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Dani Parejo has sung the praises of Villarreal manager Unai Emery ahead of their semi-final clash with Arsenal in the Europa League.

Villarreal will welcome the Gunners to El Madrigal for the first leg of the tie on Thursday night, with Emery set to come up against his former employers for the first time since being relieved of his duties at Emirates Stadium in November 2019.

Parejo previously worked with Emery when he was in charge at Valencia in 2011-12 and has been impressed with how far the 49-year-old has come as a coach since reuniting with him at Villarreal last summer.

What's been said?

“I knew Unai from my first stage in Valencia. Neither he is the one I met in Valencia nor am I the one he was in Valencia when we met," Parejo told Goal.

"For me he is a great coach because of how he prepares, how he studies the rival, he is clear about the approaches of each game and has evolved in every way: when it comes to training, motivational talks, understanding the player in different circumstances, having psychology… I have always said that for me the best coaches I had had were [Ernesto] Valverde and Marcelino.

"And I would like to add Emery. In Valencia I was young, I had many coaches and I have seen how they worked a lot and Unai is one of the best, of course. I think he is several steps above as a coach."

Emery's managerial record

Emery landed the top job at Valencia in 2008 after previous roles at Almeria and Lorca Deportiva, and spent four years at Mestalla before joining Spartak Moscow.

The Spaniard returned to his homeland in 2013 with Sevilla, who he guided to three successive Europa League crowns, attracting attention from Paris Saint-Germain in the process.

Emery added seven more trophies to his haul in France, including one Ligue 1 title, before being picked to succeed Arsene Wenger in the dugout at Arsenal in the summer of 2018.

He only lasted 18 months at the Emirates, despite overseeing their run to a Europa League final, but has rebuilt his reputation at Villarreal this term by guiding them to the last four of that competition and seventh in La Liga.

Parejo's assessment of Arsenal

Parejo also discussed the challenge Arsenal will pose Villarreal as they bid to set up a final clash against either Manchester United or Roma at Stadion Energa Gdansk on May 26.

“Arsenal have a great team, they have great individuals and in any situation they are capable of solving games and that is true that we have to take into account," he said.

"We are a solid block, we have things clear, we want to be protagonists, take the initiative and play in the opponent's field.

"I think this is going to be decided in detail, because important games are almost always decided that way.

"If we capture what we want and have control of the game with the ball, we will have options to play in the final of the Europa League."

Further reading

AFC Leopards have apparently been ordered to pay their former coach Andre Casa Mbungo Ksh.6 million for breach of contract.

The tactician quit the 13-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions in December 2019 after going for months without pay. He followed up trying to get his outstanding money, but the Kenyan heavyweights did not engage with him on the matter, which prompted the Rwandan to seek help from the world football governing body.

"Mbungo has won the case and Ingwe have been ordered to pay him Ksh.6 million as compensation after a breach of contract," a source close to both the club and coach told Goal on Thursday.

"It was forthcoming since the club had done nothing to engage the coach on how to settle its dues. It is more of a self-inflicted pain for the team because they had taken the issue lightly.

"Even when the coach wrote to the club asking for his pay, there was no amicable agreement, he was ignored."

When reached for comment, Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda denied knowledge of the ruling but promised to get back once the club confirms receipt of Fifa decision.

"We have not received any order from Fifa to compensate Mbungo," the former striker told Goal on Thursday.

"But once we do, we shall sit and contemplate the next course of action. As it is now, I cannot comment on the issue because I am in the dark."

This would not be the first time the club has fallen foul of Fifa. 

Recently, the club was banned from signing players for two transfer windows after failing to settle Rwandan midfielder Vincent Habamahoro's dues, totaling Ksh1.8 million, as directed by the world football governing body.

The Nairobi-based charges had initially been handed a 45-day ultimatum to settle the dues owed to their former player.

However, Ingwe failed to keep their part of the deal and Fifa had no option but to crack the whip.

"We take due note that in its correspondence, he [Habamahoro] informs us that the [AFC Leopards] has not complied with its financial obligations in accordance with the decision of Fifa," read a letter to the club obtained by Goal. 

"We wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by Fifa at the beginning of the next registration period.

"Moreover, and in accordance with point 9. of the aforementioned decision, Debtor´s member association [Football Kenya Federation] is requested to implement on the Debtor at the beginning of the next registration period, a ban from registering new players at the national level." 

However, the suspension will be lifted if the former champions settle the matter with the player.

Lucas Torreira may not get his wish of securing a loan switch to Boca Juniors admits the Arsenal midfielder's father, but there are options in Italy and France for the 25-year-old.

The combative Uruguay international has made no secret of the fact that he would like to return to his native South America this summer, with the heavyweight outfit in Argentina his prefered destination.

Boca though may struggle to put the finances in place to make that possible, meaning that Torreira, currently on a season-long loan at Atletico Madrid, will have to look elsewhere as he seeks another exit from Emirates Stadium.

What has been said?

Torreira's father Ricardo told Show de Boca: "The arrival of Lucas to Boca will be quite difficult, there hasn’t been movement in that situation. It happened only from a wish, we generated an inconvenience to Boca.

"I don’t know if Boca are in a position to face what Arsenal will ask for Lucas’s loan. I don’t know. Surely, I do not think Lucas will play for Arsenal this year. If it’s not Boca, his destiny will be Italy or France. 

"We are left with the desire, instead of generating joy we generate an inconvenience to Boca’s leadership."

The bigger picture

Torreira is tied to a contract at Arsenal until the summer of 2023. He has, however, slipped down the pecking order and been unable to make the desired impact at parent or loan employers.

Atletico will not be pursuing a permanent deal, while a fresh start at Emirates Stadium appears unlikely.

That has led to talk of a move to Boca being made, but they have a number of recruitment calls to make heading towards the next window.

The Argentine outfit are also seeing a move for Edinson Cavani mooted, with Torreira's fellow countryman said to be heading for the exits at Manchester United after one season in England.

Further reading

Ugandan Premier League side Kyetume FC have suspended Joel Mutakubwa and Julius Ntambi from training after what they termed as unprofessional conduct exhibited in the top-tier outing against Kitara FC.

In the match played on Tuesday, the hosts won 4-2 with Nathan Oloro scoring all their goals while the visitors scored through Nicholas Kasozi and Sharif Saaka. Mutakubwa and Ntambi were involved in an unsporting act with the former unable to finish the game as he was sent off minutes before the break.

The club have now taken action and revealed investigations are ongoing on the matter.

"We regret to inform the public that [Mutakubwa and Ntambi] have been suspended indefinitely by club management following the unprofessional conduct displayed by the players in our game against Kitara FC in Masindi," read a statement from the club obtained by Goal. 

"Kyetume Football Club has launched investigations into this matter as the club wishes to keep it in-house for purposes of proper and just investigations. The club has notified the coaching department to stop the players from conducting further training as investigations are undergoing."

The Mukono-based charges are currently placed 14th on the table with 19 points from 21 matches played. 

They have managed just four wins, seven draws, and 10 losses in the ongoing campaign, scoring 22 goals and conceding 36 in the process.

Meanwhile, BUL FC have fired their coach Arthur Kyesimira after a series of poor results. 

The team has been recording inconsistent results in the top-tier; they have won just one of their last seven matches, losing three and drawing as many. It is for this reason the Jinja-based charges have opted to make changes in the technical bench.

"We can announce... that we have taken the decision to part ways with our head coach Mr. Arthur Kyesimira," read a statement from the club and obtained by Goal. 

"This painful decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level needed. The club would like to thank Mr. Kyesimira for his professional and fantastic work during his time at BUL FC and to wish him unlimited success in the future elsewhere." 

"A new caretaker head coach Alex Isabirye has with immediate effect been appointed until the end of the current season."

Dani Carvajal has added to the injury headache being endured by Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, with the experienced right-back picking up a hamstring problem.

The Spain international was forced out of the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Chelsea after 77 minutes.

This is the 29-year-old's fifth setback since September, and his fourth of the muscular variety, and there are fears that his 2020-21 campaign could be brought to a premature conclusion.

What has been said?

A statement released on Real's official website reads: "Following the tests carried out today on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid medical department, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the muscle. His recovery will be monitored."

How many games has Carvajal missed this season?

The combative defender is one of several players to have spent long spells in the treatment room at Santiago Bernabeu this season.

Ligament damage ruled him out for eight games in October, while muscle problems in November and January saw him miss a further 10 fixtures.

Hamstring issues have become of greater concern in recent months, with Carvajal sitting out 12 matches between mid-February and April 20.

He did come back into contention for three outings against Cadiz, Real Betis and Chelsea, but is now on the sidelines once more.

The bigger picture

Zidane finds himself facing a serious dilemma at right-back, with Lucas Vazquez already ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Alvaro Odriozola stepped in against Chelsea and may be required to provide cover for the foreseeable future as Real wait to put a timescale on Carvajal's recovery.

Real's upcoming fixtures

Zidane's side are still looking to defend their Liga title this season while also pursuing another Champions League crown.

They have a domestic fixture with Osasuna on Saturday, before heading to Stamford Bridge for the return clash with Chelsea.

Carvajal is unlikely to feature in those contests, with it possible he will be missing for a further four league fixtures to the end of the campaign.

A lack of competitive minutes at club level will also cast doubt over his involvement at this summer's European Championship, with an injury having previously ruled him out in 2016.

Further reading

Miguel Almiron has sought to clear up any confusion regarding his future at Newcastle, with the Paraguayan claiming that comments taken by many to be a hint towards an imminent exit were misinterpreted.

The 27-year-old forward was recently quoted by ABC Cardinal as saying that he wants to "play for a side that fights more" after seeing the Magpies become caught up in a Premier League relegation battle this season.

That was considered to be a nod towards a transfer away from St James' Park being sought, but Almiron insists that is not the case and that he remains happy and settled on Tyneside.

What has been said?

Almiron has told Sky Sports when quizzed on the quotes that have sparked widespread speculation: "What I was speaking about has been wrongly interpreted. At no point was I suggesting I wanted to play for another team.

"As I've been saying, I'm very happy in Newcastle and all I'm thinking about is helping the team achieve its goals of improving."

A man snapped up from Atlanta United in January 2019 added: "It's been a good season for me overall given the circumstances. I feel I have adapted well to a new country and a new league.

"Football in the Premier League and in England is very different to playing in MLS but my team-mates and the manager have helped me greatly.

"Right now, I have to keep on working hard in order to improve, but I'm very happy here in Newcastle.

"The truth is that when the gaffer (Steve Bruce) speaks English during training to the group, I understand him and the instructions he's getting across.

"But having Javier Manquillo, Federico Fernandez and Joelinton as team-mates certainly helps."

How has Almiron fared at Newcastle?

It took a then-MLS record £20 million ($27m) fee for Newcastle to lure Almiron to England from the United States.

He initially struggled to deliver on expectations, picking up an early knock and firing in 40 shots on goal before finally breaking his Premier League duck in his 27th game.

The target was eventually found eight times across the 2019-20 campaign, while a further five efforts have been added to that tally this term - along with three assists.

The Magpies have been able to find form as a collective over recent weeks, suffering just one defeat through their last eight games, and are now nine points clear of the drop zone with five fixtures left to take in.

Further reading

Mind games are so tightly woven into football nowadays that almost any pronouncement could be construed as forming part of a broad psychological offensive.

Jose Mourinho is considered a master of the trade, having regularly deployed curious techniques of unnerving rivals during the course of his career, while Jurgen Klopp recruited a dedicated psychologist to his backroom staff in order to help manage mental matters.

However, one of the standard bearers for the dark art of getting into the heads of opponents was Sir Alex Ferguson and his subtle needling of Kevin Keegan endures as an example of how effective it can be, as Keegan famously lost his cool then, ultimately, the Premier League title.

Goal looks back on Keegan's furious tirade and brings you everything you need to know about the notorious incident, including a full transcript of the conversation.

Contents

When was Kevin Keegan's 'I will love it' rant?

Keegan's outburst occurred after Newcastle's 1-0 Premier League victory against Leeds United on April 29, 1996.

It was the Magpies' third-last game of the league campaign and the win was their third in succession, setting them up for their final two matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

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What was Kevin Keegan's 'I will love it' rant about?

Keegan's 'I will love it' rant was a manifestation of his ire at comments made by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson as the race for Premier League glory approached a conclusion.

Ferguson stoked tensions when he cast doubt on the commitment of the likes of Leeds and Nottingham Forest to try as hard against Newcastle as they did against his Manchester United team, suggesting that Forest - who were due to play the Magpies for Stuart Pearce's testimonial - might even let Newcastle win.

Keegan was incensed and, when the opportunity arose after his side's hard-fought win over Leeds, he could not contain his fury. So, when it was put to him in an interview with Sky Sports that such comments were simply part of the psychological battlefield, what did he say?

"No, no... when you do that with footballers, like he said about Leeds, and when you do things like that about a man like Stuart Pearce, I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something, he went down in my estimation when he said that," declared Keegan, with a sense of righteousness. 

"We have not resorted to that, but I'll tell you, you can tell him now if you're watching it, we're still fighting for this title, and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something, and... and... I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them, love it!" 

Unfortunately for Keegan, things did not work out as he'd hoped as his side could only manage a 1-1 draw against Forest. A few days later, the Red Devils went to Middlesbrough and recorded a routine 3-0 victory. Newcastle then drew 1-1 again in their final match of the season against Tottenham.

Keegan's 'I will love it' rant is regarded as a defining moment in the history of the Premier League, serving as an emblem for Newcastle's unbelievable capitulation to Ferguson's Manchester United in the 1995-96 season. The Magpies surrendered a 12-point lead to the Old Trafford side and ultimately finished four points behind their rivals.

Of course, while things began to heat up in the final stretch, Keegan may reflect on his side's meetings with Manchester United as the decisive moments, since they lost both home and away. Nevertheless, it is the rant that will be most remembered.

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Watch Kevin Keegan's 'I will love it' rant

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Kevin Keegan 'I will love it' rant: Full transcript

Keegan: Evening.

Keys: Three weeks ago we saw you and you were absolutely devastated and I think a lot of people felt for you. How do you feel tonight?

Keegan: I feel OK (laughs).

Gray: What was the first 15 minutes like for you Kevin, anyway?

Keegan: I didn't think we played very well at all, first 15 minutes. I was disappointed because looking at the lads I got the feeling they were really up for it, but we then started to... once we got the goal, we started to play a bit and then second half, I mean, we never really got passing it, we gave it away, players that normally don't give it away were giving it at away, and at the end I said to Terry (McDermott), '1-0 will do it tonight'.

Keys: Why was all that happening Kevin, do you think? Tension on the night?

Keegan: Yeah, I don't think you can discount it. I mean, we just want to keep our hopes alive, and a lot of things have been said over the last few days, some of it almost slanderous, and we've never commented, we just got on working, trying to pass the ball like we do in training...

Keys: What do you mean by that? That people have been having a go at you and your team?

Keegan: No, no - I think things have been said about... I think you've got to send Alex Ferguson a tape of this game, haven't you? Isn't that what he asked for?

Gray: Well, I'm sure if he was watching it tonight Kevin he could have no arguments about the way Leeds went about their job and really, they tested your team.

Keegan: And we're playing Notts Forest on Thursday, and he objected to that. Now, that was fixed up four months ago, we were supposed to play Notts Forest, I mean that sort of stuff, we're bigger than that.

Keys: That's part and parcel of the psychological battle isn't it, Kevin?

Keegan: No, that's... when you do that with footballers, like he said about Leeds, and when you do things like that about a man like Stuart Pearce, I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something, he went down in my estimation when he said that. We have not resorted to that, but I'll tell you, you can tell him now if you're watching it, we're still fighting for this title, and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something, and... and... I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them, love it! 

Keys: I mean, quite plainly the message is it's a long way from over and you're still in there scrapping and battling, and you'll continue to take any of these, just as long as you continue to get the results.

Keegan: I think football in this country is so honest, and so, honestly, when you look sometimes abroad you have your doubts, but it really has got to me, and I've voiced it like, not in front of the press or anywhere, I'm not even going to the press conference, but the battle's still on. Man United have not won this yet, not by any means.

Gray: Kevin, talking about tonight because it was such a huge game for you and your players, they all must have realised, everyone at the club must have realised the importance of the result tonight. In that context, what was the most pleasing thing in your team's performance, do you think?

Keegan: The clean sheet.

Gray: We're getting used to that, I'll tell you. Did you know that that's your seventh 1-0 victory this season?

Keegan: It's a club record three clean sheets on the trot (laughs) - while I've been here, anyway. But you know, sometimes you can't all be generals. When David Ginola and Peter Beardsley and people like (Faustino) Asprilla and Les Ferdinand and Robert Lee are turning it on, the other people have been passed by. But you know, they questioned our defence - our record's equal to anybody's, really, in this league. But when you're at the top, everybody's been having a pick at things, but I think people like Philippe Albert and Steve Watson and Darren Peacock tonight and young Robbie Elliott have done great.

Gray: Yes, your back four did perform well. What's it going to be like on Thursday for you, with all these players back available? You have a selection dilemma, surely, for the first time in a while?

Keegan: Yeah, we've had a few injuries, but nothing major, and we've always had people like Keith Gillespie to come in for David Ginola. I think it goes without saying David will come back, but as for who makes way, I'll have to hope that someone picks up a strain (laughs).

Keys: Well Kevin, thanks once again for joining us.

Keegan: Pleasure.

Keys: Appreciate it.

KEY:
Keegan = Kevin Keegan
Keys = Richard Keys
Gray = Andy Gray

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Idrissa Gueye has matched Alvaro Arbeloa’s undesirable Champions League exploit in the 2012-13 season following his dismissal against Manchester City during Wednesday’s first leg semi-final showdown.

In Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Citizens at Parc des Princes, the Senegalese midfielder was sent off in the 77th minute.

Gueye went in on the back of Ilkay Gundogan and caught him with his studs getting nowhere near the ball and referee Felix Brych showed him a straight red card.

With that, he becomes the first player to be sent off twice in a single Champions League campaign since the former Real Madrid full-back.

The 31-year-old had earlier been given the marching orders on November 4 for a second caution in the French team’s 2-1 loss at RB Leipzig.

Eight years earlier, Arbeloa saw red against Manchester City (November 21, 2012) and Galatasaray (April 4, 2013).

Subsequently, former Lille, Aston Villa and Everton star Gueye will miss the make or break return leg billed for the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, former City boss Stuart Pearce has his at the African star’s ‘disgraceful’ tackle.

“We’ve just seen a replay, I thought it was poor when I first saw it,” Pearce said on talkSPORT.

“It was a disgraceful challenge. He could’ve broken the kid’s ankle. It was a horrific challenge from behind, straight down his Achilles, it could’ve broken his ankle comfortably.”

This sentiment has also been echoed by Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joe Hart.

“I think the frustrating thing is it is needless,” the 34-year-old said on BT Sport.

“He got caught up in emotion of the game. He got it all wrong and it's a good job it did not do what they feared it may do.”

Gueye is expected to be in action for Mauricio Pochettino’s men when they take on Lens in Saturday’s French top-flight outing.

In the ongoing season, he has featured in 25 league outings with two goals to his credit (against Angers and Strasbourg).

As it stands, PSG are second in the log having garnered 72 points from 34 games. Just one point separates them from leaders Lille.

Lionel Messi has helped Barcelona to an enviable collection of major honours down the years, but Xavi still claims that those at Camp "haven't taken advantage of him enough" and should have even more trophies to their name.

At 33 years of age, a six-time Ballon d'Or winner is in the process of weighing up his options and whether another challenge should be sought outside of Catalunya before the day comes to hang up his boots.

Xavi admits that his former team-mate has looked "sad" at times this season, having already made one push for the exits, but he remains hopeful that the services of a talismanic presence can be retained as more silverware is chased down.

What has been said?

Ex-Barca captain Xavi has told TV3: "You have to make sure that Leo is happy, because with a happy and content Leo you have a better chance to win titles. 

"Many times he has given me the impression that Leo has not been happy on the field, that he has been sad and it makes me sad as a cule that we have not taken advantage of him enough in recent years. 

"We had the best footballer in the world and in history and we haven't taken advantage of him enough."

How many trophies has Messi won with Barca?

An all-time great who has spent his entire professional career with the Blaugrana, Messi has helped to secure 10 La Liga titles down the years - with another still up for grabs in 2021.

His collection of Copa del Rey winners' medals has been taken to seven this season, while four Champions League crowns have been captured.

The FIFA Club World Cup trophy has been raised on three occasions, with Messi boasting 35 major honours in total on a stunning CV.

The bigger picture

Adding another entry to that roll of honour in La Liga this season may go some way towards convincing Messi to stay put.

As things stand, his lucrative contract is running down towards free agency.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are among those said to be keeping a close eye on events at Camp Nou, ahead of a possible move for a modern-day great, but the mercurial Argentine has made it clear that no decision on his future will be made until the summer.

Further reading

As India battles the spread of Coronavirus with many lives lost and countless suffering, Indian national team captain Sunil Chhetri has offered his support to those who are in need. 

Amid trying times, many volunteers have come forward to offer a helping hand in different parts of India. Various football clubs in the country have come together to support the citizens in need of essential resources.

What Sunil Chhetri said

"Our country is going through difficult times. The pain, suffering, loss all around us is depressing and tragic. Amidst all of this, there are so many of us who have come forward and helped - helped each other and helped complete strangers," the 36-year-old continued.

"Guys, we all need to participate. No matter who you are, help in whichever way you can. Among all these people, there are some real-life captains who are doing some extraordinary, phenomenal work. You give me hope. You give me a lot of motivation. And I want to join."

How Chhetri wants to help

The former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan forward has offered select personnel access to his own social media handle onTwitter in order to spread vital information to those who may be in distress and in dire need of assistance.

"I want to give access to my Twitter account to a few of these captains so that their important information can be amplified and can reach as many as possible. Guys, I'm on your team," said the Arjuna Awardee and Padma Shri award winner.

Riyad Mahrez’s second-half winner in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain has seen him match Yacine Brahimi to become Algeria’s joint-top scorer in the history of the Champions League with eight goals.

In the 2017-18 campaign, Brahimi scored once as his former team FC Porto decimated AS Monaco 5-1 on December 6, 2017, at the Estadio do Dragao – to steer clear of Sofiane Feghouli.

Against Mauricio Pochettino’s team in Wednesday’s semi-final first leg clash, 30-year-old Mahrez accentuated his relevance in Pep Guardiola’s squad with the winner.

Kevin De Bruyne had canceled Marquinhos’ first-half strike, albeit, it was the former Leicester City man who had the final say in the 71st minute.

Leandro Paredes had brought down Phil Foden and the Algeria international exploited a big gap in the wall between Paredes and Presnel Kimpembe to curl his shot past Keylor Navas.

That saw him match his compatriot’s feat in Europe’s elite club competition, while Feghouli - who now represents Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray – is third with just six goals.

Speaking to the Citizens’ website after his heroics, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner claimed his strike against PSG was a miss-hit.

"I wanted to go around the wall to be honest and I missed it, it went between the two players and fortunately it was in,” he said.

"I was so happy, I knew we could win here and to score to make it 2-1 for the team was amazing."

Praising his effect, City boss Guardiola described how the African revels on the biggest stages.

“He played really well and in the big stages he handles it really well,” the Spaniard stated.

“It’s a guy who doesn’t feel the pressure. He was so aggressive. His first movement was a pass to Kevin [De Bruyne]. He played really well.”

Mahrez would eclipse Brahimi’s mark should he get a goal in the return fixture at the Etihad.

He is expected to be in action when his Manchester-based outfit takes on Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

They could wrap up the Premier League title before then if other results go their way.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has admitted taking inspiration from elite performers outside of football, with Tom Brady, Michael Jordan and Muhamed Ali among those the World Cup winner has looked up to.

The France international could not wish for better role models than those on his three-man list, with all-time greats from NFL, basketball and boxing raising bars of individual excellence to heights few can dream of matching.

Pogba is eager to cement his own legacy alongside iconic figures from across the sporting spectrum, with the 28-year-old looking to take as many lessons as possible from a former heavyweight champion and those with multiple Super Bowl and NBA Finals rings.

What has been said?

Red Devils star Pogba, who is in the process of chasing down a Europa League winners' medal this season, told UEFA's official website: "I think all sports have aspects in common, and mental strength is one of them.

"What you see from the outside is that athletes earn bags of money and that they’re famous and recognised all over the world, but what you usually don’t see is the work that they put in off the pitch, and that’s the most important aspect to me. You don’t see their family problems or their everyday problems either.

"They still manage to be on the pitch, to perform well and to be the best; they manage to keep working and be the best for another two, three, even 10 years, or throughout a whole career. That’s what mental strength is, and that’s what all sportspeople and I can draw inspiration from. 

"Tom Brady was just an example to really show people that, despite his age, he was still up to the challenge. He changed franchises but still won, which means that it’s possible to do so; wanted to show people that you could still succeed after changing clubs. He never gives up.

"I have another example of a personal inspiration for me: Michael Jordan. I think that most of us already know his story, and his leadership and work ethic really have been an inspiration to me.

"You also have to be selfish, so to speak, because you have to be at least a little bit selfish and think of yourself in order to be the best. That means that, after a training session, if your friends call you to go out, you need to think of yourself, refuse it and go and train more instead.

"You want to take the last shots, like [Michael Jordan] did, and you always want to win. That requires extraordinary mental strength, and it’s a great source of inspiration for me.

"Muhammad Ali is also an inspiration for me. In his day, he was one of the youngest heavyweights – just like Mike Tyson after him – to be crowned world champion. All of those people are inspirations because of their daily work ethic.

"They push themselves. They might fall or lose, but they keep going, they come back stronger and they never give up. That’s important to me."

What has Pogba achieved?

A World Cup win with France in 2018 marks the highlight in Pogba's career to date. He has, however, enjoyed considerable success at club level, despite becoming a divisive character with United during a second spell at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have won the League Cup, Europa League and Community Shield with Pogba.

Prior to returning to England in 2016, a four-year stint with Juventus saw the playmaker collect four Serie A titles and a couple of Coppa Italias during his time in Turin.

Pogba is now up to 200 appearances for United across his two spells and, having enjoyed a return to form and fitness this season, is playing his way into contention for a new contract with the Red Devils.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa believes the contract extension of captain John Raphael Bocco and his assistant Mohamed Hussein will help the Tanzania Mainland League champions reach greater heights.

On Wednesday, the Msimbazi giants confirmed their captain, who also features for the Tanzania national team and signed for the team from Azam FC in the 2017-18 season, will now stay at the club until 2023. 

The 31-year-old forward's decision came just a few hours after his assistant also ended transfer speculation by extending his stay with the champions. The 29-year-old defender was being linked with a transfer to rivals Yanga SC at the end of his contract which had two months remaining but extended his stay by two years.

The Frenchman has welcomed the development which he believes will go a long way in benefitting the 21-time league champions.

"I am very happy because it was vital for Simba to extend Hussein and Bocco's contracts," Gomes said on Thursday.

"They are important players and having them in the team is vital. I believe their presence will help Simba reach greater heights."

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Premier League Board has fined the club Tsh500,000 for acts of violence witnessed during their Gwambina FC game on April 24.

The punishment comes at a time Wekundu wa Msimbazi have been in good form as they have picked up six wins since they shifted focus to domestic engagements.

"Simba have been fined Tsh500,000 for acts of violence exhibited by its supporters who threw empty bottles into the pitch. The actions saw the police swiftly act in order to restore sanity before the game was allowed to proceed thereafter," the board’s statement seen by Goal read.

"The violent conduct occurred during the Gwambina game on April 24 at Gwambina Stadium in Mwanza. The fines have been meted on Simba based on the provisions of Premier League regulation number 45(1)."

Mnyama have had a good season and are currently in the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League and are also leading the Mainland Premier League table.  

They will play Kagera Sugar in the last 16 of the FA Cup on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Sammy Omollo has never regretted accepting to help Gor Mahia in Caf Champions League assignments.

The former international was hired by K’Ogalo on a short-term deal to handle the side during the Caf Champions League, despite being Posta Rangers coach, after their tactician at that time, Roberto Oliviera from Brazil was banned by Caf from sitting on the touchline owing to a lack of qualified papers.

He went on to help the team get past the APR of Rwanda in the first preliminary round of the competition before being eliminated by CR Belouizdad.

"When I was approached by Gor Mahia to help them, there was no way I would have turned them down," Omollo told Goal on Thursday.

"It was a massive opportunity to learn, and to be honest, I learned a lot in the four games I was in charge of the team in the Champions League. It is something I could not get at Rangers.

"I don't regret taking their offer."

The former Harambee Star was fired by Rangers in February over what they termed as a failure to meet set objectives. The Mailmen coach stated in an interview with Goal that the technical bench had not met the agreed target and had to be replaced with Stanley Okumbi.

"I believe my sacking at Rangers was not entirely on performance but I do not want to talk about it," Omollo continued.

"Even when I was still helping Gor Mahia in continental assignments, I did not abscond my duty at Rangers. I trained my players well and always gave my best.

"But I appreciate my former employers for the opportunity to work with them, in future we might work together again. This is football and things do happen."

Recently, Omollo made a bold statement pointing out K'Ogalo as the most organized team internally with a bright future as opposed to the other Football Kenya Federation Premier League teams.

"I have been in several teams and seen how most things are handled, and all I can say is that K'Ogalo are miles ahead of other teams," Omollo told Goal.

"Starting with their meetings the way the chairman [Ambrose Rachier] handles them is very professional. You can feel where he wants the club to be, what he wants to achieve with the team. Very different from what was happening at my club Posta Rangers.

"Even if things might not be the way they should, I can say there is every reason to be optimistic."

Manchester City may have emerged victorious in their Champions League battle with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, but Alessandro Florenzi has warned the Blues that "they haven't won the war yet".

Pep Guardiola's side have taken control of a last-four showdown after coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory on French soil at Parc des Princes.

Kevin De Bruyne and Riyard Mahrez have put priceless away goals in the bag, but there is still all to play for as attention shifts towards an eagerly-anticipated return date at the Etihad Stadium.

What has been said?

Reflecting on a disappointing evening for PSG with Sky Sport Italia , Florenzi has said of the challenges facing Mauricio Pochettino's side: "We lost our shape, it’s not like us.

"We are 22 talented players on the pitch, it’s a battle for 90 minutes. The first goal was a little fortunate, the second went through the wall. Details make the difference at this level.

"However, we’re only halfway through the battle, they haven’t won the war yet. 

"We hope to continue the trend of away wins. It won’t be easy, but this team has what it takes to win in Manchester. We need 11 warriors ready to die on the pitch."

PSG's away form

The Ligue 1 giants have endured the odd wobble on home soil this season, making their setback against City no surprise.

A positive first-half showing against the Blues saw a lead established through Marquinhos' header, but collective wheels came off after the break.

De Bruyne curled a hopeful cross into the bottom corner of Keylor Navas' net, before Mahrez fired a free-kick through a gaping hole in the defensive wall and Idrissa Gueye collected a reckless red card for a horror tackle on Ilkay Gundogan.

PSG now have it all to do in Manchester, but they do boast an impressive record on their travels.

Notable victories in Europe have already been collected this season over Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while eight successive away wins have been secured on domestic stages in league and cup competition.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt says he does not know when forward Khama Billiat could be back from injury as he expresses concerns the Zimbabwean might miss some of their critical fixtures.

Billiat was injured at the stroke of half-time in a Premier Soccer League game against Mamelodi Sundowns last Sunday and left Loftus Versfeld walking with the aid of crutches.  

It is a return to rehabilitation for Billiat who missed action between January and early April with a broken leg. 

“He got an injury on the same leg that he broke [before], and it is not good,” said Hunt as per Sowetan Live. 

"Since we are playing every three days, if you miss two or three weeks, you will miss many games. I’m not sure what the diagnosis is there, but he was not walking well after the injury.”

As Hunt is fretting over having all his best players available for their remaining six PSL fixtures, he had to deal with watching his side denting their top-eight chances when they lost 1-0 to Chippa United at home on Wednesday.

That saw them slide one rung down to ninth position on the log and Hunt was left ruing the way they threw away a chance to remain in the top half of the table.

“Teams are fighting every corner. We are fighting for the top eight. They are fighting for their story. That was a big blow because we should have cemented [our place] a little bit better in the top-eight.”

Chiefs’ last six fixtures include hosting high-flying Golden Arrows, a home clash against Swallows who have lost just once this season and a visit to relegation-haunted Black Leopards. 

Being as unpredictable an outfit as they are, Hunt knows they are not guaranteed a top-eight spot. 

While they will be trying to improve their domestic fortunes, Amakhosi also have the Caf Champions League to worry about. 

They have reached the tournament’s quarter-finals and will know their opponents at that stage at a draw to be conducted on Friday. 

The possibility that they could be drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns exists.