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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Manchester United squad are not listening to early talk of a Premier League title challenge as they work on continuing to improve.

United travel to Leicester on Boxing Day with the Red Devils one point behind Brendan Rodgers’ side, who have played a game more, and a win would take them up to second to temporarily close the gap on leaders Liverpool to just two points.

Their recent run of good form, where they have gone unbeaten in their last seven league games, has sparked discussion of an unlikely title charge.

United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013 and Solskjaer’s third-place finish last season was the second-highest league position, after Jose Mourinho’s 2017-18 squad claimed second, since then.

But, Solskjaer is not getting carried away.

“There is noise around Man Utd anyway so for us it’s about improving as a team, taking one game at a time and we have to, that’s the name of the game,” Solskjaer said.

“That is the only way that you are going to challenge for anything at the end of the season anyway so it’s not something that we talk about.

"The only thing that we talk about and focus on is improving day by day and learning how to deal with certain situations and maybe now at the moment we are getting praise and that’s another thing to learn to deal with.”

The United manager did have a warning for their rivals, though, in that he is expecting their forward line to get even better.

Injuries, suspension and illness mean Solskjaer has not been able to play his favoured front three of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial together too often but, with the three back and thriving, he is expecting bigger and better things.

“He (Martial) has made important contributions lately, he has assists, scored goals, he is getting fitter, he showed it against Leeds, and he knows that I am on to him about this, and his running stats from that game set a new standard for him, which I want to see more of,” Solskjaer explained.

“He’s always going to have the quality and maybe his confidence has been bruised a little bit by what happened earlier on in the season with the red card [against Tottenham] and he has had some criticism but Anthony is going to get better and better and, when we get Mason, Marcus and Anthony firing on all cylinders, we will be more of a threat for teams.”

Solskjaer will be hoping his forward line, whoever he selects, is firing at the King Power on Saturday as he expects a tough test from Leicester, despite United’s win there on the final day of last season which secured Champions League qualification.

“It’s game by game now, we have to think that way," said Solskjaer. "We have had some very good games against Leicester, very tight games, they are a very good side with a very good coach and I have enjoyed watching them under Brendan, so it was a big test for us to go to their stadium in the summer and we passed that one with flying colours.

“We played a controlled game and I know it will not be the same now because it’s a different time of the season but they have got some threats that you have to look for and we will just have to sit down and think about it and who is fit and not fit.”

Real Madrid loanee Takefusa Kubo must "earn" minutes at Villarreal, says Unai Emery, who has insisted that the winger "won't get 10 games in a row if he doesn’t perform".

Kubo joined Madrid on a five-year contract last year after being snapped up from FC Tokyo.

The Blancos decided an immediate loan move was the best option for the 19-year-old's continued development, with Mallorca bringing him onto their books for the duration of the 2019-20 campaign.

Kubo scored five goals and laid on four assists in 35 La Liga outings for Mallorca, but couldn't prevent them from being relegated to the Segunda Division.

The Japan international impressed during his time at Son Moix, and returned to Madrid in July with a view to forcing his way into Zinedine Zidane's plans.

However, with the Spanish champions still unable to guarantee the teenager regular football at Santiago Bernabeu, they ended up accepting another loan offer, this time from Villarreal, in the summer transfer window.

Kubo's first few months at El Madrigal haven't gone as smoothly as he or Madrid might have hoped, with coach Emery reducing the youngster to a bit-part role on the bench.

He has only started four La Liga games for Villarreal to date, and it has been suggested that his parent club may look to cut his loan deal short in the new year.

Emery has come out to defend his treatment of Kubo this week, claiming the Madrid attacker still needs to prove he is capable of delivering the goods week in, week out.

"We are not here to give a player 10 games in a row if he doesn’t perform," Emery told reporters.

"He is given a match and he must earn more. It is valid for the young players and for everyone. There is a requirement here and that is to win."

Kubo was an unused substitute during Villarreal's 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Club on Tuesday night, which marked their final fixture before the winter break in Spain.

That result ensured that Emery's side finished the year in the top four, two points ahead of fifth-placed Barcelona having played a game more.

Madrid, meanwhile, are sitting in second place in the Liga standings behind Atletico Madrid, with a 2-0 win against Granada on Wednesday extending their recent winning run to five matches.

Arsenal made a mistake in allowing Emi Martinez to leave, says Ian Wright, with a proven goalkeeper now worth “a lot more” than the £20 million ($27m) the Gunners brought in from his sale.

The Argentine goalkeeper worked his way into contention for regular game time towards the end of the 2019-20 campaign, with an unfortunate injury suffered by Bernd Leno leaving a door open.

Martinez made the most of his opportunity, catching the eye in Premier League outings and a triumphant FA Cup run.

Leno was, however, restored to the number one role at Emirates Stadium when back to full fitness, forcing his competition to look elsewhere.

Wright admires Martinez for putting his career first and pushing for a switch to Aston Villa, but admits he would have preferred to see the South American remain in north London.

Arsenal have lacked reliable cover in his absence, with Runar Alex Runarsson making a costly mistake during a rare outing against Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Martinez, meanwhile, has been thriving at Villa, keeping seven clean sheets to lead the Golden Glove race and see his transfer value soar.

On the Wrighty’s House Podcast, an Arsenal icon said of the Gunners’ inability to keep a useful option on their books in what is shaping up to be a testing campaign: “The thing with Emi is, I always look at players like that, he’s 26, 27, and he’s just said ‘I’m leaving’, it’s about me, and I admire that.

“I think that, even though towards the end I went to Burnley and I went to Scotland because it was a great experience to go to Scotland at that stage of my career, but during the meat and bones of my career, I don’t think I would have had that in me to say I’m leaving.

“You have to admire that, now look at him, he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

“In the end, the money we got for him, you had to take, but he’s worth a lot more than that now.”

Martinez has claimed that Arsenal went back on their word before he headed for the exits, with assurances offered to him that he would be a favoured option between the sticks even with Leno fit.

His decision to walk away has been justified, with those he left behind at the Emirates hitting a serious slump this season to see uncomfortable questions asked of leading figures on and off the field.

Gor Mahia assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo is confident with a proper game plan his charges will get a positive outcome against CR Belouizdad.

The East African outfit will be away to Algeria in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League. K'Ogalo have been facing internal wrangles but the former Sony Sugar coach is confident of a good outing.

"l know it is going to be a tough match [against Belouizdad]," Odhiambo said ahead of the Saturday, December 26 game.

"It is going to be a very tactical game but with a good game plan, we will get positive results."

His sentiments have been echoed by defender Joachim Oluoch. He has conceded the North Africa side are a good team but stated K'Ogalo are ready for the game.

"We have been training, and we are hopeful we will come back from Algeria with good results," the experienced defender stated.

"They, [Belouizdad, are a good side, but we are ready for them."  

Gor Mahia have confirmed they have secured a flight to Algeria to honour their Caf Champions League match against CR Belouizdad on Saturday.

The Kenyan champions were due to travel to Algeria on Sunday for the first leg meeting on Wednesday, but they requested the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to push the game back as they cited a lack of proper preparation owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While Caf had refused to push the game on the first request, the African body later changed its mind and postponed the game to December 26, and also offered Gor Mahia optional flights they can use to reach the country.

Gor Mahia have now confirmed they have secured a Qatar Airways flight to Algeria on Thursday, December 25, and they will arrive in the North African country a day before the match that will be played at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium.

The last time Gor Mahia played against an Algerian opponent was in 2019 when they were drawn to face USM Alger in the same competition.

USM Alger came to Nairobi and beat K’Ogalo 4-1 and returned home in Algiers to win the return leg 2-0 and advance to the next round with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline.

The two teams also met in the Confederation Cup in the 2018 season with the first leg staged in Kenya ending in a 0-0 draw before USM Alger won the return leg 2-1 at home to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

Tijani Babangida has denied questioning William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo’s invitations to the Nigeria national team.

There is a report making the rounds that the 47-year-old met with Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to ask the reason behind the continuous invitations of the defenders to the team.

Troost-Ekong has been a consistent member of the national team since he made his debut for the West African country in 2015.

The defender, who is currently the team’s vice-captain, has featured in 44 games for the side and helped the team finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

In an effort to continue his consistent performances for the Super Eagles, he teamed up with Championship side Watford and has been delivering fine defensive showings.

Omeruo, meanwhile, remains one of the longest-serving Super Eagles members, having made his debut in 2013 at the age of 19.

The versatile defender has featured in more than 50 games for the three-time African champions and starred for the side at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and at Afcon 2019.

Omeruo has been with Leganes since 2019 when joined the club after ending his seven-year stay with Premier League side Chelsea.

In the 2020-21 season, the 27-year-old has featured 10 times for the Cucumber Growers to help the club continue their push for a return to the Spanish top-flight.

Babangida, who is the President of Professional Footballers in Nigeria, has rated Troost-Ekong and Omeruo as the best for the three-time African champions.

“Well, it’s very unfortunate with what I saw this morning that a journalist wrote that I said Ekong, Omeruo and even Jamilu Collins should not be in the national team. I do not think we can boast of better players than these,” Babangida told AOI.

“So if a journalist wants to have a catchy headline to sell his papers, then he writes what I did not say because that isn’t what I said so he obviously wrote against what I said. I am very disappointed and that’s not my meaning to this.

“The said journalist has however to come out to apologize for what he wrote. If he has better players than the aforementioned guys, then he has to come out and introduce them to us.”

Babangida made 36 appearances for the Super Eagles during his playing years, scoring five goals before his retirement.

Manchester United need to sign a new centre-half but are unlikely to do so in January, claims Dimitar Berbatov.

The Red Devils have invested heavily in that area over recent years, doing big-money deals for the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is, however, considered to still be lacking the left-sided option that would offer greater balance to United’s back line.

At the opposite end of the field, useful pieces of a trophy-chasing puzzle are being cobbled together.

The Red Devils have shown that they can be a match for anyone as an attacking force, with Edinson Cavani slotting in alongside Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

Former United striker Berbatov has no concerns when it comes to firepower, but he would like to see Solskjaer freed to spend again on defensive reinforcements – rather than ignore pressing issues in the middle of what could be a productive 2020-21 campaign.

“Manchester United would probably prefer to go under the radar for a little bit longer in the Premier League title race,” Berbatov told Betfair.

“Nobody has paid much attention to how United have steadily climbed the table so that all of a sudden they're third, with a game in hand, and playing like title contenders.

“On Sunday, Leeds gave United lots of space at Old Trafford which the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were able to exploit.

“There are games when everything goes your way and this was one of them for United. They scored great goals, Scott McTominay was outstanding in midfield and clinical with his two chances. In that kind of form, United are capable of winning the league.

“They should be aiming to bring the title back to Old Trafford, especially in an unpredictable season when there is so much movement near the top and it is so tight.

“The transfer window is about to open but, the way Manchester United attacked against Leeds and Sheffield United, I wouldn't say the Red Devils need to bring in anyone up front.

“I still think they need a centre-back but don't expect anyone to come in next month.”

United have kept only three Premier League clean sheets this season, with leaks at the back continuing to spring up, but they have moved to within five points of leaders Liverpool and still boast a game in hand on the defending champions.

Real Madrid playmaker Isco would “definitely help Arsenal”, says former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, while Arsene Wenger’s vast experience could be put to good use at Emirates Stadium if the decision is taken to part with Mikel Arteta.

Change on and off the field is being mooted in north London amid struggles to establish any kind of momentum in 2020-21.

Arsenal have made their worst start to a league season since 1974-75, while another route to major silverware has been shut off after slipping out of the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage.

January will present the Gunners with an opportunity to bolster their ranks, as another transfer window swings open, and Frimpong believes that Isco could be a useful addition as he struggles for regular game time in Spain – although the plugging of defensive leaks is considered to be a top priority.

The Arsenal academy graduate told PlayOJO: “We need a centre-back and a full-back and midfielders.

“It’s very important we get some players in because I feel in defence we are weak. When teams attack us, we look vulnerable.

“We’ve had this issue for many years and we haven’t sorted the situation out. Quality signings are the only thing that going to help the team at the moment.

“Isco is a proven player, he’s won the Champions League and played for Spain and could definitely help Arsenal, but the problem isn’t attacking players, its defensively we need help.”

Frimpong added on the need for Arsenal to raise collective standards and the struggles currently being endured: “It’s down to a lack of competition in the squad. The players are not good enough.

“When I was at Arsenal, there was what you could call mediocre squad players, even at clubs like Real Madrid you have this structure, but at the moment, when you at looking at the Arsenal team, who are the stars? There are no stars in the team. There is no player in the Arsenal squad where you think ‘I’m going to get off the sofa and go watch this guy play’ and that’s the problem.

“The players are just not good enough for a club like Arsenal. Until we bring in new players, the club is going to continue to struggle.

“The problem isn’t the manager, it’s that some of the players aren’t good enough for a club like Arsenal.”

While Frimpong wants to point fingers of blame in the direction of underperforming players at the Emirates, Arteta is facing some uncomfortable questions regarding his ongoing presence.

The chances of the Gunners turning to a familiar face, one that spent 22 years in their dugout before walking away in 2018, are unlikely, with the expectation being that a Spanish tactician will be given time to get things right.

Frimpong, though, said on the value of enticing Wenger back: “I hope it does work out with Mikel, but I would take Arsene back due to his experience.

“He has the capability of bringing very good players in because he has the respect and he would attract very good players.

“However, I don’t think Arsene has any intention of coming back to Arsenal as a manager. We just need to move forward we what we have and that is Mikel and I believe he is good enough for the job.”

Timo Werner’s position at Chelsea could come under threat once Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are fully fit and back up to speed, says Mark Schwarzer.

The Blues invested heavily in another proven frontman over the summer.

Value was expected to be found in a £47.5 million ($65m) deal for Werner, with the Germany international attracting interest from across Europe with his prolific exploits for RB Leipzig.

He has hit eight goals for Chelsea since moving to England, but a nine-game barren run is seeing questions asked of his value and end product.

Werner’s confidence has taken a hit during his struggles in the final third, with a number of opportunities that he would be expected to snap up suddenly passing him by.

Frank Lampard has plenty of alternative options available to him if he wants to shuffle his pack at Stamford Bridge, with the likes of Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud competing for a central striking berth.

In wide areas, United States international Pulisic and Moroccan playmaker Ziyech have shown that they can be important parts of the fold, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is eager to see more game time.

Schwarzer believes Werner could be the one to drop out when Chelsea are at full strength, with the 24-year-old failing to stake a serious claim to retaining his role.

The former Blues goalkeeper told Stadium Astro: “If he’s contributing by doing a lot of work in the game, helping the team be successful, getting in the right areas, helping with assists, then I can understand why he stuck with him.

“Don’t forget as well that Frank has had to balance some injuries – whether it is Pulisic, Ziyech in and out of the side.

“If we had a fully fit Pulisic and Ziyech, it may be a different situation for Timo Werner. He may find himself on the outside.

“I think it is only a matter of time. Add Hudson-Odoi to that mix, he has struggled with injuries. Timo Werner is the only one out of those four that has been fit all the time.”

Chelsea, with fitness issues still clouding their plans, will be back in Premier League action on Boxing Day when they take in a derby date with out-of-sorts London neighbours Arsenal.

Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain just hours after their comprehensive win over Strasbourg, Goal can confirm.

The 47-year-old's two-and-a-half-year reign at Parc des Princes is over, with the French champions taking the decision to make a change in the dugout following a mixed start to the 2020-21 campaign.

PSG picked up their 11th Ligue 1 win of the season by thrashing Strasbourg 4-0 in midweek, but still find themselves trailing Lyon and Lille by a point in the table.

And Tuchel has now paid the price for his team's inconsistency, with sporting director Leonardo and club president Nasser Al Khelaifi informing the German of his dismissal on Wednesday night.

Tuchel leaves a lasting legacy at PSG after delivering six domestic trophies and overseeing the club's run to a first-ever Champions League final.

The Parisian outfit picked up Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue honours last season before appearing in European football's showpiece event, only to lose 1-0 against Bayern Munich.

Tuchel was forced to defend himself after the Strasbourg game amid the fallout of an interview published by SPORT 1, during which he was quoted as saying he felt "more like a sports politician or sports minister than a coach" in his first season in France.

"I didn't say it's more about politics than sport, nor that I lost the fun of training. This is not true," he told Canal Plus. "It is possible they translated incorrectly.

"Watch the video interview. I just said that PSG are unique and that it's a big challenge for me. It's always been like that. I like this challenge and nothing has changed."

PSG will now look to appoint a new head coach before their next fixture against Saint-Etienne at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on January 6.

The squad will take in a well-earned rest over the winter break before preparations for that fixture begin, with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly the favourite to pick up from where Tuchel left off in the second half of the season.

Despite their erratic domestic form, PSG still have multiple trophies to play for in the new year, including the Champions League, with a huge round-of-16 tie against Barcelona scheduled to take place in February.

Asante Kotoko interim head coach Johnson Smith believes the club's qualification hopes for the Caf Champions League second round remains alive despite falling to Al Hilal of Sudan in a first round first leg fixture on Wednesday.

The Porcupine Warriors ambitions suffered a home setback as Vinny Bongonga netted in the 70th minute to give visiting Hilal a 1-0 triumph at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kumasi-based Kotoko moved to adopt Accra for their home matches this season due to ongoing renovation works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

"We are psyching the boys after yesterday’s defeat. There are more games to come.The next game is the most important," Smith told West Gold Radio.

"We struggle in games at the Accra Sports Stadium.

"The Al Hilal side is matured and very disciplined. I believe we will get a positive result and qualify in Omdurman."

To qualify for the next round, Kotoko must beat Hilal away when the two clubs meet for the return leg in the first week of the New Year.

The Ghanaians won the last of their Champions League titles in 1983.

"Asante Kotoko are disappointing. They lack quality and no creativity," former Ghana goalkeeper Abukari Damba told GTV Sports Plus on Kotoko's performance on Wednesday. 

"I was surprised with the statistics at the end of the game but it is difficult to say but this Kotoko team has a long a way to go.

"They are disappointing and if they will continue like this, it will be a disaster.

"They can go away and win there also but its very difficult at the moment.

"They will have to play with more hunger and commitment in Omdurman.

"It's not an impossible task for Kotoko but they will have to work hard."

Kotoko, who beat Nouadhibou of Mauritania in the preliminary round of the Champions League, have set their sights on progressing to the second round and ultimately to the group stage which they last reached in 2006.

Last season, the Porcupine Warriors' quest ended early as they were bundled out of the competition in the first round by Tunisia club Etoile Sahel. 

Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso has revealed his struggles with an auto-immune disease, while claiming that "when I eventually die, I want to go where I lived, on a football pitch.".

Gattuso wore an eye patch on the touchline during Napoli's 2-0 defeat to Lazio in Rome on Sunday, and also sported specialised glasses as his team drew 1-1 with Torino in their final game of 2020 on Wednesday.

The former Milan and Italy midfielder suffers from an auto-immune disease known as ocular myasthenia.

It is a condition that causes the muscles that control the eyes to weaken and the eyelids to droop, while it can also lead to severe fatigue and double vision.

Nevertheless, Gattuso has carried on, but the Napoli head coach concedes the condition has taken its toll its recent weeks.

"I admit I've not been myself for the last 12 days," Gattuso told a news conference, having skipped media duties for the club's previous outing.

"I want to make an appeal to all those, especially kids, who look in the mirror and see something that looks odd or not quite right: life is beautiful. Embrace it all.

"The lads suffered too seeing me like this, I know that, but I'm alive. I've had myasthenia for 10 years, this is the third time it has flared up this badly, but it'll pass and my eye will return to normal.

"It's not just that it looks bad, this condition makes you feel really exhausted, plus seeing double 24 hours a day really takes it out of you. Only a crazy person like me would keep going.

"However, this is my life and there are worse things. I know some out there already assume I've got a month left to live, but I can assure you, it's fine. When I eventually die, I want to go where I lived, on a football pitch."

Napoli enjoyed a strong start to the season, though have tailed off in recent games, winning just one of their last five outings in all competitions.

The draw with Torino leaves the Partenopei sitting fifth in the Serie A standings, nine points behind leaders Milan, though with a game in hand on the Rossoneri. 

Gattuso's men will return to action after the winter break when they take in a trip to Sardegna Arena to face Cagliari on January 3.

Takumi Minamino has aired his relief at “finally” breaking his Premier League goal duck at the 18th attempt, with the Liverpool forward adamant that there is more to come from him.

The Japan international was snapped up by Jurgen Klopp during the January transfer window of 2020.

His energy and versatility in the final third brought him to the Reds’ attention, with a bargain £7.25 million ($10m) deal pushed through with Red Bull Salzburg.

Minamino was always going to find it tough to see regular game time on Merseyside, with his path blocked by star-studded performers when it comes to midfield and attacking berths.

He has taken in 29 appearances across all competitions, claiming a title winners’ medal along the way, but there is a sense that he is yet to produce his best in English football.

Opening his account in top-flight action should aid that cause, with Minamino unlocking the floodgates for Liverpool – after being handed a starting berth – in their 7-0 win over Crystal Palace.

On that effort, which came after 125 seconds, the 25-year-old told the Reds’ official website: “It was instinctive.

“When Sadio [Mane] passed the ball to me, I sensed that an opponent was coming to block me. But from there, I had no time to think, but just trusted my feeling and shot.

“A goal in the Premier League was what I really wanted to achieve. Rather than feeling happy about it, I think it took longer than I wished. But I am happy that I could contribute to the team’s victory.

“I wouldn’t say that I was disappointed with myself [for not scoring in the Premier League previously], but I always wanted to score as soon as possible. I also felt some pressure about it.

“I am happy that I finally scored, but I have only scored once, so I will work hard to score more.”

Minamino is convinced that he can take his game to even greater heights as he continues to find his feet at Liverpool.

Impressive victories, such as that secured over Palace, will help him in that quest, with the defending champions sitting top of the table at Christmas for a third successive year.

“I haven’t experienced such a big win since I became professional. So I am happy to contribute to such a special win,” Minamino added.

“Because we could win that match by 7-0, I think our attacking [play] worked very well, and I myself was feeling it. Personally, throughout the game, [not] everything I did was working. I know there is a space for improvement.

“I need to work hard to improve myself, and I know I can improve myself.”

Minamino will be looking for more minutes when Liverpool return to action on Sunday in a home date with struggling West Brom.

Mutiu Adepoju has expressed his displeasure with the manner young players are put under pressure by calling them the next Lionel Messi or Jay-Jay Okocha.

The likes of Rabiu Ibrahim, Kelechi Nwakali, Joel Obi and Alex Iwobi have been praised as players who could follow in the footpath of Okocha.

Napoli centre-forward has also recently been hailed as a successor to former Nigeria international and highest goalscorer Rashidi Yekini.

Adepoju believes such praises derail the development of young players as they end up not reaching their potential.

"I believe calling young players in the youth teams as next Messi or Jay-Jay Okocha is unfair and unnecessary," Adepoju told BBC Sport Africa .

"Indulging in this comparison is setting them up for failure because the weight of expectations will definitely affect these players mentally.

"It's the main reason some players refused to work hard and be themselves because they easily get carried away by what the press was writing about them.

"We've seen in the past decade that we have talented players all over the field who can make our team tick again

"Nigeria continue to dominate the youth events and there are positive signs of better days to come. We just need to nurture these players properly and do away with the hype and noise.

"But if these players are allowed to play their own game and shine, they can be a success both at the club and national team level.

"Victor Agali was widely regarded as the next Rashidi Yekini, but he fought extra hard to establish himself and sometimes people expected too much from him.

"He is an example of someone who saw the burden of that label yet worked hard to establish his own name."

Okocha has made a similar opinion in the past when he revealed the Super Eagles need a creative midfielder but the pressure the current players are battling with by comparing them to the 1994 squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations, was limiting them to reach their potentials.

“What the Eagles need now are natural midfielders who can create chances and change the course of a game,” Okocha told Brila FM.

“We need midfielders who can run at defenders and a pick their teammates with good passes,” Okocha said during a radio programme.

“We have good midfielders but not in at that level at the moment. Some of them are just scared and the fact that they are being compared to the 1994 Eagles brings a bit of pressure on them.”

Cesar Azpilicueta has warned Reece James that he intends to nail down a place as Chelsea’s right-back after ending a two-month exile from Premier League competition.

The Blues’ club captain returned to Frank Lampard’s side for a 3-0 victory over London neighbours West Ham.

James sat out that contest with a knee complaint and is yet to be ruled into contention for another derby clash with Arsenal on Boxing Day.

It could be that Azpilicueta is included from the off again in a meeting with the Gunners, with the experienced Spaniard not about to give up his spot without a fight.

His outing against the Hammers was a first in English top-flight competition since a 0-0 draw at Manchester United on October 24, with the 31-year-old having had to make do with Champions League minutes since then.

He is now looking to become a mainstay once more, with Azpilicueta telling Chelsea’s official website: “It was good to be back.

“I’ve been playing more in the Champions League but it’s true that in the Premier League, I haven’t been involved since Old Trafford.

“It has been a while but my job is to work hard to improve every day and, whenever the manager needs me to step up, do the best job I can. To win was important and we did well.”

Victory over West Ham has helped to keep Chelsea in title contention, as they sit fifth in the table, with Azpilicueta taking plenty of positives from a convincing success.

He added: “The way they play, they put you under pressure. At only 1-0, the game was open and we had to suffer.

“When you come from two defeats, you have to recover that spirit of winning and we did that.

“We know we can improve our game but from the mental point of view, and how we defended all together the crossing of balls and the set-play settings, we did well altogether because they are one of the best teams in England on that.”

Chelsea are expecting another tough test from Arsenal, despite the Gunners’ struggles for form this season, with Lampard’s men looking to exact revenge for the FA Cup final defeat they suffered to Mikel Arteta’s side in August.

“We were obviously disappointed with that result but now we’re four months later, it’s a different competition and a new game,” added Azpilicueta.

“They are not in their best form but we know their qualities and that they have dangerous players so we have to cope with that.

“We respect them and we know it’s going to be tough but we need points so hopefully we can go there and play our game. We have the confidence and belief to do that and obviously we will try to get the points.”

Bandari FC caretaker coach Twahir Muhiddin feels his charges dropped two vital points in the 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League game played on Wednesday.

As the first half tempo was being set into motion, the Dockers forward Yema Mwana managed to knock down the Mailmen’s defense and bag a goal before the sound of the halftime whistle. After the break, Posta Rangers got back in the game after Jackson Dwang put in an equalizer, to close the scores at 1-1. 

Both teams had a chance to get the winning goal but they were wasteful in front of the goal.

"This is a game I feel we dropped two points because we had chances to score and win but we did not take them," Muhiddin told Goal.

"We now need to go work harder, and the main thing is to build confidence especially in the danger zone. We lacked composure and self-belief and that is why we could not take the clear chances we created.  

"We have quality players who I do not expect to miss such clear chances. At least they could have scored about two or three goals."  

Bandari have collected five points from as many matches and they are placed fifth on the table. They have won one game, drawn two and lost as many games. The Dockers have scored three goals and conceded five.

In an initial interview, Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo had also conceded his team needs to be sharpened in the attacking department.

"It has never been easy when Posta Rangers and Bandari meet, and it became even tougher when they scored against us because we had to double our efforts to get an equalizer," Omollo told Goal.

"I was impressed with my players' reaction after we conceded. They fought and ensured we scored.

"But it is a game that could have gone either way. Bandari had their chances especially from set-pieces, we also had our chances from set-pieces but none took them.

"It is something I will have to work on with my players, especially finishing on those set-pieces. But a point is not a bad result for us."

The tactician is hopeful his team is on the right track and will soon start getting wins consistently. 

"We have been playing tough games with good teams and I have to be content with the one point we get," Omollo added.

"It is also a challenge for us to up our game to stand a better chance of getting a win in our forthcoming game. A win will come, and once we get one, others will follow."

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has addressed the speculation surrounding the future of Manchester United linked-midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

Calhanoglu has established himself as one of the top playmakers in Serie A since joining Milan for an initial fee of €20 million (£18m/$24m) from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2017.

The Turkey international has scored 29 goals in 149 games for the Rossoneri, while also laying on 45 assists, attracting plenty of admirers from afar in the process.

United are reportedly weighing up a January move for the 26-year-old, who will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any potential suitors when the transfer market reopens.

Calhanoglu will drop into the free agency pool next summer unless Milan can tie him down to fresh terms, with Italian champions Juventus also thought to be keeping a close eye on his situation.     

However, Pioli is confident that the former Leverkusen star will extend his stay at San Siro, as he told DAZN after watching him score in the Rossoneri's 3-2 home win over Lazio on Wednesday night.

"Calha is fantastic, he is intelligent, he can move well, he knows how to attack and he knows how to connect the game. He sacrifices himself," said the Italian head coach.

"I want him at this level, he is a top player. I don't think there are problems. Calha is with us and with the club. I'm sure that his will is to stay, there is a negotiation.

"The club, technical area, the player and I want the same thing, he has reached important levels and can still grow. He's a player to bet on."

Calhanoglu's latest strike came from the penalty spot either side of goals from Ante Rebic and Theo Hernandez against Lazio, with Milan's 10th victory of the season ensuring that they are still the only unbeaten side in Europe's top five leagues heading into 2021.

Pioli's men are sitting one point clear of local rivals Inter at the summit after 14 fixtures, with Juve nine points further back in sixth after a stuttering start to their latest title defence.

The Milan head coach is happy with how far his team have come over past 12 months, but still believes there is plenty of room for improvement in the second half of the campaign.

“The club deserves the praise for 2020," Pioli added. "They are helping us to work in the best possible way. They gave me strong and young footballers.

“They are all aware of their qualities and I expect to see the same things in 2021. We are not perfect. There are many things we need to solve.

"We can’t always dominate games, it’s normal, when we don’t do it, we must be compact and suffer.

“We played many games, I hope injured players will return soon. It was difficult to rotate players but these guys have a soul.

"The fans welcomed us at the stadium today, they are giving us so much.”

Liverpool will not be “held to ransom” in contract talks with Georginio Wijnaldum, says John Barnes, with the Reds only interested in players who “want to play for the badge”.

The Netherlands international midfielder is yet to commit to fresh terms at Anfield and is due to hit free agency in the summer of 2021.

He will be free to speak to suitors outside of England from January, with reports of interest from La Liga giants Barcelona refusing to go away.

Barnes would like to see Liverpool do a deal with Wijnaldum when another transfer window opens, as they explore other recruitment options in the new year, but is not convinced that they should be bowing to pressure when it comes to salary demands.

The Reds legend told BonusCodeBets: “Georginio Wijnaldum is a great player, I’m not sure if it would be Liverpool’s best piece of business in the window, but you want a player who is happy to stay.

“It would be great if both the player and club could come to an agreement in this window for a new deal, but I don’t feel as though Liverpool will be held to ransom and give him a four-year deal on high wages.

“The good thing about Liverpool is all of the players at the club want to play for the badge, they will all give 100 per cent and try to help Liverpool to win the league, which is all that can be asked for by a squad of players. I hope he stays.”

While hoping to see the services of Wijnaldum retained, Barnes believes Liverpool have enough talent in a star-studded squad to counter any departures.

The Reds certainly boast the firepower to keep themselves competitive, with Brazil international striker Roberto Firmino among those to have enjoyed a welcome return to form of late.

Barnes said of the South American, who has netted three times across impressive victories over Tottenham and Crystal Palace: “For me, Roberto Firmino was always one of the most important players in the Liverpool team.

“When you look at the front three, he is equally as important as both Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in my opinion.

“I never thought his position in the front three was ever under threat, he is far more important than just a striker that scores goals.

“He creates chances for the team and is largely the reason why Salah and Mane score as many goals as they do. He works hard and Jurgen Klopp knows what a valuable asset he is to the Liverpool team.

“It’s great to see him get on the scoresheet again, but I don’t feel his position would ever be under threat for a lack of goals as he brings so much more with his game. Having said that, I’m happy to see him scoring again.”

Liverpool, who sit top of the Premier League table at Christmas, will be back in action on Sunday when they play host to West Brom.  

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have promised to investigate the alleged racism claims being levelled against Nairobi City Stars coach Sanjin Alagic.

On Wednesday, Vihiga United coach Sammy Okoth confirmed to Goal his players were subjected to racist language after the Bosnian coach was alleged to call Vihiga players ‘black monkeys.’

The visiting team then threatened to boycott the FKF Premier League match which was being played at Utalii grounds before they were prevailed upon by the match officials to continue after they were promised the allegations had been captured in the match report.

While City Stars have also launched their own investigations into the matter and promised to punish the coach if found guilty, FKF President Nick Mwendwa has told Goal they will pick up the matter when it reaches their office.

“Vihiga United should report those allegations immediately,” Mwendwa told Goal on Thursday. “Then as FKF we can pick it up from there, for now we are waiting for the report to come.

“We have to follow the necessary process because this is a very sensitive matter but we will look at it and give an appropriate decision.”

While FKF have promised to look at the issue, Goal can now report coach Alagic has already left the country for Bosnia.

According to a source, who did not want to be named, the coach, who helped City Stars to earn promotion to the top-flight, was already booked to travel to his native country, as the league is taking a break for Christmas and New Year holidays.

“[Alagic] left the country last night [Wednesday], just after the game against Vihiga United,” the source told Goal. “He had already booked a flight to travel because City Stars were playing their last match before the league break and so he left immediately after the game.”

City Stars have already promised to investigate the matter by stating: “The allegations are grave, to say the least, and as a club, we have launched immediate investigations on the same,” the club communicated via their official portal.

“To get us to the bottom of the matter, we have asked for the footage of the recorded game and would urge anyone who was close by to share any videos and audios that can provide evidence on the same," the statement continued.

“Should there be any evidence we will take immediate action as our club policy does not condone any form or kind of racism as we believe in respect and dignity to all.”

Vihiga United have maintained their players were racially abused by the coach and have promised to lodge a complaint with FKF.

“When the ball went out and my players went for it, that is when [Sanjin] called them 'you black monkeys,” Yakhama told Goal on Wednesday.

“My players cannot be crazy and start accusing you of what you have not done. My players became furious saying 'this guy has just called us black monkeys,' and we had to calm them down.

“Maybe it was just a slip of tongue, but he cannot say he did not abuse my players.”

43-year-old Alagic was appointed City Stars coach last year and oversaw their promotion back to the top flight after a four-year absence. The Sarajevo-born coach, who holds a Uefa Pro License, held the reins for Bosnia's U21 team until 2019, having also worked at club sides in his homeland, as well as in Slovakian football, and in the Middle East.

Simba wa Nairobi are now fifth in the FKF Premier League on eight points after five matches, having scored five and conceded two goals.

Uganda striker Ben Ocen has promised to help the team perform well in the African Nations Championship (Chan) if he makes the final squad.

The Police FC forward is among the 28 provisional players who are preparing for the biennial competition that will be held in January 2021 in Cameroon. The attacker has further stated the training is going on well and he is learning to ensure he helps the East Africa nation in the forthcoming assignment.

"I am so happy again to be recalled on the national team, the training is going on well and we are learning a lot from our coaches," Ocen said.

"Looking at Chan as a player, I feel, if given the opportunity to go express my talent according to what I have learned and what am still learning from our coaches, it will help me be a greater player and help my team to perform very well as we go for Chan games."

Meanwhile, Cranes are sweating over the fitness of striker Muhamad Shaban who limped off from training on Wednesday.

The Vipers SC striker reportedly sustained a hamstring injury but will be assessed further.

The attacker had just made a return to football after a knee injury kept him out of action for 18 months.

The Johnathan Mckinstry-led charges will leave the country for West Africa where they will take part in a pre-Chan tournament that will also involve hosts Cameroon, Niger and Zambia. The competition will be played between January 1-7.

In the Chan competition, Uganda is in Group be alongside defending champions Morocco, Rwanda and Togo.

Uganda Cranes provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume), Nafian Alionzi (URA), Tom Ikara (Police)

Defenders: Eric Ssenjobe (Police), Aziz Kayondo (Vipers), Derrick Ndahiro (SC Villa), Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Mustafa Mujuzi (Kyetume), Patrick Mbowa (URA), Murushid Juuko (Express), Muhamood Hassan (Police)

Midfielders: Shafiq Kagimu (URA), Tony Mawejje (Police), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers), Karim Watambala (Vipers), Saidi Kyeyune (URA), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants)

Forwards: Ben Ocen (Police), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers), Vianne Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants), Joseph Ssemujju (BUL), Joachim Ojera (URA), Milton Karisa (Vipers), Stephen Mukwala (URA), Mohamed Shaban (Vipers), Ivan Bogere (Proline)