Chelsea news: Blues’ shocking record in second-half of recent matches after Burnley stalemate

As the minutes ticked down at Stamford Bridge on Monday, fans desperately held their breath, hoping Chelsea would find that all-important winning goal, the one that would see them take advantage of their rivals Easter weekend slip-ups.

There was even an added minute on top of the five already shown in stoppage-time.

In the end it mattered little, for Chelsea could have had another 90 minutes and it is unlikely they would have broken Burnley’s resistance.

3

A draw was the final result, 2-2, but both goals came in the first-half and this match was the latest chapter in Chelsea’s recent decline.

While they were not beaten in the second-half, Chelsea did not win it either. As Maurizio Sarri’s side huffed and puffed looking for a way through, the realists watching, would have been aware of what had happened and was happening, it was all so painfully predictable.

Only days earlier, Slavia Prague were the visitors for the second-leg of the Europa League quarter-final, they were being outplayed, 4-1 was the score, Chelsea were rampant in the first-half.

After the break, the familiar collapse occurred and Prague scored twice. The final score 4-3, Chelsea had held on, but only just.

Had Chelsea not been so decisive in the opening period, a humiliating exit from Europe’s second-tier competition would have been a formality, such is this recent trend of switching off after the break.

Afterwards, Sarri joked he should not talk to the players and see if that has an effect, whatever he is saying is clearly not having the desired one.

When the Chelsea roadshow rolled into Anfield, there was genuine hope of an upset, there had been before when Liverpool last challenged for the league back in 2014.

3

For 45 minutes, Chelsea held their own, but once they emerged from the tunnel in the second-half, the first sign of pressure and the Blues wilted like a thirsty sunflower, Liverpool scored twice, they only needed 142 seconds between either strike to settle this contest.

But it was not the first time a Merseyside audience had seen the Blues self-combust.

Everton had waited two years to beat a top six side and they had failed to win against Chelsea since 2015.

Once again, Chelsea fell apart in the second-half, their defensive frailties exposed and Sarri put the situation down to a ‘mental problem’.

“We played the best 45 minutes of the season,” said Sarri. “And then in the beginning of the second half, we stopped playing.

“I do not know way. We did not defend. It is not a physical problem. If you have a physical problem you can go down gradually, not in one second.

“It is difficult for the players to explain to me the change, and for me to explain to you the change. It is a mental block.”

3

Sarri had not issued a diagnosis when his side were obliterated 4-0 by Bournemouth in the second-half, while two of Manchester City’s six came after the break. They were also beaten at home, 1-0 by Leicester.

Once upon a time, Chelsea were resilient, especially under Jose Mourinho. Capable of getting a goal and defending a lead or finding some way to fight back and take control if faced with adversity, that is now a distant memory.

Whether it is their mental or physical resilience, Chelsea must address the matter quickly or they will find themselves in the same situation next season.

---

In an exclusive Q&A, Ander Herrera thanks the Manchester United faithful for all their loyal support during his five years at the club. Ander Herrera thanks Man Utd fans in farewell interview
Ander Herrera waves goodbye to Manchester United fans at Old

---

David de Gea's latest mistake meant Chelsea took a point against Manchester United to stay in control of the top-four race.
Man United 1-1 Chelsea: De Gea error costly after Mata's

---

Unai Emery praised Aaron Ramsey following Arsenal's Europa League victory over Napoli and insists the Juventus-bound midfielder is only thinking about finishing the season well with the Gunners. The Wales international will move to Turin at the end of his contract this summer but has continued to put in quality performances since the deal was
Unai Emery urges Aaron Ramsey to make a major impact for

---

Manchester City have increased season ticket prices by an average of three per cent.. Fans were sent packs for their 2019/20 season ticket cards on Thursday morning when they discovered their
Man City fans react to new season ticket prices - Manchester

---

Chelsea 2019/20 kit: Possible away strip 'leaked' online for

---

John Hartson has predicted that Brendan Rodgers will only be Celtic manager for one more season John Hartson has predicted that Brendan Rodgers will only be Celtic
Brendan Rodgers: Celtic wanted to buy Patrick Roberts | Daily

---

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he spoke to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola shortly after Liverpool's Champions League final victory against Tottenham. The Reds beat their Premier League rivals 2-0
Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp reveals what Pep

---

Premier League 2018/19: How the table would look based on

---

Chelsea defender David Luiz recently signed a new two-year deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2021. The 32-year-old was out of contract at the end of the season and speculation surrounding his future increased as the campaign went on.

---

Aston Villa 2-1 Derby: Jack Grealish still partying a day after Dean Smith's side seal Premier League return The Villa captain helped end the club's three-year exile from the top-flight on
Jack Grealish still partying a day after Dean Smith's side
fussboll.com/2019/05/28/jack-grealish-still-partying-a-day-after-dean-smiths-side-seal-premier-league-return/
Jack Grealish still partying a day after Dean Smith's side seal Premier League return. Related Items Aston Villa 2-1 Derby Championship play-off final Dean
~ Aston Villa 2-1 Derby: Jack Grealish still partying a day

---

Some Tottenham fans were left convinced that Ajax's goal should have been ruled out for offside. Donny van de Beek put the Dutch side 1-0 up after 15 minutes in the Champions League semi-final
Tottenham vs Ajax: Some Spurs fans convinced Donny van de

---

Arsenal agree crucial €3m summer deal for trusted Emery aide of four names that Manchester United were considering for a sporting as he sets Arsenal target. Unai Emery has admitted
Arsenal's most likely summer signing will give Unai Emery

---

Liverpool star Dejan Lovren wanted by Napoli, AC Milan and Roma in £25m summer transfer battle The Croatian defender has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield after an injury-hit campaign for
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren emerges as transfer target

---

Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Computer predicts where every club will finish – *End of season update*

We may be in the middle of April, but we are still nowhere near finding out where most Premier League teams will finish in May.

The title race is looking set to become legendary as Liverpool and Manchester City battle to the very end, while the race to finish third and fourth and qualify for the Champions League is also set to go down to the wire.

9

Luckily for the lower sides, but not for Fulham and Huddersfield Town, two relegation places have already been decided, leaving just one spare.

Brighton and Hove Albion and Cardiff City are the two clubs currently most at risk but you never know what will happen in the English top flight.

And with Man City also in the FA Cup final there is a real chance the team who finish seventh can grab a Europa League spot – and right now anyone from seventh to 12th could find themselves in that spot come May 12.

9

But how will the table look after the final four or so games of the season?

In order to determine how the final stage of season will play out, talkSPORT.com has fired up its famous Super Computer for one last time this campaign to predict the final 2018/19 Premier League table.

You can see the results below…

And if you think you’re better at predictions than the super computer, give the talkSPORT predictor game a go!

20. Huddersfield Town (relegated)

19. Fulham (relegated)

9

18. Cardiff City (relegated)

17. Brighton and Hove Albion

16. Burnley

15. Southampton

9

14. Newcastle United

13. West Ham United

12. Crystal Palace

11. Everton

9

10. Bournemouth

9. Leicester City

8. Watford

7. Wolverhampton Wanderers

9

6. Manchester United (Europa League qualification – second qualifying round)

5. Arsenal (Europa League qualification – group stage)

9

4. Chelsea (Champions League qualification)

3. Tottenham Hotspur (Champions League qualification)

9

2. Liverpool (Champions League qualification)

1. Manchester City (Premier League champions and Champions League qualification)

9

---

View the latest Premier League tables, form guides and season archives, on the official website of the Premier League. Visit Brighton and Hove Albion Club Page
Premier League table predicted by super computer: Liverpool

---

The stats buffs who run Football Web Pages have created a super computer algorithm which uses all the previous results and goals to predict how upcoming matches will pan out. If the predictions come off, the final table makes for very interesting reading.
Premier League table: Super computer predicts the final

---

Premier League table predicted by super computer: Liverpool BLOW, Man Utd battle Arsenal who will finish in 17th. Premier League action returns on March 30 after the international break

---

Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Computer predicts where every club will finish - *End of season update* And if you think you're better at predictions than the super computer,
Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Computer predicts

---

Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Computer predicts final position of every club - *April update* Jurgen Klopp's side cannot afford to slip up before the end of the season 2
Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Compu | SportSpyder

---

Premier League table: Sky Sports super computer predicts final standings PREMIER LEAGUE table predictions are flooding in - but what does Sky Sports' algorithm think will happen this season?
Premier League Table, Form Guide & Season Archives

---

Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Computer predicts

---

CLICK THROUGH THE GALLERY ABOVE TO SEE THE PREDICTED FINAL TABLE. Related articles. Premier League stars dominate list of Europe's top 10 tacklers; Football fixtures: 2018 dates for the diary - World Cup, Champions League, FA Cup final; Premier League top scorers: How is Golden Boot race looking after the festive fixtures?
Premier League table predicted: Super-computer predicts final

---

Premier League 2018/19 final table: Super Computer predicts finishing position of every club - *End of season update* by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 16 Apr We may be in the middle of April but we are still nowhere near finding out where most Premier League teams will finish at the end of season.
Premier League table: Super computer predicts final standings

---

A super computer has now predicted how the table will look come May. The predicted standings place Liverpool at the summit, with the Reds primed to finish three points clear of City on 99.
Premier League table: Sky Sports super computer predicts

---

Premier League table predicted: Super-computer predicts final standings - GOOD for Man Utd THE Premier League season is fast coming to an end.
Premier League table predicted: Super computer predicts

Football: Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

LONDON (REUTERS) - Southampton continued their revival under new manager Ralph Hasenhuettl as goals from Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings and Michael Obafemi sealed a 3-1 Premier League victory at Huddersfield Town on Saturday (Dec 22).
Southampton, who ended Arsenal's 22-game unbeaten run last time out, secured consecutive league wins for the first time in 20 months and they achieved it with a dominant performance at the John Smith's Stadium.
Southampton went ahead against the run of play in the first half, as the lively Redmond ran on to fellow midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's through pass and finished emphatically past goalkeeper Jonas Lossl in the 15th minute.
They doubled their lead three minutes from the break as Ings slotted home from the penalty spot for his seventh league goal of the season, after being brought down by Huddersfield defender Mathias Jorgensen's clumsy challenge.
Huddersfield reduced the deficit to 2-1 after the restart as midfielder Philip Billing's swerving effort from distance flew past Southampton goalkeeper McCarthy, who appeared to be unsighted by a team mate.
Southampton then failed to deal with a long throw and nearly paid the price as Jorgensen's header from point blank range was swatted away by McCarthy.
The hosts grew in confidence as they pushed for an equaliser but it was Southampton who restored their two-goal advantage in the 71st minute, as substitute Michael Obafemi calmly finished from close range after good work from Redmond inside the box.
Ireland international Obafemi, who became Southampton's youngest Premier League goalscorer at 18 years and 169 days, could have doubled his tally in the 86th minute after being played through but he could not find a way past Lossl.
Victory lifted Southampton to 16th in the table with 15 points from 18 matches.
"It was a deserved win for us. We played a fantastic first half with fantastic goals... the guys worked very hard today," Hasenhuettl said.
"We have very good options (in attack) when we win back the ball. The passion, character and mentality of our defence was good too... it was an aggressive atmosphere and we knew we had to do our best.
"It's a very important step for us and I hope it will go on like this."
Huddersfield have now lost each of their last five league matches to sit second from bottom with 10 points.
"We have to criticise ourselves today... this is a tough time at the moment," Huddersfield manager David Wagner said.
"We've to make ourselves independent from the circumstances and perform again. We have to show we have learned from this lesson today... we were not brave enough."

---

Soccer Football - Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Southampton - John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, Britain - December 22, 2018 Southampton's Nathan Redmond in action with Huddersfield Town's Te
Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town - Reuters

---

Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town. HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 SOUTHAMPTON 3. Read more: Reuters Top News. Next top global news should be Anzhi Makhachkala struggling at bottom of Russian championship or another Monaco defeat claimed 20th place in Ligue 1
Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

---

Football: Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

---

Southampton continued their revival under new manager Ralph Hasenhuettl as goals from Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings and Michael Obafemi sealed a 3-1 Premier League victory at Huddersfield Town on
Resurgent Southampton power past Huddersfield Town - Football
footballnote.com/resurgent-southampton-power-past-huddersfield-town/
Resurgent Southampton power past Huddersfield Town 12:54 PM ET Southampton continued their revival under new manager Ralph Hasenhuettl as goals from Nathan Redmond, Danny Ings and Michael Obafemi sealed a 3-1 Premier League victory at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Southampton power past Huddersfield Town - SuperSport - Football
adtest.supersport.com/football/premier-league/news/181222/Southampton_power_past_Huddersfield_Town
Southampton continued their revival under new manager Hasenhuettl as goals from Redmond, Ings and Obafemi sealed a 3-1 Premier League victory at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

---

Southampton, who ended Arsenal's 22-game unbeaten run last time out, secured consecutive league wins for the first time in 20 months and they achieved it with a dominant performance at the John

---

Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town: Socceroos not giving up on Mooy for Asian Cup FFA plans to assess Aaron Mooy's injury befo
Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

---

Huddersfield reduced the deficit to 2-1 after the restart as midfielder Philip Billing's swerving effort from distance flew past Southampton goalkeeper McCarthy, who appeared to be unsighted by a
Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

---

Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town Soccer Football - Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Southampton - John Smiths Stadium, Huddersfield, Britain - December 22, 2018 Southamptons Nathan Redmond in action with Huddersfield Towns Terence Kongolo REUTERS/Andrew Yates (Reuters) - HU
Uk | Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town - Soccer

---

Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town. 3 Min Read (Reuters) - HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 SOUTHAMPTON 3 . Soccer Football - Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Southampton - John Smith's
Sport: Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town

Football: Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive season

MUNICH (REUTERS) - Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday (May 18) after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.
The Bavarians, who can secure a domestic double if they beat RB Leipzig in the German Cup final on May 25, have now won the German league title a record 29 times.
“It was no easy season by any means. What the team managed to achieve after a lot of criticism is significant. That is why I would like to thank them all,” Bayern coach Niko Kovac told Sky after his team topped the standings with 78 points.
With veterans Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben scoring in their last league game for the club and the Frenchman becoming the first player to win nine Bundesliga titles, victory was also sweet for Kovac.
He spent much of his first season at Bayern under pressure while his future in Munich, despite a contract to 2021, is still in doubt.
“I am convinced that it will continue (here),” Kovac said. “I have first-hand information. Now I hope that we can also win the Cup and celebrate the double.”
With two points separating Bayern and Dortmund going into the final matchday, the Bavarians were in no mood for any mishaps considering they had squandered a chance to wrap up the title last week when they drew at RB Leipzig.
In a dominant first half they went ahead with Kingsley Coman after four minutes and missed a bagful of chances to score again.
Frankfurt briefly levelled when Sebastien Haller stabbed in on the rebound in the 50th but their hopes of a top-four finish lasted only minutes with David Alaba and Renato Sanches netting for the hosts in the 53rd and 58th.
Ribery, who joined back in 2007, and Robben, who arrived two years later, then came on as substitutes and scored Bayern’s fourth and fifth goals for a perfect farewell.
Ribery overtook Bayern greats Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oliver Kahn and Mehmet Scholl among other, who have eight league crowns to their names.
Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski was crowned the league’s top scorer for the fourth time with 22 goals.
Dortmund finished on 76 points after beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0. RB Leipzig, third, and fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen will join them in next season’s Champions League.
Gladbach, VfL Wolfsburg and Frankfurt will compete in the Europa League.

---

With veterans Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben scoring in their last league game for the club and the Frenchman becoming the first player to win nine Bundesliga titles, victory was also sweet for Kovac. He spent much of his first season at Bayern under pressure while his future in Munich, despite a contract to 2021, is still in doubt.
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive

---

Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive

---

MUNICH, Germany: Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive season

---

MUNICH, Germany, May 18 - Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title for a seventh straight season after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians, who can secure a domestic double if they beat RB Leipzig in the German Cup final on May 25, have now won the German league title a record 29 times.
Bayern Munich Win German Bundesliga Soccer Title for Seventh

---

Bayern Munich have been crowned Bundesliga champions for the seventh time in a row after beating Eintracht Frankfurt in the last game of the season. win seventh consecutive Bundesliga title.

---

Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive

---

Soccer: Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh

---

MUNICH (Germany): Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive

---

Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive season - Times of India 2 weeks ago MUNICH (Germany): Bayern Munich received a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga identify on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt five-1 to end two points forward of rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich win seventh consecutive Bundesliga title | Goal.com

---

Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title for a seventh straight season after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians, who can secure a domestic
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive

---

bayern munich win german bundesliga soccer title for seventh consecutive season. bayern munich win german bundesliga soccer title for seventh consecutive season.
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive

Lionel Messi: Looking back at the superstar’s best Barcelona goals as Argentine reaches amazing 600 goal milestone

Lionel Messi could well be the greatest footballer of all time and with good reason too.

Words can’t really express just how big a contribution he’s made to the sport so here are just some of the many things he’s achieved in his career.

GETTY

2

The Argentine has won ten LaLiga titles, six Copa del Rey’s, four Champions Leagues and just the five Ballon d’Ors too!

Messi has scored a crazy amount of goals for Barcelona and he reached an amazing milestone during their 3-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.

He scored two goals on the night, including a sensational free-kick from 30 yards out, which put his incredible tally to 600 – 14 years to the day since he got his first Barcelona goal.

2

So to celebrate Messi reaching 600, Dugout have put together a video of some of his best strikes in Barca colours.

Below you can see the video of some of these goals.

Here’s to many more Lionel!

---

Ligue 1: Marseille appoint former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas as new coach on two-year deal • Marseille have appointed boss Andre Villas-Boas as the club's new coach marking his return to football after 18 months without a club.
André Villas-Boas - Wikipedia

---

Former England defender Danny Mills names his team of the season with a few shock inclusions MILLS XI It's squeaky bum time in the Premier League - which means it's about now when all the pundits put out their
Raheem Sterling has 'won people over with his football

---

Leeds United transfer news Leeds United news and transfers LIVE: Pontus Jansson makes a major statement on Whites future All of the latest news, views and gossip from Elland Road Leeds United transfer news The seven-figure sales that have left Leeds United every summer Plenty of superstars - and a few others - have been sold on by the club

---

West Ham fans appeared to throw a dildo at Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard after he opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. The Blues won 2-0 to move back into third place in the
West Ham fans appear to throw a DILDO at Eden Hazard after

---

ASTON VILLA are the final club to be confirmed in the Premier League for the 2019/2020 season. When will all the clubs find out their fixtures? Here's what you need to know ahead of next season.
Fixtures - Man City Teams Schedules

---

Arsenal photographer trolls Spurs about centre spot shrine at new Tottenham stadium talkSPORT - 05 Apr 2019 Arsenal famously claimed the title at White Hart Lane in 2004 and Henry and Cole celebrated with the trophy on the centre spot.
Arsenal employee trolls Spurs for turning spot Henry and Cole

---

Chelsea transfer news: Olivier Giroud admits doubts over Blues future and confirms offers from other clubs The French striker has struggled for opportunities in the Premier League under Maurizio Sarri
Chelsea transfer news: Olivier Giroud admits do | SportSpyder

---

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana 'perfect for Manchester

---

Roberto Firmino song: The lyrics for Liverpool fan's new

---

SLAMMED Ince also claimed his former club are 'rotting from the head down' Paul Ince has once again questioned Manchester United's decision to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis after the Red Devils lost to local rivals City in Wednesday's Manchester derby.
Paul Ince slams Manchester United for appointing Ole Gunnar

---

Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti slams Chelsea and Manchester United transfer target Mauro Icardi for 'humiliating' club Written by: fpnews Posted on: April 1, 2019 Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti has accused Mauro Icardi of humiliating the club after axing the striker from their squad for Sunday's match against Lazio.
Man Utd and Chelsea target Icardi has 'humiliated' Inter with

---

Home Leagues Manchester United move ahead of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City in attempt to land James Maddison in attempt to land James Maddison - reports.
Manchester United move ahead of Liverpool, Tott | SportSpyder

---

Sol Campbell EXCLUSIVE: Macclesfield Town boss on crying after League Two survival, emotional torture, and going unpaid for two months

Macclesfield Town were dead and buried before Sol Campbell took over the reins last November. It would be hard to provide an argument to counter that statement.

It’s safe to say the former England and Arsenal defender is one of football’s most misunderstood characters.

That’s probably one of the reasons why he had to wait so long to get his first break in management – something he has grasped with both hands.

Campbell’s passion for the game is immense, and after many unsuccessful attempts to land a job in the Football League, his luck turned when he landed the Macclesfield gig in late 2018.

getty

3

That is of course, if you class a position with the EFL’s basement club – as they were then – a ‘lucky’ break. They were seven points adrift of safety in League Two after all.

On May 5, the final day of the regular season, it was mission accomplished for Campbell – Macclesfield had completed a miraculous survival.

A run of just two defeats in their last ten games proved critical as the Silkmen successfully fought off relegation, finishing three points clear of second-bottom Notts County.

So after that rollercoaster season you’d probably be expected Campbell to be rewarded with a new and improved contract or even just handed sufficient funds in a bid to try and take the club forward?

Think again.

Campbell has been to hell and back during his six-month tenure to date at Moss Rose; player revolts, unpaid wages, a lack of communication with the board – you name it.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Campbell – who we can reveal hasn’t been paid by the club in over two months – underlined just how ‘difficult’ his spell at Macclesfield has been to date.

“The early days in particular were very, very difficult. Coming into this environment I had to deal with a lot of things,” he explained. “There was no structure and cohesion and absolutely no foundations in place.

“When I rocked up I was fighting so many fires – behind the scenes it was non-stop drama.”

Despite suggestions otherwise, Campbell was up for the fight. He lives and breathes football after all.

He added: “People were thinking to themselves that this was too lowly a position for me… so can he roll his sleeves up? Does he know the league?

“Does he really want to be here as he’s used to the plush conditions that he was accustomed to as a professional footballer? The answer to that was, yes.

“What these people don’t realise is my upbringing was quite rough already. I was prepared to look past those things and roll my sleeves up, as it’s all about football for me.

The 44-year-old has been pushed to his absolute limits in this job.

“I had to start putting the foundations in place – and win football matches at the same time,” he explained.

“That is as well as closing the gap behind us and the other sides fighting relegation.

“I started crying after we stayed up. This job has taken so much out of me, emotionally and physically. I was crying with relief, really.

“I’ve almost been like a psychologist, as well as a football manager. I’ve had to guide these players and inspire them, but get inside their brains as well. It was my responsibility – I had to do all that by myself.

“Almost every single player at the club needed to be rebuilt – mentally, emotionally and football wise.

“I had to give these lads the belief that they could be somebody. And then you have the fans, they don’t really know me so draw their own conclusions – I’m new in management after all.

“We had to be well prepared, because if we hadn’t of done that we wouldn’t be in the league now – it’s as simple as that.”

So how did Campbell deal with issues like unpaid wages at the club? Did it have a big impact on his job?

“The whole situation completely stripped me down to be quite honest,” he admitted.

getty

3

“I just had to be honest with the guys – all that was left was football.

“We all needed each other and I understood the players’ grievances and anger. At the same time I had to remind them that their reputations were on the line: ‘Do you want to get relegated? Who wants that on their CV?’

“People don’t realise how much it takes to pick these players up, players who aren’t getting paid and because of it are more than likely getting a hard time at home.

“You can’t do that to human beings – it’s emotional torture. If they are struggling at home with it all, that’s obviously going to affect the player as well.”

He continued: “It doesn’t matter if it’s one pound or a thousand pounds. In the end it comes down to principle and respect. Forget the amount… it’s how you’ve been treated.

“If you treat people the right way then they’ll show you that same respect back. I don’t know if respect is being fed through the club at the moment – I really don’t.”

Campbell, who revealed the Macclesfield squad were a ‘whisker’ away from boycotting games due to the financial crisis, said he still has a relationship with the club’s owner.

“I need to have a real conversation with him,” Campbell continued.

“What is the playing budget for next season? Are we going to sort the pitch out? Where are we going to train next season? What’s going on with staff wages?

“The players need answers, so do the fans and so do I. Only then you can start planning for the future and getting your structure in place.

“I don’t know when I’ll get these answers though. I’m very flexible.

“If we can stay up with no budget last season then surely we could do something different next season? But don’t make it hard for the sake of being hard.

“It’s hard enough playing against other opposition – it’s almost like we’re self-harming ourselves. Let’s build for a bright future – that’s what’s it’s all about.

“Who knows what the future holds but all I do know is I want to leave this club in the best possible position I can when I do eventually move on.”

Despite all the hurdles Campbell has faced in his short managerial spell to date, he has no regrets and says he’d still join Macclesfield if he went back in time and had to make the choice again.

And he has no plan to quit anytime soon, either.

“It’s so hard to get a job in football, so why would I just throw it away like that,” he declared.

“I’ve worked damn hard to get into this position and I don’t want to just give it away. That isn’t me – I’m not that type of person.

“I’m not giving up on Macclesfield. I’ll make it work, whatever way I have to.

getty

3

“But don’t take loyalty for weakness. Some people in this world work for free for the love of the game. And that isn’t right.”

And moving forward?

“There’s tons of work to do at this football club, we need to make improvements all over the place,” Campbell admitted.

“We can’t have a smoking mirrors situation again. I need to get things organised at the end of the day.

“I don’t want to embarrass my contacts saying I’m doing this and that, but then it never happens.

“I want to do a proper job with Macclesfield, but I need to know what is going on.”

Listen back to talkSPORT’s exclusive interview with Sol Campbell IN FULL above

---

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion: Gunners' top four hopes

---

New customers only. Minimum deposit £10. Place a sportsbook bet of £20+ at odds 2/5 (1.40). Receive free bets after first bet is settled. £20 casino bonus will be credited to your account the next working day after first deposit. 35x wagering for casino. Stakes are not included on winning free bets. Bonus will expire after 30 days of opt-in.
Betting Special: Birmingham City 12/1 to go down amidst

---

Solskjaer will return to Molde at the end of the season but, for the next few months at least, we can look forward to the following song being chanted by United's faithful supporters: Manchester United's Solskjaer chant. The chant is sang to the tune of Johnny Cash's famous song You are My Sunshine and the words go: You are my Solskjaer,
What are the lyrics to Man Utd's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer song

---

Birmingham City deducted nine points over EFL rule breaches to throw club into Championship relegation battle Written by: fpnews Posted on: March 22, 2019 Birmingham City have been docked nine points over breaches of the English Football League's profitability and sustainability rules, the English Football League has confirmed.
Birmingham City fear relegation battle as they finally face

---

Wolves vs Arsenal, LIVE - Latest Premier League score and updates as Unai Emery's men target top four spot. Wolves host Arsenal clash at Molineux Stadium this evening at 7:45pm BST
Wolves 3-1 Arsenal: Gunners miss chance to go fourth in

---

Below you can find everything you need to know about the 2019 Champions League final, including how to watch and stream the match and where to find pre-match coverage. In Group C, Liverpool
Liverpool 0-0 Porto (5-0 on aggregate) - All the reaction as

---

David de Gea "could play for Barcelona or Manchester City", says former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek.. The Spain international has endured a tough time of late in English
Former Man United coach backs under-fire David de Gea

---

Valencia fans caught appearing to make monkey gestures and Nazi salutes to Arsenal fans How Celtic's title party can be ruined by Aberdeen: Derek McInnes reveals plan Arsenal fans LOVE this Lacazette photo from Valencia clash and all make the same joke Arsenal boss Unai Emery told NOT to start one player against Brighton
Sick Valencia fan makes monkey gestures and Nazi salutes at

---

Tottenham Hotspur have only played four games in their brand new stadium, but the differences are already beginning to shine through, on and off the pitch. Spurs have won four games out of four, scoring eight, and conceding none in that time, including a Champions League win over Man City. However
NewsNow: Spurs News, Tottenham Transfers News & Rumours

---

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed his sides incredible development ahead of tomorrow nights Champions League quarter-final clash against Porto at Anfield. The Reds have been in superb form domestically, losing just one Premier League game all season, and are currently fighting out a fascinating title race with Man City.
'We are on fire': Jürgen Klopp hails Liverpool ahead of

---

globalsports globalsportsnigeria Sports entertainment recent news popular news goal.com cinema blend
Leeds vs Derby: Jack Marriott makes stunning contribution for

---

Derby County vs Aston Villa Former Chelsea stars Frank Lampard and Jody Morris buzzing to be facing John Terry in Subscribe us to read more:

---

Man United's Spanish stars believe club's English players receive preferential treatment Manchester United have handed new contracts to Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young this
Manchester United's Spanish stars angry at being 'treated

---

David Luiz accused Burnley of playing "anti-football" after Chelsea's top four hopes were dented on Monday night.. The Clarets led through Jeff Hendrick's early volley before Ngolo Kante and
Chelsea's David Luiz accuses Burnley of 'anti-football' as

---