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Paris Saint-Germain will begin their Ligue 1 title defence at home to Metz after the French Professional Football League (LFP) announced its 2020-21 top-flight schedule.

The first round of matches will take place on the weekend of August 22-23, with the season set to conclude on May 23 next year.

PSG were awarded their seventh top-flight title in eight seasons after the 2019-20 campaign was abandoned and decided on a point-per-game basis due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The abandonment move has since been questioned amid other elite divisions in Europe successfully resuming their seasons behind closed doors.

An LFP vote sealed Amiens and Toulouse's relegation, with Lorient and Lens promoted from Ligue 2 in their place.

Lorient host Strasbourg on the opening weekend, while Lens are on the road at Nice.

The first Classique of the season comes in the third round of fixtures, with PSG welcoming Marseille to the Parc des Princes in mid-September. The return is billed for February 7.

Marseille start at home to Saint-Etienne, with Bordeaux and Lille hosting Nantes and Rennes respectively.

Lyon begin on the road at Montpellier, with the first of their always feisty clashes against Marseille coming at Groupama Stadium on October 4. The rivalry is then scheduled to resume at the Stade Velodrome on February 28.

The other opening day games see Nimes host Brest, Angers travel to Dijon, and Monaco play at home to Reims.

The current French season has not quite concluded however, with the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue still scheduled to be played in spite of the 2019-20 league season being drawn to a finish early.

PSG have the chance to complete a domestic treble, as they face Lyon in the Coupe de la Ligue showpiece and take on Saint-Etienne in the Coupe de France final.

The Parisian side's status as perennial champions depends on their ability to keep hold of their impressive roster of stars, such as Neymar, who has regularly been linked with a return to former club Barcelona.

However his proposed return to Camp Nou has essentially been ruled out by club president Josep Bartomeu, who says the transfer market will be negatively impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Rivaldo has dismissed Josep Maria Bartomeu's claims of La Liga bias towards Real Madrid, insisting Barcelona's "problem isn't VAR", but rather a lack of "quality".

Barcelona have surrendered the initiative in the title race since the resumption of the Spanish football season on June 10. Quique Setien's men have drawn three of their last eight fixtures, while Madrid have won seven out of seven to leapfrog their arch-rivals at the top of the table.

Real hold a one-point lead over Barca at the moment, but they can increase their advantage if they beat Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

The Blaugrana bounced back from a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid to win their last two fixtures against Villarreal and Espanyol, but their fate is no longer in their own hands.

After Barca's 4-1 victory at El Madrigal on Sunday, club president Bartomeu expressed his belief that video technology has favoured Madrid over the last few weeks.

He told reporters post-match: "I feel bad because we have the best league in the world and VAR after coronavirus isn't fair."

However, Rivaldo does not believe that Madrid have benefited from an unfair advantage when it comes to refereeing decisions, and he thinks that Bartomeu is trying to draw attention away from issues behind the scenes at Camp Nou.

The former Barca forward told Betfair: "Sometimes you have the right to feel upset about refereeing or VAR decisions but I do not agree with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu's claims that there is a bias towards Madrid. Bartomeu is simply trying to distract the media from his club's problems.

"Barcelona are still fighting for the Liga title, and they're still in the Champions League, but this is not a good moment for the club. Bartomeu is trying to use stuff like VAR to justify himself to the fans and pretend that his club's difficulties aren't the fault of himself, the players or the manager.

"In my opinion, Barca's problem isn't VAR or any refereeing decisions, their main problem is the quality of their football that needs to improve and become again that style of play that everybody loves to see around the world.

"The team was leading La Liga before the lockdown and now is four points behind Madrid, so you can't say VAR is the main reason for that, especially when the team is not playing well."

Rivaldo added on the Blaugrana's unconvincing 1-0 win against Espanyol on Wednesday: "Barcelona beat Espanyol in the Catalan derby, but I expected a much better match performance from Quique Setien's team.

"It was a disappointing step backwards after they'd played so well in beating Villarreal on Sunday. It leaves me worried because Real Madrid aren't slipping up in the title race.

"Barca's team spirit was affected by the lockdown, some of their players aren't in peak condition and playing without fans has removed some of the emotion from their play - but Real Madrid managed to find their rhythm right away and took advantage of that."

Saint-Etienne are ready to push until the last minute to allow Arsenal’s William Saliba to play for them in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain on July 24.

The centre-back was loaned from the Gunners for the 2019-20 season, which was abridged because of the coronavirus crisis.

Although Ligue 1 may have shut down early, both cup competitions will be played to a conclusion at the end of the month, and Saint-Etienne are hopeful that they will have the youngster available for the Stade de France fixture.

His contract with the French side expired on June 30, but it could be extended until Thursday at midnight, when the domestic transfer window shuts down for a month before resuming in early August.

“We’ll be able to tell you more on Friday at one minute past midnight,” Saint-Etienne head coach Claude Puel told the press ahead of a friendly with Nice on Friday. “We’ll make a comment at that point. Until that time, I cannot say anything. Truthfully, I don’t know what will happen anymore.

“My wish is to have the most competitive team possible. We’ve got until 11:55pm to get the player.”

Highly rated 19-year-old Wesley Fofana would likely partner veteran Loic Perrin at the heart of the defence should the Saliba deal not come to fruition. 

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Stade de France will be able to house 5,000 spectators for the match, but Puel regrets that there will be a virtual absence of fans. 

“It’s something very strange when you play a football match without supporters,” he said. “If it stays at 5,000, that means 5,000 all inclusive: the players, the staff, the journalists, so when you add it up, it goes very quickly.

“For me, it will be a match without supporters. It means that there will be more people who will be in the entourages of the two teams, but they are not supporters, it is not a support.”

Saint-Etienne have suffered heavily at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain so far this season, going down 4-0 in the only league match the two teams played.

They also crashed to a 6-1 Coupe de la Ligue reverse in early January, though they fielded a virtual reserve side in that encounter due to fixture congestion and injury problems in the early part of the year.

India international defender Pritam Kotal’s first major club in the top tier of Indian football was Mohun Bagan. The Bengali defender won the I-League and the Federation Cup title donning the Green and Maroon jersey in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons respectively and is currently plying his trade at Indian Super League (ISL) club ATK. 

Earlier this year, Mohun Bagan entered into a merger with the ISL defending champions ATK and formed a new entity which will play in the ISL and the AFC Cup next season. A company has already been registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) as ATK Mohun Bagan Pvt Ltd. The former Bagan defender is hopeful that the merger will be a great success.

“Obviously it is great for Kolkata football. Mohun Bagan have a very passionate fan base. Both ATK and Mohun Bagan are big brands in Indian football and the merger will be really helpful in the future. We have AFC Cup this time and we will try to win that. I hope to get the support of all the fans,” said Kotal during a live Instagram session with the ISL. 

After bagging two titles in the first three years of ISL, ATK went through a rough patch. However, they came back strong last season under the tutelage of Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas and clinched a record third championship.

Pritam Kotal, who was an important member of ATK’s winning squad, spoke about his experience of working under coach Habas. He said, “When I met him the first time he told me that he wanted to retain me at Pune (City) in 2016 but I had (already) moved to ATK. He directly asked me if I could play as a centre-back and I said yes.

“The best thing about Habas is the intensity in his training sessions. He also sees everyone equally whether you are Roy Krishna or Komal Thatal. We had an amazing dressing room. I really liked working under him. His only aim is to win even if it is a practice match. I personally like his tactics and game plan.”

Barcelona should focus on signing Neymar over Lautaro Martinez, according to Rivaldo, who says the Brazilian star's return would allow Lionel Messi to "take a rest".

Martinez has emerged as a top transfer target for Barca after a stellar campaign in Italy with Inter, during which he has scored 17 goals in 37 appearances.

The Spanish champions missed the opportunity to sign the Argentine for €111 million (£99m/$125m) when his release clause expired on Tuesday, but Goal understands that the club are still hopeful of arranging a deal this summer.

Should Lautaro indeed end up completing a move to Camp Nou, the possibility of Neymar retracing his steps will become far less likely.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar came close to re-joining Barca last year, and although the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on a final fee, negotiations were expected to continue in 2020.

However, Blaugrana president Josep Bartomeu has insisted that the financial implications of the coronavirus outbreak will make it very difficult for such a move to materialise.

Rivaldo is adamant that his old club should still be going all out to bring back the man they sold for a world record €222m (£199m/$251m) fee in 2017, with it his belief that Lautaro would be worse value for money now that Inter can increase their valuation.

The Barca legend also thinks Neymar's presence would help ease the pressure on Messi as he enters the latter stages of his career.

He told Betfair: "Lautaro Martinez's release clause has recently expired, so Internazionale can now ask for more money to sell him and, apparently, they want to extend his contract and keep him at the club. For that reason, I think Barcelona should refocus on signing Neymar this summer.

"Leonardo might now be interested in negotiating the Brazilian star's move from PSG. I believe Neymar joining Lionel Messi would help Barcelona become again that sensational team that won many titles several years ago.

"Neymar would be the best possible signing for Barcelona as he will cheer up the squad and give a nice alternative to decide matches, allowing Messi to take a rest occasionally."

Lautaro is due back in Serie A action with Inter on Thursday night as Antonio Conte's side prepare to come up against Verona, while Neymar continues to take in an extended spell on the sidelines following the cancellation of Ligue 1.

Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling is surpassed in world football by only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former England team-mate Joleon Lescott.

The 25-year-old wideman may not have been able to help Pep Guardiola’s side record a third successive Premier League title but he has enjoyed another strong individual campaign, netting 14 goals and chalking up three assists in 29 league outings this season.

His latest contribution was scoring in City's 5-0 rout of Newcastle on Wednesday, and former centre-back Lescott believes the former Liverpool man should be recognised among the absolute elite of the game.

“Raheem has taken himself to the top tier now,” Lescott told the club’s ‘We’re not Really Here’ matchday show. “He has to be regarded as one of the top wide players or forwards in the game because he contributes.

"He has the ability to play well and win man of the match and not score and then on other occasions he just scores and impacts the game that way.

“I think you have to be pretty naïve to not respect what he’s doing. There are players like Messi and Ronaldo that are scoring 50 goals a season. They are super freaks! In terms of the next tier, Raheem has to be compared to those kinds of players.”

Lescott also suggested that Sterling could be a capable stand in for Sergio Aguero, who is presently out injured, in a centre-forward role for City.

“There are always going to be options for players to play in different positions, but Raheem has proven he can play as a No.9,” Lescott, who turned out for City between 2009 and 2014, said.

“The No.9s that we’ve come across in the past in the Premier League needed to hold up the ball, but that doesn’t need to happen for City.

“You need to make runs off the ball and create space for other people in possession and obviously have the composure that Raheem’s got in front of goal.

“He’s now our top goal scorer, I didn’t think there would be a time when someone would score more than Sergio Aguero whilst he is at the club. I know he’s been injured, but it’s a credit to him.”

It won't be long after the curtain falls on the 2019-20 Premier League season that the 2020-21 campaign kicks off.

Having resumed play on June 17 following the coronavirus-enforced lockdown period, Premier League clubs will have squeezed nine (and a bit) matchdays into the space of a month, with the last games of the season being played on July 26. The FA Cup final will then bookend the term on August 1.

So when exactly will the next Premier League season begin? Will clubs have much of a pre-season? 

Goal takes a look at the dates and which teams will be involved as English football looks to rebuild in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Contents

When will Premier League 2020-21 start?

There are currently two potential 2020-21 Premier League start dates: Saturday August 29 or Saturday September 12. 

The Daily Mirror reports that the Football Association favours an August start date, a position that is understood to be influenced by the fact that England's UEFA Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark are scheduled for September 5 and 8 respectively.

However, Premier League clubs themselves are reportedly more keen on the September start date and it is understandable given that their players will have just played out a gruelling end to the 2019-20 season.

In normal circumstances, teams are granted a three-month break from competitive action, with the league season usually concluding in May and starting up again in August.

Pre-season, the period when players hone their match fitness, tends to kick off around a month before the first competitive games, but that will be impossible ahead of the 2020-21 season.

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When will Premier League 2020-21 finish?

The finish date for the 2020-21 Premier League season has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be wrapped up in May 2021 in order to minimise further disruption to normal schedules.

If the league commences at the end of August or start of September, it is entirely achievable to finish in May.

Indeed, it would be even more likely if, as has been speculated, the Carabao Cup is temporarily scrapped in order to ease fixture congestion, thus freeing up fixture slots.

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Which teams will be involved in Premier League 2020-21?

There will be 20 clubs in the 2020-21 Premier League and a number of them have already been confirmed as it becomes mathematically impossible for them to be relegated.

Three clubs will be relegated to the Championship, with Norwich City, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Watford and West Ham all very much fighting to retain their place at the top table.

The three relegated clubs will be replaced by three teams from the Championship. Leeds United, West Brom, Brentford and Fulham in the mix for the two automatic promotion spots.

The final promotion will be decided through the play-offs, with Nottingham Forest, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Preston, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers all staking their claim - though it has not yet been confirmed.

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Kevin De Bruyne has seen a move away from Manchester City mooted, especially if a European ban is upheld, but his agent insists no thought has been given to leaving the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues are waiting to discover whether an appeal against a two-year suspension from continental competition will be successful.

If sanctions are overturned, then Pep Guardiola’s side will once again compete among the elite in 2020-21, but if UEFA’s initial ruling is upheld, then it could be ambitious performers decide to head for the exits and open new chapters in their respective careers elsewhere.

De Bruyne is among those seeing a switch mooted, but Patrick De Koster claims there is no substance to the reports.

He has told Sporza: “At the moment he is not at all busy with that. He still has a three-year contract with a team that belongs at the top of the world, at a club and in a city where Kevin feels good and appreciated.

“There will be many people who find this woolly, but he's not thinking about a transfer.”

While seeking to bring the unwelcome rumours to a close, De Koster admits that tentative interest from afar has been registered in a player who has previously been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

De Koster added: “There is always an informal interest for a good player in the football world. Whether that is KDB or Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo or Antoine Griezmann.

“If everything I read in the papers were correct, then I would need a 48-hour watch and to be all over the world at the same time. I can declare in good conscience here and even swear on my children's head that everything I read is 90% rubbish.”

For now, De Bruyne is focused on ending the 2019-20 campaign as positively as possible.

City have surrendered their Premier League title to Liverpool this season, but have countered that disappointment by lifting the Community Shield and Carabao Cup and still having the FA Cup and Champions League in their sights.

“Kevin wants to end the season with one or two cups,” said De Koster. “If all these prizes are won, no one will complain about Manchester City’s season, I think.”

Harry Maguire makes a mockery of Manchester United for paying him so much despite a lack of talent, according to former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart slammed the England international centre-back, who cost a world-record £80 million ($100m) when United signed him from Leicester City last summer, after he was nutmegged in the lead up to Bournemouth's opening goal in the Premier League clash last Saturday.

Maguire was left standing by Junior Stanislas, who then slammed the Cherries into a surprise lead at Old Trafford - although the home side came back to comfortably win 5-2 and keep up their challenge for the Champions League places.

The win was not enough to spare Maguire from stinging criticism, as former Netherlands international Van der Vaart accused the player of taking his club for a ride.

Speaking on Dutch TV station Ziggo, Van der Vaart said: "I think Maguire goes home every day and tells his wife: ‘I screw up, but I earn so much. They really believe I’m good.’ I really think so, he laughs at everyone."

It is not the first time van der Vaart has criticised Maguire on the same channel this season, saying his performance in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last October was not worthy of a professional footballer.

He said: "If he is worth so much money, Virgil van Dijk is worth £300m. If I am going to play with the amateurs on Sunday afternoon, I can easily find three who can do this (what Maguire does on the pitch). I mean that seriously. A bit silly to say, but I really think so."

Van der Vaart went on to suggest that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should sign Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake as a replacement for Maguire.

Television cameras captured the United manager having a conversation with the Bournemouth defender at the final whistle, with some claiming he had said to the Dutchman that he needed a left-footed central defender.

Van der Vaart said: "That is nice if there is no crowd and no music after the game. Then you hear things like this. A transfer? I hope for him, I think he’s doing very well. Why not?"

However, Solskjaer subsequently dismissed the amateur lip-readers and said he has no intention of signing any more defenders this summer.

"I’ve got seven centre-backs, so I don’t know where that comes from. We’re fine," he said.

An international forward in Ligue 1 has been placed in police custody for the second time in little over two months after admitting to public masturbation.

Angers and Algeria striker Farid El Melali, who turns 23 next week, admitted performing a sex act in the public courtyard of his building complex in early May.

Now another individual has come forward to make a complaint over a similar incident believed to have occurred prior to the one which he had previously admitted.

El Melali’s legal counsel, Sandra Chirac Kollarik, provided the following statement: “Farid El Melali was heard this Wednesday morning by Angers police, about acts committed during the recent period of confinement, which he acknowledged, and about which he had already been interviewed before being summoned to court.

“Once again, Farid El Melali answered the questions asked of him and all the necessary checks could therefore be made, so that his hearing was quickly closed.

“He once again gives his sincerest apologies to the women he may have upset with inappropriate attitudes.”

Angers deputy chairman Fabrice Favetto-Bon, said the club made no further comment, having addressed the issue previously.

He said: “We consider that we have already expressed our views on the subject. We heard the player apologise.

“Obviously, this kind of behaviour, still subject to judgement from the Justice, does not align with the values of the club and the duty of an example which we expect from our players. The procedure is continuing.”

Now El Melali will be heard by the prosecutor of the Republic of Angers. He could face a fine of €15,000 and a one-year prison sentence, plus any punishment which may be given by his club.

El Melali will be tried in a pre-conviction appearance (CRPC), which essentially presupposes a guilty plea, and reports suggest he will likely face a fine.

He admitted to his indiscretions and will not contest the charges brought against him. In May, it was reported El Melali’s lawyers would argue he was unaware anybody could see him as part of their legal defence.

Melali has represented Angers for two seasons, having joined from Algiers-based Paradou AC in 2018. He recently signed a contract extension until 2023, and has three senior international caps for Algeria.

David Silva's legacy at Manchester City is one of a man who changed the club forever, according to director of football Txiki Begiristain.

Veteran playmaker Silva is set to leave City at the end of this season, following a 10-year stint that has yielded four Premier League titles, five EFL Cups and two FA Cups – the first of which in 2011 ended a 35-year trophy drought.

He offered a reminder of his enduring qualities with a masterful display in Wednesday's 5-0 rout of Newcastle United.

Silva supplied his 120th and 121st assists in City colours by setting up Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, while he also dispatched a 65th-minute free-kick – the 76th goal of his time in England.

Begiristain feels Silva holds a special place in City history, along with club record goalscorer Sergio Aguero and the recently departed Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany.

"He's been unbelievable in football in the world - especially here," he told the club's official website. "He's spent 10 wonderful years, winning trophies and changing the dynamic of the club.

"He's been one of the leaders – with Vincent, with Yaya and Kun [Aguero]. No one will forget what they've done for this football club.

"Not only the way David plays football but helping us be a successful club. David is always going to be remembered because of that."

Silva's two assists on Wednesday mean he has now reached 10 or more in all competitions in all 10 of his seasons at the Etihad. He has also been directly involved in 151 Premier League goals - more than any other midfielder since 2010.

Brazil forward Jesus opened the scoring with his 11th Premier League goal of the season – ending a nine-match drought that stretched back to February's 2-1 Champions League win at Real Madrid.

Echoing the sentiments of Pep Guardiola, Begiristain praised Jesus' selfless work for the team during a period of personal toil.

"His work rate, he's unbelievable," he said. "He helps a lot by creating space for the midfielders. He's the number nine and he likes to score and [against Newcastle] he could. We are always happy with the work rate."

Matteo Guendouzi would require “huge improvement” in order to make the grade at Barcelona, says Nigel Winterburn, with the Arsenal legend considering rumours of the Liga giants showing interest in the Frenchman to be “a long shot”.

Questions continue to be asked of Guendouzi’s attitude, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta having dropped him from his Premier League plans as a result.

Barcelona are among those said to be monitoring Guendouzi’s situation, with the Catalan giants mulling over a move for a player who still boasts plenty of potential.

Winterburn, though, cannot see the Blaugrana taking a punt on an enigmatic talent who is far from being the finished article on both ability and character fronts.

The former Arsenal defender told bookmakers.co.uk: "I think there would need to be a huge improvement in Guendouzi’s game for Barcelona to be willing to take him. He’s a young kid who’s made big improvements but there’s a long way to go, so that would surprise me if it turns out to be true.

"Arsenal wouldn’t just let him go easily even if they do decide to sell him, it would need to be a substantial fee, so would Barcelona think he’s worth the risk? If the price is right, maybe, but it seems like a bit of a long shot to me."

Big things were expected of Guendouzi when he burst onto the scene at Arsenal in 2018-19, with a promising debut campaign in England seeing him play more minutes than many had expected.

He is, however, enduring a testing time at present and Winterburn believes Arteta is taking the right approach in showing those at his disposal who is boss.

The ex-Gunners full-back added: "Arteta doesn’t seem to be the type of manager to accept any excuses, we’ve already seen that he’s not afraid to leave players out of the squad who don’t toe the line and I really admire him for that because he’s clearly trying to instil some discipline.

"With Guendouzi, it all comes down to the player’s actions as well as the manager. I don’t know exactly what issues there are with Guendouzi, but it looks like the manager has had a word with him and asked him to show that he can do what is asked of him for the benefit of the team so everyone can move forward.

"If the player is not willing to do that, or has taken offence in some way, then you usually find that the player will ultimately force his way out of the club. He’s a young player who has made some improvements over a short period of time but there’s a lot more room for development from him.

"It’s up to the player to turn this situation around. It looks as though Arteta has thrown down the gauntlet to try and test his resolve, and if Guendouzi reacts in the wrong way then he’ll be gone. You can’t have someone in your squad who is disturbing the rest of the team.

"I have to say I like the way Arteta is organising the team and how he is dealing with these situations, it seems as though he won’t take any messing around and that’s a good thing – it’s been too easy at Arsenal for too long."

Former Manchester City and Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is back in management after agreeing to take over at La Liga club Real Betis next season.

Reports in Spain claimed Pellegrini had been in talks with Betis for a number of weeks, and he has now agreed a three-year contract at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Betis will be the experienced Chilean’s 15th club in senior management, and represents a relatively swift return to the game following a brief period away.

Pellegrini had been out of a job since being sacked as manager of West Ham in late December 2019.

Betis are currently 13th in the Spanish top flight as they look for a positive end to an inconsistent season.

Former manager Rubi was sacked after taking just one point from the first three games after Spanish football returned from its coronavirus-enforced break.

Sporting director Alexis Trujillo took over on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

He has overseen two wins from his five games in charge so far with games against Atletico Madrid, Deportivo Alaves and Real Valladolid still to play.

Betis aren’t mathematically safe from relegation as 18th-placed Mallorca sit 12 points adrift with four games to play, but safety is essentially guaranteed.

Pellegrini will no doubt be hoping to get a good look at his new squad in the final three games under Trujillo before he takes over.

He knows La Liga well, having spent close to a decade managing in Spain with Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga.

Pellegrini guided Villarreal to second place in Spain's top flight, and a Champions League semi-final, and was moments away from reaching the last four with Malaga before finding himself on the wrong end of a famous Borussia Dortmund comeback.

His success at Malaga convinced Manchester City to hire him, and he won the Premier League title in 2013-14 as well as a pair of League Cups.

After being replaced by Pep Guardiola in Manchester, Pellegrini managed Hebei China Fortune before moving on to a difficult spell at West Ham.

Betis’ next fixture is away to in-form Atletico on Saturday, July 11.

Vinicius Junior has been forced to sit out training at Real Madrid after “errors” in a Covid-19 test, Zinedine Zidane has revealed, with the club taking precautionary action with their Brazilian forward.

With La Liga action back underway amid the coronavirus pandemic, those involved in competitive action are having to undergo rigorous rounds of testing.

Zidane says the latest of those have “gone badly” at Santiago Bernabeu, with Vinicius temporarily ruled out of his plans as a result.

There has been no indication that the 19-year-old is carrying the disease, but he has not been given the all clear either.

Madrid boss Zidane told reporters ahead of a meeting with Alaves on Friday: “It’s not negative or positive. Sometimes there are errors. When that happens, both we and La Liga decide that the player can’t train.

“We’ll see how it goes. He’ll have the results of the retaken test later this afternoon and I hope he’ll be with us tomorrow.”

Real are already without the services of Luka Jovic, with the Serbian striker – who broke movement restrictions during lockdown and returned to Spain nursing an injury – back in isolation after coming into contact with a friend who tested positive for Covid-19.

Zidane added on the frontman who has endured a testing debut campaign with Madrid: “He’s not with us today. I hope he’ll be with us soon.

“As a footballer, he is a very good footballer. He is a striker who scores many goals. It’s true that he hasn’t played much, but he is young and we’re counting on him for next season.

“I know there is a lot of debate over the players, but we’ll see next year. This year he has had little things that have hurt him, but we’ll see.”

Marcelo is another currently out of action, with the Brazilian left-back requiring a scan on a knock he has picked up, but Zidane is hoping to have Eden Hazard back at his disposal in the near future.

The Belgian forward has been struggling with an ankle complaint, but his manager said: “Hazard wants to play and he isn’t scared.

“Those who know more about the medical situation tell me what is happening. Everything is fine, but sometimes there is a bit of pain after a match or a tough training session. Tomorrow, he’ll be with us.”

Liverpool may have snatched the Premier League title away from Manchester City but John Stones is still “quietly confident” that the Blues remain the best side in the English top-flight.

Pep Guardiola’s side had been hoping to complete a hat-trick of domestic crowns in 2019-20, having positioned themselves firmly at the top of the tree.

They have, however, been knocked from the loftiest of perches by a record-setting showing from those at Anfield.

City have suffered nine defeats in the league this season, with Guardiola hitting a surprising low in what has been a remarkably successful coaching career to date.

Stones, though, considers uncharacteristic struggles to have been a mere blip, with City still boasting a stronger squad and greater collective quality than their rivals.

"I think, yeah, quietly confident," the England international defender told beIN Sports when asked if he feels City believe they're still the best side in the league.

"We know our abilities and I think that the standard that we've set for ourselves and each other in the dressing room is every three, four days, playing at this high, high standard over the last few years is something to be very proud of as players.

"That's what we keep striving to do and take that into next season and to finish this season off by keeping our standards and trying to better ourselves, as I said, defensively and taking our chances at the other end of the pitch."

While retaining full faith in City’s ability, with it possible for them to end the campaign with four trophies to their name, Stones admits it has been disappointing to see standards slip.

He added: "It's frustrating for all of us really.

"I think it's something we're definitely not proud of from previous seasons, breaking the record, doing back-to-back and then this season letting games slip where we've been on top and been the better team is something we need to improve on and are looking to try and do that."

Stones returned to the fold to help keep a clean sheet in a 5-0 mauling of Newcastle in City’s latest outing, with the 26-year-old pleased to be back in what has been a testing season for him on a personal level.

He said: “It’s been frustrating. I picked up an injury really early after we first came back and that kept me out for just over a month.

“It was really frustrating because in lockdown I had worked so hard in the gym and keeping fit and felt like I was I the best condition that I’ve been in.

“So to come back and get an injury that has kept me out until just before the Newcastle, it feels great to be back. I feel fit and healthy and ready to fight for the Champions League and every competition that we are in. It’s exciting times.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has talked up the importance of Nemanja Vidic signing a new contract at Manchester United “with all the kids we’ve got running around”.

The Red Devils have once again looked to youth for inspiration in 2019-20. A club that was once infamously told that “you won’t win anything with kids” remain convinced that providing a platform for stars of the future to thrive on will pay long-term dividends.

The Class of ’92 proved that to be correct, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood now following in illustrious footsteps. United have also invested in the potential of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, while Scott McTominay and Brandon Williams are other academy graduates seeing plenty of game time.

Potential is being complemented within the Red Devils’ ranks by experience, with two-time Premier League title winner Matic the latest to commit to a new contract at 31 years of age.

Solskjaer has welcomed that deal, telling the club’s official website: “I’m delighted that Nemanja wants to stay here. He’s really shown over the years he’s been here how important he is for us and of course his experience, he’s a Premier League winner.

“We need some experience as well with all the kids we’ve got running around! So I’m very, very happy that we could sort that out.”

Another of the home-grown stars that United have high hopes for is 22-year-old defender Axel Tuanzebe. He made five appearances early on in the 2019-20 campaign, having impressed on loan at Aston Villa last season, but is currently nursing a hamstring injury that could keep him out until September.

Solskjaer said of the promising centre-half: “He had a good start to the season then it’s been stop-start [for him]. He was really eager to come back really fit and gradually things got worse and worse and he had to take the big step and sit out for a little while.”

Victor Lindelof is another defensive option who has picked up a knock, with the Sweden international forced off at half-time in a 5-2 victory over Bournemouth, but Solskjaer is not expecting him to be out for long.

He has said of the 25-year-old: “It’s not too bad. He’ll play soon. I’m not sure if he’ll manage the Villa game, but he might do.”

Top four-chasing United are set to take in a trip to relegation-threatened Villa on Thursday.

Liverpool should have Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez on their recruitment radar, claims Stan Collymore, with the in-form Wolves pair considered to be perfect for the Premier League champions.

Jurgen Klopp is reported to have cast his gaze in the direction of Molineux ahead of another transfer window.

The form of jet-heeled winger Traore has captured the imagination of many observers in 2019-20, with the 24-year-old having found end product to go with his blistering pace. Many believe he could be a good fit at Anfield, with Liverpool in the market for attacking alternatives to Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Traore would not look out of place in a role on the flanks, with his qualities offering the potential for the Reds to become even more dominant in the final third.

Mexico international striker Jimenez could be another to tick important boxes in that department. He is enjoying the most productive campaign of his career to date, with the target found on 24 occasions, and is said to be attracting interest from across Europe.

Collymore believes Klopp should form part of any transfer scramble, with there every reason to believe that a double raid on Wolves could offer considerable benefits to Liverpool.

The former Reds striker, who spent time on the books at Molineux as a youngster, told The Mirror: “Liverpool should have two Wolves players on their shopping lists this summer – Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore.

“Traore is the obvious one but Jimenez has settled into the Premier League like a duck to water.

“He’s great in the box, attacks crosses exceptionally well, links play and is an all-round eight out of ten in the art of striking. He could provide real competition for Bobby Firmino at Anfield.”

Liverpool opted against joining the clamour for Timo Werner when another top frontman became available on the open market. The Germany international was allowed to link up with Chelsea and will now be a direct rival for the Reds in 2020-21.

Klopp is, however, considered to have his sights set on alternative targets, with it possible that Traore or Jimenez – or both – could come into his thinking at some stage.

Following his departure from Highlands Park, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Enocent Mkhabela says he has what it takes to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Mkhabela says he understands his value has deteriorated and that because of his age, he knows he cannot expect a high salary.

In addition, the 31-year-old was released by the Lions of the North together with former Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro last month.

“I know that because I have not been playing regular football, I am not at the level where I can get a high salary as I used to in the past," Mkhabela told Isolezwe.

“I didn’t play regularly at Highlands Park, I didn’t even play 10 matches. By the time we won trophies at SuperSport United and Platinum Stars, I knew what I deserved to earn.

“However, I must admit that I am not at that level anymore. If you don’t play, your value deteriorates.

"I still have hope that I will get a new club in the Premiership (PSL). That’s where my focus is at. If that doesn’t happen, then I can look at the Gladafrica (National First Division).

"For now, I am training so that I can be ready and be in good shape if there’s a club that is interested.”

The former Dikwena midfielder was released by coach Owen Da Gama's troops after the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although PSL clubs are unable to generate income since the games were halted in March, Mkhabela remains confident he will get a new deal sooner than later.

The former Amakhosi player, saw limited game time under coach Da Gama in this term having made only five competitive appearances.

In addition, the MTN8 losing finalists confirmed they have retained former Orlando Pirates midfielder and Chiefs' anchorman Reneilwe Letsholonyane's signatures until the end of August.

Former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Isaac Amoako has stated victims of their 2017 fatal accident are still holding on to their hopes of receiving compensation, three years on.

After a Ghana Premier League (GPL) away clash with Inter Allies in Accra, the Porcupine Warriors were involved in an accident on their way back as the team bus crashed into a stationary truck on the Nkawkaw dual carriage road.

The incident saw the death of deputy equipment officer Thomas Obeng Asare while many others, including players, team officials and journalists, sustained various degrees of injuries.

“Coming Sunday, July 12, 2020, will mark three years since the horrific incident happened but [we have] still not received a penny from Kotoko and we don’t know as to when our compensations would be paid," Amoakoh told BA TV.

“The refusal of the Kotoko leadership to pay our monies has placed a heavy toll on most of the victims.

"Longest-serving team driver Nana Berchie has been at home due to the accident he had, while [players] Baba Mahama and Ollenu Ashitey have had their playing careers stymied.

“We are aware that the newly constituted board led by the previous board chair, Dr Kwame Kyei who held that position at the time of the accident, had begun paying off several debts incurred by the club but [we have] still not heard from him.

“We will not keep quiet until Kotoko's leadership pays our compensation to us [victims]."

The match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Allies at El-Wak Sports Stadium.

Kotoko's bus was carrying a contingent of 15 players, seven technical officials and two journalists.

The Kumasi-based side is arguably Ghana's biggest club and the most successful in the history of the Premier League with 23 titles.

Kotoko have also won the Ghana FA Cup on nine occasions and the Super Cup three times.

On the continental level, the Porcupine Warriors ruled Africa in 1970 and 1983.

In the 2017 Premier League, Kotoko finished the competition in fourth position behind champions Aduana Stars, academy boys Wafa, archrivals and 19-time champions Hearts of Oak and Cape Coast-based Ebusua Dwarfs.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) have reportedly completed the signing of Pius Obuya.

Obuya's contract at Maroons FC ended and it was not renewed. The latest news is indicating the attacking midfielder will be unveiled by the 2018/19 Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions in the coming days. He had served Maroons for five seasons.

Further reports indicate the former Uganda U17 and U20 star concluded negotiations with KCCA and signed on July 8 in the company of his lawyers and agent.

Coach Mike Mutebi will expect Obuya to fill the void left by Allan Okello in January when the youngster left to join Paradou AC of Algeria.

“I respect [Allan] Okello, he is a big player, has done a lot for KCCA and I respect whatever he has done for the club,” Obuya said in an earlier interview when he responded to claims he is the next Okello at KCCA.

“Many people think I am his replacement, I must say 'yes' because we play the same style of football, we both can play in the central midfield and on the flanks, so, it is a very big challenge for me because they need a special player who is creative and can make a difference when the club needs to win certain games.”

Obuya is on record stating his love to play for the UPL giants, as in 2017 he gave an interview saying KCCA will give him a bigger dream to achieve.

He made his UPL debut in 2015 at the age of 16 when he featured against Express FC at Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium.

The 20-year-old star will become the Kassasiro Boys fourth signing after the club has already brought on board Charles Lwanga, Ashraf Mugume and Stefano Mazengo.

KCCA will take part in the Caf Confederation Cup next season after finishing second to Vipers SC.

Meanwhile, coach Livingstone Mbabazi has threatened to quit Kyetume FC if goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and defender Benson Tahomera are sold.

Mbabazi joined Kyetume in June where he signed a two-year deal but the sale of the two players may end up forcing him to leave.

Football256 reports that Kyetume’s chairman Rueben Kimera and Vipers owner Lawrence Mulindwa completed talks over Mutakubwa already.

On the other hand, Tahomera is said to be on his way either to Express FC or Police FC.

“That’s the condition he has given. The club must retain those players especially Joel [Mutakubwa] because he believes he is the backbone of the team and he wants to build his team around him,” a source told Footall256.

Mbabazi is reportedly not keen to renew the contracts of Vincent Kayizzi, Robert Ssentogo, Johnathan Mugabi, Patrick Ochan and Salim Sowedi.