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      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola can say what he likes… but he must win the Champions League with Man City, says Rio Ferdinand

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      RIO FERDINAND almost choked on his ice cream as Pep Guardiola tried to convince the hundreds and thousands.
      Manchester City boss Pep insisted this week he would not be a failure if he did not deliver the Champions League trophy to the Etihad.

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      Whatever he claims, manager Pep Guardiola will be defined at Man City by whether or not he helps them win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Rio Ferdinand turns the heat up on Pep Guardiola as he keeps cool with BT presenter James RichardsonCredit: C1 MEDIA
      The Spaniard claimed the friendships he has formed in the UK, as well as the six domestic honours he has guided the club to since his appointment as manager in 2016, would more than compensate for missing out on the prize he was brought into win.
      And while former Champions League-winning captain Rio is still able to scoff down a Mr Whippy with the best of them, he could not swallow Guardiola’s comments.
      Ferdinand, who skippered Manchester United to Europe’s biggest honour in 2008, said: “Listen, with the competitive spirit Guardiola has, the perfectionist he seems to be and the obsessive nature he has, he would not be happy if he walked away from City without winning the Champions League.
      “He was probably more successful at Bayern Munich than he has been at City but the fact he didn’t win the Champions League in Germany will always taint his time there.

      “That is due to the level he has operated at in the past and the standards he set himself at Barcelona.

      I’m not saying he would be unsuccessful if he doesn’t manage to win it. But he would not have done what was on the tin.
      Rio Ferdinand

      “I think it would be the same if this was to happen again at City.
      “He has been brought in by their owners specifically to win the Champions League, whether he likes it or not.
      “They were winning the Premier League before he arrived.

      “So he hasn’t so far achieved anything at City that nobody else has.
      “He can say what he wants about not being judged on the Champions League because he has to protect himself — but he has been brought in to win this tournament.
      “I’m not saying he would be unsuccessful if he doesn’t manage to win it. But he would not have done what was on the tin.”
      City take on Lyon in their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon tomorrow night.
      Guardiola, 49, guided Barcelona to the trophy twice during his four years in charge at the Nou Camp.

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      Lyon players arrive at their hotel ahead of facing overwhelming favourites Man CityCredit: AFP or licensors
      But he was unable to boss Bayern to the top Euro crown, despite three Bundesliga titles.
      Pep has led City to back-to-back Premier League triumphs but the Champions League has so far eluded them and him.
      They are massive favourites to reach the semi-finals but Lyon took four points off them in the group stage during the 2018-19 campaign.
      Rio said: “That will still be in the back of City’s players’ minds.
      “So they’ll need to come out of the blocks quickly to erase those memories, because there can be hangovers if you don’t start well.
      “What I like about this Lyon team is they set up mainly three at the back and they can defend really well.
      “But they don’t show people too much respect and they could be a banana skin for City.
      “There is no way they are going to come out, look at City and all the players they have and sit back.
      “They’ll be remembering they took four points off them last season as well, and they will know City are not unbeatable.
      “This is a difficult tie for Guardiola. I am sure he would have picked a number of other teams to play ahead of Lyon.
      “All the pressure is on City because they are massive favourites. But they are used to it.

      It’s about being adaptable and respecting the tournament. City sometimes have been their own worst enemy in Europe.
      Rio Ferdinand

      “They’ve probably won 85 per cent of domestic trophies in the last five years.
      “They have been tremendous in that respect, so being favourites will not be an issue for them, I am sure.”
      But Ferdinand, 41, believes City have to make changes to their game if they are to transfer their domestic superiority into Europe.
      He added: “You have to play differently in the Champions League to the way you do in the Premier League.
      “It’s very different. You’re playing against different players and better players more often than not, because it’s the elite tournament. So you have to adapt your game.
      “For many years at United we were going into Champions League games gung-ho and still playing attacking, free-flowing football as if we were in the Premier League.
      “But if you look at the years we were successful in Europe, in the big games we were stiff and hard to play against.”
      ‘MORE LIKE FA CUP’
      Ferdinand continued: “We knew we had players who could hurt teams on the attack in Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Nani, Louis Saha and Dimitar Berbatov.
      “But we had to be solid first and that was a very different approach to when we’d play teams in the Premier League.
      “It’s about being adaptable and respecting the tournament.
      “City sometimes have been their own worst enemy in Europe.
      “There have been times when they’ve had games by scruff of the neck and they’ve stuck to their guns and played to their principles — instead of saying ‘Right, let’s shut the tie down and keep what we’ve got’ — and they’ve been punished.
      “With the ties just one game this time, game management is even more important this time.

      “The format means the Champions League will be almost like the FA Cup and we know the shocks that can happen when it’s just one game. Anyone can beat anyone.
      “Whereas over two legs you would have fancied the bigger, stronger clubs with deep squads, one-legged ties make it a bit of a leveller.”
       Watch every Uefa Champions League and Uefa Europa League game exclusively live on BT Sport. Sign up contract-free with a BT Sport Monthly Pass for just £25 per month. For more info visit bt.com/sport

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury tells Frank Warren to find him another fight by end of the year as travel ban hits Deontay Wilder trilogy

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      TYSON FURY is eyeing up a sensational return to a British boxing ring before the end of this year.
      The Gypsy King’s hopes of taking on American Deontay Wilder again in 2020 could be KO’d by  Covid-19 travel restrictions.

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      Tyson Fury is eyeing up  a sensational return to a British boxing ring before the end of this year

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      Fury’s hopes of taking on American  Deontay Wilder again in 2020 could be KO’d by Covid-19 travel restriction
      So Fury has ordered promoter Frank Warren to find him another fight.
      Warren revealed: “Tyson made it very clear  I’ve got to give him a fight by the end of the year.
      “I don’t want him fighting behind closed doors.
      “But Tyson’s been in lockdown since February so, by December, it’s ten months out of the ring.”

      Fury, 32, lost three years battling depression and a doping ban.
      The world heavyweight champ claims the best mental health medicine is training regularly.
      Warren said: “The only way the Wilder fight works financially is in front of  a crowd.

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      “In the meantime, let’s think about what works health-wise for Tyson.

      “So a fight here, behind closed doors, is something to look at.”
      Asked about Fury’s two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua, Warren added: “It must happen next year and be in the UK.”

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      Fury has ordered promoter Frank Warren to find him another fight

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      in Soccer

      Neymar keeps his eye on the ball winning over new flame Natalia Barulich

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      NEYMAR kept his eye on the ball winning over new flame Natalia Barulich.
      The Croatian-Cuban model no doubt became his love-match of the day with shots like this in a sequin bikini.

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      Neymar’s new flame Natalia Barulich wows in a sequin bikiniCredit: RAQUEL RISCHARD/APIX SYNDICATION/LICKERISH

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      The couple confirmed their relationship in February
      The couple, both 28, confirmed their relationship back in February.
      Natalia’s football beau will be playing in the Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain.
      The French champions will play Italy’s Atalanta.
      The man who crossed the Atlantic full of dreams now has to overcome Atalanta to make them come true.

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      The model sparked rumours that she was more than just friends with the former Barcelona ace with her social media activity Credit: Instagram

      The responsibility rests on the slender shoulders of the Brazilian.
      Manchester City are tipped to win the trophy, but Neymar is Natalia’s clear favourite.
      The model sparked rumours that she was more than just friends with the former Barcelona ace with her social media activity .
      Barulich split with Colombian singer Maluma last year.

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      Neymar will be playing in the Champions League quarter-final with PSGCredit: Reuters

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      The stunning model split with Colombian singer Maluma last yearCredit: Instagram

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      Barulich met Neymar at one of his previous birthday bashesCredit: Instagram

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      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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      in Soccer

      Watford tell Crystal Palace they must fork out £30m for Ismaila Sarr transfer

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      RELEGATED Watford have told Crystal Palace they will not take a loss on £30million record signing Ismaila Sarr.
      Palace boss Roy Hodgson wants the Senegal international, 22, to replace unsettled Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park.

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      Watford have told Crystal Palace they will not take a loss on Ismaila SarrCredit: Reuters
      And the Eagles are keen to sign Sarr even if Zaha does not get the big money summer move he is seeking.
      But managerless Watford have no intention of reducing their valuation of the winger, despite having to cut costs to adjust to life outside the top flight.
      And they are even hoping to start a bidding war to push the player’s price beyond the £30m they paid Rennes for him last summer.
      A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with Sarr in recent weeks but Palace are the only one to have made a firm inquiry.

      It took Sarr, who still has four years to run on his Vicarage Road contract, a while to adjust to the physical nature of the Premier League.
      It was not until the end of November that he started to feature regularly in Watford’s team.

      But his two goals in the Hornets’ shock 3-0 win over Liverpool in February confirmed him as an exciting prospect.
      Now Hodgson wants to utilise Sarr’s blistering pace to bolster his goal-shy Palace line-up.

      And he hopes to persuade chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman to make a firm offer.

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      in Soccer

      Macclesfield relegated after EFL win points deduction appeal as Stevenage stay up despite winning THREE games

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      MACCLESFIELD were left shocked after being booted back into non-league football as the EFL won their appeal against the Silkmen’s suspended points deduction.
      In a stunning move, an independent arbitration panel backed the EFL who argued the four-point penalty imposed and suspended in June should apply immediately.

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      Macclesfield Town have been relegated from League Two after a points deductionCredit: PA:Press Association
      With the decision “final and binding”, the Cheshire club were plunged to the foot of the League Two table and sent through the trapdoor back into the National League for the second time in their history.
      And it meant a dramatic reprieve for Stevenage, after the Hertfordshire side finished bottom of the pile after picking up just 22 points from their 36 games before the shutdown.
      Instead, Macclesfield paid the ultimate price for a series of financial problems which left players unpaid, fixtures postponed and the deduction of a total of 17 points over the campaign.
      Macclesfield had seven points deducted – with a further three point loss suspended – for failing to fulfil their local derby at Crewe in December.

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      It’s great news for Stevenage who are now staying upCredit: Reuters
      In May, they lost those three points, plus four more – with an extra two suspended – when their home game with Plymouth was postponed because of no safety certificate.
      And in June they appeared to have survived when the independent commission docked them just two points for failing to pay March wages and not acting in good faith, with another four point loss again suspended into next season.
      With League Two positions determined on a points per game basis, Macclesfield remained above Stevenage but the EFL announced last month it was appealing.
      That appeal verdict, meaning the Silkmen’s 19 points from 37 games takes them below Stevenage, was announced last night.

      Macclesfield’s official website merely reported the EFL’s statement, ending briefly: “The club will be providing further comment in due course.”

      But fans accused the EFL of orchestrating a “farce”, accusing League chiefs of “corruption at its finest” although one added: “Fans have a right to be angry – let down by their club and poor ownership and management.”
      Stevenage, who had been incandescent at the initial punishment, offered a muted official response.
      The club’s Twitter feed reported: “The outcome of today’s EFL hearing means that StevenageFC will remain in SkyBet League Two next season.”

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      in Soccer

      Sergio Aguero has not travelled with Man City for Lyon clash and could miss ALL of Champions League campaign

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      SERGIO AGUERO fears he is losing his race to be fit for Manchester City’s tilt at the Champions League.
      Pep Guardiola’s squad jetted to Lisbon yesterday without their 254-goal record scorer, who remains in Barcelona.

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      Man City record-scorer Sergio Aguero faces Euro agony, having already been out for seven weeks following a knee opCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Bernardo Silva and his Man City team-mates are preparing to take on Juventus’ conquerors Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      John Stones and Co arrive in Lisbon, but the ex-England defender is battling to save his Man City careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Aguero, 32, has not played for seven weeks after having knee surgery towards the end of June.
      The striker told friends his chances of featuring at the European mini-tournament in Portugal are ‘very small’.
      City face Lyon in a one-off quarter-final on  Saturday and Guardiola wants to give him every chance and he will be allowed into the club’s bio-secure ‘bubble’ in their Lisbon hotel later this week.

      What a 4 years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields. I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.
      John Stones on Instagram

      Guardiola has told Aguero he would like him to be at the Jose Alvalade Stadium for their clash against Lyon.

      But Aguero has ruled himself out of playing in that game and with the final just eight days later — should City get there — even that looks to be a long shot.
      The Argentine striker hobbled out of City’s 5-0 win over Burnley back on June 22.
      He has been doing his rehab in Spain after the operation was carried out by Guardiola’s preferred surgeon, Dr Ramon Cugat.

      Etihad sources said there are no definitive plans yet for when Aguero will join them in Lisbon.

      Out-of-favour defender John Stones has said he aims to stay at City and fight for his future.
      The England man was expected to be shown the door with Nathan Ake arriving and another centre-back on Guardiola’s shopping list.
      But Eric Garcia’s refusal to sign a new deal has given Stones renewed hope that he could be given a reprieve.

      He marked his fourth anniversary as a City player at the weekend and  posted on Instagram: “Four years ago I signed for this amazing club!
      “What a 4 years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields. I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.”
      Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea are among a host of clubs to be linked with 26-year-old Stones.

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s posh neighbours upset over fears he plans to build a party pad in garden of his £18m property

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      LEWIS Hamilton has again upset posh neighbours who fear he wants to build a party pad.
      The F1 world champion, 35, wants a summer house in the garden of his £18million property, where he has reportedly never been seen.

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      Lewis Hamilton has upset his posh neighbours again as they fear he wants to build a party padCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The F1 world champion wants to build a summer house in the garden of his £18million property
      His plans have sparked letters of objection from neighbours who hope to slam the brakes on construction.
      One claims: “It certainly does not need another house at the rear of its garden, which, if the owner ever does move in, will no doubt be used as a ‘party house’ away from the main residence, due to the nature of his lifestyle.”
      Another says his West London home, bought in 2017, “has remained empty to this day” and permission is being sought “to (again) ‘dress up’ an investment for capital gain”.
      A third fears healthy trees will be taken down “to create room for the works”.

      Previous plans for the summer house were withdrawn after artist neighbours complained it would reduce the natural light they needed to work.

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      Neighbours have written letters of objection in the hope of stopping construction in the garden

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      There are six spacious bedrooms in the West London mansion

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      One neighbour said the property ‘certainly does not need another house at the rear of its garden’

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      Another neighbour said the house, bought in 2017, ‘has remained empty to this day’

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      The property boasts four reception rooms

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      Previous owners of the home include Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and financier Ben Goldsmith

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      in Soccer

      Charlton face being booted out of EFL with ownership shambles among worrying parallels with Bury

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      CHARLTON are in danger of heading the same way as Bury unless owners ESI sell the club.
      SunSport understands an appeal lodged by the Addicks against the EFL’s decision to ban chairman Paul Elliott and club lawyer Chris Farnell from taking over is doomed.

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      Charlton are in danger of becoming another Bury – unless current owners ESI sellCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ex-Southampton manager Dave Jones was set to be made Charlton’s special football adviser, but that appointment may be delayedCredit: PA:Press Association
      The League are currently instructing an independent panel to hear the case but their original decision is deemed bullet proof by EFL legal eagle Nick Craig.
      Worryingly, for Addicks fans, Farnell was the lawyer acting for Bury last summer before they were booted out of the EFL after failing to provide proof of funding.
      While – in another twist – Farnell was planning to appoint former Southampton and Wolves boss Dave Jones today as special football adviser.
      Jones also held the same role at Bury last summer.

      But that may now be put back after a video showed Charlton supporters interrupting a meeting Farnell was staging with Jones at his Manchester office on Friday – as they sought to confront him.

      The owners are telling the fans all is good yet behind the scenes they’re looking to sell prized assets as they’re desperate for cash.
      SunSport source

      Jones is, however, already working on selling fans’ favourite and keeper Dillon Phillips and has recommended three overseas players to the club although they are currently under a transfer embargo.
      A well-placed source told SunSport: “The current owners are telling the fans all is good yet behind the scenes they’re looking to sell prized assets because they’re desperate for cash.”
      Farnell resigned his position yesterday as a director of ESI but remains as club lawyer.

      SunSport understands by removing himself from that position, he is hoping that will satisfy one of the EFL’s conditions for passing the test.
      Former chief executive Peter Varney and ex-Ritz owner Andrew Barclay both still want to take-over the club.
      And the two have the finances in place to complete a deal – but as things stand they are unable to negotiate as no-one is sure yet who owns the club.
      If Farnell and Elliott fail their appeal, the club will either revert back to the control of ESI majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer or to other individuals appointed by ESI, who will then be subjected to the League’s fit and proper owners’ test.

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      Ex-chief executive Peter Varney, as well as former Ritz owner Andrew Barclay, are both still keen to take over the AddicksCredit: PA:Press Association
      If it is the former, the Abu Dhabi businessman will be keen to negotiate a deal with Varney and Barclay.
      The situation is complicated by the fact the Addicks no longer own The Valley or training ground – which was retained by former owner Roland Duchatelet.
      Nimer wants shot of the club to rid himself of a £50m commitment to buy back the land from the Belgian.
      ‘ALMOST MIRROR IMAGE’ OF BURY
      The big concern is, with the club appealing a decision they know is certain to fail, they run the risk of being in a Bury situation next month.
      An insider told SunSport: “It’s almost a mirror image. The EFL could postpone their first fixture and say they need evidence of someone funding the club.
      “Tahnoon has already failed to provide proof of funds so probably won’t be able to this time either.

      “If the club is then not sold, they will almost certainly run a huge risk of expulsion.”
      The EFL has told SunSport there is no timeframe for the appeal process to be completed although they were hoping it would be concluded “as soon as possible”.
      It is understood one thing that could go in Charlton’s favour, unlike Bury, is they do not currently have any insolvency issues. More