The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani welcomes new investment but vows to stay after selling 10 per cent stake in club

      by

      LEEDS owner Andrea Radrizzani admitted he would welcome new investment in the Elland Road club — but vowed to stay put.
      Radrizzani sold a ten per cent stake to the San Francisco Giants in 2018 and has been linked with Qatari Sports Investment, a business arm of the Gulf state.

      1

      Leeds’ Italian owner Andrea Radrizzani says he is keen to stay for the long haul, with a business model similar to Man City’sCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Radrizzani insisted his ambitions remain to make Leeds the heart of a wider sporting empire and promised the fans they will continue marching on together.
      He told the SportsPro Live virtual conference: “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving.
      “I’m starting to enjoy it, so let me stay here for a while.
      “The model we have is not similar to Manchester City but more focused on football and Europe.

      “So we are looking at Spain, Portugal, France or Italy.

      “We don’t have a rush and when we see the right opportunity we can discuss with different investors to join the project and the platform and build together.
      “Obviously at a certain point, if the company is well and profitable, it’s normal that you could have a decision to make about the future.

      “If you work hard and add value and get the businesses working well, then exit becomes an option to consider. But it’s not one yet.”

      Meanwhile, Leeds are montoring Rangers’ England hopeful Ryan Kent.
      Manchester United’s Daniel James is still Elland Road boss Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice as a new winger.
      But ex-Liverpool starlet Kent, 23, has been in outstanding form ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

      New Leeds signing Diego Llorente says it is an honour to be joining the club More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Furious Premier League clubs to reject Government demands for them to pay £250m bailout to keep EFL alive

      by

      FURIOUS Prem clubs are poised to today reject Government demands for them to pay a £250million bailout to keep the EFL alive.
      And the clubs are adamant they will not back down UNLESS they are allowed to open the turnstiles and let fans return to grounds.

      1

      Clubs are furious at Oliver Dowden’s attempts to make them pay upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 20 “shareholder” clubs will meet virtually to show a determined and united front after growing increasingly angry at the attempts by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to “railroad” them into stumping up the survival cash.
      And the clubs believe they have extra ammunition after a cross-party group of influential MPs plus two former FA chairmen said the Government, not the Prem, had an obligation to step in and prevent the imminent “collapse” of the English league system.
      Clubs at both ends of the Prem financial scale erupted in fury in the wake of Dowden’s suggestion they should “help poorer clubs rather than spend huge amounts hiring a new striker”.

      Why are we expected to bail out the EFL when the Government doesn’t ask Sainsbury’s to keep the corner shops going.
      One Prem chairman

      The publication of a new study which predicts Prem clubs will be responsible for 99 per cent of Europe’s entire international market transfer “losses” — of £698m this summer — will add weight to Dowden’s argument.

      But clubs and League chiefs privately accused Dowden and the Government of “hypocrisy” after three months of non-stop work towards the planned October 1 re-opening date, which was suddenly scrapped by PM Boris Johnson last week.
      They had begun to budget for some gate income but feel the U-turn left them stranded, while it also added to the outrage of seeing themselves made a scapegoat by the Government.
      One chairman pointedly said: “We had no advance notice of what was a completely ridiculous and wrong decision.
      “Why are we expected to bail out the EFL when the Government doesn’t ask Sainsbury’s to keep the corner shops going? Especially when we have got nothing back in return.”

      Prem chief executive Richard Masters has already stated the 20 clubs have seen £700m in income disappear.
      Now those same clubs are being ordered to help fill the £250m void in EFL finances, with chairman Rick Parry confirming his 72 clubs need £20m per month between them to survive.
      The Prem clubs argue that transfer fees to EFL sides have earned them some £100m this summer, with more money set to be spent before the window closes next Monday.
      League bosses already agreed to forward advance “solidarity” payments to the EFL, despite their own slashed incomes.
      As SunSport has revealed, the Prem clubs believe it would be wrong to simply write a cheque without cast-iron guarantees over how the money would be spent.
      Some are also concerned they are effectively being asked to give money to Championship clubs who will be strengthened as rivals as a result next season.
      The increasingly aggressive stance comes as the letter, co-signed by ten MPs, including former Tory Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green and ex-Wembley chiefs Lord Triesman and Greg Dyke, slammed the Government.
      They said: “Without any plans being made to rescue football, this could lead not only to the failure of many historic clubs, but the collapse of the national league structure we have known for over 100 years.
      “The Government needs to take responsibility.”

      Ex-England star David James fronts campaign to reduce power usage in non-league football as income plummets due to Covid More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      James Maddison impersonates US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau as he hits golf course to celebrate Leicester win

      by

      JAMES MADDISON celebrated Leicester’s thumping 5-2 win at Manchester City on the golf course — impersonating US Open champ Bryson DeChambeau.
      And the England midfielder admits the Foxes are taking great pleasure in proving this campaign will be no swing-and-a-miss after a poor end to last season.

      5

      James Maddison capped Leicester’s 5-2 victory at Man City with a superb goal – before copying Bryson DeChambeau’s headwearCredit: Instagram / @madders

      5

      American Bryson DeChambeau is famous for his style of hats, as emulated by James MaddisonCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      5

      Foxes’ playmaker James Maddison admits he celebrated long and hard after they made it three straight winsCredit: Instagram / @madders

      The emphatic victory at the Etihad — which included a superb curling strike from Maddison — means Brendan Rodgers’ side have won their opening three top-flight games for the first time ever.
      It is a run that is perhaps unexpected after just two wins from their final 10 games last season, which cost them a place in this year’s Champions League
      But Maddison — who was all smiles yesterday donning a DeChambeau-style golf hat as he enjoyed a relaxing round with former Foxes teammate Andy King — says it is time to draw a line under those dark days.
      After making his Prem comeback since having hip surgery in the summer, the England midfielder admitted: “There was a lot of murmurs about us suffering a hangover after last season.

      Tactically, we got it right. No disrespect to West Brom or Burnley, but we had to change our approach at City.
      James Maddison

      “We put them to bed with that result and answered those questions the right way by doing our talking on the pitch.
      “There was a lot of noise about how we ended last season. But the reality is we’d have bitten your hand off for fifth place and we’re so happy with the start we’ve made to this season.
      “We kept the winning run going and limited them to a few chances, and only conceded from two set-pieces.
      “It’s very rare that a team comes to Manchester City and scores five.

      5

      James Maddison celebrates bagging the fourth goal as Leicester shocked Man City with a 5-2 win at the EtihadCredit: AFP or Licensors

      5

      Once-cap England ace James Maddison turned to the greens after giving Man City the bluesCredit: Instagram / @madders
      “Tactically, we got it right. No disrespect to West Brom or Burnley, but we had to change our approach at City.
      “The gaffer told us he’s had 13 years as an aggressive, front-foot manager but sometimes you can’t afford to do that.”
      Maddison destroyed City’s structure with a stunning fourth goal which ripped into the roof of Ederson’s net from more than 20 yards.
      He added: “I’m always practising from those sorts of situations, so I feel confident shooting even from difficult spots. I’ve got a decent record from scoring outside the area.

      “That wasn’t my best goal for the club. I liked my goal at home to Watford when I juggled it, then scored. But this one is definitely up there.”
      Maddison is still not 100% fit after going under the surgeon’s knife during the shortened pre-season, and he said: “I’m getting there, but I’m not quite there yet.
      “This is my first season without any minutes in pre-season and it’s made me realise how important it is but I’m getting closer with every game.”

      Jurgen Klopp calls out Man Utd icon Roy Keane live on Sky Sports over criticism of ‘sloppy’ Liverpool after Arsenal win More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City set to complete £64m transfer of Ruben Dias from Benfica as Pep Guardiola looks to solve defensive woes

      by

      RUBEN DIAS is expected to complete a £64million move to Manchester City today.
      Benfica’s Portuguese international defender, 23, is due to fly to the North West as soon as the finishing touches are finalised.

      2

      Ruben Dias looks to be heading to Manchester to sort out Pep Guardiola’s leaky defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Nicolas Otamendi is poised to move in the opposite direction with a fee of around £13.7 million also agreed for him.
      The arrival of Dias will end Pep Guardiola’s long search for a right-sided centre half and his arrival comes as a huge boost in the wake of Sunday’s 5-2 hammering at home to Leicester.
      He has also looked at Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Jules Kounde of Seville and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Giminez.

      However they have settled on Dias – a player they have monitored for well over a year – and his arrival cannot come soon enough.
      City shipped five goals at home for the first time in 17 years as they were thumped by Leicester at the Etihad on Sunday.
      Earlier in the summer, Pep signed Nathan Ake for £40 million from Bournemouth – while he also has John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, who were absent on Sunday.
      It could open the door for Eric Garcia to move back to Barcelona this summer after turning down a new contract at City.

      Dias was named skipper by Benfica and scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Moreirense on Saturday night.

      2

      Nicolas Otamendi looks set to wave goodbye to Manchester CityCredit: AFP or licensors

      After the game, Dias said: “I am very happy.
      “It was a very important game for me and to be able to consecrate the game with a goal, it was very special for me.
      “It is a special moment and I think everyone already knows why.”
      Coach Jorge Jesus stopped short of saying his key defender was definitely leaving but added: “I’m almost sure it was the last game.
      “In football, sometimes everything changes at the last second, but I think that will not happen. We are sorry to see you go.
      “But I also have some blame for him leaving. It has to do with the elimination of the Champions League.
      “There are things that have to be balanced and Rúben has a high market.
      “If I have a choice, I want Ruben. But if I have to have Otamendi, I’m satisfied.
      In Portugal, he has justified all his value and Pep must not be stupid. If you want Ruben and let Otamendi come here, you should see what we all see.”

      Clive Tyldesley says stop moaning about handball and do something to change it More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta happy to ditch ‘the Arsenal Way’ in order to end the Gunners nightmare Anfield run against Liverpool

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is putting ‘the Arsenal Way’ on the back burner as he bids to end the club’s Anfield nightmare this evening.
      The Gunners have conceded a staggering 30 goals in their last eight visits to Liverpool and haven’t won there since 2012 when Arteta was still a player.

      4

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is prepared to adjust his tactics to who they are playingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But they did beat Jurgen Klopp’s Champions at the Emirates in July and triumphed in a penalty shoot-out in the Community Shield last month.
      And on both occasions they were happy to allow Liverpool to dominate possession and punish their opponents on the break.
      It is a tactic which Arteta has consistently used against their ‘Big Six’ opponents since coming out of lockdown.
      And he makes no apologies for upsetting the Arsenal purists who grew up on Arsene Wenger’s team passing the opposition to death.
      When the Gunners won 2-1 against the newly-crowned Champions in July, they managed just 31 percent possession.
      Three days later they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final with just 29 percent.
      But Areteta insists: “I’m here to win and my job is finding ways to do it.

      “Sometimes it’s what you want to do as a coach and sometimes it’s what you’re allowed to do with the levels of players and performance that the top teams can do against you.
      “In the games against Liverpool, City and against Chelsea in the FA Cup final, we obviously had very long periods where we had to defend deeper than we would like to.

      4

      The feel-good factor is back at Arsenal under ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “So we have to find scenarios to prepare for that and if I propose something very difficult that would expose our team right now, I wouldn’t be acting in the best interests of the club or the players.
      “We have to be able to adapt and the players we have available can change our game plan.
      “Playing only one way doesn’t work in football anymore unless you are superior to the opponent all the time.”
      Prior to Arteta’s appointment, Arsenal had a woeful record against their top of the table rivals and were often beaten before the game had even kicked-off.

      4

      Arsenal seem to be more united under their former player ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But recent victories have convinced the players that they can hold their own against anyone and Arteta admits: “Results are obviously driving our belief.
      “The players have to be comfortable with the plan we put in place. They need to realise that we can achieve what we want and then they will feel more secure and know what is going to happen.”
      Arsenal’s fortunes have taken a dramatic turn for the better since Arteta opted for three at the back since coming out of lockdown.
      That also involves two wing-backs, two defensive midfielders and just three attacking players, which leaves no room for the likes of Mesut Ozil.
      But Arteta insists: “It’s not three at the back all the time. It’s only for short moments of the game. A lot of the time it’s four at the back.
      “I have the versatility to use players in different positions to cause problems for the opponent.”

      4

      Arteta is preparing his players for their big game against the champions LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yet in spite of their recent successes against Liverpool, Arteta acknowledges that tonight’s game will be the toughest test yet of his brief managerial career.
      “We know the standards that Liverpool have set in this league because they dominate almost every aspect of the game,” he says.
      “They come at you like quick waves all the time without much time to breathe and with no long sequences of passes.”
      To make life even more difficult for Arsenal, they will be back at Anfield on Thursday night for their Carabao Cup fourth round clash.

      Arteta says: “It is difficult to play against any team twice in four days.
      When you talk about Liverpool, that challenge is much bigger
      “Obviously having no supporters will make a difference because it’s a unique atmosphere at Anfield and makes the team stronger.
      “But we’ve seen how they are able to play without crowds so we know the challenge ahead of us.
      “We are in different moments as clubs with the success Liverpool have had in the Champions League and the Premier League.
      “Performances on the pitch have generated financial power but you still have to recruit the right players and Liverpool have done that.
      “They have implemented a vision and a strategy that is really clear. They have made a lot of good decisions to become successful.”

      Arsenal should make £50m Dele Alli transfer offer from rivals Tottenham to add midfield goals, says Ray Parlour More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham boss Mourinho says hamstring victim Son will be out ‘for a while’ time but says he expects Alli to stay

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO said he expects Son Heung-Min to be “out for a while” after suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle.
      After scoring four goals last week against Southampton, Son hit the woodwork twice before being substituted for Steven Bergwijn at half-time during the controversial 1-1 draw.

      2

      Jose Mourinho is expecting Son Heung-Min to be ‘out for a while’ after suffering a hamstring injury against NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association

      2

      He also says he expects out-of-favour Dele Alli to stay at the clubCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mourinho, 57, said: “It’s an injury. We’ll have him out for a while. It’s his hamstring.”
      Son – who has already netted six goals this season – will be assessed today in an attempt to determine the severity of the injury.
      The game against Newcastle was Tottenham’s first of four matches within a week and Mourinho believes more of his players will pick up injuries due to their hectic schedule.

      Mourinho added: “This is just the first one. Tuesday another one, Thursday another one and Sunday a couple more. This is the respect Tottenham gets.”
      Spurs face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday then Maccabi Hafia in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday before taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Mourinho also defended his decision to leave Dele Alli out of the matchday squad by explaining the 24-year-old will get minutes.

      The Spurs boss said: “There are others waiting for the same minutes.

      “It is an internal fight, fight between friends. Everyone will get chances to play.
      And when asked whether Alli will still be a Tottenham player beyond the transfer window Mourinho responded: “I believe so.”

      Sign up to play Dream Team 20/21 now

      It’s completely free to play
      Play the traditional Season game as well as Draft
      There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
      SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE

      Arsenal should make £50m Dele Alli transfer offer from rivals Tottenham to add midfield goals, says Ray Parlour More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League is becoming a joke and the game is dying with this crazy new interpretation of the handball law

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE football is becoming a total joke and the game is being killed with this crazy new interpretation of the handball law.
      Nine days ago there was the daft decision against Manchester United which saw Crystal Palace awarded a penalty when the ball grazed Victor Lindelof’s arm.

      5

      Mark Halsey believes the new Premier League handball law is a jokeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      5

      Eric Dier was the latest victim as Spurs conceded a late penalty, earning Newcastle a 1-1 draw

      On Saturday, Palace were the victims against Everton when Joel Ward was punished for a handball in the box, after a VAR review.
      It was never a spot-kick. Ward’s arm was not in an unnatural position and even Superman would not have been able to get out of the way after Lucas Digne headed at him from such close range.
      Then to top the lot we get that absolutely ridiculous stoppage-time VAR decision against Tottenham’s Eric Dier, which earned Newcastle a penalty and an undeserved point.
      It is a disgrace. Dier’s arm is in a natural position because he is jumping and he has got no idea of where the ball is.

      You need your arms to lever yourself up. To be honest I can’t say which one of the three decisions was the worst – they were all as bad as each other! 
      The Premier League has got to do something about it because this cannot continue.
      We should be talking about brilliant goals, superb tackles, fantastic saves. Instead it is all about refereeing decisions.
      There was also controversy Tammy Abraham’s equaliser for Chelsea at West Brom when the ball came off Kai Havertz’s arm in the build-up,

      5

      Victor Lindelof was punished in Man Utd’s win against BrightonCredit: EPA

      You could argue that if it had not hit his arm it would have gone out for a goal kick.
      West Brom had a chance to clear, but  kicked it to a  Chelsea player whose shot was parried before Abraham  scored.
      Last season that goal would not have been allowed but now any handball by a team-mate has to be immediate and lead to a goal threat.
      But without the handball that goal would not have been scored. Or, if it had dropped to Abraham straight away it would have been disallowed. Everyone is confused.
      Palace manager Roy Hodgson spoke for everybody when he said on Saturday the new handball interpretation was destroying the game.
      It is a shame he didn’t speak like that last week when he got that penalty.
      It would have added more credibility to what he was complaining about this weekend if he had come out with something similar after the United game.
      The chaos stems from a directive that has come from the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) regarding their interpretation of handball following a move to supposedly clarify things by Pierluigi Collina and David Elleray at IFAB (International Football Association Board).
      Officials are getting confused with unnatural and natural positions and no way in these three incidents did Lindelof, Ward or Dier have their hand or arm in an unnatural position.
      The PGMOL have issued their directive to referees and they are saying even if the ball comes off someone’s knee, head, or midriff and hits an arm which is  sticking out it is unnatural and penalties are being given.

      5

      Kai Havertz was not pulled up on his handball in the build-up to Chelsea’s equaliser at West BromCredit: AP:Associated Press

      5

      Roy Hodgson was left fuming at the law after Crystal Palace’s defeat to EvertonCredit: EPA
      But that is not correct in the IFAB laws of the game. I honestly feel that the referees now on the select group, don’t know what a handball is.
      I’ve heard that the official, Kevin Friend, didn’t think the Ward handball was a penalty  but under the new directive, and following the VAR intervention, he felt obliged to give it.
      It wasn’t a clear and obvious error though. In fact it wasn’t an error at all. They are listening to what the PGMOL directives are but for me they are contrary to the wording in law.
      As for Dier, he had his back to the ball for goodness sake and can someone please tell me how you are meant to jump with your hands by your side?
      VAR would work perfectly if it was implemented correctly but it is not.
      I feel for referees because they are not happy with the interpretation of handball by the PGMOL management.
      The only way to change it is for the stakeholders, the players, the clubs, the managers, everybody in football, to get the PGMOL to drop this ludicrous interpretation they are using at the present.
      Because what they are asking them to do is not correct under the wording of the text from IFAB.
      Handball is simple. Did Lindelof, Ward,   or Dier deliberately make themselves bigger? Did they deliberately handle the ball? Did they deliberately move their arm towards the ball to stop it going where it was going? 
      In these three cases the answer to all these questions is no, so that is not handball. Hand on heart, I fear for the game if this nonsense continues.

      Clive Tyldesley says stop moaning about handball and do something to change it More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Handballs have become ridiculous in the Premier League, we need ex-players at Stockley Park so common sense can prevail

      by

      HANDBALLS have become ridiculous now, the rules make no sense whatsoever and common sense has to prevail.
      Being a defender, when a player entered the box my first thought was how to defend but now players are having to think about where their hands are and it is wrong.

      3

      Tottenham star Eric Dier was punished for this accidental handball, and it led to a penalty equaliser for NewcastleCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      What is an unnatural position? Forcing defenders to put their hands behind their back is unnatural.
      And by doing that they are at a disadvantage. Their balance is off and they are unable to change direction quickly if they need too.
      From a player’s perspective, there is never any intent when your hands are by your side so it is ridiculous to see all these handballs being given.
      It seems every time a defender handles the ball in the box it is a penalty whereas attackers can now get away with it.

      It will get to a point where attackers will tactically attempt to hit arms and if that happens we should all go home.
      You have to use common sense. I understand they have tried to simplify the rules but they have just made it more complicated.
      Football is not black and white, there will always be grey areas because every situation is different.
      And when these grey areas do occur referees should go to the monitor and check if the arm is in an unnatural position, whether the player’s body has been made bigger and the distance between them and the ball.

      The Sun Says

      RICH Premier League clubs should bail out lower league outfits facing Covid oblivion.

      They are not just the lifeblood of their communities. They and their players are, in part, the lifeblood of the Prem too.
      Some have rich owners, who must dig deep now that they are facing a season without fans. But many teams don’t. 
      It would be a calamity to let them fail through no fault of their own.
      A few, admittedly, are badly run — and the Prem would need strict guarantees on how a £200million donation would be spent by the 72 EFL clubs. 
      Some people will say the Government should step in. But it cannot bail out every industry. That way lies ruin. In football’s case there’s another solution.
      It’s right for wealthy Prem giants to fund a rescue. It’s in the national interest and their own too.

      3

      Joel Ward was on the end of this shocker of a handball decision for Crystal Palace

      3

      VAR and the referee decided to award Newcastle a penalty for this ‘handball’

      Getting former players into Stockley Park would help massively because they could talk from experience.
      These issues could easily be solved with minor changes.
      I believe defenders should only be penalised for hand balls if the arm is the only thing the ball strikes.
      But if the ball hits another part of the body, or would have hit another part of the body if it did not strike the arm then it is clear the player had his arms close to his body and should not be penalised.
      This would take away a lot of doubt around whether the arms are in a natural or unnatural position.

      Clive Tyldesley says stop moaning about handball and do something to change it More