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KCCA FC coach Morley Byekwaso has confessed he will be forced to change his style of play when they face Nyamityobora FC in the return leg of the Uganda Cup on Saturday.

The Kasasiro Boys picked a 4-2 win against the Fufa Big League side in the first leg played at Omondi Stadium but according to Byekwaso they still face a mountain to finish off the job they started at home and will be forced to change their style of play to advance to the next stage.

“Tomorrow’s [Saturday’s] game is going to be a tough game. We face a team which was very serious and hard to penetrate through and I think the condition is a bit worse and our strategy is going to be very different from what we are used to at home in the first leg,” Byekwaso told the club’s Online TV.

“We have to change to style of play because of the surface of the pitch and I think the opposition is going to come all out to see that they win because this game is affecting us in two ways for our side, if we draw we are through if we win, we are through but for them, it is one mission, they have to win.

“So it is going to be a very hard game tomorrow. “We need to come out very organised and ready because this game is a do-or-die, these guys [Nyamityobora] need a win seriously, and once a team scores two goals against the former champions, then as a coach you need to get worried.

“We need first to be very compact at the back and then start setting up our attacking formation in our different way because once we open this game earlier, it will be very hard for us to maintain their wingers because they have very fast wingers.”

On whether he will start Hassan Jurua, who is making a comeback to the team after a long lay-off due to malaria, Byekwaso said: “Jurua has been training well, I think his form is coming and this is the kind of game he must be in because the game is very physical and he understands such games very well.

“So tomorrow [Saturday], I am going to give him a chance to start and I am so confident he will give us the result we want to advance to the Round of 16.”

On whether he will make changes to the team, Byekwaso confirmed Kato will miss the game by stating: “Yes, we have left [Kato] behind and replaced Jurua and then left Okenye Kiiza and came up with [Aliro] because of the conditions of the pitch and the style of the game we are going to play, we didn’t need very fast players in this game but hard-tackling players.”

During the first leg, KCCA drew first blood through Bright Anukani- who struck home a spectacular goal inside two minutes of the game, and seven minutes later, Julius Poloto struck from outside the box to make it 2-0.

Nyamityobora then halved the deficit through a calm finish from Clinton Kamugisha before Sadat Anaku came to the party and thumped home the third for the Kasasiro Boys in the 34th minute with a spectacular strike from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Kamugisha then pulled one back from Nyamityobora off a mistake from keeper Charles Lukwago but second-half substitute Samuel Ssenyonjo headed KCCA’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute from a beautifully struck corner-kick from Joseph Bukenya.

Kinondoni Municipal Council FC head coach Habib Kondo has declared they will avenge a 2-1 loss against Yanga SC suffered in a previous Mainland Premier League encounter.

KMC will be hosted by Timu ya Wananchi and Kondo has explained how they have planned to ensure they emerge as the victorious side at the end of the Saturday game.

"We have prepared well because we know we are going to play a big game against a team that is respected by many people," Kondo told Azam TV.

"This will be an act of revenge because a good team does not lose twice against another team. We prepared with that fact in our minds but we cannot also escape the fact that it is going to be a game against a big team.

"We do not fear Yanga in any way because football is not like boxing where if a rival looks bigger than you, you start generating fear.

"We respect them because of their history, we respect them because they lead now and we respect them because they have won the league more than anyone else. But that should never be understood as fear towards them."

The tactician pegged his hope of pulling a win at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on their set game plan.

"We have our game plan and strategy and we believe results will be known after 90 minutes. Yanga will learn what we have come to do at the end of the day," Kondo concluded.

KMC captain Juma Kaseja echoed Kondo's sentiments on respect for Yanga and insisted they will fight until the end to ensure they head home as victors.

"All players are in good form and it is now upon the coach to decide who will start against Yanga. The encounter is going to be tough because everyone will be fighting for the points on offer," Kaseja said.

"We have come for the points and I believe we are going to get them.

"We have to accept the fact that Yanga are a big team, an experienced side in the league. We respect them but again on the pitch it will be a game of 11 men against 11 rivals. We respect them but we do not fear them at all.

"The game plan and strategies that will be put in place by the coaches are the things that will tilt the scoreline in favour of either side. The side that will apply great effort will also be guaranteed a win."

The match will be played starting at 19:00 hours.
 

Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal aren't under any pressure to qualify for Europe as playing in the Champions League or Europa League are always a "responsibility" for the club.

The Gunners remain in the Europa League, which seems to be their best chance at qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Arsenal currently sit 10th in the league with only eight games remaining in the Premier League season.

What was said?

“It is not pressure – it is our responsibility," he said.“The club we represent has high demands and that is the minimum we can ask for and we have to, over time, work to deliver those goals because it is what we get asked for.”

He added: “We go back to what we used to say when those teams were in a position not to qualify for Europe, we are talking about similar things.

“It is true there are some really good examples of teams that were rebuilding their teams and it helped them in their project, but I would rather be in Europe.”

However, there is a very real possibility that the club does not qualify for Europe, as they sit seven points behind rivals Tottenham, who are currently in sixth.

They're nine points behind fifth-place Chelsea and 10 points behind fourth-place West Ham and, asked where Arsenal would stand if the club misses out on European football,  Arteta said: “That’s too many ifs. What if we qualify for Europe and win the Europa League? I prefer to think like that.”

The rest of the way

Arsenal were moments away from sealing a big advantage in their Europa League clash with Slavia Prague, who knocked off rivals Spurs in the round of 16.

Nicholas Pepe scored in the 86th minute to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead, but Artetaa's side conceded an away goal moments later to make it 1-1 heading into the second leg.

Next up for Arsenal is a visit to Sheffield United this weekend before the return leg against Slavia Prague on Thursday.

Further reading

Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho says Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson would disagree with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's attitude towards trophies.

United have not lifted a trophy since Mourinho's time in charge, when the Old Trafford side won the Europa League and League Cup and their last Premier League success came during Ferguson's last year in charge in 2013.

Current Red Devils manager Solskjaer played down the significance of ending his side's silverware drought, saying that success in cup competitions are "more of an ego thing from other managers".

But Mourinho has a different opinion and believes United's best ever manager would take his side in the debate.

What has been said?

"It’s his opinion. I’m pretty sure his big boss Sir Alex had a different opinion about it. But I respect what Solskjaer thinks. I think different," Mourinho said when asked about Solskjaer's comments.

"Freedom of thinking, freedom of ideas, and if that is what he thinks that is fine by me. It’s not a problem for me, he’s not being disrespectful to anyone.

"But I repeat I believe his big boss, and the biggest in Premier League history, has a different view in relation to that."

Ferguson's Man Utd success

After winning three Scottish Premier Division titles and four Scottish Cups with Aberdeen, Ferguson took over at Old Trafford in 1986 and won a plethora of trophies in his 27 years in charge.

As well as 13 Premier League titles, the Scot guided United to two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups among others.

Solskjaer's record so far

Former United striker Solskjaer was appointed United boss in 2018 when he replaced Mourinho at the helm.

His side currently sit second in the Premier League and sit 14 points behind Manchester City.

Although they are already out of the FA and Carabao Cups, they are still in contention to win the Europa League, having beaten Granada 2-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday.

Further reading

Pep Guardiola says he wants whatever is best for Sergio Aguero as he prepares for his departure from Manchester City, even if the Argentine's next step is to another club in the Premier League.

Aguero is set to leave this summer, concluding his legendary career with the club after a decade that featured four Premier League titles and a fifth likely to be on the way.

The striker has been linked to several clubs, including Premier League rivals Chelsea, and Guardiola is not looking to persuade Aguero one way or the other, even if it means seeing him lineup against City next season.

What did Guardiola have to say?

“The best for him, we wish – all of us,” Guardiola said when asked if he'd be concerned by Aguero staying in the Premier League.

“Find the best for Sergio for the last years in his career, for sure. We’ll be delighted with the decision he takes, the best for him and his family and his career. My preference is his preference. His preference is my preference. The best for him is the best for us.”

The rest of the way

While Aguero is set to depart at the end of the season, City still have plenty of left to play for this season.

City currently have a 14-point lead atop the Premier League and a 2-1 lead against Borussia Dortmund after the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Aguero has been limited to just three goals in 15 games this season, having battled injuries throughout the campaign, but Guardiola hopes he still has a part to play this season.

"Everything can happen,” Guardiola said. “I’m sorry, I’m not a person who can see far away for more than one week. In football, I learned from my period as a player and a manager that everything can change quickly in a positive way or a not positive way. Everyone must be ready and, hopefully, Sergio can be ready quick.

“Sergio is a lovely person with specific qualities and skills. I understand him, I know him and I understand he needs time to get in the best condition. I said last week after we announced [his departure] the way he trained, and in the Leicester game, which was so difficult because they defend so deep and so tight, for the strikers it is not easy, he moved well and helped us. He felt something in his leg [so] he was substituted. He is doing better.”

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp insists he has no concerns over the form of Sadio Mane, despite the Liverpool forward’s struggles in front of goal in recent weeks.

Mane has managed just seven goals in 27 Premier League games this season, and only three in his last 23. He has not netted in the league since the 3-1 win at Tottenham on January 31, a run of eight scoreless games.

The Senegal star cut a frustrated figure as the Reds lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, with Klopp venting his fury at referee Felix Brych afterwards, claiming the German official had “something personal” against Mane.

What did Klopp say?

Asked about Mane’s form of late, Klopp told reporters: "We all know how good Sadio Mane is, what a player he is and what he did for us. But obviously the numbers scoring-wise are not great at the moment and he knows that.

"For a player with the mindset of Sadio, he wants to do extremely well. But this is the situation he is in. Each striker in the world knows these kind of situations.

"I'm not concerned but I see it as well (that his form isn't the best), it's clear. We work on it. It's the only answer I can give.”

Has Mane’s workload caught up with him?

Mane could play his 40th game of the season for Liverpool against Aston Villa on Saturday, and has played in 171 of the Reds’ last 188 games in the Premier League and Champions League. Only Andy Robertson, Gini Wijnaldum and Mo Salah have played more minutes than the 28-year-old since the start of last season.

Klopp added: "The schedule over the last three years was for a lot of players in world football a tough one. For him, as well, that's true, but I don't think that's the reason.

"There is no physical problem for Sadio, not a real one - we all need breaks from time to time, that is clear - but it's not a general problem.

"It's just the situation. If you don't score for a while, then strikers start thinking. There is a moment when you start thinking exactly the right things again and then it will be fine again. We have to make sure this time is not too far away.”

Further reading

Simba SC suffered their first Caf Champions League Group A loss after going down by a solitary goal to reigning champions Al Ahly at WE Al-Ahly Stadium, Cairo on Friday night.

Mohamed's Sherif's first-half strike was all the hosts needed to avenge the 1-0 loss in the first meeting in Dar es Salaam.

The Msimbazi Street-based charges started well and in the ninth minute, danger man Luis Miquissone was brought down in a promising position by Ahmed Ramadan and the referee handed Mnyama a free-kick.

Clatous Chama took it and the defenders struggled to clear the danger. They initiated a counter-attack from long clearance and Sherif almost punished the visitors, only that his shot flew over the bar.

Despite both teams trying to push for a goal in the early exchanges, by the 20th minute, neither had managed a shot on target.

The reigning champions came closest a minute later. Ramadan managed to go past three players before crossing the ball to Sherif; however, the latter headed narrowly wide.

As time went by, the hosts started to command the proceedings and Mnyama had to sit back and defend in numbers, to avoid conceding an early goal. The tactic invited the Red Devils, and they used every opportunity to attack.

In the 27th minute, Manula pulled off a top save to prevent Pascal Wawa from heading into his net after a dangerous cross from the right wing.

The champions got a deserved lead in the 32nd minute. Manula fumbled a cross from Ayman Ashraf and the loose ball fell to the waiting Sharif, who found the back of the net from three yards.

Simba looked relaxed from the way they were playing and did not look show any urgency in getting an equalizer. Even after the break, they sat back and relied on counter-attacks.

The Egyptian heavyweights had two chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half but they did not trouble the goalkeeper at all since they were off target.

In the 68th minute, substitute Francis Kahata was fouled 25-yards from the Al Ahly goal. Miquissone teed up Wawa but the Ivorian failed to keep his shot down.

Mohamed El Shenawy had to be alert to deny Simba from getting an equalizer in the 74th minute. A good ball was brought in and it found its way to Miquissone, but the custodian was in the right position to deny him.

The resulting corner bore no fruits.

The result had no impact on the group as Simba advance to quarters as winners with the Egyptians coming in second.

Al Ahly XI: Mohamed El Shenawy, Ayman Ashraf, Rami Rabia, Badr Banoun, Amr Al Sulaya, Mohamed Magdi Kafsha, Aliou Dieng, Hussein El Shahat, Mohamed Sherif, Ahmed Ramadan, Oluwafemi Ajayi

Simba XI: Aishi Manula, Pascal Wawa, Erasto Nyoni, Shomari Kapombe, Mohammed Husseini, Joash Onyango, Jonas Mkude, Larry Bwalya, Clatous Chama, Luis Miquissone, Meddie Kagere

AmaZulu FC maintained their scintillating form under coach Benni McCarthy on Friday evening by securing a win over Stellenbosch FC.

Usuthu claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stellies at Danie Craven Stadium to extend their winning run to six matches in the PSL.

McCarthy's side started the match slowly and this allowed the hosts to dominate the game and push for the opening goal.

Ashley du Preez had a chance to hand the Stellies an early lead, but he dragged his shot wide of the target, before AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa denied Junior Mendieta with a great save.

AmaZulu did threaten on the stroke of the half-time when Siyethemba Sithebe forced Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens into a diving save. 

Stellenbosch continued to control the game after the restart and they were unlucky not to break the deadlock when new South Africa under-23 international Du Preez hit the post.

McCarthy then introduced former SuperSport United winger Thabo Qalinge, who made his official debut for Usuthu against Black Leopards last weekend. 

It was end-to-end stuff in the closing stages of the game and Stellies had two great chances to score after the Usuthu defence was exposed when the visitors had pushed forward. 

However, AmaZulu were rescued by new Bafana Bafana international Mothwa, who pulled off fantastic saves to deny Du Preez and Stanley Dimgba in quick succession.

The hosts were left rue to those two goalscoring opportunities as AmaZulu grabbed a late winning goal through their super-sub Qalinge.

The 29-year-old rounded Stephens, before hitting the back of the net to hand AmaZulu a 1-0 win in stoppage time with Sithebe providing the assist.

It was Qalinge's maiden goal since November 2018 when he netted for Orlando Pirates in a 5-1 win over Seychelles side Light Stars in the Caf Confederation Cup at Orlando Stadium.

AmaZulu are now unbeaten in 12 matches in the league under Bafana legend McCarthy, who has transformed Usuthu into potential PSL title contenders. 

The win over Stellenbosch saw Usuthu climb up to second place on the league standings - three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have three games in hand.

AmaZulu are set to face Sundowns on April 21, while Stellenbosch, who are placed 11th on the standings, will face Leopards on the same day.

Ismaila Sarr scored twice while William Troost-Ekong delivered an impressive performance to help Watford secure a 2-0 victory over Reading in Friday’s Championship game.

The Hornets’ six-game winning run was halted against Middlesbrough on Monday and the Senegal and the Nigeria stars were on hand to help them return to winning ways at Vicarage Road.

Sarr was afforded his 36th start of the campaign and utilized the opportunity to increase his tally while Troost-Ekong made a key contribution to help Xisco Munoz’s men keep a clean sheet.

The Senegal international open the scoring in the 12th minute of the encounter after receiving a timely assist from Kiko.

Two minutes later, Sarr doubled the Hornets’ lead to complete his brace in style after he was set up by Philip Zinckernagel.

Reading made several efforts to try and reduce the deficit but the Troost-Ekong led defence delivered solid defensive displays to ensure they secure all three points in the outing.

Sarr featured for the duration of the game, struck three shots, completed four dribbles and had 43 touches on the ball.

Troost-Ekong also lasted for the entirety of the game, made one tackle, three clearances, blocked two shots in his effort to help the Hornets keep a clean sheet.

His compatriot Isaac Success was a 78th-minute substitute for Ken Sema in his sixth appearance this season, having only recently returned from hamstring problems.

Reading paraded Anglo-Nigerian Ovie Ejaria for 78 minutes before he was replaced by Sam Baldock while Sone Aluko featured for 87 minutes in the encounter.

With the result, Watford maintained their second spot on the Championship table after gathering 82 points from 41 games.

Reading, meanwhile, dropped to the sixth spot with 66 points from the same number of matches and will hope to return to winning ways against Cardiff City.

Sarr and Troost-Ekong will be expected to continue their eye-catching performances when Watford slug it out against Luton Town on April 17.

The 23-year-old Senegal winger has now scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 36 appearances this season across all competitions.

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann revealed that he had to persuade Tyler Adams to stay with the club this past summer as the midfielder considered a potential transfer.

Nagelsmann admitted that the U.S. men's national team star was wondering if his future would best be served elsewhere, but he was convinced to stay after some conversations with his coach.

The RB Leipzig boss says he's thrilled to still have Adams with the club, as he says the American midfielder is growing into a top player.

What did Nagelsmann have to say?

"In the summer he was dissatisfied," the RB Leipzig boss said, according to RBLive. "He was wondering whether it would be better for him elsewhere. I was able to persuade him to stay,"

He added:"We got together more, also when it comes to the way I think about football."

Adams at RB Leipzig

Adams made the move to Germany in 2019, joining RB Leipzig from their sister club, the New York Red Bulls.

He's gone on to make 61 appearances for the club, including 32 throughout this season.

Adams' role, though, was more infrequent last season, although he did score the goal that pushed the club past Atletico Madrid and into the Champions League semifinals last summer.

Nagelsmann says he still believes that Adams can become even more of a goal threat from his deeper-lying position, but he couldn't be happier with the midfielder's efforts in recent weeks.

"It's been extraordinary for Tyler in the last 10 or 12 weeks," he said. "That's reflected in his playing time...His development this year has been outstanding."

Further reading

Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape has outlined the value of playing against South Africa in a friendly as the Copper Queens look to put themselves in the best possible shape for the Olympic Games.

The Copper Queens continued their build-up for the global showpiece with a 2-1 victory over Chile in November, days after a third-place finish at the 2020 Cosafa Women's Cup in South Africa.

Saturday's game will see the Zambians meet Banyana Banyana for the seventh time, having drawn twice and lost four times before, including a 1-0 defeat in the 2019 Cosafa Women's Cup final.

On his return to South Africa, Mwape is hoping to guide his side to a first-ever triumph over Desiree Ellis' team since 2012.

"Facing South Africa it is a good opportunity for us to prepare the team adequately for the upcoming Olympics," Mwape told Goal.

"We withdrew from the Turkish tournament due to Covid-19 but there no pressure on the team and girls are shaping up well and they're eager for the Olympic Games.

"We are glad to be back in the camp and the match against South Africa will also help us to assess our local players and see those who can add value to the team.

"I believe they will provide us with a quality opposition because of the exposure they have and their experienced players who are playing in Europe. We hope to also assess our newly called players."

Zaragoza striker Racheal Nachula joined the rest of the squad in South Africa, following her exploits for the Spanish outfit where she scored six goals, including a brace at Parquesol last time out.

On handing a late call-up to Nachula, coach Mwape explained, saying: "She has been part of the team going to the Olympics and I believe she will bring a lot of experience to help the team."

The Southern Africa side will hope to extend their fine run with a triumph at the Bidvest Stadium in Milpark, Braamfontein on Saturday.

Zambia will also find out their group stage opponents in the finals draw scheduled on April 21, at Fifa headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

Cardiff City centre-back Sol Bamba has been allowed to resume "light, socially-distant training" ahead of the completion of his chemotherapy course.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in January and immediately started his treatment.

The defender is delighted with his early return to training and has appreciated the support he has received so far.

"There's still a long way to go, but it's a very important step for me and one that I'm so happy to take," Bamba said, as per BBC Sport.

"The last couple of months have been very difficult for me and the family so to be ahead of schedule and out there with the lads enjoying myself has been unbelievable.

"I'm fortunate as I've got a lot of support from the footballing world, from my club, teammates and everyone I know in football around the world."

The Ivory Coast international has been with the Bluebirds since the summer of 2016 after leaving Leeds United.

Bamba helped Cardiff gain promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and featured prominently during their campaign in the top flight.

The defender, however, suffered a ligament injury in March 2019 which ruled him out for the remainder of the season, and he could not help the side as they were relegated to the Championship.

Bamba captained Cardiff a number of times and has made 117 appearances, scoring 10 goals across all competitions.

In the current campaign, the centre-back has played six times for Neil Harris’ men and had previously spoken of his target to help the club return to the Premier League.

Cardiff are eighth on the Championship table after gathering 58 points from 40 games and will take on Blackburn Rovers in their next outing on Saturday.

It is still unclear if Bamba could return to action before the end of the 2020-21 campaign. The defender has made 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast national team since his debut in 2016.

Bamba had featured for Paris Saint-Germain, Dunfermline Athletic, Hibernian, Trabzonspor, Palermo and Leeds United before joining Cardiff City.

Frank Lampard says he gave Mason Mount the Chelsea captaincy because of the midfielder's "authority" among the team.

The 22-year-old wore the captain's armband for the first time as the Blues beat Luton Town 3-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup in what turned out to be Lampard's final match in charge.

Lampard, who was sacked days later and replaced by Thomas Tuchel, says the England international deserved to be trusted to lead the team and challenged him to "rise up" to the role.     

What has been said?

"A nice feeling when I left Chelsea in my last game was that I made Mason captain," the Chelsea icon said at a Q&A at the Willow Foundation ahead of the London Football Awards.

"It wasn't a gesture because I didn't know I was leaving! But it was about his authority and standing in the group that had risen. He needed to see that and understand that. He needs to rise up.

"The minute I gave him the armband, I saw the look on his face and what it meant to him. That's something you get when you bring through academy players and fans love it. They have been fighting with desire since they were eight years old. That's tangible and something that's important.

"You won't always see it at 20 because they might have dips in confidence or moments in games that come. But when you have players who have that care, then it doesn't matter who the manager is. The desire they have themselves will carry though because they work so hard.

"When I left Chelsea, and this is no disrespect to the manager who has come in, but I would have put my house that they would think, 'Wow Mason Mount trains every day like a champion. He works off the ball and sets the press, has great quality, is improving all the time and now he is adding goals to his game.'

"That's the end of Mason Mount but as you can see, I like him a lot! I probably said enough about him because people used to say he was my son, but I'll be quiet there."

How has Mount performed this season?

The Chelsea academy graduate has scored eight goals and registered eight assists in 41 appearances this season.

Mount struck for the London side in the second half of last week's 5-2 loss to West Brom in the Premier League, before opening the scoring in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto in midweek.

What next for Mount and Chelsea?

Tuchel's team travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the English top flight on Saturday. 

They will then turn their attention back to the Champions League as they look to defend their 2-0 aggregate lead against Porto on Tuesday.

Further reading

Frank Lampard has been interviewed for the first time since losing his job as Chelsea head coach, admitting he wanted to sign Declan Rice and saying he is waiting for the perfect fit before returning to management.

After a run of five defeats in eight league games the Blues legend lost his role in January and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who has gone on to improving the club's fortunes.

Lampard is now taking a break from football despite having been linked with a host of managerial jobs, including the ones at Bournemouth and with the England Under-21s. The 42-year-old sat down to support the Willow Foundation in a Q&A ahead of the London Football Awards on April 29. 

What he said?

"No matter how good you think you are or whatever circumstances you are in, [being sacked] can happen," Lampard said.

"It gives you a sense of perspective of what's important. It came at a time where we were due a young son and it has given me a lot more time to be home so you count your blessings on that front.

"It has been great to be around the family. I have had some opportunities that have come up in the last six weeks to two months that have been flattering and nice but it wasn't the right thing. It has certainly been nice to step out having been managing two and a half years full pelt.

"With the family situation, the opportunities were not quite right. I think about it and it would be something I am keen to do at the right time and the right place. As much as I am resting and recuperating away from the game, I am keeping an eye on it.

"I am looking forward to things that may come. I am watching football and trying to learn and get better. In this game, you never stop learning so I will try and find the right time and opportunity, if it comes and I am very keen to get working again."

In addition, he went on to admit that he tried to sign Rice, who has been nominated for London Footballer of the Year: "Now you see him in the England squad and quickly you don't see an England team without Declan in it.

"We are fortunate to have him in England, West Ham are fortunate to have him. He's a leader and it is clear that he's destined for great things. I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him but I think it's common knowledge that I was a big fan of his.

"It didn't happen for various reasons, but we brought in a lot of players in the summer. But I was a big fan of him. For understandable reasons, West Ham know the player that they have on their hands.

"I don't want Declan to be in an uncomfortable position through this because all I see from him is absolute performance and desire to play for West Ham. They gave him the chance there and the choice will be Declan's as the years go ahead, but his performances are great to watch."

What has happened to Lampard and Chelsea since?

Lampard has been out of work for the last few months but he says he has been watching a lot of football in preparation for his next role. In his personal life, he and his wife Christine have had another child, a boy called Freddie.

After Tuchel took over the Blues went on a 14-game unbeaten run, finally losing last weekend to West Brom in a shock 5-2 defeat. Having been in 10th place when Lampard left, Chelsea are up to fifth in the Premier League.

Further reading

Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has been announced as the winner of the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award for March, beating Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho to the individual accolade.

The Algeria star bagged three goals in four league games last month for the Citizens, including his brace against Southampton.

The impressive performances were convincing enough for the forward to be voted as the best player by the fans ahead of Iheanacho, who delivered spectacular performances for the Foxes.

The 24-year-old attacker scored five goals, including his second hat-trick of his career, against Sheffield United, for the King Power Stadium outfit.

Mahrez also beat off competition from Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette, West Ham United’s Jesse Lingard and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, to win the prize.

Meanwhile, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed his delight with the development of Iheanacho and believed he will be a key member of his side in future.

"What we are saying is we think he's going to be a very important striker for us in the future, but you need more than one, that's for sure,” Rodgers said in a press conference.

"I think he's shown in the couple of years that I've been here that he has developed and he's improving and he's going to a very, very important part of the squad.

"There's no doubt later on down the line once Jamie has finished and moved on we'll have to have another one, maybe two, so any top club will want to have more than one and that would always be the case.

"Kelechi, we've seen his development, we've seen his improvement, seen his confidence grow, and as you see him now playing he looks a real threat and he looks like he can score goals. Being so young we know there's a lot more to come."

Iheanacho won the Premier League Player of the Month award for the first time in his career while he has also been nominated for Leicester Goal of the Month.

The forward, who recently extended his contract with the Foxes, will hope to continue his impressive performances when his side take on West Ham United in their next league game on Sunday.

The attacker’s contribution helped the King Power Stadium outfit to their current third spot on the Premier League, behind Manchester City and Manchester United.

Italy assistant coach Daniele De Rossi has been hospitalised due to pneumonia symptoms after contracting Covid-19.

At least eight players and four members of the background staff have been diagnosed with coronavirus since returning from the latest round of international matches.

De Rossi, who was appointed assistant to coach Roberto Mancini last month, has been in hospital since Thursday.

Why was De Rossi hospitalised?

The former Roma star tested positive for Covid-19 on March 31, the night of Italy's match against Lithuania, along with three other members of the group.

He had a CT scan on Thursday and doctors advised him to be hospitalised as a precautionary measure. The 37-year-old's condition has been reported as "fair" and is under control.

De Rossi is being treated at the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome, which is at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic in Italy. 

Who else has tested positive?

Atalanta star Matteo Pessina was confirmed to have tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday.

He is the eighth player found to have caught the virus in the wake of the Azzurri's World Cup qualifying wins against Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania.

Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti, Alessandro Florenzi, Vincenzo Grifo, Salvatore Sirigu, Alessio Cragno and Federico Bernardeschi have all returned positive tests, too.

Italy's perfect start to the qualifying campaign

Italy won 2-0 against each of Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania to move up to first place in World Cup qualifying Group C.

Mancini's team do not have any more fixtures scheduled until Euro 2020 starts in June.

They face Turkey, Switzerland and Wales in Group A of the summer competition. 

Further reading

Kenya striker Michael Olunga scored two goals in the second half as Al Duhail SC roared to a 4-0 win against Al Ahli in their final match of the Qatar Stars League on Friday.

The towering Kenya international forward started in the match played at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium but was forced to wait until the 54th minute to score his first goal of the day before he sealed his double in the 83rd minute.

Playing at home, Al Duhail took a deserved lead in the 35th minute when Brazilian forward Eduardo Pereira Rodrigues put them ahead before he also scored his second of the day in the 89th minute for the emphatic win.

Olunga, who joined Duhail from Kashiwa Reysol of Japan, was handed another start after his impressive display in the previous league match, which saw him score one goal as the team pulled off a 3-2 comeback win against Al Arabi last Saturday.

The Harambee Star did not disappoint on the day as he came close to opening the score in the 10th minute after his header sailed just over the bar from a corner-kick delivered by Ismail Mohamed.

Duhail continued to threaten for the opener and it was no surprise when they took a deserved lead.  Rodrigues, who is nicknamed ‘Dudu’, put them ahead with a header from inside the penalty area, taking advantage of the cross that arrived from Mohamed, and was the goal that ended the first half of the match.

After the resumption, Duhail continued to press for the second goal and it was Olunga who missed a good chance after combining well with Kiam Mohammed, only to shoot wide with Al Ahli goalkeeper Yassin Naim out of position.

However, Olunga made amends for his mistakes to score in the 54th minute and put Duhail 2-0 up from a free header and then scored his second of the day but third for Duhail in the 84th minute, after battling past more than one defender and then shooting directly in the far right corner of the goalkeeper.

Rodrigues then wrapped up the huge victory with a stoppage-time goal with a shot from inside the penalty area.

The win means Duhail will finish the season in the second position after collecting 47 points from 22 matches, 13 fewer than league winners Al Sadd, who finished at the top with 60 points.

Olunga and Duhail will now head Jeddah for the group matches in the AFC Champions League.

Azam FC picked up a 2-0 win over Mtibwa Sugar in a Mainland Premier League contest at the Chamazi Sports Complex on Friday.

Prince Dube scored the two goals to ensure the home side picked up their third win in five games as coach George Lwandamina continues to consolidate the former champions.

Dube - who battled with a knee injury and recovered after surgery in South Africa - scored for the Ice Makers in the eighth minute from the penalty spot after Mudathir Yahya had been brought down. 

The score remained 1-0 in favour of the former Premier League champions for the remainder of the first half as they were the outright dominant side. 

Dube earned his brace after finding the back of the net in the 86th minute. The Zimbabwean has now scored 10 goals and is atop the scorers' chart despite missing a number of games after he was sidelined by injuries on two ocassions.

Azam are now second, a point above Simba SC, who are competing in the Caf Champions League on Friday, although they have played five more games than the reigning champions.

Mtibwa Sugar, who are without a win in the last five games, are 15th after six wins, six draws and 11 losses, a run of results that has seen them garner 24 points.

Meanwhile, JKT Tanzania picked up a 3-1 win over Mwadui FC at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma. Daniel Lyanga scored twice in quick succession to hand the home side a 2-0 lead after finding the back of the net in 12th and in the 14th minute.

Feisal Rajabu halved the deficit in for Mwadui in the 44th minute through a successful conversion of a penalty. Edson Katanga scored in the 67th minute to hand JKT Tanzania the eventual win. 

After 25 games, JKT Tanzania are 12th with 27 points after seven wins, six draws whereas they have been on the losing end on 12 occasions.

On the other hand, Mwadui will spend time at the bottom of the 18-table team as they have claimed just one win in the last five games. Overall, they have won four games, drew in the same number of ties and lost 17 encounters.

Finally, at Karume Stadium in Mara, Biashara United and Polisi Tanzania shared the points from a 1-1 draw. 

Gerald Mdamu scored for Polisi Tanzania in the 66th minute before Tariq Simba equalised in the 74th minute for the hosts.

Biashara United are fourth with 40 points after 24 games and have won two of the last five games, where two draws and a loss has also been recorded.

On the other hand, Polisi Tanzania are eighth with 31 points. They have drawn in four out of five previous games and picked up maximum points in the other encounter.