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      ‘Maybe it’s time to give it the boot’ – West Ham CEO joins VAR criticism ahead of landmark Premier League vote

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      To VAR or not to VAR, that is the question.Well, it will be next month when all 20 Premier League clubs will decide what to do about the most controversial new plaything in football since they invented the ref’s whistle. Not quite, but you get my point.Referees like Michael Salisbury must wait to see if the plug will be pulled on VAR next season by a vote from Prem clubs next monthCredit: RexThe use of video replays has divided opinion amongst pundits and fansYou don’t need a PhD in human behaviour, or even more baffling, the handball laws, to realise VAR has not been a universal success.It was supposed to iron out the mistakes, make the game fairer for all and improve the overall experience for fans. To put it plainly, it has done none of that.At West Ham, any decision on which way to vote has not yet been decided but in many ways VAR has been a disaster, especially for the lifeblood of the game, the supporters.I have lost count of the number of times fans have said to me, ‘please get rid of it’ — and I can sympathise.READ MORE TOP STORIESSupporters pay good money to be entertained and sitting there waiting for interminable minutes for a  decision from Stockley Park has been driving many bonkers.My real problem with VAR is this — it was intended to eliminate mistakes and yet week in, week out, it does no such thing.Errors are being made all over the Prem and against every club.Fans can deal with the human error of the ref because they understand that we all make mistakes and they accept refs make honest mistakes.Most read in FootballLong delays for decisions as well as bad errors have irked critics of VARCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat they find hard to understand is how a so-called expert, in a room many miles away, with countless TV angles, can get it wrong, so often.That is my principal beef with VAR and over the five years it has been with us, it has not got much better or quicker, despite the fact that every season there have been assurances it will improve.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionAlso, VAR was introduced to avoid ‘clear and obvious errors’. We would all agree it has not been used for that.We have had instances where errors have not been corrected which a blind man could have spotted.Added to that, VAR has also punished clubs when their players have done nothing wrong. Those who back VAR say it works on offside ‘line’ decisions. But can they honestly say the Coventry FA Cup semi-final ‘winner’ wasn’t a goal because their player was a gnat’s whisker offside. Surely it is impossible to accurately record EXACTLY when a ball left the passer’s boot.Wolves have asked for the vote and, as a league shareholder, they have every right to do so.And I don’t think it is just a Wanderers whinge following a succession of decisions that went against them — most of us feel like that.I think they genuinely want to see a return to the days when refs got it right almost all the time and we could live with that.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

      Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
      Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
      A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
      Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
      Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
      Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
      Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
      Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
      Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption

      If we cannot improve VAR then I don’t see why we shouldn’t get rid because so many fans say it is  spoiling the game they love.Your team scores now and what do you do? You sit on your hands hoping the VAR chappie in Stockley Park hasn’t spotted anything.Beforehand, there was an instant decision from either the ref or his assistant. They got it wrong sometimes — but very rarely — and you could celebrate  like a raving banshee.The stakes are high and every place in the Premier League is worth millions.So yes, I can see the argument that we want to get as many decisions right as possible. But if VAR is not doing that then we should  seriously consider its future.Refs make mistakes and so does VAR. Maybe if VAR was adjudged by ex-players who know the game inside out, there may be an improvement.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho knows better than an ex-player if a handball is deliberate or not? I watched Sky Sports’ coverage in midweek and three ex-players, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Andy Cole, all said, “it’s killing the game”.Fans don’t want it, players past and present don’t want it, so maybe it is time to give VAR the boot. More

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      Arne Slot CONFIRMS he will be new Liverpool boss to guide Reds into post-Jurgen Klopp era after Feyenoord success

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      ARNE SLOT has confirmed he will be the new Liverpool manager.The Dutchman, 45, will succeed Jurgen Klopp, who is stepping away at the end of the season.Arne Slot will replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager this summerCredit: GettyThe German is waving goodbye to Anfield after nine yearsCredit: APKlopp, 56, led the Reds for nine years – taking over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015 – but announced his shock exit in January. Slot himself has confirmed that he will be in the hotseat at Anfield next season.He said: “I can confirm that I will be the new Liverpool manager next season.”A compensation package was agreed with Feyenoord to release the manager from his contract with the Eredivisie side.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSlot previously revealed negotiations between the clubs were already underway when he told reporters: “I’d like to become the new Liverpool manager, my decision is clear.“It is no secret that I want to go to Liverpool.“Feyenoord and Liverpool are in talks to negotiate, I’m waiting to see what will come out of it.“I am confident, waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKlopp has also spoken about leaving Liverpool during his final pre-match press conference.He said: “I know we could have won more but I can’t change that. Not becoming champions is not a great experience, it’s not in the history books but it shows you are really good.Awkward moment Sky Sports reporter grabbed by security as he asks Liverpool target Arne Slot question live on airSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King

      LIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      “I think one season when we don’t score at City, when it was over the line but not and when Aguero scores at Burnley with the same. I can’t take responsibility for that.”Being three times in the Champions League final is a great achievement. I would not be happy if I thought I could have done more. I couldn’t. That’s why I am fine with it.”The rest will be judged by the people. More are fine with it, and some think not enough and both is fine.”The German also revealed some of his favourite moments from his time managing the Reds.He added: “The best football we played against Man City this year. We never controlled City like that day.”That day we played the best, we won before but different games. We play well and score good goals against them but controlling a game like that we never did before.”Barcelona. Best goal, Alisson Becker. Best assist, Alexander-Arnold.”Best save, Alisson against Napoli. Best backheeled goal, Sadio Mane.”Slot – a former playmaker in his native Netherlands – started his coaching career with his final club PEC Zwolle before joining Cambuur, initially as an assistant before taking on the head coach role alongside Sipke Hulschoff.In 2017, he joined AZ Alkmaar, again as an assistant until taking on the manager job from the 2019-20 season.AZ were level on points with Ajax in March 2020 – having done the double over Erik ten Hag’s side – but the season was abandoned due to Covid. But Slot was sacked in the December after holding talks with Feyenoord – and duly became their boss from the start of the 2021-22 campaign. He led the Rotterdam giants to the inaugural Europa Conference League final, losing to Roma, and then Feyenoord won the Eredivisie title the following season.That was just Feyenoord’s second league success of the century and propelled them into the Champions League – with Slot rejecting the chance to take over as Tottenham boss to sign a new contract at De Kuip.And Slot oversaw the club’s KNVB Cup glory this season, beating NEC Nijmegen in April’s final. The ex-midfielder – who had a specific PASS named after him – looks to be a suitable fit to replace Klopp at Anfield thanks to his proven ability to compete with clubs on bigger budgets with an attractive style.Arne Slot’s record is WORSE than Erik ten Hag’s
      ARNE SLOT is set to be tasked with a near-impossible job – replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
      Should he swap the Eredivisie for the Premier League, Slot will follow in the footsteps of fellow follically-challenged Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
      Ten Hag left Ajax to become Manchester United manager in 2022.
      But he has suffered a nightmare spell at Old Trafford and appears to be a dead-man walking despite making the FA Cup final.
      With Slot seemingly destined for Anfield, fans won’t be able to help but compare his record in Holland with Ten Hag’s.
      And Reds supporters won’t like what they see.
      See all the Arne Slot stats…

      He favours an exciting, high-pressing style of football – not dissimilar to the gegenpressing made famous by Klopp himself – and is an excellent man-manager and communicator.A charismatic, funny and likeable character, Slot is fluent in English.He places strong emphasis on improving players individually and relishes the chance to give youngsters the chance to prove themselves, as demonstrated by many of his title-winning Feyenoord squad being aged under 25.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, fans may be concerned to know his overall Eredivisie record is worse than that of Ten Hag.Klopp’s 491st and final game in charge of Liverpool will be the home clash with Wolves on the final day of the season on May 19.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Slot led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 2022-23Credit: EPAHe added the KNVB Cup to his CV in April 2024Credit: GettySlot is known to be an excellent man manager and communicatorCredit: EPAHe is married to his doting wife MirjamCredit: GettyKlopp will be remembered as one of Liverpool’s greatest managers and sealed the Champions League in 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Premier League star ‘ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation after being accused of drugging and raping model’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST loanee Gonzalo Montiel has been ordered to return to Argentina for a psychiatric evaluation after being accused of rape.The incident between the World Cup winner, 27, and a model is alleged to have taken place at his birthday party on January 1, 2019 when he was playing for River Plate.Gonzalo Montiel has denied any wrongdoing following the allegationsCredit: RexMontiel’s partner Karina Nacucchio has publicly backed the footballerCredit: Instagram / @nacucchio.karinaMontiel, whose friend Alexis Acosta is also under investigation, has been accused of drugging and raping the woman.The alleged victim also claims she was threatened by the player’s relatives and associates following the incident.According to national media, Montiel, who denies any wrongdoing, has been ordered to fly back to Argentina to see a psychiatrist on September 17 and 20.Acosta will undergo the same evaluation on September 2 and 5.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKarina Nacucchio, Montiel’s partner, has publicly supported the Forest loanee – who is set to return to Sevilla at the end of the season.Prior to being told he was the subject of a formal investigation, Montiel voluntarily testified before a judge in June last year.The testimony came six months after he had scored the winning penalty for Argentina in their World Cup triumph over France.Raquel Hermida, the lawyer of the accuser, has quashed reports the investigation into the alleged crime had been shelved.Most read in FootballMontiel has made 13 Premier League appearances for Forest this seasonAfter alleging “irregularities” in the case, Hermida demanded psychiatric evaluations take place on Montiel and Acosta.In April, Hermida also shared a video of the alleged victim talking about the incident while her face was partially covered by sunglasses.She said: “I am Carolina, a model and hostess and survivor of group sex abuse in which the principal author was Gonzalo Montiel, who scored the last goal in the World Cup.”She then went on to add: “It was his birthday and he invited me to his home. We were getting to know each other.”They drugged me until I was unconscious. That was proven during the investigation, that and my screaming during the party.”Gonzalo raped me. I spent a long time looking for lawyers. All of them wanted to negotiate. None wanted to go to trial.”I give thanks to the foundation which provided me with psychologists and psychiatrists and my lawyer Raquel.”Forest signed Montiel on loan from Sevilla with the knowledge he was being investigated for rape.The Premier League side told The Athletic: ”The club has conducted due diligence and we are fully satisfied following conversations with his representatives.”The woman that has made the allegations initially could not name or describe the men that committed the alleged rape after the complaint was filed.But after psychological therapy, she conducted some anonymous TV appearances insisting she could now remember more details about the perpetrators.READ MORE SUN STORIESMontiel’s voluntary statement denying any wrongdoing was conducted under oath.No indictments have yet been submitted by the prosecution, while it also remains unconfirmed whether the case will go to trial.Montiel scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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      When is Arsenal’s Premier League victory parade?

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      NORTH LONDON will witness its biggest celebration in years if Arsenal lift the Premier League title – and details for the victory parade have been revealed!Similar to last season, Arsenal and Manchester City have been giving all they have got to be crowned champions of England’s top-flight division.Arsenal have had rollercoaster of a seasonCredit: GettyAnd this thrilling title race has gone right down to the final day of the campaign which always seems to throw up drama.Pep Guardiola’s men go into Matchday 38 are two points ahead of the Gunners with West Ham set to make a trip to the Etihad.But should they drop points and Arsenal beat Everton, then Mikel Arteta’s side would lift the trophy.When is Arsenal’s Premier League victory parade?If Arsenal finally end their 20-year Premier League winning drought, the victory parade will take place on Monday, May 20.Read more on ArsenalThe open-top bus celebrations will parade the streets of Islington – starting and finishing at the Emirates Stadium, going via the Town Hall on Upper Street.What is the timetable and route for Arsenal’s victory parade?The approximate timings for the parade are highlighted below:5pm: The parade will start from Emirates Stadium at Drayton Park, travelling along Drayton Park, Aubert Park, Highbury Grove, St Paul’s Road, Upper Street and back to the stadium.7pm: The parade will then arrive back at Emirates Stadium, for an appearance by the Arsenal squad on the podium above The Armoury on Hornsey Road.Most read in Football8pm: The celebration event ends.What is the current Premier League table?Arsenal are currently second but the Gunners would be crowned champions if they were to beat Everton and Manchester City lose or draw against West Ham. More

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      Who is Man City’s assistant manager Juanma Lillo?

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is arguably one of the greatest football managers to have blessed the game – but assistant Juanma Lillo deserves some credit too.Manchester City are one victory away from being crowned Premier League champions for an unprecedented FOURTH time in a row.Juanma Lillo is Pep Guardiola’s No 1 assistant managerCredit: GettyAnd while Pep will be in the spotlight, Lillo has played a massive part in the Man City boss’ succcessBut just exactly who is Lillo and how influential is he to Manchester City?Who is Man City’s assistant manager Juanma Lillo?Born in Tolosa, Gipuzkoa, Lillo began coaching locally at Amaroz at just age 16 before leading Spanish side Mirandes to Segunad Division B promotion in the 1988/89 season as champions four years later.Lillo then spent the 1991/92 campaign at Cultural Leonesa, advocating a 4-2-3-1 formation which then led to him becoming the youngest coach to attain the national coaching badge in Spain.Read more on Man CityHowever, the Spanish sensation made a name for himself as a manager during his time at Salamanca – the youngest ever person to manage at the highest level.Furthermore, in 2015, Lillo introduced himself to the world stage when he joined Jorge Sampaoli’s staff at the Chile national team.Lillo has managed 12 different teams across the world in 20 years.This includes stints Zaragoza, Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Vissel Kobe.Most read in FootballHas Juanma Lillo ever managed Man City?Manchester City announced Juanma Lillo as an assistant manager on June 9, 2020, replacing current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.But in 2023, Lillo stood in for Pep Guardiola for victories over Sheffield United and Fulham as the head coach recovered from back surgery in Spain.What has Pep said about Juanma Lillo?Pep first crossed paths with Lillo in 1996 – a few months after the embittered end to Johan Cruyff’s celebrated tenure as Barcelona head coach and the pair haven’t looked back since.The Manchester City boss was impressed by the level and style of Lillo when he was in charge of a Real Oviedo team that lost 4-2 to Barcelona.And he was delighted to see Lillo return to the squad after leaving City from 2022 to 2023.Pep said: “Juanma sees things no one else in the game sees.“He understands football on an incredible level, so he is the perfect person for me to work alongside.“I have always been inspired by him – his knowledge of football, his intelligence and his humanity mark him out as a very special person in my life – and we have a shared ideology.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a friend, a colleague and an inspiration. I am so, so happy he is back here at Manchester City.“His preparation for matches is absolutely amazing. I know he will raise standards because he works so hard every single day.” More

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      Man Utd flop Sofyan Amrabat set to STAY in Premier League next season after impressing with recent form

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      SOFYAN AMRABAT is set to remain in the Premier League next season – with or without Manchester United.The Moroccan star, 27, has impressed in recent weeks and won praise from United boss Erik Ten Hag.Man Utd are yet to make a decision about Sofyan Amrabat’s futureCredit: AlamyThe midfielder has attracted interest from other Premier League clubsCredit: GettyUnited have an option to sign the player – who is currently on loan from Italian club Fiorentina – but it is unclear whether they will do so.That has put two other Premier League clubs on red alert to his potential availability.Sun Online understands Crystal Palace and Fulham have both sent scouts to watch the player in the last four weeks.Palace insiders were apparently also impressed with his performance after coming on for United in their drubbing at Selhurst Park last month.Read More on FootballThe South Londoners are likely to have big money to spend in the summer.As Sun Online revealed yesterday, they face losing FOUR top players so it is shaping up to be a busy window.And 56-cap international Amrabat, who shone at World Cup, is seen as a player who can help take Palace to the next level – and challenge for European football.Fulham, meanwhile, are lining up replacements as they brace themselves for the departure of superstar midfielder Joao Palhinha.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe midfielder has spent this season on loan from FiorentinaThe Portuguese player almost switched to Bayern Munich last summer and remains on the radar of the German side.Liverpool have also been widely linked with a move for the player who is seen as one of the league’s most talented midfielders.Man Utd’s problems laid bare with WATERFALL flooding through Old Trafford’s leaky roof as heavens open vs ArsenalSunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.

      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Jurgen Klopp reveals James Maddison is the one Premier League star he doesn’t like after holding grudge for FIVE YEARS

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      JURGEN KLOPP has revealed that James Maddison is the Premier League player that he dislikes the most ahead of his Liverpool exit.The German, 56, rocked the Reds when he announced in January that would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp has revealed which Premier League player he dislikes the mostCredit: RexHe still holds a grudge against James Maddison after five yearsCredit: APVincent Kompany scored a famous late winner against Leicester to help Man City claim the 2019 titleCredit: ReutersKlopp blames Maddison, who was in action for the Foxes that night, for not closing Kompany downCredit: Getty[embedded content]He ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding Liverpool to Carabao Cup success in February.And he had already achieved legendary status on Merseyside after ending their 30-year wait for the title and lifting the Champions League.Klopp secured seven major trophies during his nine-year reign but he had a host of other near misses.Two Champions League final defeats to Real Madrid must still hurt, but it is for something domestically that the ex-Borussia Dortmund chief still holds a grudge over Maddison for.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBack in the 2019 Premier League title race, Vincent Kompany scored an unforgettable late piledriver against Leicester City that essentially secured them the crown.The Cityzens beat Liverpool to the title by just a point – but Klopp says he blames then Leicester ace Maddison for giving Kompany time to shoot.Klopp told Redmen TV: “The moment when Vincent Kompany touched the ball there, I am really happy I didn’t get a stroke in that moment as that’s how it must feel.“I remember exactly how I was lying on the sofa watching and thinking ‘Maddison block him, close him down’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Since then I don’t like Maddison. I was angry with Brendan [Rodgers] that day because he should have taken him off, he was tired.“Leicester played really good first half, after that they should have scored.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament game“It’s just a personal thing, I have no problem with him, but when I see him it’s… and now I saw him again last weekend.”Klopp came face-to-face with Maddison when Liverpool beat the England star’s Tottenham 4-2 win at Anfield.Meanwhile, the Red have announced that popular duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara will be leaving the club amid Klopp’s departure.The Cameroon defender, 32, will follow him out of the exit door along with the 33-year-old Spanish midfielder when their contracts expire in June.Matip was one of Klopp’s first signings when he arrived as a free agent following a spell at Schalke 04.Thiago joined weeks after the 2020 title triumph for £20m from Bayern Munich, and both he and Matip were celebrating double cup joy in the 2020/21 campaign as the Reds won the League and FA Cups – although the Spaniard missed the first of those finals through injury.Matip suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Fulham in December that has sidelined him since.Thiago’s own injury issues have restricted him to just 28 appearances last season and he has only featured once this term due to fitness issues – meaning both missed out on collecting another League Cup medal.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      While the duo and Klopp will make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday,  two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.His assistant Pepijn Lijnders will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool.He will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman, 45, set to move into Klopp’s seven-bedroom house on Merseyside.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe £4m mansion Formby boasts three lounges, a home cinema, an indoor swimming pool plus a landscaped garden and is owned by the Premier League club.Liverpool bought it from their former manager Brendan Rodgers after he had previously purchased it from legendary ex captain Steven Gerrard. More

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      When does the Premier League 2024/25 season start and is there a winter break?

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      THERE’S nothing quite like Premier League football to fill you with excitement – and the 2024/25 campaign is expected to do just that!Manchester City and Arsenal have been locked in a thrilling battle once again as the title race goes right down to the final day.Manchester City and Arsenal’s thrilling title race boils down to the final dayCredit: ReutersAston Villa sensationally beat Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea to the final Champions League spot behind Liverpool.While Luton and Nottingham Forest fight for their lives on Matchday 38 as only one of them can achieve survival in England’s top-flight division.But fans want to know when the drama for the 2024/25 season will begin to unfold.When does the Premier League 2024/25 season start?The curtain raiser for the 2024/25 campaign is scheduled to get underway on the weekend of Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18.Read more on Premier LeagueAnd the season will run over 33 weekend, four midweek rounds and one Bank Holiday matchweek which sees the final round of games take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025.Premier League bosses have revealed that more rest time will be given to sides over three of the festive match round with no club playing within 60 hours of another game. Will there be a winter break for the Premier League 2024/25 season?Premier League organisers have confirmed that the winter break has been REMOVED from the calendar for 2024/25.This is to allow a mid-August start date for the Premier League.Most read in FootballThe long summer break also allows Premier League clubs to be better able to ensure that players get a consecutive three-week rest following Euro 2024.And this takes into account expert advice from the medical and technical departments which values a longer period of complete rest in the summer rather than a short break in the winter.When are the Premier League 2024/25 fixtures released?All 380 Premier League 2024/25 fixtures will be released on Tuesday, June 18 – four days after the opening Euro 2024 match.It is scheduled to be revealed at 9am BST.Dates and kick-off times for all of the Premier League 2024/25 fixtures are subject to change throughout the course of the season. More