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      Frank Lampard reveals who is blocking Mason Mount from thriving at Man Utd and slams club for lack of plan

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      CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard has criticised Manchester United over their lack of plan for Mason Mount.The England midfielder, 25, left Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford in a £60million move last summer.
      Mason Mount has struggled since joining Manchester United in the summerCredit: Getty
      Frank Lampard does not see what the plan is with Mount at Old TraffordCredit: The Times
      But Lampard has questioned why Man Utd splashed the cash on Mount, who he worked with at both Chelsea and Derby, because the Red Devils already have Bruno Fernandes.
      Lampard said: “The only worry I had with him when he went to United was where do Bruno Fernandes and him fit? Bruno is the captain of the football club, plays in the same position and hardly gets injured.
      “Then have Casemiro. I know it’s starting to develop already and change away from that as an idea, but you could kind of think, where does he fit?
      “This is not to dig Mason or Man Utd actually for bringing him in, but for a player of that level and for that money, you have to go, ‘This is the plan’.
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      “That’s what I would want to hear. My question would be, where does he fit?”
      Injury-plagued Mount has made just 12 appearances for Erik ten Hag’s struggling side with his last outing on November 11.
      Yet even when he was fit he only made seven starts and is yet to score for United.
      Mount is closing in on a return to first-team training and Lampard told the Stick to Football podcast: “He’s had injuries, he’s in a team that is struggling and there’s big negativity in certain ways.
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      Mount has spent much of this season sidelined with injury
      “I’m not saying it because I’ve had a relationship with him in terms of managing but I do think he will come good because of his talent.
      “Once the team gets more structured, because I do think it’s important to say you’re an aggressive eight or a 10.
      “It’s a difficult one and a conundrum for the team to get him into the team in his best position.
      “He is very driven and if you drop him the face goes and not in a bad way, he will want to show you. He is very determined.” More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s emotional statement in full as Premier League and Champions League-winning boss announces exit

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      JURGEN KLOPP has announced he will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.His exit will bring to an end an eight-and-a-half-year tenure at Anfield.
      Jurgen Klopp has confirmed his Liverpool exit in an emotional statementCredit: Alamy
      During that time, the Reds have won seven major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
      Klopp confirmed his departure in an emotional statement on the club’s website, which read: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
      “I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
      “It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
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      “After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
      He continued: “I told the club already in November. I have to explain a little bit that maybe the job I do people see from the outside, I’m on the touchline and in training sessions and stuff like this, but the majority of all the things happen around these kind of things.
      “That means a season starts and you plan pretty much the next season already.
      “When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore’ and I was surprised myself by that. I obviously start thinking about it.
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      “It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super-difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here, or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously.
      “For me it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about.

      “When I realised pretty early that happened, it’s a really good team with massive potential and a super age group, super characters and all that, then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome.
      “It is not what I want to [do], it is just what I think is 100 per cent right.”
      Assistant managers Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz will also leave the club along with elite development coach Vitor Matos, the club have confirmed.
      Klopp has revealed he told the club of his decision in NovemberCredit: Reuters More

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      Jurgen Klopp announces he will QUIT Liverpool at end of season in bombshell statement

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      JURGEN KLOPP is sensationally set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.The German took over at Anfield in October 2015 but he has now decided to call time on his Liverpool career.
      Jurgen Klopp will step down at the end of the season
      Klopp led Liverpool to their sixth Champions League title in 2019Credit: Getty
      He also won the League Cup and FA Cup double in 2022Credit: AFP
      Klopp took over as Liverpool manager in October 2015Credit: Reuters
      Klopp has won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds and is currently top of the Prem table.
      But he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.
      Klopp explained his decision to step down in an emotional interview in which he shared his love for the club, the fans and the city.
      He said: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
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      “I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
      “It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
      “After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
      Klopp informed Liverpool’s owners of his intention to quit in November.
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      He has won five major trophies with the RedsCredit: Getty
      Liverpool won their first league title in 30 years under the GermanCredit: EPA
      Klopp’s wife Ulla previously convinced him to stay at LiverpoolCredit: Rex

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      Liverpool next manager huntBy Chisanga Malata
      LIVERPOOL are on the hunt for a new manager following the shock revelation that Jurgen Klopp will leave the club.
      The German dropped the bombshell news on Friday morning, leaving Kopites around the world stunned.
      Fans’ attentions have now turned to who will replace the iconic German in the Anfield dugout.
      And SunSport is on hand with the five standout candidates to succeed the club’s soon-to-be former iconic manager.
      Xabi Alonso
      The former Reds midfielder is the favourite to replace Klopp after a stellar one-and-a-half seasons in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
      Alonso has a 64 per cent win ratio for the Bundesliga outfit, who he guided to a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football last season.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian has been a revelation for Brighton since replacing Graham Potter at the Amex in September 2022.
      Brighton finished in sixth place last season, a mere five points behind Liverpool.
      Jose Mourinho
      The former Chelsea and Manchester United is currently a free agent after being axed by Italian giants Roma this month.
      Mourinho has had a fiery history with the club in the past, but he’d be the perfect man to bring in if the Reds brass want to bring in a big-name manager.
      Unai Emery
      The Spaniard has well and truly bounced back from a disastrous spell with Arsenal at Villa Park.
      Emery guided Aston Villa to a seventh-placed finish last season, a feat they’re on course to better as they’re currently fourth in the Premier League table.
      Steven Gerrard
      The Reds icon has been touted as a future manager of the club ever since he hung up his playing boots.
      His ill-fated spell at Aston Villa, however, may put the club off from an emotional managerial Anfield return.
      And on top of that, the former England man has just signed a new contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

      His decision comes just 18 months after Klopp U-turned on his decision to quit the club after being convinced to stay at Anfield by his wife Ulla.
      Klopp signed a four-year deal instead but realised he was unlikely to stick around for next season when discussing summer plans with club chiefs.
      He continued: “I told the club already in November. I have to explain a little bit that maybe the job I do people see from the outside, I’m on the touchline and in training sessions and stuff like this, but the majority of all the things happen around these kind of things.
      “That means a season starts and you plan pretty much the next season already.
      “When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore’ and I was surprised myself by that. I obviously start thinking about it.
      “It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super-difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here, or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously.
      “For me it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about.
      “When I realised pretty early that happened, it’s a really good team with massive potential and a super age group, super characters and all that, then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome.
      “It is not what I want to [do], it is just what I think is 100 per cent right.”
      Klopp is only missing the Europa LeagueXabi Alonso is the favourite to take overBy Dan King

      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      Klopp’s decision has caused shockwaves with fans and pundits alike left stunned.
      Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher reacted saying: “This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.
      “I just thought it would be another few years away.
      “What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen!”
      While Gary Lineker said: “Wow. Huge news. What an incredible job he’s done. A special The Rest Is Football podcast will be with you this afternoon.”
      Compatriot Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Klopp as manager of Borussia Dortmund in 2015, added: “I have to digest that first.
      “Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world, he has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. It’s big news.”
      TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods also shared her shock, tweeting: “Wowwww. I don’t even support Liverpool and I’m upset!”
      He oversaw Liverpool’s first league win in 30 years in 2020 – a year after leading the Reds to Champions League glory.
      The German also led Liverpool to a cup double in 2022, beating Chelsea in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final on penalties.
      Klopp’s first final in charge of Liverpool was the 2016 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, with the Reds also losing to Sevilla in the Europa League final the same year.
      But he still has a chance to add more silverware to Liverpool’s trophy cabinet with his side top of the table and five points clear of second-placed City.
      Liverpool are also still in three cup competitions after progressing to the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday.
      The Reds are now on the search for a successor to Klopp, with former midfielder Xabi Alonso firm favourite to take over.
      Alonso has impressed in his first managerial job at Bayer Leverkusen, taking his side to the Bundesliga summit this season without losing a game.
      However he has played down talk linking him with the Liverpool job, saying: “Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen”.
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      “I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment.
      “Big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jürgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration.” More

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      Gary Lineker tells Victor Osimhen which Premier League club he should join after Napoli star’s transfer hint

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      GARY LINEKER has named the Premier League club Victor Osimhen should join.The Napoli striker has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks.
      Gary Lineker has told Victor Osimhen which Premier League club he should joinCredit: Splash
      Osimhen has hinted he could leave Napoli in the summerCredit: Getty
      He has also hinted he could make a move away from the Italian champions in the summer.
      If Osimhen does move, Lineker has told him he would join Arsenal if he was in his shoes.
      Asked who he would sign for on the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker explained: “I think I’d look at it and I’d go, at the moment, Arsenal.
      “Obviously, we’re talking about everyone offers the same thing, that’s what you want, blah blah blah in your contract.
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      “I mean, to be honest, they earn so much now that you can just choose where you want to go.
      “I would say, Arsenal are probably a centre-forward away from winning things. Chelsea are a centre-forward away from becoming competitive again. Manchester United are a centre-forward away from improving, but they’ve still got a long way to go.
      “If I were him, you want to go somewhere where you think you’re going to win things.”
      Lineker’s comments come after Osimhen hinted this week he could be on the move at the end of the season.
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      He revealed he has already made a decision on his future and hailed the Premier League as one of the best leagues in the world.
      The 25-year-old told CBS Sport: “I want to finish the season with Napoli strong and then come up with the decision I’ve already made.”
      Osimhen signed a new deal through to 2026 in December but has continued to be linked with a move away from Napoli.
      The forward has eight goals across all competitions this season after winning the Serie A golden boot last term.
      His 26 league goals helped fire Napoli to their first league title since 1990. More

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      Arsenal fans say ‘Wenger has done it again’ with ‘eight-year master plan’ close to completion

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      ARSENAL fans joked “Arsene Wenger has done it again” after noticing the potential repercussions of Granit Xhaka’s career path.Xhaka, 31, joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and went on to make 297 first team appearances.
      Granit Xhaka could win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this seasonCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are currently behind Leverkusen in the league tableCredit: Getty
      Football fans have joked that Arsene Wenger is responsibleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He endured a mixed experience in North London before eventually becoming a fan favourite.
      The midfielder’s captaincy was revoked in 2019 after he told Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace.
      But supporters were devastated last summer when he completed a £21.5million move to Bayer Leverkusen.
      Since returning to Germany, Xhaka has been one of Leverkusen’s star players.
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      The Black and Reds sit at the top of the Bundesliga table, four points clear of Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
      Football fans are now convinced that he could prevent his ex-North London rival from winning a trophy once again.
      One person tweeted: “Arsene Wenger signed Granit Xhaka in 2016 so that 7 years later he could join Bayer Leverkusen to lead their title charge against Bayern Munich and ensure that Harry Kane does not win a single league title in his career.
      “Arsene Wenger has done it again 😂.”
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      Granit Xhaka’s career path
      May 2016: Xhaka joins Arsenal in £30million transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
      September 2016: He scores his first goal for the Gunners.
      May 2017: The midfielder wins the FA Cup with Arsenal
      September 2019: Xhaka is named Arsenal captain, replacing Laurent Koscielny.
      October 2019: He tells Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace while being booed.
      November 2019: His captaincy is revoked and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is named as Arsenal’s new captain.
      January 2020: The midfielder takes a first team hiatus and is rumoured to leave Arsenal.
      August 2020: Xhaka wins his second FA Cup with Arsenal.
      May 2022: He admits he is “ready” to captain Arsenal again.
      July 2023: Xhaka joins Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5million transfer.

      Another wrote: “If that pans out, it’s absolute genius!?!”
      While a third commented: “Arsene Wenger at it again 😂.”
      Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and spent 22 years with the Gunners before leaving in 2018.
      During his time at the club he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. More

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      Jack Grealish’s stunning Wag Sasha Attwood wows in white bikini after Instagram break as fans say ‘welcome back’

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      SASHA ATTWOOD’S fans welcomed “our queen” back as Jack Grealish’s partner returned to Instagram just the way she left it.The model girlfriend of the Manchester City midfielder said hello and Dubai with more exotic snaps.
      Scroll down for more glam snaps from Sasha’s life
      Sasha Attwood looked as stylish as ever in DubaiCredit: Instagram
      Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood looked Dior-droppingly good togetherCredit: Instagram
      Looking white hot, Sasha poses on the Amalfi Coast in ItalyCredit: @sasha__rebecca
      It’s understandable the influencer took a break online and in the UAE after being part of his family group terrified by burglars last month.
      And followers were happy to see Sasha looked her normal smiling and glamorous self in the latest pics she simply labelled “January”.
      She went back to the fuchsia for a snap in a pink outfit similar to previous selections – and worn open to reveal a white bikini top underneath.
      The Brummie topped off a confident look with one hand on her waist – in front of a cosy bathroom.
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      Another shot, this time arm in arm with Grealish, set the couple in the romantic shade of a subtly-lit Dior event as they recuperated in Dubai.
      Friends and fans amongst Sasha’s 264,000 followers swarmed onto Instagram with messages of joy, relief and admiration for Sasha.
       “We miss you,” was the dominant theme, and “absolutely gorgeous” a popular verdict.
      She was also called “angel” … “beautiful”… and “the best”.
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      “Beautiful, Sasha,” said another.
      And “Ahh missed your face so much, happy to see you back” spoke for many admirers.
      The model kept it classic for this night outCredit: Getty
      The social media star can reflect on a tumultuous few monthsCredit: @sasha__rebecca
      Sasha shows opposites attract as she doesn’t blend with the scenery but still plays the lead role in a stunning photo
      Sasha relaxes with a tequila in a radiant red two-pieceCredit: @sasha__rebecca
      The influencer shines as she attends a fashion eventCredit: Getty More

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      James Maddison breaks the ice between Tottenham team-mates after awkward clash

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      BRENNAN JOHNSON has revealed how James Maddison broke the ice between Tottenham’s £47.5million signing and Richarlison.Spurs attacker Johnson, then playing for ex-club Nottingham Forest, wiped out Richarlison with a brutal challenge at the City Ground.
      Richarlison saw his showboating at the City Ground backfire when he got wiped outCredit: Reuters
      Joker James Maddison put the clip of Brennan Johnson’s brutal challenge on Richarlison into Spurs’ group chat just a day after the £47.5m signing joined the clubCredit: Alamy
      Johnson put the Brazilian striker up in the air after he showboated by doing keepie-uppies in the Premier League clash back in August 2022.
      But the Welshman, 22, has opened up on going from enemies to team-mates after being reunited with Richarlison following his deadline day move to Tottenham back in September.
      Johnson said: “I had been at the club for a day. I looked at the group chat and Madders had put a video of me just lifting Richy.
      “He came over and said: “I remember it!” 
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      “It was a good ice-breaker.
      “He’s a good character. He’s a really good lad and he loves being here and playing football.
      “He played in Liverpool so he has got some scouse phrases which are really funny.
      “We have been clicked for a few goals. The way we both like to play suits each other. 
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      “He likes to get into the box and get across the front of his man and I like to get in behind and play or cross the ball early. I’ve been happy to assist him a few times.”
      Johnson has scored just once – away at Wolves – in 16 Spurs appearances with fans criticising his final product in recent weeks.
      But the forward, likely to start in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round home tie against Manchester City, admits he is learning every day under Ange Postecoglou.

      Johnson told Tottenham’s official podcast: “I’m loving it. I can feel myself improving every single day working with the players and the manager. 
      “It’s everything I want to do at my age. I still have so much to learn.
      “I’m playing in a good style of football every week next to great players.” More

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      Football’s weirdest pre-match meals including Jamie Vardy’s omelette, Gareth Bale’s baked beans and Paul Scholes

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legends have served up fireworks on the pitch – and choose some real bangers when it comes to odd pre-match meals.You might think Jamie Vardy going from skittles and Vodka to Red Bulls, double espresso and omelette would take some beating…
      Gareth Bale believed in a ‘mountain of baked beans’Credit: YouTube @ SKS Tube Sports
      Paul Scholes added a couple of Turkish Delights to his beansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jamie Vardy went from Skittles and Vodka to loads of Red BullCredit: PA
      And you’d be right!
      But Gareth Bale, Paul Scholes, Pascal Gross and Andy Carroll are juicy contenders for top honours in our list of munching madness.
      It also appears many of football’s stylists believe a good old-fashioned British favourite gets them blazing out of the blocks early doors.
      To amend a childhood proverb, their motto seems to be: “Baked beans are good for your art – the more you eat the better you start.”
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      JAMIE VARDY
      The late-developing Leicester striker, 37, who went on to win 26 England caps, is undoubtedly the one to beat at the top of the dining table.
      And it’s hard to say it better than Vardy himself when describing how his pre-match routine graduated from Skittles, Vodka and a penchant for drinking Port from a Lucozade bottle.
      He said: “Three Red Bulls, a double espresso and a cheese and ham omelette is what makes me run around like a nut-job on a match day.”
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      And if you are not quite convinced that combination would meet the approval of a  sports nutritionist, then how about Vardy’s meticulous timetable for consuming it all on match-day….
      The 2016 Prem winner explained: “I wake up in the morning and then [have a] Red Bull. 
      “Literally I get out of bed, get the kids up and downstairs, get their breakfast sorted and then I’m straight into the Red Bull.
      “After that we meet at the stadium for pre-match and while I’m getting changed I’ll have a coffee – it’s better than taking ProPlus. 
      “Red Bull, coffee and then when we get over to the pre-match lounge, I’ll have my cheese and ham omelette with another can of Red Bull.”
      GARETH BALE
      The Wales legend raised eyebrows at Tottenham with his eating habits ahead of kick-off.
      The now-retired winger is one of the few players Real Madrid stars have compared favourably to Cristiano Ronaldo for pure athleticism.
      So perhaps his choice of “cuisine” is not to be scoffed at.
      Former Spurs team-mate Jermaine Jenas revealed the golf-crazy star’s ample eating.
      Jenas told TNT Sports: “The only meal I remember looking at and thinking why and how was Gareth Bale.
      “He used to have like five slices of toast and a mountain of baked beans.”
      PAUL SCHOLES
      The Manchester United legend added a strange twist to traditional nosh.
      The ex-England midfielder, now a pundit, went from box to box with his all-round skills.
      But before kick-off he’d go from chocs to chocs in a curious mix of sweet and savoury food.
      Appearing on the Back of the Net podcast, Scholes told presenter Gabby Logan: “Beans on toast, always, try to have it all the time. 
      “I always had a Turkish Delight as well, the night before the game.
      “It was a bit of a superstition, weird that. Two Turkish Delights and a cup of tea, but I’d always buy a packet of three and leave one.”
      ANDY CARROLL
      The giant frontman, 35, has been accused of having no nutritional nous at Newcastle – when he tucked into Yorkshire puddings and gravy before matches.
      The ex-Liverpool and England ace who is now with Amiens, admitted horrifying a Toon fans’ favourite with his heavyweight pre-loading.
      Andy Carroll’s pre-match roast horrified Newcastle team-mate Kevin NolanCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Carroll said: “This one time Kevin Nolan rang me up and said, ‘Will you pick me up cos my car’s not working… where are you?’ 
      “I said I’m just having a Sunday roast and he went mental, screamed at me on the phone, ‘Are you joking?’ and I told him I’d done that forever.”
      PASCAL GROSS
      Brighton’s ex-Tottenham full-back Pascal Gross is one of those players who in one sense eats quite normally… until you discover how he puts all the ingredients together.
      The four-cap German, 32, limbers up conventionally with rice, chicken and olive oil – only to turn bizarre by topping off the combo with Weetabix”
      WAYNE ROONEY
      The Man Utd and England icon is chewing over his managerial future after being sacked by Birmingham.
      So perhaps he might return to the high-carb comfort food he used to down before playing matches.
      The Everton all-time great, 38, once told FourFourTwo his pre-match ritual included Coco Pops and a banana.
      GARY NEVILLE
      The pundit has become a successful pundit and entrepreneur since his days at right-back for the Red Devils and the Three Lions.
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      But despite his sophisticated credentials, Nev gives Rooney a run for his money in terms of his simple intake before matches.
      The recent Dragons’ Den debutant made “spaghetti with sauce, yoghurt and Ribena” his pre-match cuisine.
      Ex-Man Utd and England team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney both had what might be considered child-like eating habits before gameCredit: Reuters More