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Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott thinks Kevin De Bruyne needs to continue his ‘remarkable’ performances for 'a bit longer' to eclipse Yaya Toure’s impact at the club.

The 29-year-old, renowned for his playmaking skills, produced outstanding performances for the Citizens this campaign as they finished second in the English top-flight and as they aim for the Uefa Champions League trophy.

During the 2019-20 Premier League campaign, De Bruyne was involved in 33 goals which include 13 goals and he equalled a league record of 20 assists in 35 appearances. Meanwhile, Toure, during his fourth campaign in England, scored 20 goals from the middle of the park with a contribution of nine assists in 35 games.

Toure left Man City in 2018 after helping them win three Premier League titles while the Belgium international guided Pep Guardiola’s side to back-to-back league success in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

When quizzed whether De Bruyne's impact at Manchester City eclipses Toure’s, Lescott said: “No. He’s got to do it for a little bit longer.

"Yaya’s best season outweighs Kevin’s (best season). He scored 20 goals in that season, in 13/14.”

The former England centre-back who played for Manchester City between 2009 and 2014, also urged De Bruyne to be consistent with his performances if he hopes to etch his name as a Premier League legend.

“What he’s doing and the impact he’s having on every game is remarkable. He’s setting a new standard,” he added.

"Rio’s era of Gerrard and Lampard - some great players in the Premier League era - but what Kevin De Bruyne’s doing is remarkable.

“I think if he continues to do this for another three or four years, he’s in the conversation (of Premier League greats).”

After dumping Real Madrid out on Friday, Manchester City will battle Ligue 1 club Lyon in the Champions League quarter-final at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday

Antonio Conte is eager for Inter to "give everything" in the last eight of the Europa League, even if only to ensure they have no regrets should they be beaten.

The Nerazzurri have advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Bayer Leverkusen on Monday in their first match of an eight-team finals tournament in Germany.

Inter have long been among the favourites to win Europe's secondary club competition and got past Getafe in the last 16.

But while Conte is optimistic heading into the Leverkusen game, he suggests Inter could still go away content if they performed to the best of their ability and fell short.

"We must be positive," Conte told a pre-match news conference on Sunday. "We work hard to achieve the goal, which must be the maximum possible.

"To get from here to the end, we will have to prove it on the pitch. We cannot have complaints. We will have to give everything.

"If it is enough to get to the semi-finals, or the final, or to raise the cup, we will all be happy - or we will go out where it is right to go out but without having complaints."

The coach acknowledged a tough schedule had taken its toll on his side, but Inter are still raring to go.

"We come from playing many games in a row in harsh weather conditions," he said. "But there is enthusiasm and desire to face this challenge and go to the semi-finals.

"I think we are all trying to work to bring Inter back to where they belong, to be a team who are capable of winning trophies."

However, to get past Leverkusen, Inter will have to find a way to stop Kai Havertz, the talismanic forward who has been heavily linked with Chelsea.

"Havertz is a player who has great qualities," said former Chelsea coach Conte.

"He has great technique and has what it takes to have a great career, but we hope he won't show it tomorrow."

Brandon Williams has been "perfect" for Manchester United this season, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Sunday, as the teenage defender spoke out about his rapid rise.

Left-back Williams has shot to prominence, making his first-team debut in the EFL Cup against Rochdale last September and swiftly becoming a fixture in Solskjaer's plans.

He should start against Copenhagen in Man Utd's Europa League quarter-final on Monday, with Solskjaer having no doubt the 19-year-old is ready for such stages.

Williams was selected as the player to face the media in a news conference and shed a little light on why there is a spark of aggression in his game.

"I think it's from when I've been a kid here from the age of eight," said the academy graduate.

"It's drilled into you from a young age what this club means. It's part of the DNA to have that inside you, but you've got to have it controlled and not over the top.

"That's from what the United coaches over the years gave me."

Like most youngsters given a chance of top-level football, Williams is obliging to those above him, so as he sat next to Solskjaer it was no surprise he said he was happy to feature "wherever the manager wants me to play".

He was rewarded with a new four-year contract in the past week, but Williams is wary that a fall could yet follow his impressive scaling of the club's ranks.

"It's been a crazy season for me, myself and my family to be honest," he said.

Asked at what point he felt he had established himself as a first-team player, Williams said: "I think it's not a case of that, because at any time I can drop down into the Under-23s or pick up an injury or anything.

"I'm just focused on what I'm doing. I want to keep working hard, improve on as many things as I can improve on, and try to play as many games for the club as I can."

Solskjaer, keen to push through young players with promise, added: "It's a great achievement for him this season and he's been perfect for us."

The game is not all about youth though, with Solskjaer preparing for a reunion with an old friend and former Norway team-mate in Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken.

Solbakken said Copenhagen would have to play the "perfect" game and hope that United "don't fire on all cylinders".

"We need to take the one, two or three chances we get in a match like this," Solbakken said.

"The chances are not great, but it's an advantage for us that it's over 90 minutes and not 180 minutes. You shouldn't put your house on us tomorrow, but we will give everything."

Solskjaer recalled first playing against Solbakken in 1995 and compared their careers of fluctuating fortunes. Solbakken is enjoying his second spell at Copenhagen, after less successful stints with Cologne and Wolves.

"In a similar way he's had his ups and downs but he's really come through again," said the United boss, who recalled how in 2011 Solbakken helped him secure his coaching badges.

"I went to Copenhagen to do my study for the Pro Licence, which was very kind of him to let me in. They lost to Chelsea [then] so hopefully this time they'll lose to us."

Ghana international Lee Addy has disclosed he is in discussion with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak over a potential transfer.

The 30-year-old was among a contingent of Ethiopia-based Ghanaian footballers recently evacuated back home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With Ghana's borders closed to regular travel and with no trip back to Ethiopia in sight, the centre-back is looking to make a return to the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

"I am talking to three clubs Kotoko, Ashanti Gold and Hearts of Oak and we hope to come to a conclusion soon," Addy told Max FM.

"Hearts and Kotoko are like Barcelona and Real Madrid but I also respect AshGold very well, so any of them that gives me a good offer I will gladly accept.

"I am a footballer and will take any offer which is good for me, it could be in Africa or Europe and I will embrace the offer."

Addy played for Berekum Chelsea in Ghana before travelling abroad.

After a fine showing for the Black Stars at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Accra-born joined Serbian side Red Star Belgrade.

"I had played the World Cup in 2010, won the best defender in Ghana twice but when I got to Red Star Belgrade I was told I am not ready to play and needed more time," Addy said.

"My first game was a derby and I was not invited to camp but later I was called to come and play.

"That first game I played I earned a contract in China because I played very well."

After two years with The Star, Addy sealed a transfer to Chinese outfit Dalian Aerbin.

The defender moved on to play for Croatian folds Dinamo Zagreb and Lokomotiv Zagreb before joining Cukaricki in the summer of 2015.

“I am still playing and any team that comes to me that we should go into an agreement and it is good, then I think I will embrace it and play for them. If it is a local club or team from outside Ghana," Addy recently told TV3.

“Football is like a military or pastoral job, anywhere God directs you to go, you have to go. So anyone who comes to me that I need you to come and help my club, I will be very glad to go and exhibit the great talent God has given to me.

“This is my country and when you are playing in your country, it is a little bit easier because of the language and the culture but when you are playing outside it is very difficult.

"I have played all over the world and I know how it is, especially Eastern Europe like Serbia, Croatia, etc, but if you are playing in your motherland and the contract is okay, then you play to your very best and you excel.”

Addy played for Zambian side Lusaka Dynamos and South Africa outfit Free State Stars before travelling to Ethiopia. 

Two members of Atletico Madrid's travelling party for the Champions League quarter-finals in Lisbon have tested positive for the coronavirus, the club has confirmed.

The news comes as Diego Simeone's side prepare to face RB Leipzig in the Portuguese capital on Thursday with a place in the final four at stake, with the results of those positive tests potentially putting UEFA's condensed finale to the season in jeopardy as the European governing body look to conclude their showpiece tournament.

Both individuals, who have not been revealed to be either players or staff members, are currently in self-isolation at home.

"Yesterday, [on] Saturday 8 August, all members of the first team and the club's traveling party [set to head] to Lisbon underwent PCR tests at the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda as required by UEFA protocol, [in order] to participate in the quarterfinals of the Champions League," the club confirmed in a statement .

"Among the results known today, two positives have appeared. Both individuals are isolated in their respective homes, and their results were immediately communicated to the Spanish and Portuguese health authorities, UEFA, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the Portuguese Federation and the Higher Sports Council.

"The corresponding action protocol foreseen for these cases has been activated, which requires new PCR tests to be carried out on the first team and members of the expedition to Lisbon and the closest contacts of the positive cases.

"These tests will result in changes to training schedules, and in the structure and development of travel and accommodation in the Portuguese capital.

"The club will coordinate the new schedules with UEFA and as soon as there is a new plan, it will be made public. We request the utmost respect for the preservation of the identity of the two positive cases."

Atletico have not played since July 19, when they concluded their domestic campaign with a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, to secure a third-place finish in La Liga.

They were set to return to action this week on the back of their remarkable triumph over Champions League holders Liverpool back in March, when they turned the Reds over 4-2 on aggregate

Godfrey Oboabona put in a good shift in Dinamo Batumi’s 4-0 triumph over FC Chikhura by accounting for an assist.

Having defeated FC Samtredia 2-0 in their last Georgian Erovnuli Liga encounter, George Geguchadze’s men secured an away win at the Central Stadium Sachkhere to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Batumi made their intent known as early as the third minute when Giorgi Nikabadze beat goalkeeper Giorgi Begashvili to give the visitors the lead.

Injury to winger Goncalves Nogueira saw him coming on for Tornike Gaprindashvili but that did not threaten Geguchadze’s team as they doubled their lead two minutes later through defender Mamuka Kobakhidze, who converted the Nigeria international’s assist.

Jaba Jigauri ensured that his team went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead after making good use of Nikabadze’s assist.

FC Chikhura had their own fair share of opportunities, nevertheless, the trio of Giorgi Bukhaidze, Luka Kikabidze and Tengiz Tsikaridze were unable to convert the chances that came their way nor beat a backline marshalled by Oboabona and Vladimer Mamuchashvili.

Jigauri completed his brace in the 79th minute with Mamuchashvili credited for the assist.

Oboabona saw every minute of action alongside compatriot Benjamin Teidi as Dinamo Batumi secured their second away win of the season.

With this result, they have now accrued 17 points after nine matches to stay second in the log - one point behind leaders Dinamo Tbilisi.

Oboabona and his team visit Sport-kompleksi Shatili next Sunday for their next fixture against Merani Tbilisi. Zorbeg Ebralidze’s men, who are 10th in the log, are yet to win a game since the commencement of the season.

The Nigerian took to social media to revel in his team’s victory as well as hist assist.

“One assist for me and another away win for Dinamo Batumi today. Kudos to my team for a job well done. We will keep fighting until we get the league title which is our main focus,” he tweeted.

After spells with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the 29-year-old joined the Georgian outfit, who will be campaigning in the Europa League next season.

Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo were in action as Rangers secured a convincing 3-0 victory over St. Mirren in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership game.

Balogun teamed up with Steven Gerrard’s men in July after parting ways with Championship side Wigan Athletic following their relegation to League One.

The 32-year-old defender was handed his second consecutive start and delivered a solid showing to help the Gers keep a clean sheet and secure all three points.

While Balogun paired Connor Goldson at the heart of Rangers defence, Aribo starred in the midfield along with Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara.

The Gers started the game on an impressive note when Conor McCarthy was forced to turn the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute.

Alfredo Morelos then doubled the lead in the 69th minute before completing his brace in the 74th minute to ensure Ithe brox Stadium outfit secured a comfortable victory in the encounter.

Balogun, who featured for the duration of the game, made three clearances, one key pass and had a 100% pass accuracy in the match.

Aribo, meanwhile, made five key passes, struck one shot on target and had impressive pass accuracy before he made way for Scott Arfield in the 74th minute.

The midfielder won the Gers’ Young Player and Goal of the Season awards for last campaign and was in a terrific form during their pre-season games.

Rangers, who finished second behind Celtic in the 2019-20 season, now have six points from two games after opening the new campaign with a win over Aberdeen

The Nigeria internationals will hope to continue the fine performances for the Ibrox Stadium outfit in their next league game against St. Johnstone on August 12.

Balogun has 32 caps for Nigeria since he made his debut for the three-time African champions against Mexico in March 2014.

Aribo, meanwhile, has played four times and scored two goals for the Super Eagles, having made his bow against Ukraine in 2019.

New Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah is expected to lead the club's decision-making process concerning their possible participation in the Caf Champions League next season.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has handed the Porcupine Warriors a ticket to represent the West African nation in the elite continental inter-club championship following premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In ordinary times, the winners of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) earn the sole right to represent the nation in the Champions League.

Amponsah was announced as the new Kotoko CEO on Friday.

"Nana Yaw will start work on Monday at the club secretariat to assess things and advise the board on Africa," Kotoko board member Alhaji Abu Lamin told Atinka FM.

"He has not met with the technical team yet and he needs to know the kind of players we have if they are quality enough [and] the club financial status before anything."

Amponsah, a GFA presidential aspirant last year, has replaced GFA Executive Council member George Amoakoh as Kotoko CEO. 

Among the former Phar Rangers chief's challenges will be leading the club through a one-year directive which requires the club to stay off the transfer market for one season.

The embargo was issued by club life patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“I just came, so I will engage the coaches and assess the current squad," Amponsah told Opemsuo FM.

"Kotoko were third in the truncated league, and they could have won the league.

"I am not sure the current crop of players are that bad so when I see there’s a need to improve the team through the recommendations of the technical team, then I will engage the Board, and I am sure when they explain it to Nana [Otumfuo] and it makes sense to him, I know Nana won’t restrict us from doing that and, he will do just what will make Kotoko great again."

Kotoko have won the Champions League on two occasions, 1970 and 1983.

“The Nana Yaw Amponsah I know is a very ambitious and persistent fighter for long-lasting success. With the support from the Board and supporters, there is no way he is not going to succeed,” former Kotoko coach Michael Osei told Opemsuo FM.

“It is good the Board has agreed to let Nana Yaw Amponsah steer the affairs of the Club now because he’s got the connection to help the Club secure juicy sponsorship to fetch money for the club."

On the domestic scene, Kotoko have won the Premier League on 23 occasions, the most by any club. 

Cyriel Dessers and Paul Onuachu inspired Genk to a 2-1 comeback victory against Zulte Waregem in their opening game of the 2020-21 Belgian First Division A season on Sunday.

Dessers joined the Blue-White in June following his eye-catching performances during his one-year stay with Dutch side Heracles Almelo.

The forward bagged 18 goals across all competitions and his 15 strikes in the Eredivisie earned him the league’s top scorer award along with Steven Berghuis.

The 25-year-old was handed a starting role in his debut game in the division after impressing during their pre-season matches, where he scored a number of goals.

Dessers spearheaded Genk’s attack and marked his competitive debut with a goal while his compatriot Onuachu came off the bench to make a key impact.

After a cagey opening 40 minutes, Olivier Deschacht broke the deadlock to give Zulte Waregem the lead after benefitting from Bassem Srarfi’s assist.

Onuachu was then introduced for Mats Moeller Daehli moments before the hour mark and ignited his side’s comeback with a well-taken effort in the 73rd minute.

Dessers then scored the match-winning goal with 10 minutes left to play, converting from the penalty spot.

The Belgian-born Nigerian striker featured for the duration of the game along with Senegalese midfielder Ibrahima Seck and Burundi international Saido Berahino, who ended on the losing side.

Dessers was handed his first Nigeria call-up against Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game which was scheduled for March 2020 but the outbreak of coronavirus forced the postponement of the game.

Onuachu, meanwhile, has six caps for the Super Eagles and was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Nigerian strikers will hope to help Genk continue in the winning ways when they take on OH Leuven in their next league game on August 15.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love to see Paul Pogba lift the Europa League again with Manchester United after sensing the Frenchman is fully committed to the cause.

The Man Utd boss has decisions to make in a host of areas and admits it is hard to see how senior goalkeepers David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson can all stay with the club.

But Pogba's status with the club has shifted so considerably that Solskjaer knows he can rely on the French midfielder heading into Monday's quarter-final against Copenhagen.

There were previously question marks over the World Cup winner's interest in staying at Old Trafford, but Pogba has once again become a central figure for his manager.

"We're delighted he's back playing, he's fit and he's enjoying his football," Solskjaer said.

"He's got to make up for lost time and he's trying to do that. He's training extra, he's always a great personality in and around the place.

"Hopefully we can see him lift this trophy that he's done before."

Pogba was in the side that beat Ajax to win the 2016-17 Europa League, and next season a Champions League campaign awaits.

Solskjaer was speaking in Cologne, where Man Utd's remaining games in Europe will take place this season.

He spoke in glowing terms of the progress made by Anthony Martial, saying the French forward has "made huge strides" and is "physically at the best level in his career".

Solskjaer also addressed the prospect of playing behind closed doors when there are such high stakes at play, expressing his regret that the pandemic has made such steps necessary.

"I think it is strange and it's not football as it should be," Solskjaer said.

"That little bit of passion and that edge to the game is missing because the fans have got to be there.

"But I have to commend my players. They've handled the situation really well and I know our fans can't want to get back to Old Trafford to support us.

"We have to make the most of this Europa League now - hopefully get as far as we can so they're looking forward even more to seeing the players."

Highlands Park striker Kwena Manyathela has set his sights on making his father, Lesley Manyathela, proud. 

Lesley, who tragically died in a car accident on August 9, 2003, was one of the best strikers in the country during his days with Orlando Pirates. 

Kwena was only three years old when his father passed away and he also pursued a career in football.

The promising marksman is currently playing for the Highlands Park' reserve side having been nurtured at the club's academy. 

“My dad passed away when I was three-years-old," Kwena told Far Post. 

"So, I don’t recall many things about him but I have many wishes if he was alive one thing I know is that I love him and I want to pick up where he left."

Kwena, whose middle name is Lesley Junior, is keen to make a name for himself and go on to ply his trade abroad. 

“I have a lot to achieve and I just want to make him proud. There is a reason why he named me after him [Lesley Junior]" he added.  

"I am going to give my all to make sure that I achieve his dream by playing overseas."

Nicknamed Slow Poison, Lesley attracted interest from European clubs after he inspired Pirates to the 2002/03 PSL title by scoring 18 goals and he scooped the league's Golden Boot award.

Slow Poison, who played for Bafana Bafana, South Africa under-23 and under-20 national teams, underwent trials with French giants Olympique Lyonnais and Greek side OFI Crete.

However, Manyathela returned to Pirates ahead of the 2003/04 season and he scored a consolation against Jomo Cosmos in the 2003 SAA Supa 8 (MTN8) match on August 9, 2003.

The goal proved to be his last as the prolific frontman was killed in a car accident as he was on his way to his Limpopo hometown of Musina.

The Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot Award is named after him and his jersey number 22 has been retired by Pirates in honour of the player.

The South African Football Association (Safa) also temporarily retired the number 19 jersey which Manyathela had previously worn while playing for Bafana.

Kenya internationals Harun Shakava, Duke Abuya, and Duncan Otieno have finally celebrated winning the Zambian Super League title on Sunday.

Nkana were officially crowned the champions for the 2019-20 season after second-placed Forest Rangers secured a 0-0 draw against Zanaco in their re-arranged match.

The draw enabled Nkana to clinch their 13th Super League title, to remain the most successful club in the Zambian league.

Nkana and Rangers both finished on 50 points from the shortened Super League season that saw 27 of the 34 rounds played, but the former’s +17 goal-difference was four better than Rangers, who were fell tantalisingly short of their first-ever title victory.

Rangers could not play their previous match after 28 members tested positive for the coronavirus and the Disciplinary Committee awarded Zanaco three points and a 3-0 scoreline for the unplayed match on July 18, 2020.

Forest Rangers had challenged the decision that awarded Zanaco a walkover and three points but the Appeals Committee went ahead to rule in their favour.

The Zambian league was the third in Africa to resume their domestic competitions after Burundi and Tanzania owing to the break which occurred from mid-March following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

After four months of waiting, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) decided to restart the league after being given the green light by the government.

The Ligue A of Burundi was also played to the end, like the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, which saw Simba SC crowned champions after attaining 88 points.

Yanga came second behind Simba, Azam were third while Simba also crowned the season by winning a treble, beating Namungo FC 2-1 in the final of the FA Cup.

Zanaco will now represent Zambia in the Caf Champions League while Forest will take part in the Confederation Cup.

In the meantime, for the first time in the club’s history, Zesco United will miss out on Caf duty for Zambia after they finished the season a distant fifth.

Zesco United is also the home to Kenyan players Jesse Were, who is being linked with a transfer move to Yanga, John Makwatta, and goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

Ole Gunnar Solskajer admits he has a ‘difficult’ decision to make on Dean Henderson ahead of the new season.

The on-loan goalkeeper has impressed at Sheffield United again this season and has earned himself a nomination for Premier League Young Player of the Year.

With the campaign over, his stint at Bramall Lane has come to the end and, while Chris Wilder would like to have the 23-year-old back, Henderson has caused a conundrum at Old Trafford.

David de Gea has had a mistake-ridden campaign and there have been calls for Henderson to replace him going forward.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer would also not be pushed on whether Sergio Romero would be keeping his place as United’s Europa League goalkeeper as the competition heads into a knockout tournament in Germany.

“I think I must be the most privileged manager in the world with the goalkeeping department I have with Sergio, David and we’ve got Dean Henderson coming back too,” Solskjaer said.

“We have three top, top keepers. This season has shown how important Sergio has been for us and for me David is always performing, so we shall see what we do for the rest of the season and going forward. It is a difficult decision, yeah. But it’s a nice problem to have.”

Pressed on Henderson in particular, who only wants to return to Old Trafford on the proviso he is first-choice, Solskjaer said it will be difficult to decide what to do with the goalkeeper.

“I think it’s as you say: competition for places is important. We are looking to have competition for places. We have Dean, Sergio, David in the ranks,” Solskjaer explained.

“Lee [Grant], the fantastic professional that he is, is backing them up. It will be difficult to keep three of them at the club, so we will see what the decision will be there.”

While Solskjaer would not confirm if Romero would be starting on Monday night against Copenhagen in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, he did make it clear Brandon Williams would be in the starting XI. The teenager has had a formidable debut season in the first team but isn’t complacent about keeping his place.

“I can drop down to the under-23s or pick up an injury, or anything. I’m just focused on what I’m doing I want to keep working hard and try and play as many games as I can,” the full-back said.

“It’s down to myself to keep improving and keep fit and ready to play every game like I have and I’m always ready for the next game. We’ve got games coming up. We have a game tomorrow and a one-off game and we need to win.”

Atletico Madrid may be one of the best teams in Europe but RB Leipzig have the talent to match them in their Champions League quarter-final, according to Kevin Kampl.

Having twice lost finals in the competition during Diego Simeone's reign, Atleti will hope to finally get their hands on the famous trophy as the knockout stages are completed in Portugal.

The Spanish club ended Liverpool's title defence in the previous round but must now get past a Leipzig side who also knocked out English opponents to reach the last eight, impressively putting out Tottenham 4-0 on aggregate.

Leipzig midfielder Kampl knows Atleti will be tough to beat, considering their reputation for being strong defensively, but believes there is no real favourite ahead of Thursday's meeting.

"Atletico Madrid have been one of the best teams in Europe for years. They have a lot of experience on the field and have already made it to the final in recent seasons," he told the media.

"Even if they haven't won the title yet, we know that this team is of high quality. We also know that they defend very well and have an extremely good counter-attack and know how to use their phases of possession. Often a 1-0 win is enough for them.

"We have a great squad and are in no way inferior to Atletico's quality. We are always dangerous for goals, no matter what formation we play with or who will be on the pitch.

"In addition, we are all aware of this great opportunity that is presented to us here. Everyone will tear themselves apart to win and advance to the semi-finals. There is no real favourite on Thursday."

Leipzig will need to find a way to beat Jan Oblak, a goalkeeper Kampl knows all about from their time playing together for Slovenia.

The 29-year-old is full of praise for his compatriot, rating him "one of the best in the world" ahead of the clash to decide who will progress through to a semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain or Atalanta.

"Of course, I know Jan from my time with the Slovenia national team. He is a really outstanding keeper and for me is one of the best in the world," Kampl said.

"He has already achieved a lot in his career and he still has enormous potential. We actually have still been in contact now and then.

"We exchanged a few messages before we arrived and I'm looking forward to seeing him on the pitch on Thursday."

Benike Afobe will be hoping to have a better season with Stoke City after he was spotted training with his teammates following the commencement of pre-season preparations.

The DR Congo international had a 2019-20 season to forget where he was loaned out to Bristol City, but played only 13 times in the Championship and scored three goals as he had a long spell on the sidelines with injury and also lost his two-year-old daughter.

Afobe started the season with the Potters and played for the entire month of August 2019, scoring goals in victories over Queens Park Rangers and Hull City.

He missed action starting from September and did not return to the field until the restart of the Championship in June. He still remained with Bristol and first played for 18 minutes in a 3-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers. He played in six more games which included 90 minutes in 1-0 defeats against Nottingham Forest and Swansea City.

Stoke boss Michael O'Neill was happy to see Afobe back at the club and is keen for him to rebuild after the setbacks of the previous campaign.

“I'm looking forward to getting Benik back. (Sending him on loan) wouldn't have been a decision I would have endorsed at the time because I think he can be a really top player in the Championship,” O’Neil was quoted saying in StokeonTrentLive.

“He is coming back off injury and he had the terrible personal tragedy during the season as well, so I am looking forward to getting Benik back in the building and getting the best out him, what he was brought here to do, which is score goals. I believe he has that capability."

Afobe first joined Stoke on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2018-19 season before he joined permanently at the end of that campaign. Overall, he has played 50 times for the Potters, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.

The 27-year-old began his career at Arsenal but never made it into the first team and was sent out on loan to Huddersfield Town, Reading, Bolton Wanderers, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons before being snapped up permanently by Wolves.

He also had a stint with Bournemouth in the Premier League between 2016 and 2018.

Liverpool right-back Neco Williams will become the latest youngster to be rewarded for his progress by the club with a new and improved five-year contract following a breakout season at Anfield, Goal can confirm.

The 19-year-old defender will be handed a fresh deal following a Premier League-winning campaign that saw him make his senior debut and first top-flight appearance for Jurgen Klopp's side, with the teenager now considered a first team player in his manager's eyes.

The Wales youth international's contact is expected to be a standard reward renewal, in the wake of new terms for fellow starlets Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, with the latter signing his first professional deal on Merseyside last month.

Having earned a maiden call-up to the senior side following a string of impressive performances of the Reds' academy teams last October, Williams enjoyed a dream debut to remember in a 10-goal Carabao Cup thriller against Arsenal in front of a home crowd, notching a last-gasp assist for Divock Origi to send the game beyond 90 minutes to a victorious penalty shoot-out for the hosts.

His form earned him a place in the squad that won the Club World Cup against Flamengo in Qatar in December, but he would have to wait six months to take to the field in the Premier League after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted Liverpool's charge for the title.

Once the season resumed in June, he was a semi-regular presence in Klopp's plans, playing six of the club's final nine games of the season - one more than the minimum requirement of five matches needed to qualify for a Premier League winners' medal following the club's triumph.

Having tied Williams down until 2025, Liverpool look poised to secure their first new signing of the transfer window too, as the club near a £11.75m ($15.3m) deal for Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

The 24-year-old is expected to complete a medical early next week and will provide back-up for Andy Robertson as Klopp looks to refresh his squad ahead of what will be their first domestic title defence for three decades when the new Premier League campaign starts on September 12.

Borussia Dortmund are not concerned by Jadon Sancho's journey home to the UK during the coronavirus pandemic and reports linking him to a move to Manchester United.

Dortmund winger Sancho returned to his homeland this weekend to attend a party and video of the England international was posted on social media.

The 20-year-old made the return to the UK amid claims that United are trying to lure him away from the German outfit.

However, Dortmund have set a deadline of August 10 for any deal to be finalised, with the German side set to travel to Switzerland for a training camp on Monday.

The Bundesliga club have explained that they are happy for the former Manchester City academy player to return home before they resume preparation for next season and say he did not violate any Covid-19 safety measures. 

"It's common and fine for players to go home before a training camp if they're not risky," Dortmund's press spokesman Sascha Fligge said.

"The same goes for Jadon. From our point of view, the pictures that have been shown to us do not violate the current Coronavirus Protection Ordinance or hygiene regulations."

Dortmund are understood to be demanding around €120 million (£108m/$141m) for Sancho, though United are reluctant to match the fee and could turn to other targets if they cannot talk the Germans down from that asking price.

It has been reported that Sancho had already agreed personal terms with Man Utd, but Goal reported this week that discussions are continuing and no deal has been struck between the player and the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insisted on Wednesday that there had been talks between the two clubs.

"So far, there has been no contact between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United in terms of Sancho," he told Suddeutsche Zeitung.

"Also not directly or through alleged intermediaries."

Sporting director Michael Zorc added: "I assume that Jadon will go to the training camp on Monday and play with us for the coming season."

Sancho joined Dortmund from City in 2017 and went on to score 17 goals and set up 16 in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Andrea Pirlo's appointment as the head coach of Juventus is a surprise, says Renzo Ulivieri - but the Italian Football Managers' Association chairman believes that the former midfielder could thrive in his new job, hailing him as a "profound connoisseur" of football.

The former Italy international was handed the top job in Turin just nine days after he was handed the reins of the club's under-23 setup, replacing Maurizo Sarri in the wake of the Bianconeri's Champions League exit against Lyon on Friday.

The eye-catching decision to promote the 41-year-old - who has never coached at senior level before - caught many unawares, particularly given that Ulivieri says that Pirlo has yet to obtain his full accreditation from the Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano, the Italian Football Federation's technical centre.

Speaking out on Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli's choice, onetime Bologna and Napoli boss Ulivieri pushed back at the suggestion that the decision was a particularly risky one, hailing the World Cup winner as a "scholar" of the game, suggesting that his insights will stand him and his employers in good stead.

“Was Agnelli more courageous or reckless [in his decision]?" he told Calcio Mercato . "I'd say it was realistic.

"I'm sure in saying that Andrea Pirlo is currently one of the most profound connoisseurs of the game of football in the world.

"I'm talking about technical knowledge, as a coach. I'm not referring to those skills acquired on the pitch, as a footballer.

"Those are another thing and offer no guarantee of success [as a coach]. Pirlo is a scholar, one who has deepened his knowledge of the subject. He is ready."

Asked on the situation in regards to Pirlo's coaching license and how he has applied himself as a student, Ulivieri added: "He has permission to coach because he attended and completed the course, but he will only make it official in October when he delivers his thesis.

“[He is] careful, sharp. He is someone who looks ahead. He is always precise, someone who doesn't put everything down on paper. He will listen to everything and think, then write on the paper only the things he considers important."

Pirlo now faces a six-week wait to take charge of Juve for the first time in a competitive game following the club's European exit, with the new Serie A campaign set to begin on September 19.

Kostas Tsimikas is set to become Liverpool’s first signing of the summer, with the Olympiacos defender set for a £11.75 million ($15m) move to Anfield from the Greek outfit, Goal can confirm.

The 24-year-old is set to arrive at the Premier League champions as an back-up for starting left-back Andy Robertson, who has not faced any natural competition for his place over the course of the last season, with James Milner filling in when required.

It is expected he will complete a medical early next week, after which his arrival will be made official.

After failing to agree terms with Norwich City over a deal for 22-year-old Jamal Lewis, the Reds turned their attentions to the Greece international, who featured 46 times for the Pireaus side during the 2019-20 campaign, fashioning seven goals.

The Canaries turned down a £10m ($13m) bid from Liverpool for Lewis last week, and that ultimately persuaded Jurgen Klopp’s recruitment team to seal a deal for Tsimikas.

The Reds had also studied the possibility of moving for Sergio Reguilon, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla from Real Madrid and has been linked with a possible summer moves to Chelsea and Everton after a campaign in which he scored three goals and laid on four more in all competitions for the outfit from Andalusia. 

The arrival of Tsimikas is set to signal the end of Yasser Larouci’s Liverpool career, with the 19-year-old former Le Havre player set to be allowed to depart the club on a permanent basis.

He had made two appearances for the first team, both in the FA Cup, while he also featured in the EFL Trophy for the Under-23s on a couple of occasions this term. 

Meanwhile, 20-year-old left-back Adam Lewis is set to be given first team experience elsewhere, with a number of clubs vying to sign the England U20 international on loan.

It is believed that Luton Town, who finished 19th in the Championship last season, just three points above the relegation zone, are among the front runners for his services.

Liverpool have already seen Dejan Lovren depart the club for Zenit St Petersburg this summer, while Adam Lallana joined Brighton on a free transfer. Nathaniel Clyne and Andy Lonergan have also been released.

Former Super Eagles boss Johannes-Franciscus Bonfrere has admitted his yet to receive his Olympic medal 24 years after leading the Dream Team to gold in Atalanta.

Far from being considered favourites, the Nigeria squad made up of a talented group that included Celestine Babayaro, Taribo West, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Jay-Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal, Daniel Amokachi and Sunday Oliseh, all punched above their weight to beat a strong Argentina side in the final 3-2.

They are however famously remembered for their epic 4-3 semi-final win against Brazil where they rallied back from 3-1 to score in the closing 12 minutes through Ikpeba and Kanu, the latter netting twice in injury time.

It is regarded as one of the finest moments not only in Nigerian sports history but in the Olympic games as well.

Bonfrere says he was not given a medal because the provision was not made for him which he didn’t take likely.

"I have not been given the Olympic gold medal we won in 1996. After we celebrated our victory over Argentina at the final, I was prevented from climbing the podium to receive my medal,” he told BCOS TV.

"They said mine was not available. I was annoyed and refused to return with the team to Nigeria. I went to Holland instead.”

Bonfrere also revealed he was promised property by the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of his rewards for his achievements with the national team. 

"It's unfair that after bringing glory to Nigeria, I was denied my rewards", he said.

Bonfrere became Nigeria coach in 1995 and after his Olympic exploits in 1996 moved to become the coach of Qatar followed by United Arab Emirates club Al-Wahda before returning to Nigeria for the second time.

He led the Super Eagles to the final of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations which was co-hosted between Nigeria and Ghana. Unfortunately, they lost 4-3 on penalties to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon after it finished 2-2 in extra-time.