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    Italy boss tells Federico Chiesa he needs to LEAVE Liverpool after playing just 21 minutes all season

    ITALY boss Luciano Spalletti has urged Federico Chiesa to quit Liverpool this month.The winger, 27, moved to Anfield in a £10m cut-price summer deal from Juventus but has struggled to make much of an impact.Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has urged Federico Chiesa to quit LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe star, who helped the Azzurri to win the Euros in 2021, finally got off the mark for Arne Slot’s side against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup this month.However, Chiesa has only managed 21 minutes of action in the top-flight for the Prem leaders and the last of his 51 caps for Italy came at Euro 2024.Now his national manager Spalletti has called for the attacker, who wants to fight for his place at Liverpool, to push for a return to Serie A.He said: “Yes, I would be very much in favour of having Chiesa under our watch in terms of the level of our football, to reintegrate him because those who have this quality of looking you in the eye and breaking the line in front of them to get to the next one… There aren’t many of them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Indeed, he must get more consistent playing time.”When asked if he felt Chiesa’s move to England had been a failure, he added: “I don’t know, but perhaps now he knows some things that will help him develop further.“I think he can help any team in any league, but some steps forward in terms of physical impact are required.”There was speculation Chiesa could leave on loan this month in search of regular minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSerie A league leaders Napoli, currently managed by Antonio Conte, are thought to be the front runners for his signature.Fiorentina and Inter have also been linked, but Napoli are best-placed to secure his services.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezIt’s claimed that Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, held a meeting with Liverpool’s representatives in which both parties agreed to allow the forward to leave on loan this month. More

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    I helped turn Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly into Arsenal stars with my unconventional youth coaching methods

    DAN MICCICHE played a key role in developing Arsenal talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly using some unique methods.The experienced youth coach was previously England Under-16s boss where he worked with Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, to name just a few.Dan Micciche is Player Development Lead Coach in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyMicciche, left, helped Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Marc Guehi become starsHe also helped nurture Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyHe has since worked at Arsenal, where he nurtured the talent of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, helping the former to create history by becoming the youngest player to make his debut in the Premier League.Micciche, 45, worked as Arsenal U15s boss for three years before moving on to the U18s for the 2021-22 campaign, and he is not surprised to see that pair now in the first-team given their focus as teenagers.Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have slotted seamlessly into the first-team – the end product of a long journey that is as much about developing the person as the player.Micciche knows better than most the importance of coaching every aspect of a player, and while they have to be technically excellent to handle first-team training, their physicality and education is equally important.READ MORE ON ARSENALMicciche told SunSport: “You’ve got to be careful not to specialise them too early. One, it is important they play other sports, in particular ones that transfer into football, but secondly positionally as well.”The more they can, for physical literacy, utilise other sports in a controlled manner, the better.”[Take] yoga and gymnastics. Gymnastics is brilliant for non-weight bearing, flexibility and suppleness and discipline as well. What a lot of these sports often test in individuals is being disciplined.”So it’s important that we keep an open mind in football to what benefits we can get from other sports that can then transfer across.”Most read in FootballEducation on and off the pitch can be crucial for a young player to succeed.But rather than bombard budding footballers with instructions and rules, Micciche likes to place his trust in his players and allow them to come up with their own strategies, either as a group or individually.Former Arsenal coach Dan Micciche explains the hidden challenges with youth footballers He continued: “Their education is very important to making sure that you are developing the whole person and not just the footballer, and giving them a lot of variety, because if you want good decision makers and problem solvers, they have got to be able to think independently rather than be controlled by a coach.”You need them to be outstanding decision-makers, so you develop that by one, creating an environment that allows them to make decisions and two, giving them a lot of variety, in terms of competition, game formats, systems of play, etc.”Because the variety gives them different problems to solve, and that’s the game as well. They’re going to come up in their career against different types of opponents and different systems.It’s about giving more ownership and responsibility to the playersDan Micciche”And they got to be able to deal with that and they have got to be able to recognise what they are up against and how to get the better of their direct opponent.”So if he is quicker than them, how are they going to outwit them, how are they going to make up for the fact they are not as quick as their direct opponent, how are they going to overcome that?”Leadership is a big one as well. We often hear people say ‘we’ve got no leaders anymore, we’ve got no characters anymore’. “And obviously, society has changed and they have got a lot more distractions now than back in the day, but you can still do so many things to develop those leadership qualities and that is sort of taking the control away from the coach and giving more ownership and responsibility to the players.”Micciche practices what he preaches and his methods helped him win the Nike International Tournament Cup with a side containing future England stars Marc Guehi, Angel Gomes, Emile Smith Rowe, as well as Foden and Sancho.A lot of the success was down to his players, not just because of their talent but the fact they led meetings and sessions thanks to Micciche’s encouragement.Liverpool star Curtis Jones once came up with a corner routine inspired by Philippe Couthino on the training pitches at Melwood.Jones ended up scoring from a corner in a match for England, leading it to be called the “Curtinho”.Delivering on the pitch has helped the likes of Jones, Foden and Palmer break into their respective teams and represent England at major tournaments.Top 20 players Dan Micciche has coachedPhil FodenCole PalmerJadon SanchoMarc GuehiCurtis JonesAngel GomesEmile Smith RoweMorgan Gibbs-WhiteCalum Hudson-OdoiEthan NwaneriMyles Lewis-SkellyTrevoh ChalobahMatt O’RileyRyan SessegnonOliver SkippOmari HutchinsonRhian BrewsterBali MumbaCharlie PatinoEthan AmpaduNwaneri and Lewis-Skelly could be the next in line for Thomas Tuchel’s side after breaking through this season, having also stood out with big moments in their youth careers.Asked what made them catch his eye, Micciche said: “Those two are technically outstanding. He’s (Mikel Arteta) had them over there since a very young age. He knew about them when they were 14.”First of all it was their focus to play football. They’re great lads but when it is time to train and play they were always 100 per cent focused and committed to what they are doing.”There was never at any time an issue of them lacking focus or that willingness to improve, their mentality was incredible, although they ticked all the boxes. “Technically outstanding, physically they were efficient movers, their football athleticism was good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They delivered when it counts. They won a lot of youth tournaments together, when it came to semi-finals and finals they would deliver that.”They would score goals, they would create goals, they would dominate games. That’s what the best players do, they deliver in big moments and that’s what they did.” More

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    Ruben Amorim ‘keeping close eye on Chido Obi-Martin, 17, in Man Utd training’ as flops struggle to score goals

    RUBEN AMORIM is keeping a close eye on Chido Obi-Martin by inviting him to Manchester United first-team training.The former Arsenal wonderkid, 17, has been making headlines in United’s youth ranks during his first season with the club.Chido Obi Martin has been recently called up to train with United’s first teamRuben Amorim and his staff are keeping a close eye on Obi-MartinObi-Martin scored twice in a 5-2 Youth Cup win against Preston North End, having also produced a pinpoint ball for Jack Fletcher’s goal.And the teenager is already mingling with senior players after joining a few training sessions, according to The Mail.He’s often invited the day after first-team matches when numbers in Amorim’s sessions are slightly low due to recovery.United won’t rush him up to the Premier League just yet as they carefully manage his development.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut his progress is becoming increasingly familiar to Amorim and his staff as they monitor him in training.Obi-Martin, the record goalscorer in U18s Prem history, has bagged 10 goals in his first nine appearances for the Red Devils U18s and U21s.The young Dane spent two years in the Gunners’ youth system after joining from Copenhagen in 2022.He starred for the North London side’s academy, catching the eye by scoring 10 goals in one match against Liverpool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, his 32 goals in 18 matches saw him scoop the U18 Premier League golden boot last term.His progress is handy as Amorim has problems up front.’His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red DevilsRasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee cost a combined £108.5million but have managed a total of five Prem goals this season.Amad Diallo’s is the club’s top goalscorer this term with six goals.United will be strongly linked with a summer pursuit of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Obi-Martin is an exciting future option.Obi-Martin turns 18 in November and is believed to have left Arsenal for United due to the better pathway to first-team football.Left-back Harry Amass, who has been named in several first-team squads already, also played against Preston.And winger Amir Ibragimov, 16, has impressed with people at the club comparing him to Wayne Rooney.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton saw United sink to a new 131-year low.It was their sixth loss from 12 home Prem games this season — and it was 1893-94 last time they made such a dismal start to a league season. More

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    Man City flops given brutal L’Equipe ratings after dismal collapse at PSG… with Kevin De Bruyne slammed hardest

    MANCHESTER CITY stars were given some devastating player ratings after their shocking collapse against Paris Saint-Germain.City surrendered a two-goal lead and lost 4-2 to PSG in the Champions League at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.Manchester City star Erling Haaland was eviscerated in L’Equipe’s player ratingsCredit: GettyMan City captain Kevin De Bruyne was among the lowest gradedCredit: RexMan City surrendered a two-goal lead against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyJack Grealish opened the scoring for the reigning Premier League champions just five minutes into the second half.Erling Haaland doubled the Citizens’ lead three minutes later to break the home crowd’s hearts.However, Luis Enrique’s men hit back just three minutes later through Ousmane Dembele and levelled things up thanks to Bradley Barcola, who had set up the ex-Barcelona star earlier, on the hour mark.PSG turned the game on its head on 78 minutes with a header by Joao Neves, who picked up a stunning free-kick from Vitinha.Read More on FootballAnd Goncalo Ramos put the icing on the cake in the third minute of stoppage time.It was another horrific display from City amid an extremely turbulent campaign.And L’Equipe didn’t hold back as they eviscerated Pep Guardiola’s flops in their player ratings.Man City captain Kevin de Bruyne was among the worst as he was given a grade of 4.Most read in FootballThe same went for Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic.Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden, Savinho and Haaland all received a grade of 5.Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s recen struggles could be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart  Cristina SerraBernardo Silva was the best of the worst as he left Paris with a grade of 6 in the French publication’s notoriously harsh ratings. The result leaves City outside the play-off places in 25th place in the Champions League table.They need a victory against Club Brugge in their final game next week to keep any hopes of progress in Europe alive. More

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    I have THREE brothers in the Man Utd academy… one will be even better than Wayne Rooney, says MMA star

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been told they already have the next Wayne Rooney on their hands.Rooney was just 16 when he broke onto the Premier League scene for Everton – scoring a famous goal for Everton. MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov with brother and Man Utd academy star AmirCredit: INSTAGRAM @ibragimWayne Rooney pictured in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressTwo years later he joined United and an iconic career would follow – leaving as club legend and all-time top scorer. Nowadays though the glory years at Old Trafford are long gone with the Red Devils struggling for form and in desperate need of some inspiration. But MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov – whose three siblings all play for United – reckons his 16-year-old brother Amir as the man for the job.Ibragimov told SunSport: “My brother is the next big thing, I’ve already said that to everybody. READ MORE IN MMA”He’s ready for the first-team, he just needs the chance. Once he gets the chance, Inshallah he will make it, 100 per cent this year.”They are comparing him to Wayne Rooney, so he’s going to be the next Wayne Rooney. A better version than Wayne Rooney.” Amir, 16, Gazik, 15, and Muhammad, 12, are all products of United’s youth team and touted for big futures.Gazik once played with Cristiano Ronaldo’s son while Wayne Rooney’s eldest Kai is an academy team-mate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd even Old Trafford icon Sir Alex Ferguson has given his endorsement to Amir, who has also scored for England at Under-16 level.Ibragimov said: “They need young fresh blood. They need more academy players.MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov is the eldest brother to three Man Utd players including one England international”They have a lot of academy players at the moment, really good, like dark horses and they’re on the bench.”Some of the guys on the bench already, some of the guys are playing for the academy, they got a good team.”So yeah, hopefully they have youngsters play for the first team and then they’ll show the levels of Manchester.”Ibragimov moved from Dagestan – where UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hailed – to Manchester aged 13. And the 20-year-old was a talented footballer himself landing trials at Man City and Sheffield United – before focussing on just MMA. He said: “I used to play football. I think if I would have come to the UK a little earlier, I would’ve made it to a football 100 per cent.”I was doing both, doing well, so I could’ve done the football and I obviously I decided to do MMA.Muhammad, far left, next to Amir, middle left with Gazik and Ibragim, far rightAmir has scored for England U16sCredit: GettyAmir Ibragimov with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4Gazik also plays with Wayne Rooney’s son Kai, rightCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4″I don’t know, but sometimes on a deep weight cause I’m thinking, ‘I should have done football!'”Because the way my brother live, all they need is just train, eat, sleep, repeat, all they need, they, they don’t need anything else.”They get good food. They don’t have to go away. They just need to train. “They say concentrate, focus, and then just go out there on the stadium and then play and enjoy this enjoy themselves.”Ibragimov is 8-0 in the cage and returns on Saturday in Dubai against 5-1 Irishman Kenny Mokhonoana. And the avid United fan has vowed to finally give Red Devils fans something to cheer about. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “All the guys from Manchester who supported me, I appreciate everything. “Guys, just keep watching on 25th of January I’ll bring the win for Manchester and Manchester United.”The MMA star once played football himselfCredit: Instagram @pfleuropeIbragimov is 8-0 as an MMA fighterCredit: Instagram @ibragim.60 More

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    Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan as glittering Man City career comes to an end

    KYLE WALKER has landed in Italy ahead of completing his move to AC Milan.The Manchester City star flew out this morning to seal his initial six-month loan deal that includes a club option to make it a permanent stay.Kyle Walker has arrived in Italy ahead of completing his loan switchCredit: Simone Togna / The SunThe full-back was spotted arriving at Manchester Airport this morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe could be seen in the back of a Mercedes vanCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker is set to join AC MIlan initially on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe England defender flew to Italy on a private jetCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker was pictured in the back of a Mercedes van that dropped him off at the airport this morning.He then boarded a private jet to Milan, with the transfer to be officially announced in the coming days.Upon arriving in Italy, Walker left the airport in a black BMW.A source told SunSport: “The deal is done. Walker is excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe also understand that the Serie A giants have agreed a deal that will see them pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.There has been interest in Walker from their city rivals Inter but a move could not be agreed due to his wage demands.Saudi Arabian clubs were also keen on the 34-year-old and offered him a lucrative contract.But Walker has aspirations to get back in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel and therefore was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe right-back’s glittering seven-and-a-half year spell at Man City will come to an end – for now at least.Walker has lifted six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup a the club.Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage – as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giantsBut despite his contract not ending until 2026, he informed Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave this month amid a dip in form.Walker came close to leaving after City’s Treble win in 2023 when Bayern Munich wanted to sign him.His switch to Milan ends the club’s pursuit of Manchester United’s wantaway star Marcus Rashford as a little-known rule stops them from buying two English players this month.The club has just one spot remaining in their squad for a British player following a change in regulations after Brexit.Restrictions say Italian teams can only bring in two non-EU squad members each year, with one bonus English or Albanian ace permitted.Milan have now hit the threshold by signing Walker. More

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    Former Premier League star, 41, makes major career change after retirement as he becomes professional cyclist

    FORMER Premier League star Jelle van Damme has swapped pitches for pedals by becoming a PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST.The Belgian defender spent two years on Southampton’s books, making nine appearances.Jelle van Damme has switched football for professional cyclingCredit: AlamyVan Damme retired from football in 2020 after a brief stint in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme moved to the Premier League for SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme also played for Wolves during his 22-year careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyVan Damme, 41, later played six times for Wolves in late 2010 – scoring once.Capped 31 times by his country, his other clubs include Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege and LA Galaxy. He retired in 2020.Van Damme has since built his amateur interest in cycling up to professional levels – training alongside Belgian superstar Greg van Avermaet.And he plans to compete in a series of events, including Unbound – the World Cup of gravel cycling – in the US later this year.Read More on FootballHe said: “If I could have my time over again I would set out to be a racing cyclist – despite all I have experienced in football.”I think I would succeed given my mindset and personality. I always compare myself to [Belgian pro] Tim Declercq.”I’m not someone who looks to win the races, but a good ‘servant’ who helps my teammates achieve the best possible finish.”My passion for the sport has grown. I have taken on a coach, and I now have full sponsorship.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”I want to peak this year at the Unbound event in the US.”I began cycling with my brothers and nephews, doing 40-50km rides, but now I can do 120km distances.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City star”Just like in football, I can suffer on the bike. I can break down, but I’ll recover quickly. As an athlete I will want more when I see that I’m getting better.”I can be a right bastard at times. I was like that as a footballer, and I’m the same now when I get on my bike.”I think I can ride well, and when I’m in a peloton I am not afraid to throw myself around.”My family group calls me Kamikaze, as I’ll go from zero to flying round bends at top speed.”Once an athlete, always an athlete.”Van Damme was a flop at Southampton, with the Saints relegated at the end of his one full season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on loan to Germans Werder Bremen before returning home to win five trophies with Anderlecht.The Brussels club sold him to Wolves for £2.5million in 2010. However Van Damme failed to settle at Molineux, and left for Standard Liege after just six months.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Man City CONFIRM £64m transfer of Omar Marmoush as Pep Guardiola’s struggling side take January spending over £127m

    MANCHESTER CITY have completed the signing of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush in a deal that could be worth £64 million.The 25-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt star has been one of the stand-out players in the German league this season.Omar Marmoush has excelled in the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: GettyHe has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad and Pep Guardiola hopes he will fill the gap left by Julian Alvarez – who left to join Atletico Madrid in the summer.City will pay an initial £59 million for Marmoush – while his former club could net another £5 million in add ons.And it takes the spending of the champions this window to more than £120 million – following the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis earlier this weeks.Marmoush – who is an international team-mate of Mo Salah – has scored 37 goals and made 20 assists for Frankfurt since he joined them in summer 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Guardiola will be desperately hoping he can help to get his team back on track after a nightmare couple of months for them.Marmoush said: “This is a day I will never forget. To sign for Manchester City – one of the best teams in the world – is an amazing feeling.“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to become better. That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY“I really am looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do.”Director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires.Omar Marmoush shows his goal scoring skills at Eintracht Frankfurt training “He has outstanding pace and awareness, and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset.“He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches.”City’s January spending may not be finished yet as they still would like to sign a defensive midfielder to cover for the injured Rodri. More