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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson vows to ‘SLAUGHTER’ Jake Paul and drags his own mother into war of words ahead of Netflix fight

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      MIKE TYSON has vowed to “SLAUGHTER” Jake Paul in their fight and dragged his own mother into the war of words. The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.Mike Tyson gives Jake Paul a shoveCredit: AFPTyson’s mum Lorna, who passed away from cancer in 1982It will be Tyson’s first professional fight in almost 20 YEARS – but he remains unfazed by the task at hand. He told talkSPORT: “I see him running around, I have to catch him and slaughter him. “No, [I don’t fear him] because he stepped into the ring. If my mother steps in the ring, she has a problem with me. “Whoever’s in that ring, they have a problem. Don’t go in the ring if you don’t want that problem.”READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson’s mum Lorna actually passed away from cancer in 1982 when the boxing legend was just 16. He was raised by his trainer and mentor Cus D’Amato and the coach’s wife Camille Ewald. But D’Amato also died in 1985 just a year before Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged only 20. That kickstarted Iron Mike’s run as the Baddest Man on The Planet, which involved two title reigns. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he threw the towel in on his career in 2005 after quitting on his stool against Kevin McBride, who also works as a tree surgeon. Tyson did return for a 2020 exhibition with American great Roy Jones Jr – but it was nothing but a glorified sparring session between two icons.Mike Tyson looks ripped at 58 as former heavyweight champ shows off impressive physique before Jake Paul fightNow he will put his illustrious record on the line against 10-1 Paul – who only debuted in 2020. It has been professionally sanctioned over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves to be worn. Tyson will also have to undertake additional brain and heart tests due to his age after pulling out of the initial July 20 date due to a health precaution. He suffered an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight but was later passed medically fit to resume training. And he talked down Paul’s chances of victory when probed on the controversial 30-YEAR age gap between them. He said: “He’s a good little fighter, but he only has [11] fights. That’s considered an amateur in our field.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twist

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      LANDO NORRIS hit back at a reporter after being asked about his championship battle with Max Verstappen.The McLaren star is 47 points off his rival with just four races to go.Lando Norris did not like being questioned about Max VerstappenCredit: Sky SportsThe rivals had a war of words this week after almost crashing in Mexico CityCredit: GettyBut he will start at the front of the grid for the Sprint in Sao Paulo after finishing second in qualifying behind team-mate Oscar Piastri.Verstappen will start directly behind Norris in fourth place, with Charles Leclerc pipping him to third in Friday’s session, but the Dutchman will be hit with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race.Norris, 24, was pleased with his performance but his mood was dampened after a reporter questioned whether the result was good news for his championship battle with Verstappen.Shaking his head, Norris told Formula 1: “I don’t care. I hate these questions so much.READ MORE F1″I’m just going to race. I don’t care about where he qualifies. For me, it’s just focus on my own job and that’s it.”It’s the same question every time but it doesn’t matter. If he’s first, if he’s last, I’ll do the best I can.”Norris and Verstappen clashed on the track last week in Mexico City, with the latter receiving two 10-second penalties for his actions.Verstappen forced his rival off the track and the pair came close to a rash, with the FIA finding the Dutchman at fault.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Norris was critical of the three-time world champion over race radio and has since claimed Verstappen knows he was in the wrong.He said: “Max knows what he has to do. He knows he did wrong, deep down he does. And it’s for him to change, not me.Toto Wolff has his say on Lando Norris’ penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage over Max Verstappen “Max is one of the most capable drivers on the grid, if not the most. He knows what he can and can’t do and what the limits are.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Kelly Piquet celebrates four years with Max Verstappen by sharing bikini pic after couple put on PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Kelly Piquet celebrated four years together after packing on the PDA at the US Grand Prix. The model, 35, has been dating three-time F1 world championVerstappen, 27, since late 2020.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet celebrate four years togetherCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetThe two packed on the PDA in TexasCredit: ReutersThe two have been together since late 2020Credit: instagram @kellypiquetThe two were pictured sharing a passionate kiss in Texas after the Dutch champion came third. And Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked in the sun. The Brazilian is the daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson. Although she was born in Germany to her Brazilian dad and Dutch mum Sylvia, Kelly spent much of her childhood in France.READ MORE F1And Verstappen is not the only racer she has dated having been in a relationship with Russian Daniil Kvyat. The pair began dating in January 2017 and have a daughter together, Penelope, months before they split up in December 2019.And around a year later, Verstappen entered into a relationship with Kelly, going Instagram official in January 2021.Ironically, Verstappen actually replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in the second half of the 2016 F1 season.Most read in MotorsportThe reigning champ stands atop of the 2024 standings with Britain’s Lando Norris trailing in second. And in a boost to Norris, rival Verstappen will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race in Brazil. The penalty comes after Red Bull put a new engine in Verstappen’s RB20 with four races remaining.Verstappen’s grid penalty will boost Norris’ hopes of reducing the Dutchman’s 47-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Kelly Piquet is a Brazilian modelCredit: instagram @kellypiquetHer dad is a former F1 championCredit: Instagram kellypiquetKelly pictured outside Viktor & Rolf in JanuaryCredit: GettyKelly was in a relationship with Russian Daniil KvyatCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet More

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      in Soccer

      England legend’s two sons play for Man City with one scoring incredible 20 minute hat-trick after coming on at half-time

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      THE sons of an England legend impressed once again playing together with one scoring a 20-minute hat-trick.Manchester City have two hot prospects on their hands and both helped their Under-21s to a big win in Premier League 2.Reigan Heskey scored a 20-minute hat-trick for Man City Under-21sCredit: Manchester City FCHis first came minutes after he was substituted onCredit: Manchester CityHis brother Jaden also played in the matchCredit: GettyThe pair are sons of England legend Emile HeskeyCredit: GettyThey thrashed Norwich 5-0 to maintain their place at the top of the table ahead of Brighton.City were 1-0 up at half-time before a substitution changed the game and sank their opponents.Reigan Heskey, son of former England star Emile, netted a 20-minute hat-trick before adding an assist for City’s fifth.He struck his first just two minutes after coming on, tapping home a cross from close range.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16-year-old then slotted a finish into the far corner before completing his hat-trick with a tame effort the goalkeeper could only par into his own net.His dad would have been proud with the effort but there was another Heskey watching closely – his brother Jaden.Jaden Heskey completed 90 minutes playing in City’s midfield, with the pair linking up for the second time in a week.They both played for City U21s in their EFL Trophy penalty shoot-out victory over Grimsby, with Reigan scoring a curler from outside the box.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReigan was delighted with his hat-trick against Norwich and the impact he made off the bench.He told City’s media team: “I came on and made an impact which is what I try to do every time so it was a good performance.Emile Heskey talks about the pressures of mental health on footballers”Every team wants to be top [of the table], you want to win every game week in, week out.”The pressure of having them [other teams] behind us gives us motivation to play well every week.” More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE RESULT: Gunners’ winless streak goes on as Arteta’s side are BEATEN after Isak bullet header

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      ARSENAL extended their winless streak in the Premier League to three games after losing 1-0 at Newcastle. Alexander Isak’s first-half header was enough to secure the three points for the Magpies as Arsenal failed to convert any of their chances throughout a tense 90 minutes at St James’ Park. Kick-off time: 12:30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Newcastle starting lineup: Pope; Livramento, Schär, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton; Willock, Isak, GordonArsenal starting lineup: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Martinelli, HavertzFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from St James’ Park with our live blog below…That’s all from NewcastleNewcastle defeated Arsenal 1-0 at St James’ Park to turn the mood around Tyneside.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Alexander Isak met a stunning cross from Anthony Gordon and headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners have found themselves farther from the top amid a season that was supposed to see them challenging for their first Premier League title since 2004.That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a fantastic rest of the day!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGary Stonehouse from St James’ ParkIf this was Alexander Isak’s Arsenal audition then he passed it with flying colours – but he threw a huge grenade in the title hopes of his potential future employers.Newcastle’s Swedish striker, 25, has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for months after his blistering form last term.After contract talks were put on hold and with just one goal in his opening seven appearances this season, talk of a £130million transfer appeared to be way off.But what a difference a week makes as his third strike in just six days left Arsenal looking more like title pretenders than contenders as they suffered a second consecutive away defeat for the first time since May 2022.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedArsenal player ratingsHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each Arsenal player:DAVID RAYA – 6THOMAS PARTEY – 7WILLIAM SALIBA – 7GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5JURRIEN TIMBER – 6MIKEL MERINO – 5DECLAN RICE – 6LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5BUKAYO SAKA – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7KAI HAVERTZ – 6SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5BEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/ACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAnthony Gordon shinesNewcastle star Anthony Gordon stood out against Arsenal at St James’ Park.Gordon dominated down the right flank against Jurrien Timber, who played left-back for the Gunners.The winger even got an assist as he set up Alexander Isak’s winner with a stunning cross.Very well-deserved new contract for the England international.Copy linkCopiedUpdated Premier League tableArsenal are now third in the Premier League table with five points separating them from the top and Manchester City, who have a game in hand.Newcastle, on the other hand, are eighth with three points away from the top four.More below:Copy linkCopiedNewcastle vs Arsenal statsArsenal dominated 64 per cent of possession against Newcastle but barely managed to do much.The Gunners registered 10 shots but only one of them was on target.The Magpies, on the other hand, produced nine shots, four of which were on target.More below:Copy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle picked up a huge Premier League victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park.The Magpies got their winner after just 12 minutes when Anthony Gordon’s crisp cross from the right found Alexander Isak in the penalty area where he headed the ball past David Raya.The Gunners couldn’t respond throughout the game and suffered yet another miserable result.The North Londoners are finding themselves farther away from the Prem summit.Credit: RexCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalPeep!That’s full-time at Newcastle!!!Copy linkCopied90+6 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardArsenal star Havertz is booked for dissent in the final few seconds…Copy linkCopied90+3 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalWhat a chance!How did Arsenal miss that?!Saka delivers an incredible cross from the right that both Brun and Schar can’t clear.The ball reaches Rice at the far post but his header is completely weaked and wobbles out for a goal-kick!Copy linkCopied90+1 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalChanceArsenal ace Nwaneri tries an ambitious effort but his shot goes way over the bar.Copy linkCopied90 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalFive more minutes of stoppage time to go.Plenty of time for Arsenal to equalise, but not enough ability it seems…Copy linkCopied88 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardArsenal ace Jordinho, who came on for Partey, gets booked two minutes in the match for a rough challenge on Bruno.Copy linkCopied87 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalChanceNewcastle ace Barnes gets his first touch down the right and delivers a cross that finds Joelinton at the far post.The forward gets the header but Raya picks it up with ease.Copy linkCopied86 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSubstitutionNewcastle boss Howe brings on Havey, who replaces Gordon.A very warm applause for the outgoing England international.Copy linkCopied85 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal star Jesus goes down inside the area after Hall dispossessed him.The Newcastle ace came from behind and appears to have gotten the ball.Copy linkCopied83 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNothing is changing really, Arsenal can’t step inside the penalty area against Newcastle’s stunning defence.The Magpies trying to hit on the counter-attack to seal the three points.Copy linkCopied80 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalJust 10 more minutes to go until full-time.Newcastle are very comfortable and – more importantly compact – with midfield and defence in absolute harmony.Arsenal can’t find any space and haven’t been able to create a single dangerous situation for Pope.Copy linkCopied77 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalNewcastle goalkeeper Pope was dealing with a knock that required treatment.But thankfully the England international is fine and back on his feet.Copy linkCopied75 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSaka is in pain after landing awkwardly in a challenge against Hall – unknown if the Newcastle ace had contact with the winger’s heel.The England international is moving a lot slower, and remember he just returned from an injury!Copy linkCopied72 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalSubstitutionAs promised, Arsenal boss Arteta brings on Jesus and White for Trossard and Timber respectively.Copy linkCopied71 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalYellow cardNewcastle ace Tonalli gets booked shortly after his introduction for stopping an Arsenal counter-attack.Copy linkCopiedJordan Davies from St James’ ParkMikel Arteta is tasking 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri with providing the creative spark to turn this game around for Arsenal – and potentially reignite their season.The teenage sensation – fresh from scoring a worldie against Preston in the Carabao Cup in mid-week – is on for Mikel Merino.Arsenal desperately need control in midfield which is why Oleksandr Zinchenko has also come on at left-back for Gabriel Martinelli allowing Thomas Partey to slip back into a more natural role in the middle of the pitch.Copy linkCopied70 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal ready to introduce White and Jesus to the game.The Gunners need to show something in attack.Copy linkCopied68 Newcastle 1-0 ArsenalArsenal star Rice took a moment for himself as he appeared to be in pain.Lar thing Arteta needs right now…Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he’s in a secret club that no other Premier League manager can join

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      THE mighty All Blacks have played their part in Arsenal’s return to the summit of English football as Premier League title contenders.Ahead of today’s crunch-clash with England at Twickenham, the New Zealand rugby union team prepared by using the Gunners’ London Colney training facilities on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta is getting coaching support from some of the world’s best bossesCredit: GettyNew Zealand chief Scott Robertson meets with Arteta on ZoomCredit: PABoss Mikel Arteta was hoping to spend some time with their coach Scott Robertson — nicknamed ‘Razor’ — only to miss out due to Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie away at Preston.Arteta and Robertson formed a close bond over the years after sharing ideas and philosophies in an international group of coaches who chat regularly in person and on Zoom calls.That group also includes Green Bay Packers chief Matt LaFleur, NBA hall-of-famer George Karl, basketball coach Mike Dunlap and former Red Roses head coach Eddie Jones.Aussie Jones — who is now in charge of Japan’s national rugby team — likened the collection of elite managers and their swapping of ideas to ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd Arteta said of Razor and his three-time world champion All Blacks side: “He’s an inspiration, such a character. I had the chance to meet him and we are in one of the groups together.“It was a shame that the day that we were leaving for Preston when they were coming.“I read a great book. I recommend it to everybody, called Legacy.“It talks about the All Blacks and their culture and their winning mentality and how they approach sport, life, and relationships.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s especially about the importance of clarity, or what it means when you put on a jersey. The sense of belonging to something.“When somebody plays with that feeling, it elevates his level of commitment, it elevates his capacity to perform and impacts the organisation in a different way.”How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayArteta often cites Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as a mentor, but their relationship has changed over the last few years due to Arsenal’s title rivalry with the Citizens.So, Razor has been a go-to sounding board — a man known for thinking outside the box, including breakdancing on the pitch for his players after winning trophies.Arteta has gone down a different route, with unusual pre-match motivational tools such as squeezing lemons, blaring club anthems from speakers during training sessions and hiring undercover pickpockets and freestylers.The Spaniard added: “What I like the most is that you can talk openly with somebody who is doing a very similar job in terms of the demands that we all have.“But, there is no competitive approach there and you can really be transparent and honest and share things that probably with a football coach that is playing in the league, you cannot do.“That’s a really good thing because somebody that is in your shoes daily, needs to make very similar calls even if they are different sports. So, it’s great to have that option.”Arteta will be relying on those tricks of the trade as Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle in today’s early kick-off knowing there can be no more title race slip-ups.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.Three red cards in their opening eight Premier League outings have cost them seven points already, leaving them five points off the pace-setters and reigning champions City.Arsenal return to the ground that ultimately cost them the title last season thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner in a heated 1-0 defeat. They eventually finished the campaign two points off Guardiola’s winners on the final day.Arteta was charged by the FA but found not guilty by an independent regulatory commission for calling officials “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” for passing on three VAR checks on Gordon’s goal — including an offside call, a foul and the ball being out of play.The showdown itself was also close to boiling over after Kai Havertz’s rash lunge on Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes’ elbow on Jorginho.However, Arteta says his squad have become more emotionally “evolved” and “controlled” since then.He added: “The players have a memory of all the games that they play when there are certain situations in specific moments as an individual or a collective at certain grounds.“You relate that particular moment, or that smell, or that visual, with something that happened to you or the team. That’s inevitable.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDefenders Gabriel [knee] and Jurrien Timber [muscular] are expected to be fit after hobbling off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Liverpool.But skipper Martin Odegaard, with an ankle knock, and Riccardo Calafiori, suffering from a knee problem, remain out.The All Blacks trained at London Colney this weekCredit: Facebook/All BlacksGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is also in the elite groupCredit: APHis relationship with Pep Guardiola has changed now they are title rivalsCredit: ReutersArsenal are desperate to avoid another slip-up at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Steven Gerrard holds meeting with Al-Ettifaq chiefs amid calls for him to quit £15.2m job after disaster run of results

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      STEVEN GERRARD held talks with Al-Ettifaq’s chiefs this week as he fights to keep his £15.2million-a-year job.Gerrard, 44, is facing calls to leave after a string of poor form was compounded by a shock cup exit. Steven Gerrard held talks with Al-Ettifaq owners as he fights to keep his £15.2m jobCredit: GettyThe Liverpool and England legend is now 16 months into his whopping £15.2m-per-year contract in the Middle East. And things have got off to a torrid start this season with his star-studded side winning just three of their opening eight league games.Things only got worse when Al-Ettifaq crashed out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition to a second division side. Gerrard’s team lost 3-1 to Al-Jabalain in the King Cup of Champions round of 16, with the former Aston Villa boss benching Moussa Dembele. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Three Lions captain revealed he held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners – but vowed to fight for his job. He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard'”We did meet yesterday but we meet after every single game.” Al-Ettifaq are currently 11th in the Saudi Pro League, only five points above the drop. That is despite boasting a squad with players such as Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray.Pressure is mounting on Gerrard as fans and pundits are beginning to voice their concern over his ability to lead the team to success.Al-Ettifaq managed a sixth place finish under his guidance last season, finishing some 48 POINTS behind champions Al-Hilal.Watching LiverpoolGerrard recently revealed he scheduled his team’s training sessions so that he could watch Liverpool games.The revelation only incensed his critics. The Premier League legend looked to explain those comments, saying: “I am aware of where it came from.”I was on a podcast trying to raise money for a children’s charity to make the charity survive and continue.”I was asked if I still followed Liverpool and I said, ‘Of course I still follow Liverpool,’ they played a huge part of my life and shaped me as a player, person and coach I am today. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position.”I respect all my previous clubs, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers and LA Galaxy, but my main importance is this job and trying to make this club in the best possible way on and off the field. I am all in and I will continue to be all in.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim press conference in full: New Man Utd manager gives very honest answers including January transfer plans

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      RUBEN AMORIM held his first press conference since being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday night.Strangely, though, that came after his current side Sporting smashed Estrela Amadora 5-1.Ruben Amorim spoke to the media following Sporting’s 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora on Friday nightCredit: PAAmorim will take charge of two more matches as head coach in Portugal – against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and then his final game against former club Braga next Sunday.Then Amorim officially replaces Erik ten Hag as the new permanent Red Devils boss on November 11 after United stumped up £9.2million to get him out of his Sporting contract.And following Friday’s announcement of his imminent arrival at Old Trafford, Amorim was quizzed on his new job.That included giving a host of very honest answers, including his January transfer plans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHere’s what Amorim had to say…ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT  “It was a very unusual week.“Obviously, since this whole situation came about I’ve felt different. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that’s life. I was moved by the ovation and that’s how it is. “Even the other statement, when it came out, was on a match day. But clubs are now listed companies and they have to present all these things. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There were two statements. But that’s how things are, there are things that we can’t control. “ON SPORTING FANS’ REACTION“I’m very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away. Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarre”In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I’ll be there to see what the fans want to give me. “I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life.”ON DECIDING THIS WAS HIS FINAL SEASON AT SPORTING”At the beginning of the season, and the chairman is there to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and director of football Hugo Viana.”I said that, whatever happened, it was my last season at Sporting. The president can confirm that.”The season started and we started to have a very good season. United came along, paid the clause, above the clause, and the chairman defended his interests. “I never discussed anything with the chairman.”ON WANTING TO JOIN UNITED NEXT SUMMER”The only request I made to United was that it would be at the end of the season and they told me that wasn’t possible, that it was now or never or Manchester would go for another option. “So I had three days to decide on something that would radically change my life.”ON OTHER OFFERS”It’s not the first time that I’ve been requested and had my clause paid by another club. Nor the second. It’s very hard for me to leave.”I don’t want another team.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.”After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way.”There’s a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That’s what happened. “It was harder for me than for any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this.”ON DIFFICULT DECISION”There was no confusion at all. We have to safeguard everyone’s interests. “Far from playing the victim, I’m sorry. “I said I would stay for as many games as necessary. I didn’t say anything earlier because I couldn’t. That’s how the decision is. “The club knew that if I rejected it, I wouldn’t have it in six months. And I knew that in six months I would know that I wouldn’t be at Sporting. “The only club that I wanted and that moved me was United. It got to a point where I had to decide and I did. “Now I’m going home much more relaxed because I have explained. “People say ‘it’s about the money’, but there was another team that wanted to hire me before and they paid three times more than Manchester.”ON THREE MORE GAMES AT SPORTING AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT”I have to do what Sporting decides. I prefer it that way. “I don’t leave the players in the lurch. “Against Nacional, I felt they were more anxious because I felt they didn’t know what to expect. “I’m happy to stay and I won’t leave my players in the lurch.”ON SPEAKING TO ANY UNITED PLAYERS”As for United, I haven’t spoken to anyone, not even the players. “I’m totally focused.”On the 11th we will have the opportunity to talk about Manchester United. At the moment I am at Sporting. “I wanted to explain all this to Sporting fans. The focus now is on Sporting. Then we will talk about Manchester United.”I changed my mind several times. My concern is not to harm the Sporting team, we’ll see later. I’ll have that concern when I’m at United.”ON JANUARY SIGNINGS FROM SPORTING”Viktor Gyokeres costs 100m and it’s very difficult. “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January. “I will take my staff with me. That was always one of my conditions. I brought them with me since Casa Pia.”What does it mean to me? It was the best period of my life. Everyone at Sporting knows how important it was to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand the disappointment of the fans and that leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic.”But today is not the farewell, we still have two important games against City and Braga, to maintain our lead.”The Portuguese gaffer has two more games in Portugal before taking over at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim promised not to poach Viktor Gyokeres in JanuaryCredit: Getty More