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      Emma Hayes bizarrely holds USA press conference in iconic North London pub

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      EMMA HAYES kicked off her UK homecoming in style – by holding a press conference at an iconic London pub.The former Chelsea boss will take charge of her first match back in England this weekend, six months after leaving the Blues to become head coach of the USA women’s national team.USA coach Emma Hayes behind the barCredit: PAEmma Hayes enjoys a pint of beerCredit: ReutersEmma Hayes held a press conference at the World’s End in CamdenCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78A ‘Welcome home Emma’ sign was shown above the doorsCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78The pub was transformed into a makeshift press conference roomCredit: PAHayes discussed her love for CamdenCredit: PAShe is preparing to face England in a highly-anticipated friendly at Wembley Stadium.To mark her return to London, Hayes called a pre-match press conference at one of her favourite pubs – the World’s End in Camden.The WSL icon posed outside the venue for pictures ahead of the conference.She then sat down in front of a huge crowd of journalists to preview Saturday’s match.Read More in FootballPhotographers and videographers were positioned on a raised stage area while reporters sat in the centre of the makeshift conference room.”I think Camden is the greatest place on earth not only for the multicultural diverse place it is, but also for the opportunities it gave me,” she said.Hayes ended her 12-year spell with Chelsea in May to become USWNT head coach.Within three months, she led the team to a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Lionesses are continuing their preparations for Euro 2025.Sarina Wiegman has given first-time call-ups to Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace for the upcoming friendlies against the USA and Switzerland.English manager Emma Hayes makes Team USA captain cry after leading them to Olympic gold as star says ‘what the hell’Meanwhile, Manchester United full-back Gabby George has been named in the squad for the first time in two years.Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James are all unavailable due to injury. More

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      Bompastor hails Chelsea’s ‘perfect start’ but says team ‘still have a lot of improvement’ to make

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR wants Chelsea to stay focused on reality in their title hunt despite their flawless record so far this term. And the Blues boss thinks there is more room for improvement from her undefeated side who beat Manchester United 1-0.Guro Reiten netted the only goal of the game with a spot-kick for Chelsea in the 17th minuteCredit: ReutersBlues forward Sandi Baltimore was named player of the match after another a solid shift as a full-backCredit: GettyChelsea’s win increased their advantage at the top of the table with Man City trailing them by six pointsCredit: PAGuro Reiten’s sixth top-flight goal this season kept the title chase on target for the league leaders at their Kingsmeadow fortress. Melvine Malard came close to snatching a dramatic late away leveller for Man United with her thunderous shot bouncing off the crossbar. But Chelsea did enough to protect their lead and open a five-point gap on Man City, who are second. And the loss for the Red Devils in the WSL leaves the Blues as the only side unbeaten so far this term after eight top-flight games. Read More Football StoriesBompastor said: “In terms of results it’s a perfect start and a 100 per cent win record. But it’s important to stay in mind with reality. “This is really good in terms of confidence, but the reality is even if we beat Man City, Arsenal and Man United, we haven’t won anything yet. “We need to keep a good balance between having the confidence from getting these good results against the best teams in the league. “But we must also make sure we keep our mentality focused on working hard.Most read in Football”We need to progress and the good point is we are winning games and getting points. “But we still have a lot of improvement, especially when we have possession of the ball, being able to hold the ball more under pressure.”Coming into the game United’s attacking ranks had been dealt a fitness blow with Ella Toone and striker Elisabeth Terland both injured. Starting in their place were veteran forward Rachel Williams and Brazil winger Geyse who was the Red Devils’ most dangerous attacking threat. Man United began brightly with forward Geyse leading the way with some powerful runs and decent crosses into the box. But it was the hosts who would break the deadlock after United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce brought Mayra Ramirez down in the box. The game’s only goal was scored with Reiten rifling home from the penalty spot in the 17th minute despite Tullis-Joyce guessing the right way. United came close to equalising in the second half with Geyse forcing Hannah Hampton to parry away her shot away from the top corner And Malard struck the woodwork in the 90th minute. Man United were limited to one shot on target with their strongest attacking threat coming from Geyse (pictured) and Melvine MalardCredit: PABut their hosts held out with loss likely to see Marc Skinner’s side now nine points behind the league leaders. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils boss said: “Chelsea are running away with it. “All we can do is get closer, try and finish as high as we possibly can, and try and finish in those Champions League places.” More

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      ‘My family are a big inspiration – we love to talk about the game’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor

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      THE support of her retired football referee father has been an inspiration for Sonia Bompastor during her rise to the top of the game. The Chelsea chief’s dad was watching from the Stamford Bridge stands, as she guided her side to wins against Manchester City and Celtic.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Chelsea to their 12th win in 12 games played in the WSL and Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyA Blues win against Man United at Kingsmeadow would extend the team’s lead to five points at the top of the WSL before the international breakCredit: GettyAhead of their clash with Man United Bompastor’s players booked their place in the Champions League quarter finals by beating Celtic 3-0Credit: GettyBoth matches, played last Sunday and on Wednesday, led the Blues to extend their winning streak to 11 games under their boss.Results that pushed them to the WSL’s summit before a 12 midday clash with Manchester United today, and secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage.Bompastor, 44, said: “I know even when he’s back at home he’s watching the games and I really appreciate talking with him about football.”My family is a big inspiration and they have always been supporting me. We love to talk about the gameRead More Football Stories”My Dad was so happy to come (over here) to watch the Manchester City game, the Celtic game and he sometimes talks about tactics.”He pretends he knows a lot! And I’m like, ‘yes I’m listening’.Bompastor’s father Joaquim, who was born in Portugal, officiated amateur level games in France for more than 30 years before hanging up his whistle.Playing football from the age of six with him and her brother put Bompastor on a path that would later lead her to multiple trophy wins as a player and women’s team head coach at her old club Lyon. Most read in FootballThe former defender, who began her Chelsea managerial role in July, says her father had a knack for honing in on the small details of a game.And a referees’ performance is one aspect he keeps a close eye on.Bompastor, who steered Lyon to seven major trophies including a 2022 Champions League title, added  “We are all passionate (about football).”It’s the common thing we have in our family. That’s what brings us together.”When he comes to a game the first thing he does is watch the referee’s performance.”Today Chelsea play their third home match in eight days when they host Marc Skinner’s Man United at Kingsmeadow.Both sides are the only two teams currently unbeaten in the WSL this term after seven games played with both winning in their last league outings.We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points Sonia Bompastor However three draws from their last four top-flight games has seen United drop six points off the leaders with Skinner coming under pressure from some Red Devils fans.While United will be without Ella Toone and possibly Elisabeth Terland, due to injury, Bompastor is mindful of the other attacking threats Players includes Rachel Williams and ex-Lyon forward Melvine Malard.The Blues chief said: “They have some other good players like Melvine.”I know Melvine and since she joined Manchester United (from Lyon) she’s been on fire (for them).”They also have Rachel Williams who might be starting. “She’s a player we know really well here at Chelsea so we are prepared for that.”She’s good with the ball technically, strong in the air and a really athletic player.”While their opponents are six points off them, Bompastor believes the Red Devils are still a threat in the race for the title.And she has no intention of underestimating her rivals.She adds: “We still have a lot of games to play. Everyone is still in the (title) race.”We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points and won’t be focused.”We need to keep the right mentality, work hard and make sure that in every game we take things game by game.”We want to put all the ingredients together to get a good performance.”Having worked as an academy director for eight years at Lyon from 2013 after retiring as a player, Bompastor is keen to bring more promising young talents rise through the Blues ranks. Chelsea’s win against Celtic included the head coach handing a debut to Lola Brown who came on as a 86th-minute substitute. The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield, is among two teenagers who have featured for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. Wieke Kaptein, 19, who joined the Blues last summer before being loaned back to her old club FC Twente for one season, has made nine appearances in Europe and the WSL this term. Bompastor said: “I know my main job is to make sure we perform, get great results and we win titles. Bompastor is wary of Man United’s attacking threats who include ex-Lyon forward Melvine MalardCredit: PA”But I’m also really focused on developing the players, especially the young ones. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s something really important to have in Chelsea’s squad – young players being developed by the coaches and by me. “It’s enjoyable to work with young players when they have the talent.” More

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      Chloe Kelly sends fans wild in daring outfit as she shares behind-the-scenes snaps from GQ Men of the Year

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      ENGLAND star Chloe Kelly sent fans wild as she stunned at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremony.The Lionesses ace hit the red carpet and showed off her incredible figure in a half white and half sparkly outfit.Chloe Kelly stunned in a bold outfit at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremonyCredit: GettyThe Lionesses star dazzled in behind-the-scenes snapsCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly wowed her 877,00 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAMFans labelled her look ‘gorgeous’Credit: INSTAGRAMShe was one of several footballers at the eventCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly’s eye-catching look was accompanied with glittering earrings and stylish high-heeled shoes.The 26-year-old posted several snaps from the event and afterparty on her Instagram.The Manchester City star posed in a car before hopping out to dazzle in the hallways of the luxury event.Fans were left in awe of her, with one saying: “Extremely glamorous.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Oh to look like that in a dress like that. Gorgeous.”A third wrote: “Wow so beautiful.” Women’s Super League star Maz Pacheco commented: “Girl crush.”Kelly was not the only footballer at the event, with England trio Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Noni Madueke among those invited.Most read in FootballChelsea star Palmer arrived with stunning new girlfriend Connie Grace.Other celebs like Alex Scott, Leah Williamson, Usain Bolt, Skepta, Jude Law and Nicole Kidman were also present at the 27th annual get-together on Tuesday night.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsKelly is no stranger to the red carpetCredit: AlamyOff the pitch, she lives a life of luxuryCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final for EnglandCredit: instagramThe Man City star has 47 Lionesses capsCredit: instagram @chloekellyShe has scored seven goals for her countryCredit: Reuters More

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      Moment baffled Man City star is BOOKED after being hit by projectile thrown from crowd when she scored

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      MANCHESTER CITY striker Khadija Shaw was bizarrely shown a yellow card after being hit by an object thrown from the crowd during Thursday’s Champions League clash with Hammarby.Shaw broke the deadlock for City with a deflected shot in the 31st minute. Khadija Shaw was hit by a projectile while celebrating her first goalCredit: EPAThe striker was left completely baffled after the incidentCredit: EPAShe was then left stunned after receiving a bizarre yellow cardCredit: GettyBut as she ran over to the corner flag to celebrate, she was struck by a projectile which appeared to be thrown from the home supporters.The striker looked over to the crowd to see where the object came from, but as she began walking back to the halfway line referee Silvia Gasperotti brandished a yellow card.Shaw looked completely perplexed as her team-mate Alex Greenwood attempted to question the decision.However, Gasperotti just walked away before restarting the match.Read More in FootballFans on social media were equally confused as to why Shaw received a booking.One person wrote: “Absolutely crazy decision from the ref.”Another commented: “Just when you think you have seen the worst decision in women’s football the refs just have to take it to a new level.”While a third said: “Poor officiating, there has to be severe punishment for this incompetence.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther fans appeared to suggest that Shaw was booked for “excessively celebrating” in front of the Hammarby fans.One commented: “She celebrated in front of Hammarby stand, that’s why she got a yellow card.”Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes SHOVES Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes after losing League Cup finalShaw had the last laugh, however, as she went on to score the winner in superb style.Just four minutes after Ellen Wangerheim equalised for Hammarby, the striker fired a shot straight into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.The goal saw her become Man City Women’s all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League.City went on to win 2-1 to book a spot in the quarter-finals. More

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      Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news

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      CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby. On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025. Sam Kerr is working her way back to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in JanuaryCredit: GettyKerr announced she and her partner Kristie Mewis are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Kerr and Mewis are expecting their first child together with their baby due to be born next yearCredit: PAThe post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image. While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.Read More Football StoriesAnd Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published. And WSL leaders Chelsea have now hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.In a statement shared today, they said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.”There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.Most read in Football”We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”. In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity. “Over the weekend, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts. England boss Sarina Wiegman says the homophobic abuse aimed Kerr and Mewis is “disappointing”Credit: Alamy”Posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces, to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. “We refuse to stand by in silence. “We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman reckons lack of match action for Chloe Kelly ‘is a concern’ – but says forward has enough England credit

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s lack of game time is a concern despite the forward’s inclusion in her latest Lionesses squad. The Manchester City player, who has started once in the WSL this term, has been named in Wiegman’s 24-strong England group. Sarina Wiegman says Chloe Kelly has built up enough credit for inclusion in England’s squadCredit: PAKelly’s Man City team-mate Lauren Hemp will miss England’s November camp after successfully undergoing knee surgeryCredit: AlamyElla Toone will also miss England’s last two fixtures this year due to a calf injuryCredit: PAHowever her club pal Lauren Hemp is among the notable absentees with the squad hit by injuries before friendly clashes with the USA and Switzerland. The in-form Man City forward will miss England’s two final matches of the year having successfully undergone a knee operation. Kelly, who is facing a battle for a Cityzens first team spot with forwards Mary Fowler and Aoba Fujino, five WSL appearances as a substitute this term. Of her battle for minutes at club level, England boss Wiegman said: “It’s a concern right now, already, but that’s a hard situation. Read More Football Stories“Competition at Man City is high too. But it’s also to have a look at what’s available? What players do we have available for our squad? “We have some injuries up front. Lauren Hemp is injured, Lauren James is injured, so that competition is still going on too. “Chloe knows that she’s not in the best position at (her) club at the moment but (she has) enough credit to bring her in, related to the whole team and the availability of players.”Hemp, who has impressed this season with five goals in seven WSL games, was absent from Man City’s  2-0 loss to Chelsea in the league on Saturday Most read in FootballMan United’s Ella Toone will also miss England’s matches due after sustaining a calf injury three days ago. Lauren James and Niamh Charles are still unavailable for England duty due to injury and Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is also sidelined. Leicester City midfielder and defender Ruby Mace has is one of two uncapped players named in the Lionesses squadCredit: GettyWiegman’s latest squad includes senior call-ups for uncapped Leicester and Man City midfielders Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde.  And Man United defenders Gabby George and Millie Turner have also been named with George returning to the squad for the first time in two years. England will face Emma Hayes’ USA side at Wembley on November 30 before a December 3 clash with Switzerland at Bramall Lane. More

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      Emma Hayes hopes for growth in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game after ‘good’ Man United start leads to USA call-up

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      EMMA HAYES reckons there is room for even more improvement in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game following her Manchester United shifts This shot stopper, 28, has shone for the WSL side keeping five clean sheets in seven games, earning her a first call-up to the USA women’s squad.Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s form for Man United has led to her first senior United States call-upCredit: GettyHayes’ USA side will play England at Wembley and before facing the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this yearCredit: GettyThe New York-born goalkeeper has established herself as United’s number one following Mary Earps’ departure for Paris Saint-Germain in June.Along with Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor, 20, she is one of two uncapped players named in Hayes’s squad. Her call-up came a year and nine days on from her making her Red Devils debut during the team’s 7-0 Women’s League Cup group game defeat of Everton. Hayes told reporters: “Her shot-stopping and her ability to cover the frame is second to none. Read More Football Stories”In terms of building-up with the team and connecting with the team, there is room for improvement. “I want to see what she looks like with the demands we place on her, all the other things you can’t see or hear through a television screen, the orchestration and organisation with other players. “It’s not an easy team to come into. There is a lot of unbelievable experience in here. “But I want to see those things and where she’s at in her development with that.”Most read in FootballLast term Tullis-Joyce made just four starts for United in their League Cup group stage games conceding three goals in two of those matches.  Before joining the club she became the first choice keeper at National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side OL Reign in 2022. Her nine clean sheets in 26 games led to her finishing joint top for the most shutouts that year, with her team winning the NWSL Shield. And the goalkeeper, whose team will play Everton tomorrow, has featured in all eight of Man United’s games across in the WSL and League Cup since the start of this season. Hayes added: “She’s had a good start to her career at Manchester United.”I know the demands that will be placed on her in the WSL. It’s a good experience for her. “I want to try and build out the goalkeeping pool a little bit so this is a really good moment considering she plays in England and she’s very familiar with the style of play there.”Along with Arsenal full-back Emily Fox Tullis-Joyce is one of two WSL players included Hayes’ 30-strong group. They will take on England and the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this year. The team, who won gold medals at the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament this year, will face the Lionesses at Wembley on November 30That match, in which Hayes will oversee her side for the first time against Sarina Wiegman’s England, will be followed by a December 3 clash with the Netherlands. However the United States will be without three of their star forwards for their final international camp this year. Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory will be absent with the trio said to be carrying niggles. Hayes said: “It’s been a pretty tough couple of years in terms of going from back-to-back World Cups to Olympics for those players and the volume of games in particular coming back from the Olympics. “I think it’s fair to say all three of them have been carrying niggles.The USA will be without Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman for their finalCredit: Getty“It’s also fair to say that they had to play through the last part in discomfort. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The reality is I’m vested in player welfare and I think this decision is the right one. “They need to get the right interventions for their niggles and the decision was taken that their welfare comes first.” More