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      ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange Postecoglou

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      GARY NEVILLE has predicted the exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange Postecoglou.The beleaguered Aussie boss is suffering a dismal season in the dugout, losing eight of his last 10 league matches.Gary Neville reckons he knows when Ange Postecoglou will be sacked by SpursCredit: GettyNeville fears Big Ange could fall short in two key fixturesSpurs sit 15th in the table with just seven wins and 13 defeats from 23 games.And their latest loss was a dismal 2-1 collapse at home to lowly Leicester.Postecoglou appears to be clinging on ahead of a tough run of fixtures.But there are two games which are set to be crucial in deciding his future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn February 6, Tottenham will look to defend a 1-0 lead in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.Just three days later they then take on Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa in a tough contest.Postecoglou has maintained he “always wins a trophy in the second season.”But defeat in both of those competitions would see him with just the Europa League to play for.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Neville reckons should Tottenham lose to both Liverpool and Villa, Daniel Levy will pull the trigger on Big Ange’s time in north London.Neville told The Overlap: “I think if he loses the second leg of the Carabao Cup to Liverpool, and he goes out the FA Cup to Villa away, I think it will become so toxic that Daniel Levy will act.Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeat“If they’re out of the cup competitions I think he will act.“If they’re in the cup competitions I think he might [stay].“[Levy] can’t do it now before the cup games, the fans will kill him.”Wayne Rooney, who was left Plymouth Argyle in December, continued: “Some managers you look at, they annoy you.“But with Postecoglou, I love how honest he is. We had it with Louis van Gaal, sometimes you can be too honest and it comes back to kill you.“With Ange, injuries have absolutely killed him. I don’t think it’s just about trophies [for fans], the fall-off this season is what no one has seen coming.“If Spurs were consistently now in the top four and getting to semis and finals, I would have thought they would be quite pleased.” More

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      What do Tottenham need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?

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      TOTTENHAM started their Europe League campaign in blistering form but have tailed off recently to add jeopardy to qualification. The North London club were the competition’s high-flyers, winning three from three, but in recent months have dropped points in three out of their last four.Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure at TottenhamA win in their last outing to equally out-of-sorts Hoffenheim has made the path towards a guaranteed place in the knockouts more simpler. Ange Postecoglou’s side currently sit sixth in the league phase on 14 points – just one ahead of the perilous play-off positions.The Lillywhites, who are on the hunt for an elusive trophy, host Swedish side Elfsborg for the final league game. But, what do they need to qualify?READ MORE on SPURSWhat do Spurs need to guarantee qualification to the Europa League last 16?Just like fellow last 16 hopefuls Manchester United, a win on Thursday would assure qualification for Spurs.The introduced eight-game ‘Swiss model’ has scrapped the traditional 32-team group stage of Europe’s top club competitions for a 36-team league phase.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a playoff tie between ninth to 24th.According to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 UEL league phase 50,000 times to work out team’s Europa League knockout likelihood – Spurs have a 92.6 per cent chance of a top-eight finish.Most read in FootballHow to watch Spurs vs Elfsborg Spurs’ final league phase game against Elfsborg will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.Fans will also have the option to stream all the action on discovery+ which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the huge match and all Europa League games is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 30.Alternatively, tune in to SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens. More

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      Cole Palmer is in same bracket as Chelsea icon – but my celebration is better than his, says Blues hero David Luiz

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      DAVID LUIZ did not bat an eyelid when Enzo Maresca poured cold water on Chelsea’s title hopes.The Brazilian defender claimed club legend and Mr Ego Jose Mourinho would be saying exactly the same if he were in the Stamford Bridge dugout right now.David Luiz has heaped praise on Chelsea star Cole PalmerCredit: GettyTitle-winner Luiz reckons his tongue-out celebration is better than Palmer’s ‘cold’ oneCredit: GettyLuiz ranks Palmer alongside former Chelsea teammate Eden HazardCredit: GettyBut Luiz, who is desperate to manage in the Premier League one day, claims if anyone is to ignite a title challenge for the Blues next season, it will be “world class” Cole ‘Cold’ Palmer.Chelsea were second in the Premier League and just two points shy of pace-setters Liverpool when the boss played the safety card in mid-December.Yet his side has foundered since,  winning only ONE of their last seven games and slipping to sixth.Some thought the Italian’s assessment smacked of a loser’s mentality and has contributed to their dip. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Luiz, who won both the Champions League and Premier League in West London, told SunSport: “I don’t think it was a lack of ambition.“Enzo’s there every single day. He knows more than everybody Chelsea’s level. We cannot be here pointing at him and judging what he has to say.“He is just trying to be honest but, inside his head, there’s a lot of ambition and he wants to win titles.“It’s just that it’s not the right moment. Of course, Mourinho never said anything like that but he’d say the same at the moment.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Maresca is doing a great job, the team is starting to have a great philosophy to play football again. “And if they continue this way, soon Chelsea is going to come back and start to fight for titles again — next season they will challenge with Liverpool, City, Arsenal.Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debutLuiz helped Chelsea win their first Champions League in 2012Credit: GettyHe then won the Europa League a year laterCredit: Getty“Chelsea chose the right young players with a lot of talent with great quality.”Samba star Luiz, 37, who now plays for Fortaleza in his homeland, made no mystery of how highly he rates Palmer.He compared him to Blues legend and former team-mate Eden Hazard and tipped the England star to be the driving force behind Chelsea’s return to glory.Luiz, who also played for Arsenal, said: “Cole, like Eden, is on another level, he’s a world-class player.“He took a tough  decision to leave Man City and it was the right one for him.“Everybody can now see the amazing player that he is.  I’m enjoying seeing him play.“He’s intelligent and intelligent players are difficult to defend.“He’d have played in my 2012 and 2017 teams — for world-class players there’s always a place.”Luiz’s final trophy at Chelsea was another Europa League in 2019Credit: GettyHe has just left Brazilian side Flamengo after four yearsCredit: GettyBut Luiz joked that Palmer’s shoulder- rubbing ‘cold’ celebration is no match for his own tongue-out celebration.He said: “Mine was better because you didn’t see it that much, while he’s scoring every single week!“In my time, Chelsea fans had to wait for up to ten or 20 games . . . so I go for mine!”Luiz’s star-studded Chelsea teams used to gun for glory every single season — but now the club’s main aim is to finish in the top four while looking to get their hands on the low-rent Conference League.Luiz said: “It’s a different period. Chelsea are in transition now while in my time the club was stabilised in every department and everything was in the right position, so it was easy to fight for the titles.“Each time a player arrived he was able to do everything in the short period and was ready to help the team.“Now it’s a totally different moment and it’s never easy when you change everything and restart a club.“There’s been a big change in Chelsea. When you change Roman Abramovich for another president, the ambitions change. “But the new owners are just trying to put everything in the right way, the club is heading in the right direction and, for sure, Chelsea will come back.”Luiz reckons Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo are showing their classCredit: GettyHe has leaped to the defence of misfiring striker Nicolas JacksonCredit: GettyThe ex-Paris Saint-Germain star has credited fellow South Americans Moises Caicedo, 23, and 24-year-old Enzo Fernandez for going from dead-men walking to finally living up to their multi-million price tags.He said: “I love a lot of players at Chelsea but in particular Caicedo. He has some amazing qualities, he’s powerful.“He didn’t start well but he had the personality to keep going, keep fighting and now he’s started to show his class.“Enzo is another top player, a world-class one. But sometimes when collective results are good, then everybody judges individual  performances in a different way.“Enzo is fantastic and at Chelsea he has many examples to follow to continue to improve.”Luiz also leapt to the defence of Robert Sanchez and Nicolas Jackson, with the calamity pair enraging the Stamford Bridge faithful every now and then.He said: “In every club around the world always supporters are not going to be happy with two or three players. This is normal.“But I think Jackson and Sanchez are amazing players — and they will prove that to Chelsea fans and give good things soon.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Fans deserve amazing players who play well and I hope they can both repay their faith. “The moment that you sign for  Chelsea, you already have the potential to be a great Premier League player.” More

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      Fire breaks out outside Etihad as fans evacuated and emergency services called before Man City’s Champions League clash

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      A FIRE broke out just outside the Etihad as thousands of fans were evacuated under two hours before Manchester City’s Champions League clash.The Premier League champions host Club Brugge needing a win to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages after a nightmare season so far.A fire broke out outside the Etihad stadiumCredit: RexA merchandise van caught fireCredit: PAAn ambulance rushes to the sceneCredit: RexEmergency services put out the fireCredit: RexEmergency services were quick on the sceneCredit: RexAnd things got off the a dramatic start when a large fire broke out just outside the stadium as supporters gathered before the game.Footage emerged showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.Fire trucks and ambulances were seen also rushing to the scene as thousands of fans looked on in shock.Smoke billowed from the blaze towards the stadium with reports some had entered the fan concourses.The surrounding area was evacuated as emergency services put out the fire – as the club released a statement. It read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.”Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. “The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival.”Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”New signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis were all due to be unveiled in the area before kick-off.That event was ultimately cancelled.City’s team bus usually arrives in between a huge crowd of fans – but this was also scrapped.Supporters had been preparing to get themselves inside the stadium in a bid to cheer on hosts. City sit 25th in the new-look League Phase table – just outside the top 16 play-off spots. To progress, Pep Guardiola’s side must win due to goal difference of the teams around them.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.Guardiola said: “The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We want to have another chance to play another two games, to have the chance of the next stages. “It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.” More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star returns to training in major boost for Ruben Amorim having played just 98 MINUTES this season

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      FORGOTTEN Manchester United star Luke Shaw has returned to training after playing just 98 minutes this season.The England left-back has been plagued by injuries once again and has barely featured under new boss Ruben Amorim.Luke Shaw is back in training with Man UtdCredit: PAThe left-back has played just 98 minutes of football this seasonCredit: PAShaw was joined by fellow forgotten man Marcus RashfordCredit: PAIndeed, Shaw has just about clocked up the equivalent of one entire football match since playing for his country in their Euros final defeat to Spain.His absence has left United light in two positions in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.As well as the left wing-back role, Shaw can also play the left centre-back position.But he could now be available for tomorrow’s Europa League game against FCSB.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShaw was seen on the training field with teammates including Marcus Rashford on Wednesday.And he could now be thrust into the starting XI on the left, which has been occupied by right-footer Diogo Dalot during Amorim’s reign.But Shaw may find he has a battle on his hands once he’s match fit.That’s because United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 20-year-old is rated as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe.He is expected to fly from Italy to England today.Marcus Rashford trains with Man Utd ahead of transfer deadline day Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is expected to join Man Utd tomorrowCredit: GettyTyrell Malacia could be on his way to Real BetisCredit: AlamyAnd Dorgu could complete a £30million transfer on Thursday, with a potential debut on Sunday against Crystal Palace to come.The youngster’s arrival could spell the end of Tyrell Malacia’s miserable Old Trafford career.The Dutchman has emerged as a loan target for Spanish side Real Betis.And he could jump at the chance for a fresh start, with United misfit Antony having already signed for the LaLiga club this month.Meanwhile, fans had their ironic say on Shaw’s return to action.One fan said: “Luke Shaw every time we sign a new LB,” shared alongside a photo of Shaw in a Brazil shirt as a mock-up of Roberto Carlos.A second said: “Luke Shaw whenever there is competition for his position,” shared with a WWE getting up from a wheelchair.A third said: “Luke Shaw after seeing we’re signing Patrick Dorgu,” shared with a video of the Undertaker emerging from a coffin in a WWE match.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother said: “Buy a LB and Luke Shaw instantly back in first-team training. Couldn’t write it”A fifth added: “Every time we sign a new left-back Luke Shaw rises like a phoenix.” More

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      Marcus Rashford laughs and jokes in Man Utd training days after Amorim said he’d rather start goalkeeping coach, 63

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was all smiles in Manchester United training this morning.It comes after Ruben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in his matchday squad.Marcus Rashford joined Ruben Amorim’s training at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: GettyRashford was all smiles as he was pictured as part of the main groupCredit: PARashford was spotted next to Harry MaguireCredit: PARuben Amorim claimed that 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would be more deserving of a place in the matchday squadCredit: PADespite that, Rashford was pictured joking and laughing with his team-matesCredit: ReutersRashford is ready to be called upon ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clashCredit: ReutersDespite that, the 27-year-old was included in Amorim’s final practice ahead of United’s Europa League trip to Romania to face FCSB on Thursday.Amorim first questioned Rashford’s effort on the training ground after leaving him out of the Manchester Derby win on December 15.And the Portuguese boss has continued to reiterate his problem with the England international’s work-rate at Carrington.Amorim, who turned 40 years old on Monday, doubled down on his Rashford stance after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “It’s always the same reason. The reasons is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. “In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.”The United forward has not played for Amorim since the club’s 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.The Red Devils have played 11 matches across all competitions since then with Rashford being named as an unused sub once against Newcastle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe relationship between the manager and player is now reportedly at an all-time low.It comes days after the Guardian reported that Amorim and Rashford are allegedly no longer on direct speaking terms.Paul Scholes says Marcus Rashford should be ‘banished’ from Man Utd dressing room Amorim and his coaching staff had some fun tooCredit: PAAmorim and Fletcher received a birthday treat from the squadCredit: ReutersChelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also pictured looking gleeful in trainingCredit: PAThe report claims that the only time Amorim will address Rashford is when he is speaking to the squad as a whole.Despite that, the £325,000-per-week winger has stayed training with his team-mates and was pictured in practice for the first time last week.But Amorim hasn’t let the controversy get to him this week after he was filmed running the gauntlet alongside Darren Fletcher this morning.The gaffer celebrated his milestone on Monday, while Fletcher is set to mark his 41st birthday on Saturday 1 February.However club legend Paul Scholes has called for Rashford to be banished from the dressing room altogether.Scholes believes his on going transfer saga amid allegations of poor effort in training is “setting a bad example for the young players at the club”.United have lost five of the 11 games Rashford has been absent for.But he has posted messages of support for his team-mates on Instagram after their recent wins over Rangers and Fulham.Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window – which closes in five days time.It came after the winger admitted he is ready for a “new challenge” in December.Amorim has repeatedly questioned Rashford’s effort in trainingCredit: PAMeanwhile Luke Shaw returned for the first time since early DecemberCredit: PABut SunSport exclusively reported that he is now open to staying and fighting for his place.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to play if selected.But Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard reportedly still met with Barcelona executives in Lisbon last Wednesday.Rashford reportedly has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.The home-grown player was initially linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.But Kyle Walker’s loan move to Milan is set to end the Serie A side’s long-running interest in Rashford and Dortmund cannot afford his wages.Cash-strapped Barca are finding it difficult to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor permanently, so a move to Spain seems off the cards too.Meanwhile, Luke Shaw returned to training for the first time since suffering a “devastating” muscle injury against Everton on December 1.Shaw had only just returned to the previous matchday squad against Ipswich before being ruled out again.Chelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho was also spotted laughing and joking with his team-mates at Carrington this morning.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited are on course to finish among the top eight of the Europa League standings and therefore secure an automatic spot in the round of 16.The Red Devils sit fourth in the Europa table with one game remaining.United’s next game comes against FCSB on ThursdayCredit: PAAmorim hasn’t let the controversy get to him this weekCredit: PAMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea star set to join Neymar at Santos as he leaves Stamford Bridge after just THREE appearances

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      DEIVID WASHINGTON is set to leave Chelsea on loan and join Neymar at Santos. The Brazilian signed for the Blues in the summer of 2023 for £17.1million from Santos. Deivid Washington is set to leave Chelsea on loan and join Neymar at SantosCredit: GettyBut he has managed only three appearances in West London – all coming in cup competition last season. The playmaker – who can play centrally or out wide – has been linked with a move away from Chelsea amid his lack of game time. And according to Ben Jacobs, 19-year-old Washington is closing in on a season-long loan back to Santos before the January transfer window shuts.It comes as the Brazilian side – top of the league – look to bring superstar Neymar back to the club. READ MORE IN football The former PSG and Barcelona winger has terminated his £2.5million-a-week deal with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 32-year-old managed just one goal and three assists in seven appearances during a disappointing two-year stint at the Kingdom Arena.Neymar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.It kept him out for a year before returning 12 months later – getting injured again in his second game back. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAl Hilal agreed to terminate his contract and Neymar is closing in on a return to Brazil. Neymar spent four years with Santos from 2009-2013 – scoring 136 goals in 225 games – before joining Barcelona.In Spain he won two LaLiga titles and the Champions League before a world-record £198m move to PSG in 2017. After five years in the French capital – winning the league title every season – Neymar made the move to Saudi. Neymar has left Al HilalCredit: AFPThe Brazilian is closing in on a return to SantosCredit: Reuters More

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      Phil Foden swipes at Gareth Southgate for playing him out of position at Euros as England star says ‘we never got going’

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      PHIL FODEN has finally got his spark back and is now aiming to light up the rest of Manchester City’s season.The Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2023-24 felt burnt out when he returned to the club following last summer’s European Championship.Phil Foden opened up on his Euro 2024 heartacheCredit: GettyAlthough England reached the final in Germany, it was a difficult tournament for Foden.The hangover from that disappointment lasted several months and it is only since the start of 2025 we have begun to see the old Foden again.It cannot be a coincidence that six goals in the last four Prem games have coincided with a mini-revival for Pep Guardiola’s team.And they need their homegrown star to continue to shine to help save their Champions League skins tonight.READ MORE IN football Only a win over Club Brugge will be enough for the 2022-23 winners to avoid an embarrassing early exit.Yet with Foden back in form, most expect them to get the job done.The hopes of a fifth straight Prem title may be all but gone but the midfielder insists City have plenty to play for — and he intends to be at the centre of it.Foden, 24, said: “Even though it’s been a challenging season, we’ve still got things to look forward to.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Because we’re having a bit of a blip, we can’t lose belief in that.“I still believe we can do good things and come back from this. I want to try to show I’m a leader by turning up in big moments and help the team when I can. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“We need to look at finishing at least top four in the Premier League — aiming to win the Champions League and the FA Cup as well.”Foden has been pivotal to City’s recent success which has seen them win six of the last seven Prem titles.It is only 19 months ago they did the Treble but Foden feels all the exertions of recent years finally caught up with him in August.He could not find the energy which has been such a key feature of his game — leaving fans wondering what was wrong.Foden said: “For me, football is played with the brain and when the brain is mentally fatigued you’re not going to see a player for who he is.“I’m normally itching to get back but when I came back my body and my mental state was low.“I’ve been playing since the age of five pushing myself every day to be the best I can.“When you add up all the games and all the travelling it is a lot for the body. “I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent when I was training, and there were a few niggles. There were times when I was getting frustrated.“My body didn’t feel how I was used to and it’s something I’ve had to deal with.“I feel that’s the reason why I had a slow start to the season. I had a bit of rest, just to give my body time to recover.“I took the start of the season very slowly, I didn’t play much. I was resting and trying to get back to myself.“When you start the season good, I feel you have the rest of the season good. I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to. The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.Phil Foden “But I missed periods at the start of the season so I think that’s why it’s taken me so long to get going.”Foden is looking much more like his old self now — as City have started to go through the gears since Christmas.But the regrets over his time at the Euros with the Three Lions — when so much was expected of him — still linger.The England faithful even came up with a song — an adaptation of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in Dark.But Foden was stuck out on the left by former boss Gareth Southgate and never really got going — even though he played every game as the Three Lions reached the final.He said: “I feel frustrated I didn’t get out what I wanted to. The position I was put in on the left was very difficult to influence the game.“Coming off last season — being the best player in the Premier League and playing centre midfield — I do feel the position was quite difficult to get used to.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m one who can play multiple positions and I had to try to deal with it the best I could. “I don’t feel like England ever got going or performed to our potential.”Gareth Southgate played Foden on the leftCredit: Alamy More