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EA Sports has had a long association with major international tournaments, producing officially licensed football video games for a number of World Cups and European Championships.

While there was a World Cup 2018 expansion download for FIFA 18, there will be no Euro 2020 download for FIFA 21 this summer, just as there was no Euro 2016 mode on FIFA 16.

So why is that the case? Goal brings you everything you need to know, including how to play the official UEFA game.

Why Euro 2020 won't be on FIFA 21

FIFA 21 will not feature the Euro 2020 tournament, which may come as a disappointment to loyal fans of the franchise. 

The reason is because Konami - EA Sports' rival - secured an exclusive partnership with UEFA for eFootball PES 2020 to be the official European Championship video game. The postponement of the tournament to summer 2021 has meant this been added as a mode in eFootball PES 2021.

The partnership between Konami and UEFA was first announced August 2019 and the new eFootball PES 2021 season update included the Euro 2020 tournament from launch.

Rather than release a new version of the Pro Evolution Soccer, the 2021 edition was released as a Season Update to PES 2020, with Konami confirming the update would boast "the latest player and club data for the new season and include the exclusive Euro 2020 mode and content in advance of the rescheduled real-life tournament."

Konami also had an official licensing deal with UEFA for Euro 2016, releasing a downloadable update as well as standalone physical and digital copies.

That game, which featured Gareth Bale as a cover star, had 15 officially licensed teams, with the remaining nine teams appearing as generic versions of themselves.

What will the eFootball PES 2021 Euro 2020 update have?

The Euro 2020 version of eFootball PES 2021 will allow gamers to play their own version of UEFA's European Championship and they will be able to do so with any of the federation's 55 member teams.

All the latest kits and squads were to be made available in the official download, with additions such as Saint Petersburg Stadium and Wembley Stadium, the latter of which is due to host the semi-finals and final.

As part of the immersive experience, the game update will have the official matchday ball of Euro 2020, as well as a realistic representation of the tournament trophy - the Henry Delaunay cup.

How can I get the eFootball PES Euro 2020 game?

In order to play the Euro 2020 eFootball PES game, you can purchase eFootball PES 2021 as a standalone game or as a Season Update download for PES 2020.

As this year's edition of Pro Evolution Soccer is an update rather than a brand-new game, it is cheaper than usual, retailing at less than £20/$20.

Konami decided not to release a proper game this year as it will allow them to fully focus on developing the best game possible for next-gen consoles with the release of eFootball PES 2022.

When will Euro 2020 take place?

Euro 2020 will now begin on June 11, 2021 and conclude on July 11, 2021.

The tournament had originally been scheduled to take place in June and July 2020, but UEFA was forced to postpone due to the severity of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Jurgen Klopp has ruled out the possibility of taking over from Joachim Low as manager of Germany after this summer’s European Championship, with the Liverpool boss fully committed to his contract at Anfield.

The current coach of Die Mannschaft has revealed that he will be stepping down after one more major tournament at the helm, meaning that a prominent post in world football is set to become available.

Inevitably, given his standing in the global game and current struggles for Premier League form, Klopp has been mooted as a potential option for the DFB to explore, but he insists that a deal on Merseyside that is due to run until 2024 will not be broken.

What has been said?

“If that's the question you want to ask, if I'm available for the job: no,” Klopp told reporters when quizzed on links to the Germany job at a press conference to preview Liverpool’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.

“Jogi Low did an incredible job for so many years. One of the most successful. I understand he wants to have this highlight of a Euros. And then someone else will do a job. Lots of good German managers.”

He added: “No, I will not be available as a potential coach of the German national team in the summer or after the summer.

“I have three years left at Liverpool. It's a simple situation; you sign a contract and you try to stick to that.”

Why is Klopp’s future being questioned?

One of the most highly-rated managers in the world game has faced more uncomfortable questions of late than he is accustomed to.

That is because the wheels have fallen off a Liverpool bandwagon that appeared to be making serene progress towards more major silverware.

Klopp has delivered Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League crowns during his time at Anfield, but the 2020-21 campaign is in danger of becoming a write-off.

Liverpool have suffered six successive defeats on home soil for the first time in their history, with a humbling tumble taken down the English top-flight table.

European glory is still there to be shot at, with a 2-0 lead held in a last-16 encounter with Leipzig, but change has been mooted on and off the field.

Klopp has always maintained that he will not be walking away from a challenge, having committed to a long-term deal, and has only ever speculated on taking the Germany job once his ties to Liverpool are severed.

How long has Low been Germany manager?

The DFB are about to enter the coaching market for the first time in 15 years.

Low, who had previously filled an assistant role with the German national side, was handed the reins back in July 2006.

He has taken in 189 games at the helm, winning 120 of those fixtures and suffering just 31 defeats.

An undoubted high was hit in 2014 when, after hitting a stunning run of form, Germany tasted World Cup glory in Brazil.

The Confederations Cup was also landed in 2017, but a forgettable defence to a global crown was offered a year later and struggles – including a 6-0 defeat to Spain – were endured in the latest Nations League campaign.

Goal View - Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones

That should be that, as far as the rumours are concerned.

No sooner had news of Joachim Low’s summer exit as German national team manager been confirmed, than Jurgen Klopp’s name was being thrown into the mix.

Understandable, but always unlikely.

“I am not available, this summer or after it,” Klopp said a couple of hours later. He has three years left on his contract after this season, and he intends to honour them.

That will be music to the ears of most right-minded Liverpool supporters, and to the club’s owners. Fenway Sports Group have no appetite whatsoever to start considering Klopp’s position as Reds boss, despite a miserable defence of their Premier League crown this season.

There is sympathy and understanding from Boston about the challenges Klopp and his team have faced in this campaign, in particular the scale of the club’s injury crisis, and the German retains the full backing of those who matter at Anfield; the principal owner John W Henry, the chairman Tom Werner and the FSG president Mike Gordon, with whom Klopp shares a particularly close relationship.

Liverpool plan to back the manager in the transfer market this summer, even if they miss out on Champions League football, and there is a strong belief that with a fit and healthy squad, and with football hopefully returning to a more normal rhythm next season, that Klopp can get them challenging again.

Rumours about the Germany job are sure to remain, given Klopp’s profile and the respect he commands in his homeland. And sure, in the future it will be a job which appeals. Indeed, it would be a surprise if he did not one day end up managing his country.

Just don’t expect it to happen any time soon.

Further reading

Ronald Koeman has declared that “nothing is impossible” for his Barcelona side as they prepare to go in search of a Champions League miracle against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Liga giants trail a heavyweight last-16 encounter 4-1 on aggregate, leaving them with a European mountain to climb at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Their manager is, however, looking to remain bullish and insists continental dreams in Catalunya will not be dashed without a fight.

What has been said?

Koeman told reporters: “Nothing is impossible. We believe in ourselves. We know that at Barca you have to win and we are going to show this mentality that we have been demonstrating for a long time.

“I think nothing is impossible. We must be effective in the game to have options.

“This is complicated. PSG are strong and aspires to win the Champions League. To have an option to come back, you must play a game very effectively. We are going to try. We always go out to win and hopefully we can try.

“It will be very difficult. We play against a team like PSG that does not allow us to play much.”

Do Barcelona have history when it comes to turnarounds?

Back in 2017, the Blaugrana found themselves facing the same opposition at the round of 16.

PSG surged into a 4-0 lead on home soil and appeared to have at least one foot in the quarter-finals.

An epic fightback was to be staged by Barca, though, at Camp Nou as they turned a remarkable tie on its head.

A 6-1 win was enjoyed by Luis Enrique’s side, with current PSG star Neymar grabbing two of their goals.

Koeman has said on the chances of history repeating itself: “A 2017 repeat? I do not think PSG are afraid of us. Certainly their coach will prepare in the best way so that they do not think it’s an easy game. But these are totally different circumstances to come back from.

“It is easier playing the second leg at home than away. We must play our game, certainly they have confidence in their new coach.”

The bigger picture

Barca have already staged one dramatic comeback in cup competition this season, allowing them to book a place in the Copa del Rey final.

They required two goals in 90 minutes against Sevilla to keep their trophy ambitions alive there, and managed that before snatching an extra-time winner.

Koeman’s men will not have Neymar to worry about on Wednesday, with the Brazil international ruled out as he continues his recovery from injury, while there have been suggestions that Kylian Mbappe could be rested.

The French forward netted a stunning hat-trick at Camp Nou in February and will need to be watched closely if he does figure in Paris – either from the start or off the bench.

Further reading

Victor Osimhen, Ahmed Musa and Sadiq Umar have been named among Nigeria’s 24-man squad that will take on the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will slug it out against 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.

Osimhen suffered head trauma during Napoli game against Atalanta in February and only recently returned to action.

The centre-forward has bagged four goals in the qualifiers and featured for Nigeria in their outing against Sierra Leone in November, where he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to return early to Napoli.

Musa is included in Gernot Rohr’s team for the games despite being without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in October.

The 28-year-old forward came close to sealing a move to Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in January but a deal failed to materialise. 

Almeria forward Sadiq Umar has also been handed his first senior call-up following his spectacular performances this season.

Umar has scored 22 goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances for the Union across all competitions, amid other dazzling displays.

Others on the list include, Leicester City stars Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Rangers’ Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun.

Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble, Samuel Chukwueze, Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong and Abdullahi Shehu are also part of the team.

Chidozie Awaziem,  Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins, Zaidu Sanusi, Tyronne Ebuehi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon have also been included in the list.

Genk forward Paul Onuachu, Slavia Praha’s Peter Olayinka, FC Lorient’s Terem Moffi, Reading’s Michael Olise Kaizer Chiefs’ Daniel Akpeyi and Galatasaray’s Henry Onyekuru have been named on the standby list.

Nigeria lead the Group L table with eight points and a win over the Republic of Benin or Lesotho will seal their place at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Everton are set to be without Abdoulaye Doucoure for the foreseeable future, with Carlo Ancelotti ruling the midfielder out of a Premier League clash with Burnley and an FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester City.

It has been suggested that an unsung hero at Goodison Park has suffered a fractured foot, meaning that he could be sidelined for some time.

Ancelotti is still waiting on the outcome of medical tests, with no break confirmed as yet, but he admits that an important part of his plans is set to sit out crucial clashes in bids to secure a top-four finish and major silverware.

What has been said?

Ancelotti told reporters when asked for an update on Doucoure, having been without the Frenchman for a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea: “I have to be honest with you, I don't really know what happened, they are checking. We will be more precise in the next few days. 

“We are sure he will be out - and I don't know how long - but until the [international] break and when we are more precise on the recovery I will tell you.”

Pressed to put a more definitive timescale on Doucoure’s absence, Ancelotti added: “Really, I don't know. It is an important injury but I don't know how long he will be out.”

Which games could Doucoure miss?

Everton are due to play host to Burnley on Saturday, with Ancelotti’s side continuing to sit four points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots.

They are then due to face Manchester City at Goodison Park on March 20, with a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup up for grabs.

An international break will give any walking wounded an opportunity to work on their fitness, but it remains to be seen whether Doucoure will have enough time in which to fully recover.

Everton will return to action on April 3 at home to Crystal Palace, before then travelling to Brighton a week later.

The bigger picture

Doucoure has been a key man for the Toffees on the back of a £20 million ($28m) move from Watford in the summer of 2020, with just two Premier League games sat out this season.

Everton are now having to manage without him, but Ancelotti believes he has the strength in depth to cover any absences.

The Italian added: “We were without Allan for two months and Tom Davies did fantastic performances. We are also going to manage the absence of Doucoure, of course. 

“He is an important player, he puts a lot of energy [into the midfield] but I think we have the possibility to replace him well.”

Further reading

Yanga SC have confirmed the appointment of Juma Mwambusi as the interim coach following the exit of Cedric Kaze on Sunday.

The Jangwani giants, who fired the entire technical bench after their 1-1 draw against Polisi Tanzania, have confirmed the return of the veteran coach, who left the club earlier this year after citing health issues.

Mwambusi had tendered his resignation letter while the team was in Zanzibar for the Mapinduzi Cup competition on January 22, and the club allowed the coach to leave for treatment.

Yanga chairman Mshindo Msolla has confirmed the return of the coach but explained he will work in a caretaker capacity as the team continues to search for a permanent coach.

“Juma [Mwambusi] will take charge of the team as we continue to search for a permanent coach, and the good thing about Mwambusi, when he left Yanga, he left in good heart, he has been treated and even the club helped him during his treatment and he is now fit to work again,” Msolla told Kitenge TV.

“We also gave him the job because he understands the team well, he will not be new to the team, he was with the team when the new season kicked off, he only left the team during Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar when he felt unwell and it means he has only been absent from the team for only three weeks.

“His return now is not anything new, he will come back either tomorrow [Wednesday] or Thursday and we are keenly working round the clock to have a new coach in place, we are waiting for more CVs to come.

“We are hopeful or the CVs will go through the technical department, who will, in turn, scrutinise all of them, do the selection, and then come to us with the best coach to take over.”

Mwambusi was part of the technical bench that delivered the Mapinduzi Cup for Yanga after they managed to beat rivals Simba SC in a penalty shoot-out in the final, and he at one time acted as the team's head coach when Serbian Zlatko Krmpotic left the club.

Yanga have already approached FKF Premier League side AFC Leopards for the services of their coach Patrick Aussems and Goal also understands they have already received over 45 CVs for the vacant role.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Happy Mashiane has revealed that he still has a soft spot for Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp and will not celebrate if he scores against the Team of Choice in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League clash at Harry Gwala Stadium.

Coming up against the strugglers who stunned them 2-0 at FNB Stadium, Chiefs would be keen not to let the KwaZulu-Natal side complete a league double over them.

Mashiane will be facing his former Chiefs coach Middendorp, who introduced him to PSL football as a 21-year-old in the 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City in January 2019.

“It’s nothing personal. It’s just that we have to work and I have to respect him‚ so that if maybe it happens that I do score I won’t celebrate because he’s one of the coaches who gave me the platform,” Mashiane told Chiefs’ media.

“It will not be an easy one because we know that they won the reverse fixture in our home here at FNB Stadium so going there won’t be easy because you know that at Harry Gwala most teams don’t get out of there with maximum points. So playing against them will not be easy."

Mashiane goes into this match high in confidence after he scored one of the goals in Chiefs’ last outing, when they beat Petro Atletico de Luanda 2-0 in a Caf Champions League match last Saturday.

The midfielder admitted having to balance a schedule between domestic and continental fixtures is proving difficult, but he is relishing the challenge.

“It’s not easy [juggling PSL and Caf Champions League football] but I will not say that it is affecting me because this is what I signed up for,” continued Mashiane.

“I wanted to play football so I think juggling between Caf and the PSL is something we can work on and keep fit.

"Maritzburg do not concede that much. They have a good team, they can play and most of the time they are dominating in terms of keeping the ball. They also have speedy players so it will not be easy for us.”

The player has had to deal with some injuries which have disrupted his season and the Petro Atletico match came after he had been on the sidelines since mid-February.

“Coming back from injury wasn’t that easy. I had to work hard for me to be in the starting line-up again and I was fortunate enough to score a goal‚” Mashiane said when asked about injuries.

“And apparently I’m the youngest player to score in the Champions League [for Chiefs]. I’m working on being consistent and trying to prevent my injuries.

"Most of the time I get lucky because they are minor injuries. So I pull out on time so that I don’t strain too much.”

Lionel Messi is yet to commit to a new contract at Barcelona, but Jordi Cruyff has been encouraged by future hints coming out of the Argentine’s camp.

A six-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to head towards free agency at Camp Nou, but Joan Laporta has been elected as the club’s new president and future planning can begin in earnest once more.

Thrashing out fresh terms with Messi will sit at the top of any to-do list, with Barca refusing to give up on discussions with their talismanic captain.

What has been said?

Cruyff, the son of Blaugrana legend Johan, is reluctant to speculate on the final outcome of a long-running saga, but he does see Messi remaining committed to the collective cause for now.

A man who saw a return to Catalunya mooted during the presidential election campaign has told Cadena Ser when quizzed on what a mercurial South American will decide to do: “I don't know. I think there is only one person who can answer it, who is the person involved. 

“The fact that he was pictured at Camp Nou with his son [casting his vote for the presidency], the way he celebrated the comeback against Sevilla ... that comes from within. 

“It is speculating more than anything else because only he has the answer.”

When will Messi make a decision on his future?

The 33-year-old has been free to speak with clubs outside of Spain since January.

No talks have been held, with Messi making it clear that he will not be rushing into a big career call.

Goal has learned that he will wait until the end of the 2020-21 before deciding what to do next.

Barca will hope to have an agreement in place by then, preventing an all-time great from severing ties with the only club side he has represented in a remarkable career to date.

The likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are, however, said to be keeping a close eye on events at Barca and could look to swoop in if an exit door that was slammed shut in 2020 is allowed to swing open 12 months on.

Can Barcelona convince Messi to stay?

Success on the field over the next couple of months could help to influence Messi’s decision.

Barca face a mammoth task in trying to overturn a 4-1 deficit against PSG in the last-16 of the Champions League, but other routes to major silverware remain open.

A final berth has been booked in the Copa del Rey, following an epic comeback against Sevilla in the semi-finals of that competition, while Atletico Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga has been cut to three points.

Ronald Koeman, who has faced plenty of questions this season, may yet deliver on his remit and help to keep Messi in his current surroundings.

“A month ago who would have thought that Barcelona would be where they are today: in the cup final, it seemed that La Liga was over and now it is super alive,” Cruyff added on Barca’s ambition heading towards a thrilling climax to the 2020-21 campaign.

Further reading

Ghana skipper Andre Ayew is determined to see Swansea City add more points in their chase for Premier League promotion when they face Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship on Tuesday.

The Jack Army are set to play as guests of the Blue and Whites in a matchday 25 fixture at Ewood Park.

Swansea, currently third on the league table and well on course to claim a promotion play-off ticket in the least, come into the game high in confidence following back-to-back wins in their last two matches.

“There is not much time between games because of the way things are, but it’s the same for everyone,” Ayew said, as reported by his club's official website.

“It is an opportunity for us, but all our focus is on the game. We need to do what we are capable of, and hopefully that gets us another positive result.

“I think you can see we are giving our all to help the team, and to put smiles on the faces of the supporters because it’s been tough for them too.”

Swansea have certainly proven characteristics of resilience and mental toughness in their last two games.

Away at Stoke City last Wednesday, the Jack Army left it late to seal a 2-1 comeback win, thanks to a 96th minute Andre Ayew penalty.

On Saturday, Steven Cooper's outfit registered another victory in similar fashion, this time requiring an Ayew penalty in the seventh minute of injury time to ensure a 2-1 win at home.

“The team has shown tremendous togetherness, and the unity within this group is strong,” the Ghanaian remarked.

“It’s something that has served us well this season, and it will be really important for the remaining 13 games.

“I’ve been part of teams where the unity has been strong but it wasn’t enough to get results. This team is showing that we have a strong team spirit and we have the right attitude and mentality to get us over the line in games where we are not at our best.

“The type of results we got last week are huge. Two wins in a week that have come in stoppage time – these are results that make a massive difference in the table.

“At Stoke we kept going, and against Middlesbrough we showed the right attitude despite them equalising in additional time.

“It shows there is a good mentality in this team, and good team spirit as we are all pushing in the right direction and have the same focus."

Ayew, who has netted four goals in his last three matches, has so far recorded 13 goals this season, having featured in 32 games involving 31 starts. 

Kenya international Victor Wanyama’s CF Montreal have confirmed they will now play their Major League Soccer matches for the upcoming campaign in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the USA.

Montreal have always played their matches in Canada but the club has been forced to relocate to Florida owing to the travel restrictions between the US and Canada, which started at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic last year.

“I want to thank Inter Miami CF for welcoming us,” CF Montréal sporting director Olivier Renard said on Monday in a statement published on the club’s official website.

“Just like in New Jersey last year with the Red Bulls, we will have access to top infrastructures and favorable weather, which made us chose Florida.

“Once again, it will be a very special situation and we want our players to be in the best possible conditions before coming back to play in Montreal.

“We will do everything in our power to allow the players and the staff to be joined by their families so they can feel good while they are away from home.”

The statement further confirmed the team will continue to follow strict healthy and security protocols by stating: “Just like for the 2020 regular-season games, the team will follow strict health and security protocols, including Covid-19 screening testing on a regular basis.

“The possibility to play games in Montreal will be studied when there will be more developments regarding travel protocols, in relation with public health and government directives.”

Apart from shifting their base to Florida, Montreal will also start the new season under new coach Wilfried Nancy, who was appointed on Monday to replace Thierry Henry.

“We are very happy to announce Wilfried as our head coach today [Monday],” Renard.told the club’s official website after unveiling the new coach.

“After Thierry left, we decided to trust him and give him the opportunity to continue the work we started last season, with the same vision. It is also part of the club’s philosophy to consider and promote our own, as we did in the past for Jules Gueguen [fitness coach] and Maxime Chalier [video analyst].”

On taking up the job, Nancy said: “I am very happy and proud to take on this new challenge. It’s even more special, since it’s with the Club I’ve known since I came to Montreal. I would like to thank Joey Saputo, Kevin Gilmore and Olivier Renard. I'm really excited for this challenge and hope to make the team progress as much as possible.”

Nancy, 43, has been an assistant coach with the first team since January 7, 2016. He was part of the coaching staff that won the Canadian Championship in 2019 and led the team to the MLS Cup playoffs in 2016 and 2020.

He was previously a coach at the club’s Academy, from its inception in 2011, where he successively held the head coaching role of the U18 team, from 2011 to 2013, the U21 team in 2014, and the U16 team in 2014 and 2015.

Before joining the club, Nancy coached at the AAA level in 2006 and 2007, then held the role of assistant technical director of the Association regionale de soccer de la Rive-Sud in 2008. He was also a coach with Quebec’s provincial teams from 2007.

Wanyama joined Montreal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on March 3, 2020 and was a regular in the starting XI during Henry's time at the helm.

Kenya coach Bernard Mwalala has confirmed he has handed in his CV to join the technical bench of Yanga SC.

The former international, who also featured for Yanga before he retired to take up coaching role, has exclusively told Goal he was approached by the club to present his papers after they fired the entire technical bench led by Cedric Kaze on Sunday.

“Yanga contacted me and asked me to send my CV because I am among the coaches shortlisted for the vacant assistant role,” Mwalala told Goal on Tuesday.

“The club wanted me to follow the protocol and it is the reason they asked me to send my CV as the rest [who have already handed in], I have already done the same and they have acknowledged receiving it and so I am waiting for their response.”

Asked whether he applied for the overall coaching role or to be the assistant, Mwalala said: “I applied for the assistant role because what I am made to understand is they want to hire a foreign coach, so if I get the job, I will work as the assistant to the foreign coach who will be given the role.

“The club told me they are looking for a former player, who understands the system of the team, how things work and what they fight for and it is the reason they reached out to me, actually they called me and asked me if I am interested and then asked me to present my CV.”

Mwalala has been without a team since he parted ways with FKF Premier League side Bandari in January 2020, but he explains his decision to stay in the cold for a long time was because he was yet to receive a good offer.

“I know I have stayed out without a coaching job for a long time but it is because I was yet to get a satisfying offer,” Mwalala continued.

“Most of the offers were not enticing and I could not sign them, I have received a lot but there are other things you look at before signing and that is the reason I am still clubless.

“But the good thing is I have been able to do some youth development projects in Western parts of Kenya and also in Trans Nzoia and even some top clubs in FKF Premier League came for my services before the new season kicked-off but the terms and conditions were not good enough for me to sign.”

As of Tuesday, over 45 coaches had applied for the coaching job at Yanga while for the assistant role former Kagera Sugar coach Mecky Maxime is also a target for the Jangwani giants.

Tusker FC have named midfielder Jackson Macharia as February's finest player after some quality displays in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

In the aforementioned month, the midfielder was on top form and helped the team collect three wins out of the four played. 

The creative midfielder started the month by scoring a late winner in the 1-0 victory over Wazito when he connected with Henry Meja pass, rounded the keeper before cooly slotting home.

Macharia continued with his fine form against Posta Rangers where he scored the opening goal in the 4-1 win. In that particular match, teenager Meja grabbed a brace with Luke Namanda scoring another one. Ezekiel Okare struck the only goal for the Mailmen.

The final goal for the midfielder in February came in the 2-1 win over Nzoia Sugar. After Ian Simiyu scored an opening goal in the 48th minute, Macharia came from the bench to score the equalizer in the 71st minute before Meja struck the winner with seven minutes to go.

Despite his involvement against Bidco United, the Harambee Star could not help the Brewers from falling 2-1. It was their first defeat after 14 top-tier matches with seven of them being consecutive wins. 

Macharia takes over from Meja, who was crowned January's club player of the month.

The former Kakamega High School striker scored four goals and earned one assist in the month as Tusker pushed their way up the ladder. He scored against Kakamega Homeboyz, a brace and assist against their Nairobi rivals Kariobangi Sharks, and a goal against Zoo FC.

Coach Robert Matano said Meja is a good player and if he wants more awards, he will have to improve even further.

"I am happy for him because he has worked hard for it, but I don’t want it to get into his head and relax," Matano said in an earlier interview.

"He got the award because he performed and for him to get another award, he needs to continue performing. He is a good boy and a good player.

"I want to thank the management for this initiative. It is going to motivate the players to work hard and that will be beneficial to the team in the long run."

Both players walked home with a Ksh 10,000 cheque.

Sebastian Coltescu has been suspended by UEFA "for inappropriate behaviour" during the Champions League group-stage contest between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Group H fixture that took place at the start of December was abandoned after 14 minutes, with both sets of players walking off the pitch following Demba Ba's allegation that Coltescu had racially abused Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo.

Coltescu, who was serving as the fourth official at Parc des Princes, has been cleared of racism, but will still have to serve a ban from officiating until the end of the season, along with assistant referee Octavian Sovre.

What's been said?

An official statement from UEFA read: "Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the events that led to the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and İstanbul Basaksehir FK on 8 December 2020 being abandoned, and the subsequent proceedings opened against the match officials Mr Sebastian Constantin Coltescu and Mr Octavian Sovre, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decision:

"To suspend Mr Sebastian Constantin Coltescu from carrying out any referee’s function until the end of the 2020-21 season, i.e. until 30 June 2021, for the violation of Article 11(1) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) and Article 6(1) of the General Terms and Conditions for Referees officiating at UEFA Matches (GTC), i.e. for inappropriate behaviour during a UEFA match for which he was appointed.

"To order Mr Sebastian Constantin Coltescu to attend an educational programme before 30 June 2021 under the conditions determined by the UEFA refereeing services.

"To reprimand Mr Octavian Sovre for the violation of Article 11(1) DR and Article 6(1) of the General Terms and Conditions for Referees officiating at UEFA Matches, i.e. for inappropriate behaviour during a UEFA match for which he was appointed.

"To order Mr Octavian Sovre to attend an educational programme as soon as possible but before 30 June 2021 under the conditions determined by the UEFA refereeing services.

"With this decision, the CEDB has therefore considered that both match officials violated Articles 11(1) DR and 6(1) GTC (obligation to behave in an appropriate manner), but not Article 14 DR (racism and other discriminatory conduct).

"The CEDB also agreed with the EDI that UEFA officials should be adequately and specifically trained to make better decisions on the choice of language and words to be used in UEFA competitions. In the international context, correct use of language is essential to avoid situations such as those that occurred in the above-mentioned match."

What did Coltescu say to Webo?

Basaksehir striker Ba erupted with fury after Coltescu was heard on camera referring to Webo as "the black one" while questioning the former Cameroon international's conduct on the touchline.

Ba squared up to the Romanian before both sets of players intervened, with the Basaksehir squad subsequently refusing to play on.

PSG also walked off in a display of solidarity against racism, and Coltescu issued a public apology in the aftermath of the postponed game.

"Racism was never my intention," he said. “In such an environment, people sometimes cannot properly express their feelings and can be misunderstood.

“I apologise in the name of the UEFA Champions League.”

Who won the rescheduled match?

The fixture was pushed back by 24 hours to December 9 and the action restarted from where it had been cut short with the scoreline at 0-0.

PSG went on to secure a convincing 5-1 victory, thanks to a Neymar hat-trick and two goals from Kylian Mbappe, sealing a place in the last 16 as Group H winners in the process.

Further reading

Joachim Low will vacate his role as head coach of the Germany national team after the Euro 2020 tournament in the summer.

The 61-year-old, who guided the national team to World Cup glory in 2014, had been under immense pressure following Germany's dismal performance at Russia 2018 although he kept his job and had been expected to continue until 2022.

He will not see his contract through, however, with the German football association (DFB) having agreed that he will leave his post at the end of this summer's European Championship.

What's been said?

A statement on the official DFB website confirmed Low will step down from his position. It read: "Joachim Low will end his job as national coach after the European Championship in summer 2021. 

"The national team coach asked to end his contract, which originally ran until the 2022 World Cup, immediately upon completion of the European Championship tournament. The DFB agreed to this."

Low expressed his gratitude to the DFB after the announcement was made, while also discussing the immense pride he has felt during his role as Germany head coach over the past 15 years, having spent two years as Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant prior to taking the top job.

"I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament," he said.

"Proud, because it is something very special and an honour for me to be involved with my country. And because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country for almost 17 years and support them in their development.

"I have had great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments - not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment."

DFB president Fritz Keller added: "I have great respect for Joachim Low's decision. The DFB knows what they have in Jogi, he is one of the greatest coaches in world football.

"Jogi Low has had German football [in a positive state] like no other for years, not only because of his sporting achievements, but also because of his empathy and humanity.

"The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent. He gives us, the DFB, the necessary time to calmly name his successor."

Who is in the running to succeed Low?

Germany U-21 boss Stefan Kuntz has been named as the most likely man to replace Low in recent years, but a number of other high-profile names have also been linked with the senior post.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is chief among them, having won the Premier League and Champions League at Anfield following a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund.

Klinsmann has also been touted as a contender due to his previous experience with the national team, with the former Tottenham striker having overseen their run to the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.

RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann and Bayern boss Hansi Flick could also be in the frame, while ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is being billed as a dark horse for the position after three years away from the dugout.

Low's record with Germany

Further reading

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Neymar will not face former club Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday after deciding to take no risks with the Brazilian’s fitness as he works his way back from an adductor injury.

The 29-year-old forward has been out of action since picking up a knock in a French Cup clash with Caen on February 10.

It had been suggested that a return to action could be made against Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, as he is back in light training, but Mauricio Pochettino will not be calling upon the South American at Parc des Princes.

What has been said?

PSG have stated in a team news update ahead of the meeting with Barcelona: “Sergio Rico is not participating in training this morning for personal reasons.

“Neymar JR resumed partial training with the squad last week and will continue his individual recovery work. A new assessment will be made in the coming days.

“Juan Bernat continues his rehabilitation and his personal recovery.

“Moise Kean is still in isolation due to Covid-19.”

How many games has Neymar missed?

PSG have been without Neymar for six games. Having seen a talismanic figure laid low, they have taken in four Ligue 1 fixtures, a Champions League outing and another French Cup tie during the Brazil international’s enforced absence.

They have fared admirably in those contests, emerging victorious in five and suffering a solitary setback against Monaco.

The bigger picture

Pochettino finds himself in the enviable position of not having to rush Neymar back into his side, particularly in European competition.

PSG will need no reminding that they have suffered a dramatic continental collapse against Barcelona in the past, but they have no intention of allowing history to repeat itself.

An eye-catching performance during an initial meeting with the Blaugrana at Camp Nou has the French heavyweights boasting a 4-1 aggregate advantage.

Kylian Mbappe netted a stunning hat-trick in Catalunya, meaning that PSG have one foot in the quarter-finals and can afford to tinker with their tactical approach.

Further reading

Ozan Kabak admits it has been “hard to adapt” at Liverpool, with injuries and a testing run of collective form doing him few favours, but the Turkish defender intends to make the most of a “dream” opportunity.

The 20-year-old was drafted into Jurgen Klopp’s squad during the January transfer window, with a loan agreement put in place with Schalke as the Reds sought to manage their way through an injury crisis.

Kabak started five consecutive games at one stage, before picking up a knock of his own, but played alongside three different centre-half partners during that run and admits finding his feet with the Premier League champions has proved tricky.

What has been said?

Kabak told Liverpool’s official matchday programme: “In England the level is really, really high.

“The Bundesliga is also a really high level, but I think the Premier League is higher in intensity and physical quality.

“I think it is the highest level of football and I am trying to adapt here. Thiago [Alcantara], Bobby [Firmino] and [Xherdan] Shaqiri played in the Bundesliga before they were here and our manager also managed in Germany, so I take their advice and try to give my best in training and the games.

“I have given everything in the last month, but of course it is hard to adapt here because there are good players and good teams in the Premier League.

“It is always harder to join a team in winter, to be honest, to play with new team-mates and obviously to move to a new country with a new language. It has been a challenge for me, but I have tried to adapt as soon as possible.”

How many minutes has Kabak seen for Liverpool?

In his five outings for the Reds, Kabak has remained on the field for the full 90 minutes on each occasion.

As a result, he has seen 450 minutes of game time across Premier League and Champions League competition.

He made his debut in a 3-1 defeat to Leicester, with three more top-flight setbacks suffered since then.

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League is the only success that Kabak has figured in, but he believes positive progress has been made on a personal level.

He added: “It has been a month and I can say I have already settled in, but it is a big responsibility for me, to be honest, because there have been a lot of injuries in the centre-back position.

“I need to give my best for the team to help the team. So, like I said, it is a big responsibility, but I can do it.

“It is amazing to be a Liverpool player. Amazing. A dream came true for me because as a child I always wanted to play for this great club with these great players.

“Now I am here I want to make our fans happy and proud.”

The bigger picture

Kabak sat out a 1-0 defeat to Fulham with a slight knock, as Liverpool suffered a sixth successive defeat on home soil and sank a little further into the mire, but could return for their next outing.

Klopp’s men will be back in action against Leipzig on Wednesday, as they take aim at the Champions League quarter-finals, before looking to rediscover a domestic spark away at Wolves on Monday.

Further reading

AFC Leopards legend Charles Okwemba believes this season provides a good opportunity for the club to win the league for the first time since 1998. 

In recent times, the closest the club has come to winning the top-tier title is way back in 2012 when they finished third behind winners Tusker FC with 57 points, three fewer than the Brewers. ]

In the ongoing campaign, the Patrick Aussems-led charges have been doing well and are currently third on the table.

The former Harambee Star has, however, warned that it is still too early to make any conclusions.

"So far so good but it is early to call home; Leopards need to concentrate on their matches and ensure they win their games at hand," Okwemba told Goal on Tuesday.

"The season looks promising but they need to focus and win their games and avoid looking at what their opponents are doing."

The 13-time champions have two matches in hand and Okwemba has warned against underrating the seemingly easier sides, since they might end up denting their chances of winning the league.

"Ingwe have teams that look relatively easy like Vihiga United and Zoo FC," the former midfielder added.

"They look easier and Ingwe can fall into the trap of underrating them. But it should not be the case; they should remain focused and ensure they give their best.  

"It is a very good chance for the team to win the league this season, but they should take a match at a time and take it as a final. Every opponent has to be respected and when they are playing games they should go with a clear intention of winning it. 

"But so far they have done a commendable job." 

Okwemba further explained why the current standings might not necessarily reflect how the season will end.

"We have the second round coming up, it is when teams give their best to achieve their objectives," he suggested.

"Yes, Tusker are leading, but no guarantees that they will win the league. Things are bound to change. It is about giving the best and striving to win matches consistently."