More stories

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe DROPPED from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE has been dropped from the France squad after a difficult start to life at Real Madrid.The French captain, 25, missed last month’s internationals through injury but manager Didier Deschamps revealed his “one off” decision was nothing to do with fitness.Kylian Mbappe has been left out of France’s squad for their upcoming internationalsCredit: GettyDidier Deschamps has played down talk of any issue with the Real Madrid superstarCredit: GettyMbappe has struggled to settle in Madrid following his dream free transfer in the summer.The former Paris Saint-Germain man has eight goals in all competitions for the Spanish giants but has gone missing in big games, including in the 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona and in their midweek defeat to AC Milan.Deschamps held talks with Mbappe who told the manager he wanted to be included in the squad for games against Israel and Italy.But the France boss said: “I’ve had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s my responsibility to make decisions. I think it’s better that way.”I’m not going to argue.”What I can tell you are these two things. One, that Kylian wanted to come.”And two, it’s not the extra sporting problems that come into play since the presumption of innocence exists and must exist. It’s a one-off choice for this gathering.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe last month dismissed reports in Swedish media linking him to a rape inquiry in the country as “fake news”.His lawyers said he was “stunned” by the reports and they were preparing to hit back with a claim for defamation, according to the BBC.Mbappe is expected to play for Real Madrid when they host Osasuna in LaLiga on Saturday.Carlo Ancelotti’s side will return from the international break with a trip to Leganes, before they jet off to England to take on Liverpool in the Champions League.Fans ask ‘why was Mbappe shocked to see the referee?’ as hilarious video emerges during Real Madrid clashThey are nine points adrift of Barcelona in LaLiga with one game in hand.In Europe, they have won two and lost two, leaving them 18th out of 36 teams in the league phase of the Champions League with four games remaining. More

  • in

    My flat overlooks a Premier League stadium – men try to go on dates with me just to watch football

    A woman who owns a flat that overlooks Brentford’s stadium has revealed men try to date her in order to watch Premier League games.Football fans pay huge sums of money to watch top-flight matches across England every weekend.Noemi Oberhauser has shared the view from her flat on social mediaCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe can watch all Brentford’s home games from her West London residenceCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhIn one post she captioned it ‘When dreams turn into reality’Credit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhIn a video she called on her followers to ‘watch the match with me’Credit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhThomas Frank’s Bees welcome more than 17,000 people into the Gtech Community Stadium for their home fixtures.The ground also played host to London Irish from 2020 to 2023.Yet Noemi Oberhauser, 24, is able to watch all games at the stadium without paying a penny.That is because the singer lives in a £1,200-a-month flat that overlooks the Brentford pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNoemi, who did not move into the West London residence because of the stellar view of the football, has shared several social media clips of her watching games from her window – where almost all of the pitch is visible.This has garnered an Instagram following of 17,000 people.However, she has admitted one negative is receiving messages from people asking to date her in the hope they can watch a match from her flat.Speaking to What’s The Jam, she said: “I have quite a few people messaging me on Instagram about the apartment.Most read in FootballSinger Noemi pays £1,200 per month for her London flatCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe has revealed people want to go on dates with her to watch the gamesCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhNoemi insists she finds requests to watch matches hilariousCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe has received comments saying things such as ‘Marry me’Credit: Jam Press/@noemi.brh”Mostly offering to come to watch the match with me and turning it into a little date.”A lot also comment saying things like ‘Marry me’. So, it is quite funny.”Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch Noemi was not a Brentford supporter when she moved into the London flat.But given the incredible opportunity she now has to watch the games, she insists it has triggered an interest in football and Frank’s side.She added: “I’ve obviously been supporting Brentford ever since.”I was never that bothered about football before, but now I am really interested.”I even catch up [with matches] when I’m abroad!”Brentford sit 12th in the Premier League table and are unbeaten in their five home league games this season – winning four and drawing one.They have also scored 19 goals in their 10 Premier League matches – the fourth-highest in the division behind only Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea.Noemi is now a Brentford supporter and regularly watches the gamesCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brhShe has even explained how she keeps up with Brentford’s results while abroadCredit: Jam Press/@noemi.brh More

  • in

    Where it’s all gone wrong for Real Madrid, from the Mbappe dilemma to Ballon d’Or strop and even Wag blasting Ancelotti

    REAL MADRID were supposed to be world beaters this year.Ending last season as Spanish and European champions they – finally – added Kylian Mbappe, the star who had been in their sights for the past three years.Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent over the summerLos Blancos suffered back-to-back defeats at the Bernabeu after AC Milan’s 3-1 winCredit: RexVinicius Junior scored Madrid’s only goal against the Rossoneri from the spotCredit: AlamyBut after back-to-back Bernabeu thumpings, first at the hands of Barcelona and then AC Milan, even Carlo Ancelotti appears to be scratching his head.Speaking after the Milan humbling, their second defeat in four Champions League games, Ancelotti said: “What’s not so normal is that this team had a very good run and has fallen so fast.”But that is part of football too: when you think everything is perfect, you fall.”The reality is what was seen on the pitch. We have to be worried. We’re lacking something.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn recent performances, lacking something appears to be quite the understatement – Don Carlo has a lot on his plate.Mbappe’s Madrid move hasn’t got off to great startMBAPPEAfter years of flirting the French superstar finally arrived in the Spanish capital this summer, albeit off the back of a deflating Euro 2024.He was supposed to be the final piece in an already impressive jigsaw but his arrival has caused more problems than it has solved.Mbappe has eight goals in all competitions, six of which came in an impressive run of five games, but the forward has unsettled Ancelotti’s plan.Most read in FootballAnd his shot conversion rate as plummeted down from an average of 21 at Paris Saint-Germain to just 11.42 at Madrid.Against Barcelona, his first taste of a fixture he will have played over in his head time and again over the years, things went badly wrong.The forward was caught offside a shocking eight times – more than any player in one game across Europe’s top league for eight years.Mbappe might have to learn how to play as a number nineJude Bellingham kicks bottle in fury after he is subbed in AC Milan defeat as Thierry Henry gives theory behind strop But merely pinning the problems on his arrival could be misleading.Spanish football expert and pundit, Terry Gibson, told SunSport: “People couldn’t be more wrong.”He is an easy target, there are loads of reasons why they are faltering.”He suffered at the start before he scored a goal, but got going and his goalscoring record is good.”He has moved to a new club, league and position but he is working hard and is a constant threat.”There are other reasons Real Madrid are struggling.”It has made it complicated for Ancelotti to find a way of playing but he has failed so far this year to find a system.”Madrid already trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by nine points and are in the bottom half of the Champions League table.BELLINGHAMAnother who looks a touch lost is last season’s boy wonder, Jude Bellingham.By this time last year, 14 games into his debut season at Madrid, Bellingham had 13 goals. The England star is still waiting for his first of the campaign.Fatigue over the summer with the Three Lions spilled into injury at the start of this season, with the 21-year-old missing four games.But even when fit he looks well off his best, shunted around by Ancelotti as the Italian struggles to find a role for last season’s talisman.During the summer Ancelotti insisted Mbappe and Bellingham would gel just fine, stating the best players can adapt to any situation. But neither look happy and the Englishman booted a water bottle after being hooked against Milan midweek.Jude Bellingham kicked a water bottle in frustration after he was subbed off during Madrid’s latest Champions League defeatBellingham and Mbappe’s talents are yet to gel at MadridCredit: ReutersThierry Henry leaped to his defence, detailing just how Mbappe’s languid form was hurting Bellingham.Speaking on CBS, he said: “It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play, running in behind, trying to break the line.”I think there is a little frustration. Your nine isn’t going, and your 10-ish is going. I know it can happen sometimes but not all the time. Every single time.”He’ll do it because he has to do it, because his desire speaks, his will speaks.”You don’t win games like that. You don’t win games with your 10 breaking the line, coming back, trying to bend his run, trying to defend, trying to go the other side. And then after, he gets substituted?”I would have been upset too.”Thierry Henry stuck up for Jude Bellingham after Tuesday’s defeatCredit: X / CBSSportsGolazoMIDFIELD MESSDue to injuries and absences, with Luka Modric also on the wane, Ancelotti has failed to settle on any sort of structure in the middle.Dani Carvajal’s injury at right-back means the likes of Bellingham are having to be re-shuffled to cover rather than played in his best position.Aurelien Tchouameni, part of the succession plan to replace Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, was whistled off in midweek and is fast becoming a scapegoat.Gibson said: “There is enough there for Ancelotti. It should be Tchouameni, Camavinga and Valverde and Bellingham at the tip of the diamond and then Vini and Mbappe.”They have to go and get a right-back in January, they won’t win things this year without a right-back.”They got away with this last year because they had Nacho. He has left and no one else came in.”Casemiro’s replacement Aurelien Tchouameni is faced becoming a scapegoatCredit: GettyANCELOTTI QUESTIONEDHe may be the best of the best when it comes to managers in Europe in recent years, but at Real Madrid no one is above criticism.There are already rumours swirling of a return for Zinedine Zidane, while fans will cast eyes towards Xabi Alonso working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen.Gibson said: “I am looking at him and thinking he is changing players and formations. It looks really untidy at the moment. It looks like a group of players making it up as they go along.”Zidane coming back would be a popular choice. It would be classic Real Madrid.”I am not saying he should get the sack or leave but there is a big clamour now for Ancelotti to go.”They have got a weird squad. There are superstars all over the place but they lack depth. They got away with it last season.”Carlo Ancelotti is yet to find the right forward systemBEHIND THE SCENESIt is not just on the pitch where things look askew.The hierarchy’s tantrum over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, with the club boycotting the ceremony in Paris once it became clear Vinicius would not walk away with the prize, exposed an unhappy camp.That petulance is seeping down to the dressing room too. Ancelotti has insisted there is a “healthy” atmosphere within the squad.But the wife of midfielder Fede Valverde recently broke cover, ranting on social media and asking: “When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”She then claimed the account had been hacked.Valverde’s wife Mina Bonino appeared to criticise the decision to haul him offMina claimed he was being used wrongly by the managerMadrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or after Man City star Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gongCredit: RexSUMMERLike all big clubs in Europe, Real Madrid spent most of the summer without their key players.Madrid went on tour to America, where by the end some of the senior players who did travel out were completely fed up – ready to go home.Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yet.Endrick,18, and Arda Guler, 19, have had limited time on the pitch which, in comparison to rivals Barcelona, is a touch embarrassing.Hansi Flick took a flock of La Masia graduates on their summer tour and has embedded them into the team rather than dropping them back down.Gibson said: “One of the criticisms of Ancelotti is he doesn’t use young players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Endrick could play centre-forward but that is not being done apart from when he is off the bench, which isn’t often enough.”Guler had a fantastic Euros but hasn’t had a look in.”Ancelotti’s squad was packed with youth but those talents have hardly been seen yetCredit: GettyTurkey international Arda Guler has been limited to roles from the benchCredit: Getty More

  • in

    England’s last squad before Thomas Tuchel starts announced with Jack Grealish IN and three uncapped players

    A TRIO of uncapped players are in Lee Carsley’s final England squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over.The Three Lions face Greece away next Thursday before the Republic of Ireland travel to Wembley on Sunday 17 November in the Nations League.Lee Carsley takes charge of his final two games as England boss next weekCredit: GettySouthampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis has earned his first senior call-upCredit: ReutersNewcastle star Lewis Hall has been named in the England squad for the first timeCredit: GettyLiverpool ace Curtis Jones has another chance to win his first capCredit: GettyEngland are in the midst of an injury crisis, with John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo unavailable. Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Jack Grealish have all recently missed club games due to injury but are in the side.Three uncapped players have been called-up in Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones.Southampton defender Harwood-Bellis, 22, worked with Carsley at Under-21 level and has featured in all ten of the Saints’ Premier League matches this season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe manager also knows Newcastle star Hall, 20, who comes in amid a shortage of left-backs.Liverpool midfielder Jones, 23, is another with previous ties to Carsley.He was called-up to the last squad but withdrew due to personal reasons.On Harwood-Bellis and Hall joining the team, Carsley said: “They are both players who have played a lot of minutes this season and players I both know really well.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Taylor is a player I know, an outstanding Under-21s captain. “Lewis is high quality. We have lots of competition at right-back but not the same challenges at left-back.”Lee Carsley announces November England squad selection England will be out for revenge against the Greeks after suffering a 2-1 defeat to them last month.Greece have won all four of their Nations League matches this season and are top on 12 points.England have nine points and this means Carsley’s side must win by two or more goals in Athens to boost their chances of topping Group B2 to avoid a play-off.If teams finish level on points then head-to-head is the first criteria Uefa use to decide who is ahead.The games against Greece and Ireland will be Carsley’s final two matches in charge before Tuchel starts his job on January 1.Tuchel has had no say on this squad selection but will be watching both games with an eagle-eye. Ahead of stepping aside, Carsley said: “I have really enjoyed it. It has been a massive honour to be given this opportunity. READ MORE SUN STORIES”My focus was always on the games. People know how tough the job is without worrying about outside influences.”On welcoming Tuchel, he added: “I have only messaged him on text and congratulated him.”Jack Grealish is in the squad despite missing recent Man City gamesCredit: EPAANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

  • in

    Football commentator slammed for ‘sexism’ after saying England Lionesses star had ‘face like a slapped bum’

    A FOOTBALL commentator has been slammed for “sexism” after saying that Ella Toone had a “face like a slapped bum”.The unnamed male was covering Manchester United’s WSL clash against Arsenal on Sunday.A male commentator has been slammed for ‘sexism’ after a comment about Ella TooneToone is a fan favourite after netting in England’s Euro win over GermanyCredit: GettyLioness star Toone, 25, lined up for the Red Devils as they lost the crunch game 1-0.She was taken off on 61 minutes and the camera picked her up in the 74th minute watching the match from the bench.Toone, who scored in England’s Euro 2022 final win against Germany, was sat with her arms folded across her body.The commentator, who was working for an alternative world feed rather than the BBC’s dedictated coverage, then said: “Ella Toone, still got a face like a smacked bum.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unnamed male is now believed to be under investigation by the Women’s Super League.His words came two months after Toone’s father Nick passed away.And fans were left outraged by the commentator’s quip.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Hearing the commentator say ‘Ella Toone has a face like a smacked bum’ when she got taken off today, all while showing her on the verge of tears has absolutely enraged me.Most read in Football“She’s 25 f*****g years-old and has just lost her Dad. Cut the girl some slack she f*****g trying…”Uefa chief slammed for warning England Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her trophy is ‘heavy’-Toone’s father Nick passed away in SeptemberAnother declared: “You could just not comment on anything except the football… Rather than pick on someone who just lost her Dad.”One noted: “Omg I just saw the clip of the commentator saying ‘Ella Toone, still got the face like a smacked bum’ wtaf man. “The whole commentary was unbearable but that is just out of order.”Another added: “No empathy, absolutely unnecessary and typical rubbish from some of the misogynistic male commentators towards women footballers.“She has just lost her father so I guess we all would be looking and feeling the same when at work. And I am not a Man Utd fan.”The WPLL have spoken to the commentator and production company regarding the matter and they have both apologised. More

  • in

    EFL club face being forced to LEAVE iconic ex-Premier League stadium and have been ‘offered’ two sites for £100m ground

    CHARLTON ATHLETIC have been offered two potential sites for a new stadium – as they face the prospect of being turfed out of The Valley. The League One side has called the iconic stadium home for over 100 years. Charlton’s future at The Valley could be under threatCredit: RexThe club have been offered two potential sites to build a new ground should they have to moveCredit: RexBelgian businessman Roland Duchatelet, the club’s controversial former owner, currently owns The Valley. Charlton signed a 15-year stadium lease with Duchatelet when he still had control of the club. He sold the Addicks to East Street Investments in 2020.Last year the club changed hands again, with Global Football Partners now in charge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe current ownership group are looking to renegotiate the terms of the lease, which has 11 years remaining. According to City AM, the club have held “positive talks” with Duchatelet, with an eventual view to buying the ground outright.But should any deal not materialise, Charlton could be forced to move out of The Valley within the next decade. The club has been offered two potential sites for a new stadium on the Thames by property developers. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe City AM report claims a new stadium is “projected to cost at least £100m”.A Charlton spokesperson said: “The Valley is the home of Charlton Athletic and the club have no plans to leave the stadium. ‘We had a can of beans between 20’ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!”We have a medium-term lease on the stadium and our only interest is securing the club’s long-term tenure at The Valley.”Charlton currently sit 12th in League One with 19 points from their opening 13 games.Former Charlton chairman Roland Duchatelet currently owns the groundCredit: AFP – GettyBoss Nathan Jones is looking to get the Addicks back into the second tier for the first time since 2020. Charlton enjoyed a seven-season spell in the Premier League between 2000 and 2008. They have since bounced between the Championship and League One, with ownership issues dominating the club’s past few years. More

  • in

    Supercomputer predicts Champions League with two English sides meeting in final and another falling to familiar foe

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the rest of this year’s Champions League and it reckons we will have an all English final.In the tournament’s new format, there are eight games in the league phase before the knockout rounds.Pep Guardiola congratulates hat-trick hero Viktor Gyokeres after Sporting Lisbon thrashed Man City 4-1Credit: GettyReal Madrid star Jude Bellingham celebrates after winning the Champions League at WembleyCredit: AFPThe top eight go through to the last-16 as seeds, while teams placed 9th to 24th meet in a play-off to become their opponents.We are halfway through the Champions League’s expanded group stage and plenty of shock results mean that CSDB.gg’s supercomputer is predicting several surprise finishes.The number cruncher thinks Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will all be involved in the play-off round alongside Aston Villa and Celtic.Sporting’s demolition of City and Inter Milan’s hard-fought victory over the Gunners this week sees both of them come in the top eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool will end the league phase top and undefeated thanks to seven wins and a draw.Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are the biggest casualty of the new league phase and are predicted to finish 27th.In the play-off round, teams that come between 9th and 16th are seeded and have the second leg at home.The rules see Arsenal face Villa and Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to come through 4-2 on aggregate.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn the last-16, the AI claims Liverpool will beat Barcelona, the Gunners will knock out Bayern Munich and City will batter Monaco.Real Madrid have played Pep Guardiola’s men in each of the last three Champions League campaigns and the supercomputer says they are going to meet again in this season’s quarter-finals.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Spaniards got the better of them last time and the same will happen again – with a shock 5-1 aggregate victory predicted.Meanwhile, Arsenal will beat Atalanta and Liverpool will end Sporting’s dream run.The semi-finals see Liverpool knock out champions Real Madrid in a thriller and Arsenal to get revenge on Inter Milan.This means the simulation is going for the first all-English final since Chelsea beat Man City in 2021.And in the final, the supercomputer says Liverpool will llift the trophy after a 1-0 nervy win over Arsenal.It would be the seventh time the club has tasted Champions League glory and complete a stunning first season for manager Arne Slot.Supercomputer predicts Champions League knockout stages Scores on aggregate:Play-offAtletico 3-2 GironaBarcelona 6-1 BrestJuventus 2-1 FeyenoordAC Milan 2-2 Benfica (Benfica win on pens)Man City 4-1 StuttgartLille 4-3 CelticPSV 1-6 Real MadridArsenal 4-2 Aston VillaLast-16Liverpool 2-1 BarcelonaDortmund 3-4 Real MadridInter 3-2 BenficaAtalanta 2-0 AtleticoSporting 3-1 LilleBayern 3-5 ArsenalMonaco 1-6 Man CityQuarter-finalReal Madrid 5-1 Man CityLiverpool 4-3 SportingInter 4-3 JuventusAtalanta 0-4 ArsenalSemi-finalReal Madrid 2-4 LiverpoolInter 3-4 ArsenalFinalLiverpool 1-0 Arsenal More

  • in

    Germany forced to abruptly remove player from Nations League squad list after realising he was LATVIAN

    GERMANY were forced to fix their Nations League squad list after accidentally including a player from LATVIA.Helmond Sport loanee Dario Sits was bizarrely named in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for the upcoming international break.Latvia international Dario Sits was mistakenly named in Germany’s latest Nations League squadBut the 20-year-old is not German – he’s actually from a land nearly 721 miles away.Sits’ name was quickly removed after Germany realised their strange faux pas.The federation blamed a technical error in the database.Sits made his debut for Latvia last month and the closest he’s come to the German national team was when he played against their U21s in 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe young forward stars in the Dutch second division, where he’s on loan from Serie A side Parma.Meanwhile, the actual Germany squad contains a few other surprises.Manchester City backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could win his first cap with Barcelona’s Marc-Andr ter Stegen out for the season.Ter Stegen, 32, was forced to undergo knee surgery on his patellar tendon in September.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal forward Kai Havertz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala return after missing Germany’s last games with injuries.But Havertz was forced off with a bloodied face in the dying embers of Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan.The Gunners’ star was involved in a horrid head collision with an Inter Milan player, leaving him with blood pouring down his face.Germany host Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 16 before travelling to Hungary three days later.And Sits’ Latvia face League C Group Four leaders North Macedonia and Armenia.Havertz left the pitch at San Siro covered in bloodCredit: RexWho are these famous footballers? More