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Jamie Carragher says “champagne would flow” at Liverpool's rivals if they were to part with Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds legend expecting those at Anfield to steer well clear of such a drastic decision.

Questions have been asked of whether the German tactician will be sticking around on Merseyside and seeing out a contract that is due to run until the summer of 2024.

Alarming regression has been endured by the defending Premier League champions this season, but Carragher cannot see a change in the dugout being made as he thinks the ideal man for the job remains in the position at present.

What has been said?

Carragher wrote his column for the Daily Telegraph: “As a renowned strategist, John W. Henry would always ask himself this: who benefits most when Klopp leaves Liverpool?

“The champagne would flow in the boardrooms of Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, anticipating the return of the pre-Klopp period in Anfield history when the club spent one of five years in the Champions League.

“At Liverpool, the response of modern supporters would be comparable to the departure of Kenny Dalglish in 1991, or Bill Shankly in 1974.”

He added: “The flak was bound to intensify after a sixth consecutive home defeat, and I stand by criticism of Liverpool in recent weeks. The players’ response, even when accounting for key absentees, and four-week delay recruiting two defenders disappointed me.

“Without on-field leaders such as Virgil Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and James Milner, there has been a surprising mental fragility during adversity. Do not mistake that for an erosion of trust or belief in the manager. The day Klopp goes will end a glorious era.

“No Liverpool fan I know is angry with Klopp. They are desperate to get back into Anfield to thank him for what he has done, and help him get through this tough period personally and professionally.

“Nobody else could have achieved what Klopp has since 2015, delivering trophies and connecting with the fans. That is why - as a Liverpool supporter - I would not want anyone else in charge of the club under this particular ownership model. I include Pep Guardiola.

“Klopp’s net spend in his time at Anfield is £110 million ($153m) - far less than Manchester City, United, Spurs, Arsenal and even Everton during the same period.”

The bigger picture

Klopp has been reiterating his full commitment to the Liverpool cause as speculation rages. He has shut down talk of succeeding Joachim Low as manager of Germany – with that position set to become vacant after this summer’s European Championship – and has no desire to head anywhere else.

Considerable success has been enjoyed in England and the 53-year-old has pointed out on a regular basis that he intends to take a breather once the day comes to sever ties with Liverpool.

Further reading

PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs have announced the departure of attacking midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase.

The 27-year-old player found game time hard to come by in the current campaign under coach Gavin Hunt and he has now parted ways with the Naturena-based giants.

Amakhosi released the following statement on Friday afternoon after Ntshangase's contract with the club was terminated with two months left in the current 2020/21 season. 

"Kaizer Chiefs and Siphelele Ntshangase have come to a decision to part ways with immediate effect," a club statement read.

"The early termination of the contract follows weeks of discussions and processes between the two parties."

Ntshangase's departure does not come as a surprise as the former South Africa under-23 star made just two appearances for Amakhosi in the PSL this term.

The likes of Njabulo Blom, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Lebogang Manyama were preferred ahead of him by coach Hunt.

Ntshangase has left the Glamour Boys having failed to leave up to expectations after joining the club from Baroka FC midway through the 2016/17 season.

The former Black Leopards playmaker struggled for game time under coaches Steve Komphela, Giovanni Solinas and Ernst Middendorp at Chiefs.

There was hope that Hunt would give Ntshangase a chance to cement his place in the line-up after the coach joined Amakhosi prior to the start of the current campaign. 

This was because Ntshangase was heavily linked with Hunt's former club, Bidvest Wits before he joined Baroka FC from Leopards in July 2016. 

Hunt handed Ntshangase six appearances across all competitions, but the skillful player could not convince the experienced mentor that he deserves to be a regular.

His deal with Chiefs was extended by a further year last season after he was linked with his former clubs, Baroka and Leopards.

It remains to be seen whether Baroka and Leopards will make a move for Ntshangase ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin set a goal target for himself at the start of the season, but the Everton striker will not be revealing what that is as he endeavours to break a four-game barren run.

The 23-year-old burst out of the traps in 2020-21, with the target found on nine occasions through his first six appearances of the season – with two hat-tricks registered in that run.

Senior international recognition with England came his way soon after and he now has two goals for his country alongside the 18 that have been plundered on domestic duty in the current campaign.

What has been said?

Having gone four games without troubling the scorers, Calvert-Lewin told talkSPORT of his ambition heading into a meeting with Burnley on Saturday: “My target is to score more goals!

“I have my own targets from the start of the season and I got off to a great start.

“I've been a little bit frustrated recently with perhaps not scoring as much as I would like, but I think the main thing is that I've more often than not still been affecting games and playing big parts in games to get us the three points in pivotal moments.

“When I'm not scoring, I want to keep affecting games like I have been doing.”

When did Calvert-Lewin last find the target?

A key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Goodison Park has drawn a blank in top-flight clashes with Liverpool, Southampton, West Brom and Chelsea over recent weeks.

His last goal came in a thrilling 5-4 FA Cup win over Tottenham on February 10.

Calvert-Lewin’s most recent strike in the Premier League was recorded in an outing against Manchester United immediately prior to the Spurs clash on February 6.

The bigger picture

Everton have remained competitive even with their most potent attacking weapon failing to fire.

In the four games that Calvert-Lewin has been left frustrated in the final third, the Toffees have emerged victorious in three and only came unstuck last time out against rejuvenated Chelsea.

They remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, sat four points off that pace in sixth at present, and will expect their formidable No.9 to rediscover his touch at some stage as a place in Gareth Southgate’s plans for this summer’s European Championship is chased down.

Further reading

Pep Guardiola has praised the new generation of managers for their courageous attacking style ahead of Manchester City's trip to an in-form Fulham on Saturday.

The City boss has been impressed by the impact made by Scott Parker, who earned Fulham promotion last season and is fighting for survival while trying to play attractive football.

Brighton boss Graham Potter and Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder have also been praised by Guardiola, who says their teams play a style of football that he likes to watch.

What's been said?

"In English football there are incredibly good managers, Mr Potter in Brighton, Scott in Fulham," he said of Saturday's visit to Craven Cottage.

"They are innovative, they have courage to play. It's my fifth season and I see the quality in these teams - their high standards of playing.

"Even the games when they didn't have results, similar like Brighton, the way they play always they create more chances and are always positive - a big challenge."

Praise for Wilder

The future of the Blades boss is increasingly uncertain with speculation that Wilder could leave his job at Sheffield United soon.

While Guardiola would not be drawn on any potential departure, he said he has a huge respect for the manager, who achieved two promotions with the club.

"If he would be here, he would fight to be champion, if I was in Sheffield I'd fight not to be relegated," Guardiola added.

Respect for Parker

It is not just Parker's tactics that have impressed Guardiola, with the Catalan also saying the Fulham boss beats him when it comes to the fashion stakes.

Parker wore a white jacket during the recent victory over Liverpool, drawing much attention on social media, and Guardiola has been impressed with his counterpart's touchline attire.

Asked about being the two most stylish coaches, Guardiola joked: "Listen, he's younger, he has hair, he's better than me, definitely. I accept a draw against him!"

What's next for City?

Saturday's trip to Fulham is their final Premier League fixture before the international break.

City play the home leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash with Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday, with the fixture rearranged to be played in Hungary because of coronavirus restrictions.

They then travel to Everton for an FA Cup quarter-final clash as they continue to fight for silverware on four fronts.

Further reading

Jose Mourinho has aimed a sly dig at Arsenal ahead of Tottenham’s derby date with their north London neighbours on Sunday, with the Portuguese eager to point out that he does not “look down” the table.

Spurs are set to make the short trip to Emirates Stadium sat three places and seven points above their fiercest rivals in the Premier League standings.

Mourinho intends to at least maintain that advantage during a meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side, with the focus from all of those at his disposal locked on staging a late push for a top-four finish.

What has been said?

Mourinho told reporters when quizzed on the respective fortunes of two old adversaries heading into their latest rekindling of a long-running rivalry: “I look up, I don’t look down.

“If Arsenal was seven points ahead of us I would look to them but because we have seven points more than them, I don’t look down.

“At the same time, we look always to the next match and if instead of Arsenal it was [Aston] Villa or Newcastle – exactly the same feeling.

“We feel we’re better than the position we have in the table and we want to improve our position so we need points for that.

“It doesn’t matter the opponent, doesn’t matter if it is a derby. It’s a Premier League match, three points are there to fight for and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Mourinho’s record against Arsenal

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has tended to fare well in meetings with the Gunners down the years.

In 22 total clashes with Arsenal, Mourinho has emerged victorious on 12 occasions and suffered only two defeats.

His touchline battles with Arsene Wenger could always be relied upon to provide plenty of entertainment, but both men have mellowed with age and a legendary Frenchman has been out of management since 2018.

Mourinho insists he is calmer than he was, with results all that matter to him despite still being partial to the odd bout of mind games.

“I want to be respectful,” added the 58-year-old. “I am very proud to be at Tottenham. I have the feeling every day that I work at a big cub.

“Arsenal is a big club with a big history. A little bit like us, they're trying to build a better future.”

Further reading

It's a momentous occasion for Sergio Lobera when he leads Mumbai City into the club's first ever Indian Super League (ISL) final on Saturday. It is his second ISL final a manager after earlier leading FC Goa to a runners-up finish in season 5 of the ISL.

Mumbai City finished top of the league phase and won the League Winners Shield after defeating ATK Mohun Bagan, who incidentally are their opponents on Saturday. In fact, they did the double over ATK Mohun Bagan this season with the superior head-to-head record helping them win the shield despite both teams finishing the league with 40 points. 

How Lobera feels ahead of the final

"We know that they (ATK Mohun Bagan) are a very good team with very good players in a good momentum, but the most important thing is to put the focus on ourselves. We need to work 100 per cent in our style of play and our idea," he said.

Having done the double over the Mariners wherein Bartholomew Ogbeche scored on both occasions, Lobera was asked if he would be tempted to persist with the Nigerian up front on Saturday.

"Ogbeche is a big player and he has a big role in our team [which is] not only in scoring goals. He's a big example in our squad, when he doesn't have an opportunity to play, how to manage the situation. Sometimes, accepting decisions of the coach is not easy because you always want to play. But he's an amazing professional and a great person. I'm very happy and lucky to work with players like Ogbeche," the 44-year-old replied.

Any advice from Pep Guardiola?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had words of praise for Lobera and co. after Mumbai City clinched the ISL League Shield. Now Lobera has a chance to deliver two ISL silverware for his club, a first if he manages to do that. 

"This is a personal situation but you know that Pep Guardiola and the entire City Football Group family are always behind us. When you have people at City Football Group every day asking us if we need something to prepare, I think it's very important for us. The message from Pep is for everyone to see but there are a lot of people who are behind us every day.

"When I had the first meeting with the City Football Group in Manchester, I knew that this is a big project. I accepted this challenge and I'm very happy about this situation (being in the final). Hopefully, after Saturday's game, it's possible to lift the trophy. But if it's not possible, I'm very proud of my players and this project. I think we deserve this season because everyone has done a very good job.

The importance on the style of play

Mumbai City had to maneuver past FC Goa in a 120+ minutes affair in the second leg of the first semi-finals where they were locked in a titanic tussle. With Goa fashioning plenty of chances against Mumbai, the Spaniard explained that being competent is as important while remaining loyal to their style of play.

"I think when you play against good teams, it's not only about what you want. Playing against a team who have the same style, sometimes it's not possible for everything to work during 90 minutes. But we compete very well in the bad moments and this is the most important thing.

"Finally, it (the style of play) is the most important thing. If you're playing in another way, you are not the strongest. Our style of play from the beginning has been the same and we have to be loyal to our style if we want to be strong," he reasoned.

'Money not equivalent to winning trophies'

Lobera has time and again had to address the level of expectations bestowed upon his side to win the title, given the kind of star players they have brought in. However, the Mumbai City coach has stressed that it's the kind of pressure that he enjoys.

"I think all the teams are working within the salary cap. If there are teams who don't want to spend (more) money, it's their decision. But money is not equivalent to winning trophies. I think we are doing a very good job," he opined.

"We have players here who have accepted our offer with less money compared to what other teams were offering and I'm very proud of their decision because they want to play in our style of play," he went on to claim. "Pressure (to deliver) is always there but I accept this pressure. I need this pressure as a coach. I don't like to work at a place without pressure because then it means you don't have enough level in your club to achieve your targets."

Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa became the second official from the East African region to step down from the contest to claim a Fifa Council post for the African Anglophone nations.

The 42-year-old administrator confirmed to Goal he had stepped down but could not give reasons as to why he had reached the decision.

“It is true, I have stepped down today [Friday] from contesting,” Mwendwa told Goal from Rabat.

Asked to explain why he took the decision to quit the race, which had attracted Amaju Pinnick of Nigeria, Malawi’s Walter Nyamilandou, Tanzania’s Wallace Karia, and Andrew Kamanga of Zambia, Mwendwa said: “Many factors.”

When pressed further to explain the factors, Mwendwa said he was inside the congress and was not in a position to give more details.

His decision to quit the race came hours after Tanzania’s Karia also threw in the towel from contesting in the same post.

Karia confirmed through a statement obtained by Goal which read: Tanzania Football Federation President [Wallace] Karia has withdrawn from the African Anglophone Fifa Council representative race.

"After wider consultation with federation presidents from the Cecafa region, where he is the president, Karia has decided to quit the race in order to put more energy and focus on TFF and Cecafa.

“After supporting Patrice Motsepe of South Africa in the presidential race, there is only one position at Fifa Council for the Anglophone nations remaining.”

Mathurin de Chacus of Benin and Mali's Mamadou Toure will fight it out for the Francophone slot while Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa, and Khreddine Zetchi of Algeria will face off in the race for the Spanish/Arabic/ Portuguese slot.

The elections will be conducted on March 13 in Morocco, where Mamelodi Sundowns owner and South African business tiger Patrice Motsepe is expected to be coronated as the new Caf supremo as he is the only remaining presidential candidate standing.

Before the polls are conducted, various activities will be undertaken, including the approval of the annual revised accounts and budget, the admission and/or resignation of members, the consideration of proposals for amendments to Caf statutes, and the regulations governing the application of statutes, as well as to Caf General Assembly’s rules of procedures.

Discussion of proposals received from national associations and the executive committee provided these were submitted in conformity with paragraph eight of article 17, will be deliberated upon.

The suspension or expulsion of a member, where appropriate, the approval of the minutes of the Ordinary General Assembly held on December 11, 2020, by videoconference, the activity report covering the period since the previous General Assembly meeting, inclusive of the zonal unions’ activity report, are other matters that will also be attended to.

Thomas Tuchel has explained why Christian Pulisic has yet to start a Premier League match for him at Chelsea since he took over from Frank Lampard in January.

The Blues are unbeaten in Tuchel's first 11 games in all competitions, with the 22-year-old only earning one start, in the FA Cup against Barnsley.

The US men's national team captain has had some minor injuries but he will be frustrated with his lack of progress under Tuchel, who previously gave him his professional debut at Borussia Dortmund five years ago.

What Tuchel said?

"If he starts tomorrow, if he does brilliantly and if he starts against Atletico and if he scores two goals, then maybe he is the captain next season," Tuchel said about Pulisic. "I know what you mean but this is too far ahead.

"We have so many games and he is in my plans. He is an important player and has the potential to be decisive for us off the bench.

"His job is to be ready like everybody else and when the moment comes, he has to be ready. This is what you sign up for at a club like Chelsea. There is no difference between Christian or anybody else.

"When you sign and play for Chelsea, it is part of the job description of a player to be impatient and patient at the same time. Impatient because all of my players are competitors and want to play every single minute, and this is what they all show every day, the hunger and the desire. This is what Christian shows."

How does Pulisic compare to his team-mates?

Tuchel has generally opened up chances to the whole squad since taking charge. However, some players have yet to have started a league game for Tuchel, including Pulisic, Emerson Palmieri and Billy Gilmour.

Former manager Frank Lampard had expressed concerns about the size of the squad this season, but Tuchel described it as "perfect".

"We have the perfect size of the squad," he said. "The only thing that I’m missing is the possibility of five substitutes to use more players because for many years, it has been a concern of mine."

What shape are Chelsea in ahead of Leeds?

Marcelo Bielsa's side welcome Chelsea to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon and the Blues have few injury concerns ahead of kick-off.

The only players out for Chelsea are Thiago Silva, who has had a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, and Tammy Abraham, who has an ankle problem.

Further reading

Unspecified number of players and officials of Akwa United sustained injuries after an accident on their way to Kaduna for a Nigeria Professional Football League fixture against Jigawa Golden Stars.

The Promise Keepers took to social media to confirm the unfortunate event with pictures of their team bus which collided with a truck.

The accident happened along Ezionye highway in Enugu on Friday morning ahead of their match at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Sunday.

“We have been involved in an accident along Ezionye Express road in Enugu on our way to Kaduna for our NPFL Match-day 15 game against Jigawa Golden Stars. Players and officials have sustained injuries. One player and two officials have been taken to the hospital,” the club statement read.

The 2015 and 2017 Federation Cup champions are fifth in the Nigerian top-flight table, however, the League Management Company (LMC) are yet to confirm if the match will proceed as scheduled after the accident.

Earlier on Monday, Akwa United were held to a goalless by Warri Wolves while Jigawa Golden Stars suffered a 2-0 loss at Rivers United a day before.

Friday's accident is the latest unfortunate event to hit the Nigeria Professional Football League after gunmen attacked Adamawa United in February and kidnapped their bus driver who was eventually released after the Adamawa State Government paid a ₦1 million ransom.

The kidnap incident happened along the Benin-Ore expressway on their way to Lagos for a league match against MFM FC.

Also this year, a top-flight club Wikki Tourists escaped causalities after their team bus lost two tyres and caught fire at Hawan Kibo - a town in Jos, Plateau State.

Kwara United currently lead the NPFL table with 26 points from 14 matches while Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars and Enyimba trail in the second, third and fourth positions respectively with 24 points each.

Tottenham have one of the "most special" attacking units in European football, admits Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, ahead of the rivals clashing in the north London derby on Sunday.

Spurs have scored more than 100 goals in all competitions this season , with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min proving particularly impressive as they chase silverware and a return to Champions League football under Jose Mourinho.

Arteta admits it will be tough to prepare his Arsenal side to face the Spurs onslaught, and that they must cut out the defensive sloppiness which has lately plagued them, before their Premier League meeting.

What did Arteta say?

Speaking after Arsenal's 3-1 victory in the Europa League last 16 first leg clash away to Olympiacos, Arteta said of Tottenham's attack: "It’s very difficult because the level of quality, precision, understanding and chemistry that they have between them makes them probably one of the most special ones in Europe.

"They don’t need much. They are able to create their own chances, they are able to link as a team. So it is really difficult to do that, but we will prepare the game well to try to step them obviously."

Why should Arsenal be worried?

The Gunners have conceded 14 goals since the start of 2021, and seven of them have come directly from defensive errors - including both strikes they have conceded in the past seven days.

They were caught out playing from the back when Granit Xhaka's attempted clearance came off Burnley striker Chris Wood and rebounded into the net in Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Turf Moor last Saturday, and on Thursday in the Europa League Dani Ceballos was robbed and Bernd Leno beaten when out of position in their 3-1 victory in Athens.

Tottenham meanwhile beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in their Europa League clash, Kane scoring twice to take his personal goal tally to 26 in all competitions this season.

Further Reading

European champions Lyon are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League, while Manchester City take on Barcelona.

PSG's place in the last eight is not yet confirmed, but they are 5-0 up from the first leg of their last-16 tie against Sparta Praha and in a comfortable position to make it through to the next round. The winner of that potentially all-French tie will then take on either Man City or Barcelona in the semi-finals.

In the other half of the draw, Chelsea play Wolfsburg in a tie that will see Pernille Harder, last year's Goal 50 winner and the most expensive women's footballer of all time, face her former club.

The final quarter-final pits Swedish side Rosengard against Bayern Munich, who currently top the Frauen-Bundesliga table. Both are looking to reach the semi-finals for just the second time.

When will the ties be played?

The first legs of the quarter-finals will be played on March 23 and 24, with the second legs to follow a week later, across March 31 and April 1. The one outstanding last-16 game, the second leg of PSG's clash with Sparta, will be played on March 17.

The semi-finals will then take place on April 24 and 25, and May 1 and 2, before the final is played in Gothenburg on May 16.

Who are the favourites?

Winners of the Champions League title for the last five years, Lyon are the favourites to go all the way once again this year, despite some close matches with Juventus and Brondby in the previous two rounds.

As for the main challengers, PSG have beaten their biggest rivals already this season and are giving the French champions one of the toughest title races of recent years this season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are flying at the top of the Primera Division in Spain and are looking very strong this year, while both Man City and Chelsea have built squads capable of competing for the biggest trophy in Europe.

Last year's runners-up, Wolfsburg are having a difficult year. After Harder's departure in the summer, they have suffered many key injuries and could concede their league title to Bayern Munich for the first time since 2016.

What is the full draw?

Quarter-finals: Bayern Munich vs Rosengard, Sparta Praha/PSG vs Lyon, Barcelona vs Manchester City, Chelsea vs Wolfsburg

Semi-finals: Sparta Praha/PSG or Lyon vs Barcelona or Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Rosengard vs Chelsea or Wolfsburg

Further reading

It will be a third ISL final as a manager for Antonio Lopez Habas when ATK Mohun Bagan take on Mumbai City in the final showdown of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.

On the previous two occasions, the Spaniard led his team to victory (Atletico de Kolkata in 2014 and ATK in 2019-20) and is now gunning for his second consecutive title and third overall. But in front of him is a huge obstacle in the form of Mumbai City who just about pipped his side to the ISL League Shield. 

More tellingly, ATKMB were beaten by Mumbai 2-0 in the final match of the league stage which helped the Islanders clinch the AFC Champions League spot as well. In fact, Mumbai have done the double over Bagan this season and the superior head-to-head record actually helped them win the shield despite both teams finishing on 40 points. 

What Habas said

"The feeling (of another final) is the same. We have to compete and win the final. We have absolute respect for the opponent but my team is prepared to win," said the ATKMB coach despite facing two defeats against the Mumbaikars in the regular season.

"In football, every match is different. In the first match (1-0 loss), we had the opportunity to score before Mumbai. And in the second match (2-0 loss), it was accidental to concede only in set-pieces. I think the difference is minimal and I have confidence in my team," he continued.

"I don't think a mental advantage is important in a final. We have several players with the experience of playing in the final and maybe Mumbai don't have this experience. I have confidence in my team and the idea is to be the protagonists with a possibility to win."

Set-pieces an area of concern?

Given that Mumbai City have scored over half of their 35 goals via set-pieces, Habas admitted, "I think they have 65-70 per cent of their goals from set-pieces. So we have to control football on set-pieces. Each match is absolutely different. We have to concentrate on small details and avoid making mistakes. We have to defend our personality, our style and our model.

"Football is all about the balance. I don't understand football with only attack or defense. We have to have concentration and attention from the first minute."

Contrasting styles of play

There have often been comparisons drawn between Sergio Lobera's attacking style of play that is also pleasing to the eye while Habas has admittedly professed a more pragmatic approach to the way he wants his side to play.

"The idea is to play well and win. Sometimes, the characteristics in a match are different. We have to analyse (during) the match and control the game accordingly. The opponent also plays to make it difficult when you propose one thing," he explained.

"ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City both have 40 points on top. The styles are different but we also play good football. Football is not only about possession of the ball."

Plans for next season

"I don't know. I finish my contract now (end of the season) and we are waiting for the result (of the ISL final)," the ATK Mohun Bagan gaffer responded.

Roberto Firmino, Didier Drogba, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo all figure on Thiago Silva’s list of toughest opponents, with the Chelsea defender piecing together a top 10 of fearsome foes.

At 36 years of age, the veteran Brazilian centre-half has regularly found himself lining up against some of the best forwards in the business.

He has fared admirably against plenty, earning himself a standing among the global elite, but admits that star turns from Liverpool to Barcelona via Inter and Real Madrid have posed him problems.

What has been said?

On a couple of fellow countrymen currently gracing the books at Anfield and Paris Saint-Germain, Silva told Chelsea TV: “Firmino, he has incredible technical quality. He is very intelligent in his movements [on the pitch] that leaves defenders a bit lost.

“Neymar because of his class, intelligence and magic. He is a player that impresses me with his technical quality and his ability to create out of nowhere.”

He added on two more compatriots who once terrorised opposition defences: “Romario because of his intelligence in the box. He’s the best I’ve seen in the box.

“Adriano, like Drogba, he’s an incredible physical force with an unbelievable powerful left-foot penalty shot.”

Silva said of a Chelsea icon who went before him at Stamford Bridge: “Drogba because of his physical strength, despite being incredibly strong, he still has a lot of technical skill.”

He went on to say of three former colleagues at Parc des Princes: “[Angel] Di Maria because of his technical quality and his incredible left foot.

“[Kylian] Mbappe because of his speed and also his technical quality.

“I’m going to say Ibrahimovic because he is a guy that inspired me and I think he has inspired many kids to inspire what they are doing.

“He was a black belt (in MMA) before he became a footballer and then after he found himself in football. He’s a guy that I admire a lot. I had the chance to play with and against him.”

Who else made Silva’s list?

Any run down of the most fearsome frontmen in world football would not be complete without a couple of modern-day greats that have won the Ballon d’Or 11 times between them.

Silva has faced Messi and Ronaldo down the years, with a mercurial Argentine on the books at Barcelona considered to be the pick of those he has tried to contain.

“Cristiano because of his professionalism, his dedication and passion for football. He is a guy I really admire for his commitment and for everything he has achieved,” said Silva.

He added on another all-time great: “Messi, because he has incredible quality and a God-given gift and because of the professional he is. For me he is the best.”

The bigger picture

Silva continues to test himself on the grandest of stages in the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea, while also making himself available to add to the 93 caps he has won for Brazil.

He has not figured for the Blues since February 4, after picking up a thigh injury, but will hope to return to Thomas Tuchel’s plans soon as domestic and continental prizes are chased down at Stamford Bridge.

Further reading

South African billionaire and Africa’s ninth richest person Patrice Motsepe has been confirmed as the new Confederation of African Football president during the organisation’s 43rd Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

Motsepe, who is the owner of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, was elected unopposed to replace outgoing Ahmad Ahmad, whose three-year reign promised much but was ultimately mottled by accusations of nepotism, corruption and embezzlement.

He was suspended in November after being found guilty of breaching four separate articles of Fifa’s ethics code and banned from all football-related activity for five years.

The 59-year-old Motsepe’s ascent to the pinnacle of African football comes following intervention by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who reportedly supervised the brokering of a deal with the other candidates.

The pact proposed by Infantino – and ultimately accepted by Motsepe’s rivals – means that Senegal’s Augustin Senghor and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania will take up roles as the South African’s vice-presidents.

Ivorian Jacques Anouma, who had previously outlined his desire to take the confederation’s reins, has been appointed as special advisor to Motsepe.

Until Monday, Ahmad loomed as a potential rival to Motsepe on election day, but after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the former’s ban for corruption, while reducing his suspension to two years, the path was cleared for the Sundowns chief to take the presidency.

He was confirmed unopposed in his new role on Friday as Africa’s 54 football association heads forwent the formality of the voting process.

Unlike his erstwhile rivals, Motsepe has no experience in football administration, and represents an unlikely candidate for president.

His experience within the sport has been rooted with Sundowns, the Pretoria-based club he bought in 2003.

Under his guidance – and backed by considerable investment – the Brazilians became only the second South African side to win the Caf Champions League in 2016, and have won seven domestic titles.

“There is no one in Africa who has lost more money in football than I have,” Motsepe told journalists in a press conference to reveal details of his candidacy last month. “It’s a stupid love.

“African football must become the best in the world,” he added. “It won’t happen overnight, but that is the test of what we are going to do over the next few years.”

Media-shy Motsepe made the bulk of his $3.2 billion fortune in mining, and is the brother-in-law of South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.

In a 10-point manifesto released ahead of the withdrawal of his presidential rivals, Motsepe outlined that good governance, investment in Africa’s sporting infrastructure and statutory reforms would be among his top priorities after taking up the appointment.

Romelu Lukaku claims leaving Manchester United for Inter has helped him to reach “another level”, with the Belgian striker enjoying the most productive spell of his career.

The 27-year-old has scored 24 goals in just 33 appearances this season, with those efforts being added to the 34 he managed during his debut campaign at San Siro in 2019-20.

Lukaku has, on the back of a testing spell at Old Trafford, become one of the most prolific forwards on the planet, with a change in approach after bidding farewell to England helping him to take up a standing among the global elite.

What has been said?

Discussing his fine form with Inter nutritionist Matteo Pincella on how diet has delivered an upturn in fortune for him, Lukaku said: “I love carbohydrates and I love potatoes, sweet potatoes and black rice, but I don't eat a lot of pasta.

“I've always been an explosive player with muscles but Italy took me to another level. I have never felt so strong. I have reached another level, physically and mentally. 

“I consume a lot of carbohydrates after games. Most of the time I eat two packs of gnocchi, it depends on what the chef has prepared. They go into circulation quickly and they help me a lot.

“I don't change my way of eating much, for how we play we must have a very strong physique, we run a lot: since I have followed this lifestyle I feel better on the pitch, I feel more reactive and faster.”

Lukaku’s record at Inter

The Belgium international has found the target on 58 occasions in 84 outings for the Nerazzurri. He is in the hunt for the Serie A Golden Boot this season, with his 18-goal haul in the Italian top-flight leaving him just two short of the tally recorded by Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why did Lukaku leave Man Utd?

The decision was taken to leave Old Trafford in the summer of 2019 as a regular starting berth was no longer guaranteed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Questions had been asked of Lukaku throughout his time in Manchester, and while he managed to hit 42 goals in 96 games, he never truly convinced and was allowed to move on as Anthony Martial inherited the No 9 shirt at United.

Lukaku will have those in England wondering whether the right decision was made, with his exploits in Italy proving how productive he can be when used in the right system by a team playing to his strengths.

Further reading

Express FC midfielder Eric Kambale has explained how the entire team was left disappointed after they suffered their first defeat of the season in the Ugandan Premier League against UPDF on Tuesday.

The Red Eagles were the only unbeaten side in the top-tier heading into their match at Bombo Military grounds but they surrendered the run of 12 matches against the army side as they lost 1-0.

It was striker Alex Kitata who rose the highest to head home a corner-kick and gave the hosts what turned out to be the winner in the 17th minute.

Kambale has now admitted the entire team was left disappointed after the defeat, insisting they had planned to go the first round without losing a match.

“I know the Express family was disappointed with our last result [loss away to UPDF] but to be honest the players were even more disappointed,” Kambale told the club’s official website.

“We all wanted to keep the unbeaten run intact but we picked up a few lessons and we shall be better at home against Kyetume FC.”

The 20-year-old, who missed the entire first round of last season due to personal reasons, promised to earn a starting berth at the start of the new campaign and he has done just that, managing five assists and two goals in 13 league appearances along with a couple of man of the match accolades.

And despite the good form which has kept the Red Eagles flying high in the top-tier, Kambale has insisted this is just the start with a lot more to come.

“I am so glad I’ve registered this success in the first round so far, I want to, first of all, appreciate the club management, the coaches for trusting me and my teammates for the support,” Kambale continued.

“For me, I know I am capable of doing much more along with the team, and we know the team’s aim was to end the first round unbeaten but it will not happen but we will keep the foot on the peddle.”

Kambale opened his account on matchday two against Bright Stars, he then put up a string of good displays until he scored his second of the season, against KCCA FC, but it’s his assists against Wakiso Giants (two), BUL FC, Busoga United, and MYDA FC that have earned him a lot of praise from the fans.

He will hope his form helps the Red Eagles earn maximum points against Kyetume on Saturday, which is Express’s last home game of the first round although they will face Police FC at Lugogo Stadium on March 16 to conclude first-round fixtures.

Kenya international John Macharia is confident the friendly matches against South Sudan and Tanzania will shape the team and instil confidence ahead of the Harambee Stars' Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt and Togo.

On Saturday, Kenya will host the Bright Stars at Nyayo Stadium before playing the Taifa Stars in a double-header scheduled for Monday and Thursday.

The Gor Mahia midfielder believes the three practice matches will help increase morale in the squad and it is the reason why they are important.

"Those three friendlies are good for us because they will give us motivation and morale [ahead of our Afcon qualifiers]," Macharia told Goal.

"The more you play, the more confident you get and it is the reason why the three friendly games are important to us."

His teammate David Owino, who plies his trade with KCB FC, also expressed what the team - which is led by coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, is targeting.

"We have two difficult games and our mission is to win. We are targeting an Afcon slot like two years ago. We have a chance and we need to capitalise on it," Owino told Goal.

Kenya, who are third in Group G of the qualifiers, are scheduled to face Egypt in Nairobi on March 22 before flying out to Lome for their final group tie against bottom-placed Togo on March 30. 

Kenya’s chances of reaching a second successive Afcon finals were dealt a major blow after the team lost 2-1 away to Comoros in their last outing.

However, a victory over Egypt at home would bring them right back into contention ahead of the final match of the qualifying series.

Harambee Stars provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars), Joseph Okoth (KCB), Peter Odhiambo (Wazito), Sam Adisa (Bidco).

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Michael Kibwage (Sofapaka), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks), Nahashon Alambi (KCB), Bonface Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), David Owino (KCB), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks), Baraka Badi (KCB)

Midfielders: Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Micheal Mutinda (KCB), Musa Masika (Wazito), John Macharia (Gor Mahia), Reagan Otieno (KCB), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker), Kevin Kimani (Wazito), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari)

Forwards: Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Henry Meja (Tusker), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia) 

Tanzania Football Federation president Wallace Karia has stepped down from the contest to claim a Fifa Council post for the African Anglophone nations.

Karia was among the candidates who had shown interest in the council position but his withdrawal means Kenya's Nick Mwendwa, Amaju Pinnick of Nigeria, Malawi's Walter Nyamilandou and Andrew Kamanga of Zambia are the remaining candidates who will square it out for the remaining Anglophone slot.

"Tanzania Football Federation President [Wallace] Karia has withdrawn from the  African Anglophone Fifa Council representative race," TFF's statement obtained by Goal read.

"After wider consultation with federation presidents from the Cecafa region, where he is the president, Karia has decided to quit the race in order to put more energy and focus on TFF and Cecafa.

"After supporting Patrice Motsepe of South Africa in the presidential race, there is only one position at Fifa Council for the Anglophone nations remaining."

Mathurin de Chacus of Benin and Mali's Mamadou Toure will fight for the Francophone slot while Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa and Khreddine Zetchi of Algeria will face off in the race for the Spanish/Arabic/ Portuguese slot.

The elections will be conducted on March 13 in Morocco, where Mamelodi Sundowns owner and South African business tiger Patrice Motsepe is expected to be coronated as the new Caf supremo as he is the only remaining presidential candidate standing.

Before the polls are conducted, various activities will be undertaken, including the approval of the annual revised accounts and budget, the admission and/or resignation of members, the consideration of proposals for amendments to Caf statutes, and the regulations governing the application of statutes, as well as to Caf General Assembly’s rules of procedures.

Discussion of proposals received from national associations and the executive committee, provided these were submitted in conformity with paragraph eight of article 17, will be deliberated upon.

The suspension or expulsion of a member, where appropriate, the approval of the minutes of the Ordinary General Assembly held on December 11, 2020 by videoconference, the activity report covering the period since the previous General Assembly meeting, inclusive of the zonal unions’ activity report, are other matters that will also be attended to.