Looking for Soccer News?

Frank Lampard thinks that all eyes will be on Manchester United versus Chelsea on Saturday, despite the two clubs having struggled to compete for the Premier League title in recent seasons.

Manchester City's dominance in recent years has only been matched by the current Premier League champions Liverpool as the two clubs have fought at the top of the division.

With Man City having got 100 points in 2018 and both they and Liverpool coming close to matching the feat since, there has been a huge gap between them and the chasing pack.

Lampard believes that his side will ultimately compete at the very top of the division and he regards Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side as a huge challenge ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

“It certainly does [mean a lot]," Lampard said in his pre-match press conference: "We have played them a lot, in two cup competitions as well as the league. They are a quality team, individuals and organisation.

"They went to Paris and got a fantastic result, and everything is very close in the league. It’s an opportunity to get some very hard-earned points, but it will be a tough match.

"I think the league's unpredictable, you can analyse all the games; you talk about certain games were big teams have conceded a lot of goals or there have been big turnarounds in games.

"We've been part of one of those, and so have others. So I'm not interested in that, I think Man United are a very good team, we've played them enough last year to know that and I'm not concerned about what might have happened in games before. We'll take them at face value."

Chelsea have won just two of their first five games but United, who have played a game less, have also won only two and suffered a 6-1 defeat at home to Tottenham.

From Lampard's perspective, he is still trying to get his team to gel after a disrupted pre-season due to the coronavirus pandemic has impacted his ability to mix in his group that saw six new players arrive at a combined cost of £220 million ($275m).

That includes both Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy who have only managed a few appearances apiece but look set to play key roles in the season.

"I certainly want to help grow the ideas of leaders within the group, personalities within the group of the course of long difficult seasons where we play so many games," Lampard said.

"There will be moments when you rely on them to help you in tough times and also to push the good times along and to try and improve every day. I don't think you can get on in elite sport, in any elite team sport, with people without any personality and character in your team.

"I have seen that with Hakim and I have seen it in Edou Mendy as soon as they came through the door. Hakim has confidence about him and his fitness is coming on individually and he still need time to get up his match fitness now his injury has cleared up.

"Both of those will be great additions on that front and I encourage personality and communication between players. We need more of that."

Aside from the need to regain match rhythm for Ziyech, Chelsea have almost a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Manchester with just Kepa Arrizabalaga on the injured list alongside long-term absentee Billy Gilmour.

Antonio Conte is confident he will be given time at Inter and highlighted the work of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as an example of what can be achieved with the right backing.

Inter have gone three games without a win heading into Saturday's league trip to Genoa, including a chastening 2-1 loss against bitter rivals Milan last weekend.

The Nerazzurri finished a point behind Serie A champions Juventus in Conte's first full season and lost to 3-2 to Sevilla in the Europa League final.

Conte is happy with the progress made by his side and hopes to take inspiration from "war machine" Liverpool, who were rewarded for constant improvement under Klopp with the Champions League title in 2019 and Premier League crown in 2020.

"We must always give 110 per cent to try to get a good result, in addition to the performance," Conte said at Friday's pre-match news conference.

"We need to work hard. As an example I take Klopp's Liverpool. It was four years without winning - now they are a war machine.

"We are building something important. I don't know if it will lead to winning something in the short term, but I know for sure that it is a right path. Even from the outside, seeing Inter, you get the idea of ​​a solid structure unlike in other years. This gives me happiness."

Inter have conceded eight goals at this stage of a Serie A campaign for the first time since 2011-12 and let in two more in Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Conte accepts Inter have to shore up at the back but reiterated he is content with the overall performances of his players, arguing his side have yet to be second best in a game.

"If we look at what we are trying to do, how we are trying to involve the whole squad, then it's inevitable that the characteristics of some performers change from last year," he said.

"We scored many goals and could have scored more. We conceded avoidable goals and often due to individual situations that we can improve. We will continue to work, to play games. Up to now, there hasn't been a single team that has been superior to us."

Inter's trip to Genoa is their third match in eight days and they have a trip to Shakhtar Donetsk to come on Tuesday, before the visit of Parma four days later.

"It is important we manage the situation and preserve the players as best we can, while playing in the best possible way," Conte said. "The two things have to be combined. Some players are always playing so we need to protect them from a physical and phycological point of view."

Inter have won their last four Serie A meetings against Genoa by an overall score of 16-0, and only once in their Serie A history have they won five in a row without conceding against a single opponent - versus Atalanta from 1951 to 1953.

John Obi Mikel said Stoke City are aiming not to concede many goals in the Championship as they eye Premier League promotion this season.

Michael O'Neill's team have only conceded a defeat so far this term, and they are 10th in the Championship table with nine points after six matches.

On Wednesday, Mikel who joined the second-tier division on a free transfer this summer, captained Stoke City in their 2-2 draw with Barnsley following injuries to Ryan Shawcross and Joe Allen.

Ahead of their next league outing against Brentford on Saturday, the former Nigeria captain wants the Potters to build on their fine defensive performance as they chase their first victory at bet365 Stadium this season.

“The aim is to not concede a lot and once we’ve done that we need to find that way to create chances and score goals,” Mikel told the club website. “We’ve tried to build a solid defence which we can build on. That’s the aim.

“We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and if we keep creating chances and playing well we’ll win games.

“We want to get that first home win. Hopefully we can do that on Saturday and kick on from there.”

Since he arrived at Stoke City in August, Mikel has played every minute of the Potters' league matches this campaign and he disclosed that he is having a great time at bet365 Stadium.

“I just keep going, get ticking over and get the team to play and help the team defensively as well,” he continued.

“We’re trying to find a way to play out. You could see in the game (against Barnsley) that we did that a few times, we did come out really well. If we keep playing like this I think we’ll be there.

“It’s been good. Everyone has been lovely and helped me to settle in; the managers, the players, the staff. It’s been great, I’m enjoying myself to be back playing the game and the aim is to help get this club where it should be, which is in the Premier League.”

James Rodriguez is now in contention to make Everton’s trip to Southampton, claims Carlo Ancelotti, with fitness concerns easing around the Colombian playmaker.

The Toffees boss revealed on Thursday that his South American star was nursing a knock picked up in an eventful Merseyside derby date with Liverpool.

Ancelotti told evertontv: “Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool].

“He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton.”

That update was considered to represent quite a blow to Everton’s ambition.

Ancelotti’s side have burst out of the blocks in 2020-21, going unbeaten through their opening five Premier League fixtures.

James, fresh from being snapped up from La Liga giants Real Madrid over the summer, has quickly become an influential figure at Goodison Park.

His creativity and eye for goal have endeared him to the Everton natives, with the 29-year-old’s presence helping the Toffees to tick.

Being without him for a trip to St Mary’s Stadium would have forced Ancelotti into shuffling his pack.

It may, however, be that James comes into contention after all after making a return to training on Friday.

Ancelotti told reporters when asked for a fitness update: “He is not definitely out. Fortunately his recovery was really good and he trained today, just a partial training session.

“I hope he is going to train tomorrow and we will see if he is condition to play on Sunday. He is really better now and we are confident that maybe he can play. He was not able to train until today. I hope tomorrow is going to be better.

“Today’s was quite good, the training, but he had only partial training.”

Everton will definitely be without club captain Seamus Coleman for their trip to the south coast, but having James back would offer their pre-match preparations a timely boost.

He has slotted seamlessly into the fold on Merseyside and become a key part of Ancelotti’s plans.

James has three goals and four assists to his name through six appearances in all competitions, with the former Madrid star proving to be the perfect foil for 10-goal top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Jose Mourinho is confident that Tottenham can put a new deal in place with Heung-min Son despite the South Korean already having a contract through to 2023.

A star turn in north London last agreed to fresh terms in the summer of 2018.

His game has been taken to even greater heights since then, putting him in contention for another offer.

There has been talk of paperwork already being put in place, with Son’s signature all that is required in order to get things over the line.

Mourinho believes a positive update will be delivered on that front at some stage in the near future, with the Spurs boss looking to keep a 28-year-old forward in his current surroundings for as long as possible.

The Portuguese told reporters when quizzed on the reports of a new contract being agreed: “I would love that.

“Son has three years of contract so it's not like we're in an extreme situation of everybody being worried. 

“It's more that Son loves it here, I believe that he would like to commit his future to the club for a long time.

“Everybody at the club is totally in love with this player and this boy and is trying also to make him feel part of the furniture. 

“It's normal the club tries to go from three years to four or five or six, I don't know.

“He deserves one, and the club knows that sooner or later without any pressure they will arrive into a decision.”

Son endured a slow start to his time at Spurs, on the back of a 2015 move from Bayer Leverkusen, but has been a model of consistency since finding his feet in English football.

He has plundered 77 goals across the last four seasons and already has nine to his name through just eight appearances in the 2020-21 campaign.

“Season after season after season, Sonny is showing how good he is,” added Mourinho. 

“Of course, the better the team is, the easier it is for the players to emerge. But, Sonny, everybody knows what he does.”

Son was on target again in his latest outing for Spurs, as they opened their Europa League group stage campaign with a 3-0 win over LASK, and will be looking to deliver more end product when Mourinho’s men pay a visit to Burnley on Monday.

Lionel Messi can prove in El Clasico that he is “still committed to Barcelona”, says Rivaldo, with the Argentine being challenged to put in a “match-winning display”.

Much of the summer transfer window was dominated by speculation regarding the future of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner at Camp Nou.

On the back of a disappointing end to the 2019-20 campaign, Messi aired his desire to take on a new challenge. Barca quickly closed off the exits and the 33-year-old eventually revealed to Goal that he would be sticking around to honour the final year of his contract.

He has remained a talismanic presence for Ronald Koeman’s side since deciding to stay put, but questions over his ongoing presence in Catalunya remain.

Messi will be free to speak with any of his many suitors from January, with no fresh terms in place yet, and Rivaldo wants the South American to silence any doubters when taking to the biggest of domestic stages on Saturday.

The Blaugrana legend told Betfair: “El Clasico on Saturday is the perfect opportunity for Lionel Messi to prove he is still committed to Barcelona.

“He had a tough summer, and has not started the season brilliantly, but this is the perfect match to raise his game and prove that he's still an exceptional player. A match-winning display against Real Madrid would boost his confidence for the remainder of the season.

“The match is also a chance for Barca to pile pressure on Real Madrid. They're in poor form and have lost their last two matches - both at home. Mind you, Barca were beaten last weekend in La Liga by Getafe.

“I said at the start of the season that Madrid would have an edge over Barcelona after being crowned La Liga champions and having a quiet pre-season, but now Barcelona have the chance to respond by sending Madrid into an unexpected crisis with three consecutive losses.

“On the other hand, Real Madrid will approach El Clasico as a chance to put their bad results behind them. Once again we should see a very passionate match, even without fans in the stands.”

Another of those who could do with putting in a positive performance against the Blancos is Antoine Griezmann, with the Word Cup winner still struggling to convince at Barca.

Rivaldo believes the Frenchman is capable of becoming a key man, but accepts that he needs to start proving his worth when it matters most.

The Brazilian said: “Barcelona are back to winning ways after beating Ferencvaros in the Champions League in midweek, but they lost to Getafe at the weekend at La Liga. Francisco Trincao started in Antoine Griezmann's place and he played well, so it'll be interesting to see who Ronald Koeman selects this weekend.

“Griezmann is the more experienced player that produced solid seasons with Atletico Madrid and the French national team. He needs to step up at Barca because he's a great player, so I'm sure he is fired up for El Clasico.”

Thomas Partey appears capable of becoming Arsenal’s next Patrick Vieira, says Ray Parlour, but the Ghana international has been charged with the task of proving in big games that he is a “proper player”.

Early indications suggest that a man snapped up from Atletico Madrid for £45 million ($59m) slots seamlessly into that category.

An impressive performance was put in on his first start for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta’s side battling back from a goal down to edge out Rapid Vienna 2-1 in their Europa League opener.

Partey has been showered with plaudits on the back of his eye-catching display, with comparisons already being made with Arsenal icon Vieira.

Parlour believes the 27-year-old can live up to the hype, but concedes that there will be bigger challenges to come for a midfielder that is still finding his feet in new surroundings.

The former Gunners winger told talkSPORT: “You can see he has got all the attributes to be like a Patrick Vieira. If he gets anywhere near Patrick Vieira we have had a right result as an Arsenal fan!

“They knew what they were buying there - a very strong player that we lacked in that area - but let’s not get carried away, let’s give him a chance.

“Let’s wait until we are playing the big sides like Manchester City, Liverpool and see if he can boss midfield then. If he can do it then, then we can say we have got a proper player here.”

Arsenal are considered to have been lacking a player of Partey’s ilk for some time.

Such talent was once commonplace at the heart of the Gunners’ midfield, but patience and big money has been required in order to find another enforcer that boasts the potential to follow in some illustrious footsteps.

“He’s a really good presence,” Parlour added. “I don’t think they have had that in midfield. They haven’t been mobile enough over the last few years, but he’s that man to fill in all the gaps.

“He’s six foot one, he’s got that presence, he’s got that mobility in the midfield area.

“When they started flooding people forward trying to get back into the game [against Rapid Vienna], he was the one that just sat in midfield and made everything tick.

“He’s very efficient and had a really good start to his Arsenal career. He could be a really big signing for Arsenal going forward because they have missed someone like him in that midfield area for many years.”

Partey will be hoping to retain his starting berth in Arsenal’s next outing, allowing him to make his full Premier League debut against Leicester – with a bow in the English top-flight having been made off the bench in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Richarlison and James Rodriguez's absence could offer an opportunity for 'hard-working' Alex Iwobi to demonstrate his own qualities, according to Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Richarlison will serve a three-match ban after he was a shown a straight card for a challenge on Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara during the Merseyside derby last Saturday.

James, meanwhile, is expected to miss Sunday's league match against Southampton through injury.

The update might come as a chance for Iwobi to start a league game having played substitute role in four league matches for Everton this campaign.

The Nigeria midfielder replaced Abdoulaye Doucoure in the Toffees' 2-2 draw against Liverpool last week.

With a number of players ruled out of Sunday’s encounter against the Saints, Ancelotti believes the 24-year-old can add more quality to the team’s performance.

“We have to put in other players who have the desire to play,” Ancelotti told the club website, as he expects right-back Coleman to miss “two or three weeks” with “not a big problem”.

“We are working this week on this and I think we are going to choose a good line-up for the game against Southampton.

“Alex is a player who works hard. He is fast and with his quality he can help the team be better in certain situations.

“He [potentially] has an opportunity to play but also we have Bernard and Anthony Gordon.

“We have a lot of opportunities to replace Richarlison and James. We are already moving on.”

Iwobi is yet to start a Premier League match for Everton since their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in July 2020. He has scored a goal in six appearances across all competitions so far this season.

Mesut Ozil’s agent has slammed Arsenal over their treatment of his client, with Dr Erkut Sogut calling for an “honest explanation” from the Gunners as to why the World Cup winner has become an outcast.

Mikel Arteta omitted the German playmaker from his squads for the Europa League and Premier League.

With Ozil under contract until the summer of 2021, many have suggested that he will not be seen at Emirates Stadium again.

Sogut is ruling nothing out at this stage, with a stunning U-turn still possible, but concedes that a 32-year-old midfielder appears to have been firmly frozen out.

He is struggling to understand why that decision has been taken, saying Ozil’s commitment to the cause never wavered, and feels Arsenal supporters deserve answers from those at the top of the club.

Sogut told ESPN: “Arsenal fans deserve an honest explanation, not [Arteta] saying 'I failed Ozil.' You didn't fail Ozil: you failed to be fair, honest and transparent and treat someone with respect who has a contract and was loyal all the time.

“Every single person outside knows he hasn't treated him fairly. He didn't give him a chance to show himself this season.

“If he is still under contract, the player should have the option to stay and fight for his place. Mesut hasn't been given that. Why would you put a player on the bench twice for 90 minutes [against Brighton and Crystal Palace in June] if he wasn't fit or committed?

“Everyone says he's training well. Per Mertesacker [Arsenal defender, 2011-18 and now a coach at the club's academy] said this publicly. I spoke with at least five team-mates who say he is training great. They say Mesut is one of their best players, and they cannot understand why he is left out.

"So it can't be the training - if it is not the pitch, what are the footballing reasons? If you talk, you should tell the truth that the Arsenal fans deserve otherwise don't talk at all.”

Setting his sights on Arteta, who brought the curtain down on his playing career while  at Arsenal, Sogut added: “He started zero games in the Premier League in his last season.

“He wasn't there in the last six months at all, busy doing his coaching badges and meeting coaches for his future. Mesut plays for one English team and that's it because he feels he can only play for that team. He is a Gunner in the end.

“Mesut is not a player who is yesterday a Toffee and today a Gunner. Arteta didn't play at all in the final two years, but they still registered him because he was given a contract.

"[Former manager] Arsene Wenger put him on the field for the final two minutes of his last game just to give him a nice moment, even though he wasn't fit for months. Look at how [Arteta] was treated in his final two years, and how Mesut is getting treated in his final year.”

Sogut believes Arsenal have been looking to back Ozil into a corner, forcing him to make a decision on his future that the club would rather not take after handing him a lucrative contract back in January 2018.

“Maybe [Arsenal's] goal was to wait until the end and Mesut would say 'I want to leave',” said Sogut.

“If Mesut would have done that, the club can say he wants to go and if they can't find him a club, they have an excuse and can say 'we can't register you because you wanted to leave', but they knew for a long time that Mesut wanted to stay. He made it very clear.

"Maybe they wanted him to feel unwanted and unwelcome, but he wants to play for the badge.

“Mesut is 32 years old. He has a few more years in his career, but it is more about the way of treatment. Mesut is someone who fights for his rights. The contract was a big commitment for him.

“He could have left for another club like Alexis Sanchez [who left Arsenal to join Manchester United in 2018] did. He could have left and got a £30m signing-on fee [somewhere else] as a free agent at the peak of his career - but he stayed loyal.

“Maybe the club will change their position in January and register him. You never know what will happen.”

David Luiz has backed Bernd Leno amid criticism of the goalkeeper following Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Rapid Vienna, while he also praised the performance of new signing Thomas Partey.

Leno gifted the Austrian side the opener early on in the second half of the Europa League clash on Thursday night, seeing his attempted pass out from the back intercepted in the build-up to Taxiarchis Fountas' smart finish.

Mikel Arteta’s side fought back to claim the win thanks to goals from Luiz and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but that has not stopped Leno coming in for criticism, with the 28-year-old struggling all evening with the ball at his feet.

Arteta was quick to defend his goalkeeper after the game and Luiz has now followed suit, insisting that Arsenal's style of playing out from the back will always have its dangers.

“I think Bernd is amazing,” said the defender. “It is part of our philosophy to build from the back, this is a normal thing.

“You always play to eliminate players from the beginning when you build then it is going to be much easier for the strikers.

“So, if you count how many times it went well... but just one he did wrong and this is part of our philosophy.

“He is great and he gives us the opportunity to play from the back to try to help us.”

New signing Partey made his first start for Arsenal in Vienna following his deadline-day switch from Atletico Madrid.

And the Ghana international produced a dominant display in midfield, one that saw him named man of the match.

Sitting in front of the defence, Partey consistently protected the likes of Gabriel and Luiz but also showcased his ability going forward with his excellent range of passing.

It was an impressive full debut - one that former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves labelled as one of the best he’d ever seen - and Luiz also gave a glowing assessment of his new team-mate.

“He is a great player and I'm so happy he joined us,” said the 33-year-old.

“It is a pleasure for me to see players like that, playing off the ball and trying to manage the game. I think he did very well.”

Arteta was also full of praise for Partey and insisted the midfielder is only going to get better as he continues to adjust to his new surroundings.

“He looked really solid and really comfortable,” said the Arsenal boss. “I think he held the midfield by himself in the second half when we were a little more open and started to take more chances and attacking certain spaces with some players.

“He was fantastic and there is much more to come from him.”

Sven Mislintat, who filled head of recruitment posts at Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal in the past, has revealed how he reaches the decisions that have seen him make big calls on players like Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 47-year-old German is currently working with Bundesliga side Stuttgart as their sporting director.

He has a reputation for being one of the finest spotters of talent in European football, with his skill set having been put to good use by ambitious sides in his homeland and England.

Mislintat’s professional CV is littered with success stories. Dortmund were the first to benefit from his eye for potential, with United States international Pulisic and prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski among those he flagged.

Arsenal benefitted from his presence between December 2017 and February 2019. During his time at Emirates Stadium, the Gunners put deals in place for star turns such as current club captain Aubameyang and highly-rated goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Mislintat has now lifted the lid on how he makes decisions when it comes to transfers, with several boxes having to be ticked before he advises any club to chase down targets.

Telling Goal and Spox of his methods, Mislintat said: “It's always a combination of all factors, we try to create a 360-degree view of the players. The data plays just as important a role as live scouting, systematic video analysis and personal conversations. 

“I also always try to find out how a player behaves off the pitch, and I never rely on just one opinion. 

“Instead of having a scout observe and analyse the same player live and/or on video several times, I would like to hear the opinion of several scouts. 

“This is the only way to get the multi-perspective view through different tools and observers and thus the necessary basis to be able to make my decisions.”

Mislintat is from the ‘Moneyball’ school of player assessment, with his methods digging far deeper than mere ability.

Quizzed on whether he expects the revolution regarding analytical tools to continue in the coming years, he added: “It's hard to say. I think evolution today describes it better as revolution. 

“Sufficient tools are available. So it's more about the question of whether I can really use the tools. To put it bluntly, the best tool can be of no use if you don't know how to turn the screwdriver. 

“I believe it is important to understand how and what is collected and which interpretations are permissible.”

Mislintat is also eager to point out that his final decision when it comes to a player will be based on much more that information acquired from databases.

He said: “The portfolio of players who are eligible for a commitment is created from all perspectives of the 360-degree view described above, i.e. via data analysis, video and live scouting and via our networks. A name can come into play from anywhere, but then they have to face a comprehensive and detailed analysis in the remaining areas.”

Former Harambee Stars defender Mark Odhiambo has revealed why he left football and ventured in the Matatu industry.

Odhiambo is now a driver that plies the Umoja route – in Nairobi’s Eastlands area – and has said joining the public service vehicle business remains his best decision.

He was part of the full Harambee Stars squad that faced Nigeria in a 2014 World Cup qualifier in Calabar in 2013 after he impressed coach Adel Amrouche at Kasarani featuring for Tusker against KCB.

“Touting is what was putting food on my table even before I became a professional footballer,” Odhiambo told Nation Sports.

“I continued doing this although part-time after I joined Tusker. I eventually graduated to become a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driver and I think it is the best decision I have ever made in life.”

Odhiambo, 32, revealed he invested in the industry while still playing as a way to improve his financial health.

“Driving is a skill like any other and I enjoy it. As a footballer, I realised I had so much free time and that is why I continued doubling up as a Matatu driver,” the Mbotela-born star narrated.

“It is a decision that I don’t regret to date. I managed to save up enough money to buy my own 14-seater Matatu and even though I sold it off later, it improved my financial situation and opened my mind to explore more opportunities in the Matatu industry.”

He stated why there is no need for the Kenyan players to be pressurised into saving money while they remain active on the pitch.

“I keep seeing people telling Kenyan footballers to save money and invest but how do you save when you are not even sure you will get paid?” he asked.

“Salaries in most Kenyan clubs are very little and never consistent. I was lucky to play for Tusker and KCB which are football clubs run by stable companies but what about the majority of players who play for other clubs?

“They are always in a race to survive and get the next meal.”

Odhiambo further revealed he has got no reasons to completely ditch his current occupation and return to football.

“Why would I do that?” he asked. “Football in Kenya is not really a profession you can depend on. I can do both as I have always done but I can never stop driving Matatus because that is what I depend on.

“The last club I played for, Wazito, still owes me over KSh700, 000. I was unpaid for almost a year and I would really be stupid to repeat the same mistake again.

“Whichever club I join, I will still continue driving Matatus. Football is my passion while driving is what puts food on my table and I have learned to do both without any challenges.”

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna has stated they are not worried about the fixtures in the 2020/21 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches and they are just targeting maximum points.

K'Ogalo are scheduled to open their campaign with a tricky fixture against 11-time champions Tusker FC, then follow it up with a game with Ulinzi Stars. Mathare United, Sofapaka FC, and promoted Bidco United complete the first five rounds for the Nairobi-based side.

"We are not concentrating so much on the fixtures, we are not worried about it at all," Muguna told the club's official portal.

"We are focused on being ready before the league resumes because I know once we are physically and mentally ready, we can tackle any team on earth.

"We are going to try and win all our matches because we know by doing so, we stand a chance of winning trophies at the end of the season."

Recently, the KPL giants confirmed the arrival of new coach, Brazilian Roberto Oliveira, commonly referred to as Robertinho. With several new players on board as well, the midfielder has revealed how the situation is at the club.

"The team is fine so far, we are creating a bond that will make us operate together as a team – the aim is, to find a working formula," he added.

Meanwhile, recent signing Bernard Ondiek told Gor Mahia TV that fans should wait for the start of the new season with optimism.

"We are geared for the season start and we have new players who are really gelling well as expected. Gor Mahia always get good players and for the fans, I want you to expect much [more] from us than we gave last season," he said.

"For now, I can say all the focus is on the Champions League, and obviously we have been there and we know what to do. Since we have some experiences in the Champions League we are now well prepared to tackle it more than the other seasons. 

"All we are going for is the Champions League as it is a nice experience for every player in this team. But again, if you do not prepare well, it will be hard to make it.  

"All I can say is the fans should be geared for it and I am very happy and confident because we will do good in the Champions League."  

Former Germany international Andre Schurrle has labelled Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho “a brutal guy” and recalled how the Portuguese manager's approach to coaching destroyed his confidence while at Chelsea.

Schurrle, who provided the assist for Mario Gotze's World Cup-winning goal in 2014, joined the Blues in 2013 but lasted only two years in London.

Despite his reputation as one of Europe's most exciting attackers, talent mattered for little under Mourinho as the tactician's efforts to draw the best out of his new acquisition ended up having the opposite effect.

“He's a brutal guy,” Schurrle said in a YouTube interview with German presenter Joko Winterscheidt. “I always thought to myself: What does he do anyway? Why does he treat me like this? Why does he do this to people? 

“In retrospect, I realise what he wanted and what resources he was working with. At the time, I couldn't really deal with the things he wanted from me because of all the harshness and the psychological pressure.

“Back then, it was extremely difficult. I would often drive home after conversations with him and just thought I couldn't do it anymore. What could I do? He was building up such extreme pressure.”

Although Schurrle had the feeling that Mourinho “liked” him and wanted to “push” his career forward, the ex-forward added: “He still put a few things into my head that were difficult to process.”

Schurrle had actually been in contact with Mourinho even before his move to Stamford Bridge, with the German having taken part in Michael Ballack's farewell match in Leipzig – a game in which the Portuguese was his coach.

He said: “At that point in time [June 2013] I was already in negotiations with Chelsea and Mourinho was my coach for the game. He said to me, 'If you don't score two goals today, I'll loan you to Southampton'. I didn't know if he was joking or not.”

The attacker did get playing time in his first season under Mourinho, but found minutes increasingly hard to come by as time wore on and saw his confidence shattered as a result of his boss' treatment.

Schurrle said: “It was often the case that I played from the start and then he'd replace me at half time. Then, in the next game, I wasn't in the squad and I was in the stands. I couldn't understand that at the time and I lost my self-esteem. My ego was hurt.

“Then I started thinking about what mind be going through his mind. Sometimes during training I had the feeling that he was only looking at me, even if that probably wasn't the case.”

The Kariakoo Derby between Yanga SC and Simba SC could now be played at Uhuru Stadium after the Premier League Board shut the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The derby, pitting Tanzania’s most successful and greatest club rivals, had been scheduled to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium but the facility has been shut and all matches moved to Uhuru Stadium.

Yanga were set to host Simba on November 7 in the highly-anticipated clash which has always been hosted in either of the two national stadiums.

The TPLB did not give the exact reasons why the stadium has been closed and how long the facility will remain shut.

“Tanzania Premier League Board would like to announce that all the league matches that were scheduled to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will now be hosted at the Uhuru Stadium,” the board’s statement obtained by Goal read.

“The matches have been shifted until when the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be opened again.”

The board has also announced Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma will remain out of bounds for an unknown period.

“Further, all the Premier League and the First Division League matches that were scheduled to be played at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma have been moved to Samora Stadium in Iringa City for the Premier League games,” it added.

“FDL matches have been moved to Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro until when the concerned facility will be opened again.”

The development means Yanga, Simba and Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC FC) will have to host their matches at either Uhuru Stadium or at Azam’s Chamazi Sports Complex that is situated outside Dar es Salaam.

The TPLB have had to close down a number of regional stadiums in the ongoing season given the poor standard they have been in.

Other Stadiums that are being used by the clubs are Karume in Mara that hosts Biashara United, Highland Estate in Mbeya that hosts Ihefu FC, CCM Gairo in Morogoro for Mtibwa Sugar, Majaliwa Stadium for Namungo FC in Lindi, and Polisi Tanzania’s Ushirika Stadium in Moshi.

Gwambina Stadium, Mwadui Complex, Kaitaba Stadium for Kagera Sugar, Sokoine Stadium for Mbeya City, Mabatini Stadium in Pwani for Ruvu Shooting and Nelson Mandela Stadium for Tanzania Prisons in Rukwa are the other sporting complexes in the country currently in use.

Juan Mata claims to have struck up an almost telepathic understanding with Bruno Fernandes, with the Manchester United midfielders needing just “one look” to know what the other is thinking.

The Red Devils have a wealth of creative playmaking options at their disposal, with Portugal international Fernandes having added to that since his arrival in January.

Among those is Mata, a model of consistency throughout his time in England with Chelsea and United who can always be relied upon to deliver, even if he is now 32 years of age.

He put in an eye-catching performance alongside Fernandes in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle in the Red Devils’ last Premier League game and believes the pair can form a devastating partnership if given the chance to show what they are capable of.

“I enjoy playing with [Bruno] and with players like him. I think we understand football in the same way,” Mata told United Daily. “We both like to play in spaces and play and move, to create opportunities for our strikers. We understand each other really well on the pitch.

“With one look between us, we know where we want the ball, we know where we’re going to move. Of course, it doesn’t always work but we try to play together because we understand each other really well.”

Mata was left on the bench for United’s impressive 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in their opening Champions League outing of 2020-21, but could come back into contention for a reunion with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday.

He added: “It’s always special for me to play against them. I’ve still got many friends in there. I know Frank [Lampard], we were team-mates. I know how good he is as a manager and of course how good he was as a player.

“It will be tough because they’ve got great new players in the squad. They have a big squad, so a lot of players can play and do well.

“We need to make sure we are ready for that and that we are ready to play at our best level, like the last two games. If we play in that way, I’m sure we will be close to winning.”

URA FC have completed the signing of winger Brian Nkuubi as they strengthen for the 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League (UPL) season.

The 26-year-old has been a free agent after being released by the champions Vipers SC alongside Farouk Musisi, Derrick Ochan, Frank Tumwesigye, Abram Ndugwa, and Dan Birikwalira.

"Brian Nkuubi happens to be the latest addition to our squad that will compete in the forthcoming UPL season," the Tax Collectors confirmed via their official portal.

"He joins us on a three-year deal from Vipers SC and seems to come with a lot of good and positive vibe."

The four-time champions have further revealed the former Venom player will be an important addition for the team owing to his attributes.

"Like Jackson Nunda, Brian Nkuubi is a player comfortable with the ball on his feet and one that is quick to recycle the ball in midfield," the statement added.

"He will add a lot to our offensive flair and will be of great importance to the team when going forward. His flair and magnificent vision in passing the ball and playing the final pass will prove fundamental to the team.

"He is the kind of player that many football enthusiasts around the country have seen growing, timing his runs to perfection in the final third and very assertive in transition.  

"A player very good at decision making especially in the final third, every football lover that subscribes to beautiful football holds his kind of talent in high esteem."

Nkuubi has revealed it is not going to be easy for him considering the fact that there are many good players in the team.

"I have seen a lot of good players at URA FC and I expect competition for positions," the 26-year-old said during his unveiling.

"I have enough experience and I feel I can add a lot to the club in the coming season.

"I want to continue playing at a high level and compete with the best on the title and the club seems on the right path to provide that."

Coach Sam Ssimbwa is confident his new signing will add quality to the team especially in the attacking front.

"He is a player that has developed a lot during his time with Vipers SC in terms of responsibilities on the pitch, he will offer us a lot going forward and will prove key to our attack."