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Robert Lewandowski is the best player in the world right now, not just the finest striker, says Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus.

The prolific Pole has enjoyed another standout campaign in 2019-20, with personal bests being posted by a frontman who appears to be getting even better with age.

The 31-year-old has plundered 51 goals in all competitions, allowing him to raise an individual bar by some eight efforts – with further Champions League outings to come.

Lewandowski was expected to be a leading contender for the 2020 Ballon d’Or, only to see France Football cancel the awarding of a Golden Ball amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Matthaus believes the Bayern forward would have been recognised as the planet’s top performer, with his ability having lifted him to the very top of a global game.

A man who was named World Player of the Year in 1991 told Abendzeitung of Bayern as they prepare to face Chelsea in European competition: “Motivation and greed are automatically there for every player in this phase of the Champions League. 

“You shouldn't put yourself under too much pressure, you have to approach the task with serenity and looseness. And that's what sets these boys apart. 

“[Joshua] Kimmich, for example, is very ambitious, but he plays as calmly as a 30-year-old experienced dog. 

“And you don't need me to say anything more about Lewandowski, he has put in fantastic performances. For me he's not just the best striker in the world right now, he's the best player.”

Lewandowski can underline that standing by helping Bayern to a first Champions League crown since 2013.

The likes of Thiago Alcantara and Philippe Coutinho could also have a role to play in that quest, despite the former being linked with Liverpool and the latter due to return to Barcelona at the end of his loan spell.

“Hansi Flick has managed to keep players like Thiago, Coutinho and Lucas Hernandez happy this season, even if they were not always in the starting line-up,” added Matthaus.

“The past few months have shown that the Bayern squad is very well positioned in terms of character, there were no quarrels, no internal anger. So I'm sure that Thiago and Coutinho will tear themselves apart for Bayern in their final weeks. 

“Everyone has the big goal of winning the Champions League. And that is only possible together.”

Bayern lead their last-16 tie with Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate and are due to face the winners of Barcelona’s meeting with Napoli in the quarter-finals.

Neeskens Kebano has advised Fulham to avoid introducing too many new players in the squad ahead of their Premier League campaign.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international played a key role as the Cottagers returned to the English top-flight after defeating Brentford 2–1 in the play-off final at Wembley.

The forward suggested the recruitment of several players after they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2018 contributed to their relegation which he advised should not be repeated.

“We are so proud of getting a promotion right after going down,” Kebano told BBC Sport.

“Our season was far from perfect but we fought like animals and we got what we deserved.  This is why we had crazy celebrations. Fulham is back to the place it belongs.

 “I think one of the mistakes [that led to our relegation] was to include too many new players in a team already in place.  

"I am not a football teacher but it’s definitely the mistake to avoid. Last time, it could have worked but it didn’t.”

Kebano enjoyed more minutes under his belt after the restart of the Championship, having been suspended due to the spread of the coronavirus.  

The forward only started one game before the outbreak of the pandemic but was a regular figure in the last five matches for Scott Parker’s side, featuring prominently in the playoffs.

“Prior to the lockdown, I was just entering games for four or 10 minutes or so but since the restart, I began more games,” he continued.

"So obviously with more time on the pitch, you have more chances to score. Maybe he [Scott Parker] felt that it was my moment, that I deserved it for my effort.

"I never gave up, I always worked hard and I took the opportunity when I had one. This is how I earned my place."

Kebano joined Fulham in the summer of 2016 from Belgian side Genk and recently extended his contract with the side until 2022.

The former Paris Saint-Germain winger revealed he is enjoying his stay with the Cottagers which made him further commit his future with the club.

“In this club, I have my habits here, my family is happy. This is why I feel great in this club," he added.

Kebano has made 75 league appearances since teaming up with the Craven Cottage outfit, scoring 12 goals, and will hope to play a prominent role for Fulham in the Premier League.

The forward has 19 caps and five goals for the Democratic Republic of the Congo since he made his debut against Ivory Coast on October 2014, having previously featured for France at youth level.

Former Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques believes Kaizer Chiefs will have the edge at FNB Stadium against Bidvest Wits in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash scheduled for Wednesday night.

The veteran manager is of the view that coach Gavin Hunt’s men will be out to maintain their integrity but has expressed doubts about their psychological state after the club was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

On the other hand, the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening will provide Amakhosi with a better idea of how to overcome the Students.

“It’s a very tricky affair at the moment with the fact that Wits is sold and the interest of the players is not the same as before,” Marques told Goal.

“Even though they will be professional in their approach, the club being sold does have an effect when it comes to their psychological approach. So, also coming back from this long stoppage, it’s an unknown for everyone.

“So, it’s really interesting encounter and I think at this stage what’s going to be important is the integrity of the players, the professionalism and you can be as you are but the emotion is different and at the back of the mind, subconsciously it could affect you.

“It’s very difficult for Wits at the moment and I want to definitely go for a win for Chiefs. I know the players want to prove everyone wrong but yeah there’s a lot to play at the moment.”

On the fact that the Braamfontein-based club will be up against coach Pitso Mosimane’s troops at Orlando Stadium, the 58-year-old tactician believes a loss could be a big blow heading to the iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.

“Absolutely true [that Chiefs will watch Wits against Sundowns], they [Chiefs] will get an idea of what state of mind they [Wits] are in. The Nedbank Cup game will allow Chiefs to gauge what Wits’ mentality will be,” he added.

“Secondly, [Chiefs will be watching] on how they will be performing and that’s an advantage for Chiefs. They have an edge and they can prepare better for the league clash in all aspects. Should Wits lose to Sundowns, the tide will turn to Chiefs favour.

“And also Sundowns are playing to keep Chiefs pressure on the league, there’s a lot at stake in the league right now.”

The eagerly anticipated PSL encounter was scheduled to be staged in March but it was called off because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In addition, Orlando Pirates will be eagerly watching Masandawana against Wits as they will resume their 2019//20 season at Dobsonville Stadium against the reigning league champions.

A brace by substitute Victor Letsoalo and a Ndumiso Mabhena strike helped Bloemfontein Celtic storm into the Nedbank Cup final following a 3-0 win over 10-man Baroka FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Letsoalo rose from the bench to carry Celtic into the final as they now await the result from another Last Four encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

Should Downs make it to the final and then win the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title, Celtic would be guaranteed a Caf Confederation Cup berth next season even if they lose the Nedbank Cup decider.

Mabena gave a good start to coach John Maduka deep into the first half’s injury-time when he capitalised on shambolic defending by Baroka aided by a numerical disadvantage.

It got worse for the Limpopo side seven minutes from time when Chipezeze brought down Mabena inside the box to earn Celtic a penalty which was duly converted by Letsoalo, who later on struck again in stoppage time.

The opening stages of the match saw Celtic appearing the hungrier side with Sifiso Ngobeni’s shooting over the bar three minutes into the contest off a cross from Mabena, who himself narrowly missed the target with a low effort five minutes later.

Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was the busier and had to deal with a Tebogo Potsane shot on 11 minutes.

Gerald Phiri’s attempt over the bar was Baroka’s first real chance at goal on 18 minutes. As both sides were starting to gain momentum, Maduka was forced to replace Mpusana Tani with Andile Fikizolo after 21 minutes.

While Celtic were battling to adjust to their early substitution, it was now Baroka tactician Dylan Kerr to tamper with his line-up following a red card to defender Ananias Gebhardt just two minutes after the half-hour mark.

The Namibian was given his marching orders following a reckless challenge on Lucky Baloyi.

 It was a big blow that badly exposed Baroka’s defence with Lantshene Phalane twice freely attempting at goal although he missed the target.

As the contest appeared to be headed for a goalless first-half, Mabena beat the half-time whistle with a left-footed shot off a Fikizoko pass deep into injury time to separate the two sides.

More chaotic defending from Baroka including, Chipezeze coming off his line deep into play, could have been Baroka’s undoing but they survived further blemishes in the first stanza.

The second half saw Celtic continuing with the search for a second goal, but Tshediso Patjie tried to respond for Baroka although he shot high over the bar.

After replacing Potsane just before the hour mark, Letsoalo appeared a threat to Baroka with some promising moves and two shots dealt with by Chipezeze.

Letsoalo’s conversion from the penalty spot appeared to have sapped the energy out of Baroka as Celtic made it hard to their opponents to come back.

The sucker punch came from Letsoalo's right foot again as he killed the match as a contest in stoppage time but was beaten to the Man-of-the-match crown by Phalane.

Raphael Varane's horror show at Manchester City "won't stain the legacy he has at Real Madrid", insists Rodrygo.

City beat Madrid 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night to win the heavyweight last-16 Champions League tie 4-2 on aggregate and set up a last-eight meeting with Lyon.

The Premier League outfit benefitted from an uncharacteristically poor display from Varane in the heart of the Blancos defence, as his mistakes led to Raheem Sterling's opener and Gabriel Jesus' second-half winner in Manchester.

Less than 10 minutes into the contest the Frenchman was caught in possession by Jesus in his own penalty area, and the Brazilian laid the ball on a plate for Sterling to notch his 31st goal of the season.

Karim Benzema nodded home a delightful Rodrygo cross to ensure that the two teams went in level at half-time, but City took control after the interval as Madrid struggled to cope with their high press.

The home side's second goal came when Varane failed to deal with Rodri's speculative looped pass, with Jesus nipping in to score after the Frenchman sold Thibaut Courtois short with a weak headed back-pass.

The World Cup winner accepted the blame for the final result post-match, telling reporters: "I am responsible for this defeat. We had prepared well but you pay for your mistakes. I am sad for my team-mates."

However, Rodrygo does not believe that one sub-par performance should take away from his team-mate's achievements at the Bernabeu over the past nine years.

"It's something that happens sometimes," the Brazilian said after the game. "It's a pity, but he's a great player and I don't think this is going to stain the legacy he has at Real Madrid."

Rodrygo added on the heartbreak of Madrid's early Champions League exit: "[I feel] sad, but we fought until the end.

"It was hard for us to score because they're a great team. They are very strong here [at home]."

Despite being knocked out of Europe in the first knockout stage for a second successive year, Zinedine Zidane's side can still take solace from a successful 2019-20 domestic season, which ended with a first La Liga title triumph since 2017.

Asked to rate the Blancos' latest campaign out of 10, Rodrygo responded: "A nine, we have had a great season."

Willian is a “safer bet” for Arsenal than Philippe Coutinho, admits Martin Keown, with Mikel Arteta considered to be making the right decision when it comes to acquiring more creativity.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking ranks during the summer transfer window.

Early speculation suggested that they could be among those in the running for former Liverpool star Coutinho, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona.

No deal has been done, though, and a door has opened for another Brazil international.

Willian is approaching the end of his contract at Chelsea and is expected to cross London and link up with Arsenal once he hits free agency.

“Coutinho has been linked with virtually everybody and seems, if I am honest, a bit unsettled," former Gunners defender Keown told The Mirror.

“I think Willian is a safer bet. He's in the capital, he knows the Premier League very well and he's a top performer. I think it's a huge loss for Chelsea.”

Willian is preparing to depart Chelsea after seven years at Stamford Bridge that have delivered 339 appearances, 63 goals and two Premier League titles.

Keown believes his ability and experience will prove to be valuable assets for Arsenal, adding on the 31-year-old forward: “I think that's a fantastic bit of business. I have always been a real admirer of Willian.

“When I saw what he has been doing this year at Chelsea with his free-kicks and penalties, he's so reliable.

“He has had his misfortunes with [Eden] Hazard being there. Sometimes he has had to play second-fiddle. Now he is fighting for a place with [Christian] Pulisic.

“I know there is a discussion over two or three years [contract], but I think he would be a really good acquisition for Arsenal.

“He comes in with a wealth of experience and I like his work ethic.

“He is someone who will always give you 100 per cent and the right type of player to go into what is a really young Arsenal dressing room.”

As they close in on a deal for Willian, the Gunners are also hoping to see club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bring the uncertainty surrounding his future to a close by signing a new contract.

FC Goa president Akshay Tandon is confident of being able to field a strong squad for the 2020/21 season of the Indian Super League. 

The Goan club has lost several key players to other clubs over the summer. However, although they are yet to announce all of their new arrivals, Tandon has said that they are close to wrapping up their foreign transfers. 

In an Instagram chat on Saturday, the club president said, "We are very close to finishing all of our signings. It is a matter of a few weeks. We know exactly who we are targeting, the negotiations have been on for a very long time. We can't prematurely announce before all the final paperwork is done. I am looking forward to it, it is looking like a very strong squad to me. I don't feel like we are going to missing something."

Tandon proudly cited the club's involvement in Goan football and their style of play as things that the management has done right in the last few years. 

He said, "We have learnt a lot from Goan football and we are focusing on developing Goan footballers. You can see that on the field and that is very intentional. There are players who we have found from village tournaments.

"We are still in the process of how we can find more from the system and work with the local clubs as well as represent the entire Goan identity and its beauty. 

"We are playing the kind of football that we want to play. Goa is a place to enjoy yourselves and we wanted to represent that using our football."

He further added, "We have managed to make some money out of transfers within Indian football. It is about creating a new market almost. Not much of selling and buying goes on in Indian football, it is mostly free transfers. Seeing these things come together is a positive sign."

Having finished the 2019/20 season as the ISL league stage winner, FC Goa are set to take on some of the best teams in Asia in the AFC Champions League. Since it is an unexplored territory for ISL clubs, the Gaurs will be taking it one game at a time. 

"We plan to take it one game at a time, that is our strategy. It is an intimidating thing to put in front of you. We could surprise a few teams, no one really knows where we stand against the champions in Asia so far. We are going in with a positive attitude."

Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter does not see Africa hosting the Fifa World Cup anytime soon, and claimed that his support for the continent's 2010 tournament hosting rights led to him being forced out of the Zurich-based organisation.

After 17 years at the helm of Fifa, the Swiss football administrator was removed from his post in December 2015 amid a corruption storm, but he believes some other forces were at play in his removal.

Regarded as a “friend of Africa”, Blatter backed the continent to win hosting rights for the World Cup, which subsequently saw South Africa staging the tournament in 2010.

He, however, feels that this saw him fall out of favour with other confederations who resisted that Africa should be handed its first-ever rights to organise the global football quadrennial tournament.

“Yes, yes definitely [I was a target because I brought the World Cup to Africa],” Blatter told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM.

“But where there is a will, there is a way, and therefore we brought this World Cup to Africa, to South Africa. The first [time World Cup in Africa] and I think for the time being, the only one and I cannot see if they will be a second one. I am happy that it has been realised.”

Blatter says there is "no trust and confidence" in Africa and it would be “difficult for Africa to convince Fifa” for the tournament to return to the continent.

Morocco pitched a bid to host the 2026 edition but was beaten by the combined running of the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

It was Morocco’s fifth unsuccessful attempt to secure hosting rights for the tournament and they lost despite Africa being the biggest voting bloc with the highest number of member associations.

Morocco has since expressed interest to run for the 2030 mandate.

“At least not in my lifetime [there will be no World Cup in Africa] because everybody wants to organise the World Cup,” said Blatter.

“And now 2026 has already been given to the United States. They should have taken it for 2022 but then there was this political interference by France and the World Cup went to Qatar.

“But the next World Cup which is open is 2030 and it will be the [100th] anniversary of the first World Cup, in Uruguay and South America would like to have it. But also England would like to have it because they are the model of football and they say they must have it now.

“But on the other hand also China are going to have the World Cup. So there are a lot of contenders for the World Cup.

“One African association should try to do so [host]. It is very difficult now to convince Fifa to go back to Africa and this is because there is no enough trust and confidence in Africa generally.”

Blatter believes Morocco, as well as countries like Egypt and Algeria, have the capability to organise the global football tournament.

Curtis Jones is looking to spend “many, many more years” at Liverpool, with the highly-rated 19-year-old hoping that a lengthy spell at Anfield will be taken in under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have tied their German tactician to terms through to 2024.

It has been suggested that Klopp will move on once that contract comes to a close, as he will have spent almost nine years on Merseyside by that point.

The hope is that a Premier League and Champions League-winning coach will deliver more success before the day comes for him to bid farewell.

Jones believes a “perfect” coach is capable of keeping Liverpool on the loftiest of perches, with it his intention to start playing a more prominent role for the Reds heading forward.

Asked about his ambition and what it is like to play under Klopp, academy graduate Jones told Liverpool’s official website: "I've got one word and that's perfect.

"He is perfect for any type of player – defender, midfielder, attacker, 'keeper, anything – because he is somebody that is, he's like a father figure to anybody.

"It doesn't matter if you are captain, vice-captain, young player or a regular starter, he is somebody that you respect so high.

"He is somebody that when you are doing well he will be the first to tell you, but then when you're not he's also the first to let you know.

"He's someone for me that is guiding me well. He's always put me on at the right times when he knows it's perfect for me to come and play. He's never not put me in the deep end when I might not play as well as I can, he just knows when the games are always right, so he's perfect.

"On the side of that, he's a great man and his character is top! I love working with him and I hope to spend many, many more years with him."

Jones enjoyed a breakthrough season at Anfield in 2019-20, with the teenage midfielder taking in 12 appearances – one of which saw him become the club’s youngest captain – while also recording three goals to go with his Club World Cup and Premier League winners’ medals.

Juventus have sacked Maurizio Sarri following their Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.

The Continassa hierarchy held a meeting following the Old Lady's failure to progress to the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition, with Sarri's future at the club the only point on the agenda in the wake of the continental disappointment.

It was decided that the 61-year-old former Chelsea and Napoli boss is no longer the man to take the club forward, with Juve's signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid making clear that their intention was to win the Champions League after several years of near-misses.

A club statement read: "Juventus announces that Maurizio Sarri has been relieved of his post as coach of the first team.

"The club would like to thank the coach for having written a new page in Juventus' history with the victory of the ninth-consecutive championship, the culmination of a personal journey that led him to climb all the divisions of Italian football."

Sarri's future had been previously called into question despite leading the club to a ninth-successive Scudetto, with the former banker admitting himself that he had been struggling to impose his famous 'Sarriball' style on the squad.

Indeed, following the first-leg defeat against Lyon, Sarri stated that his charges had been moving the ball too slow but that he would continue working with his players until "sooner or later this concept will get into their heads".

That admission will have done the Italian few favours as the board considered their options, with the feeling amongst those in charge that the head coach had failed to win over the players and that a new approach would be required to see the club progress.

It is no secret that Simone Inzaghi is well liked by those at Continassa following his successful season with Lazio, while Zinedine Zidane – still under contract with Real Madrid – is another name that is never far from discussions in Turin.

Mauricio Pochettino, currently out of work despite having led Tottenham to the Champions League final last season, also forms part of the list of names being considered to replace Sarri and he has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham in 2019.

Former Juve bosses Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte have also been linked in recent weeks alongside club legend Andrea Pirlo, who recently took on his first coaching role with the Bianconeri's Under-23 side.

For now, however, it is understood that internal discussions are still in their infancy and no moves have been made to contact potential successors.

Juventus are "perfect" for Serie A but their surprise elimination at the hands of Lyon highlighted their issues in the Champions League, according to Alessandro Del Piero.

The Italian champions recorded a 2-1 win in the last-16 second leg on Friday but were still knocked out of the tournament on away goals after conceding in Turin.

Memphis Depay converted a first-half penalty to double Lyon's advantage in the tie, with the French side having triumphed 1-0 on home soil before the European season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to turn the game around on the night but despite the Portuguese's best efforts, Juve slipped out of the competition, and head coach Maurizio Sarri paid for the final result with his job.

Club legend Del Piero praised Ronaldo for showing the way to play in such circumstances but is concerned over the way the team has performed in Europe. 

"At times we have criticised him, but against Lyon he [Ronaldo] gave a lesson, not only for the goal but for how he played the whole game," he told Sky Sports Italia.

"There is a problem for Juventus and that is to face the teams at European level. 

"The team is perfect in the Italian league but both the first leg and the return match against Lyon showed some difficulties."

Juve had been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in the previous two years, though defender Leonardo Bonucci said after this latest Champions League disappointment that the target this season was always to retain the Scudetto.

Yet Del Piero, who was part of the side that won Europe's premier club competition back in 1996, feels the Bianconeri should set their sights higher than just domestic success.

"If the goal is the Scudetto, then the season is fine but Juventus must have greater ambitions," the former Italy international said.

Sarri's future at the Allianz Stadium had been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with one media report in Italy linking former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino with the job.

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has also been mooted as a potential candidate to succeed Sarri, along with Lazio boss Simeone Inzaghi, who guided the club to a fourth-place Serie A finish in 2019-20.

Eden Hazard "didn't take the move to Real Madrid seriously" last year, according to ex-Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino, who says the Belgian winger "downs tools" far too often.

Much was expected of Hazard when Madrid forked out €100 million (£90m/$118m) to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu from Chelsea in June 2019.

The 29-year-old scored 110 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 games for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa League crowns and the FA Cup in the process.

However, his debut season in Spain has been underwhelming, as he's managed to find the net just once in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Niggling injuries and fitness issues have restricted Hazard's contribution, with his latest sub-par showing coming during Madrid's last-16 second-leg defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League.

The Belgium international only touched the ball 37 times during the 2-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium - the second-lowest total of any of the Blancos' starters on the night - and failed to complete a single take-on during his 83 minutes on the pitch.

Cascarino says Hazard was guilty of arriving in Madrid in poor physical shape, and that he didn't recognise the player making his return to English soil on Friday.

“We all know how brilliant Hazard can be, we all know the difference he can make to a football team,” the former Chelsea forward told talkSPORT. "But he didn’t take the move to Madrid seriously, and he’s paid for it this season.

“He turned up overweight, he’s been playing catch-up, he’s getting niggly injuries. Watching him last night was like watching a completely different player.

“Kyle Walker must’ve been thinking, ‘Is this the same player I faced at Chelsea?’

“He’s a brilliant player, but he’s paid the price for turning up at Madrid for a big fee and not taking it seriously.

“He does switch off every now and again. As good and as great as he can be, he does down tools every so often.”

Madrid exited the Champions League in the first knockout phase for the second successive year after failing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from February's first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

The result in Manchester saw Zinedine Zidane suffer an early European exit for the first time in his managerial career, but he praised his La Liga winning-squad post-match and urged them to be "proud" of their efforts over the course of the season.

Fred Ambani has been re-appointed as Wazito FC head coach with Babu Salim coming in as his assistant.

The position fell vacant after former head coach Stewart Hall left, leaving his then assistant Ambani in charge of the proceedings.

The former striker had just returned to the club as the Briton's assistant coach after he had initially been sacked alongside Stanley Okumbi, who was the technical director.

"I want to thank the club management for believing in me once again," soft-speaking Ambani said as quoted by the club's official website.

"Wazito is a team that is so dear to me and I am looking forward to getting started. My target is to work with everyone at the club to ensure that the team is successful."

Ambani has also lauded Hall for contributing to his growth in the little time they worked together.

"Stewart Hall is the best coach I have ever worked under or with, he took me in well and our working relationship was a very good one, you do not come across such coaches every day," the youthful tactician added.

"I want to thank him for everything that he taught me and I wish him the very best wherever he goes because he is a good coach and he will land another job soon."

On his part, Babu is joining the team from Western Stima, the team he helped to stabilize in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

In the annulled 2019/2020 Kenyan domestic season, he won the KPL Coach of the Month Award twice.

"Joining Wazito is a great opportunity because I am joining a team with big ambitions and I want to be successful here," Babu told the club's website. 

"My role is that of an assistant coach and my duty is to help the head coach, that is what I will stick to.

"Fred [Ambani] has been my friend for many years, we played together and even as coaches we have been exchanging notes frequently, when he asked me to join him it was an easy decision to make. I believe together we will move this team forward."

Simba SC have announced their first signing in an emphatic fashion after raiding their rivals for the services of midfielder Bernard Morrison.

The Ghanaian forward has been at loggerheads with the Yanga management since the team lost 4-1 to Simba in the final of the FA Cup played at National Stadium.

It was during the final when Morrison was substituted and walked straight down the tunnel to the dressing and drove away from the stadium never to return to training until the Mainland Premier League ended two weeks ago.

Simba have now confirmed they have signed the player, who was recently arrested by patrol police in Dar es Salaam for allegedly being in possession of marijuana but was later released.

“Bernard [Morrison[ has signed a two-year contract to join Simba,” the club stated on their official website.

“Morrison has shown he is a great player since signing for Yanga for the last season and from now on he will don the red jersey for Simba and he becomes our first signing this transfer window as we strive to build a strong squad for the Caf Champions League campaign.”

On signing for Simba, Morrison said: “I have no words to express myself or to even state how I feel, to sign for the champions, not only the champions but also a team that managed to win three trophies last season.

“I am happy to here and as always I do my best to make sure the team achieves the set targets for the new season, I cannot wait to play in Champions League, which is a dream for every player to play in.”

The arrival of Morrison will now see him fight for a starting role in the Simba squad alongside Clatous Chama, Francis Kahata, and Luis Miquissone.

Just a week ago, Yanga released 14 players, among them captain Papy Tshishimbi, striker David Molinga, and ex-Gor Mahia player Gnamien Yikpe but retained Morrison, hoping they could convince him to stay at the club.

Other players dropped by Yanga include veteran striker Mrisho Ngassa, Jafary Mohamed, Mohamed Issa Banka, Tariq Seif, Andrew Vincent Dante, Patrick Sibomana, Muharami Issa, Ali Ali, Rafael Daud, Ali Mtoni Sonso and Eric Kabamba.

The Timu ya Wananchi have now been linked to a number of foreign players, including Kenyans Jesse Were and John Makwatta, who play for Zesco United, Sven Yidah of Kariobangi Sharks, Erick Rutanga of Rayon Sports and Mukoko Tonombe of AS Vita Club from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Arsenal cannot afford to be “held to ransom” in contract negotiations with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, says Martin Keown, with the Gunners having already had their fingers burned by Mesut Ozil.

Back in January 2018, the north London outfit dug deep in an effort to prevent a key man from hitting free agency.

World Cup winner Ozil was handed the most lucrative deal in the club’s history, but little return has been found in that investment.

Arsenal now find themselves in a similar situation with Aubameyang, with their club captain having entered the final 12 months of his current terms.

Confidence has been aired at Emirates Stadium when it comes to reaching an agreement, but Keown has warned the Gunners against paying over the odds for a player who is now 31 years of age.

The former Arsenal defender told PA Sport: “[Mikel] Arteta has been there less than eight months and walked away with an FA Cup, he is someone who can make a difference (to Aubameyang’s decision) and if he wants the striker at the football club he will be influential.

“The previous manager, Unai Emery, was saying he wasn’t part of the negotiations for Aaron Ramsey.

“Well this time round Arteta made it his place to be involved in the negotiations and that is only right and proper.

“I don’t think they should be held to ransom as they appeared to be over the Mesut Ozil contract but on the pitch Aubameyang seems like a different person.

“Just getting him to sign keeps a huge amount of belief and hope for the future – but not one individual is bigger than the football club as the Ozil saga has shown.”

Keown added on the Aubameyang saga, which has seen Arsenal fail to reach a compromise with a striker who has recorded 70 goals through 109 appearances for the club: “I think it is really important that the club get this one right.

“When you watch him play, we know he has all of the qualities on the football pitch, but he seems to me like a very decent young man.

“He is a very good individual who loves the club, the players are all around him as we saw them celebrating the FA Cup.

“You can tell there is a buzz, something is growing and a new culture is developing and of course Aubameyang was the right choice for captain.

“He sets the standard on the pitch and he carried that responsibility and will look to continue to do so – they wouldn’t want to lose him.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been named Arsenal Player of the 2019-20 Season following his eye-catching performances for the club.

The Gabon international bagged 29 goals and provided three assists in 44 games across all competitions to finish as the club’s top-scorer for a second season.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker’s effort also helped the Emirates Stadium outfit secure their 14th FA Cup title and finish eighth in the Premier League.

Aubameyang won 74% of the votes cast to beat off competition from goalkeeper Bernd Leno for the highly coveted award.

The forward has been playing an influential role since joining the Gunners from German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.

Aubameyang featured prominently as Arsenal finished as runner-up in the 2018 League Cup and 2019 Europa League.

The 31-year-old striker has scored 54 goals in 85 league appearances since his arrival and in the 2018-19 campaign, he scooped the Premier League top-scorer award.

Aubameyang started his senior career with AC Milan in 2008 after starring for the side in the youth setup.

The forward featured for French sides Dijon, Lille and Saint-Etienne before permanently joining the Green in December 2011, where he shone, scoring 35 goals in 73 appearances.

The Gabon captain then teamed up with Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and helped the German club win a number of laurels before his departure to the Emirates Stadium.

Aubameyang, whose contract with the Gunners ends in June 2021, is believed to be in discussions with the Premier League side for a new deal, having indicated his interest to continue with the side.

The former France youth international has 25 goals in 63 appearances for Gabon since he made his debut in 2009.

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a boost as Kylian Mbappe has been named in the travelling squad for their upcoming Champions League tie against Atalanta.

The Ligue 1 side have been sweating on Mbappe's fitness since seeing the forward sidelined with an ankle sprain during last week's Coupe de France triumph over Saint-Etienne.

The World Cup winner was initially ruled out for three weeks, and Thomas Tuchel was not optimistic of a prized asset making a full recovery in time for the trip to Lisbon before a friendly win against Sochaux on Wednesday.

"The deadline is short, super short," the PSG boss told reporters. "We spoke with the doctor today and we decided to meet again on Saturday to see what phase he is in and if it is possible that he is on the bench against Atalanta. 

"But I do not expect too much."

Tuchel also revealed that Italian midfielder Marco Verratti's participation in Europe was in doubt, as he missed the clash with Sochaux due to a calf injury suffered in training.

And despite Verratti's name initially being listed as part of the 28-man squad travelling to Faro on Saturday, sources have confirmed to Goal that the Italian didn't actually join the squad on the flight.

It is unclear if he'll arrive separately later although he is already ruled out of the clash with Atalanta.

Meanwhile, Neymar, Marquinhos, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Silva, Mauro Icardi, Thilo Kehrer and Presnel Kimpembe have all been restored to the squad after being rested for the midweek warm-up fixture, but Layvin Kurzawa will sit out the game due to a thigh issue.

PSG will be aiming to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1994-95, with the winners of the last-eight encounter set to be rewarded with a tie against either Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig.

Tuchel's men saw off Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16, while Atalanta beat Valencia 8-4 over two legs to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Paris Saint-Germain's travelling Champions League squad in full

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Sergio Rico, Marcin Bulka, Garissone Innocent

Defenders: Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Thilo Kehrer, Layvin Kurzawa, Colin Dagba, Juan Bernat, Mitchel Bakker, Abdou Diallo, Loic Mbe Soh, Timothee Pembele

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Idrissa Gueye, Julian Draxler, Ander Herrera, Kays Ruiz-Atil

Forwards: Pablo Sarabia, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi, Arnaud Kalimuendo

Only a Champions League triumph will save Quique Setien from the sack at Barcelona, says Rivaldo, with a Camp Nou legend expecting changes on and off the pitch in Catalunya over the next few weeks.

The Blaugrana will be back in European action on Saturday when they take in the second leg of a last-16 showdown with Serie A side Napoli.

That contest is locked at 1-1 on aggregate, meaning that there is still all to play for.

Barca will be desperate to make their way into the quarter-finals, with the Liga title having already been snatched from their grasp in 2019-20 by arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Inconsistency is proving to be an issue, though, and serious questions are being asked of Setien’s future a matter of months after he was appointed as successor to Ernesto Valverde.

Rivaldo believes an under-fire coach could be on borrowed time, telling Marca: “It's hard to come in in the middle of a season. [Ernesto] Valverde's departure was difficult for the club and it's not easy for a coach.

“They're not playing the football they used to play. I think they'll change their coach if they don't go through.”

While another change in the dugout could be on the cards at Barca, comings and goings in the transfer market are also being mooted.

Rivaldo hopes a side that remains over-reliant on talismanic captain Lionel Messi will find a way of bolstering their ranks.

He added: “Players change every season, but this season, because of what's happened, a lot of teams won't have the money to buy expensive players.

“The club have to buy players and some have to be sold. They've got to look for players who are more suited to the club's playing style.”

Pressed further on where Barca need to strengthen, the Brazilian said: “The first thing to see is whether or not the coach stays. It's his decision.

“It's hard for me to say what they need. They have great players, but they need trophies every year and criticism comes if they don't win anything. Let's just hope next season is better.”