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Cesc Fabregas is backing Mikel Arteta to succeed in a "difficult job" at Arsenal, with his fellow Spaniard having earned a coaching "masters" alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Questions continue to be asked of whether the Gunners have the right man at their helm, with a relatively inexperienced manager being thrown in at the Premier League deep end.

Arteta has delivered FA Cup and Community Shield glory during his time in the Emirates Stadium dugout and Fabregas believes progress will be made by the 39-year-old, who is about to enter his second full season.

What has been said?

Former Arsenal captain Fabregas told talkSPORT of Arteta and the challenges he faces: "He’s a guy that loves football. He knows what he's doing. He's got a clear idea of where he wants to go.

"Even now, if you speak to some of the players, they will tell you that they really enjoy playing under him, that the trainings are well, that they feel prepared and they know what they're doing."

The World Cup winner added: "He was very lucky in terms of being next to Pep for I don't know how many years exactly but it was like super preparation for a young coach.

"I mean if I could have the chance to do something like that, I think I could grab it without any question because it’s like doing a masters when you are only finishing high school.

"It’s a difficult job, it really is [because of] where he got the club and where the aim is that Arsenal should be, but I think Edu and the board believe a lot in him and hopefully he can be the man to bring this team forward."

The bigger picture

Arteta's contract at Arsenal is due to run until the summer of 2023. He could only deliver an eighth-place finish in 2020-21 as the Gunners missed out on European qualification.

Efforts are being made to get fresh faces on board, as Ben White and Ruben Neves are targeted.

A lack of continental competition could end up working in Arsenal's favour, as their focus is narrowed on domestic action, with the 2021-22 Premier League season set to be opened with a short trip to newly-promoted Brentford on August 13.

Further reading

Manager Steven Gerrard has revealed the reason why new signing Fashion Sakala is yet to link up with the rest of the squad members in Rangers training.

The Zambia international signed a pre-four-year contract agreement with the Scottish Premiership champions at the start of May.

Prior to that, Sakala enjoyed his three-year stay with Belgian First Division A side Oostende, where has featured in more than 85 appearances across all competitions, scoring 24 league goals.

On why the striker is yet to train with Rangers, Gerrard said as quoted by glasgowlive.co.uk:

“We’ve got some passport and Covid-19 issues to get through first but he’s very excited to join us as well.

“We need to add to it, so we’re actively working hard to bring some good players in alongside the recruitment already done in Jack [Simpson], Scott (Wright), Nnamdi [Ofoborh] and Fashion Sakala will join us in the coming days.

“The squad is in good shape but it will better in a few weeks when we add to it. It’s a very exciting time but the message to send is myself, the staff and everyone around this group of players are going to push them even harder than we have before to make sure we add to the success. 55 isn’t gone though, it’s history and it’s fantastic.”

In a recent interview, Gerrard remained confident Sakala will help his side to be "a lot quicker and more dynamic".

"The recruitment system doesn't stop. We've got Jack Simpson and Scott Wright and getting Fashion Sakala done and dusted is helpful for me because they will be here from the first day of pre-season, and having Scott and Jack in earlier, you can see they're already starting to settle," Gerrard said.

"Fashion Sakala is coming in after a productive season in Belgium. He will make us a lot quicker, a lot more dynamic, and gives the squad a lot more pace in the forward areas, so I'm really excited to work with him. There's potential there on a big scale.

"And there's other areas of the team and squad where we're actively working towards strengthening and come to the Champions League qualifiers, whether it's the third round or the fourth, we'll have a team and a squad ready to go and give it our best shot.”

The forward has found the back of the net 13 times and provided three assists in 29 league appearances for the Kustboys this season, amid other dazzling displays.

Arsene Wenger has backed plans to hold the World Cup every two years as part of a revamp of the international football calendar.

World governing body FIFA is currently carrying out a feasibility study into making the men's and women's tournaments a biennial event rather than every four years.

Wenger believes it would be possible to fit more World Cups into the schedule by reducing the amount of qualifying games and international breaks during the season.

What did Wenger say?

The former Arsenal boss is now FIFA’s chief of global football development and a restructuring of international football has been high on his agenda in recent months.

The Frenchman believes the current system of short international breaks dotted throughout the season is not suitable for the modern game as it places a greater strain on the players and can disrupt the campaigns of domestic teams.

Wenger cited the example of Robert Lewandowski, who was injured on international duty with Poland in March and subsequently missed both legs of Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain the following month.

He told Kicker: "I always had the feeling that the many shorter breaks were rather unfavourable for the players. Those were always moments of uncertainty. How are the players feeling mentally afterwards? Do you come back hurt?"

“This is exactly what happened to Robert Lewandowski, who was injured with the Polish national team against Andorra. That ruined Bayern's entire Champions League season.”

Instead, Wenger says there should be one month-long international break in October for teams to play their entire qualifying campaign.

That would see the number of days reserved for international breaks reduced to 28 from 50, and the number of qualifying matches would drop from 10 to seven.

"The national teams can meet in October, play seven qualifying games for a month and then play the finals of a tournament in June,” he added.

"We want to reduce the number of games, that's very important because we can see the condition of the players."

‘More knockout matches, fewer qualifying games’

Wenger says the reduction in the number of days reserved for international breaks would allow for a major tournament to be held each summer with adequate rest time for the players afterwards.

He believes football fans much prefer knockout tournaments than qualifying games, so this would be simply giving them what they want.

"We guarantee a period of rest after every tournament. Think of it this way: 2026 the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada; 2027 a European Championship and the other continental tournaments; 2028 another World Cup; and so on," he said.

"The competitions will all remain in place until 2024, and changes can only be made after that.

"More knockout matches, fewer qualifying games. That's what the fans want."

Further reading

Ex-Nigeria coach and player Samson Siasia has clarified his initial allegations against the government which Minister of Sports Sunday Dare questioned.

The government official, Dare said the former striker had been helped and that the statements made by Siasia had no facts. 

"Why would I lie when I need people to help me? I can't begin to cause confusion when I actually need sympathy and help from people," Siasia said as quoted by All Africa.

"If I said anything in an interview that he disagreed with, he could have invited me to talk, not by going to the public and start embarrassing ourselves. I have very serious issues to worry about... those are the things I am worried about. 

"I am disappointed. They should have taken the plea to the President and told him, this is one of our sons and he needs help. The President ought to know what is going on. I served this country. 

"I won two Olympic medals [as coach], up until now, no handshake; I have trained more than 30 players for this country. Two Olympic medals and to date they have not told me what they would do, with all my players. Nothing."

The 53-year-old went on to explain his relationship with Dare, insisting there are no personal differences.

"With due respect to the minister and his office, since I met him, he has been very nice to me," Siasia continued.

"Why would I have a problem with him? He has tried his best to help me, that is what I am saying. But the position I maintain is that the Federal Government of Nigeria did not back me when I needed help most. I am not a liar.

"So I don't understand which standpoint the minister is coming from. I only said the government did not assist me when I was in trouble with Fifa. I believe he is taking this fight now like his own fight because he is the one representing the government. That is the way I look at it. But I don't lie. That is not fair to me, calling me a liar."

Luke Shaw admits finding it "very strange" that he has already recorded more assists at a European Championship than France legend Zinedine Zidane managed in his entire career at the tournament.

The Manchester United left-back has become the go-to option on the flanks for Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020, with three goals teed up for team-mates during their run to the semi-finals.

Two of those came in Shaw's last outing against Ukraine in the space of four minutes, and the 25-year-old is racing away from the surprising tally of one assist that World Cup winner Zidane - who helped Les Bleus to continental glory in 2000 - recorded for his country at European Championships.

What has been said?

When those figures were put to him, Three Lions star Shaw told reporters: "A very strange stat! A nice one, I think. Obviously Zidane was one of the best midfielders ever and I can’t compare to him, like I’ve said before about different people.

"It’s a nice stat to obviously hear, but the most important thing for me was reaching the semi-final, getting another game at Wembley in front of our own crowd and hopefully making them happy again."

Can Shaw win Mourinho over?

Shaw has been thriving for club and country in 2020-21, winning Players' Player of the Year at Old Trafford ahead of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

He has come a long way in a short of space of time, with questions asked of his Red Devils future when Jose Mourinho singled him out for public criticism in 2017.

That war of words has dragged on, with the Portuguese coach still criticising Shaw in his role as a Euro 2020 pundit, but the rejuvenated defender is eager to bring that saga to a close.

Shaw said after helping England to a 4-0 victory over Ukraine in Rome: "I think Jose has his opinion. He’s obviously working for talkSPORT. It’s freedom of speech and he can say whatever he likes.

"I just keep going, keep my head down, ignore everything and just focus on what’s going on inside the camp. My main objective is to help England. No matter what, I’ll give everything for them and I’ll keep on doing that."

Gareth Southgate's side will be back in action on Wednesday with the semi-final showdown with Denmark at Wembley.

Further reading

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems believes his team did not deserve to lose the FKF Shield Cup final against Gor Mahia on Sunday.

Ingwe missed out on a continental ticket after they suffered a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat against K’Ogalo in the final of the derby staged at Nyayo Stadium.

After a 0-0 draw at full-time, the Mashemeji clubs had to engage in the shootout in order for the winner to be determined and Gor Mahia emerged superior after Ingwe failed to convert two of their opening spot-kicks.

Sydney Ochieng, Kenneth Muguna, Samuel Onyango, and Clifton Miheso scored for Gor Mahia while Washington Munene scored the only goal for AFC Leopards after Isaac Kipyegon and Said Tsuma were unable to convert their penalties.

The Belgian tactician, who was eyeing his first trophy with Ingwe since joining them at the start of the season, believes his team deserved to carry the day as they played attractive football but luck was not on their side.

“Football is cruel,” Aussems wrote on his Twitter handle. “Today [Sunday] AFC Leopards played attractive football but were beaten on penalties.

“I would like to thank my players, my staff for their commitment in recent weeks under extremely difficult circumstances. Can't wait to see fans in the stands! Future is bright!”

AFC should have finished off the game in the first half where they dominated play and missed a host of chances with their lead striker Elvis Rupia responsible.

The former Nzoia Sugar striker had a one-on-one situation on two occasions but could not beat K’Ogalo keeper Gad Mathews, who was outstanding and he eventually saved two penalties to hand his side the trophy.

Gor Mahia have now won the domestic trophy for the 11th time in their history and have assured themselves of continental football yet again next season.

K’Ogalo will take part in the Caf Confederation Cup while Tusker will represent the country in the Champions League.

Sergio Busquets claims to have received no offers to leave Barcelona for MLS and is still hoping to line up alongside Lionel Messi at Camp Nou in 2021-22.

A long-serving part of the fold in Catalunya has seen a summer switch mooted as La Liga giants seek to generate funds and freshen up their ranks.

He is tied to a contract through to 2023, but there has been talk of the World Cup winner being lured away from his roots by enticing offers from the United States.

What has been said?

Busquets, who is still chasing down Euro 2020 glory with Spain, insists those approaches are yet to come, telling El Partidazo de Cope when quizzed on the MLS rumours: "I have a valid contract and I am very comfortable at the club."

Is Messi staying at Barcelona?

While Busquets remains tied to terms at Barca, one fellow La Masia academy graduate has seen his deal expire.

Argentine icon Messi, who is another of those to have spent his entire career to date with Barca, is a free agent at present.

Discussions regarding an extended stay at Camp Nou remain ongoing, with the Blaugrana working their way around salary cap issues, and Busquets remains optimistic when it comes to the future of a talismanic team-mate.

He added: "I trust the president and Leo's feeling.

"I wish him the best and I hope we can continue playing together for years."

Right choice made with Koeman?

Uncertainty continues to reign when it comes to a number of established stars on the field in Barcelona, but stability has been found off it.

Ronald Koeman has been cleared to see out the second year of his coaching contract, with Busquets pleased to see the Dutchman staying on.

He said of the decision to stick with a man that delivered Copa del Rey glory in 2020-21: "The project needed stability and time, last year he did a good job.

"I'm sure it will go well."

Further reading

Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has asked football agents to stop taking players from the country to unknown leagues in Europe.

Instead, Pinnick, who also serves as a Fifa official, has promised to help players from the West African nation to join top clubs in major leagues in Europe giving examples of Villarreal, Valencia, and Lille.

The FA President was speaking while addressing home-based Super Eagles players in Los Angeles on Saturday night ahead of their friendly against Mexico.

The team suffered a 4-0 defeat during the friendly staged at the Los Angeles Coliseum, a double from Atletico Madrid star Hector Herrera and lone goals from Rogelio Funes Mori and Jonathan dos Santos steered El Tri to a comfortable victory as they wrapped up preparations for their 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign which will begin on July 11.

“If you’re living in Nigeria, you’re going to a top club. Villarreal, Valencia, Lille, and all those proud footballing clubs and not to one mushroom club that you’re better off,” he said as quoted by Brila.net.

With players eager to move to Europe, most NPFL players are known for making moves abroad in the name of seeking greener pastures but according to Pinnick, his administration will do everything possible to help them get top clubs.

“I want to expose you, people, to the highest levels so when you’re going to a foreign club, and we won’t allow any agent take you to countries like Cyprus, Belarus, etc., no, never we won’t allow it and I will make sure no transfer is issued on situations like that."

Sunday's result extended Mexico's dominance over Nigeria, and after six games, El Tri have now won three games and the West Africans remain winless after three outings ended in draws.

In the absence of Heartland goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Enyimba forward Anayo Iwuala was handed the armband and he led Gernot Rohr’s side for the entire 90 minutes while Lobi Stars’ Nwabili got the nod to stay in between the sticks ahead of Enyimba’s John Noble.

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles are winless in their last eight friendly matches and their last victory dates back to March 2019 when they edged Egypt 1-0 in Asaba.

Next up for Nigeria is the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers which will start in September. The three-time African champions are in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Central African Republic, and Liberia.

The 2021 edition of the Copa America is underway, and Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Colombia are the four semi-finalists vying for the top prize.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been the standout performer in the competition with four goals and has also provided as many assists. Interestingly, it must be mentioned that Messi has never won the Golden Boot award at Copa America.

Messi needs four more goals to equal Norbeto Mendez (Agrentina) and Zizinho (Brazil)’s tally of 17 goals each, who are the all-time top scorers at Copa America.

He started the 2021 edition of the tournament in style with a gem of a free-kick against Chile before adding a couple against Bolivia in their last group game. In the quarterfinal against Ecuador, Messi was in sublime form as he provided two assists and scored at the death from a free-kick.

Messi is the only player with four goals to his name. There are 10 players who have scored twice in this competition however, only five are still in contention with their teams being in the semis.

The other players who have scored two goals are: Erwin Saavedra (Bolivia), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) Ángel Romero (Paraguay), Ayrton Preciado (Ecuador) and  Eduardo Vargas (Chile)

The 2021-22 season of the LaLiga, Spanish football's top-tier league, is all set to kick-off from August 1, 2021.

With some of Europe's biggest clubs in action in LaLiga, the competition will certainly be of interest to fans worldwide. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona will be plotting to win the league title this time around while Atletico Madrid's objective will be to retain the title they sensationally won on the final matchday in the 2020-21 season. 

Real Madrid will open their 2021-22 campaign against Alaves while Barcelona will take on Real Sociedad. Defending champions Atletico will start with an away match against Celta Vigo.

While in the 2020-21 season, LaLiga was streamed in India by Facebook and was not available on TV, that will not be the case in the 2021-22 season. 

Here's how to catch all the LaLiga action from India in the 2021-22 season: 
 

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Where to watch or stream LaLiga from India?

Viacom18 Media have won the rights to stream LaLiga in India for the next three years. 

MTV, the flagship channel of Viacom18, will air LaLiga matches exclusively in the upcoming season along with select national and regional network channels. 

LaLiga will also be available for streaming through Voot and Jio platforms.

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LaLiga 2021-22 fixtures

Matchday 1

*All LaLiga matches may be streamed online on Voot/Jio TV. Not all matches might be streamed on MTV and it will updated as when we have more information and clarity. The regional channels in addition to MTV will be communicated in due course.

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Related links

On the one hand, it’s pretty easy to understand why Everton fans were largely united in protestation before Rafael Benitez was appointed this week.

While some of those objections went disgracefully overboard, the Spaniard’s selection means he becomes only the second-ever manager to take charge of Liverpool and the Toffees.

129 years since William Edward Barclay, the former Newcastle United boss replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, following the latter’s return to Real Madrid, and now must help Everton bounce back from losing the most decorated manager in the club's history.

Despite the Merseyside Derby dubbed ‘the friendly derby’, supporters of the Goodison Park outfit showed their disgust at the move. While Barclay’s century-long record may give an insight into the antipathy felt by Evertonians, 61-year-old Benitez’s seemingly derogatory comments about the club when he managed their Anfield rivals probably provoked the angry reaction.

However, are those frustrations misdirected?

Managerial changes unavoidably prompt discussions over players and how they fit or otherwise in the new regime, and it’s no different for Nigeria star Alex Iwobi.

Last season was pretty mixed for the Super Eagle: he began the campaign out of Ancelotti’s squads, worked his way back into the team via moonlighting at wing-back, before petering out in the final months of 2020/21.

Admittedly, the club’s season that promised a place in Europe at the halfway point fell flat on its face at the denouement, reasonably insulating the Nigerian who never seemed to earn the trust of the experienced Italian boss.

Regardless of a few strong performances when he deputised at right wing-back, the former Arsenal player looked to be nothing but a makeshift, rotational performer under the three-time Champions League winner.

Having to make do with being an unused substitute in four of Everton’s last seven games somewhat reflected Ancelotti’s trust — or lack thereof — in the West African as the Merseyside club clung to fading hopes of playing in Europe in 2021/22.

Ostensibly, there doesn’t seem to be a clear path for the attacking midfielder despite the change in the dugout, especially with James Rodriguez and Richarlison still at the club.

Despite Benitez mostly utilising a back five in his final season at Newcastle, his preferred formation for the majority of his English football career was 4-2-3-1—a tactic he deployed in 2017/18, after guiding the Magpies back to the top flight from the Championship.

As it is, the Colombia playmaker looks set to play another year at least in the Premier League having been attracted to the club by Ancelotti last summer. Injuries may have limited the South American’s game time as last season wore on, but his individual quality indicates he’s the first-choice attacking midfielder.

The left flank slot is presumably occupied by Richarlison, whose best displays for the club have been as an inside forward on that side. While he can play as a makeshift frontman and on the right flank, there’s an expectation to see Benitez deploy the former Watford player in his preferred position.

This leaves Iwobi facing a battle in his third campaign on Merseyside because his path to consistent football may not be assured.

Indeed, the former Golden Boy nominee probably wouldn’t have envisaged a situation in which he’d not be a regular after two seasons at USM Finch Farm. Having said that, should that be the attacking midfielder’s greatest worry at Goodison Park?

Arguably more concerning for the Nigerian ought to be the club’s unclear direction under Farhad Moshiri. The British-Iranian businessman has been vocal about his ambition to see Everton upset the applecart in England and compete consistently with the so-called top six.

The club’s proposed stadium move and heavy investment since 2016 has been marked, but the Merseyside team’s method seems utterly bizarre.

While terms like ‘identity' and ‘approach’ can sometimes be overused in football, the Toffees’ questionable modus operandi leaves a lot to be desired.

Not only will Iwobi be starting his third year with a different head coach in charge, but all three also have little or nothing in common.

Marco Silva lasted less than six months after the attacking midfielder signed, Ancelotti spent around 18 months after joining in December 2019 and Benitez will be the new man for next season.

Throw in the appointments of Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce before Silva, and Moshiri’s high aspirations for Everton may well never get off the ground if their identity continues to confuse.

Benitez, in isolation, is one of the cleverest tactical minds in the game and, in theory, ought to make this Toffees group even harder to beat and competitive if the players absorb his ideas.

Supporters may still bear a grudge over the Spaniard’s condescending comments years back, but the club’s broader approach should prompt more concerns for fans.

Iwobi, likewise, ought to be anxious as the Merseyside club seemingly continue to be pushed from pillar to post in their ambitious aspirations to challenge the league’s heavyweights.

Euro 2020 has reached its business end as four (Denmark, England, Italy and Spain) out of the 24 teams have reached the semifinals and are vying to win the ultimate prize.

The tournament has seen strong teams get knocked out prematurely. Defending champions Portugal and reigning world champions France were eliminated by Belgium and Switzerland respectively from the Round of 16 while Netherlands were dumped out by Czech Republic.

Premier League champions Manchester City and UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea have the most number of players left in the tournament (seven) followed by another fellow English club Manchester United and Serie A giants Juventus who have five players left.

Among the other English clubs, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur still have two players each while Arsenal only have one left in Bukayo Saka.

Among the giants of Europe, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the only clubs that do not have any players left in Euro 2020.

It must be noted that Jadon Sancho was a Borussia Dortmund player at the beginning of the tournament but midway into the competition his transfer to Manchester United was confirmed so in the list below, Sancho has been considered as a Man United player.

Players of European giants left in Euro 2020

Player representation of clubs at the beginning of Euro 2020

Chelsea had the most number of representatives (15) at the beginning of the tournament followed by Manchester City and Bayern Munich. While eight Chelsea players are eliminated from the competition, City saw seven players going out of the tournament before the semis and Bayern all of their players out of the competition.

* Jadon Sancho considered as a Dortmund player before the tournament started.
* Eric Garcia was also considered as a Dortmund player before the tournament started but he switched to Barcelona midway.
* Dean Henderson was also considered in the Manchester United list since he was part of the England squad at the start of the tournament but then pulled out due to injury.

Brazil will be looking to make their second successive Copa America final when they take on Peru at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.

It will be second time the two teams face each other in the Copa America 2021 after their meeting in Group B where Brazil had emerged victorious 4-0. The defending champions defeated Chile 1-0 to reach the semifinals and are unbeaten in the tournament so far.

Whereas Peru advanced to the penultimate game of the tournament after beating Paraguay 4-3 on penalties in the quarterfinals, after the two teams were locked at 3-3 at the end of regulation time.

Here's how to watch Brazil vs Peru in India.

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What time does Brazil vs Chile start?

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How to watch Brazil vs Peru on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Copa America 2021 will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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Brazil vs Peru: Team news & key stats

Gabriel Jesus saw straight red for a high kick on Eugenio Mena in Brazil's quarterfinal clash against, but head coach Tite has ample options in the absence of the Manchester City forward. Neymar will be raring to lead the attack alongside Richarlyson and Robert Firmino with the likes of Fred and Casemiro to feature in midfield. Atletico Madrid defender Felipe is ruled out with a knee injury.

Peruvian winger Andre Carrillo also faces suspension for a red in his side's last match. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca will be relieved with the return Christian Ramos from suspension, although he faces concerns over the fitness of Alexander Callens who is back training since his thigh injury against in the 2-2 draw against Ecuador in the group stage.

Key Stats:

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Further reading: