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    Jurgen Klopp hints at career change after ruling himself out of England job and starting new life in £3m Majorca villa

    JURGEN KLOPP revealed he won’t be returning to management any time soon after his emotional departure from Liverpool.Klopp, 57, rolled credits on his stunning nine-year stint at Anfield where he won every major honour, including the Premier League and Champions League.Jurgen Klopp admitted he still wants to work in football in a non-managerial capacityCredit: AFPKlopp insists he doesn’t want to work as a manager for the next few monthsCredit: APThe German tactician has been linked with a few lucrative gigs, such as the top job at England after Gareth Southgate resigned following Euro 2024.However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss poured cold water on the speculation as he insists “that’s it” for him as a coach for at least the next “few months”.The Liverpool legend, though, admitted he would love to work in football on a different capacity.Klopp said at the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Germany: “As of today, that’s it for me as a coach.Read More on Football”I didn’t quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world.“Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.“At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country. “A few people must not have heard this part [about the England job] and it would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if I said, ‘I’ll make an exception for you now’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I’m going to do some work. I’m too young to only do padel tennis and [spend time with] grandchildren. “Will that be coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see what it will look like in a few months, but nothing is coming through at the moment.”Watch Klopp announce Slot as next Liverpool manager with amazing song to fansIn the meantime, Klopp is planning to enjoy life at his £3.4million villa in Majorca with his wife Ulla Sandrock.And even though he has no plans to return to management any time soon, the ex-Mainz boss insists he is not yet retired. More

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    Chelsea ACCEPT Atletico Madrid bid for Conor Gallagher after England star rejected lucrative contract offer

    CHELSEA have accepted a bid from Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher. Gallagher, 24, has just one year remaining on his current deal with his future in West London in doubt.Chelsea have accepted a bid from Atletico Madrid for Conor GallagherCredit: EPAHe turned down TWO offers of a new contract this summer.The latest was a three-year deal – two years plus the option of a third – that would have put him in line with Chelsea’s top-earning midfielders.But now the Blues are waiting for Gallagher to make a decision on his future with Atletico ready to pay around £34million for his signature.The England international’s time with Chelsea has been uncertain for some time. READ MORE IN football Tottenham and West Ham were among those previously linked while Aston Villa made attempts to sign him earlier this summer.Villa are believed to have had a bid accepted by Chelsea earlier in the window but Gallagher decided against the move. Unai Emery has since signed Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m.Selling boyhood Blue Gallagher would help Chelsea balance their books and free up space in midfield. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew boss Enzo Maresca brought Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with him from Leicester for £28m.And Romeo Lavia is set to return to a midfield that already boasts club-record signings Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo.Chelsea 3 Club America 0: Enzo Maresca’s marquee signing shines as new Blues boss’ plan starts to take shapeGallagher – who would have the option to leave for free next summer – has not yet linked up with his Chelsea team-mates for pre-season. He has been granted extra time off following England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain in July.Gallagher came through the Blues youth system and made his first-team debut in 2019. He’s since made 95 appearances – with ten goals – after becoming a regular under Mauricio Pochettino last season.Gallagher even captained the side at times in 2023-24. More

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    Watch as Diego Carlos sparks huge brawl and is sent off after moment of madness in Aston Villa pre-season clash

    ASTON VILLA ace Diego Carlos sparked a massive brawl during a pre-season friendly with RB Leipzig.Leipzig defeated Villa 2-0 on Wednesday at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.Aston Villa and RB Leipzig players got into a massive brawl during a friendlyCredit: RexAston Villa’s Diego Carlos locked horns with Leipzig’s Lois OpendaCredit: RexThe two sets of players then got into a heated altercation all over the pitchCredit: RexAndre Silva opened the scoring for the Bundesliga side after just 17 minutes.And Lois Openda doubled the Germans’ lead just four minutes before half-time.Carlos was tasked with marking Openda during an intense first half that saw the centre-back getting booked after a heated clash with the striker, who also saw a yellow card.But tensions reached boiling point after the Belgium international hit the back of the net.Read More on FootballAfter bagging Leipzig’s second goal, Openda turned to Carlos and exchanged a few words. The Brazilian didn’t take kindly to that gesture and appeared to put his arm across his opponent’s chest.The centre-forward then fell to the floor and that caused a huge brawl that saw pretty much everyone getting involved across various areas of the pitch.The referee struggled to maintain order but once everything blew over he had no other option but to show Carlos a second yellow card and give him his marching orders.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVilla continue their US tour with another friendly on Sunday against Club America in Chicago.Unai Emery’s men are then expected to lock horns with Athletic Bilbao and Borussia Dortmund.Aston Villa stars and wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions LeagueVilla will then kick off their Premier League campaign on August 17 at West Ham.Carlos was sent off after a second yellow card during the pre-season friendlyCredit: RexThe brawl took place after Openda scored Leipzig’s second goalCredit: RexOpenda and Carlos locked horns for the second time in the matchCredit: Rex More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Nkunku makes flying start to life under Maresca while Enzo Fernandez outshone by newbie

    ENZO MARESCA bagged his first win as Chelsea manager as they brushed aside Club America.After a couple of worrying opening pre-season games, Chelsea were ahead within three minutes.Enzo Maresca’s side grabbed their first win of pre-seasonCredit: AlamyThe Blues triumphed 3-0 against their Mexican opponents in AtlantaCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku grabbed his third goal in three games, a second from the penalty spot, after Romeo Lavia was brought down inside the box.The Blues looked superb on the ball and had a second on 21 minutes with two summer signings combining – Marc Guiu heading in a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cross.There was a worrying sign after the break when Malo Gusto was forced off after going down off the ball.But after a comfortable second half, Noni Madueke made sure of things – converting from the spot after Nkunku had won a penalty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere are how the Blues rated in Atlanta…Robert Sanchez – 7Made a stunning save from Javairo Dilrosun and after some ropey moments against Celtic was brave on the ball before being replaced at the break.Reece James – 6Played as a more traditional right-back instead of moving inside. A comfortable evening defensively, though didn’t offer too much going forwards.Benoit Badiashile – 5Chelsea still look out of sorts off the ball and Badiashile was caught napping on a couple of occasions at the back. Needs to be more aggressive with his defending.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReece James will hope for a fitter season than last time outCredit: AlamyTosin Adarabioyo – 6Composed performance from the summer signing. No real standout moment but kept Club America captain Henry Martin quiet.Malo Gusto – 6Still adapting to the inverted role Maresca requires of his full-backs. Looks assured on the ball but struggling to get back into position at times.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal Romeo Lavia – 7Won the penalty for the opening goal and is settling into this Chelsea side superbly. It may prove a challenge for Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo to dislodge him when they are back to full speed.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7A few unfortunate touches in front of goal but an impressive first 45 minutes in a Chelsea shirt. Arrived in the box well and laid on a fine assist for Guiu’s goal.Christopher Nkunku – 8The Frenchman has made a flying start to life under Maresca and made it three goals from three games here.Not just that but, playing just off the striker, he continues to cause plenty of problems for opposing defenders – winning a second half penalty. Arguably the standout player of the tour.Noni Madueke – 7Watched by a large group of his family who live in Atlanta, the winger was lively on the ball, often beating his man down the right.He needs to work on finishing from those situations, but converted from the spot in the second half having tried to take the first penalty – a scene reminiscent of his spat with Cole Palmer against Everton last season.Raheem Sterling – 6His first start of this first pre-season tour, a couple of lively moments on the left but nothing too special.Marc Guiu – 7Despite being just 18 the Spaniard looks a proper Premier League striker. Good movement but more importantly strength, able to deal with physicality from defenders well.Marc Guiu celebrates scoring Chelsea’s secondCredit: GettyChristopher Nkunku impressed once again for the BluesCredit: RexSubstitutesFilip Jorgensen – 6Aggressive flying out of his goal to deal with a ball in behind not long after coming on.Enzo Fernandez – 5Booed when brought on at half-time and during his early touches of the ball. Did not offer anywhere near the threat Dewsbury-Hall did running in behind, though he has only had two training sessions under Maresca. Took the armband when James departed.Mykhailo Mudryk – 5Largely anonymous after coming on for Sterling. Maresca has been working hard with the Ukrainian in training.Renato Veiga – 6Forced to play out of position on the right after Gusto limped off, and drifted in and out of midfield well.Wesley Fofana – 6Composed and comfortable on the ball, easing his way back into things after such a long time out.Armando Broja – 6Some nice touches in attack and battled well when coming on. Forced Cota into a save with a deflected strike, before wasting a good one-on-one chance.READ MORE SUN STORIESLesley Ugochukwu – 6Kept things ticking over in midfield but did not offer those ahead of him too much in possession.Ben Chilwell – 7Did not offer much on the ball but pulled off a superb block from close range before sending the rebound wide with a diving header.Angelo – N/ATyrique George – N/AEnzo Fernandez returned to action for the BluesCredit: AlamyBen Chilwell has been linked with a Chelsea exitCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea 3 Club America 0: Enzo Maresca’s marquee signing shines as new Blues boss’ plan starts to take shape

    ENZO MARESCA promised steps forward and his Chelsea side delivered them.Under the roof of Atlanta’s incredible Mercedes Benz Arena, the Blues finally started to show some of the Italian’s famed football as they grabbed a first win of this pre-season tour.Enzo Maresca has been getting his detailed plans acrossCredit: RexMarc Guiu is congratulate by his team-mates after scoringCredit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall has impressed for his new sideCredit: GettyHaving drawn with League One Wrexham and lost to Scottish champions Celtic before now, this was by far and away the most convincing Chelsea have looked.And while fans will know little about Mexican opponents Club America, the fact they are sharp from being four games into their domestic season offers more reason for encouragement.Chelsea’s late training session on Tuesday may have been curtailed slightly by a biblical Georgia thunderstorm, but Maresca has certainly started getting his ideas across.The Italian manager has been putting his players through very detailed sessions, starting with a slow build up of possession with no defenders pressing before stepping things up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has been walking them through it, involved in the moves himself, before picking the pace up – and fans finally started to see that against Club America.Things calmed down after the break, with Chelsea two ahead through Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, but across the first 45 minutes the Blues looked as sharp as they have under Maresca.The new boss said: “For us the result is always important because we are Chelsea but in this moment, the main focus cannot be the result.”It’s to analyse or judge the performance and to see how we improve. In my personal opinion, from Wrexham, Celtic and today, we continue to improve. This is the most important thing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We struggled against Wrexham for many reasons, we struggled against Celtic for many reasons but there were many important things we improved.”We continued that line. Since we started, what we do in training has to happen here in the game.”Ex-Chelsea star Christian Pulisic agrees to do ‘unbelievable’ lewd celebration if he scores against Man CityKiernan Dewsbury-Hall, making his first appearance since following the manager from Leicester, looked superb in the system he thrived in at Championship level last season.The midfielder, who started the pre-season tour with a knock, played 45 minutes and was a constant threat around the Club America box – timing his runs well with just the finishing needing work.His understanding of Maresca’s system was clear, with team-mates having dubbed him the teacher’s pet at times.Maresca said: “I didn’t know about these jokes, but from outside you can see he is speaking a different language in terms of that he knows exactly what he has to do, on and off the ball.”Sometimes he goes wide, inside or in behind. I ask him inside the pitch to talk to his team-mates because he knows exactly how to move.”He is going to help us many times this season.”Enzo Fernandez was back in action for the BluesCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd 3 Real Betis 2: Marcus Rashford looks back to his best before he is forced off in huge injury scare

    PERHAPS Manchester United are going to get the real Marcus Rashford back again.The evidence of this pre-season game against Real Betis suggests they are.Manchester United picked up an impressive victory against Real BetisCredit: AFPMan Utd are facing an anxious wait after Marcus Rashford’s injuryCredit: APThey have just got to hope that the challenge which saw him limp off in the 61st minute of this game is nothing serious.He looked in a pain, stopping twice as he made his way to the tunnel. A sad end to a great night for him.Rashford was buzzing, looking like he was enjoying the ball at his feet once more.The 26-year-old even spoke with manager Erik ten Hag during the game.Read More on Man UtdThose two barely exchanged a word in the second half of last season.That came after the player had partied until the early hours of the morning in Belfast on a day when he was supposed to be training ahead of the FA Cup game at Newport last January.He phoned in sick, Ten Hag later found out the background and was fuming.Had Ten Hag not been short of numbers, Rashford could have even ended up sidelined for a considerable period.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs it was, his form did not demand a consistent first-team place as the season progressed. He would fall out the England squad for the Euros as well.Having posted career best figures of 30 goals the season before, he would grab only eight in the last campaign.Man Utd fans convinced Marcus Rashford ‘scoring 40 goals this season’ after seeing video of him ‘feeling like Maradona’On nights like this in San Diego you wonder quite why he lost his way so badly last season.His focus certainly seemed to go away from football.The sight of him in tears in front of the United fans after a good display in that triumphant FA Cup Final did show, however, how much this club still means to him.He has medals from his time with the club – two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League – but when he spoke this week it was clear he has eyes on bigger prizes.Rashford said: “I still have dreams of winning the big trophies, the Premier League and Champions League with Man United. So hopefully we can get that done.”For now it is just about getting further up the Premier League after finishing a club record low of eighth last season.Back to goalscoring waysThey will need Rashford’s goals to do that particularly with Rasmus Hojlund missing the first four games with a hamstring injury.The arrival of Joshua Zirkzee will help but United need the goals coming the whole front four.They were in good form in front of goal in this game.After Iker Losada had given Betis a 15th-minute lead at the Snapdragon Stadium, it was Rashford who equalised from the spot just two minutes later.Amad Diallo had won it and what a performance the 22-year-old put in as well.A constant threat, he scored a cracker to put United ahead in the 25th minute using superb control to take the cross from Harry Amass before curling the ball home.It was three on 31 minutes. Amad appeared to over hit a corner but Rashford was beyond the far post to feed the ball back across goal for Casemiro to turn in.READ MORE SUN STORIESBetis would get a goal back on 61 minutes from Diego Llorente’s header.Now the anxious wait for news on Rashford…Amad Diallo put together an impressive performance for Man UtdCredit: GettyCasemiro sealed an impressive victory for Man Utd against Real BetisCredit: AFP More

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    Liverpool 2 Arsenal 1: Gunners unusually shaky as Salah and Carvalho end unbeaten pre-season record

    ARNE SLOT inflicted defeat on Mikel Arteta for the first time this summer as Arsenal’s winning pre-season run came to an end.Arsenal boss Arteta named his strongest starting line-up yet for the third and final match of their American tour.Liverpool defeated Arsenal during a pre-season friendly in the USCredit: APLiverpool boss Arne Slot handed Arsenal their first pre-season lossCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho scored for Liverpool against ArsenalCredit: APMaybe he wanted to lay down a marker as he starts a fresh rivalry with new Liverpool coach Slot before jetting back to London overnight.It seemed to be going to plan as Brazilian pair Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both went close to scoring in the opening minutes.Then the Gunners were rocked by Mohamed Salah’s turn of pace, reacting to Harvey Elliott’s inch-perfect through ball, to score Liverpool’s opener after 13 minutes.Even with the ever-reliable Gabriel starting at the back for the first time this summer, Arsenal looked unusually wobbly.Read More on ArsenalDiogo Jota fired against a post too before Fabio Carvalho’s spectacular volleyed second in the 33rd minute. Elliott was again allowed too much time and space to lob in a skilful assist.Arsenal took four points from Liverpool in their title chase last season and there was a clear desire to make sure they did not allow Slot a psychological pre-season boost.The impressive Martinelli carved out the opening for Arsenal to pull one back, with help from the excellent Martin Odegaard, through a Kai Havertz tap in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoth sides made changes in the stifling evening heat of the second half as the referee called for water breaks to assist the players.Arsenal looked the stronger and fitter of the two teams and nearly equalised though sub Favio Vieira but for a fine Caoimhin Kelleher save.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonEither way, the match was a hit with the record 69,879 crowd for a football match at this state-of-the-art Lincoln Financial Field Stadium.Arsenal looked unusually shaky during their pre-season friendly with LiverpoolCredit: AFPArsenal boss Mikel Arteta was bested by Slot in their first meetingCredit: Getty More

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    West Ham set for triple transfer swoop with Man Utd star and Euro 2024 hitman eyed after agreeing deal for Leeds ace

    WEST HAM are closing in on a triple swoop for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and attacking duo Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug.Manchester United right-back Wan-Bissaka, 26, is in talks over a move — but his wage demands could still prove a stumbling block.Crysencio Summerville is set to undergo a West Ham medical this weekCredit: AlamyAaron Wan-Bissaka is in talks over a move to the London StadiumCredit: GettyNiclas Fullkrug is also closing in on a move to the Hammers this summerCredit: GettyHe has one year left on his Old Trafford deal and can agree a pre-contract with an overseas club in January.But Hammers chiefs are confident they can secure a £10million-plus transfer.West Ham have agreed a deal for Leeds winger Summerville, 22, who last season scored 19 in the Championship. A medical is set for this week.While Irons boss Julen Lopetegui remains confident of sealing a deal  for Borussia Dortmund’s 31-year-old German striker Fullkrug.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward scored twice for Germany at Euro 2024 and was a key part of Dortmund’s run to last season’s Champions League final.Meanwhile, Summerville was named Championship player of the season last term.He provided nine assists in 43 league appearances for Leeds alongside his 19 goals.However, the club missed out on an immediate return to the Premier League after losing the play-off final to Southampton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSummerville has four goals and two assists in his previous 34 top-flight appearances for the Whites.West Ham’s potential triple signings would double their summer arrivals to six.Prem stadium unrecognisable after being transformed into baseball ballparkLopetegui has already added Wolves captain Max Kilman to his defence.Wes Foderingham also joined on a free transfer from Sheffield United to provide competition for Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski.Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme completed a £25million move to the London Stadium in June. More