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      Pep Guardiola rages at Kevin De Bruyne fallout rumours with star still benched amid Man City crisis

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      PEP GUARDIOLA hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De Bruyne.The Belgian, 33, was out of the Manchester City side for two months with a groin injury but only made the bench for the last five matches.Pep Guardiola hit back at claims he has fallen out with Kevin De BruyneCredit: ReutersWhen left out of the starting line-up in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool, pundit Jamie Carragher said it was “sad” and “something isn’t right between those two”.But sarcastic Guardiola snapped: “People say I have a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin?“No, I don’t want Kevin to play. The guy who has the most talent in the final third — I don’t want it!“Yes, I have a personal problem with him after nine years together.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPundit Gary Neville had claimed it was “bizarre and strange” to see KDB benched at Anfield.The ex-Manchester United star argued “something is definitely going on in the dressing room”.While Gary Lineker and former City defender Micah Richards also felt there could be an issue.But De Bruyne said last week that he was struggling as he felt pain when he kicked the ball due to his niggling problem.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Belgian spent much of the last two seasons on the treatment table.And ahead of hosting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, boss Guardiola says he cannot afford to rush him back — even though he is “desperate” to play him.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalThe Spaniard explained: “He has delivered to me the biggest success to this club.“But De Bruyne was injured for five months last season — and two months injured.“Like last season, it’s step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have him back to his best.”De Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitness — with his manager saying he took a big step forward in recent days.But Guardiola warned his return to the starting line-up will not solve all City’s problems after an extraordinary run of six defeats in seven matches.He added: “I’d love to have Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He’d love it, too. But he is not 26 or 27 anymore. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy.“But you think I’m complaining for that? It’s just normal — it’s nature. He has played ten or 11 seasons of football with a lot of games.“I know he is desperate to help us — he gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have.“But always I have said, he himself will not solve our problems.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Bruyne will be hoping to play some part as City look to halt their slump against Forest.Asked if the veteran was ready, Guardiola said: “He’s closer and getting better. The last few days was even better.”De Bruyne has only made the bench for the last five City matchesCredit: EPADe Bruyne feels he is now nearing full fitnessCredit: Manchester City FC More

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      Premier League clubs circling for European star who ripped Man City to shreds during stunning Champions League comeback

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      FEYENOORD striker Anis Hadj Moussa is emerging as a January target for Prem clubs.Algeria international Moussa, 22, is in his first season in Rotterdam after a £3million move from Belgian second-tier side Patro Eisden.Leicester and Tottenham are eyeing Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa, who impressed Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyMoussa stood out during Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester CityCredit: PAParis-born Moussa, a left-footed right winger, was outstanding as the Dutch side came back from three down to extend Manchester City’s winter misery in last week’s Champions League draw.Feyenoord sporting director Dennis te Kloese went up to the wideman in the Etihad tunnel at the end of the match and joked: “You’re no longer part of our team. Go to City’s dressing room, I’ve sold you to them.”And now Moussa is attracting interest from a host of Prem clubs seeking a January upgrade when the transfer window opens – with Feyenoord ready to sell if they receive offers in the region of £10m. Liverpool boss Arne Slot sanctioned his signing by Feyenoord before he left the club to move to Anfield while Leicester and Tottenham are among other clubs who are tracking him.Read More on FootballMoussa’s agents Mohammed Dahmane and Hamzah Sadiek have flown to the UK to drum up interest in the hope of securing a deal in the next few weeks.City led 3-0 against Feyenoord by the 53rd minute last week at the Etihad with a brace by Erling Haaland and a goal by Ilkay Gundogan.However, Moussa hit back in the 74th minute before Santiago Gimenez made it 3-2 and David Hancko equalised one minute before full-time.City boss Pep Guardiola was absolutely devastated after the match as he appeared for his post-match interview with red scratches on his forehead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat poor result extended the reigning Premier League champions’ winless streak to six, which became seven after Sunday’s loss at Liverpool.Moussa counts a total of four goals in 14 appearances with Feyenoord this season.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyThe forward also has two goals in four Champions League appearances. More

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      Fans claim FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’ as Man City and Liverpool get lower league opponents but Man Utd face Arsenal

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      THE FA CUP third round draw led to furious reactions from a few disappointed fans, with some going as far as to describe it as “rigged”.The third round draw’s most exciting tie is between Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, who will face off on the weekend of January 11 at the Emirates.Some angry fans claim the FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’Arsenal drew Manchester United and their rivals are facing lower-league teamsIn contrast, Arsenal and United’s rivals were drawn against lower-league opponents.Manchester City got Salford, Chelsea drew Morecambe, Liverpool were paired with Accrington Stanley and Tottenham will face Tamworth.And some fans believe the difference of quality between those ties makes the draw, which was conducted by former Manchester United players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin, look suspicious.One fan tweeted: “Absolutely f*****g rigged.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “That’s fixed. Arsenal vs Utd. I’m sure he (Dublin or Hughes) didn’t even mix them around.”A third wrote: “Watching the FA Cup draw and what the hell.”This fan said: “City vs Salford. Liverpool vs Accrington. Chelsea vs Morecambe… Arsenal vs United. Of course.”And that one stated: “Calling fix, United getting drawn away to Arsenal, City getting Salford at home and Liverpool getting an effective nobody.”Most read in FA CupThe draw was conducted at Old TraffordMark Hughes and Dion Dublin pulled out the ballsBut of course there is absolutely no indication that supports those wild claims.Man Utd won the FA Cup last season thanks to a 2-1 win over rivals Man City in the Wembley final, which saved former manager Erik ten Hag’s job.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashThe Red Devils will be facing the most successful team in the competition’s history, with Arsenal winning the trophy a record 14 times.However, if Ruben Amorim’s side were to go all the way they would draw level with the Gunners’ total. More

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      Inside Kevin De Bruyne’s ‘bizarre’ Man City exile as Micah Richards hints at ‘rift’ with Pep Guardiola

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Pep Guardiola have found themselves in uncharted territory.The reigning Premier League champions extended their winless run to seven games on Sunday with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.Manchester City have not won a match in over a monthCredit: AlamyThere is now speculation of a feud between Pep Guardiola and Kevin De BruyneCredit: ReutersIt saw them drop to fifth in the table, 11 points behind Arne Slot’s side.Pundits quickly began to question what has been going on behind the scenes at City.And one of the main focal points was Kevin De Bruyne’s lack of involvement.The Belgian has been one of Man City’s most important players since joining over nine years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his match time has been severely limited this term.De Bruyne has made just five starts for the Cityzens so far this season.His last appearance in the starting line-up was back in September against Brentford.The 33-year-old’s absence from the XI has sparked speculation of a potential feud with Guardiola.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManchester United icon Gary Neville questioned what has been going on at the club after Sunday’s match.Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, he said: “There are a couple of things that are interesting.Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind'”The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there?”We know he’s had injuries but why is he not out there? Because he’s a leader, he’s got authority, he’s confidence and brilliance so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.”There’s something happening but Pep Guardiola has got complete control of the club, he’s extended his contract and he’s probably just waiting for the January and [summer] transfer windows.”Jamie Carragher echoed the claims at full-time, insisting “something isn’t right” between De Bruyne and Guardiola.The Liverpool icon explained: “Something is going on with De Bruyne.”For me, he has been the best player in the for the last five seasons. He isn’t starting games and doesn’t come on at half time today.”I am not trying to cause more trouble for Manchester City but something isn’t right between those two. “It is sad because we are talking about one of the greatest managers, and greatest players in the Premier League.”His contract is up this summer and I know he has had a few problems but something isn’t right if he isn’t in the team when he is fit.”England legend Gary Lineker offered his view on the potential feud in Monday’s edition of The Rest is Football podcast.He said: “De Bruyne came on again with not long to go when the game was pretty much done.”Yeah, he nearly got a goal because of [Virgil] van Dijk’s error, but is there something going on there, do you think? Because he’s been coming on for five or 10 minutes, what, for about a month now?”You would imagine he’s getting fitter, even though I saw both of them – Pep Guardiola and De Bruyne – make interesting statements in the week, where it seems like all’s not well between those two? I don’t know. I’ve got no inside information whatsoever.”Meanwhile, ex-Man City full-back Micah Richards insisted there must be some context behind De Bruyne’s exile from the starting line-up.De Bruyne has been limited to four Prem starts this season”I think you’re right,” he said. “There’s got to be some context to it… this goes back [to] before the international break.”De Bruyne got some minutes, but after the international break, he didn’t start and then hasn’t started again. But he’s one who can unlock a door!”We know with Kevin De Bruyne, you’ve got to wrap him in cotton wool… but a big game like this, I thought [Guardiola] was sort of saving him for this game!”But even just the talks, [De Bruyne] potentially going to Saudi at the end of the year… it looks to me like there’s some sort of rift gong on between them.”Richards then went on to suggest that it “doesn’t seem happy” in the City camp.De Bruyne’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to enter negotiations for a new deal.Last month, the midfielder insisted he is “not worried” about his future.He said: “I honestly don’t know. At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen but then the thing [injury] happened in Brentford.”I was hoping to be out a couple of days, and then it was eight-nine weeks. I put it all to the side.”For the moment, I’d rather get better first and see how I am, the rest will come – I’m not too obsessed with things right now.”I’m not too worried. I’m fine. I’m happy, I just want to play good football again and the future – we’ll see.”Talks will come. If there’s no talks, it will be my last year, but I don’t know.”I had a conversation in the summer, but then I had the injury so I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to speak about that. I need to be back on the pitch and be myself again.”There’s no rush, I don’t feel uncomfortable. I’m not worried.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan City next face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Another defeat would see them drop below Forest in the table.Guardiola received taunts of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning,’ but responded by holding up the number of Premier League titles he has wonCredit: Getty More

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      Juventus eyeing transfer swoop for Ipswich’s Liam Delap but face fight for English striker from Chelsea and Man Utd

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      JUVENTUS are eyeing Ipswich striker Liam Delap – but first face a fight with Manchester United and Chelsea.The ex-Manchester City youth striker has hit the Prem alight – scoring six of the Tractor Boys’ 13 goals this season.Juventus, Man Utd and Chelsea are eyeing a transfer swoop for Ipswich’s Liam DelapAnd now Juventus, who are drawing up contingency plans in case Dusan Vlahovic doesn’t agree a new deal, are monitoring Delap.So much so, the Serie A side sent scouts to Portman Road last weekend to watch the 21-year-old in the flesh against Man Utd.And Delap’s fine footwork and natural strength saw him bully Ruben Amorim’s back-line in Kieran McKenna’s 1-1 draw with the Red Devils.He could have won relegation-strugglers Ipswich the game if it weren’t for two incredible saves from Andre Onana.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJuventus remain determined to tie frontman Vlahovic down to a new, improved contract.His current deal expires in the summer of 2026 but so far, talks over an extension have failed to bear fruit.Prem giants Man Utd and Chelsea are also monitoring Delap’s progress. And City have a buy-back clause and negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on when they sold the attacker to Ipswich for £20million in July.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlues boss Enzo Maresca and co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields both know Delap from their time working together at City.Speaking earlier this week, Ipswich boss McKenna poured cold water on discussion surrounding the forward’s future, specifically talk of City’s buy-back clause.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingHe said: “It’s not anything I’m aware of or interested in to be honest. I think that’s a question for other people and for the chairman.”My full focus is on this season and, with regards to Liam, trying to help him to continue to improve. I know Liam’s full focus is here and trying to help the team.”This is Delap’s first full season starting regularly as a No 9, after playing off the wing at times for Hull last year, and as a wide striker in some earlier Championship loan moves. BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes England already have the next Harry Kane waiting in the wings in Delap.Murphy star of Delap on Match of the Day 2: “I think he’s got a lot of qualities.”I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”Danny Murphy is a big fan of Liam Delap More

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      Man City line up 6ft5in La Liga star as club chiefs look to solve defensive crisis in transfer window

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      MANCHESTER CITY chiefs are tracking little-known Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah.Etihad scouts are keeping tabs on the teenage centre-back, who plays for Ronaldo-owned Spanish side Real Valladolid — and could make a move in the January window.Juma Bah of Real Valladolid is a target for Man CityCredit: GettyBah, 18, has made a big impression during his debut LaLiga season after being signed on loan from AIK Freetong back home.Newcastle are also believed to be interested in the 6ft 5in youngster, with Everton and Crystal Palace watching him too.The giant defender has appeared seven times for Valladolid this campaign.He began his youth career with AIK Freetong in 2021, before starring on loan at Sierra Leone National Premier League side Freetonians SLIFA.Read more football newsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBah joined Valladolid this summer, and was originally expected to play for their B side.However, he has since been fast-tracked into the first team and has already seen plenty of action, despite his tender years.When he made his debut against Real Sociedad in a 0-0 home draw – Bah made history.He became the first Sierra Leone-born player to play in the Spanish top tier.Most read in FootballMan City could be busy when the January transfer window opens.Moment Pep Guardiola launches furious F-word rant at ‘unacceptable’ Phil Foden captured in Man City documentaryBoss Pep Guardiola will be keen to address his club’s recent slump, which saw his team go six games without a win in all competitions.During that horror run, City conceded a whopping 17 goals.The champions have also been linked with a move to bolster their midfield.As SunSport told you, the Premier League champions are planning a £50.3 million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi.The release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players. More

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      Pep Guardiola says rivals are ‘taking the p*** out of us’ as Man City boss admits he is losing sleep over horror run

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is losing sleep trying to handle his first crisis at Manchester City.And the Etihad boss says rivals are “taking the p” out of his faltering Prem champions.Man City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed he is struggling to sleep with his team’s formCredit: GettyGuardiola believes City’s rivals are taking the p*** out of themCity visit runaway leaders Liverpool today on the back of a six-game winless run.Defeat would leave them 11 POINTS adrift of Arne Slot’s side.Guardiola confessed: “I don’t like it. I don’t enjoy it at all.“I don’t sleep as good as when I won every game.Read more football news“Maybe it’s more unusual to win four Premier League titles in a row. In that moment I was stable enough, I was happy because I eat better and sleep better.”Guardiola, 53, confessed scratches on his head and a cut nose were self- inflicted after he watched City blow a 3-0 lead in 14 minutes in Tuesday’s Champions League draw at home to Feyenoord.That followed five defeats in all competitions — the Catalan’s worst run of his managerial career.And he accepts his rivals are LOVING seeing City struggle.Most read in FootballFive Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyGuardiola said: “As is normal in sport, they take the p and they laugh at your defeats.“At least there’s respect. There’s no violence and this kind of stuff. It is part of how nice football is that people can laugh at you when it’s not going well.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But this shall pass — I don’t know when but nothing is eternal, not even our lives.“When I face this situation with my heart this is normal but maybe not in these six games.”Guardiola says he is making his players “suffer” to pull City out of their dive — and revealed he wants to build another great squad.One of the reasons he signed a new two-year deal last month was to put that plan into action.Guardiola added: “At the right moment, the club — myself first — will take the decisions we have to take to maintain the club for many years to come.“I want to be here. I asked to be here to try it.” More

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      Man City fans say ‘Liverpool on Sunday and he’s lost his mind’ as Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s birthday

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans are worried about Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard sang a song for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. A pre-recorded video showed Guardiola lip-singing with a scar on his nose, which he picked up during City’s capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola sported a scar on his nose as he lip-synched a song to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversaryGuardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his faceThe former Barca player and manager mimed along to ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic club.The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with huge applause by all in the grand auditorium. Guardiola was not present in Barcelona but shared a video message for the audience – and the cut on his face provided some clues as to when it was filmed.But online fans were less than enthusiastic about Guardiola’s performance, with some wondering what he’ll do if City lose at Anfield on Sunday. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter wrote: “Lose to Liverpool and Pep will officially lose his mind.”A second said: “I’m worried about him, what will he sing if City don’t win a game this month?🤣”While another replied: “Making a stressed out man sing is crazy. 🤣”A fourth added: “This has to be some type of torture he looks so tired.”Most read in FootballLiverpool have won 17 of their 19 games in competitions this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne more wrote: “I dare City to lose against Liverpool. Imagine.”The song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyAs Guardiola celebrated Barcelona’s milestone, his current side, City, face a challenging period.The reigning Premier League champions are enduring one of their worst stretches in recent memory.City have gone six games without a win across all competitions- even San Marino have won more matches than them this month.They squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League at the Etihad on Tuesday.Guardiola appeared with scratches on his face and red marks on his head as he conducted post match interviews.When quizzed on his cuts he told TNT: “I want to harm myself. My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”He apologised for the comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at AnfieldThe cut on the bridge of his nose was visible in the video that beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday.Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion.While there were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola won 14 trophies with the Catalans including two Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles during his four-year stint.But should City lose to in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, they will be 11 points behind the Prem leaders after 13 games.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More