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Jose Mourinho’s “nastiness” will help to turn Tottenham into serious contenders for the Premier League title, says Jurgen Klinsmann.

The highly-rated Portuguese tactician has reached the one-year anniversary of his appointment at Spurs.

He was asked to succeed Mauricio Pochettino in north London due to the enviable list of trophies he boasts on an impressive CV.

Mourinho was tipped by many to bring long-awaited silverware to Tottenham, with his methods delivering tangible success wherever he has been.

It could be that he forces Spurs into contention for the English top-flight crown in 2020-21, with a positive start made to the current domestic campaign.

Klinsmann believes the 57-year-old is capable of replicating the triumphs he previously enjoyed across London at Chelsea, with his no-nonsense approach proven at the very highest level.

Former Spurs striker Klinsmann told ESPN FC: “Yeah [they're challengers] and I think rightfully so.

“They're dreaming about finally maybe getting to that point of winning this amazing trophy. I think it's a logical path.

“I think over the past couple of weeks, months, we see something is growing stronger and stronger. Obviously Jose Mourinho has a strong hand in this whole development and he's a competitor.

“He will give everything he has to make that dream come true, so it's exciting times for Spurs fans and I keep all my fingers crossed.”

World Cup winner Klinsmann added on Tottenham’s ambition: “I think a successful season is always to get in the top four of the Premier League.

“I think qualifying for the Champions League is now a must for Spurs, it's a must for the big teams there.

“But when you have a season starting like this, every team is a bit all over the place and there's nobody running away right now, and that's an opportunity.

“At the end of the day, if you kind of take advantage of that opportunity because the others are not picking up a rhythm, they're not winning 10 games in a row and running away from you, then throw yourself in there and build that belief and build that culture of winning.

“What Jose Mourinho definitely does, has done really well over the stretch of his entire career, is he has this piece of nastiness and he transfers that type of nastiness, that type of aggression to his players.

“He's always saying that you're not winning a championship with good guys, you've got to be determined, you've got to be tough, you've got to be able to sacrifice certain elements over the stretch of a season.

“It's a marathon and as long as no one runs away in that marathon, which it looks like this season, then there's a chance for Spurs.”

Tottenham have taken 17 points from eight games so far, putting them second in the table, and will see their title credentials tested to the fullest on Saturday when returning to action with a home date against Manchester City.

Manchester United need to make opponents “scared” of visiting Old Trafford, admits Fred, with the Red Devils looking for a reversal in fortunes that will make their iconic home a “fortress” again.

During the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, few sides relished a trip to the North West.

United’s success, which delivered 13 Premier League titles, was built on the sturdiest of foundations in their own backyard.

An air of invincibility has evaporated since a legendary Scottish coach headed into retirement, with the Red Devils regressing at an alarming rate.

Those struggles have continued in 2020-21, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s  side still waiting on a first home win in their current top-flight campaign .

Fred is at a loss to explain the issues being endured by United, but concedes that they need to be put right as a matter of urgency.

The Brazilian midfielder told the club’s official website ahead of a meeting with West Brom on Saturday: “It’s difficult to try and put your finger on why it is that the performances at home have not been quite as good.

“Our goal is to improve at home because Old Trafford needs to be a fortress; it needs to be a place that opponents are scared of coming to.

“It’s just a case of working hard to try and get that back and get some victories under our belt. The next challenge is West Brom at home and we need to do everything we can to get the victory.

“We need to be patient in terms of keeping the ball moving above all, and stay calm on the ball and wait for that key moment to make that killer pass.

“If you try and rush it and try and go too fast then it probably won’t work, especially against the teams who are going to set up to try to nick a goal on the break. There is no point in rushing it; we know how to move the ball; we need to be patient and choose our moments correctly.”

As Solskjaer seeks to find a winning formula, Fred believes rotation will be key for United, with every member of their squad having a role to play over the coming weeks.

He added: “There are a lot of games but what’s good about it is we’ve got a really good group, and we will need everyone.

“That’s the best thing about having the group: we will be able to help each other, because there will be injuries, knocks and niggles.

“Getting a consecutive run of games and a consecutive run of wins is the goal. We know our strengths and we know what we need to work on. As I said, we have a good group and we want to try and get a good run of victories in this intense period.”

United have 12 games across all competitions to take in before the turn of the year, with the Red Devils readying themselves for Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup tests.

Gio Reyna has signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund that will keep him with the Bundesliga giants through to the summer of 2025.

The highly-rated teenager, who only celebrated his 18th birthday on November 13, has committed to a new long-term deal at Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund now stand to benefit from his considerable talents for the foreseeable future, with Lucien Favre having pieced together an exciting young squad.

With age seemingly no barrier for those at BVB, Reyna has been allowed to flourish alongside the likes of Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.

A breakthrough at international level has also been made, with the United States having high hopes for the son of former USMNT star Claudio Reyna.

Dortmund moved to buy into the potential of Reyna junior in 2019, as he completed a move from New York City’s academy system.

It did not take him long to earn first-team recognition, with a competitive debut made in January 2020.

The promising midfielder now has 28 appearances and three goals to his name, while an entry in the Bundesliga record books was added in October when becoming the first 17-year-old to register three assists in a single game during a 4-0 win over Freiburg.

Understandably, Reyna is enjoying every minute of game time he gets with Dortmund and is delighted to have earned fresh terms.

He told the club’s official website: “BVB are a big club that can challenge for titles and are in all the important competitions. Young players in particular have the chance to develop here.

“I have already learned a lot in Dortmund and I want to learn a lot more in future. I look forward to being with BVB in the long term.”

Dortmund’s sporting director, Michael Zorc, added: “Gio's development in recent months has been incredible. He will definitely be an important part of Borussia Dortmund's sporting future.

“I am personally very pleased that he has decided to extend his contract with BVB in the long term with complete conviction.”

Favre’s side will be back in domestic action Saturday when taking in a trip to Hertha Berlin.

Thomas Muller looked to be heading out of Bayern Munich under Niko Kovac, but the arrival of Hansi Flick as manager at the Allianz Arena has allowed a World Cup winner to increase his “share price” again.

Despite earning legend status in Bavaria during a remarkable career as a one-club man, the 31-year-old forward fell out of favour under a Croatian coach.

He appeared to be edging his way towards the exits, but a change in the dugout delivered an immediate reversal in fortune.

Muller has become a key man for Bayern once again, hitting 14 goals in a treble-winning 2019-20 campaign, and admits that a new lease of life has been enjoyed by all of those in Munich under the guidance of Flick.

On the impact made by a coach who took the reins in November 2019, Muller told the Bundesliga’s official website: “If you imagine it like a share price, the value for both the team and for myself has gone up dramatically since Hansi took over.

“I have had a lot of playing time and I was able to put in a lot of good performances on the road to winning the title and gaining the success that we achieved as a team.

“Hansi played a very important role, especially in terms of my positioning on the pitch and my role in the team.

“We have a strong connection, but it is one that only works if we keep winning as a team and if I keep putting in strong performances.”

Muller is far from being the only star turn on Bayern’s books, with Flick’s squad littered with world-class talent.

Many of their leading lights, such as Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer are seasoned campaigners, but promising youngsters are also coming to fore.

Muller added on the collective power of Bayern which allowed them to enjoy a clean sweep of major honours last season: “We had a lot of players who performed at the top level, so it's no wonder that we not only won titles but also got recognition from all over.

“Even during the treble-winning season in 2013, I can't remember so many Bayern players being talked about and being awarded prizes, such as Lewandowski winning UEFA's footballer of the year.

“Even though I think Franck Ribery won it back in 2013, I don't recall so many individual players being celebrated like they are at the moment.

“This shows that we set the benchmark in several different positions, such as Alphonso Davies, who surprised and impressed a lot of people last year. That was very special.”

Bukayo Saka is adamant that burnout will not become an issue for him, despite the 19-year-old becoming a key man for Arsenal and England in the 2020-21 campaign.

The talented teenager enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Emirates Stadium last season, as Mikel Arteta began to put his versatility to good use.

A regular role has now been nailed down for the Gunners, while international allegiance has been pledged to the Three Lions.

Saka has figured in all but one of Arsenal’s eight Premier League games this term, while he graced three England fixtures during the November international break.

His ability to fill defensive and attacking berths down the left flank is being embraced by club and country, and the Emirates Stadium academy graduate is not about to complain about his hectic schedule as he continues to live the dream.

Saka said of his meteoric rise to prominence: "It's a lot of minutes but as a kid this is what you dream of.

"So I can't now turn around and say I don't want to play because I am living my dream, playing for England.

"I played all three games - who'd have thought I would do that? So I'm not going to complain.

"I just have to trust the people in charge will manage me in the correct way and continue to help me thrive and progress as a player."

Saka added, with his senior England bow having come against Wales in October: "It's all happened so fast I haven't even had time to think about it," he said.

"Playing for England is such an honour, it's the highest level you can play at. So I haven't really thought about it too much.

"But I'm going to go home and speak with my family about it - I know they're proud of me. I'm sure they will tell me what they think of it all.

"I'm very happy with the way my week's gone. I'm happy with the boss because he has put a lot of trust in me.

"I'm still young but for him to put me on in these type of games is an honour and it gives me so much confidence.

"I'm also grateful to the players, they took me in, encouraged me a lot and gave me confidence.

"That helped me to go out there and express myself, and I felt in all the games I was given an opportunity, I played well and took my opportunity.

"I am happy with my performances in this international break."

Saka, who committed to a new contract at Arsenal over the summer, is taking everything in his stride for now, but concedes that there can be no letting up from him as he chases down a place in England’s squad for next summer’s European Championship.

"I feel that every opportunity that comes up in every camp and every international break I have to make sure I'm fit and available to be picked," he added.

"Then, when I am picked, I have to give my all and take every opportunity I am given. Also I have to remain at my club, play well, score goals, assist goals, be a threat, be good defensively and show the boss he can trust me."

Paul Pogba will “consider his options” if he remains stuck on the bench at Manchester United, says Michael Owen, with the World Cup winner considered too good not to be mulling over a move.

The France international has been named among the substitutes for the Red Devils’ last two outings.

He saw game time in Champions League and Premier League meetings with Istanbul Basaksehir and Everton, but took in just 39 minutes of action across those two fixtures combined.

The 27-year-old has admitted to enduring a tough time at club level, as he continues to star for his country, and transfer talk is building again despite being tied to a contract through to 2022.

Owen believes Pogba will be giving serious thought to his future, with United and their club-record signing needing to find a solution that suits all parties.

The former Red Devils striker told Metro: “United have still to find their rhythm and they must find a way to get their best players all on the pitch at the same time, which is obviously easier said than done.

“You can’t keep Pogba on the bench, and if he can’t secure a regular place in the side soon, he may have to consider his options.”

Owen is not the first to suggest that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to find a role for a potential match-winner within his side, with Phil Neville having told Premier League Productions: “I still think it’s absolutely disgraceful that Pogba can’t get in that team.

“For United to win a league, for United to be successful, for United to play the style of football that Ole wants them to play, then Pogba has to play.

“You can play one of them [Nemanja] Matic, Fred or [Scott] McTominay and then you play Pogba with Fernandes.”

While Owen and Neville believe Pogba should be treated like a star at Old Trafford, Paul Ince has pointed out that no one player is bigger than the club –especially at 13-time Premier League champions United.

He has told Ladbrokes of a divisive figure: “I love Pogba. I think he’s a world-class player on his day. We saw that at Juventus. But since he’s come to Manchester United it’s been nothing but problems.

“If I’m Paul Pogba, I’m sitting on the bench thinking ‘hang on, I’ve got Fred, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes all playing in midfield and I’m sat on the bench? There’s got to be something wrong with me'.

“Man United is not about Paul Pogba.”

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Premier League giants Asante Kotoko are set for showdown discussions on Monday in an attempt to amicably resolve a dispute over filming of matches.

The two parties have been at a standoff over the Porcupine Warriors' attempt to film its Premier League (GPL) opener against Eleven Wonders on Saturday, an act the FA argued was an infringement of media rights agreement with broadcast partners StarTimes.

After the football governing body sent out a warning letter to clubs over any future filming attempts, Kotoko promptly reacted with a no-holds-barred reply, describing the FA's approach as "absurd, primitive and backwards".

''It is with the greatest of humility that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) write to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated today, November 19, 2020,'' a letter signed by GFA general secretary Prosper Harrison Addo read.

''The subject matter of your letter is part of the key issues to be discussed at the meeting scheduled by the GFA with all the Chief Executive Officers of Premier League clubs on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 2pm.

"We look forward to a successful meeting. Thank you for your support as always."

The impasse over filming rights arguably tops the agenda of the FA's meeting with CEOs of the various clubs, who have largely declared support for Kotoko on the subject matter.

Having acquired a new videoing technology, Kotoko sought to film their home match with Eleven Wonders for "educational performance analysis" purposes. This, the club insist, contravenes no broadcasting right agreements.

Kotoko were, however, initially denied the chance, leading to a boycott threat on the matchday one fixture in Accra where the club are currently hosting their home games due to ongoing renovation works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The misunderstanding delayed kick-off for about 15 minutes, the club ultimately having their way.

On Monday, the GFA quickly sent out a letter to clubs, warning against any future filming attempts which it said would draw a disciplinary action.

Kotoko responded promptly and rather explosively, threatening to pull out of the collective broadcast right agreement, requesting a copy of the broadcasting contract between the GFA and StarTimes, stating categorically their intentions to continue filming their home games, among others.

The Porcupine Warriors are arguably Ghana's biggest club and the most successful in the history of the GPL. 

Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony Akumu has stated the team were confident of getting a win away to Comoros in their Group G Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The hosts won the game 2-1 - Mohamed Ben El-Fardou and Mattoir Faiz scored the goals for Les Coelacantes and the Harambee Stars denied them a clean sheet courtesy of Cliff Nyakeya’s effort.

It was Kenya's first defeat in the Afcon campaign which put their qualification chances in jeopardy. 

"We went to Comoros knowing we are going for nothing less than a win," Akumu told Goal.

"Everybody was so psyched and after finishing on a high at Kasarani in the 1-1 draw, we knew we will start on a good note.  

"But football being what it is, they got their chances and utilised them and we also used the one that we got and we ended up losing 2-1 and that is football."

Despite his undoubted quality, the 28-year-old Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was not involved in both ties. How did he take it?

"As a player, when I get a national team call-up, I come with an open mind," Akumu, who has also played for Zesco United and Gor Mahia continued.

"I just do my best in training hoping to convince the coach that I deserve to be involved. If it happens that the coach does not give me a chance I take it positively knowing there is the next time no matter how long it takes."

Akumu has further revealed what he does to be considered in the next assignment for the national team.

"When I am on the bench, I have nothing to do but support those playing. I have to support the team and at half-time encourage them to give their best," he said.

"As a player, you wish for even 10 or 20 minutes on the pitch but at the end of the day, it is the coach who calls the shots. 

"If it happens that you do not get a chance then you get back at your club and perform well, hoping to convince the national team coach to consider you for another assignment."

Lionel Messi making a move to Manchester City is “inevitable” now that Pep Guardiola has committed to a new contract with the Blues, says Trevor Sinclair.

A highly-rated Catalan coach has penned fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium through to the summer of 2023.

With any uncertainty regarding his future removed, City are now free to focus on putting the pieces in place that will allow recent success to be maintained.

That could include launching an audacious bid to bring Barcelona superstar Messi onto their books.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is due to become a free agent in 2021, having seen a move away from Camp Nou blocked in the last transfer window.

City have the funds in place to complete a stunning deal and Sinclair believes the Argentine icon will be soon be reunited with former Barca boss Guardiola.

The ex-City winger told talkSPORT of fresh terms for a proven tactician and the impact that could have at the Etihad: “I think every City fan is going to be buzzing when they hear this news.

“Not only has he won the trophies, but you think about 100 points, the treble, winning back-to-back Premier League titles…

“He’s done unbelievably well at Manchester City.

“And just the fact he can recruit any player in the world excites Man City fans. The relationship between him and Khaldoon [Al Mubarak], the owner, has been superb and there is a lot of trust there.

“And I think he is happy for the journey to continue.

“For me, you look at what has gone on with him signing a new two-year contract, there are rumours Kevin De Bruyne is going to sign a new contract… I think Messi is inevitable.

“I can’t see anything other than that. And I look at the club I supported, ‘little old Manchester City’, signing the best player in the world and possibly winning the Champions League…”

Sinclair added on an approach for Messi, with the 33-year-old South American free to discuss pre-contract terms with his many suitors from January: “I can’t see it any other way.

“He is too young to go back to Argentina, and I don’t think there is any other club where they have the right manager in place where Messi would go in and feel comfortable under that manager.

“I feel it is inevitable it is going to happen… and I can’t wait for it to happen!”

Simba SC head coach Sven Vandenbroeck has revealed ways they are working on in order to ensure they pick up wins against Plateau United in the Caf Champions League.

The Tanzanian heavyweights landed the Nigerian side in the preliminary round of the Champions League and Vandenbroeck has stated how they plan to win both matches and advance in the competition, unlike last season.

“I am following up on our opponents and I am working on all means available. So far, we have managed to get some video clips on how they play,” Vandenbroeck told IPP Media.

“The clips will help us have a full picture of them but we will not stop there as we will try and have some more details given our aim is to win both matches and advance to another stage.”

The Belgian head coach also explained why his strikers must be on top of their game when they will face Plateau United in the coming weeks.

“They have some good defenders and my strikers must be very bright to beat them. We must try and device a good way to handle them,” the former Zambia head coach added.

Simba signed foreign players that include Bernard Morrison, Chris Mugalu, Joash Onyango, and Larry Bwalya who are expected to give them a competitive edge in the Champions League.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi are understood to be preparing a formal request to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and request to be allowed to sign another five foreign players specifically for the Champions League before the mini-transfer window opens in December.

Moses Mkandawile, a retired Simba goalkeeper, welcomed the initiative but said it would be very important if they sign defenders and strikers should the TFF agree to their request.

“It is a good plan from Simba because it is one big thing that may end up helping them in a big way,” Mkandawile said in an earlier interview.

“If they are allowed to sign more players, I would want them to bring defenders and strikers on board because I think the midfield department is complete as it stands.”

Simba’s hope is to progress further in the Champions League after they were eliminated by UD Songo in the first round last season.

The Tanzanian 2020 treble winners have already unveiled their third jersey meant for the continental competition.

Kenya captain Victor Wanyama is set to miss Montreal Impact’s Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff showdown against New England Revolution as he is still in Kenya.

Montreal Impact qualified for the playoffs on decision day and that became their first appearance of that MLS stage since 2016.

Montreal Impact will have to beat their rivals on Friday in order to move from the play-in round. Apart from Wanyama, who has established himself as a key player since he arrived early in the year, manager Thierry Henry will also miss Samuel Piette.

The midfielder is serving a suspension after he received a red card in Montreal Impact's 3-2 win over D.C. United on November 8.

Wanyama has not travelled back to Canada since he joined his Harambee Stars eammates for the African Cup of Nations double-header qualifier against Comoros. He played in both matches where Kenya drew 1-1 at home before going down 2-1 in Moroni in the reverse fixture.

“It’s going to be a tough one again,” Henry said ahead of the match according to Tricity News. “That’s the story of our season.

“They are very competitive and aggressive in the right way and Montreal Impact will need to be very ready.”

The Frenchman also claimed his side will go into the showdown as underdogs.

“We need to find a solution to beat them,” the World Cup winner added.

“We’re going to try to concentrate on who is playing and what we can do. Obviously, we are underdogs but we’re going to go there and try to perform. And it doesn’t matter who’s playing.”

Affirming Henry’s underdog claim, Montreal Impact’s striker Romell Quioto stated it is going to be one of their toughest encounters.

“It’s a very difficult team to face,” the Honduran said.

“It’s a team that battles through 90 minutes and the Impact will have to play a very intelligent match and play a full 90 minutes with passion and heart to get a result.”

New England Revolution are going to miss one player, who is yet to be identified, after a positive coronavirus test.

Mikel Arteta has played down reports of a fight between Arsenal team-mates Dani Ceballos and David Luiz in training - saying incidents happen all the time behind closed doors.

The Athletic revealed on Thursday that Ceballos and Luiz had clashed after the latter had taken exception to a challenge by the Spaniard during a training ground match at London Colney.

It was reported that Luiz hit his colleague in the face, leaving the midfielder with a scratch on his nose, although Ceballos, who is on loan from Real Madrid for the season, labelled the story as ‘fake’ on social media.

Despite Ceballos’s denials, it is understood that the two players did indeed clash - although Arteta said he did not see exactly what went on when he was quizzed on the incident.

The Arsenal boss did insist, however, that there is now ‘no problem at all’ between the pair, who could both feature when the Gunners take on Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday.

“I have got a really bad vision from far,” Arteta said with a smile. “That is why we train behind closed doors.

“Training is very competitive and issues happen a lot of times. Those things get resolved immediately within the team and there is not much to say.”

Meanwhile, Arteta, says the situation around Willian has been "resolved" after the Brazilian travelled abroad without the club’s permission during the international break.

Willian was pictured on social media at a restaurant in Dubai, despite current government guidelines stating that "travelling away from home, including internationally, is restricted from England except in limited circumstances such as for work or for education."

It is understood that in explaining his reasons for the trip, the former Chelsea man told Arteta that it was for business reasons and that he was fulfilling commitments linked to image rights.

The forward trained with the squad on Thursday having tested negative for coronavirus upon his return and Arteta says the incident has now been dealt with - although he stopped short of confirming that the 32-year-old would still be in the squad to face Leeds this weekend.

“The deal has been resolved, explained and dealt with in the team and the club,” said the Gunners boss. “We had a conversation and I explained what I was expecting.

“There are a lot of personal factors at the moment and as well from our side, we need to be in their shoes. A lot of players are having different issues, like any public person out there, and sometimes they make decisions based on the needs or the moment or what people are expecting from there.

“Whether they are right or wrong, after obviously it is a thing we have to discuss. But, again, it has been dealt with in the right way and let’s move on.”

Just two years to go until the next edition of the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Qatar on November 21, 2022. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is keeping no stone unturned to offer a unique experience during the first edition of the event to be held in the Middle East and Arab world.  

In a first of its kind, the travelling fans will have the opportunity to potentially attend more than one match a day during the group stage, which will feature an exciting schedule with four daily fixtures, as announced earlier this year.

Work is in full swing and the infrastructure planned for the event has reached 90 per cent completion, with three stadiums already been completed – Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City. They have already hosted more than 100 matches in 2020 in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state-of-the-art Doha Metro has been delivered and was successfully utilised by fans during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019. New roads and the expansion of Hamad International Airport is also going on, which is planned to cater to more than 50 million visitors a year by 2022.

“2020 has surely been a challenging year for the entire world, and football was no exception. Despite the difficulties, steady progress was made in the last few months, showing yet again Qatar’s strong and continued commitment – under the leadership of the Emir (Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani), whom I personally thank – to hosting an unforgettable FIFA World Cup in two years’ time, which will no doubt build a legacy long beyond 2022,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Besides the very important labour reforms recently announced by the government, progress has also been made on stadium construction, along with the implementation of strict measures to protect workers’ health. During my short visit to Doha a few weeks ago, I witnessed first-hand how well preparations have advanced, and I am looking forward with confidence to Qatar 2022, for the transformative impact it is already having on the country and the region, for the unique experience it will provide fans from all over the world and, of course, for witnessing the best World Cup ever.”

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, mentioned that the state of Qatar will be completely ready for the World Cup well in advance.

“We are immensely proud of the progress we have made over the last ten years. Both tournament and national infrastructure projects are well advanced, with everything on track to be completed well ahead of the big kick-off. Our legacy projects, meanwhile, are already having an impact on people’s lives in areas such as workers’ rights, education and entrepreneurship.”

“This is an incredibly important FIFA World Cup – for Qatar, the region and the world. Qatar 2022 will introduce billions of people to the Middle East and Arab world for the first time, and help to foster a greater understanding and break down stereotypes that people may have of our country and region. We’re very excited to welcome the world in 2022.”

All stadiums are located close to each other and will be linked by easy transport, which should result in short travel times for fans, players and media.

Most importantly, fans need not change their base throughout the tournament. The longest distance between stadiums is 75km (Al Bayt to Al Janoub), while the shortest is just 5km (Education City to Al Rayyan).

In July, it was confirmed that the opening match would be hosted at the stunning Al Bayt Stadium, a 60,000-capacity venue designed to resemble a traditional tent used in the Arab world. While the final will be held at the 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. 

Axel Tuanzebe admits Manchester United’s first-team squad is as puzzled by Premier League struggles at Old Trafford as a frustrated fan base.

The Red Devils are yet to collect three points on home soil in the 2020-21 campaign.

Their last success in the English top flight came back on July 4, when they beat relegation-bound Bournemouth 5-2, with six disappointing outings taken in since then.

Four of those have come this season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet to find a winning formula.

Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal have all left Manchester with morale-boosting victories under their belts, while Chelsea took a point in a drab goalless draw.

Tuanzebe concedes that the Red Devils are unable to explain their poor form, with another opportunity to start righting those wrongs set to present itself when playing host to West Brom on Saturday.

He told United Review when reflecting on recent struggles: “I couldn’t tell you, to be honest. I think we just need to go out and play the game like it’s any other game.

“It’s as surprising to us as it is to the fans and everyone else watching. But we definitely need to correct it.”

Part of the problem for United appears to be that they have lost the advantage of having over 70,000 supporters cheering them on every time they take to the field at Old Trafford.

Tuanzebe admits as much, with the absence of fans during the coronavirus pandemic helping to level the playing field for those heading out on the road.

The 23-year-old defender added: “Fans are a massive part of the game.

“Now you can hear everything that’s being said, you can communicate easily with your team-mates. You can say that the pressure from the [opposition] fans has kind of faded, which, to some extent, makes things easier [for the away team].

“Coming through the ranks, when you played for the reserves or the youth teams, there are hardly any fans and you just play every game as if it’s any game.

“The only advantage you have is that you know your pitch better than they do. So, to some extent, you can say it’s easier going away and winning than it is with fans.”

The 2018 Swedish champions Pitea have completed the signing of Nigeria striker Anam Imo, on a three-year contract.

Pitea based outfit secured the Super Falcons star as a free agent after successfully seeing out her two-year contract with 2019 Swedish Damallsvenskan winners Rosengard this November.

The 20-year-old's move to Pitea extends her impressive budding career in Sweden, where she had been since 2018 after leaving Nigeria Women's Premier League side Nasarawa Amazons.

During her spell at Malmo IP, the Nigerian was influential in her side's title success in 2019 and runners-up finish in the 2020 season, scoring 10 goals in 40 outings for Jonas Eidevall's team.

Having completed her move, the striker becomes the first signing ahead of 2021 Damallsvenskan season for coach Stellan Carlsson.

"The first new acquisition for the 2021 season to Pitea IF DFF is ready," the club website announced on Thursday evening.

"It is 20-year-old forward Anam Imo from FC Rosengard who signed a three-year contract with the club.

"She is welcome to the club and a more detailed presentation will come later."

The signing of Imo explains the ambition of Carlsson to help the 2018 Damallsvenskan winners improve on last season's form after a long battle to beat relegation from the top-flight.

Following her switch, Imo will become the second Nigerian with the Swedish outfit after veteran Super Falcons defender Faith Micheal.

Before her first move abroad, she scored eight goals for Nasarawa to emerge as 2018 women's top-flight topscorer and was named the Nigeria's Young Female Player of the Year same year.

At 18, she also put up a fine display as Nigeria recorded a title success at the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Imo will aim to continue her career at LF Arena when Pitea launch their Swedish league campaign in 2021.

Ghanaian coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani believes the Black Stars' chances of qualifying for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations remain intact despite their defeat to Sudan on Tuesday.

In need of at least a draw to book their place at the final tournament in Cameroon, Ghana suffered a setback in their quest as a Mohamed Abdelrahman's injury-time goal ensured a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

The Black Stars still top qualifying Group C despite the away loss but have now been tied on points by South Africa while Sudan have moved to just three points adrift of the joint-leaders ahead of the final rounds of games in March 2021.

"Ghana will surely qualify for Afcon despite losing to Sudan Tuesday, we should not blame the coach [CK Akonnor]. We should support him," Dramani, who currently works with Danish topflight Nordsjaelland, said, as reported by Footballmadeinghana.

“We should build the team around the experienced players in the team like the [Mubarak] Wakaso, [Andre] Dede Ayew, John Boye, Jordan Ayew, etc, for us to get a strong team.

"Building a team is a gradual process so we should take our time for CK Akonnor.”

Ghana coach Akonnor, who assumed duty in January, has won two and lost two of four matches played so far under his reign.

Two of the games - Tuesday's away loss and an earlier 2-0 home win over Sudan in the reverse fixtures - have come in the Afcon qualifiers.

His next batch of assignments will be against South Africa (away) and Sao Tome and Principe (home) in the concluding part of the race to Cameroon next March.

“Overall, I think we did well. We lost to a team that showed more hunger than us," Akonnor said after the game.

“If I look at the way we played in Ghana and the way we played here, I feel there is a bit of improvement in terms of containing pressure and all that.

“The players fought under uncomfortable conditions like the weather and the Sudanese tried to frustrate us before the game and I appreciate the players’ effort.

"The Sudanese players were hungrier than us. We will learn from the mistakes we made today and we’ll do well against South Africa and Sao Tome and qualify.

"I strongly believe and I can assure Ghanaians that we’ll do our best to qualify.

Ghana are four-time African champions.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has assured fans the response from the government to kick off the 2020-21 FKF Premier League season is very positive.

The Kenyan top-flight which was suspended in mid-March owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus is yet to resume despite the FKF securing sponsors for the league.

Despite the FKF setting November 27 as the date to kick off the new campaign, the government is yet to lift the ban on contact sports which includes football and rugby.

FKF boss Mwendwa has now told Goal the response from the government is very positive and that the league will kick off as planned with players and officials of all the participating teams being tested for Covid-19 on Monday.

Asked if the league will now kick off as planned after another change of date from November 20, Mwendwa told Goal: “The response from the Ministry of Sports is very positive. We have been engaging them for a while now and they don’t have any problems if we start the league.

“All they wanted is to see was whether as a federation we are able to put all the Covid-19 measures in place to avoid the spread of the virus and we have given them the guidelines of what we plan to do for a smooth resumption of the top-flight.

“The league will kick off as planned on November 27, which will be on a Friday, and all the players and officials of the teams in the league will undergo mandatory Covid-19 tests starting on Monday.”

Earlier on Friday, Mwendwa confirmed to Goal 14 clubs, among them Kakamega Homeboyz, have already the undertaking to kick-off the league on November 27.

Other clubs that have committed to kick-off the season include AFC Leopards, Bandari, Sofapaka, Western Stima, Bidco United, Nairobi City Stars, KCB, Nzoia Sugar, Kariobangi Sharks, Posta Rangers, Wazito FC, and Tusker.

“We will give Sh2million to teams that will have signed the document and those that have not signed will not get anything,” Mwendwa told Goal on Friday.

Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula confirmed to Goal they had indeed signed the undertaking, saying all he wants now is to see football returning to Kenya.

“It is true we have signed the undertaking,” Shimanyula told Goal on Friday. “I was a very strong critic of Mwendwa’s administration and the day I wanted us to have him out of office, the same clubs ganged up against me to support him.

“So I don’t think it is time for us [the officials] to fight anymore, it is time to have the league played, it is time to have the action back and I hope the league will now start as planned so the players can also enjoy the action.”

The teams that have not signed the undertaking include Gor Mahia, Ulinzi Stars, Mathare United, and Zoo FC.

Olivier Giroud’s agent admits the striker will be weighing up transfer options in January after slipping back behind Tammy Abraham in the pecking order at Chelsea.

The World Cup winner has experienced mixed fortunes during his time at Stamford Bridge.

He made a move from Arsenal in January 2018 and had to battle Alvaro Morata for starting duties in west London.

Gonzalo Higuain and Abraham have provided fierce competition for places since then, while Germany international Timo Werner was snapped up over the summer.

Giroud has taken in just six appearances this season as he struggles for competitive minutes, with the 34-year-old having to ask serious questions of what his future will hold.

His representative, Michael Manuello, admits as much, with the France international frontman finding himself back in an all too familiar situation after committing to a one-year contract extension.

“Effectively, since the start of September, things have changed but what has not changed is his capacity to play matches for France, contrary to what was said by certain others,” Manuello told FootMercato.

“There have been €150m worth of players bought. But at the same time you’d be blind not to see that Frank Lampard has decided to put Tammy Abraham ahead of him.

“It is not frankly fair when you look at what Olivier did at the end of the season. But he (Lampard) has the right, it is his choice. 

“So effectively if things continue like this, in December we will find ourselves where we were in December 2019.

“Things have happened in the last five months. We cannot just look at the last two months and be forgetful about the three years that came before it.

“But we have to be honest and, if this continues, we will have to, first and foremost for him, experience other emotions.”

Giroud has registered 29 goals for Chelsea through 94 appearances, having previously hit 105 for Arsenal.

Remaining in England remains the preference for the experienced forward, but Manuello admits alternative options will be considered when the next window swings open.

He added: “The ideal would be for him to discover another culture, to take on another challenge. 

“Now, a new English club with ambition can also make him think because the big difference with the Premier League is that it remains an extraordinary championship, which offers a different pleasure. 

“So if a really good Premier League club came along, yes that could be considered. But there is an open mind to go and experience something elsewhere abroad.”