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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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    Man City legend left family £1.6MILLION in his will following his death after glittering career

    MAN City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his will — including a treasure trove of medals.The football star, who died last October aged 79, passed most of his possessions to wife Gillian.Man City great Francis Lee left £1.6million in his willCredit: PAThe football star died last October aged 79Credit: AlamyLee passed most of his possessions to wife GillianCredit: GettyPots of £100,000 were handed to brother Trevor, sister-in-law Pamela and daughter-in-law Sonia.Eldest son Gary, from his first marriage, was to get £250,000, but died last year. The rest of his £1,648,000 estate is in a trust fund for his wife and three surviving kids.“Franny” joined City from Bolton in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 games, and winning the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.READ MORE IN SPORTSHe then won the First Division for a second time with Derby in 1975.Franny, who played 27 times for England, including at the 1970 World Cup and scored ten goals, later launched a successful toilet roll manufacturing firm and a horse racing stable.His final years were spent battling cancer at his £500,000 home in sleepy Wilmslow, Cheshire.England legend Alan Shearer led tributes after his death, posting: “RIP legend”.Most read in Football’Franny’ joined City in 1967, scoring 148 goals in 330 gamesCredit: Getty More

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    I shared a year with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd – he trained like an ANIMAL and always tried to be the best

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo worked hard to be the best since a young age as he trained “like an animal”.That is according to fellow United great Dimitar Berbatov who joined the club from Tottenham in 2008, one year before Ronaldo, 39, left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.Cristiano Ronaldo trained ‘like an animal’ at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationMan Utd legend Dimitar Berbatov spent a year with RonaldoCredit: Getty – ContributorBerbatov was amazed by Ronaldo’s dedication in training at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut during their brief spell together, Berbatov, 43, quickly knew the then-23-year-old was destined for greatness as he never missed a training session and showed incredible dedication.The Portugal captain went on to win a whopping five Ballons d’Or as well as the 2008-09 Premier League title with the Bulgaria legend before his departure to Real.Berbatov told The Telegraph: “We shared a year together, he was starting to grow by leaps and bounds. “He trained like an animal, he tried his best to be the best. It was nice to see that dedication up close. Read More on Man Utd”I don’t remember him missing a single training session.”Berbatov almost never played with Ronaldo as Manchester City came close to hijacking his summer deadline day move to rivals United.Tottenham accepted an offer from City just hours before the striker finalised his move to the Red Devils.But the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star ordered his agent to snub Man City and push for a deal with United with an X-rated statement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBerbatov added: “They wanted to sign me on the last day of the market.”I told my agent: ‘F*** off, we’re going to United’. Because of the history, the prestige, the players, the manager, the shirt.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag steals famous Cristiano Ronaldo quote but refuses to name him as furious spat rages on”I never had any doubt that Old Trafford was the right decision.” More

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    Newcastle 1 Man City 1: Champions fail first test of being without Rodri as they drop points in Prem title race twist

    ANTHONY GORDON celebrated committing his long-term future to Newcastle by scoring his team’s deserved equaliser.And Manchester City failed the first test of being without Rodri for the rest of the season, while manager Pep Guardiola was unable to name a full bench.Newcastle and Manchester City played out a relentless drawCredit: GettyJosko Gvardiol opened the scoring for Man City at NewcastleCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon scored a big equaliser as he prepares to sign a fresh Newcastle dealCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side had lost the last four Premier League games they had played without the Spain midfielder and captain Kevin de Bruyne, so in some ways this was an improvement.But City were second best for too long in a physical, often heated encounter as the home side picked themselves up after Josko Gvardiol’s first-half opener and earned a point through Gordon’s penalty.The former Everton winger is on the verge of signing a new deal to keep him at St James’ Park until the end of the decade.And he was a menace from start to finish in this game.Read More on FootballRivals Liverpool and Arsenal will be thinking it is now or never to end City’s run of four consecutive titles.Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope made a smart save from Bernardo Silva in stoppage time but defeat would have been very harsh on the hosts, and very generous to the visitors.Guardiola lamented that Rodri was irreplaceable but said he would do his best to find a way to cope with the resources at his disposal.The City boss in fact made three changes, dropping Savinho and Jeremy Doku to the bench as well as bringing in Rico Lewis to play a midfield role alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNewcastle, too, were missing a key player. Alexander Isak has broken a toe, and with Callum Wilson also injured, Howe asked Gordon to reprise the role as a central forward that he had played for England’s European Championship-winning Under-21 side in 2023.Sandro Tonali, back from a very different kind of absence, made his first Premier League start of the campaign.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserFor most of the first half, it was a game of few chances but plenty of needle.Newcastle started quickly, as had been their habit at home this season.They were clearly targeting City’s left but the closest they came from open play was a Kieran Trippier shot that poleaxed Jack Grealish.City looked less comfortable from set-pieces, and a couple of Newcastle corners could have ended up anywhere.The home team’s pressing was not allowing the visitors much time on the ball. When City did break, Gundogan miscued a shot and Trippier stopped Erling Haaland stealing in at the back post.Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes were both booked for fouls but plenty of others went unpunished.Gvardiol breaks the deadlockThen City opened the scoring with the first moment of real quality in the game.Grealish was slightly fortunate to beat Trippier after a heavy touch but his pass to Gvardiol was sharp. The left-back turned inside Dan Burn and fired a precise right-footed shot across Pope and into the net.Moments later Newcastle almost gave up a second goal.Gundogan picked off Pope’s pass to Burn but totally misjudged his attempted lob over the retreating goalkeeper.Jacob Murphy’s fine run ended in a shout for handball but otherwise the home side barely threatened to hit back until stoppage-time.Ederson saved smartly after a free-kick fell to Joelinton and Trippier’s follow-up effort was blocked behind.Feisty second halfThe second half started as a more open game. Schar headed off target from a Bruno cross and referee Jarred Gillett decided Kyle Walker’s untidy challenge on Harvey Barnes did not merit a penalty.At the other end, the undercurrent of menace bubbled over when Tonali hit the deck after Grealish had shrugged him off aggressively.Again, nothing doing, according to the officials on and off the pitch.But Newcastle’s third claim was accepted. Bruno sent Gordon clean through and Ederson’s touch was enough to bring him down.Gillett pointed to the spot, showed Ederson a yellow card and Gordon sent the City goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score.Incredibly, the home side were soon screaming for another penalty for Walker’s challenge on Joelinton. It was not given but Ederson immediately had to save from Barnes.Looking for a winnerThe champions were on the ropes and St James’ Park was rocking.Challenges were flying in all over the place and a red card seemed to be in the post for someone.City were looking the more likely to find a winner.Pope had to be alert to stop Haaland latching on to a through ball and was then happy to see substitute Phil Foden shoot straight at him. Grealish’s cross was too fierce for Haaland to direct his header on goal.Howe made a triple change, one of them enforced as Trippier picked up a knock.Sean Longstaff came close to making the perfect impact but dragged a shot wide from Murphy’s cross. As the clock ticked down, Gordon came close to blocking an Ederson clearance in the City six-yard box.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe home fans roared when the fourth official announced seven minutes of added time.But it was City who almost snatched a winner when Silva’s smart turn and volley was beaten away by Pope.Man City manager Pep Guardiola failed to name a bull benchCredit: EPAMan City dropped points for the second week in a rowJack Grealish stood out down the left wing for Man City More