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      Txiki Begiristain to leave Man City as key Pep Guardiola ally makes decision with manager’s future up in the air

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      MANCHESTER City supremo Txiki Begiristain is leaving the Premier League champions.And the imminent departure of sporting director Begiristain will only increase speculation about the future of boss Pep Guardiola.Txiki Begiristain is set to depart the Etihad next summer after 13 yearsCredit: PAManager Pep Guardiola won’t have Begiristain’s assistance next seasonCredit: RexBegiristain, 60, joined City from Barcelona in 2012 and was instrumental in bringing Guardiola to the Etihad in 2015 to spark the most successful period in the club’s history.He has played a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement, who will start in the role in early 2025.The outgoing sporting director will spend six months helping the new man settle in before ending his association with City.The identity of the Etihad’s new football chief has not been revealed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Newcastle flop Hugo Viana, who is currently the director of football at Sporting Lisbon, is believed to be in the frame to take over.The Potuguese, who had an underwhelming four years with the Toon after joining for £8million from Sporting in 2002, had been linked with a job working in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backroom team at Manchester United.Begiristain was intending to quit five years ago, but stayed on to be part of the push for City to win their first Champions League – which they finally did when completing the Treble in 2022-23.The news comes shortly after positive noises emerged from City about the possibility of Guardiola extending his current deal beyond the end of this season.Most read in FootballGuadiola’s future is not necessarily tied in with that of Begiristain and the club would be very reluctant to say goodbye to the two most important people in their football operation in quick succession.But the prospect of losing key ally Begiristain, especially after a current season which will be dominated by off-field events, will surely be a factor in Guardiola’s decision.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe pair have known each other for more than 30 years after being team-mates in the Barcelona team that won the club’s first European title in 1992.Begiristain became director of football at the Camp Nou in 2003. Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence Under him, Guardiola was given the job of head coach in 2008 and they enjoyed two successful seasons together before Begiristain left in the wake of the departure of president Joan Laporta.Begiristain arrived at City a month after former Barcelona chief executive Ferran Soriano, who has held the same role at the Etihad for 12 years.Their long-term plan to reunite with Guardiola and build a dynasty at the Etihad came to fruition nine years ago.City have won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the crowns of European and world champions with the three men at the helm.But the club has also found itself at the centre of the biggest row in Premier League history.READ MORE SUN STORIESA hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel go house hunting as they check out £3.5million mansion of Premier League star

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      ERLING HAALAND appears to be putting down roots in the UK to the delight of Manchester City fans after he was seen viewing a £3.5million house for sale.The City striker and his Wag Isabel Haugseng Johansen were spotted chatting in the street to an estate agent as they explored the stunning £3.5m mansion in Cheshire.Earling Haaland has checked out a new £3.5million propertyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe property is being sold by another Premier League starCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe looked at the house with Wag Isabel Haugseng JohansenCredit: SplashThe property – which is being sold by a Premier League star – boasts six bedrooms and six reception rooms, along with its own gym, swimming pool and steam room and sauna.And the modern mansion, built in 2017, is just a five-minute drive from the home of Haaland’s best mate and City winger Jack Grealish.Haaland currently lives in a rented mansion in Alderley Edge which is understood to belong to the Kamani family, who own BooHoo and PrettyLittleThings.But the fact that he is looking to add to his already impressive property portfolio fuels hope for fans that the £375,000-a-week Norwegian target man plans to extend his stay at the Etihad despite interest from Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA source said: “Haaland has always kept his cards close to his chest about his future plans on the pitch.”When he first moved to Manchester, he moved into a flat, and then more recently, he has been living at the rented property.”But the fact he’s looking to splash some cash could mean he’s thinking about staying at City long-term, which is good news for City fans and bad news for everyone else.”Haaland signed for City in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund for £51m and has since scored 101 goals in 107 matches for the Citizens.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has previously credited his goal-scoring ability with his ability to relax off the pitch.He said: “I think it’s a really good thing to relax, to try to not think too much.Erling haaland’s bizarre new therapyHaaland is believed to have started dating Isabel while he was at DortmundCredit: Getty”Because stress is not good for anyone.”I hate to be stressed, and I try not to be stressed.’But the concept of meditation is to try to let go of these kinds of thoughts.”It’s really individual, but for me it’s worked really well.”The 24-year-old has already built up a multi-million-pound property portfolio.He owns a £6m mansion in the Spanish playground of Marbella and also bought a £2.6m three-bedroom apartment in Oslo.The potential new home is being sold by West Ham star Danny Ings.The striker joined the Hammers in 2023 from Aston Villa and has got one goal to his name this season.Ings started his career on the south coast at AFC Bournemouth before making his name at Burnley.After impressing at Turf Moor, he earned a move to Liverpool in 2015.However, Ings failed to shine at Anfield and eventually left the club in 2019 for Southampton.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward rediscovered his scoring touch and netted 41 goals in 91 Premier League appearances for the Saints.He then joined Aston Villa in 2021 and scored 13 times in the league before appearing for this third claret and blue team in West Ham.West Ham’s Danny Ings is selling the houseCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea to be dragged into Man City vs Premier League legal battle as landmark case leads to bitter war

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S legal brawl with the Prem is set to drag rivals, including Arsenal and Chelsea, into the fight.In what was hailed a landmark ruling, the Prem champs claimed victory as an element of the rules on commercial deals involving companies linked to clubs’ owners was judged “unlawful”.Manchester City claimed victory in a dispute with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMan City’s legal battle with the Prem is set to drag Arsenal and Chelsea inCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea are believed to have ploughed hundreds of millions into the club in loansCredit: AlamyIt related to shareholder loans not being included in the “Associated Party Transaction” calculation.Arsenal owners the Kroenkes are believed to have ploughed nearly £260million into the club in loans. Chelsea received £146m in the first year of their new ownership model.Brighton’s Tony Bloom has put £373m into the Seagulls, while Everton, who are subject to a takeover from The Friedkin Group, have the highest shareholder loans at £451m.That has been loaned at low or even zero interest and will almost certainly now need recalculating.Read More on FootballFormer Master of the Rolls — the country’s second most senior lawyer — Lord Dyson and two fellow judges agreed the rule preventing City from responding to the Prem over “Fair Market Value” of two proposed deals was “procedurally unfair”.But a number of City’s other claims against Prem rules “failed”, including that the League wrongly applied its regulations.Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Brentford, West Ham, Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth gave evidence on behalf of the Prem.It has all left battle lines drawn even deeper — with the case into City’s alleged 115 financial breaches still being heard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCity launched the case after tighter rules were voted in by Prem clubs at a meeting in February.The club said yesterday: “The Tribunal found both the original APT rules and the current (amended) APT Rules violate UK competition law and procedural fairness . . . ”Man City vs Fulham: Player Ratings Breakdown“The Premier League was specifically unfair in how it applied those rules to the Club in practice.“They deliberately excluded shareholder loans while the Premier League reached decisions in a procedurally unfair manner.”City’s case centred on two sponsorship proposals, with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Etihad Aviation Group.But while the Arbitration Tribunal — which heard evidence in June — did side with City on some matters, League bosses claimed THEY had won.A Prem spokesman said: “Manchester City brought a wholesale challenge to the APT Rules.“The club was unsuccessful in the majority of its challenge.“Significantly, the Tribunal determined the APT Rules are necessary.“It rejected Manchester City’s argument that APT Rules were to discriminate against clubs with ownership from the ‘Gulf region’.“Except in two respects, it found that Manchester City’s arguments were unfounded.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut League chiefs believe they need only make minor changes — and new rules will be tabled for club chiefs to vote on as soon as next week.The spokesman added: “In the meantime, the Premier League will operate the existing APT system, taking into account the findings made by the Tribunal.”Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Fans spot Pep Guardiola coaching opposition player at final whistle and claim it’s ‘because he loves football so much’

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      FANS think they’ve spotted Pep Guardiola coaching Fulham star Adama Traore after Manchester City’s hard-fought 3-2 win over the Cottagers.City struggled to put the game to bed against a restless Fulham side, with Traore causing all sorts of problems throughout his 90 minutes.Pep Guardiola could be seen deep in conversation with Fulham’s Adama TraoreCredit: ReutersThe Man City boss first hugged the Fulham winger before he began talking with handsCredit: AlamyGoals from Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku helped City stay second behind leaders Liverpool and level on points with Arsenal.Marco Silva’s side opened the scoring through Andreas Pereira after a sublime backheel assist from Raul Jimenez.But it didn’t take long for the hosts to equalise through Kovacic, before the Croatian doubled their lead in the 47th minute.Fulham could have made City pay on several occasions, with Traore missing two golden chances including a one-on-one opportunity against Ederson after brilliantly out-pacing speed king Kyle Walker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne of the biggest talking points was Traore’s lack of composure in front of goal.In fact, after the full-time whistle, Guardiola walked over to hug Traore and began animatedly gesturing while speaking with the winger.Guardiola looked passionate as he began waving his arms, turning his body and kicking an invisible ball while in deep conversation.The Spanish pair stood together for a lengthy period in the middle of the Etihad pitch – and fans quickly assumed that it was a coaching session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Prem striker Robert Earnshaw shared the clip on X writing: “Pep loves football so much that he went over to coach the opponent player.”Another fan wrote on X: “Guardiola’s passion for football knows no bounds and his love for the game is unmatched.”Man City vs Fulham: Player Ratings BreakdownA third said: “I can’t believe it Pep is actually coaching City’s Traore.”A fourth replied: “OMG. How can a Prem manager give tactical advice to an opponent. Pep just loves football. Traore almost scored a few 😂.”One more wrote: “I assume Pep is coaching up Adama after those missed chances. I love this.”Guardiola later heaped praise on Traore, saying: “Adama, he’s unstoppable that game. “We couldn’t control when he had the ball. You have to defend in your 18-yard box.”Doku came off the bench to extend City’s lead, but a Rodrigo Muniz strike in the 88th minute set up a nervy end for the Citizens.Mateo Kovacic scored twice for Manchester City as they edged past Fulham More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tells Al-Nassr chiefs to make Kevin De Bruyne transfer offer he can’t refuse to leave Man City

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has told Al-Nassr chiefs to make Kevin De Bruyne an offer he cannot refuse.Ronaldo is a huge fan of Manchester City hero KDB, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Al-Nassr chiefs to sign Manchester City star Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyDe Bruyne’s contract with Man City runs out in JuneCredit: GettyAnd the former United superstar has made a personal plea to his bosses to try and tempt De Bruyne, 33, to join him in Saudi Arabia.Icon Ronaldo wants them to go all out for the Belgian midfielder — stressing what a coup his capture would be for the Saudi league.De Bruyne’s representatives were discreetly sounded out last year.The playmaker is perfectly happy in Manchester and has never pushed to jump on the mega-money bandwagon.Read More on FootballYet the City star also admitted the incredible figures being mentioned could make it very difficult to turn down an official approach.De Bruyne is currently out injured but relaxed Etihad bosses plan to sit down to discuss his future when the timing is right.Yet they are aware there is no chance of coming close to the incredible £1million-a-week — plus £50MILLION signing-on fee — Al-Nassr are reportedly happy to pay him.The Belgium international has enjoyed a glittering nine-year stint at City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDe Bruyne has amassed a staggering total of 103 goals and 171 assists in 388 appearances with the Citizens.Since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015, the midfield maestro has consistently been among the Citizens’ top performers.I know Cristiano Ronaldo but I didn’t know man behind the athlete, says Francis Ngannou about ‘motivator’ Man Utd iconThe Belgian has won a whopping six Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, five League Cups and of course the 2023 Champions League.The attacking midfielder was also among Pep Guardiola’s standout performers in the 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign.Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years… More

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      Man City player ratings: Mateo Kovacic steps up to fill Rodri-shaped void as Jack Grealish kept quiet by Fulham defence

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      MANCHESTER CITY kept ground on Liverpool with the help of a double from Mateo Kovacic. Former Manchester United man Andreas Pereira opened the scoring at the Etihad. Manchester City celebrate victory over FulhamCredit: EPABut Kovacic’s double and a late Jeremy Doku goal separated the sides despite Rodrigo Muniz’s consolation. Here is how Martin Blackburn rated City’s stars. EDERSON – 8 No chance with the goals but two brilliant saves to deny Traore on one on ones and they proved vital as City hung on for a win. RICO LEWIS – 7 Reverted back to full-back – out-muscled by Traore on one occasion but baled out by his keeper. Looked more the part when he pushed into midfield READ MORE IN footballMANUEL AKANJI – 6 Lost track of Perreira as Fulham took a shock lead. Must have had an injury as he was hooked on the hour and replaced by Walker. Manuel Akanji lost track of Perreira as Fulham took a shock leadCredit: ReutersRUBEN DIAS – 6 Superb block to deny Jiminez as the visitors searched for equaliser. Busier afternoon than he expected as Fulham posed a real threat.  JOSKO GVARDIOL – 7 Low shot saved by Leno in the first half but proved his worth at the other end with brilliant tackles to deny Traore then Jiminez. MATEO KOVACIC – 9 Pep needs people to step forward after Rodri’s injury and the Croatian did it here. Pulled City level via a deflection then fired home a beauty to put them in front.  Most read in FootballMateo Kovacic scored a double for CityCredit: ReutersKovacic was instrumental in ensuring Man City won on Saturday afternoonILKAY GUNDOGAN – 6 Fluffed a couple of first half chances that could have changed the game. Ex-skipper did supply the corner to get his team back in it. BERNARDO SILVA – 6 Off colour in the first half – better after the break and his super lay off for Kovacic’s second goal while he could have had one himself.  PHIL FODEN – 6 First Prem start of a season that has yet to catch fire. Had a hand in the second goal then blazed a shot over the angle but subbed late on. Jack Grealish had a quiet afternoonCredit: ReutersFulham had a significant share of the match and could have stolen a pointJACK GREALISH – 5 Quiet first half apart form a nice cross for Bernardo who missed with his header.  Brighter after the break but could have no complaints at being replaced by Doku on the hour. ERLING HAALAND – 6 Failed to make the most of a series of first half chances – his blistering start to the season Unselfish lay off for Bernardo but the Portuguese could not make the most of it. SubsDOKU for Grealish 61 – What a sensational strike to put City two clear  7WALKER for Akanji 61 – Outpaced for once – by Traore – but rescued by Ederson. 5STONES for Foden 78 – Brought on to tighten things up with the game in the balance 6NUNES for Gundogan -89 – Too late to make much impact. 5Doku helped seal the winCredit: PA More

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      Man City ask for Premier League season to be DELAYED as Pep Guardiola escalates fixture pile-up row

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      MANCHESTER CITY are on collision course with the Premier League again — after the champs’ plea for a DELAYED start to next season was rejected.City wanted their first two games of the 2025-26 season postponed to help them recover from playing in Fifa’s expanded four-week summer Club World Cup in America.Pep Guardiola weighed on Manchester City’s fixture pile-up row with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPlayers’ unions are worried about the Club World Cup causing burnoutCredit: ReutersBut City boss Pep Guardiola declared: “In the end, the Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery. Thank you so much!”The final of the revamped 32-team tournament, which also features Chelsea, takes place on July 13 — less than a month before the start of the next Prem season.Asked if he felt stars would be exhausted after the tournament, Guardiola added: “It’s going to happen for sure. It depends if we’re in the last stages of the FA Cup.“I don’t know if we will play more games than our Treble year before the States.”Read More on FootballRelations between City and Prem chiefs are already strained after the club were charged with 115 breaches of the League’s financial rules. City deny all the charges.Guardiola added: “For the first and second games, the club asked the Premier League to postpone them one, two or three weeks.“That would be one or two more weeks of holiday after the Club World Cup. But it’s absolutely not allowed.“The Premier League say ‘yes’ to us? Absolutely not.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Prem have yet to comment but sources indicated there were only initial, informal discussions — and no formal request from City.Prem boss Richard Masters is aware of the challenges domestic leagues will face as a result of Fifa’s expanded calendar.Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence Players’ unions, worried about burnout, have taken legal action against Fifa over the Club World Cup.And City’s crocked ace Rodri warned players were ready to strike to protect their welfare.Fifa chief Gianni Infantino insists the tournament will go ahead as planned.Guardiola’s City contract is up next summer, so he may not be around to see it — but he believes it will only become clear then how tired players are.He said: “They won’t postpone these games, so that will be the moment of, ‘Oh, what do we do?’“I don’t have an answer right now. We will see how the players are, the schedule, then we are going to decide.” More

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      CBS Sports pundit Peter Schmeichel not given Man City clash to cover after controversial rant about former club

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      PETER SCHMEICHEL covered Celtic instead of Manchester City – following a controversial rant about his old club’s support.CBS Sports sent the former keeper to see Borussia Dortmund thump the Scottish champions 7-1 in Germany – rather than watch City triumph 4-0 at Slovan Bratislava.Peter Schmeichel this time gave his views on CelticCredit: GettyThe Dane’s unexpected destination for Tuesday’s Champions League action follows a blistering verdict on a “dead” Etihad atmosphere in the 0-0 draw against Inter Milan last month.It did give him the chance to see son Kasper in goal for Celtic – but the 60-year-old might have flinched as Dortmund were 5-1 up by half-time.Schmeichel Senior retired as a player in 2003 after a single season with City, following a career dominated by eight years at Manchester United.So it was perhaps no wonder his outburst ruffled feathers – although no specific reason has been given for him missing out on the Bratislava feast. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSchmeichel responded to the September 18 Etihad stalemate in front of 50,922 spectators by telling CBS: “I love good football and I like excitement from the crowd but it was dead – the Etihad today was absolutely dead.”He added: “The only people we could hear were the Inter supporters, who were quite good, but there was no atmosphere in the Etihad.”Normally, you’d think ‘well big European night’, but it didn’t happen for them.”Schmeichel wasn’t much more impressed with City themselves that night.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Aston Villa stopper said: “I don’t think it was a good draw.”I thought it was a really, really boring game and I’m sorry to say that.Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s career”I thought Inter did really well in stopping Man City.”Some fans thought Schmeichel was too harsh, especially as many regular followers struggle to afford tickets amid a wider cost of living crisis.And this time he saw Celtic become the first British team to let in five goals before the break in a European match since 1997-98.That was when Cwmbran Town exited the Cup Winners’ Cup 12-2 on aggregate against Progresul Bucharest. More