Looking for Soccer News?

Real Madrid knew their recent trophy drought would not last and that they would keep winning without Cristiano Ronaldo, says Luka Modric.

The Blancos were crowned champions of Spain for the 34th time following their 2-1 victory over Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu last week.

Zinedine Zidane's men picked up the title for the first time since 2017, and ultimately finished five points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the table.

Madrid won three consecutive European Cups and one La Liga crown during Zidane's first spell in charge, with the club's all-time record scorer Ronaldo spearheading the attack.

However, the French head coach left his post in 2018, while the Portuguese superstar completed a big-money move to Juventus.

The Blancos endured a miserable transitional season following the pair's departure, which saw them fail to land a single trophy while coming a disappointing third in La Liga.

Zidane returned to steady the ship in March 2019, and Madrid gradually rediscovered their best form, but Modric insists he never doubted that the glory days would return to the Bernabeu.

Asked whether Ronaldo's exit affected the winning mentality within the squad, the Madrid midfielder told Sportske Novosti: "It is not necessary to discuss how important Cristiano was for Real Madrid.

"But I must say that we were not overwhelmed by the fact that he was not there in the sense that we could not have the same ambitions.

"We were convinced that we would continue to win without him."

Modric added on Zidane's expert man-management skills: "Zidane once again proved to be a great person. He is reassuring and he is very correct in his approach to the player.

"There are always those who do not play as much as they would like, they are not happy and that makes sense.

"But the coach's approach has helped everyone feel part of the team and accept their situation.

"In this dressing room, everyone is a good guy, there is no one who creates problems for their own reasons, there are no bad apples."

Madrid are now looking ahead to a return to Champions League action, with a round of 16 second-leg tie against Manchester City on the cards next month.

Zidane's side must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit at Etihad Stadium in order to reach the last eight, with the next stage of the competition set to take place in Lisbon.

Mohamed Salah is “undervalued and underappreciated” at Liverpool, claims Jamie Carragher, while Sadio Mane is considered to be “the best left-sided attacking player in the world”.

The Reds got their hands on the Premier League title after playing out a 5-3 thriller against Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday.

Neither Salah nor Mane were among the goals in that contest, but they have contributed 36 between them this season as a 30-year wait for English top-flight glory has come to a close on Merseyside.

Salah, who landed Golden Boots in each of his first two campaigns with the Reds, has led the way once again with 19 league efforts and 23 in total across all competitions.

His numbers have dipped since finding the target on 44 occasions in 2017-18, with Carragher admitting that a “freak” first season with Liverpool has seen unrealistic expectations form around the Egyptian.

The Reds legend told Sky Sports of Salah:  “He's now actually undervalued and underappreciated a little bit, even by Liverpool supporters.

“The reason is because he started with 47 goals in a season. That was a freak, it was like the best season of his life. Whatever he does after that feels like a drop-off. In real terms, it’s not.

“He’s a player who’s going to get you 25 goals every season. His numbers are off the scale, in terms of goals and assists – higher than any other Liverpool player in history.”

Mane is another now expected to deliver the goods every time he steps onto the field, with the Senegalese rarely disappointing after becoming a prolific presence from the flanks.

Carragher added on the 28-year-old forward: “I think he’s the best left-sided attacking player in the world right now. He only had a week off in the summer after the Africa Cup of Nations, after he got to the final. He was on the bench against Norwich in the first game of the season.

“For me, I think he’s been Liverpool’s best player. In those early weeks, his goal against Southampton, the Super Cup and having no rest, it's just phenomenal and he doesn’t stop.

“His pace, what he brings to the team and his all-round game - he’s an absolute superstar.”

The qualities of Salah and Mane are complemented by Roberto Firmino, with the Brazil international ending his long wait for a Premier League goal at Anfield in the Reds’ victory over Chelsea.

The 28-year-old has never been prolific, but he is the perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system and a man who can be relied upon to deliver important goals and tireless running.

Carragher said of the South American: “He's been brilliant. His numbers aren’t amazing for a centre forward playing in the best team in Europe but you judge him on how he influences the rest of the team - not goals.

“He makes team-mates play better, he wins the ball back. He’s never injured. He’s always there and that performance level you get from him.

“You always think of the man through the middle as the one who gets the goals, but Liverpool’s main scorer plays down the right wing. If Salah played down the middle and Firmino down the right, you’d say Firmino's numbers are good.

“He’s a vital player for Jurgen Klopp, and you also have to remember what Klopp’s done for him, making him the centre forward, because when he first came to Liverpool a lot of people were scratching their heads asking where he fits in.”

Ajax Cape Town chief executive officer Ari Efstathiou says the Premier Soccer League (PSL) should consider having 18 teams in the top-flight league.

This comes after a report by City Press revealed the current season could be cancelled if the league's executive committee members have their way.

There is a stand-off between the PSL and the South African Football Association (Safa) over the resumption of football with the campaign having been suspended from last March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

PSL had plans to resume the suspended season in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng on July 18, but Safa insisted football can only start in August 2020 as the match officials were not ready.

Efstathiou feels it is time for the league's Board of Governors to look at the possibility of going back to an 18-team league.

“It’s an option that needs to be considered, there are obviously cost implications to that," Efstathiou was quoted as saying on The Citizen.

"But I also believe that a country like ours should have always had an 18-team League, not a 16-team League.

“So, maybe this is the right opportunity to go back to an 18-team league, so I think that’s a strong option that must be considered by the Board of Governors.”

The PSL was an 18-team league when it started, but it was reduced to 16 teams in 2002 in order to address the issue of fixture congestion.

The league bought out the statuses of Ria Stars and Free State Stars, whose late chairman Mike Mokoena revived the club as he bought and renamed the franchise of National First Division (NFD) side Maholosiane.

Free State Stars were back in the elite league in 2005 after winning the NFD title which was called Mvela Golden League at the time.

Efstathiou's Ajax looked destined to secure promotion to the PSL as they were in top form in the NFD, while also sitting at the top of the league standings.

The Urban Warriors are seven points above second-placed Moroka Swallows with six matches left.

The PSL Board of Governors is set to hold a meeting on Friday to discuss the way forward regarding the resumption of football.

Leeds United have defended their decision to hold an open-top bus celebration outside Elland Road on Wednesday night.

The Whites' long-awaited return to the Premier League was confirmed after West Brom's defeat at Huddersfield last Friday.

They were also named Championship winners following Brentford's loss against Stoke City the next day, and they took in their final game of the season against Charlton in midweek.

Marcelo Bielsa's side ran out 4-0 winners at Elland Road, thanks to goals from Ben White, Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton.

Leeds officials organised an open-top bus parade outside the ground for later in the evening, with supporters flocking from across the city to celebrate their club's promotion to the top flight.

Social distancing measures are still in effect across Great Britain due to the continued threat of coronavirus, but the large crowd flouted those rules while singing with the players standing on the top deck of the bus.

Leeds have now come out to insist that the relevant authorities were consulted over the parade, and that the safety of the public has always been the club's number one priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesman for the Whites has released an official statement on the matter, which reads: "Following consultation with the SAG and Council, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road despite a month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home.

"The safety group believed was that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy, would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely.

"In challenging circumstances, fan safety has always been our priority."

Leeds will now look ahead to their first appearance in the Premier League since the 2003-04 campaign, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is among those excited by the prospect of Bielsa managing in English football's top tier.

"He is unique in world football because of the special way he plays," Guardiola told a press conference on Monday. "He is an authentic manager. No other manager in the world plays the way he plays.

"He is an incredible person. He is so special. It is my personal opinion but it will be incredible for English football to have him in the Premier League next season."

Betting firm BetKing is contemplating taking action against Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia for declining a deal with them despite, allegedly, accepting a KSh15 million downpayment. 

Weeks ago, K'Ogalo announced another betting firm Betsafe as their shirt sponsors in a three-year-deal starting in the 2020/21 season. According to the details of the deal, Gor Mahia will get KSh55 million per year from the organization.

"They have a new sponsor but it is going to put them in trouble soon," a senior source revealed to Goal on Thursday.

"The company [BetKing] were keen on sponsoring the team; it was on a Ksh30 million deal and everything had been agreed, and the downpayment already made. We were shocked by their last-minute change and the unveiling of our competitors."

Reportedly, the KSh15 million was wired in a different account with a local bank, where only three officials from the club are signatories. It is a move which has raised eyebrows considering the fact that Gor Mahia have an active bank account.

As opposed to BetKing, Betsafe paid Gor Mahia Ksh5 million as downpayment, with another amount set to hit K'Ogalo accounts in a couple of weeks.

When reached for comment, Gor Mahia Secretary-General Ronald Ngala had a different version.

"We signed a deal with our kit manufacturer Umbro who promised to bring an unnamed shirt sponsor," Ngala told Goal.

"There was no contact, no deal signed or any deal involving BetKing with Gor Mahia. Somethings we are reading are not true since Umbro had not revealed the shirt sponsors they were bringing on board.

"We went on with our search for a new sponsor and Betsafe agreed to come on board. That is when we came to understand Umbro had intentions of bringing on board BetKing who they are partnering with."

And what about the downpayment?

"We did not receive the purported KSh15 million as reported but half the amount which was from Umbro," Ngala continued.

"The monies were wired to the Gor Mahia accounts, the alleged account... does not exist... We only have one account, and it belongs to the club, Gor Mahia."

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have decided to conduct I-League 2020-21 season at a centralised venue as part of its measure to deal with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Given that the Indian Football Association (IFA) - the governing body of football in West Bengal - have agreed to host all the I-League matches of the upcoming season, several clubs have expressed their support of the decision while some are apprehensive.

Although it is not confirmed yet when the season will start, it is expected to be commence between December 2020 and January 2021. It has been ascertained that five to six venues in the state are believed to be ready to host the matches. However, the Salt Lake stadium is not in contention as it is one of the venues for the 2020 U17 Women's World Cup which starts in February 2021.

"We are ready to play in Kolkata. We have no problem. The home advantage will not be there. But again, it will be played in empty stadiums. Gate collection would have suffered anyway, even if it was played in Manipur. So we don't have any issue playing in Kolkata," NEROCA secretary Manimohan Moirangthem to Goal.

Chennai City and Gokulam Kerala have also deemed it a positive move but sought more clarity in order to plan their campaigns, especially with regard to the summer transfer window of August 1st to October 20th.

Chennai City owner Rohit Ramesh stated, "It's good that we are having it in one place. If you take the logistics into consideration, it is a positive step to have it in one location but then you have to see with regards to the flights and all. Each state is different. Some places are under complete lockdown. It all depends on how the situation evolves over the next couple of months."

Gokulam Kerala, having clinched the 2019 Durand Cup tournament in West Bengal, feel that Kolkata is an ideal place to hold the I-League. However, they want the AIFF to support them when it comes to accommodation arrangements.

"So far, we have not heard anything officially. Kolkata is okay (as a venue). We played the Durand Cup over there and since we started from the group stage we were there for nearly a month. The only thing is, if we have it there, it should be at least for a three-month period. So we don't know how the AIFF is going to support us with the accommodation and all that because staying in a hotel will be a huge deal (expense) for us," Gokulam Kerala President VC Praveen said.

"The earlier the I-League starts, the better for us. We are signing a player for four or five months without clarity and if the I-League is going to get over in less than three months' time, then we should see to it that we have another tournament or something," he continued.

"We have finished our Indian signings. We have Ronald Singh, Roshan Singh, Zodingliana Ralte and three local players. As for the foreign signings, we have to know when the league is starting. Since the transfer window is open till October 20th, we can probably wait because more players will be available also by then."

Meanwhile, representatives of Churchill Brothers and Aizawl FC have communicated their apprehensions about such a move.

"Right now, these are unprecedented times. We have to see to the safety of the players," Valanka Alemao, CEO of the Red Machines, indicated. "Right now, in Kolkata, the infection rate is very high. I'm sure the federation will take care of the safety aspect but you cannot say at this time how it is all going to work out. I have heard that just two hotels will accommodate all the players but if you ask me, I think till the pandemic is in control, I cannot imagine what it's going to be like. 

"And it's a different state for all of us. In my region I will be able to take care of my people, but over there I will not know how. Everybody is scared to even get into a flight right now. So I understand that, that's why they want it at one venue but I am not able to have that vision of how it is going to be over there as it is said that India is going to peak in November," she aired her fears.

Aizawl FC owner Robert Royte was also concerned about the expenditure the club might incur in such a scenario.

"It depends on the support from the AIl India Football Federation for conducting the league at venue. We will be losing the home support and we have no information regarding the ticketing system. Extra expenditure will be there. At this stage, I cannot comment further until I have more details.

"We are yet to start our season. Usually, the Mizoram Premier League precedes the I-League every year but we cannot have it (yet) this year. Group training is also not allowed because of the Covid-19 situation."

Real Kashmir are also seeking subsidies from the Indian FA in case the I-League ends up being held in West Bengal.

"We will definitely approach AIFF for some subsidy. We have already wasted a lot of money in the previous season with bookings and cancellations of all sorts. Definitely, we can't blame anybody for that. The cost is going to be very high as the team will be staying in a hotel in a new city," Real Kashmir owner Sandeep Chattoo said.

"Moreover, food might be an issue. When you are staying away from Kashmir for such a long time it will have its effects on the team, apart from the fact that it is going to be very expensive. The pandemic will affect the sponsorship revenues as well. But the show must go on."

Inter head coach Antonio Conte said the second position in the table is "just first for losers" after the Nerazzurri dropped behind Atalanta in Serie A.

Conte's stuttering Inter produced a toothless display as they were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Fiorentina at San Siro on Wednesday.

Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez both hit the woodwork for Inter, who missed the chance to move above Atalanta into second place with three matches remaining.

Inter are one point adrift of high-flying Atalanta and seven behind leaders Juventus as the defending champions close in on a ninth successive Scudetto.

"Second place is meaningless in my eyes, it's just first for losers," Conte told Sky Sport Italia post-game.

"Some settle for that, but not me. I don't want my players to settle for that either."

"It was a good game, we played with the right intensity and passing moves, but were unlucky when hitting the woodwork twice," Conte said.

"I can't complain when the lads put in this desire and we even risked losing it at the end through our sheer desire to win. Fiorentina deserve credit for a very good defensive performance.

"When you drop points, there are always things that have gone wrong. We are trying to develop a killer instinct and I am happy if my players are disappointed at this draw, because that shows my work is bearing fruit.

"Every game is a test to prove that we are growing. I think this team hasn't reaped what it sowed this season, aside from securing a Champions League place with several rounds to spare."

Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez started on the bench against Fiorentina, with Conte preferring Lukaku and the in-form Sanchez up front.

Martinez struggled to make an impact following his introduction with 21 minutes remaining and Conte added: "We are talking about a 22-year-old who didn't really play much last season.

"He has made his mark this term, but still has a journey ahead of him, a growth process that he needs to go through. Lautaro is not the complete package yet.

"He can alternative positive and negative moments, as is natural for someone of his age. The rumours around him are insulting his intelligence and trying to stir up trouble, claiming he is thinking about another club."

After waiting 30 years to return to the top of English football, Liverpool held their long-awaited celebration on Wednesday as the Reds finally raised the Premier League trophy.

Liverpool cemented the occasion as a day to remember on the field with a 5-3 win over Chelsea, with five different goalscorers kickstarting the Anfield celebrations.

Naby Keita, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Georginio Wijnaldim all fired first-half goals before Roberton Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added finishes of their own in the second half.

But the day's best moments came after the final whistle, when captain Jordan Henderson, who missed the match due to injury, finally got his hands on the Premier League trophy.

Although it came at an empty Anfield with just players, coaches and families inside the stadium to celebrate, the moment was anything but subdued with massive fireworks exploding over the Kop to commemorate the occasion.

As the celebrations raged on, a number of Liverpool players, both current and former, took to social media to celebrate and send a message to fans watching at home as they await the true party when supporters are able to return to Anfield.

Tamil Nadu is one of those states in the country which does not have a common football league. In the absence of a league or competition organised by the Tamil Nadu Football Association (TNFA), leagues in cities like Chennai and Madurai hold utmost importance for footballers from the state. 

The Chennai Football Association's (CFA) Senior Division is extremely special in that regard because it has been the breeding ground for almost every talent that has come up from the South Indian state.

It has been running for a long time (even before independence) under the stewardship of CFA and is the only properly-organised league in the state.

Forget the past. From the current crop of players, the likes of Dharmaraj Ravanan, Michael Soosairaj, Edwin Vanspaul, Michael Regin and Nandhakumar Sekar are all players who proved their mettle in the CFA Senior Division before getting their chance to gain national prominence.

However, for the last three years, the CFA Senior Division has not been held, dealing a major blow to the dreams and aspirations of countless local players who rely on the competition to impress scouts and get a break in their career.

Regin, an ISL winner with ATK last season, had this to say to Goal in a recent interview - "Chennai league is the first step for many local players. I played both second, first and then played senior division. It gives a lot of exposure to local players. Nobody would have known me If I’d not played there.

"I don't understand what is happening but a lot of players are suffering. Everybody cannot play for Chennai City FC and come up. They cannot give a chance to every player. There needs to be the league in the city. It is such an important part for a Tamil Nadu player."

The reason for the discontinuance of the league is a legal spat between CFA and TNFA. The state body took the district body to court in 2018 after opposing the elections held by the CFA that year. Chennai City owner Rohit Ramesh was elected as President but the state body filed a case saying the Secretary E Sugumaran was ineligible to contest the elections.

The legal wrangle has left the CFA without a rudder for more than two years and as a result, the Senior Division league has not run since. Not only did the spat bring the footballing activities in Chennai to a standstill, TNFA reportedly went as far as cutting the electricity connection to the CFA office at one point.

After seeing literally no progress and no intent to foster the sport in the state because of the impasse, Rohit Ramesh even offered to resign from the CFA, only for the Secretary to turn the resignation down.

The spat has permeated all aspects of the footballing administration in the state with TNFA accused of delaying and creating roadblocks for entities and clubs associated with the CFA.

The Madras High Court had to intervene in August 2019, appointing an ad-hoc committee to ensure the CFA Senior Division at least is held in 2020. However, even the court's directive has not produced any results despite efforts to start the registration process in January 2020 by the court-appointed committee.

Rohit Ramesh feels that because he belongs to the opposing camp, as per TNFA, they manufacture difficulties and create unnecesary red tape when it comes documentation and other procedures that involves his I-League club Chennai City FC.

"It (the Senior Division) has not been happening for the last three years. When you got an entity fighting case after case in the court, nothing happens. Then there are the ego clashes," he told Goal.

"For instance, when we have to get some certificate for our licensing procedure, it has been tough because they know that we are from CFA and they try to delay it. They bring politics into it. You supported this or that (against us) and why should we help you. It’s not working out."

In fact, Goal was privy to a recent telephonic conversation between a Chennai City official and J. Jesiah Villavarayar, a senior TNFA official. The club official's requests for an affiliation document needed for the club licensing procedure which was initiated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was met with a rude 'no'.

The official cited the ongoing lockdown as a reason for his inability to furnish the document. But the polite request for even an e-mail acknowledgement of the fact that TNFA are unable to do so fell on deaf ears as Jesiah asks the club official to take it up with the AIFF.

Under such trying circumstances, Rohit feels it is beyond CFA's ability to hold a league that means so much to the development of football in the city and the state. He feels that only an AIFF intervention can resolve the issue at hand in the near future.

"To be very honest, it is highly unlikely that the league will happen until and unless the AIFF intervenes. If you ask me, they should put an ad-hoc committee to help both associations sort out their differences.Till then, a representative from AIFF should take over the running of the league. That would be the only way the league might restart, if you ask me."

Not every local player can get a chance at Chennai City or Chennaiyin FC - the two clubs from the state playing in the national competitions. The CFA Senior Division is a huge event in the players' calendars and right now, they are being denied that chance by egoistic administrative tussles.

The Indian FA have made some noise recently about handing more responsibility including the organisation of youth leagues to the state associations. In Tamil Nadu's case, the priority for AIFF should be to sort out this issue that is threatening to stall the progress and development of the sport.

Jude Bellingham expressed his love for Birmingham City after the tearful teenage sensation played his last game for the Championship outfit ahead of his move to Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham will play for Bundesliga giants Dortmund in 2020-21 following the completion of his €23million (£21m/$26.6) transfer on Monday, prior to Birmingham's season finale on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old stepped out in a Birmingham jersey for the final time in a 3-1 Championship defeat to visiting Derby County midweek.

Bellingham was overcome with emotion post-match at St Andrew's, where he emerged from his boyhood club's youth system last year.

"I tried my best to hide it but sometimes it's difficult," Bellingham said. "I love the club, I am a massive fan of the club.

"I've been coming here since I was seven, not just playing in the academy.

"I fell in love with Birmingham City and then fell in love with football.

"So just to get a little bit of time out there on my own and with my little brother, mum and dad meant the world to us.

"We've shed a few tears and I am really devastated about how it's finished but at the same time I am optimistic for the future and looking forward to that."

He added: "I just want to say thank you so much for the season, for the way you've been with me, the way you've pushed me on, the little bit extra that you've given me.

"Whatever happens, I'm always a Blue. As I've said, this is my club. I love the club to bits. Id' die for this club and I hope I showed that in the performances when I was here.

"I hope I was fun to watch, fun to interact with and stuff because that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to bridge the gap between the players and the fans that had maybe been there the last few years while there hadn't been an academy graduate.

"To do that and take the opportunity that I've been given, it's something I've had to do, but I'll only look back on Birmingham City with love and fond memories."

Bellingham ended the 2019-20 season with four Championship goals and two assists in 41 appearances.

Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said the Nerazzurri are in talks with Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez regarding a new deal.

Martinez has been tipped to leave Inter for La Liga giants Barca at the end of the season, though the Italian side have regularly insisted they have no plans to sell the star forward.

Barcelona have long been linked with a deal for Martinez, who the club reportedly see as Luis Suarez's long-term success.

However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the potential transfer faces a bit of uncertainty, as Barca have stated they will not make a move for the Inter star until their season in finished.

The 22-year-old – whose €111 million (£98.8m/$128.5m) release clause expired earlier this month – has scored 18 goals this season but he has struggled with just two goals since the Serie A's restart in June.

Marotta was asked about Martinez and loanee Alexis Sanchez prior to Wednesday's goalless draw at home to Fiorentina in Milan.

Martinez started on the bench, while in-form Sanchez partnered Romelu Lukaku up front, with Inter CEO Marotta telling Sky Sport Italia: "We have had some contact with Manchester United to understand if we can extend his [Sanchez] stay after the Europa League play-off with Getafe.

"We are discussing contract renewals with many players, above all the younger ones who we want to work with for a long time, and that includes Lautaro.

"We're doing it calmly, without rush, as there is a rapport of trust. He is happy to wear this jersey and at the opportune moment we will evaluate his future."

Inter came up against rumoured target Federico Chiesa, who was introduced off the bench for Fiorentina with 15 minutes remaining midweek.

Italy international Chiesa has been linked to Inter as well as Juventus and clubs in the Premier League.

"Chiesa is a Fiorentina player today, he might even be a Fiorentina player next season, that depends on them," Marotta said.

"I can assure you there have certainly not been any approaches or negotiations. We respect Fiorentina and the player."

Inter sit third in Serie A with three games remaining, one point behind Atalanta and seven points behind league-leaders Juventus.

Next up for Martinez, Sanchez and Inter is a visit to Genoa before matches against Napoli and Atalanta to end the Serie A season. 

Frank Lampard believes Christian Pulisic's impact on Chelsea is comparable to Eden Hazard's at Stamford Bridge.

Pulisic scored and provided an assist after coming off the bench during the second half of Chelsea's 5-3 Premier League loss to Liverpool on Wednesday.

The United States international, 21, has scored nine league goals and provided four assists in 24 games, comparable to Hazard's first campaign (nine goals and 11 assists in 34 matches) at Chelsea in 2012-13.

Lampard lauded the attacker and said Pulisic's impact on Chelsea was similar to Hazard's, with the Belgian having left for Real Madrid last year.

"He is hugely important. He has had that impact," the Chelsea head coach told a news conference.

"I was here for Eden's first year and it's not easy to come into the Premier League, even for Eden in that first year, and adapt to the Premier League. Christian has had his moments of that.

"Since mid-season he's had a really good patch, since the restart he has been in incredible form. Only the injury he picked up in the Norwich game has kept him out of the [FA Cup] semi-final when he is flying.

"Today he comes on and has 40 minutes, which is great for the injury to feel confident with it and shows the quality that he has been showing. He's so young, he has got such natural talent. He scores goals, he creates goals and he is a big player for us. Delighted to see him come through fit. Clearly he will be a big player for us in these next few games but going forward as well."

Chelsea twice trailed by three goals against Liverpool, who sealed their win late on after the visitors had come back to a 4-3 deficit.

But Lampard had no criticism for under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Liverpool producing several good finishes.

"I wouldn't talk about individuals in a game where we have conceded those goals. Some were real quality Liverpool finishes, particularly the free-kick [from Trent Alexander-Arnold]," he said.

"There were some collective and individual errors for them but what we did do was contribute towards a really good game. At 4-3 it felt like we would get back into the game. I felt it throughout. At 3-0 it was difficult but even at 3-1 and what that gave us and the way we were playing in the game.

"We know where we're at and we know if we make mistakes like that against a team of the quality of Liverpool, this is what can happen. But there were a lot of good things in the game so I certainly don't want to get into an individual conversation about players. 

"We've now got two big domestic games to play this week. It's important we go in together as players, fans, everybody, to finish the season how we want."

With one league game remaining, Chelsea are a point clear of fifth-placed Leicester City, while they will face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on August 1.

Jordan Henderson savoured the "amazing" experience of lifting the Premier League trophy on the Kop after Liverpool beat Chelsea 5-3 in an Anfield thriller.

The Reds finally got their hands on the silverware on Wednesday, almost a month after ending their 30-year wait to be crowned champions of England.

There were no fans inside the stadium to watch Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish present captain Henderson with the trophy, but that certainly did not spoil the party.

Midfielder Henderson, who is sidelined with a knee injury, said it was extra special to dethrone Manchester City after coming so close last year.

"Walking up there was amazing. The lads deserved their moment. Thankfully, the families were up there watching, that was a big thing for us. It's been an amazing season, to crown it off like that was special," the England international told Sky Sports.

"The start was really good and from there we just grew and grew as the season went on. We were stronger, more confident, more ruthless, really.

"We found a way to win on so many occasions and that was down to mentality. The lads have been great all season and deserve what they are getting now."

He added: "To get 97 points last year and not win was hard to take. We reacted a few weeks later, won the Champions League and then started the season a few weeks later with unfinished business.

"It's been an amazing season and I am so thankful to be part of this club and team that has won the Premier League after 30 years.

"Winning the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. That's why you join Liverpool, you want to win trophies, the expectations are so high.

"When you come as a young player it was so difficult, but it has been a process, a journey that doesn't happen overnight. It's been five years since the gaffer came in and every single player has been a part of that journey."

Liverpool travel to Newcastle United for their final game of the season on Sunday knowing a win will take them to 99 points.

Jurgen Klopp issued a warning to the rest of the Premier League that Liverpool "will not stop" despite ending the club's long wait to be crowned champions again.

The Reds lifted the trophy on Wednesday after a 5-3 win over Chelsea in their final home game of an unforgettable season, though no fans were present inside Anfield.

However, the players and staff were able to have their families in attendance to enjoy the occasion, with the ceremony taking place on a stage built on the famous Kop end.

Liverpool had never previously won the title in the Premier League era, their last triumph coming 30 years ago under Kenny Dalglish, who was involved in the presentation.

"We will not stop. We will not stop. We have challenges, internal challenges. We can improve, obviously," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"We have the players. Naby [Keita] played pretty much only the last part of the season. We pretty much have the chance to take another step. But we have to, because the others will not sleep.  

"[There are] no guarantees for anything, other than we will try."

Klopp steered Liverpool to Champions League glory last season, while they have also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup this term.

While not usually one for nostalgia, the German coach admitted he will have a photo with all four trophies so he can forever remember the achievement.

"It's unbelievable to be honest. We won four trophies – big ones – and I couldn't be more proud," he said.

"Normally I'm a person who doesn't need pictures with something. As long as I can remember it, it's worth it. But I will have a picture with all four trophies because it doesn't happen often."

The coronavirus pandemic not only delayed Liverpool clinching the league crown but also denied them from receiving the trophy in front of their supporters, though Klopp hopes the absent audience understands the role they have played in the successful campaign.

"That's how life is - you make the best of what you can get," the former Borussia Dortmund boss said. "Our families are allowed to be there, which is incredible

"Everything would be better with fans, but we've known for months that would not be possible. A few months ago, I wasn't even sure it was going to be possible to even play football.  

"I couldn't be happier, to be honest. It would be perfect if the stadium was full, I know, but we cannot change it. What we try to do to make clear for the people is that we do it for them."

Frank Lampard warned Liverpool not to get "too arrogant" after Chelsea's 5-3 Premier League loss at Anfield on Wednesday.

Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy after the thrilling midweek victory, in which they led 3-0 and 4-1 before closing out their win.

Lampard was involved in an exchange with the Liverpool bench before Trent Alexander-Arnold curled in a free-kick and the Chelsea head coach criticised the hosts.

"For me it wasn't a foul from [Mateo] Kovacic [on Sadio Mane] and there were little things that weren't going," Lampard told Sky Sports.

"On the bench, I've got no problem with Jurgen Klopp, he's managed his team and it's fantastic.

"Some of the bench, it's a fine line between when you're winning and they've won the league, fair play to Liverpool Football Club, but also don't get too arrogant with it. In match play you get emotional and that was it."

Alexander-Arnold curled in a brilliant free-kick after Naby Keita's stunning opener, and Georginio Wijnaldum made it 3-0.

After Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea hope, Roberto Firmino restored Liverpool's three-goal lead, only for Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic to drag the visitors back into the contest.

But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sealed Liverpool's win, although Chelsea remain a point clear of fifth-placed Leicester City with one game remaining.

"It was extraordinary. Even when you say they threatened to run away with it, I felt we were in it because I could feel the way we were playing," Lampard said.

"The first half, in terms of football, we were in it, it was a turnover and a great strike, a non-foul that goes in the top corner and then terrible from us in defending a corner.

"Other than that, we were okay, so the goal gave us hope, the lads showed great character, they're a fantastic team and we can't afford to make those mistakes.

"Some of the stuff I saw from our team today was resilient, was some quality and at 4-3 if we don't concede a fifth, I felt like we were coming, but not to be."

Chelsea are set to face Wolves in the final game of their Premier League season, knowing that a win or draw will see them seal a top-four spot.

Joe Aribo found the back of the net as Rangers claimed a 4-0 win over Motherwell on Wednesday.

The Gers had come into this match with a 100% record in their friendly games, keeping clean sheets in all.

They first saw off French giants Lyon before edging past Patrick Vieira’s Nice by the same scoreline.

Wednesday’s match at the Ibrox saw Rangers take a 3-0 lead thanks to Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi - who scored a brace in the victory over Nice, and then Aribo on the stroke of half-time.

Ricki Lamie then went on to put the ball into his own net in the 68th minute to complete the scoring.

Rangers are participating in friendly games in a bid to get players fit after the 2019-20 Scottish Premiership was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Celtic were declared champions for the ninth consecutive season, finishing 13 points clear of Rangers. Both sides faced off in the Scottish League Cup final and it was the men in green and white that came out victorious 1-0.

A new Premiership season commences on August 1 with Rangers tackling Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Aribo joined Rangers from Charlton Athletic in last summer and was an instant hit for Steven Gerrard’s team, making a total of 48 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing eight goals.

Three of them came in Premiership wins against Livingston, Hibernian and a 2-2 draw at St. Johnstone.

Aribo also scored three times during Europa League qualifying in victories against St. Joseph’s, FC Progres Niederkorn and FC Midtjylland.

Rangers made it into the group phase and finished second in Group G, one point behind FC Porto and ahead of Young Boys and Feyenoord. They beat Braga 4-2 on aggregate in the Round of 32, but have a molehill to climb in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 first leg home defeat by Bayer Leverkusen.

Aribo switched international allegiance from England to Nigeria and made his Super Eagles bow in a friendly with Ukraine in September 2019, scoring on the occasion, before netting his second in the next encounter this time a 1-1 draw with five-time world champions Brazil.

The 24-year-old’s energetic displays in the middle of the park have made him become a fast fan favourite in the country after just four caps and is largely seen as an upgrade to former captain John obi Mikel.

Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool fans to "prepare for a party" with the team when social distancing measures are lifted.

The Reds' 30-year wait for a Premier League title came to an end this season and the trophy was presented to the players after their 5-3 win over Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday.

There were no fans present to join in the celebrations due to restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19, but Klopp promised there will be a real party when it is safe.   

“If you cannot see that we do this for you then I cannot help you, really,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports.

“Five years ago I asked you to change from doubters to believers. I asked and you did it. You made us champions. Thank you very much.

“We should all celebrate. Drink what you want but you have you to prepare for a party when this bullsh*t virus is gone. Then we will have a party all together. Make sure you are ready then."

He added: “We are champions - it's the truth. We won four trophies, big ones. I couldn't be more proud. Usually I don't need pictures with something but I will have a picture with all four trophies - it doesn't happen too often.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson made a dream come true by lifting the Premier League trophy and praised the team for rising to the challenge.

“The start was really good and from there we just grew and grew as the season went on,” he said. 

“We got stronger, more confident, more ruthless, really. We found a way to win on so many occasions and that was down to mentality. The lads have been great all season and deserve what they are getting now.

“To get 97 points last year and not win was hard to take. We reacted a few weeks later, won the Champions League and then started the season a few weeks later with unfinished business. 

“It’s been an amazing season and I am so thankful to be part of this club and team that has won the Premier League after 30 years.

“Winning the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. That’s why you join Liverpool, you want to win trophies, the expectations are so high. When you come as a young player it was so difficult, but it has been a process, a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. 

“It’s been five years since the gaffer came in and every single player has been a part of that journey.”