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Eric Dier understands the buzz surrounding Gareth Bale's potential return to Tottenham but insists he is unaffected by any speculation.

Bale could be in line to return to Spurs seven years after leaving for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos reportedly keen to get the Wales star – who played just 20 times for his club last season – off their books.

Jonathan Barnett, Bale's agent, confirmed on Wednesday that talks were ongoing over a deal, though would not say if an agreement was close.

However, Dier insisted he and the squad do not let transfer speculation impact their performances.

"I'm sure from the fans' point of view, when you're linked with a player of that level it's obviously exciting," Dier told a news conference ahead of Spurs' Europa League qualifier against Lokomotiv Plovdiv. "For me personally, it doesn't really affect me in any way. It's not the first time and it won't be the last time.

"There's constantly speculation, lots of different talk. Every day people are trying to fill the newspapers and the websites, personally it doesn't really affect me in any way. I'm quite used to it."

Dier also added that there had not been any discussion about Bale between the squad members.

"No, nothing on the WhatsApp group. Obviously there's a lot of speculation and it's impossible not to see it but it's not for me to speculate," the England international, who does not believe Spurs' dressing room is in need of a lift despite a poor performance in their season-opening game against Everton, said.

"I don't know because he's still at Real Madrid, I really can't talk about a player from another team. It has really got nothing to do with me.

"The dressing room isn't in a bad place, we've had one game. Pre-season was in very difficult circumstances. The mood has been very positive within the group.

"I'm still really excited for the season, feel upbeat. We didn't start in the way we wanted to, but still feel we're in a very good place. It's all about taking every game as it comes and being fully focused on tomorrow. We need a good result."

Spurs have signed Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this transfer window and are also being linked with Bale's Madrid club-mate Sergio Reguilon, but Dier does not believe the squad is in desperate need of fresh faces.

"There is a lot of new blood in the dressing room. [Steven] Bergwijn, Gedson Fernandes – Pierre and Matt both just arrived," he said. "I already feel it's a very different dressing room. I already feel there's a very different dynamic."

The final round of the I-League second division 2019-20, which has been rebranded and restructured as I-League qualifiers 2020 due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, will kick-off on October 8, 2020, in West Bengal. 

A total of five clubs will battle it out for a single qualification spot in the upcoming I-League season at the qualifiers which will take place at two venues - Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, and the Kalyani Municipal Stadium, in Kalyani. All teams except for ARA will reach Kolkata on September 25. ARA will reach the destination three days later. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will take care of the teams' lodging and transportation. 

The Second Division League had come to a halt after a nationwide lockdown was imposed in March due to the pandemic. The group stages of the Second Division League were stopped before completion and the top six teams were selected for the final round from the group tables. Unfortunately, FC Kerala decided to withdraw from the competition.

Mohammedan Sporting, Bhowanipore FC (both from Kolkata), ARA FC (Gujarat), Garhwal FC (Delhi) and FC Bengaluru United (Karnataka) will battle it out for a spot in the 2020-21 season of I-League. The matches will be played in a round-robin format and the team that tops the table will qualify. 

“The I-League qualifiers are an important event as it gives a number of teams the chance to qualify for this pan-India league,” said AIFF Leagues CEO Sunando Dhar.

“It is unfortunate that these teams missed out on the opportunity to gain promotion last season due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he continued. “That is why this is a unique opportunity for them to make it to the Hero I-League this season. Wishing them all the very best in their endeavours.” 

Moroka Swallows have announced the six players, who have been retained by the club ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The Dube Birds are back in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after clinching the 2019/20 National First Division (NFD) title.

The list includes Namibia international Virgil Vries and experienced attacker Lebohang Mokoena, who were some of the senior players as the team beat Ajax Cape Town to the trophy. 

Vries has managed to revive his career at Swallows following a frustrating spell with Kaizer Chiefs in the 2018/19 campaign.

While former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates winger Mokoena played an instrumental role in helping his side secure promotion to the flight league as the team captain.

The Soweto giants released the following updates on their official Facebook page on Wednesday: 

"The Dube Birds have retained the Services of 22-year-old U23 South African international Goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala."

"The Dube Birds have retained the Services of 27-year-old Defensive Midfielder Tlakusani Mthethwa."

"Mthethwa was part of the team that got relegated from the PSL, his efforts last season made sure the Birds returned to top-flight."

"The Dube Birds have retained the Services of 33-year-old former Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Mokoena."

"The Dube Birds have retained the Services of 24-year-old full-back Mthokozisi Shwabule."

"The Dube Birds have retained the Services of 31-year-old Namibian international Goalkeeper Virgil Vries."

"The Dube Birds have retained the Services of 20-year-old South African international Givemore Khupe," club statements read. 

Swallows had players, who were on loan at the club during the 2019/20 season.

Chiefs trio of Given Thibedi, Itumeleng Shopane and Kagiso Malinga helped the Dube Birds secure promotion to the elite league. 

It remains to be seen whether Swallows will be able to retain their services for the new campaign.

The new season is expected to start next month with Swallows set to end their five-year absence from the PSL.

The team will be under the guidance of local coach Brandon Truter, who has been retained by the Soweto giants.

Swallows will use Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto as their home ground and they are reportedly considering registering Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa as an alternate venue.

Bayern Munich chiefs have been left irritated by public comments made by their former president Uli Hoeness relating to David Alaba and the ongoing contract negotiations with the Austria international, Goal can reveal.

The 28-year-old - who is considered one of the most important players at Bayern - is yet to agree a new deal with the Bavarian giants, with his current contract coming to an end in 2021.

Alaba played a key role in helping Hansi Flick's side seal the treble last season and the Champions League winners are naturally desperate to retain the services of the versatile defender for the long term.

Indeed, Flick has been planning for the 2020-21 Bundesliga campaign with Alaba very much part of his thoughts, despite the Austrian having been linked with a move to the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City.

However, a frustrated Alaba was forced to respond to comments made by former Bayern president Hoeness, who criticised the player's agent Pini Zahavi and suggested that the negotiations are being held up due to his wage demands.

Hoeness told Sport1: "He has a greedy piranha for an agent. He [Alaba's father George] lets himself be influenced by him very much. This is really all about the money. He is already at the best club in the world. Where else would he go?

"We had a coffee several times over the past weeks, but because of Zahavi there has not been a result yet."

That saw Alaba reply with a lengthy statement denying Hoeness's claims after his father, George, had already hit back at what he called the spread of "dirty lies".

And sources have revealed to Goal that those in charge at Bayern were left astounded by Hoeness's views and were particularly irked by his comments relating to Alaba's father, with whom there has always been a very positive relationship.

The club's hierarchy, led by CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, are now attempting to smooth things over with the Alaba camp as they seek to come to a positive conclusion over the ongoing contract talks.

As reported by Sky Germany, the discussions are not only being delayed due to the salary expectations but also the length of contract on offer, with Bayern reportedly only willing to offer four years while Alaba wants a deal until 2025.

Despite the uncertainty around the player's long-term future at the club, it is not expected that Alaba will leave before the summer transfer window closes.

The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona would be of interest to the Vienna-born defender, although they would not be able to fund a move in the current coronavirus-affected market, and thus would look to sign him on a free in 2021 - a scenario Bayern are keen to avoid at all costs.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay at Arsenal to build a legacy at the club.

The striker put an end to speculation surrounding his future on Tuesday when he signed a new three-year contract with the Gunners.

The 31-year-old's previous deal was set to expire at the end of the season and Barcelona and Inter were reported to be interested in signing him.

But a conversation with the Arsenal manager persuaded the fan favourite to remain and become a real club legend. 

"I had quite a lot of time to think about it. I've been thinking about it since a year [ago]," he said in an interview with former Arsenal star Ian Wright.

"I also had a chat with Mikel, that I think he gave me something very clear about the idea of the future of the club and about me. 

"He was straight and honest and that's what I like because we are always honest. He said: 'Okay, you can maybe leave. I don't know what your mind is [thinking] right now, but you can leave and go for trophies at other clubs or you can stay here and have a legacy'.

"This, for me, was the key word."

He added: "We had a chat when we were in lockdown, he called me. Normally we have to speak about a game. I had to do a summary. You have to explain how the game works.

"He called me and said: 'Forget about it'. I had prepared maybe two pages and he said: 'Yeah, forget about it. Let's talk about real things'.

"He said: 'I want to be honest with you, how do you feel?' I was like, I have to say the truth: 'I feel very good', it was maybe two or three months that he was here. [In] training, you can feel the passion. You can feel everything from this guy. He is so good and he's the kind of guy who you can trust in him.

"That's why I said to him: 'I feel very good. What you said to me about legacy and stuff, I really think about it. I think it's the right way and the true way to go'."

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Gareth Bale would inject some much-needed "magic" into Tottenham's side should the Real Madrid forward return to north London, according to Harry Redknapp.

Tottenham are in negotiations with Madrid over a possible deal for Bale, who left Spurs for Los Blancos in a then world record €100 million (£85m/$110m) transfer in 2013.

Bale has helped Madrid win four Champions League trophies – scoring decisive goals in two of those finals – and two La Liga titles, but has fallen down the pecking order in the Spanish capital.

While he has struggled with injuries, Bale has often been left out in the cold even when fit by Zinedine Zidane, who played the Wales star just 20 times across all competitions last term.

Former Spurs manager Redknapp – who gave Bale the chance to thrive as a winger rather than as a full-back, where he initially played – believes the 31-year-old would be a brilliant addition for Tottenham or Manchester United, who have also been linked.

"It would be a fantastic signing for the club and it would be great for Gareth to get back playing again. He's such a talent, such a great player and it's waste to see him not playing," Redknapp told BBC Radio Wales.

"To get back to Tottenham could just turn their season around. They've been quite average in the last six months or so. End of last season and obviously got beat on Sunday by Everton. They need that little bit of magic Gareth can bring. If he went there or Manchester United, wherever he went, he'd make a massive difference."

On Wednesday, Jonathan Barnett – Bale's agent – said: "We're negotiating at the moment, that's all. I won't discuss [how close it is]." Meanwhile, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho insisted in a news conference ahead of Tottenham's clash with Lokomotiv Plovdiv that he would not discuss a player at another club.

While Redknapp would love to see Bale return to Spurs, he concedes it will be a difficult deal to achieve.

"The difficulty obviously is working out a deal because no one can pay his wages. There's no way anyone in England can take him full-time," Redknapp said. "The only way they'll do a deal is if Real Madrid meet at least half his wages. I'd think that's the stumbling block at the moment for Tottenham or anyone else interested in him.

"It's not going to be a case of Gareth taking any wage cuts, it's going to be a case of Real Madrid having to maybe take a third of his wages off Tottenham.

"[Tottenham chairman] Daniel Levy's a very good negotiator, so I'm sure he'll get the best deal for Tottenham."

Gareth Bale has endured an unusual few seasons at Real Madrid, going from Champions League final hero to being perceived as an obsessive golfer in the space of two years.

He has fallen down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel as his purgatory period in Spain looks set to end with a return to Tottenham.

A star who was once the most expensive player in world football has seen his stock fall considerably and it's not just in the real world that it is reflected.

His rating on the EA Sports FIFA franchise continues to plummet. Goal takes a look at Bale's rating on the new FIFA 21 game and why things have changed.

What is Gareth Bale's FIFA 21 rating?

Gareth Bale's overall rating in FIFA 21 is 83. That is a decline from his rating on FIFA 20, which saw him ranked as an 85 overall.

The rating sees Bale fall well outside the top 100 players on the new game, behind the likes of Erling Haaland, Christian Eriksen and Jordan Henderson, among others.

With a rating of 83, Bale is 10 behind the best player on the game, Lionel Messi (93), and nine marks off his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo (92).

He is no longer one of the top players at Real based on the new rating, which sees him rated the same as players such as Martin Odegaard, Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy.

Bale remains one of Wales' best players, with only Aaron Ramsey of Piemonte Calcio (Juventus) matching the winger's overall rating.

Other players in the RW position that Bale is considered lesser than in FIFA 21 are Benfica winger Pizzi (84), Napoli's Jose Callejon (84) and Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry (85).

Why has Gareth Bale's rating dropped in FIFA 21?

The simple reason for Bale's rating drop on FIFA 21 is the perception that he has declined as a player in the past year as well as natural physical deterioration associated with age.

Indeed, Bale's troubles at the Santiago Bernabeu are well documented and he has faded into the periphery at the club, with supporters regularly getting on his back during games by booing his every touch.

He has not played as often as he might have liked over the course of the past two campaigns, leading to jibes from fans and team-mates about the idea that he prefers to play golf.

The decision by EA Sports ratings engineers to chop another two points from Bale's overall rating in the new game is arguably backed up by his diminishing game stats.

He made just 12 La Liga starts for Real Madrid in their title-winning campaign in 2019-20, scoring two goals, and played just three times in the Champions League, with just one start - in the 3-0 defeat to PSG.

Even his displays for Wales have been ordinary, with a return of two goals in nine appearances for his country in 2019.

By way of comparison, Bale had a much higher rating in FIFA 19, which was released after a season in which he scored 32 goals in 36 appearances for Madrid, as well as inspiring Champions League glory.

Gareth Bale's rating change on FIFA

Bale's new rating of 83 in FIFA 21 means that he has continued to decline as a player in the eyes of EA Sports and the FIFA gaming community.

His rating peaked at 90 four editions ago in FIFA 17 during a period when he was central to Real Madrid's success in the Champions League and La Liga.

However, it has dropped each year since then to 89 in FIFA 18, 88 in FIFA 19, 85 in FIFA 20 and now to 83 in FIFA 21.

Since Bale first appeared in the FIFA game series in FIFA 10 he has consistently been rated in the mid-to-high 80s and in his first season at Real Madrid he was rated 87 on FIFA 14.

Crystal Palace star Andros Townsend has hailed Eberechi Eze as an ‘incredible talent’ following his impressive displays since he joined the Eagles.

The 22-year-old was handed his full debut as Roy Hodgson’s men bowed out 11-10 on penalties to Bournemouth in the English League Cup on Tuesday evening.

Eze played all minutes, converted his penalty kick during the shootout after the score stood at 0-0 at full time, nevertheless, Palace bowed to Jason Tindall’s side at Dean Court.

And Townsend who featured for 20 minutes having replaced Nya Kirby claimed the Anglo-Nigerian has all the raw tools to rise to the very top of the sport.

“It’s no secret we didn’t score enough goals last season, so obviously you have to bring players in,” the 29-year-old winger told the club website.

"Ebs is an incredible talent, and what he has shown so far is that he will be one for the future. Great business and it freshens up our attack."

The England international also reflected on his team’s defeat while looking forward to Saturday’s fixture against Manchester United.

"It was a difficult one [to take]," he admitted. "The standard of penalties was incredible.

“And obviously we knew someone had to be the villain and someone had to be the hero, and unfortunately Wayne Hennessey was brilliant in the game, but he and Luka missed a penalty.

"I was actually the one who missed against Colchester in the cup last season, so I know exactly how those boys are feeling.

"You just want the ground to swallow you up. But it’s part and parcel of football and we’ve got a big game on Saturday and if we win on Saturday [then] this is all forgotten about."

Eze joined the Selhurst Park giants on a five-year deal worth £17 million after consistently featuring for QPR as they finished 13th in the Championship.

He has featured for England U20 and the U21 teams but he is still eligible to play for the Nigeria national team if he chooses.

The 22-year-old, who has been a target for the Super Eagles, has previously revealed he is yet to decide on his international future.

SuperSport United defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has described reported Kaizer Chiefs target Adel Amrouche as a “diamond” who could turn around the Soweto giants if appointed as coach.

Amrouche who is the current Botswana coach has his name surprisingly surface as a possible candidate to replace Ernst Middendorp who was recently sacked by Chiefs.

While Gavin Hunt is largely touted as the frontrunner to be appointed Chiefs coach, Amrouche’s name is gaining momentum considerably.

Ditlhokwe who has worked under the Algerian with the Zebras, paints a gloomy picture at the prospect of Botswana losing their coach, a development he says would herald a new era of success at Naturena.

“If he goes to Kaizer Chiefs… yah we would be in trouble in Botswana because we would have lost a diamond… he could help us as a small country to write our names all over the continent. I really believe that with him anything is possible for us,” Ditlhokwe told Phakaaathi.

“He is capable of turning Chiefs around and working wonders because of the players that they have. He knows how to work with players to get the best out of them. He is friendly and acts as a father but once he gets onto the field and it’s time for work, it’s time to work nothing else.”

Amrouche has vast experience, having worked as a coach both in Europe and around the African continent.

Before taking up the Botswana post, he had worked with four other national teams: Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Kenya and Libya.

An edge Amrouche could be having over Hunt is his experience around the continent not only with the national team, but at club level too.

Having coached in Caf inter-club competitions with his home teams USM Alger and MC Alger as well as Congolese side Daring club Motema Pembe, albeit with limited success, he could be viewed as the right coach to guide Chiefs in Africa.

Ditlhokwe has a lot of praise for his national team coach.

“He’s impressive, for an example, I can tell you that since his arrival we haven’t had much time but the little time we have spent with him we were impressed because he turned the team around quite quickly,” said Ditlhokwe.

“He knows how to manage the players, how to groom a player and how to instill team spirit. When he sees that you’ve lost your confidence, he works on you to redeem your confidence.

“Since he came here, we’ve played against the big teams like Egypt, Algeria and Zimbabwe and you couldn’t really differentiate between us and those teams because we were able to match them even though we don’t have that much quality.”

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says he does not regret missing out on the 2013/14 Downs Premier Soccer League (PSL) title won by the Brazilians while he was out on loan at Bidvest Wits.

The Uganda captain boasts of seven league crowns, three won at SuperSport United and four with the Tshwane giants.

Had he been with Downs during the 2013/14 season, he would currently be the PSL’s most crowned player with eight league medals.

But the 35-year-old is not upset at missing such an opportunity to break records.

“Of course winning seven titles is massive for me. It would be fantastic winning it with Sundowns when I went to Wits but sometimes in life you need to go a little bit low and come back stronger,” Onyango told the media.

“So this is one of the things that pushed me to become who I am because when I left for Wits on loan, I came back and started playing regularly for Sundowns.

"All these achievements came after going on loan so it was not a setback for me but it was [a time] for me to reflect on my life and football to try and come back stronger.

“No one would want to miss out on a trophy but there was no guarantee that we were going to win it that season. But when I left the team won and they gained momentum with that.”

The league medal missed by the Ugandan was the first of coach Pitso Mosimane’s five titles as Sundowns coach.

Impressively, Onyango’s three league honours at SuperSport came in successive seasons, the same fashion he bagged his last three with the Brazilians.

Other players equal with Onyango on seven titles are Downs captain Hlompho Kekana, Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman.

If none of them leave Downs right now, they have an opportunity to extend their PSL success.

Mosimane’s five titles is also a record for any PSL coach and the tactician is credited for establishing what is arguably Sundowns’ most successful era.

The Brazilians have 10 titles in the PSL era with the late Ted Dumitru contributing two of them, while Paul Dolezar, co-coaches Neil Tovey and Miguel Gamondi, as well as Gordon Igesund, winning one each.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has weighed in on reports that Gavin Hunt could go to either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates ahead of next season. 

Hunt is heavily linked with a possible move to Amakhosi, who are coachless after parting ways with Ernst Middendorp last week. 

According to Mosimane, Hunt's appointment at either side will be good for football because the veteran coach keeps him on the edge.  

"Gav keeps me on my edge. Our games are always very close, let's be honest. I can easily say that I've been following him. He has achieved things before I even get them, to be honest, and you can't be lucky for so many years," Mosimane told the media.

"He's a very good coach and he knows how to win. He has won a lot, and he has won trophies man. So, how can he be lucky? He's a very good coach.

"His ratio of winning games to losses is really not deteriorating. He's winning. I mean, the guy's just won... I think he won a cup last year, eh?

"It has always been SuperSport and Wits. They will win a Top 8 there, a Telkom or Nedbank somewhere, and SuperSport will pip one of those, and we also pip one there.

"Let's be honest, for the last five or six years, it's been like that."

Mosimane said he doesn't see the reason why both Chiefs and Pirates would overlook Hunt, adding he's always keen for local coaches to get top jobs in the PSL.  

"So, yeah, why not? If Gav goes [to Chiefs or Pirates], I'm happy because you must remember, I always promote 'local is lekker'," concluded Mosimane. 

Hunt is back in Johannesburg to further engage Amakhosi who made contact with him for the first time last week.  

Last weekend's media reports suggested that the only things standing between Hunt and Chiefs agreeing to a deal is the length of his contract as well as the salary package.  

The 56-year-old former SuperSport United mentor has already made it clear that he'd gladly answer any call and take up a coaching job at any club provided the project is good.  

Borussia Dortmund's season-opening Bundesliga fixture at home to Borussia Monchengladbach is set to be played in front of around 10,000 supporters.

Bundesliga clubs have reportedly been given the green light for fans to return to stadiums for the start of the 2020-21 season in Germany amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2019-20 campaign resumed behind closed doors in May due to Covid-19, which forced the league to be postponed in March.

But with the new Bundesliga season scheduled to kick off on Friday, a trial is set to take place – up to 20 per cent of stadium capacity can be used, while strict hygiene requirements will be imposed, and alcohol banned.

Away fans will not be allowed to attend, though a game would be forced back behind closed doors if the infection rate in the home city is too high over a seven-day period.

Dortmund on Tuesday announced that a small crowd will be in attendance for Saturday's showdown against Gladbach at Signal Iduna Park, where only Dortmund or North Rhine-Westphalia residents will be granted access.

"The Bundesliga teams, but also the clubs and associations of other sports, can be very happy today, and we definitely have this feeling at BVB," said Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke in a statement.

"I would like to thank everyone in politics who contributed to today's decision in the past few weeks. At the same time, I feel a great obligation that we as clubs, together with the fans involved, will handle this probationary period extremely responsibly in the coming weeks. The now approved partial re-admission of viewers is in any case a very important step for all football fans in Germany. "

Last season saw Dortmund finish second to rivals Bayern Munich, while Gladbach secured a top-four spot as they qualified for the Champions League.

Following their opening day fixture against Gladbach, Dortmund will have an away match against Augsburg on September 26 before meeting Bayern in the Supercup five days later.

Jose Mourinho revitalised Chelsea as a Premier League and European force when he took on the reins at Stamford Bridge in 2004, and his reputation as one of football's best - and charismatic - coaches has remained.

But why is the Portuguese manager called 'The Special One'? Goal takes a look.

Mourinho's famed moniker dates back to when he arrived at Chelsea for his first spell at Stamford Bridge in 2004, telling reporters in his inaugural press conference that he thought of himself as a "special one" - which has stuck with him in the years since.

"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm a European champion and I think I'm a special one," Mourinho said.

The manager was not amongst the most famed names in football at the time, though his star had risen after he lead plucky underdogs Porto to a Champions League title in the 2003-04 season.

His self-proclamation caused a frenzied stir within the UK media, as it read as an audacious claim ahead of his first season coaching in the Premier League - but it was a tag that was evidently earned, due to his tactical prowess and excellent managerial skills.

The Special One moniker became even more valid as he enjoyed a successful spell as Chelsea manager, going on to become the club's most trophy-laden coach.

He won back-to-back Premier League titles in his first two seasons in west London, setting the record points total for a Premier League-winning team (95) in his first campaign.

In the years since his first spell at Chelsea, however, Mourinho has endured a mixed bag of success in the Premier League - with his second stint with the Blues never living up to the standards of his first, and a difficult reign with Manchester United one of the low points of his career.

In 2019, when asked about the label and how it has stuck with him in the ensuing years, Mourinho revealed that he had been annoyed with the fact that his coaching talent in English football had been questioned – which is why he proclaimed himself the Special One.

“When I gave my first press conference I was asked if I was ready for the Premier League,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “I thought: ‘What? I just won the Champions League and you are thinking that I am nobody?’

“So, I went a little bit aggressive by saying I am not one from the bottle, I am a special one. But then, bang, it stayed. No problem.”

The moniker was brought back to attention when Jurgen Klopp joined Liverpool as manager in October 2015, and the German was quizzed about if he would echo Mourinho's self-proclaimed 'Special One' label.

Instead, the German referred to himself as the "normal one."

 “I don't want to describe myself," Klopp said in the press conference, laughing.

“The only thing I ask is 'does anybody in this room think that I can do wonders?' No? Let me work. I'm a totally normal guy. I came from the Black Forest.

"I am a totally normal guy, I am the normal one maybe."

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that there is no conflict between himself and Lionel Messi, following the club legend's decision to reverse course and stay with the Catalan side. 

Messi informed Barcelona of his desire to leave the club following the 2019-20 season, a frustrating campaign that saw Barca fail to win any trophies and finish with a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

However, the 33-year old reversed course earlier this month, telling Goal that he would stay at the club rather than become embroiled in a messy legal battle.

Messi has now returned to Barcelona ahead of the new season with his future in doubt, having entered the final season of his contract. 

Koeman, who was brought in to replace Quique Setien after the defeat to Bayern, has said that any conflict that exists is between the player and club, and that he and Messi have spoken multiple times since the Argentine declared his intention to stay at Camp Nou.

"That has passed me reasonably well," the former Netherlands national team coach told Fox Sports. "That was mainly a conflict between Messi and the club. I have spoken to Messi since then and we will continue as usual." 

Part of Messi's gripes with Barcelona involved the club's poor recruiting in recent seasons, as club legends like Xavi and Andres Iniesta have departed and were not adequately replaced. 

Though Barcelona have been linked with a host of names this summer, Koeman has admitted that his side appear likely to begin the new season with the squad they currently have.

"We are now working towards the new season and I assume that we are going to do it with this group with which we are the preparation," Koeman said. 

Lyon star Memphis Depay, whom Koeman coached with the Netherlands, is one of the players who has been most consistently linked with a move to Camp Nou.

However, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has said that Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu personally told him the Catalan giants did not have the funds to make an offer.

"The president of Barca indicated to me on Sunday that Barca were suffering a lot from the Covid crisis and didn't have the possibility to make an offer," Aulas said on Twitter.

If you have the need for speed in FIFA 21, then the following 20 players are the ones you want with the ball.

Pace has always been an important attribute in the video games series, with the ability to burn past defenders, burst down the wing into space, or sprint through on goal all extremely crucial parts of a FIFA player's attacking arsenal.

Goal has ranked the top 20 players in the game for pace, along with their club and overall rating.

Once again, PSG and France superstar Kylian Mbappe has been named as the game's equal fastest player, retaining his pace score of 96 from FIFA 20, but seeing his overall rating jump from 89 to 90.

Wolves powerhouse Adama Traore again joins Mbappe at the top of the pace ladder, maintaining his pace stat of 96, while enjoying on overall rating rise of five points to 79.

The new boy on the block is Bayern Munich speedster Alphonso Davies, who earns his place with FIFA 20's fastest duo after an extraordinary season in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Two players from football's biggest clubs have made the jump to equal fourth, with Manchester United winger Daniel James and Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr. both being rated with a 95 pace statistc.

They are joined on that rating by two lesser-known players - FC Tokyo striker Kensuke Nagai and Dijon left-back Anibal Chala.

The top 20 is then rounded out by 13 players with a 94 pace rating, including Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, Inter wing-back Achraf Hakimi, Leverkusen dynamo Leon Bailey and Watford flyer Ismaila Sarr.

Athletic striker Inaki Williams also makes the list again, while Monaco's Gelson Martins and Benfica's Rafa are the other well-known players to be given a 94 pace statistic.

See the top 10 pace ratings for FIFA 20

TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi believes he has successfully purchased the PSL status of Highlands Park. 

This is despite the deal reportedly hitting a snag on Monday. 

According to Sukazi, the deal is done and dusted and the only factor left is for the PSL executive committee to ratify it. 

"This is a big achievement for me and the millions of SA Football fans who want something different in our local football, those who want fresh and new ideas," Sukazi told SA FM. 

"The deal is done, it's signed and sealed. I know there was a tweet yesterday that the deal is off. But some people are sensational and like to create confusion and stories without checking the facts. The PSL letter is clear, they will approve the deal. We can start celebrating." 

Sukazi said the deal states TS Galaxy is responsible for the players that are still contracted to Highlands Park, discussing the future of Tapuwa Kapini too.   

He added other players such as Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Bevan Fransman could remain with the club. 

"The rules say we are responsible for the players of Highlands Park who still have contracts but we can make any decision on players whose contracts are ending like Kapini who's 36. I have young keepers at TS Galaxy who have contracts," he revealed. 

"For example, Yeye is out of contract but the technical team likes him. The same goes for Bevan Fransman. We might keep these two players. The technical team makes this decision.

Sukazi further revealed Dan Malesela will head the technical team in what will be his second stint with the club while Mabhuti Khenyeza will remain with the club and is expected to be the MDC team coach. 

"The coach is Dan Malesela, assisted by Essau Mtsweni. Ashley Makhanya is Head of the Youth. Mabhudi Khenyeza also stays and has a big role to play," he said. 

Moreover, the former football agent revealed he bought the club on his own without the assistance of anyone for around R60 million. 

"It's not true that there is a consortium behind this deal. The going rate of a PSL status is around R60m and to say I needed some assistance is disrespect. The Galaxy status has now been sold to Lunga Ncwana who previously sold me Cape Town All Stars. It's going back to Cape Town," concluded Sukazi.

French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet has suggested that racism doesn't exist in football, following Neymar's accusations towards Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez.

Neymar was sent off at the end of PSG's 1-0 defeat to Marseille on Sunday, which ended with a brawl between the two sides that saw the Brazil star strike Gonzalez in the back of the head.

Upon leaving the pitch, Neymar accused Gonzalez of making racist comments and, after the game, sent a message on social media indicating he had no remorse for his actions.

Neymar would later apologise for his reaction to Gonzalez, saying he "acted like a fool," but the incident has yet again brought the issue of racism in football into the limelight.

In an interview with BFM Business, Le Graet has given his reaction to Sunday's events, saying the problem of racism in the game is overblown while citing the fact that fans cheer black players who score a goal as evidence.

“When a black player scores a goal, the whole stadium is on its feet," Le Graet said. "This phenomenon of racism in sport, and in football in particular, does not exist at all or barely exists.”

Le Graet would go on to express his disappointment with the PSG-Marseille encounter, which saw five players in total given red cards following the fracas at the end of the match.

"It is a match that the entirety of France was anticipating," Le Graet continued. "It went badly. The behaviour of the players was not exemplary. We deplore that. It is a shame. They were not able to keep their cool, nor give the show that we were expecting."

Le Graet's words on Tuesday were not the first time he's made controversial remarks, as the France chief previously suggested that PSG would improve in the Champions League with a "more French" approach.

The 78-year-old also suggested in September 2019 that Ligue 1 matches should not be stopped for homophobic chanting, but only for incidents of racism.

In a statement released by Marseille on Monday, the club strongly denied that Gonzalez was guilty of racism.

"Alvaro Gonzalez is not racist, as he has shown through his daily behavior since joining the club, and as his team-mates have already confirmed," the statement read. 

"The club remains at the disposal of the disciplinary committee to fully cooperate in the investigation of all the events that occurred in the match, and the 24 hours which followed."

Just after discovering he was not in TS Galaxy coach Dan Malesela's plans, outgoing Highlands Park goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini explains how Lionel Messi of Barcelona was used as an example for him.

As media reports circulate that the Lions of the North was sold to The Rockets, the heartbroken veteran keeper explains he was told by the new club’s management led by Malesela that he was not part of the coach’s plans.

The 36-year-old former AmaZulu net minder reveals he is waiting for offers, saying in football there is time to move on.

“All I can say is that I’ve been training with the team since yesterday [Monday] when chairman Brad Kaftel handed us over to Mr Tim Sukazi and his technical department,” Kapini told Goal.

“We did train and today [Tuesday], I trained in the morning. But in the morning training session, one of the officials, I think co-directors from Galaxy. I think his name is Hloni, he came to about nine or 10 players after the morning.

“He told us: ‘Guys you are not in coach Dan’s plans…that is football and we just need to move on'. It’s life you know. Nobody has died, it’s okay.”

Meanwhile, the former Platinum Stars keeper also makes an example with Argentina skipper Messi, saying there is time to move on and face new challenges.

“Everywhere you go, whether you are Messi, there’s time to say move on, go out there and look to meet new people. For their [Galaxy] side, I can say it’s fair but for us as players, it’s not,” he added.

"However, life goes on. I have been in football for a long time and I will move on. So, I’ll be okay but there are some young boys. I think they still have contracts and I think the management of TS Galaxy will talk to them, hopefully, they will do so.

“I just want to wish the team all the best. God has not created us to remain in one place. Life goes on.

“At the moment, as I’m speaking I’m at the workshop, my garage with the guys. You know as a footballer, you are going to get disappointed and life must go on. I’m just waiting for what comes in.”

Meanwhile, media reports surfaced over the weekend that Highlands’ co-director Sinky Mnisi is challenging the club's sale and his lawyer Mandla Tshabalala confirmed the deal was declined by the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Olivier Giroud admitted that he was desperate to leave Chelsea in the winter transfer window, with that sense of desperation nearly leading to a move to rivals Tottenham.

Giroud originally joined Chelsea from Arsenal in 2018, leaving the red side of London for the blue after scoring 105 goals in 253 total appearances for the Gunners.

Yet, after just about two seasons at Stamford Bridge, Giroud was heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea last winter with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services.

Giroud ended up locking down a more regular role under Frank Lampard in the second half of the campaign, scoring 10 goals in 25 total appearances by the time the season ended, but the Frenchman admitted that his search of first-team action nearly convinced him to make the move to arch-rivals Tottenham. 

"During the last three days of the transfer window, I was in the coach's office to find a solution. I was hoping Chelsea would find a replacement for me," he told So Foot. 

"For my part, it was not the solutions that were lacking: I almost signed for Lazio, Inter… I was even so determined to leave that I even almost signed for Tottenham!"

In addition to revealing that he nearly moved to Spurs, Giroud also admitted that he nearly moved to the UK in 2010 after originally breaking through at Ligue 2 Tours.

Instead, he made the move to Montpellier, where he instantly became a key player for the Ligue 1 club.

"I had proposals from Middlesbrough and Celtic [in 2010]," he said, "but my agents advised me to leave an imprint in France first."

Eventually, Giroud earned an offer from Arsenal after scoring 39 goals in 85 matches for Montpellier.

Confirmation of the deal came while Giroud was at Euro 2012, marking a huge summer for the striker.

"I left [Montpellier] for only €12 million (£11m/$14m) to go to Arsenal, which is not a lot," he said. "I was at Euro 2012, my wife brought me the contract in her suitcases… A great moment."

Giroud was named on the bench for Chelsea's 3-1 Premier League-opening win over Brighton on Monday, with the striker being linked with a Serie A departure in recent weeks.