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      Thomas Tuchel grants Chelsea flops Kepa, Alonso, Werner and Hudson-Odoi a fresh start

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      TOMMY CLOTH has wiped the slate well and truly clean at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea’s new boss Thomas Tuchel — whose surname translates as ‘cloth’ — has handed fresh starts to some of Frank Lampard’s outcasts and rattled up five straight wins.

      Kepa Arrizabalaga has overcome his confidence crisis with back-to-back clean sheetsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kepa Arrizabalaga has overcome his confidence crisis with back-to-back clean sheets, Marcos Alonso has been restored to his title-winning best, Callum Hudson-Odoi is rediscovering his early promise and Timo Werner has ended a three-month Premier League goal drought.
      As Chelsea venture to an off-colour Southampton today, Tuchel has already lifted them from ninth to fourth in less than a month with the runners-up spot firmly in their sights.
      Next week it gets serious for Tuchel — a Champions League clash with LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, followed by a visit from second-place Manchester United.
      But for now, the Blues are relishing life under their new boss.

      Kepa, 26, is likely to return to the bench today and Tuchel is adamant it is only a happy coincidence that Werner, 24, is thriving under his fellow German.
      The 47-year-old former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain chief does admit his ability to appraise Chelsea’s vast squad with a fresh pair of eyes has helped.
      But he claims that Lampard was a significant influence in Werner leaving RB Leipzig for Chelsea last summer — and claims that his goal in Monday’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle had been on the cards.

      Maybe it’s just luck that we both come from Germany and Timo feels a few percentage points more confident
      Thomas Tuchel

      Tuchel said: “Maybe it’s just luck that we both come from Germany and Timo feels a few percentage points more confident.

      “For me without a doubt I saw him a week before I came here and there was no doubt he would come back because he has the quality — and the quality to play in different positions.
      “I think Timo had a very clinical and efficient start at Chelsea under Frank. It was a big reason for Timo to join the club — his connection to Frank.
      “Like every player, a change of clubs, of environment, of culture, and a new league, it takes time. I can only speak how I feel about Timo and, day-by-day, he is gaining confidence. I saw the goal coming because he earned it.”
      As for Kepa, who shut out Barnsley and Newcastle in Chelsea’s last two fixtures, Tuchel insists Edouard Mendy, 28, remains first-choice.
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      Alonso, 30, has replaced 24-year-old Ben Chilwell, leaving England’s first-choice left-back out in the cold.
      But Hudson-Odoi, 20, who had dipped significantly after teenage promise which had sparked major interest from Bayern Munich, is a Tuchel favourite, who has featured in all six matches under his new manager, starting five.
      Today’s visit to St Mary’s represents a meeting of minds between Tuchel and Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl — like Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, both are disciples of 62-year-old German tactical guru Ralf Rangnick.
      Hasenhuttl worked with Rangnick at Leipzig, while Tuchel played under the forward-thinking boss with German club Ulm, winning a promotion in the 1990s. There, Tuchel learned a ‘game-changing’ lesson as a defender which sticks with him to this day.
      He said: “I was a player with Ralf Rangnick in the second and third division and learned it’s not necessary to follow the striker to the toilet.
      “He was the first coach to tell us that. He made a third division team stronger than we actually were with his brand new tactics.
      “A back four not man-marking but defending space, that was a game-changer for me. To watch football games after working with Ralf was totally different.

      “Ralph Hasenhuttl worked with Rangnick at Leipzig — he is the father of everything that happens at Leipzig.
      “There are many coaches influenced by this philosophy but everyone needs to find their own style, everyone needs to be authentic, to copy nobody.
      “Hasenhuttl had this aggressive style of playing at Leipzig and now at Southampton, which is the challenge we have to face.”

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      Frank Lampard was not given enough time at Chelsea but it’s hard to disagree with Thomas Tuchel appointment

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      I WAS really disappointed when Frank Lampard lost his job at Chelsea.
      He swam the Channel to get them into the top four after losing Eden Hazard and having a transfer ban.

      Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was sacked on January 25 after his big summer signings failed to gel following his successful first season in chargeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Thomas Tuchel has greatly strengthened Chelsea’s defence since succeeding Frank LampardCredit: AP:Associated Press

      What he achieved under the circumstances was incredible and personally I do not think he was given enough time to blend the young talent he brought through with the new signings.
      But having said that, Thomas Tuchel has hit the ground running with an undefeated start, winning four matches and drawing one.
      From his perspective it was about making Chelsea defensively more stable.

      Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic have started all five of his Premier League games and Thiago Silva would have done so if it was not for his injury.

      In those players, he has found a real defensive core which has helped transform them.
      Chelsea had the 11th-best defence before Tuchel came in  but have risen  to second.
      Previously, they were vulnerable to the counter-attack but by having three defenders and two sitting midfielders, they are a more solid outfit.
      They are now able to create overloads on the pitch down the right-hand side as Azpilicueta converts to a full-back when on the attack.

      That has also allowed Callum Hudson-Odoi or Reece James to have a license to attack in the wing-back role — much like Marcos Alonso or  Ben  Chillwell on the opposite side.
      Tuchel has also opted for either Olivier Giroud or Tammy Abraham as the striker.
      That allows  Timo Werner to drift out to the left in a similar role he was in at RB Leipzig with Yussuf Poulsen up top.
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      With a goal and an assist at Newcastle, the German already looks more comfortable.
      At Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund,  Tuchel showed he is comfortable in adapting formations to opposition and the players he had available.
      And by imposing this system immediately at Chelsea, he has found the best way to give them stability without hindering their attacking prowess.

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      If Lionel Messi does leave Barcelona it won’t be on the cheap.. despite his ‘free’ transfer tag

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      TURNING 34 in June, Leo Messi is an antique in footballing terms. But the way things are going, I’d say a priceless one.
      Even now we would be talking a nine-figure fee for the Argentinian genius — but that’s not the case this year as he will be out of contract at Barcelona around the time of his birthday, so he’s on a “free”.

      Lionel Messi is available on a free transfer this summer but he still won’t be cheapCredit: AFP or licensors

      A giant chunk of the birthday cake will go to the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and his dependants, as the missing transfer fee is bound to find its way into an already-huge salary.
      Daddy Messi does the accounts, not always successfully, Mother Messi is his dearest supporter and the rest of the family stay as close as possible to the source. Or the sauce?
      Whether he remains at the Nou Camp or moves to one of the two clubs often linked with his future — Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain — the sums are dizzying.
      The comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid to Juventus are inevitable.

      Ronaldo just turned 36 and is still free-scoring, if a little less explosive than a decade ago.
      The Italian champs paid £99million three years back and Ronaldo has scored 68 goals in 82 league games — a good return on their investment.
      For two players with such different attributes their records are remarkably similar. Ronaldo has five Ballon d’Ors. His clubs would say in capital letters that the Portuguese has given full value.
      This is undoubtedly true of Messi although Barcelona are in decline having paid him £492m on a four-year contract. This sum has been linked with fears of bankruptcy at the club.

      Obviously, Messi’s recent dissatisfaction at Barca can’t have anything to do with his pay.
      Rather it was a dislike of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the way the club legend claimed “things were going on off the field”.
      There are one or two signs of peace breaking out.

      Unlike Ronaldo, Messi enjoys being a one-club loyalist and 21 years man and boy will be ended only after much soul-searching and many negotiations. Plus, the president is leaving.
      Very few clubs could or would wish to contract a veteran player for, let’s guess, £1m a week.
      The gamble is he’d repay in numerous ways, on the pitch with fabulous skills and a few trophies, plus a big commercial uplift.
      Further, the two stand-outs are owned by families in Saudi Arabia and the Abu Dhabi, so money is not an issue.
      PSG’s attractions to Messi must be joining Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at a club with a desperate desire to win the Champions’ League for the first time.
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      With City, he would be playing for manager Pep Guardiola, with whom he and Barca ruled Europe.
      For any rival club, Messi money could be a diamond choker too tight — given Covid, lack of gate money, no corporate revenue and broadcast sums reducing. 
      Such a pay-day could be the last of its type — rather like the supermodels of the 90s — but instead of refusing to get out of bed for less than £10,000 a day, in Leo’s case it’s more like £100,000 a day!

      Man City slash Lionel Messi contract offer by £170m to £430m as they look to land Barcelona superstar on free transfer More

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      Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool won’t look for Van Dijk revenge in Merseyside derby clash with Everton

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      JURGEN KLOPP feared Liverpool were ready for all-out war with Everton over Virgil van Dijk’s knee injury.
      But the Reds boss reckons enough time has passed since the October incident and there will be no repercussions in tomorrow’s Merseyside derby.

      Virgil van Dijk has been missing since Liverpool’s last clash against EvertonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Van Dijk is still recovering after injuring his right anterior cruciate ligament following a challenge by keeper Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
      Klopp said: “Nothing will be carried over into this game.
      “When we got the diagnosis, it was good we did not play Everon immediately again.
      “We are all human beings and, of course, it was not nice.

      “Now, that is long gone and we just don’t think about it any more.
      “But it is still a derby and that is enough for being motivated at the highest level and we will try to play the best football we can.”
      Asked whether Van Dijk’s injury and the draw at Goodison was a key moment of the season, Klopp said: “It was an important day, yes. For sure.”

      When we got the diagnosis, it was good we did not play Everon immediately again
      Jurgen Klopp on Virgil van Dijk

      Liverpool will be looking to avoid a fourth successive home Prem defeat after crashing against Burnley, Brighton and Manchester City.

      Klopp admitted his team will face a tough task against Everton.
      Incredibly, Carlo Ancelotti is the fifth manager he has faced in the Merseyside derby. German coach Klopp, 53, said: “They had good teams over the years but a manager like Carlo can help any team.
      “He had a good squad and, maybe, they are closer than ever to us. But that is good.”
      Naby Keita is available again after an illness but Fabinho is still missing with a muscle problem.
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      Klopp added: “Naby trained with the team, so we have to see.
      “Fab was not in training. Nothing new.
      “They all get closer — Fab gets closer, Millie (James Milner) gets closer and Diogo (Jota) gets closer but not close enough for the weekend.”

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      Wolves 1 Leeds 0: Watch Meslier concede incredibly unlucky own-goal from Traore piledriver

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      LEEDS UNITED’S slick man-to-man marking system was sunk by the one man they simply couldn’t account for – their own goalie Illan Meslier!
      Actually, make that their own-goal goalie.

      Illan Meslier scored an unlucky own goal as Wolves beat LeedsCredit: Getty – Pool

      Adama Traore went inches from ending his Premier League goal droughtCredit: AFP

      A thunderous shot from Adama Traore bounces off the bar and in off Illan Meslier 😳💥Nothing the goalkeeper could do about that one! pic.twitter.com/pff5O3ZjQr
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 19, 2021

      Because the French stopper ended up with his name on the scoresheet as Wolves leapfrogged Leeds, without the unfortunate ‘keeper knowing a thing about it.
      Unfortunately for Adama Traore, all he will have to show for his brilliance in breaking the deadlock is an assist – but he won’t be too worried about that this morning.
      Nuno Espirito Santo had predicted his Spanish speedster was the likeliest man to unravel Leeds’ best-laid plans by short-circuiting their man-to-man system with his pace, power and sublime dribbling skills.
      But Nuno could never have guessed just how Traore would do it.

      With just over an hour played there was nothing to choose between this evenly matched pair when Traore received the ball and took off as only he can.
      He shrugged off one white shirt then took on poor Pascal Struijk who didn’t stand a chance an earthly as he dipped his shoulder to cut inside him.
      Then from 25 yards Traore unleashed a venomous shot which Meslier couldn’t get near at full-stretch, despite a heroic effort.
      For a moment Leeds thought they had escaped as the ball crashed off the crossbar – only to bounce back off the back of Meslier’s head to ricochet into the back of his net.

      Talk about Freaky Friday!
      Yet Marcelo Bielsa must have thought he had pinched a point 13 minutes later – thanks to his personal Man Friday.
      Because when it comes to a Friday night, 27-year-old Patrick Bamford usually knows how to party.
      In his five previous matches on a Friday Bamford has bagged an astonishing six goals to get his weekend off to a flyer.
      And the in-form striker thought he had hit back when he sprinted clear of the Wolves defence to expertly bury the ball high past Rui Patricio after 77 minutes.
      However VAR agreed with assistant ref Nick Hopton, who performed miracles to spot the close call with his naked eye as Bamford was judged fractionally offside.
      Nuno Espirito Santo had warned his players about Leeds’ ability to draw even the most disciplined of opponents into a basketball match, with one team attacking, then the other.
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      Patrick Bamford had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offsideCredit: Reuters
      And that’s exactly what we got as both sides took it in turns to test the other’s defence throughout this brilliantly entertaining 90 minutes.
      Traore made the difference in the end but earlier it was his tiny teammate Pedro Neto who ran the show.
      Apparently Pedro’s mum had told her kid she wanted to see him have more shots at goal.
      Clearly the 20-year-old is a good son, because he did exactly as he was told and he was head and shoulders above everyone else on the park for most of this contest.

      Yet early in it was the visitors who threatened first when Tyler Roberts played in Bamford but the striker’s shot was blocked by Saiss who had spotted the danger and reacted to it swiftly.
      At the other end Wolves tested Meslier for the first time when Neto’s corner was headed clear and Nelson Semedo seized on the loose ball to drill in a long range shot which flew into the ‘keeper’s waiting arms.
      However the Frenchman had to work a lot harder to save Wolves next attempt when Neto let fly from 25 yards and Meslier produced a wonderful one-handed save to paw the rifled shot over.
      Neto was at it again when Adama Traore’s attempted shot was blocked by Luke Ayling and Neto pounced to fire in another shot which Meslier took safely as Wolves settled into their stride.
      However Leeds will look back in anger at a string of missed chances.
      Mateusz Klich almost embarrassed Patricio with a angled snapshot which bounced off the keeper’s near post with Patricio beaten.

      And defender Liam Cooper will wonder how he never scored as Patricio defied him to somehow block his point blank header, then repeated the feat after the break to block Cooper’s net bound shot with his feet.
      Traore’s goal simply provoked the visitors into wave after wave of late attacks but former Wolves man Helder Costa shot straight at Patricio’s feet, then the Portuguese goalie pawed away Bamford’s header in a desperate stoppage time double save.
      For the first time in 15 games Wolves took the lead – Leeds will be scratching their head and wondering how they held on to it!

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      Mike Dean seems to have this image as being egotistical but I really like him and so do my fellow pros

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      WOULD you mind if I shock you? I really like Mike Dean and so do most footballers.
      Dean seems to have this image as being egotistical — ‘it’s all about him’ people always say.

      Mike Dean was heavily criticised for sending off Tomas SoucekCredit: Reuters

      Well, there are one or two other referees I would say that about but not Dean — and not the vast majority of match officials either.
      When Dean is in charge of a match, what strikes you is how much he enjoys the game.
      He is a proper football fan, supporting Tranmere Rovers, who is living the dream in the Premier League.
      He’s a good ref too, with 20 years of experience handling top matches and top players.

      So when Dean received death threats after sending off West Ham’s Tomas Soucek the other week, most players would have felt for him.
      Part of the reason why is that we know Dean wouldn’t have wanted to dismiss Soucek after his off-the-ball coming together with Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      You know refs don’t agree with the way certain laws are being interpreted — such as with handballs earlier this season — but they have to follow the guidelines.
      And when he’s got a VAR official in his ear telling him to look at the monitor, well we all know that’s going to lead to him overturning his decision.

      Ref Darren Drysdale hit the headlines for squaring up to Alan Judge

      Troy Deeney has defended the actions of referees after weeks of controversyCredit: PA:Press Association
      When Football League ref Darren Drysdale — another solid bloke who has taken charge of several Watford games down the years — hit the headlines for squaring up to Ipswich player Alan Judge this week, there was a fair bit of sympathy from players too.
      That incident, in Ipswich’s 0-0 draw with Northampton on Tuesday, was being discussed a lot on players’ WhatsApp groups.
      Many were saying they didn’t blame him and that it was good to see a ref showing a bit of emotion.
      They’re humans not robots, as they may often seem.
      Drysdale has been charged with improper conduct and given this weekend off.
      But Judge himself said he didn’t want an apology or sanctions — and that it was just a ‘heat-of-the- moment’ incident.
      That probably suggests the Ipswich player knows he wasn’t entirely innocent when he argued after being booked for diving.
      And I haven’t heard any players suggesting Drysdale should be strung up for it.
      Referees usually understand that football is an emotional game. They tend to give players a bit of leeway. So players want Drysdale to be shown some understanding too.

      Soucek had his red card overturned after accidentally elbowing MitrovicCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures

      Mike Dean received death threats after sending off SoucekCredit: PA:Press Association
      Under the letter of the law, refs could send us off every time we swear, but they don’t. Unless it’s in an aggressive and abusive context, they let things go. Many will even swear back at you.
      Again, if it’s in the right context, that is fine too.
      I’ve never been sent off for bad language and I don’t speak to refs like I’m Mary Poppins, I can assure you.
      Football needs referees. There is always a shortage at grassroots level and I think it would help if they did more interviews.
      I bet hearing or reading an interview with Dean would be a good advert for refereeing because of his enthusiasm for the game.
      I’m not talking about post-match interviews to explain their decisions, although occasionally an apology wouldn’t be a bad thing.
      Just allowing the public to get to know them better would help more people get into refereeing. They have a tough job, we all appreciate that. I’ve been asked to referee kids’ matches once or twice and have always said no. I would never want to.
      I’m not saying players couldn’t do more to help make refereeing easier.
      Yes, we’re always trying to gain advantages, that is part of the game.
      But generally the relationship between players and referees is pretty good.

      As captain, I tend to have a lot of dialogue with referees.
      I’ll often try to convince him he is having a ’mare and then if I miss a chance a ref might tell you, ‘Well, you’re not improving with age’ or something like that.
      You can probably hear refs and players talking a lot more in this behind-closed-doors era and most of the conversation, or banter, is good. There is a lot of mutual respect.
      Of course, there are times when things get more serious and you have a go.
      And though I’ve never had a referee get into my face like Drysdale did with Judge, it wouldn’t seriously offend me if it did happen.
      It’s an emotional game and I don’t see anything wrong with referees showing emotion too.
      TOFFEES WILL DOU FINE
      THERE was bad blood between Watford and Everton after our boss Marco Silva left three years ago, then went to Goodison Park.
      But I never felt animosity towards them. In fact, I’m delighted to see they are heading in the right direction under Carlo Ancelotti.
      Everton are a proper, down-to-earth club with a wonderful, soulful old stadium and a great support base. They even run out to the Z Cars theme tune, like Watford.
      Two of my old team-mates, Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure, have played a big part in Everton’s progression this season.
      And even though they have been stuttering of late, they are capable of winning their first Merseyside derby in more than a decade today. Appointing a three-time Champions League winner in Ancelotti was a game-changer for them — it changed the way top players will regard them.

      Marco Silva didn’t get a warm reception when he went back to WatfordCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      They had been spending a lot of money but Ancelotti’s appointment has really galvanised them into a club capable of making the top four.
      The signing of James Rodriguez was an eye-catcher last summer and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s development into a top-class centre-forward has captured headlines.
      But Doucoure, who left Vicarage Road for the Toffees last summer, is an outstanding professional, loved by his team-mates.
      Every team needs a Doucoure — a player with no ego, who runs 12km a game, who does whatever his team needs of him. You often hear about ‘the ultimate team man’ — well, that is Abdoulaye.

      There were some managers at Watford who didn’t rate him at first but he proved them wrong with his extraordinary work-rate and ability.
      He has been playing deeper for Everton than he did at Watford but he is still able to arrive late in the box and cause problems.
      Richarlison is top class when coming in from the left — and that is his best position for me.
      Everton will feel this is their best chance for years to beat Liverpool because of their rivals’ defensive injury crisis.
      And although I still fancy Jurgen Klopp’s team to finish second in the league, Everton are due a derby win.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      England football star hooked on sleeping tablets and mixing them with booze at illegal lockdown parties

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      AN ENGLAND star is addicted to powerful sleeping tablets and mixing them with booze during wild parties, The Sun can reveal.
      The Premier League hero has been popping pack after pack of Zopiclone after buying them on the black market.

      AN England football star is addicted to powerful sleeping tablets and mixing them with booze during wild parties, The Sun can revealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The struggling England star has told pals he prefers the Class C controlled pills are not picked up by standard Premier League drug tests

      And he has shocked pals by openly swallowing them with expensive champagne and vodka during illegal lockdown parties.
      Friends who have regularly witnessed his behaviour during have urged him to get help before he ruins his career.
      The struggling ace has told pals he prefers the Class C controlled pills are not picked up by standard Premier League drug tests.
      He pops multiple tablets – available only on prescription in the UK – and mixes them with alcohol to make him feel “euphoric”.

      But his habit leaves him “ineffective, drowsy and lacklustre” in training the next day.
      A source invited to an illegal party this month told The Sun: “I watched him swallow zopiclone while he was boozing.
      “He discarded the empty packet on the floor. Anyone could see what they were.
      “I couldn’t believe it and turned to my friend, who is a team-mate.

      “He told me this is why he has been struggling. He is addicted to the tablets.
      “His teammates and friends are really worried. It will totally affect his game. “
      The source told of the star’s cavalier drug-taking at an illegal lockdown gathering earlier this month.

      The Premier League hero has been popping pack after pack of Zopiclone after buying them on the black marketCredit: Alamy

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      They said: “We were told to be in a certain area at the right time, then guided to a basement nearby. We had to place our phones in a fabric pouch which had a magnetic lock.
      “We kept the bag but couldn’t access our phone until we wanted to leave, and one of the organisers opened the bag using a special magnet.
      “The troubled player was off his face and dancing on a coffee table. He was completely out of it and didn’t know what he was doing or saying.
      “He was knocking back the booze as well. He wasn’t worried about being caught out.
      “He keeps the sleeping tablets in his wash bag along with his mouthwash, and club bosses are none the wiser.
      “He thinks he’s being clever because he brags the pills don’t show up on his Premier League drug tests.
      “The mix of zopiclone and booze gets him high. He feels good about himself for a while.
      “But the next day he feels lethargic and can’t perform to the best of his ability.
      “He takes the tablets every day. He is not in a good place.
      “The drugs are addictive so doctors don’t prescribe many at a time. But the footballer has got easy access via the black market. There are plenty of options for him.
      “His friends and team-mates know all about it. He’s in a downward spiral.
      “The other players think he’s throwing his career away and seriously messing his life up.
      “They feel sorry for him, but he needs to sort himself out. He is a millionaire star in danger of throwing it all away.”
      Zopiclone is prescribed to cure bad cases of insomnia – but doctors only dish out a short course of the drug over two to four weeks because of its addictive nature.
      Tablets come in two different strengths – 3.75mg and 7.5mg.

      The England star is left ineffective, drowsy and lacklustre’ in training after using the pillsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Zopiclone has become notorious as a recreational drug in recent years in the UK thanks to its pleasurable tranquilising “high”.
      Due to it’s highly addictive nature, it has been banned in the US but can be bought from illicit wesbites and the Dark Web.
      The Government made it a Class C controlled drug last year.

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      Man City slash Lionel Messi contract offer by £170m to £430m as they look to land Barcelona superstar on free transfer

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      MANCHESTER CITY have slashed their offer to Lionel Messi by a staggering £170million.
      City tabled a five-year deal worth £600m when they tried to sign him six months ago.

      Manchester City have slashed their offer for Barcelona star Lionel Messi to £430millionCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      But SunSport understands they have presented the Argentine, 34, with a new package to join this summer worth a reduced £430m.
      Messi is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain and he is weighing up options, with his Barca contract expiring in July.
      But Premier League leaders City are not prepared to match the terms they proposed back in August, believing the financial climate has changed and also taking into account he is another year along in his career.
      The Messi camp, led by the Argentine’s father Jorge, asked for all clubs who were keen to sign the player to put their money on the table in December.

      It is thought City want Messi on a two-year playing deal at the Etihad with a 12-month option, before committing to two more seasons in MLS with sister club New York City.
      It is understood the package could see him agree to a deal spanning eight years which would also see him carrying out ambassadorial duties across the City Football Group, which covers ten clubs across four continents.
      That could include playing a year in India or the United Arab Emirates, depending on how fit he is as he approaches 40.
      ONLINE CASINO OFFERS: CLAIM OVER £800 IN BONUS CASH

      Pep & MessiCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      A £1m-a-week offer for a 34-year-old is still seen to offer huge commercial value.
      It is claimed Messi is worth £260m a year in revenue to Barca due to his status and global profile.
      So tempting the forward to Manchester is seen as not only a move to give options to boss Pep Guardiola, but also as a sound commercial decision.

      Wenger urges PSG to focus on keeping Mbappe and Neymar over Messi transfer More