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      Gareth Bale’s hopes of permanent Tottenham transfer dented as Welshman fails to provide spark in Harry Kane’s absence

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      GARETH BALE’S hopes of a permanent Tottenham deal took another major hit.
      The Wales forward, who started in place of the injured Harry Kane, was off the pace and taken off just after the hour mark in the loss at Brighton.

      Gareth Bale’s hopes of a permanent Spurs deal have taken another blowCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      Bale lasted just one hour before being taken off in the 1-0 defeat to BrightonCredit: Reuters

      Bale has made just two Premier League starts since his season-long loan from Real Madrid.
      And time is running out for the 31-year-old to convince boss Mourinho to extend his Spurs stay.
      Mourinho said: “I would say that we tried to start with the team who tried to give Son the same dynamic that we are used to give him. But there is no replacement for Harry. 
      “We tried with Bale coming into these positions to try to connect with Son and we were not successful. 

      “I’m not speaking about Bale, I’m speaking about us.”
      After Spurs’ 3-1 defeat by Liverpool, Mourinho’s nightmare week continued as Brighton claimed their first Premier League home scalp.
      Tottenham’s top-four ambitions took a massive dent as they were beaten by Leandro Trossard’s 17-minute strike.
      Mourinho, whose side lie sixth in the table, added: “We didn’t start well. They could have scored immediately when they hit the post.

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      “In the first half I felt the team was probably too sad with the goal conceded and the situation.
      “There was a lack of energy. In the last 25-30 minutes they gave everything but  with limitations.
      “We couldn’t score but at the same time gave them the chance to counter-attack.
      “The boys showed great spirit in the second half and the boys showed they are suffering and they tried to fight against that sadness.
      “They tried, so I have nothing negative to say about them. I leave the game with a good feeling about my boys because they tried hard in the  second half.”
      The future of Tottenham defender Serge Aurier – who left the ground at half-time during the defeat by Liverpool, is in doubt after the Ivorian was not included in the matchday squad.

      But Brighton recorded their first league win at the Amex since beating Arsenal SEVEN MONTHS ago making them the last team in the top division to notch a home league win this season.
      The Seagulls are seven points from the relegation zone and scorer Trossard said: “This is a great result, it’s a sweet one.
      “We have waited a long time but we deserved this, we were the better team.
      “It’s a confidence booster — it has been a long time coming.”
      Brighton boss Graham Potter added: “Fantastic — there is no other word for it.
      “From the start we were brave, aggressive, had personality on the pitch, and scored a nice goal.”

      Spurs dealt massive title race blow as Brighton take the win with 1 goal to nil More

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      Man Utd condemn ‘vile and unacceptable’ Marcus Rashford abuse and call for ‘more to be done’ to find those responsible

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      MANCHESTER UNITED pledged their support for Marcus Rashford — labelling the racist abuse he has received as ‘vile and unacceptable’.
      Rashford, along with team-mates Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe, have all been abused online within the last week. 

      Man Utd have pledged support for Marcus Rashford after he received racist abuseCredit: EPA

      Rashford took to Twitter to reveal his abuse following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal, tweeting: “Humanity and social media at its worst.” 
      Greater Manchester Police are currently investigating.  
      United yesterday released a statement reading: “Manchester United has re-emphasised the message that racial abuse is vile and unacceptable.
      “More needs to be done to identify the perpetrators, as footballers continue to be on the receiving end via social media.”

      Director of communications Charlie Brooks added: “When it comes to the abuse the players are suffering at the moment, it’s not just an issue for our club or for football in general, it’s society’s problem.
      “Football becomes a lightning rod for it and these people won’t win.
      “The players won’t let it affect them but nobody should have to put up with the level of abuse that players across the board are getting at the moment. 
      ‘The reality is if they are not able to be identified on social media, it’s very hard to trace them.

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      “The onus has to be on the social media companies to do something about that. We need to see verifiable, identifiable accounts.”
      The latest incidents have heaped scrutiny on social media platforms, while the Government are planning new laws on online abuse.
      And incoming Premier League head of equality, diversity and inclusion Iffy Onuora believes arrests will be a deterrent. 
      The ex-Gillingham and Huddersfield striker said: “Social media companies have been far too slow to take down harmful material.”
      Martial and Tuanzebe received death threats and racial abuse following Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Sheffield United.

      Skipper Harry Maguire then tweeted: “United against racism. We will not tolerate it.”
      While ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand added: “These ignorant idiots need to be exposed so everyone can see them for what they are.”
      West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers was also a recent victim, with a 49-year-old man arrested on suspicion of racial abuse.
      Onuora added: “That’s the way it’s got to go. For too long people have thought there are no consequences to this. That’s the culture that’s got to change.
      “I’ll be more confident when people understand the repercussions. If lives are turned upside down, if that’s what it’s got to be, I will feel more reassured.
      “When that comes together with social media companies taking stronger action, I’ll be a lot happier.”

      Solskjaer slams ‘disgusting’ racist abuse of Man Utd duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial on social media More

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      England risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans

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      ENGLAND risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans.
      Sir Keir Starmer wants arrivals from every country to spend ten days in hotel quarantine.

      😷 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

      England risk being kicked out of the World Cup under barmy Labour border plans that would see arrivals from every country to spend ten days in hotel quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Under the proposals Gareth Southgate’s team would have to forfeit qualification games in Poland, San Marino and AlbaniaCredit: PA:Press Association

      There are no exemptions for elite sports stars coming from nations where quarantining in hotels is requiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      There would be no exemptions for Three Lions aces.
      Currently, the measures will apply to 33 countries and there are no exemptions for elite sports stars coming from nations where quarantining in hotels is required.
      But if the proposals were expanded under Labour’s plans, England’s World Cup qualification games in Poland, San Marino and Albania would have to be forfeited.

      Gareth Southgate’s team would be handed a 3-0 loss in each game, severely denting their chances of qualifying for Qatar 2022.
      If the games did go ahead, they’d risk the Premier League’s wrath as stars would be held for ten days in hotels on their return.
      The move would also throw the Euros, the Premier League, the Champions League, rugby’s Six Nations and the new Formula 1 season into chaos.
      MPs will vote on Labour’s proposal which lists one exemption to the blanket ban — for hauliers.

      Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: ‘By quarantining all arrivals, we can help protect vaccines against new strains’Credit: PA:Press Association
      Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “By quarantining all arrivals, we can help protect vaccines against new strains.”
      But the Premier League has worked hard to make teams Covid secure, with players often travelling in bubbles.
      A Tory Party spokesman said: “Labour’s plan to put 20,000 people a day in hotels is implausible.”
      An insider said: “All sports have the strictest covid protocols but if these measures were introduced British teams in Europe have a real headache over how to compete.
      “That in turn would have financial implication, as well as issues over future qualification.”
      The source added the measures would impact the “already truncated” season which needs to finished before the delayed Euros this summer – which would also be affected by the measures, as Wembley stadium hosts all three England group games, the semi-finals and final.
      Motor racing would also be affected, with the Formula 1 season set to start in weeks in Bahrain.
      Races in “red listed” Brazil and Abu Dhabi are taking place at the end of the year, when organisers hope restrictions have been lifted.

      The England Football team could miss out on next year’s World Cup due to Labour’s proposalsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      A Formula 1 spokesman said: “Last year we proved we could compete safely with over 80,000 tests and 0.1 per cent positives.
      “We employ over 40,000 both directly and indirectly through supply chains and have over 25,000 highly skilled engineers.
      “We cannot operate if we cannot travel and the elite sport exemption is quite simply keeping our sport and others going and saving jobs.”
      A Whitehall source said: “So long as we remain confident on public health grounds, we’d support players travelling to compete.
      “A blanket ban would effectively stop us playing in international competitions and be devastating for sports’ finances.
      “At various points Labour have tried to disrupt sport continuing through covid, whereas the government has done everything it can to keep it going safely”.

      Qatar are due to host the tournament in 2022

      A Labour spokesman said: “Labour’s proposals outlined do include scope for exemptions, we have asked the Government to provide all of the basis or the decisions around exemptions. 
      “Every effort should be made to allow elite international sport to continue, through quarantine exemption, although the key priority has to be against importing a strain of the virus that is resistant to the vaccine.”
      The Premier League declined to comment.

      Mourinho slams managers who tell stars to skip internationals
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      Man Utd and Liverpool accused of plotting to DESTROY football with Fifa and Real Madrid amid European Super League plans

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      LIVERPOOL and Manchester United have been accused of plotting with Fifa and Real Madrid to ‘DESTROY’ football.
      LaLiga chief Javier Tebas says the ‘greedy’ Premier League giants have spent months scheming over an ‘obscene’ £4.6billion European Super League.

      Joel Glazer has been working with Fifa, Liverpool and Real Madrid to ‘destroy’ football, claims Javier TebasCredit: AFP – Getty

      Liverpool owner John W Henry is part of the group conspiring to form the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Spaniard insists United’s US owner Joel Glazer and Liverpool’s John W Henry have been working with Fifa president Gianni Infantino plus Madrid supremo Florentino Perez on plans that will ‘ruin’ the game.
      Tebas stormed: “This would be a disaster for football, it would destroy the ecosystem and balance of the game in Europe.
      “This whole underground project started with Infantino and Perez — but the Glazers and Liverpool were active too and held meetings.
      “They have all tried to keep it secret, before the stories emerged in October and since.”

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      SunSport first revealed plans for a breakaway Euro Super League and how the Big Six have been offered up to £310m in ‘founder-member’ money.
      That’s on top of a minimum of £130m per season to be part of a closed shop of 20 teams.
      Tebas says plans could be officially launched next month — with the other 14 Premier League clubs at the risk of losing £3bn between them.

      He told SunSport: “Is it just about greed? You can define that how you like — but that’s the idea.
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      “This Super League project is going to ruin the Champions League. That’s what they’re looking for.
      “The Champions League disappears — and the money it generates, they want to divide this up between themselves.”
      Man Utd legend Gary Neville branded the plans ‘obscene’, adding: “Football is going to eat itself.
      “We are in the middle of a pandemic — with the game on its knees.”
      Liverpool, United, Fifa and Real Madrid declined to respond to Tebas’ allegations.
      But in November, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisted he would work through the European Club Association on ‘the strengthening of existing Uefa club competitions.’
      At the time, Woodward said: “The dialogue focuses on them continuing to be predominantly mid-week games, having little or no impact on the Premier League.”

      In November, Woodward said he’d work through the European Club Association on ‘the strengthening of existing Uefa club competitions’Credit: PA:Press Association

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      West Brom close in on Christian Benteke transfer as Crystal Palace give Sam Allardyce’s pursuit the OK

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      WEST BROM boss Sam Allardyce has got the green light from Crystal Palace to close a deal for Christian Benteke.
      Allardyce is keen on the big Belgian striker despite landing Mbaye Diagne from Galatasaray on loan and is looking into a short-term move with Palace.

      Benteke has scored 26 goals in 130 appearances for PalaceCredit: Pinnacle Photo Agency

      Benteke, 30, is on around £120,000 a week at Selhurst Park, so even paying HALF his wages is expensive for the Baggies.
      Benteke has been told his chances of game-time are limited with the Eagles and any new contract would see him earn much less from next season.
      So Albion looks a better prospect for Benteke as it puts him in the shop window for the summer.
      Agents are also touting him round Italy and Turkey.

      Palace would save over £1million in wages which helps them as they prepare for huge changes at the end of the season. 
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      Vydra joined Burnley from Derby County in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      BURNLEY’S back-up hitman Matej Vydra is wanted by promotion hopefuls Watford and Bournemouth.
      The Czech Republic striker is struggling for a game under Sean Dyche but the Championship Hornets and Cherries have made approaches.

      Vydra, 28, fired Watford to promotion in 2015 and they are keen to bring him back on loan with a view to a full-time deal if they go up.
      Bournemouth want a similar transfer as they look for more goals to make a quick return to the top level.
      In their case they would have to move Josh King first.
      Burnley would sell Vydra for the right price and have turned down various swap suggestions from both parties as they plan to sign their own targets.
      However, Vydra as a buy and on good wages is a big gamble for Watford and Bournemouth who will have major cutbacks if they stay down.
      The Hornets plan to bounce back at the first attempt, while Bournemouth will lose some big earners in the summer when deals expire.
      So bringing in another one would wreck their budget if they fail.

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      Jesse Lingard targets Euros with England after joining West Ham from Man Utd in loan transfer

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      JESSE LINGARD hopes his West Ham switch revives his chances of playing in this summer’s Euros.
      The Manchester United midfielder joined the Hammers on loan on Friday after making just three appearances for the Red Devils this season.

      Lingard was officially announced as a West Ham player on FridayCredit: Rex Features

      Lingard, 28, who won the last of his 24 England caps over 18 months ago, has made the move south in search of regular football.
      And he hopes that gives him the chance to catch the eye of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate and push his claims for an international recall.
      Lingard said: “It’s always good to have goals and that’s one of mine, to play in the Euros.
      “But for now it’s about West Ham and helping the team.

      “For me at my age, it’s all about regular football and getting that rhythm.
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      Lingard has not been capped for England since 2019Credit: Reuters
      “As you saw a couple of seasons ago, once I get a run of games, the goals start coming — and that’s what I want to bring to the team.”
      Lingard has been reunited with former United boss David Moyes but his move was sealed too late for him to play against Liverpool today.

      Speaking to West Ham TV, he added: “I’ve always had to prove myself,  so it’s normal.”

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      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel vows to knock Jurgen Klopp off his perch after following him to England

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has warned German rival Jurgen Klopp: I’m going to knock you off your perch.
      New Chelsea chief Tuchel bossed Mainz and Borussia Dortmund after Klopp and has now followed the Liverpool manager to England.

      Tuchel has insisted he wants to be challenging for titles with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tuchel claims he can dent Klopp’s reputation.
      He said:  ”Let’s try to make things a bit more complicated for him.
      “I’m not sure I should set my goal for myself, because he is Jurgen and he has found his place to be like he did with Dortmund.
      “People love him, fans love him, his team loves him and he has the results for it.

      “But we start right now, to close the gap and to take away a bit of his points and his reputation.
      “With all respect and all friendship, of course.”
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      Klopp has won the Premier League and Champions League since arriving at Anfield in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association
      Despite all they have in common, former Paris Saint-German boss Tuchel speaks with less warmth about Klopp than he does for former Bayern Munich chief and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

      However, Tuchel — who takes Chelsea to Anfield on March 20 — added: “Jurgen is one of the best coaches, one of the most fascinating personalities and a super, funny guy.
      “Of course we have a certain history. But I was at Mainz after him. We don’t know each other as well as everybody thinks.”

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      Thomas Tuchel’s transformation from ‘crazy man’ to chess-style tactics grandmaster detailed by former team-mate

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      THOMAS TUCHEL transformed himself from “crazy man” to  chess-style tactics grandmaster.
      Former team-mate Holger Betz recalls the new Chelsea boss as a commanding centre-half who was not afraid to have a go at anyone who failed to match his standards in training or a game.

      Thomas Tuchel is not afraid to have a go at players if he feels they are not pulling their weightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Betz was an up-and-coming goalkeeper at SSV Ulm in the late 1990s when Tuchel was part of the squad trying to secure promotion from Germany’s third tier to the Bundesliga.
      Betz, an Ulm club legend who is now their goalkeeping coach, said: “Thomas was very tall, good at heading and technically very good.
      “When he was on the field, he was a crazy man for football. He was like Wayne Rooney in being so demanding of other players.
      “He was a leader, he was always talking on the pitch, shouting, organising the team.

      “He was a very hard character. He always had problems with other players but I think that’s normal in this business — and he did not have personal problems with the players in the dressing room after games or training.”
      Within a year of Betz joining Ulm’s first team, a knee injury forced Tuchel to quit playing at the age of just 24.
      In that 1997-98 season, the club finally achieved promotion and Ulm would make it all the way to the top flight.
      Tuchel later admitted: “I envied my Ulm team-mates for getting promoted soon after, I couldn’t take it.”

      But former Ulm head coach Ralf Rangnick helped Tuchel redirect his frustration and his passion for the game into coaching. And more than a decade later, he and Betz crossed paths again.
      Betz said: “I was playing for Ulm in the fourth tier.
      “By then Thomas was head coach of Mainz but he had come to watch Mainz’s second team play against us.
      “He said to me, ‘It’s good that I see you and that you are playing. It shows me I am not so old yet’.”

      Tuchel as a footballer and now as Chelsea’s new manager
      By that time, Tuchel was making a name for himself as he surpassed even Jurgen Klopp’s achievements at Mainz.
      Ex-Montenegro midfielder Milorad Pekovic played under Klopp at Mainz and then had a season with Tuchel after he was promoted directly from the club’s youth set-up.
      Pekovic said: “That happens very rarely. From the first day, it was obvious he was professional, completely dedicated and studious — that he simply knew a lot about football.
      “He gained authority with his knowledge from the start. That is the case even now with big players and in big clubs, because he has football in his little finger.”
      Pekovic, now head coach of FK Podgorica, spent time observing Klopp at Liverpool and Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund and is well placed to compare them.
      And he said: “Klopp is unique. His character and his charisma make him special, and that is something that is not learnt. He is an exceptional motivator. He created a family atmosphere in our team, a strong group.
      “He has a way about him that every player feels equally important, no matter if he is a main player in the team or 20th in the team hierarchy.
      “Tuchel is not such an open and approachable person. His attitude is professional, he isn’t intimate with the players.”
      Their philosophies, although both place an emphasis on pressing, are also different.
      Pekovic said: “Klopp gives players more freedom in the game than Tuchel. With Tuchel, football is like a game of chess. He has a plan and asks the players to stick to it, he does not rely on improvisation.
      “Players who accept such demands learn a lot about football as a game, about tactics, and I am convinced that they can progress.”
      Pekovic believes that if the Chelsea players are ready to listen and learn, Tuchel can do for the Blues what Klopp has done for the Reds.
      The 43-year-old said: “Tuchel is great at stabilising the team and then strengthening it.
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      “He did that from Mainz onwards, wherever he worked. He can do the same at Chelsea.
      “He’s very ambitious, the Premier League is a great challenge for him.
      “Klopp has set high standards. Tuchel has both the motivation and the knowledge to do the same things at Chelsea.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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