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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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      in Soccer

      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
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      in Soccer

      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

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      in Boxing

      Joe Joyce thinks Oleksandr Usyk will have ‘no problem’ travelling to UK as boisterous fans will make him feel at home

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      JOE JOYCE is happy to concede home advantage to Oleksandr Usyk in his own city if it means getting the fight on.
      The 35-year-old Juggernaut’s masterful November win over ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois elevated him to No 2 with the WBO and he is in talks over a spring fight with the undisputed cruiserweight king.

      Joe Joyce reckons he’ll get Oleksandr Usyk to fight him in the UKCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

      Usyk hasn’t fought in Kiev since 2015 but his rowdy London fans could make him keen to return to the UKCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      Promoter Frank Warren has opened up talks with the southpaw’s team but, without guaranteed big money from live gates, negotiations are expected to drag on.
      But Usyk, who won 2012 Olympic gold in London, has not boxed in Kiev since 2015 and Putney man Joyce knows he will have no fear of signing up for a British battle.
      The pair last clashed in 2013 at York Hall as amateurs and Joyce remembers the atmosphere Usyk fans created in the 1,200-seater hall for his loss.
      Joyce said: “The WBO now has him as No 1 and me as No 2 so it is the natural progression that we fight each other.

      “Especially if Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are working on fighting each other, probably a couple of times.
      “The WBO is backing it, they want to make the fight and the fans want to see it happen.
      “I know Usyk has a lot of support in the UK and he has never been afraid of travelling.
      “I remember fighting him in the World Boxing Super Series in East London and it felt like I was in the Ukraine.

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      How the stars match up

      “It seems like every Ukrainian based in the UK comes out to support their guy when they compete so, if fans are allowed in by the time we meet, the atmosphere will be great.
      “His fans bring drums, they sing and shout so I am sure he will have no problem fighting here.”
      Dubois revealed last week he has split with trainer Martin Bowers, to rebuild his career with Mark and Jimmy Tibbs.
      Following the spiteful build-up to the clash that ended with Dubois surrendering with a cracked eye socket, Joyce could have rubbed salt into DDD’s wounds.
      But he only wishes the best for his former foe. Joyce said: “He is young and he will come again.
      “If his appetite to keep training and learning and improving is still there, then he will be chasing down world titles again soon.
      “He didn’t do a lot wrong, and felt his power, but I had more stamina to get the win.
      “We had our differences, we settled them and now I wish him all the best.”

      Joe Joyce tests his reactions in the ring with a reaction ball More

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      in Soccer

      Millwall slam Reading for giving them a freezing ‘broom cupboard’ to get changed in before Championship win

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      MILLWALL blasted Reading for disrespecting them by providing a ‘broom cupboard’ to get ready in.
      Gary Rowett’s Lions had the last laugh with a 2-1 win at the Madejski.

      Millwall beat Reading on Saturday but a club source called the decision to give them a freezing ‘broom cupboard’ to get ready in ‘gamesmanship’Credit: Rex Features

      But they were angry over the facilities provided.
      A Millwall source told SunSport: “We feel we got a broom cupboard.
      “We had three small rooms, one for the first team, one for the subs, and the coaching staff were in a separate room.
      “It wasn’t heated properly so we had to run cables to our coach to power small heaters.

      “The Madejski is an impressive stadium with conference facilities and a hotel on-site.
      “We were in the concourse and it feels a bit like gamesmanship from Reading.”
      Lions boss Rowett added: “We weren’t hoping to hold our team meeting at minus eight degrees.
      “The players felt a tad disrespected. It gave us extra motivation.

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      Gary Rowett claims Millwall players felt ‘disrespected’ by Reading’s stuntCredit: Rex Features

      “In these Covid times, I believe you have to be respectful to each other.”
      Reading declined to comment but a club source said: “It’s a bit ironic from Millwall.
      “At their place you have to change at a leisure centre down the road.”
      The Lions fell behind to Alfa Semedo’s effort but hit back thanks to late goals from subs Matt Smith and Mason Bennett.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan slams Mike Ashley insisting ‘anybody’ would be a better owner for Magpies

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      NEWCASTLE legend Kevin Keegan has hit out at owner Mike Ashley — claiming ‘anybody’ could run the club better than him.
      Keegan believes the retail billionaire does not understand the demands of running the club.

      Kevin Keegan has hit out at Mike AshleyCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ashley, 56, has owned Newcastle since 2007Credit: PA:Press Association

      And he insists it will be a red-letter day on Tyneside when Ashley finally sells up and walks away from St James’ Park.
      Keegan said: “It won’t go on for ever. Someone, somewhere, will see the benefits of that great football club.
      “The problem with Mike Ashley is that he didn’t really know what he was buying. He doesn’t get it. The best day they’ll have is when he sells the club because anybody — and I mean anybody — can run it better.
      “Just anybody. It cannot be run worse than it is.”

      Keegan, 70 today, saw out the final years of his illustrious playing career at Newcastle.
      He narrowly missed out on steering the club to the Premier League title in the first of his two spells as manager.
      Tycoon Ashley has owned the club since 2007.
      And Keegan believes they should still be competing at the top end of the table — and not scrapping to avoid another relegation.

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      Keegan worked under Ashley at St James’ Park in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association

      In an interview with Alan Shearer for The Athletic, he said: “I don’t care what anybody says, it’s a special club. It’s not like any other club.
      “If you’d said in 1927 — the last time they won the league — that nearly a century later they wouldn’t have won it again, people would have laughed at you.
      “They had won it four times by then. You can never foresee.
      “It just needs running. It needs direction, leadership. It needs understanding of what it is. It needs some care.
      “If you take Newcastle by takings, crowd, whatever, it’s something like the 17th-biggest football club in the world.
      “That means it should be among the top four or five in England.
      “Yes, Man United are bigger. Yes, Liverpool are bigger. But they’re only bigger because they’ve won things. It could all change with new ownership. You never know, it might just be around the corner.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Chelsea vs Newcastle – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Marco Silva emerges as shock Bournemouth target if Jonathan Woodgate doesn’t take post

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      MARCO SILVA is the shock name on the list of targets to be Bournemouth’s new boss.
      The Portuguese coach is open to a return to English football after the Cherries made contact with his camp to find out about his availability.

      Bournemouth are considering hiring Marco Silva if Jonathan Woodgate doesn’t take the jobCredit: Reuters

      Silva, 43, will be in the frame if caretaker-boss Jonathan Woodgate does not claim the post — and he could be turned to in coming weeks.
      The former Watford, Hull and Everton manager was up for the Sao Paulo job in Brazil as he looks for a fresh challenge.
      That role passed him by but Silva would relish the chance to return to England.
      Woodgate stepped up from his new role as first-team coach when Jason Tindall was axed early this month.

      Woody, 41, did his chances of the job no harm with a 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win at Burnley and Saturday’s 0-0 at in-form Nottingham Forest.
      Other names in the frame include Arsenal great Patrick Vieira, Aston Villa No 2 John Terry and former Huddersfield boss David Wagner.
      Earlier this month, Woodgate called on Harry Redknapp to help him out on at the Cherries.
      Former West Ham and Tottenham boss Redknapp managed Bournemouth for nearly a decade from 1983 to 1992.

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      Former Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate stepped up after Jason Tindall was sackedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Harry Redknapp has returned to Bournemouth to help caretaker boss Woodgate

      Redknapp, 73, told Sky Sports: “Jonathan Woodgate played under me at Spurs and he’s a great lad.
      “He’s asked me to come in for a few days and watch them train.
      “Just to be around the place for a few days, help keep my eye on things for him.”
      Redknapp, who lives on the south coast, launched his managerial career at Bournemouth in 1983.
      He has not coached since leaving Birmingham in 2017 but Woodgate said: “I have spoken to Harry quite a bit.
      “He gives that advice and has been there and done it. He is a really good guy, who I know I can trust.”
      Redknapp hit headlines again on Saturday after he joked that Roy Hodgson told Michy Batshuayi ‘Warm up, you’re coming off’ during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 home defeat to Burnley.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Emi Martinez says Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish reminds him of Lionel Messi More