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Jose Mourinho was disappointed to learn of a Christmas party which saw Tottenham players Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso breach coronavirus regulations.

Pictures circulated on social media of the Spurs trio at a festive gathering, with West Ham's Manuel Lanzini also in attendance.

The party went against Covid-19 rules put in place by the UK government as those present ignored social-distancing guidelines.

Head coach Mourinho was particularly disheartened having gifted Reguilon with a cooked pig to help him adjust to his first Christmas in England.

"I gave him an amazing gift, a Portuguese piglet, which is amazing for Portuguese and Spanish," Mourinho said after Tottenham's 3-0 defeat of Leeds United on Saturday.

"I gave him it because I was told he was going to spend Christmas on his own. I had this thought about him. He was not alone, as you can see.

"We as a club feel disappointed. We give the players all the education, we give the players all the conditions and, of course, we are not happy. It was a negative surprise for us."

Reguilon had started Spurs' prior match at Wolves but was an unused substitute against Leeds, while Lamela was absent from the squad. Lo Celso is injured.

Between the games against Wolves and Leeds, Tottenham had a trip to Fulham postponed due to coronavirus cases in the home camp.

Asked if he was angered by the behaviour of his players, Mourinho added: "I prefer to say disappointed.

"We know what we are internally. We don't need to open the door to you and let you know what is going on internally, what are going to be the consequences, how we approached that negative surprise. I feel disappointed, just that."

Lanzini appeared as a substitute in West Ham's 1-0 win at Everton on Friday but apologised for his part in the controversy the following day.

"I want to apologise for a bad mistake I made over Christmas and I take full responsibility for my actions," the midfielder wrote.

"I know people have made difficult sacrifices to stay safe and I should be setting a better example."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival at AC Milan last year "was a godsend" that helped transform the club, according to head coach Stefano Pioli.

The ex-Sweden international returned to San Siro for a second permanent spell with the Italian giants roughly a year ago, making his second debut as a substitute against Sampdoria on January 6.

He has been in sensational form since then, scoring 20 and assisting six goals in 24 Serie A matches in 2020, a tally bettered only by Ciro Immobile (34 goal involvements in 33 games) and Cristiano Ronaldo (38 in 29).

Ibrahimovic's haul includes a return of 10 goals in six league matches in the first half of this season, two of those strikes coming in Milan's 3-1 win over Napoli in November before he limped off with an injury that has kept him sidelined since.

That double saw him match Gunnar Nordahl for the second-most Serie A goals from the first eight games played of a season, behind only Marco van Basten (12 in 1992-93).

Ibrahimovic is also the oldest player to net at least 10 goals in the first eight Serie A matchdays, and Pioli has hailed the veteran striker's impact over the past 12 months.

"When he arrived, we knew it was a delicate moment, it was a godsend, it gave a shock and energy that the team did not have at that moment," Pioli said at a news conference previewing Sunday's trip to Benevento. 

"The January transfer market has given us a hand in the past. But let's think about the match against Benevento."

As well as struggling with niggling injuries, Ibrahimovic has also spent a spell on the sidelines this term with coronavirus.

Milan have fared well in the 39-year-old's absence, however, winning six and drawing two of the eight Serie A matches he has missed for a 75 per cent win rate, compared to 66.7% across the six games he has started.

But while Pioli is unwilling to rush Ibrahimovic's return, he is understandably eager to get one of his key men back on the field.

"He can't wait to get back, but we need caution," he said. "I hope he can come back as soon as possible."

Another key performer for Serie A table-toppers Milan this season has been full-back Theo Hernandez, who has chipped in with three goals and an assist in his past three outings.

Hernandez was directly involved in 11 league goals – six scored and five assisted – in 2020 and also completed the most successful dribbles in the competition (57).

That includes a last-gasp winner against Lazio last time out, though Pioli can see the former Real Madrid man getting better with time.

"He has played for [Real] Madrid and has incredible potential," Pioli said. "With work, he is improving day by day, proving to be at a high level. 

"But he can still improve in both phases of the game."

Manchester United will struggle to win the Premier League this season even with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings, says Michael Owen, with the Red Devils told they are not yet as “rounded” as Liverpool and Manchester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have overcome a slow start to the 2020-21 campaign and forced their way into the title picture.

Owen admits the men from Old Trafford are “right in the mix”, with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa seeing them pull level with defending champions Liverpool at the top of the table.

There is, however, still a long way to go before major silverware is handed out.

United have found consistency hard to maintain in recent years and will need to buck that trend in order to remain among the frontrunners.

They have enough talent at their disposal to chase down a first crown in eight years, with Portuguese playmaker Fernandes now a talismanic presence in the middle of their midfield.

Owen, though, is not convinced that the Red Devils boast the experience and strength in depth that has allowed arch-rivals from Manchester and Merseyside to reach the summit of domestic and European games.

The former United striker told Premier League Productions when asked if an in-form Fernandes makes Solskjaer’s side serious contenders: “I’m not sure they can win the title with him to be honest.

“I still think they’re… I think they’re a brilliant counter-attacking team, against the bigger and better teams they are exceptional and can give anyone a problem.

“The question I have is when they’re in possession against teams like Wolves and trying to break them down.”

Owen added: “I watched them the other day [in a dogged 1-0 win over Wolves] and there were no chances. Listen, they’re right in the mix, no question about it.

“They’re second on goal difference, but are they as rounded a team as Liverpool or Man City? I still think they’re a step behind and I still think it will be a struggle for them to win the title.

“But the way they’re playing, anything is possible.”

United’s focus is about to shift to domestic cup matters, with their next two outings set to see them face neighbours City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and Watford in the third round of the FA Cup.

Maritzburg United secured a much-needed 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which was played at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday evening.

Thabiso Kutumela handed the Team of Choice a two-lead with a first-half brace and Victor Letsoalo scored what proved to be a late consolation goal for Phunya Sele Sele. 

The Team of Choice were desperate to end their 14-match winless run in the league including last season's games and they had ended 2020 with a 2-2 draw with Stellenbosch FC.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made his intentions clear by naming two out-and-out strikers Thabiso Kutumela and Judas Moseamedi in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Siwelele were hoping to return to winning ways after drawing 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in a PSL match, before losing 2-0 to Nigeria's Rivers United in the Caf Confederation Cup clash.

Harris Tchilimbou led Celtic's attack in the absence of Ndumiso Mabena, while coach John Maduka deployed Tumelo Mangweni and Siphelele Luthuli as the two central attacking midfielders. 

Maritzburg dominated the match from the start and they fired the first warning through Tebogo Tlolane, whose curling effort was brilliantly saved by Celtic goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. 

The Team of Choice continued to press Siwelele and they managed to break the deadlock four minutes before the half-hour mark after some good work by Keagan Buchanan.

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder played an excellent pass to Kutumela, who then rounded Chaine, before firing home to hand Maritzburg a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The Team of Choice continued to attack after taking the lead and they were awarded a penalty after Daylon Claason was fouled in the box by Ryan De Jongh.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Kutumela made no mistake from the penalty spot as he beat Chaine with a powerful low shot to make it 2-0 to Maritzburg eight minutes before the half-time break.

Shadrack Kobedi, who is an attacking midfielder by trade, was introduced by Maduka prior to the start of the second-half as the visitors looked to pull one back.

Phunya Sele Sele saw most of the ball after the start, but they could not create clear cut chances as they gave away possession in the final third.

However, Celtic upped the tempo after the hour-mark and Thato Lingwati's headed effort was easily saved by Maritzburg keeper Jethren Barr, who also gathered Motebang Sera's long-range shot.

Victor Letsoalo was a constant thorn in the side of Maritzburg's defence and the former Baroka FC centre forward forced Barr into two fantastic saves.

However, Letsoalo was not to be denied in the 83rd minute as he beat Barr from close range with an acrobatic effort after the Team of Choice's defence was caught ball watching.

Both teams then launched late attacks in search of another goal, but it never came and ultimately, Maritzburg secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Celtic.

The win saw Maritzburg climb up to the 15th spot on the league standings with five points from nine games, while Celtic slipped down to 11th place having accumulated eight points from eight matches.

Maritzburg will now take on Chiefs in a league game on January 9 and Celtic are scheduled to face Rivers away in the Confederation Cup first round second-leg game on January 6.

Eddie Nketiah credits Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa with making him a better player for Arsenal despite enduring a difficult loan spell at Elland Road that led to him being recalled to Emirates Stadium.

The highly-rated England U21 international linked up with the Whites at the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

His potential was embraced by Leeds, but the form of Patrick Bamford and Bielsa’s penchant for fielding a solitary frontman left the youngster feeling frustrated on the sidelines.

A season-long deal was eventually cut short, with Mikel Arteta welcoming the promising striker back into his plans.

Nketiah took in just 19 appearances for Leeds across all competitions, including only two Championship starts, but he believes experience outside of north London has benefitted him.

“I’m grateful for my time at Leeds,” the 21-year-old told talkSPORT.

“Bielsa is a very demanding manager, so every day I was pushing myself to the limit in training, and I feel that mentality has stuck with me at Arsenal, to always give my all in training and in matches.

“I also learned a lot defensively off the ball with the way Leeds play, I learned a lot about the importance of pressing from the front, defending from the front and the impact it can have to the team and the way we play.

“I definitely learned a lot, I put myself out of my comfort zone which was a good thing for me, it’s made me a lot stronger mentally and has improved me as a player.

“I’m grateful for my time there.

“Obviously things worked out for me in the end with coming back to Arsenal, so I’m grateful for the experience I had and I feel like it made me a better player and a better person.”

Nketiah is seeing another loan move mooted with the January transfer window open, as he struggles for starts in 2020-21, but Arteta is showing faith in youth and chances are expected to come his way at some stage.

“It’s great to see the young players that are playing at the moment doing so well,” Nketiah added.

“B [Bukayo Sako] is doing well, Emile [Smith Rowe] has come into the team and has done well too, it’s great to see everyone making an impact and working hard and showing their confidence.

“As young players I think we always try to bring that breath of fresh air, that energy and enthusiasm.

“I try to always play with a bit of freedom and confidence. Obviously the manager allows us to have that confidence by picking us and giving us that game time.

“It’s been great to see the young players do so well, so hopefully we can keep making an impact and keep helping the team.”

Erik Lamela has issued an apology after breaking coronavirus protocols over the Christmas period.

The Tottenham forward joined team-mates Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso - along with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini - at a Christmas party that was in contravention of the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Lamela did not feature in the Tottenham squad for the 3-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday, and took to Twitter following the game to apologise.

"I want to apologise for a decision I made over Christmas which I deeply regret,” Lamela said . “On reflection I understand the seriousness of my actions and the impact it has on others. 

“I am truly thankful to everyone working hard to keep us safe and I feel ashamed knowing I’ve let people down.”

Following the win over Leeds, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho spoke of his disappointment at learning of the gathering.

Asked if he was angered by the behaviour of his players, Mourinho said : "I prefer to say disappointed.

"We know what we are internally. We don't need to open the door to you and let you know what is going on internally, what are going to be the consequences, how we approached that negative surprise. I feel disappointed, just that."

The actions of Reguilon, Lo Celso and Lamela did not have a detrimental impact on the rest of the Spurs squad, as they were impressive in the win over Leeds.

The 3-0 victory snapped a run of four league games without a win, and Mourinho was pleased with how his side closed out the game.

“It was a good performance where we reached the objective of the three points, where strategically the players understood how to close the door to the danger and how to explore some fragilities in the way they play that can be exposed,” Mourinho told the club’s official website .

“Everyone knows they can score goals, everyone knows how aggressive they are going forward, but I believe the team was always in control, always took the initiative.

“For about 20, 25 minutes in the second half, I don’t know physically, mentally, we had a period where we gave them the initiative, but when [Moussa] Sissoko and Lucas [Moura] came into the game, we got again that energy, that control and in the last part of the game if someone is going to score a goal it’s us.”

Simba SC custodian Aishi Manula is confident they will progress to the next stage of the Caf Champions League at the expense of FC Platinum.

In the first meeting between the two sides, the Platinum Miners picked up a vital win after Perfect Chikwende scored the all-important goal in the 17th minute to give his side a slight advantage at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Despite trailing against the Zimbabwean champions, the Taifa Stars custodian is confident the result is reversible and it will not be an obstacle for them to qualify when the two sides clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday, January 6.

“First of all, I know everyone knows we are trailing 1-0 so far, but obviously we still have a great chance of qualifying for the group stage by making sure we win our rematch which we will play at home here in Dar es Salaam,” Manula said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“I believe the good results in our last two games have boosted our morale to win the game, and through the support of our fans and football stakeholders in the country we will qualify and go to the group stage.”

In a previous interview, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck said he was gutted to lose the away game but remained confident they can still turn the tables during the return leg meeting.

“I’m not happy with the results because we didn’t deserve to lose, we dominated the game especially in the first half but we didn’t have focus whilst attacking,” Vandenbroeck told the club’s social media pages after the game.

“They managed to score and now we have to be careful when we meet in the return leg.”

The 21-time champions came into the match hoping to get at least a draw and stand a good chance of winning the second leg at home, having qualified for the second round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Plateau United of Nigeria.

On the other hand, Platinum made it to the next round after a 4-1 aggregate win after eliminating Costa De Sol of Mozambique, winning the first leg played in Maputo 2-1 before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg played in Harare.

On Wednesday, Simba sent a warning to Platinum after demolishing Ihefu FC 4-0 in a one-sided Mainland Premier League contest, with the goals coming from Mohamed Hussein, Meddie Kagere (two), and Chris Mugalu.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goal rule to UD Songo of Mozambique. The two sides had battled to a 0-0 draw in Mozambique and in the return leg played in Dar es Salaam, it ended 1-1 meaning Songo advanced on the away goal rule.

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill has confirmed John Obi Mikel is in contention for their Championship clash against Bournemouth on Saturday night.

The former Nigeria international suffered a calf injury in Stoke’s draw against Sheffield Wednesday on November 28.

The midfielder subsequently missed his side’s next eight games before returning to action against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, where he made a cameo appearance.

O'Neill revealed the 33-year-old midfielder will be available for selection when they take on the Cherries at Bet365 Stadium.

“John Obi Mikel and Sam Clucas came off the bench on Tuesday so they will come back into contention,” O'Neill told the club website.

“It’s just a case of how many minutes and where they are physically in terms of being ready to return.”

Mikel teamed up with the Potters in the summer after parting ways with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on mutual agreement.

The midfielder has been delivering fine performances for Stoke City since his arrival, featuring in 16 games across all competitions and bagging an assist.

The 33-year-old has captained the Bet365 Stadium outfit a number of times this season and has helped them secure impressive results.

His consistent showings helped Stoke to their current seventh spot on the league table after gathering 35 points from 22 games.

The former Super Eagles captain made his name during his time with Premier League giants Chelsea, where he spent 11 years.

Mikel helped the Blues to win a number of trophies including the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup.

The midfielder has also featured for Chinese side Tianjin TEDA and Championship club Middlesbrough since leaving Chelsea.

Mikel has previously spoken of his intention to help Stoke return to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

AS Kigali head coach Eric Nshimiyimana has named his travelling party to face Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) for their Caf Confederation Cup encounter.

The second leg of the first-round game will be held at St Mary's Stadium, Kitende on January 6 as the Rwandan side enjoy a 2-0 advantage which they earned without kicking a ball.

KCCA failed to raise a minimum number of players for the match after 12 of their squad members tested positive for the coronavirus.

Nshimiyimana, who has coached AS Kigali in the last six seasons, led them to this stage of the competition after seeing off Orapa United in the preliminary round.

The Rwandan giants lost 2-1 in Botswana before they picked up a decisive 1-0 victory at home. They had played just one game in the Premier League against Mukura Victory, which they won 2-0, before the competition was suspended by the government on December 12.

The Rwandan state took the move to suspend the competition due to the rising number of coronavirus positive cases within the football family. AS Kigali will be facing KCCA after they were knocked out by Proline FC in last season's competition.

KCCA will host AS Kigali at Vipers SC’s home ground and not at their own turf located in Lugogo.

“After an inspection of stadiums in Uganda, Caf notified KCCA that Omondi Stadium, in Lugogo was not eligible to host this edition’s Caf games,” KCCA announced on Saturday.

“Caf accredited St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende and deemed it fit to host Caf games. KCCA then hired St Mary’s Stadium Kitende for the return leg game against AS Kigali that will be played on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 16:00 EAT.

“Late 2020, KCCA Stadium plans were approved by authorities and the club hopes to start construction of a modern, start of the art stadium early 2021.”

AS Kigali’s squad:

Eric Nsabimana, Rachidi Kalisa, Tumaini Ntamuhanga, Shaban Hussein Tshabalala, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Aboubakar Lawal, Fiston Nkinzingabo, Janvier Benedata, Latif Bishiri, Pierrot Kwizera, Abeddy Biramahire, Alex Ortamal, Mossi Rurangwa, Chris Rugero, Bosco Kayitaba, Felix Ndekwe, Eric Ndayishimiye, Sudi Abdallah, Bate Shamiru, Hassan Rugirayabo, Christian Ishimwe, Hassan Karera, Emery Bayisenge.

Serie A side Napoli will fine Victor Osimhen after details emerged on how he possibly tested positive for coronavirus, according to reports.

The forward was made to take the Covid-19 test after his trip to Lagos, where he has gone to celebrate the yuletide season.

The result of the test came out positive and the Nigeria international has been isolated in his house in Italy as he recovers from the virus.

The centre-forward will now miss Napoli’s first match of 2021, against Cagliari in Sunday’s Serie A game at Sardegna Arena.

Details of how the attacker, who turned 22 on Tuesday, possibly contracted Covid-19 have emerged as videos of his birthday party surfaced on social media.

The forward did not keep to the Covid-19 rules during the party along with his supporters and well-wishers, who flooded the occasion.

The Napoli authorities and manager Gennaro Gattuso are angry with the carelessness of the forward and he could be handed a hefty fine according to Corriere del Mezzogiorno.

Osimhen has only made eight appearances for the Parthenopeans, scoring two goals, since his summer record signing from French side Lille due to injury and suspension.

Besides missing the Cagliari clash, Osimhen could also miss Napoli's league games against Udinese and Spezia, and their Italian Cup tie against Empoli.

The forward is yet to feature for the club since suffering a shoulder injury on international duty with Nigeria against Sierra Leone during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

The Super Eagles forward earned a move to Napoli following his eye-catching performances for Lille during his one-year stay.

The attacker scored 13 league goals for the Great Danes, amid other dazzling showings to generate interest from a number of European clubs, before settling for the Parthenopeans.

Osimhen burst into the limelight at the 2015 U17 World Cup, where he emerged as the top-scorer to help Nigeria clinch the title.

He subsequently teamed up with German side Wolfsburg before moving to Belgium to feature for Sporting Charleroi.

The attacker will hope to pacify Napoli with his impressive performances when he overcomes his coronavirus problems.

Tottenham and West Ham condemned four players after a picture emerged showing them celebrating Christmas together in apparent contravention of coronavirus restrictions.

An image being widely shared on social media shows Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso together at a party along with Hammers midfielder Manuel Lanzini.

London is currently operating under tier four of the UK government’s coronavirus restrictions, which bans anyone from mixing with people outside of their own household in an attempt to surpress the spread of the virus.

A Tottenham statement read: “We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.

“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example. The matter will be dealt with internally."

Lamela was not involved in the matchday squad for Saturday’s game against Leeds, with Reguilon dropped to the bench and replaced by Ben Davies. Argentine Lo Celso is currently sidelined with a thigh injury.

Lanzini meanwhile played in all three of West Ham’s games over the Christmas period, against Brighton, Southampton and Everton.

A Hammers statement read: “The club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to Covid-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions.

“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”

The incident comes as the UK grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases which is in part down to a new, more infectious strain of the disease.

The government tightened restrictions just before Christmas, which meant all Premier League matches have to be played behind closed doors again after some clubs were allowed to have up to 2,000 supporters attend stadiums.

Four Premier League matches have been called off over the last month after an outbreak of cases.

Aston Villa’s trip to Newcastle was postponed at the start of the month before Everton versus Manchester City and Fulham against Tottenham were called off at short notice last week. Fulham's game against Burnley on Sunday is also off following an outbreak among the Cottagers squad.

The Football Association showed “ignorance and error” in handing out a fine and ban to Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani over alleged racism, according to a group of Spanish language experts.

Cavani was banned for three games and fined £100,000 after making an Instagram post using the word ‘negrito’.

The Uruguay international accepted the disciplinary measures but said his conscience was clear as, from his point of view, the word was a term of affection for a friend.

“I want to share with you that I accept the disciplinary sanction knowing that I am foreign to English language customs, but I do not share the point of view," Cavani posted on Instagram.

"I apologise if I offended someone with an expression of affection towards a friend, nothing further was my intention. Those who know me know that my effort is to always seek the simplest joy and friendship!

"I appreciate the countless expressions of support and affection. My heart is at peace because I know that I always expressed myself with affection according to my culture and way of life."

Now, The Uruguayan National Academy of Letters - an association of academics and experts on the use of the Spanish language in Uruguay – have strongly criticised the FA, accusing English football’s governing body of “a serious injustice” against Cavani.

“The National Academy of Letters declares its most energetic rejection of the sanction and warns about the lack of cultural knowledge and linguistics that that FA reveals when reaching such a questionable resolution,” the academy said in a statement.

“The English Football Association has committed a serious injustice with the Uruguayan sportsman ... and has shown its ignorance and error in ruling on the use of language, and in particular Spanish, without noting all its complexities and contexts.

“In the context that it was written, the only value that can be given to ‘negrito’ – and particularly because of the diminutive use – is affection.”

Cavani served the first game of his suspension on Friday evening as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

He will also miss the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the FA Cup third-round tie with Championship side Watford.

East Bengal will hope to start the new year with their maiden win of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they take on Odisha on Sunday.

Both the clubs are yet to win a game so far and are languishing at the bottom half of the league. Pointing out the similarities between the two sides, East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler suggested that his boys are raring to get the elusive win on Sunday.

"They (Odisha) have had tough times, similar to us. At times they played good football. Stuart Baxter is a great manager, his reputation is incredible. He has got a relatively young team with a little bit of experience. We are very similar teams and there are makings of a good game. We have seen any team can beat anyone and it is an opportunity for both sides to come and get those three points on the table. It is a case of who wants more and our lads really want it."

The British manager mentioned that he and his coaching staff have taken all the right steps in developing the squad and also suggested that the team has made a lot of progress since the beginning of the season.

"We have progressed well,' said Fowler. "We all know what happened at the start of the season. We had a squad, we had to build on that. Progressively we got better in every single game. We found it difficult because we were playing catch up. We were trying to train but in between games it was hard to train the players in what we wanted them to do with the games coming thick and fast. It was a case of more the matches we played the better we would become and fitter.

"The lads have done really well in the last couple of weeks. There are lots and lots of positives. We have not won yet but we have lost just one in four. We are taking the right steps and every step taken is for the benefit of the club."

On the very first day of the January transfer window, the Red and Golds announced the arrival of former Wolverhampton forward Bright Enobakhare as their seventh foreigner. The Liverpool great was all praise for the 22-year-old Nigerian footballer and suggested that the newcomer will perfectly blend into the squad. 

"We have been looking for the seventh foreigner for a long time now. It is tough getting players in because of the quarantine and isolation. Bright was on board straight away. We had a perfect conversation and he understood everything that he needs to do. He is a clever and intelligent player. I wouldn't say that he is our architectural number nine who will grab a load of goals but he is a player who can open up defences. He has got quick feet and he will add a lot to this squad.

"He is a young lad who is coming into this league and that is a scoop. We see foreign players coming to this league and rightly or wrongly people think that they are coming at the end of their career. People will always come with the aspiration of doing well but when you get someone like Bright with his age then it is a perfect fit."

The East Bengal manager also suggested that with the arrival of the seventh overseas player, he will now have a selection headache something every coach aspires to have in order to churn out good results.

"We wanted seven foreign players to come in and make things a little bit difficult for me. I have decisions to make now whereas in the past six, seven games I did not have a decision to make. Now it is a headache but it is a healthy headache. As a manager, you should have all good players on the pitch," said Fowler.

Mohamed Salah “seems a bit sloppy” and has been “off it” of late for Liverpool, says former Reds midfielder Don Hutchison, with the Egyptian forward accused of 'upsetting the flow' for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Salah has been a talismanic presence for the Reds throughout much of his time at Anfield.

His stunning exploits on Merseyside have earned him a standing among the global elite, with his value to the cause without question. 

He has scored 110 goals in 175 appearances for Liverpool, helping the Reds to the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League title honours.

Klopp’s men are back on the trophy hunt this season, but did drop points in back-to-back outings against West Brom and Newcastle during the festive period.

Salah drew a blank in each of those contests, with some big chances going begging for him and Liverpool as a collective.

The 28-year-old has been hinting that he could take on a new challenge outside of England at some stage in the near future, with a transfer door being left open to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Hutchison believes renewed speculation is proving to be an unwelcome distraction for Salah, with his recent displays not as productive as Liverpool would expect.

He told Optus Sport on the back of a goalless draw away at Newcastle: “I think he is world class. But he frustrates you when you watch him play, and not just with his finishing.

“It’s the simple things, he doesn’t complete a 10-yard pass, he seems a bit sloppy, bit casual.

“Sometimes he upsets the flow of Liverpool. He can give a ball away and Liverpool have to start again.

“Maybe the noises of Real and Barca may have affected him a little – but he seems off it.”

Salah will get another opportunity to find his groove on Monday when table-topping Liverpool take in a trip to Southampton.

That long journey to the south coast will be made with Klopp’s side sat at the Premier League summit, but with arch-rivals Manchester United having pulled level with them on points.