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Jose Mourinho knows ‘how to light the fire’ inside his players, according to Tottenham’s Eric Dier.

Spurs returned from the coronavirus break with a draw and a win, but their 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United last week left questions about their tactics and application.

Mourinho said his side’s apparent lack of desire was “something that destroys me a little bit on the inside” – a clear challenge to his players to give more in their upcoming games.

“For me, personally, he knows how to light the fire inside you,” Dier said of Mourinho to BeIN Sports.

“I want to win for him, I want to do everything to succeed, to try and win for him. He builds that within you.

“He’s extremely motivated and extremely passionate about the game, about winning.

“His energy is very high every day on the training ground, on the training pitch. He’s always pushing. I’m really enjoying working under him.

“The way he speaks to you, the way he speaks to the team before games and during games, he knows how to get a reaction out of different people in different ways.

“I think he’s very strong in that sense and he knows how to touch each person in the right way to get the best out of them.”

While they were well beaten at Bramall Lane, Spurs also considered themselves unlucky to walk away with nothing as Harry Kane put the ball in the net four times – only to see three disallowed.

Mourinho made his feelings about VAR quite clear after the game, but Dier says he and his team-mates accept they weren’t good enough.

“I think as players we have to be able to look at ourselves and be self-critical and accept when a manager with the trophies and the games and the wins behind him that he has… when he talks, we need to listen,” Dier said.

“When he criticises us, we need to accept it and try to improve. For me, that’s what we have to do.

“We have to be humble and accept that we weren’t good enough. It’s very frustrating because I believe that we have a lot of quality.

“In the Sheffield United game, we didn’t show enough in other areas for our quality to then be the difference and that’s very disappointing.”

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says he cannot predict the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) race as he would sometimes do in past seasons.

Second-placed Mosimane’s Downs are four points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, having played a game less than Amakhosi with nine matches remaining.

While Sundowns appear to be in a good position to claim a third straight league title, Mosimane has however refused to point at his side as clear favourites to be crowned champions.

“You see‚ when it is a normal environment‚ I always say we [Sundowns] can make it [win the league]. Even when we were 11 points behind Kaizer Chiefs in the first year we won the league‚ I still said we would make it and this was based on normal circumstances‚” said Mosimane as per Sowetan Live.

“Even when we did not win the league‚ I said we would go and get it back [in the following season] and this was based on normal circumstances. But this time is the only time I can’t tell you [what is going to happen]‚ I must tell you the honest truth.”

The Downs coach has likened their league title confrontation against Chiefs to the current La Liga race pitting Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Barca led the La Liga race by two points before football was suspended in Spain, but when play resumed, they are now four points behind Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid after drawing three of their last five matches.

With Chiefs, at one point this season, being 13 points clear at the top of the standings, they now just have a four-point lead and while using the La Liga example, Mosimane appears to be insinuating that Sundowns could turn the table around.

“I don’t know how we will be when we come back because I am looking at Barcelona‚ for an example‚ and before Covid-19 they were top of the log in Spain and doing very well‚” Mosimane said.

“And after [resuming play in Spain]‚ look at them [Barcelona]. It has boiled down to the substitutions‚ the changing of the team‚ putting these players in‚ players are not ready‚ injuries‚ the inability to play the same players for successive games‚ five subs…

“So this one [PSL race] is a difficult one‚ it is not a normal one. The normal one I know what’s going to happen‚ but this one‚ I really can’t tell you how it’s going to pan out.”

If the season resumes, Chiefs will host Sundowns in what could be a potentially stormy affair and decider.

Mbeya City have boosted their survival chances in the Tanzania Mainland League after a 3-1 win over Coastal Union on Monday evening.

Absalom Chidiebele, Rehani Kibingu and Peter Mapunda scored for the home team with Ibrahim Ame getting a consolation for the visitors.

The match was scheduled for Sunday July 5 at the same venue but challenges on the road led to the postponement as the team reached late and players were not in the right shape to play.

The Green City Boys started the match on a high and they were rewarded after four minutes when Absalom Chidiebele managed to beat the defenders before coolly slotting the ball past the custodian.

Rehani Kibingu doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute to send the visitors into a panic mode.

However, they recollected themselves and ensured they do not concede another goal in the remaining minutes of the first half.

After the break, it took the Tanga based side 25 minutes to pull a goal back courtesy of Ibrahim Ame strike. It is a goal which gave Coastal Union hopes of making a comeback.

However, it was not going to be the case as Peter Mapunda finished a good move in the 87th minute to restore a two-goal advantage and help his team get maximum points.

The result is also sweet revenge for the hosts who lost the first round in Tanga 2-0.

Despite the win, Mbeya are still locked in the relegation zone. They are in 18th position with 36 points, two below safety after nine wins, as many draws and 15 losses in the 33 games played.

Coastal Union are fifth on the log with 48 points after winning 13 matches, drawing nine and losing 11. 

In other league matches played last weekend, Azam FC were the biggest winners as they defeated relegated Singida United 7-0.

Zimbabwean Obrey Chirwa scored four goals, Selemani Nado hit a brace while David Natley scored an own goal to complete the route. The Chamazi-based side is now second on the log with 62 points, 18 less than champions Simba SC who were held to a 0-0 draw by Ndanda FC.

27-time league champions Yanga SC were also held to a goalless draw by Biashara Mara United.

Reading winger Yakou Meite and Brentford’s forward Said Benrahma have been nominated for Championship Team of the Week.

Ivory Coast international Meite scored four goals, the first in his career, to help Mark Bowen’s men bounce back to winning ways in style with a 5-0 triumph over Luton Town on Saturday. 

The forward swiftly completed his hat-trick moments before the half-time break before his 62nd-minute effort sealed the victory.

The Paris Saint-Germain graduate has now bagged 16 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for the Royals in this campaign.

Benrahma, meanwhile, scored a hat-trick to help Brentford secure an effortless victory against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.  

The Algeria international’s effort inspired the Griffin Park outfit to the third spot on the Championship table, behind leaders Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.

His impressive showing in the encounter has earned him a place among the best performing players in the week under review along with the Ivory Coast winger.

Benrahma has now scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in this campaign amid other dazzling displays.

The forward joined the Griffin Park outfit in the summer of 2018 from French club Nice and has continued to turn heads with his performances.

The former Angers player is currently on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, who are looking to strengthen their attack.

Benrahma will hope to help Thomas Frank’s men extend their winning run to seven games when they take on Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.

Meite, meanwhile, will look to add to his 12 Championship goal when Reading trade tackles with Huddersfield Town.

Former Orlando Pirates winger Tlou Segolela has pleaded for midfielder Joseph Malongoane to be given an opportunity to “showcase what he can do” after recently parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs.

Malongoane left Chiefs last week together with fellow midfielders George Maluleka and Kabelo Mahlasela and is now club-hunting.

The past two seasons have seen Malongoane being injury-blighted which deprived him of some game time before he was released by Chiefs following the expiry of his contract.

Last season he made just two appearances in all competitions, before failing to play a single match this term, prompting Chiefs not to give him a new deal.

But Segolela who hails from Moletjie, Limpopo, the same area where Malongoane was born has advised the midfielder he played with at Orlando Pirates during the 2013/14 season that leaving Chiefs is not the end of his football career.

“Football, as they say, does not have a formula, it’s full of surprises but it was really sad for him just from being injured to be released like that,” Segolela told Far Post.

“If you look at [Mamelodi] Sundowns, they gave Thapelo Morena a contract who had a similar injury and was given five years. But that one differs with teams you know but for him life is like that, he just has to be strong, man up, no one will do it for him – you have to do it for yourself so those are my words [of advice] I can tell him.”

Segolela who has been clubless himself since 2017 when he left Polokwane City believes that Malongoane just needs a chance to prove his worth.

“He has proven that he is a great player if he gets an opportunity. The only problem that he is facing at the moment is the opportunity so what you can ask is for other teams to give him a chance to showcase what he can do,” said Segolela.

No club has been strongly linked with Malongoane so far.

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has hinted he will travel to his native country at the start of August after the resumption of international flights.

Kenya moved to ban local and international flights in mid-March after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic but on Monday during his address to the nation, President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed local flights will resume on July 15 while international flights will start in August.

However, the ban on sporting activities and social gatherings was extended for the next 30 days and thus jeopardising the resumption of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and it could also affect the kick-off date for the new season which was pencilled for late August.

Polack has, however, said he will board the first flight to Finland to see his family if and when the resumption of international flights take effect.

“I understand that Kenyans have been in Nairobi and Mombasa and the other counties but they could not go home because of the lockdown to see their families, but remember our families are thousands and thousands of kilometres away,” Polack told Goal on Monday.

“Basically after August 7, the government says okay, we can now be starting playing football again meaning the KPL season could start by the end of September, so when do we go home to see our family?

“I want to be quite frank, I really want to go home, I really want to go and see my family, I miss my children, my children every time I call them they keep asking me when are you coming, when are you coming, every month, every month and they ask me the same question, and I would really want to go and spend some quality time with them.

“I need to spend time with them, father and daughter and father and son quality time, be next to them and that is something I have been looking forward to and now that the President says international flights will open in August, I am ready to head home and be with my family.

“If they resume in August I will go home for even seven days and come back home, I also need to find out when I go home, will I be in isolation in my country for 14 days? And when I come back another 14 days in isolation in Kenya? I need to know this before I travel.”

Polack joined Gor Mahia at the start of the season replacing Dylan Kerr, and managed to win the curtain-raiser – KPL Cup – and the league title, after FKF moved to end the 2019-20 season owing to the effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and declare K’Ogalo the champions.

Simba SC midfielder Sharaf Shaiboub has five matches to prove he deserves another contract at the club.

The player has recently rejoined Wekundu wa Msimbazi from Sudan after almost four months out. The 26-year-old creative midfielder signed a one-year deal with the newly crowned Tanzania Mainland League which was set to expire after the completion of the current campaign.

"Shiboub's contract with the club has already expired and what is keeping him at the team is the guideline by Confederation of African Football (Caf) to extend the term of free agents by a month or so," a source close to the club told Mwanaspoti.

"All we want is to have a look at the player and see his impact in the remaining matches. If he proves his worth, then we can extend his contract by another year."

The former El Hilal player has also revealed his target after rejoining the 21-time league champions.

"Currently, all I am doing is working hard to get my fitness back," Shaiboub revealed.

"I am training harder with my colleagues because I am hungry for my return. All I am yearning for is a chance in the remaining matches to show my potential and ability.

"I have always given my best for the team until Covid-19 happened and stopped everything, but I am working hard for my return."

In an earlier interview, Francis Kahata insisted the Msimbazi based side will fight to win a double this season.

"Simba had better preparations and took their opponents with the seriousness they deserve. There was no complacency and we are happy to have made it to the last four and keeping the double-dream alive," the 29-year-old told Goal.

"Now we are focusing on our semi-final game [against Yanga SC] hoping to get a positive outcome."

It will be the third time Yanga and Simba will be meeting in the Kariakoo Derby. In the last two, there has been a draw and a win, in favour of Yanga.

The Harambee Stars midfielder played a vital part as Simba bagged their third consecutive league title this season and their 21st in general. However, the winger insists they are still keen on bagging maximum points in the remaining matches.

"I take the opportunity to thank the fans, management and the technical bench for playing a huge role in helping us successfully defend the title," the Kenyan added.

"We are remaining with six league matches, and we are going all the way to ensure we win. No complacency, we have to take all matches with the seriousness they deserve.

"So those who think we will get our feet off the peddle after winning the title are wrong."

The FA Cup semi-final is scheduled for July 11-12 with the overall winner playing in the Caf Confederation Cup.

In another semi-final match, Sahare All-Stars will play Namungo. Yanga had qualified on Tuesday after seeing off Kagera Sugar 2-1 while Namungo FC eliminated Alliance FC 2-0. 

Namungo’s opponents Sahare All-Stars defeated Premier League outfit Ndanda FC to book their slot in the final four. 

Manchester United legend Andy Cole says Mason Greenwood has a “freakish” amount of goalscoring ability.

Already enjoying a breakthrough year before the season was suspended, the 18-year-old Greenwood has been one of the stars of the restart with two goals and two assists in his last two games.

With Paul Pogba returning from injury to play alongside Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial combining well with Greenwood, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have lifted themselves to within two points of the top four.

“The break’s done us really well,” Cole told MUTV. “I think it’s galvanised everyone.

“No doubt Ole’s had a chance to speak with everyone about getting more goals, and getting more ugly goals as well.”

As the third-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, Cole can speak with some authority on the subject of finding the net – and he is very excited about Greenwood.

“It’s good to see Mason doing so well,” he said. “It’s freakish, he can go either side and you know he’s going to produce that kind of quality.

“The two goals he got [against Bournemouth] were very, very special goals and long may it continue with the boy. He’s still learning his trade, but, every time he gets the opportunity, he shows just how good a player he is.

“He looks very level-headed as well, which is a big thing, and he’ll be a Manchester United player for many, many years to come.”

Greenwood’s double in the 5-2 win over Bournemouth at the weekend took him to 17 goals in all competitions this season.

Though he has played more games, that is the same tally reached by Wayne Rooney in his first season at Old Trafford, and Cole has been hugely impressed with his debut campaign.

“I think of all the plaudits that have been sent his way,” he added.

“I’m listening to Ole saying he’s the best finisher in the club, and, at 18 years of age, if a manager is giving you those kind of plaudits, those kind of things can weigh really heavily.

“But he’s taken everything in his stride, he’s gone out there and never let anyone down. Now the goals seem to be flying in for him, left or right foot.”

Former SuperSport United midfielder Dean Furman looks back at his stay in South Africa with the reigning MTN8 champions, saying it was a wonderful experience for him and his family.

The 32-year-old also explains why he could not play for Chelsea’s senior team whilst adding that it’s not by fluke to see his former manager and now Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers being successful.

Furman also says the coronavirus pandemic has hurt his plans as he looks to secure a new move.

“I had to uproot myself and my wife, who’s from Manchester. It was daunting for her but she had a fantastic experience. I was lucky enough to lift four trophies and be in six domestic cup finals and the equivalent of the Europa League final,” Furman told TheGuardian.

“You’re stopped for selfies everywhere you go.  The people are so friendly. I played for the national team and came in the unknown because I was playing at Oldham [Athletic].

“I’d seen other players who’d gone down a similar path struggle to be accepted. But for some reason, the fans took to me.

“My first call-up was away to Brazil – the start of an incredible journey. You go to some incredible places. I’ve probably ticked off half of Africa. I’ve been to three Africa Cup of Nations. The last one was knocking out Egypt in Cairo.

“We had decided that we weren’t going to sign another contract in South Africa. But once we went to lockdown, it was strict.”

After joining the Blues as a nine-year-old, Furman says he was hoping to become a superstar in the English Premier League (EPL).

“I was hoping I’d be the next superstar. But we were signing players for millions at 16. The competition in the reserves was up,” he added.

“We signed players like Scott Sinclair and Ryan Bertrand. At 18 Chelsea decided not to keep me on.

 “It was an incredible time. Brendan Rodgers took over as our manager in the youth team. It’s no surprise to see how successful he has been in Scotland and with Leicester. On the pitch, everything had a structure.

“I remember the first day he came in and told us that while he was the youth team manager at Reading the reserve players wanted to train with him and so did the first team.

“His training was second to none. We were young men and he helped us grow up off the pitch.”

Speaking about Jewish players in the game, ‘Mlungu’ says he would like to see more players but they must be prepared to sacrifice.

“We’re few and far between. I would love to see more Jewish players. To become a pro, sacrifice is key,” he continued.

“If there was a bar mitzvah party on a Saturday night, I’d leave at 10. It was a sacrifice for my parents. My dad would come home from work at 5.30, take me from north London to Harlington for training and then bring me home.”

Chidozie Awaziem is confident Leganes can avoid relegation from La Liga at the end of the season, following their 1-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday.

The Cucumber Growers have played six games without a victory before securing a hard-fourth win at RCDE Stadium, the run of poor form ensured they remain in the drop zone.

Awaziem made a cameo appearance in the encounter after replacing Aitor Ruibal while his compatriot Kenneth Omeruo was not listed as Jonathan Cristian Silva scored the only goal of the game.

The victory against Francisco Rufete’s men has boosted the confidence of the 23-year-old Nigeria international that his side can maintain their Spanish top-flight status at the end of the campaign.

“I believe in the team 100%. The spirit the guys are putting in the team is massive and I believe we are going to achieve our aim and beat the drop,” Awaziem told AOI.

“We are trying our best game by game and we showed huge character today so hopefully we can maintain this and turn it around in our remaining games.”

With their win against Espanyol, the Cucumber Growers moved off the bottom of the league table to 19th spot after gathering 28 points from 34 games.

Awaziem, who has partnered his compatriot Omeruo in most part of the campaign, will hope to make a return to the starting lineup when they take on Eibar on Thursday.

The centre-back joined the Estadio Municipal de Butarque outfit on a season-long loan move from Portuguese club Porto.

The defender has been with the Blue and White since 2014 but has only played 10 league games for the senior side, having spent most of his time on loan.

Awaziem spent the 2017-18 season on loan with French side Nantes and then featured for Turkish Super Lig side Caykur Rizespor in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign.

The centre-back joined Leganes last summer and has made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Cucumber Growers.

Mikel Arteta has been "outstanding" in coping with the pressure at Arsenal and shown "courage" in his initial months at the helm, says Brendan Rodgers.

Leicester City are scheduled to take in a trip to north London to face Arteta's Arsenal in the Premier League on Tuesday.

They won November's reverse fixture 2-0 as Unai Emery's tenure with the Gunners was drawing to a close, with Arteta taking charge the following month.

Arsenal have won four straight games in all competitions ahead of the Leicester clash at Emirates Stadium, and Foxes boss Rodgers has been impressed with the impact a former club captain has had in such a short period of time.

"I think Mikel has done very, very well since he's gone in," said the 47-year-old, whose team are currently sitting third in the table.

"He's gone into a club with huge expectations, which he knows from being a player there. He's gone in on his first job, into a huge task, and I think how he's dealt with it so far has been outstanding.

"From a tactical perspective, he's made it very clear how they want to play. The style, you can see.

"That is not an easy style to put in place and implement, especially at a club that wants to be challenging straight away as well.

"His courage since he's gone in, to want to develop that. They've played with a couple of different systems but the style has always remained the same. 

"That is something that bodes well for the future and for him."

Leicester have said James Maddison and Ben Chilwell are major injury doubts for the game, with Chelsea and Manchester United breathing down their necks in the race for a top-four finish.

Saturday's 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace ended a four-match winless run since the Premier League's resumption and Rodgers has confidence ahead of the last five games of the campaign.

Asked if his side were capable of finishing the job to secure Champions League football, Rodgers said: "There is absolutely no doubt.

"We've shown over 33 games our talent. Okay, we are maybe missing some players that have helped us along that way but as a squad, we're very focused on achieving it.

"We will fight to the very, very last whistle to finish as high as we possibly can."

Chelsea are one point adrift of Leicester at the moment, with a resurgent Manchester United three behind.

Seventh-placed Arsenal have moved to within six points of United and are still hoping to challenge for a European place, having beaten Wolves 2-0 at Molineux last time out.

Speaking in an Instagram live chat with the ISL on Monday, Jindal expressed his feelings about the Blues' high-profile clashes in Indian football and picked out Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan as the team's biggest threat. 

He said, "Mohun Bagan still gives me anxiety. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, that rivalry, the kind of passion, there is something about that legacy, history and the colours. You just feel like you are playing history, something bigger than anything."

He feels that the Kolkata giants have helped in keeping the discussion on Indian football alive and following Bengaluru's defeat at the hands of ATK in the semi-final of the ISL last season and the latter's merger with Mohun Bagan, the rivalry is expected to be bigger next season. 

"Every time you go to Kolkata to play a football game, I just feel like these guys have kept Indian football alive. While all of us focused on cricket, it is Goa and Kolkata who have kept Indian football alive. My biggest admiration is for their fans. Now that Roy Krishna beat us last year, our biggest rivalry is against ATK Mohun Bagan."

Jindal further reminisced about the starting Bengaluru FC and reserved special praise for the team's former head coach Ashley Westwood, who he believes laid the foundation for success. The English coach left after three years with the club and Jindal recollected how difficult it was to accept his departure. 

"I was on my honeymoon when I got the call from Mandar about Ashley not signing the extension. Suddenly, I became stressed out. I went for a long jog. I spoke to Ashley, he had a lot of issues - with structure, pay etc, I can't disclose more. I thanked him and said, one day when we have a stadium, we will have a statue of you in the stadium."

The Blues chose Spanish head coach Albert Roca to replace Westwood and have since adopted an approach influenced by Spanish football. 

"Indian players are more of the Spanish mould in terms of physique. Ashley used to play a lot of route one football with a very tight defence. We then said that it is not really getting India anywhere. So we needed to change the way Bengaluru plays so that players would be a lot more confident about keeping the ball.

"We decided we would either go the Dutch route or the Spanish route. Roca's resume came to us, I interviewed him on Skype and we hit it off. He was going to bring his entire team. It was terrible initially in the first season, I remember speaking to Albert. They (the staff) maintained that it takes time. League did not go well but we won the Federation Cup, which was huge."

Bengaluru won their first ISL title two years ago and will be looking get the trophy back from defending champions ATK when ISL kicks off later this year. 
 

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has criticised the move by some stakeholders calling for the disbarment of the current federation.

Nyamweya states such calls, if implemented, will cause serious ramifications which may also attract the ban from Fifa.

“My attention has been drawn to multiple petitions purportedly by football stakeholders agitating for a different course of action in the quest to achieve electoral and wholesome justice in respect of the holding of FKF elections, that is long overdue,” Nyamweya said in a statement obtained by Goal .

“While this is a good move because petitions are a legitimate route to agitate for issues and get the attention of public authorities, it is imperative that the craft of the final document is done with utmost keenness so as to avoid projecting issues in a manner that offends the same laws that petitioners want to have adhered to.

“Accordingly, I wish to caution some of the issues contained in the petitions are an affront to the course of justice as it is likely to put stakeholders on a collision path with world football-governing body - Fifa - and the government of Kenya.”

Specifically, the former FKF President has cautioned on various recommendations that the petitioners must totally avoid.

“Advocacy for the disbandment of the FKF or appointment of a caretaker committee in any other way apart from in the manner directed by the Sports Disputes Tribunal in its ruling of 17th March 2020,” added Nyamweya.

“For the avoidance of the doubt, Section 54 of the Sports Act 2013 cannot be invoked without there being inspection and as such the Cabinet Secretary for Sports lacks the locus to act in that respect and, therefore, the only best route for the current stalemate to be unlocked is through the route taken by the SDT [invoking Section 59 of the Sports Act 2013] in compliance to Fifa's proposal for dialogue.

“We must be careful and resist the temptation to imagine that, at this point in time, registering a parallel federation is a viable option. I will never support any such move and I caution all well-meaning stakeholders to avoid that route.”

Nyamweya added he ould only supports a petition that will earn the support of both Fifa and the Kenyan government.

“That stakeholders are committed to the total adherence to the Kenyan Constitution and Fifa Statutes in a manner that promotes the values enshrined in the law,”  he concluded.

“In this regard, the petition seeking collaboration between Fifa and the Government of Kenya to facilitate dialogue between the stakeholders with a view to holding free, fair and credible elections at the earliest opportunity is the most ideal one which will earn it a commendation to the authorities.

“Let us be reminded the SDT ruling of 17th March 2020 has cleared the way regarding very many of the issues and we must now be focused on getting to the end instead of going back to agitate the same issues whose contention is no longer an issue.”

A date for FKF elections has not been announced yet but Nyamweya is keen to unseat incumbent President Nick Mwendwa.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be considered to have topped Pele on a list of all-time greats, says Tostao, with a mix of two modern day superstars required in order to get near the Brazilian icon.

Pele’s standing at the top of any greatest list was unchallenged for several years, with Diego Maradona the only player to get close to him.

Messi and Ronaldo have, however, raised the bar of individual excellence to heights rarely seen before over the course of their remarkable careers.

The Argentina and Portugal internationals have sent records tumbling, while helping themselves to enviable hauls of individual and collective honours.

Many believe these exploits have lifted them above Pele, but Tostao still considers a man he won the 1970 World Cup alongside to be the finest player to have ever laced up a pair of football boots.

He told FIFA.com: “I think Pele was better than all of them. For me, there's no comparison. Pele was far more complete. He had every quality that a forward could have. He didn't have one defect.

“Messi's spectacular, but he doesn't head the ball like Pele did, he doesn't shoot as well with both feet, he doesn't pull off the moves that Pele did.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional player, but he doesn't have the ability that Pele had and he doesn't pull off the incredible passes that Pele did.

“If you take the qualities of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, put them together, then you'd have a player to compare to Pele!”

Tostao also gave his take on whether Maradona sits alongside Pele, saying of the Argentine World Cup winner: “Maradona was spectacular, but he wasn't on Pele's level physically, he didn't score the numbers of goals Pele did.”

Pele has always placed himself at the top of any chart, with the South American rightly proud of all that he achieved. He has, however, admitted in the recent past that he considers Portuguese power to sit above Argentine flair when running a rule over the current crop of superstars.

Pele told Pilhado when asked to offer his input in a long-running debate: “Today the best player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo. I think he's the best, because he's more consistent, but you can't forget about Messi, of course, but he's not a striker.”

Harvey Elliott has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool.

The 17-year-old joined Liverpool from Fulham last summer, and has since appeared in eight games across all competitions for the club.

His latest outing came in a meeting with Crystal Palace at Anfield on June 24, when he was introduced as a second-half substitute during the Reds' 4-0 victory.

The midfielder expressed his delight after the announcement was made on Monday, telling the Reds' official website: “I think since the first day I've walked in, it's been an indescribable journey so far.

“I think now to top it off with my first professional contract is a dream come true for me and my family.

"I'm excited to see what the future holds and I'm just excited to give everything to the club and the fans.”

The teenage playmaker went on to recall making his Anfield debut during Liverpool's thrilling Carabao Cup round of 16 win over Arsenal in October, and promised to give his all for the club as he continues to develop his all-round game in the coming years.

Elliott added: “I think when I stepped out on the Anfield pitch when I played Arsenal, I think it was an emotional thing for me.

"To obviously be watching the players and to be playing them with them, honestly it's a dream come true.

“To be in and around the fans as well, to hear them singing You'll Never Walk Alone when you're stepping out on the pitch, it did bring a tear to my eye.

"I just can't wait to give everything back to them and just to show them what I can do.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp added: “Brilliant news, really happy.

“Harvey is such an exciting prospect. We all know his qualities, we have seen them this season in the first team and U23s.

“I love his attitude, love his enthusiasm, love his bravery, love the fact he has the right amount of football confidence and cheekiness."

The England U17 international will be back in contention for a place in Klopp's squad when Liverpool travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton on Wednesday.

The Reds have already wrapped up a first league title in 30 years, but Elliott still needs to feature in three more Premier League games to be eligible for a winners' medal.

Franck Ribery has released a statement after his home was robbed during Fiorentina's clash with Parma, hinting that he will have to evaluate his future at the club.

Ribery signed for Fiorentina on a free transfer after leaving Bayern last summer, and has since appeared in 15 Serie A matches for the club, scoring three goals.

The former France international was back in Fiorentina's starting XI for their trip to Parma on Sunday, which ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors thanks to two penalties from Erick Pulgar.

While the 37-year-old was handling business on the pitch, thieves allegedly broke into his Florence residence after allegedly tampering with the exterior surveillance system.

They reportedly made off with two Rolex watches, a Cartier bracelet, various gold jewellery and 10 branded bags, after vandalising the furniture and leaving clothes strewn all over the house.

Ribery's family were staying in Munich at the time of the incident, but the Fiorentina winger recorded a video showing the damage caused upon his return, which he has posted on social media.

The former Bayern star has also sent a message to supporters via his official Twitter account promising to put his family's safety first after the incident, which reads: "After this victory against Parma, I came back home. This "home" in Italy, a country in which I decided to pursue my career after so many beautiful years in Munich.

"This is what I discovered ... So yes, my wife lost a few bags, some jewellery, but "al Hamdoulillah" it's not essential. What shocks me is the feeling of being naked.

"To have your pants taken down and that feeling, it doesn't pass. I can't accept it! Thank God my wife and my children were safe in Munich, but how can we trust [our surroundings] anymore today?

"How can I / we feel good here today after that? I don't run after the millions (of euros). Thank God we lack for nothing. But, I always run after the ball, because it's my passion.

"But passion or not, my family comes first. And we will take the necessary decisions."

Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso voiced his support for Ribery via the club's website, stating: “I’m very disappointed with and shocked by what happened to Franck Ribery on Sunday night.

"We’d all like to send all our support to Franck and his wonderful family. Aside from the financial loss, these events are very traumatic for the victims because you may lose personal items of sentimental value that nothing can replace.

"More importantly, you lose the sense of security we should all feel when we leave our families – our wives, our children – at home. We’ll do everything we can to help Franck feel safe again and help him through this difficult time. 

"I'm sure that the Fiorentina family will show solidarity with Franck by making him feel the love we all have for him.”

Ribery is due back in action with Fiorentina on Wednesday, with Cagliari set to arrive at Artemio Franchi Stadium for a mid-table encounter.

La Viola are sitting 13th in the Serie A standings at the moment, but can move to within two points of their midweek opponents in 10th if they secure a second successive win.

Kenya Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC and coach Stewart Hall have parted ways.

Hall is leaving the former National Super League (NSL) champions after joining them in November.

The British tactician had managed to steady the club a little bit after it had struggled to cope with the pressure in the top-tier since their second promotion in 2019. 

Hall's departure marks another exit of Wazito's coach. Fred Ambani was relieved of his duties in October after helping the Nairobi-based club to earn promotion. Ambani's place was taken by Melis Medo who was subsequently sacked after just three matches at the helm.

Ambani has so far returned to the club and served as Hall's assistant.

Wazito then turned their eyes on the former AFC Leopards coach but he, too, has left but on mutual consent.

“We wish to confirm that coach Stewart Hall has left the club on mutual consent,” Wazito confirmed.

As he leaves the KPL side, the tactician is confident he managed to steady the Wazito boat that was lacking balance.

“I wish to confirm that I have reached an agreement with Wazito FC for my departure from the club,” Hall confirmed.

“When I joined the team last November my duty was to stabilise the team and recruit players who would bring balance to the squad as we lacked that then.

“Together with my technical team, we worked really hard, the players did their part and together we managed to get some good results.

“Just before the league was stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unbeaten in almost ten matches and this shows the strides we had made as a team.

“As I depart, I want to thank the club management, the players, the other members of the technical bench, and everyone associated with the club, it was an honor to work with you. I wish the club all the best for the future, I believe I have put in a good foundation to steer the team forward.”

In his acknowledgment message, Wazito's Chief Executive Officer Dennis Gicheru said the Briton did what he was called to.

“I want to thank coach Stewart for his contribution to the team,” Gicheru said.

“He arrived at a time that we were really struggling and slowly by slowly he built a strong side and I am sure that his successor will inherit a good team. As he departs, we wish him all the best for the future.”

Hall becomes the first KPL coach to leave his job before the 2020/21 season begins.

N'Golo Kante will miss Chelsea's match with Crystal Palace this week due to a hamstring injury, Frank Lampard has confirmed.

The French defensive midfielder will miss the game on Tuesday after limping off with a knock in the 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday evening.

Kante went off with 12 minutes to go at Stamford Bridge, and now Blues manager Lampard has said he will miss the London derby and could also be out for the Premier League game at the weekend, against Sheffield United.

Lampard told his pre-match press conference on Monday: "Kante won't be in the squad. He has hurt his hamstring. It's a low-level hamstring [injury], so we're hoping it is a week or so out.

"[Mateo] Kovacic trained with us today but he is not ready for this game, hopefully the next. Tomori is still not ready. He had a small setback in training. Hopefully he is back next week."

When asked if Kante will be fit for Chelsea's subsequent match, Lampard said: "We'll play that one as it goes but I would expect we'd be very lucky to have him for Sheffield United."

The absence of Kante could open the door for Jorginho, who was a regular before the three-month hiatus forced on the Premier League due to coronavirus, but has not played a single minute since the 2019-20 campaign resumed last month.

Lampard said the Italy international had taken being dropped on the chin and was training well, but refused to go into details as to why a player signed for £50 million ($63m) in the summer of 2018 has suddenly fallen from favour.

He said of Jorginho: "He has been very professional about it. He wants to play as every player does. It is one of the hardest parts of the job telling a player who is not playing, or picking a squad and leaving out players, particularly when they are training well and Jorginho always trains well.

"He has handled it professionally and that’s what I would expect. It is important for players in a long season, with the competitive squad that we have, that they are there to support players when they are out, and he has done that. So we will see with my selection tomorrow.

"I don’t want to go into the personal details of positions and tactics. I just have to pick a team as I see best. They are just my choices."

Frank Lampard is eager to avoid making any comparisons between Eden Hazard and Christian Pulisic, with the former Chelsea star having “been here and done it” while the United States international remains one for the future.

Plenty are looking to place forwards from the past and present into a shared talent bracket. Given that both have filled the same role on the left of the Blues’ attacking unit, it is easy to pass one off against the other.

Hazard, though, spent seven successful years in west London before heading to Real Madrid in 2019, with 110 goals recorded by the Belgian while collecting two Premier League titles and a couple of Europa League crowns.

Pulisic is only just starting down a similar path, with the USMNT star approaching the end of his debut campaign in England.

The 21-year-old has registered eight goals and six assists, helping to keep Chelsea in the hunt for a top-four finish and major silverware.

Lampard, though, is reluctant to compare the American with Hazard, with the hope being that Pulisic will become a talismanic presence in his own right.

The Blues boss told reporters ahead of a Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday: “Having played with Eden and seen him come to the club at a relatively young age, similar to Christian. We saw the development of him.

“But he had a special talent straight away of being able to receive a ball and have great balance and go past players so well. He would draw a lot of players towards him to open up space for others. He was pretty unselfish in how he would make assists.

“I think Christian is possibly more direct in his style sometimes, in terms of how he goes past players and runs off the ball, which I like.

“Eden would come and get the ball and take it past players a lot. With Christian, sometimes I think he has the ability to break the line and run forward, which is a really great trait in the modern game.

“In terms of the comparison, which is why I stayed away from it a bit, Eden has been here and done it and did it to an incredible level. Christian has it in his hands to make a real impact over a long period of time.

“The thing I'm so happy with now is when we're playing teams and the games are tough and you're finding it hard to break teams down, he's taking responsibility to change that, to change it in moments by using his ability to turn quickly and go past people.

"It's been great to see and, as I keep saying, there's a lot of development to come for Christian. I'm very happy with him.”