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Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke would like to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer change his formation and play with a front two of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

The Norwegian coach has favoured either a front three or a 4-2-3-1 this season, with Martial and Rashford alternating as the central striker.

While that approach has brought varying levels of success – with both forwards on the cusp of breaking the 20-goal barrier in all competitions – Yorke believes that United would benefit more from using the pair together in tandem.

"A No.9 is a specialist position and that’s why Alan Shearer and Andy Cole scored so many goals – they didn’t play anywhere else," Yorke told Goal.

"I like Rashford through the middle, although I think he could play as a No.10, as he is intelligent enough. So, he could be a No.10 or a No.9 any given day. I like Marital down the middle as well.

"So, I would go down that road and put both up front. Then, you could have Bruno (Fernandes) and (Paul) Pogba providing some attacking flair from behind, with (Mason) Greenwood and those guys supporting them from the flanks.

"Let them have a go at defenders and take it to the next level."

Martial has occupied that No.9 role for the majority of the season and scored his first career hat-trick against Sheffield United last week but despite his impressive goal tally this season, he has been criticised for a lack of consistency in recent seasons.

However, Yorke, who won the treble with United in 1999 and developed a great partnership with Cole, would like to see Solskjaer stick with the Frenchman.

“He just needs to be given a chance to play there because the No.9 position is a specialist one, it’s one of the hardest positions playing with your back to goal. It’s not an easy position and you have to give them time to really master it if you’re going to get the best out of him,” Yorke said.

“He looks like he wants to play and the only way he’s going to improve is give him the chance to play there all the time instead of shipping him out left and right. That’s all part of your football education.”

With United in fine form since the Premier League restart, Solskjaer has an abundance of options up front.

Martial and Rashford both have 19 goals in all competitions and Greenwood is on 13, after a fine display against Brighton last week.

The teenager has been tipped for a long and successful career at Old Trafford and Yorke is confident Solskjaer will ensure Greenwood remains grounded.

“It’s very difficult, especially now with the social media and the attention that you get at this level, I think it’s alright to be compared with people," Yorke said of the similarities being drawn between the youngster and Robin van Persie.

"As a player, you’ve got your manager and your family around you to make sure you continue to keep a level head and not get ideas above your station.

“I think you just have to look at Greenwood and his demeanour to see he’s just a kid enjoying himself. I like that approach.

"And he’s got the right man leading him. Ole also only wanted to make headlines with his football when he was a player."

But how does Greenwood fit into United’s attacking line if Yorke thinks they should be playing with a front two?

“You don’t put too much onus on him because, at 18, you’re still learning the game and you’re just happy to be in the team,” the former United striker said.

“In two or three years he will develop more, he will get stronger and become a man. Then, you can see what position he feels most comfortable in.

"But, at this stage, you just want him to express himself, you don’t want him to think too much and I think it’s too early to really start saying he would be a better centre forward or right winger.

"He’s doing just fine at the moment and when you start tinkering too much, it stops working. He’s still a kid. Just let him go out there and enjoy himself.”

Watch Manchester United v Bournemouth exclusively live on BT Sport 1, btsport.com and the BT Sport app (Saturday, 2.30pm). Fans can watch this match plus more Premier League and FA Cup games in July contract free with a BT Sport Monthly pass for £25 per month.   

Macleans Foundation came to the rescue of former AFC Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala who has been struggling to get medical attention regarding the treatment of his eyes.

The midfielder lost his eyesight in 2018 and was taken to Kikuyu hospital for examination.

The MRI scan revealed the problem was caused by a misfiring nerve. He was put under medication but almost two years down the line, he is yet to fully recover and his inability to get frequent medical attention is exacerbating the problem.

Goal revealed the player had not gotten his medical attention for two months after failing to raise KSh4000 for the same. However, the foundation has come to his aid and promised to help him get regular treatment. 

"Macleans Foundation under the patronage of Macleans Iganza Sloya today paid a visit to former AFC Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala who lost his sight in 2018," read a statement from the Foundation as posted on its official Facebook page.

"The Foundation has taken upon itself to support the former midfield maestro who recently raised an appeal to well-wishers to come to his rescue. 

"In tandem with the Organization's cardinal call of empowering and giving people dignified lives, Imbalambala has been taken to Sabatia Eye Clinic for routine eye treatment."

The Foundation also provided basic needs for the family and went on to pay all the hospital's expenses.

"According to the programs officer at the Foundation Simon Iganza, all the hospital expenses for today's exercise have been catered for," the statement read.

"The Foundation has also secured a one year National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Cover for the former Kenya international.

"Additionally, Imbalambala's family received foodstuff and shopping from the Foundation."

Imbalambala left Leopards in 2015 and signed a short-term contract with Nakumatt FC in June the same year.

However, he did not last at the team and his next move was at Western-based side Kakamega Homeboyz, but the lanky midfielder was axed by Homeboyz alongside former Harambee Stars winger Patrick Oboya.

He went on to join the then National Super League side Vihiga United, who were restructuring, hoping to seal a move to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The player was later released by the club owing to several off-pitch issues.
 

Former Dempo player and coach Mauricio Afonso expressed his apathy towards Goan footballers owing to lack of representation from the state on the national stage. There was a time when there were four clubs from Goa which is not the case now.

As a consequence, not many Goan players get the chance to play at the top level, he feels.

Asked to give his take on the development of the sport in Goa, the 58-year-old said to Goal. "Football is okay but Goan football is declining. In the sense, it is not like before in the I-League. The top teams - Salgaocar [FC], Dempo [SC], Sporting [Clube de Goa] - have backed out."

Ever since the aforementioned trio decided to pull out from the I-League in 2016, in protest to the All Indian Football Federation's (AIFF) roadmap wherein the I-League was to surrender its top tier status to Indian Super League (ISL). Churchill Brothers have been the only club from the state to partake in the I-League since while FC Goa are the Goan franchise in ISL.

"When I was coaching in the I-League with Armando (Colaco), we won (National Football League and I-League titles combined) five times. That time, the league was very good. Players were given a lot of money and now there is nothing. I feel pity (for the players). That time, players were getting lakhs - [INR] 50, 60, 70, 80 lakhs (a season)," Afonso remarked.

"When I played football, there was no money. After I finished my career (1999), suddenly salaries started rising but I am not complaining. Whatever I got, I got, but now again it has gone down."

In the recent past, FC Goa have established a good grassroots programme in Goa. Players like Brandon Fernandes and Seriton Fernandes have made a name for themselves, playing for the Gaurs. Afonso added, "Players are getting good money (in the ISL). The standard of football is also improving."

Afonso is amongst the best midfielders the country has produced and played for Dempo for a good 15 years. thereafter he was part of the coaching staff at the club until he suffered a paralytic stroke in 2017 that has prevented him from actively being part of the beautiful game since.

Raheem Sterling is hoping Manchester City can reach two finals to finish the season.

With Liverpool having sealed the Premier League title, City's chances of adding to their Community Shield and Carabao Cup successes this season are in the Champions League and FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola's side will face Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals, while they will carry a 2-1 lead into their Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid.

Sterling, who scored in City's 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool on Thursday, is eyeing two finals to finish the campaign.

"Hopefully, we can finish with an FA Cup final and a Champions League final," the star attacker said, via the club's website.

"We are a team that missed out on the Premier League and we have got to go on and try to do our best as we can in all competitions and that is the FA Cup and the Champions League.

"It is difficult seeing Liverpool take the title from us, but they have been brilliant all year.

"On Thursday, it was just another game, but it was a chance to finish high. In the Premier League we need to win all our games and finish on a high in the FA Cup and the Champions League."

Asked how motivated City were to get one over on the 2019-2020 Premier League winners, the 25-year-old told Sky Sports after the match: "They (Liverpool) have been brilliant all year, we wanted to have a good game against them.

"We knew we were behind, have been disappointing at times. We had a test against the current champions to make a point and we did brilliantly. Next season started today and we did well.

"This is a team that is evolving and changing, you can see the maturity Phil (Foden) is playing with. I think in the future we have some great players."

Guardiola will now start preparing his players for a trip to St Mary's to face Southampton on Sunday, which comes three days before a home clash against Newcastle.

Carabao Cup winners City could end up finishing the season with three trophies despite missing out on the Premier League, with the FA Cup and Champions League still up for grabs over the next two months.

Mohun Bagan have merged with three-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK, which has ensured their participation in the Indian Super League (ISL) from the 2020-21 season. 

While the contract of most players ended on May 31 with Mohun Bagan, at least six of them still had a year or multiple years left. 

Academy graduates like Subho Ghosh, SK Sahil, Deep Saha, and Kiyan Nasiri were tied down to long-term contracts before the start of the 2019-20 season and they still have three more years left, while Lalramzauva Khiangte and Spaniard Fran Gonzalez are contracted till 2021. 

Mohun Bagan has already reached a settlement agreement with all the aforementioned players. 

"We have reached an agreement with all of them. There are some players who will be retained by the new entity and some have been asked to leave. Everything has been sorted. We are going to reveal the names and relevant details in the future," stated Mohun Bagan's financial secretary and board member of ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited Debasish Dutta to Goal. 

It is understood that all the academy players will be handed fresh contracts with the merged entity. While Subho Ghosh and SK Sahil will be inducted in the senior team, Deep Saha and Kiyan Nasiri might end up playing for ATK Mohun Bagan Reserves. However, Spaniard Fran Gonzalez is in talks with a couple of ISL outfits and he is not on the radar of ATK Mohun Bagan.

Mohun Bagan won the league title for the fifth time in their history this year and ATK won their third ISL title beating Chennaiyin FC in the final back in March.

Other than participating in the ISL, the merged entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using Mohun Bagan’s I-League 2019-20 champions’ slot.

Diego Simeone backed Joao Felix despite substituting the attacker again in Atletico Madrid's  3-0 win over Real Mallorca in La Liga on Friday.

Joao Felix was replaced early in the second half at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Alvaro Morata scored a brace before Koke's sealer.

A reported €126 million (£113m/$142m) signing from Benfica last year, the Portugal international has been substituted in 17 of his 21 La Liga starts.

But Atletico coach Simeone backed the 20-year-old and said he had full confidence in the attacker.

"We are absolutely confident in his quality, his talent and the way he plays and we need him to reproduce on the field," he told a news conference, via AS.

"We focus on the goal of the team and the club, we do not stop at individualities. On the basis of promoting individualities, we seek to improve the collective. If we stop at the singles it would be dangerous.

"Joao started well against Osasuna, he had good games, [against Mallorca] he was not as fine in his game and he understood that the team needed other characteristics as with Vitolo, who worked for what the team needed."

In 34 appearances in all competitions this season, Joao Felix has scored eight goals and provided three assists.

Simeone, whose side consolidated third place in the table, said his message to younger players was simple.

"I always try to convey to the young people who come here that this is a competitive team, that they have to win," he said.

"And we work as a consequence of looking for the best to win, we have no commitment to anyone, only that things go towards where we understand that it is better."

Morata snared the first goal after making the most of Mallorca players encroaching too soon into the penalty area to score from the spot, VAR giving him a reprieve after Manolo Reina had saved his initial effort. 

Mallorca’s captain guessed correctly with the re-taken spot-kick too, yet Morata had enough height on his strike to beat the goalkeeper and move into double figures for league goals this season. 

The striker had missed an earlier opening as Aleti started impressively, while both Yannick Carrasco and Joao Felix failed to hit the target with excellent opportunities before the opener arrived in the 29th minute.  

However, any hope of the visitors claiming a bonus in the capital disappeared when Atleti doubled their advantage in added time at the end of the first half, the excellent Marcos Llorente - lining up on the right wing - crossing low for Morata to tap in at the back post.

Scoring just prior to the break allowed Atleti to coast through the second half, though they did add to their tally. 

Captain Koke seized on a weak clearing header to get away a strike that took a heavy deflection off Antonio Raillo, wrong-footing the helpless Reina.

Atletico are in action again on Tuesday when they visit Celta Vigo.

Selangor will allow teenage star Luqman Hakim Shamsudin to leave for Belgian side KV Kortrijk, the Malaysian club announced on Friday evening.

"Unearthing the potential these players possess requires not only physical training to polish skill and ability on the pitch. We understand that values in life also play a pivotal role in shaping their maturity and character off the pitch.

"Therefore, with regards to Luqman Hakim Shamsudin’s current situation, the club hereby officially confirms that an agreement has been reached between FA Selangor and K.V. Kortrijk for the transfer of Luqman Hakim from Selangor.

Luqman will be flying to Belgium to join the club as soon as all the documentation has been processed and cleared. We believe exposure beyond Malaysia is what he personally needs currently to advance to the next stage of his professional career," explained the club in a statement.

Although the exact details regarding the Malaysia U-19 star's signing are conflicting, it is believed that he had first signed with the Selangor reserve team last year, alongside 27 other Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) graduates.

Only slightly later an offer came Kortrijk, who are owned by Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan. The 18-year old had originally been scheduled to leave for Belgium earlier this year, but the global Covid-19 outbreak delayed the plan.

When Kortrijk called him up after the pandemic abated, they were made to work out the transfer details with the Red Giants, which initially led to speculations that the Malaysian club would not let him leave at all. Selangor sources have told Goal that the AMD graduates signed will be allowed to leave if they receive an overseas playing offer within the first year of their contract with Selangor.

Stephane Diarra has stated he rejected interest from Premier League clubs Leicester City and Newcastle United as well as Lille, Monaco and Marseille to join newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Lorient.

The 21-year-old completed his move to the Stade du Moustoir this week from Ligue2 club Le Mans after he had a successful medical examination.

The forward revealed his dream to play in the French top-flight and the club’s director Christophe Le Rouxas well as manager Christophe Pelissier influenced his decision.

“Many clubs have contacted me, such as the English clubs in Newcastle and Leicester, but also French teams with Lille, Monaco or Marseille,” Diarra told Ouest-France.

“The speeches of Christophe Le Roux, sports director, and coach Christophe Pelissier were decisive in my decision-making.

“I knew it was a quality team that played football and I needed an efficient team. It was important for me to stay in France.

“Since childhood, I dream of playing in Ligue 1. And then, it was important for me not to skip the stages. I'm here to learn. I will stay in Ligue 1, progress and we will see later.”

Diarra, who signed a five-year deal with Lorient, feels joining the Merlucciidaes on a long-term deal indicated his confidence in the club.

“It is a wish of both parties. It proves the confidence that the club has in me but also the confidence that I have in the club,” he continued.

“It is neither long nor too short, it gives me time to progress and continue to grow. There is no clause in my contract for a possible relegation to Ligue 2. I am here in Lorient for the next five years.”

The young winger scored four goals and provided four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions for Le Mans in the 2019-20 season and hoped to improve on that performance at Stade du Moustoir.

“Of course I have to work on my efficiency, on the last finish. I'm here to progress and I think my teammates will help me get there,” he added.  

“Last year I finished with four goals and four assists but for me, it is not enough. We can always do better.”

The forward will be expected to make his debut for Pelissier’s side during their pre-season games.

It’s been another thrilling week in the world of African football, with high-profile transfers, contract signings, title victories and outstanding performances dominating the headlines.

In this week’s episode, Malek Shafei talks through the big stories of the last seven days with Goal Africa Head of Content Ed Dove.

The major story of the week has been the Confederation of African Football’s decision to announce the reorganisation of the continent’s footballing calendar for the coming two years.

In light of the ongoing coronavirus, President Ahmad Ahmad announced the decision to push the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations back to January 2022, giving the continent’s teams time enough to complete their qualifying campaigns.

In light of Fifa’s decision to cancel the September international window for African sides, it was a no-brainer, as Caf were hardly going to take the tournament away from Cameroon…again.

Also on the agenda, the pod discuss Arsenal’s decision to offer Bukayo Saka a new contract.

It’s all change at the Emirates Stadium, where after two consecutive defeats, Mikel Arteta’s side have now romped to two back-to-back victories in the Premier League…and three in all competitions.

Suddenly, there is optimism back in North London, and Saka putting pen to paper on a new deal cements the positive feeling around this part of the capital.

It’s also been another big week for another uncapped Nigeria, with Eredivisie top scorer Cyriel Dessers swapping Heracles for Genk.

He netted 15 goals in the aborted Dutch top flight this season, and while he should thrive in Belgium, should Dessers have aimed higher?

Dove certainly believes the forward is ready for life in one of Europe’s five major leagues, while Shafei is confident that the switch to the Jupiler League is a good deal for all parties.

Also this week, we discussed the race for the Champions League in the Premier League, where the likes of Adama Traore, Odion Ighalo and Wilfred Ndidi are all in the running.

Leicester City—for whom Kelechi Iheanacho netted in midweek—are still in pole position, but their form has deteriorated dramatically since the restart, and they’ll need to improve if they’re to fend off the sides beneath them in the table.

Over in Tanzania, Simba SC clinched their third title in a row this weekend, as Sven Vandenbroeck’s side romped to the title. There’s no doubt that they’re deserving of the title, but just how did the domestic heavyweights get over the line so easily?

Simy Nwankwo scored a hat-trick that powered Crotone to a 3-0 victory over Serie B leaders Benevento on Friday.

The 28-year-old's goals secured the Pythagoreans' first win since the restart of the Italian second division after three consecutive draws.

Simy grabbed two quick-fire goals within the first 20 minutes to put the hosts ahead at the Stadio Ezio Scida and he later sealed their big win with his 70th-minute effort.

The treble stretched the tally of the Super Eagles forward to 16 goals after 31 league appearances this term and he is currently enjoying his best goalscoring run in Italy since his arrival from Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente in 2016.

Simy was in action for 81 minutes before he was replaced by Samuel Armenteros while Libya midfielder Ahmed Benali played for 85 minutes in the encounter.

Crotone remain unmoved in the league standings as they sit second behind runaway leaders Benevento with 55 points from 32 games.

They will be aiming to build on Friday's victory when they visit fourth-place Cittadella for their next league fixture on July 10.

Since Nigeria's group stage exit at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, Simy has not been invited by Gernot Rohr to the Super Eagles' set-up.

He played only two minutes in two games in the global competition, coming on as a late second-half substitute against Croatia and Argentina which ended in defeats.

It’s been another thrilling week in the world of African football, with high-profile transfers, contract signings, title victories and outstanding performances dominating the headlines.

In this week’s episode, Malek Shafei talks through the big stories of the last seven days with Goal Africa Head of Content Ed Dove.

The major story of the week has been the Confederation of African Football’s decision to announce the reorganisation of the continent’s footballing calendar for the coming two years.

In light of the ongoing coronavirus, President Ahmad Ahmad announced the decision to push the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations back to January 2022, giving the continent’s teams time enough to complete their qualifying campaigns.

In light of Fifa’s decision to cancel the September international window for African sides, it was a no-brainer, as Caf were hardly going to take the tournament away from Cameroon…again.

Also on the agenda, the pod discuss Arsenal’s decision to offer Bukayo Saka a new contract.

It’s all change at the Emirates Stadium, where after two consecutive defeats, Mikel Arteta’s side have now romped to two back-to-back victories in the Premier League…and three in all competitions.

Suddenly, there is optimism back in North London, and Saka putting pen to paper on a new deal cements the positive feeling around this part of the capital.

It’s also been another big week for another uncapped Nigeria, with Eredivisie top scorer Cyriel Dessers swapping Heracles for Genk.

He netted 15 goals in the aborted Dutch top flight this season, and while he should thrive in Belgium, should Dessers have aimed higher?

Dove certainly believes the forward is ready for life in one of Europe’s five major leagues, while Shafei is confident that the switch to the Jupiler League is a good deal for all parties.

Also this week, we discussed the race for the Champions League in the Premier League, where the likes of Adama Traore, Odion Ighalo and Wilfred Ndidi are all in the running.

Leicester City—for whom Kelechi Iheanacho netted in midweek—are still in pole position, but their form has deteriorated dramatically since the restart, and they’ll need to improve if they’re to fend off the sides beneath them in the table.

Over in Tanzania Simba SC clinched their third title in a row this weekend, as Sven Vandenbroeck’s side romped to the title. There’s no doubt that they’re deserving of the title, but just how did the domestic heavyweights get over the line so easily?

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has ruled out Sofiane Boufal from their Premier League game against Manchester City on Sunday and welcomed Moussa Djenepo back to his squad.

Morocco international Boufal last featured for the Saints against Norwich City on June 19 owing to an injury problem, missing their clash against Arsenal and Watford.

The 26-year-old winger returned to St Mary's Stadium last summer after a loan spell with Spanish side Celta Vigo and has since made 25 appearances for Southampton.

Hasenhuttl revealed the former Lille forward along with Jannik Vestergaard, Yan Valery and Nathan Tella will not to play a part when they host Pep Guardiola’s men.

"We have a few problems, still with Pierre [Højbjerg] and also with Sofiane [Boufal]. It won't be possible for either of those,” Hasenhuttl told the club website.

"Jannik Vestergaard has a few problems with a muscle injury and also Yan Valery and Nathan Tella, they won't be available.  It's a busy time, but we must see who is available for the weekend."

Mali international Djenepo, meanwhile, will be available for selection against the Citizens after serving out his three-match suspension.

The 22-year-old midfielder was shown a straight red card in their defeat to Newcastle United in March before the outbreak of coronavirus which forced the Premier League into a hiatus.

Subsequently, the midfielder missed the Saints victories against Norwich and Watford as well as their defeat to the Gunners.

Djenepo joined the Saints last summer from Belgian First Division A side Standard Liege on the back of his consistent showing for the Reds.

During his two-year stay with the Stade Maurice Dufrasne outfit, the midfielder featured in 49 league games and scored nine goals. 

Since teaming up with the Saints, the Mali star has made 20 appearances across all competitions, helping Southampton to their current 14th spot on the Premier League table.

Djenepo will hope to help his side shock the Citizens and clinch their 13th league win of the season at St Mary's Stadium.

Alvaro Morata scored twice as Atletico Madrid maintained their unbeaten run since the resumption of LaLiga, easing to a 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca at the Wanda Metropolitano. 

Diego Simeone's in-form side followed up Tuesday's impressive performance in the 2-2 draw at Barcelona by brushing aside relegation-threatened opponents, in the process strengthening their position inside the top four. 

Morata made the most of Mallorca players encroaching too soon into the penalty area to score his first from the spot, VAR giving him a reprieve after Manolo Reina had saved his initial effort. 

Mallorca’s captain guessed correctly with the re-taken spot-kick too, yet Morata had enough height on his strike to beat the goalkeeper and move into double figures for league goals this season. 

The striker had missed an earlier opening as Aleti started impressively, while both Yannick Carrasco and Joao Felix failed to hit the target with excellent opportunities before the opener arrived in the 29th minute.  

Mallorca had thrashed nearest rivals Celta Vigo 5-1 at home in midweek and had their moments in attack before the break, Takefusa Kubo looking particularly bright.

However, any hope of the visitors claiming a bonus in the capital disappeared when Atleti doubled their advantage in added time at the end of the first half, the excellent Marcos Llorente - lining up on the right wing - crossing low for Morata to tap in at the back post.

Scoring just prior to the break allowed Atleti to coast through the second half, though they did add to their tally. 

Captain Koke seized on a weak clearing header to get away a strike that took a heavy deflection off Antonio Raillo, wrong-footing the helpless Reina.

What does it mean? From Atleti-low to riding high

It is now five wins and two draws for Simeone's squad since they returned to action in the middle of June, a run of form that has eased concerns about finishing outside the Champions League places.

His decision to use Llorente - viewed more as a holding midfielder when he signed from Real Madrid –  in an advanced position has been a masterstroke, with the 25-year-old catching the eye again out wide having also played recently as a secondary striker.

While the surge comes too late to mount a title challenge, things are looking up for Atletico. That is not the case for 18th-placed Mallorca, though, as they now have just four games left to try and retain their top-flight status.

Marcos makes his mark 

Morata will take the headlines with his first-half brace, yet Llorente produced the eye-catching performance. He completed over 93 per cent of his attempted passes and created two opportunities.

Little to celebrate for Joao Felix

It has been a testing first season at Atleti for Joao Felix. On the one-year anniversary of his big-money move from Benfica, the Portuguese forward fluffed his lines in front of goal, failing to hit the target with his three attempts before being replaced after just 54 minutes.

What's next? 

Atleti take on another team in relegation trouble on Tuesday, heading on the road to face Celta Vigo. Mallorca, meanwhile, have extra time to recover before they host Levante on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp says he has no plans beyond the end of his current Liverpool contract.

The German’s deal runs until 2024 and, at the moment, it seems likely he will see the whole contract through.

Beyond that, there is little but speculation – but he says he isn’t the sort of manager to keep going into old age.

"I don’t see me doing that at that age," Klopp told the Mirror. "When I became a manager [aged 33], I thought, ‘Right, now 25 power years start’.

"I was seven and a half years at Mainz, seven at Dortmund and in 2024, when his current contract at Liverpool ends it will be 23 and half.

"I have no plans beyond that."

Klopp, the newest member of the Premier League winners’ club, doesn’t appear to be thinking of retirement just yet, but he knows it lies somewhere in his future.

"When it is time, hopefully I am still healthy and I can say, ‘Great, I loved it but now I would like to watch other people doing it’," he said.

"So, I hope I find this inner mood to say, ‘See you later, I wish you all the best, best of luck, love you all but don’t call because of any football matters.

"That’s the plan."

For now, it seems as though Klopp couldn’t be any happier in his current surroundings.

"I’ll say it again - it is amazing how much football means to the people of Liverpool," he said.

"I accept there are more important things in life. Of all the nice things that are not important, I like football the most and that is why I have always wanted to be in it.

"I love the game so much which is why I had this affection for Liverpool. And when it came up, it was an easy decision.

"I was hoping the people would be really open for a new guy and I was really open for a new challenge and a new club.

"And from day one, it clicked.

"The passion the people have for this club is exceptional. The way they went through the darkest moments possible - how they deal with it but don’t forget it - is exceptional.

"I am sure that is why the status of the manager at this club is different to other clubs.

"I had no idea about that before I came here. People told me about it and I said, ‘Yeah, we will see’."

“And that’s the way it is.”

Mikel Arteta has spelt out exactly what it will take for Matteo Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil to force their way back into his plans at Arsenal.

Guendouzi hasn’t featured for Arsenal since the defeat at Brighton on June 20 when he clashed with Seagulls striker Neal Maupay immediately after full-time.

Ozil, meanwhile, has yet to make an appearance since the restart, although Arsenal insist the German has missed the last two games due to a back injury rather than being left out completely.

Previously, Arteta has said he will involve any player who was willing to ‘get on the boat’ and, having been pushed further, has explained exactly what that meant.

Arsenal’s head coach said: “Players that respect the values we want to implement, that they are 100 per cent committed to our culture, and players that are accountable every day for what we demand from them.

“Players that are ready to help each other, fight for each other and enjoy playing together. That is what I mean by being in the boat. If you behave like this every day, you are very, very welcome here and we want to get the best out of you and help you to enjoy your profession with us.”

When asked how he will judge whether players are living up to his expectations in training, Arteta added: “Now we don’t spend as much time [training] as we used to before, but you see that in every reaction of the player.

“What time he comes into training, how he comes, how ready he is, the way he communicates, the energy he brings in, the way he transmits his feelings to his team-mates, the way he reacts to certain things, the way he behaves in training, during games, there are a lot of things that we can pick up.”

Arteta is adamant that his door remains open to both Guendouzi and Ozil despite suggestions that the French midfielder has told Arsenal he wants to leave this summer and that the club would be open to sanctioning a move.

Ozil, meanwhile, still has a year left on his contract and has stated multiple times he will not leave north London until the end of his current deal.

“We all have moments when you have doubts about your future, you have difficult times and that is why the conversations have to be open,” said Arteta.

“You have to create an environment for the players so they can trust you, to express those feelings. Even with me.

“If you do that you are always willing to help them, to try to guide them, to give them clarity, direction and support when they need it to feel comfortable. Make them feel they are at the right place.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Manchester United need to make ‘one or two’ very good decisions in the transfer window if they are to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title next season - but he only wants players with the right DNA and identity at the club.

United’s 15-game unbeaten run and good form since the restart has prompted many to get excited about the team’s potential for next season.

While Solskjaer’s side have closed the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea and third-placed Leicester to two and three points respectively, they still sit 34 points behind champions Liverpool and 14 off Pep Guardiola’s City side.

Former club captain Gary Neville said after the 3-0 win against Brighton on Tuesday that United need three or four more players to close the gap on their rivals and move closer to a first title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Solskjaer agreed with the sentiment from his former team-mate, admitting it is going to be a big summer for the club.

“Gary is right in a lot of things he says and of course we cannot think we’re there. If you look at the table, we’re nowhere near where we should be. Consistency has to be improved and we still have to improve on many aspects of the game,” Solskjaer said.

“There’s definitely not going to be any complacency and thinking, ‘We’ve cracked it’ because we’ve got so much to do. It’s an enjoyable journey.

"We can see improvements but, yes, we need to make one or two - or more - very good decisions. It’s going to be an important summer, definitely.”

Solskjaer admitted it is going to be a strange transfer window where he wasn’t expecting a lot of big transfers and, while he said there was plenty of work to be done at the club with the current squad, he outlined what he would be looking for in an incoming transfer.

“You have a certain DNA and identity when you play for Man United or work for Man United, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the canteen or laundry or in admin or on the pitch, you’ve got to be a certain type of character for me,” Solskjaer said.

“I’m very old school in my values. I’m not going to rant and rave. I’d rather open the door or close the door. Either in or out.

"Players who want to sign if they don’t feel right as a person you close the door, players who are inside who don’t feel right and don’t want to contribute to the team ethos and have the betterment of the team at heart then you open the door and let them leave.

"It’s a constant process. Whatever you do every day, that will decide if you’re going to be part of Man United or not. I hope and believe I will always stay true to my principles and values of that.”

Jurgen Klopp says youngsters Harvey Elliott, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones will each receive a Premier League winners' medal – even if it means the Liverpool manager has to give his own away.

The Reds boss insists he will not be tempted to give game-time to the club’s trio of talented teenagers during the final weeks of the campaign. 

“We don’t give Premier League games away for free,” he told reporters at a press conference to preview his side’s game with Aston Villa on Sunday. 

However, when told that players must play a minimum of five league games each to qualify for a league winners' medal, he urged the Premier League to re-think their rules. 

As it stands, Elliott, Williams and Jones – 17, 19 and 19 respectively - have each played only two league games this season. Williams has been used as a substitute in both of Liverpool’s last two matches, while both Elliott and Jones were unused during the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday.

Klopp said: “I would rather [have them] think about the rule again and make it happen that if you played one game then you should have a medal, to be honest.

“Five games, I don’t know who came up with that idea, I hear that for pretty much the first time and I don’t think it’s a good rule.

“If people don’t understand how important a squad is to win a championship then I cannot help them. If you have no games you should get a medal. If you are the second goalie in a team and you have less games then you should have a medal.

“You train five million times over a year and if you don’t train at the highest level you have no chance to win a championship, and somebody decided that you need to have five games to get a medal? 

“These boys will get a medal 100 per cent, even if I produce it by myself. They can have my medal. This rule, what is that? We have to win football games, we cannot just give appearances away.

“They deserve a medal and they will get a medal, if not from the Premier League then from me.”