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William Troost-Ekong has urged the Nigeria national team to fully focus when they take on Sierra Leone in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game.

The Super Eagles squandered a 4-0 lead to play out a draw with the Leone Stars at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Friday.

On Monday, Gernot Rohr’s men arrived in Freetown for the reverse fixture of the encounter and had their first training session.

Troost-Ekong explained the three-time African champions are battle-ready for the game and urged his side to fully concentrate and secure all three points in the outing.

”We are ready, we just finished a good practice session and everyone’s ready for the game tomorrow,” Troost-Ekong told the media.  

“We prepare like any other game with this team (Sierra Leone). We don’t underestimate anyone and if we can just bring what we did in the first half of the last game and make sure we keep concentrated and see out the game, I think we have a good chance to do what we need to do.

“They (Nigerian fans) will see a team that is very hungry to get the win here. We want to qualify as soon as possible and it is up to us to do it tomorrow.”

Troost-Ekong also commented about the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown, where the Super Eagles will take on Sierra Leone.

“We are used to everything, we are Africans we’ve been to Asana, we’ve been to Benin and Uyo and this pitch is like any other pitch we will get in Africa so it’s no surprise for us, we will be ready to face them,” he added.

With the draw on Friday, Nigeria maintain their lead in Group L with seven points from three games and a victory against the Leone Stars in Freetown could seal their place in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles finished with the bronze medal at the 2019 continental tournament, with Algeria clinching the gold and Senegal the silver medal.

Ghana coach CK Akonnor believes his team will have to find a way to deal with the absence of talismanic captain Andre Ayew in Tuesday's 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Sudan.

The Black Stars are set to play as guests to the North Africans in a matchweek four fixture at Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman, five days after relying on two goals from the Swansea City forward to register a 2-0 triumph in a first leg fixture in Cape Coast.

Ayew, who similarly netted twice in Ghana's last game coming into the November Afcon qualifiers, has been forced to withdraw from the reverse fixture due to an injury picked up during Saturday's training session in Accra.

"First of all, he [Ayew] is the leader of the team and so if you don’t have your leader, it’s always a problem," Akonnor said, as reported by the Ghana Football Association's official website.

"But having said that, these are professionals, they have been in Europe for quite some time now, they are doing well so they know what to do, and of course, with a bit of guidance from the technical team, I think they will be able to do well.

"He [Andre] is not in and so it won’t be necessary for us to talk about it. Yes, we have lost him, he delivered, he gave us two goals the other day.

"But now he is no more there and so we have to deal with it and strategically we will find a way as to how we will play and get success.

"The likes of [Mubarak] Wakaso and [first-vice captain Richard] Ofori have always been positive within the team in terms of team spirit and how to move the boys to follow the rhythm and I think it’s been positive and we are hoping that they translate that into the game tomorrow."

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Ofori, despite being within the team in Sudan, will be unavailable for Tuesday's encounter due to suspension resulting from the accumulation of yellow cards.

Like Ayew, he was also in full team action in Thursday's match.

"Well, we need a balance [to win the game]. The right balance in attack and defence," Akonnor added.

"In our first game, we found ourselves struggling when we lost possession and that is what we have worked on since the last match.

"And so, we are looking forward to improving in that area because we gave the opponent some counter-attacking situations.

"And of course, we expect them to come with two strikers, they are playing at home, they need to win etc and so we need to be better in that area and I think once we are good in that area, we will find a good situation."

A win on Tuesday will secure Ghana's qualification for the final tournament in Cameroon. Senegal and Algeria have been the first countries to join hosts Cameroon in the qualified pool.

Martin Braithwaite claims to be ignoring the exit talk he is generating at Barcelona, with the Denmark international determined to live the dream at Camp Nou for as long as possible.

The 29-year-old was taken to Catalunya back in February as part of a stunning transfer.

With Barca enduring injury struggles, the Liga giants were cleared to make an emergency signing in the final third of the field.

They had to shop in a domestic market, with Braithwaite the man they eventually settled on as an €18 million (£16m/$21m) release clause was triggered at Leganes.

Braithwaite has never been prolific throughout his career, but was handed the most unexpected of opportunities to prove his worth at the very highest level.

The lockdown of football during the coronavirus pandemic rather stunted that progress and the Danish forward has just one goal to his name through 16 appearances.

It is being suggested that he will be among those deemed surplus to requirements in January as Barca seek to free up funds and space in their ranks for new additions.

Braithwaite, though, is not listening to the speculation and will continue to give his all for club and country whenever called upon.

He told Bold.dk of the transfer gossip he is generating: “I don’t follow the news, because I live my life and I know how that goes, but of course I hear some things, but I don’t pay attention to rumours.

“Barca are an enormous club and the media write a lot of things, because newspapers know that anything publish about Barca generates a lot of attention.

“Many things are happening but I only focus on those I can control. I play football and can’t do anything about other things. When I wake up in the morning I only think about playing football.

“I am where I always dreamed of and you can only improve if you are here.

“I’m happy because I’m in a fantastic moment in my life and I feel that everything goes well. I am calm and happy with this challenge.”

Braithwaite has taken in five appearances for Barca this season, but he is yet to make a La Liga start under Ronald Koeman and has been restricted to just 37 minutes of action in the Spanish top flight.

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has categorically stated he will not resign even if the team fails to make it to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon.

The 52-year-old tactician took over the mantle to handle the national team after replacing Francis Kimanzi on a three-year deal and has already handled two matches – managing a 1-1 draw against Comoros in Kenya before losing 2-1 against the same nation in Moroni on Sunday.

The defeat against Comoros left the team with little chance to make it to the Afcon finals to be staged in Cameroon as they have managed three draws and lost one match and have two matches to end the campaign.

Asked whether he will resign if Kenya fails to make it to the Afcon finals, Mulee told Goal: “I have resigned before and it is not a problem but for now I have set myself targets, which I want to achieve with the team and so, for now, the days of resigning ended a long time ago and I will fight to achieve my targets unless FKF decides to sack me.”

On his promise to the fans after losing the away match, Mulee said: “I love soccer, like every Kenyan, but we are not good enough to play [because our league is suspended], we must have our league back, and then we can talk on Kenya’s performance.

“We don’t have a league being played in the country [because of the Covid-19 pandemic] and it is affecting our national team’s performance, unless we start playing then I will keep using the players I tend to think are fit to play.”

Mulee has also called on the Kenyan government and football chiefs to work out ways that will allow fans to attend future national team matches.

“I think we as Kenyans should also put in place plans and know, 'Yes we have Covid-19' but [we should] have the fans back to the stadium,” Mulee continued.

“All we need is to put tough measures in place and also plan on how to have fans back into the stadium [like other nations are doing], and you know Comoros did exactly that and they were granted permission by Caf.”

After the loss, Kenya are now on three points after four Group G games, five points behind the islanders, and will host the Pharaohs on March 22 before wrapping up their campaign with a trip to Lome against Togo on March 30.

The 2020 season is barely over after it was unceromoniously cut short by the Malaysian government following a rise in the Covid-19 cases after having just completed the opening round of the Malaysia Cup campaign.

Now the attention turns quickly towards the 2021 season that may yet be hampered by the on-going battle against the global pandemic but at least the respective teams now have a schedule to follow.

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Kedah will play out the opening game on Feb 26 in the Charity Shield match that will also double up as a Super League encounter with the other five fixtures to be played the following day.

"MFL took into consideration the joint 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifications, AFC Champions League and AFC Cup as well as the AFF Suzuki Cup (AFF Championship) and the AFC U19 Championship competitions when coming up with the dates.

"However this is subject to change whether in dates or format if there's any changes in the international competition dates and it will be up to the approval of the MFL board of directors," said Dato Ab Ghani Hassan the Malaysian Football League chief executive officer.

Compared to previous seasons, it would seem that the Super League has been extended a month beyond the usual end of July end date to end of August while the FA Cup is also prolonged for about two months, with the final usually falling in the month of July, now being played in early September instead.

As a direct result of both competitions finising later than usual, the season-ending competition that is the Malaysia Cup will also have a later start than usual with the first matches set for Sep 17 and the big final coming up on Nov 27.

It would seem that this planning will have the best interest of the Malaysia national team at heart with obvious priority given to the qualification matches. Yet it would also seemed to suggest that the AFF Championship may be given more acknowledgement than initially thought, giving rise to the possibility that Cheng Hoe may get better choice of players for the competition that will be played between Apr 11 and May 3.

Charity Shield: 26 February 2021
Super League: 27 February 2021 - 21 August 2021
FA Cup: 2 March 2021 - 11 September 2021
Malaysia Cup: 17 September 2021 - 27 November 2021
1st Transfer Window: 21 November 2020 - 14 February 2021
2nd Transfer Window: 12 July 2021 - 8 August 2021

Jack Grealish has the same “natural ability” as England legend Paul Gascoigne, claims Bryan Robson, with the Three Lions considered to have found another playmaker that can excite supporters.

A 25-year-old on the books at Aston Villa has been tipped to reach the top for some time.

The odd question has been asked of his ability to compete at the very highest level, but those doubters have been silenced in style over the course of the last 18 months.

Grealish has become a Premier League star at Villa, with a series of talismanic displays keeping them in the top-flight and earning their skipper a lucrative new contract.

There has also been plenty of transfer talk and a breakthrough into the senior England squad.

An international opportunity has been grabbed with both hands, as his creative qualities are showcased on the grandest of stages, and Robson believes the efforts of an icon can be emulated.

The former England captain told The Sun ahead of the Three Lions’ final UEFA Nations League clash of 2020 against Iceland: “No English player in recent years has excited me as much as Grealish does.

“It’s the way he glides past people, his range of passing, he’s so pleasing on the eye.

“Grealish is always on the front foot, always looking to create. It’s what Gazza loved doing, using his ability to go past defenders on both sides, scoring great goals, pleasing the crowd. And some of Grealish’s goals have been outstanding.

“You can see that, just like Gazza, he loves what he’s doing in being able to manipulate the ball. Grealish has got that natural ability the same as Gazza. It’s what sets them apart from the rest.”

Manchester United great Robson added: “Gazza’s strength was to go past players on either side. He had this unbelievable knack of pushing you in the chest, then accelerating away from you — by actually fouling you first.

“Grealish does it differently but it’s the same result and can be devastating.

“He’s got massive leg muscles, calf muscles especially and that makes him very quick. That allows him to go either side and then like Gazza did, he’s away.

“It’s the little things, the minor things if you like, that are really important to be a top player. They are minor but they are magic because other people can’t do it.

“Gazza had that special magic about him in the way he could get away from people. Grealish has that too.”

Inter would win Serie A with Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to Massimo Moratti.

Antonio Conte guided Inter to a second-place finish last season, with Juventus securing their ninth successive Scudetto by just a single point.

The Nerazzurri are aiming to build on that platform by dethroning their arch-rivals in 2020-21, but haven't made the flying start to the season supporters might have hoped for.

Inter are sitting seventh in the Italian top flight after seven fixtures, five points behind leaders AC Milan and one adrift of reigning champions Juve.

Conte has also seen his side struggle in the Champions League, with draws against Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk and a defeat to Real Madrid leaving them facing an uphill battle to qualify from Group B.

Inter are already being tipped to bolster their squad in January in order to boost their chances of competing for major silverware, with Kante reportedly near the top of their list of targets.

Koulibaly has also been linked with a move to San Siro, and Moratti thinks the addition of both men would help ensure that Conte brings the club's long wait for silverware to an end.

"The Nerazzurri are owned by a family that gives me hope," the former Inter president told GR Parlamento.

“Suning want to stay for a long time and invest to achieve important results. I think that with Kante and Koulibaly the team would win the Scudetto.”

Moratti added on Juve's dominance of Serie A over the past decade: "Juventus have deserved to win the last nine titles.

“They still seem the most complete team, from talent to financial possibilities. Much will depend on [Andrea] Pirlo and how he will fit in.

“It’s not good to think they are going to win 10 in a row, but the only thing one can do is try to make a stronger team that can fight against them. Inter could do it, I hope."

The former San Siro chief went on to discuss the ongoing speculation surrounding Christian Eriksen's future, with the Danish midfielder fuelling rumours of a winter transfer by admitting his Inter career hasn't worked out as he had hoped last week.

"Eriksen is a nice footballer, but we have to see if he is able to adapt to Italian football,” Moratti said.

“This is a patient world but, to a certain extent, and if he were to continue at this pace, I imagine that Inter could think of selling him."

Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna has openly claimed the players should take the blame for the 2-1 defeat suffered against Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The East African nation fell 2-1 to the hosts in a Group G Afcon qualifier on Sunday night with Mohamed Ben El-Fardou and Mattoir Faiz notching the goals for the hosts while Cliff Nyakeya’s effort was just a consolation.

The Gor Mahia player, who sat on the bench as Kenya secured a 1-1 draw against the same opponent in the first meeting before he came on as a second-half substitute in the reverse fixture, has now said the players are responsible for the result and should strive to do well in the remaining two matches.

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle,” Muguna wrote on his official social media page. “We are 100 percent responsible for the loss [as a team], we will work hard to make the country proud in the remaining two matches.”

His sentiments come after winger Ayub Timbe also said the team can hopefully make it to the 2022 Afcon finals to be staged in Cameroon despite the away defeat.

“[I am still] disappointed with the results and performance,” Timbe posted on his official Facebook account.

“We fought but it was not enough. We did not take our chances but it is not over yet. We live to fight another day. Still, two games to go; everything is still possible.”

Earlier on, captain Victor Wanyama conceded Kenya's chances to Cameroon are slim after Sunday's loss.

“Kenya have a minimal chance of making it to the Afcon finals but it will be hard,” the Montreal Impact midfielder told Goal on Monday.

“I am not saying we should relax after the Comoros loss, but to be honest, our chances of making it to Cameroon are very slim.”

The 29-year-old further stated the game was a tough one despite the players giving their all.

“We were unlucky [to lose], it did not go as planned, we lost but at times football is like that,” Wanyama continued. “It was a tough game but it is gone and now our focus is on forthcoming assignments, we have to look for a solution now.

“In football, we can win, lose, or draw; there are about one, two areas where we need to rectify. But that is not my job, it is the job of the technical bench. The players give absolutely everything.”

Kenya had picked up three consecutive 1-1 draws before the loss in Moroni while Comoros had a win and two draws.  

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has called on the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to investigate the conduct of Comoros officials after they claimed six Kenyan players were Covid-19 positive before their reverse fixture on Sunday.

The Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match was forced to start 30 minutes late after Comoros officials claimed six players from Kenya’s national team were Covid-19 positive and lodged a complaint with Caf to have all the players tested again before the game could kick-off.

However, after the long standoff Caf officials allowed Kenya to play the match with certificates they had received from Nairobi as they travelled to Comoros for the match which the home team won 2-1.

Mulee has now told Goal it was unfortunate for Comoros to allegedly use such dirty tricks which he said instilled fear in his players and hence affected the team’s performance and has further called on Caf to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

“It was very unfortunate the match was delayed for a long period because Comoros tried to lie and unsettle my players by saying some of them were Covid-19 positive," Mulee told Goal when the team arrived from Comoros on Monday.

"It was all false and I hope Caf will step in and take action because the standoff instilled fear in my players,” 

“We left Kenya after we had already been tested for Covid-19 and what they did they tried to target some of our key players with the false rumours, and I am happy Caf stepped in and said we play with the Covid-19 certificates that we had [from Kenya] because their target was to have our key players barred from playing in the match but Caf came in and said we play.”

On fans being allowed to watch Comoros match in Moroni while the first meeting was played without fans at Kasarani Stadium, Mulee explained: “I think we as Kenyans should also put in place plans and know yes we have Covid-19 but have the fans back to the stadium.

“All we need is to put tough measures in place and also plan on how to have fans back into the stadium [like other nations are doing], and you know Comoros did exactly that and they were granted permission by Caf.”

On his promise to the fans after losing the away match, Mulee said: “I love soccer, like every Kenyan, but we are not good enough to play [because our league is suspended], we must have our league back, and then we can talk.

“We don’t have a league being played in the country and it is affecting our national team’s performance, unless we start playing then I will keep using the players I tend to think are fit to play.”

After the loss, Kenya are now on three points after four Group G games, five points behind the islanders, and will host the Pharaohs on March 22 before wrapping up their campaign with a trip to Lome against Togo on March 30.

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has explained the reason he gave the starting role to veteran custodian Arnold Origi during the Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Comoros.

The Norwegian-based keeper was making a return to the national team after five years out and was drafted straight into the starting eleven as Kenya secured a 1-1 draw against the island nation in the first meeting and then kept his position in the reverse fixture as the team lost 2-1 in Moroni.

Patrick Matasi, who features for St. George in Ethiopia, and was the country’s keeper during the 2019 Afcon held in Egypt, was not recalled into the squad while Ian Otieno, who turns out for Zesco United in the Zambian league, deputised for Origi during the two matches.

Mulee has now told Goal why Origi was drafted straight into the starting squad and further said he will not blame the former HIFK Fotboll custodian for the three goals Harambee Stars conceded against Comoros, one at home and two away.

“I think if you look at Arnold [Origi] currently, he is a very good goalkeeper, he is the best keeper for Kenya and if you look at the other keepers we have currently and even the players that we have, most of them, [especially those from local leagues], have not played league matches for the last nine months,” Mulee told Goal.

“But if you look to the foreign land, the goalkeepers that we have Origi has been doing some good stuff in Finland, he was the best keeper after he went for eight matches without conceding a goal, so the reason we called him to the squad is that we felt he will come to help the team.

“I cannot fault Origi for the goals we conceded [against Comoros home and away], he did his job well, he did what he was supposed to do, and if you look at the goal he conceded in Nairobi, the ball took a different route because of the wind after taking off from the ground, I cannot blame Origi, all I can say is, he was eager to help Kenya but it did not go as planned.”

On his general assessment of the two matches against Comoros, ‘Ghost’ told Goal: “I think if you look at our past four matches [including Comoros], we scored goals, in every match but our main worry is also we have conceded in every game.

“That is the biggest problem we have faced as a team from out past four matches and I think if we can prevent conceding goals then it will be a plus for the team because we can score but we also concede which is not good, we are now also looking at how best can we tighten our defence to avoid conceding goals because we are very sure, we will score in any game.”

After the loss, Kenya are now on three points after four Group G games, five points behind the islanders, and will host the Pharaohs on March 22 before wrapping up their campaign with a trip to Lome against Togo on March 30.

Lionel Scaloni was happy with what he saw from Lionel Messi as Argentina prepare to face Peru in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Amid concerns over an ankle injury, Messi played in Argentina's 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Thursday, having a goal ruled out in the second half.

Argentina coach Scaloni said he was pleased with Messi, who is set to make his 142nd international appearance – to go equal with Brazil great Cafu for the fifth most by a South American.

"On a performance level, Leo played a good game," he told a news conference.

"We were unlucky that they didn't validate the goal because it had been a great play."

Scaloni added: "I saw him well and he has no problem, that's the important thing."

Argentina will seek to extend their unbeaten run in qualifiers against Peru to 16 matches, but Scaloni also wanted to send his well wishes to Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano, the former Barcelona and Liverpool star who has the most caps in Argentina's history, announced his retirement on Sunday.

"I want to emphasise the retirement of Javier Mascherano and his new life that begins from now on. I send him a big hug," Scaloni said.

"He was an emblem of Argentine football and I wish him to do his best and that whatever he decides to do now, he does it with the same passion with which he used to play."

Meanwhile, Peru coach Ricardo Gareca – whose side have collected just one point from their opening three qualifiers – acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team.

"We pay attention to the strength of the rivals and logically it is a challenge to try to counteract the strengths of the teams that we face," he said.

"Argentina not only has Messi, but they have many good players in all their lines and we will have to play a great game to neutralise them."

Argentina are currently sitting second on ther CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table after three matches - three points behind leaders Brazil.

In the last few years, Odisha FC, formerly known as Delhi Dynamos, have been able to create an identity as a club that gives opportunities of young Indian players. 

The team from Bhubaneswar will once again have a lot of young and talented Indian players when they take the field for the seventh season of Indian Super League (ISL) which starts on November 20. 

With only days remaining for their first match of the season against Hyderabad on November 23 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Rohan Sharma is super proud of the core Indian group at the club which includes Vinit Rai, Nandhakumar Sekar and Shubham Sarangi. 

"I have always wanted younger players (in the team). I did not have a young core (initially at Delhi Dynamos). I feel I have my core now, we have a young team. This team is young but they have also played a lot of matches together. The young kids are coming in and taking over. You are seeing it happen (all in other leagues as well)," Odisha FC owner Rohan Sharma told Goal . 

"The good news is that I love that our team is close. Off the pitch, they are very close and bond together. To me, that is a very important mark of a strong team. You can buy a very expensive foreigner but if he doesn't respect the Indian players and the scene, then you start from ground zero. And I have had that at Delhi Dynamos, foreign players who just took off once we dropped to eighth. We have the right mentality now in the team."

He further added, "I am so proud of my Indian players. They were bench players at Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United. People refer to Odisha as a young club, young players who come here know they have a chance."

While Odisha are set to continue giving youngsters a chance, Rohan expressed his bemusement at the situation of ATK Mohun Bagan defender Sumit Rathi who won the ISL Emerging Player award last season. Rathi, who took his chances at centre-back and impressed for ATK last season, will face competition from new signings Sandesh Jhingan and Tiri. 

"I feel bad for Sumit Rathi. He had a great season and now he is in a crowded defence. He (could be) on the bench. I never want that to happen with my boys."

The likes of ATK Mohun Bagan, SC East Bengal and Mumbai City have made some impressive moves in the transfer market. However, Rohan Sharma isn't too bothered and is not afraid of the possibility of a gap in quality that may occur once the season kicks off. 

He said, "At the end of the day, there is a salary cap. I can control only my club. I am happy with the way our Indian boys have developed compared to other clubs. Some clubs may buy, but as you have seen European football, it doesn't translate to success. I have grown my players to love the club. I wanted players who would love playing for this club. This year Vinit, Nandhakumar had offers, Shubham turned down an international offer to stay. That means a lot to me.

"Mumbai City's roster is sexy but they can still lose. East Bengal could get the whole League One (third division) from England but I am not scared of East Bengal, I am not scared of anybody. We still have good players in our team. My coach (Stuart Baxter) is not scared," Rohan concluded. 

Odisha have signed experienced players such as Steven Taylor and Marcelinho to bolter their foreign player department. The club that finished three points adrift of fourth place last season will be hoping to make it to the playoffs this time around with a new coach on board and a lot of young, exciting talent. 

East Bengal made a last-minute dash into the Indian Super League (ISL) this season after Shree Cement limited picked up the majority stakes in the club. 

However, being the newest entrants in the league, the club and their new management did not have much time to assemble their squad but it must be said that they have done a decent job so far.

The process started with the hiring of a high-profile coach in Liverpool Robbie Fowler. The former England international’s arrival was a signal of intent, given his high stature. Fowler brought in a big team of backroom staff including a set-piece coach in former Blackpool manager Terence McPhillips something which Indian football had never witnessed before.

While Fowler did not have much say in the selection of most of the Indian players as they were recruited much before even the investors came on board, the foreign contingent has been assembled as per his wishes.

The Englishman brought in players who had the experience of playing in England for a very long time. The recruitment of former Norwich City winger Anthony Pilkington, former Southampton defender Danny Fox and ex Birmingham City midfielder Jacques Maghoma have been the notable additions to the Red and Golds squad.

The Indian brigade has a few big names like Jeje Lalpkehlua, Balwant Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh who have not been at their best recently. Jeje, however, has been out of action for the last one and a half years because of an injury. 

Fowler’s last assignment was with A-League side Brisbane Roar last season. Roar were a struggling side before the Liverpool star came on board and had finished second from the last on the league table during the 2018-19 season.

The English coach brought in wholesome changes in their roster and turned Brisbane Roar one of the top sides in Australia last year. They finished fourth in the league and made it to the play-offs.

While it could be said that he lacks extensive managerial experience, his recent track record is extremely good and the Kolkata giants will hope he comes good. With his colossal stature and reputation as a legendary footballer, Fowler is expected to command respect from the squad. 

East Bengal’s success this season will depend on Robbie Fowler’s man-management skills which will be put to test.

Sergio Ramos has no plans to step away from penalty duties for Spain despite missing two spot-kicks against Switzerland, and insisted he is not considering international retirement.

Ramos made his 177th international appearance, surpassing Italy great Gianluigi Buffon for the most by a European man, but marked the milestone with two penalty misses in a 1-1 Nations League draw on Saturday.

The defender had scored a remarkable 25 straight penalties for Spain and Real Madrid before his two misses from 12 yards.

Ramos, who skipped a news conference on Monday amid links to Paris Saint-Germain, said he would continue taking penalties.

"If there was another penalty of course that I would take, of course," he told Spain's media channels. "If I didn't approach it that way, I would stop being me."

Spain host Germany in Seville on Tuesday, needing a win to finish top of Group A4 and reach the Nations League Finals.

Ramos, 34, said he was proud of his appearance record, and he dismissed any talk of retiring from internationals.

"It is a pride to surpass a legend like Buffon in caps. In the end, when you start you don't think you can get that high," he said.

"I have spent many hours running around here through the streets of Seville and there is a lot of effort behind it, perseverance and perseverance.

"In the end it is that. As long as I feel like it, I will continue. My head is in charge, and for now, it allows me."

Ramos was firmly in the spotlight following his blunders from 12 yards, but the gaze intensified when he was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 34-year-old’s preference is believed to be a two-year extension to his contract at Madrid, but a mega-money offer from the French capital could turn his head.

Spain coach Luis Enrique does not feel he needs to step in and offer any guidance to his captain.

"Everything that is generated around Ramos is neither new, nor old, nor is it anything," the Spain boss told the media.  

"It is what it is and what it means to have a player of this level. It is normal that there is pressure around and you have to live with that. 

"If there is someone with enough experience to handle this personal situation it is Sergio Ramos."

Harry Winks has admitted that his place in the England squad could be in jeopardy if he continues to spend the majority of his time on the bench at Tottenham.

Winks has gone some way to cementing his place in England coach Gareth Southgate’s plans in recent months. And that has been done despite making only four appearances for Spurs in the Premier League so far this season.

The midfielder has not featured domestically for Tottenham since the 3-3 draw with West Ham on October 18, and he has admitted his England prospects could be impacted by a lack of playing time under Jose Mourinho.

“My situation at Tottenham is difficult at the moment,” Winks said. “It's important that I keep fighting and working as hard as I can to stay in the squad and to stay in the team.

"Every time I get the opportunity for England I love it. It's a great place to play football here, it's free and the lads get on really well, it's a great place to come to.

"I want to be a part of that in the Euros and I want to be in the starting XI in the Euros as well.

"But, yes, it's important that back at Tottenham I get the opportunities there and I stay in the team there as well."

Winks has featured prominently during the current run of international games. 

He played the whole 90 minutes as England cruised to a 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland in a friendly, and then steadied the ship from the bench in the 2-0 loss to Belgium in the Nations League on Sunday.

England were 2-0 down when Winks came off the bench at half-time, replacing the injured Jordan Henderson, and the Three Lions looked far more composed in the second 45 minutes.

Southgate has a host of options to call upon; it could be argued he has too many given the rigid nature of his formation. 

But Winks feels England are building towards something big and believes they have a shot at European Championship glory.

"The good thing about England right now is we've got so many good, technical players,” the 24-year-old said. “There are so many good players performing at such high levels in their clubs as well.

"Once we get that gel right and once we start to get a bit of consistency going into the Euros we definitely believe that we are good enough to go all the way."