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      Leicester No1 Kasper Schmeichel is overweight and wears a CORSET, claim Slavia Prague ahead of Euro clash

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      SLAVIA PRAGUE have scored an embarrassing own goal in the run up to their Europa League last 32 tie with Leicester City.
      By writing off current Foxes skipper Kasper Schmeichel as a roly-poly-goalie who wears a CORSET under his Leicester kit!

      Slavia Prague aimed a bizarre dig at keeper Kasper SchmeichelCredit: PA:Press Association

      The amazing jibe appears on Slavia TV, the club’s in-house TV website, in the first episode of a mini-series called Leicester Loading which is available on Youtube with English subtitles.
      The Czech champs don’t hang about in episode one as they wind up Schmeichel in a bizarre goalie gaffe!
      In the piece, former Czech Radio reporter and author Jan Hošek gives his lowdown on the Foxes, ahead of Thursday night’s tie in Slavia’s Eden Arena and admits the tie ‘won’t be a walk in the park.’
      However he then goes on to single out Danish international Kasper Schmeichel for a bit of bizarre sledging and says Slavia’s tough taskmaster boss Jindrich Trpisovsky would soon knock the 34-year-old into shape!

      Hosek, turning his attention to Schmeichel, said: “Occasionally he makes a blunder, but overall his performances have been extremely good and he’s also a kind of a glue that holds the team together. 
      “He is a keeper that has had problems with his healthy lifestyle. Certainly a tough manager that favours athleticism and the physical aspects of training, the likes of Trpisovsky, would probably want Schmeichel to lose five or 10 kilos.

      Slavia Prague launched a mini-series called ‘Leicester Loading’

      “And by the way, as far as I know, Schmeichel must be the only Premier League player that, underneath his shirt, wears a corset.”
      Hosek, who has worked in England, clearly doesn’t rate Leicester as a city either and says: “If it weren’t for football you probably wouldn’t know much about it. Leicester is a city in central England. It’s a city where personally I wouldn’t want to live.

      “Apart from the Cathedral and the surroundings there really isn’t much to do there.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Leicester City v Liverpool as it happened More

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      Wayne Rooney wants VAR SCRAPPED and claims it sucks joy out of goal celebrations and ruins football for fans

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      WAYNE ROONEY has slammed the VAR system for sucking the joy out of goal celebrations and says it is killing fun in football.
      The Derby boss fears a crucial connection between players and fans will be lost when spectators return to football unless VAR decisions can be sped up because players no longer know if they have scored or not.

      Wayne Rooney now manages Derby in the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press Association

      One of Rooney’s most iconic goal celebrations came in 2015 – after The Sun on Sunday had revealed exclusive footage of a home video in which the striker was apparently knocked out by Stoke’s Phil Bardsley during a playful bout of sparring in Rooney’s kitchen.
      After scoring against Spurs in his next game Rooney mocked himself by producing a flurry of punches in an impromptu bout of shadow boxing – then pretended to take one on the chin and fell backwards to signify himself hitting the canvas.
      That’s why he says he felt for Leicester City’s James Maddison on Saturday when he scored a brilliant free kick equaliser against Liverpool to set up his side’s 3-1 win – yet didn’t dare celebrate it!
      Rooney, whose Derby side take on Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night, said: “I saw James Maddison after he scored and he stood around and didn’t know whether it was a goal or whether it would be disallowed.

      “I think it’s ridiculous players are waiting around for one minute, two minutes, to see if the goal will stand.  If we knew every decision was right people would accept it better – but the fact they aren’t getting all the decisions right is even more frustrating.
      “We have to allow referees to do their job and accept there will be human error within that. But if that means keeping that emotion and excitement in the game, I’m sure a lot of people would want to see that.
      “A goal is the one time the fans feel connected to their club and their player, when they are celebrating a goal together. Take that away and you lose that connection players have with fans.”
      Rooney had more than 300 career goals to choose his favourite celebration from, during a stellar career in which he became Manchester United and England’s greatest ever goalscorer.

      Wayne Rooney produced his iconic KO celebration against Spurs in 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor

      James Maddison was initially reluctant to celebrate his strike against LiverpoolCredit: Jon Super/ The Guardian
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      He enjoyed Jamie Vardy’s rock n’ roll celebration, using the corner flag as a makeshift electric guitar after scoring against Liverpool at the weekend and revealed: “I didn’t really do that many which I worked on – it was a reaction, it just happened.  
      “Of course there are also some embarrassing celebrations out there but that’s a part of football and it’s great for fans to see.”
      Rams fans have yet to see Rooney doing a knee-slide down the touchline yet in his new role as Derby boss but he was pleased with the elaborate corner kick routine against Middlesbrough at the weekend which led to Lee Gregory’s opener.
      “The plan was to do it 5,6,7 times in training but we did it once and we scored off it, so we didn’t go back and do it again,” said Rooney. “So that’s two from two – Wycombe have seen it now but all the best trying to work it out because it’s difficult to defend.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Warrington faces a battle to recover ‘physically and mentally’ from Mauricio Lara loss, fears pal Carl Frampton

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      CARL FRAMPTON is worried about Josh Warrington’s ability to bounce back from his brutal loss to Mauricio Lara on Saturday.
      Leeds icon Warrington, 30, was a red-hot favourite to walk through the 22-year-old Mexican unknown.

      Josh Warrington has a long road ahead to recover from his Mauricio Lara shock, says Carl FramptonCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd

      Frampton fears for old foe Warrington’s physical and mental recoveryCredit: PA:Press Association

      But Lara dropped Warrington in the fourth and ninth rounds before the fight was waved off.
      And the brave Brit needed oxygen to help him recover in the Wembley Arena ring.
      Medics gave Warrington the all-clear but he went on to hospital for more tests.
      He spent yesterday celebrating his twin daughters’ third birthdays at home, nursing a fractured jaw and burst eardrum.

      And former foe Frampton — who lost a 2018 fight to Warrington on points that helped to forge their friendship — took to his YouTube channel to share his worries.
      Frampton, 33, said: “I thought he took a lot of punishment and, when he stood up to come out for the fifth round, he did not look right.
      “In my opinion he should have been pulled out at the end of the fourth, before the fifth started.
      “Fights like that, when they are that brutal, are like having four or five fights in one night.

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      Lara stunned Warrington by dropping him in the fourth and ninth rounds before the fight was waved offCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd

      “It is going to be hard to come back from that physically and mentally.
      “Josh is going to have a load of criticism but he is a very good fighter who had a bad night.
      “Credit to Lara. I hope he goes on to get a world title shot. I am disappointed for Josh and I think it is going to be a long road back.”
      It was a skull-rattling left hook in the fourth that sparked the end of Warrington’s 30-fight undefeated run.
      The former IBF featherweight’s legs betrayed him and he showed incredible heart to remain upright until felled by a similar shot.
      The final 20 seconds of the round were painful to watch as Warrington’s tattooed body turned to jelly, but referee Howard Foster refused to step in.
      Warrington suffered five more rounds of punishment until a volley of left hooks drove him into the canvas again.
      Frampton added: “I thought the only way he could lose was through complacency — and Josh was complacent.”

      Warrington vs Lara – Round by Round More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel hails Tammy Abraham for keeping Blues dream alive despite several loans

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has praised Tammy Abraham for refusing to give up on his Chelsea dream.
      Head coach Tuchel particularly admires the striker for beating the club’s loan system that has seen so many other hopefuls fall away.

      Thomas Tuchel has praised Tammy Abraham for sticking with his Chelsea dream throughout his many loan spells awayCredit: AFP

      Tuchel is thrilled Abraham is finally getting his chance in the first-teamCredit: PA:Press Association

      Academy graduate Abraham was farmed out to Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa before finally getting a chance at his parent club in the summer of 2019.
      Tuchel said: “I like that he made his way on the loans and overcame obstacles in his career when he went on loan. He always scored for his teams.
      “He has the spirit to make it at Chelsea. This is one of the toughest challenges you can face but he is ready.
      “It is one of the toughest challenges you can have. It is not always straight up.

      “It is sometimes bumpy, sometimes you go out on loan, but I like that the academy boys accept the challenge to make it here.
      “I feel that they absolutely want to make it as Chelsea players, not only as Premier League. They want to be Chelsea players.
      “This is the spirit we want to feel. When we feel the spirit, combined with that talent, we will push them.”
      Abraham scored the goal last Thursday that put Chelsea into the last eight of the FA Cup.

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      In a difficult tie at Barnsley he also kept them in it with a goalbound clearance.
      Tuchel said: “He played well at Barnsley because he did not only score the decisive goal but was also important in defensive set-pieces, he cleared many situations for us with his head.
      “He was absolutely ready to suffer and for that he has all my credit.
      “It’s a good new start for him to step up and show that he is important for us.”
      Public shows of emotion will be commonplace in Tuchel’s regime at Stamford Bridge.
      The German is not looking to be everyone’s favourite and says he can be a hard-nut if need be.
      But he insists diplomacy will always be the first option and dressing downs will be out in the open.
      Tuchel said: “Can I be a shouter? Yes, if it is absolutely necessary.
      “If you do it all the time nobody would listen because it becomes a habit and everybody gets used to it.
      “So the goal is to stay unpredictable, to be reasonable most of the time.

      Abraham was the hero at both ends as Chelsea beat Barnsley to reach the FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “It is important to me to build trust and a relationship that we can rely on and not shouting at people and insult people in front of a group, that is unacceptable.
      “But if we have to point out things clearly I am a big fan of doing it on front of the whole group.
      “If we have behaviour that does harm to the group, that is causing trouble for the team on the pitch we should tell the players individually.
      “But also I believe strongly that the group has to handle it and everybody has to have the personality to swallow some criticism in front of the group.
      “I don’t do stuff to be loved by everybody in the dressing room.”
      Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel is holed up in a hotel room with just a cheesy crime novel for company while he settles into his new job and while the Covid pandemic stops his family joining him.
      He said: “My family stays for the moment in Paris to finish school with the kids and at the moment it isn’t easy — impossible, in fact — to travel for all of us.
      “I miss them a lot and Valentine’s Day was a Zoom meeting family-wise which is pretty sad.
      “But you know, we are still privileged, safe and healthy so I don’t want to complain too much.”

      Thomas Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Barnsley More

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      in Soccer

      Solskjaer U-turn as he insists Man Utd ARE in title race despite West Brom draw.. and Maguire agrees

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER made a U-turn by claiming Manchester United were still in the title race — despite this West Brom flop.
      Failure to beat second-bottom Baggies means United have now dropped nine points from their last five games.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Man Utd remain in the title race despite drawing with West BromCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Harry Maguire also believes United can keep the pressure on leaders Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Boss Solskjaer, who wrote off their Prem hopes after the 3-3 draw with Everton nine days ago, said: “No one will give it away this early — no one knows.
      “This season is so unpredictable anything can happen. I’m not going to settle for second, of course we’re not.
      “It is a  compliment to the boys we got into the position we are now.
      “We won’t let City run away with it, we’re playing them soon.

      “We’re not giving it away early.  But we’re in desperate need for three-pointers and  disappointed with one point only.”
      United captain Harry Maguire backed up his manager’s claim they are not giving up on the title with Manchester City seven points in front and with a game in hand.
      He said: “We  have to go again and win the next one, then the next one.
      “Manchester City are on a great run at the moment and created a points gap — but we  have to fight for every game.”

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      West Brom snatched the lead inside the first two minutes with a header from Mbaye Diagne before a Bruno Fernandes volley levelled it up.
      Solskjaer said: “Still, we’d 90 minutes-plus to get two goals. It was a great goal, fantastic technique by Bruno.”
      Maguire saw a last-gasp header  saved by  Sam Johnstone  and  a penalty decision reversed by VAR, who deemed he had not been fouled by  Semi Ajayi.
      He said: “At the end we huffed and puffed and it’s a great save from Sam.”
      Solskjaer said: “It’s a foul but I see Harry being in an offside position, so someone must have been asleep in that VAR office.”
      For  West Brom boss Sam Allardyce it was proof they can stay up.
      He said: “I see a squad of players who are getting better.
      “That is now what they have to aspire to every single week.”

      Solskjer reacts to Man Utd’s dismal draw with West Brom More

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      Mo Salah adamant Liverpool will fight to the end ‘like champions’ as fans unveil banner supporting Jurgen Klopp

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      MOHAMED SALAH is vowing that Liverpool will fight all the way to save their season.
      Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions crumbled after letting a lead slip in the 3-1 loss at Leicester — a third straight defeat.

      It’s been a tough period for many reasons. We are champions and we will fight like champions, until the very end. We will not allow this season to be defined by the recent results we’ve had. That is my promise to all of you. pic.twitter.com/gqITQfp1ua
      — Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) February 14, 2021

      Mo Salah is adamant Liverpool will fight ‘like champions’ until the bitter endCredit: Reuters

      The Reds’ title defence is in tatters and they are out of both domestic cups.
      Fans showed support for boss Klopp with a banner at Anfield.
      And Salah tweeted: “It’s been a tough period for many reasons.
      “We are champions and we will fight like champions, until the very end.

      “We will not allow this season to be defined by the recent results we’ve had.
      “That is my promise to all of you.”
      The Kop outfit were 1-0 up at the King Power on Saturday through Salah’s fine first-half strike but leaked three in seven minutes late on.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold said: “It was so quick — it just happened in a moment and we crumbled.

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      Liverpool fans unveiled a banner outside Anfield in support of under-fire KloppCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “It’s a results business so there’s no excuses.
      “Our mentality needs to improve in those tough situations.”
      Liverpool are 13 points off leaders Manchester City and have another stern test on Tuesday.
      The Reds face RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, which has been moved from Germany to Hungary.
      Alexander-Arnold added: “It’s a different competition, which freshens it up, different mentality going into it.
      “We need to recover and go again because we’ve got a big game.”

      Klopp concedes Liverpool’s title defence is over after Leicester loss More

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      in Soccer

      Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti beefs up security after raiders stole a safe from his £2million home

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      EVERTON boss Carlo Ancelotti has beefed up security after raiders stole a safe from his £2million home.
      A guard patrolled by the gates at the weekend while cops have increased visibility in the area.

      Carlo Ancelotti has beefed up security after raiders stole a safe from his £2million homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It came after Friday’s 6.30pm heist in which Ancelotti’s stepdaughter Chloe, 25, disturbed the two thieves.
      Italian Ancelotti, 61, raced back from training to join her in Crosby, Merseyside.
      Yesterday, the former Real Madrid boss left in his £313,000 Rolls-Royce SUV for Everton’s home game with Fulham.
      A security source said: “Carlo’s never had any visible guards before. He’s clearly ramped things up.

      “I’d also expect him to have some close protection for his family while out and about.
      “As for the raid, the thieves knew what they wanted and how to get it. It’s probable they’d watched the house or were acting on information.”
      Ancelotti lives at the home with wife Mariann Barrena McClay.

      Following Friday’s heist a guard has been patrolling the gates at Ancelotti’s home and cops have increased visibility in the areaCredit: EPA

      Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum lives next door.

      Cops are also are probing a recent burglary nearby in which a gang posed as delivery drivers.
      And locals claim criminals have dressed as cops to “scout” properties.

      Three-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti appointed Everton boss
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Alex Scott: It’s no surprise brilliant Emma Hayes was linked with AFC Wimbledon after building a dynasty at Chelsea

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      I REMEMBER Emma Hayes pulling me to one side at Arsenal and telling me I could be the best right-back in the world one day.
      She was assistant coach at the Gunners from 2006 to 2008 when I was at the club, and I could tell she would go on to do big things.

      Emma Hayes was always destined to go to the top and has built a dynasty at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The SunSport columnist was delighted to see Hope Powell and Brighton cause a WSL shockCredit: Supplied

      It’s no surprise she was linked to the top job at AFC Wimbledon, to become the first woman to manage an elite men’s side in this country.
      Emma is a brilliant, committed leader and has a holistic approach with players.
      She gives thoughtful, constructive criticism which has such a tangible impact on her players. She even took time out of her week to do individual training sessions with me.
      Emma has built a dynasty at Chelsea over her nine years.

      Casey Stoney recently revealed that players could not even get a tracksuit at the Blues when she was interim manager in 2008.
      So for them to now share the men’s Cobham training base, have their own stadium at Kingsmeadow and be competing in the Champions League is a huge testament to Emma.
      But credit must also be given to Denise Reddy, who became the West Londoner’s new No 2 in August last year.
      She has done brilliant things in the American league and it was a really smart move for Emma to recruit her.

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      Once again it proves, in the best way, that Emma doesn’t like to sit in her comfort zone.
      The club’s TWO-YEAR record run of 33 games unbeaten came to an end against Brighton last weekend.
      They quickly reacted to that disappointment by beating the Gunners in midweek.
      That shock loss against the Seagulls might have been a wake-up call and will make them even more ruthless.
      But as fans of the women’s game, this is what we love to see.
      We want a competitive edge to the games and not just the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal running away with the title.
      The Gunners may not even be in contention for a Champions League spot this term but — as much as it pains me to say it — that’s brilliant for the development of women’s football.
      It’s great to see smaller teams causing upsets like we have seen in the Premier League this season.

      Alex Scott, front row second left, worked under Hayes, middle row far right, at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOPE HERO
      When the WSL was created in 2010, Hope Powell was very outspoken about ensuring there was more parity across the division.
      She has done so much to push women’s football on, and it wouldn’t be professional right now without her and everything that she has fought for.
      When Hope was England manager she broke down barriers to get where we are today, attracting the best players from across the globe.
      So with the greatest respect to all teams — for the love and benefit of the women’s game, I’m thrilled Hope’s Seagulls beat the champions and ruffled a few feathers!
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More