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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola APOLOGISES to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola is “so sorry” Jack Grealish isn’t playing enough this season.Grealish, 29, became the most expensive British signing in Premier League history four years ago when he joined City from Aston Villa following a staggering £100million deal.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola apologised to Jack Grealish for his lack of minutesCredit: GettyGrealish has been struggling for a place in Man City’s starting line-upCredit: RexThe versatile forward hit the ground running under Guardiola, 54, and he was a key part of the treble-winning side during the 2022-23 campaign.However, the England international has significantly slowed down the last two seasons, something that led to a heartbreaking omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer.Grealish has only managed a mere two goals and four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this term – that adds up to just 604 Premier League minutes.The ex-Villa star hasn’t been part of Guardiola’s starting line-up since January 11 when the Citizens demolished Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup.Read More on FootballGrealish will be hoping to start in the competition’s fourth round on Saturday at Leyton Orient where the Catalan tactician can rotate.Guardiola addressed the issue with an apparent public apology to his player.However, the City boss insists this is not personal and instead this comes down to better displays by the likes of Jeremy Doku and especially Savinho.Guardiola said: “I’m so sorry he doesn’t get the minutes that maybe he deserves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But [in] the end, the contributions from Jeremy or Savinho have been massive this season, this is the only reason why.”It’s not personal, or [that] I don’t like Jack, or I don’t have confidence in him.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad”Of course when you play one player more minutes than another, you have more confidence [than him] right now. “But I know his attributes, it’s just for the fact that for the impact of Savinho.It’s [Savinho’s] first season; his impact in goals, and assists, the last game at Arsenal made an incredible step-up defensively and challenging duels. And this is the reason why.”SunSport revealed that Grealish’s lack of minutes at the Etihad led to interest from Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan during the January transfer window amid doubts about his Man City future. More

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      Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd

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      ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has lifted the lid on how Marcus Rashford has been training after his dramatic exit from Manchester United.Rashford, 27, left United under a cloud after two decades with the club as he fell out of favour soon after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford was criticised by Ruben Amorim for the way he trained at Manchester UnitedCredit: Aston VillaAston Villa boss Unai Emery is very happy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: GettySince December 12, Amorim left the star forward out of his squad for every game apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.The Portuguese tactician then suggested he was so unhappy with the way the England international trained he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital instead.That led to Rashford joining Villa on loan during the January transfer window.And Amorim admitted he could not get the United star to buy into his plan.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Emery insists he is very happy with the way Rashford trains under him.The Spanish tactician, who pushed hard for that signing, described his new player’s efforts as “fantastic”.Emery said: “Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match. “We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford is looking to regain his former goalscoring prominence during his temporary stint at Villa, which could become permanent in June.The United academy graduate could make his debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday at Villa Park.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd Emery, who convinced Rashford to join him after a long phone call, is relishing the challenge of helping his new player regain top form.The Villa boss added: “I’m very happy with the window we did, I’m very happy with him,””The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football.”I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us.”I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here.”I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.” More

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      ‘He’ll kill you!’ – Man Utd star opens up on Ruben Amorim’s zero tolerance approach towards lazy players in training

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      LENY YORO has opened up over Ruben Amorim’s zero-tolerance approach towards lazy players in training.The Manchester United boss has shown it’s his way or the highway after packing Marcus Rashford out on loan to Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim’s brutal training demands have been revealedCredit: PALeny Yoro says all Man Utd players are expected to work to the highest standardsCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford felt the wrath of Amorim for his lack of effort and is now at Aston VillaCredit: ReutersA key man under former manager Erik ten Hag, Rashford was quickly axed by Amorim after failing to match the intensity demanded at Carrington.It saw the forward linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.But in the end it was Aston Villa, eight points above United in the Premier League table, who won the race for Rashford.Amorim has since wished the ace good luck while insisting he could not find a way back for Rashford in United’s squad due to his lack of work ethic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd defender Yoro has now lifted the lid on Amorim’s no-nonsense approach to life on the training field.Admitting the tactician has a zero-tolerance policy for passengers, Yoro told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast: “I have a really good relationship with Amorim.“I just try to do what he asks me to do. He’s big on communication with the players because he played at a top level.“He’s been at a lot of clubs so he knows your feelings when you’re not playing or when you have a bad game.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He knows how to speak with you and that’s really important for me. In training, it’s really, I would say, hard. But it’s important.“We have a lot of training and, for him, training is really important because you play the game like you train. Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transfer“The most important thing is to be really good in training. If you are not working, if you are lazy, he won’t like you — he’ll kill you!“It’s normal because you play like you train. He’s really strict on this because, to win games and trophies, you need to be disciplined outside the pitch. You need to be punctual.” More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League squad announced with £200,000-a-week star and £12.5m signing left OUT

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      TOTTENHAM have announced their renewed Europa League squad… and there are a few surprises.Spurs punched their ticket straight into the Last 16 after finishing fourth in the league phase.Tottenham have left two major names out of their renewed Europa League squadCredit: ReutersTimo Werner was omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League squadCredit: GettyTottenham January signing Antonin Kinsky was also axedCredit: GettyThe North Londoners were allowed to make three changes to the squad ahead of the knockouts.Manager Ange Postecoglou added two January signings in Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.Danso, 26, moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy for around £21million.Tel, 19, also joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for about £52m, which would then lead to a six-year contract.Read More on FootballThe forward initially rejected Tottenham but changed his mind after a long phone call with Postecoglou, who won him over after he explained how he plans to use him on the pitch.Danso and Tel were joined in the Europa League squad by Djed Spence, who has shone bright this season amid Spurs’ injury hell, as the third change.Postecoglou had to make two major omissions to make space for the aforementioned trio.That led to Timo Werner and another January signing in Antonin Kinsky being axed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKinsky, 21, joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague after a £12.5m deal as an emergency transfer following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and a series of gaffes from back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.However, Vicario is expected to return from an ankle injury and Postecoglou decided to have Brandon Austin as the Italian shot-stopper’s back-up after also axing Forster.’Horrendous’ – Jamie Carragher reveals moment Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign changed and they’ve been ‘awful’ ever sinceWerner has fallen down the pecking order following a series of below-par performances.The winger, who earns about £200,000 per week amid his loan stint from RB Leipzig, recently received some brutal criticism from Postecoglou, who claimed: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The Germany international is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which could have contributed to his omission.Radu Dragusin has also been axed following a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.Tottenham Europa League squad 2024/25Here’s Tottenham’s renewed Europa League squad for the knockouts stage:Goalkeepers: Vicario, Austin, Whiteman, GunterDefenders: Danso, Udogie, Romero, Porro, Spence, Davies, Van de Ven, Dorrington, Cassanova, King, HardyMidfielders: Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Moore, Hall, Kyerematen, OlusesiForwards: Son, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Lankshear, Scarlett, Ajayi, Williams-Barnett More

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      Eddie Howe issues hands-off warning as fears arise Kieran Trippier could still leave Newcastle this month

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      EDDIE HOWE has revealed his delight at keeping Kieran Trippier – and issued a hands-off warning to Galatasaray.The veteran full-back, 34, has suffered a difficult campaign both on and off-field amid constant speculation over his future.Eddie Howe has issued a hands-off warning over Kieran TrippierCredit: GettyThe right-back is a target for GalatasarayCredit: GettyTurkish giants Galatasaray are the latest club to test the waters about signing the ex-England star.And they could still try and make a move before their transfer window closes on February 11.PSR-conscious Toon chiefs could have been tempted to cash in on Trippier given he only has 18 months remaining on his St James’ Park contract.Howe, however, could not be happier that he still has Trippier in his squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ace produced a fine performance, on just his seventh start this season, in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday to secure a place in the Carabao Cup Final.Howe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress. “He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do. “He has been able to do that consistently for us. He then came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places. “We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no one who can do what he can do.“Set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership is unique.“He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season.” More

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      Man City launch new legal battle against Premier League two weeks before landmark hearing

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      MANCHESTER City launched another legal battle against the Premier League – as they want the LATEST sponsorship rules declared ILLEGAL.City’s pre-emptive strike was initiated last month ahead of this week’s hearing into their challenges against the previous set of Associated Party Transaction rules.Man City have launched another legal battle against the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPrem and City lawyers argued their case at a two day Arbitration hearing which is due to determine whether the regulations which were declared “unlawful” in the autumn have been fixed by the changes voted in by a 16-4 majority vote of clubs in November.City are arguing that the declaration by the panel that the rules as they previously stood were “unlawful” meant that they could not just be adjusted by the “tweaks” approved by the club after Prem bosses took independent legal advice.But now Prem chief executive Richard Masters has told the 20 clubs that City have begun separate proceedings which call into question the legitimacy of the entire rulebook relating to the deals.Associated Party Transactions – APTs – are commercial contracts entered into by clubs with companies related to their owners.Read More on Man CityIn November, Prem bosses persuaded Chelsea, Everton and Wolves to change sides and back the new regulations, which allowed owners to convert previous “shareholder loans” into shares in their clubs.City wanted ahead of the vote that a decision not to look retrospectively at the loans – often at low or zero interest rates – would not be legally viable.That is understood to be the thrust of the latest legal move, with Lord Pannick KC understood to again be leading City’s legal arguments.In his letter to clubs – issued ahead of next week’s two day “shareholder” meeting, likely to be an even feistier affair given the anger brewing between the two sides – Masters explained: “Manchester City FC seeks a declaration that the amendments approved by clubs in November (and therefore the current APT rules in force) are unlawful and void.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The Premier League remains strongly of the view that the amendments passed in November were lawful and the APT rules comply with all competition law requirements.“We consider that the new arbitration must be resolved as soon as possible and, to that end, have agreed that the same tribunal should be appointed to hear the new case.How Arsenal humbled Man City with Arteta’s genius double press“The parties are currently corresponding in relation to further directions.“Meanwhile, the APT rules remain in full force and effect and clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”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

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      Unai Emery has taken a huge gamble on Marcus Rashford… he must hit ground running to prove he’s not finished at 27

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      UNAI EMERY’S judgment of players is about to come under scrutiny like never before.For a man who comes across as cautious, modest and reserved, Emery has blown the lid off his outward persona by swapping Jhon Duran for Marcus Rashford.Marcus Rashford faces crunch time on loan at Aston VillaCredit: Aston VillaVilla chief Unai Emery is taking a risk bringing in RashfordCredit: GettyJhon Duran left Villa for Al-Nassr after being rated as a ‘challenge’Credit: GettyDuran was considered a ‘challenge’ at Villa. A product of his upbringing in Colombia but hard work nonetheless. Turning up late for training; too many tantrums on the pitch.Rashford didn’t even get that far in his final death throes at Manchester United.An outcast elbowed from the squad. Ridiculed by manager Ruben Amorim for an alleged lack of application.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his efforts fighting child poverty suggest his heart is in the right place.On the face of it, Emery appears to have swapped like-for-like at a crucial point in time for him and his employers, and taken a gamble even Villa’s shirt sponsors might baulk at.They face Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, which could see Rashford play for the first time since December 12, after joining on loan until the end of the season.Through to the last 16 of the Champions League, there’s plenty to aim for this season.Most read in FootballRuben Amorim offloaded Rashford after dropping him totallyCredit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEqually, the demands of fighting on so many fronts has taken its toll in the Premier League.Two points from the last nine has seen Villa slip to eighth.Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonThe goal for the vast majority of managers competing in Europe’s top competition is to qualify again the following year because there’s  little hope of actually winning it.That means Villa need a kick-start in the league.For that, Emery needs a  committed squad that can be relied upon week in, week out.No shirkers, no sulking, no dodgy sicknotes. Otherwise it’s curtains for the boss. Emery had his fingers burnt before trying to manage distracted stars, badly losing the battle with Mesut Ozil while attempting to keep Arsenal on the up following Arsene Wenger’s departure.He inherited that situation but  nevertheless admitted he could not change the moody German, and it played a significant role in Arsenal’s downward slide at the time.So far so good with Rashford. The day after signing on Sunday, he asked to train while his team-mates were off.A cracking start but then it usually is before the expectation kicks in. The next five months are pivotal for Rashford, Emery and Villa’s hopes of ending the season on a high.Rashford has been in mothballs for almost two months. He must hit the ground running and keep his nose clean until May to convince us he is not a busted flush at just 27.Duran was difficult but still racked up 12 goals before Villa turned a £50million-plus profit by flogging him.The direction of travel for Rashford’s market value is up to him but there is so much at stake for his manager to make sure this deal is successful.It is possible to beat the odds and make these daring signings come off.Harry Redknapp risked his reputation by signing Paolo Di Canio for West Ham then made him a club legend.Juventus don’t regret signing Carlos Tevez and winning the Italian league after his soap opera years at  Manchester United and City.The next five months are pivotal for Rashford, Emery and Villa’s hopes of ending the season on a high.Gouing… goneMATHIS AMOUGOU arrived at Chelsea on the back of an eight-year contract and immediately declared his aim to make an impression.The midfielder, 19, gushed: “It’s an honour for me to sign for such a big club as Chelsea.Mathis Amougou might have to buck the trend to succeed at ChelseaCredit: Getty“They believe in young players and the process they have in place for us to develop is fantastic.”That’s probably what Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Deivid Washington, Djordje Petrovic, Cesare Casadei and Diego Moreira among others thought when they signed. Most have come and gone on loan and made little impact.Del so wrongDEREK CHISORA was wrong to label boxing a ‘scumbag’ sport.Mostly the protagonists come from chequered backgrounds but have turned their back on crime and lowlife to become supreme athletes with incredible mental strength.Those with the courage to step into a ring and put their lives on the line are people of bravery and commitment and up with the greats of any sport.Fairway frolicsWHO would have thought golf could be such a ­riotous sport?Organisers of the Phoenix Open in Arizona are taking steps to avoid a repeat of last year’s mayhem when 54 fans were arrested and 300 ejected due to drunken rowdiness.One even leapfrogged the boundary ropes bare-chested and performed ‘snow angels’ in a bunker.Where do I get a ticket?Fan-ning the flamesFRANCE will have boisterous support amongst an English crowd when they most likely win at Twickenham on Saturday.It was the same in Dublin last Saturday when England lost their Six Nations opener to Ireland.Rugby prides itself on rival supporters being able to drink alcohol freely and still mingle in safety. Of course we get the look-down-your-nose comparison to football — where that doesn’t happen.Manchester United versus Rangers is the latest example with the trouble inside Old Trafford being universally condemned.Around 39 fans were arrested at Old TraffordCredit: XBut there has to be a simple acceptance that football has been built on being the most tribal sport in the world. There are some positives to go with that.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisiting fans in the home end simply need to sit down, shut up and take in the game. It is possible.And those who can’t stop themselves from goading the people around them shouldn’t seek sympathy for their shiners afterwards.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Tottenham loanee Mathys Tel ‘eyeing summer Man Utd transfer’ as debut ends in Anfield humiliation

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      TOTTENHAM loanee Mathys Tel is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Manchester United.The 19-year-old’s hopes of a dream debut went up in smoke after Spurs were humiliated by Liverpool at Anfield.Mathys Tel is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYLiverpool set up a League Cup final with NewcastleHolding a shock 1-0 lead from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Spurs went onto lose 4-0 in the return leg last night.Ange Postecoglou’s side couldn’t lay a glove on Arne Slot’s men – and failed to register a single shot on target.Tel – who came on for Richarlison on the stroke on half-time – may already be left questioning his move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.He was expected to lead the line, as the Brazilian had done, centrally, and there were sparks of intelligent play from the Bayern Munich star.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Frenchman provided a key pass amongst 18 touches of the ball, though failed to do much else of note beyond firing into the side netting in the second half.While reports suggested that he’d secretly agreed to sign a permanent deal with Tottenham, Tel might now be drawn to Old Trafford.But Tel would be swapping one car crash for another, as United sit 13th in the Prem and have lost to Spurs twice already this season.United expressed an interest in loaning Tel before he joined Tottenham, who have the option to buy him, on deadline day.Most read in FootballThey ultimately decided against it after the clubs couldn’t agree on a fee.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Ruben Amorim will get a “second chance” to sign Tel as the French starlet was open to a move to Manchester in January, according to German football expert Christian Falk.If the Red Devils – who are depleted in forward areas – do want him in the summer they’ll have to fork out around £50m to Bayern.Mathys Tel completes dramatic Tottenham loan transfer after making shock U-turn Tel had initially rejected a switch to Spurs when a straight £50m deal was on the table.Spurs fans worried about paying £10MILLION for a three-and-a-half-month loan deal, but Postecoglou adamantly claimed the French teenager was going to be at the club for years to come.In all, Tel – the centre-forward Ange so desperately wanted – had just ONE touch of the ball in the box against Liverpool.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More