Longtail

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

MASON Mount may have become something of a forgotten man in the minds of many Manchester United fans.But the returning midfielder is firmly at the forefront of the thinking of the two managers he needs to impress.Mason Mount won his first minutes since December on Tuesday nightMount replaced Joshua Zirkzee in the 78th minuteThe 26-year-old midfielder almost made it 1-1 within minutesRuben Amorim has spoken about his ‘love’ for MountMount returned to pitch for the first time in THREE months in the dying embers of United’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday night.The 26-year-old replaced Joshua Zirkzee in the 78th minute – and was inches away from finding an equaliser almost instantly.He was involved in United’s flurry of chances in the final ten minutes, including Harry Maguire’s effort that was cleared off the line by Murillo in the last kick of the game.And Mount’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, or under a better manager, who is still juggling and shifting his 4-3-3 system.With United set to make sweeping squad changes in the summer, the once-loved England star has a great chance to stake his claim to a place as one of Amorim’s No 10s.In fact, the former Sporting Lisbon manager adores Mount – he said so himself.Amorim revealed: “I really love Mason because I have seen how much he suffers, but also how he does everything right…how he eats, how he lives.“When a player does that, they will always have the support of everyone at the club – and you must remember, he was a European champion and very talented.”And if Mount can prove his injury woes are finally behind him, you will not see anyone outside his immediate family smile wider than Thomas Tuchel.As Tuchel gathered his first England squad at St George’s Park last month, ahead of the World Cup qualifying wins over Albania and Latvia, the absence of Mount was hardly a shock.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim hails ‘perfect captain’ Bruno Fernandes after hat-trick heroics against Real Sociedad Indeed, his last appearance in an England shirt came more than two and a half years ago.While everybody recalls Harry Kane blazing his second penalty against France over Hugo Lloris’ bar in the final moments of the World Cup quarter-final defeat in Doha, only a few will remember how it was a VAR review for Theo Hernandez’s barge on Mount that led to the spot-kick being awarded.Mount had made himself an England regular, starting the group games against Iran and USA and with 36 caps and five goals to his name before his 24th birthday.He also started the Euro 2020 final against Italy, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat at Wembley.Since then, his career has stalled, a pubic bone issue curtailing the final half-season in SW6 before his £55m move to United, where he has made just NINE Prem starts in 20 months.Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford in November could have been a springboard and Mount played the final four minutes of the 1-1 draw at Ipswich in the Portuguese manager’s first game.But Mount lasted just 14 minutes of the 2-1 Manchester derby win at City before Christmas, his last taste of action.United have played 98 games since Mount signed but he has missed more than half of them, leading to a feeling from many that, if there has to be a cull of the squad to fund a rebuild this summer, he will be among those considered dispensable.Mount lasted just 14 minutes of the Manchester derby win in DecemberThe midfielder was devastated after only just returning from injury a week priorNot so. Indeed, Amorim was thrilled to have Mount – unused – back on the bench at Leicester before the international break.The United boss said: “The fact is we need players like him. Maybe he can’t play too much, too soon – but even five minutes of Mason Mount is perfect.”Such words can only help Mount on a personal as well as a footballing level. And it will be a similar situation with the new England boss.Tuchel’s praise of Mount during their Champions League-winning time together at Chelsea signalled a bond of trust.The German said: “Mason has the full package mentally, in terms of talent and physically. And the most important part is his character. “He has both feet on the ground and he’s a nice guy. He came to training every day to learn something new and have a new experience.“Mason is a guy who can recover very fast. He is a very physical player, who has self-confidence but in a positive way.“It was a pleasure to have him, to be at his side and guide and support him.“The most important part was that he was not affected by all the praise. He feels an obligation to make the most of himself and wants it absolutely badly. It’s a top mix.”That relationship was fostered from an unpromising beginning – when the first interaction between the pair was a ruck over team selection.Even five minutes of Mason Mount is perfect.Ruben AmorimWhen Tuchel arrived at Chelsea he wanted the reassurance of more experience in his team. That meant players like veteran Cesar Azpilicueta who had not played much under previous manager Frank Lampard, and midfielder Jorginho.Mount was having none of it and pointedly told his manager so. Adding that in previous weeks he had been Man of the Match on a couple of occasions and that Tammy Abraham had recently scored a hat trick.It could have backfired explosively but instead Tuchel embraced the fire in Mount’s belly and admired his passion – a trait he shares.Mount didn’t step back on his principles and became the first name on Tuchel’s Chelsea team-sheet. Mount became a staple under Thomas Tuchel at ChelseaWith some other bosses it might not have gone down well and could have meant curtains for him at a young age at Stamford Bridge.Instead, Tuchel harnessed Mount’s energy and enthusiasm and the pair went on to forge a now concrete-like relationship.The Cobham academy graduate would play in various positions for Tuchel at his manager’s command. As a wide player, as a number ten, holding midfielder.Mason has the full package mentally, in terms of talent and physically. And the most important part is his character. Thomas TuchelHe was named Chelsea Player of the Year for consecutive years between 2021 and 2022.Mount, too, was grateful for Tuchel’s input, recalling: “He was so clear on what he wanted and how he would like us to play, very clear on the roles and responsibilities, that it made it very easy for us to transition.“From day one, as players we realised how he gives his game plan. It made it easy for us to go onto the pitch and do it. “Under him I played a little bit higher than I was used to – as a kind of forward 10, or sometimes a winger or a false 9. “I had to adapt a bit but that gave me more opportunity to get into the box and have the opportunities to score and create.”A goalscorer who is versatile and adaptable, able to change positions at the drop of a hat, and who wants to repay his managers for their faith.For club, and country, a born-again Mount could be the perfect answer. The next few months will show whether he is able to thrust himself back into the limelight.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

THE world’s largest stadium has a staggering capacity of 150,000 – but is barely used.Opened in 1989 and situated in Pyongyang, North Korea, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium was the first of its kind.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is the biggest stadium in the worldCredit: RexIt is situated in Pyongyang, North KoreaCredit: AlamyThe stadium is now rarely usedCredit: AlamyIt was built in response to South Korea constructing the Seoul Olympic Stadium in the early 1980s, with the rival nation determined to make a statement by building an incredible venue of their own.The stadium was at one time regularly used for sporting events as well as performances, shows and celebrations.Six years after it was opened, the venue played host to Collision in Korea, the world’s largest professional wrestling pay-per-view event.Around 350,000 took to the stadium across the two-day spectacular.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also held the world’s biggest gymnastics display with over 100,000 participants.However, despite being open for over 35 years, it is now barely touched.Although the stadium is used for some major showcases to the rest of the world, most of the time it sits in silence.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium was left to decay for years until Kim Jong-un called for a refurbishment 10 years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt underwent a refurbishment in 2015Credit: AlamyIt was given a fresh lick of paint and all 1,300 of its rooms were renovated.But it has only been used for some select large-scale events since then.World’s biggest stadium twice the size of Wembley with 200k seats left to rust after hosting mega wrestling showThe stadium has 16 arches in its scalloped roof which covers the huge 242,000 sq ft pitch below.Its total floor space is over 2,230,000 sq ft which spans eight stories, as the roof peaks at more than 200ft above the ground.The venue is currently used for small-time football matches, a few athletic events, and most often the games of the Arirang Festival – a large scale gymnastics event.Its estimated seating capacity is around 150,000, making it significantly bigger than Wembley Stadium in London, which can hold 90,000.It is also bigger than Manchester United’s new proposed £2billion stadium which is expected to seat 100,000 fans. More