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    ‘I’m not at my level,’ claims £54m Chelsea star as he says ‘no one can sleep’ over competition under Enzo Maresca

    CHELSEA stars are losing sleep over the competition in Enzo Maresca squad.The new Blues boss spent £220million after taking over in the summer following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.Pedro Neto during a Chelsea training sessionCredit: GettyWinger Pedro Neto was a £54million addition from Wolves and has been competing to get a regular spot out wide. Neto – who took the No7 jersey from Arsenal loanee Raheem Sterling – scored his first Chelsea goal in the 5-0 League Cup drubbing of Barrow. And he admitted Maresca’s squeezed squad are only just getting used to the rotating line ups. He said: “When you arrive at a big club, it’s a new adaptation. Maybe in Wolverhampton, I was going to play maybe 90 per cent of the games.READ MORE ON football“Here, I have to work even more or maybe I’ll not play because the coach will rotate the players. “It makes you play even better because you know that you have to work.“With the amount of quality that we have here, no one can sleep. As the coach has said: ‘Everyone will not play every game’.“We have to work hard and make for ourselves and continue to to do it every weekend, every training session, every game. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s the mentality that I hope can take us to the top.”Neto, 24, has made seven appearances so far this season operating on both the left and right in competition with Noni Madueke, 22. Chelsea Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace SocialBut Neto admitted: “At the moment, I’m not at my level, but I’m getting there. I know that I will arrive at my top form and I will enjoy it.“I continue to work. I continue to work on my confidence, on my football, on the adaptation, and I hope to be [at full fitness] as soon as as I can.” More

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    How secret weapon made Anthony Joshua ‘absolutely devastating’ again with warning Daniel Dubois will ‘go to sleep’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has been moulded into a devastating knockout machine under trainer Ben Davison. Joshua joined the young coach’s Harlow gym last December before taking apart Otto Wallin in six rounds. Anthony Joshua ahead of his fight with Daniel DuboisCredit: GettyHe then brutally knocked out Francis Ngannou in March just five months after the MMA star dropped Tyson Fury in a controversial decision loss. Joshua, 34, heads into his third bout under Davison on Saturday at Wembley challenging for Daniel Dubois’ IBF title. And former champion David Haye believes AJ is back to his destructive best – or maybe even better. He told William Hill’s Up Front with Simon Jordan: “Until he started working with Ben Davison, he didn’t mould his style around his strengths. READ MORE IN BOXING”He’s now got some pre-determined punch sequences that are absolutely devastating, he just waits for the right time until he needs to pull the trigger – then people go to sleep.“AJ is a much better fighter now having lost those two fights than he would’ve been if he’d won – he’s learnt from his mistakes. “The new Anthony Joshua would smoke the old Anthony Joshua in one round, plain and simple. “Everything is strategised and sequenced now, and that’s the Ben Davison effect. Most read in BoxingJoshua vs Dubois fight predictions THIS weekend Wembley will witness one of the biggest all-British fights of all-time.But who will emerge victorious under the famous arch? Some of the biggest names in boxing have been having their say…Oleksandr Usyk: “My favourite is Anthony Joshua but I am very bad at predictions. But I will predict Anthony Joshua.”Dillian Whyte: “I just think that it’s one of those fights where it is a genuine 50/50 fight in my opinion.”Joe Joyce: “I was initially edging with Joshua but I don’t know, Dubois is coming on.”Frazer Clarke: “As heavy-handed as Dubois is and as good a fighter as he’s becoming, I still have to go for Joshua.”Francis Ngannou: “Even though Joshua lost against Usyk twice and Dubois fought Usyk and almost knocked him down and almost won, I would still give this to Joshua.”Click here for more fight predictions for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel DuboisCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s starting to understand his strengths and implement them.” Dubois, 27, comes into the fight having come from behind to beat Filip Hrgovic, 32, for the belt. David Haye hints at shock boxing comeback more than SIX YEARS after heavyweight title defeat to Tony BellewHe took a succession of right hands before battling back to stop Hrgovic in eight rounds. But Haye warned Dubois will not be afforded the chance to turn things around like that against in-form AJ. He said: “If the version of Daniel Dubois who fought Filip Hrgović turns up against AJ on Saturday who was eating right hands all night, I think he’ll have a really tough time. “He’s got a great chin though, no one can question that.”David Haye lauded AJ’s newfound formCredit: PATrainer Ben Davison with JoshuaCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Jenny ‘The Tennessee Gangster’ Savage – the glam bare-knuckle star named after Macho Man who fights Elle Brooke

    JENNY SAVAGE is the bare-knuckle star named after a WWE legend who is challenging for Elle Brooke’s Misfits Boxing throne.Savage – real name Jennifer Clausius – faces Brooke at Misfits 18 in Newcastle on Saturday night.Jenny Savage is the bare-knuckle star named after a WWE legendCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/Her nickname is based on WWE star Macho Man Randy SavageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/Savage crossed over from MMA and bare-knuckle to boxingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/Elle Brooke fights Savage in NewcastleCredit: @ellebrookeukThe American has also earned the nickname “The Tennessee Gangster” throughout her bare-knuckle and MMA career.But she now crosses over to boxing in a move which has been a long time coming.Savage, 31, told Fred Talks Fighting: “I’ve always wanted to be a boxer, with gloves on, not without.”This is actually a dream come true to have what I would consider my first boxing match.READ MORE IN BOXING”I’ve had two exhibitions prior. But I’ve had to find them myself at the last minute in weird circumstances and I feel like this will be my first boxing test.”I haven’t worn 8oz gloves at all. I mean, I’ve had 6oz gloves, MMA gloves but this will be my biggest fight to date and my first time wearing these kind of gloves.”It’s not like bare-knuckle boxing, I believe it’s more comparable to a collision where bare-knuckle is more superficial with the cuts and things of such, you can break your hand like I did.”But I feel like I’m battle-tested because of bare-knuckle, I’m battle-tested because of my mixed martial arts background and overall I’ve just been submerged in boxing.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Overall, I just feel like it’s going to be my night and I have no doubts.”The boxing newcomer took inspiration from WWE icon “Macho Man” Randy Savage.Elle Brooke’s 10 most liked Instagram postsBut she earned her nickname the hard way having debuted in MMA professionally in 2018. That night, she featured on UFC boss Dana White’s “Lookin’ for a Fight” series but she suffered defeat to Jamie Milanowski.After seven MMA fights and three losses, she crossed over to bare-knuckle boxing where she had six fights, winning three.Now it is time to put on the boxing gloves to fight Brooke – in what is a literal dream come true.Savage said: “I predict that I’m going to knock her out in the second round or I’m going to TKO her. I’m going to stop her.”I just have dreams about it. I have actually had dreams about getting this opportunity before.”I want to say, I was really down wondering what I was going to do next. “My first boxing fight in Nashville almost didn’t happen due to confusion in information.”I was like, ‘Dude, I really want this fight.’ I asked myself why and I went within.”And then I took a nap and had a dream that I was fighting Elle.”I’m pretty prophetic and when I commit, when I get away from fear and doubt, magical things happen.”Savage has a teenage son Cayden – whose father tragically committed suicide during the coronavirus pandemic.And she uses his sad passing as a form of inspiration to better her and son Cayden’s life.Savage opened up: “He lit a fire underneath me for my son – not spitefully because I was upset with him – but just to be the strong person that my son needs.”Because my son is just like his father; he’s bright, intelligent, misunderstood, a very beautiful human and I believe we all have our own beauty that we should embrace for ourselves.”We always anticipate the love for others but at the end of the day we’re the ones in that ring, in that cage, on that mat in the gym a lot of the times alone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve got to have that inner strength and be reminded that life is within us and we’ve got to pull it out sometimes ourselves.”It’s not easy but I believe it’s worth living and life is beautiful.”Savage says she even dreamed of fighting Elle Brooke one dayThe American has had boxing exhibitions beforeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thetennesseegangster/ More

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    Inside Man Utd’s marginal gains on pre-season tour with stars given special sleep and meal windows & told when to drink

    MANCHESTER UNITED are going to extraordinary lengths to ensure they get their players’ best performances on their tour of the USA.Sir David Brailsford always emphasised the search for marginal gains in his successful time as the head of British cycling.New signing Leny Yoro touches down in CaliforniaCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof is facing increased competition this seasonCredit: GettyAmad Diallo will hope to continue his riseCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen looks in high spirits on the planeCredit: GettyCasemiro did not end the season wellCredit: GettyAs United new part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right hand man, he is bringing that into Old Trafford – even if it is just to offset jet lag from a 12 hour flight from Manchester to Los Angeles.The team play their first game of the tour on Saturday against Arsenal and have been put on a strict regime to ensure the travel does not affect their performance at the SoFi Stadium, which will be a 70,000 sell-out.It includes:Each player being given a plan with designated sleep and meal windows.Bespoke meals have been designed by the performance chef and nutrition team.Players have been given a hydration plan to avoid any risk of dehydration and individually tailored compression garments to increase blood circulation.Training has been specifically scheduled to support players to shift their body clocks with considerations made around exposure to light at the right time of day.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSDuring his time in charge of British cycling, Brailsford made it clear how important it was to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of being the best.Back in 2015 he said: “We were precise about food preparation. We brought our own mattresses and pillows so our athletes could sleep in the same posture every night. “We searched for small improvements everywhere and found countless opportunities. “Taken together, we felt they gave us a competitive advantage.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRatcliffe and Brailsford have already undergone a full review of how United is run which is leading to 250 redundancies at the club.They are making major improvements to the training ground, and work is also taking place on Old Trafford, including a new-look tunnel for the players to run out from at the corner of the Sir Bobby Charlton and Stretford End stands.Check out the stats for the £59m midfielder Man Utd have agreed personal terms withUnited are in a panic over their full-back situation with less than a month to go to the start of the new season.The club have flown out to Los Angeles without Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia.And while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is there, United are actively trying to sell him.Shaw and Dalot are having extended breaks after taking part in the Euros.However, there are concerns over Shaw’s long-term fitness.Antony needs a big pre-season to earn a first-team spotCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay enjoy the flightCredit: GettyMason Mount needs to put his injury woes behind himCredit: GettyMan Utd pre-season tour squad in fullGoalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Demot Mee, Andre Onana, Radek Vitek.Defenders: Harry Amass, Rhys Bennett, Jonny Evans,Will Fish, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Sam Murray, Aaron Wan-Bissaka,Leny Yoro.Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Hannibal, Jack Fletcher, Sam Mather, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Maxi Oyedele, James Scanlon.Forwards: Antony, Amad, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Ethan Wheatley.Reported injured: Tyrell MalaciaLeft out: Joshua Zirkzee, Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri and Luke Shaw.He played in the latter stages of the Euros for England but that was his first taste of football since February.Dalot was one of the club’s most consistent performers last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd as it stands, he will begin the season on the right with Shaw on the left.But there is no recognised back-up on either side with the club trying to sell Wan-Bissaka, who is in the final year of his contract.  More

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    England were so boring they put me to sleep – but I wasn’t expecting to be woken up the way I was, says Three Lions fan

    AN England fan pictured fast asleep during the goalless snore draw with Slovenia says he “wished he’d never woken up”.Freddie Hahn, 32, summed up the mood of legions of Three Lions supporters as he nodded off in the stands during the soporific stalemate.Freddie Hahn, 32, nodded off in the stands during The Three Lions’ match against SloveniaCredit: RexBut the England fan said he woke to the sound of booing and the dull scorelineCredit: GettyFreddie said: ‘There wasn’t much going on and I thought I was better off asleep’He told yesterday how he woke to the sound of booing — and the dull scoreline, which still secured top spot in our qualifying group.Freddie — a pensions manager from Crawley, Sussex — said he had a great day out, having a few pints with mates. But the only thing that ruined it was the football.He was enjoying his new-found fame yesterday after appearing sprawled in his stadium seat on yesterday’s Sun front page.And he pledged to continue to back manager Gareth Southgate — but only if his lions liven up and deliver the trophy in Germany.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dad of one said: “It was a very dull game. There wasn’t much going on and I thought I was better off asleep.“There was a lot of booing at the end and that woke me up.“I was actually having a nice dream about England winning the tournament — but I woke up to the nightmare of England’s performance.“I’d been on the beers all day and just thought it’s better to close my eyes than see what was happening on the pitch.”Most read in Euro 2024Southgate was booed, given the thumbs down and pelted with plastic beer cups by a section of fans after the draw in Cologne on Tuesday night.It was just the latest in a dull campaign, which saw the one-time tournament favourites somehow grab top spot by scoring just two goals in three group games.Gareth Southgate reacts to England fans throwing cups and booing Three Lions team after drab drawFreddie paid just £25 for his match ticket and flew to Germany with pals from the local soccer team Crawley Devils — from Southgate’s home town.He said: “We actually attended the same secondary school. I didn’t boo him when I woke up because he’s from the same place as me and I didn’t want to be too harsh on him.“But to be honest, I could probably do a better job than him.”The England coach was yesterday battling to energise his £1.2billion superstar squad as they bid to lift their first footie silverware in 58 years.Freddie admitted seven or eight pints of beer knocked back in sunny Cologne before the game had him dozing in his seat even before kick-off.He said: “We came into the city very early, had a fantastic lunch and started drinking.’Good laugh’“There was a real party atmosphere and no trouble. It was a fantastic occasion. The only thing that ruined it was what happened on the pitch.”Freddie, who has a one-year-old son with his partner, Tash Copsey, said he is known for falling asleep, especially at parties. He said: “I didn’t realise a picture of me sleeping would become such a big thing. My partner and family are having a good laugh about it.“I’ve had lots of messages. People find it really hilarious, really funny.A lot of people know me as the bloke who falls asleep at parties, but I’ve never done it in a packed football stadium before”I’m the most famous England fan in the world at the moment.“A lot of people know me as the bloke who falls asleep at parties, but I’ve never done it in a packed football stadium before.“I put it down to my busy life and the fact that I’ve got a young child.“It was nice to get out to Germany and spend some time with the lads.” Freddie manages football team Crawley Devils in the Mid Sussex league and added: “I think I put my players to sleep sometimes with my team talks.“I love going to watch England away and I’ve had a great time and hopefully Gareth and the boys can turn it around. It was a frustrating game because we have so much talent at our disposal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFreddie flew back to England yesterday — and has no plans to return to Germany.Freddie admitted seven or eight pints of beer knocked back before the gameJude Bellingham and Phil Foden were both excellent for their clubs this season but have struggled for EnglandCredit: ReutersHarry Kane has also struggled at Euro 2024Credit: GettyTwo beer cups were allegedly hurled towards Gareth Southgate after the draw with SloveniaCredit: GettyThe full time whistle was met with jeers by England fansCredit: Rex More

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    Roy Keane’s death stare to Wayne Rooney has fans ‘howling’ after Man Utd legend reveals he sleeps with hairdryer on

    ROY KEANE gave Wayne Rooney his infamous death stare after learning of his bizarre sleeping habit.The former Manchester United team-mates were recently reunited on The Overlap podcast, in which they opened up on their playing past.Wayne Rooney was a recent guest on The Overlap podcastCredit: THE OVERLAPThe Manchester United revealed he takes a nap with a hairdryer blowing on his faceCredit: THE OVERLAPHis admission stunned his former team-mate Roy KeaneCredit: THE OVERLAPRooney, 38, was extremely candid in the sitdown with Keane, fellow former United team-mate Gary Neville and Arsenal legend Ian Wright.And he left them baffled when he revealed he likes to take a nap with a HAIRDRYER blowing in his face – which caused him to miss his first-ever England team meeting.The retired striker admitted: “I’ve done that a few time where I’ve fallen asleep.”I like to have a sleep in the afternoon and when I sleep I have the hairdryer blowing in my face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Which sometimes blanks the alarm and I sleep through. I still sleep like that now.”Rooney’s admission left Keane absolutely stunned, so much so he shot his old team-mate a death stare.Keane’s reaction went viral and sparked a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom wrote on X: “Howling.”Another said with a laughing emoji: “Keane’s face.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another said: “Roy Keane was born for comedy.”One remarked: “Keane is God.”I dumped a bucket of cold water on David Moyes on the toilet – he still doesn’t know it was me, says Wayne RooneyAnother chimed in: “The irony of Wayne Rooney needing a hairdryer for, well, anything.”Rooney further stunned Keane, Neville and Wright by revealing his unlikely sleep aid once nearly caused a fire.He continued: “I had one [hairdryer] that burnt out, and I woke up and it was melted into my leg!”Rooney was last month appointed as Plymouth Argyle’s new manager.After the confirmation of his appointment, he said: “Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career.”And I would like to thank the Chairman and Board for the faith they have shown in me.“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project.”I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.“I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park.”The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I can’t wait for the Championship season to start in August.”Wayne Rooney was speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet. More

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    Wayne Rooney reveals bizarre bedtime routine as Man Utd fans claim club legend is still suffering ‘Fergie PTSD’

    WAYNE ROONEY has blown away Alex Ferguson as the main man with a hairdryer – after revealing an astonishing bed-time habit.The former England skipper admits he is an unusual kipper – as he always sleeps with a HAIRDRYER switched on close by him.Wayne Rooney sleeps with a hairdryer and two fans blowing cold airCredit: RexAlex Ferguson had a cheaper version of the hairdryerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThere’s no doubt Rooney is struggling to match his legendary ex-Manchester United boss Fergie in the dugout.But it’s not a load of hot air to say he can beat the fiery Scotsman at his own game by creating an electric atmosphere in a less heated way.Fergie famously dished out the “hairdryer treatment” – blasting his United players at half-time if ever they were struggling.But Rooney takes his own, far more expensive version to the opposite extreme  – as he only uses COLD air!READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ex-Birmingham chief explained his oddball routine between the sheets while playing FIFA Pro Clubs with streamers Girth N Turf.Speaking on the Twitch stream, the 38-year-old said: ‘If I’m in bed on my own, I sleep with the hairdryer on.. the whole night.”I have it on cold. On my kids’ lives, I sleep with the hairdryer on and it’s in the bed right next to me blowing on my head.”I’ve got two fans next to my bed as well.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRooney’s relationship with Treble-winning Ferguson blew hot and cold towards the end of the Evertonian’s 13 years at Old Trafford.And the former striker’s in-game team-mates, such as Angry Ginge and Pieface, joked that his strange bed-time requirement suggests he’s suffering from “PTSD of Fergie shouting at you”.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesBut after spluttering spells in charge of Derby, DC United and Birmingham, Rooney still hopes he can awaken his managerial dreams.Meanwhile, he’s tipped to become a BBC pundit at Euro 2024 this summer – despite missing his Match of the Day debut two weeks ago. More

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    Inside Quincy Promes’ horror UAE jail where rape is ‘everyday occurrence’ and 20 men sleep on floor of six-man cells

    DISGRACED football star Quincy Promes is enduring brutal living conditions in a prison in the United Arab Emirates.Promes, 32, stood out for the likes of Sevilla and Ajax but his career has taken a nosedive after his recent legal troubles.Quincy Promes is serving a six-year prison sentence in the United Arab EmiratesCredit: GettyPromes is still contracted to Spartak Moscow in RussiaCredit: Instagram @qpromesPromes is held in Al Aweer prison where rape is an everyday occurrenceCredit: AFPPromes and his fellow inmates have to shave their heads baldCredit: AFPThe winger has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the smuggling of 1,363kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of £65million.That came after the ex-Netherlands international received an 18-month sentence last year for stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family party.Promes was away in Russia playing for Spartak Moscow during the legal proceedings but was arrested in Dubai by border control at the request of Dutch authorities last month and wasn’t allowed to fly back.And now the Dutchman is living in the infamous Al Aweer prison in the UAE, which is a far cry from all the glitz and glamour famous footballers usually enjoy.Read More on FootballAccording to De Telegraaf, the ex-Twente star stays in a six-person cell and sleeps in a double bunk bed with up to 20 prisoners also lying on the floor.The cells are freezing cold as well as noisy and more harrowingly rape is an everyday occurrence as the prison has a small number of guards available.Prisoners are also forced to shave their heads bald or else they are deprived TV or phone privileges.The jailhouse also doesn’t serve fruit or vegetables and inmates can only exercise up to three times a week.Most read in FootballThis poses as an issue in Promes’ bid to retain fitness as he is still contracted to Spartak until 2025.The ex-Netherlands youth star can only watch TV outside his cell during the day with other fellow inmates.Dutch football star Quincy Promes charged with attempted murder after ‘stabbing his cousin at family party’ The forward is desperate to be extradited but wants to go back to Russia so that he doesn’t have to serve his sentence in his homeland.Promes shares the cell with other Dutchmen who are also expecting extradition.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey are joined by other inmates – mostly of Pakistani, Egyptian and Indian descent – who are addicts and not aware of Promes’ status.The player’s lawyers had previously said: “We point out that an independent judge in Dubai will now decide on the Dutch request for extradition. “In general, extradition proceedings can take quite some time and involve many formal steps and requirements.”This is also completely common in the Netherlands. The outcome and duration of the extradition procedure cannot be predicted at this time.” More