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Indomitable Lions legend Samuel Eto'o has conceded he was hurt by Jose Mourinho's decision to join AS Roma.

The 58-year-old coach was relieved of his duties at Tottenham on April 19, with the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager failing to convince a third Premier League employer.

The Portuguese, however, secured a move to the Serie A outfit, signing a three-year contract with them. It is a move that hurt the former Cameroon striker.

"It hurt me, I am not going to lie, to see the one who gave me the chance to win titles in Italy to go to another [Italian] club," Eto'o told AS.

"But I know that he is happy and our friendship is above everything. I would have liked to see Mourinho at Inter again. But I will always wish him luck at Roma. But he has to understand that no matter how much I love him, for me Inter will always come before."

Having massive experience in football in Africa and abroad, does the former Barcelona star wish to coach?

"I am happy and that is the most important thing. I can share great moments with great people," Eto'o continued.

"I have been living in Doha for over four years, where I have met some great people. This city gives me great opportunities. I get up, I go to work, in the afternoon I can get on a boat, enjoy the beach, the food ... These are things that can only be experienced here."

Eto'o then discussed the topics of Sergio Ramos recently announcing he will be ending his 16-year stay at Real Madrid, and Lionel Messi's future.

"Hopefully Sergio goes to PSG. If I could sign him for Barça, I would. If he goes to PSG, I will be happy and I know that he will help us win the Champions League, which is proving very difficult for us. 

"I know that Messi loves Barcelona, that he has no problems, and that it is not a question of money. The only thing is the project, which has to be reliable and I know that Joan [Laporta, the new president] is working on that. He has to enjoy the time he has left, football owes it to him, not just Barca.

"He has given us everything, he has to enjoy it and win titles. Messi is God and when you have a God you just have to admire him."

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma headlines Bafana Bafana’s 20-man squad for the 2021 Cosafa Cup tournament.

Bvuma is arguably the most experienced player in the team which will do duty at the 20th edition of the regional competition to be staged in Gqeberha from July 6 to 18.

Bafana will be led by assistant coach Helkman Mkhalele who will be helped by national Under-17 head coach Vela Khumalo as South Africa bid for a sixth title having last been crowned Cosafa champions in 2016.

South Africa are in Group A with Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana.

“The objective is to win the Cosafa Cup and that will help us with our preparations for the World Cup qualifiers,” Mkhalele told the media.

The squad to be led by Mkhalele is wholly composed of Premier Soccer League players and none of them is above the age of 30.

About half of the squad is made up of those selected into the senior national team for the first time ever including Golden Arrows goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana, SuperSport United defender Keenan Phillips, Mashweu Mphahlele of Baroka FC and his teammate Goodman Mosele as well as Bloemfontein Celtic left-back Sifiso Ngobeni.

Swallows FC midfielder Kgaogelo Sekgota, Black Leopards’ Tiklas Thutlwa, Happy Mashiane of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa have also received debut call-ups.

Pirates’ Vincent Pule is back into the national team and will be one of the experienced players.

From the squad which faced Uganda in an international friendly match earlier this month, the likes of Rushine De Reuck, Denwin Farmer, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sphelele Mkhulise, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Ethan Brooks have been retained.

Bafana open their Cosafa campaign against Botswana on July 6 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, before taking on Eswatini at Isaac Wolfson Stadium three days later.

They then return to Nelson Mandela Bay to conclude their group fixtures against Lesotho on July 13. 

Bafana squad

Goalkeepers: Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Mlungwana (Golden Arrows)

Defenders: Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Denwin Farmer (Baroka FC), Siyabonga Ngezana (Kaizer Chiefs), Njabulo Ngcobo (Swallows FC), Keenan Phillips (SuperSport United), Mashweu Mphahlele (Baroka FC), Sifiso Ngobeni (Bloemfontein Celtic), Bongani Sam (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Sphelele Mkhulise (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Siyethemba Sithebe (AmaZulu FC), Kgaogelo Sekgota (Swallows FC), Tiklas Thutlwa (Black Leopards), Happy Mashiane (Kaizer Chiefs), Vincent Pule (Orlando Pirates)

Strikers: Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates), Goodman Mosele (Baroka FC), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United)

Pau Torres remains "totally calm" as transfer talk rages around him, with the Villarreal defender ignoring rumours of interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid while on Euro 2020 duty with Spain.

The 24-year-old centre-half continues to see his stock rise at domestic and international level, with leading sides across Europe ready to spark a scramble for his signature in the summer window.

Torres is aware of the interest he is generating, but is happy in his current surroundings - having helped his hometown club to Europa League glory in 2021 - and is not about to be dragged into a debate regarding his future.

What has been said?

Asked by Goal about the United and Madrid speculation, Torres said: "I have a contract at Villarreal, I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot. 

"Now I'm focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I'm totally calm."

Pressed on whether those "nice things" will be taken in with Villarreal, he added: "Yes."

Torres went on to say when asked if anyone can turn down Real: "I live in my home town, very quiet, doing beautiful things and fighting for great things with my hometown team. 

"I'm totally calm, right now I am only focused on the European Championship, on Wednesday (when Spain will take on Slovakia)."

Starring role for Spain

Torres has taken on added responsibility with his country following the surprise omission of Sergio Ramos from Spain's Euros squad, with the Real Madrid icon - who is severing ties with the Blancos as a free agent - missing out on selection at the end of an injury-hit campaign.

"I spoke with him several times. Both he and the coach have explained the decision," Torres said of the decision to overlook a World Cup winner.

"Sergio has spent a lot of the season injured, unfortunately. I was the first one who wanted to see him here because I appreciate him a lot. 

"We are the ones who are here, we are the ones who have to take this forward. 

"I've got on well with Sergio from the first day I came to the national team, for me he has always been a benchmark and now that he has to decide where his future is, I wish him the best and that the decision he makes is the best for him and for his family."

Coach questions

Spain have remained solid without Ramos, but they are struggling for firepower at the other end of the field and have taken just two points from as many Euro 2020 outings.

Qualification can still be secured against Slovakia, but questions are being asked of whether Luis Enrique can inspire another tilt at glory for the 2008 and 2012 winners.

Torres is convinced that the former Barcelona boss remains the right man for the job, saying: "The coach is our leader from day one, the team play the style he wants.

"I think he is proud that we do what he asks of us on the field. We will continue to do so. We all believe and know that this way is the right way for the results to arrive.

"We see him as being as positive as he was at the beginning, with even more desire for that first victory to come. Very excited, as we all are, to continue in the tournament."

Asked if there are any doubts over Enrique, Torres added: "No, no, no, not at all."

Spain currently sit third in Group D, but can still progress to the last 16 as table-toppers if they see off Slovakia and Sweden fail to overcome Poland.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom has admitted making reckless tackles during matches and promised to make amends.

The 21-year Chiefs defensive midfielder has accumulated six yellow cards and one red this season, because of his tackles which have seen him receive a fair share of criticism.

Blom, who inspired Chiefs to a 1-0 first leg Caf Champions League win against Wydad Casablanca, stated the following in the interview.

“I feel like I have been reckless in some games in terms of my tackles but then I also feel like perfecting tackles comes with experience. As time goes, I am positive that I will get it right,’’ Blom said as quoted by Sowetan.

“Sometimes as a player, you struggle with the tempo of the game and use those tough tackles to break down the opposition’s momentum. But, all in all, I understand that I have to eliminate those types of tackles because they could cost my team."

Against Wydad, Blom was the chief architect as he assisted Samir Nurkovic to score the all-important goal in Morocco which helped put Chiefs in a good position to advance to the final.

On whether the Soweto giants stand a chance to win the Champions League, Blom said: “We take it game by game but, to be honest, winning the Champions League would mean we had a successful season, what happened domestically is behind us now.”

Blom was also among the four players from Chiefs, who made the cut in the best Caf XI of the week others being goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, defender Erick Mathoho, and Nurkovic.

Nurkovic's goal had initially been ruled off-side, but when VAR intervened, it was clear that the Serbian had been onside when Blom played in a pin-point cross.

Blom had an industrious game in midfield and repaid the faith shown in him as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo had started the match on the bench.

Mathoho, meanwhile, was a tower of strength at the back and was well supported by the rest of the Amakhosi defence, who all put in big shifts.

Especially outstanding on the night was Bvuma, who had arguably his best ever game for Chiefs in goal.

The second leg of the semi-final will take place at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 18:00 kick-off.

Luis Suarez has effectively ruled out a return to Premier League football being made, with the Uruguayan admitting he would find it "strange" to represent any side other than Liverpool.

A second stint at Anfield for the South American has been mooted, but he appears set to remain at Atletico Madrid after inspiring them to La Liga title glory in 2020-21.

With the prolific presence now being 34 years of age, another spell in England appears to have passed him by - especially as he has no interest in turning out for a direct rival of his former club.

What has been said?

Suarez, who scored 82 goals for the Reds across three-and-a-half years, told World Soccer Magazine: "Playing for any team other than Liverpool in England would be hard.

"I had, and hope I still do have, such a good relationship with Liverpool fans that it would be strange for me to play for somebody else.

"It would have been special to win the league with Liverpool, but I am glad that their wait is now over.

"They look like a team that will compete for many seasons to come even if this one has not been the best for them. They are back where they belong."

Is Suarez staying put?

There had been talk of an exit clause in Suarez's contract that would allow him to walk away from Atletico this summer, but there appears to be little chance of ways being parted.

"At the moment I am enjoying my time here. I enjoy it here, we are settled in Spain - there is no need to think about me leaving," the veteran frontman added on his immediate future.

"When I think how well I have settled in at Atletico and the faith the coach has shown in me, it was easily the right decision for me."

Gerrard reunion?

Plans to stay put rule out any change of scenery being taken in during the current window, with Suarez laughing off any suggestion that he may be tempted to take in a reunion with ex-Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard at Scottish Premiership champions Rangers.

"I think Stevie is doing just fine without me!" he said of linking up with his former captain in Glasgow.

"I am pleased but not at all surprised to see him win the league with Rangers.

"Winning is what he does and at some point in the future I am sure he will be at Liverpool again."

Further reading

Burnley and Brighton are among a host of clubs keen on signing Nat Phillips from Liverpool this summer, Goal can reveal.

The centre-back is attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides following an impressive breakthrough campaign for the Reds last season, with Newcastle and Southampton also making enquiries.

And while Liverpool sources insist that no decision has been made on the 24-year-old’s future, Goal understands that there is a deal to be done if the price is right, and that the player himself is open to the idea of moving on.

What’s the situation?

Phillips emerged as a surprise hero at Anfield last season, playing a key role in the second half of the campaign as Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a crucial top-four finish.

But with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all close to returning from long-term injury, and with Ibrahima Konate signed from RB Leipzig in a £36 million ($50m) deal, it appears first-team opportunities will be limited next season.

Liverpool would be reluctant sellers, with Klopp a big fan of Phillips’ attitude and professionalism. Reds supporters, too, have taken to the former Bolton man, who made 20 appearances in all competitions last season.

Phillips still has two years left on his contract, but is keen to play regular football, as he revealed in an exclusive interview to be published on Goal this week.

“The plan at the moment is to go back to Liverpool for pre-season and just go from there, really,” he said,

“Every player wants to be playing games, and at the stage I’m at, I need to be playing games for my development. I think if you look from my first game last season to my last, there was development and I felt a lot more confident and comfortable. I want to keep that progression.

“In terms of Liverpool, they obviously play a huge amount of games every year. Game-time is never guaranteed for anyone, but it would depend on whether there’s enough opportunity within those games for me, I guess.”

Who is leading the race?

Goal has learned that Burnley and Brighton are the two clubs to have expressed the strongest interest as things stand.

Both would appear to be good fits, particularly if they were to lose one of their first-choice centre-backs in the coming weeks. Burnley’s James Tarkowski has been linked with Leicester, while Brighton’s Ben White is a target for Arsenal.

Newcastle and Southampton, too, have made contact with Liverpool over Phillips, who also has admirers in Europe on the back of his impressive performances last season, and a decent loan spell with Stuttgart in the German Second Division in 2019-20.

How much would Liverpool want for him?

Reds sources insist there is no clamour to sell this summer, though they are sympathetic to Phillips’ situation, and his desire to play regularly.

Certainly, his value has rocketed since last summer, when he was close to joining Swansea in the Championship. Then, he would have commanded a fee of less than £4m ($5.5m), but Liverpool would be looking for at least treble that now.

They have been able to get good prices for unwanted players in recent seasons, moving on the likes of Danny Ings, Dominic Solanke, Rhian Brewster, Ki-Jana Hoever, Ryan Kent, Dejan Lovren, Simon Mignolet, Danny Ward and Rafael Camacho for decent, and sometimes remarkable, money. 

Sporting director Michael Edwards, and his assistant Julian Ward, are well aware of the fees paid for centre-backs in the Premier League recently, and Phillips’ price will be set accordingly against those. 

Liverpool view the likes of Adam Webster, who joined Brighton from Bristol City, Ben Godfrey (Norwich to Everton), Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough to Burnley) and Alfie Mawson (Swansea to Fulham) as comparable deals.

The Reds are also aware that Championship club Stoke have been asking for up to £20m ($28m) for Nathan Collins, a player without any top-flight experience, this summer. 

Collins, in fact, is also wanted by Burnley, though it is understood that move would not affect any potential bid for Phillips.

Who else is likely to leave Liverpool?

As reported earlier this week, the Reds are prepared to offload young full-back Neco Williams, with Southampton and Leeds leading the race for the £10m-rated Wales international.

The futures of Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino remain uncertain - all three would be sold if a suitable offer was received - while Harry Wilson and Marko Grujic are being lined up for permanent moves having spent the last few seasons out on loan. Winger Sheyi Ojo and goalkeeper Loris Karius also fall into that category, as does Ben Woodburn. 

Striker Taiwo Awoniyi is another in the shop window, and should find his options boosted after securing a UK work permit. What happens with Ben Davies, the January signing from Preston who is yet to play a single minute for the club, remains to be seen.

Further reading 

Black Stars midfielder Afriyie Acquah has reportedly sealed a move to Saudi Arabian Pro League outfit Al Batin FC.

The experienced West African has been playing for Turkish Super Lig charges Yeni Malatyaspor for the last two seasons, but the two parties opted to stop the association after his contract expired.

However, the 29-year-old has now found a new home in Saudi Arabia where he will be expected to use his experience to help his new team.

"[Acquah] had a very good season in Turkey and the player is in great shape for this adventure," his agent Oliver Arthur said as quoted by GhanaSoccernet.

"This is new terrain with new challenges but Acquah has always risen to the occasion and so I know he can meet expectations."

Al Batin concluded last season with 36 points from the 30 games they played. They managed nine wins, as many draws, and 12 losses. They scored 43 goals and conceded 55 in the process. 

The Black Star spent two seasons at Yeni Malatyaspor, making 59 appearances and scoring three goals. His new team hopes the experience possessed by the West African will help them have a better forthcoming campaign as opposed to the concluded one.

Acquah has initially played for Italian side Palermo from 2011-2013 where he made 31 appearances. He also played a combined 54 matches for Parma albeit on loan from Palermo and German side 1899 Hoffenheim respectively. 

He was also loaned out by the Bundesliga side to Sampdoria in the 2015 season, where he played 10 matches and scored one goal.

Between 2015-2018, he played for Serie A charges Torino whereby he scored five goals in the 71 games played. His consistency attracted Empoli who went for his services in 2018. 

In the one season he played for them, he managed two goals from the 28 matches before leaving for Turkey.

Acquah has been a regular for Black Stars since 2012, and has so far played 36 international matches, scoring once.

Ghana attacker Christian Atsu believes the high criticism of the performance of Black Stars FM in recent times is justified.

The Black Stars have not won a major trophy since clinching the Africa Cup of Nations in Libya in 1982.

Their best performances have been multiple finishes as losing finalists at the continental showpiece and reaching the quarter-final of the World Cup in 2010.

"We fight for the fans, we play for the fans and if you have noticed, if the fans are not behind us, we perform badly you know," Atsu told Starr Sports.

“But I know the fans don’t see this, we play for them and also give our everything for them but our best has not been enough for them and we deserve criticism from them.

“We just promise that everyday things will be much better."

Atsu made his first tournament appearance for Ghana at the 2013 Afcon tournament where the Black Stars finished fourth after losing to Burkina Faso in the semi-finals and Mali in the third-place play-off.

He then helped the West Africans to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they endured a disappointing time, exiting the championship in the group stage for the first time.

At the 2015 Afcon in Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, led by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, surpassed expectations to reach the final of the competition, just falling short in a penalty shoot-out to Cote d'Ivoire.

Atsu produced his best run of fine performances for Ghana at the tournament, ending the championship as the Player of the Tournament and also winning the Goal of the Tournament gong.

In 2017 Atsu was once again part of Ghana's set-up at the Afcon, where they bowed to eventual champions Cameroon in the semi-finals.

Ghana failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup altogether, and at the 2019 Afcon tournament, it was a terrible time for Atsu individually and at team level.

In Egypt, the former Newcastle United winger's tournament ended prematurely as he picked up an injury in Ghana's second group game against Cameroon.

The Black Stars also exited the tournament at the Round of 16 stage, their first failure to reach the quarter-finals of the competition since 2006.

Eder Militao says it is "a pity that Sergio Ramos left Real Madrid", with the Brazilian defender disappointed to be no longer working alongside "a legend" at Santiago Bernabeu.

Efforts were made to keep a World Cup winner in the Spanish capital, but deadlines for contract extensions passed and an iconic centre-half is now preparing to head elsewhere.

Militao may be about to see the path cleared for him to take on a more regular role at the heart of Real's defence, but he would have preferred to have remained in competition with an all-time great.

What has been said?

"It’s a pity that Ramos left Real Madrid," Militao told reporters while away on Copa America duty with Brazil.

"I say it because inside our dressing room he was amazing. 

"We all know the history he made and what he achieved during his years at Real Madrid. I don’t have words to describe how important he was.

"All that I learned from him these two years... he’s just an amazing person, he has a winning mentality.

"He’s surely a club legend and also a legend for those who like football. I wish him good luck and happiness wherever he goes."

Where will Ramos end up?

Ramos is yet to reveal where he will be plying his trade in 2021-22, with leading sides from across Europe said to be expressing interest in acquiring his undoubted talent.

Paris Saint-Germain appear to be leading that hunt, with the Ligue 1 heavyweights looking to add another vastly-experienced option to their defensive unit.

Premier League teams are also said to be keen, but Manchester United appear to be exploring alternative options as they mull over moves for the likes of Pau Torres and Raphael Varane.

A stint in MLS has also been mooted for Ramos, but it may be that he delays any move to America until he has taken in at least one more shot at Champions League glory.

Further reading

Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango claims to have no issue with coach Josef Zinnbauer having regularly given preference to Deon Hotto last season.

Last season was a stop-start one for Mhango, who had in the previous campaign been the joint top scorer in the league with 16 goals for the Sea Robbers.

Despite Mhango being a natural striker, Zinnbauer at times left the former Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows and Bidvest Wits man on the bench and used players such as  Hotto, Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch (all of them attacking/ wide midfielders) upfront.

According to Mhango, Zinnbauer explained why he was snubbed at the time, and he claims to have no complaints about the German coach.

“It was the coach’s system that he wanted to use. Before games we’d talk - he’d tell me that in this game the opposition is like this and that so he’ll start Hotto and I didn’t complain," Mhango told the Sowetan.

Of the 22 league matches he featured in, the 28-year-old started just nine of those.

“I know people might have complained that I didn’t start while Hotto started up front, but they must understand that this is football and what happens is usually based on the coach’s philosophy at that given time," Mhango added.

Two of Bucs' other strikers, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Zakhele Lepasa, missed large portions of the season through injury, although Mabasa bounced back strongly in the final months of the campaign.

Pressure has been growing from Bucs supporters for the club to part ways with Zinnbauer, and one of their qualms has been the perceived misuse of Mhango.

Under Zinnbauer the Buccaneers were able to end a six-year wait for a trophy when they claimed the MTN8 title in December.

In the league they finished third, 17 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns and four points behind AmaZulu, claiming a spot in the Caf Confederation Cup for next season.

Manchester United have announced four games to be played in England as part of their pre-season plans.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will face Derby, QPR, Brentford and Everton as they prepare for the new season. 

The latter two games will be played at Old Trafford and, should there be no further setbacks to the government's easing of restrictions, fans will be allowed into the stadium, in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines. 

When are the games? 

Solskjaer’s side kick off their pre-season away to Wayne Rooney’s Derby on July 18 before a week-long UK-based training camp.

They will then take on QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on July 24, before two matches at Old Trafford against Brentford and Everton respectively.

The fixture against the Championship play-off winners will be played on July 28, while the meeting with the Toffees is scheduled for August 7.

The new Premier League season kicks off on August 13, with United’s opener against Leeds being played at lunchtime on August 14.

Why aren't United going abroad? 

Goal can confirm the club has been exploring a number of options with regards to playing games abroad and a potential training camp on warmer shores.

However, government travel legislation has made planning very difficult, with requirements to quarantine after travelling in from the vast majority of countries. 

Ordinarily United would travel to a far-flung destination, their last tour in 2019 took in Australia, China and a game in Norway, but the current status of the pandemic means this has not been possible. 

Due to the short break between campaigns last year, Solskjaer’s side barely managed to have a pre-season due to their Europa League commitments. They squeezed in one game against Aston Villa and their poor start to the campaign was blamed on their lack of pre-season preparations.

What's been said? 

Manchester United's chief operating officer, Collette Roche said following confirmation of the pre-season schedule: "This year’s pre-season schedule has been planned with the current travel restrictions in mind, whilst providing Ole and the players with the best possible preparations for the new season.

"Playing two pre-season matches at Old Trafford will also give us another opportunity to welcome fans back safely into the stadium ahead of the new Premier League season."

Further reading

Ronald Koeman is giving little away when it comes to Ousmane Dembele's future at Barcelona, with the French forward seeing exit talk resurface on the back of an unfortunate injury suffered at Euro 2020.

The World Cup winner has seen his European Championship campaign cut short by a knee problem picked up after stepping off the bench in a meeting with Hungary.

Dembele is now stuck on the treatment table, but is also approaching the final year of his contract at Camp Nou and continues to see a summer move mooted as Barca bring in attacking reinforcements such as Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay.

What has been said?

Blaugrana boss Koeman told reporters of the latest setback suffered by Dembele: "I can’t say much about it because it’s bad luck that he got injured."

He added when asked if the France international will form part of his plans next season: "In principle I count on everyone. 

"We’re working on improving our squad and they are decisions that we have to take.

"We have to accept some things, look and analyse, but right now it’s the holidays and thinking about next season. There are some things you have to accept."

Further additions

Alongside Aguero and Depay, Barcelona have also put deals in place for Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal.

Further additions are being lined up, despite financial issues in Catalunya, with Koeman hoping to welcome more fresh faces into his ranks during the summer window.

He added when asked about recent business, with Dutch forward Depay the latest to arrive on a two-year contract: "He’s a very good signing, as are Kun and Eric Garcia. 

"The rest, well, like all teams we’re working to reinforce the squad."

His own future

There was a time when it appeared unlikely that Koeman would be overseeing recruitment business in the latest window, with serious questions being asked of his ongoing presence.

He has, however, been freed to see out the final year of his contract and is now fully focused on getting Barca ready for the 2021-22 campaign.

The Dutchman said of the uncertainty surrounding his future: "It’s true it was a week, or 10 days, a bit uncomfortable for both sides, we had important meetings and the club, the president and I had a lot of excitement to take on next season, I hope with fans. 

"There are things we’ve talked about and there is no problem."

Further reading

La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned that Lionel Messi can only be registered for the 2021-22 season if Barcelona reduce their wage bill.

Messi's future remains the subject of much debate as he approaches the end of his current contract with the Blaugrana.

The Catalan giants announced debts in excess of €1 billion (£858m/$1.2bn) in January amid the loss of matchday revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Tebas says they will need to cut salary costs across the squad in order for Messi to be eligible for selection next term.

What's been said?

Messi's current four-year deal at Camp Nou has earned him a total of €555 million (£491m/$674m) , but Tebas insists that Barcelona cannot continue investing so much in the 33-year-old's talents without making sacrifices in other areas.

"Barcelona have exceeded their wage cap," Tebas said. "I hope they can keep Messi, but to do so, they will have to make cuts elsewhere.

"We are not going to make Barcelona's wage bill more flexible. The rules are not going to be changed. We are not going to change any rule for Messi."

Tebas on Barca's financial plight

Tebas went on to criticise Barcelona for failing to take the same precautions that Real Madrid took in the early months of the pandemic in order to avoid the financial crisis they are now attempting to negotiate their way through.

"The severity of the situation depends on the resources they are capable of generating," he added. "Barca have to restructure their debt. If they manage that, the situation won't be serious.

"But they have taken their wage bill to the limit. And when football has coughed - or, better put, punctured a lung - they haven't wanted to absorb that loss of income. They must take measures.

"Of the €700m losses [across La Liga], half of it is for Barcelona. There are other big clubs that have made a bigger effort to avoid it. Real Madrid have made a commendable effort to ensure their losses aren't the same as Barca, who take the trophy for losses."

Barca's current stance regarding Messi renewal

Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave an update on Messi's proposed renewal, insisting he has been encouraged by the club captain's attitude during negotiations .

Laporta also revealed that new signing Sergio Aguero has been doing his part to speed up the process, telling La Vanguardia: "Aguero is helping. He is telling him every day to stay.

"He [Messi] is excited and I am grateful to him for the desire he is showing to stay."

Further reading 

Ghana striker Eugene Ansah has completed his move to Hapoel Be'ersheva from Hapoel Ra'anana on a three-year contract.

The attacker joins the Israeli top-tier side on a permanent basis after an impressive season at Ironi Kiryat Shmona where he was playing on loan. He went on to score 10 goals and provided three assists in the 33 appearances and attracted the interest of his new team who did not hesitate to negotiate a deal with him. 

"Eugene [Ansah] has joined us for three seasons," Hapoel Be'ersheva confirmed on their official social media platforms. 

The 26-year-old will now have an opportunity to play in the Europa Conference for the forthcoming season.

Previously, the West African has played for Belgian side Lokeren where he made 36 appearances between 2013-2017 and scored four goals.

In 2016, he played for another Belgian side Lommel SK albeit on loan from the aforementioned team.

His first stint in Israel was between 2017 and 2019 when he signed for Beitar Tel Aviv Ramla. Ansah played 45 matches for them and scored 15 goals.

In 2019, Hapoel Ra'anana went for his signature, signing him for three seasons. He played 45 matches as well and scored 12 goals.

The 26-year-old has made one appearance for Ghana and is hoping to be a regular in the forthcoming assignments.

Meanwhile, former Ghana international Charles Taylor has urged Chelsea attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi to focus on his international career with England amid speculation about a possible switch to the West African nation.

Born in England to Ghanaian parents, the 20-year-old is eligible to choose either nation, despite making three senior appearances for the Three Lions.

He recently opened the door for a possible switch of allegiances, going ahead to hold meetings with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, and Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku.

"If Odoi is listening to me, I will advise him not to think of playing for the Black Stars. He should continue playing for England even if it is under 100, he should play for them rather than to play for the Black Stars. Ghana is ending careers," Taylor said on Angel TV.

Under Fifa's updated rules on eligibility, Hudson-Odoi will be able to switch allegiance to Ghana in November next year should he not add any more appearances to his current three caps for England.

He would have to wait until next year in accordance with regulations which require a player with a senior cap for one nation to wait for three years from his last international appearance to be able to change his association.

Samuel Eto'o claims he would snap up Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos if put in charge of Barcelona, and remains confident that Lionel Messi will commit to a new contract at Camp Nou.

One iconic figure in Spanish football is readying himself for a change of scenery this summer, with World Cup winner Ramos severing ties with Real at the end of his contract and a 16-year stint at Santiago Bernabeu.

Various landing spots have been mooted for the 35-year-old, with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain seemingly leading the chase, but Eto'o says he would have looked into putting a controversial deal in place that allowed the legendary centre-half to cross a Clasico divide.

What has been said?

Former Real and Barca striker Eto'o told AS: "Hopefully Sergio goes to PSG. If I could sign him for Barca, I would. 

"If he goes to PSG, I will be happy and I know that he will help us win the Champions League, which is proving very difficult for us."

What about Messi?

There is no chance of Ramos making his way to Camp Nou, but Barca are working hard to get fresh faces on board.

Deals have been done for Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia, Emerson Royal and Memphis Depay, with there still the promise of more to come.

The Blaugrana are also hoping to see talismanic captain Messi agree fresh terms at some stage, as he continues to head towards free agency, with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner in regular contact with the club's board.

Eto'o expects a deal to be done, saying of an all-time great that he once played alongside: "I know that Messi loves Barcelona, that he has no problems and that it is not a question of money. 

"The only thing is the project, which has to be reliable and I know that Joan [Laporta, Barca president] is working on that. 

"He has to enjoy the time he has left, football owes it to him, not just Barca. He has given us everything, he has to enjoy it and win titles. 

"Messi is God and when you have a God you just have to admire him."

Further reading

Gareth Southgate says Harry Kane is going through another cycle of heavy criticism and has backed the England striker to get through it.

Despite finishing the 2020-21 season as the top scorer in the Premier League, the Tottenham star is yet to get going at Euro 2020.

Kane did not score in either of England's first two matches as they beat Croatia 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Scotland and has faced a lot of criticism in his home country.

What has been said?

"I think the only thing that's relevant is what I've said already this week. His importance to the team - he's been our best player, our most influential player, our most important player for a long period of time," he said at a press conference.

"Of course, there's been moments where the likes of Raheem Sterling have probably had periods where he's been critical for our success as well in terms of the goalscoring, but Harry has consistently been our top goalscorer, his record since I've been in charge is phenomenal and he's a hugely important figure for us.

"I think it's the world of a big player. Throughout the time I've been England manager I must have managed these sorts of questions about Harry in three or four different periods of time, and inevitably he's come through those periods and scored important goals for us and played exceptionally well. So it's a bit of a repetitive cycle."

The likes of Kieran Trippier and Marcus Rashford also backed Kane to come good, with the Atletico Madrid full-back telling reporters: "With H, he works so hard for the team and people might not recognise what he does off the ball.

"I believe in Harry and I know he will score goals, Harry’s chances will come. Harry has had an unbelievable season with Spurs. He is working hard in training and it is about getting the chances to him.

"He is our captain, our leader, a big player for us and we just need to create chances for him to score goals. We need to get him on the end of chances."

Will Kane start against Czech Republic?

England head into the last game of the group stage against Czech Republic having already qualified for the last 16 but the result of the match will help determine who they will face in the first knockout round.

Despite not needing to win to go through, the Three Lions will be determined to sign off the group phase with a win, given the criticism they faced for the draw with Scotland.

And Southgate is keeping faith in Kane as he pledged to keep him in the starting XI, telling reporters on Sunday: “You can assume that, yes, absolutely. He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings."

Further reading