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      I was in Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ with £169m worth of exiled stars, we were laughing every day… it was a mess

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG recalls laughing with the rest of Chelsea’s exiled “bomb squad” stars. The forward had been frozen out of the picture by April 2023 and left to train away from the first team. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on his disastrous Chelsea spellCredit: AFPBut he was not alone. Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly and Romelu Lukaku all joined Aubameyang with £170million worth of talent on the sidelines. But Aubameyang told The Athletic: “They did a mess. It didn’t even look like a football dressing room, it was more like rugby. “Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly, Romelu Lukaku… It was good I wasn’t alone. We were laughing every day, so it was okay.”READ MORE IN fAubameyang had signed in September 2022 from Barcelona – where he spent just seven months – to reunite with manager Thomas Tuchel.The two had worked together at Borussia Dortmund – winning the German cup together in 2017. But disaster struck when Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea just a week after Aubameyang joined following 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. The player revealed: “I remember that day because I didn’t recognise him. It was not the guy I knew a few years ago. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We had a close relationship. He was the only guy who really understood me in Dortmund. “At Chelsea, it was like something was wrong. I felt he was not enjoying his time.The one player Chelsea must sign this season“We lost and he was p**sed off. Usually, he would go crazy but he came to the dressing room and then left. “I was like, ‘This is not the guy I know. Very strange’. The next day, he was sacked.”Aubameyang admitted he only left Barcelona after armed robbers broke into his home in August 2022. And he had joined Chelsea – as a former Arsenal captain – just to work under Tuchel again. But Graham Potter took over at Stamford Bridge and Aubameyang was limited to game time – even being omitted from the Champions League squad. Aubameyang revealed: “That is when I started to say, ‘OK, this is very disrespectful’. They tried to send me on loan to America. I said: ‘No chance’.“I felt p***ed off. From that point, I said, ‘The season is done for me already’. “I just went to training to maintain fitness; I knew I was not going to play.”Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly, Romelu Lukaku… It was good I wasn’t alone. We were laughing every day, so it was okayPierre-Emerick Aubameyang on being frozen out of Chelsea Potter was then sacked by April – following just seven months in charge at Chelsea – with Frank Lampard coming in as interim boss. And Aubameyang claimed Lampard initially wanted to recall the Gabon international – before being overruled by higher-ups. He said: “(Lampard) told me, ‘OK, I need you. I want to know how you feel, if you are ready to play again’. “I was like, ‘Yes. I’m waiting for this’.“Close to the end of the season, he spoke to me again and said, ‘What are your feelings? I’m sorry, Auba. I can’t really help you’. “I understood it’s not coming from him but upstairs.”Aubameyang later signed for Marseille after leaving Chelsea and scored 30 goals in 51 games last season – missing just one game. But in July the 35-year-old signed for Al-Qadsiah to become the latest high-profile name in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Qadsiah are on a six-game winning streak secured third spot in the SPL heading into its winter break. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are below only Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad and Neymar’s Al Hilal, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fourth. Aubameyang added: “They want to be the best and I can help them grow.”Aubameyang now plays his football in Saudi for Al-QadisiyahCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals ‘worry’ about Kobbie Mainoo after spotting trend under Ruben Amorim

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      PAUL SCHOLES has raised questions over Kobbie Mainoo’s fitness levels.The Manchester United starlet, 19, suffered a muscle injury earlier this season.Kobbie Mainoo was in action against Liverpool at the weekendCredit: APPaul Scholes has had his say on MainooCredit: GettyHe has played just two full 90 minutes since September and has regularly been taken off under Ruben Amorim.Noticing this trend, Old Trafford legend Scholes raised concerns while appearing on Premier League Productions.He said: “Mainoo with his legs has to be a worry. He doesn’t finish a lot of games.”Appearing alongside Scholes, Michael Owen agreed with his former United team-mate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “He looks heavy, but yeah, he tires a lot, doesn’t he?”And it’s one thing he’s an unbelievable player, but if there’s one thing about Mainoo, it’s getting around the pitch and his ability to last a full game at the high intensity that’s needed.”And then you look at the other alternatives. You’ve got [Christian] Eriksen that’s getting on in years. Casemiro that’s never been that mobile but getting on in years.”So, I guess you’re left with [Manuel] Ugarte and another. You’re left with Ugarte.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen also discussed the Man Utd midfielderCredit: GettyShock reports yesterday emerged that the Red Devils would consider selling Mainoo – with every player up for grabs for the right price.The midfielder is contracted to Old Trafford until 2027, although United possess an option to extend the deal by 12 months.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Talks over an extension are said to have hit a dead end, with United limited to what they can offer.And with homegrown players worth 100 per cent profit, flogging Mainoo would give United a PSR boost.Should the Red Devils choose to sell their academy rising star, Chelsea could position themselves at the front of the queue.Mainoo is said to be worth around £70million. More

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      West Ham hope to have Graham Potter in charge for Friday’s FA Cup clash even though Lopetegui is STILL manager

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      WEST HAM hope Graham Potter will take charge of their FA Cup game at Aston Villa on Friday night.Potter has agreed to take over at the London Stadium but the club are still finalising the last details of his appointment.Graham Potter is expected to be West Ham’s next managerCredit: PAJulen Lopetegui is set to be sacked by West HamCredit: RexHowever, the Hammers are still yet to sack current boss Julen Lopetegui.Lopetegui was left once again to take charge of training on Wednesday, despite the club being close to appointing Potter, 49, as his successor.West Ham cancelled their press conference which was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Friday night’s third round tie at Villa Park.Potter is keen to take training on Thursday and be in the dugout for the game, with the postponed press conference also needing to be held.READ MORE IN football Lopetegui is furious with how the week has played out.On Monday it emerged he had asked technical director Tim Steidten to stay away from the training ground after their relationship broke down.Chairman David Sullivan has led the search for a new manager, though Steidten was the one to initially approach Potter.After talks were re-opened this week, vice-chair Karren Brady has taken charge of direct negotiations.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as finalising Lopetegui’s exit, a new coaching staff must be appointed.The former Wolves manager brought five coaches with him to east London, all of whom are expected to leave.Potter is looking to initially bring up to four of his own coaching staff with him, while goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, is expected to stay.Valero was the one member of David Moyes’ staff to remain in the summer. More

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      Moment Tottenham flop injures his own manager with ‘red card tackle’ as he celebrates trophy months after leaving Spurs

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      FORMER Tottenham star Emerson Royal got a little carried away while celebrating AC Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana win with manager Sergio Conceicao.Milan produced an incredible comeback from 2-0 down to beat fierce rivals Inter 3-2 in Riyadh.Emerson Royal jumps on boss Sergio ConceicaoCredit: RedditRoyal kisses the Supercoppa ItalianaCredit: GettyThe Brazilian points to pal Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: ReutersRoyal, 25, started the game before being substituted in the 87th minute.Upon the final whistle, the Brazilian couldn’t contain his excitement.The full-back rose from the bench and jumped on boss Conceicao.He then hung on the Portuguese’s back for a few seconds, before running off to join his team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceicao, 50, winced in pain and even began to limp back towards the bench.During the trophy ceremony, Royal went live on Instagram to share the moment with his one million followers.Conceicao, meanwhile, didn’t seem too badly hurt.While back in the dressing room, the former Porto boss recreated his iconic celebration.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPuffing on a cigar, Conceicao danced in front of his players.The triumph over Inter was only Conceicao’s second game in charge.Moment new AC Milan manager whips out cigar in repeat of iconic celebration after winning trophy in second game His predecessor Paulo Fonseca was sacked last month following a 1-1 draw with Roma.Conceicao immediately took over, masterminding a 2-1 win over Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals in his first game in charge.Following his trophy triumph, Conceicao will take charge of his first Serie A game at the helm this Saturday.Milan, who are eighth in the table, will host Cagliari at San Siro.Concaicao celebrates with a cigar in the dressing roomCredit: Getty More

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      Fans convinced they’ve seen Man Utd star on The Chase barely 48 hours after ‘running the midfield at Anfield’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were stunned to see a Manuel Ugarte lookalike on an episode of The Chase this week.The Red Devils earned a point against high-flying Liverpool on Sunday.Fans noticed a Manuel Ugarte lookalike on The Chase this weekCredit: ITVUgarte featured for United against Liverpool at the weekendCredit: AlamyLisandro Martinez opened the scoring for Ruben Amorim’s side at Anfield before Cody Gakpo levelled things up.Mohamed Salah then converted a penalty to put Liverpool ahead, but Amad Diallo scored an 80th-minute equaliser to seal a draw.United fans were particularly impressed with Ugarte’s performance at the weekend.So one person couldn’t help but comment when they saw a lookalike of the midfielder on a popular TV quiz show.Read More in FootballThey shared a picture of the contestant in question before taking to X to write: “Running the midfield at Anfield on a Sunday, The Chase on a Tuesday, some bloke Ugarte.”Another joked: “Ugarte with glasses like Superman with glasses.”A third said: “It actually looks like him lmao.”While a fourth quipped: “Versatility.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUgarte joined Man Utd in a £50million transfer from PSG in August.The midfielder has since made 22 appearances for United. ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Bruno Fernandes’ post-match interview shows Man Utd star’s true colours after Liverpool drawThe Red Devils next face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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      Chelsea ‘will listen to transfer offers for SIX fringe players including £56m star linked to Man Utd’

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      CHELSEA are willing to listen to offers of up to SIX fringe players, reports say. Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been open about expecting some of his squad to push for transfers away amid a lack of game time. Renato Veiga is linked with a move away from ChelseaCredit: GettyAccording to the Daily Mail, Renato Veiga is among them with Premier League sides Wolves and Bournemouth interested. Veiga, 21, offers versatility, being able to play at left-back, centre-half and in midfield, suiting Maresca’s system. And he has offered back up to Marc Cucurella, 26, this season after Ben Chilwell, 28, was frozen out. But Veiga has been limited to 14 starts this season with only one coming in the league. READ MORE IN football Carney Chukwuemeka, 21, is another Chelsea are ready to consider offers for after failing to break into the starting 11. Chukwuemeka has only five appearances this season, all in cup competition, and has become a loan target for Strasbourg and Borussia Dortmund.Midfielder Cesare Casadei – whose six games have also come in the Carabao Cup and Europa Conference League – could also leave. Chelsea rejected a £10million bid from Torino for Casadei, 21, with other Italian clubs also said to be interested in the starlet. Most read in FootballCarney Chukwuemeka has attracted attention from clubsCredit: APCesare Casadei looks set to be sold by ChelseaCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChristopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are others facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge. Nkunku is the club’s second top scorer this season in all competitions on 12 – one behind Cole Palmer. How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talksBut only two have come in the league and the Frenchman, 27, has been restricted to cup games and providing back up to Nicolas Jackson, 23.Maresca has also claimed Nkunku’s best position is not as a sole striker – despite the majority of his starts coming up front.The ex-RB Leipzig star is believed to be open to a move away and Manchester United were recently linked with a £56m move for the forward. Disasi, 26, is traditionally a centre-back but has found himself covering at right-back this season due to injuries to Reece James, 25. But he has made just five league appearances and the Blues could be ready to offload the France international. That is despite a defender being a top priority for Maresca in the winter window. Former academy graduate Marc Guehi – sold to Crystal Palace for £18m in 2021 – is linked with a Chelsea return but is rated at £55m. Dewsbury-Hall, 26, followed Maresca in the summer from Leicester for £30m following a Championship winning season. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he has struggled to push Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez or Romeo Lavia out of Maresca’s midfield. It has made him a target for rivals this month with West Ham most recently linked. Axel Disasi could be offloaded by ChelseaCredit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall has struggled to break into Chelsea’s starting 11Credit: GettyChristopher Nkunku was linked to Man UtdCredit: Rex More

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      Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star David Luiz ‘locked in talks over transfer to European giants’ after leaving Brazilian side

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      DAVID LUIZ is in talks to return to European football during the January transfer window.Luiz, now 37, had two trophy-laden spell with Chelsea before leaving the Premier League in 2021 after two years with Arsenal.David Luiz is holding talks regarding a move to Olympiacos, as per his agentCredit: GettyLuiz stood out during two stints at Chelsea before joining ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics SportThe versatile defender returned to his native Brazil where he spent the last three season with Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo.However the bushy-haired centre-half is now a free agent and could be set to make a shock return to Europe.Luiz’s representative Julio Taran has confirmed he is in talks with Greek side Olympiacos.And Taran revealed that talks with reigning Conference League champions are progressing well.Read More on FootballTaran told Greek journalist Johnny Georgopoulos: “Yes, there are chances David Luiz will play for Olympiacos.”We are in contact with the Greek club.”Luiz is also close friends with Olympiacos star Rodinei, with whom he played for a year at Flamengo until the full-back moved to Greece in 2022.Taran even claimed that the right-back is “pushing” for a reunion with his former team-mate in Piraeus.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “Yes, this is among the reasons [Luiz’s friendship with Rodinei].”Rodinei is like family for David Luiz. Rodinei has spoken highly about David Luiz to Olympiacos management and is pushing for his arrival.”Carragher hits back at David Luiz for title jibe after ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star said ‘it’s funny’ as he never won it Luiz experienced immense success at Chelsea where he amassed 248 appearances across two stints.The defender also won the 2017 Premier League title, two FA Cup trophies, the 2012 Champions League and two Europa League honours. More

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      Reaching a final did not save Jose Mourinho from Tottenham axe – but Ange Postecoglou’s job could depend on Wembley

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      JOSE MOURINHO is living proof that reaching a cup final will not save you as Tottenham manager.But how Ange Postecoglou could do with replicating the Portuguese’s showpiece feat to dampen any doubts over his suitability to the Spurs hotseat.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou may find job security if he makes the Carabao Cup finalCredit: RexJose Mourinho, though, was axed by Tottenham shortly after making it to a finalCredit: GettyThe Aussie has a chance to make up for what he admits is some “very poor league form” in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, with the first leg at home on Wednesday.If he can somehow find a way past Arne Slot’s imperious Reds over the two ties, he will be the first Spurs boss to reach a cup final since Mourinho four years ago.That feat did not prevent the Special One from a shock axing just four days before the day out at Wembley, which Tottenham lost to Manchester City.Unlike with Mourinho back then, chairman Daniel Levy is understood NOT to have lost faith with Postecoglou despite him losing half of his league games this term.Read More on FootballThere is a hope that the ex-Celtic chief will turn things around once his horrific injury list eases up.Though Postecoglou is the last person who needs reminding that Levy’s trigger-happy history proves that goodwill will not last forever if results do not improve.Reminded of Levy’s ruthless sacking of Mourinho, the 59-year-old was asked if he felt seeing off Liverpool would offer him any extra job security.Postecoglou wittily replied: “So just drop out at the semi-final, you reckon? I don’t need greater security.Most read in Football“Look, all I see is I’ve got a group of players who are giving absolutely everything they can.“I see every person at this football club pushing hard every day, whether they are involved in football or not, to try and help us through this situation. I don’t need any more than that.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou channels his inner Gladiator as he defends his gung-ho tactics“It’s my responsibility, the results are on me. It’s my responsibility to change that. And if it doesn’t change, then, of course, I’m the one who should take whatever ramifications there are to it.“But I don’t need any more security than seeing what I see every day that the club, everyone at the club is totally supportive of what we’re trying to do, trying to help me and trying to help us get through this.“That’s all any manager needs, I’m not interested in security.”In his first season, Postecoglou downplayed the significance of winning a one-off trophy as less important to his overall goal of turning Spurs into serial contenders.That remains his perspective, but he has conceded that in this difficult second campaign winning some silverware could breathe new life – and belief – into the project he is trying to build.His side are on an awful run of just two victories in their last 11 games in all competitions, while they have lost three of a winless last five in the league at home.Major absences vs LiverpoolInjuries, illness and suspension have taken their toll, with up to ten players expected to be missing on Wednesday.As a result, Postecoglou views the possibility of his absentee-hit, knackered team making the final as on a par with winning the competition itself.He added: “We’re having a tough season. Our league form is really poor, we need to improve.“But we are in a semi-final of a competition and with the group of players we’ve got at the moment, if we can achieve something where they are in their careers, I think it does set you up really well for what we’re trying to build here. I think it does.“If we get a final and happen to win a trophy, we’ll look back on this period of where we are, a small group of players having to rise above and beyond to get there, I think that will be as worthy of the achievement as actually winning it.”Liverpool won 6-3 at Spurs in the league just 17 days ago and at one point were 5-1 up.Sticking to his tacticsIt underlines the size of the task facing Postecoglou, who will not swerve from his attacking philosophy but has taken lessons from that battering.He added: “When we did our review, we did some things really well on the night but we did some things really poorly.“It was more about moments in the game that you can’t switch off against a team of that quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There were learnings from it. And because it was so recent, you certainly use that as a foundation for the kind of game we need tomorrow in terms of addressing it a bit differently.”Likely line-up: Kinsky; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Son. More