Looking for Soccer News?

When the Champions League draw was made in October, it seemed inconceivable to imagine Group B favourites Real Madrid and Inter Milan would be sat bottom and third respectively after the first two matchdays.

However, that’s the reality heading into Tuesday’s encounter at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano with both sides facing off in the first of potentially mouthwatering contests either side of the international break.

Buried amid the major storyline, where the clashes between the giants could either make or mar their immediate future in Europe’s premier club competition, is Achraf Hakimi facing off against old friends, with the first game seeing him return to the Spanish capital for the first time since departing for Milan.

Admittedly, Tuesday night’s meeting won’t be at Santiago Bernabeu and fans won't be in attendance in Valdebebas, still, a part of Hakimi would relish going up against his old side. Departing Los Blancos on a two-year loan to Borussia Dortmund was meant to complete the wide defender's development at the top level.

The talent that emerged in 2017/18 grew exponentially in North Rhine-Westphalia and the feeling was that Zinedine Zidane would empower the Moroccan upon his return to Madrid, particularly after an amazing 2019/20 season where he became one of the accomplished full-backs in Europe.

This was the dream for Hakimi, too, with the North African being a product of the Real academy. However, Zidane refusing to promise the 21-year-old a first-team spot, the presence of Dani Carvajal and the apparent preference for Alvaro Odriozola — who spent the second half of 19/20 at Bayern Munich — meant the African wideman wasn’t guaranteed a spot in the team.

For those who thrive on schadenfreude, the recent troubles of the 1998 World Cup winner to find at right-back in recent games — which included natural left-back Ferland Mendy moonlighting on the opposite flank vs Shakhtar Donetsk — might lead to questions over the sale of the former Dortmund man. Easy to say in hindsight.

In fairness, Hakimi’s qualities, especially going forward, meant he was always going to be marketable despite the coronavirus’ impact on clubs’ finances...and so it proved.

A switch to Inter to play under the passionate Antonio Conte seemed to be the right fit for everyone involved given the Italian manager’s inclination to utilise a 3-5-2. Hakimi was set to be a beneficiary of his new coach’s extreme dependence on wing-backs in the build-up and attacking phase, and he’d shown at Dortmund with his underlying numbers why he could be the Serie A team’s most-important arrival.

Without question, the turbo-charged 21-year-old has had a profound impact in Inter’s season so far, even though results deserted them in October. The continuing frustration for Conte wouldn’t be in his team’s general performances domestically and on the continent but in their growing pattern to be profligate up top and then let in cheap goals at the back, an oversimplification of their recent run of one win in six matches.

This was the case again in Saturday’s 2-2 draw vs Parma, where Hakimi was somewhat culpable in the two areas of growing concern for the Nerazzurri boss. The wing-back failed to convert two huge headed chances in both halves and his natural inclination to push forward was exposed for Gervinho’s first goal seconds into the second half.

Inter’s dominance on the evening saw them rack up 25 attempts to Parma’s five, edge the xG 3.05 to 0.76 and miss a plethora of chances, only to rely on a late Ivan Perisic header to level. For a side tipped to end Juventus’ dominance in Italy, their persistent inability to put teams away and let in avoidable goals has seen them fall five points behind rivals AC Milan after only six games.

It’s been the story of their season so far and broadly speaking since Conte took charge last year. Thus, after exiting the Champions League at the group stage previously, the Italian coach is in danger of having the ‘not good enough in Europe’ trope regurgitated if they’re eliminated yet again.

That makes getting a result in one or both of their meetings with Real imperative, but this comes with the known caveat that Zidane’s side are in the same boat having suffered a shock 3-2 defeat by Shakhtar before fighting back from two down to secure a 2-2 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach last week.

Despite the tricky nature of the draw, the expectation was for the meeting between these clubs to decide who comes out on top of the group. Yet, after two rounds of games, one of them looks in danger of exiting early if the next 180 minutes of European action ends badly in their meetings and indeed if, for instance, Gladbach and Shakhtar get a win apiece in their head-to-head.

Having said that, Inter’s performances, on the whole, this season have been better than the Spanish outfit’s despite the absence of results.

Regardless, the expected absence of Romelu Lukaku leaves them without their most-potent attacker, while the presence of Sergio Ramos, aura and personality of Karim Benzema and return of Eden Hazard mean the hosts will back themselves for a win.

It’ll be up to players like Hakimi to step up in the Belgium superstar’s absence, and the Moroccan won’t lack the motivation to thrive on Tuesday night.

In a sense, both Conte and the wing-back have a point to prove at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano: the manager, in silencing critics who question his European pedigree, while the wide defender seeks to show the most successful side on the continent what they’re missing out on as Inter look to show they can be equal to or greater than the sum of their parts.

As the dust on this season’s Champions League draw settled, groups B and D stood out as the 'Groups of Death'.

Indeed, that query is undoubtedly subjective but Group D — comprising Liverpool, Ajax, Atalanta and Midtjylland — seemed more exciting than the former — containing Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan and Borussia Monchengladbach….just.

While it’s played out differently in reality so far, with the Ukraine and German side respectively sitting in first and second place, Atalanta vs Ajax last week finally saw Group D come alive...which has whet the appetite before the Serie A side host the Reds on Tuesday.

On that night in Bergamo, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team fought from two goals down to draw 2-2 at the Gewiss Stadium, a game where both sides had significant spells in which the other was pinned back.

After showing the fighting spirit to fight back, technical ability and nous to stick to their principles for 90 minutes, Gasperini’s troops face arguably their toughest European test to date in Liverpool. This is, in part, due to the presence of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah for Jurgen Klopp’s side but also because of the Italian side’s bold approach.

Their courageous man-to-man marking style everywhere on the pitch, midfield pressing and relentless wave of attacks could cripple any side when it goes according to plan. Be that as it may, it could all go horribly wrong too, as Napoli proved recently, defeating La Dea 4-1 in Serie A.

In theory, Klopp’s deadly African pair will relish Tuesday night’s match-up, given their pace on the break and ability of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and even Andrew Robertson to release them quickly into positions that’ll prove tricky to Atalanta’s backline.

The searing pace of the Egyptian and explosiveness of his Senegalese teammate means they’ll back themselves one-v-one against La Dea's defenders, who aren’t exactly the quickest.

Of course, the side from Lombardy will relish the opportunity of playing the Merseyside club and will hope for better fortunes this time against another English side.

Gasperini’s team faced Manchester City in their debut Champions League season but the Cityzens’ class and superiority told at the Etihad Stadium in a 5-1 win, while the 1-1 stalemate at San Siro, probably remembered for Kyle Walker’s cameo in goal, wasn’t as close an encounter as the final score implies.

Their confidence springs from the absences in the Liverpool defence and a particular tactical tendency of Klopp’s wide attackers which could be exploited.

The long-term injury of Virgil van Dijk means Klopp would be without arguably the world’s best centre-back, while Fabinho’s expected non-involvement means Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Phillips may continue at the heart of the rearguard, although Joel Matip’s return gives the German boss a huge lift in central defence.

As regards the freedom afforded to Liverpool’s widemen — usually Mane and Salah — to not track back as regularly as necessary suggests Atalanta’s predisposition to create overloads on the flanks could hurt the English champions.

This approach was apparent in last week’s entertaining draw with the Dutch side, as Gasperini’s team created situations where they had an extra man out wide, aided by the talismanic Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez, whose autonomy makes him hard to mark.

“You can see [Alejandro] Gomez’s role in midfield, which is a completely free, floating, whatever, genius running around everywhere making it really difficult to catch him,” Klopp stated on Monday. “They use the skills of the individuals in an incredibly smart way, so you can exactly see how they use the strikers, how they use the strikers in different ways.

“They are very well organised; play their system with 100 per cent conviction and know exactly what everybody has to do.”

An incredibly daring man-marking approach all over the pitch, a seemingly cavalier but calculative maverick with the freedom to wreak havoc and overloads out wide, Liverpool won’t have it all their way against the free-scoring hosts in Bergamo on Tuesday.

It promises to be one of this season’s rip-roaring European contests and with the adventurous approach by the Italians, don’t expect Mane and Salah to be passive observers...rather, they’ll be protagonists as the Reds seek to affirm their superiority.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Cedric Kaze has maintained his stand that striker Michael Sarpong will be a hit at the club.

The Ghanaian striker signed for the Jangwani giants from Rayon Sports of Rwanda but he has only managed to score two goals from the eight Mainland Premier League matches played so far in this campaign.

His latest goal came as Yanga beat Biashara United 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run in the league and also move joint top with Azam FC in the 18-team league table.

The Burundian tactician, who joined the club after the exit of Serbian Zlatko Krmpotic, and has gone for three matches without defeat, has now explained his trust in the striker and said he will score many goals before the season ends.

“I am very happy with how Sarpong is evolving since I came here,” Kaze is quoted by Sokaletu. “I have seen a big improvement in the striker since I came here, and I know he will hit the right button soon.

“What Sarpong needs for now is the proper direction from the coaches, he is a very good finisher, he can score goals but he needs proper guidance and that is what I am giving him, I know soon he will be a very different striker, he will be the key player for us when he understands everything about this club.

“We also need to give him time, he also needs to have trust in himself, he must always have the belief of whatever he wants to do, I am giving him all the chance to change, I will support him because I know he will help us hit our targets.”

Kaze started his reign at Yanga with a 1-0 win against Polisi Tanzania, followed it up with a 2-1 win against KMC at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, before recording a 1-0 win against Biashara United at Karume Stadium on Saturday.

In a recent interview, Kaze revealed why he has been rotating the squad in Mainland Premier League matches.

“We have four matches and all of them are difficult and it is a must for my players to fight hard and get the points that we need, but to be honest, I don’t think we have players who can play all the four matches in a row with the speed the fixtures are planned,” Kaze was quoted by Sokaletu.

“What I have decided to do is to make sure that every player gets some minutes of play and that is why I must rotate the squad, and I know it will help to keep my players fit for the subsequent matches throughout the season.”

Kaze continued: “What has impressed me the most is that all the players are ready to fight for the team, they are working hard to make sure we win our matches, and they are playing according to my instructions.”

Yanga will next take on promoted Gwambina FC on Tuesday before they confront bitter rivals Simba SC in the Kariakoo Derby on November 7 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Fulham manager Scott Parker has showered encomium on Ola Aina following his wonder goal in their 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in Monday’s Premier League game.

The 24-year-old was afforded his fifth appearance for the Cottagers since his summer loan move from Italian side Torino.

The Nigeria international delivered eye-catching performances in the encounter, helping the Craven Cottage outfit to end their five-game winless run.

The wing-back smashed home a beauty from the edge of the box beyond the reach of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for his first Premier League goal.

Parker has expressed his pleasure with the effort and believes the goal came on the back of his instruction to the Super Eagles defender to take more risks.

“It was a great strike. We might have to take risks,” Parker said in a post-match press conference.

We’re going to have to take risks in or around the box and Ola did that and it’s flown into the top corner.

“Anyone watching us with an open mind will see we have a bit of quality. We had some lovely bits in both halves.”

Gabon international Mario Lemina only featured for 46 minutes before making ways for Harrison Reed in the encounter.

Parker revealed the 24-year-old midfielder was replaced to avoid any risk after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.

“Mario [Lemina] felt his hamstring a little bit in the first half and I didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll have to see where he is in the morning,” he added.

Victory against West Brom ensured Fulham moved to 17th spot on the Premier League table with four points from seven games.

Aina will hope to help his side continue in their winning ways when they take on West Ham United at London Stadium on Saturday.

The 24-year-old’s impressive form will please Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr, who has included the defender in his squad that will play Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game on November 13 and 17.

Reports from Germany have revealed Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer’s son Fabio is fighting for his life in a coma, following a horror motor vehicle crash.

The accident reportedly occurred when the car Fabio was in, a Skoda, was partially crushed after colliding with a large truck.

The 24-year-old Fabio is a footballer himself and had been playing in the lower divisions in Germany, most recently at Svg Steinachgrund in the Mittelfranken district league.

Coach Zinnbauer caught many Pirates supporters by surprise on the weekend, when it was revealed during his post-match interview - following a triumphant 3-0 MTN8 first leg semi-final win over Kaizer Chiefs - that he was about to rush off to the airport to get a flight home to Germany to attend to a family issue.

Pirates later issued a statement clarifying their coach’s sudden departure:

“Unfortunately, out of respect for Mr Zinnbauer and his family we cannot divulge anything more except to say that his son is in hospital. The coach has requested for his family’s privacy to be respected during this difficult time. He will be back soon.”

In Zinnbauer’s absence, Pirates will be led by assistant coach Fadlu Davids, starting on Wednesday night with an away match at Bloemfontein Celtic.

Following that, the Sea Robbers take on Chiefs in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals, scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the FNB Stadium.

The Buccaneers have made a slow start to their league campaign with draws against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC but seemed set to pick things up after their morale-boosting win over Amakhosi.

Zinnbauer arrived at Pirates in December of 2019, following the departure of previous head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic a few months before that.

The 50-year-old German took the Soweto giants to a third-place finish in the league and with some good signings ahead of the current season, had seemed set to help Bucs challenge for honours.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will know that “trouble” is brewing at Manchester United, says Steve McClaren, with the inconsistent Red Devils nine out of 10 one week and “four or five” the next.

Such struggles have been holding the Old Trafford outfit back for some time.

Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson headed into retirement back in 2013, United have been scratching around for a spark that will allow them to recapture former glories.

David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have tried and failed to bring the good times back, with only sporadic successes enjoyed along the way.

Solskjaer is the man charged with turning the tide at present, although questions are being asked of his future as a result of his side's inconsistent displays.

And McClaren has admitted that further change may be on the way unless playing and coaching staff start pulling in the same direction.

Ferguson’s former right-hand man told talkSPORT: “What is probably annoying most people, it’s certainly annoying me, is the consistency of the players is not there – that’s why they’re getting inconsistent results!

“Two weeks ago people were calling for Ole‘s head, then last week after the 5-0 against Leipzig it was all ‘what a manager’, ‘stick by him’.

“I’ve got to say, the players have got to take responsibility. I know you need consistency of shape, but you need consistency of performance from players, and they’re just…

“One week they’re a nine or ten, the next week they’re four and five, and a top team can’t have that.

“But both the players and the manager have got a responsibility, really. You’ve got to get the best out of your players and make sure that’s week in, week out, otherwise Ole and every manager knows you’re going to be in trouble.

“At Manchester United you have to win, every defeat is a crisis.

“You might get out of the mire with a 5-0 against Leipzig, but you know on a Thursday morning you’ve got to win on Sunday, or you’ll be back to being criticised.

“That’s how it works at big clubs. You get beat once and it’s like a morgue, it’s like a crisis. The players have to respond, but they’re not responding.

“Credit to Arsenal, I thought they were excellent. They were organised, disciplined, had intensity in and out of possession, which Manchester United couldn’t match.

“Yes, United are OK when they’re in possession but the problem, for me, is when they’re out of possession everyone is kind of all over the place.

“You see the discipline and organisation of Arsenal; consistency week in, week out gets consistency of performance, and that’s what Manchester United need!”

United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last Premier League outing, with a wretched run of results on home soil leaving the Red Devils 15th in the table and taking in their worst start to a top-flight campaign since Moyes’ ill-fated tenure in 2013-14.

Kenya striker Michael Olunga will not be in action after their J1-League match against Vegalta Sendai was postponed on Tuesday.

A statement from the Japanese Professional League has stated the cases of coronavirus pandemic have hit the Kashiwa Resyol team hence the decision to cancel the match.

“J-League has announced that matchweek 26 of the 2020 league match between Vegalta Sendai and Kashiwa Reysol, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 13:00 JST, has been cancelled after cases of the novel coronavirus [Covid-19] were confirmed in Kashiwa Reysol.

“We will inform you of the alternative date as soon as it is decided,” said J1 League on their social media pages.

The statement further said: “Multiple PCR (Polymerise chain reaction) tests will be conducted on Kashiwa Reysol players and staff under the guidance of an expert team. Preparations for the Levain Cup will not be halted. “

The former Gor Mahia striker was keen to continue with his scoring form which has seen him net 23 goals so far in this campaign.

Though Kashiwa are yet to reveal the players affected by Covid-19, the latest development will not be good news for Kenya coach Jacob ‘Ghost’Mulee who is preparing the team for the Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Comoros in November.

Olunga is among the foreign-based players named in the squad, the others being Victor Wanyama, Johanna Omollo, keeper Arnold Origi, and Eric Johana.

The first match against Comoros will be played at Kasarani on November 11 with the second one four days later away.

Goalkeepers: Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya).

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya).

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Reserves: Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya).

Pat Nevin has acknowledged that Hakim Ziyech is "an even better player than I thought he was" while describing the Chelsea new boy as "top class".

Ziyech has settled into his new surroundings at Stamford Bridge quicker than expected following his €40 million (£36m/$47m) move from Ajax earlier this year.

The 27-year-old missed the start of the season with a knee injury, but was handed his first start for the Blues in a Champions League clash with Krasnodar last week.

He produced a lively performance on the right of a front three and also got his name on the scoresheet in a 4-0 victory over the Russian outfit, impressing Frank Lampard enough to trust him in the starting XI for a meeting with Burnley on Sunday.

Ziyech found the back of the net again at Turf Moor, rifling a low shot past Nick Pope in the Clarets' net to open the scoring, and also recorded an assist as Chelsea ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Nevin has been pleasantly surprised by the winger's exceptional work rate and composure on the ball, with it his belief that the ex-Ajax star has added a whole new dimension to Lampard's side in the final third of the pitch.

"The one thing over the past week that has knocked me out has been the performance of Hakim Ziyech," the former Blues star told the club's official website.

"In two games he has proved to be an even better player than I thought he was, and I thought he was very good anyway.

"That ability to see crucial through balls and be able to play them at the right time and the right pace in between packed defences is something we really needed to add to our arsenal.

"His pass to Timo Werner for the third goal was an overlooked moment of genius. Anyone from Kevin De Bruyne to Cesc Fabregas would have been proud of that assist.

"It wasn’t his only moment of fabulous vision. The two goals in two games had the look of a natural finisher about them. He doesn’t panic when he is in the box, he is in total control of the situation, a sure sign of a very good player.

"The creativity is a given then, but most Chelsea fans and definitely the gaffer will have noticed his work-rate, too. His closing down and efforts to win the ball back high up the field were top class.

"Again I will be honest and admit that I wasn’t expecting that level of work-rate, but it looks very much like the right team spirit is in his make-up and it is not just the early efforts of a new player trying to impress."

Nevin also reserved praise for another of Chelsea's summer signings, Thiago Silva, who he believes has helped raise the level of Kurt Zouma since coming into partner the Frenchman in the heart of the defence.

"Attention is just as likely to focus on the centre-backs, and surely by now every Chelsea fan has figured out just how special, calm and talented Thiago Silva is," he added.

"It is a pleasure to watch him every week and he is certainly having a huge effect on the form of Kurt Zouma; the big man has even decided to go on a scoring spree to add to his dominant displays at the back.

"Three goals in six Premier League games would be a good average for most strikers."

The President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has described Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin as ‘world-class’.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to take on Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at the venue on November 13.

The 15,000 seater capacity stadium is wearing a new look following renovation carried out by the Edo State Government.

Pinnick, who inspected the venue ahead of the Super Eagles game, expressed his delight with the improved facilities he met on the ground.

”There is a tremendous improvement compared to the last time I came, the turf is very brilliant, it’s what you see in world-class facilities. I thank the government of Edo for this facility and we are proud of this achievement,” Pinnick told NAN.

“The Super Eagles can’t wait to come and play in the state. I’m in touch with the players, who are all excited to be here to play for the country especially, Ahmed Musa, the captain of the team, whose mother is from Edo and he is anxious to play for the nation and his State.

“The NFF will move into the state on Friday, November 9, while the players will start arriving from November 11 and after the game, make preparations to fly to Sierra Leone on Friday or Saturday after the game.

“I will communicate all I have seen here to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and also the Executive Committee. I am happy with what we have seen here today and the Super Eagles will be playing here for a long time.

 “We’ve always been thankful to Edo government for being there for the Nigeria football federation, and we thank them for that generosity at every point in time because these are very sensitive times.”

Pinnick also revealed the federation will allow fans into the stadium but at a reduced seating capacity and will adhere strictly to Covid-19 guidelines.

“We are also working because there have been a lot of people coming into the stadium, we have to observe the Covid-19 protocol to the letter. They have written to us officially, this is about a 15,000 sitting capacity stadium,” he continued.

“They want about 6,000 to 7,000 where they will sit out to observe social distancing, so we are going to look at it, we will send a letter to the ministry and also send a letter to Presidential Task Force, once we get the approval within the next two days we will send.

“I have already spoken to Caf, we will send a representative of Caf and I will want a situation whereby people will see a decent crowd in the stadium in a very competitive game in Edo.

“We are working towards reducing every mistake humanly and materially possible and ensure we have success.”

Nigeria currently lead Group L with six points after securing victories against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho.

The Super Eagles played friendlies against African champions Algeria and Tunisia in October as part of their preparations for Sierra Leone.

Lionel Messi needs to be treated in a “very special way” at Barcelona, says Ivan Rakitic, with a former team-mate of the mercurial Argentine admitting that a player of his ilk may never be seen again.

A standing among the all-time greats has already been secured by a six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

At 33 years of age, though, it is yet to be determined where the final chapters of a remarkable career will be written.

Barca are hoping to see a one-club man extend his association with them beyond the summer of 2021, but exit thoughts have already been formed.

Messi pushed for a move elsewhere on the back of a disappointing end to the 2019-20 campaign, only to see the Blaugrana block his path.

As things stand, he will be free to discuss pre-contract terms with any of his many suitors from January.

A presidential election is set to be held at Camp Nou before then, as Josep Maria Bartomeu is forced out amid a vote of no confidence, and it may be that change leads Messi to reconsider his options.

Rakitic hopes that proves to be the case, with the ex-Blaugrana midfielder aware of the need for those in Catalunya to handle a mercurial talent with care.

He told Muchodeporte: “Players of that level are different from everyone else and the other players have to take care of them in a very special way because of their ability to make a difference.

“We do not know if in the future we will be lucky enough to see a footballer like Leo again.”

While Barcelona are refusing to give on keeping Messi around, presidential candidate Pere Riera has claimed that the South American will be given no special treatment if he takes the reins at boardroom level.

He has told Radio Marca: “In my opinion, Messi has to stay at Barcelona and not with history. It's not good for anyone.

“In the end, it's Messi who decides [his future]. I very much doubt that Messi wanted to leave Barcelona [in the summer].

“I wouldn't pull out all the stops for Messi."

Former Barca boss Quique Setien, who was relieved of his duties over the summer, has told El Pais that Messi can be “difficult to manage”, given his standing in the global game.

Kylian Mbappe has joined fellow forwards Neymar and Mauro Icardi on the sidelines at Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants revealing that a hamstring problem will keep their World Cup winner out of a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.

Thomas Tuchel admitted at his pre-match press conference that a 21-year-old striker was nursing a slight knock.

PSG had attempted to play down the severity of that ailment, with Mbappe considered to be suffering from “fatigue”.

The France international has, however, been ruled out of a European date with Leipzig on Wednesday.

He has been unable to take part in full training during the build-up to that fixture, with the decision now taken for him to sit out a crucial contest in Group H.

In a fitness update posted on PSG’s official website, the French title holders said of Mbappe: “Out of the match against Nantes [last Saturday] with muscle discomfort in the right hamstring, he is not available to travel to Germany and his unavailability will be reassessed in 48 hours.”

Tuchel is now going to have to get creative when it comes to his attacking selection against Leipzig.

That is because PSG are also currently without the services of Brazil international Neymar and Argentine frontman Icardi.

The South American duo are not expected to be seen again until after the November international break.

Marco Verratti and Julian Draxler, other members of the walking wounded at Parc des Princes, are also being ruled out until the end of the month.

It could be that they come back into contention for a trip to Monaco on November 20.

PSG will hope to be in a strong position on domestic and continental stages by that point, as a meeting with Leipzig is set to be followed by a home date with Rennes on Saturday.

Tuchel’s side have taken three points from two European games so far, having followed a shock defeat to Manchester United with victory over Istanbul Basaksehir, while they are already two points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 standings after taking seven wins from nine fixtures.

Petr Cech has revealed that he recommended Chelsea sign Edouard Mendy after following him for years, while describing him as "the best on the list" of the Blues' possible goalkeeping targets.

Mendy completed a £22 million ($29m) move to Chelsea from Rennes in September, committing his future to the club through to 2025 in the process.

The Senegal international helped Rennes qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history last season, impressing enough to convince the Blues he was the right man to solve their issues between the sticks.

World-record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga lost his place in the Chelsea net after an error-strewn 2019-20 campaign, with 39-year-old Willy Caballero asked to fill in for the Spaniard before Mendy's arrival in west London.

Mendy has quickly nailed down the number one spot in Frank Lampard's starting line-up over the past few weeks, while recording an impressive five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.

The 28-year-old's latest shut-out came during a 3-0 win at Burnley on Saturday, which saw him become the first Blues keeper to begin their career with three successive Premier League clean sheets since Cech back in 2004.

Cech, who was a surprise inclusion in Lampard's latest Premier League squad as an emergency option, says he advised Chelsea to make a move for Mendy in 2019, having seen him enjoy a rapid rise to prominence in Ligue 1.

"I've been following him for three-and-a-half years, when he was at Reims. At the start, it was Christophe Lollichon who told me about him, because he had been unemployed," the 38-year-old told L'Equipe of the ex-Rennes star.

"Since then, Edouard has continued to improve, season after season. When it became clear last summer that a new goalie was needed to compete with Kepa and Willy Caballero, I internally suggested several names, including Edouard.

"And I insisted that I thought he was the best on the list. My advice was followed."

Cech added on the need for Mendy to maintain his high standards as the season progresses, with the door still open for Kepa and Caballero to win back a spot in the team: "It has been a continuation of his performances with Rennes. 

"He is a very calm goalkeeper, who knows how to keep it simple and efficient, who reassures his team-mates.

"He must continue to evolve at this level to keep his starting place, as the competition with Kepa and Willy remains open."

Roberto Firmino looks “blunt” in a No.9 role at Liverpool and may benefit from having a rest after losing his “sharpness”, says John Aldridge.

The Brazil international has led the line for the Reds throughout Jurgen Klopp’s reign.

He has been a key component in a side that has savoured Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League glory.

Firmino’s end product has diminished, though, through recent months, with just one goal recorded in the 2020-21 campaign.

His position is coming under threat from the in-form Diogo Jota, with Aldridge among those who feel that the South American should be taken out of the firing line until he rediscovers his spark.

The former Reds striker told the Liverpool Echo: “I am still a big Bobby Firmino fan, I love him as a player and what he brings to the side, but things are not good with him and haven’t been for some time now.

“He’s dipped well below his best for the last year or so and maybe he does need a rest. He certainly needs something because at the moment we’re not seeing the player who has played such a key role in the rise under Jurgen Klopp.

“He’s blunt, he’s lost that sharpness and he’s not getting in the box enough.

“He will know and the manager will know - I do myself as a centre forward - that it’s just not happening for him at the moment.

“He seems to be doing all his work in areas where it’s not hurting defenders and needs to be causing them problems in and around the box.

“I do still think we need him because he’s a fantastic player but the manager has got to find a way to get him ticking again in the way he was a couple of years ago.”

Firmino has rarely been prolific across his career to date, but can usually be relied upon to chip in with a healthy haul of goals.

That has not been the case of late, with the target found on just two occasions in his last 18 appearances across all competitions and three times through 28 outings.

Tajikistan winger Komron Tursunov has agreed to sign on the dotted line for TRAU FC, Goal has learnt. 

He was a regular in Mohun Bagan's title-winning I-League campaign under Kibu Vicuna. 

He made eight appearances for the Mariners after joining the team in January as a replacement for injured winger Julen Colinas. During his short stint, he scored two goals and provided two assists. 

Tursunov started his career at Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda club in Tajikistan. He joined Istiklol FC in 2018 after scoring 23 goals in 57 matches.

Tursunov made his Tajikistan senior national team debut on October 2, 2018, against Nepal. Till now he has 15 caps and four goals to his name in national colours. 

He has played against India in the Intercontinental Cup and even scored a goal. 

After signing for TRAU, he is all set for his first full season on Indian soil. 

He will not be the only Tajikistan player in India this time around. His national teammate Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev has also made the journey to India and will play for Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). 

Arashpreet Singh is set to join Mohammedan Sporting for the upcoming I-League season,  Goal  can confirm. 

The defender was plying his trade for Real Kashmir FC in the previous season of the I-League. 

He began his career with Minerva Punjab in the I-League 2nd Division. Singh was also a member of the I-League winning squad of Minerva Punjab back in 2017-18. Minerva Punjab had the third best defensive record that season in the I-League, conceding just 16 goals in 18 matches. 

He is known for being strong in the air and Mohammedan will hope the central defender can play a huge role in their return to the I-League after seven years.

The Black and Whites have already signed Arijit Bagui, Manoj Mohammed in defence. And they have also roped in Nigerian forward Raphael Ownrebe from Sheikh Russel in Bangladesh. 

The Nigerian forward had been plying his trade in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) since 2017 when he joined Sheikh Jamal. In his maiden season in Bangladesh, he was the top-scorer of the league with 15 goals. He also had nine assists to boot.  In the next season, he was snapped by Sheikh Russel FC. He continued his rich vein of form in his new stomping ground as well. He bagged 22 goals in the 2018-19 season and once again won the golden boot for the second time in a row. 

Mohammedan Sporting have already announced Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia as their head coach for the 2020-21 I-League season. The 48-year-old previously held the post of technical director of coaching and youth development at Shillong Lajong FC until August this year.

Having started his coaching career in Spain with clubs such as UD San Claudio, CD Manuel Rubio and A.D.Gigantes, Jose's first expedition in India was as technical director of the Arsenal Soccer Schools based in Pune back in 2014. During this stint, he was also associated with the FC Pune City (now Hyderabad FC) support staff.

Barcelona presidential candidate Pere Riera said he "wouldn't pull out all the stops" for Lionel Messi to stay at Camp Nou.

Josep Maria Bartomeu quit as Barca president last week , ahead of a vote of no confidence against his leadership, along with the entire board of directors.

Following Bartomeu's decision to quit it has been reported Barcelona's presidential elections will be held in the second week of January, with Riera announcing his candidacy.

Messi's future remains an important topic at the embattled La Liga giants after the six-time Ballon d'Or winner handed in a transfer request following a tumultuous 2019-20 season .

The Barca captain was tipped to join Premier League powerhouse Manchester City before opting to remain in Spain in an exclusive interview with Goal .

Asked about Messi, Riera told Radio Marca: "In my opinion, Messi has to stay at Barcelona and not with history. It's not good for anyone.

"In the end, it's Messi who decides [his future]. I very much doubt that Messi wanted to leave Barcelona [in the summer].

"I wouldn't pull out all the stops for Messi."

It has been a difficult start to the campaign for Messi, as he has now gone 877 minutes without scoring in open play. 

Messi's last open-play effort came against Napoli in the Champions League back in August, although he has scored three penalties and one free-kick since then.

In an interview with former Real Madrid and Spain coach Vicente del Bosque for El Pais, former Barca coach Quique Setien spoke about the difficulty of managing a player like Messi.

"I think Messi is the best of all time," Setien said. "There have been other great players who have been great, but the continuity that this boy has had throughout the years has not been had by anyone.

"Leo is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him! If they have accepted him as he is for years and have not changed him.

"There's another facet beyond just the player and it's more difficult to manage. Much more difficult. It's something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary ("The Last Dance"). You see things you don't expect.

"He's very reserved but he makes you see the things that he wants. He doesn't talk much."

Barca equalled their worst tally of La Liga points after six games since the Spanish competition reverted to three points for a win.

Ronald Koeman's side drew 1-1 with Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, meaning they have just eight points so far in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign.

That is the same total as Barca managed at the start of the 2002-03 campaign when another Dutchman, Louis van Gaal, was in charge. 

After a decade-long experience in the A-League, 31-year-old Australian right-back Scott Neville has joined East Bengal on a season-long deal and will compete in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Neville re-unites with his former boss at Brisbane Roar, Robbie Fowler, who has joined the Red and Golds as their manager this season. With over 200 A-League matches in his kitty, the defender brings a lot of experience to the ISL new entrants.

Debut

After graduating from Perth Glory’s youth system, Neville joined Sorrento FC in 2006 which competed in the National Premier Leagues Western Australia (a regional league). He spent two seasons there, playing 46 matches.

The defender returned to his parent club Perth Glory and made his professional debut for the club in 2008 against Central Coast Mariners. He was there at the club for the next four seasons, playing in 68 A-League matches. He scored four league goals during that time. He had also become the youngest ever player to captain an A-League side as he had led Perth Glory in 10 matches at the age of 21.

 In 2011, Neville was handed a trial opportunity with English club Portsmouth FC who were competing in the Championship at that time. The defender had trained for two-weeks with Pompey but couldn't land a deal.

In 2012 he joined Newcastle Jets where he spent three seasons before heading to Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the 2015-16 season.

He returned to Glory for two more seasons in 2017. During his second stint, he appeared in 41 league matches and scored two goals. He was also a part of Perth Glory’s A-League Premiers winning side in the 2018-19 season.

The defender has appeared in five AFC Champions League matches, four with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2017 and one with Perth Glory in 2018.

Before the start of the 2018-19 season, Perth Glory had played a pre-season friendly game against Premier League giants Chelsea FC in which Neville had featured.

International football

While Neville has never played for the Australian senior national side, he has represented the nation at the U20 and U23 level.

Last Stint

Scott Neville had joined Brisbane Roar from Perth Glory ahead of the 2019-20 A-League season. He appeared in 25 league games last year and had also scored two goals. They reached the semifinals of the Finals series.