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      in Soccer

      Barcelona ‘include Mo Salah in three-man transfer wishlist’ as they look for marquee signing this summer

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      BARCELONA have allegedly included Mo Salah on a three-man transfer wishlist as they look to complete a marquee signing this summer.And he is joined by Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
      Barcelona are reportedly targeting a swoop for Liverpool’s Mo SalahCredit: Rex
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta earlier this week played down talk that Lionel Messi could return to the club from Paris Saint-Germain.
      The Nou Camp chief instead declared that they would target new additions from elsewhere.
      Now Spanish publication AS has reported that Haaland is their top priority.
      It then states that Liverpool star Salah is their second-choice.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}YANKS A LOT! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the reaction as England get dream draw for World Cup group stage
      And Lewandowski would be their third reserve on the hit-list.
      Talking earlier this week about the possibility of Haaland arriving in Barcelona, Laporta said that the Norwegian would need to express a desire to join the club first.
      Discussing the possibility of signing Haaland, Laporta said: “He would have to express his desire to come to Barca and, for the moment, he hasn’t.
      “Either they adapt to the conditions or I see it as very far away.”
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      GRAND NATIONAL BETTING SPECIAL – LATEST OFFERS AND DEALS
      January signings Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have both impressed since their arrivals.
      And they now appear to be convinced that they will secure the services of at least one of the three players reported.
      Salah’s contract status at Liverpool is still not resolved with more talks over an extension believed to be planned.
      However, with Barcelona’s financial situation still perilous, it remains to be seen whether they could afford a move for the Egyptian. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale fuels talk of emotional Cardiff transfer by chatting with manager Morison and urging on team

      by

      GARETH BALE has further fuelled the fantasy of Cardiff City fans that he might play at his home-town club next season.Cardiff host Swansea in the second leg of the south Wales derby in the Welsh capital today on the very ground where last week Bale brought the crowd to its feet with a virtuoso, two-goal performance against Austria.
      Bale has hinted at a potential move to CardiffCredit: Getty
      That pushed his country to within one win of reaching their first World Cup finals since 1958.
      Wales meet either Scotland or Ukraine in June in the Welsh capital to decide who fills the final place in Qatar and by then Bale’s nine-year reign in Spain with Real Madrid will be over.
      If Wales win in June, then he will need to stay fit and keep match sharp.
      His home on the outskirts of Cardiff is five minutes from the Cardiff training ground and 20 minutes from their stadium.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}YANKS A LOT! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the reaction as England get dream draw for World Cup group stage
      While Spurs are clinging to the hope he might opt for a third spell at the club to use the Premier League for his match practice ahead of a potential World Cup swansong, Bluebirds fans are living in hope of a dream homecoming for their ultimate hero.
      Morison said: “I saw Gareth here every day when he was in the Wales camp and we said hello every day.
      “All he said to me was ‘make sure you beat Swansea’!
      “The actual conversation was, ‘you’re doing alright, aren’t you?’
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      GRAND NATIONAL BETTING SPECIAL – LATEST OFFERS AND DEALS
      “I told him we’d done alright and he asked ‘who’ve you got next?’ and I told him it was Swansea.
      “‘Make sure you beat them because I want to hammer Connor (Roberts).’
      “You can make of that what you want. Outside of that there’s been no other conversation.
      “I’m not one to get caught up in stuff that and at this minute it is all fantasy.
      “Until someone rings me and actually says that Gareth coming to Cardiff City is an option, it’s not something I will worry about.
      “It’s an absolute pipe dream at the moment, nothing to even worry about.
      “I don’t want to get caught up in something that could be absolute nonsense.”
      The fact the 32-year-old was interested in Cardiff’s season, and nailed his colours to the mast ahead of the biggest game in Welsh football, will leave everyone hoping he might swap El Classico for an equally important domestic scrap in his homeland later.
      This week it was reported that Bale could opt for a short-term contract elsewhere when his contract with Real Madrid expires.
      It is understood that the Bluebirds are keen to make an audacious swoop for the forward, but his wages could prove to be a huge obstacle.
      Bale is currently the highest earner in LaLiga, with an eye-watering weekly wage of £550,000.
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      in Soccer

      William Saliba casts doubt over Arsenal future as he warns Arteta ‘I can’t just be on the bench and be happy’

      by

      WILLIAM SALIBA has hinted that he does not want to move back to Arsenal if he isn’t offered a regular place in the first team.The 21-year-old joined the Gunners in 2019 for a fee of around £27million.
      Saliba made his senior international debut in MarchCredit: Getty
      Despite signing a long-term deal at the time, he has only made a handful of appearances for the club.
      He has been loaned out three times since his arrival, to Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.
      The defender received his first senior international call-up last month amid a breakthrough season, and now Arsenal are planning to make him a permanent fixture in the first team.
      However, Saliba has his reservations about moving back to the Premier League and has also made it clear that he will not be happy with just sitting on the bench.
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      When speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “They (Arsenal) are often in contact with my agent and send me messages.
      “They watch my matches. They tell me to continue like this. The coach made his choices, that’s life.
      “I left on loan, played more matches and thanks to my performances, I became an international.”
      Saliba also admitted that his initial rejection from the starting line-up made him a better player.
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      GRAND NATIONAL BETTING SPECIAL – LATEST OFFERS AND DEALS
      He added: “What happened to me helped forge a mental toughness.
      “You don’t play just because you cost £27million. I take it positively. Even if there are times when you ask yourself questions.
      “For six months, I saw that I was the the only one in the group not to play, it hurt.
      “I’m sure I can’t just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy. I want to play as a starter.
      “Afterwards, if I come into the rotation as a substitute, it’s not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad.”
      While Arsenal are keen to bring him back to North London, Marseille are looking to keep him in France.
      Saliba helped the Ligue 1 side soar up to second in the table, and he has loved every minute of his time at the club so far.
      He said: “This club and the supporters are magnificent so I want to make the most of it by the end of the season, as if I’m not going to come back.
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Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PUNCH LINE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Will Smith RESIGNS from the Academy after slapping Chris Rock at Oscars
      “There are two months left, I want to savour every moment, especially at home.
      “After that, we’ll see. If I come back, it will be with great, great pleasure.” More

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      Azpilicueta Barcelona transfer LATEST, PSG in for Antony, Kalvin Phillips contract UPDATE, updates on the draw

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are the latest club to show interest in Ajax wonderkid Antony according to reports.Manchester United and Chelsea have been heavily on his tail, but the French giants are eager to swoop him from under their noses.
      Meanwhile, Leeds midfield maestro Kalvin Phillips is set to cause a huge blow to admirers having confirmed that he wants to sign a new contract at Elland Road.
      And Chelsea look set to lose captain Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer this summer to Barcelona.
      Get all the latest football news and updates here…
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Summary of 2022 World Cup draw
      The World Cup 2022 draw has concluded – and England have drawn USA, Iran AND possibly Wales or Scotland in Group B.
      The final team in Group B is the winner of the European play-off – meaning either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will join the Three Lions.
      But European champions Italy will NOT be in Qatar, having surprisingly lost 1-0 in their qualifier against North Macedonia.

      Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
      Group B: England, Iran, USA, European play-off winner
      Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
      Group D: France, Intercontinental play-off winner, Denmark, Tunisia
      Group E: Spain, Intercontinental play-off winner, Germany, Japan
      Group F: Belgium, Morocco, Croatia, Canada
      Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
      Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

      England’s fixtures booked in
      England will start their Qatar World Cup campaign on the opening day of the tournament.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions will face Iran on Monday, November 21.
      England will then play USA on November 25, before what could be a tasty final game of Group B on November 29.

      The 1966 World Cup winners will face either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.
      Wales have already reached the final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine – to be played in June, with England forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.
      The “Group of Death?”
      At the moment, Group E and Group H look like the toughest groups to escape.
      Spain vs Germany in Group E is certainly one to look forward to, Japan are not a side to underestimate, and New Zealand or Costa Rica could prove to be strong contenders.
      Meanwhile, Portugal and Uruguay will likely battle it out for the top spots in Group H.
      Korea Republic and Ghana will not be easy to beat.

      England’s World Cup 2022 group games
      England v Iran November 21
      England v USA Nov 25
      England v Wales, Scotland or Ukraine Nov 29
      “We’ve got to get out of the group… then we build from there”
      When speaking to BBC Sport, England boss Gareth Southgate said: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
      “We’ve got to get out of the group. Out first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
      “In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
      “When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
      “Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
      “The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.”
      Credit: Getty
      The World Cup groups in full
      Here are the groups in full, with a couple of play-offs still to play.

      England could play a fellow British side at the World Cup for the first time.
      It’s no surprise that England have never previously played a British side at the World Cup Finals.
      Nor have they played Ukraine, although they beat them in the 2012 and 2020 Euros.
      Harry Kane scored twice in Rome in that 4-0 win, Wayne Rooney the only goal in Donetsk in 2012.
      England will play Scotland/Wales/Ukraine
      Scotland/Wales/Ukraine join England, Iran and USA in Group B.
      England vs Iran
      England have never played Iran – for obvious reasons, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
      Now Southgate’s team will begin their glory push against them, probably at 7pm on November 21 and likely to be at the Khalifa Stadium where Fabio Capello’s England lost to Brazil in a 2009 friendly.
      But USA v Iran is the “mother of all football battles”, once again.
      England vs USA
      USA will be England’s second opponents.
      Three Lions have played USA twice in the World Cup – and never won.
      Infamously lost 1-0 in Belo Horizonte in 1950.
      Rob Green never really came back from his howler in the 1-1 draw in Rustenburg in 2010, after Steven Gerrard scored with the first shot of the match.
      England will play Iran
      Iran join England and USA in Group B.
      England will play USA
      The USA join England in Group B.
      England in Group B
      England have been drawn in Group B.
      We await the competitors.
      The Draw Conductors are out
      Jermaine Jenas, Carli Lloyd and Samantha Johnson come onto the stage to conduct the draw…
      Eventually….
      Hopefully.
      Qatar draw has begun
      The World Cup 2022 draw is now LIVE.
      Follow along with SunSport’s live updates on our Wolrd Cup draw blog.
      World Cup Soundtrack
      The first of many songs on the 2022 Qatar World Cup album has been announced.
      Hayya Hayya (Better Together) is the first single of the multi-song Official Soundtrack.
      It features Trinidad Cardona, Davido & Aisha.

      No Ser
      Sergio Aguero was forced to retire from professional football last year due to a heart problem, so he will not be playing at this year’s World Cup.
      He recently revealed that he had been offered a staff role with Argentina, however he turned it down as he wants to go to Qatar as a fan.
      When speaking to ESPN, he said: “The invitation to be part of Argentina’s staff was on the table.
      “I spoke with Chiqui [Tapia, Argentina Football Association president] and I was clear with him about my goal to enjoy my time.
      “I’m going to Qatar, but as a fan.
      “I have a great relationship with everyone from the national team but I don’t see myself in the coaching staff and with the players on a day-to-day basis. They are asking for a role that isn’t for me right now.
      “I had a talk with [Messi], he and Scaloni gave me an idea of what they wanted from me.
      “I asked them for some time to think about it and then told Chiqui that I wasn’t ready for that.
      “I will be available for any event related to the Argentina national team, as an ambassador but I don’t want a day-to-day responsibility with the team.”
      Credit: Getty
      Pot luck
      Here’s a reminder of the pots for this afternoon’s World Cup draw.

      Pot 1: Qatar, Brazil, Belgium, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Spain.
      Pot 2: Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Mexico, USA, Uruguay, Croatia.
      Pot 3: Japan, Serbia, Iran, Morocco, South Korea, Senegal, Poland, Canada.
      Pot 4: Ecuador, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Peru, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine, Costa Rica/New Zealand, UAE/Australia/Peru

      “We’re not going to fear anyone”
      When asked about the World Cup draw earlier this week, England midfielder Jack Grealish said:
      “As a group we don’t really fear anyone. It’ll show in our performances.
      “I think I saw something the other day saying that we haven’t been beat over 90 minutes since November 2020 or something like that so I think, yeah, at the moment we have such a confident group and looking ahead to the draw we’re all going to be excited and we’re not going to fear anyone”

      Chelsea injury updates
      Boss Thomas Tuchel spoke in the press-conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Brentford.
      The German gaffer seemed in high spirits after the international break as he gave the injury updates.
      He said: “Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chillwell will miss the game tomorrow.
      “Callum still has some lower-back problems.
      “Everyone else was in training.”
      Spider-mount
      Mason Mount has swapped the football pitch for the dance floor – showing off his ‘Spider-Mase’ moves to the Spider-Man theme tune.
      The 30-second clip shows the England star, 23, using his famous football skills to perform several kick-ups while donning the famous Spidey suit.
      Sharing it with his 2.7 million TikTok followers, Mount ends the clip by performing the famous Spider-Man web shooter pose, as a homage to his favourite superhero character.
      The Chelsea midfielder then removes the mask to unveil himself.
      The Marvel mega fan teamed up with Sony Pictures to mark the home entertainment release of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
      He’s such a fan, Mount is even considering a future move to appear on the big screen if he was offered a role in a future Spider-Man movie. 

      Maximum effort
      Eddie Howe has demanded maximum buy-in from maverick Allan Saint-Maximin, OSCAR PAUL WRITES.
      “You will never make Maxi be like another winger, he’s unique, and the team has to work around that uniqueness.
      “For a player of his type, consistency will always be an issue … but as long as we get the buy-in from him to the team and he is really committed to the things he finds more difficult – recovery runs and working off the ball – the other things will take care of themselves.
      “It’s something I’ve had to learn quite quickly because over-coaching him is a negative.
      “Part of the strength of Allan is that you can almost let him do his stuff.
      “You don’t want him over-thinking the game because his natural talent is so impulsive.
      “So I’ve tried to strike that balance while also giving him guidelines that the team needs him to deliver. It’s quite a delicate thing.”
      Saint-Maximin, 25, is back up to speed following the international break and he is in line to start against Tottenham tomorrow.
      Howe added: “We are just looking for the best Maxi – when he is at his best there is no one like him.
      “I’ve never coached anyone quite like him, and that’s a positive thing.
      “But it’s about harnessing that and trying to make that function for the team.”
      Fifa president’s Italy heartbreak
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino “really wants to cry” after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup again.
      He told Rai Sport: “I really want to cry.
      “For all the Italians it is sad, it is the second World Cup in a row in which the Azzurri do not participate.
      “And if they qualify for the next World Cup it will be 12 years of absence.”
      Ten Hag ADMITS United talks
      Erik Ten Hag has called Manchester United a “great club” – and admits that talks are “always” ongoing with representatives from other teams.
      Speaking to broadcaster Sport1, he said: “People know each other in our business.
      “There are always talks with representatives from other clubs, that’s normal.
      “Man United is a big club with great fans. But I can only repeat that my full focus is on Ajax.”
      Ukraine want friendy with Prem club
      Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov wants to play a Premier League side to prepare for his nation’s play-off tie with Scotland.
      Petrakov’s got his eyes set on a game at Wembley, preferably with a London club.
      He told the Guardian: “We could play at Wembley, for example, against a London club.
      “It could be a good exhibition game, a response for the Ukrainian army, as well as preparatory work for the Scotland game.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Declan Rice is now worth MORE than £150million, says West Ham boss David Moyes as Hammers try and price big clubs out

      by

      DAVID MOYES claims Declan Rice is now worth ‘north of £150million’.The West Ham boss will try and copy Spurs’ strategy with Harry Kane in a bid to keep his 23-year-old star midfielder out of the clutches of Manchester United and Chelsea.
      West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has been valued at £150million by boss David MoyesCredit: Reuters
      England international Rice has been linked with a switch away from the London Stadium this summerCredit: Getty
      Rice has two years left on his deal, with an option to extend for a further year.
      Asked if a British-record fee of £150m is Rice’s current value, Moyes said: “If you are interested, well, it will be north of that.
      “£100m was cheap last summer. £150m just now would be minimum but he is not for sale.
      “What I do know is that it means there are only certain clubs that could even consider it.”
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      Kane — whose contract also runs out in 2024 — was close to a mega-money move to Manchester City last summer, only for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to dig his heels in.
      Moyes added: “I look at what Tottenham did with Harry Kane, albeit in a different way.
      “They said, ‘No, there is a price and if someone wants to pay the price, then we would probably do it. If they don’t, then he’s not going anywhere’ and they have kept him.
      “There will be times when players have got the power but we have got Declan on the best part of a three-and-a-half-year year contract.
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      “Just like Tottenham, they have got Kane on a contract and they control what happens.”
      Rice — alongside skipper Kane — is set to be a nailed-on starter for England at the World Cup.
      Moyes added: “What you need to say is it’s great credit to Declan.
      “If you think of his development, from this time last year before the Euros to now, he’s been the best England player, most consistent England player.
      “Declan needs applauding for how well he’s done, how he’s stepped up, how he’s tried to take his game to another level, add attacking to his play, get a few goals to his name.
      “He plays in a style I think supporters of football at most clubs admire.” More

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      ‘There’s something wrong’ – Germany legend Markus Babbel says Chelsea’s ‘strange’ style doesn’t suit Timo Werner

      by

      GERMANY legend Markus Babbel believes Chelsea’s playing style doesn’t suit Timo Werner as he questioned whether the striker should depart Stamford Bridge.The 26-year-old has struggled in West London since joining the Blues from RB Leipzig in June 2020.
      Chelsea striker Timo Werner has struggled for form since joining the club from RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
      Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes Chelsea’s playing style doesn’t suit WernerCredit: Getty
      Werner arrived in England as a goalscoring machine having banged in 28 goals in 34 Bundesliga games during the 2019-20 campaign.
      But he disappointed in his first season in the Premier League after finding the back of the net just six times from 35 outings.
      And he has scored just once in the top-flight this term from 14 matches with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz tasked with leading the line over him.
      His poor form has led to speculation that he could leave Chelsea to return to Germany.
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      Borussia Dortmund are claimed to be keen on securing his services as they eye up a potential replacement for Erling Haaland.
      Werner recently aimed a dig at boss Thomas Tuchel’s tactics after declaring that Germany’s system suits him better as he actually gets chances to score.
      His compatriot Babbel, who won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munch, believes Werner is struggling due to Chelsea’s “strange football”.
      Speaking to SunSport via bet365.com, Euro 1996 winner Babbel was asked what can Werner do to rediscover his best form.
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      To which Babbel, who has also urged Serge Gnabry to not swap Bayern for Arsenal, said: “Chelsea’s a difficult place – even Lukaku isn’t playing!
      “It’s strange as both players are fantastic. Timo is a goal scorer, and he needs 100 per cent belief from the coach in his style of football. 
      “He’s not the best technical footballer in the team. Havertz, [Mason] Mount, [Hakim] Ziyech are very elegant, and they understand the game.
      “Timo’s a bit different – he’s a hard-working player, fantastic character, but he’s not as skilful as the others. If he doesn’t feel the 100 per cent support from the coach you can see it in his game.
      “He has lost that luck. I saw him against the Netherlands and in the second half if a player played the ball across the goal, he would have smashed the ball in the empty net, but he did not see him and there was no goal. 
      “He earns so much money at Chelsea, it’s very difficult to see him leave, because normally in a World Cup year he would have to move so he’s playing more regularly.

      “But he’s on so much money, he’s never going to earn that somewhere else, no chance. It’s a difficult one really, I don’t know what’s going to happen with these sanctions.
      “Ultimately, he’s a good player, works hard and a great character but he’s not playing enough. There’s something wrong.
      “I’m not sure the style of football Chelsea’s playing suits him. It’s strange football they’re playing at the minute.” More

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      in Soccer

      PSG in for Antony, Kalvin Phillips contract UPDATE, Ian Rush’s World Cup view – updates on the draw

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are the latest club to show interest in Ajax wonderkid Antony according to reports.Manchester United and Chelsea have been heavily on his tail, but the French giants are eager to swoop him from under their noses.
      Meanwhile, Leeds midfield maestro Kalvin Phillips is set to cause a huge blow to admirers having confirmed that he wants to sign a new contract at Elland Road.
      Ian Rush has stated his reasoning for rather competing against Scotland or Wales instead of Ukraine.
      And make sure to stay tuned because we will have all the latest information as we draw closer to the World Cup draw TODAY.
      Get all the latest football news and updates here…
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      No Ser
      Sergio Aguero was forced to retire from professional football last year due to a heart problem, so he will not be playing at this year’s World Cup.
      He recently revealed that he had been offered a staff role with Argentina, however he turned it down as he wants to go to Qatar as a fan.
      When speaking to ESPN, he said: “The invitation to be part of Argentina’s staff was on the table.
      “I spoke with Chiqui [Tapia, Argentina Football Association president] and I was clear with him about my goal to enjoy my time.
      “I’m going to Qatar, but as a fan.
      “I have a great relationship with everyone from the national team but I don’t see myself in the coaching staff and with the players on a day-to-day basis. They are asking for a role that isn’t for me right now.
      “I had a talk with [Messi], he and Scaloni gave me an idea of what they wanted from me.
      “I asked them for some time to think about it and then told Chiqui that I wasn’t ready for that.
      “I will be available for any event related to the Argentina national team, as an ambassador but I don’t want a day-to-day responsibility with the team.”
      Credit: Getty
      Pot luck
      Here’s a reminder of the pots for this afternoon’s World Cup draw.

      Pot 1: Qatar, Brazil, Belgium, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Spain.
      Pot 2: Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Mexico, USA, Uruguay, Croatia.
      Pot 3: Japan, Serbia, Iran, Morocco, South Korea, Senegal, Poland, Canada.
      Pot 4: Ecuador, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Peru, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine, Costa Rica/New Zealand, UAE/Australia/Peru

      “We’re not going to fear anyone”
      When asked about the World Cup draw earlier this week, England midfielder Jack Grealish said:
      “As a group we don’t really fear anyone. It’ll show in our performances.
      “I think I saw something the other day saying that we haven’t been beat over 90 minutes since November 2020 or something like that so I think, yeah, at the moment we have such a confident group and looking ahead to the draw we’re all going to be excited and we’re not going to fear anyone”

      Chelsea injury updates
      Boss Thomas Tuchel spoke in the press-conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Brentford.
      The German gaffer seemed in high spirits after the international break as he gave the injury updates.
      He said: “Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chillwell will miss the game tomorrow.
      “Callum still has some lower-back problems.
      “Everyone else was in training.”
      Spider-mount
      Mason Mount has swapped the football pitch for the dance floor – showing off his ‘Spider-Mase’ moves to the Spider-Man theme tune.
      The 30-second clip shows the England star, 23, using his famous football skills to perform several kick-ups while donning the famous Spidey suit.
      Sharing it with his 2.7 million TikTok followers, Mount ends the clip by performing the famous Spider-Man web shooter pose, as a homage to his favourite superhero character.
      The Chelsea midfielder then removes the mask to unveil himself.
      The Marvel mega fan teamed up with Sony Pictures to mark the home entertainment release of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
      He’s such a fan, Mount is even considering a future move to appear on the big screen if he was offered a role in a future Spider-Man movie. 

      Maximum effort
      Eddie Howe has demanded maximum buy-in from maverick Allan Saint-Maximin, OSCAR PAUL WRITES.
      “You will never make Maxi be like another winger, he’s unique, and the team has to work around that uniqueness.
      “For a player of his type, consistency will always be an issue … but as long as we get the buy-in from him to the team and he is really committed to the things he finds more difficult – recovery runs and working off the ball – the other things will take care of themselves.
      “It’s something I’ve had to learn quite quickly because over-coaching him is a negative.
      “Part of the strength of Allan is that you can almost let him do his stuff.
      “You don’t want him over-thinking the game because his natural talent is so impulsive.
      “So I’ve tried to strike that balance while also giving him guidelines that the team needs him to deliver. It’s quite a delicate thing.”
      Saint-Maximin, 25, is back up to speed following the international break and he is in line to start against Tottenham tomorrow.
      Howe added: “We are just looking for the best Maxi – when he is at his best there is no one like him.
      “I’ve never coached anyone quite like him, and that’s a positive thing.
      “But it’s about harnessing that and trying to make that function for the team.”
      Fifa president’s Italy heartbreak
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino “really wants to cry” after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup again.
      He told Rai Sport: “I really want to cry.
      “For all the Italians it is sad, it is the second World Cup in a row in which the Azzurri do not participate.
      “And if they qualify for the next World Cup it will be 12 years of absence.”
      Ten Hag ADMITS United talks
      Erik Ten Hag has called Manchester United a “great club” – and admits that talks are “always” ongoing with representatives from other teams.
      Speaking to broadcaster Sport1, he said: “People know each other in our business.
      “There are always talks with representatives from other clubs, that’s normal.
      “Man United is a big club with great fans. But I can only repeat that my full focus is on Ajax.”
      Ukraine want friendy with Prem club
      Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov wants to play a Premier League side to prepare for his nation’s play-off tie with Scotland.
      Petrakov’s got his eyes set on a game at Wembley, preferably with a London club.
      He told the Guardian: “We could play at Wembley, for example, against a London club.
      “It could be a good exhibition game, a response for the Ukrainian army, as well as preparatory work for the Scotland game.”
      Liverpool urged to buy Kane
      Ian Wright has urged Liverpool to sign Man United transfer target Harry Kane from Tottenham.
      Wright said on his podcast: “Imagine Harry Kane at Liverpool… If I had the capability of getting Kane and putting him in Liverpool’s side with [Mohamed] Salah, or [Sadio] Mane or [Luis] Diaz and playing as the number nine, dropping deep and doing his stuff…
      “It won’t be how Firmino does it, those lovely bit of skills and stuff, but Kane can drop in and help create because the two could run behind.”
      Antonio gets backing from Carlton Cole
      Carlton Cole has backed Michail Antonio to keep his spot in West Ham’s team despite the club being poised to sign a striker this summer.
      Speaking to SunSport on West Ham’s complicated striker search ahead of a Masters Football event in association with Bookmakers.com, Cole said: “When you bring someone into the club in the January window, they’re expected to play straight away…
      “But they won’t, because we’ve got Antonio.”
      Ronaldinho on Messi criticism
      Ronaldinho “doesn’t understand” why Lionel Messi is being booed by PSG fans.
      The Argentine was jeered by his own supporters during their 3-0 victory over Bordeaux last month.
      Fellow Barca and PSG old boy Ronaldinho, however, cannot fathom the reaction of the Parc des Princes.
      On the jeering, the Brazilian icon said: “I don’t understand.
      “If you whistle Messi, there’s nothing left!
      “If you whistle the best in the world, who are you going to applaud?
      “I don’t get it.”
      Bale to AC Milan?
      AC Milan are reportedly plotting a summer transfer swoop for Gareth Bale.
      The 32-year-old is out of contract with Real Madrid at the end of the season.
      And the £650,000-a-week star seems certain to leave the Bernabeu amid continuing media attacks on him.
      Bale will look for a new club in the summer – but could hang up his boots after the World Cup in Qatar.
      However, that has not deterred the Serie A giants, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
      He states that Milan’s sporting director Paolo Maldini has been in talks with the Welsh forward’s representatives.
      Lanzini’s dramatic crash
      Dramatic footage shows the aftermath of West Ham star Manuel Lanzini’s horror smash.
      The midfielder, 29, was being driven to training in a Mercedes when the £70,000 people carrier flipped over on the A12.
      Miraculously Lanzini walked away from the wreckage unscathed and was even able to carry on training.
      Footage now shows the shocking aftermath of yesterday’s crash as emergency crews raced to the scene.
      The mangled car can be seen on its side after it left the road and smashed into a tree.
      Fire trucks and ambulances can also be seen blocking the road in Romford, East London, near the Hammers’ training ground.
      It comes as Argentinian international Lanzini took to Instagram to reassure fans he is OK.

      Luxury serivce provider for superstars
      When it comes to wanting a booking at the most sought-after restaurant last minute, tickets for the upcoming Tyson Fury fight, or a personal shopper, FirstLuxe are footballers’ first port of call.
      A concierge service like no other, they have become the one-stop shop for Arsenal stars Ben White and Emile Smith Rowe, England international Kalvin Phillips, West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, Olympic legend Usain Bolt and more.
      The business was conceived by school friends Steven Haziza Metta and former Hull City defender Calaum Jahraldo-Martin around four years ago.
      Members can pay £1,080 a year for exclusive experiences in London’s finest hotspot, which can be accessed by the FirstLuxe app.
      Or, they can upgrade to a platinum membership for £2,400 a year which includes bespoke travel – with a planned expansion to incorporate sports star havens Marbella, Mykonos and Dubai in the near future.
      This also gives them access to a company-hired personal shopper, who takes clientele around the likes of Harrods, Selfridges or Harvey Nichols for Dior trainers at £890 a pop to a full-styling experience which can run into the thousands.

      England’s fate to be decided
      England secured their World Cup qualifying spot back in November but they finally get to find out their group stage fate TODAY.
      The Three Lions comfortably topped Group I – going on an unbeaten 10-game run where they accumulated 26 points.
      England will fancy themselves to get far in this edition of the World Cup based on their wide range of talented stars.
      And the Three Lions have avoided teams such as Brazil, Portugal and the current holders France in the group stages.
      But Gareth Southgate will still be hoping that his side can be put in the easiest group on paper possible.
      Best case scenario: USA, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
      Worst case scenario: Germany, Senegal, Canada
      World Cup draw looms
      Fans across the world are anxiously waiting for the World Cup draw which goes live TODAY.
      This will be the final time we witness footballs biggest competition endure 32 teams before it expands to 48 nations in 2026.
      And everyone will be nervous to find out their country’s fate will be for the first ever winter World Cup.
      The World Cup draw is set to take place on Friday April 1 at 4pm live from Doha.Group stages for the Qatar World Cup will start on Monday November 21.The final of this years World Cup will be on December 18, just one week before Christmas.
      Ronaldo’s career plan
      Cristiano Ronaldo wants to continue playing for Portugal beyond 2024 – by which time he will be 39.
      And team-mate Jose Fonte reckons there is still plenty left in the tank to see him represent Portugal at Euro 2024 in Germany.
      The veteran Lille defender told talkSPORT: “I think he’s left it pretty clear in his last interview, he’s the one who decides his future.
      “I think that physically he feels good, he feels great.
      “If he had the chance to win it and the chance to keep performing at the highest stages then he’ll keep playing, as he said.
      “Nobody knows exactly what he has in his mind, so only he can decide his future.
      “He wants to play and keep playing so I would assume that he will be in Qatar, and not only in Qatar but in the next Euros at least.”
      Az to be done
      Cesar Azpilcueta will reportedly be allowed to join Barcelona by Chelsea this summer despite his contract extension.
      The 32-year-old Spaniard is one of several stars at the club who are due to become free agents when their contracts expire in June.
      Reports have been building for months that the Chelsea skipper was set to return to his homeland with Barcelona.
      However, fears the move would collapse escalated last month due to a clause in his current deal.
      An automatic one-year extension in Azpilicueta’s contract was triggered when he made over 30 appearances this season – an achievement he hit a number of weeks ago.
      The veteran star was hoping to come to a diplomatic agreement with the crisis-hit West London outfit.
      The Blues are currently unable to offer any new deals to their players or sign any new ones due to the sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.
      Now Marca claims that Chelsea will let the defender join Barcelona for nothing anyway in the summer due to the “excellent relationship” between the player and club.
      Ian Rush’s World Cup view
      Ian Rush has revealed that he would rather Wales play Scotland in the World Cup play-off finals instead of Ukraine who will have the world’s support.
      He told gambling.com: “We’ve got one more game to go – either against Scotland or Ukraine – and I know who I’d rather play.
      “If we play Ukraine, the whole of Europe will be willing them to win, and I can understand that. I wouldn’t want Wales to have to come up against that tidal wave of support, so I’d rather play Scotland.
      “If we meet Scotland again in 2022, hopefully it’ll be third time lucky for Wales.”
      England face World Cup boredom
      England players face a battle against boredom at the World Cup when they stay in the same hotel for the entire tournament.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has picked the Souq Al-Wakra hotel in the fishing village of Al Wakrah 10 miles south of Doha.
      Like the last two World Cup tournaments at the team hotel, players are likely to be kept entertained by a driving simulator, PlayStation, basketball, table tennis, pool and darts.
      Normally, teams travel from their base and stay in a different venue the night before a game.

      Mike Dean’s golden card
      Prem chiefs will mark referee Mike Dean’s retirement by giving him a GOLDEN CARD on the final day of the season.
      Wirral whistler Dean, 53, is set for a senior VAR role at Stockley Park next term.
      If the title race is settled, his final outing on May 22 could be Liverpool v Wolves or Manchester City v  Aston Villa — so he can enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
      All other Prem matches  that day are to be paused in the 22nd minute for a round of applause to mark Dean’s 22 years as a Select Group referee.
      The Professional Game Match Officials Limited have commissioned the golden card bust. 
      Good morning, footy fans
      The 2022 World Cup draw is TODAY.
      England will find out who they will face in the group stages in Qatar, writes DAVE FRASER.
      The Three Lions are still chasing their first major tournament win since 1966.
      Silverware-starved fans sense England are getting closer and closer under Gareth Southgate.
      England were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup at the semi-final stage, losing to Croatia after extra-time.
      And the Three Lions went a step further at Euro 2020, agonisingly losing in the final on penalties to Italy – who have incredibly failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
      Southgate will be hoping for a favourable draw to kickstart their campaign in Qatar, rather than a group of death.
      So what is England’s best – and indeed, worst – case scenario?

      USA qualify for Qatar World Cup
      The United States of America clinched their place at the World Cup in Qatar after missing out on the last edition, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
      American soccer fans were forced to watch on as the rest of the world enjoyed the globe’s biggest football party last time around in Russia 2018 – but not this time.
      Christian Pulisic and Co grabbed the third and final automatic Concacaf spot last night – despite losing 2-0 in Costa Rica.
      Credit: INSTAGRAM
      Due to goal difference, Gregg Berhalter’s side only needed to avoid a six-goal defeat to progress to the finals in Qatar.
      So it was fairly safe for the US to plan their celebrations in advance.
      The triumphant US stars posed in specially made Nike t-shirts commemorating their qualification.
      Players also bizarrely wore ski masks as they celebrated, with some sipping on cans of Budweiser or Bud Light.
      Originating from NBA players celebrating Finals victories, some US sports stars wear ski masks to avoid getting booze in their eyes.

      ‘Ronaldo, donate us your….’
      Two Portugal fans took bizarre measures to show off their Cristiano Ronaldo fandom when they watched him play this week, writes ETIENNE FERMIE .
      The Manchester United ace lined up for his country against Italy conquerors North Macedonia with a place in this winter’s World Cup on the line.
      Porto’s Estadio Dragao was packed with 48,000 fans desperate to help their team get over the line to Qatar.
      And two supporters arrived with a weird pre-prepared sign.
      The female duo held up a piece of card with a message directed at Ronaldo on it.
      It read “Ronaldo doa-nos o teu” in Portuguese – meaning “Ronaldo donate us your…”

      After the written message appeared a crudely drawn sperm.
      Attached to the banner was a Portuguese flag, as well as a Brazilian one.
      It didn’t appear to grab CR7’s attention, as Portugal eased through to the World Cup by winning 2-0.

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