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Andrea Pirlo remains unfazed by the rumours suggesting that his days as Juventus manager may be numbered, with the Bianconeri boss holding talks with the club's owners.

The World Cup winner has faced a baptism of fire in his first managerial role, with the 41-year-old finding out the hard way how tough life at the top in coaching circles can be.

With Juve about to lose their grip on the Serie A title, while also bowing out early in the Champions League, questions have been asked of how long Pirlo will stick around in Turin.

What has been said?

Quizzed on his future ahead of a meeting with Udinese on Sunday, Pirlo has told reporters: "I am fine, I spoke to the owners the other day, as often happens. It certainly wasn’t the first time.

"We had a chat about everything, as always. I am not concerned when it comes to my work. I only hear rumours from you reporters. I am relaxed and concentrated on what I need to do, I’m not influenced by all these rumors.

"I am so concentrated on what I need to do that I don’t have time to read the newspapers."

The bigger picture

Juve have work to do in order to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification this season, with five games left to take in.

Pirlo has enough talent at his disposal to get across that line, but will be forced into tinkering a little against Udinese.

Alvaro Morata is nursing a knock, meaning that Cristiano Ronaldo will be paired with Paulo Dybala in attack.

Pirlo said when asked for an update on his squad: "Ronaldo will play with Dybala, because Morata is not in a good shape. He had a problem yesterday with his calf muscle and we’ll evaluate his condition today.

"We will decide whether or not to bring him to Udine with us tomorrow. Danilo is fine, Federico Chiesa less so, as he trained separately from the group this week. He is not at 100 per cent yet and it’d be risky to start him tomorrow.

"Arthur only trained with the team yesterday due to another problem, Aaron Ramsey is still separate. We’ve had a few issues. Dejan Kulusevski trained with his team-mates all week and could start."

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs let a two-goal slip in their 2-2 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in a PSL match which was played Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Amakhosi took a 2-0 goal lead through Happy Mashiane and Erick Mathoho, but Siwelele fought back and scored twice through Neo Maema and Victor Letsoalo. 

Phunya Sele Sele were hoping to snap their four-match winless run in the league having succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) on Wednesday.

Coach John Maduka adopted an attacking approach with Maema, Letsoalo and Ndumiso Mabena all starting as the front three, while Lucky Baloyi and Sifiso Ngobeni operated as wing-backs.

On the other hand, Amakhosi were also looking to bounce back to winning ways having recorded their second defeat in their three league games when they lost 1-0 to Chippa United on Wednesday. 

Mashiane, Kearyn Baccus and Samir Nurkovic were recalled to the starting line-up as coach Gavin Hunt made three changes to the team which faced the Chilli Boys.

Amakhosi started the match like a house on fire as they grabbed two goals within the first 13 minutes of the game which left Phunya Sele Sele rattled.

Happy Mashiane opened the scoring with a wonderful free-kick which beat Celtic goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane hands down at the near-post to make it 1-0 to Chiefs just three minutes into the game.

Chiefs were soon 2-0 up when Mathoho headed home from Lebogang Manyama's well-taken free-kick with former Orlando Pirates keeper Mabokgwane rooted to the ground.

However, Amakhosi sat back and tried to defend their two-goal lead and this allowed Phunya Sele Sele attack in numbers and the hosts managed to pull one back.

Maema beat Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to make it 2-1 with Mabena grabbing the assist eight minutes before the half-hour mark and Maduka's charges pushed for the equalizing goal.

Akpeyi made two fine saves to deny Mabena and Letsoalo to ensure that the first-half ended with Chiefs leading 2-1, but the Nigerian keeper picked up an injury while making the last save.

Bruce Bvuma replaced an injured Akpeyi prior to the start of the second-half and Celtic piled pressure on the Chiefs defence which saw Siyabonga Ngezana concede a penalty after fouling Tebogo Potsane in the box.

Letsoalo made no mistake from the spot-kick as beat Bvuma to make it 2-2 as Phunya Sele Sele completed their comeback six minutes before the hour-mark.

It was then end-to-end stiff as Celtic defender Justice Chabalala gave possession near the hosts' box and Dumisani Zuma pounced, but the Chiefs forward placed his effort wide of the target with Mabokgwane rooted to the ground.

At the other end, Ngobeni made a powerful overlapping run in the left flank and he unleashed a powerful shot which was well-saved by Bvuma as Celtic looked to take the lead for the first time.

However, the tempo of the match went down towards the end of the game and the two teams were also giving possession away cheaply in the final third, and ultimately, the encounter ended in a 2-2 draw. 

The result saw Celtic remain 11th on the league standings, while Chiefs also remained ninth on the log - three points behind eighth-placed TS Galaxy.

Celtic will now take on Cape Town City on April 12 and Chiefs are scheduled to face on Tshakhuma on Tuesday.

Chelsea midfielder Charles Musonda is confident he is on the ‘right track to recovery from posterior cruciate ligament damage.

The 24-year-old suffered the problems during his loan with Vitesse Arnhem having only cut short his temporary stay with Celtic in 2018.

Musonda made four league appearances for the Eredivisie side before the injury setback and returned to Stamford Bridge to continue his rehabilitation.

The midfielder admitted it has been tough for him not to play for about three years but he is upbeat that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

"It's very difficult to have three years without being able to do what you really love. I would be lying to say that it's been easy, but I've always known that some struggles are worth going through,” Musonda told BBC.

"I feel like a fighter now preparing for a boxing match. It would be an incredible comeback - an incredible story. Every day is part of the journey, every day a step closer to coming back. I'm on the right track.

"I do believe that if I put a run together and I come back, I can play for a good 10 years. I'm still 24 - if I come back in the prime of my career, I can put a run together - that's my goal."

The midfielder recollected how he suffered the injury and the advice of the doctors but hopes to return to action better than he left.

"I knew something was wrong straight away because I got up and I couldn't walk," he continued.

"The doctors said: 'If you have surgery now, you're going to miss another year. It's going to be three years of no football so it's going to be impossible for you to come back'.

"A PCL surgery is not common in football. It's not like an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] where you have surgery and in six months you can come back.

"They told me the odds of coming back were like 20%. Of coming back and being at the top level, being able to compete and play for a club like Chelsea, it was slim to none. It was very difficult."

Musonda has been with the Stamford Bridge outfit since he was 15 years but has only featured six times for the senior side, scoring his first goal in a League Cup tie against Nottingham Forest in 2017 and relished the opportunity he had with the Blues.

"I remember that in cup matches, the manager would say we could stay at home, rather than in the Premier League and Champions League when you stay in the hotel as a team," he added.

"For me, it was like the World Cup final. I stayed at the hotel by myself. I scored and had a good game so I was very happy. It was a great moment. The joy, though, was short-lived.”

As a result of his injury, the midfielder could only watch as some of his former academy teammates like Tammy Abraham, Reece James, and Mason Mount establish themselves in the Blues' first team.

"I know how hard it is, so I'm really proud of them. Seeing people you've grown up with doing so well, you can only be happy. Hopefully, I'll be able to one day train and play with them again,” he continued.

"In a way, it has been, just because I can't play football. That's the main thing, it's not necessarily them, it's just watching football on TV.

"I spend nights thinking I can't watch football, sometimes I couldn't really sleep."

Paul Pogba may yet end up at Real Madrid, after many years of rumours regarding a switch to Spain, with the midfielder's agent, Mino Raiola, suggesting that a swap deal involving Eden Hazard could be discussed with Manchester United.

That is purely speculation for now, with the man charged with the task of managing a World Cup winner's career off the field admitting that nothing can be ruled out when it comes to future windows.

Pogba can be expected to dominate gossip columns in the weeks to come, with fresh terms at Old Trafford also being mooted for the talented 28-year-old, but talk of a move to Spain is never far away and the Santiago Bernabeu still holds obvious appeal to the Frenchman.

What has been said?

Raiola has told AS when asked why Pogba is not already with Real: "It's a question for Madrid. 

"At one time, Pogba felt a lot of love for, and trust in, United, and there are various other clubs.

"Afterwards, it's really hard for United and Madrid to reach an understanding on a massive transfer, because big clubs don't like selling great players to other big clubs. 

"And I'm not going to kid you, for Pogba, playing at Madrid was always a really attractive option, because of Zidane too. He's Pogba's childhood hero."

Pressed further on whether a deal could happen, Raiola added: "I don't know. 

"I think nothing is impossible, but football depends on the day. Just like that. And you need to be flexible to think about all the possibilities. 

"What if tomorrow Madrid want to do a swap, Hazard for Pogba. It's just an example. And it all four parties like it, why not?"

What is the latest on Pogba's future?

United have always maintained that they have no intention of listening to offers for their £89 million ($123m) club-record signing.

Pogba has endured form and fitness problems across a second spell with the Red Devils, but his ability remains without question and he can be a match-winner on his day.

Premier League heavyweights are eager to ensure that they are the ones to benefit from those qualities for as long as possible, with a prized asset supposedly approaching his peak.

With that in mind, much of the discussion at Old Trafford over recent weeks has centred around fresh terms for Pogba - rather than a switch elsewhere.

His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2022, but he has been thriving alongside Bruno Fernandes in Manchester and has United in the hunt for Europa League glory.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt says the fact that Simba SC beat Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly in this season’s Caf Champions League group stage makes the Tanzanians a ‘tough’ side to play. 

Amakhosi were drawn against Simba in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will start at home, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the second leg on the weekend of May 21-23. 

Using as reference Simba’s 1-0 home win over Al Ahly in the group stage, Hunt feels they have a huge task at hand. 

“It is a tough draw, any team we draw now is tough,” Hunt told Chiefs’ media. 

“Simba had a good group stage, they did well, they beat Al Ahly so they are certainly a side we cannot take lightly. They will give us a tough game, either way. What we are trying to do is concentrate on the next game and we will take it from there.” 

In a season they have been blowing hot and cold especially on the domestic front, unpredictable Chiefs can pull a surprise of reaching the Champions League semi-finals in their maiden season of reaching the group stage.

But for now, Hunt and his charges are focusing on their domestic matches and they visit Bloemfontein Celtic for a Premier Soccer League assignment on Saturday. 

Amakhosi would be trying to recover from the agony of losing at home to Chippa United on Wednesday, a defeat that came after a big victory over Mamelodi Sundowns three days earlier. 

Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has insisted on securing maximum points from the Free State.  

“I missed the game against Sundowns and I think as a team we did very well. We played with confidence and we applied the plan correctly and managed to get three points. I came back against Chippa United and things did not go our way and we lost the game,” Ngcobo told the Chiefs website.

“We have to focus on our next game against Bloemfontein Celtic, it won’t be easy but we are prepared, and we have to go there and make sure that we get maximum points. ...as the league is towards the end now it has not been a great season for us as a team but there are a lot of positives we as a team can build on.

"This season has had many ups and downs, but we have done well in the Champions League. We broke some records in the competition and we just have to keep our heads up and finish the 2020-21 season in a better position.” 

The Soweto giants are currently ninth on the PSL table. 

Karren Brady has taken aim at the standard of refereeing in the Premier League.

Throughout the season there have been controversial refereeing decisions, and Brady feels West Ham have not had the rub of the green.

Brady feels VAR has not aided the situation, but believes the standard in general has been extremely poor in the current campaign.

What has been said?

Hammers players Tomas Soucek and Fabian Balbuena were both shown red cards this season, following VAR checks, only for both cards to be overturned on appeal.

While both dismissals did not impact the outcome of the 0-0 draw with Fulham and 1-0 loss to Chelsea, Brady feels they highlight the issues with match officials in the Premier League.

Writing in her column in the Sun, Hammers vice-chairman Brady said: “The Stockley Park mob, blinking in front of an array of screens, may get more offsides right although, goodness knows, they often do so to the fury of people who don’t see any sense in arms or shirt sleeves being involved.

“The refereeing itself has been poor this season, possibly the worst I have seen in the Premier League.

“No doubt there will be statistics that prove me wrong but, subjectively, I can remember no time when the whistle was so out of tune with the game.

“VAR was sold to us as a way of perfecting decisions.

“These two red cards alone proved the opposite: not until the refs were requested to look at the screen did sendings off seem even a possibility.

“Especially since both the incidents took place right in front of the ref’s own eyes.

“But despite that, both took the VERY broad hint from Stockley Park - and thrust out red cards to the amazement of the players and disgust of millions of viewers.

“Of the Balbuena incident against Chelsea, manager David Moyes said the decision was 'rank, rotten', adding: 'I think it’s been made by somebody who has never played the game.'

“And, yes, he’s absolutely right. VAR never played a game and never will.”

Referee threats never justified

Mike Dean was in charge of the game with Fulham, and showed Soucek the red card. The official came in for abuse afterwards, which Brady says must stop.

Brady said: “Anger at London Stadium or in any other quarter in no way excuses the death threat to Mike Dean, who has sent off seven players so far this season, or anyone else. Such stupidity only redirects sympathy.

“Referees are bound to make mistakes, most of us are grown-up enough to understand that, and VAR was intended to take some of the weight of responsibility from their shoulders.

“It has, a little, but its replacement is fury at some of the rubbish meant to be impartial judgment.”

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs are out to bury the disappointment of Wednesday's 1-0 Premier Soccer League home defeat by Chippa United when they visit Bloemfontein Celtic for a clash at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday.

After three days of fervent celebrations following a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns, Amakhosi's party mood was spoiled by second-from-bottom Chippa who pulled them from the top half of the PSL table. 

This season, Chiefs have gained prominence for some artistry in being incalculable; they can beat Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca and return home victorious from Cameroon or Angola, but the next moment they can easily fall to struggling Maritzburg United, Chippa United or National First Division side Richards Bay.

Celtic who are not yet safe from relegation might not know what to expect from their visitors who can be mean or give away the afternoon to Siwelele.

But on Saturday, Gavin Hunt and his men could be keen to start a string of consistent results in their remaining six league games which would see them banish their reputation as an unpredictable side.

After losing to Chippa, Amakhosi slid one place down the ladder to ninth while Celtic are 11th and are five points above the relegation zone.

To return into the top half of the table, Chiefs need to beat Celtic while eighth-placed TS Galaxy must fall to Cape Town City on the same day.

Celtic also have an opportunity to grace eighth position but only if they beat Chiefs by a three-goal margin, while they pray that TS Galaxy and Baroka FC lose their respective games. 

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Celtic coach John Maduka welcomes back veteran defender Mzwanele Mahashe who was suspended for the last game against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Wednesday.

His return is crucial for a regular player who has featured in 21 of Siwelele's 25 league matches so far this season. 

Chiefs have no suspended player going into this match which could be encouraging news for coach Gavin Hunt as he pushes his side for a top-eight finish.

But the coach is worried about the absence of injured Khama Billiat as he stated after the defeat by Chippa last Wednesday.

Match Preview

This is a battle of teams struggling for consistency in this league campaign and they go into this match having suffered defeats in their respective games the last time out.

Chiefs have a record of one win, two draws and as many defeats in their last five outings while Celtic have one win, three draws and a defeat.

It is a match that could be difficult to predict given the inconsistent record of the involved teams who are separated by just two points.

The reverse fixture between Chiefs and Celtic ended 1-1 at FNB Stadium in December when the hosts surrendered their lead to allow Siwelele to return to Mangaung with a point.

The two teams have scored the same number of league goals so far in this campaign, but Celtic have conceded a goal more than Amakhosi. 

Vipers SC coach Fred Kajoba has cautioned his charges to avoid making mistakes when they take on UPDF FC in the Uganda Cup on Saturday.

The Venoms will travel to Bombo Military grounds for the second time this season to face the Soldiers in the first leg of the Round of 16 and will be keen to keep their chase for a double this season alive against their stubborn opponents.

Vipers are on course to win the Ugandan Premier League title after their convincing 4-0 win against MYDA FC on Wednesday and they will now shift their focus to the domestic cup, the reason coach Kajoba pleaded with his players to avoid mistakes and make sure they knock out their opponents.

“We cannot afford to make mistakes because the nature of this competition leaves us with not many choices,” Kajoba told the club’s official website ahead of the first leg battle.

“We face a fellow league side that proved stubborn in our first meeting this season so the only way to progress to the next round is to knock them out and it’s what we will be looking for.”

The Venoms cruised to this stage following a 5-1 aggregate win over Busoga United while Kefa Kisala’s side had a slightly more challenging route against Fufa Big League side Arua Hills which beat them in Arua before the army side rallied all its efforts and dumped them out in the return leg in Bombo.

Vipers’ last visit to Bombo earlier in April saw them travel minus striker Yunus Sentamu who was suspended after accumulating three yellow cards in the league but the player will now be available for selection, similar to Fabien Mutombora and Abraham Ndugwa, who have recovered from injuries.

Kajoba will, however, miss the services of Siraje Sentamu, who is still out nursing injury and did not travel with the team to Bombo.

During their last meeting, Vipers won the league tie 3-0 and another win for the Venoms will boost their confidence before the two sides lock horns in the return leg at the St Mary’s Kitende Stadium to determine who progresses to the quarter-finals on Monday.

Uganda Revenue Authority FC coach Sam Ssimbwa has confessed they have worked on their mistakes in readiness for their Uganda Cup first leg clash against Express FC on Saturday.

The Tax Collectors will travel to the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku for just their second time this season to lock horns against the Red Eagles in the Round of 16 fixture with the return leg slated for the Arena of Visions in Ndejje next Tuesday.

The two Ugandan giants have already met twice in the Premier League in this campaign with Express sealing a double and coach Ssimbwa has admitted they were very disappointed in both games but have rectified their mistakes in readiness for revenge.

“We have looked disappointing in both games against the same opponent this season,” Ssimbwa told the club’s official website. “No surprise that we lost both games.

“The technical team has assessed our mistakes and the team is ready to make amends, the players are fired up for the tie.”

URA forward Steven Mukwala dismissed claims the team has developed an inferiority complex against Express by stating: “I don’t think that is a fair assessment. Yes, we have lost against them twice this season but we also made mistakes in those two games that I think the team has learnt from. I don’t think we shall be that naive this time around.”

Mukwala, who is out of action due to injury, also took his time to tell the fans when he will likely return to action.

“I feel fine and still working to be in the perfect shape, granted an opportunity to play, I want to give the team my best as I often do. The team is ready for this tie.”

Express negotiated their passage into the Round of 16 against Kyetume FC with a tie settling at home after a 2-2 draw away from home while URA had to see off a resilient Mbarara City at the Kakyeka Stadium in a (1-0) win after the two teams had earlier shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Arena of Visions.

The Tax Collectors will come into the game off a convincing home win against Mbarara, a game that saw them return to winning ways and maintain their push for the league title.

Apart from the injured Mukwala, Ssimbwa will also miss the services of Cromwel Rwothomio and Julius Mutyaba, who are unavailable for selection after they failed to pass late fitness tests and this will be the 19th meeting between the two sides since 2012 but it will be the first time both teams meet outside in the Uganda Cup in the last five years.

Since 2021, URA have won more games in the 18 times the two clubs have met. URA has won seven times and drawn seven times while Express have won just four times.

Kenya striker Michael Olunga scored and missed from the penalty spot as Al Duhail SC crashed out of the 2021 AFC Champions League after a 1-1 draw against Al Ahli Saudi FC on Friday.

The Qatari giants went into the match needing a win to progress to the next round of the competition and they had to wait until the 61st minute when Olunga put them ahead with his ninth goal of the competition at the King Abdullah Sports City.

However, three minutes later, the Kenyan forward missed from the penalty spot and Al Ahli took advantage to score in the 73rd minute through Haitham Asiri and snatch a draw.

Duhail created their first chance of the game inside two minutes when Olunga rose the highest to meet Edmilson Junior’s cross from the corner but headed just wide with the goal at his mercy.

Al Ahli, who also had a chance to qualify had they won the match, threatened with their first chance in the 17th minute when Driss Fettouhi tested goalkeeper Salah Zakaria from range and Edmilson chose to shoot straight at Mohammed Al Owais from a tight angle when he had the option of crossing.

The two teams went into the break tied at 0-0 and on resumption, it was Duhail who continued to attack Al Ahli but they had to wait until the 61st minute when Olunga lined up a free-kick from 25 yards out and powered in a shot below the Al Ahli wall and past keeper Al Owais for the opener.

Olunga should have made it 2-0 in favour of Duhail three minutes later after Al Ahli conceded a penalty from a foul on Edmilson, but the former Gor Mahia striker went for power and his shot rattled over the crossbar.

Duhail were left to rue the missed penalty, as substitute Asiri leveled matters for Al Ahli six minutes after coming on, controlling a cross from Fettouhi to slam home past the keeper in the 73rd minute.

Olunga and Edmilson continued to raid Al Ahli for the winning goal but the Saudi side remain tight at the back to deny them as the match ended 1-1, meaning both teams crashed out of the competition with Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal FC topping the group.

Simy faced a losing battle immediately lowly Crotone secured automatic promotion to Serie A post-lockdown last year, with many questioning whether the towering striker could thrive in the big time with the Pythagoreans.

After rather indifferent campaigns in 2016/17 and the following season, the jury was out on the 28-year-old.

If anyone had intimated last year that the forward — who netted only three and seven times in both top flight seasons — was going to be a handful of goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo (25) and Romelu Lukaku (21) and ahead of Ciro Immobile (18) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (15) in the scoring charts with five games remaining, there may have been a few cackles.

The mere incredulity at the suggestion meant Simy was already up against it before a ball was kicked.

Given Giovanni Stroppa’s predisposition for a possession-based style, the Pythagoreans were tipped to have a tough campaign in Serie A and Simy’s productivity was predicted to dip in 2020/21.

He netted 20 Serie B goals last term, but is now a goal away from matching that haul, and two goals from supplanting the highest ever league return of his career.

This was not expected to happen, especially not at a team with Crotone’s dearth of resources.

The upshot of the 28-year-old’s return means he has already equalled Obafemi Martins’ 28-goal Serie A total set 15 years ago.

To truly understand the height of the Nigerian’s achievement, it is worth noting that Martins’ goals between 2002 and 2006 were for a gifted Inter Milan side that never finished lower than fourth in that period, winning the Scudetto in 05/06.

While the aforementioned fact is accompanied with the caveat that the majority of the ex-Super Eagle’s strikes in the early 2000s came as a teenager, the talent in that Inter side is streets ahead of Crotone’s in 2020.

Simy, soon to turn 29, is no wonderkid, may never play in the semi-final of the Champions League and is unlikely to be signed by Newcastle United to potentially fill Alan Shearer’s boots, but he packs a punch, nonetheless.

He accepts his weaknesses but trusts in his strengths. He knows he’s incomparable to Lionel Messi and Cristiano, still, he’s netted seven and six fewer goals than both respectively in league football this year.

For even more context, the legendary Barcelona star’s return has come from 169 shots while the Juventus forward has attempted 20 fewer than the South American.

By contrast, Crotone’s top scorer’s shot count is 47 and his 19 goals have come from 21 efforts on target. Only Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder (18 goals from 21 shots on target) and Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic (17 goals from 28 attempts on target) have scored as many from few shots among the 20 top scorers in Europe’s major leagues.

“I may not be the most technically refined, for some I am even poor: it is not a problem,” Simy said this week, as per Alfredo Pedulla. “I'm Simy, I'm almost two metres tall and this gives me advantages and disadvantages as well. With my feet and my head, I reach where others can't, but in the tight spaces I know I'm not Messi. When I get the ball, I have to hit it.”

Crotone may suffer the ignominy of immediate relegation this weekend against champions-elect Inter who come to town on Saturday evening. The encounter brings Simy face to face with Lukaku, whose four-game drought hasn’t hindered Antonio Conte’s march towards the Nerazzurri’s first Scudetto since 2010.

The Pythagoreans have excited all year but particularly took it up a notch since Serse Cosmi’s arrived in March.

Having become a bit-part player under Stroppa, Simy has repaid Cosmi’s faith with 12 goals since the start of March, accounting for 63 percent of his 19 goals to benefit from the 62-year-old throwing caution to the wind and Crotone’s uncanny knack for winning penalties.

Be that as it may, Inter’s recent defensive meanness could thwart the in-form Simy and ruin the Calabria outfit’s day at the Stadio Ezio Scida. The visitors have won seven of their last nine games by one goal, winning four of that series 1-0, which could be the kryptonite of a side that’s averaged 2.1 goals in the same period under Cosmi.

Simy is no Messi or Cristiano; heck he probably isn’t comparable to Martins in his pomp, yet he continues to amaze with his unrelenting consistency. As he eventually succeeds the ex-Nigeria man as the nation’s top scorer in Serie A history, the accomplishment deserves to be praised to high heaven!

FC Goa became the first Indian Super League (ISL) club to take part in the group stages of the AFC Champions League (ACL) this year. 

They played a total of six matches in Group E at their home ground in Fatorda, Goa, behind closed doors and managed to register three points.

In a group that consisted of Iran's Persepolis (group winners), UAE's Al Wahda (runners-up) and Qatar's Al Rayyan, the Gaurs finished third.

Here are the takeaways from FC Goa's historic campaign. 

The difference in standard

FC Goa got to know the difference in the standard of football played in India and abroad in the group games in the 2021 ACL. Their opponents were often a class apart and technically superior on the field and despite the Gaurs' resistance till the final whistle in each game, the audience was able to gauge where their team stands in terms of quality. 

It was a big lesson in football for Ferrand and co and there is no shame in not winning a single game from Group E. It was a difficult group and it was the first time an Indian club was being part of Asia's premier competition. This is just the beginning for Indian clubs. And the fact that they managed to get three points and did not finish last in the group deserves some credit.

Dheeraj is BACK

The biggest positive for FC Goa from their Asian campaign was the performance of Dheeraj Singh. The 20-year-old played nine matches for Goa after signing for the club from ATK Mohun Bagan in the January transfer window of the 2020-21 ISL season. 

He was signed as a replacement of Mohammad Nawaz who is expected to join Mumbai City next season. And despite his initial struggle in the league campaign, the former Kerala Blasters keeper rose to the challenge at the Asian level. 

He had the best save percentage for any player who has played a minimum of three matches in the league (86.2%). He had also faced the most shots on target (29) and had also made the most saves, eight more than any other player in his five appearances.

In the one game in which he was rested, Goa conceded four goals due to errors by his replacement Naveen Kumar who had a forgettable outing. After failing to play a single game in one and a hald seasons in Kolkata since leaving Kerala Blasters, Dheeraj seems to have finally found his feet (or gloves). 

Physique and Fatigue

The physical attributes of the Indian players were tested against the likes of Al Rayyan, Al Wahda and Persepolis. They were often bossed off the ball with ease by their opponents and the Indian footballers struggled to dominate the field for long period due to the same. 

With the COVID-19 guidelines forcing the group games to be played in Goa behind closed doors and so close together - 6 games in 15 days! - the players were pushed to the extremes. It must be noted that FC Goa have never played six games against top-quality, demanding opponents within 15 days. 

It was the same for all teams but they were better used and equipped to deal with such a challenge and continue to play with the same intensity. There were moments were Goa had good phases during these games but the fact is Goa struggled to remain in the game for 90 minutes and that proved to be the difference. However, it is all part of a learning experience.