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Neymar says the 2020-21 season has been his happiest yet at Paris Saint-Germain and that he has put the "difficult times" he's endured in France firmly behind him.

Much was expected of Neymar when PSG paid a world-record fee of €220 million (£191m/$266m) to sign the forward from Barcelona in 2017, but he struggled to live up to that huge price tag during his first two seasons at the club.

Injuries and disciplinary issues overshadowed Neymar's exploits on the pitch at first, leading to talk of a potential return to Camp Nou, but the Brazilian ended up staying put to inspire PSG to their first Champions League final last term and is on course to do the same this time around.

What's been said?

Neymar, who is approaching the final year of his contract at Parc des Princes, says he is now enjoying his football at PSG more than ever before, which he believes is a just reward for the hard work he has put in behind the scenes.

Asked for an update on a potential renewal with the French champions, Neymar told a press conference: "I spoke about this after the last game as well. I don’t think I need to say more.

"I have got time left on my contract here at PSG. We want to do what is best for everyone. I have already said that I am happy here and I feel much better than in the previous seasons.

"There are some aspects that I have improved here. I also went through difficult times with things that people know about. I have always worked hard and have always been professional, contrary to what some people believe."

Neymar's record for PSG this season

Neymar's fitness problems have continued throughout the current campaign as PSG have fought for major honours on both domestic and European fronts once again, but he has made a significant contribution to the team when available.

The 29-year-old has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions to date, while also providing nine assists.

What's next?

Neymar was speaking ahead of the first leg of PSG's Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester City, which is set to be played in Paris on Wednesday night.

The Brazil international was at his brilliant best as Mauricio Pochettino's side saw off holders Bayern Munich in the last round, and he says they will stop at nothing to lift the trophy come May.

"It will certainly be a difficult game," he added. "There is no easy team at this level. Manchester City are a top-level team, it's a semi-final. It will be as hard as it was against Bayern. We will do anything to win. 

"PSG have grown a lot, the club is more respected. When people talk about PSG, they know that we are in the last four, five or six teams in the Champions League. We are on the verge of winning the Champions League."

Further reading

Posta Rangers tactician Stanley Okumbi and goalkeeper Kevin Opiyo have been crowned as the best Football Kenya Federation Premier League coach and player respectively for the month of March. 

The duo played a vital role in ensuring the Mailmen collected seven points from their three matches. Okumbi, who was under pressure to perform, after his team collected no point in the previous game, managed to inspire them to draw with Kariobangi Sharks, before defeating Gor Mahia and Mathare United respectively. 

It is for this reason he was crowned, two months after replacing former coach Sammy Omollo.

"I am happy to have been recognized and it is a motivation to continue working harder," Okumbi told Goal on Tuesday.

"I take the opportunity to thank the management and the players for giving their best, and I hope sports will resume soon and we continue from where we left."

Goalkeeper Opiyo was also acknowledged for his contribution in the aforementioned month after keeping three clean sheets.

The custodian who had not enjoyed playing time since arriving from National Super League side APS Bomet in September last year was thrown into the deep end in March and returned the favor by maintaining a flawless record.

Opiyo beat Zoo Kericho centre-back Alex Onchwari and Gor Mahia forward Wilson Silva to the award which comes with a customized trophy and a Ksh 50 000 cash award. Onchwari who came second was the bright spark in the relegation battling team which improved its fortunes in the month after a false start in the season. 

He scored the lone goal as Zoo narrowly edged Vihiga United 1-0 to register their first win of the season and was named Man of the Match in their 1-1 draw in their match against KCB as well as helped his side keep a clean sheet against Western Stima. 

Opiyo becomes the third goalkeeper to win the individual monthly award in recent times after Bandari shot-stopper Justin Ndikumana who was decorated in March 2019 while at Sofapaka and Gabriel Adika who was feted back in 2015 while attached to Western Stima.

He is the fourth recipient of the award this season after AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia, Tusker's Henry Meja, and Bandari's William Wadri who were feted by the league organizers in December, January, and February respectively.

Liverpool have announced pre-tax losses of £46 million ($64m) as the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic becomes clear at Anfield.

The Reds’ latest accounts, released on Tuesday, show significant reductions in key revenue streams, with matchday and media income particularly affected. The accounts cover the year up to May 31, 2020, of which only the final three months were affected by Covid-19.

Club officials anticipate that the true cost of the pandemic will surpass £100m ($139m), with supporters still to return to stadiums and Jurgen Klopp’s side struggling to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

What are the key numbers?

The headline figure is that Liverpool have recorded a pre-tax loss of £46m ($64m) for the accounting period.

That is in sharp contrast to last year, when they announced a pre-tax profit of £42m ($58m) - the fifth time in six years that the club had recorded profits.

Overall revenue stands at £490m ($680m), a drop of £43m ($60m) from last year. That can be attributed to a drop of £59m ($82m) in media revenue, with the Premier League season having extended into July due to the pandemic, and a drop of £13m ($18m) in matchday revenue, with the final four home games of last season played behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

Commercial revenue rose by £29m ($40m) to £217m ($301m), the result, the club say, of a number of lucrative new partnerships, as well as “significant growth” in retail, in particular with regards to record-breaking sales of last season’s home shirt.

The club’s wage bill has risen to £325m ($451m), with only Manchester City (£351m/$487m) paying more in terms of Premier League clubs. Much of Liverpool’s increase, in that regard, is down to bonus payments made to players due to the club’s on-field successes – the Champions League triumph of 2019, as well as the European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup victories.

There was a significant drop in revenue earned from their Champions League participation. Liverpool exited at the last-16 stage last season, and so picked up £71m ($98m) from UEFA, as opposed to £95m ($132m) when winning the competition in 2018-19.

What have the club said?

Andy Hughes, Liverpool’s managing director, said: “This financial reporting period was up to May 2020, so approaching a year ago now. It does, however, begin to demonstrate the initial financial impact of the pandemic and the significant reductions in key revenue streams.

“We were in a solid financial position prior to the pandemic and since this reporting period we have continued to manage our costs effectively and navigate our way through such an unprecedented period.

“Importantly, what has remained constant throughout the pandemic is the club’s desire to support the local community and those who live in and around Anfield and across the city region. We have also worked closely with our city partners and provided unwavering support to the region’s public health departments in their drive to promote the important health messages across the region to help keep local people safe.

“More recently, we willingly made Anfield available to operate as a mass testing centre and now a vaccination hub with the incredible commitment and dedication of our Anfield staff.

“We can now look ahead to the conclusion of this season and hopefully a more normal start to next season. It’s no secret that supporters have been greatly missed at Anfield over the past year and we look forward to having them back.”

The Goal View | Neil Jones | Liverpool correspondent

Understandably, there will be a lot of concerned Reds fans reading today’s announcement.

Considering these figures only take into account three months of the coronavirus pandemic, the picture they paint is a worrying one, if not a surprising one.

Football clubs are losing money. Lots of it. Even well-run clubs, of which Liverpool are certainly one, cannot plan for events such as this.

Liverpool sources had indicated from some way back that the estimated cost of the pandemic could stretch well beyond the £100m mark, and these numbers show that, if anything, that may have been an optimistic assessment. Fans are still not back inside Anfield, the retail world has been impacted massively, and Liverpool’s on-field performance has been sketchy, to say the least.

Those hoping for mega-bucks signings (Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe, for example) this summer were always likely to be disappointed, and failure to qualify for the Champions League, a scenario which looks pretty likely today, will certainly not help matters. The timing could not be worse, in that regard, as Jurgen Klopp himself has admitted.

But sources have insisted funds will be available for Klopp to strengthen his squad, and Liverpool believe they have a number of players who will raise decent money when sold. The market last summer was significantly diminished, in that regard, with the likes of Harry Wilson, Marko Grujic, Sheyi Ojo, Loris Karius and Taiwo Awoniyi all loaned when a sale would have been preferable, and others such as Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri staying when no buyers could be found.

Liverpool have benefited from the fact that they have, generally, been run sensibly in recent years, meaning they were better placed to absorb some of these issues than other clubs.

Their wage bill is hefty, but the arrival of RedBird, who last month invested more than £500m ($693m) into club owners Fenway Sports Group, will, club sources say, provide stability during this period, and will crucially allow the club to move forward with plans to upgrade Anfield’s capacity beyond 60,000, courtesy of a £60m ($83m) extension of the Anfield Road stand.

Liverpool are not the only club hit by the pandemic, nor are they the club hit hardest, but these figures lay bare the challenges facing even the biggest clubs. And we can expect further losses in next year's accounts too.

Bayern Munich have announced that Julian Nagelsmann is to become their new manager, with the Bundesliga champions paying €25 million (£22m/$30m) compensation to RB Leipzig to land a highly-rated coach on a five-year contract.

After learning that Hansi Flick is to walk away from his role at the Allianz Arena when the 2020-21 campaign comes to a close, those in Bavaria have wasted little time in getting a successor lined up.

They have not had to look far for a top candidate to fill the most demanding of roles, with a 33-year-old tactician being luring away from domestic rivals on a long-term agreement that will begin on July 1.

What has been said?

Bayern president Herbert Hainer has told the club's official website: "Julian Nagelsmann stands for a new generation of trainers. 

"Despite his young age, he has had an impressive career. We are convinced that with Julian Nagelsmann we will build on the great successes of the past few years.

"I would like to expressly thank Hansi Flick on behalf of FC Bayern. He took over our team in a difficult phase in 2019 and then won six titles, the seventh will hopefully follow soon. He will always have a place in the history books of FC Bayern. We wish him all the best for his future."

Future CEO Oliver Kahn added: “Julian's five-year contract alone shows how much he identifies with FC Bayern. 

"I am convinced that we will shape the sporting future of FC Bayern very successfully together with Julian Nagelsmann.

"My thanks go to Hansi Flick. With great football, he has led FC Bayern to great success. Now we have fulfilled his wish to leave FC Bayern before the end of his contract. All the best, Hansi!"

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic went on to say: "The discussions with Julian were very cooperative, very constructive. We'll have a lot of fun with him, I'm sure of that.

"I would like to express my thanks to Hansi Flick. After he took over the position of head coach a good one-and-a-half years ago, we celebrated numerous victories and titles, the triple in 2020 was the highlight. These successes will remain associated with his name. I wish him all the best on his future path."

A new era for Bayern

Nagelsmann has been lined up by Bayern as Flick, who continues to be heavily linked with a role as German national team coach when Joachim Low steps down after this summer's European Championship, is ending his contract two years before it was due to expire.

He has said: "The past two years will be unforgettable for me. I really enjoyed the emotions, the victories, the titles, but also the daily work on the pitch - it was an outstanding time.

"Success can only be achieved together! A coach is nothing without his team and I was lucky enough to meet fantastic players here in Munich and a staff and a team of coaches that did incredible things. Thank you guys.

"Special thanks also go to president Herbert Hainer, as well as to the entire board of directors around Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic for giving me the opportunity to train this great team. 

"One downer remains: ee weren't able to celebrate the greatest successes during this time with the fans. I've missed them in every game. I wish the FC Bayern family the very best for the future. It is not an empty phrase when I say: It was a very great honor for me."

Why did Bayern want Nagelsmann?

Nagelsmann's stock has been on the rise ever since he was handed the reins at Hoffenhaim in February 2016 when just 28 years of age.

That deal made him the youngest head coach in Bundesliga history, with 136 games taken in while filling a first senior role.

RB Leipzig bought into obvious potential back in the summer of 2019 and handed a hot managerial prospect a contract through to 2023.

That deal will not be honoured, but a productive partnership has been enjoyed across two years.

Nagelsmann, who was also being linked with the vacant post at Premier League giants Tottenham, led Leipzig to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season and will be eager to get his hands on a first piece of silverware after being charged with the task of keeping Bayern at the top of domestic and continental games.

Further reading

Zack Steffen "thought my agent was joking" when Manchester City first made their interest known in doing a deal, with the USMNT goalkeeper admitting to still finding life at the Etihad Stadium "very surreal".

The 26-year-old shot-stopper was lured away from his homeland in the summer of 2019, with the Premier League heavyweights putting a deal in place with MLS side Columbus Crew.

Steffen knew that he would be filling back-up duties behind Ederson in England, and was initially sent out on loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf in the Bundesliga, but he jumped at the chance to link up with one of the most ambitious sides in world football.

What has been said?

Discussing his move to England with Soccer Bible, Steffen has said: "It’s definitely surreal. There have been some times where I’ve had to pinch myself and be like, wow, this is actually reality. 

"But when I first heard that Man City were interested in me, yeah, that was surreal and I thought my agent was joking!

"When I got over here and signed and checked everything out, that was insane. 

"When I got here for pre-season, got in the Man City locker room and met everyone and saw what their daily routines are and their habits - very surreal."

Working with Guardiola

A move to Manchester has allowed Steffen to link up with Pep Guardiola, one of the most decorated and demanding coaches in the business.

The United States international is aware of the pressure he finds himself working under, but is revelling in the opportunity to learn from one of the finest coaches around.

He added on playing for the fiery Catalan: "Yeah, I mean I was nervous. 

"At first it was kind of intense, just because of the stage and the pedestal that we put him on, but he’s a good guy, very passionate about his players and very, very passionate about the sport.

"He’s a relentless winner. A perfectionist. Always thinking about tactics, about how we can break teams down. He hates when other teams have the ball."

The bigger picture

Steffen has been second choice for Guardiola this season, with Brazil international Ederson very much City's number one.

Domestic cup competition has, however, allowed 10 outings to be taken in, while a Premier League debut has also been made.

Steffen has helped to keep City in contention for three pieces of silverware, with the first of those wrapped up last time out as he secured a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final.

Further reading

Simba SC are set to field their strongest possible side when they play Dodoma Jiji in the Tanzania Mainland League assignment at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday night.

The game presents a massive opportunity for the reigning champions to open a four-point gap at the top with two games in hand. The former Tanzania midfielder has further confirmed two of the players who missed their latest game against Gwambina are in contention for a starting berth.

"Pascal Wawa, Tadeo Lwanga, and Luis Miquissone were suspended in our initial game against Gwambina FC [that we won 1-0] but they are available now," Simba assistant coach Selemani Matola told Goal on Tuesday. 

"The only player we will miss is Lwanga who lost his sister and is still in Uganda. We are expecting him back in the next two days.

"We are playing Dodoma Jiji on Tuesday and we want to guard our position and title. To do that we have no alternative but to win the games. We are taking the match seriously targeting a positive outcome which to us is a win, nothing less.

"We have no intention of resting any player because the Caf Champions League quarter-final is still far. We will field the strongest team possible to stand a better chance of winning."

The tactician has welcomed Yanga SC's loss to Azam which gives Mnyama a massive advantage with the season almost coming to a close. On Sunday, Prince Dube struck a late winner to hand the Ice-cream Makers maximum points and deny Timu ya Wananchi an opportunity to reclaim top spot.

"Yanga losing to Azam is good for us, but even before their loss, we had an advantage because we were on top with two matches in hand which gives us an opportunity to defend the league title successfully," Matola concluded.

The Msimbazi Street-based charges have played 24 games from which they have managed 18 wins, four draws, and two losses, scoring 55 goals in the process and conceding nine.

Sixth-placed debutants have played 27 games, winning 10, drawing eight, and losing nine. They have scored 25 goals and conceded 24 and as a result, have 38 points.

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku is "at the level of Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema", says Belgium legend Enzo Scifo, with a prolific 27-year-old considered to have silenced his critics in style.

Questions were being asked of the frontman when he headed through the exits at Manchester United in 2019 and took on a new challenge at San Siro with Serie A heavyweights.

A 34-goal debut campaign proved a serious point to any doubters, while a further 27 efforts this season for Antonio Conte's title hopefuls have helped Lukaku to cement a standing alongside elite performers from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

What has been said?

Former Belgium star Scifo, who also spent time with Inter in his playing days, has told Gazzetta dello Sport: "To think that at the time (2019) he was heavily criticised here. He was accused of lacking technique and being wasteful in front of goal, but I always knew he was a star due to his power and how he uses his left foot.

"He had to come to Italy to improve himself and luckily for him it happened, in a strong team and with a demanding coach. 

"Find me another player as decisive as him. I knew he would score 30 goals a season.

"Conte was the right man at the right time for his maturity. He saw him, wanted him and immediately said, ‘he is my man.’ He could not have found a better coach and vice versa.

"For me he is at the level of Haaland, Lewandowski and Benzema. If Belgium win anything, they owe it to him.

"His strength is always knowing how to react to difficult moments, always looking for the next goal. Now he is in top form."

Hitting new heights

Lukaku enjoyed considerable success in English football, with early struggles at Chelsea put behind him as he thrived with West Brom and Everton.

A big-money move to Old Trafford did not play out as planned, but he still hit 42 goals through 96 appearances.

Walking away from criticism of his value to the collective cause in Manchester has allowed the Belgium international to hit new heights, with the fearsome No.9 now considered to be one of the world's top talents.

He has told Matteo Pincella of raising his game in Italy: “I've always been an explosive player with muscles but Italy took me to another level. 

"I have never felt so strong. I have reached another level, physically and mentally."

Lukaku has helped to fire Inter to within touching distance of the Serie A crown, with Conte's side 11 points clear at the summit with just five games left to take in.

Further reading

Eberechi Eze lamented Crystal Palace’s mistakes after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Monday night, despite putting up a ‘good performance’.

Wilfried Zaha gave the Eagles a 12th-minute lead, but the Foxes levelled matters in the 50th minute through Timothy Castagne.

Ten minutes before the end of the game, Kelechi Iheanacho completed the comeback for the hosts with his strike leaving goalkeeper Vicente Guaita stunned.

Victory for Brendan Rodgers’ team was a massive boost to their Champions League qualification hopes, and Eze felt his team failed to assert their authority at the King Power Stadium.

“It’s a difficult one,” Eze said in his post-match interview per Crystal Palace website.

“I think the boys worked hard. We put in a good performance but again, if you make mistakes and you let them get chances, they are eventually going to get chances because they’re a good side.

“We’ve been working hard in training and preparing for this game for a while after the Chelsea game, so we were in a good position beforehand, but we are disappointed.”

Having turned provider for Zaha’s opener, Eze has now registered an assist for the first time in 10 English topflight outings, with the 22-year-old now joint-top for assists in the competition this season among Andros Townsend (four).

Following their latest setback, the Super Eagles prospect stated that the squad will work hard to comprehend why they could not hold onto the result.

“I was just waiting for him [Zaha] to make the move, and thankfully he was ahead of me,” he continued.

“We’ll have to look back and pick it apart. When you allow a team to get chances late in the game they are eventually going to take them, so it’s difficult.”

Alongside Zaha and Cheikhou Kouyate, the former Queens Park Rangers man was in action from start to finish.

Whereas, Ghana international Jordan Ayew - who was handed a starter’s role – was substituted for Townsend in the 78th minute.

Crystal Palace would be hoping to return to winning ways when they welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Peter Olawale was Hapoel Ra'anana’s hero having scored twice in Monday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Hapoel Afula in a relegation play-off game played at the National Stadium Ramat Gan.

The Nigeria youth international scored in each half as his team surrendered their lead to pick up just one point against Roman Zulu’s team.

Still fuming at their 1-0 defeat to Hapoel Petah Tikva their last time out, Ra’anana welcomed their visitors with the ambition of picking all points.

Eleven minutes into the game, Olawale put his team ahead. Profiting from an Itay Katzay interception, the youngster beat his markers before unleashing a long-range shot past goalkeeper Yossi Ginzburg.

However, the lead lasted for just two minutes as the visitors equalised courtesy of Guy Dahan -who fired Roy Hacker’s cross past goalkeeper Niv Antman.

On the stroke of half-time, the hosts were reduced to ten men after Katzay was given the marching orders for a second caution following a dangerous tackle on Sahar Skai.

In the second half, the home side’s numerical disadvantage was exploited by Afula with Dahan handing them the lead with 18 minutes to play. The forward completed his double after firing past the goalkeeper inside the goal area.

Seven minutes later, the Nigeria U20 star completed his brace as he rolled the ball past Ginzburg after capitalising on a cluttered defending by one of Afula’s defenders.

Again, Zulu’s side restored their advantage in the 83rd minute. This time, it was David Biton who converted from the penalty spot after Ilay Trost was brought down in the area.

Muhamad Badarna ensured that the game ended on a no winner no vanquished note with his effort a minute late.

Gladdened by his awe-inspiring performance, the Tripple 44 Academy product who played all 90 minutes took to social media to share his thoughts.

“I feel delighted getting my first Hapoel Ra’anana double against Afula. Picking all three points would have made me happier. Great comeback from Hapoel Raanana. We move!” Olawale tweeted.

Shavit’s Hapoel Ra’anana travel to the Ilut Stadium on Friday for a date with Maccabi Ahi Nazareth. Victory over the Green Nazarenes would see them avoid demotion to the third tier.

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha extended his striking English Premier League goalscoring record against Leicester City on Monday.

The Ivorian put Roy Hodgson’s men ahead at the King Power Stadium, albeit, the Eagles bowed 2-1 after full time.

Following his latest effort, the 28-year-old has now been involved in seven goals in his last seven outings against the Foxes, scoring six and assisting one.

His first goal against Leicester City was on December 16, 2017 - a game Palace triumphed 3-0 away from home.

With this, the East Midlands based outfit has now become one of his favourite teams since his debut in the English elite division.

Also, only Harry Kane (14), Dwight Yorke (8) and Andrew Cole (7) have netted more English elite division goals against the Foxes than the winger.

The former Manchester United man lined up in attack alongside Christian Benteke as Hodgson’s side was looking to return to winning ways after bowing 4-1 to Chelsea their last time out.

As it proved a strong start for the visitors, Zaha put them ahead in the 12th minute after benefitting from a pass from Anglo-Nigerian Eberechi Eze.

In the second half, the hosts came back stronger and restored parity in the 50th minute after Timothy Castagne converted a pass from Kelechi Iheanacho.

Ten minutes from full time, the Nigerian scored the winner to send Palace home empty-handed.

“At half-time, we were looking good, and hoping that we could kill the game,” a disappointed Hodgson told media after the game per Crystal Palace website.

 “The equalising goal came a bit too quickly for my liking of course, but even then we got back into the game and we were working very hard.

“We missed a very good chance for the second goal. It was very disappointing to lose the match with 10 minutes to go.

“It wasn’t exactly a gift we presented them as it was a fine goal, but it’s still disappointing to lose the match in that nature.”

Following this loss, Crystal Palace remain 13th on the EPL table. They host league leaders Manchester City at Selhurst Park next.

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho is closing in on an English football mark led by Tottenham Hotspur ace Harry Kane after netting against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The English international has registered more goal involvements than the Nigeria international among English elite division players in all tournaments in 2021.

The 24-year-old inspired the Foxes to a 2-1 comeback triumph over the Eagles – producing a breath-taking finish after being played through by Jonny Evans in the 80th minute.

With this, the former Manchester City wonderkid now boasts 16 goal contributions (14 goals and two assists) for the King Power Stadium outfit in the ongoing year.

Only the Spurs’ attacker has recorded more than the Super Eagles (18) in 2021.

Benefitting from an assist from Eberechi Eze in the 12th minute, Wilfried Zaha gave Roy Hodgson’s men a well-deserved lead.

However, the hosts levelled matters in the 50th minute through Timothy Castagne – with the red-hot forward the architect.

A lovely long ball played through by Youri Tielemans was controlled brilliantly by Iheanacho. He brought the ball down and took his time to play a pass to the Belgium international who fired past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

While the game was destined to end in a 1-1 draw, the Nigerian had the final say with a sumptuous finish. Receiving a pass from Evans, he turned his marker and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Thanks to that effort, he has either scored twelve or assisted two in eight of his last nine appearances for the Foxes across all competitions.

Moreover, Iheanacho has netted 14 goals in his last 14 appearances for Rodgers’ side in all competitions, as many as he managed in his previous 76 games for the Foxes.

He has gradually established himself as one of Leicester’s most important players since joining them from the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth £25 million fees on a five-year contract in 2017.

Thanks to this crucial victory, Leicester City move four points clear of fourth-place Chelsea in the league with just 15 points to play for. They travel to Southampton in their next fixture.

Mauricio Pochettino has said it is a joy to coach Neymar, as the Brazilian is humble, listens and always accepts instructions.

Pochettino took the reins at Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the year and while they face a fight to retain the Ligue 1 title, they are two games away from a second successive Champions League final appearance.

Manchester City stand in PSG’s way over two legs, and Neymar is likely to play a key part in the outcome of the tie.

What has been said?

Neymar is one of the superstars at Pochettino’s disposal in Paris. The Brazilian is a huge talent and a talisman for his team and country, but Pochettino claims he is easy to manage.

“It’s so easy with Neymar because you don’t need to do too much,” Pochettino told the Guardian. “From day one, he’s been very open to work. He’s very humble, he listens and always accepts all the instructions in a very good way.

"Brazilian players have something special inside. They love to play football because it’s like a dance. They play like they are dancing. Ronaldinho was my team-mate when I was a PSG player and now Neymar. They need to feel good, to feel happy to perform in the best way.”

Champions League the target for PSG

PSG’s owners took charge of the club in 2011, with the aim being to conquer European football.

They have dominated on the domestic front, but have fallen short in Europe. Bayern Munich denied them in the Champions League final in 2020, but Pochettino is confident they have the tools to go one better.

“The target in the last 10 years has been to win the Champions League and the club is working really hard to try to be there and win,” he said. “It is that last step, which is always the most difficult.

"If you remember at Tottenham, it was always about the last step being the most difficult thing. But Paris Saint-Germain is there and now it is about winning. I love to feel this. I love to feel that you need to win every single game.”

Further reading

Kelechi Iheanacho sent Twitter into a frenzy after inspiring Leicester City to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in Monday’s Premier League clash.

The Foxes were pegged down in the 12th minute after Wilfried Zaha profited from an Eberechi Eze assist to slot past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Timothy Castagne restored parity for the hosts five minutes into the second half – with Iheanacho the provider.

With the game heading for a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium, Iheanacho decided the game venomous effort in the 80th minute.

Social media went into meltdown while praising the former Manchester City striker who has now scored five times in his last four games for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Inter star Romelu Lukaku have been fined by the Italian football federation (FIGC) for unsportsmanlike behavior.

The punishment relates to a heated argument they had on the field during the Coppa Italia quarter-final between the two sides in January.

The spat began in the first half when Lukaku took exception to a foul by Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli and Ibrahimovic squared up to him.

How were they punished?

Although the strikers were booked during the game and then hit with fines by their own clubs for the incident, the FIGC has moved to discipline both players as well as Inter and Milan.

"A fine of 4,000 euros for Ibrahimovic, 3,000 euros for Lukaku, 2,000 euros for Milan and 1,250 euros for Inter: these are the penalties with which the two players and the clubs were punished following the agreement reached by the parties," a statement read.

"For both players it was 'unsportsmanlike behavior with provocative phrases, proving a sporting message not at all in keeping with the criteria of loyalty, honesty and sportsmanship dictated by the Sports Justice Code'."

What happened between Ibrahimovic and Lukaku?

A microphone on the field picked up some of the insults the attackers exchanged during the argument.

Lukaku was heard saying to Ibrahimovic: "Well let's go inside, you b*tch!"

Ibrahimovic was sent off later in the game, which Inter went on to win 2-1.

The yellow card Lukaku recieved saw him ruled out of the first leg of the semi-final clash against Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

Further reading

FC Goa conceded a late goal to share the spoils in their fifth Group E game against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League on Monday. 

Jorge Ortiz broke the deadlock in the third minute and Goa stood firm against the Al Rayyan attack right till the end. With just minutes remaining for the final whistle, Ali Ferydoon equalised for the Qatar Stars League team. 

The Gaurs had begun their campaign in the ACL with a goalless draw against the Qatari side. The Indian Super League (ISL) outfit had fought valiantly against Laurent Blanc's side and picked up a point in that game but will consider Monday's fixture a lost opportunity to pick up their first ACL win. 

Juan Ferrando's team was out of the race to qualify from the group stage even before a ball had been kicked after Al Wahda beat Persepolis in the early kick-off on Monday. 

What did Juan Ferrando say?

Juan Ferrando admitted that it is difficult to accept a late goal after his team led for most of the game. He said, "It is difficult when you lose (concede) at the last minute. But we played against a very good team, it is a pleasure to play against these teams because these teams play very good football."

Ferrando said that he felt a win could act as a morale-booster for the fans in India who are struggling due to the ongoing pandemic. 

"It was a very important game for us today. It is a very difficult period in India so I was thinking, if we win, it would be very good for the people.

"The players did a great job, but of course, we need to improve. We have one more chance, in the next game against Al Wahda. It is difficult to prepare for these games due to injuries. The fitness coaches are working very hard, this is the truth."

The Spaniard is looking forward to analysing his team's display before they take on Al Wahda in their final match of the ACL 2021. 

"The action for the goal was in transition, it was a foul and then in this transition, it is difficult. When you change from attack to defence, the team is not ready. This is the difference between teams from India and then a team like Al Rayyan. I know my players,  it is a terrible moment for the players. We will learn, of course, one time (mistake) it is okay, two times (repeating mistakes) it is not. 
 

Further reading

Late goal denies FC Goa a victory

Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged the Black Stars to win next year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament and as well qualify for the World Cup and go all the way to at least the semi-final.

In Cameroon next year, Ghana will be seeking to end what will be a 40-year wait for a continental title, their last success coming in Libya in 1982.

Also, CK Akonnor's outfit are looking to make a return to the World Cup, having missed out on Russia 2018, and to possibly better their quarter-final finish at South Africa 2010.

“The target is to bring the cup home by winning the Afcon 2022. We must go a step further than our second-place finishes in 1992, 2010 and 2015 and end the 40-year drought for a title,” Akufo-Addo said at a special breakfast meeting at the Jubilee House on Monday.

"We must also reach at least the semi-finals of the world cup in Qatar. Our exploits in 2010, where we reached the quarter-final in South Africa, tell us that once prepared, we have the quality and the talent to match any of the best teams in the world.

“The task might seem daunting, but it is exactly not insurmountable."

Ghana have already secured qualification for the upcoming Afcon, holding South Africa in the qualifiers last month to secure their place.

The Black Stars will be making their 23rd appearance at the championship.

“It is the dream of the nation to win the Africa Cup of Nations again in Cameroon next year, and to qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup," Ghana sports minister Mustapha Ussif said of the nation's ambitions.

“These campaigns require a substantial amount of investment to be able to execute this mandate and the government alone cannot shoulder this responsibility at the expense of other sporting disciplines.

“Supporting the Black Stars will enable the government to use the sports budget to support other disciplines especially as we gear towards the Tokyo Olympic Games.

“Historically, the Black Stars have performed well every time corporate Ghana has backed them and it is our hope that you will do the same again."

Ghana have competed at the World Cup on three occasions.

On their debut at Germany 2006, the Black Stars progressed to the Round of 16 where they lost to defending champions Brazil.

In 2010, the Black Stars reached the quarter-final but suffered a first-round elimination at Brazil 2014.