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      ‘Gutted’ Ange Postecoglou shares personal sacrifice he has made to become new Tottenham manager

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has made a personal sacrifice to become Tottenham boss – he has had to quit his pals’ Fantasy Football league.For the past two decades, the Australian, 57, has loved trying to outwit his closest friends by selecting the best-performing Premier League players each week.
      Postecoglou has revealed he had to quit his fantasy football leagueCredit: Reuters
      He also admitted he has been been ‘inundated’ for tickets from his family and friendsCredit: Getty
      But since taking the Spurs job in June, he has to jack in his involvement – and he has vowed to keep shtum about any insider info.
      Postecoglou said: “I’m gutted. For the first time in about 20 years I’ve had to pull out of their Fantasy Premier League team.
      “Why did I do that? It’s because I’m a Premier League manager. There’s you go. It’s not a fantasy anymore!
      “Whilst my mates may try to draw me for information, they’re getting nothing.”
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      The well-travelled Greek-born manager has been “inundated” for tickets from his nearest and dearest for his Premier League debut away to Brentford today.
      Taking charge of Spurs is the culmination of a near 50-year love affair with English football that began in the late 1970s while living Down Under.
      Exposure to the Beautiful Game was very limited then but he would devour anything he could – whether it was through print, radio or TV.
      Postecoglou, whose family emigrated from Athens to Melbourne when he was five, said: “Information back then wasn’t readily available. You couldn’t just jump on the net and get information.
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      Postecoglou is set to take charge of his first Premier League game for Tottenham todayCredit: AFP
      “My sort of library, I’ve still got them at home somewhere, were three-month-old Shoot magazines or Roy of the Rovers magazines or Match magazines.
      “They would come over on air freight or ship.
      “I’d just veraciously read them page-to-page. There was nothing that I didn’t read about. No small print that I’d skip over. I’d read everything. I’d memorise it.
      “Maybe my background has been used as a little bit of a sign of a lack of credibility about my journey.
      “But if anything, it has given me an advantage because I’ve had to be absolutely obsessed with the game.
      “Because it wasn’t readily available to me at a young age as it would have been if I grew up in Europe or South America or a footballing nation.
      “That early obsession has put me in good stead because I’ve not lost that passion for the game. I still love the game in the same way I did as a kid. I still want to know everything about it.”
      His beloved dad Jim – who “wasn’t the warm and cuddly type” – played a pivotal role in his life, upbringing and his ‘AngeBall’ football philosophy.
      It is a shame he died in 2018 and never saw his son win the Japanese J-League with Yokohama in 2019, claim five trophies with Celtic and now manage in North London.
      Postecoglou said: “The primary reason I get teams to play the way I want is because I love winning. That’s what I love doing.
      “I’ve loved winning things my whole career. That’s what I crave. Within that context, I want to win a certain way.
      “If I can produce a team – and I use my father in a metaphorical sense – that him or our supporters are really excited about watching, and you guys want to talk about every week in a positive way, then that’s great for me.
      “I’d love that. That’s what football is about for me.
      “But the underlying premise of it is I wouldn’t be here today if I wasn’t winning doing it. That’s still what drives me.
      “I think I’m really good at producing teams that play a certain way to win. I’m not good at doing it any other way. I’m pretty ordinary.
      “I wouldn’t be sitting here if they asked me to do it in a different way. To get teams to play this way is what drives me. I’m comfortable in this space.”
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      Postecoglou once admitted that he is also an avid player of Football Manager.
      He even claimed that he had taken Southend United from non-league to the Champions League. More

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      Liverpool to miss out on another transfer target with Man City set to offer £47m for Belgian star

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      RENNES will demand a fee of around £47million if Manchester City firm up their interest in flying winger Jeremy Doku.The Treble winners have shown interest in the 21-year-old as they look to replace Riyad Mahrez.
      Man City are interested in signing DokuCredit: Getty
      Michael Olise of Crystal Palace was one option — but he is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
      So Doku, who is a Belgium team-mate of Kevin De Bruyne, has now emerged as a possible alternative.
      Rennes are unlikely to let him leave without a fight — but know the player is keen on a move to the Etihad.
      The Telegraph previously reported that the Ligue 1 side will likely demand a fee in the region of £43m to £52m for Doku this summer.
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      Liverpool had previously expressed an interest in signing the winger, with Jurgen Klopp targeting him as a long-term replacement for Sadio Mane.
      He came close to swapping Anderlecht for Anfield in 2018, but instead decided to join Rennes.
      The Reds have continued to keep tabs on him, but they are yet to make a bid.
      And now Man City are expected to win the transfer race.
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      City boss Pep Guardiola has already introduced two new players to his squad this summer.
      Matteo Kovacic joined the club in a £30m transfer from Chelsea in June.
      And Josko Gvardiol became one of the most expensive defenders of all time when he completed a £78m move to the Etihad from RB Leipzig last month. More

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      Shaun Wright-Phillips names ‘phenomenal’ Premier League cult hero as the most technically gifted player he played with

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      SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS has named a shock Premier League cult hero as the most technically gifted player he has ever played with.The former Manchester City and Chelsea winger spoke exclusively with SunSport about the Community Shield, his career and the importance of nutrition in modern football.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips in action for Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      It seemed that the script was written for his former club to win the Community Shield again when Cole Palmer’s stunning strike opened the scoring for Man City.
      But it was Arsenal – where Shaun’s Dad Ian is a legend – who came out on top after a late equaliser took the game to penalties.
      Shaun felt as though the result was not a fair reflection of how the game played out, saying: “I would say no [it wasn’t a fair result], not really, throughout the ninety minutes neither team had that many clear cut chances.
      “But, City dominated the game, controlled the football the way they always like to, I was a bit surprised Arsenal were not more aggressive.
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      “When Cole Palmer scores that brilliant goal and then Trossard comes on and gets a deflection, I think if there was an extra time then City could have pushed a few more gears.”
      Shaun played for numerous clubs in the Premier League and alongside some exceptional players.
      He can boast about playing with the likes of Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba, Joe Cole, Robinho and so many more…
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      Arsenal came out victorious against Manchester City on penaltiesCredit: Getty
      But it was none of the above who took the crown as the most technically gifted man he had the pleasure of sharing a pitch with.
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      Instead he opted for a player touted as the ‘King of the streets’, a Moroccan magician who gave Championship defenders nightmares.
      He said: “There was a lot of them that were technically gifted, but the one that really stands out was at the back end of my career, I would say Adel Taarabt.
      “The way he manipulated the ball, manoeuvred with it, and always set himself up into positions to get a nutmeg or go past somebody, I thought he was phenomenal.”
      Adel Taarabt is known as the street football king in English football and QPR cult heroCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It is not just his career as a player that is fascinating, as Shaun has gone on to achieve great things outside of football as a pundit.
      And he recently embarked on a pre-season tour as an ambassador for City.
      His son D’Margio has gone on to be a professional player, just like his Dad, and his daughter has recently gone viral for showing a huge amount of promise.
      Meanwhile, Wright-Phillips also touched on the importance of nutrition in the modern game, and recently opened an M&S Foodhall inside Wembley Stadium.
      The game is a bit different now from when he was playing…
      And when asked about the change in diet, he said: “It’s a massive difference, at half-time we were given Jelly Babies and Wine Gums to give us an energy kick, it was good for us then.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Chris Smalling has shown it, he has come out and said that his stats and levels go through the roof since he turned vegan, so I think the clean diet and the way to eat now for the younger generation coming through is a massive plus.”
      Shaun Wright-Phillips open the new M&S Foodhalls at Wembley Stadium
      Shaun Wright-Phillips was speaking at the opening of the new M&S Food store inside Wembley Stadium connected by EE. The store is part of M&S Food’s commitment through its Eat Well, Play Well partnership with the FA to make healthier eating more accessible for families through the power of football. More

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      Donny van de Beek offered new Man Utd escape route but Erik ten Hag won’t be impressed with transfer

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      AJAX are weighing up a move to bring Donny van de Beek back to Amsterdam this month.The Dutch international has endured a miserable three years at Old Trafford since making the £35million move.
      Donny van de Beek could finally be on his way out of Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      He has fought his way back from a serious knee injury which saw him miss the final few months of last season.
      But he looks unlikely to force his way into the reckoning on a regular basis under Erik ten Hag.
      Ajax missed out on Champions League qualification last season so are having to watch the pennies – but a loan move could be an option.
      That won’t be great news for boss Ten Hag who would is desperate for the cash up front to fund a move for Sofyan Amrabat.
      Read More Football
      Meanwhile Anthony Martial is planning talks with United over his future following the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund.
      Both Inter and Fenerbahce have shown interest in the French forward in recent weeks – and a move away looks likely.
      Meanwhile West Ham bid for centre-half Harry Maguire is stalling over personal terms.
      So the Hammers are hurriedly turning instead to Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou — lining up a £30million swoop.
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      Manchester United have accepted a £30m bid for England star Maguire but they would have to part-fund his wages.
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      Ivorian Kossounou, 22, has come up as the major alternative, with West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten knowing him from his time at the German club.
      Leverkusen may even be open to a loan deal with a guaranteed buy later. More

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      Crystal Palace to make £10million transfer bid for Che Adams this week… and DOUBLE his Southampton wages

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are set to make an opening £10million offer to Southampton for striker Che Adams.SunSport revealed last week that that Roy Hodgson wants the Scotland forward.
      Che Adams is wanted by Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Hodgson has assembled a young and exciting squad after rescuing the Eagles from relegation last season.
      But, with Jean-Philippe Mateta set for the exit, he wants to add an experienced front man to his squad.
      And 27-year-old Adams fits the bill.
      Adams has found himself on the bench for each of Southampton’s opening two games in the Championship.
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      But he has come on to net in both, including the late winner at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
      And he is keen to return to the Premier League, where Palace would offer double his wages to around £60,000 a week.
      Saints will not sell unless they have signed a replacement first — with Swansea’s Joel Piroe their first choice.
      Piroe, 24, is wanted by several clubs and the Dutch hitman could wait to become a free agent next summer if he had to.
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      Hodgson is also interested in Saints keeper Alex McCarthy as Vicente Guaita wants away.
      McCarthy, 33, was at Palace before and could go back after Saints signed Joe Lumley to battle with Gavin Bazunu. More

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      Everton fans unveil sweet banner supporting Dele Alli as he attends first game at Goodison since heartbreaking interview

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      EVERTON fans unveiled a touching banner in support of Dele Alli.The midfielder was in the crowd at Goodison Park for the first time since his heartbreaking interview.
      Everton fans unveiled a banner in support of Dele AlliCredit: PA
      The midfielder was in attendance at Goodison ParkCredit: PA
      Dele, 27, bravely opened up to Gary Neville last month on his rehab for a sleeping pill addiction.
      He also discussed being sexually abused by his mother’s friend aged six, selling drugs aged eight and considering quitting football entirely.
      The 37-cap England international, who spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Besiktas, returned to Everton for pre-season.
      And, although he was not involved in the matchday squad for the Toffees’ 1-0 home defeat to Fulham to kickstart the new campaign, Dele took his place in the stands on Merseyside.
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      So he would surely have noticed the classy flag.
      The banner featured a picture of Dele celebrating for Everton between two club badges.
      The message said: “We are with you Dele. Together we are stronger.”
      Dele applauded the home fans as he walked along the touchline in his Everton training gear before their Premier League opener.
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      Toffees fans also revealed a poster at last week’s pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon to show their support for the struggling former Tottenham star.
      Dele received widespread support from the football community when he spoke out about his trauma.
      Team-mates past and present took to social media with messages praising the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year.
      And Everton manager Sean Dyche has also been very accommodating – but insisted fans will need to be patient before he is back on the pitch again in his beloved No20 shirt.
      Dyche said: “We are miles away from that [thinking about his role in the squad], he is just getting himself right again.
      “He is feeling good and now we will be working with him, on top of that, to make sure the injury is right.
      “But it is still going to be a bit of time yet.”
      Dele watched the game from the stands as the Toffees lost to FulhamCredit: PA
      Fans also revealed a sign at the pre-season clash last weekCredit: Getty More

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      My doping ban is a stain on my name… but now I’m playing again I want to be a legend at Man Utd, says Andre Onana

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      ANDRE ONANA claims there is still a huge “stain” on his name following a 12-month doping ban.Manchester United’s new £47.2million keeper wants to create his own “legacy” at Old Trafford after boss Erik ten Hag signed him from Inter Milan to replace David de Gea.
      Andre Onana is one of few players on the planet to be found guilty of dopingCredit: Getty
      But in February 2021, Onana, now 27, was barred from all football for a year by Uefa after testing positive for banned drug furosemide while at former club Ajax.
      The Court of Arbitration for Sport later reduced his suspension to nine months after he insisted he accidentally took one of girlfriend Melanie’s pregnancy medicine pills instead of a headache tablet.
      But he is still one of very few footballers on the planet to be found guilty of doping.
      And he admitted: “Everything I’d worked for had been taken away.

      “Andre Onana banned for taking drugs. Like some addict. How do you explain that to your family?
      “I get it. The law is the law. You f*** up, you pay the price. I paid. But sometimes you wonder, are they punishing you to teach you a lesson, or are they doing it to hurt you?
      “The sanction meant I couldn’t go to matches, train with the team, or attend the title celebration at the end of the season — even though I’d played every match until the ban!
      “How is that fair? People around me changed. Some disappeared altogether.”
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      Onana tested positive for banned drug furosemide while at former club AjaxCredit: Getty
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      Onana had become a Cameroon international at 20, a Europa League finalist at 21 and a Champions League semi-finalist at 23.
      Born in the tiny village of Nkol Ngok, he joined LaLiga giants Barcelona at 14 before moving to Ajax at 18. But his world fell apart because of a 40mg pill.
      In an interview with The Players’ Tribune he added: “A lot of people saw the headlines. ‘Onana? Oh, he got banned for taking drugs. He’s a cheat, an addict’.
      “Even after everything that came out — the CAS statement and the rest — it’s a stain on my name.”
      In October 2020, Onana received a call from the Ajax doctor, who told him he had tested positive for furosemide. The keeper thought it was a joke. He added: “I don’t drink, don’t smoke, never touched drugs.
      “I’d never even heard of furosemide. The only pills I’d put in my body were ones the club or national team doctors prescribed.
      “After I spoke with Ajax, I called Melanie. I was sure it was a mistake. She said, ‘Andre, furosemide, that’s in the pregnancy medicine the doctors gave me’.
      “Then it hit me. It wasn’t some admin error. I must have gone for a headache pill and got the boxes mixed up.
      “Still, Uefa could see it was just human error. They investigated and I thought they would show me a yellow card. But, nah, they went straight for the red.
      “Twelve months’ ban. No football. Gone, just like that.
      “In the summer, when CAS reduced the ban to nine months, I celebrated like I’d won the Champions League!
      “They even said there was no significant fault on my part. That was something. They can’t take the stain away but they cleaned it a little.”
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      Onana added: “Now I’m playing again, I want to become a legend — the best goalie in the world.” More

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      Harry Maguire transfer at risk after talks for Man Utd outcast stall as West Ham prepare £30m bid for new defender

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      WEST HAM’S bid for centre-half Harry Maguire is stalling over personal terms.So the Hammers are hurriedly turning instead to Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou — lining up a £30million swoop.
      Harry Maguire’s £30m transfer to West Ham might not be so cut and driedCredit: Reuters
      Manchester United have accepted a £30m bid for England star Maguire but they would have to part-fund his wages.
      Ivorian Kossounou, 22, has come up as the major alternative, with West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten knowing him from his time at the German club.
      Leverkusen may even be open to a loan deal with a guaranteed buy later.
      Maguire is in contention to face Wolves in United’s Premier League opener on Monday night.
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      Maguire, 30, was dropped early on last season by boss Erik ten Hag and went on to start just eight Prem matches.
      Earlier this summer it was confirmed that Ten Hag had stripped the England defender of the captaincy at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes taking his place.
      United have agreed a deal to let Maguire join West Ham, but it is now up to the experienced centre-back himself.
      Quizzed if his former skipper is available for Monday night’s match, Ten Hag said: “Of course.”
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      Maguire has fallen behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and at times even Luke Shaw in the pecking order at United.
      But he could yet opt to stay and fight for his place.
      With Euro 2024 looming next summer, however, Maguire may decide that regular first team football is important if he is to keep his Three Lions place.
      Maguire has two years remaining on his £190,000-a-week contract at United. More