – and is dating Harry Styles’ hairstylist Lou Teasdale.With divorce costing a pretty penny, expect Carroll to have dig deep into his savings to fund his divorce. More

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      Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

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      I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      ‘You want a war? Now we have one’ – Guardiola turns on former pal Arteta as Man City’s rivalry with Arsenal hots up

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says his Manchester City reigning champions are ready to go to “war” with Arsenal.And the City boss called on Gunners chief Mikel Arteta to come clean over his “dark arts” claims during his 3½ years as Guardiola’s Etihad No 2.Pep Guardiola said he is ready to go to war with Mikel ArtetaCredit: PAErling Haaland and Gabriel clashed several times throughout the 2-2 epicArteta reckons the blockbuster title race will not ruin his relationship with close pal Guardiola.Arsenal defender Gabriel had stoked up the rivalry by demanding revenge in the February rematch after a fiery showdown with Erling Haaland — who threw the ball at him — in Sunday’s feisty 2-2 draw.Guardiola said: “Gabriel said it perfectly, ‘This is a war, we have to provoke the opponent’.”So, we have to think, ‘OK, you want a war? Now we have a war’. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m pretty sure Erling is not proud but, listen, with the type of challenge that Arsenal gave, I understand it.”Guardiola could not hide his anger at what could be viewed as a betrayal by long-term friend Arteta.The City boss, 53, insists he does not know what Arteta was referring to — and even wondered if it could be a reference to the club’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.Arteta said on Wednesday: “I was there for four years. I have all the information. So I know, believe me.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta said he has “all the information” on life behind closed doors at the EtihadCredit: GettyAnd Pep Guardiola isn’t happy with Arteta’s commentsCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpaniard Guardiola added: “Next time, Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means. I have to see more clearly exactly what happened while he was here.“So hopefully this question has been asked of him and he can also answer now exactly what it means when he said he was here and he knows what’s happening here.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliser“It could be related to the process with the 115 charges — maybe it’s about that and he knows information.Pep Guardiola”Instead of being in the clouds there, he has to be more precise.”The fallout from the explosive Etihad clash is likely to put a huge strain on the relationship between Guardiola and Arteta — and increase the tension between title rivals City and Arsenal.Guardiola could be forgiven for feeling letdown as he spent 3½ years mentoring Arteta while he was on his coaching staff.The City gaffer then urged his club not to stand in the way of his assistant when Arsenal moved to appoint him as manager in 2019.And the champions even turned a blind eye to certain things that happened around his departure that they were not happy with.Yet Arteta insists that nothing can damage his relationship with Pep.Arsenal and City produced a Prem epic last weekend which ended with John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged.Arteta, who worked under Pep at City from 2016 until his Gunners exit, said: “Sport will never get in my way of a personal relationship.“If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins, or the number of times they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him any more.“They have beaten us …they won the last four titles and our relationship continues to be the same, so what has to change for that relationship to be over?“That is just not our relationship, especially the relationship I consider both of us have,“I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he doesMikel Arteta“One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship.”Arsenal were made to pay for their “dark arts” and “dirty” tactics by Stones’ late leveller.Asked if it was hard to stay pals with Pep due to the rivalry, Arteta added: “If those accusations affect you it’s because maybe they’re true.“If they don’t and you do what you believe is right and show integrity, it doesn’t have to be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you don’t like opinions, you shouldn’t be sitting in the position I am. It’s quite simple. Don’t take it personal. It’s part of our job.“Things you care about, make sure you handle them in the right way. That relationship with Pep I really care about. More

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      Jose Mourinho SLEEPING at Fenerbahce’s training ground as he reveals reason behind gruelling work schedule

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      JOSE MOURINHO revealed he sleeps at Fenerbahce’s training ground so that he “doesn’t waste time”.Mourinho, 61, made a surprise move to Fener in June and has already made an impact with seven wins out of 11 matches across all competitions.Jose Mourinho revealed he sleeps in Fenerbahce’s training groundCredit: GettyFenerbahce boss Mourinho claims he works at least 12 hours per dayCredit: ReutersThe Portuguese tactician suffered his second defeat on Saturday when his team lost 3-1 to bitter rivals Galatasaray but returned to winning ways on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.The ex-Manchester United boss put together a long and passionate speech after the Europa League game as he explained the “Mourinho effect”, which sees him winning silverware everywhere he goes.The former Chelsea manager outlined his trophy success at every club he worked for, with the exception of Tottenham who sacked him two days before the 2021 EFL Cup final against Manchester City.The Special One also revealed he is so determined to carry on the “Mourinho effect” at Fenerbahce that he works “at least” 12 hours each day and sleeps in the training ground at night.Read More on FootballMourinho said: “​​I won trophies at every club I went to, only I didn’t win at Tottenham because I left the club two days before the Cup final. “So the Mourinho effect that I created at every club was to win trophies. I’m very sorry. We can’t do that in September. This game had two sides to it: One was the Europa League and the other was the difficulty of the first game after a heavy defeat.”After that game, it was a week in which there was a bit of pleasure in knocking people down. I am not an expert in body language or a judge in a dance competition. I know the emotional side of football well.“Journalists have an effect on the way fans think, the way business is done has something to do with it. Maybe it is you who need to change, you work too much. I don’t know how many hours he works, but I work at least 12 hours a day.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I sleep at the club so I don’t waste time. Istanbul is a beautiful city, but I didn’t come here on holiday, I came to work. Everyone in the club does this, we have a good working environment.“I always try to instil and explain this to people: I can be successful from time to time, but when things go well you don’t go to the moon, and when things go bad you don’t go to hell. Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction as former Man Utd midfielder Fred scores hat-trick for Fenerbahce “This is my philosophy. I work hard and I’m not going to go to the moon, nor am I going to go to hell . We want to go to the moon, but it’s too far away.“Sometimes they try to push us into hell, but people try hard not to. European Cups, I say half, because they stole a European Cup from me, I will never forget that. The reason for achieving all this is that I work hard at Fenerbahce, me and everyone at the club work hard.” More