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      Man City’s Sheikh Mansour ‘tried and tried’ to buy Liverpool but couldn’t deal with ‘difficult’ owners

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      GRAEME SOUNESS has claimed Sheikh Mansour tried to buy Liverpool before he invested his billions into Manchester City.Amanda Staveley, the financier behind the 2008 purchase of the Eastlands club is said to have confessed the bid in a Dubai restaurant.
      Liverpool fans might wonder what might have been had Sheikh Mansour taken overCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      According to Souness, the Emirati-backed bid to buy Liverpool fell apart as Tom Hicks and George Gillett blocked the sale.
      Souness, who won five league titles and three European Cups with the Reds, recalled on Sky Sports: “I went to Dubai, 12, 13 years ago.
      “I walked round the hotel with my wife and my son and went to the Nobu restaurant which was empty just after lunch.
      “On the way out someone came over and introduced themselves, then a lady came over and she introduced herself as Amanda. ‘I’m a Liverpool supporter,’ she said.
      “During the conversation she said, ‘I’m responsible for taking the Abu Dhabi family to Man City’ and I said, ‘but five minutes ago you said you were a Liverpool supporter – why did you not take them to Liverpool?’
      “She said, ‘I tried and I tried but Gillett and Hicks were so difficult to deal with, they just walked away in the end’.”
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      The American businessmen were hugely unpopular with the Anfield faithful during their three-and-a-half years in charge of the Reds.
      In January 2008, a spat with Rafa Benitez saw their approval ratings plunge even further and fans protested amid news that Middle Eastern interests were evaluating a takeover bid.
      Dubai International Capital, controlled by Sheikh Mansour’s father-in-law Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, were thought to be behind a move to buy Liverpool at that stage as well as a year earlier, before Hicks and Gillett came in.
      Liverpool were ultimately taken over by Fenway Sports Group in 2010.

      Credit: PA:Press AssociationAmanda Staveley is said to have revealed why the bid was blocked More

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      in Soccer

      Barcelona boss Xavi wants to manage five Premier League teams, including Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea

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      BARCELONA legend Xavi left Liverpool off a list of Premier League giants he would like to manage, preferring rivals such as Manchester United instead.And the Spanish World Cup winner, boss of the Catalans, rated Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola as the world’s ‘best coach’.
      Xavi wants to boss of an English clubCredit: Reuters
      Xavi, 42, hailed the Premier League’s ‘atmosphere, packed stadiums’ and players as an exciting alternative.
      The ex-midfielder told Sky Sports in 2019: “Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.
      “Also, [Jurgen] Klopp and [Mauricio] Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.”
      The 133-cap icon said of his former Nou Camp chief: “Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and I am a novice.
      “The comparison happened as a player but now we can’t be compared. I am in love with Pep Guardiola’s football.
      “You can win playing football in different ways but I like the one of City and Guardiola the most. I follow the Premier League a lot and I like it.
      “He is a brilliant, demanding, passionate, obsessive person, that’s why he’s doing so well.
      “It transmits a lot to the footballer. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time at his side.”
      Xavi won four Champions League titles and LaLiga eight times with Barcelona.
      And recently he’s brought the feel-factor back to the Nou Camp, inspiring his side a 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
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      Xavi was part of a golden generation even for Barcelona standards – alongside Lionel Messi and under Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA
      Lionel Messi breaks down in tears and handed tissue by wife Antonela as he insists he’s ‘not ready’ to leave Barcelona More

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      in Soccer

      Uefa and police launch investigations amid wild claims Bodo/Glimt manager ATTACKED Roma coach after being strangled

      by

      UEFA and police have launched investigations after allegations of “physical violence” by a Roma coach on the Bodo/Glimt manager.The Norwegian side reported the incident after the Italian giants accused the home manager of assaulting their man.
      Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen was said to have been interviewed by policeCredit: Getty
      Nuno Santos, right, was reportedly assaulted after full-time in NorwayCredit: Getty
      The two teams faced off in Norway on Thursday night in the Europa Conference League.
      And the hosts, who knocked Celtic out, secured a dramatic comeback win in the first leg of their quarter-final to take a 2-1 lead to the Stadio Olimpico next week.
      But there were accusations of a bust-up after the full-time whistle as the two teams headed back down the tunnel to their respective dressing rooms.
      And it is said Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen “physically attacked” Jose Mourinho’s goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos.
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      Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini told Sky Sport Italia: “Something truly unpleasant just happened.
      “Their coach just attacked our goalkeeping trainer.
      “First, he said a few things to him, then physically attacked him.
      “It’s really sad, because behaviour like this is an insult to Roma, to the players and the staff. It is shameful.
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      “I am honestly still shaken by what I just saw, it’s absolutely shameful.
      “Now we want to send Bodo home, also because of what happened off the field.”
      Il Messaggero claim Knutsen may have attempted to punch Santos.
      However, Knutsen insisted it was Santos who provoked the fracas and accused the Roma coach of trying to strangle him.
      The Bodo/Glimt chief said: “Everything culminated in a physical attack on me in the player tunnel.
      “Usually I would withdraw. In this case, I was physically attacked.
      “He grabbed me by the neck and pushed me into the wall.
      “It is only natural that I then had to defend myself.
      I was not completely innocent, eitherKjetil Knutsen
      “It was an assistant who behaved like a fool. He hacked at me before the match and kept doing it throughout the match. 
      “There is so little fair play that it can interfere with my job. It boiled over twice.
      “I was not completely innocent, either. We must be that honest.”
      Asked if he told Santos to “f*** off”, Knutsen added: “It was not so far away. It must be agreed that there was at least something close but someone had been stabbing me for quite some time.”
      He also insisted he flagged the behaviour to the fourth official during the match.
      Pictures of the incident have been handed over to Uefa, NRK in Norway report, while the European football governing body confirmed a disciplinary investigation is underway following Bodo/Glimt’s official complaints.
      A Bodo/Glimt press release added: “Roma is bombarding the media with untruths, in an attempt to hide the unsportsmanlike behaviour. 
      “Glimt knows that there is a video of the incident, which shows the attack on Knutsen from representatives of Roma’s support team. 
      ‘PROVOCATION, MANIPULATION, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE’
      “The club has seen this video. We demand that the public have access to this video that Uefa possesses.”
      Bodo/Glimt general manager Frode Thomassen said: “This is a systematic provocation, manipulation and finally the exercise of physical violence against Kjetil Knutsen.
      “We are confident that an objective body will ignore incorrect claims from Roma’s coaching team.
      “They have now tried to tell their story. It has upset us a little. In dialogue with them, I do not see what will come out of it.”
      As reported by Sky Sport via Football Italia, local police interviewed Knutsen, Santos and the players who witnessed the alleged incident.
      Knutsen was promoted from Bodo/Glimt assistant to manager in 2018.
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      He led the club to their first Norwegian national league title in 2020 – and they backed it up by defending their crown last year.
      Knutsen has been named Eliteserien manager of the year for the last three seasons.
      Roma took the lead through Lorenzo Pellegrini in NorwayCredit: AFP More

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      Sebastian Vettel slapped with fine for jokingly hijacking F1 official’s moped and doing lap of Australian GP

      by

      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has been fined just over £4,000 for riding a MOPED on track at the Australian GP.The incident happened when Vettel’s Aston Martin conked out with an engine problem before catching fire.
      Vettel’s Aston Martin suffered a power outage and caught fireCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      Vettel commandeered an official’s scooterCredit: TWITTER
      The four-time world champion waved at the crowd as he made his way around the track on the scooterCredit: TWITTER
      The German was offered a ride back to the paddock by a marshal before Vettel took control of the bike himself.
      He rode back to his team’s garage, with his helmet undone and perched on the top of his head as he waved to spectators in the stands.
      The four-time world champion, who had missed the opening two races of the season due to covid, was all smiles.
      But that was soon wiped off his face as new FIA Race Director Niels Wittich, called him up to his office to explain his actions.
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      F1 rules state that no-one can go on the track within five minutes of the end of a session.
      However, there are exceptions for “drivers when driving or on foot, having first received permission to do so from a marshal.”
      There is a growing feeling that Wittich, who has been signed up as Michael Masi’s replacement following the Aussie’s blunder in Abu Dhabi, is flexing his muscles.
      The German race boss is proving a bit of a stickler for the rulebook and had this week told drivers they were not allowed to wear jewellery under their race suits.
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      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      However, Vettel insisted that he was told he COULD return to the pits by the marshal.
      He said: We had a problem, and there was a bit of smoke, and I lost power and we had to stop the car on the track.
      “I did the best I could to limit the damage and get it off the track as soon as possible. I tried to make sure the car doesn’t get any further damaged.
      “The marshal was very helpful, he had a Leatherman. I asked for an Allen key then we took part of the bodywork off so I could get underneath and cool the car. So it was a bit of a job.
      “I asked, ‘can I get back?’, as soon as I knew the car was safe in terms of not catching fire again.
      “But anyways, the session was then over, and I asked, ‘Is somebody coming?’ They said, ‘Yeah, yeah as soon as the session is over.’
      “And then the guy came with a scooter and he said, ‘You can jump on the back.’
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’KILL THEM ALL’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Russia’s ‘chilling order to wipe out civilians in horrifying radio message’
      “I said, ‘Can I drive it?’ Because I prefer to drive myself. And then he handed me the scooter, so I said, ‘OK,’ and he said, ‘Off you go.’ And I went.
      “I mean I would like to get the car back and not to have a problem in the first place. I’m not here to drive a scooter!” More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather names HIMSELF best boxer ever with Muhammad Ali fifth after going on epic rant about The Greatest

      by

      FLOYD MAYWEATHER had no hesitation in naming HIMSELF the best fighter ever – before launching into a rant about Muhammad Ali after placing him fifth.The 45-year-old legend holds an untarnished 50-0 career record.
      Floyd Mayweather has named HIMSELF the greatest boxer of all-time ahead of a host of legendsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mayweather launched into a an extraordinary rant on why he was better than Muhammad AliCredit: Rex Features
      In 2020, Money appeared on ESPN and was asked to pick the best of the best from his sport, with Mayweather having legendary names such as Ali, Rocky Marciano and Joe Louis to choose from.
      But he instantly named himself as top choice and explained why.
      The American said: “He’s beat more world champions than any other fighter in a shorter time and less fights than any other fighter.
      “Landed punches at the highest percentage and took less punishment. He’s been world champion 18 years in five different weight divisions.”
      Regarding placing Ali in fifth, a man widely-regarded as the best of all-time, he said: “Ali, only one weight class and really lost to Ken Norton three times.
      “What he did is he stood for a cause in an era when African-Americans didn’t stand up for their people.”
      Mayweather also launched an extraordinary rant against Ali as he was named the best boxer of all time.
      He said: “What are we judging fighters on? Because if we’re judging fighters on standing for a cause, then it’s Ali hands down.
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      “But if we’re talking about taking the least punishment and breaking records, it’s Floyd Mayweather.
      “Muhammad Ali paved the way for me to be where I’m at today, he’s a legend.
      “But when we talk about record breaking, we’ve got to talk about Ali losing his world title to a fighter with only seven fights.
      “I have to take my hat off to Ali, but I didn’t give this sport 40 years to say that there’s another fighter better than me.”
      When the host argued that Ali’s boxing resume included legendary fights like his Thrilla in Manila showdown with Joe Frazier and suggested Mayweather did not have the same type of brawls, that ignited the flame further.
      A fuming Money replied: “That’s not cool. That’s not cool.
      “What I’m here to teach fighters is this: the name of the game is to hit and not get hit. It’s not about taking punishment.
      “And I love Ali, but sitting on the ropes, taking punishment as far as doing a rope-a-dope – that’s not cool.”
      Mayweather named Roberto Duran second, Pernell Whitaker third and Julio Cesar Chavez fourth in his own list.
      He explained: “[Roberto Duran]. Came up from lightweight to world champion at 160lbs. Love that guy. A legend.
      “[Pernell Whitaker]. Really, he beat Julio Cesar Chavez (the fight was a officially a draw). And he did beat my uncle Roger twice.
      “[Julio Cesar Chavez]. Was 79-0 in different weight classes before he lost.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      From Thierry Henry to David Trezeguet and Karim Benzema, the top five France strikers in history with no Olivier Giroud

      by

      KARIM BENZEMA is a “shoo-in” to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or, according to Rio Ferdinand.The France striker, 34, has been in ludicrous form in recent months -and capped it off with a hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Chelsea 3-1 in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
      Karim Benzema has been in sensational form in recent months and is the early favourite to win the 2022 Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty
      Reigning world champions France have boasted a number of star forwards over the yearsCredit: Reuters
      Les Bleus have been blessed with a hatful world-class players over the years – winning two World Cups and two European Championship titles.
      Strikers such as Thierry Henry, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Eric Cantona and Olivier Giroud have all led the line to devastating effect in the past few decades.
      Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini and Raymond Kopa have provided the ammunition from midfield.
      But who makes the cut as the best five French strikers in football history? SunSport takes a look…
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      5. Antoine Griezmann
      Griezmann just about makes the cut – which is bad news for Giroud, Mbappe, Jean-Pierre Papin and many other star names.
      However, the Atletico Madrid star Griezmann deserves his place in the top five having spearheaded the attack to two finals in his four major tournaments.
      Vital goals past Ireland and Germany set up a Euro 2016 final defeat before he netted the go-ahead goal in the World Cup final two years later.
      As good as Griezmann has been, you feel Kylian Mbappe will be working his way up the list very quickly, particularly if he can inspire another World Cup win this winter.
      That would be his second World Cup crown at the age of just 23 – with the final two days shy of his 24th birthday.
      Antoine Griezmann was a focal point in France’s 2018 World Cup winCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      4. David Trezeguet
      Scoring goals in friendlies or against minnows in qualifying is all well and good, but it is in the biggest of moments when the truest heroes come good.
      Trezeguet’s golden-goal winner to snatch the Euro 2000 crown is forever etched in France football history.
      And the ex-Juventus ace formed part of an impressive attack for more than a decade, sitting as his country’s fifth-highest scorer of all-time with 34 goals.
      David Trezeguet netted the goal that won Euro 2000Credit: EPA
      3. Karim Benzema
      What could have been, had Benzema not become embroiled in a sex-tape blackmail scandal with former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, is anyone’s guess.
      The 34-year-old denies all allegations but did not feature for Les Bleus between 2015 and his shock comeback to the squad in May for the Euro 2020 – immediately finding the net.
      Benzema has won four LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns and four Ligue 1 medals in a fantastic career.
      And he appears to be getting better and better with age as he nears another LaLiga title – and possibly Champions League gong.
      With Benzema back in the squad, France will be even more confident of retaining their World Cup title in Qatar this winter – especially with Kylian Mbappe by his side.
      Karim Benzema is still France’s sixth-highest scorer despite not playing for five yearsCredit: AFP or licensors
      2. Just Fontaine
      Registering 30 goals for his country is only good enough to make 88-year-old Fontaine the equal-eighth top scorer in the annuls of French football.
      But a career-ending injury meant he did so in just 21 games, putting him head and shoulders above almost any player of any nationality for goals-to-games ratio.
      Fontaine’s 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup remains a record, in a tournament where only Pele’s Brazil could knock out Les Bleus.

      Credit: Instagram
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’KILL THEM ALL’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Russia’s ‘chilling order to wipe out civilians in horrifying radio message’
      1. Thierry Henry
      Bursting on to the scene as France’s top scorer in the 1998 World Cup triumph, Henry set out his stall for the years to come.
      Another trio en route to Euro 2000 continued his ascent before his best calendar year came in 2003 – hitting 11 goals in 14 games.
      Retiring internationally in 2010, he held a national record of 51 goals – with his tally of 123 caps by far the most of any attacker to play for France.
      Thierry Henry is France’s all-time top goalscorerCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      in Soccer

      14 ex-Man Utd stars as managers who have been sacked 17 times, and the ONE legend who has been a major success

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is taking his first steps into management as boss of PSV Eindhoven.The Manchester United legend, 45, will take charge of the Dutch giants from next season, after coaching the clubs youth side.
      Ruud Van Nistelrooy will take over the reigns at PSV from next seasonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson have made a foray into management, however most ended up flopping.
      Although, there’s one who was a major success…
      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
      THE super-sub was brought off the bench once again when things went wrong under Jose Mourinho.
      After a great start, he was given the job permanently.
      But a lack of trophies and with the side in dire straits earlier this season, he was regretfully given the boot.
      He didn’t fare much better when he was manager of Cardiff, although did enjoy some success in his native Norway with Molde where he won the league twice and the cup.
      VERDICT: A FLOP ON THESE SHORES
      GARY NEVILLE
      ASTONISHINGLY, after working mostly as a TV pundit and co-owner of Salford City, the ex-right-back was handed the reigns at Valencia in 2015.
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      It was an appointment that lasted a meagre 28 games.
      The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.
      “I never should have said yes to the job,” Neville said in 2019. “I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.
      “There was already far too much going on with the Sky stuff, writing articles for a newspaper and doing all the stuff in Manchester with Salford.”
      VERDICT: FLOP DEBUT BUT TIME TO PROVE US WRONG
      Gary Neville famously flopped as Valencia boss
      STEVE BRUCE
      A FORMER United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman manager.
      He’s managed 10 clubs, including Wigan Athletic twice. Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.
      Most recently, he was the brunt of Newcastle fans who lambasted his tactics.
      His first sacking came at Huddersfield in 2000. Since then, he’s been fired from jobs at Aston Villa and the Toon.
      VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIME
      Steve Bruce was recently sacked by Newcastle
      PHIL NEVILLE
      NEVILLE’S first taste of being boss came with England’s lionesses.
      In 2018, he led the women’s team to glory in the SheBelievesCup.
      However, a year later finishing fourth in the World Cup seemed to be a bit of a disappointment.
      After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      However, they finished fourth from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and failed to make the play offs.
      VERDICT: FLOP SO FAR
      Phil Neville is proving to be a dismal appointment for Inter Miami
      RYAN GIGGS
      IN 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.
      Following a stint as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.
      But in 2020, he was forced to take gardening leave.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Jury’s out on Ryan Giggs’ career as a manager
      ROY KEANE
      AS a leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material.
      And things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League.
      However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.
      Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Roy Keane was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011
      JAAP STAM
      STAM played in the same sides as Keane, and himself was a tough competitor.
      Most recently, he was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati having won four of just 25 games.
      Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.
      On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.
      However, it went downhill the following year. One win in 18 league matches was enough for Stam to be given his marching orders.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      At Reading Jaap Stam was given the bullet following a dismal run
      BRYAN ROBSON
      CAPTAIN Marvel has had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.
      His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.
      A stint at Bradford City saw Robson officially sacked for the first time after just 28 games in charge and a winning percentage of just 25 per cent.
      At West Brom he pulled off the great escape, with his side bottom of the Premier League at Christmas.
      The following year, though, they were relegated and Robson left by mutual consent.
      He also sacked by Sheffield United in 2008. He hasn’t managed anyone since the Thailand job ended in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Captain Marvel Bryan Robson endured 17 years in management but hasn’t been in a job since 2011
      MARK HUGHES
      LIKE Robson, Hughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.
      That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.
      However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.
      After a bust-up with Mohamed Al-Fayed, he resigned as Fulham boss 11 months after his appointment – with Al-Fayed labelling the Welshman a ‘strange man’.
      Sackings at QPR, Stoke and Southampton then followed.
      Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.
      Now, he’s at Bradford City resurrecting his career.
      VERDICT: BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AFTER WALES AND BLACKBURN JOBS
      Mark Hughes has been sacked four times – more than any other ex-Man Utd star
      PAUL INCE
      ‘THE GUVNOR’ has been out of a job since 2014, since leaving Blackpool, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.
      In the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting Milton Keynes Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.
      In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.
      After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Paul Ince couldn’t hack it in the Premier League as a boss
      PAUL SCHOLES
      WITH one of the greatest football brains in the modern era, Scholes was surely going to make a decent coach?
      Maybe too soon to tell. He spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.
      “In the last week there was a couple of issues with a couple of players,” Scholes revealed in a chat with BT Sport in 2019.
      “Experienced pros that I felt didn’t deserve to be treated the way the club wanted to treat them.
      “I didn’t need the hassle of that. I really like the players, really respected them and would have done anything for them. But once I get told ‘don’t play him’, that’s when it is time for me to go…
      “That only happened once, but that was the end of it. There were subtle hints along the way, but that was the end of it.”
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Paul Scholes spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham
      GORDON STRACHAN
      THE Scot spent five years at Coventry City, mostly doing his best to avoid relegation.
      Eventually, his luck would run out in 2001 when the club were demoted from the Premier League.
      He was sacked the following season after a poor start in the First Division.
      Within weeks, Strachan was back – this time in the Southampton hot seat. He resigned as Saints boss in 2004, after wanting to take a break from football
      At Celtic he was victorious – winning three league titles in a row. But in his fourth season, the Hoops lost out Rangers and he handed in his resignation in 2009.
      His time at Middlesbrough was forgettable. With the club languishing in 20th position, he commendably tore up his contract and refused compensation.
      For his last act, Strachan walked away from the Scotland job after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
      VERDICT: MIXED BAG
      On our shores, Gordon Strachan struggled at Coventry City and Middlesbrough
      WAYNE ROONEY
      Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney is the most recent former Red Devil star to try his hand at managing after being hired in 2020 by Derby County.
      But it’s been a tumultuous time for the club, who are in dire financial trouble.
      They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but it looks highly unlikely they will be able to repeat that feat – after they were docked 21 points for financial irregularities and sit rock bottom of the Championship with four points and 22 games played.
      Hard to judge Rooney on this though, given his hands are tied.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO TELL
      Wayne Rooney’s first foray into management at cash-strapped Derby can’t be judged
      LAURENT BLANC
      The exception to the rule, Laurent Blanc is one of the world’s leading managers and has been linked with the Old Trafford job.
      Currently in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, the France World Cup winner has won all his trophies in his homeland.
      He landed the title with Bordeaux in 2009, then won three successive championships with PSG, as well as two French Cups and three French league cups with the latter in just three years.
      The only blot on his copybook, perhaps, was his time as France boss, who he could only lead to a quarter-final of Euro 2012 before standing down.
      But, he’s never been sacked.
      VERDICT: HIT
      Laurent Blanc is the exception to the rule, enjoying success as a boss More

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      in Soccer

      Benfica XI of former stars would fight for Champions League after selling £450m worth of talent in the last decade

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      BENFICA’S business model of buy low, sell high has delivered domestic success but the £450million worth of talent leaving the club could have deprived them of greater glory.A stunning array of star players have passed through the Lisbon club’s doors over the past decade, showcasing their eye for a gem.
      Benfica have sold some of Europe’s best players in the last decade
      An impressive XI can be constructed from former Benfica men – with plenty left spare.
      The 2019 summer deal for Joao Felix, with Atletico Madrid paying £115m, represents by far their biggest sale but a mega 15 players left for between £20m and £35m in the past 10 years.
      Manchester City’s defensive stalwart Ruben Dias is the next most expensive exit after arriving in a £64m deal to shatter David Luiz’s £22m effort.
      His team-mate goalkeeper Ederson follows with a defence of Nelson Semedo, Victor Lindelof and Fabio Coentrao banking Benfica £87m combined.
      A pairing of Axel Witsel and Renato Sanches represents two central midfielders sold early on in their careers for huge profits.
      And with Angel Di Maria and Goncalo Guedes joining them in a £121m midfield, there isn’t even space for Nemanja Matic.
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      Ezequiel Garay and Nemanja Matic left for big fees yet are nowhere near the top of the rankingsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The Serb bruiser left for Chelsea in 2014 for a ‘measly’ £21m, meaning he misses the cut for this line-up along with £13m playmaker Bernardo Silva.
      The exit fees for Lazar Markovic, Nico Gaitan and Enzo Perez also exceeded £20m – and yet aren’t enough for our XI.
      Nuno Tavares swapped Benfica for Arsenal in the summer of 2021 but fails to make our XI as his bargain £7m fee is no match for the £27m banked when Coentrao joined Real Madrid back in 2011.
      Up front, Felix partners Wolves’ record buy Raul Jimenez to oust £27m Valencia signing Rodrigo.
      Had all these players stayed, it isn’t hard to imagine Benfica reaching the latter stages of the Champions League and even threatening to win the competition.
      Add in the likes of Jan Oblak, Joao Cancelo and Luka Jovic and suddenly the team looks nigh-on imperious.
      Sure enough, the Portuguese giants do have two European Cups to their name but a decade that saw them reach just two Champions League quarter-finals and lose a pair of Europa League finals could have been very different. More