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      in Soccer

      Loris Karius considering retiring after Liverpool Champions League final clanger he still hasn’t recovered from

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      LORIS KARIUS has revealed he has found it difficult to recover from his Champions League final clangers and is considering retirement.The former Liverpool goalkeeper was inconsolable after making a pair of high-profile errors in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kyiv at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium.Loris Karius has revealed he struggled to get over his concussion-induced errors in the Champions League finalCredit: Getty – ContributorKarius made two high-profile errors that cost Liverpool in the Champions League final against Real MadridCredit: AFP or licensorsScans at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following the game concluded that he had suffered a concussion following an off-ball clash with Sergio Ramos.However, Karius was subject to months of horrific messages and death threats.And the German, now 31, has revealed how he has felt he was unable to gain any new managers trust in training no matter how much work he did.Speaking to SPORTBible, he said: “It has been difficult to shake off. Even at other clubs when I was trying to gain a manager’s trust or get game time when I felt like, in my opinion, I deserved it…READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There have definitely been moments where I’ve thought that was my disadvantage.”It might not even be the manager’s fault but if you know you have a player that is going to draw so much attention then it’s going to add pressure. “They’ve probably thought, ‘I’ll take the easy and safe way rather than go the other route.’”You can understand in some ways but it’s frustrating when there isn’t much else you can do to change their mind.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKarius was the clubs first-choice goalkeeper at the time of the final, with Jurgen Klopp publicly backing him by handing him the No.1 shirt ahead of the game.Klopp’s faith meant the world to him, but Karius says that after the errors he needed to try and make a fresh start away from the scrutiny.Newcastle star Loris Karius cheekily splashes stunning Wag Diletta Leotta’s as she sizzles in tiny bikini on holiday He said: “My confidence was knocked in the days after and in pre-season, for sure. Everything I did was getting looked at. It was so extreme. It all got a bit too much.”I was trying not to pay any interest but you couldn’t get away from it all. You still notice. People are telling you. I was getting confronted all the time. “And that’s why I wanted a fresh start rather than staying at Liverpool, where I could have been behind Alisson, and still getting game time.”Maybe in the end that would have been the better step but it’s difficult to say at that stage.”Karius was sent on loan to Besiktas in Turkey in the following two seasons, making 67 appearances.He describes his time there as “turbulent” with “a lot of chaos”, which was partly down to having to sue his own club due to “not getting paid for five or six months”.However, in the 2020/21 season Karius went on loan to Bundesliga side Union Berlin but played just five games.He added: “I thought it would be different. I thought I could go to Turkey, reset and have a fresh start. Karius career statsMainz (2011-2016): 96 appearancesLiverpool (2016-2022): 49 appearancesBesiktas (loan 2018-2020): 67 appearancesUnion Berlin (loan 2020/21): 5 appearancesNewcastle (2022-2024): 2 appearancesGermany: Represented nation across youth levels from Under-16 to Under-21.”But it got even more turbulent. I was in a country I’d never been to before. I didn’t speak the language and I was on my own most of the time.”I wasn’t in a good mental space. There was no one to talk to; not even the coaches because they could only speak Turkish. “There was no one there to help. I was just really relieved when I was able to leave. That was probably the most difficult time of my career.”From there, it went downhill, step by step. Once you’re without game time for a year or two, it’s not going to get easier to get back in goal at the highest level.”Karius then did not play in the 2021/22 season, with his Reds contract eventually expiring in 2022 before Newcastle picked him up on free agency, whom he stayed with for two years as a back-up goalkeeper.He ended up starring for them twice, including in the 2023 Carabao Cup final against Manchester United when Nick Pope was suspended and Martin Dubravka cup tied.After making his second appearance in a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal last season – a season when he “expected, or hoped, to play games” – Karius is now without a club.Despite the challenges he has faced, years later, Karius has been able to reflect and has found positives from the darkest moment of his career.Karius went on loan to Besiktas for two years from LiverpoolCredit: ReutersHe joined Newcastle in 2022 after becoming a free agentCredit: GettyHe made his first appearance for the club in the 2023 Carabao Cup final but was powerless to stop Man Utd from winningCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe said: “It was a game. I made some mistakes. I was probably injured when doing so. “What am I going to learn from this? To not make the same mistake next time? Or signal when I received the hit? It’s not easy.”But the experience made me stronger as a person. It’s part of my story. It’s part of my history. At the end of the day, I was a Liverpool player. I reached the Champions League final. “It didn’t play out how I wanted but less than one percent of professional footballers play in a Champions League final. We did great things. You can’t deny that.”His time as a free agent has allowed Karius to pursue his passion for music, walk the runway for Hugo Boss at Milan Fashion Week in September and spend time watching his daughter grow.Karius got married to Italian TV presenter Diletta Leotta in June this year after meeting in 2022. Leotta gave birth to the couples first child on August 16 2023, a baby girl named Aria.On his future, Karius revealed he had offers from Saudi Arabia and Italian teams Roma, Monza and Torino, but wanted to have a shot at playing and not move far away from his family.Karius married Italian TV presenter Diletta Leotta in 2024The couple welcomed baby girl Aria in August 2023Credit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleottaHe said: “I was hoping to get a good opportunity in the summer, where I could have a shot at playing again.”I could still get that somewhere else, but I still have expectations of which level I want to play. I have to be honest with myself and not go somewhere I may not feel comfortable.”I chose not to go to Saudi Arabia, for example. To be that far away from my family would have been difficult. “I’ve spoken to teams but in the end, it didn’t work out. There were advanced talks with a team in Italy but that didn’t happen, which was sad at the time.”It hasn’t been easy but I can honestly say that I’ve been working as hard as I can over the past few years. I’ve been putting a lot of work in behind the scenes. “I’ve been a top team player but when it comes to two or three years where you’ve barely played, it gets really frustrating. You’re thinking, ‘What else can I actually do?’ I still feel like I have a lot of quality…”If you’ve been out for as long as I have then you obviously have to consider retirement.”I haven’t made a decision yet because there’s no need to. I’m still fit. I still have all the potential and the ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But if a door doesn’t open then I have to be honest and say to myself, ‘Listen. I’ve got many other things that I can pursue that excite me; that I enjoy and put effort into.’ “I don’t think it would hit me that hard because I’ve already been going through this process over the last few years.” More

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      in Boxing

      Derek Chisora to fight rival who left Tyson Fury a bloody mess after Jarrell Miller clash called off at last-minute

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      DEREK CHISORA is set to face Otto Wallin after his fight with Jarrell Miller was called off at the last minute.The Brit has won his last two bouts, most recently defeating Joe Joyce in July.Derek Chisora’s clash with Jarrell Miller is offCredit: PAChisora has not fought since beating Joe Joyce in JulyCredit: PAOtto Wallin will face Chisora insteadCredit: ReutersHe shows no sign of slowing down despite the fact he will turn 41 next month, with his next opponent a tricky customer too.Wallin, 34, has won seven of his last eight fights with his only defeat coming against Anthony Joshua.His last fight came just a day before Chisora’s clash with Joyce, and he has now answered the call to face Del Boy.Chisora and Miller were set to headline a February 8 event in Manchester hosted by Frank Warren.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut a contractual dispute has led Miller to withdraw from the contest before anything was signed.Wallin will instead contest the fight with Chisora to become the third British opponent for the 27-2 boxer.His first was Tyson Fury in 2019, with Wallin coming close to landing the first defeat of the Gypsy King’s career.Wallin produced a cut above Fury’s right eye, leaving him bloodied and hanging on.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe tie went to the final bell with Fury ultimately winning via unanimous decision.Wallin’s only two defeats come against Brits – a record he will be determined not to continue when he faces Chisora next year.Tyson Fury vs Otto Wallin – Round By Round More

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      in Soccer

      Guardiola has red scratches on his head after Feyenoord draw as fans ask ‘what’s happened in dressing room?’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA looked like he’d done a few rounds with a prime Mike Tyson after Manchester City’s collapse against Feyenoord.Baffled fans expressed their concerns after noticing a number of red scratches and cuts on the beleaguered manager’s head. Pep Guardiola had several scratches on his head and a cut on the bridge of his nose after Manchester City’s Champions League clash with FeyenoordCredit: AMAZON PRIMEFootie fans were left wondering what the cause of Guardiola’s injuries wereCredit: AMAZON PRIMEGuardiola’s troops blew a three-goal lead against FeyenoordCredit: GettyCity’s winless run continued in their Champions League clash with the Dutch club on Tuesday night as they blew a three-goal lead in the final 15 MINUTES of normal time.The Premier League champions were on course for a 3-0 win until the visitors mounted the unlikiest of comebacks to earn a point.Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline after City’s capitulation extended their winless run to an astonishing SIX games.But bizarrely, he looked like he’d done a few rounds in the boxing ring as he had bruising around the left side of his face and a cut on the bridge of his nose as he conducted his post-match interviews.READ MORE ON MAN CITYFootage of Guardiola’s bruised post-match face went viral and sparked a slew of questions from footie fans.One wrote on X: “Are they fighting?”Another said: They need a reshuffle as well.”And another said: “Pep Guardiola genuinely looks like he wants to cry.”Most read in FootballOne remarked: “What’s been going on in that Man City dressing room!?”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPep Guardiola revealed that his injuries were the result of him excessively scratching his faceCredit: SKY SPORTSGuardiola was quizzed about how he got the cut on his nose and responded by saying: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.The Spaniard then joked that City’s woeful form over the last few weeks has driven him to self-harm, saying: “I want to harm myself.”Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordGuardiola has since issued an apology for the joke, saying he did not intend to make light of self-harming with his words.The City boss said: “I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this.”My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.”City look like a shell of the team that won a record fourth-straight Premier League title last season.Guardiola said of his troops’ downturn: “We lost a lot of games lately, we are fragile and of course, we need a victory.””The game was good for the confidence, we were playing at a good level and then for the first time something happened, we have problems.”Everybody knows the situation, we don’t have to adapt anything.”Tomorrow [Wednesday] we have to train, recovery then prepare [for] the next game.”We have two or three days to prepare for that and go for it. We will learn for the future.”It has been a really difficult season for us for many circumstances.”And today, unfortunately, the game was well done, we punished them in the right moments.”The team was so committed to so many things.”But unfortunately, something happened and we were not strong enough.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have to avoid these mistakes.”City will look to stop the rot in a crunch title clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool and Real Madrid ‘to hold Trent Alexander-Arnold talks’ TODAY… hours before huge Champions League clash

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      LIVERPOOL and Real Madrid execs are reportedly set to hold talks over the transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold today.Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a switch to the Spanish capital with his current deal at Liverpool set to expire this summer.Real Madrid are keen to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyReal Madrid have arrived in Liverpool ahead of tonight’s Champions League league phase match between the two European giants.And according to Spanish outlet Marca, execs from both clubs have agreed to meet for lunch just over six hours before kick off.It’s suggested that the meeting in question will cover the possibility of Real Madrid signing long-term target Alexander-Arnold.The England right-back is hugely admired by Los Blancos and is widely reported to be the number one target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he is loved on Merseyside as an academy graduate who has helped the team with the Premier League, Champions league, FA Cup and League Cup since bursting into the first team.Marca claim that the relationship between Liverpool and Real Madrid is strong and that the Reds have already made contact with Real about their interest in Alexander-Arnold.No contract extension has been agreed between the ball-playing full-back and Liverpool, meaning an exit on a free transfer in the summer is still a very real possibility.And it’s reported that Real Madrid are hoping that Liverpool will be open to selling Alexander-Arnold in January in order to make some money from their star man.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool superstar hurtling towards the end of his current terms with the club.Both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are heading into the final six months of their contracts with both players’ deals set to expire this summer.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in’And Salah has even admitted he is “more out than in” with no contract offer on the table from Liverpool yet.He said: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.”I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.”I’m disappointed but we will see.”Liverpool face Real Madrid at Anfield tonight in a replay of the 2018 Champions League final.Arne Slot’s side will be hoping to keep their electric form going ahead of a tricky test against Pep Guardiola’s stumbling Man City on Sunday. More

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      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney launches furious attack on Plymouth flops after one of worst defeats of Man Utd legend’s whole career

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      WAYNE ROONEY has launched a furious attack on his Plymouth side after they were smashed by Norwich City.The Pilgrims lost 6-1 to the Canaries in the Championship clash at Carrow Road.Wayne Rooney slammed his Plymouth side after losing to Norwich CityCredit: RexBorja Sainz netted a hat-trick for the home sideCredit: AlamyRooney claimed the youth side would have been better defensivelyCredit: AlamyRooney, 39, was without star players such as captain Joe Edwards, goalkeeper Connor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani.The defeat has gone down as one of the worst in Rooney’s entire football career as a player and manager.It matched the 6-1 thumping he suffered as a player at Manchester United to cross-city rivals Manchester City in 2011.It is only beaten by the 6-0 defeat he suffered as DC United manager against Philadelphia Union in 2022.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter the horror result, Rooney laid into his first team and claimed that Plymouth’s Under 18s would have performed better.He blasted: “We were nowhere near good enough – we are down to the bare bones with injuries but that is no excuse.”But if players want to come in the team and stay in the team, then they need to perform better than that.”I could probably put the under-18 team out there and they wouldn’t concede six goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So I’m very disappointed, angry, frustrated and the next 24-48 hours are not going to be very nice for the players, but we need to get to the bottom of why this is happening.”Rooney and Plymouth have now failed to win any of their nine away games this season.Wayne on Unpacked last night – Chloe please supply timecode on ITVX – talking about the poemsRooney’s DC United were beaten 6-0 by Philadelphia Union in 2022 – his worst-ever lossCredit: GettyThe Plymouth result matched the 6-1 drubbing Rooney suffered to Man City in 2011Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe thrashing is his worst on record since taking over at Home Park in the summer.Plymouth are now just two points above the relegation zone but have played more games than three clubs below them.And Rooney know his side must start picking up points on the road.He added: “Getting that win and better results away from home – we know it’s difficult in this league for teams to win away from home – but we have to be a lot better than we were tonight.”I feel for the fans who came here because I know the distance they’ve travelled to get behind the players and I know for any fan when you see your team put in that performance and get that result you’re not going to be pleased about it.”I’m dealing with it, I’m trying to get to the bottom of why every now and again we’re having these results and hopefully I can do that sooner rather than later.”Against Norwich, Plymouth got off to the worst possible start as Borja Sainz netted his first after just two minutes.He then doubled up 15 minutes later before Plymouth cut the deficit in half to 2-1 through Mustapha Bundu.However, the second half was all one-way traffic from the hosts.Shane Duffy restored the two-goal margin and then Sainz completed his hat-trick to make it 4-1 in the 72nd minute.Anis Ben Slimane and Ante Crnac both scored in the final ten minutes to put some shine on the result for Norwich.The Canaries are now 9th in the Championship, thanks to their first win in eight games.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Rooney is looking to the loan market to bolster his striker force in January.SunSport has exclusively reported that the former Man United star is keen on bringing in Liverpool prospect Jayden Danns Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      Moment Arsenal star Gabriel mercilessly mocks Viktor Gyokeres with cheeky celebration… before Sporting star snaps back

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES brutally mocked Viktor Gyokeres after scoring during Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners ran riot in the first half with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz before Gabriel, 26, scored a third in injury time to put them 3-0 up.Arsenal star Gabriel mimicked Viktor Gyokeres’ celebration after scoring against Sporting LisbonCredit: AFPGyokeres celebrates by interlocking his fingers over his nose and mouthCredit: AlamyFollowing his goal he then performed the celebration of Gyokeres, 26, by interlocking his fingers in front of his face.Gabriel’s version of it covered his eyes as opposed to his nose and mouth like what Gyokeres’ version does.Sporting, now coached by Joao Pereira following Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United, pulled one back after the break through Goncalo Inacio.However, a penalty from Bukayo Saka and late goal from Leandro Trossard sealed the deal for Mikel Arteta’s side. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also marked the first time they had scored five goals away from home in the Champions League for 16 years.However, Gyokeres hit back at Gabriel following the celebration.He told Viaplay: “[Gabriel is] Welcome to steal it if he can’t create his own celebration!”I didn’t know he did that, but it’s fun he likes my celebration.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe celebration appears to be inspired by iconic Batman film The Dark Knight Rises villain Bane, who wears a mask in a similar fashion.However, the former Coventry star told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses…Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around world”There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.”Gabriel has previously referenced rivals celebrations after a win himself, famously mimicking Ivan Toney’s, “Nice kick about with the boys” tweet in 2022.However, Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg slammed Gabriel for the “disrespectful” move.The Invincibles icon told Viaplay: “I’m not a fan of it.”Of course, he must have had a lot of talk about playing against Gyokeres and whether he would be able to do it. “Then his point in showing that he can handle it is quite simple.”But I think it’s a bit disrespectful. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t think it’s necessary. “I think someone else has that target gesture, leave it alone. I don’t like to see it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a chance Gabriel could face off with Gyokeres in the Premier League in the future.SunSport exclusively revealed how both Man Utd and Manchester City are scrapping it out for the Swede in a £65million deal.Arsenal ratings vs SportingDavid Raya – 6Did not have much to do besides a save from Morten Hjulmund. Good distribution and catches from crosses.Jurrien Timber – 8A great low cross into the box for Arsenal’s opener. Very solid at right-back all game.William Saliba – 7Dealt with Viktor Gyokeres well. Did not get drawn into fouling him and held his ground before timing the tackle well.Gabriel – 8Scored his trademark back-post crashing goal from a corner. A great leap and powerful header once again. Riccardo Calafiori – 5Lost his man and ended up on the deck as Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner. Thomas Partey – 8A sensational ball over the top of the Sporting defence to put Saka through on goal for the second.Declan Rice – 6His first game back from injury. Was perhaps the reason why his display was not as good as usual and was taken off early. Martin Odegaard – 9Pulls the strings for the Gunners and has the ability to pick passes that carve open defences from the edge of the box, particularly combining well with Saka.Such a huge difference between performances with and without him in the team. Absolutely incredible.Bukayo Saka – 8Simply brilliant. A constant threat down the right as always, twisting and turning defenders inside out. His penalty was exceptional and came at a time when Arsenal were a little up against it.Kai Havertz – 8Was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Intelligent runs and movement from him as he often dropped deep to receive the ball. Gabriel Martinelli – 7Was incredibly lively in the opening period, working hard defensively and causing Sporting a problem with his directness. Good movement for the goal.But Martinelli faded and did very little after that. More

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      in Soccer

      Why it’s all gone wrong for Newcastle as Saudi revolution heads into reverse after Mike Ashley-style defeat to West Ham

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      THREE years on from the euphoria of the Geordie Arabia takeover, it all looked a bit ‘Mike Ashley’ at St James’ Park on Monday.A mid-table team, ­scoring fewer than one goal per home match, deservedly losing to West Ham and their dreams of world domination a distant memory.Newcastle’s progress under the Saudi revolution has stalledCredit: GettyThings started well after Mike Ashley’s exit but PSR concerns have now taken centre stageCredit: GettyThe Saudi revolution on Tyneside has not just stagnated over the past year, it has headed into reverse.During those past 12 months, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have won 15 and lost 14 in the Premier League.They have better players than in the miserable era under Ashley — the Saudis have spent the sharp end of half a billion in the transfer market — yet they are bang-average all the same.There is still greater ambition and optimism than in the wretched years before the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s morally dubious influx of cash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA home Carabao Cup quarter-final with Brentford next month may not compete with the dizzy heights of thrashing Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 early last season.But it offers the hope of silverware — 70 years on from the Toon’s last domestic trophy — and any such triumph would be greeted with elation throughout the ­Geordie nation. Although Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have also reached the last eight — all part of the Big Six ‘cartel’ who fear Newcastle’s  owners and are behind the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which have hindered them.Since the Newcastle takeover, the PIF has showered money on the Saudi Pro League, as well as on the sports of boxing and golf.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNewcastle have become less of a priority for the Saudis than originally planned because of PSR.While outsiders may rejoice at the stifling of a sportswashing project by a human rights-abusing regime, there are wider questions here about the competitiveness of the Premier League.Forgotten former Newcastle star who swapped national teams now a rapper after leaving Saudi minnows Aces like Alexander Isak are unlikely to be happy without Champions League footballCredit: PAPSR has slowed Newcastle’s spending so much that Lloyd Kelly — a free transfer from Bournemouth — was the only summer arrival to feature on Monday night — and he was badly at fault for West Ham’s opener.PSR forced Aston Villa, who broke into the top four last year, to sell Douglas Luiz in the summer.Unai Emery’s men host Juventus tonight  but — like Newcastle last term — are struggling to  juggle Premier League and Champions League football and are winless in six games.The Saudi revolution on Tyneside has not just stagnated over the past year, it has headed into reverse.Neither Emery — the Saudis’ first choice as Newcastle boss after their takeover — nor Howe enjoy the squad depth of the Big Six.And those ambitious characters who arrived on Tyneside amid that wave of euphoria in 2021 have since become restless.Sporting director Dan Ashworth quit for Manchester United, while it is believed Howe would have been interested in the England job had the FA been willing to pay £6million in compensation.How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes — three players of undoubted  Champions League quality —  will be frustrated Newcastle are not in elite European competition.The summer exits of Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi — seen as the acceptable face of the takeover — after an internal power struggle, hinted at further problems behind the scenes.A feeling of positivity and unstoppable momentum has been replaced by discord and stasis.Howe overachieved in his first full campaign as boss by securing Champions League football and reaching a first domestic knock-out final for 24 years.But while PSR has put a roadblock in the way of the Saudi juggernaut, Newcastle still ought to be much better than this.While last season’s regression was mitigated by fixture congestion and severe injury problems, there are no such excuses this time around.If results do not improve soon — and Newcastle have some kind fixtures before  Christmas — then Howe could be fighting to save his job.Unless the Saudis really have taken their eyes off the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESPlans for a major redevelopment of St James’ Park, or a completely new stadium, may reveal the extent of their continued ambition.But while PSR has put a roadblock in the way of the Saudi juggernaut, Newcastle still ought to be much better than this. More

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      in Soccer

      Gabby Logan forced to apologise after Prime Video pundit deliberately swears following Man City’s collapse vs Feyenoord

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      GABBY LOGAN was forced to apologise during Amazon Prime Video’s live coverage of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Feyenoord.It came after pundit Josie Henning swore on live TV during post-match coverage of City’s 3-3 draw at the Etihad.Pundit Josie Henning swore on live TV when talking about Man City’s collapse against FeyenoordCredit: Prime VideoGabby Logan was forced to apologise after Henning made a joke about itCredit: GettyCity were 3-0 up until the 75th minute before a catalogue of inexplicable defensive errors saw them throw away the lead.It marked Pep Guardiola’s side as the first team in competition history to be leading by three goals after 75 minutes to then go and fail to win, while it was also the first time the club had blown a 3-0 lead since May 1989 against Harry Redknapp’s Bournemouth.And while it ended City’s five-match losing run it now means they are winless in six, with Premier League leaders Liverpool up next on Sunday.Former Arsenal Women’s star Henning was part of Amazon’s coverage of the game alongside Gael Clichy and Stuart Pearce.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while live on air the ex-Germany international said: “The situation is a little bit s***.”The 35-year-old then looked over at presenter Logan, and joked: “Gabby’s looking at me like oh my god she said it, but no it is the worst.”Logan could be seen smiling at the comment.Henning went on to explain: “You cannot deny this is not a mental problem.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Having and bringing the desire, you (Gael Clichy) said this earlier, until it’s not needed anymore and then you react a little bit sloppy, I think it’s a mental thing and you cannot deny it.”Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted the result was a “difficult to swallow”.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordThe 53-year-old said: “[It’s] difficult to swallow right now.”The game was good, we scored three and we could have scored more. At the end we are not stable enough to do it. We did a good game but then we were not able to control the last minutes.“We have to accept it for many circumstances. The team was so committed in many things. It happened today. We are not able to win games.“As a team we have always found a way to win games. Right now, after 3-0, other situations, it’s as if nothing happened. We could not score the fourth or fifth.“Unfortunately something happened and we were not strong enough and we have to avoid the mistakes.“Everybody knows the situations. We have to prepare and recover. Have a day off. “It has been, is being and will be a tough season for us. We have to accept it for many circumstances. The team was so committed in many things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Unfortunately something happened and we were not strong enough and we have to try to avoid the mistakes.”The draw, which followed on from Man City’s 4-1 defeat away at Sporting Lisbon last time in the Champions League has left them in 15th in the table, with the Wednesday games still to be played. More