More stories

  • in

    Inside Maddison’s ‘dream’ games room with snooker and pool tables, darts board and mountain of iconic football shirts

    JAMES MADDISON’S incredible games room features snooker and pool tables, a darts board and a mountain of iconic football shirts.The Tottenham and England playmaker, 27, opened up his home to feature on Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips YouTube channel.
    James Maddison has a new snooker table in his ultimate games roomCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
    The Tottenham star welcomed Stephen Hendry in for a couple of framesCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
    Maddison got the ‘snooker bug’ and is able to practise regularlyCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
    And during his two frames of snooker against the seven-time world champion, fans got a glimpse of Maddison’s epic pad.
    The Spurs star revealed he only got the full-size snooker table “recently” after catching the “snooker bug” again while watching the Masters.
    It is thought to be a Rasson Magnum II 12-foot table which retails at approximately £10,000.
    And the green baize unsurprisingly takes centre stage in the middle of the plush carpet, with his customised JM10 pool table pushed to the back of the room.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Ally Pally regular’s darts board is also set on a stand meaning it can easily be moved around to the footballer’s liking.
    But it was not an easy task getting the snooker table installed at the top of Maddison’s house – thought to be a new home since moving from Leicester to Tottenham last summer.
    He told Hendry: “At the minute I’m up here playing a lot.
    “I only recently got the table and the Masters was on – I’ve got the snooker bug at the minute.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    “I don’t know if you’ll see on the video how to get up here but there is a video of the six lads bringing the slates up.”
    Then around the perimeter of the room is a stunning collection of framed tops – including a few from Spurs’ rivals.
    Inside James Maddison’s personalised private box at Tottenham with incredible mural on the wall
    As well as his own shirts playing for Coventry, Norwich, Leicester and England, there are a host of Premier League legends propped up against the white walls.
    Current heroes Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Jorginho and Kyle Walker have all swapped shirts with Maddison over the years.
    Former Prem stars Sergio Aguero, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Paul Pogba did the same.
    And though it is not on display in the YouTube video, he even managed to get Cristiano Ronaldo’s – thanks to tapping up a former team-mate.
    Maddison revealed: “I supported Manchester United growing up so in the early stages my hero was David Beckham and I loved Wayne Rooney as well.
    “I loved Cristiano growing up, I used to watch him on YouTube every day at school.
    “His attitude to being the best is admirable.
    ‘I DON’T GET JEALOUS BUT…’
    “I played against him last year when he came back to United.
    “As you can see I love collecting shirts and I texted Harry Maguire – it is the first time I’ve ever texted someone before a game.
    “I said, ‘Listen, keep Cristiano’s shirt aside for me today please.’ And I managed to get it thankfully.”
    Hendry, 55, did jokingly criticise Maddison for his poor brushing technique on the table which will slow down the balls.
    But Maddison’s ultimate games room, understandably, caught the attention of viewers watching him test his snooker skills against one the all-time greats.
    One said: “That game room is just a dream. Beautiful. Lucky guy.”
    Another wrote: “I would love a room like that.”
    A third added: “When you’re on £150k a week it’s a given you’re going to have a belter of a games room.”
    A fourth typed: “Love these tables what a room that is.”
    A fifth replied: “Lovely room and the table looks awesome. Kudos to the guys who got the slates up.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    And a final user commented: “I don’t get jealous very often, but that room is an absolute dream! That’s how you treat yourself.”
    A host of Premier League legends’ shirt surround the snooker tableCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
    Hendry did pick Maddison up on his brushing techniqueCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
    The footballer is also keen on darts and golfCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
    The room has been reconfigured from when Ben Foster visited
    The playmaker regularly celebrates by pretending to throw a dartCredit: PA More

  • in

    Garnacho risks Argentina team-mate’s wrath with latest celebration… just days after Man Utd star was given warning

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO recreated another Cristiano Ronaldo celebration after scoring for Manchester United against West Ham on Sunday.The 19-year-old put United 2-0 up just after half time when his shot deflected off Nayef Aguerd and past Lukasz Fabianski.
    Alejandro Garnacho celebrated like Cristiano Ronaldo after scoringCredit: PA
    Ronaldo used the celebration during his time at Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor
    He immediately wheeled away in celebration, running straight towards the advertising boards before taking a seat with his hands on his hips.
    After the game, the winger admitted: “The celebration had some inspiration.”
    And many fans are convinced that Ronaldo, his idol, was behind it.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner first used the celebration during his time at Real Madrid.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    However, Garnacho’s Argentina team-mate Angel Di Maria warned him against celebrating like Ronaldo just last week.
    He told Argentine outlet Ole: “The only thing I wouldn’t do is celebrate Cristiano.
    “I would score the goal and I would do like (Lionel) Messi does. I’ll stick with that.”
    Garnacho scored again for United in the 84th minute and did the same celebration in front of the home fans at Old Trafford.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    The winger’s Argentina team-mates have teased him so much over his love for Ronaldo that he is too shy to talk.
    Roma star Leandro Paredes recently revealed: “We joked about it with him. He is very shy and does not answer.
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag speaks out after brilliant 3-0 win over West Ham
    “Poor guy, we drove him crazy. We also talked to him about what the group is, somehow we try to make them feel part of it and feel comfortable.
    “Although in this case he got very nervous and couldn’t talk. But as he said, I think he is his idol, he always followed him a lot and he plays quite similar.
    “So it’s normal, nothing happens. Obviously, when he comes to the national team he has to change a little bit because there is ours.” More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho’s old mate claims he WILL return to Chelsea if Todd Boehly picks up the phone

    ALAN PARDEW believes Jose Mourinho will return to Chelsea if the club come calling.The legendary manager is available once again after he was sacked by Roma last month.
    Alan Pardew believes Jose Mourinho will return to Chelsea if offered the chanceCredit: Rex
    Mourinho won eight major trophies across his two previous spells with the clubCredit: AFP
    Chelsea fans have since called for him to return for a third spell as boss, with some wanting John Terry as his assistant.
    Mauricio Pochettino is under mounting pressure at Stamford Bridge following Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Wolves.
    Pardew has now claimed that Mourinho would not hesitate to replace him in the dugout.
    He told talkSPORT: “Listen, Jose Mourinho won’t care about (the issues).
    READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
    “If he gets the phone call (from Chelsea), he’ll be walking back in.”
    The pair are old pals dating back to Pardew’s time with Newcastle, where he guided the club to the Europa League quarter-finals.
    Prior to their return to Europe in 2012, Mourinho wished him good luck over text, with Pardew revealing at the time: “I had a text from Jose Mourinho on Tuesday, ‘Wishing you all the best’, and it’s things like that which make you realise things are good. We are getting noticed.
    “I don’t usually get texts from him, perhaps the fact we are in Europe and did well last year is part of that.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    “It’s nice for everyone that other managers are looking out at us. I think we are doing a good job.”
    Mourinho has won eight major trophies across his two previous spells with Chelsea, including three league titles.
    Mourinho’s BIGGEST Barcelona bust-ups over the years
    The Blues were back-to-back Premier League champions during his first tenure from 2004 to 2007 before he returned to the club in 2013.
    Mourinho has also been linked with a potential return to Manchester United in recent weeks.
    Meanwhile, he is a rumoured candidate to replace Barcelona boss Xavi in the summer. More

  • in

    Chelsea’s winning dressing rooms chewed up and spat out managers but Pochettino’s sorry lot can’t even control a ball

    CHELSEA dressing rooms of old routinely chewed up and spat out managers while piling more trophies into the cabinet.This lot haven’t even got the presence of mind to control a ball, let alone a game or changing room.
    Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino’s star squad has not clickedCredit: Alamy
    Chelsea don’t have the personalities to step up in the dressing roomCredit: Alamy
    After another embarrassing collapse against Wolves, under-fire boss Mauricio Pochettino conceded his players are struggling to cope with the pressure of playing at Chelsea.
    They couldn’t recover after being rolled over by Liverpool in midweek and could not keep their heads, having seen Wolves equalise shortly after Cole Palmer had put the Blues ahead after a fine team move.
    Fingers were pointed between players throughout Sunday’s horror show but the most aggression shown by anyone in blue came from Moises Caicedo knocking seven bells out of a seat on the bench after he was hooked.
    While some players stayed to applaud the few remaining fans after the full-time whistle, only captain Ben Chilwell spoke to media, though only in interviews which are mandatory for rights holders.
    Read More on Chelsea
    Not one other Chelsea player had the guts to front up, no one else brave enough to apologise to the fans as their manager had to do.
    It is commonplace now for Premier League players to duck interviews after a defeat, but just because others do it does not mean it is the right thing to do. Fans are furious, someone must step up.
    Long gone are the days of John Terry and Frank Lampard facing the music after disappointing results, taking responsibility and speaking to supporters, vowing to put things right.
    Blues fans know little about the wide cast of young players who have washed into their club in the past two years. It is no wonder there is a disconnect.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    The ownership can throw all the gimmicks they like at the club, DJs welcoming players off the bus or a “once-in-a-lifetime” fan experience to “high-five the players as they walk down the special blue carpet”. Some accountability would do.
    Chelsea have always burned through managers at an alarming rate, 13 came and went under Roman Abramovich’s near two-decade rein, but there were also 21 trophies.
    ‘All bets are off’ at ‘madhouse’ Chelsea says Sun Sport’s Andy Dillon following defeat against Wolves
    Under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s guidance there have already been four managers, no trophies and over a £1billion carelessly spent to take the club backwards.
    Speculation is now rife over when Pochettino will join the list of former Blues managers, but it cannot always be the manager’s fault.
    Chelsea have a lot to learn from the winning dressing room of oldCredit: Chelsea FC
    Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling aside, Chelsea’s starting XI on Sunday’s 4-2 loss at Wolves was a side largely littered with potential yet to be fulfilled.
    Neither of Chelsea’s £100m-plus midfielders, Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, could get a grip on the game and settle things down. Conor Gallagher struggled but at least put in a big tackle and picked a fight with Gary O’Neil to show supporters he gave a jot.
    Terry, Chelsea’s legendary captain who watched their humbling at Liverpool last week from the away end, has previously denied that the leadership group he was part of were the ones in charge ahead of managers.
    But the former England captain says it was the likes of him, Lampard, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech who did most of the manager’s work when it came to simple standards.
    He said: “If someone wasn’t to the level or the standards that we demanded, as Chelsea football club, then me, Ash, Frank, Didier, Pete would tell them.
    “If people didn’t continue to be at those standards, before the manager even had to say anything, we would nip it in the bud.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    There are few in the squad now fans would trust to repeat those messages.
    Chelsea’s current crop do not need to return to the days of being a group who see off managers on a regular basis in order to be successful, but some semblance of a winning mentality and a refusal to accept the mess they are in would be a start. More

  • in

    Mauricio Pochettino considering Chelsea formation change to save their season after Wolves defeat

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO is considering changing Chelsea’s formation in a bid to save their season.The Blues are 11th in the Premier League following Sunday’s 4-2 home loss to Wolves.
    Mauricio Pochettino is considering a change of formation at ChelseaCredit: Alamy
    A return to the Champions League looks almost impossible with the gap to the top four now 15 points.
    According to the Standard, Pochettino is now planning to switch to a three-man defence in hopes of resurrecting the campaign.
    The Chelsea boss is said to believe that a three-man backline can provide his side with greater defensive solidity.
    He could debut the new set-up as early as Wednesday’s FA Cup fourth round replay against Aston Villa.
    READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
    Chelsea are next in league action away to Crystal Palace on February 12.
    Sunday’s loss to Wolves followed a 4-1 away thrashing by Liverpool in midweek as Chelsea’s defensive frailties were brought to light.
    Pochettino is understood to see the potential new system as a way to better protect Thiago Silva, with the veteran badly exposed against Wolves.
    Meanwhile, it would also provide cover behind the midfield, where Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have been dominated physically in recent matches.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Chelsea’s defenders have experience playing in a back three, whilst Pochettino also used a 3-4-3 formation at Tottenham.
    Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel won the Premier League and Champions League, respectively, with the Blues by playing with three defenders.
    Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino APOLOGISES to fuming fans after watching his side thumped by Wolves
    Pochettino is under mounting pressure at Stamford Bridge following the loss to Wolves.
    His side were booed off at full-time, with the manager later apologising to the supporters.
    He also hinted at a possible formation change after the match, explaining: “We can’t give up and we are going to work hard to try and change, maybe take some decisions to find a different way.
    “If it is not working this way, we need to move on and try to find a different type of solution.” More

  • in

    Martin Odegaard fires back at Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend’s furious criticism of Arsenal celebrations

    ARSENAL skipper Martin Odegaard has hit back at the Sky Sports pundits for their criticism over Mikel Arteta’s side’s post-match scenes, asking: When can we celebrate?Meanwhile, Jorginho believes Arsenal do have the maturity to handle this title race.
    Martin Odegaard has hit back at Jamie Carragher’s criticismCredit: Rex
    Carragher was critical of Arsenal’s post-match celebrations after beating LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard downed 10-man Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday, cutting their lead at the top of the Prem to just two points.
    At full-time, Arteta revved up the Emirates crowd with Jurgen Klopp-esque fist pumps while Odegaard used a camera to take pictures of club photographer Stuart Macfarlane.
    Ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher commented: “Just get down the tunnel. You’ve won a game. It’s three points. They’re back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I’m serious, honestly.”
    Manchester United legend Gary Neville later added: “The celebrations at the end were not of a team that thought they were going to go on and win the title.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “They were of a team that didn’t want to be out of the title race. It felt like relief they weren’t eight points behind.
    “I have gone past the idea of having a go at players for celebrating, I just still think there is a little bit of immaturity in their celebrations.”
    But Odegaard responded: “Everyone who loves football, who understands football, they know how much it means to win this game.
    “And if you’re not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to celebrate? We’re happy with the win and we’ll stay humble.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “We keep working hard and we prepare for the next one but of course you have to be happy when you win.”
    On his moment with Macfarlane – who has been working for Arsenal since 1991 – Odegaard added: “He’s such a big Arsenal fan, such a big heart for the club, he’s been here so long.
    Klopp speaks out after Liverpool suffer huge loss to Arsenal
    “I thought it was a nice moment for him to get a good memory as well.”
    Saka put Arsenal ahead against Liverpool in the 14th minute before the visitors nicked an equaliser just before the break thanks to Gabriel’s bizarre own goal.
    Martinelli then pounced on a calamitous mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk just after the hour mark and Trossard put the nail in the coffin moments after Ibrahima Konate was sent off for a second yellow card in the 88th minute.
    It is a result that puts the North Londoners back in the hunt for the title having blown an eight-point lead at the top last season to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
    City can go to the Prem summit – three points clear of Arsenal – if they win both their games in hand, starting with Brentford tonight.
    But midfielder Jorginho, who played a full 90 minutes in the league for only the second time this campaign, says this squad’s psychology in big games has changed since last year.
    Odegaard celebrated the win by taking pictures with club photographer Stuart MacFarlaneCredit: AFP
    The Italian midfielder – who is out of contract in the summer – said: “It has been a few games to be honest that I feel like our team is getting more mature.
    “Not just with scoring goals but the way we play, understanding the game, when to play short, when to go long, these kinds of situations. The team is getting really mature.
    “To win the League, you can’t lose points against the other teams. So, I think we need this maturity to try and not lose those points in other games.”
    Odegaard added: “It would have been a tough one for us to lose today.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES

    “It was a massive game. It could have been eight points [if we’d lost] and it would look a lot more difficult then but we showed up, the fans were unbelievable. We did this together.
    “We have to show that we learned something [from last year]. It was a crucial win but it’s a long way to go. We’ll stay humble, keep working hard, that’s what we have to focus on.” More

  • in

    Mykhailo Mudryk calls out angry Chelsea fan for a £10,000, 1v1 game of football in leaked Instagram DM

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK has called out an angry Chelsea fan for a 1vs1 game worth £10,000.A leaked Direct Message from Instagram showed a bizarre exchange between a Blues supporter and the £88million Ukrainian winger.
    Mykhailo Mudryk offered £10,000 to play an angry fan in a 1vs1 matchCredit: Getty
    Mudryk has just four goals in 42 games ever since his move from Shakhtar Donetsk over a year ago.
    And he put in another uninspired performance from the bench in yesterday’s 4-2 home defeat to Wolves.
    Chelsea’s latest setback was too much for one fan to take, who appeared to repost a previous DM sent to Mudryk via Insta Stories.
    The post was undated and was only marked as having been sent on a Wednesday.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    It was captioned: “I don’t regret texting him this anymore. Chelsea we need answers.”
    In it, the fan slammed Mudryk for an inability to score goals, prompting a cheeky response from the player himself.
    The speedster hit back by offering the supporter a 1vs1 game.
    And Mudryk even put down a wager of £10,000.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    The undated angry message appeared to be reposted
    The fan initially said: “What the **** is going on with you?
    “Did you forget how to play football?
    ‘All bets are off’ at ‘madhouse’ Chelsea says Sun Sport’s Andy Dillon following defeat against Wolves
    “It’s not good enough. Something needs to change. Maybe do some 1-1 sessions. Every time you play we have 1 player less.”
    Mudryk responded: “Come play 1-1 for £10,000.”
    The fan answered: “Bro at this point I will personally give you money every time you score.
    “We are all Chelsea fans here and I deal with the players and sort their stuff out but come on man.
    “You have Everton next.”
    Mudryk then asked: “You good at football?”
    The fan ended the argument by saying: “Score for us please.” More

  • in

    Former Chelsea star reveals the only job Jose Mourinho would take in England after Roma sacking

    JOSE MOURINHO could still return to England despite his dramatic dismissal from Roma.That is according to Chelsea hero Mario Melchiot, who claims the Three Lions position is probably the only team Mourinho would return to the UK for.
    Jose Mourinho could return to the UK to take over as England bossCredit: Rex
    The Special One had two glittering stints with the Blues as he won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup trophy and three League Cups.
    The Portuguese tactician also won the EFL Cup as well as the Europa League with Manchester United before a two-year stint with Tottenham.
    Melchiot is not sure if the ex-Real Madrid manager has anything left to prove in the Premier League.
    However, the former Birmingham and Wigan star believes the England job poses as a major possibility as long as Mourinho is open to “slowing down” after 24 years of club football.
    Read More on Football
    Plus, a lot will depend on how England fare in Euro 2024 with manager Gareth Southgate’s deal running out in December.
    Melchiot told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “Jose Mourinho has always been a strong character, and football teams need characters, whether that’s on the pitch or in the dugout.
    “He’s so instrumental; if you talk to any players who have worked with him, they love him. I wasn’t fortunate enough to work with him during a season, as I left Chelsea just as he arrived in 2004.
    “But I’ve had enough conversations with him over the years to know what he’s like as a person. And whenever I came up against Chelsea in my career, Jose would always go out of his way to stop and talk to me.
    Most read in Football

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “He’s the kind of guy who respects good players, whether they’re on his team or not. And if he respects you as a player, he will stop you in the tunnel, and shake your hand. And every time I played against his team, he would do that to me.
    “Do I see him coming back to England? I’m not sure. Why would he? He has done so many great things in this country. He had two spells in charge of Chelsea and was successful in both, he’s also managed Manchester United and Tottenham before going out to Italy.
    Glum Jose Mourinho fights back tears as he leaves Roma training ground after being brutally sacked and replaced
    “I just don’t know what else he’d need to prove in England. What is he going to do next? Go to Liverpool? Probably not. I suppose the only job he might take in England, now, is the national job.
    “It’s something that has been spoken about in the past and, personally, I think that would just come down to what the FA want from their next manager.
    “Then you’ve got to ask whether or not Jose wants to slow down… Taking a national job is a sign of a manager slowing down, because the demands of that kind of role are completely different to those within club football management.
    “Everyone knows how he likes to play, so you’ve got to look at that, too. His style of play… Does that suit England right now, and where they want to be?
    “If England want him, then he’s a great name to bring in when Gareth Southgate moves on, for sure.”
    Chelsea hero Mario Melchiot claims Mourinho may not be done with English footballCredit: Getty More