Premier League

CASEMIRO has admitted his tough season at Manchester United has kept him up at night.The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries and a lack of form this term, with the Red Devils set to miss out on Champions League qualification.Casemiro has had sleepless nights over Man Utd’s poor formCredit: GettyPressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag with his side 11 points behind Aston Villa and Tottenham in the battle for fourth.And recent late heartbreak in the 1-1 draw to Brentford, 4-3 capitulation against Chelsea and 2-2 thriller versus Liverpool has led to Casemiro having sleepless nights.Not competing for titles has also frustrated the midfielder, who won three LaLiga crowns and five Champions Leagues at previous club Real Madrid.Casemiro told ESPN Brasil: “It’s difficult. This is the point that bothers me most about not fighting for titles – being 20 points behind first place. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Sometimes I can’t even sleep to try to think about doing something different. It’s reality. “There’s no point in thinking about the title or Champions League places, we need to think about each game.”We need to think about the day-to-day, we had the opportunity to score nine points in the last few games and we scored two. We were upset. “We have to think game by game and focus on the next match against Bournemouth.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMan Utd were fortunate to be 1-0 down at half-time to Liverpool but responded after the break via sensational goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.Casemiro was pleased with the team’s performance despite failing to see out the game for three points.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe added: “The game was very fast-paced and well played. A classic. “We were playing against one of the leaders of the competition and who is going through a good moment. We responded well.”Both teams had opportunities. At home we are strong, but we played against a great team.”Casemiro, who was signed by United for a £70m in the summer of 2022, could leave the club at the end of this season.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe could look to cash in on him amid reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

FORMER Premier League star Magnus Hedman has revealed his relief after almost going blind in one eye.The Sweden international keeper enjoyed four top-flight seasons with Coventry.Magnus Hedman came close to losing his eyesightThe former Chelsea ace was forced to undergo emergency surgeryHedman joined the Blues under Jose MourinhoCredit: PA:Press AssociationHedman later came out of retirement to join Chelsea, but never played for the Blues before leaving in 2007.The 51-year-old also spent three seasons with Celtic between 2002 and 2005.Capped 58 times, Hedman now works as a mind coach in Sweden.But he underwent surgery in a Solna hospital on Sunday after losing the sight in his right eye.Doctors found the ex-player had suffered a detached retina.Hedman admitted: “If I hadn’t gone in as an emergency, it would have been over.”It started when I saw lightning. I thought it would just go away, but it was like I had a curtain covering my retina.”The hospital took me in right away.  I had to lie down without a pillow for a day, then had surgery on Sunday morning.Most read in Football”If I hadn’t gone in I would have gone blind.”It was important not to get stressed. It is scary, and I thought about losing my sight.Mauricio Pochettino refuses to kiss Chelsea badge or ‘do stupid things’ on touchline”But I told myself: ‘Stay calm – you’re in the right place now.'”They called in the anaesthetist straight away. He came in on the Sunday, and I joked that I’d messed up his weekend.”The vitreous body becomes softer and more fragile the older you get. If you get a blow in your eye it can also have an effect, and I’ve had a few during my career.”If you don’t act quickly, and the retinal detachment goes over the macula, then you’re screwed.”You realise that things can change very quickly. Vision is a big part of life.”Hedman paid tribute to the staff at the St Erik’s eye clinic in Karolinska University Hospital.”They explained things to me all the time, and really took care of me. I am extremely grateful.”It’s important to say that – as usually you read a lot of s*** about the Swedish health care system.”In 2019, Hedman bravely told SunSport of the drugs battle that led him to contemplating suicide.Recounting the experience, which happened in 2011 – four years after he left Chelsea – he said: “I’d gone home and Googled the best ways towards suicide.“I was stood on the balcony for hours, 12 floors up, thinking about jumping. Then I had a phone call from a friend that dragged me into the city centre to meet at their house, so I never took that step.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

Having been offered speed by a pal, Hedman found himself on a slippery slope.He explained: “I thought I could just try it — but I got addicted straight away and was that way for four years.”Hedman went on to add: “The drugs helped me feel calm and not have to worry so much — but it ruined my life in other aspects.“I now realise that when I gave up football I had just replaced it with something else, which is very normal for an addicted person.”Having fallen to his lowest ebb, Hedman was introduced to a mental health specialist named Mia.After being taken to a recovery centre, the former goalkeeper spent a month weaning off drugs.READ MORE SUN STORIESReflecting on his experience after a number of years sober, he said: “It’s always good to speak to friends — but they are not psychologists.”It’s best to speak to someone you don’t have a connection with, someone professional.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

DIRK KUYT has staked his claim to become a future Liverpool manager – by leading his new club to promotion after just three months.The Dutch striker spent six years at Anfield, scoring 71 goals in 285 games before leaving in 2012.Dirk Kuyt led Beerschot to promotionCredit: GettyD’Margio Wright-Phillips scored to help the club to promotionCredit: AFPKuyt took charge of Belgian side Beerschot – Sheffield United’s sister club – in late December.The 43-year-old has now led the Antwerp outfit back to the top flight after a two-year absence.They won 2-1 at Oostende on Sunday to seal promotion, with goals from Ian Wright’s grandson D’Margio Wright-Phillips and former Stoke and Bolton winger Thibaud Verlinden.Beerschot need just one point from their two remaining games to seal the second division title.Read More on FootballIt is a personal triumph for Kuyt, whose first management job with Dutch side ADO Den Haag lasted just five months before he was sacked in November 2022.The Holland international is set to be offered an extension to his contract, which runs out this summer.Kuyt said: “I will look to the future. I want to develop as a coach, but that could be with Beerschot.”The potential here is huge. There is still a way to go, but the club is back at the top level once more.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKuyt is a Liverpool iconCredit: Action Images – Reuters”It has been a tough challenge. Promotion was a must, there was no plan B, but no one expected us to go up.”Everyone at the club has overachieved – players, staff and management. I am proud to be part of it.”Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalKuyt is not in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Liverpool are already said to have a number one target and will reportedly meet his agent on Tuesday.Beerschot share the same owner as Sheffield United in Saudi prince Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud. More

NONI MADUEKE believes Chelsea suffer from huge hangovers and it is hampering their masterplan to break back into the Premier League elite.The winger scored a cracking goal at Sheffield United but finished the game a frustrated figure from a 2-2 draw.Noni Madueke has revealed Chelsea’s key weakness this seasonCredit: GettyChelsea have struggled to maintain winning momentum after a big resultCredit: APMadueke has developed a theory that Chelsea experience massive comedowns after big results – Sunday’s late collapse at Bramall Lane came three days after an epic 4-3 win over Manchester United.The England Under-21 player said: “Our Achilles heel this season has been cashing in after a big win. We had an amazing result the other day and needed to keep rolling.“The way we drop points sometimes, it’s in the palm of our hands.“I don’t know what to say other than there are still games to go and we have to go again and stick together.”Read More on ChelseaThe wobbly performance prompted fed-up boss Mauricio Pochettino to claim his young team is “not mature enough to compete every few days”.Madueke, 22, added: “We still have faith we can finish in the places we want to finish in. But we have to cut that [dropping points] out sooner rather than later.’‘This was always going to be a difficult game, a different game to Manchester United at home.“However, I feel like it’s a game we should’ve won and until the end, it looked like we would. But we couldn’t quite get over the line which is disappointing for sure.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea have some challenging fixtures coming up“It’s the fashion in which we drew the game. Credit to them, they are at the bottom and they are fighting, but we really should’ve wrapped up the points.“It is not about killing each other, we have to stick together. There are eight games left, that’s 24 points up for grabs and our mentality has to be to get as many of them as possible, if not all of them.”Mauricio Pochettino refuses to kiss Chelsea badge or ‘do stupid things’ on touchlineThey have a point. This is Chelsea’s first season under Pochettino and at regular intervals, his expensive but raw squad has failed to build on a positive result.SunSport have looked at some of the club’s most memorable results this season and the games that followed.Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (August 2023)Chelsea drew 1-1 with title-chasing Liverpool in their first game of the campaign then crashed 3-1 at London rivals West Ham.The Blues lost to West Ham after sharing points with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe Hammers had even gone down to ten men with over 20 minutes to play.It was also a disastrous debut for record signing Moises Caicedo, who gave away a penalty late in the match.Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal (October 2023)October saw a creditable 2-2 draw at Arsenal, also bidding to win the Premier League now, followed by an embarrassing 2-0 home defeat to minnows Brentford.Chelsea held Arsenal to a draw, but then lost to BrentfordCredit: GettyChelsea 4-4 Manchester City (November 2023)Pochettino thought the season had been ignited in a spectacular 4-4 draw with Treble winners Manchester City the next month, only for them to get stuffed 4-1 at Newcastle a week later.Chelsea 3-2 Brighton (December 2023)A narrow victory over Brighton preceded a defeat at Manchester United last December.Cole Palmer cancelled out Scott McTominay’s opener at Old Trafford, but the Scot restored United’s lead in the second half.Chelsea 3-2 Leeds United (February 2024)Conor Gallagher’s stunning winner eight seconds from time to see off Leeds in the FA Cup fifth round was hailed as a huge psychological booster in an erratic campaign.Chelsea fans turned on manager Pochettino and the club’s owners just three days after when they were lucky to escape from Brentford with a point in February.Chelsea 4-2 Leicester City (March 2024)The Blues booked their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 4-2 win over Leicester at Stamford Bridge.However, they failed to keep the momentum going with a 2-2 draw against relegation candidates Burnley the following week.Chelsea 4-3 Manchester United (April 2024)Last week’s memorable victory over Manchester United sparked mayhem in the stands and on the pitch at Stamford Bridge.Sunday’s feeble follow up was met with a resigned shrug by most of the travelling supporters who are used to the erratic nature of their players.Chelsea clinched a dramatic win against Man Utd last week but then dropped points to Sheffield UnitedCredit: APThe nasty habit of inconsistency leaves Pochettino under intense pressure as time ticks away on the attempt to qualify for the Europa or Europa Conference League next season.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea have missed European football this year and it costs them dearly. It could cost Pochettino his job ultimately.They have until next Monday to get their act together following the disappointment at Sheffield United. More