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    USMNT star Weston McKennie slams lack of atmosphere and agrees with Argentina’s Copa America pitch complaint

    USMNT star Weston McKennie has joined those critical of the playing conditions at Copa America.The tournament kicked off on Thursday when Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat Canada 2-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.Argentina beat Canada 2-0 at the 2024 Copa America opener at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in AtlantaCredit: GettyArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was highly critical of the playing conditions in AtlantaCredit: ReutersJuventus and USMNT star Weston McKennie joined the growing complaints regarding conditionsCredit: GettyHowever, while they may have won the game, head coach Lionel Scaloni and Co. were less than thrilled.”With all due respect, thank goodness we won, because otherwise, it would have sounded like a cheap excuse to sit here and say this,” Scaloni said of the new field in Atlanta, via BeinSports.Scaloni criticized organizers for not changing the turf sooner, claiming, ” It’s not good for the spectacle. Sorry.””The stadium is beautiful, and with the synthetic turf, it must be spectacular, but today’s pitch was not suitable for these types of players.”Moreover, Scaloni even said his side had to adjust their tactics because of the conditions of the field.Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also slammed the field, which he labeled “a disaster” and “very bumpy,” via ESPN.”We must improve in this aspect; otherwise, Copa America will always appear at a lower level than the European Championship.”Things have since gotten worse for the tournament’s organizers after McKennie added to the growing critiques of the field conditions on offer.Most read in Football”I think what Martinez was saying was completely true,” he said, as per The Athletic.If this wasn’t bad enough, the Juventus midfielder also called out the poor atmosphere at games.I’m an ex-Premier League star and played with David Beckham – but made all my money in post retirement with $321m business”It’s frustrating, especially as a player,” McKennie said.”You know, whenever you do come here to America you play in a stadium that can fit 70,000 people but 25,000 show up. “You don’t really have an atmosphere. “And then you’re playing on a football field, with laid grass that’s all patchy and it breaks up every step you take. It’s frustrating.”The grass in question was recently laid over the existing synthetic turf, according to NBC Sports.McKennie followed in Martinez’s footsteps when he too compared their playing conditions to those in Europe when speaking with The Athletic.USMNT’s Copa America scheduleGroup C
    Sun 23 June, 6pm ET – vs. Bolivia (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
    Thur 27 June, 6pm ET – vs. Panama (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia)
    Mon 1 July, 9pm ET – vs. Uruguay (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri)

    He noted how at the aforementioned Euros “they’re all playing on great fields, great grass, football-specific stadiums, soccer-specific stadiums, and you see the quality of the football.”The USMNT has yet to kick off their tournament, with their first game scheduled for Sunday at 6pm ET when they take on Bolivia.It remains to be seen if/how McKennie’s concerns surrounding the atmosphere prove accurate.As of Saturday afternoon, plentiful tickets remain available starting at just $85.They will be playing at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, where grass has also been laid for the event.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis won’t be the first game held at the home of the Dallas Cowboys this week though, with Chile and Peru having already played out a 0-0 draw there on Friday.Action will return to Atlanta when the USMNT takes on Panama on June 27.McKennie also called out the atmosphere at Copa America gamesCredit: Getty More

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    Landon Donovan reveals embarrassing reason for viral hairstyle as ex-team-mate exposes chat and say ‘fire your barber’

    LANDON DONOVAN has revealed the reason behind his bizarre hairstyle after it went viral on social media.The former USA international worked as pundit for Fox Sports as France beat Austria 1-0 at Euro 2024.Landon Donovan’s hairstyle went viral onlineCredit: Fox Sports Donovan has revealed the reason behind his trimCredit: APBut viewers were distracted from Donovan’s analysis by his unusual haircut.Fans joked: “Did he literally run out of the barbers half way through a haircut because he was late for work?”Another laughed: “This can’t be real.”And after seeing his look plastered across social media, Donovan received a message from his former LA Galaxy team-mate Mike Magee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMagee hilariously wrote: “LD check Twitter asap and prob fire your barber.”Donovan explained the strange trim, saying: “Where were you seven hours ago? Had a hair transplant procedure two weeks ago and was told it wouldn’t show up on camera.”When asked by Magee if he could share the texts, he embarrassingly added: “It’s what I deserve.”Donovan earned 157 caps for the US from 2000 to 2014.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe also had a brief spell on loan at Bayern Munich and two stints at Everton.After retiring from professional football, Donovan founded and became a co-owner of San Diego Loyal SC, which dissolved last year.Wyett ratings England v SerbiaHe also became a strategic adviser for League One side Lincoln City in 2021.Mike Magee text him and said ‘fire your barber’Credit: ReutersEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYFour dilemmas for Southgate ahead of England’s second Euro 2024 clash
    GARETH SOUTHGATE has plenty to think about ahead of Thursday’s second Group C game against Denmark.
    SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT looks at the major issues facing the England boss…
    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
    Southgate believes the Liverpool right-back could ultimately be an outstanding partner for Declan Rice in midfield. Alexander-Arnold did OK in the 1-0 win over Serbia but he is a work in progress in this position — to put it mildly. Asked about his display, Southgate said: “It seemed he was great when we were in control but struggled a bit when we lost control.” Conor Gallagher was introduced and he made England more solid. If Alexander-Arnold is dropped for Denmark, the entire experiment is over.
    PHIL FODEN
    The Manchester City star is becoming an enigma, which is such a shame. Particularly as he has come off an absolutely terrific season for City. Foden has now played 35 times for England and you can count the good games on one hand. Southgate will surely stick with Foden for the Denmark match rather than unleash Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze. If Foden struggles on Thursday, Southgate has to make the call and replace him after an hour.
    KIERAN TRIPPIER
    The Newcastle defender did well against Serbia even though he is not fully fit, having only just returned from a long lay-off. Add the fact he is right-footed and neither is he a perfect fit on the left. Southgate aims to start Luke Shaw when he is 100 per cent but this is unlikely to be against Denmark.
    HARRY KANE
    The England captain nearly scored his 64th international goal when he hit the bar — but it was still a struggle. He only touched the ball twice in the first half. Kane is certainly not dropping as deeply as he has in the past so the service has to be better. Equally, he does not look totally match sharp. He missed the end of the season with Bayern Munich with a back injury although he returned as a sub for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The slight concern over Kane was one reason a third striker, Ivan Toney, was added to the  squad, with both James Maddison and Jack Grealish missing out. More

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    My dad is a World Cup icon for USA – I can’t wait to represent my home state in college soccer and follow in his path

    TIM HOWARD’s biggest contribution to soccer in the U.S. may still be in front of him.In the week he enters the National Soccer Hall of Fame, his daughter has committed to play at college.Tim Howard poses with his daughter AliCredit: https://www.instagram.com/timhow1/?hl=enAli Howard will play for her home state TennesseeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/timhow1/?hl=enUS Soccer could have another star on their handsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/timhow1/?hl=enBut unlike her goalkeeper dad, Ali Howard will not don the gloves on Tennessee’s roster.Ali plays as a striker for Briarcrest Christian School and managed 18 goals and six assists as a junior.The Saints reached the Division II-AA quarterfinals in 2023 thanks to her help.”This would not be possible without the constant support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, trainers and, of course, God!,” she posted on Instagram. “I can’t wait to represent my home state in orange and white!”The Lady Vols welcome their new recruit in 2025.They finished 9-7-4 last season and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.Ali’s dad Tim started at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and made 121 international appearances from 2002-17.Most read in FootballIt is the most among American goalkeepers.And this week Memphis 901’s minority owner joins his idols Tony Meola, Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel in the Hall of Fame.JJ Watt reveals he considered new career venture after NFL retirement – but his wife showed him he wasn’t any good“Obviously, it is the honor of my life,” Howard, 45, said.U.S. Soccer has struggled to keep up the production line of world-class goalkeepers.Zack Steffen returned to Major League Soccer from Manchester City this year, Matt Turner lost his starting job in the Premier League and Ethan Horvath is in England’s second division.“We had it locked. We had this goalkeeping thing figured out for a long time, didn’t we? Going all the way back. And, yeah, it just seems like we’ve had a little bit of a rut,” Howard said.“The game has continued to evolve, and I don’t know if our young goalkeepers are getting pushed as hard as they need to, to that breaking point.He could be the greatest U.S. goalkeeper of all time.Tim Howard”One of the things that Kasey Keller said to me when I signed with Manchester United, and it stuck with me forever, he just said, look, in order to be judged as a goalkeeper you have to play 100 games at the highest level. “And right now, our young guys aren’t getting those games to even be able to judge them.“I like Zack, and I like Matt. I do like Matt’s wherewithal, fortitude and mental toughness.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Zack’s talent is unmatched and I’ve always said about Zack he could be the greatest U.S. goalkeeper of all time because of the physical tools that he possesses.”Howard can now use all his experience to help Ali turn into a nightmare for college goalkeepers. More

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    Brentford lining up transfer for on-fire USA striker with Ivan Toney set to leave in summer

    BRENTFORD are checking on Norwich’s American striker Josh Sargent.The Bees will be in the market for a frontman with goalscorer Ivan Toney set to be sold in the summer.Josh Sargent is attracting interest from NorwichCredit: AlamyIvan Toney is set to leave the Bees in the summerCredit: GettyThe likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are in for the 27-year-old.Meanwhile, Sargent has improved at the Championship club and may be ready to make the step back up to the top flight.The 24-year-old star has previous Prem experience with Norwich and can lead the line like Toney.Sargent has scored 11 goals in 17 matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe netted 13 times last term and just two the year before while he was in the Premier League.Norwich currently sit seventh in the Championship and will likely keep hold of their star player should they earn promotion.Sargent has been capped 23 times by the United States. Any new Brentford striker will have to compete for a starting spot with Igor Thiago.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brazilian will arrive in West London in the summer from Club Brugge.Thiago, 22, has agreed a five-year deal with Thomas Frank’s side.Arsenal transfer target Ivan Toney suggests Thomas Frank ‘doesn’t want me’ in cheeky interview after Brentford goal More

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    Premier League cult hero and USA legend’s daughter now making her own way in football

    BRIAN McBRIDE made a career of scoring goals wherever he played.And now his daughter has clearly inherited the family’s shooting boots as she makes her own way in football. 
    Brian McBride is considered a Fulham legend after his spell at Craven CottageCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    McBride and wife Dina have three daughters – Ashley, Ella and FreyaCredit: https://twitter.com/BMcBride20
    His youngest Freya has inherited her dad’s shooting bootsCredit: https://twitter.com/BMcBride20
    McBride Sr, 51, came through collegiate soccer before going pro with Milwaukee Rampage in 1994.
    One season with Wolfsburg followed before he really made a name for himself back in America with Columbus Crew.
    During his eight-year spell in Ohio, though, he twice headed out on loan to play under David Moyes in North-West England, firstly with Preston and then Everton.
    A heavy collision during his Preston debut meant he required surgery to remove a blood clot in his arm while a rib was also removed in the operation. 
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    Moyes turned to McBride to help give the Toffees a much-needed boost – and he scored against Tottenham less than ten minutes into his Premier League debut past compatriot Kasey Keller.
    Then in January 2004, Fulham snapped up the striker and he became a cult hero in West London.
    In his four-and-a-half years with the Cottagers, McBride was twice named player of the year before assuming the captaincy in 2007.
    His 41 goals in 154 appearances secured his legendary status, cemented with a bar inside Craven Cottage named after the popular American.
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    McBridge returned to the MLS with Chicago Fire in 2008 and came out of retirement for a brief cameo for Wembley FC in their FA Cup run alongside fellow former Premier League stars in 2012.
    On the international stage, meanwhile, he managed 30 goals in 96 caps for the USA – including becoming the first American man to score at two World Cups and was MVP as they were crowned 2002 Gold Cup champions. 
    The Sun’s Will Pugh and Izzy Barker bring you all all the latest Football news with Harry Durham of Fulhamish! in footie show The Tap In
    McBride married his bride and childhood family friend Dina Lundstrom in 2002 – with her father even coaching a young Brian.
    The couple moved back to their hometown of Arlington Heights in Illinois when McBride signed for Chicago Fire, less than an hour’s drive from the stadium. 
    It is understood the family live five minutes from McBride’s childhood home – and just two from Dina’s. 
    They have three daughters – Ashley, Ella and Freya.
    And the former footballer clearly loves being a doting father and husband with plenty of heartwarming social media posts.
    That includes those cheering his youngest Freya on in her sporting ventures.
    As well as her proficiency on the volleyball court, she has also taken up football.
    McBride shared a video on Twitter in November 2023 of teenager Freya storming in at the back post to fire home with a great finish.
    ‘Love to see it’
    Her dad wrote: “My youngest’s first goal for her new team FC United U16 GA.”
    Plenty of football fans flooded the comments with reference to McBride Sr’s own ability to find the net.
    One said: “Deadly in the box like her dad.”
    Another added: “We love to see it!”
    A third wrote: “You taught her how to get on the end of a cross I see!”
    And a fourth commented: “Congratulations!”
    Then mum Dina replied: “My poor video skills!”
    But super-encouraging Brian responded: “Not at all. I was impressed you caught it on tape. I was sitting right next to you and didn’t know you were filming it.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    McBride also launched his own soccer academy in Illinois, works as a TV pundit and was USMNT general manager from 2020 to 2023. 
    He has also spoken for the Central Ohio Diabetes Association and at events for the Concussion Legacy Foundation to promote safer sport and support athletes affected by chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the brain. 
    McBride battles with Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro at the 2006 World CupCredit: EPA
    The striker scored at the 1998 and 2002 tournamentsCredit: Corbis – Getty
    McBride scored 41 goals for the Cottagers in 154 gamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The doting father regularly posts pictures of the familyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bmcbride20/ More

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    Fans convinced Jose Mourinho revealed next career move 13 YEARS AGO after Special One sacked by Roma

    JOSE MOURINHO revealed in 2011 that he would like to manage in America one day.The Portuguese, 60, was in charge of Real Madrid at the time.
    Jose Mourinho was sacked by Roma yesterdayCredit: Rex
    Chatting to the late Grant Wahl, Mourinho praised the American mentality.
    After being sacked by Roma yesterday, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss could look to finally make his move to the States.
    Talking to Sports Illustrated, Mourinho said: “I see myself coaching a [club] team, coaching the national team or helping develop soccer in the US.
    “When I’m tired of winning things in Europe, it’s something I want to do.
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    “I want to coach the Portuguese national team and I want to work in the United States.”
    Mourinho, who has been on plenty of US tours with his various clubs down the years, adores the American way of life.
    He added: “I love it. The people have a very open mentality.
    “Everybody is the same. Status doesn’t count a lot. I like it very much in this way.”
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    Mourinho’s final months in Rome were littered with bizarre incidents.
    He was sent off six times in his final two seasons, including twice in four days earlier this month.
    The former Inter Milan Treble-winner also snubbed the press before bafflingly likening himself to Harry Potter.
    Roma legend Daniele De Rossi has taken the job until the end of the season.
    Having seen his comments while speaking to SI, one fan wrote: “I think Mourinho would go so hard in the mls.”
    While a second posted: “Lol Mourinho to MLS soon.”
    A third claimed: “Mourinho in MLS would be hilarious on so many levels.”
    Another added: “Mourinho to MLS who says no??”
    Mourinho has visited the US on many occasions while on pre-season toursCredit: Reuters More

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    My dad won World Cup and is Premier League icon… now I’m making my own way in football but for another nation

    JURGEN KLINSMANN is one of the most recognisable figures in football.But now his son is trying to make a name for himself in the sport – in a different position and for another country.
    Jurgen Klinsmann led Germany to Euros glory in 1996 six years after winning the World CupCredit: Reuters
    His son Jonathan Klinsmann is a goalkeeperCredit: Getty
    Klinsmann Sr, 59, enjoyed an illustrious career with Inter Milan, Monaco, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
    He won two Uefa Cups and the Bundesliga – then made a splash in the Premier League with 38 Spurs goals and his iconic ‘diving’ celebration.
    But it was on the international stage that Klinsmann made the biggest impact.
    The striker led the line for West Germany when they won the 1990 World Cup and captained Germany to European Championships glory in 1996.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Klinsmann also helped his country to a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics, scoring in the 3-0 third-fourth play-off win over Italy.
    The 108-cap ace finished his playing career with a short stint at Californian minnows Orange County Blue Star in 2003 before turning his hand to management with Germany, Bayern, United States, Hertha Berlin and now South Korea.
    Klinsmann – who has a baking diploma and a commercial helicopter pilot’s licence – is married to American former model Debbie Chin.
    The couple have two children together, son Jonathan and daughter Laila.
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    Laila has her own business photographing equestrian horses.
    But her brother is trying to emulate their father.
    Jonathan, 26, played basketball as a youngster but is now fully focused on football having switched from finding the net to keeping the ball out of the net as a goalkeeper.
    The transition happened when Klinsmann Jr was in the Bayern Munich academy when his dad was the first-team manager at the Allianz Arena.
    And he stayed in between the sticks after returning to the States and representing the University of California’s Golden Bears team.
    He trained with West Ham and Everton ahead of the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 – where he represented the United States due to his dual citizenship.
    Klinsmann has represented the Yanks up to U23 level but does not have a senior cap.
    And that means he is still eligible to choose between the USA, Germany and China through his parents.
    At club level, Klinsmann made his professional debut for Hertha Berlin in the Europa League in 2017 and marked it by saving a penalty.
    The keen golfer spent a year with St Gallen in Switzerland before joining LA Galaxy in 2020 but announced his departure in November 2023.
    Klismann and wife Debbie welcomed Jonathan in April 1997Credit: AFP
    Klinsmann Jr played for United States at youth level but does not have a senior capCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Klinsmann had two stints at Tottenham in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
    The Germany legend is now head coach of South KoreaCredit: Reuters More

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    Emma Hayes ‘agrees’ lucrative new role with Chelsea players and staff left ‘stunned’ by shock departure

    EMMA HAYES has reportedly agreed a lucrative new role away from Chelsea after the club announced she would leave at the end of the season.Hayes has had a superb spell with The Blues winning six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two FA Women’s League Cups.
    Emma Hayes has reportedly agreed to take over as the US Women’s national team after it was announced she will be leaving ChelseaCredit: Getty
    And her impressive record seems to have earned her a seat in one of the highest profile roles in women’s football.
    According to the Telegraph, the decorated manager has agreed to become the new head coach of the US Women’s national team.
    The report suggests that the USWNT are also keen on poaching Chelsea’s assistant manager Denise Reddy to follow suit as her number two.
    Chelsea announced today that Hayes would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season in a statement on their club website.
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    It read: “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”
    The news was reportedly broken to the Chelsea squad following their 6-0 win over Aston Villa today.
    And it’s said that players and non-football staff were left shocked by the surprise departure with the 47-year-old held in such high regard around the club.
    Hayes will remain in charge of the London outfit until the 2023/24 season comes to a close in May.
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    Which will be music to the ears of Blues fans with their side currently sat top of the table and unbeaten in the opening five games of the campaign.
    But may come as a concern to stateside fans as the proposed scheduling would mean the US Women’s team would continue with a temporary boss in place until Hayes was able to take over full time.
    Twila Kilgore was appointed as the interim head coach for the national side in Ausgust and could remain in place until Hayes’ arrival.
    Reports from US football writer Joseph Lowry suggest that Hayes may join the USWNT during international breaks before taking over. More