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Frank Lampard has warned that the Premier League is undermining its own product by asking Chelsea to travel to Newcastle for an early Saturday kick-off straight after the international break.

The Chelsea boss is amazed league chiefs expect his players to return from duty with their countries, some flying in from different continents, and then face another sapping journey before their feet have barely touched the ground.

The Blues have a curiously poor recent record at Newcastle, having lost on five of their past seven visits to St James' Park (W1 D1), and their hopes of improving on that have not been helped by the timing of this weekend's game.

A 12:30 GMT start on Saturday is distinctly unhelpful, Lampard believes, at a time when he feels the Premier League should be doing all it possibly can to guide clubs through the difficult pandemic period.

He said Chelsea have been training with just four first-team players while their leading lights have been away with their countries over the past fortnight. They also have a Champions League trip to Rennes next week on their busy agenda.

"The majority of our squad have been travelling. Some are travelling just now, just landed now, they will travel again to fly up to Newcastle, they'll travel back from Newcastle, they'll fly to Rennes on Monday and they'll fly back from Rennes," Lampard said.

He struggles to see the sense in having the 12:30 match slot at all.

"When you look at the scheduling, for me it's just a common sense factor of the broadcasters have never had as many slots as they have now. That 12:30 slot, how much does it need to be there?" Lampard asked.

"It's absolutely not the optimum way to have players preparing for a Premier League game, which is an incredible brand all around the world.

"You want the best of the brand and it's very difficult for us to prepare for this game anywhere near where we are preparing to our best. I want us to play to our best but it's very difficult circumstances."

He sees injury tolls mounting as clubs and players struggle with an increased workload after the later than usual start to the season, adding to his argument.

"I'm concerned because it's across the Premier League. The injuries are going up - muscle injuries are going up and the numbers are there if the Premier League want to look at them closely," Lampard said.

"So it's clear. It's game after game after game, zero pre-season, the schedule is tighter, throughout the season there'll be these really busy patches, and if we want to handle them the best we can, if we want to look after the players and get the product as well as we can, change the time from 12:30.

"That's not a difficult conversation for me to have. The amount of things we changed due to Covid and Project Restart, and now in this season we had to change because these are incredible times, then we have to look for the best way to change it. So the answer is stop talking and act upon it."

Lampard also said Premier League clubs should band together to insist on being allowed to make five substitutions, as was permitted in the closing weeks of the coronavirus-disrupted 2019-20 season.

That has been denied them this term, with only three substitutes allowed to be used in each game, but Lampard says for the sake of player welfare that should go back up to five.

"I don't want anyone to cry their eyes out for players because we know how lucky we are to do this job," he said.

"But everywhere else in Europe, and the world it seems, have five subs and we at the moment don't and we have to revisit that in my opinion."

Erling Haaland wants to win trophies with Borussia Dortmund and is not thinking about a move abroad, according to his father Alf-Inge Haaland.

Dortmund won the race to sign Erling Haaland from Salzburg last January and he has made a stellar start to his career at Signal Iduna Park, scoring 27 goals in 29 games in all competitions for the club.

The Norway international has a better big chance conversion rate (62.5 per cent) than Robert Lewandowski (53.9 per cent) in the Bundesliga this season, though the Poland international has scored five more goals in the same amount of games (six).

A move to one of Europe's elite clubs continues to be touted for the 20-year-old, but Haaland Sr. insists that has not been discussed.

"When you play well, it's only logical that big clubs knock on your door, but we're talking about speculation here," he told SPORT1.

"At the moment it's not in Erling's or my head that another club will be vying for him. We signed a long contract with Dortmund and they have a fantastic team for Erling right now. We don't want to look any further ahead."

Asked if the close season could bring about a move, he added: "You never know what will happen. We haven't talked about such a step yet. I think he would like to win some trophies with Dortmund. That is his goal.

"Erling can still achieve a lot in Germany and make great progress. Moving abroad is not a priority for us.

"I sometimes think he wants to and can assert himself in any league. At the moment, he is happy in the Bundesliga and focused on Dortmund. He just wants to be a better player and doesn't look too far ahead."

Erling Haaland was born in Leeds and played under Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for two seasons at Molde - and the pair have been linked with a reunion at Old Trafford.

"It's hard to compare the different clubs," said Alf-Inge Haaland when asked what his son feels is Dortmund's advantage over top clubs in England.

"Manchester United have achieved great success in recent years. The club is also trying to build something new there. But to draw this comparison now is not so easy because he is already playing in Dortmund. These are two very traditional clubs with a large fan base and a glorious history.

"Man Utd is a very proud club, just like Dortmund in Germany. And Dortmund want to beat FC Bayern [Munich] soon, that's the clear goal. We have to catch up to them. Erling wants to cling to this goal."

Dortmund suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bayern in the Bundesliga before the international break and face a trip to Hertha Berlin when they return to action on Saturday.

Paris Saint-Germain are dealing well with their injury crisis and criticism of their form is "insane", according to Lille coach Christophe Galtier.

PSG are top of Ligue 1, leading Lille by five points, but Thomas Tuchel and his side have been scrutinised due to some difficult results.

The champions lost their opening two league games and have been beaten in two of their three Champions League matches.

But Tuchel has been battling numerous selection issues, robbed of key men by a combination of injuries, suspensions and positive coronavirus tests.

PSG have only been able to simultaneously name Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in their starting XI for two of their 10 Ligue 1 games this term, winning on both occasions while scoring a combined eight goals.

Neymar has made just four league appearances but has created 15 chances, trailing only Pablo Sarabia and Angel Di Maria (both 16) among PSG team-mates. Di Maria has himself played a mere five times.

Meanwhile, Mbappe is the team's top scorer with seven goals from six matches (five starts), well clear of second-placed Moise Kean's three.

Given the regular absence of such key men, rival Galtier is stunned by the discussion of PSG's performances.

"There are criticisms today of PSG that seem insane to me," Galtier told L'Equipe. "We are hard on them.

"They have been playing for a few weeks with a second team, which would be a good Ligue 1 team but would not be champions. They are performing despite an incredible injury list.

"It's more difficult in the Champions League, but when you have players like Mbappe and Neymar who are absent, it is normal that the team is less efficient.

"Against Rennes, a team that plays in the Champions League, a very, very diminished Paris managed to win 3-0 without trembling too much.

"I'm not here to defend Thomas, but it's tough. They have 10 or 11 out with this sequence of matches.

"If we had 10 out, come back in two months and tell me what has happened in the meantime.

"Besides, we are going to be faced with [an injury crisis]. We have Renato [Sanches] injured, Zeki [Celik] injured, two players who keep playing.

"It happens with this incredible schedule."

Mamelodi Sundowns are sweating over the fitness of Andile Jali and Kermit Erasmus ahead of Premer Soccer League (PSL) resumption.

The Tshwane giants are set to take on AmaZulu FC on Sunday as the 2020/21 league campaign resumes following the international Fifa break. 

Jali, who withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad which took on Sao Tome and Principe, is nursing a mild hamstring injury which he picked up during the league match against Cape Town City on November 4. 

While Erasmus sustained a knock to his ankle while on national duty which saw him miss Bafana's first 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Sao Tome in Durban on November 13. 

However, the speedy striker was introduced as a second-half substitute in the second encounter against Sao Tome which took place in Port Elizabeth on Monday.

Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has provided an update on the two experienced players as Masandawana look to extend their lead at the top of the PSL standings with a with over Usuthu.

"We are sweating a little bit. We're sweating and a little bit concerned about AJ. He has not trained with us," Mokwena told the media.

"But we are getting good feedback from the doctors, so we have to see on AJ and assess leading up to the game."

"When Kermit comes back from Bafana Bafana we have to assess him because it's a muscular injury and all these studies show that niggles are always related to injury, 75 percent of the time," he added. 

"So, it's important to treat that as precautionary and get our medical team to assess and have a look because Kermit is important for us."

Erasmus has walked straight into the Sundowns starting line-up after joining the reigning PSL champions from Cape Town City prior to the start of the current season.

The former Orlando Pirates marksman has played three matches for Masandawana and netted once which was against Kaizer Chiefs in the opening league game of the campaign.

His former Pirates teammate Jali has been influential for the Brazilians having picked up the Man of the Match accolade after the 2-0 win over Cape Town City two weeks ago.

Sundowns are scheduled to host AmaZulu at the 2010 Fifa World Cup quarter-final venue, Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane. 

Romelu Lukaku “took a lot of blame” at Manchester United, says Roberto Martinez, with the Belgium boss of the opinion that a striker now starring with Inter was treated “very unfairly” at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils invested £75 million ($99m) in the powerful frontman when luring him away from Everton in 2017.

They saw Lukaku register 42 goals through 96 appearances, but he never truly convinced during his time working under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

That led to another move being sanctioned in 2019, as Inter dug deep to take him to Serie A, and the 27-year-old has thrived in Italy – finding the target 41 times through 58 games.

Lukaku’s performances are expected to have those in Manchester asking questions of why they struggled to find a similar kind of spark, with Martinez of the opinion that a proven performer was never given the respect he deserved while with the Red Devils.

The Belgium manager told talkSPORT of a player he has worked with at domestic and international level: “My relationship with Romelu was from a young player when he came to Everton on loan.

“Then we made a massive effort to get him on a permanent basis and he was the transfer record at that time.

“You can see the player going through phases, good moments, bad moments, but what we’ve seen with Romelu is he’s never lost his outstanding quality which is scoring goals.

“Now we’ve seen a real maturity in his play.

“The time he had at Manchester United, he was so desperate to win trophies and he took a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and probably took a lot of blame, in my eyes, very unfairly.

“But going to Italy, he’s in the middle of a new project, he’s taken that responsibility and those difficulties he had in England in a good way.

“The player we have now is a player in the best maturity moment of his career.”

While starring again domestically, Lukaku is also proving to be a talismanic presence for his country.

He bagged a brace in Belgium’s 4-2 win over Denmark on Wednesday, which took Martinez’s men into the UEFA Nations League Finals, and now has 57 goals for the Red Devils through 89 outings.

Mesut Ozil decided against including any of his Arsenal team-mates as he picked his dream five-a-side team from five specific countries.

England, France, Croatia, Italy and Brazil were the five nations that the 32-year-old used as his criteria for selection, with three of the five players having been former team-mates during his time at Real Madrid.

That included France striker Karim Benzema and veteran midfielder Luka Modric, while Brazil international left-back Marcelo also got the nod.

There was also a place for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who has scored seven goals in 12 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils thus far this season.

As for the goalkeeper of the team, Ozil opted to go with Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon.

There was, however, no place for any of the playmaker's Gunners team-mates, past or present, albeit with the limited number of countries Ozil decided to choose from narrowing down his options.

Indeed, from the current squad only William Saliba and Alexandre Lacazette qualify from France, with Willian, David Luiz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes the club's Brazilian representatives.

There are no Croatian or Italian players in Arsenal's Premier League squad for the 2020-21 season, although there are fair few English players, including the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding.

It's been a hugely frustrating year for the former Germany international, with Ozil having been left out of Arsenal's squad for both the Premier League and Europa League.

Indeed, the midfielder hasn't played for the Gunners since March, with his last goal for the club coming against Newcastle back in February.

Ozil has fallen way down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta despite having appeared in a number of games for the Spaniard at the start of the year.

The former Real Madrid star made headlines for his decision not to take a pay-cut amid the coronavirus pandemic, while he also offered to pay the wages of the club's mascot Gunnersaurus after he was reportedly made redundant back in October.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Collins Makgaka says he is still “still getting used to the new system” as he discusses his limited playing time at the club.

After signing for Pirates in September, Makgaka has featured in two games, a cameo appearance in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Stellenbosch late October as well as during the MTN8 semi-final, second leg 2-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs recently.

But the attacking midfielder is unperturbed by the lack of game time, saying he will attain his goal of helping the Buccaneers to trophies.

“I’m getting used to everything. I am adapting and now I feel like I am home,” Makgaka told Pirates TV.

“I am getting used to everything, the new system. I think I am coming up well. Firstly it is about the team, Individually I was to see myself helping the team by creating scoring opportunities and scoring goals if I find myself on the pitch and also helping the team win trophies. That is my cause.

“Fans believe in us as players so we have to do our best. We have to do justice in the trust that they show in us by doing our best. We have to win for them.”

Makgaka was signed the same day when Pirates also secured the signature of Zimbabwean midfielder Terrence Dzvukamanja, shortly after the Soweto giants had acquired South Africa captain Thulani Hlatshwayo and Deon Hotto.

Prior to joining Pirates, Makgaka’s only taste of PSL football was with Baroka and the player admits that he was starstruck when he walked into the Pirates dressing room.

“It was not easy knowing that I am going to meet new players,” said Makgaka.

“I knew some players from a distance and I started imagining myself interacting with them. When I got here, I met with the coaches first and they welcomed me and that was when I started feeling a bit relieved.

“I met with Tyson [Hlatshwayo] and Deon. I spoke to Tyson and he asked me how I was feeling and I told him that I was nervous but after that I felt much better. I then met the whole team and they welcomed me. I was not alone.

“Right now I am interacting with other players. They are close to me. They kind of play here is not that difficult so far. The coaches show us what they expect from us so we know what we have to do. That is how everything becomes more easier."

 It is yet to be seen if Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer will field Makgaka in their next league match against SuperSport United on Saturday.

Kenya legend Matthews Ottamax has revealed new Wazito FC coach Francis Kimanzi was not keen on working with him.

Goal reported a couple of days ago that the former Harambee Stars coach will serve as the new goalkeepers' coach at the club which was to be coached by Nicholas Muyoti who was the management's choice. The tactician, however, turned down the offer and everything started once again.

However, it was Samuel Koko, who had initially played for Zoo FC and Nairobi Stima, who was given the job.

"I was ready to join my new team and we had agreed on everything including the contract; actually I had signed," Ottamax told Goal on Thursday.

"Wazito Sporting Director [Stephen Otieno Ochiel] called me last week telling me things have changed and whether I had a problem working with Kimanzi. I told him we are on good terms.

"But later on [on Monday] the CEO [Dennis Gicheru] told me Kimanzi was not comfortable working with me, but since I had signed the contract, I will be deployed elsewhere."

The former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia goalkeeper went on to state how he felt after Kimanzi snub, but went on to state he is ready to work in another capacity.

"Of course I was psychologically prepared for my new role at the club and to be honest I felt bad," Ottamax continued.

"My chance will come, but right now I am waiting to see where I will be fixed at the club. Definitely, I am going to give everything to see the club do well in the forthcoming season."

On Thursday, Wazito FC unveiled Francis Kimanzi as their new coach ahead of the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign.

The immediate former Harambee Stars coach takes over from Ambani who was fired alongside his technical bench that included assistant coach Salim Babu and goalkeeper trainer Elias Otieno. 

At his new team, the 44-year-old will be assisted by John Kamau who is also an experienced coach.

"I am grateful and honoured to be here ... discussing the future of Wazito Football Club together with my able technical bench," Kimanzi said during his unveiling.

"It was not an easy decision, it was a tough one because of the culture of the club [which is] what I need as an individual.  

"I am very happy to have pulled together a good technical bench to help in achieving the objectives of Wazito FC. We will do it for sure; we have a mission and we must achieve it."

Alex Telles may not be Manchester United’s new David Beckham when it comes to delivery from the flanks, admits Denis Irwin, but a former Red Devils left-back is backing one of the present to start proving his worth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to add a buccaneering Brazilian defender to his ranks late on in the summer transfer window.

Telles was snapped up after recording 26 goals and 57 assists across four years at Porto.

He is a dual threat in a full-back berth, with those qualities taking on ever-greater importance in the modern era, and an opportunity may be opening up for the 27-year-old at Old Trafford.

Telles impressed as a wing-back during a Champions League outing against Paris Saint-Germain, but has suffered a bout of coronavirus since then and remained stuck on the sidelines.

Luke Shaw has, however, been ruled out with an untimely injury and the England international’s misfortune could play into the hands of a club colleague.

Irwin believes Telles is capable of making his mark in the Premier League, telling United’s official website of a player that boasts Beckham-esque ability in wide areas: “It's an opportunity for him now, with the games coming up, to get his foot in there.

“And sometimes it's through lack of injuries that you manage to hold down the place of the left-back position.

“I mean, we haven't seen him too much [from him] defensively wise, but the Premier League is a tough league and he's a full-back, so he'll have to be good defensively. But we've already seen his qualities going forward in that game in the 70 or so minutes he played.”

Irwin, who spent 12 years with United in his playing days, winning seven Premier League titles, added on Telles: “There's no doubt that, on set-pieces, he's going to be a huge asset to us in that respect.

“Also, I'm not going to compare him to David Beckham! But it looks like he's got a fantastic left foot that can whip a ball in with pace, which our strikers would love to get in at the end of.”

United, who collected a much-needed victory over Everton last time out to ease some of the pressure on Solskjaer, will be back in action on Saturday when they play host to West Brom.

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi is refusing to read much into Kaizer Chiefs’ struggle for positive results as he warns his side of a possible upset against the Soweto giants they host in a Premier Soccer League match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.

Chiefs go into this match trying to recover from a run of three winless games, the last being an MTN8 semi-final, second leg 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates.

This is in contrast to Arrows who are yet to lose a match this season after two draws and a win.

With Chiefs struggling for positive results after going into the season without signing any new player, Ncikazi says they shouldn’t look at the Soweto giants with sympathising eyes. 

“They also have youngsters who are very capable‚” Ncikazi was quoted as saying by Times Live.

“I really don’t think that we must look at Chiefs and feel sorry. Maybe the transition from one coach to another needs time because every transition needs time.

“Soon coach Gavin Hunt will be very competitive and I just hope he doesn’t become competitive against Arrows this weekend. He must wait and then after that he can be competitive.”

The Arrows coach says that he senses “danger” from wounded Chiefs as he cautions his charges against complacency.

“What looks obvious is not obvious and for me I see danger‚" said Ncikazi

“Kaizer Chiefs is still a very good team because this is the same team that was leading with 13 points at some stage last season. It’s the same players and just a change of the coach. They still have players like Lebogang Manyama‚ Khama Billiat and many other national team players.

“So‚ I don’t want us to believe that what we are seeing at the moment is what is going to happen during our match on Saturday. Like I said‚ I see danger and we have to be very careful.

“But we will prepare very well like we always do because we will be playing against a very good team. My message to the players is to be cautious when we enter that pitch. Results might not have gone their way up to this stage but they are still a very good team.

“If you look at their right back‚ he is an international player‚ Daniel Akpeyi is an international player‚ ltumeleng Khune is still a very good goalkeeper and he is a Bafana Bafana [international].

“Daniel Cardso is of international standard‚ Bernard Parker is a former international player‚ Manyama is a Bafana Bafana player‚ Billiat is with the Zimbabwean national team‚ Samir Nurkovic unfortunately is injured and I am happy that he is not around.”

In the absence of Nurkovic, no Chiefs striker is yet to score a goal this season in all competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished the “bullsh*t” rumours suggesting that he is looking to put a reunion with Isco in place at Everton.

The Italian coach worked with a talented Spanish playmaker during a previous position at Real Madrid.

Isco is now struggling for regular game time at Santiago Bernabeu, with it suggested that the 28-year-old may open himself up to a transfer in January.

Ancelotti has seen his name thrown into the mix there, with there plenty of speculation to be found regarding a potential move to Merseyside for a proven performer with four Champions League winners’ medals to his name.

Everton would likely welcome the opportunity to add Isco to their midfield department alongside another former Blancos star, James Rodriguez, but their manager insists no plans have been drawn up at Goodison Park when it comes to winter recruitment.

Ancelotti told DIRECTV Sports Co when quizzed on the gossip: “It is not true that I am behind Isco.

“We haven’t started thinking about the team for the January market. So those comments are, as they say here, bullsh*t.”

Everton did pull off quite the coup when prising James away from Real Madrid over the summer.

The Colombia international made a bright start to life in England, with three goals and four assists recorded, but had started to fade a little prior to the November international break.

Ancelotti considers that to be normal given that slight knocks have been picked up in a physical Premier League.

He said: “James Rodriguez started very well. It is true that after playing against Liverpool he had problems because he had a blow and difficulty in recovering.

“He played a game where he had not trained well [against Southampton] and performance has dropped for this reason.”

Ancelotti added: “The quality of the player is not discussed; it has never been discussed either at Real Madrid or at Bayern Munich.

“I think that [with] these two teams, [he] had more difficulty because there is more competition in the team and, sometimes, it can happen that you don’t play.

“I think it’s more important for him to play than to train. In my opinion, he can have a good physical level if he plays - this is why he hasn’t played much at Real Madrid.

“Changing a team that has been successful is much more complicated.”

Pep Guardiola has reached an agreement with Manchester City to extend his stay at the Premier League club by an additional two years, with his new contract running until the summer of 2023.

The deal marks the Catalan coach's longest ever commitment made to a team during his managerial career, as he looks to add to the eight major trophies already won during his time with the Citizens.

The recent international break gave Guardiola and officials some downtime amid a hectic campaign to consider the future of the club and have come to an agreement that will surely delight City fans.

“Ever since I arrived at Manchester City I have been made to feel so welcome in the club and in the city itself - from the players, the staff, the supporters, the people of Manchester and the chairman and owner,” Guardiola said upon the deal's announcement.

“Since then we have achieved a great deal together, scored goals, won games and trophies, and we are all very proud of that success.

“Having that kind of support is the best thing any manager can have. I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well and I am humbled by the confidence the owner, chairman, Ferran [Soriano] and Txiki [Begiristain] have shown in me to continue for two more years after this season.

“The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am very excited about helping Manchester City do that.”

Club chairman Khaldoon Mubarak added: “It is testament to the qualities of the man that Pep Guardiola’s passion and intelligent approach are now woven into the very fabric of the football we play and our culture as [a] club.  

“That impact has been central to our success during his tenure and it is why I am delighted that he shares our view that there is so much more to be achieved both on and off the field.

“Pep’s contract extension is the natural next step in a journey which has evolved over many years.  It is a product of the mutual trust and respect that exists between him and the entire club. It also goes to the stability and creativity at the heart of our football operations.  

“Importantly, it is a validation of the football structure and philosophy that has been built over more than a decade and to which he has contributed so much.

“I’m sure all City fans share my delight in this new agreement and in anticipating the exciting opportunities that, with continued hard work, are there to be taken.”

Jerome Boateng is not ready to give up on Bayern Munich just yet, but a man heading towards free agency in 2021 admits that a new challenge – potentially outside of Europe – does appeal to him.

The 32-year-old has spent all but one season of his distinguished playing career to date in his native Germany – with a brief stint at Manchester City the only anomaly on his impressive CV.

Having previously spent time with Hertha Berlin and Hamburg, Bayern took Boateng back to his homeland in 2011 when it became clear that an English adventure was over.

The World Cup winner has enjoyed considerable success during his time at the Allianz Arena, collecting Bundesliga and Champions League honours, with 333 appearances taken in across nine years.

Boateng is far from being finished, with there plenty of football left in him, but it may be that he embraces the opportunity to head away from a comfort zone next summer and spread his wings.

“As you have correctly stated, I am a person who loves to get to know new cities, new cultures and new people,” Boateng told Goal on his future plans.

“I’m actually not the type who likes to stay in one place for a long time. Accordingly, Paris, London, but also cities outside Europe are interesting for me.”

Boateng added, with Bild having recently reported that his contract at Bayern will not be extended: “I was surprised by the coverage and would have liked to have sat down beforehand. But now I don’t deal with it anymore.

“I have always said that I would like to get to know something different and take on a new challenge. I feel really good and in top shape and have delivered and performed in the last few months. That is also the feedback I get from Hansi Flick and my team-mates. That is the most important thing for me.

“My focus is 100 per cent on defending the five titles from last season with the club. When the day comes when we part ways, I will look back proudly on these years and many successes with this club. Not many footballers are allowed to experience something like this. At the same time, I look ahead full of motivation and look forward to what’s coming.”

Boateng is not the only high-profile performer to be edging towards the exits at Bayern, with David Alaba another of those to have entered the final year of his current contract.

Talks with the versatile Austrian regarding an extension have broken down, leading to him being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, but Boateng is reluctant to be drawn on what the future could hold for an ambitious colleague.

He said of the Alaba saga: “That is a very difficult subject. I do not know the details and therefore cannot comment.

“I know David is a great guy and a great footballer - and I can only say that his character is not shown correctly if he is portrayed as greedy for money in the news.”

For now, both Boateng and Alaba will continue to give their all to the Bayern cause for as long as their services are required, with Hansi Flick having united a star-studded camp since inheriting the managerial reins from Niko Kovac.

Boateng added on his boss: “Shortly after he took over, he said, ‘Jerome, I know what you can do. The most important thing is that you get fit’.

“In December he said it was my decision whether to go or stay. But he said that he would be happy if I stayed. Hansi Flick assured me that if I perform well, I’ll get the same opportunities as everyone else. That was enough for me.”

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has hailed the “exemplary” efforts of Marcus Rashford as the Manchester United forward joins him in the fight for social change.

During a testing time for the global population as a whole, a number of important issues have risen to the fore.

The Black Lives Matter movement continues to garner support from around the world, while the coronavirus pandemic has united those who want to see politicians do more for their respective nations.

Boateng is doing his bit on all fronts, with the World Cup winner helping food charity Munchner Tafel during the Covid-19 crisis.

He has told Goal of that work: “I had been in contact with Tafel employees for a long time because I wanted to help. It cannot be that people or entire families cannot afford food. So much food is thrown away, why is there no satisfactory concept that ensures that everyone has enough food?

“We athletes are also in demand in this regard. Marcus Rashford, for example, raised awareness of this issue and made people aware of child poverty in particular.”

Boateng added on United star Rashford, who has received an MBE for his free school meals campaign in England: “He is already very far for his age and is absolutely exemplary. One can only compliment him for his commitment.”

Rashford and Boateng have also been involved in the Black Lives Matter movement that continues to fight against all forms of racial prejudice.

There is still a lot of work to be done there, with U.S. president Donald Trump branding former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick – the man who started protests by taking a knee during the playing of the American national anthem – a “son of a bitch” back in 2017.

Boateng added on that cause and his anger at such statements made by prominent public figures: “That makes me sad and, if I’m honest, also a little angry. You think you’re in a bad movie from another era because the whole thing seems so unrealistic. It is the year 2020 and such statements are being made in a country that claims to be modern and open. That’s unbelievable.

“My children also hear about these incidents and talk about them at school. I don’t want my daughter to be scared of going or flying anywhere. Mainly because I actually remember the USA differently and I really appreciate the country and its culture.”

Professional athletes have often taken centre stage in the fight against racism, with star turns in the Bundesliga such as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Thuram displaying on-field shows of support.

Asked why sportspeople are taking on more of a political role in the modern era, Boateng said: “Mainly because in this case the events are so present. After all, many racist attacks were caught on camera. Such incidents may have been noticed in the past, but there was no concrete evidence. People looked the other way for a long time, probably out of fear. That has to stop!

“It is therefore important that we athletes raise our voices and take countermeasures. We are in public and are therefore more perceived than people who are less known. But all people should raise their voices and position themselves against racism.”

Boateng intends to remain at the forefront of that fight, with plans being pieced together for a new project in 2021.

“I’m going to start something next year,” said the 32-year-old World Cup winner.

“I can’t provide any detailed information about this yet, but something is definitely planned. In addition to the racism issue, we have been concerned with the global corona pandemic for several months.

“The topic is omnipresent. As a father of school-age children, in particular, you notice a lot. The whole thing has grown to unbelievable proportions, the numbers are rising again. I hope, of course, that we can get back to normal soon.”

On the eve of the match ATK Mohun Bagan's season opener against Kerala Blasters coach Antonio Habas took a dig at his opposite number Kibu Vicuna, reminding him that although the latter has won the I-League with Mohun Bagan, the Indian Super League (ISL) is a different ball game altogether. 

Vicuna guided Mohun Bagan to their fifth domestic league title last season but since the club merged with ATK to form ATK Mohun Bagan, there was no room for the manager in the new set up and he jumped ship to Kerala Blasters.  

“Kibu Vicuna did good work in Mohun Bagan. But this year it is a different competition and different season. I have the utmost respect for him but on Friday we will try to get three points as we work every day for that," stated the two-time ISL winner. 

The Mariners face Kerala Blasters and their arch-rivals East Bengal in their first two matches of the season. But Habas is not concerned that his boys have to lock horns against two formidable opponents at the start. 

“It is a competition and we have to play all the teams at some point in time. For me, there is no difference. It is the same.”

Every ISL club barring ATK Mohun Bagan have played at least one pre-season friendly game this year. In fact, Blasters have played two matches as part of their preparations.  However, Habas has his own reasons for not playing any preparatory game against an ISL team.

“We didn't consider it necessary to play friendlies in pre-season because this is a different and special pre-season. I think it is more difficult to play against your own teammates than other opponents. The friendly match this season did not have the proper conditions to play. There would have no referees and we had to play on the training pitch. Therefore it was better to play amongst us,” said the Spanish coach. 

The former Las Palmas coach is satisfied with the squad he has at his disposal and suggested that his sole target this year will be to win the league and get success in the AFC Cup.

“We have a very good squad. In this situation, it is very important to have a good squad. We need rotation in this season more than any other season. Roy (Krishna) and (David) Williams are as important as any other player in the team.  I am very happy with the new additions. They all want to win. They have a good attitude.

“I have the same ambition i.e. to build a competitive team and get success, first in ISL and then in any other international competition.”

As far as team selection is concerned Habas played his cards close to his chest and did not give away whether star acquisition Sandesh Jhingan will take the field against his former team Kerala Blasters in the season opener. 

“Sandesh (Jhingan) has the same chance to feature in the eleven as other players. He has not played for a long time and other players also haven't played for around six-seven months. The chances are equal.”

He also refused to tag themselves as favourites going into the new season and suggested that the focus of the team is to take small steps. 

“I think we can call ourselves favourites in March-April. Right now we have to keep our heads down and work hard in every match to get the three points,” said the Spaniard.

Manchester United will be wishing they had made a move for Jack Grealish over the summer, claims Paul Ince, with the Aston Villa and England star delivering “sensational” form for club and country.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with the 25-year-old playmaker during the last transfer window.

Speculation was sparked long before an opportunity to make a move presented itself, with United said to have been mulling over an approach for some time.

Tottenham have also been long-standing admirers of Grealish , with efforts to snap him up having been rebuffed before he burst back onto a Premier League stage at Villa.

Ince believes those in north London and the North West will be regretting decisions not to push harder for a deal, with a player drawing obvious comparisons to Paul Gascoigne proving that he can compete with the domestic and international elite.

Former United midfielder Ince told the Gary Newbon Sports Show : “I don't like it when people parallel you with someone else but I know people will. I know Bryan Robson said something the other day about Gazza and Jack Grealish, I mean Jack has done well and to be fair he has been brilliant for Villa. 

“When Villa nearly went down last season I thought he was going to move on to another club, I know Tottenham were keen to take him and Manchester United. I bet they wish they took him now because he's been absolutely sensational. 

“Jack's his own player, he's grown into his game, the way he carries the ball, he's got great balance. Does it remind me of Gazza? Yes and no, I wouldn't like to compare the two.

“You're right that Jack's got a long way to go but he certainly looks that type of player, the way he sets people up and he's got two good feet and he's got great balance and a great touch but he's got a long way to go before we start connecting him with Paul Gascoigne that's for sure.

“Gazza could control a game and dictate a game. He would play a game at his own pace and he would decide whether to be in gear one, two, three, four or five and I think you do see that with Jack Grealish at times, he will decide when he needs to step up a gear and he will be get better as he gets older, but the thing is with Gazza, people would man mark him or double mark him and it wouldn't be a problem. 

“Eventually people will look at Jack Grealish and see him as a threat in the England team and it's how he deals with that.”

Ince added: “The only thing about Jack is I wish he'd stay on his feet a bit more that's the only kind of negative thing I'd say about Jack because sometimes he gets a touch and he goes flying.

“The amount of tackles Gazza used to ride, people used to kick him and trip his feet and I would love to see Jack do that a bit more. That's the only thing, apart from that Jack is a wonderful player and it's amazing how long it took him to get into the England side, at times he couldn't even get in the squad but now he's a regular and doing really well.”

Wilfred Ndidi has returned to full training following an abductor injury, in a boost for Leicester City and manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Nigeria international has been out of action after suffering a knock in the Foxes’ 4-2 defeat to Burnley in a Premier League game in September.

Before his injury, the midfielder had been drafted into central defence so far in the 2020-21 campaign following the unavailability of Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Filip Benkovic.

However, he has resumed training and it means he could feature in Leicester’s Premier League match this weekend, away to Jurgen Klopp’s men on Sunday, although Rodgers may want to protect the 23-year-old to build his fitness.

In the absence of Ndidi, Nampalys Mendy has fitted in perfectly into the Foxes squad and that drew commendation from Rodgers.

“He is performing to the level the club wanted when they brought him in,” the Northern Irish tactician told the club website.

“He's a defensive midfield player, tactically very good, understands the role, and does a lot of dirty work for the team. 

“Of course, before he’s played with Wilf [Ndidi], who’s something similar beside him and it’s probably where both of those players need someone creative beside them.

“I think because of Wilf’s form, certainly since I’ve been here, he’s been so consistent, Wilf, and it's been difficult for Papy to play but it really shows you the mark of the guy – how well he has trained, how concentrated he has been. He never lost his focus and was always there if an opportunity came to give his very best.

“Now, what you’re seeing is a player that is getting a consistent run of games, and he’s really showing the quality player he is. I have been delighted with Papy. He gives the team stability with his experience and understanding of football and how we work. He has been crucial to how we play.”

The Foxes, who have won their last six games across all competitions have a packed schedule of English top-flight games as well as the Europa League to deal with, and will need key first-team members such as Ndidi fit and available for big fixtures coming in quick succession.

After eight English top-flight games, the King Power Stadium giants lead the log having accrued 18 points, while Klopp’s men are ranked third with one point less.

Lionel Messi is likely to stay at Barcelona beyond the summer of 2021, claims Carles Rexach, with the Argentine being backed to remain at Camp Nou before following the lead of former team-mate Xavi and heading for Qatar.

It appeared at one stage over the summer as though a six-time Ballon d’Or winner was destined to head out of Catalunya.

Having grown disillusioned with life at inconsistent Barca, Messi stated a desire to take on a new challenge.

That path was blocked, as the Blaugrana battled to keep a talismanic presence on their books, and a contract through to the end of the current campaign will be honoured.

It remains to be seen what will happen at that point, with Messi currently in a position where he will be able to speak with suitors from January.

The 33-year-old has not been giving out the most encouraging of signs for Barca, with the South American telling reporters that he is “tired of always being blamed for everything” when returning from international duty to be faced with a barrage of questions regarding his working relationship with Antoine Griezmann.

Rexach admits that Messi has been making some questionable decisions off the field, with his push for a move elsewhere stunning the football world, but he believes an all-time great will eventually commit to fresh terms.

The former Barca coach told Radio Marca: “Thanks to God, he's been the solution to Barcelona's problems.

“For me, he didn't do the right thing with the burofax, I have to say, although I'm pro-Messi all the way. That hasn't benefitted anyone.

“I think he'll stay at Barcelona if he doesn't decide to play at another level, like leaving for Qatar, for example.”

Messi is yet to be linked with any sides in the Middle East, with the likes of Manchester City and Inter considered to be leading any chase for his signature.

There is, however, previous when it comes to Blaugrana legends heading to Qatar, with World Cup winner Xavi – who is now manager of Al Sadd – treading that path in 2015 as he brought a 24-year association with Barca to a close.

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has admitted his side has not been potent upfront as he prepares for Saturday’s Premier Soccer League clash against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

The Tshwane giants face a Pirates side that is yet to be beaten this season with two league draws and a win, as well as booking a place in the final of the MTN8 after back-to-back victories over old foes Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates' form has left Tembo tipping them to clinch the league title this season as the Soweto giants seek to end an eight-year drought for the championship.

“It is not easy to prepare for a big game without a full squad. We will have one day of preparation for such a big game. They [Orlando Pirates] have a great squad, and I think that they are the favourites to win the league title this season," said Tembo as per Sowetan Live.

"They have Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto and Terrence Dzvukamanja, and many quality players. They have not lost a game and are in the MTN8 Cup final. They are high on confidence.”

SuperSport are going into this match on the backdrop of elimination from the MTN8 by Bloemfontein Celtic and Tembo has demanded that his attackers become prolific.

“The [international] break came at the right time. The goals seem to have dried up, and we needed more time to work on that,” Tembo said.

“I expect a sharp SuperSport against Pirates. We are not scoring goals and not creating enough chances. We have been working on scoring goals in a couple of friendly matches.”

SuperSport have managed four goals from three league matches this season, and have won two games while losing to Golden Arrows.

Tembo welcomes back players who were doing national team duty with their respective national teams, hoping they return uninjured including Kuda Mahachi who was with Zimbabwe together with Teboho Mokoena and Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.

“We got players from Bafana, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the South Africa under-23. We will have a full squad tomorrow [Thursday], and I hope no one got injured,” Tembo said.

Midfielder Sipho Mbule is back from injury while it is not yet clear if forward Bradley Grobler has recovered from a knock which saw him withdraw from the Bafana Bafana camp last week.

Meanwhile, Pirates could be welcoming back chief striker Frank Mhango from injury.