Premier League

JOHN TERRY believes it could be “three to five years” before Chelsea celebrate another Premier League title.But despite spending more than £1billion on new players he has also called for patience from fans desperate to see the Blues dominating English football again.John Terry warned Chelsea fans it could be a long wait for another Premier League titleCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Blues are in a transition period this season after massive spending on transfersCredit: GettyTerry embodies the most successful period in Chelsea history with his immense haul of trophies from a glittering 19-year career as captain, leader and legend as the supporters say.In a wide-ranging interview in which he also hailed Cole Palmer’s leadership, Dan Burn’s heroics and gave his view on Thomas Tuchel as England boss, five-time Prem champion Terry said: “In terms of where we were 20 years ago, we’re not there. But we’re in a transition period. “As ex-players and fans we need to be very patient with that. And I say that with a ‘very’ in front of it because I think we’re three to five years off competing for the Premier League in my opinion.“But it was always going to be a process. When you sign young players – and we lost a bit of experience with Thiago Silva and those guys last year – there was going to be a process. “Even at the start of the season when things were going well, I expected a little drop from the players just because of that lack of experience and the game time. “So I’m comfortable with the direction we’re going in.”Man City have been off it this year but they’re still a top side. “As long as we keep seeing progression and closing the gap towards Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, because they’ve got to be the targets for everyone.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThe only trophy Terry, 44, failed to collect during his time at Stamford Bridge – which spanned three decades – was Fifa’s Club World Cup.Chelsea and Manchester City are the two English representatives at the revamped 32-team tournament in the USA this summer. ‘Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyWhere once it was seen as a two-week exhibition event in the Middle East, the best sides in Europe and the rest of the world will be on display.Terry works two days a week at the renowned Chelsea academy which launched him on the road to stardom.He believes the Club World Cup can be a springboard for the youngest squad in the top flight this season aged 23 ½ to gain valuable experience in the hunt for future glory.The former centre-back said: “If there’s one thing in the group you miss, it’s probably a bit of experience. As ex-players and fans we need to be very patient. And I say that with a ‘very’ in front of it because I think we’re three to five years off competing for the Premier League in my opinion.John Terry“So adding that on with competing and adding better players to the squad every year, playing in this Club World Cup is going to give the club £52million. That helps towards buying another player, another striker maybe, or defender, goalkeeper, midfielder, whatever that looks like.“We’re a big club, that’s what we’ve represented over the last 20 years. We want to be part of that.“We want to be competing against the best sides. It goes back to this, the Fifa Club World Cup. You want to be competing against the best sides, the best teams, the best players and testing yourself. And Chelsea are used to that.“It’s the trophy that passed me by. One I didn’t win. As players, you want to win all the trophies possible and test yourself against the best players and best teams. “This gives you the opportunity to do that.  People’s perception of it is new and people don’t like change. It’s going to take time.”Cole Palmer is a ‘leader’ in the Chelsea teamCredit: GettyThe forward sets the example – and not just with his goalscoringCredit: GettyIf Chelsea are to get their hands on the Club World Cup – and more importantly the Premier League trophy in years to come – JT knows Palmer will play a key role.But while many will immediately think of Palmer’s goals and assists, even amid a two-month goal drought and first missed penalty, Chelsea’s greatest-ever captain is impressed by his leadership. Terry witnessed first hand how deceptively strong wispish-looking Palmer is with the way he outstripped his team-mates in a recent bleep test at the training ground.JT added: “He probably doesn’t think, ‘I’m a leader here’, but he’s leading the group with his standards – ‘This is the standard you probably need to get up to. You need to get as fit as me.'”From afar people look at captains and leadership as if you’ve got to be that big vocal guy, screaming, shouting, barking orders. I think it’s very different now. “A lot of players now do it in the way they’re playing. He certainly falls under that category. Cole’s probably leading the way he likes to lead. “He’s been incredible for us. He’s taken a lot of the heat in terms of our dip, but also in terms of our first part of the season.From afar people look at captains and leadership as if you’ve got to be that big vocal guy, screaming, shouting, barking orders. I think it’s very different now.John Terry”It was probably all him, with his goals, contributions, work rate. Everything Chelsea were doing well revolved around him.”Teams have obviously identified that he’s the big threat and there needs to be a real focus.” Another man who is proving to be a big threat is Newcastle’s Burn, who opened the scoring in the Carabao Cup final win just days after receiving his maiden England call-up.And Chelsea-mad Terry reckons Blyth-born Burn’s love for the Toon is a brilliant advert for football. Terry, who played 717 times for the Blues after joining the club aged 14, said: “I know Dan and see him every now and then. I am just delighted for him because obviously Newcastle means to him what Chelsea means to me.”When you’re that player and it’s your club growing up that you’ve loved and everything it means the world to you.”All of us at the weekend were Newcastle supporters. It’s great to see. “Newcastle are probably Premier League supporters’ second team everyone loves. I think they’re really exciting to watch.”Big Dan’s been brilliant as well. I’m delighted for him to get called up to the England side as well. “He obviously has a real threat at set plays. “He’s done great and been really consistent over the last couple of years with Newcastle. Being part of that journey back to where they want to be, I am so delighted for him.”Dan Burn’s love for Newcastle is brilliant for footballCredit: AFPBurn received his first England call-up from new manager Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBurn is part of Tuchel’s first squad since replacing Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss.The former Chelsea boss was a controversial selection as the German got the nod over English candidates, including Burn’s club boss Eddie Howe, but has been brought in with the sole goal of winning the World Cup next year.Terry crossed paths with Tuchel during his 18-month stint as Chelsea boss from January 2021 to September 2022 – which included lifting the Champions League. Patriotic JT admits it is an adjustment having an England manager who hails from one of our great sporting rivals. But he believes the next generation of England coaches could mature while Tuchel is in charge.Terry said: “It wouldn’t be top of my list, but we’ve had foreign managers before, not German, but being England we have to get the best.ENGLISH WINNERS OF THE CLUB WORLD CUPFOUR English sides have won the Fifa Club World Cup – including Chelsea2008 – Manchester United (beat LDU Quito 1-0)2019 – Liverpool (beat Flamengo 1-0)2021 – Chelsea (beat Palmeiras 2-1 aet)2023 – Manchester City (beat Fluminense 4-0)”If the FA identify him as being the best, whether he’s from Brazil or Germany or wherever, let’s get him. “Have we got the level of coaches at that top, top level that have won major trophies and Champions Leagues? No, we haven’t. “We saw Eddie Howe winning the other day, which is really refreshing.”We see Frank Lampard doing well, so really setting the tone for the next generation of managers and young English managers need to be encouraged by that.”Hopefully one day we can have the best English manager as the England manager. “As a country, we need to be getting the best. Tuchel falls in that category, so absolutely why not? He’s a very good coach as well.” Terry is enjoying seeing pal Frank Lampard succeed at CoventryCredit: AFP – GettyThe former England skipper will keep a close eye on how Tuchel gets on with the Three LionsCredit: PA More

ARSENAL remain the only team to go an entire Premier League season undefeated when they won the title in 2003-04.But within a few years of that historic triumph, the Invincibles squad was broken up.Arsenal’s Invincibles won the Premier League in 2003-04Credit: GettyThierry Henry is the club’s top goalscorer and arguably greatest playerCredit: GettyHe left for Barcelona in a £16m transfer in 2007Credit: GettyAnd that included flogging superstar forward Thierry Henry.Talisman Henry – Arsenal captain at the time – left North London for Barcelona aged 29 in the summer of 2007.The Gunners received just £16million for their record goalscorer. But in a bombshell exclusive interview with SunSport, in which he slams the board for “failing” Mikel Arteta, former Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman revealed why they were prepared to sell Henry.READ MORE ON ARSENALEdelman said: “The reason Thierry moved on was because he was losing his speed. “His game was basically all about speed. “And if you lose your speed, then you’re dead. “So, we got money for him despite the fact that he was on the downward trap. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”It’s like Kevin De Bruyne. Would you have been better to sell him for more money at the end of last year? “Or keep him and risk that he’d keep going this season?”I trained with Thierry Henry and he ruined my Arsenal career and it took me two years to go back over to the first team Henry – who scored 228 times for Arsenal – had three seasons at the Nou Camp, winning two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.As for the team he left, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal went nine years without a major trophy between their FA Cup triumphs in 2005 and 2014. Part of the reason for the lack of success was because many of the 2004 Invincibles departed the club – including heroes Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires – to make way for cheaper, younger players with potential. The transfer strategy, though, was down to the financial mire Arsenal found themselves in.Edelman explained: “Building a team goes in waves. “If you’ve got endless amounts of money, as Manchester City had, you could keep a team going longer.”I’d argue there’s probably only 20 world-class players in the whole Premier League, which is a very small number. “Therefore, replacing world-class players is very difficult.”And therefore, if you win things, you have a lot of world-class players because that’s how you win things. But when they get older, it’s very difficult to replace them.”You’ve got to look at how many world-class players you’ve got in your team, and they won’t be world-class forever, they get older and tend to dip. “This is what I mean about looking at things strategically. “You’ve got to ask the right questions. You’ve got to be probing. I don’t think a lot of people do that.”Arsenal were, in the Invincible years, were really lucky because, they had Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Sol Campbell and Gilberto Silva, there’s five world-class players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRead our full interview with EdelmanEdelman has landed a new role away from football. He has taken up a position with the country’s leading keynote speakers’ agency, Champions Speakers, to deliver speeches in the business worldHenry had three seasons with Barcelona, winning the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersRobert Pires, Gilberto and Patrick Vieira were all deemed ‘world-class’ playersCredit: GettyFormer Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman, right, lifted the lid on the Arsene Wenger eraCredit: PA:Press Association More

MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester City have allegedly been caught up in an age fraud scandal over six academy stars.The Telegraph reports there are fears that some of the foreign-born youngsters may actually have been adults.Man Utd and Man City have been caught up in an age fraud scandalCredit: RexThe outlet claims to have seen evidence, including photos, potentially implicating the six as having played in older age groups back in their homelands.None of the players have been named.Neither United or City are suggested to have known they were not the age they were said to be.But both clubs are aware of the evidence that has emerged.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThree of the six players have gone on to play for England youth teams.Parents of other children at United and City’s academy previously raised concerns with staff about the six players in question.United and City, as well as the Premier League and Home Office, declined to comment on whether they have taken, or will take, any action.But City insist they have not strayed from all the required and relevant legal and regulatory obligations.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThey added that it’s not uncommon for star youth players to compete in older age groups.A statement from Manchester United added: “We are committed to operating all aspects of our academy within the rules and regulations laid down by our governing bodies, including the recruitment and registration of players.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival Anfield“We take our responsibilities for player wellbeing and safeguarding very seriously.“Indeed, we take pride in the reputation we have developed for considering the participants in our programmes as first and foremost children, rather than players.“Our recruitment process is focused firmly on future potential rather than current performance or physical development.” More

PREMIER LEAGUE stars including Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish are wearing red-tinted glasses for a new surprising health trend.The Manchester City duo were previously spotted with the eye-catching shades while on a flight.Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish are among stars wearing red glasses for a surprising health benefitCredit: Instagram @ra_opticsAnthony Elanga is the latest ace to don the shadesCredit: RexAnd Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has become the latest ace to rock the new look.The former Manchester United man stepped out on international duty for Sweden wearing the red glasses.Elanga’s interesting style sparked questions over the meaning of the shades.But it turns out they are not for fashion alone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmazingly, the glasses are actually beneficial for health.It’s believed red tints can increase melatonin in the body.The naturally-occurring hormone plays a huge role in regulating sleep.Levels are meant to be lower in the day and higher at night.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat allows people to drift off quicker, while also allowing for a deeper rest and therefore better recovery.Elanga revealed: “It helps me sleep. It’s important to keep an eye on your body, especially when you play so many matches. I am my own stylist.”Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsEdgar Davids used to wear red glasses, albeit for completely different reasonsCredit: GettyHaaland previously opened up on his reasons for wearing the shades.He said: “I think sleep is the most important thing in the world.“So to sleep good, simple kinds of things, blue blocking glasses, shutting out all the signals.”Elanga, Haaland and Grealish aren’t the first footballers to wear red glasses.Edgar Davids famously rocked a pair of shades when he took to the field.But the Dutch legend wore his for a completely different reason.The former Milan, Juventus and Barcelona star suffered from glaucoma and needed surgery to correct the problem.READ MORE SUN STORIESDavids began wearing his glasses in 1999 as a way to protect his eyes.And the iconic look has been synonymous with him ever since. More

CHRIS WADDLE has demanded that Ben White is slapped with a two-year England ban for “spitting his dummy out”.The Arsenal star has ended his international exile after walking out of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup camp in 2022 for “personal reasons”.Ben White should be banned from playing for England for two YEARS, Waddle claimsCredit: GettyChris Waddle feels the right-back should be punished for ‘spitting his dummy out’Credit: Hulton Archive – GettyWhite’s last England game came three years ago.And although injury has ruled him out of Thomas Tuchel’s first squad, the right-back is firmly in the German’s plans after the pair held peace talks.However, former Three Lions star Waddle reckons White should not be allowed to waltz straight back in.He feels the Arsenal ace made his own bed by refusing to play under Southgate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd nobody should be able to pick and choose when they represent their country on the pitch.Waddle, who won 62 caps, told 10bet: “No, I wouldn’t bring Ben White back in. He said he didn’t want to be picked again.“He spat the dummy out, didn’t he? So now he’s alright to play. So, he wants to pick and choose his England career?“Listen, you would never say you never want to play for England.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“I would never have said that. I would have played if I was 50. So, modern day players who say that, I’m not being picked, so don’t pick me again, all of a sudden become available.“For the time he didn’t play, he didn’t want to play, I would say, ‘Well, we’ll give you the same ban’.Dan Burn eyes World Cup after finally breaking into the England squad White is back in England’s plans after talks with Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has hailed White for being ‘brave’Credit: Getty“So if it was a year or two years, then I’d consider you in two years’ time. For me, you should never say no.“Now, OK, if you don’t get on with the manager and you don’t like the style of play, you wouldn’t be picked anyway. But when you get a late call-up, you don’t say no.”Waddle’s comments come days after Tuchel revealed White’s England U-turn.The gaffer said: “He loves to be back in the squad but it is too early now for him given the seriousness of the injury.”I am delighted that he is back in back-to-back trainings. We are monitoring the process.”Now it is a question of getting more minutes and he has every chance and he wants to be back.”Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed White as “brave” for telling Tuchel he wants to play for England again.Arteta noted: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it. I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.” More