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When Cristian Ansaldi sent Torino 2-0 up with a 62nd-minute penalty at San Siro on Sunday, the post-match headline was already writing itself.

How Inter Milan had contrived to muck up a game against one of Serie A’s out-of-form sides was going to place more pressure on a team that went into gameweek eight with one win from their last five in the league. Throw in games in all competitions and that awful run read a sole win in eight matches...surely something had to give for Antonio Conte’s troops.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri roared back in the final 26 minutes to win 4-2, with a Romelu Lukaku brace, as well as goals from Alexis Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez sealing an unforeseen comeback against the Bull.

The fact Inter hadn’t even hit the target until Alexis halved the deficit in the 64th emphasises just how bad the pre-season title favourites were playing. Indeed, Conte will have been pleased the team drew strength from each other in a difficult situation to secure the victory.

Given AC Milan defeated Napoli 3-1 later in the day, Sassuolo beat Hellas Verona 2-0 and defending champions Juventus picked up a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday, a defeat would have left Inter eight, six and four points adrift of the trio, respectively.

Despite being so early in the season, such a widening gap at the top was unacceptable for Conte’s team. As such, that turnaround was just what the doctor ordered.

For Achraf Hakimi, who won the penalty through which the hosts completed the comeback, it wasn’t one of his brightest showings since joining in the summer, with his drop off somewhat mirroring his side’s decline in form.

While the right wing-back was involved in two shot-creating actions as well as a sole goal-creating action, he lacked the usual injection of pace and forward passing that’s characterised his involvement in build-up play for Conte’s team and Borussia Dortmund previously.

Hakimi completed two progressive passes all game, one pass into the final third and a single pass into the penalty area, while his customary progressive ball-carrying was missing. Stats per Fbref showed the wide defender covered the same distance to Torino’s goal as he did on the opening weekend against Fiorentina.

This looks immediately concerning because the North African was a second-half substitute against the Viola but played the entirety of Sunday’s encounter.

Frankly, the ex-Dortmund wideman has looked a shadow of himself in recent weeks, although this has been amplified amid Inter’s greater struggles for consistency in performances and, evidently, results since October.

Conte’s side have largely played well for most of their games but seem to lose concentration and let in avoidable goals, leading to recent run before Torino.

Hakimi has been culpable, too, with games against Parma and old side Real Madrid the perfect examples. In the former, the 22-year-old missed a couple of gilt-edged opportunities in each half and was slow to recognise or react to imminent danger before Gervinho sent the visitors 1-0 up at San Siro — they eventually came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

On his return to play old friends three weeks ago, the Moroccan gifted Karim Benzema the opener with a back-pass under pressure to send Zinedine Zidane’s team ahead just before the half-hour. They lost in Madrid 3-2 and now face a complicated path in securing progress to the knockout rounds, given they sit bottom with two points after three games.

Admittedly, failure to pick up three points over Zidane’s team won’t be fatal to the Nerazzurri but it only leaves them in a position where claiming six points from final two games vs Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk is obligatory.

If that’s to happen, Hakimi and co. have to keep things tighter at the back and stop letting in a high volume of goals despite actually conceding few shots on the whole.

Interestingly, Conte’s team have faced 27 shots on target — same as leaders Milan — after eight matches which places them in the bottom five for attempts on target faced, yet they’ve conceded 13 times, five more goals than their rivals.

While their Expected Goals Against of 11 is close to Milan’s xGA of 10.4, still, Inter have been leaky and have kept one clean sheet in the league all season. At the same stage in Conte’s maiden campaign, the Europa League finalists had kept four shutouts in eight after conceding just seven times.

As things stand they’re letting in 1.62 goals per game and are on pace to allow around 62 goals after 38 games. For a defence that let in 36 goals last term — the only side in Serie A to concede less than a goal a game — the numbers thus far are an antithesis of a Conte rearguard.

Sunday’s rip-roaring turnaround was beyond beneficial under the circumstances, now Hakimi and his teammates have to build on that Torino success and look to be better at the back, starting from Wednesday night against Europe’s most successful side.

Iraq's all-time highest capped international Younis Mahmoud is a legend in his own right, having won multiple honours in his career with club and country. He has spent much of his career in Qatar, winning several trophies including the Qatar Stars League. 

He has also won the Asian Cup for Iraq in 2007 where he was adjudged the topscorer and the best player of the tournament. He was also the only Iraqi player in history to have made the Ballon d'Or shortlist, when he finished 29th in 2007. It must be noted that he achieved this feat without playing club football in Europe. 

As the East Zone matches of the AFC Champions League are underway in Qatar, Goal caught up with the stalwart to pick his brains on the facilities that the country has developed for the 2022 World Cup and is being utilised during this tournament. 

Mahmoud is full of praises for the facilities and professionalism on offer at the World Cup venues, three of which are being used for the AFC Champions League East Zone matches currently underway in Doha. 

Q: You started your domestic club career in Qatar playing for Al Khor (2004-05) and then subsequently played for Al Wakrah (2011). What are your emotions with Qatar 2022 witnessing high-profile stadiums in both localities (namely Al Bayt and Al Janoub respectively)?

A: It was really a wonderful feeling to play Qatari league football in both Al Khor and Al Wakrah and it is incredible that the cities now have amazing 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums. I have an even special emotional connection with Al Janoub Stadium because of the involvement of the late Zaha Hadid, who is of Iraqi origin, as its architect. 

Both Al Janoub and Al Bayt are masterpieces and I am sure football fans the world over will realize this in November 2022.

Q: You are a Qatar football insider having played for numerous QSL clubs over your illustrious career and have also played for Iraq in the 2006 Asian Games and 2011 AFC Asian Cup hosted by Qatar. How do you look at Qatar having emerged the premier football hosting destination of Asia in recent times?

A: I came to play QSL at a time when the league had just started to develop and attract some top European and South American players. So you can say that I was part of the first wave of the global football development of Qatar which will culminate in the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

I was fortunate to be able to participate in the two biggest sporting events of Asia which Qatar hosted – the Asian Games in 2006 and the AFC Asian Cup in 2011.

Having lived in Qatar for many years now, I have observed and experienced the country’s amazing hosting capabilities at close quarters. Therefore, I am not at all surprised that Qatar was able to pull off the extremely difficult task of hosting the West Zone 2020 AFC Champions League as the centralized venue during the times of COVID at short notice. 

The AFC’s decision to reward Qatar with the centralized venue rights of the East Zone tournament and the final illustrates the world class professionalism with which Qatar delivered the West Zone tournament in September and early October. 

Q: What are your thoughts about the Advanced Stadium Cooling Technology making such a strong impact in the 2020 AFC Champions League West Zone matches? Many top players including Al Sadd's South Korean playmaker Nam Tae-hee and Shabab Al Ahli's UAE defender Walid Abbas praised it to the skies. Members of the West Zone winners Perspolis were seen wrapping themselves with blankets inside the stadium with the temperature inside maintained at 22 Degrees when it was 37 outside.

A:  Qatar’s stadium cooling technology is an example of wonderful innovation. Before the 2022 World Cup stadiums were built, I used to play regularly at Al Sadd SC’s Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, which used an earlier version of cooling. 

I used to feel the difference in temperature inside the ground and outside and the technology was very helpful during the summer months. 

It was very evident during the West Zone phase of the AFC Champions League in September that coaches and players enjoyed the different world they inhabited inside the stadium thanks to the cooling. 

Not only is the latest model of cooling system a very successful innovation but it is also sustainable. I believe this technology will not just be for Qatar but will be for the whole world – it is a legacy project. 

Special mention has to be given to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy for conceptualizing this as a legacy initiative benefitting the rest of Asia and the world.  

Q: In your decade-long participation in the AFC Champions League, you have played in many iconic football stadiums of the East Zone of the continent like the Beijing Workers Stadium  (2004), the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (Jakarta), Bukit Jalil National Stadium (Kuala Lumpur) and Rajmangala National Stadium (Bangkok) all in 2007 when you created history by winning the title and winning the golden boot. What is your advice to the players from the East Zone clubs playing in Doha's iconic Khalifa International Stadium?    

A: There are wonderful stadiums in the East of the continent and I won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007 playing in a few. 

However, the players taking part in the 2020 AFC Champions League East Zone will find equally wonderful stadiums in Qatar. This is true especially of the Khalifa International Stadium. 

I am sure all the players will enjoy the atmosphere there and everything around the stadium in the vicinity – it is a good mix of the modern and the historic. For me, it is difficult to find a stadium like the Khalifa in Asia or anywhere else in the world.     

Q: Six participating clubs from the East Zone -- all four from South Korea and two of the three from Japan (Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F. Marions) -- have their home in FIFA World Cup stadiums purpose built for Asia's first ever tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea in 2002. What is your advice to players of these clubs even as they play in venues of the second FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the AFC in 2022? 

A: My advice is simple – enjoy the experience and at the same time be aware that you are part of history. 

It is the honour of every professional footballer to play in FIFA World Cup stadiums. The players of Japanese and Korean clubs have played in venues that have hosted the World Cup in their home countries. Now they are having the unique opportunity of displaying their skills in venues which will host the world’s most prestigious competition. 

Q: In your glittering AFC Asian Cup career, you have saved your best against derby rivals Iran scoring against them in Qatar in 2011 and in Australia in 2015. Are you looking forward to seeing Iranian giant Perspolis in the final of the 2020 AFC Champions League?

A: Indeed I am looking forward to watching Perspolis in the Final. 

Perspolis have a strong squad and they played very well and deserved to reach the final. They also have an Iraqi national team player in their ranks – Bashar Resan. 

I am sure that a lot of Iraqis will watch the final to see our national team player in action in the biggest game of Asian club football. 

I will also watch the final. I would like to say this to whoever is the team from the east which qualifies for the final – excuse me, I will be supporting your opponents on 19 December.  

Q: Last time you spoke to Goal was when Qatar national team had won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and Almoez Ali had emerged top-scorer like you did in 2007. What is your advice to Almoez Ali, Akram Afif and captain Hassan Haydous with less than two years to go before they step out at Al Bayt Stadium on 21 November 2022 with the whole world watching?

A: Hassan Haydous, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif and their teammates in the Qatar national team are stars in Asia. All of us are gearing up for that amazing experience when the Asian champions take the field at Al Bayt Stadium to take on the best in Europe or South America. 

They need to work hard, believe in their abilities and be proud of the fact that they are representing their nation on the biggest stage in front of their own countrymen. 

I am very close to these players and I know they are well motivated to give their best. They have the desire to perform well. These players are good and they won the Asian title beating Japan in the final. I believe they will make an impact in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala will spearhead Barcelona's attack when they take on PSV in a Uefa Women's Champions League Round of 32 tie, following Tuesday's draw.

The draw ceremony was held in Nyon, and saw Oshoala and her Spanish champions drawn against the Eredivisie Vrouwen giants, who were appearing at the stage for the first time in their history.

Having failed to earn back-to-back Champions League final berths last season, the Nigeria star will be hoping to inspire her side's return to title reckoning this term, but they must see off the Dutch champions.

Nigeria-born Swedish youth international Evelyn Ijeh will be eyeing a Round of 16 spot with Swedish champions Kopparbergs/Goteborg against English giants Manchester City. 

Elsewhere, South Africa's Janine Van Wyk and Scottish big guns Glasgow City will aim to replicate last season's incredible run when they turn out against Czech Republic's Sparta Prague.

Also, Algeria's Imane Chebel and Zambia's Racheal Kundanaji will be in action as Kazakhstani winners BIIK Kazygurt were pitted against Ukrainian champions Zhytlobud-2 Kharkiv.

And Cape Verde's Jolina Amani and Nigeria's Christy Ucheibe will battle English champions, Chelsea, in their first-ever appearance in the Round of 32 following wins over Anderlecht and POAK. 

As for Cameroon's Ajara Nchout, her Norwegian side Valerenga are billed to challenge for a place in the next round with Danish giants Brondby.

Cameroon duo of Henriette Akaba and Alvine Njolle alongside Cote d'Ivoire's Nadege Cisse will seek to help Minsk pip Norwegian side Lillestrom to book a Round of 16 place. 

The Round of 32 first legs will be played on December 9-10 and the second legs on December 15-16 across 16 venues in Europe.

Kerala Blasters will be up against NorthEast United on Thursday evening in their second Indian Super League (ISL) game this season. The Tuskers didn't have a great start to their campaignn as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan in their opening tie.

Coach Kibu Vicuna mentioned that his side wouldn't take NorthEast lightly given how well organised they are, as was witnessed in their 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC last week. He also pointed that his side need to work on their finishing as they can ill afford to miss goalscoring opportunities which can come back to haunt them.

"They (NorthEast) played well against Mumbai. They are a very organised team. They also had chances and tried to play out from the goalkeeper and tried to perform fast counter attacks. 

"I think we controlled the game against ATK Mohun Bagan but  they scored. We have to improve in the final third," said the Spanish coach.

Vicuna stated that the level of competition in the ISL is very high given that each team has a strong squad.

"We could see 10 teams playing and the results are very even. It is going to be a very tough league, with different teams and styles. All the teams have good players and we have to focus only on tomorrow's game," he said.

NorthEast United coach Gerard Nus mentioned that his team will go into the game against Kerala as underdogs given that the budget of the southern team is considerably higher. However, Vicuna refused to be drawn into the conversation around how much his team has spent in the summer.

"It's XI versus XI. In football, the budget is more for the comments of the media and the supporters. It is about passion, performances, tactics, emotions. We are in the process. Most of the teams are in the same moment. We are creating the identity. We are doing the same thing we did last season, in a shorter time," said Vicuna, whose Mohun Bagan side played close to 30 matches before they participated in the I-League. 

Nishu Kumar and Rahul K.P. didn't see any game-time in their opening game and Vicuna was asked to share an update on the duo's fitness.

"We are happy to have them in our team. When they are 100 per cent fit and ready, they will be able to help the team. He (Nishu) is training with the team, he is feeling better."

Sahal Abdul Samad came in for criticism from certain quarters as he missed a goalscoring opportunity against ATK Mohun Bagan. Vicuna was quick to come to his defence and backed him to come good in the coming matches.

"Sahal is a very good player for us. He is an important player and we have to create a good environment for him. It is only the first match. I think he did some good things, he had two chances and he went close. We are happy with him, we think he can be a very important player for us.

"I think we are creating a good and strong team. We have to focus on the players we have right now. To think about players from the past won't do any good for us. We worked hard to create this team."

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has once again revised fixtures for matchday one in the FKF Premier League.

Since releasing the draft fixture list for the 2020-21 campaign, it is the third time the fixtures are being revised with AFC Leopards now set to open the season with a clash against Tusker at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, November 28.

According to the revised fixture list, three matches will be played on Saturday with AFC versus Tusker being broadcast live by FKF broadcast partners StarTimes, with the two other matches pitting promoted Vihiga United against Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Compex and Bandari against Sofapaka at Mbaraki Stadium.

On Sunday, four matches will be played - Nairobi City Stars taking on Nzoia Sugar at Nyayo Stadium, Kariobangi Sharks against Wazito FC at Kasarani Stadium, Posta Rangers vs KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, and Western Stima against Bidco United at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Champions Gor Mahia, who will be taking part in Caf Champions League assignment against APR of Rwanda, will open the season with a home game against Zoo FC at Nyayo Stadium on December 2.

After the FKF managed to successfully test all players and officials for Covid-19, the federation was also successful as they staged a test match between Kariobangi Sharks and Bidco United to gauge their preparedness.

During the match played at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, and attended by FKF president Nick Mwendwa, Bidco United announced their intentions in the 2020/21 FKF-PL after edging out Kariobangi Sharks by a solitary goal.

Former Ulinzi Stars and Sofapaka striker Stephen Waruru scored the only goal in the second half to help the Thika-based side to victory.

However, it was the Slum Boys who had started the game on a high, pressing with every opportunity they got. Coach William Muluya started with his best team, with goalkeeper Brian Bwire in goal, while Patillah Omoto, Erick Kapaito, and James Mazembe also started the game.

Bidco United coach Anthony Akhulia was impressed with the outcome, stating to Goal: “The preparations have been good and the win is a reward for their efforts, and the good thing is that our strategy worked.

“The win is a morale booster not only to me as a coach but the entire team as well and they have a reason to look forward to the start of the season.

“I have also been impressed with the way Pistone [Mutamba], Waruru, Gathu and Victor Ayugi have played. Critics said that those players are old but they have proved them wrong.”

Bidco United were promoted to the top-flight alongside Nairobi City Stars and Vihiga United.

Swallows FC head coach Brandon Truter has urged his troops to stay humble after their victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby clash on Tuesday night.

The Birds climbed to the top of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings after securing a 1-0 win over Amakhosi at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, Gauteng.

It was Swallows' first win against one of the so-called PSL Big Three - Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates - this season. 

Truter explained why his charges should keep their feet on the ground following their hard-fought victory over last season's PSL runners-up and he refused to discuss their targets for this term.

"No, we will compete in the next game. I am not interested in looking at the targets or where we will end up in this league. We will compete in the next match," Truter told the media. 

"We need to be humble. We beat Chiefs. We beat the biggest team in South Africa. But yeah, we need to come them down and we need to be humble and take it game by game."

Swallows, who are still undefeated this term, will take on Lamontville Golden Arrows in their next game on December 5 and Truter is expecting a difficult league match. 

"I am just happy that it is a week away. So that some of the boys can actually take proper rest and we can do some recovery sessions, and manage the fatigue," he said. 

"It is a week away. Arrows are also having a good run. They had a good game against Chiefs as well. They came back."

Arrows came back from 2-1 down to hold Chiefs to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining league encounter last weekend at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban.

"They are picking up points. So, it will be a tough game. Going to Sugar Ray or wherever the game will be in KZN [KwaZulu-Natal]. Arrows are always a tough game at home," he added.

"Tactically they are sound with Mandla [Ncikazi] in charge now. The players they have are very good in one v [versus] one [situations]. 

"So, it will be an interesting game. Like I said it is the only game that matters now." 

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has left Ethiopian giants Saint George SC just one month after joining the club.

The German tactician moved to St George after parting ways with Chiefs at the end of the 2019/20 season having failed to guide Amakhosi to the PSL title. 

However, Middendorp has resigned as the head coach at the Ethiopian Premier League giants amidst reports linking him with his former club, Maritzburg United.

The Horsemen released the following statement regarding the 62-year-old's surprise departure from Ethiopia's most decorated football club. 

"Coach Ernst Middendorp has left St George," a club statement read. 

"The German coach was contracted to train St George for three years."

"Maahier Davids, who was training the club for a while, has been working as a temporary coach."

Davids, who is a South African tactician, served as an academy coach at Orlando Pirates and also took charge of Cape Umoya United in the National First Division (NFD). 

Maritzburg's coaching job became vacant on Monday after the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) side dismissed Eric Tinkler due to a run of poor results. 

The Team of Choice have lost their first five matches in the 2020/21 season including the MTN8 defeat to Chiefs last month.

Bafana Bafana legend Delron Buckley has been appointed caretaker coach by the Pietermaritzburg-based side.

Buckley played under Middendorp at Maritzburg during the 2012/13 season as the Team of Choice finished 11th in the PSL. 

Middendorp has already had two spells with the Team of Choice as the head coach, having taken charge of the team between 2009 and 2011 before moving to their KZN rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows.

The nomadic tactician returned to Maritzburg in 2012, but he left the club after one season and he joined Bloemfontein Celtic for the 2013/14 campaign. 

He had a spell with Chippa United in the 2015/16 season, before rejoining Chiefs for his second stint with the Soweto giants in 2018.

Thiago Silva "sets the standards" at Chelsea, according to Joe Cole, who has lauded the Blues defender for his "unbelievable" contribution this season.

Silva has quickly established himself as a mainstay in Frank Lampard's starting XI since joining Chelsea on a free transfer in August.

The 36-year-old, who was released by Paris Saint-Germain following their Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich last season, was initially seen as a risky signing for the Blues due to his age.

However, the Brazilian has proven he can still deliver the goods at the very highest level, and has played a key role in transforming Chelsea into a rock-solid defensive outfit after slotting in at centre-back alongside Kurt Zouma.

Silva's latest outing came during a 2-1 win away at Rennes in a Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday night, which saw Lampard's side book their place in the last 16 with two games to spare.

Speaking ahead of that clash, Cole praised the impact the former PSG star's had at Stamford Bridge, while insisting he is already arguably the best central defender in the Premier League.

Asked to assess Silva's first few months in west London, the former Blues winger told BT Sport : "Unbelievable. Out of all the signings, when he came in, I knew he’s been one of the great defenders of our generation, but at 36 - you worry.

"Traditionally, players of that age coming into the Premier League, it’s very difficult. The Premier League is a different beast now.

"I don’t think they make centre-halves like him now, apart from Van Dijk, he’s the best in the league, maybe there’s an argument for it.

"For [Antonio] Rudiger, [Kurt] Zouma, or [Andreas] Christensen next to him, he sets the standard.

"That’s the level you want to get at if you want to class yourself as a world-class centre-half."

Silva will be back in contention for a place in Lampard's line-up when Chelsea play host to Tottenham in a hotly-anticipated top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.

The Blues are due back in Champions League action three days later, with a trip to Spain to face 2019-20 Europa League winners Sevilla on the cards.

The transfer window officially opened on Nov 21 and will end on Feb 12, a full two weeks before the Super League curtain raiser between Johor Darul Ta'zim and Kedah.

Teams are actively looking to improve their respective teams and Goal brings to you all the movers and shakers ahead of a brand new season.

Johor Darul Ta'zim 

The seven-time MSL champions had already bid goodbye to star striker Diogo Luis Santo who arrived in the 2018 season and has contributed to the Southern Tigers' continued stranglehold on the league title. Brazilian Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo is the replacement and JDT had also confirmed the signing of talented midfielder Danial Amier from Felda United on a free.

Kedah

The 2019 FA Cup champions will compete in the AFC Cup in the coming season and plans are already in place to ensure that they get a prolonged run in the competition but only the outgoings have been announced thus far. Long-serving centre back Khairul Helmi and Singaporean Shakir Hamzah has been let go with rumours indicating a departure for forward Zaquan Adha as well.

Aidil Sharin is reportedly keen to add UiTM FC star Rabih Ataya to the fold that could give Kedah a far bigger threat from the wings.

Another team who will participate in the AFC Cup by virtue of finishing third in the MSL last season after the cancellation of the Malaysia Cup. It looks to be a big overhaul at the club with Lee Tuck, Sanjar Shaakhmedov, Dominique da Sylva, Faris Ramli and Darren Lok all exiting the club.

Malaysia Under-23 international Azri Ghani is said to be courted by the Bos Gaurus to give Hafizul Hakim much needed competition between the sticks. It would seem that 2020 top scorer Shahrel Fikri is in Selangor's radar and there's a good chance that Perak could lose his service.

Selangor FC

The club has made several announcement with Nor Hakim Hassan, Safuwan Baharudin, Rodney Celvin Akwensivie, Ashmawi Yakin, Wan Zack Haikal, Tauffiq Ar Rasyid, Halim Saari, Mukhairi Ajmal, Khairulazhan Khalid, Ifedayo Olusegun, A. Namathevan, Sean Eugene Selvaraj, Syahmi Safari and has brought in a new head coach in Karsten Neitzel.

On the other side, Taylor Regan will not be part of the 2021 team. Midfielder S. Sarkunan is staying but apparently eyeing a loan move to get more game time. 

The east coast side is rumoured to buy eyeing a move for Lee Tuck and Sergio Aguero after having said their farewells to the likes of Dickson Nwakaeme, Adam Reed and Ivan Carlos. However the biggest losses appears to be two talented youngsters in Faisal Halim and Nik Sharif Haseefy who are both confirmed to be leaving.

The newly promoted side who finished second in the Premier League last season to gain the move up, will have a new head coach in Chilean Simon Elissetche despite Nidzam Adzha leading the team last season. This is because Nidzam does not possess the AFC Pro A License required to be a Super League coach.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not want to "risk" Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof after substituting both players with minor injuries during their Champions League win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday night.

United easily defeated the Turkish side 4-1, Bruno Fernandes scoring twice inside the first 20 minutes before a Marcus Rashford penalty put the Premier League team in complete control before half-time.

Basaksehir pulled a goal back through Deniz Turuc's free kick and hit the bar as they improved in the second half, however Daniel James scored a late fourth for United after a counterattack to put deserved gloss on the scoreline for the Red Devils.

However, the win was tainted somewhat by minor injuries picked up by Lindelof and Wan-Bissaka, with Solskjaer revealing the Swedish central defender had a problem with his back, while the England right-back took a knock to the ankle.

Solskjaer though doesn't believe they are anything serious, and both men should be fit for the Premier League game against Southampton this Sunday.

"Hopefully they'll be ready for the weekend," Solskjaer told BT Sport. "It's ankle for Aaron and back for Victor. There was no point taking any more risks."

While Lindelof and Wan-Bissaka were unable to play the full 90 minutes on Tuesday, Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani were involved throughout and Solskjaer picked the two summer signings out for individual praise.

"The two are getting used to how we want them to play - Donny can play in different positions and Edinson is a good old-fashioned number nine and we haven't had that for a while and I was happy with how Anthony [Martial] played off the left," Solskjaer said. 

The win on Tuesday night was key for United as they aim to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, and next week they face a crunch tie at home to Paris Saint-Germain before facing RB Leipzig away in the last game of Group H.

United need only one point from those final two matches to qualify for the knockout stage, having beaten both PSG and Leipzig before suffering a shock loss to Basaksehir in Istanbul, but will be aiming to top the group to give themselves a better chance of a favourable draw in the round of 16.

Kevin-Prince Boateng has said that he found Lionel Messi to be so good during his stint at Barcelona, that he thought about hanging up his boots entirely.

Boateng joined the Catalan outfit in a surprise loan move from Sassuolo in January 2019, and managed to win a La Liga title in his six-month stint despite earning little playing time.

The 33-year-old would subsequently move on to Fiorentina and then Besiktas before joining Serie B outfit Monza ahead of the current season.

Recalling his time at Camp Nou in the 2018-19 season, Boateng admits that he could scarcely believe he was wanted by a club like Barca when he got word of their interest.

"The six months at Barcelona were incredible," Boateng told DAZN .  "At first, I didn't believe it. I thought it was Espanyol who wanted me, not the real Barcelona!

"Training with Messi left me speechless. I had always said that Cristiano Ronaldo was the best in the world, but Messi is something else. He's not normal.

"While training with him, I felt inadequate for the first time in my career. He was doing incredible things. I felt like saying, 'I'm done, I'm going to quit playing!'"

Boateng has become something of a journeyman in his career, playing for teams in England, Germany, Italy and Spain. Though his career has included stops at major clubs such as Tottenham, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, Boateng admitted that he could have potentially accomplished more. 

During his stint at Spurs between 2007 and 2009 in particular, Boateng said he looked to off-field extravagances to cover up for his on-field issues.

"When I was young, at Tottenham, it's true: I bought three luxury cars in one day, but there was so much pain inside me," he said. "I was trying to buy happiness. I wasn't happy. I wasn't playing. I wasn't well and so I was looking for something else. Sure, I would change that part of my past.

"Often, I trusted only my talent and, with the talent I have, without being arrogant, I could have done a lot more. Although, I have had a beautiful career anyway."

In the latter part of his career, Boateng has also focused on off-field activism, speaking out frequently against racism. Despite a host of ugly incidents across Europe recently, Boateng said that he has yet to see nearly enough change.

"In football, nothing has changed since 2013," Boateng said. "Maybe a few more fines, but nothing has changed. It's sad. It still happens. And it happens too much.

"Change comes from FIFA and UEFA. Us footballers, we're important, we try to speak, we use social media, we use interviews, but if it doesn't start from above, it's difficult for us.

"In 2013, I was saying, I hope that the kids in a few years don't know what racism is, and instead they're now hearing us talk more about it today than yesterday."

Kenya international Clarke Oduor was introduced in the second half as Barnsley suffered their first home loss under coach Valerien Ismael, against Brentford on Tuesday.

The 1-0 defeat at home came as Ivan Toney scored his 11th goal of the season that gave Brentford the slim win away. Toney collected a Mathias Jensen’s corner and fired into the right-hand corner for the only goal of the encounter in the 66th minute.

Jack Walton saved Oduor’s side from conceding another goal after saving a late effort from Marcus Forss. The victory was the first for Brentford in four matches as Barnsley lost the first match after five games under Ismael.

Oduor was brought on in the 72nd for Alex Mowatt as Ismael made three changes after they had gone behind, but the substitutions failed to have much impact on the game. 

Referee Darren Bond dismissed Barnsley’s calls for a penalty after Victor Adeboyejo's cross hit Vitaly Janelt in the last moments of the tie.

Brentford are now unbeaten in the last six games and the clean sheet against the Tykes was their third in a row. Ismael explained how his charges should now tackle the next opponent after surrendering three points to Brentford.

“We expected the best opponent in possession with a lot of quality. It is not easy to press an opponent like that because they are very calm and try to lure you,” Ismael told BBC Sport.

“We need another approach to be more patient, and aggressive in some others.

“Out of possession we were really good but in possession, we were not clinical enough in some situations. We have to work on this. It is a bit frustrating, but it was another level for us. It was like chess.”

On his part, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank lauded his charges for picking up the victory.

“It was a very good win and I was very pleased with the performance. Ivan is doing a good job for us,” Frank said. “I think we looked very solid, structured and mature in more or less everything we did.

“I loved the patience in the first half because Barnsley are a very good side and I'm very impressed with them. They have made it unbelievably difficult for a lot of teams and they press with extreme intensity.”

Barnsley, now 14th on the log, will face Blackburn Rovers on December 1.

NorthEast United manager Gerard Nus believes that it's important to have good training pitches first before anyoone can expect a team to play a beautiful brand of attacking football. Ahead of their Indian Super League (ISL) clash against Kerala Blasters on Thursday, the manager mentioned that the teams, who can manage to get results despite rotating their squad due to the congested schedule will do well.

It must be noted that the ISL is being conducted in Goa with every team being part of a bio-secure bubble.

"All the teams will struggle with injuries. Some teams are struggling for good training pitches. Many coaches are complaining. These things don't help. When you are weaker (physically) you get more injuries. The scheduling does not allow you to rest. You have to rotate and can not stick to a XI. Every team will face these (issues). And the teams who will manage this well will do better. 

"I have heard that some clubs are sharing the (training) pitch with local side. When you have only one grass pitch, it is not enough. When you are training every day the quality will deteriorate. Moreover, the weather is so hot. If you want to have quality football you must have good quality training pitches. We want to play good football and good training pitches is a necessity," stated the tactician. 

Nus is wary of the threat that Kerala Blasters possess and even went on to term them as 'favourites' for the tie. He believes that the Men in Yellow can finish in the top three at the end of the season. 

"Kerala Blasters have one of the best squads in ISL. They are a tough team to play against. They are good in the build-up, organisation and set-pieces. They can create chances in so many ways. It is going to be a hard match. They are the favourites as they are a very strong side. Kerala know they played good football (against ATK Mohun Bagan). They did not deserve to lose. They are going to play good football again.

"In some moments we did not have much control against Mumbai City. I don't think many teams will have control against Mumbai. They are a top team not only in India, but in Asia. Kerala tried so many things. They can change strategies. But the most important thing for us is to to have the same mentality and be positive. To get even a point we need to do everything better than them. They are one of the three sides to finish on the ladder at the end of the season. Blasters have good players coming from some top clubs in Europe and they also have players from the Indian team. We cannot take them lightly," commented the youngest manager in ISL. 

The 35-year-old praised his team's performance against Mumbai City, a tie which they won 1-0. But he still believes that they have some aspects to improve upon. 

"It is just not the defenders that played well. Everyone did a fantastic job against Mumbai. We have to get better will ball possession. We have to rest more with the ball., We have to make better judgements - when to make a risky pass or when not to make. We are working on those. We are not on holidays in Goa. I have come here to do a job. We are sacrificing a lot. We just want to improve with each passing game. 

"It gives confidence to any team to start on a winning note. We managed the game well and got a positive result. But at the same time, there were other things which could have stolen those three points. But we must learn from them and improve," signed off the former assistant Ghana coach.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer has refused to get carried away with talk of challenging for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title.

The Buccaneers have had a promising start to the current 2020/21 season as they are undefeated having recorded two wins and two draws in the league.

They have also reached their maiden major cup final since 2018 after embarrassing their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 semi-finals.

Even though Zinnbauer admitted his side is on the right track, the German tactician indicated that it is too early to talk about competing for the league title, having masterminded a 2-1 win over SuperSport United on Saturday.

“Yes, we are on the right track. Last season nobody had belief in us, and we came back to finish third,” Zinnbauer told the media. 

“Now four games in a row, yes I’m happy about it, but we have a lot of matches ahead.

"We are now preparing for our next game, and we have Baroka FC, who are doing well, and it is always difficult to play against them."

Pirates, who are currently placed third on the league standings, will host Baroka at Orlando Stadium on Saturday as they look to climb to the top of the log.

The 50-year-old tactician stressed the importance of guarding against complacency with 26 league matches left in the current campaign.

“It’s a long season for us, and we don’t speak about places. It is too early to speak about positions,” he said. 

“What is important for me is we have our next game against Baroka and the focus shifts to that match."

Zinnbauer understands that Pirates' club management and fans are desperate to win some silverware with the team currently enduring a six-year trophy drought. 

“We know everyone associated with the club is hungry for titles, but we are not the only one. This is the fight from other clubs in the league, and we have to improve the squad for the future," he added.

“We will fight for the titles, but it is not easy. We will do our best to make sure we win the titles.”

Pirates are set to take on Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2020 MTN8 final on December 12. 

Samuel Chukwueze may have helped Villarreal hold Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s La Liga encounter but Mutiu Adepoju feels the youngster must improve in front of goal.

Without inspirational captain Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema due to injury, Los Blancos took the lead after just 107 second through Mariano Diaz.

Nevertheless, the Yellow Submarine levelled matters from the penalty spot through Gerard Moreno after Thibaut Courtois had fouled the Nigerian in the box.

Chukwueze was a constant threat to Zinedine Zidane’s side's defenders, albeit, he fluffed several scoring opportunities that could have handed the hosts all three points at stake.

Giving an assessment of his performance, the former Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Racing Santander midfielder rated the youngster highly, however, insisted he has a lot of work to do in terms of scoring.

“When he was brought on in the second half, he really caused havoc against Real Madrid,” LaLiga ambassador Adepoju told Goal.

“He was the brain behind the goal Villarreal scored and overall, he had a very great game.

“However, when he gets near the goal, he rushes and fires off target because he is not calming down.

“Probably, he needs to work on his finishing skills during training because I feel with his dribbling abilities, he should be scoring more goals.

“He has made an impact in the few games he has played [this season] and I still believe he is still in the right direction.”

Thanks to his impressive outing when he helped Nigeria win the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup in Chile, the speedy winger was signed by the Spanish elite division side from Diamond Football Academy.

Having impressed for Villarreal’s reserves in the third tier, he was promoted to the senior team – making his debut in a Europa League game against Rangers – as manager Javi Calleja brought him on as a 79th-minute replacement for Nicola Sansone.

The 21-year-old made his league debut on November 5, 2018, playing every minute in a 1-1 draw against Levante.

Since then, he has been a regular in the Yellow Submarine setup - while accentuating his importance to the team with eye-catching performances which got him among 2019’s Golden Boy 40-man shortlist and also earned him a call-up to Nigeria’s senior national team.

The final shortlist for the 2020 FIFA The Best award has been revealed, with Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah all nominated for the prize.

Barcelona superstar Messi, who won the accolade last year, leads the 11-man list of players up for the individual gong, which will be presented at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on December 17.

Bayern striker Lewandowski is the man best placed to dethrone the Argentine, having already won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award for firing the German outfit to Champions League glory in 2019-20.

The Polish striker is joined on the list of nominees by ex-team-mate Thiago Alcantara, who left Allianz Arena to join Liverpool in September, while Reds duo Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk have also made the final cut alongside Salah.

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne completes the roll of Premier League stars competing for the award, while Real Madrid have bagged just the one nomination, with club captain Sergio Ramos acknowledged for leading the Blancos to their 34th La Liga title last season.

Former Santiago Bernabeu favourite Ronaldo will be aiming to win the FIFA honour for the third time after another fine individual campaign at Juventus, and PSG duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have also been included after playing starring roles in the French outfit's run to the European Cup final.