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Jamie Redknapp says Jose Mourinho is "asking for trouble" with his negative tactics at Tottenham, who have now gone four games without a win in the Premier League.

Tottenham missed the chance to move up to third in the top-flight standings after drawing 1-1 with Wolves at Molineux on Sunday night.

French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele gave Mourinho's team a surprise first minute lead with a well-struck 20-yard effort, after which they then elected to sit back rather than try and increase their advantage.

Spurs eventually paid for their reluctance to get forward as Wolves found an 86th-minute equaliser, Roman Saiss heading past Hugo Lloris after meeting a teasing Pedro Neto corner at the near post.

Tottenham have not won a match since beating Arsenal on December 6. They have fallen to fifth in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool.

Redknapp thinks Mourinho may have unwittingly created a confidence issue in the dressing room by continuing to favour efficiency over expression, with the Lilywhites now a shadow of the free-scoring team they were in the opening few weeks of the season.

“I think the disappointment is they had it in their hands," the former Spurs midfielder told Sky Sports. “If you’re going to keep sitting back, you’re asking for trouble.

“This is not a one-off - there are many games where this has happened, so it’s becoming a pattern. The more often it happens, the more negative the players get.

“They start to think ‘it will happen again’. It transmits to the brain and it’s a major problem for Jose right now.”

Mourinho admitted that his side's failure to build on their advantage led to Wolves' late fightback at the weekend, as he told reporters post-match: “One point against Wolves wouldn’t normally be a bad result as they are a strong opponent, but scoring a goal in the first minute and having control of the game and 89 minutes to score more goals is frustrating.”

After Wolves, Spurs' final match of 2020 is their London derby clash with Fulham this week. They will then look ahead to another home fixture against Leeds United on January 2.

After more than 540 minutes without a win in the 2020-21 Indian Super League, Kerala Blasters finally managed to end their winless run with a convincing 2-0 result against Hyderabad on Sunday. 

With key players such as Costa Nhamoinesu, Bakary Kone and Gary Hooper unavailable for selection due to injuries, Kibu Vicuna had a tough task in choosing the starting lineup for what was a must-win game considering the poor start to the season.

But he pulled it off and here's how he did it. The defence that included a foreign centre-back partnership that wasn't consistent was replaced by an all-Indian line featuring Abdul Hakku and Sandip Singh as centre-backs. 

It was a big risk considering both of them were starting a game for the first time this season and in the case of Hakku, it was only his seventh start in four seasons due to injury issues. They were up against the likes of Aridane Santana but the riskiest move of the season so far from Vicuna paid off. 

Hakku is the one who broke the deadlock in the first half from an accurate Facundo Pereyra corner-kick. He looked rusty at several instances in the game but had no trouble in heading the corner into the net in the 29th minute. 

Both Hakku and Sandip managed to withstand the threat posed by the Hyderabad attack but there were enough warning signs that meant that the all-Indian defensive line could be punished against a stronger team. 

Going into the game, only East Bengal had a worse defensive record in second halves than Kerala Blasters who had conceded eight goals after restarts. But Vicuna looked to have finally gotten his half-time team talk right as his side took control of the game in the second half and denied Hyderabad easy forays into their defensive third. 

Jeakson Singh found starts hard to come by at the start of the season but proved his mettle once again in the midfield with an energetic display alongside Vicente Gomez. He scored a late equaliser for his team on his first start and then produced a stellar show in his second.

On the right flank, Rahul KP was involved in a fantastic duel with Akash Mishra and it was the Keralite who came on top with his direct runs and quick feet.  Facundo Pereyra remained available for a pass and was happy to deliver balls into the box for Jordan Murray who looked more involved in the final third in one game than Gary Hooper did in all his games combined. 

Sahal Abdul Samad also got a start - once again on the left-wing - and he showed why he should start more often but not on the flanks. He was happy to dribble past defenders but gave away the ball cheaply and did not possess the expected defensive work rate when the team did not have the ball. 

Up next for Blasters is a big game against league leaders Mumbai City who have been phenomenal in all areas of the pitch. Given how a new-look team performed against Hyderabad, Kibu Vicuna has some decisions to make. 

A few weeks ago, Arjun Jayaraj returned home after terminating his contract with Indin Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters. 

Arjun was inside a bio-bubble in Goa for a couple of months as a Kerala Blasters player and for someone who had already been sidelined for several months, it was not easy. 

The 24-year-old midfielder had signed a three-year deal with Kerala Blasters in 2019 but couldn't make a single appearance for the Yellow Army. 

The player, for whose signature Blasters paid a transfer fee to Gokulam Kerala, suffered an ankle injury at the beginning of the 2019-20 season and had to be excluded from the squad for ISL 2019-20 by then-coach Eelco Schattorie.

Following a long drawn out process of surgery and rehabilitation, the player joined the squad in Goa to prepare for the 2020-21 season of Indian Super League (ISL) but ultimately had to decide to mutually terminate his contract. He wanted to make a comeback in his career and for that, he needed to play regularly. 

The player chose to accept an offer from Kerala United, owned by the United Group that also owns Premier League club Sheffield United, hoping to embark on a new journey. 

"The situation inside a bio-bubble was hard to accept. The second floor, dining hall and the meeting room are the only places you can access. It helps to go out and relax to take time off stress during games but the players have started to adjust after the season began. With matches coming thick and fast, the focus shifts to that. Pre-season was more difficult," Arjun revealed what it is like to spend time inside a bio-bubble to Goal.

"When I left, I had many offers. But I-League clubs had already started pre-season. Kerala United contacted me after seeing my profile from when I played for Gokulam Kerala. 

"I have had a gap of two years so I wanted to go to a club which had coaches and players I knew and am familiar with so that I can play more games and be more confident. The training ground is six kilometres away from my home. I want to stay in the comfort zone and play more games and gain confidence before playing in a league with more intensity. They are starting a new club from Malappuram, my home, so that's a good thing as well," the player said. 

Kerala United are set to begin their preparations for the I-League second division in January and Arjun is fit and ready for a fresh challenge. 

"I felt okay during practice sessions and trained in pre-season for two months and played in friendly matches. I played with my friends here. I am close to full match fitness. Match fitness can be improved only by playing matches. I am training alone for now."

Arjun's decision to join a second division side may be confusing for some but it was all about getting regular game time for the midfielder who is only 24 years old and last played a professional game in March 2019 for Gokulam Kerala in the I-League.

"Every player wants to play at the top level. But it is better to play in a second division or any other league than not play in a top league. We need games, there are players who haven't played for more than a season. It is frustrating to sit at home injured and it is even more difficult when you are not injured and not playing."

Lionel Messi does not believe Barcelona will be able to afford to bring Neymar back to the club. 

Since making a world-record €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar has been consistently linked with a return to Camp Nou and a reunion with Messi. 

But such a move has yet to come to fruition and with Barca's current financial difficulties, it appears that Neymar's storybook return is a long way off. 

The Brazilian recently stated his desire to play alongside Messi again next season, but where that reunion would take place is unclear. 

Speaking to La Sexta, Messi admitted that his current side likely don't have the funds to bring the Brazilian back. 

"How do you pay Paris for the transfer?" Messi asked. "It is not easy, it will be a difficult situation for the new president. He will have to be very intelligent, get everything in order and make many changes to make it go well.

"It will also be difficult to bring in players because we need money and there is no money. There are several important current players we need to fight again for everything and you have to pay them."

On Neymar's recent declaration that he wants to be Messi's team-mate again, he added: "He didn't say, 'Let's play,' he said, 'I'd like to play' … right?

"Yes, we talk from time to time. The three of us either with him or with Luis [Suarez] every day. We maintain the relationship."

Another relationship of Messi's that has drawn speculation involves Antoine Griezmann, after the French star's uncle hit out at the Argentine last month.

Messi, though, has played down any potential feud with his team-mate, saying the two get along just fine. 

"The relationship is good, I already said it," Messi insisted. "I never had problems with him and I never did everything that was said, that I did not want his signing and all that, I think it was more than clarified.

"I have no problems, The relationship is good and sometimes we drink mate together in the dressing room and on trips. There is no kind of anything."
 

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he likes it when people boo him and finds playing without fans "boring".

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, spectators have generally been unable to attend games across Europe with some exceptions. 

At Juventus over the past several months, Ronaldo has had to get used to playing in empty stadiums and was even sidelined temporarily after himself testing positive for Covid-19.

As someone who channels the good and bad energy from fans, the 35-year-old conceded he misses the boos just as much as the applause. 

"For me I have to be honest, to play in an empty stadium is boring in my opinion. We, the players, respect all the protocol and health is the most important thing of all, of course, but I don't like it, to be honest," Ronaldo said at the Globe Soccer Awards on Sunday. 

"I do it first of all because I love football. My passion is always football. I play for my family, my kids, my friends, the fans. But I don't like it, to be honest. It's so weird. 

"I like when people boo Cristiano. When I touch the ball they 'boo', I like it. I hope in 2021 they can change the rules and we can see the stadiums full of people." 

Ronaldo, who was named Player of the Century at the Globe Soccer Awards, has been a role model for the next generation of footballers for over a decade now and relishes having such an influence. 

"It's great when you look and see the kids want to be like you. They cut their hair like me. They want skills like me. I see my son, 10 years old and he wants to look like me and I say: 'You have a long way to do it, to be like your father'," Ronaldo said. 

"The future is the kids. I have four and I wish them all the best. When I see the kids around for example in Dubai, they run and say 'Siii' it makes me happy because they recognise my effort, my dedication, my hard work. I'm proud when I see stuff like that and it gives me motivation to carry on and continue like that." 

Semi Ajayi is pleased to have scored his first English Premier League goal as West Bromwich Albion held reigning champions Liverpool to a 1-1 draw on Sunday evening.

In the keenly contested affair at Anfield, Sadio Mane gave Jurgen Klopp’s men a 12th minute lead thanks to a cool finish past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after profiting from a fine assist from Joel Matip.

Despite dominating ball possession for a large part of the game, the hosts were unable to get more goals as Sam Allardyce’s team put up a strong defensive network.

However, the Baggies refused to go down without a fight with Nigeria international Ajayi levelled matters in the 82nd minute thanks to a Matheus Pereira cross.

In the process, he ended his six-year wait for his maiden goal in England’s topflight since his time at Arsenal.

Remarkably, the 27-year-old’s effort ranks him behind only Liverpool’s Vigil van Dijk and Aaron Pierre (both nine) as defenders who have scored the most headed goals in England’ top four tiers since the commencement of the 2018-2019 campaign.

Buoyed by his goalscoring performance against the Klopp’s side, the former Rotherham United and Cardiff City man too to social media to celebrate his first strike in England’s Premier club championship.

“First Premier League goal! God is great,” Ajayi wrote on Instagram.

In his assessment, West Brom’s boss was pleased seeing his players’ hard work pay off.

“I think that everyone has seen we showed a lot of resilience today to keep ourselves in the game and we kept trying to do the right things," Allardyce told club website.

“Defensively, apart from the slip up for the goal we were excellent. I think a change of tactics about 30 minutes in, putting Grant up front gave us a bit more of an out ball rather than everybody just getting pegged back. It started to work a little bit by him holding it up and us getting in to Liverpool’s half. In the second half I think we expanded on that.”

Even at their latest result, the Baggies stay in relegation waters – sitting in the 19th spot with just eight points from 15 outings played so far in the 2020-21 campaign.

Ajayi began his career with Charlton Athletic before joining Arsenal in 2013 after completing a season-long loan spell at Dartford.

His inability to get a regular playing time at the Emirates Stadium saw him join Cardiff City before the move was made permanent following the expiration of his Gunners’ deal.

Naby Keita and Joel Matip will not be available for selection when Liverpool face Newcastle United in Wednesday’s Premier League showdown, according to manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds’ defensive injury worries grew on Sunday when the Cameroonian defender was forced off against West Bromwich Albion with a groin injury.

Matip, featuring in his eighth English topflight game of the 2020-21 campaign, had supplied the assist for Sadio Mane in the 12th minute, however, the centre-back pulled up after attempting a clearance against Sam Allardyce’s men with 15 minutes gone in the second half.

After getting treatment on the pitch, the 29-year-old was subsequently replaced by Rhys Williams on the hour mark of the 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Addressing the media after being held by the Baggies, Liverpool boss Klopp disclosed that Matip would possibly miss some time.

“Joel told me he felt something in his adductor and that’s obviously not too good," Klopp told a post-game press conference as captured by Liverpool website.

“I am not sure how serious it is now, but it was serious enough that he had to leave the pitch. The rest of the information I will get tomorrow.”

According to former star Jamie Carragher, it is dominant that the Reds should sign a central defender in the January transfer window due to the club’s injury fears.

"It's a massive worry, but it's not a new worry. Joel Matip will not play every game between now and the end of the season,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“We knew that even before the injury today, that's why it's paramount Liverpool sign somebody in January. I said that as soon as Virgil van Dijk had his injury against Everton.”

On Guinea international Keita, who has managed just 10 appearances so far this season for the reigning English champions, the German added that he would not also figure in that contest.

“He felt a muscle again,” said Klopp. “I don’t know exactly how long [it will be], but he was not ready for today and not for Wednesday, I think. We will see.”

Liverpool’s injury list is already a lengthy one, with Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota already out of action for various reasons.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has conceded that West Brom deserved a 1-1 draw in the Premier League match at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds dominated the first half to an outrageous degree and took the lead through Sadio Mane.

A second goal continued to elude the hosts and they were punished after the break as Semi Ajayi levelled for the guests.

“I don't think anyone can expect a team plays like West Brom in the first half, like a 6-4 [formation] or whatever it was. I thought we did OK,” the former Borussia Dortmund boss told Sky Sports . “Second half we didn't do the same again, they had like three counter attacks, too many corners. It is our fault and that is why it is only one point instead of three.

"It is an incredible challenge to stay active, to stay lively when you constantly face 10 men. To be fair, West Brom did their job inside 90 minutes.

“West Brom deserved the point tonight because we didn't finish the game. It is difficult to create. In the end everyone knows and feels we should have and could have done better tonight.

"They played different against Villa. Today, it was clear it would be defensive and over set pieces. When it clicks in the game, you cannot plan clicking you just have to work for it.”

Klopp admits that it is a fixture that the Anfield club will seek to put behind them.

“We played around, crossed the ball and instead of moving we didn't switch,” he said. “It is not a game we will talk about in 20 years but it is a game we have to play and we didn't play as we could.”

Liverpool continue to lead the standings, though their advantage to Everton is now just three points. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Manchester City can move within striking distance if they can win their respective fixtures in hand.

Klopp’s men, meanwhile, are back in action on Wednesday, when they will play their final match of 2020 against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Following that, they will tackle Southampton on January 4 at St Mary’s.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pep Guardiola were honoured at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, the duo named player and coach of the century respectively. 

Juventus forward Ronaldo picked up the award in person at a ceremony held at the Armani Hotel on Sunday, beating longtime rival Lionel Messi to the prize. 

The 35-year-old, who has won domestic league titles in Spain, England and Italy and Euro 2016 with Portugal, admitted his pride at receiving the accolade, given to the player judged the best between 2001 and 2020. 

"It's a pleasure to win titles," said Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, at the event. 

"It's not easy to be top of the game for so many years. I am really proud, but without a team, great coaches and clubs it is not possible." 

Ronaldo would also respond on Twitter , saying: "Couldn’t be happier with tonight’s award! As I’m about to celebrate my 20th year as a professional footballer, Globe Soccer Player Of The Century is a recognition that I receive with so much joy and pride!"

Guardiola was honoured for a managerial career which has seen him win league championships in Spain, Germany and England, as well as the Champions League twice.

The Manchester City boss was not present at the gala, though he accepted the award via a pre-recorded video message. 

Both Ronaldo and Messi missed out on the men's player of the year award for 2020, however, as that went to Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. 

Bayern's treble of the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal also saw boss Hansi Flick rewarded as coach of the year.  

Real Madrid were named the club of the century at the ceremony, while Bayern picked up the team award for 2020. 

Jorge Mendes was named agent of the year for 2020, winning the award alongside his longtime client Ronaldo.

The Globe Soccer Awards, founded in 2010, acknowledge excellence in football with an annual gala dinner and awards ceremony.

It is "paramount" that Liverpool sign a central defender in the January transfer window after Joel Matip sustained another injury, says former star Jamie Carragher.

The Reds' defensive crisis worsened on Sunday when the 29-year-old was taken off in the second half of their 1-1 draw with West Brom.

The reigning Premier League champions are already without star defender Virgil van Dijk, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury in October, as well as Joe Gomez.

Although coach Jurgen Klopp has the likes of Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips to call on to partner Fabinho at the heart of the back line, Carragher feels the Reds must bring in extra cover as soon as possible.

He said on Sky Sports: "It's a massive worry, but it's not a new worry. Joel Matip will not play every game between now and the end of the season. We knew that even before the injury today, that's why it's paramount Liverpool sign somebody in January. I said that as soon as Virgil van Dijk had his injury against Everton.

"Fabinho's gone there and looked like a top-class centre-back in that position, so maybe people at the club felt the need wasn't as urgent. But Joel Matip is too injury prone, his body can't take the rigour of playing Premier League football week in, week out, we know that since he joined, he's a really good player.

"I still believe Liverpool are the best team in this league, even without Van Dijk and I think most people would say they're favourites to win the Premier League. The only way they don't win it is if they have problems at centre-back, where Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips have to play for a prolonged period of time.

"The odd game now and again, they've done fantastic, but I know, since that's the position I played, it's not really a position for young players as such. At times they will make mistakes as they're young players, they're learning.

"That's the only way that could cost Liverpool, and I don't necessarily mean bringing in a centre-back for £70-80 million like a Van Dijk type of signing, and not necessarily someone to go straight into the team. Just someone there so that Liverpool don't end up with two young lads at some stage for five or six weeks if Fabinho was to go down injured.

"At this moment, Liverpool have one senior centre-back who is available this season and he's injury prone, so they have to do something in January."

Liverpool now sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League after 15 matches and will face Newcastle on Wednesday in their last match of 2020.

Former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng believes the white community is not doing enough to kick racism out of football.

Born to a Ghanaian father and a German mother in Berlin, the 33-year-old has become a famous advocate against the vice after walking off the pitch following racist abuse while playing for AC Milan against lower division side Pro Patria in 2013.

That same year, he was named as the United Nations (UN) ambassador for anti-racism as well as being appointed as the first global ambassador for the Fifa anti-discrimination taskforce, working alongside Fifa vice-president Jeffrey Webb at Fifa headquarters.

This year, the 'Black Lives Matter' campaign has been launched as part of the fight against racism.

"The 'Black Lives Matter' movement was born but too little has been achieved to counter the phenomenon. No white person has ever told me they want to support me in this battle," Boateng has told Monza.

"Some abstains out of fear, others because they believe it is more advantageous not to expose themselves in this battle, a story that does not concern them.

"The whites are in charge: if they raised their voices, we would be more listened to."

Boateng also spoke about his September move to newly-promoted Italian second division side Monza, a club owned by Silvio Berlusconi who first brought the Ghanaian to AC Milan in 2010.

"How did Silvio Berlusconi convince me [to come to Monza]? He called me and said 'my son, come home'. There was no need for many more words," Boateng revealed.

While at Milan, where he would return for a second spell in 2016, Boateng played together with a host of top stars, including Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 39-year-old is still active, having made a return to Milan in December last year.

"I am not surprised, I learned from him the desire to win even in training. He is never happy, when he missed a pass at Milanello, as if to scold himself he shouted 'Zlataaaann'. Imagine what he was shouting at the others," Boateng said about his former teammate.

The Ghanaian has also previously played for Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04, Fiorentina, Sassuolo, Eintracht Frankfurt, Las Palmas, Portsmouth, Hertha Berlin and more recently Turkish side Besiktas.

Tottenham's winless run in the Premier League was extended to four matches as Romain Saiss' late header cancelled out Tanguy Ndombele's opener to earn Wolves a 1-1 draw.

After losses to title rivals Liverpool and Leicester City, Spurs were aiming to avoid suffering a third successive league defeat for the first time since November 2012 and made a flying start as Ndombele drilled in after just 57 seconds.

Wolves looked toothless for most of the remaining 89 minutes with star forward Raul Jimenez watching on from the stands, yet their knack of getting late goals came to fruition once more.

Pedro Neto's superb corner was met by Saiss, who glanced a brilliant header beyond Hugo Lloris to again frustrate Tottenham, who passed up the chance to move up to third and were ultimately grateful for a 96th-minute Fabio Silva miss.

Wolves had been caught cold inside the opening minute as Ndombele's thumping strike fooled Rui Patricio, whose step to the right proved costly.

Ndombele then turned provider with a surging run from deep but Patricio was equal to Sergio Reguilon's effort.

Silva was left frustrated when he lashed into the side-netting before the half-hour, while Hugo Lloris kept out Daniel Podence's first-time shot.

Wolves wanted a penalty straight from the restart when Eric Dier clipped Silva, yet the VAR did not advise referee Paul Tierney to assess a replay and no spot-kick was given.

Lloris lunged in bravely at Silva's feet to deny the 18-year-old in a goalmouth scramble as Wolves started to turn the screw, although Son Heung-min, hunting his 100th Spurs goal, missed a chance to tee up Harry Kane at the other end.

Wolves' attempts looked set to prove fruitless until the 86th minute when Saiss turned in Neto's excellent delivery for an equaliser that set up a frantic finale.

Silva should have snatched all three points in stoppage time, only to head straight at Lloris as the spoils were shared.
 

What does it mean? Wolves' patience pays off as Spurs' late heartbreak continues

Since the start of 2018-19, only Liverpool (45) and Man Utd (44) have won more top-flight points from losing positions than Wolves (40). Their most recent three Premier League goals have all been scored in the final five minutes of matches.

Meanwhile, Spurs – who are up to fifth – have dropped nine points in 2020-21 from goals conceded in the final 10 minutes of matches, the most of any side in the Premier League. 

Ndombele's flying start

Ndombele's strike was the earliest Premier League goal scored from outside the box since Chelsea's Kenedy scored after 39 seconds against Norwich City in March 2016.

Only Chelsea (12) have scored more Premier League goals in the first minute of a match than Tottenham (11), and Ndombele – who turns 24 on Monday – went on to turn in an impressive display, winning 10 of his 15 duels, completing two of his four dribbles and creating two chances before he was replaced in the 70th minute.

Mourinho's pragmatic approach comes unstuck... again

Since masterminding a 2-0 victory in the north London derby, Mourinho has seen his team take just two points from 12 on offer.

Spurs managed only three attempts on target – the last of which came in the 21st minute – and had 45.4 per cent of the possession. 

Key Opta Facts

- Wolves' starting XI for this match featured seven Portuguese players (Patricio, Nelson Semedo, Neto, Joao Moutinho, Silva, Podence and Ruben Neves), the joint-most non-English players from the same country in a team's line-up in Premier League history. Fulham had seven French players in their XI versus Middlesbrough in 2003, and Newcastle United had seven Frenchmen against Liverpool in 2013.
- The home side conceded after only 57 seconds, the earliest goal they had conceded in the Premier League since April 2012 against Swansea City (Andrea Orlandi, 22 seconds).
- Since having 18 shots in the second half of their game against West Brom, Spurs have had just 22 shots in the second half of their past seven Premier League matches, mustering just one attempt in the second half of this match.
- Four of Saiss' past five Premier League goals for Wolves have been headers scored via a corner.

What's next?

Spurs have three days to recover before they take on Fulham at home, while Wolves travel to in-form Manchester United on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi has declared that "Barcelona is my life" as he looks to silence speculation surrounding his long-term future.

After failing to secure a Camp Nou exit over the summer, the 33-year-old continues to be linked with a departure in 2021 with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly circling as Ronald Koeman's side struggle to perform consistently in La Liga. 

Messi's current contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the season with the club currently battling financial problems and likely unable to offer him as much as other sides in Europe. 

The Argentine has however spent his entire career with the Catalan giants and has stressed just how much the club and city mean to him despite his recent push to leave. 

"I'm sorry about everything. I always said it. Barcelona is my life. I've been here since I was 13 years old, I've been living in Barcelona for longer than in Argentina and I learned everything here. The club trained me as a player," Messi told La Sexta.

"Well, the truth is that today I'm fine, it's true that I had a very bad time over the summer because of how the season ended. Then came what happened in summer, the burofax and all that. The truth is that I dragged it a bit during the beginning, but today I feel fine and want to fight seriously for everything we have ahead – I'm excited.

"I know that the club is going through a very difficult time at club level and everything that surrounds Barcelona is difficult but I am looking forward to it."

Currently on an extended break from club duties, Messi insisted he's willing to discuss all matters with Barcelona when it comes to his next step, but made it clear he wasn't happy with how former president Josep Maria Bartomeu handled his situation in the summer. 

"We had fixed it at the time when we talked about the pandemic ... I am not talking about these things in public, I prefer to do it in private," Messi said. "I am a man of my word. We are going to talk about anything."

On his previous attempt to leave Camp Nou, Messi added: "I felt that it was the moment for change and I wanted to leave and I wanted to do well.

"Then all that trouble was put together. The president at that time did not want me to leave and began to filter things to make me look bad and to be the bad guy in the movie and everything that happened happened, but I am still calm that what I did was what I felt and what I should have done at that time."

Bengaluru and Jamshedpur, after a defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan and Goa respectively, are set to meet in a 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) fixture at the Fatorda Stadium, on Monday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

Bengaluru FC Possible XI:   

Injured - Ashique Kuruniyan
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Sunil Chhetri, Cleiton Silva     

Jamshedpur FC Possible XI: 

Injured - Nick Fitzgerald, David Grande, Narender Gahlot
Doubtful - Joyner Lourenco
Suspended - None

Key Players - Nerijus Valskis, Alex Lima