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New Express FC signing Murushid Juuko has explained the reason which drove him to sign for the club in the ongoing transfer window.

The Uganda international left-back was officially unveiled by the Red Eagles last Friday after putting pen to paper on a one-year contract, which ended speculation linking him to rivals Vipers SC and KCCA FC.

The 26-year-old, who has previously featured for Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Wydad Casablanca, says the club’s current direction and good organization at the club made it easy for him to sign his contract.

“It’s no secret that the level of organization at the club is top class, as players we always want such environments to succeed and i couldn’t have made a better decision at the right time,” Juuko told the club’s official website.

On working with coach Wasswa Bbosa, Juuko said: “Working with [Bbosa] is a great step in my career, I appreciate that he understands every player’s situation which is key in building our confidence.

“I also want to appreciate the CEO [Isaac Mwesigwa] and the head coach [Bbosa] for making this happen, am happy to be here, Express is a big club and its current progress speaks for itself and I am sure we going to win silverware this season.”

On acquiring the services of the player, coach Bbosa was delighted about the transfer, saying he was a good addition to the squad, who are keen to wrestle the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) title from Vipers.

“We’re glad to have Murushid [Juuko] on the team, his experience speaks for itself without a doubt, his discipline will help the youngsters in the team to become better," the coach noted.

Juuko becomes the 16th signing for the six-time league champions ahead of the new season, set to kick off on November 20, 2020.

The news of Juuko being liked with the Red Eagles started after he returned from Morocco, where he ended his contract with Botola Pro side Wydad Casablanca after they disagreed over payment-related issues.

After returning home, Juuko became a transfer target for both Express, Vipers, and KCCA but he opted to sign for Express, but he was not unveiled immediately as he was waiting for the green light after petitioning Fifa over his former side.

The arrival of the player will be a great boost to Bbosa, who is expecting a competitive 2020/21 UPL season.

Juuko was part of the Johnathan McKinstry-led Cranes side that defeated Malawi 2-0 in the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying match played at Namboole.

The six-time league champions finished the abandoned UPL in the ninth position with 31 points, after managing nine wins, four draws, and 12 defeats.

Frank Lampard admits that Chelsea need to get better defensively, but he also understands that it will take time for a new-look Blues team to find their chemistry.

The Blues have conceded nine goals in five games as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League with eight points earned.

And those nine goals come on the heels of a 2019-20 campaign that saw Chelsea concede 54 times, more than any other team in the top 10.

With new signings Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell brought in to improve the defence, Chelsea have taken a step towards rectifying that problem but, with both newcomers missing matches already this season, Lampard says that it will take some time for everyone to settle in and understand defending as a unit.

"I keep talking about the need for work and how things take time," Lampard said. "We're playing with new players coming into the squad and it's understandable at this stage of the season where there are moments in games when I talk about game management and the need to go longer, mix our game up.

"It's something that obviously has to be worked on with time. Things like Southampton at the weekend are a lesson to be learnt in real-time.

"We don't have so much time with the players so far this season and that will come. We need to make sure the lessons are learnt quickly and the players are very aware of that. "

While Chelsea have had trouble keeping out goals under Lampard, they have done well in terms of limiting opponents' chances. 

Lampard pointed to a statistic that says Chelsea have conceded the second-fewest shots in the Premier League under him, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga often being criticised for his role in goals the Blues have conceded.

Chelsea made a move to rectify that this summer, bringing in Edouard Mendy as the Blues look to take a step forward defensively, but Lampard says he does understand that it takes more than a new goalkeeper to fix the problem.

"In terms of the goals conceded, I am aware of the stats. The other stat is that since I've been here, we've conceded the second least shots in the Premier League behind Man City," Lampard said. 

"It helps sometimes to narrow down the issues. The issues are that we don't concede many shots on goal but when we do, we concede goals.

"It's something we're aware of. We're aware of it when we look at recruitment and more than that you're aware of the need to work on the pitch with the players to ensure that when we hopefully set up well we don't concede many chances but, when we do concede chances, we let in too many.

"It's something we work on specifically. Of course, we want to concede less goals, as do all the teams at the moment. There are teams that are conceding a lot of goals in the Premier League and we're all in a similar position to a degree at the moment. It'll always be something we work on as much as we do our attacking play."

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago will be assessed ahead of Liverpool's Champions League opener after sustaining a "proper knock" against Everton.

Liverpool welcomed a £20 million ($26m) summer signing back into the fold after his recovery from coronavirus when they took in the short trip to Goodison Park for the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

The former Bayern Munich star played the full 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw, but suffered a knee injury in stoppage time after being cut down by Richarlison in midfield - with the Brazilian subsequently shown a red card for the late challenge.

The Reds had already seen Virgil van Dijk hobble off in the first half after an equally poor tackle from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with the Dutchman now set to undergo surgery on cruciate ligament issue, but Klopp does not expect Thiago to be out of action for long.

The German boss has, however, admitted the 29-year-old may have to sit out a Champions League group stage encounter against Ajax at Johan Cruyff ArenA if he doesn't make a full recovery by Wednesday.

“So, yes, he got a knock, a proper knock,” Klopp told a pre-match press conference of Thiago's condition. “All the rest, we have to see. It’s not even close to being as serious [as Virgil van Dijk].

"But will he be ready for Wednesday? I don’t know yet. We will see.”

Naby Keita was also struck down with Covid-19 earlier this month, but could be in line to return in midweek after testing negative during the latest round of medical checks at Melwood.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alisson won't be available as they continue to make their way back from respective injuries, but Klopp gave a positive update on all three men when asked to discuss their progress.

“All good, really good,” he said of a prized trio. “Naby trained yesterday, so that’s very positive. Oxlade is obviously in a long-term rehab, but looks good and is in a good mood usually.

"Ali looks very good. We have to see; catching balls and stuff like this is all possible. But we cannot rush it and will not rush it.

“Actually, it’s a common thing every day when I see Ali, I say: ‘How was it today?’ He always with a big smile tells me of the slight improvements. Today I didn’t see him [yet], so I can’t wait to ask for his progress!”

Klopp added on Keita's energy levels after coming out of self-isolation: “We are still learning, we are all learning about these kinds of things when a boy is completely without symptoms, which Naby was.

“He looked very good yesterday in training, to be honest. But I don’t know how he looks today, how he reacted – that’s much more important then. So, we will see.

“In the moment, I would probably rather expect him to be involved but I don’t know it.”

The Liverpool boss also insisted that he will make a final decision on his starting XI at the last minute due to the quick turnaround between domestic and European competition.

"It’s pretty early after the Everton game, there are always concerns,” he said. “The game was really intense again, for different reasons.

“Pretty much everybody had a knock, but we will see; today is now second-day recovery for most. In this moment, nobody came to me and said all the rest is out or all the rest is in.

“Always we use this day for analysis, coaches’ analysis, and second-day recovery for the boys. We have it, because if we played on Tuesday we don’t have it and we [would] have to train today properly, but today we do it exactly like this.

"And tomorrow we need to have then all the information and then we make a line-up.”

Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea's young squad have learned lessons from last season's Champions League campaign ahead of their clash with Sevilla.

On their return to Europe's elite club competition in 2019-20, Chelsea finished second to Valencia in the group stage before losing 7-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Bayern Munich in the last-16.

After conceding a last-gasp equaliser in Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw with Southampton, the Blues open their Champions League campaign at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

With Chelsea winning only two of their first five league games and already having been dumped out of the EFL Cup, Lampard's men could be tested again when they meet Europa League winners Sevilla, but Lampard is relishing the challenge.

"It is a great platform to learn because you are playing against the best, we played against the best in Bayern Munich and it shows you the quality levels," the Chelsea boss said ahead of the start of their continental campaign, with Rennes and Krasnodar the other teams in Group E.

"We were a young team last year, working a lot to improve, and the Bayern game was a great marker for the young players in the squad to realise the levels that need to be attained. I remember having that myself as a young player.

"Getting through the group was also difficult for us, having lost the first game [against Valencia] – so we had to show a lot of discipline and focus to get through hard matches at Ajax and Lille. So hopefully there have been lot of lessons learned from that period.

"I remember the first leg [against Bayern] very well, we didn't play particularly well in the first half but had opportunities to score. Then in the second half they scored goals very quickly and made the tie difficult for us."

Chelsea have won only one of their last nine Champions League games against Spanish opposition, while Sevilla have triumphed in each of their last three European games against English sides – two against Manchester United and another victory over Wolves.

Lampard acknowledged their threat, adding: "I mentioned before about concentration, focus and discipline and that becomes even more important here than other competitions because of the level of Champions League. That's what I would always make very clear to the players going into a match against someone of the quality of Sevilla."

Forward Timo Werner scored his first league goals for Chelsea with a double in the Southampton draw and has some fine Champions League form from his time at RB Leipzig to draw upon. He has been directly involved in nine goals from his last 11 appearances in the competition, scoring seven times and adding two assists.

Lampard, who will become only the second Englishman to manage in two Champions League campaigns after Bobby Robson, also revealed midfielder Billy Gilmour was moving closer to a first-team return. The teenager has not played since July due to a bad knee injury.

"Billy's working really well," Lampard said. "Three weeks or so from a return, the other side of the next international break all being well. He is working with physios but will hopefully integrate in training soon."

Jurgen Klopp has promised that Liverpool will support Virgil van Dijk "like a good wife is waiting when the husband is in jail".

Van Dijk has been arguably the most influential member of Liverpool's squad since joining the club for a fee of £75 million ($97m) from Southampton in January 2018.

He shored up a leaky defence which had previously undermined the Reds' attacking efforts under Klopp, and inspired their run to Champions League glory in his first full season at the club.

The 29-year-old also featured in all 38 of Liverpool's Premier League matches in 2019-20 as they won the title for the first time in 30 years, and is now revered as the best centre-back on the planet by many fans and experts.

Van Dijk was also playing a starring role in Klopp's line up at the start of their latest campaign, but he is now facing a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The Netherlands international had to be substituted in the first half of the 2-2 draw with Everton after being floored by a late Jordan Pickford tackle, and will undergo surgery on his knee before beginning an extensive rehabilitation programme.

Klopp says the prized asset is feeling "okay" after the incident, and that he will receive all the help he needs from Liverpool's staff throughout his recovery period in the coming months.

“It’s always the same, players love to be rather on their own in the moment and to deal in the first moment with it," the German head coach told a press conference on Monday. "I am long enough in the business to know that. I was injured myself, I had exactly the same injury if I’m right and it’s not then that you are then pretty chatty. 

“It all will start but we are in contact, of course, we are in contact. We are there for him, he knows that and we will wait for him like a good wife is waiting when the husband is in jail and will do, meanwhile, all what we can do to make it as easy for him as possible.”

Ahead of a Champions League group stage meeting with Ajax on Wednesday, Klopp was also asked when Van Dijk's operation will be pencilled in for, to which he responded: “That’s all not sorted yet.

“A few things are clear, so he now will be out for a while, that’s clear. We don’t want to set any timeframe, to be honest, because each player is different and each individual is different and these possible timeframes are always for the x, y, z player. Virgil is Virgil and we don’t want to set any timeframe, but he will be out for a pretty long time and that’s what the situation is.

"That’s what we know since I expected it pretty much on Saturday after the game immediately, especially when I saw the challenge back. I saw it the first time only from the bench, and when I saw it back I was pretty clear that he will be out for a long time.

“So we feel now in this moment extremely, extremely for him because most of us were in a similar situation and we know that these situations are absolutely rubbish. You don’t need it. You don’t need it but you have to get over it and Virgil will get over it, 100 per cent, and today is already the first day, if you want, of the recovery. 

“We go already in the right direction and so that’s OK and the rest is football and life, like always a challenge, so see what you get and then make the best of it and that’s what we do now.”

Thomas Tuchel believes Manchester United have signed one of the best No.9s in world football by bringing Edinson Cavani to the club, but his return to Paris Saint-Germain will not overshadow tomorrow night’s Champions League clash.

Cavani completed his move to Old Trafford on deadline day but, due to Covid-19 isolation restrictions, he has yet to feature for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

The 33-year-old joined his new team-mates for training for the first time on Sunday, after the 4-1 win against Newcastle, and is expected to make the trip to France on Monday afternoon.

A potential debut is on the cards against his former club, but Tuchel does not think the Champions League group stage game will be overshadowed by Cavani's return.

“He was the best scorer, he wrote part of our club's history. He's definitely a great player but it's not a story about PSG v Edi or vice versa,” Tuchel told a pre-match press conference.

“We'll definitely be on the watch. It's hard to defend against him - he can make the difference and we'll be prepared for him.”

Cavani has been brought in to give Solskjaer extra attacking options but there’s also hope his vast experience and winning mentality can be invaluable in the dressing room. Tuchel was full of praise for his former player and spoke of his strengths.

“They've got a great personality, like many of the biggest players, same with Edi. He is very polite, almost a bit shy, very polite person, a hard, hard worker. He will be in there every training until last second, you can totally rely on him. He's living for goals, living for scoring,” Tuchel explained.

“When he scores he has the confidence and is one of the best No.9s in world football. Hopefully he'll show, not tomorrow, from Wednesday on to convince all of you. Tomorrow it's not necessary to prove me right!”

The last time United visited Le Parc des Princes they pulled off an unprecedented victory to dump PSG out of the competition. And while there has been plenty of discussion as to United’s poor start to the current campaign, former midfielder Ander Herrera believes they are still a threat.

“They are progressing I think,” Herrera said. “They have signed the right players and they are going to improve. I don’t think they are going backwards, I think they are going forwards.”

Cesar Azpilicueta admits that Chelsea can't afford to keep conceding such high numbers of goals if they want to achieve anything this season, as they begin their Champions League campaign against Sevilla on Tuesday night.

Chelsea go into the match having conceded three goals for the second time this season, as Southampton earned a deserved point at Stamford Bridge at the weekend with a late equaliser.

It is just the latest defensive mishap after the Blues conceded a record 54 goals last season, the most since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. Frank Lampard's side have let in 1.5 goals per game on average since he was made the manager 18 months ago.

Azpilicueta didn't shy away from the issue ahead of the match against his former international manager Julen Lopetegui at home on Tuesday night.

"What is clear is that if we want to fight for everything we have to improve defensively," Azpilicueta told the pre-match press conference. "This is a problem we have to fix collectively and individually. Sometimes you can get away with it but you cannot rely every game on having to score three goals.

"You have to dig in and get a clean sheet. It’s very important for the confidence of the team to have this solidity. We have to start getting this consistency of not conceding goals. When you have the solidity defensively, it gives a boost to the whole team, to the attacking players to create chances.

"When you are defensively weak sometimes we feel like we have to score three or four goals every game. As a defender, I feel bad when you concede so many goals. We have to improve our personal mistakes and collectively take better decisions.

"Through the season you are not going to be playing beautiful football and winning three or four-nil every game. When you don’t you have to get results."

Part of the problem has been an issue with the goalkeeper, as Kepa Arrizabalaga's form continues to suffer. He was partly at fault for the second goal on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea have signed Edouard Mendy to replace their record signing from 2018, but he got a thigh injury on international duty which saw the Spain international recalled.

Azpilicueta was key to Kepa adapting to the United Kingdom upon his arrival and he has known the goalkeeper for some time. He believes that his compatriot is doing everything he can to overcome a bad moment as he hopes for selection once again in Europe.

"In football, we have difficult times. In my position as captain, obviously, I know him from a long time ago. I always try to help him," Azpilicueta added. "Sometimes you feel like everything goes against you. You have to have the character and personality to face it.

"I have no doubt Kepa will work hard to reverse the situation. The whole squad are fighting for targets as a collective. When you are a goalkeeper, it’s a completely different situation but he will keep working hard, giving his best."

Chelsea enter the Champions League having been knocked out on the last four occasions at the last-16 stage. The latest defeat was a 7-1 aggregate loss to the eventual European champions Bayern Munich last season.

Since then, the Blues have looked to close the gap in the transfer market signing £220 million ($275m) worth of new talent including Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Timo Werner. Azpilicueta has played a role in welcoming them to the club and he is looking forward to competing better this season.

"In my role as captain, I tried to help whenever I can because we know how football works," he added. "We didn’t have much time this pre-season. From my experience, I always tried to welcome them and integrate as quickly as possible.

"We have new faces from different countries and cultures. I try to mix all together and integrate and have that stability that we need. We know how the Champions League works and from the first day, we have to be ready for it.

"Since I first arrived in 2012 I always had the confidence and belief that we could fight for everything. It’s true we didn’t start the way we wanted to in the Premier League and the cup, but the Champions League is a completely new challenge. We have to be ready for it because we are going to play a strong team."

Ademola Lookman thinks Fulham deserved maximum points after their "disappointing" 1-1 draw at Sheffield United on Sunday.

The 22-year-old fired Fulham ahead at Bramall Lane in the 77th minute but it was cancelled out by Billy Sharp from the penalty spot five minutes before the end of the encounter.

Lookman’s solo strike was his first goal in the Premier League in over three years, when he scored against Manchester City on his Everton debut in January 2017.

He expressed confidence in his goalscoring ability after the game, and he remains upbeat about Fulham's chances as they continue to aim for their first Premier League win of the season.

“It’s disappointing really. I thought we should have got three points from the game, but it’s done now, so onto the next one,” Lookman told the club website.

“We all believe we can do great things this season. Obviously we’re a new group so we’re still gelling together, but that will come.

“We expect good things will come in the near future.

“I can score those goals. I can score all different types of goals, but it’s just disappointing that we didn’t get the three points.”

Fulham dominated both halves of the game on Sunday and Lookman, who played from start to finish, explained manager Scott Parker’s impact at the break.

“The gaffer wanted us to play a lot quicker, especially when we got into the opposition half, to try and penetrate a lot more,” he continued.

“That’s what we tried to do, and it worked for us. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get us the three points.

“I definitely feel like in the second half we controlled the game a lot more, created a lot more chances and should have scored more than one.

“That’s the important thing, though, that we’re creating chances.”

Lookman is currently in West London on a season-long loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and he has played two league matches so far.

Fulham are 19th on the Premier League table with a point after five games. They host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage for their next league fixture on Saturday.

Ander Herrera has admitted that a difference of opinion with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward led to his Old Trafford exit last year.

United signed Herrera for €36 million (£33m/$42m) from Athletic Club in the summer of 2014, and the Spaniard went onto make 189 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 20 goals, while also getting his hands on the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.

Herrera quickly established himself as a fan favourite with his combative performances in the middle of the park, and won the club's in-house Player of the Year award in 2016-17.

He was a firm favourite during Jose Mourinho's reign and managed to retain a place in the starting line-up when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the Portuguese in December 2018, but he left Manchester as a free agent the following summer.

The 31-year-old, who was subsequently snapped up on a five-year contract by Paris Saint-Germain, has now revealed that United were only willing to offer him a one-season extension, which he didn't feel reflected his overall contribution over the course of his five years at the club.

Ahead of a meeting with his former employers in a Champions League group stage opener at Parc des Princes on Tuesday, Herrera has explained why he reluctantly walked away from United after a disagreement with Woodward and the rest of the board.

“My intention was not to leave the club and I was happy there - as happy as I am now here,” the PSG midfielder told The Telegraph.

“It was not a secret. I was negotiating for more than one year but I expected more from the board after my third season at the club when I was player of the year.

“They didn’t come to me that summer; they didn’t even call me. And that was very painful for me because I had a feeling that I was giving everything.

“In saying that I have a huge respect for Ed Woodward, a huge respect for the board. They have always treated me fantastically.

“I know they want the best for Manchester United but in football, in life and in every company in the world sometimes you don’t think the same way and I respect that.

“If I see Ed I will give him a hug. We just had different opinions about Manchester United and, in my opinion, what the club should have done.

“I want to make sure everyone understands there is nothing personal at all. That’s life. But it’s true – after the third season when I was player of the year, when I had the respect and the love from the fans, I didn’t feel that love from the club.”

Ajax have launched their new Gaming Academy - a mobile app that will help FIFA fans improve their skills as well as compete in weekly tournaments and play mini-games.

As any FIFA player knows, mastering the latest installment in the series can be a difficult task, whether it's picking up the latest skill moves, making a fortune on the Ultimate Team transfer market or just being able to score from a corner.

Ajax's new app contains more than 30 tutorial videos, featuring Ajax professional FIFA player Dani Hagebeuk and presented by David Butler.

Hagebeuk is a two-time eDvisie champion and has competed at the highest level representing Ajax and the Netherlands.

As well as tutorials, the app will host weekly FIFA 21 tournaments for both Xbox and Playstation users, such as the Ziggo eBattles which will launch in the coming months.

The app will match players with their opponents at the beginning of the day and notify them when their matches are scheduled to be played. These tournaments will be open to both amateur and professional players with prizes on offer for the winners.

To eliminate cheating, players will have to upload a photo of the result when the match is over.

Menno Geelen, commercial director at Ajax said: "Together with Ziggo we will host the Ziggo eBattle for our fans on a weekly basis where people can win unique prizes. Also, we’re introducing FIFA 21 tutorials that fans from all over the world can utilise to improve in the new game. Now, we are not only helping future talent on the pitch, but also in the virtual world."

Over the next few months, Ajax Esports will further develop the app by adding a ranking system.

Ajax Esports will be competing in the EA Sports FIFA 21 global series and boast a roster that features Dani Hagebeuk, Joey Calabro and Tjardo Paliama.

Paliama joined Ajax Esports after winning last season's Ziggo eBattle. 

Android users can download the Ajax Gaming Academy App from the Google Play Store. The app is also available on the Apple App Store.

Goal is the global media partner for the Ajax Gaming Academy.

East Bengal announced the signing of their sixth foreigner in former Birmingham City midfielder Jacques Maghoma ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The Congolese midfielder was delighted to join the Red and Golds as he said, "I am looking forward to joining my teammates in Goa and having a successful season with SC East Bengal. I also know that the fanbase of SC East Bengal is very big and very passionate. As always I will do my utmost for them."

Maghoma, a youth product of Tottenham Hotspur, started his professional career with Burton Albion FC in 2009 in the League Two. He remained at the club for four seasons where he scored 27 goals in 142 League Two appearances.

In 2013 he moved to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday and spent two seasons before heading to Birmingham City where he stayed until last season. The experienced midfielder has appeared in 382 league matches where he has scored 49 goals.

The 32-year-old has represented his country Congo DR in 17 international matches. He has also played in the African Nations Cup in 2017 and 2019.

The Red and Golds have so far announced the signings of six foreign players. Other thanMaghoma, Scott Neville, Anthony Pilkington, Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway, Daniel Fox and Ville Matti Steinmann. Earlier today, they had announced the arrival of India international defender Narayan Das.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said his players need to understand how to play with Islam Slimani upfront after he made his Premier League return in their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The 32-year-old who spent the last two-and-a-half seasons on loan at Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and Monaco, made his first appearance in English football since April 2018 as a second-half substitute at the King Power Stadium.

Slimani replaced Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho in the 71st minute but could not register a shot on target as the Foxes conceded their second straight loss in the English top-flight.

The encounter was his first game since March 7 when he played in a Ligue 1 fixture between Nice and Monaco before the abrupt end to the season due to coronavirus.

However, Rodgers acknowledged the Slimani's ability in the penalty area and wants his players to supply him with more balls in the air.

"He had a couple of good contacts in the box,” Rodgers was quoted by Leicestershire Live.

“I think with Slim, it’s just a case of the players getting used to playing with that type of striker.

“We’re always looking to get in behind defenders or pull it back, because we don’t usually have that same presence, even though Jamie is really good in the air.

“But when you have Slim on the field, you can wrap it in there that bit earlier for him. It’s something that's a very important part of our game, from half-spaces out wide, we tend to get crosses in, but we probably couldn’t find the quality that makes the difference.”

Slimani might have another opportunity to prove himself in Leicester City’s attack on Thursday with Jamie Vardy expected to miss their Uefa Europa League opener against Zorya.

"Jamie will probably miss Thursday [v Zorya]", Rodgers said, per Football London. “It's a recurrence of a problem he’s had for a number of years with his calves.

"This isn’t serious so we're hopeful he’ll be ready for the next league game."

Ronald Koeman admits Lionel Messi's form "could be better" but insists he has no complaints about the Barcelona captain's application.

Messi attempted to leave the club during the transfer window but was unable to engineer an exit after something of a power struggle played out in public with president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

He has since affirmed his commitment to the Catalans for at least the final year of his contract, but his performances have not been up to his usual standards in 2020-21.

In four La Liga matches, Messi has scored just once - a penalty in the 4-0 win over Villarreal last month - and has zero assists.

He has created just six chances, well short of the league-leading numbers of David Ferreiro (22), and only five from open play, eight fewer than Sevilla's Jesus Navas (13).

With 11 dribbles completed from 19 attempts, Messi has a success rate of 57.9, well down on last season's average of 64.3, which further highlights his relative struggle to impact upon Barca's play - a problem that came to a head in their 1-0 loss to Getafe.

However, speaking ahead of their first Champions League group game against Ferencvaros, Koeman made it clear he is happy with Messi's efforts and believes the player himself is feeling positive.

"There is always pressure to win games as a player or coach at Barcelona. We know the club's situation; there are things outside the pitch that we can't influence," he said on Monday.

"What we can do is work with the players to adjust to the new system and we have a lot of new and young people, but we're optimistic about the game tomorrow. I think the best way to think right now is game by game.

"Maybe Messi's form could be better at this moment, but he's happy, he's training well, he's focused, he wants to play and he wants to be captain of the team and he's improving. I haven't got any complaints.

"He also had bad luck with the ball that hit the post and with the final play of the match. Normally, he puts it between the posts! I have no doubt about his form and we'll see that in the coming games.

"I'm not worried because we've scored eight goals in four games and I don't think many teams have done that. It's normal that, against Sevilla and Getafe, it's more difficult to create chances.

"I'm not disappointed with the players. I see a happy team. I can never be disappointed with a player who works their hardest."

Given Barca's 8-2 humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in last season's Champions League quarter-finals, Koeman accepts his side are unlikely to be considered firm favourites for the trophy this time around.

However, he is keen to get their campaign off to a strong start in a week that ends with the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid at Camp Nou.

"We know that, with what happened last time, we're not the ultimate favourites, but we can go far," he said. "You always play to win games and trophies at Barca, in Spain and in Europe, but there are more favourite teams, like us.

"We want to start the Champions League on the right foot. The most important thing is to prepare for two difficult matches at home that we have to win.

"It's not an easy game and we don't think about resting people for Saturday because Saturday isn't important right now, only tomorrow is."

Fred admits a “massive club” like Manchester United “should have never been away” from the Champions League, with the Red Devils hoping to make more European memories against Paris Saint-Germain.

The last time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side faced the Ligue 1 title holders, a dramatic turnaround on French soil saw them stun their hosts and secure progress to the quarter-finals.

That was as good as it got for United in 2018-19, with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League meaning that they missed out on booking a return ticket to elite continental competition.

Solskjaer was, however, to secure third spot last term, meaning that the Red Devils are back among the big boys in 2020-21.

Their first outing on that stage is set to present them with the toughest of tests against PSG – last season’s beaten finalists and one of three heavyweight rivals in a so-called ‘Group of Death’ that also includes RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir.

United can, however, call upon past experience when it comes to visiting Parc des Princes, with Fred hoping to emulate those achievements as another quest for European glory is sparked.

The Brazil international midfielder told the Red Devils’ official website: “The Champions League is always brilliant.

“It's somewhere that Manchester United should have never been away from and we should be competing in the Champions League every season.

“We have good memories against PSG and I remember that night [in 2019] like it was yesterday. We got a great result there and a real turnaround after the bad result we had against them at home. 

“That's how Manchester United needs to be, always. We have to get big results. We're a massive club and we have to always be doing our best to get big wins.

“I hope we have a good start in the Champions League this season, get off on the right foot and on our way to qualifying.”

United suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to PSG in February 2019, but secured a stunning 3-1 victory on the road – with Marcus Rashford crashing home a decisive penalty in the fourth minute of stoppage-time.

Scott McTominay was among those to figure in a memorable continental contest and the Scot is another looking to give a loyal fan base more to shout about, even if they cannot witness the occasion in person this time around.

He said: “I’m sure everyone will be excited to go back to the Parc de Princes.

“Last year was probably some of the best memories you’ll ever have on a football pitch. For us we want deja vu.

“It’s a real shame the fans can’t be with us for the games, hearing that Champions League music again and seeing the games. We’re hoping and praying that the fans can come back and the whole world can get back to normal as soon as possible.

“It’s been a terrible thing what’s happened for everyone in the world and it must be so difficult for everyone involved. But for us it’s so important to get our fans back safe and sound.”

Neto has expressed his delight after seeing "quality" Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho return to Barcelona as well as his confidence that Antoine Griezmann will silence his doubters.

Coutinho spent last term on loan at Bayern and won a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble – the latter triumph including a star turn off the bench in an 8-2 battering of Barca in the quarter-finals.

Even though Bayern opted not to make the move permanent, it still appeared as though Coutinho's future lay away from Camp Nou until Ronald Koeman's arrival as head coach signalled a fresh lease of life at Barca.

Coutinho has two assists and a goal, as well as an 88.96 per cent pass success rate, from four La Liga games this season and compatriot Neto is glad to see him back doing what he does best at Barca.

"I am happy to have a friend like Coutinho back in the squad, with his quality," The Spanish goalkeeper said at a news conference previewing Barca's Champions League opener against Ferencvaros. 

"He has shown his quality and that he is excited to return to the club. The Champions League title that he has won at Bayern will give him a lot of security and will give us a lot."

Conversely, Griezmann has endured a slow start to the campaign, failing to score, assist or even create a chance for a team-mate yet from four appearances.

Much was expected of Griezmann when he arrived from Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2019-20 campaign but the France World Cup winner has struggled for top form at Camp Nou.

Neto, though, offered his backing to his under-fire team-mate.

"I see Griezmann very well, as always, we know what this profession is like, sometimes things turn out better and others worse," he added. 

"But I see him happy and working in training and I'm sure he will continue to provide us with many things as before."

This week, it was reported Barca's squad had signed a burofax against a 30 per cent reduction to pay, with only three players apparently not putting their name to the document.

Barca announced big losses to revenue, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Neto was reluctant to go into too much detail over the issue.

"On the salary issue, I think it would be incoherent to answer now," he said. 

"The whole squad and I are focused on the game and with being a personal and individual issue, each one has their opinion.

"The important thing now is the game and we are focused on getting a positive result."

The Carabao Cup is Manchester United's best hope of a trophy this season, according to Mikael Silvestre, who says the Red Devils are not ready to challenge for the Premier League title.

United finished third last season after an impressive post-lockdown run which raised optimism among supporters after seven years of mediocrity in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was ultimately unable to deliver a trophy in his first full campaign at the helm, but a return to the Champions League and a run to three semi-finals was seen as a major step in the right direction.

The Red Devils have allowed their standards to slip once again at the start of the new season, picking up just six points from a possible 12 in the Premier League.

Humiliating home defeats against Crystal Palace and Tottenham raised fresh doubts over Solskjaer's credentials, with EFL Cup wins over Luton and Brighton doing little to ease pressure on the Norwegian.

United returned to action after the international back in impressive fashion, beating Newcastle 4-1 at St James' Park, but still find themselves seven points behind early pace-setters Everton, albeit having played a game less.

It has been suggested that the title race will be closer than ever this term in the continued absence of supporters, with all of the top sides struggling for consistency while looking surprisingly vulnerable in defence.

However, Silvestre has ruled out a tilt at the trophy for his old club, insisting Solskjaer still has plenty of work to do before the team can compete on an elite stage again.

“They have an opportunity to progress in the Carabao Cup and that is realistically United’s best hope of getting a trophy," the former Red Devils defender told 888 Sport.

"To have a successful season though they must finish inside the top four and to continue progressing as a group and as a club. It is too early to talk about challenging for a title.

"The base is to be in there and to maybe finish higher than their third place from last season."

Silvestre thinks Bruno Fernandes will be vital to United's chances of achieving their goals in the coming months, having seen the €55 million (£65m/$50m) midfielder add a creative spark to Solskjaer's team since his arrival from Sporting CP in January.

“He is key to United performances because of his quality and his ability to feed the strikers," the Frenchman added. "There are his set-pieces too and yesterday was a great finish from a very good build-up.

"He is bringing that extra quality that was missing so when he is on top of his game he finds the right pass at the right tempo – he can do everything that Juan [Mata] can but at a quicker pace.

"It is important that he stays fit and carries on doing what he is doing at the moment.”

Bruno Fernandes has vowed to make amends for the first missed penalty of his Manchester United career when the Red Devils are next presented with an opportunity to convert from the spot.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have had plenty of practice from 12 yards in recent times.

Portugal international Fernandes has been their go-to man in that department, with the 26-year-old boasting an impressive record when embracing individual pressure.

He had been faultless for the club heading into an outing against Newcastle, but suffered a rare fluffing of his lines against the Magpies as Karl Darlow achieved what few before him have managed by keeping out a penalty from Fernandes.

The former Sporting CP star did make amends for that miss by sparking a late flurry of goals from United that guided them to a 4-1 win, but he is eager to right a personal wrong.

He will not be hiding away the next time a match official points to the spot, with a talismanic part of Solskjaer’s plans keen to retain the responsibility he embraced when arriving in English football.

Fernandes told MUTV of his future penalty plans, having seen a run of 10 successes for the Red Devils brought to a close: “I'm human, it happens.

“I don't want it to happen again, I didn't want it to happen [against Newcastle].

“The keeper did well, I didn't do the right things. I studied the keeper but I didn't shoot the ball the way I want, but the keeper deserves credit.

“I need to do much better on the penalty and the next one I will do for sure.”

Fernandes has converted 30 of the 33 penalties he has taken in his career to date and, prior to being denied by Darlow, his last failure from the spot had come back in October 2018 while still on the books at Sporting.

Given United’s recent record on the penalty front, he should expect to get an opportunity to put things right at some stage in the near future.

The Red Devils will be back in action on Tuesday when opening their Champions League campaign away at Paris Saint-Germain, while their next Premier League outing is set to see them play host to Chelsea.

Wayne Rooney has posted a negative Covid-19 test result, but the Manchester United and England legend is still “angry and disappointed” at being forced into a period of self-isolation.

The 34-year-old is currently filling a player-coach role at Championship side Derby.

He played the full 90 minutes of their 1-0 defeat at Watford last time out, with the former Red Devils and Three Lions star unaware at that stage that he had come into contact with a coronavirus carrier.

Josh Bardsley, the younger brother of Burnley defender Phil, had delivered a watch to Rooney last Thursday despite being advised by NHS Track and Trace to stay at home as he waited on a test result.

The 21-year-old has since discovered that he is positive, meaning that all of those he has mingled with must now head into quarantine.

Rooney falls into that category and he will now sit out a crucial run of games for Derby – including a meeting with Nottingham Forest on Friday – despite being fit and healthy.

He posted on social media: “Just received the news that my Covid-19 test has shown that I do not have the virus.

“Delight for myself and family but obviously angry and disappointed that I now have to self-isolate and miss vital games for @dcfcofficial”

Rooney’s representatives revealed on Saturday that their client had been left frustrated by the actions of Bardsley, with the Rams star unaware that he was putting himself in a problematic situation.

A statement from his management team released to The Sun read: “It was only today [Saturday] following media approaches and his own investigations that Wayne became aware that Josh had been contacted by track and trace before the visit and should not have come to his house.

“Wayne also today discovered that Josh had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19. Had he known either that Josh had been contacted by track and trace or had tested positive he would have refused to have seen him.

“Wayne is angry and disappointed that he, his family and his club have been put in this position by someone acting secretly and in breach of Government and NHS guidelines. He is now taking a coronavirus test as a result of his contact with Josh.”

That has come back negative, but Derby will not be able to call upon Rooney for meetings with Huddersfield and Forest this week or a clash with Cardiff on October 28.

“On being made aware of this news the club has ensured that the appropriate measures were taken in line with strict EFL Covid-19 protocols and UK Government guidelines, which the club is operating under,” Derby said in a statement.

“The club will continue to adhere to the Covid-19 rules and protocols to ensure that the safest possible environment is provided for its players and staff. The club will make no further comment unless a further update is required in relation to this matter.”

Robinson Kamura believes it is time AFC Leopards players rise and bring joy to their fans and club in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Although AFC Leopards are the second-most successful side in the Premier League after Gor Mahia, they are yet to win a trophy since they last did 22 years ago.

“Almighty as we start the journey to the new season, we pray for your guidance, protection and favour,” Kamura wrote on his Facebook page.

“I believe it's our time to rise and bring joy to our big amazing club and have good times back.”

The captain also outlined specific roles that each one around the club should play if they have to achieve the ambitions of lifting the league title again.

“To our fans and followers, have the faith, believe in us and love your team it won't be an easy road but with togetherness as Ingwe family and hard work from us players, we shall all smile in the end,” he concluded.

AFC Leopards have confirmed the signing of Harrison Mwendwa from Kariobangi Sharks who is the first new player to be confirmed in the transfer window. It is understood Ingwe have already agreed on terms with five players to join their side ahead of the new season.

On the other hand, Washington Munene, Collins Shichenje and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan have extended their respective contracts while defender Lewis Bandi was promoted from the junior side.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards are expected to face the National Super League side Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium on October 20 during the Mashujaa Day – a public holiday – as part of their pre-season plans.

They will then leave for Elgeiyo-Marakwet County for a 12-day training camp. The training camp in the Rift Valley Highlands is sponsored by Galana Oil Kenya Limited.

The pre-season sponsorship was flagged off on Monday as the oil firm fuelled the team’s bus heading to Kisii County for the Shabana meeting.

Ingwe will open the season on November 20 against Western Stima while on November 28, the former champions will be away to league debutants Bidco United.

On December 4, AFC Leopards will tackle Zoo FC at home in a game that will be expected to start at 18:30.

After facing Zoo, Leopards will play host to Nzoia Sugar on December 9. The Sugar Millers have always proved a tough opponent for Ingwe and the last time the two met at Sudi Stadium a 2-2 draw was recorded.

On December 14, AFC Leopards will either face Kisumu All-Stars or Vihiga United in what will be their fifth match of the much-anticipated 2020/21 season.

The Champions League begins this week, with every match throughout the group stage live on SuperSport.

Almost all of Europe’s biggest sides will be involved in the first round, with all eight groups boasting immense quality, and a few new faces as well.

While all of the title favourites will be expected to advance from their groups, don’t be surprised if some of the big names struggle after receiving tricky opening draws.

Will heavyweights such as Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City and reigning champions Bayern Munich cruise into the knockouts, or will at least one of them come unstuck?

As the likes of Atalanta and RasenBallsport Leipzig demonstrated last term, there’s a growing middle class of European sides who are capable of upsetting the big boys and advancing to the latter stages of the tournament.

Will they kick on this season, and which of the other relatively unfamiliar faces in the UCL could advance to the knockout stages?

Perhaps the most tantalising clash of the opening round of fixtures comes in Paris on Tuesday, as defeated finalists Paris Saint-Germain host Manchester United.

The Red Devils had the international break to dwell on their 6-1 demolition at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, but responded in style against Newcastle United on Sunday, bouncing back from a goal down to win 4-1.

Eighteen months ago, these two sides met in a fascinating Champions League double-header, at the start of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge, as the spirit of ’99 saw the Red Devils into the final eight.

A year and a half later, and while an argument could be made that United haven’t truly kicked on, despite a strong end to last season, PSG are on a five-game winning streak domestically, and now have the experience of reaching the UCL final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side ultimately fell short against Bayern Munich last term, but having added Rafinha, Moise Kean and Alessandro Florenzi, will be keen to go one step further this time around.

The potential return to the Parc des Princes of United new boy Edinson Cavani is another intriguing subplot to this meeting between Europe’s old and new money.

Juventus will be without Cristiano Ronaldo when they travel away to Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday, as Group G—the group billed as CR7 vs Lionel Messi—kicks off.

Both they and Barcelona should advance at the expense of Dynamo and Ferancvaros, although the Hungarian heavyweights—who are at the Nou Camp on Tuesday—will note Barca’s mixed start to the season, and their defeat by Getafe on Saturday.

Also in action on Tuesday, Sevilla will look to exploit the enduring weaknesses in Chelsea’s defence, although they too dropped points domestically this weekend as they were defeated by Granada.

Again, the Blues were hurt by errors from the backline—Kepa Arrizabalaga again a culprit—against Southampton at the weekend, and if Chelsea’s defenders again let Frank Lampard down on Tuesday, expect Sevilla to capitalise.

UEFA Champions League Key Matches | Matchday One

Tuesday 20 October

Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus | Kickoff at 18:55 (CAT) | SS Premier League (SA) & SS Football Plus (ROA)

PSG vs Manchester United | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Premier League (SA) & SS Football Plus (ROA)

Chelsea vs Sevilla | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Variety 1

Lazio vs Dortmund | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Variety 2 (SA) & SS Premier League (ROA)

Barcelona vs Ferencvaros | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Action

Wednesday 21 October

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk | Kickoff at 18:55 (CAT) | SS Premier League (SA) & SS Football Plus (ROA)

Ajax vs Liverpool | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Premier League (SA) & SS Football Plus (ROA)

Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Variety 1

Inter Milan vs Monchengladbach | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Variety 2 (SA) & SS Premier League (ROA)

Manchester City vs Porto | Kickoff at 21:00 (CAT) | SS Action

On Wednesday, the likes of Bayern, Man City and Real Madrid are all in action, although the tie of the night could be in Amsterdam, where Ajax host Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s side can rightly be disappointment with their performance in Europe last term, where their exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid contrasted starkly with their rampant domestic form.

This year they’ll be aiming to improve on that return, and while they bounced back from their 7-2 trouncing at the hands of Aston Villa with a strong showing in the derby draw with Everton, the long-term injury to Virgil van Dijk is a hammerblow for Jurgen Klopp’s side’s hopes domestically and in Europe.

Ajax, despite significant departures in recent transfer windows, are seasoned European competitors, and are certainly capable of taking all three points.

Reigning champions Bayern are among the favourites for the crown, but the presence of Atletico Madrid and RB Salzburg in their group could yet make things tricky.

Atleti vs Bayern is a European blockbuster by any stretch of the imagination—a rematch of the 1974 European Cup final no less—and having lost their 32-game unbeaten run earlier this season, the Bavarians may find themselves under pressure.

Can Diego Simeone, whose side stumbled in the knockout stages last term, take a major scalp to kick off this campaign as they look to announce their continental credentials.

Also on Wednesday, Manchester City have a stern test when they face FC Porto, Internazionale host Borussia Monchengladbach, while Shakhtar Donetsk are at Real.

Will Los Merengues, who came unstuck in the UCL against City last term, come unstuck in a group containing the proactive pressing teams in Inter, Gladbach and Shakhtar?