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Rangers boss Gerrard hopes Klopp stays at Liverpool 'for many years' amid links to Anfield job

The legendary former midfielder has recently been tipped to take over from the current Reds boss

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has dismissed speculation linking him to the Liverpool job after he led his side to their first Scottish title in 10 years. 

After seeing their bitter rivals Celtic win the Scottish Premiership nine seasons in a row, Rangers clinched the 2020-21 title this past weekend.

Gerrard's status as a Liverpool icon combined with his success in Scotland has seen him tipped to take over for Jurgen Klopp, whose side have badly struggled of late. 

What was said?

In an interview with ITV, Gerrard said he was hopeful Klopp would stay at Liverpool "a few more years" while also admitting that coaching his former club someday would be a "dream."

"We have one of the best managers leading our club at the minute," Gerrard said of Klopp.

"I love him, we hope he stays for a few more years - I've got a job here, I don't think it's helpful to talk about this - I hope Jurgen stays at Liverpool for many years.

"Liverpool is my club ... is it a dream for me to one day be the Liverpool manager? Yes, it is. But not yet and who's to say I'll ever be good enough?

"There's a lot of managers on this planet. We need to respect Jurgen first and foremost."

Liverpool's struggles

Klopp's position as Liverpool boss appeared rock-solid just months ago, but a terrible run of form has led to questions over his future. 

The defending Premier League champions have seen their title defence evaporate amid a run of six consecutive home defeats.

Sitting in eighth place, Liverpool will now have to turn things around just to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League. 

The Reds could, of course, qualify by winning this year's Champions League, with the club holding a 2-0 lead over RB Leipzig after the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Germany job set to open

Klopp's future in Liverpool was thrown into question even further on Tuesday, when longtime Germany manager Joachim Low announced he'd be stepping down after this summer's Euro 2020 tournament. 

Klopp has long been linked with the Germany job, but he insisted that he is not looking to become Low's successor.

“If that's the question you want to ask, if I'm available for the job: no,” Klopp told reporters on Tuesday when quizzed on the Die Mannschaft role.

Further reading

Original author: Goal

Twitter reacts as Rohr invites Musa ahead of Onuachu for Nigeria's Afcon qualifiers

Reactions keep coming in after the invitation of the Super Eagles captain at the expense of the in-form forward

Nigeria national team fans have reacted to Gernot Rohr’s squad selections for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho.

The three-time African champions will take on the Squirrels at Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto Novo on March 27 before facing the Crocodiles three days later at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The German tactician has included Ahmed Musa in his squad despite being without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in October.

The forward made a frantic effort to secure a club in January and came close to joining Premier League side West Bromwich Albion but a deal failed to materialize.

The fleet-footed winger has been a consistent performer for Nigeria and has rescued the Super Eagles from defeats on a number of occasions.

Rohr, meanwhile, has surprisingly left out Genk forward Paul Onuachu from his 24-man squad with the player only making the standby list.

The lanky attacker has bagged 26 goals and provided two assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

The forward has struggled to replicate his eye-catching club performances with the Super Eagles in the past, having only scored one goal since he made his debut in 2019.

Fans have taken to social media to express their feelings with many of them, blasting the 67-year-old for his decisions.

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

'Among players in Brazil, Claudinho is the best' - RB Leipzig target tipped for European success by his coach

The former Corinthians forward finished joint-top scorer for the 2020 Serie A campaign with 18 goals

Red Bull Bragantino coach Mauricio Barbieri has tipped star striker Claudinho to make the grade in Europe amid links with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. 

Claudinho, 24, came to prominence in the 2020 Serie A campaign in Brazil as he helped Bragantino take 10th place and secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. 

The forward netted 18 times to finish as the league's joint-top scorer, and his talents have caught the eye of the Sao Paulo side's sister club in Germany.

What was said? 

"The key [for the team's progress] was managing to find a playing style, an identity that would get the best out of the players," Barbieri told Goal. "The best example of that is Claudinho, because of the season he had and all the awards he has received - but it is not just him, other players too. 

"Of course, Claudinho has always been a very talented player, with great potential, but the fact he was in an organised team, which tried to get the best out of him, was important for him to have this great season. 

"He is among the best players active in Brazil right now, no doubt about it, if not the very best. That is due to his ability to break through, be creative, especially around the opposition goal, to look for surprising options which get the fans off the couch. He has a great talent for finishing in front of the net." 

The bigger picture

A native of Sao Vicente in Sao Paulo state, Claudinho began his footballing career at the age of six in Santos' academy and earned a move to Corinthians while still a teenager. 

The young forward failed to make an impression at the Timao, though, and was farmed out on a series of loans, including to Red Bull Brasil. 

When Red Bull Brasil and Bragantino merged in 2019 to form Red Bull Bragantino, Claudinho saw his loan extended at the new club, and he formed a key part of the side which clinched promotion to Serie A at the end of 2019. 

In September Bragantino swooped to sign him on a permanent basis, while at the start of the current year he signed a new deal which runs until 2024.

Further reading

Original author: Goal

LIVE extra-time: Juventus vs Porto

120' There will be three minutes of added time at the end of the second half in extra-time. 

114' Oliveira is brought down by McKennie, and the away side have a free-kick in a dangerous central area. Oliveira will take it...

113' GOOD STOP! Kulusevski breaks down the right-hand side of the field before picking his head up and finding Morata on the edge of the box. The Spaniard opts to take on a first-time shot, but it’s steered straight at Marchesin. 

111' Kulusevski’s shot from left side of the box cannons out for a corner off Manafa. Bernardeschi takes it short, but Corona easily regains possession from the Swedish attacker before winning a free-kick.

109' Pirlo’s side launch a quick break down the left through Ronaldo. The Portuguese attacker drives to the edge of the box, cuts onto his right foot, and sees his shot deflected behind for a corner off Pepe. 

108' Diaz rises to collect Pepe’s clearance and goes down under pressure from Cuadrado. The away side win a free-kick deep inside their own half. 

106' Underway! Porto get the second half in extra-time kicked off. 

Despite Juventus having most of the ball in the first period of extra-time, Porto had the best opportunity to break the deadlock. Following a well-worked corner routine from the left, Marega failed to steer his close-range header either side of Szczesny. As such, there is still nothing between the two sides.

105' + 2' HALF TIME: JUVENTUS 2-1 PORTO (3-3 ON AGGREGATE) 

105' There will be two minutes of added time at the end of the first half in extra-time. 

102' Ronaldo looked to be through on goal after chasing a throughball down the left, but Marchesin was quickly off his line to slide in and take the ball away from the Portuguese attacker.

101' Oliveira does well to take down a lofted pass towards the halfway line before being fouled from behind by Cuadrado. Free-kick Porto. 

99' GOLDEN CHANCE! Oliveira plays a short corner to Corona, who expertly spins away from Arthur and lofts a cross into the box. Marega rises highest to meet the delivery, but his header is fired straight at Szczesny.  

96' Sandro is caught in possession by Diaz on the halfway line, and the Brazilian opts to cynically bring down the attacker with a counter attack on the cards. 

94' Juventus are knocking the ball around midway inside the visitors’ half as they look to make their extra man count. Porto fail to deal with a cross from the right, and Mbemba stands tall to block McKennie’s shot from the edge of the box.  

91' Kick off! Juventus get the first half of extra-time underway. 

Following a dominant second-half display, Juventus take the tie to extra-time after overturning a two-goal deficit. After Oliveira’s spot-kick gave Porto the lead on 19 minutes, Chiesa pulled one back just a few minutes into the second half. Taremi was then dismissed for a second bookable offence, and Chiesa added his second just before the hour mark. The Old Lady pushed for a winner against 10-man Porto in the closing stages, but Morata had a goal ruled out for offside and Cuadrado struck the bar. Extra-time awaits.

90' + 7' FULL TIME: JUVENTUS 2-1 PORTO (3-3 ON AGGREGATE – EXTRA-TIME TO FOLLOW) 

90' + 5' Ronaldo is unable to bring down Cuadrado’s cross from the right, and the ball goes behind for a goal-kick. 

90' + 3' OFF THE BAR! How close was that!? Cuadrado cuts inside from the right and sets the ball onto his left foot. The space opens up for the full-back, who sees his curling strike from the edge of the box cannon back into play off the bar.  

90' + 1' NO GOAL! OFFSIDE! Arthur lofts a dangerous throughball in behind for Morata, who neatly takes it down and finds the bottom-right corner via the post. The flag, however, is up for offside, and VAR confirms that the goal will not stand. Juventus thought that they had won it. 

90' There will be five added minutes at the end of this second half. 

89' With only minutes left to play, Juventus are pushing on in an effort to find a winner in normal time. Extra-time is looming. 

87' Rabiot lines up an ambitious strike from range, and it sails over the top of Marchesin’s goal. 

85' JUST WIDE! Marega uses his strength to hold off Demiral and turn onto his right foot from the left side of the hosts’ penalty area. After creating a yard of space, the striker fires inches wide of the near post. Szczesny looked beaten. 

83' GOOD HIT! Sarr tries his luck from distance with a fierce left-footed strike, and Szczesny does well to parry it to safety from the centre of the goal. 

82' VITAL SAVE! Juventus break down the left flank, and Chiesa easily skips beyond Corona and drives into the box. The winger sets himself on his right foot, but Marchesin is equal to his shot, before Morata slices the rebound.  

80' Arthur looks for Chiesa’s forward run down the left-hand side of the field, although the flag is up for offside against the Italian. 

78' GREAT CHANCE! Cuadrado once again whips a pinpoint cross in from the right, but Ronaldo gets it all wrong in the centre of the box as he heads the ball wide of the far post.  

77' Juventus are camped inside the visitors’ half as they seek an all-important third goal. Following some patient play, Morata finds McKennie with a lofted throughball, and the substitute looks to head it back across goal for Ronaldo. Marchesin, however, is alert to the threat and gathers the headed pass. 

73' If the score stays the same in the remaining minutes, the tie will go to extra-time. It is currently 3-3 on aggregate. 

69' SMART STOP! After playing a short free-kick from the right, Rabiot fires a first-time shot towards goal, and Marchesin is equal to it at the near post. 

67' Juventus are causing lots of problems for Porto in wide areas now. Sandro’s cross from the left just evades Ronaldo before falling for Rabiot, although the referee’s assistant has his flag up for offside against the Frenchman. 

65' Chiesa is the first Italian to score twice in a Champions League match for Juventus since Alessandro Del Piero in November 2008. 

60' Sandro opens up his body and fires a dangerous cross into the Porto box. The lofted pass just evades Ronaldo, and Pepe fires it away with Morata lurking. 

58' Cuadrado switches over to the left and cuts onto his right foot looking for Ramsey at the far post with a cross. The delivery, however, just evades the Welshman and runs behind for a goal-kick. 

56' OFF THE POST! Rabiot launches a well-weighted throughball in behind the Dragons’ defence for the overlapping Chiesa. The Italian rounds Marchesin, but, under pressure Pepe, the ball cannons against the post and out for a corner.  

54' RED CARD! Taremi is sent off! After Marega was adjudged to have fouled Demiral while competing for an aerial ball, Taremi fires the ball forward after the whistle had gone. The Juventus players surround the referee, and he goes to his pocket to show the Porto striker a second yellow card.  

52' GREAT CHANCE! Cuadrado finds space down the right to whip and in-swinging cross into the box, and Ramsey steers his header straight at Marchesin from the centre of the penalty area. 

50' Mbemba catches Ronaldo, and Juventus win a free-kick down the left flank. 

48' Porto had nine shots in the first half, their most in the opening 45 minutes of an away Champions League knockout game since April 2009. During that campaign, the registered 10 in the quarter-finals against Manchester United. 

46' We are back underway! Kuipers, the referee, blows his whistle and Porto get the second half kicked off.

Despite dominating the ball, Pirlo will demand more from his side after the break. Although Morata missed a couple of clear-cut chances, the Old Lady have thus far failed to get Ronaldo into the game. If they hope to overturn the deficit in the second half, they will need to involve the Portuguese attacker at every opportunity. Conceicao, meanwhile, will be delighted with his team's first-half display. As they have done throughout this year’s competition, the Dragons look solid at the back and threatening on the counter.

Following an action-packed opening half, Porto take a one-goal lead on the night in at the break. In the opening stages, both sides had chances to take the lead with Taremi striking the bar and Marchesin keeping out Morata's powerful header. On the 19-minute mark, the Dragons broke the deadlock from the spot through Oliveira after a foul on Taremi from Demiral. Pirlo’s team responded well, and Marchesin was once again called into action to deny Morata’s close-range shot after he latched onto Cuadrado’s far-post cross. 

45' + 4' HALF TIME: JUVENTUS 0-1 PORTO (1-3 ON AGGREGATE) 

45' + 2' SAVE! Arthur brings down Manafa, and Porto win a free-kick in an advanced position down the right flank. Oliveira looks to drive a low delivery into the box, but it does not beat the first man. The hosts fail to clear the danger, and Oliveira’s shot from an acute angle is gathered by Szczesny. 

45' There will be four minutes of added time at the end of the first half.  

43' Oliveria sends a lofted throughball forward for Marega to chase, and Szczesny is quickly off his line to deal with the threat. 

41' OPENING! Cuadrado’s resulting set-piece is flicked on in the centre of the box by Morata, and Marchesin is alert to beat Bonucci to the ball with the defender unmarked at the far post.

40' Cuadrado plays a corner short from the right, and the hosts eventually work the ball to Arthur. The midfielder goes for goal from range, and his strike cannons behind for another corner off Marega. 

38' The Old Lady are enjoying their best spell of possession at present. However, Porto are lining up with a back six without the ball, which Juventus are struggling to break down.  

36' Porto have had eight shots in the opening 36 minutes of play against Juventus, as many they had in the entire first leg. 

34' Following that earlier knock, Pepe is now back to his feet and able to continue. 

32' There will be a brief stoppage in play as Pepe is in need of treatment following a clash of heads with Demiral inside the visitors’ box. 

30' Sandro’s cross from the left is nodded out by Pepe, and Rabiot fires an audacious volley towards goal from a long way out. The Frenchman does not hit the ball cleanly, and it bounces through for Marchesin to make a routine stop. 

29' Sanusi looks to chase a loose ball down the left flank, but just catches Rabiot’s ankles. The home side are awarded a free-kick. 

27' WHAT A CHANCE! Cuadrado cuts inside onto his left foot and floats an inviting cross in towards the far post. Mbemba misjudges the flight of the ball, allowing Morata to take it down. From close range, the Spaniard looks to bend his strike beyond Marchesin, but the Porto goalkeeper parries the shot behind for a corner.  

25' SMART STOP! Otavio tries his luck from the edge of the box, and his curling right-footed effort is gathered by the Juventus goalkeeper, who was quickly down to his left. 

24' GOOD SAVE! The away side once again attack at pace on the counter. The Dragons this time drive forward down the right, and Corana sees a well-struck shot saved by Szczesny at the near post. 

23' Cuadrado easily loses the ball to Otavio, and Porto launch a quick counter through Oliveria. The goalscorer drives forward before looking for Marega with a low left-footed cross, but Demiral reads the danger and clears. 

21' Following that opening goal, Porto now lead the tie 3-1 on aggregate. As such, Juventus need to score twice to send the clash to extra-time.  

17' PENALTY! Corana slides the ball down the right side of the hosts’ penalty area for Marega, who quickly steers it inside for Taremi. The striker shields it from Demiral, who catches him from behind and the referee points to the spot! After checking with VAR, the decision stands. Oliveira will take it...

16' Cuadrado looks to pick out Morata with a looping pass towards the edge of the area, but the throughball is overhit and runs through for Marchesin to claim. 

14' Sanusi slips away from Ramsey and looks to slide Marega in behind the hosts’ defence, although the striker does not read the situation and Szczesny comes out to claim the ball. 

12' Otavio pulls Cuadrado to the ground down the right flank and the decision goes Juventus’ way. Free-kick. 

11' Porto continue to push forward in their efforts to score an early away goal. Sanusi’s long throw-in from the left is only nodded out as far as Uribe, who lashes a first-time strike well wide to the right of Szczesny’s goal. 

9' CLOSE! Ronaldo is brought down a few yards outside the visitors’ penalty area by Uribe and Juventus win a free-kick. Cuadrado’s delivery is flicked on by Ramsey but fizzes wide of the far post.  

7' OFF THE BAR! Sanusi does brilliantly to skip beyond Cuadrado and drive into space in an advanced position down the left, before picking out Taremi in the middle of the area. The striker’s initial shot is blocked by Bonucci, and his follow-up effort is headed against the ball and out for a goal-kick.

5' Bonucci and Szczesny fail to deal with a pass in behind, and Marega almost goes through on goal, but his touch takes it over the line for a goal-kick. 

3' GREAT CHANCE! Cuadrado finds space down the right-hand side of the field and whips a curling cross into the Porto box from deep. Morata peels into space and heads the ball towards goal, but Marchesin reacts quickly to deny the Spaniard. 

2' WIDE! After some bright play, a loose ball falls to Uribe on the edge of the box, and the midfielder pulls his shot wide of the near post. Juventus did not close him down.  

1' Sandro immediately looks to get Juventus on the front foot, but his forward pass catches Chiesa in an offside position.  

1' Kick off! The referee, Bjorn Kuipers, blows his whistle and Juventus get the game underway.  

The teams are out, and kick-off will soon be upon us here at Allianz Stadium. 

Porto are winless in their previous 13 away games in the Champions League knockout stages (D4 L9). Their last such victory came against Deportivo de La Coruna in the semi-finals back in the 2003-04 season.  

Heading into this match, Pirlo’s side are on a two-match home unbeaten run in the Champions League. Across those fixtures, the Old Lady have scored five goals and conceded just one. Juventus will be hoping to end a barren European run against Porto, having been eliminated from five of their last six Champions League knockout ties when losing the first leg. Porto, on the other hand, have not lost in their last six European matches. Moreover, the Dragons have kept clean sheets in each of their last two fixtures on the road. However, the visitors Porto have been eliminated in each of their last three Champions League knockout ties after winning the first leg.

Following their two-goal Serie A victory over Lazio, Andrea Pirlo makes three changes to his starting side. Bonucci comes into the defence in place of Bernardeschi, Arthur replaces the suspended Danilo, and Ronaldo starts ahead of Kulusevski. Sergio Conceicao, on the other hand, makes two alterations for this clash. In come Sanusi and Mbemba for Nanu and Leite, who both drop to the bench.

PORTO SUBS: Diogo Costa, Malang Sarr, Diogo Leite, Fabio Vieira, Mamadou Loum, Marko Grujic, Toni Martinez, Francisco Conceicao, Felipe Anderson, Luis Diaz, Nanu, Evanilson.

JUVENTUS SUBS: Carlo Pinsoglio, Gianluigi Buffon, Radu Dragusin, Matthijs de Ligt, Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluca Frabotta, Weston McKennie, Nicolo Fagioli, Alessandro Di Pardo, Federico Bernardeschi, Dejan Kulusevski.  

PORTO (4-4-2): Agustin Marchesin; Wilson Manafa, Chancel Mbemba, Pepe, Zaidu Sanusi; Corona, Sergio Oliveira, Mateus Uribe, Otavio; Mehdi Taremi, Moussa Marega.  

JUVENTUS (4-4-2): Wojciech Szczesny; Juan Cuadrado, Leonardo Bonucci, Merih Demiral, Alex Sandro; Federico Chiesa, Arthur, Adrien Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey; Alvaro Morata, Cristiano Ronaldo.  

Following their 2-1 loss to their visitors at Estadio do Dragao in the first leg, Juventus defeated Lazio 3-1 in their latest Serie A outing. Porto also come into this off the back of a win, beating Gil Vicente 2-0 last time out in the league.

Hello and welcome to live match coverage of the Champions League round of 16 second-leg fixture between Juventus and Porto at Allianz Stadium.

LIVE: Borussia Dortmund vs Sevilla

Thank you for following our coverage of tonight’s Champions League match-up between Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla. Until next time, stay safe!

Next up for Dortmund is a return to Bundesliga action as they host Hertha Berlin on Saturday evening whilst Sevilla face Real Betis in LaLiga on Sunday night.

A simply crazy Champions League clash ends 2-2 on the night but it’s Borussia Dortmund who advance to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since the 2016-17 season. A brace from Haaland this evening was enough to push the German side past a plucky Sevilla outfit over the two legs despite En-Nesryi converting a late penalty and powering home an even later header.

90' + 7' FULL-TIME: BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2-2 SEVILLA.

90' + 2' Hummels goes down in a heap after Munir makes contact with a high foot. Dortmund are seeing this victory out.

90' Rakitic delivers a free kick from out wide for Sevilla but Hitz punches clear. There’ll be six minutes of additional time played.

88' Sevilla have three minutes plus stoppage time to save this but it’s looking unlikely. Hitz makes a smart stop as Kounde heads at goal but again, Dortmund hold firm.

85' BIG SAVE! Bono keeps Sevilla in it. Haaland and Dahoud combine and the later finds himself all alone in the Sevilla penalty area. The midfielder shoots from close range but the Sevilla shot stopper gets down and makes a huge stop with his right hand.

82' Bellingham attempts an overhead kick that just goes over the Sevilla bar then moments later puts in a massive challenge on Kounde in midfield to push Dortmund back up the pitch. The 17-year-old English midfielder has put a big shift in tonight for the hosts.

80' What a spectacle this second half has been. It’s basically had everything, and a Sevilla comeback would top it off but the away side can’t force any meaningful possession right now. Dortmund are working hard to keep the LaLiga side pinned in their own half of the field.

76' Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland has now scored 20 goals in 14 UEFA Champions League appearances; the quickest a player has ever reached 20 goals in the competition, and in 10 fewer appearances than the previous record holder (Harry Kane, 24).

74' The away side float a corner into the Dortmund box but de Jong can only head over from 10 yards out. Time is running out for Sevilla.

72' Sevilla need two goals to force extra time against all the odds in this Champions League match. Surely the LaLiga side can’t pull it off.

68' PENALTY TO SEVILLA!! Can pushes de Jong to the ground and the away side have a lifeline. 

64' Gomez strikes for the far bottom corner from distance but Hitz does brilliantly to get down quickly and tip the ball around the post.

62' Sevilla haven’t mustered much of a response after that second Haaland strike and look resigned to their fate here.

57' Well, all that matters is that Dortmund have a 2-0 lead on the night and a 5-2 lead in the tie.

50' GOAL DISALLOWED!! But Dortmund have a penalty?! What has the referee decided here?! Instead of giving the goal he points to the spot for a penalty as Kounde fouled Haaland in the box a minute prior. What a bizarre decision!

49' GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!! HAALAND WITH THE SECOND. TIE OVER!!! What an amazing individual effort this is. Haaland plays a neat one-two with Hazard before he pushes into the Sevilla penalty area. The forward shrugs off a challenge from Fernando and finds the far corner with a jabbed finish from close range. VAR will check this though!

48' CLOSE! Hazard very nearly puts this Champions League tie to bed. Haaland races down the left before cutting back to the midfielder who whips an effort just wide from 12 yards out. That’s a huge let off for Sevilla.

46' Both sides are back on the field and the second half begins!

Sevilla have plenty of options on the bench and someone like Gomez with his pace and trickery could be the perfect player to come on and unlock this strong Dortmund defence.

The visitors dominated large portions of the first half but it’s Dortmund who lead at the break after Haaland slotted home from close range. The hosts haven’t been at their best so far in this Champions League clash but they’re doing just enough to see off the LaLiga side.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-0 SEVILLA.

45' + 1' There will be two minutes of additional time played here at the end of this first half.

45' Erling Haaland has now scored 19 goals in the UEFA Champions League; no player has netted more than him since he made his debut in the competition in September 2019 (level with Robert Lewandowski).

43' Jordan tees up Fernando for a shot on the edge of the Dortmund penalty area but the later fires well over. Dortmund will be hoping to keep their opposition off the scoresheet before half time.

38' Sevilla will be kicking themselves. The visitors have dominated the match so far but fall behind to Dortmund’s first real chance at goal.

35' Suso takes a late kick from Delaney and Sevilla have a free kick in quite a dangerous area in the Dortmund half. The visitors work the delivery to the back post but Can clears before Oscar sees his shot from distance blocked.

33' Sevilla have never gone through in a European Cup/UEFA Champions League knockout tie after losing the first leg, going out against Real Madrid in 1957-58, Fenerbahce in 2007-08 and Bayern Munich in 2017-18.

31' Thankfully, Carlos is back on the pitch and looks fine to continue as Sevilla go in search of a breakthrough.

30' Carlos is currently down for Sevilla and is receiving treatment for what looks like a muscular problem. It would be a huge loss for the visitors if he had to depart.

28' It’s currently wave after wave of Sevilla attacks as Dortmund try to hold firm at the back. Despite their early dominance, the Spanish side haven’t really forced any major chances just yet.

26' It hasn’t been a great start for Dortmund. The hosts have been put under a lot of pressure by Sevilla and look unable to hold possession for long periods in the midfield. Haaland has cut a very lonely figure upfront so far in this vital Champions League match-up.

23' Morey is going to have to be extremely careful for the rest of this match after that early booking. Ocampos has looked Sevilla’s liveliest player so far and will look to pile as much pressure as he can on the defender.

20' CLOSE! Suso fires just wide for Sevilla. Ocampos again cuts in from the left wing, nutmegs Can in the process and then passes to Suso just inside the box. The midfielder takes a touch before smashing an effort goalward from 15 yards out, but it just misses the near bottom corner.

18' There’s another reprieve for Dortmund as Ocampos fouls Morey after a battle between the two on the left wing. The hosts are doing well to slow down the play and take the sting out of the Sevilla attack right now.

16' Sevilla have lost three of their last four UEFA Champions League matches against German sides, since a 3-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in September 2015. The visitors will be hoping for a similar scoreline tonight! 

14' Dortmund have a sniff at goal as Carlos slips under pressure from Hazard. The Belgian midfielder looks for Reus in the box, but the Dortmund captain handles the ball and the referee blows up for a Sevilla free kick.

13' It’s all one-way traffic right now as Sevilla keep their early strangle hold on this Champions League match. The hosts haven’t got out of their own half for the past four or five minutes.

10' Sevilla force the first corner of the match through a blocked Jesus Navas cross. Suso delivers but the Dortmund defence hold strong for now.

9' Well, it’s certainly been a better start to proceedings for Sevilla. The LaLiga side have held the majority of the early possession and have in particular looked threatening down the left wing through Ocampos and Acuna.

6' Borussia Dortmund are unbeaten in their last seven home games in the UEFA Champions League (W5 D2) and have only lost one of their previous 11 on home soil in the competition (0-1 v eventual finalists Spurs in 2018-19).

4' STRIKE! The first shot on target goes the way of the visitors. Ocampos picks up the ball on the left wing before making his way to the edge of the Dortmund box. The midfielder unleashes a wicked shot  from 25 yards out but Hitz does enough to push the effort away.

3' It’s all on Sevilla to come out and attack the home side in this Champions League clash. Dortmund will be comfortable with sitting back and hitting their opponents on the break throughout especially with the pacey Haaland upfront. Remember, this tie could go all the way to extra time and penalties tonight but only if the visitors match the three away goals that Dortmund grabbed in the first leg.

1' Referee Cuneyt Cakir blows his whistle and we’re underway here in the west of Germany!

The players are emerging from the tunnel and kick-off is just moments away. 

Borussia Dortmund’s only previous home match against Sevilla was in the 2010-11 UEFA Europa League group stage, losing 1-0.

Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui rings the changes after resting key players for his side’s lost to lowly Elche in LaLiga at the weekend. Navas, Kounde, Carlos and Acuna form the defence with Jordan, Fernando and Rodriguez starting in the centre of the park. En-Nesyri leads the line for the visitors as Ocampos and Suso start on the wings.

Dortmund are substantially weaker than they were for the first leg of this Champions League tie. Jadon Sancho, Gio Reyna and Raphael Guerreiro all miss out despite facing late fitness tests whilst Axel Witsel and Manuel Akanji remain long term absentees. As a result, Morey, Can, Hummels and Schulz make up the backline whilst Bellingham, Delaney and Dahoud all start in central midfield. Reus and Hazard play either side of the inform Haaland in attack. 

SEVILLA SUBS: Tomas Vaclik, Alfonso Pastor, Sergi Gomez, Karim Rekik, Nemanja Gudelj, Luuk de Jong, Ivan Rakitic, Munir, Sergio Escudero, Oliver Torres, Ivan Romero, Alejandro Gomez.

SEVILLA (4-3-3): Yassine Bounou; Jesus Navas, Jules Kounde, Diego Carlos, Marcos Acuna; Joan Jordan, Fernando, Oscar Rodriguez; Lucas Ocampos, Youssef En-Nesyri, Suso,

BORUSSIA DORTMUND SUBS: Roman Burki, Stefan Drljaca, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Youssoufa Moukoko, Julian Brandt, Reinier, Thomas Meunier, Lukasz Piszczek, Steffen Tigges, Ansgar Knauff, Tobias Raschl.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND (4-3-3): Marwin Hitz; Mateu Morey, Emre Can, Mats Hummels, Nico Schulz; Mahmoud Dahoud, Thomas Delaney, Jude Bellingham; Thorgan Hazard, Erling Haaland, Marco Reus.

Sevilla travel to Germany in an effort to turnaround a 3-2 deficit from the first leg of this Champions League knockout clash with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund. A brace from Haaland and a further strike from Dahoud have put the German side fully in charge of this tie with those three all-important away goals. Sevilla though are known for their strong European performances so don’t be surprised if the LaLiga side spring another surprise tonight.

Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of this Champions League fixture between Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla.

'You function to save your kids' - Ex-Germany striker Helmes reflects on horror of witnessing Vienna terror attack

The 37-year-old said he was only 30 metres from the shooting and had to hide under a table in a restaurant

Former Germany national team striker Patrick Helmes has recounted the horrors of witnessing a terrorist attack in Vienna in November.

Helmes, who is currently the coach of the reserve side of Austrian Bundesliga outfit FC Flyeralarm Admira, was at a restaurant with his family when the attack took place. 

Four people were killed in the attack before police killed the shooter– a 20-year-old man. 

What was said?

In an interview with Goal and SPOX, Helmes recounted the horror of being just 30 metres from the attack.  

"I was in a restaurant with my wife and my kids, some 30 metres away from the attack," the 37-year-old said. "When people came rushing in, we first thought that it was a surprise for a birthday party at the table next to us.

"But things turned hectic and people were screaming: 'Someone is shooting outside.' Everything turned chaotic and people started to hide.

"We barricaded ourselves in some sort of garbage room for two hours, then in the kitchen and finally under the tables. We lost our sense of time. All in all, we were in that restaurant for seven and a half hours. Then everything was called off and people were able to leave.

"The feeling is hard to describe. You just function because you want to save your kids. It was interesting to see how people react when they fear death.

"As parents, my wife and I cared about our kids first and foremost. Everybody else just tried to protect themselves.

"We were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Thinking about that day still feels surreal today. Fortunately, nothing happened to us and it just gave us a big scare." 

Who is Patrick Helmes?

Helmes began his professional career in 2005 with FC Koln, Helmes went on to play for Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg before returning to Koln, where he ended his career in 2015.

The forward scored 45 goals in 98 Bundesliga appearances, and also netted twice in 13 games with the Germany national team.

Following retirement, Helmes began his coaching career with FC Koln II, before moving to Austria to join FC Flyeralarm Admira in 2020. 

Further reading

Original author: Nino Duit

Oshoala cleared to return for Barcelona despite Fortuna Hjorring injury

The Nigerian missed the Santa Teresa triumph after hurting herself in the first leg match against the Danish champions

Asisat Oshoala's absence from the Barcelona victory over Santa Teresa will not prevent her from taking part in Wednesday's second leg against Fortuna Hjorring in the Women's Champions League.

The Nigerian featured in the final 13 minutes for Lluis Cortes' team, after replacing hat-trick hero Jenni Hermoso at Estadi Johan Cruyff, as the Spanish champions cruised to a 4-0 first-leg victory.

Oshoala was forced to watch the last match against Santa from the sidelines, having been left out due to an injury on her right foot.

Besides the Nigerian, teammates Lieke Martens and Andrea Falcon also missed the Santa trip due to discomfort in their knees on Friday.

Ahead of their trip to Denmark, Oshoala and Martens, however, were cleared to make the Barcelona squad to Hjorring for the second leg match.

The Catalans, with three games in hand, continue to lead the Primera Iberdrola with a seven-point lead over nearest rivals Levante.

They will also aim to maintain their superb run in the Champions League but must finish up their Round of 16 showdown on a high on their visit to the Nord Energi Arena on Wednesday.

If handed some minutes, Oshoala will be hoping to end her six-match drought in all competitions for Barcelona in Hjorring.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Golden Arrows not targeting Orlando Pirates' PSL position - Ncikazi

Abafana Bes’thende have a chance to go second on the table on Wednesday and displace the Buccaneers

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi says they are not thinking about the prospect of dislodging Orlando Pirates from second position on the Premier Soccer League standings when they travel to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila for Wednesday’s match.

Victory for Arrows will see them removing the Buccaneers who are just a point below leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Fourth-placed Arrows have played two games fewer than Bucs. But Ncikazi is playing down the possibility of his side ending the day just below Sundowns if they win, a result that would see them leapfrogging SuperSport United and Pirates possibly dropping to third spot.

“We don’t even highlight what could happen in terms of position if we were to get maximum points tomorrow [Wednesday]‚ which is what we are planning to do‚” said Ncikazi as per Times Live.

“The mind of a person works so much with a picture and we don’t want to exaggerate or highlight the picture of what could happen if the team were to get the points. We want players to focus on what we planned during preseason‚ which is getting a minimum of eight points or a maximum of 15 if possible from a block of five matches.

“If the team wins tomorrow‚ we will get 10 points from a group five‚ which is within our objectives. Irrespective of what happens tomorrow‚ we will still continue facing our objectives which‚ as I said‚ is a minimum of eight points or a maximum 15 points if possible from a group of five.”

While Arrows focus on claiming three points against TTM, Pirates are in Ghana for a Caf Confederation Cup assignment against ES Setif.

Abafana Bes’thende arrive in Limpopo fresh from upstaging Black Leopards 3-1 last Sunday.

It will be their third straight game against a team from Limpopo.

“This is another tough assignment for our team against TTM away from home in Limpopo,” said Ncikazi.

“We have been to Limpopo for the past two games and this one tomorrow is going to be difficult because TTM are a very good team with a lot of good players.

“They have started getting positive results and it's going to be very tough for our team. They are a very good team with good players like Alfred Ndengane‚ Rhulani Manzini‚ Lerato Lamola‚ Thabo Rakhale and Joseph Malongoane‚ to name a few.”

Original author: Michael Madyira

Klopp, Kuntz and 11 candidates to replace Low as Germany coach

The World Cup winning manager is set to leave the national team job after a decade and a half in charge when Euro 2020 comes to an end in July
Original author: Goal

Caf organises workshop for African women's football administrators

16 months after hosting women's football officials, the continent's football body are gearing up for the second workshop

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) is set to organise the second workshop for women's football administrators across the continent this month, Goal can exclusively report.

The programme, spearheaded by the Caf women's football department, is scheduled to be held virtually from March 22 to 24, with representatives from member associations in attendance.

This is also happening 16 months after a refresher course held in Cairo, Egypt in November 2019, first involving 21 French-speaking countries before 27 English-speaking nations a week later.

It is also happening a few days after the well-attended two-day Caf women's strategy workshop where foundations were laid for the development of the women's game on the continent.

In a letter to African FAs obtained by Goal, Caf wrote: "We have the pleasure to inform you that Caf is organising a women's football administrators capacity-building online workshop from 22 to 24 March, 2021 for women's football administrators [member association employee responsible for women's football]. 

"The objective of this is to inform, educate and increase managerial expertise of responsible personnel in women's football administration across all member associations of Caf. 

"Caf women's football development department has the pleasure to invite your member association's women's football development administrator to be part of this course."

Goal also understands interested participating member associations are expected to confirm their attendance for the virtual workshop to be held via zoom on or before March 15.

Nigeria was absent from the first-ever Caf women's administrator course in November 2019 following the position vacancy which has since been filled by Amina Sani Zangon Daura last November.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

'Cavani doesn't feel comfortable in England' - Man Utd star wants to leave and is angry about racism ban, says his father

The striker's deal is up at the end of the season and he could leave for Boca Juniors, although an extension at Old Trafford is possible

Edinson Cavani’s father has said his son is unhappy playing in England and wants to leave in the summer.

The Uruguayan signed for Manchester United in the summer on a free transfer, penning a year long deal with both sides having the option to extend for a further 12 months.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about the positive impact the 34-year-old has had at the club but his father, Luis, says Cavani wants to play in South America to be nearer his family, has made contact with Boca Juniors about a transfer, and is also angry after being banned for using a racist word in a social media post.

What was said?

Speaking to Argentine football programme Superfutbol on the TyC Sports network, the striker’s father said: “My son is not happy in England and wants to return nearer his family. He wants to play in South America.

“I want Edinson to play for a team which fights for important trophies. He has had many conversations with [Boca vice-president Juan Roman] Riquelme and would like to play for Boca.

“At the halfway point of the year, he’d like to return to South America. My son’s idea is not to continue there [in Manchester]. He wants to return.

"I think he's going to come back in June this year. He has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave in June.

"There are things which sometimes annoy us as humans, as people, the whole 'n*grito' ban issue annoyed him. That has been playing on him, sometimes players can't find form either, these things can weigh heavy on you. Sometimes mentally you can get dragged down."

What has Solskjaer said?

Cavani’s contract is up at the end of the season and Solskjaer confirmed a couple of weeks ago that he was set to sit down with the forward to discussion a potential extension to his say.

"I can only say Edinson has done well," the United manager said. "I’ve been impressed by him, he’s really gelled in the group and we’ll sit down and speak with him in the near future to see his plans and our plans.

"It’s a good discussion to have. We always speak to the players and with his contract situation at the moment we’re very pleased with what he’s done."

Goal's view

Cavani has had a positive impact since joining in the summer after many doubted why United had made a move for the 34-year-old.

He’s scored seven goals and has two assists across 25 appearances in all competitions and his impact off the pitch has been hailed as much as his contribution on it. His vast experience and winning mentality in addition to his clinical finishing has led to a number of the players speaking about how he has improved them.

Goal understands there is interest in Boca Juniors for the striker, and his father is backing him to go there, but he was considering staying in a more elite league ahead of the World Cup next year.

From United’s perspective they are still keen on signing a centre-forward. If they can get a top target, like Erling Haaland for example, then they wouldn’t necessarily need Cavani as well.

However, Solskjaer has been impressed with the Uruguayan and is open to extending his stay. He would be a miss if they were to let him go without being able to replace him, as while Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial have shown they are capable of stepping up, the team is screaming out for a natural No 9.

Further reading

Cavani at his peak is the striker Manchester United need - Hughes

Solskjaer: I haven't been surprised by Cavani, just impressed

Cavani revelling in life at Manchester United

Original author: Charlotte Duncker

Too Good, Too Bad: The Best & Worst of Nigerians Abroad

Goal review the nation's best performers around the world this weekend, and name a few who under-performed
Original author: Seye Omidiora

Caf Confederation Cup: How Orlando Pirates could start against ES Setif

Bucs will travel to Ghana where they are set to open their Group A campaign on Wednesday. Goal takes a look at the Soweto giants' possible XI
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Why doesn't Lionel Messi sing the Argentina national anthem?

The Argentina & Barcelona superstar is, at times, decides to remain silent while the anthem is played before games - so why doesn't he sing it?

Lionel Messi has been known to sometimes forego singing the Argentina national anthem while on international duty over the years.

There have been some instances in which he has sung the anthem, but for the most part, Messi decides to be silent next to his team-mates while it is played out in the stadium.

So why does Messi choose not to sing it? Goal takes a look.

Why doesn't Messi sing the Argentina national anthem?

Messi has stated that his devotion for Argentina goes beyond the act of singing the anthem before international fixtures, and that he chooses to express his love for his country in a different manner. 

"I get annoyed by the people who attack you without thinking. I won't sing the national anthem on purpose. I don't need to sing it to feel it," he told TyCSports in 2015. 

"It reaches me, every person feels it in their own way. The Pumas cry, they feel it differently and that's ok. 

"I play with the national team always as a priority and I want to win everything I play."

And while he doesn't sing the Argentina national anthem most of the time, a young Albiceleste mascot revealed in 2019 that the striker hums the anthem before kick-off instead.

Tomas Chavez got to meet Messi during Argentina's fixture against Qatar in 2019.

"He caressed me and his hand was bigger than my head, that's why he laughed," Chavez told Marca.

"I hugged him and told him a lot of things: that I loved him, that he is my idol, that I always wanted to meet him and never had the opportunity [to do so].

"[During the anthem] he has his mouth shut and hums the anthem.

"It's true that he does not sing the hymn, but he hums it. I heard it."

Argentina national anthem lyrics (abbreviated 1924 modern version)

Oid, mortales, el grito sagrado:
"¡Libertad! ¡Libertad! ¡Libertad!"
Oíd el ruido de rotas cadenas
ved en trono a la noble igualdad

Ya su trono dignísimo abrieron
las Provincias Unidas del Sud
y los libres del mundo responden:
"¡Al gran pueblo argentino, salud!"
Y los libres del mundo responden:
"¡Al gran pueblo argentino, salud!"

Sean eternos los laureles,
que supimos conseguir.
Coronados de gloria vivamos
¡O juremos con gloria morir!
¡O juremos con gloria morir!

Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the sound of broken chains
See noble equality enthroned.

Their most worthy throne have now opened
The United Provinces of the South.
And the free people of the world reply:
"To the great Argentine people, hail!"
And the free people of the world reply:
"To the great Argentine people, hail!"

May the laurels be eternal
that we were able to achieve
Let us live crowned in glory
Or let us swear to die with glory!
Or let us swear to die with glory!

Original author: Goal

Bill to guarantee USWNT 'fair and equitable wages' introduced in House of Representatives

The legislation also threatens to cut funding for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada

U.S. Congresswomen Doris Matsui and Rosa DeLauro have introduced the Give Our Athletes Level Salaries (GOALS) Act on Monday, aiming to ensure the U.S. women's national team (USWNT) is paid "fair and equitable wages" compared to the men's team.

The aim of the bill, according to its sponsors, is to "block any and all federal funding for the 2026 World Cup – jointly-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada – until the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) pays the USWNT fair and equitable wages."

The USWNT has been engaged in a lawsuit against U.S. Soccer for several years, with a judge ruling against the team last year in their pay discrimination claim.

What has been said?

“Stars such as Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd are household names, yet their hard work – which has brought our nation various World Cups including the most recent tournament – is grossly undervalued," Congresswoman Matsui said in a news release.

"From factory floors to the boardroom, to the soccer pitch of the world’s biggest stage, women everywhere perform the same job and do not get what they deserve – equal pay for equal work. 

"The GOALS Act provides a clear message to the U.S. Soccer Federation – make real reforms to provide equal wages to their female athletes or sacrifice vital funds for the 2026 World Cup."

What is the status of the USWNT lawsuit?

In December, the USWNT and U.S. Soccer reached a settlement over one portion of the team's lawsuit, involving unequal working conditions. 

As part of the settlement, U.S. Soccer agreed to revised policies over charter flights, venue selection, professional support, and hotel accommodations.

The settlement alllowed the USWNT to move forward with their appeal over a federal judge's May 2020 ruling in U.S. Soccer's favor over the team's pay discrimination claim.

What are the chances the bill is passed?

Based on the volume of bills introduced in every two-year U.S. Congress, it would appear the GOALS Act faces long odds to become law. 

According to GovTrack, there have been more than 2,500 pieces of legislation introduced in the 117th Congress, which only began in January. Just one of those has become law so far. 

Congresswomen Matsui and DeLauro introduced a similar bill in 2019, which did not advance past the U.S. House of Representatives.

The GOALS Act would need to advance past the U.S. House and then pass the Senate as well, before President Joe Biden's signature would make it law. 

Biden has expressed his support for the idea in the past, tweeting last year: "To U.S. Soccer: equal pay, now. Or else when I'm president, you can go elsewhere for World Cup funding."

Further reading

Original author: Goal

FUT Birthday: Dates, features & SBCs for the FIFA 21 Ultimate Team event

The annual event is expected to return again for FIFA 21, celebrating 12 years of Ultimate Team

FIFA Ultimate Team celebrates its 12th birthday this year, meaning the annual FUT Birthday promotion is likely to return again for FIFA 21.

The promotion usually brings back some of the most popular players from past editions of FIFA, giving them huge upgrades and special cards.

Additionally, FUT Birthday offers a range of pack promotions in the store, as well as other in-game objectives and squad building challenges.

What is FUT Birthday?

FIFA Ultimate Team first arrived as an additional download in FIFA 2009 and was only a small part of the overall FIFA experience.

However, in the years since, it has grown to be the biggest and most popular game mode in FIFA and EA Sports usually celebrates its birthday every year with a special promotion.

In the past few years, FUT Birthday squads have been released with two teams available in packs for a week each.

Other upgraded players can be acquired by completing objectives or squad building challenges (SBCs).

When will FUT Birthday begin?

Every year, the FUT Birthday event begins on the last Friday of March, so this year it is expected to begin on March 26.

The promotion usually runs for two weeks, with a FUT Birthday squad being released on March 26 and then a second team being added to packs on April 2.

The main part of the FUT Birthday is the two special teams, containing popular players from previous editions of FIFA.

These players receive huge ratings upgrades, while some are also given position changes and upgrades to their skill rating and weak foot.

Additional FUT Birthday players will be released in daily Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), as well as weekly objectives.

The weekly objective players require you to complete a certain number of in-game objectives, including scoring a certain amount of goals or providing a particular amount of assists.

Will there be special offers during FUT Birthday?

Ahead of FUT Birthday, EA Sports celebrated Player Days by awarding free packs to FIFA users. These packs increased in value the more time you spent playing FIFA 21 so far this season.

As well as these untradeable rewards, special packs will be added to the store during the entire FUT Birthday event.

These packs will be available for limited periods and have purchase limits, while some of the FIFA community have speculated that "2 for 1" pack offers could be part of FUT Birthday after buy one get one free packs were added to the game's code.

Original author: Ronan Murphy

'Anything can happen' - Guardiola insists Man Utd can still catch City in Premier League title race

The Catalan does not think his side are assured of being champions yet, despite their healthy lead at the top of the table

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester United can still catch Manchester City in this season's title race.

United kept their faint hopes of winning the Premier League alive by beating City 2-0 at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with a Bruno Fernandes penalty and a Luke Shaw strike wrapping up three points for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

The Red Devils are still 11 points behind their neighbours with just 10 games to go, but Guardiola insists they still have a chance of bridging that gap if his team allow their focus to slip.

What's been said?

Asked if City could still be hauled in by United, Guardiola told a press conference ahead of Wednesday's game against Southampton: “Of course. When the options are open, anything can happen in football.

"Nobody thought we could go [winning] 21 games in a row, 15 in the Premier League, so everything can happen.

"A team like United can do it. There are 10 games left and we have to win six or seven to be champions mathematically.

"We are going to try and win the first one tomorrow."

How have City opened up such a huge lead?

City's chances of lifting the 2020-21 Premier League trophy were written off in some quarters after they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom at the Etihad on December 15.

Guardiola's side had been inconsistent up to that point, with another four draws and two defeats recorded in their first 12 games, but have barely put a foot wrong since.

They embarked on a thrilling 21-game winning run across all competitions which included 15 top-flight wins, with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all seen off in impressive fashion.

Second-place United fell 14 points off the pace as a result, but it remains to be seen how City will react after their cloak of invulnerability slipped during the derby at the weekend.

What's next?

Guardiola was speaking ahead of City's meeting with Southampton, who picked up their first win in nine games away at Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Saints' poor run of results included a 9-0 humbling at the hands of United at Old Trafford, but Guardiola ruled out emulating their rivals when quizzed on City's prospects of a similar result at the Etihad in midweek.

"We will score 18. This will be the result. What a question!" he said. "They conceded nine when they played 80 minutes 10 against 11. Do you think this is a joke and we will score 18 goals?

"It will be an incredible success for us to win this game - that is all. I admire the way Ralph [Hasenhuttl] and his team plays. I don't see the table. Another test to play good and try to win."

Further reading

'I would be devastated' - Wijnaldum admits Liverpool exit will be hard as Anfield career draws to a close

The Dutchman is out of contract in the summer and says it will be difficult to walk away from the club after five successful years

Gini Wijnaldum admits he will be “devastated” to leave Liverpool, as he approaches the end of his five-year stay on Merseyside.

Wijnaldum’s Reds contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and at this point there is no sign of an extension being agreed.

The Dutchman remains an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s team – no player has made more appearances in this campaign – but it appears increasingly likely that the 30-year-old will be allowed to leave on a free transfer in the summer.

What’s been said?

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 clash with RB Leipzig, Wijnaldum was asked directly about his future, specifically whether he was resigned to leaving, whether there was any chance of him signing a new contract and how he would feel about moving on.

Smiling, he replied: “Wow, that’s a lot of questions at one time! I want to answer them all for you, but at the moment there is no news. I would like to come with news, but the only thing I can say is that I’m really happy with the club, really happy with the team, the staff, and really happy with the fans I play for.

“That’s the only thing I can say; it’s not that I’m not happy and I have to leave or anything like that. But it’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make decisions for your future. You have to think about everything, first you have to negotiate with the club and those kind of things. It’s so difficult to deal with it all. That’s why it takes so long.

“But we know with the situation we are in right now, it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to get back on track, start winning games again and then we will see. I am really happy here, my family is happy, but besides that there is no news.”

Later in the press conference, he was asked how hard it would be to leave Liverpool, if and when the time comes.

He said: “Really difficult, because if it happens, I will leave a team I really love, a team where we shared a lot of years together and where I feel really comfortable. That will be difficult, but at the other side you will know the situation, why you have to leave.

“It always depends on the situation, but that I will be devastated that I will not be able to play with this team anymore? For sure.”

Where might Wijnaldum end up?

There have been persistent links with Barcelona, whose manager Ronald Koeman coached Wijnaldum with the Dutch national team.

It is understood that Wijnaldum is keen on the idea of moving to Camp Nou, but the Liga giants’ precarious financial situation meant a move was not possible, either last summer or in January. It remains to be seen whether they are willing to back Koeman by signing the former PSV man this year.

Paris Saint-Germain are another club who have expressed interest, while Juventus and Inter are understood to be monitoring the situation too.

Further reading

Original author: Neil Jones

'I'm inspired by Ronaldinho & Neymar' - PSG star Baltimore expresses admiration towards Brazilian duo

The French winger has discussed her main role models from the men's game while opening up on her development at Parc des Princes

Paris Saint-Germain star Sandy Baltimore has revealed that she draws inspiration from Brazilian duo Ronaldinho and Neymar to help her on her own career path.

Baltimore has enjoyed a rapid ascent to prominence since stepping up to the PSG first team in 2016, establishing herself as one of the top players in the Division 1 Feminine while also becoming a full France international.

The 21-year-old, who has helped Olivier Echouafni's side rise to the top of the league this season, says she has benefitted from studying up on former Brazil star Ronaldinho and current Selecao forward Neymar while honing her skills at the highest level of the women's game.

What's been said?

Asked to name her main role models, Baltimore told Goal :  "Ronaldinho, I like his dribbling, his technical moves. Neymar, too. Sometimes, I watch videos of their technical moves.

"I don't have the same style, but I like it and try to be inspired by them."

Baltimore's record for PSG this season

Baltimore has made 16 appearances across all competitions for PSG so far this term, scoring eight goals.

The France international has also laid on seven assists, and feels as though she is improving with each passing game.

"I really passed a milestone this season." she added. "The more I play, the more I progress and the more I gain self-confidence.

"I'm more relaxed, I put less pressure on myself."

What's next?

Baltimore will be back in contention for a place in Echouafni's starting XI when PSG come up against Sparta Prague in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Wednesday.

The Parisians will then turn their attention to a huge top-of-the-table clash against Lyon at the weekend, with just a point separating the two teams after 15 games.

Further reading

Man City team news vs Southampton: Guardiola considers recalling Aguero and Foden

The Premier League leaders are aiming to put Manchester derby disappointment behind them after their 21-match winning run came to an end

Sergio Aguero and Phil Foden could be recalled for Manchester City’s clash with Southampton as Pep Guardiola aims to put the defeat to Manchester United behind him.

City’s 21-match winning streak came to an end on Sunday when they were beaten 2-0 by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

It cut their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points but City can re-establish a 14-point advantage on Wednesday with victory over the Saints.

What has been said?

Asked if they will be recalled to face Southampton, Guardiola told a news conference: “Maybe. I will decide tomorrow.

“I have an idea in general of the guys who will play but I have a few doubts. Tomorrow I will decide.”

On the reaction to the United defeat he added: “[It was] a mix of disappointment and sadness and at the same time the second day was better and today completely on fire.

“It’s a normal process when you lose the games, this reaction is common.”

Why have Aguero and Foden not been playing?

Aguero has started just one Premier League match since October after a  mixture of injury and illness has blighted his season.

The 32-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is still working his way back to full fitness and did not come off the bench in City’s last two matches.

Foden was City’s most used player in January but has not started a Premier League match since the 3-1 win over Everton on February 17.

What’s next for City?

Guardiola revealed that he has no injury doubts for the visit of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

City’s hectic schedule continues with a trip to Fulham on Saturday, which will be their final Premier League fixture before the international break.

They then face German side Borussia Monchengladbach in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash before an FA Cup quarter-final against Everton.

Further reading

Original author: Jonathan Smith

FutPost.com