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    Man City forced to change Champions League preparations over ‘dangerous’ injury fears just days before Manchester derby

    MANCHESTER CITY are forced to change their Champions League preparations over “dangerous” fear of injury at Young Boys ground.City will take on the Swiss club at Wankdorf Stadium’s plastic pitch on Wednesday ahead of their Manchester derby on Sunday.
    Manchester City are forced to change their Champions League preparationsCredit: Getty
    Pep Guardiola fears over Young Boys’ ‘dangerous’ plastic pitchCredit: EPA
    Pep Guardiola’s side typically trains at the City Football Academy before flying to away games and rarely train at the home team’s ground before the game.
    But Young Boys’ artificial pitch in Switzerland has convinced Guardiola that his team need to practice on the unfamiliar surface before Wednesday’s match.
    Guardiola will train his side at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern for a training session on Tuesday evening.
    Just two years ago, Young Boys beat Manchester United at home and Luke Shaw heavily criticised the pitch.
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    He said: “No excuses, we lost the game. But for the Champions League, these pitches, they shouldn’t be possible.
    “It’s dangerous. It’s hard to turn on.”
    Young Boys turned to synthetic turf in 2014 to lower maintenance costs and ensure they can host other events.
    This was not the first blast about the Swiss club’s pitch as ex-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho also had something to say on the matter in 2018.
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    Harry Maguire during Man Utd’s defeat to Young BoysCredit: AFP
    “I don’t understand how you can play the best club competition on an artificial pitch.
    “Some probably fear injuries. I had some players after training yesterday, light training, and they were feeling ankles, back pains, sore.
    “It’s not easy, especially not for people who are not adapted to it. Also a little bit of a fear in the duels.”
    Guardiola’s fear of injury for his players means City have changed their plans and will now take an earlier flight out of Manchester.
    And the Spaniard is desperate to ensure his squad are fresh for the weekend ahead of their Premier League clash against rivals Man Utd.
    Last term’s Premier League champs have snatched the top spot of the table by goal difference to go in front of last year’s runners-up Arsenal.
    Meanwhile, after their 2-1 victory against Sheffield United on Saturday Erik ten Hag’s side aims to continue their winning streak and redeem their poor start to the term.
    United will host the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. More

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    Mudryk’s classy gesture to young mascot before Arsenal clash spotted as Chelsea fans hail his ‘warm heart’

    FANS hailed classy Mykhailo Mudryk for his touching gesture to a young mascot.The Chelsea winger, 22, started for the Blues in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.
    Mykhailo Mudryk walked out in his raincoat at Stamford BridgeCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
    He handed over the jacket to the young mascot in a classy gestureCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
    But before the game even kicked off, the Ukrainian left a lasting impression with a lovely moment.
    Mudryk and his Chelsea team-mates walked out on to the Stamford Bridge pitch in the driving West London rain.
    The ten outfield players each wore matching raincoats covering their home shirts.
    But after Mudryk walked out with his mascot in his jacket, he swiftly and heartwarmingly handed it over to the youngster as the teams lined up.
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    While the other mascots struggled in the cold and wet weather, Mudryk’s was slightly warmer and certainly drier as she wore his £99 waterproof windbreaker.
    Chelsea shared the “wholesome moment” on social media on Monday afternoon – two days on from the Premier League clash.
    And fans flooded the comments with positive messages for the No10.
    One said: “He has a warm heart.”
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    Another wrote: “Class both on and off the pitch.”
    A third added: “The Chelsea admin loves Misha so much and we love him too.”
    And a final user simply replied: “Good fella.”
    Mudryk delivered once the match got underway, too.
    It was his header that cannoned off William Saliba’s arm – giving Cole Palmer the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot.
    And Mudryk made it 2-0 in fortuitous fashion when his apparent cross looped over David Raya in the Arsenal goal.
    The goal could mean an awkward reunion with Olesksandr Zinchenko at November’s international break – after the Arsenal left-back jokingly threatened to “rip his balls off” if Mudryk scored against the North Londoners.
    The £88million winger, who almost joined the Gunners in January, was replaced by boss Mauricio Pochettino, who insists there is still plenty of room for development.
    Poch said: “I think he played well but he also needs to improve. For me, he is still not at his best.
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    “I think we needed to make a change to add a little bit more pressure with Jackson in front.”
    However, a Robert Sanchez error allowed Declan Rice to pull one back before Leandro Trossard rescued a point for unbeaten Arsenal.
    Mudryk scored Chelsea’s second goal as he lobbed David RayaCredit: EPA More

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    Former Premier League boss Nigel Pearson opens up on health issues as he reveals ‘neurological’ problem

    NIGEL PEARSON has revealed he is suffering from a neurological issue but insists it won’t hold him back.The Bristol City boss has been on crutches for the last six weeks owing to back pain.
    Nigel Pearson is suffering a neurological problemCredit: PA
    He used to manage Leicester in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
    Tests have been conducted on the problem and surgery is needed.
    Pearson has opened up about his health, saying: “People know about the fact I need a back operation and that hasn’t changed.
    “But that’s not really the main problem for me at the minute, it’s a neurological situation.
    “I’m still awaiting further tests to find out what the prognosis is and one of the things that I’m trying to avoid at the minute is blanket treatment.
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    “There’s no point going onto steroids and that having some sort of an impact, and it masking what it is.
    “The good news from my perspective is all the sinister possibilities – cancer – have all been ruled out.
    “What I need to do now is wait for an opportunity whereby I can get into hospital and get it all done in one hit which might take 24 to 48 hours.”
    The issue has seen Pearson remain seated during Bristol City’s recent matches.
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    His assistants Curtis Fleming and Jason Euell are coaching the players in training and stepping up to take media duties.
    Pearson said: “As a working group of people we have to adapt slightly how I and we work.
    “You know already I’m a bit more of an observational type of person anyway.
    “What’s important is that we continue to work closely together as a group of staff to make sure, as always, the players come first and that’s what I will always do.
    “On a personal level, it’s a bit frustrating, but on a professional level it’s just something I’ve got to deal with.”
    Pearson previously managed Leicester to Premier League promotion in 2014.
    He has also had spells in charge of Southampton, Hull, Derby and Watford. More

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    Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plans

    BARCELONA have unveiled their plans to renovate the legendary Nou Camp.And the new stadium – which is set to cost around £1billion to build – will be completely unrecognisable compared with the one of the past.
    The old Nou Camp is being torn down nowCredit: Instagram / fcbarcelona
    It will then be built upCredit: Instagram / fcbarcelona
    And up…Credit: Instagram / fcbarcelona
    Into something unrecognisable, including the new roofCredit: Instagram / fcbarcelona
    Controversially, the stadium’s open plan nature has been done away with and replaced with a large roof and enclosed space, which will protect fans from poor weather.
    But that will unfortunately mean an end to the stunning sunsets fans could often witness from inside the legendary arena.
    Building work on the Nou Camp got underway this season, with the LaLiga champions playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in the meantime.
    Much of the current stadium is now gone at the Nou Camp, with cranes and bulldozers pulling down half of the stadium already.
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    It’s estimated that the Nou Camp’s makeover will take around 18 months in total and the Blaugrana could return there next year.
    The club posted a video on their TikTok of the planned work, claiming that the end product would be “insane”. 
    Particular focus is going on the upper part of the stadium.
    The old upper tier of the Nou Camp wrapped around only 50 per cent of the stadium but the new stand will curve around the entire area.
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    The existing small roof on one side of the ground is set to be replaced by a bowl like structure covering the entirety of the new Nou Camp.
    The club also plan to revamp the surrounding areas of the stadium and its facilities.
    A new, modern concourse will be built around the perimeter of the stadium, given fans a new area to mingle in before the game.
    The architects in charge of the project are keen to create a feel for fans of being close to the pitch, keeping in a febrile atmosphere despite the stadium’s massive capacity of 105,000. More

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    Tottenham vs Fulham LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as high-flying Spurs host London rivals – stream, TV

    TOTTENHAM have been in superb form this season under new gaffer Ange Postecoglou.Spurs are currently undefeated in the Premier League after eight games, while Fulham have had an indifferent start to the campaign and currently sitting comfortably mid-table.

    Kick off time: 8pm BST
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
    Live stream: NOW

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    Follow our live blog below… More

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    Sky Sports legend Martin Tyler’s next job CONFIRMED four months after he left the Premier League broadcaster

    MARTIN TYLER will return to a Premier League commentary gantry on Monday evening.The respected TV broadcaster left Sky Sports in June after 33 years of calling the top Premier League matches each weekend but he never announced his retirement from work.
    Martin Tyler will return to the gantry tonight for Tottenham vs FulhamCredit: Getty
    He stepped down from his role at Sky Sports at the end of last seasonCredit: PA
    And he will have a microphone in his hand as he covers the Premier League tie between Tottenham and Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    Tyler, 78, will be working for Premier League Productions, which provides worldwide feed from English top-flight games.
    Throughout his time as the voice of football for Sky, he commentated on the biggest matches, domestically and in the Champions League, and he also reported on World Cup finals.
    But the veteran will be remembered for his iconic, unscripted words including when Argentine forward Sergio “Aguerooooooooh” Aguero scored a dramatic late winner to secure Manchester City the Premier League title in 2012.
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    Tyler – who is also a coach with National League South side Dartford – was at the Spurs training ground on Friday for a scouting, fact-finding mission as part of his comms prep.
    And he enjoyed a warm embrace and conversation with boss Ange Postecoglou following the TV and written media press conference.
    Tottenham enter tonight’s match against Fulham on fine form, with six wins and two draws from their opening eight Premier League games.
    They entered this weekend top of the table but have since dropped to fourth after victories for Liverpool and Manchester City and a draw for Arsenal in their game with Chelsea.
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    But a win today will put Tottenham back on their perch, with a two point lead on last season’s champions Manchester City.
    Spurs then travel to Selhurst on Friday in the opening fixture of game week 10.
    Victory over Palace would see them go into next weekend’s fixtures with a five-point lead at the top. More

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    Chelsea boss Pochettino says Mudryk ‘needs to IMPROVE’ and ‘isn’t at his best’ as he reveals why he came off vs Arsenal

    CHELSEA boss Mauricio Pochettino said Mykhailo Mudryk “needs to IMPROVE” and “isn’t at his best” after bringing him off against Arsenal.The Ukrainian started on the left in the London derby and put the Blues 2-0 up after lobbing keeper David Raya.
    Mauricio Pochettino said Mykhailo Mudryk ‘needs to improve’Credit: Reuters
    Mudryk hugging team-mate Levi ColwillCredit: PA
    But he was replaced by Nicolas Jackson 20 minutes later and Pochettino insisted there is still room for improvement for Mudryk.
    The boss said: “I think he played well but he also needs to improve. For me, he is still not at his best.
    “I think we needed to make a change to add a little bit more pressure with Jackson in front.
    “In that situation, we created a few chances and the game was closer to 3-0 than 2-1.”
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    Both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo only came back from international duty three days before Arsenal’s trip.
    And Pochettino joked how he could not afford to rest the duo amid fear of owner Todd Boehly’s wrath.
    Poch said: “It’s crazy for players to come back from South America on Wednesday and play on Saturday.
    “But if I say ‘OK, I’m going to give them a rest’ you [the media] will kill me, for sure if they don’t play – and the owner also.
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    “Today Caceido and Enzo arrived after two games in America and they were not fresh. But they are important players for us.
    “It’s really tough to arrive like that. I hope now they can recover and train and in one week be at their best.”
    Chelsea threw away a two-goal lead with Arsenal fighting back to share the points at Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea threw away a two-goal lead against ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League legend’s daughter sends fans wild as she strips down to lacy lingerie to pose in bed

    FRANK LEBOEUF’S glamorous daughter Jade stripped down to her lingerie as she reminded fans to drink water in her latest Instagram post.Jade, 32, posed in a red lace set as she swigged from a bottle of water.
    A look at some of Jade’s latest Instagram posts…
    Jade offered a timely reminder to fans to drink more waterCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    The reality star is no stranger to revealing outfits on her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    She also stunned in a black jumpsuit last weekCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    She also dazzled fans in a revealing topCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagram
    She captioned her post “Stay hydrated” alongside some heart emojis.
    And fans were quick to flood the comments with praise for the reality star.
    One fan wrote: “You are magnificent.”
    While another commented: “Incredible.”
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    A third wrote: “Radiant as always”
    A fourth said: “Sublime 😍”

    While a fifth wrote: “Thank you for this reminder of the utmost importance for your health Jade 😌”
    The French model has gained a substantial following on social media in recent years.
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    She now has nearly 200,000 fans on Instagram thanks to regular posts which show her in a variety of outfits.
    She boasts 200,000 followers on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @Jade_Leboeuf
    And also posts photos of her outfitsCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Jade with her Chelsea legend father, Frank LebeoufCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Jade is married to French reality TV star and fellow model Stephane Rodrigues.
    The two compete on a French reality show which aims to find the most compatible couples.
    Her Instagram comments are often filled with fans commenting on the latest hi-jinks in the show.
    The two have a three year old son together, named Elon.
    Frank Leboeuf spent five years at Chelsea between 1996 and 2001, playing 203 times for the club.
    During that time, he lifted the World Cup with France in 1998.
    And at Stamford Bridge he won two FA Cups, one League Cup, the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
    After returning to his hometown club Marseille in 2001, he went on to play in Qatar for Al-Sadd and Al-Wakrah.
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    After hanging up his boots, he became an actor and even had a role in the Oscar nominated film ‘The Theory of Everything’ – a biopic about Stephen Hawking.
    A look into Jade’s life away from reality TV…

    Jade regulrly posts Get Ready With Me videosCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    And is unafraid to bare allCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    The influencer regularly shares her love of fashion with fansCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf
    Her dog is also a regular on her social mediaCredit: Instagram More