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Despite ugly draw vs. Jamaica, Mexico coach Cocca deserves benefit of doubt

The 28-year-old achieved a landmark feat despite his side's defeat in Sunday's Premier League match

Ghana forward John Antwi has become the first foreign player to score 100 goals in Egyptian football history.

Antwi achieved the feat after scoring the opening goal for Pyramids in their 2-1 league loss to El Gouna at the Khaled Bichara Stadium on Sunday.

He has played predominantly in Egypt throughout his professional career and featured for Ismaily, Al Ahly and Misr Lel Makasa in previous seasons.

Antwi had a brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab where he spent just six months in 2015, before returning to the North African country.

He joined Pyramids from rivals Makasa in July 2019, and he has already scored 14 goals in all competitions, including four in the Egyptian top-flight, this term.

The 28-year-old striker previously scored 35 goals for Ismaily, 11 goals for Al Ahly and 40 goals for Misr Lel Makasa to reach his century.

Following Sunday's away defeat, Pyramids remain third on the Egyptian Premier League table with 45 points after 25 matches.

They return to Caf Confederation Cup action on September 22 and Antwi will be aiming to steer their Egyptian outfit past Guinea's Horoya AC in their semi-final outing in Casablanca.

Internationally, the Sekondi-born forward, who developed his game at Dreams FC, is yet to play for Ghana but he earned his maiden invitation to the Black Stars' camp in October 2017 for their 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying match against Uganda.

He was an unused substitute in the encounter which ended in a goalless draw in Kampala.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
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Boy who survived Thai cave rescue dies in UK

The Swedish head coach has talked up the talents of the Borussia Dortmund star ahead of a UEFA Nation's League meeting with Northern Ireland

Norway boss Lars Lagerback has described Erling Haaland as "unique", while comparing him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2019-20 season turned out to be a memorable one for Haaland, who scored 44 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions for two different clubs.

The 20-year-old spent the first half of the campaign at Red Bull Salzburg, where his prolific form in the Austrian Bundesliga and Champions League earned him a €20 million (£18m/$24m) move to Borussia Dortmund in the winter transfer window.

Haaland instantly adapted to the demands of top-flight football in Germany, and his goals helped Lucien Favre's side finish second in the final league standings behind Bayern Munich.

The Norwegian is now being tipped to reach the very highest level of the game, with Lagerback seeing similarities between the young striker and six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi and Juventus superstar Ronaldo.

The Norway manager thinks Haaland's strong mindset holds him in good stead to follow in the footsteps of the world's greatest players, as he told a press conference: "I've maybe been around too long but I have never seen a guy since maybe Messi or Ronaldo that developed at such a young age.

"That's very unique and he has all the possibilities to become a really world-class player - if you look at the offensive third of the pitch and in the box then he's already absolutely top class.

"He perhaps has a little bit more to do in the link play but being so young, he's already at a really high level.

"With the qualities he already has and his focused personality - if he can stay free from injury then he can be a really top-class player."

Haaland got on the scoresheet during Norway's first fixture of the new UEFA Nation's League campaign last week, but couldn't stop Lagerback's side from falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Austria.

The Lions have the opportunity to bounce back quickly when they take in a trip to Northern Ireland on Monday night, with Ian Baraclough's side also looking for their first win having been held to a 1-1 draw by Romania on Friday.

Lagerback has singled out former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who is now on the books of Leicester, as a man to watch for Norway in both boxes.

"Of course there are some great players and some experienced guys, but now I have heard that Evans is probably back," he added.

"He's a leader. I've had a lot of respect for him both with Manchester United and now Leicester.

"I think he's a very important player for them to get back in the team so if I would mention one player I would mention him."

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Chicago Fire 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions

The France international struggled for consistency during his first season at Camp Nou, scoring just 15 goals across all competitions

Antoine Griezmann is capable of being La Liga's top goal-scorer next season if he is played in the correct position, according to ex-Barcelona defender Andrea Orlandi.

Despite scoring 15 goals in all competitions last term, Griezmann underwhelmed for much of his first campaign at Camp Nou following his €120 million (£107m/$134m) move from Atletico Madrid.

That was illustrated by Quique Setien's decision to leave him on the bench for the entirety of Barca's 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

That result marked the end of Setien's tenure in charge, with Ronald Koeman appointed to replace him.

The ex-Everton boss takes over a squad that will include Lionel Messi after the Blaugrana captain explained to Goal that he would be remaining with the club despite telling them he wished to leave following the completion of the campaign.

It is looking increasingly likely that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club, however, with Juventus having agreed a three-year contract with the Uruguay international.

Despite that, Orlandi does not believes that World Cup-winner Griezmann should step into Suarez's shoes and instead should be deployed as a No.10 behind a central striker, with both Atleti and France having benefitted from him playing such a role in the past.

"If you sign Griezmann to play left-wing, then I am surprised at the Barcelona directors for thinking his best position is to play there," Orlandi, who will be part of LaLiga TV's panel of pundits in the UK and Ireland during the upcoming season, told Goal.

"Especially when you pay that sort of money for a proven world-class player, you need to play him in his best position.

"This is what Koeman has said and this is why I think we will see the best of Antoine Griezmann next season.

"He needs to play off a striker and it could have been Suarez. We saw it in one game against Villarreal in La Liga where Barcelona played really well. Setien then changed his mind for the next two games and we didn’t see it again.

"When you buy a player of that pedigree and money, then you play him in his best position. Griezmann as a No.10 with Messi on the right and someone up-front will benefit Barcelona.

"I don’t see him as a number nine, he needs a younger number nine to play off. He did it with [Olivier] Giroud, Diego Costa and Fernando Torres.

"He needs that freedom to roam around the box because he is a very clever player. He will keep doing that. He just needs freedom to attack; defensively he will do the job, he will run, he was at left-back sometimes for Barcelona last season so no problem.

"He needs his best position to allow him to be the player he wants to be.

"I always say, [Karim] Benzema will challenge for the Pichichi (La Liga's top goal-scorer trophy), but Griezmann will be close.

"He scored 15 goals in a bad season for him. He started well but you could see he lost it and he is a player who needs to play with a smile on his face.

"We saw it with Ronaldinho back in the day: when you play without a smile, then this is when you make yourself smaller and smaller. This is what happened last season but I think he will be one of the best players next season."

Orlandi, who also represented Swansea City, Brighton and Blackpool during his playing career, spent time inside the Camp Nou dressing room with Ronaldinho as he made the step up at a similar time to Messi and Andres Iniesta.

And he looks back fondly on his time with the club despite only playing a bit-part role under Frank Rijkaard.

"It took me a while to actually enjoy being in the dressing room because when you walk in, you are more nervous than anything else," he said. "Looking back it was fantastic.

"I just remembered my first training session, turning up three hours before the time I needed to be there.

"I wanted to be the first player in there and Ronaldinho was the next to arrive. He gave me his handshake and I was so nervous, I was shaking. But once I stepped on the pitch, they made it easy for me.

"I managed to make my league debut, played some games in the cup and trained quite regularly with them. I don’t know what Rijkaard saw in me, but he used me quite a lot in training.

"It was fantastic and I saw the beginnings of Leo [Messi]. I saw the best of Ronaldinho probably and I can always say I played with and against Andres Iniesta in our youth career.

"I always knew he was going to be a star, but it was those years when he really started to show the player that he was.

"It was a huge honour. I just tried to keep it simple because they were the good players. I only had to do the basics and that is what I did.

"Looking back, it was fantastic. When you go to a rondo at Barca, you never get out!"

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella
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Neymar offered to Premier League clubs ahead of potential PSG exit

The exit of the attacking midfielder was confirmed by the club during their weekly TV show held on Sunday

After months of speculation, Muzamir Mutyaba has finally parted ways with Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC).

The attacking midfielder was among the players, who were said to be on their way out of the Lugogo-based giants after they finished last season without silverware.

KCCA surrendered the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) title to rivals Vipers SC after the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to end the top-flight owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, during their usual weekly TV Show on Sanyuka TV, PRO Moses Magero confirmed the exit of Mutyaba.

The weekly show also confirmed the unveiling of striker Juma Balinya from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia on a three-year deal.

In a previous interview, Mutyaba stated he will forever remain the fan of KCCA even if he leaves at the end of his contract.

KCCA is at my heart even if I leave. The fans, players, coaches, and the success I have achieved in the years I have been here can never be substituted for anything,” Mutyaba was quoted by Daily Monitor.

“I know the manager doesn’t want to give me a fresh contract but I deserve to go with dignity. The club board has given me hope that we can still talk as I look at other offers elsewhere.”

Mutyaba, whose contract ended on June 30, has been at KCCA for the last five years managing to win three league titles, also won two Uganda Cup trophies plus the Cecafa Kagame Cup winners’ medal in 2019.

Other players released by KCCA include Erisa Ssekisambu, Jackson Nunda (URA), Saddam Juma, Tom Ikara, and Eric Ssenjobe, who have signed for Police FC, Jamil Malyamungu, Mike Mutyaba (retired), and Mustafa Kizza (Montreal Impact).

KCCA have already signed eight players in this transfer window among them Ashraf Mugume, Brian Aheebwa, Charles Lwanga, Stefano Mazengo Loro, Denis Iguma, Bright Anukani, and Samson Kigozi.

By finishing second, KCCA will represent Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup while Vipers will go for the Champions League next season.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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'Not a question of being stubborn' - Kibu Vicuna refuses to blame Kerala Blasters' style of football for dismal results

The Simba wa Nairobi have maintained they are still in the market for reinforcement ahead of the new season

Despite making six signings so far in this window, Nairobi City Stars have maintained they are still actively involved in the market.

The Simba wa Nairobi earned promotion to the top-flight last season after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to prematurely end the National Super League (NSL) owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

By ending the season, City Stars, who were sitting at the top of the table were automatically promoted alongside second-placed Bidco United.

City Stars CEO Patrick Korir has now told Goal they are still in the market for a goalkeeper, centre back, defensive midfielder and two wingers before the window closes down.

“We’ve done four signings but if you look at the age of the players we have signed is between 17 and 20 years,” Korir told Goal on Monday.

“We have actually done one senior team signing and that is Elvis Ombija who joined us from Gor Mahia and we still have few positions to fill in the senior squad, keeper, centre back, defensive midfielder, and two wingers, and then we will be good to go.”

Asked on how soon the new signings can be unveiled, Korir said: “We are talking to our targets, the discussions with some players to come on board are ongoing and it won’t take much time.”

City Stars were delighted to unveil Ombija, with the club’s team coordinator Samson Otieno saying: “He has been a long term target and we are happy to welcome him to Simba wa Nairobi. He gives us extra options upfront and is a great boost to the team.”

On signing for City Stars, Ombija, said: “My aim was to play the 2020/21 season through hard and with support from the entire Coast Stima family.

“My decision to join City Stars comes at the right time and I am glad to join Lion's Pride and be part of a team that will challenge for the title.

“I am happy to join the likes of Muki (Anthony Kimani), Pinchez [Peter Opiyo], [Oliver] Maloba, and many more talented players at City Stars.”

Ombija will don his favourite jersey no. 24 and will be contesting for the number nine position with Gambian marksman Ebrima Sanneh, Ezekiel Odera, Kaimosi High alumnus Davis Agesa and teenager Vincent Jamaica Otieno.

Apart from Ombija City Stars have also signed teenage goalkeeper Elvis Ochieng Ochoro from regional league side Hakati Sportiff, Rowland Makati from Vapor Sports, Timothy Ouma from Laiser Hill Academy, and Ronney Kola Oyaro from Kenya School of Government (KSG).

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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Uganda are not just here to participate but to win the Cecafa U20 title - Byekwaso

The highly-rated goalkeeper is back at Old Trafford, with a new contract penned, after catching the eye across two spells at Sheffield United

Dean Henderson is ready to embrace the “pressure” of being a Manchester United player after proving that the loan system works for players with ambition and potential.

The highly-rated goalkeeper finds himself back at Old Trafford after taking in two productive spells at Sheffield United.

Stints at Bramall Lane allowed the 23-year-old to experience promotion into the Premier League and life among the elite.

He has earned call-ups to the senior England squad along the way, while a new contract has been signed with his parent club.

David de Gea continues to provide serious competition for places with the Red Devils, with Henderson having to be patient in pursuit of the breakthrough he craves most, but the confident custodian feels he is well placed to take on another challenge.

He told United’s official website of picking up valuable experience elsewhere: “You have got to go out and embrace it with confidence, with the Manchester United badge on your chest. Embrace every moment, have a great time and I'm sure you'll learn so much.

“I have been fortunate as I've had really good loan spells but it comes from yourself. You've got to believe in yourself and want to work hard.

“I'm sure it's something a lot of boys will go out and do this season. You just learn to adapt to everything.

“For example, playing at Sheffield United is different to Stockport County and different to Grimsby. Different managers want different things and you've got to be open minded and willing to do what the manager wants to do. If you do that, you give yourself a great opportunity.

“I think [other players] are always excited to see what you can do on the pitch. The day you walk in, there is an aura around you as you've got that Manchester United badge on your chest. They are wondering: 'How good is this boy? We've heard a lot about him.'

“So it comes with that pressure and you've got to be top drawer straight away. I used to love going in as a Manchester United player, it makes you feel great about yourself and I performed and earned respect very quickly, which was good.”

Henderson added on his development: “I just think, when I left [Old Trafford], I felt I was sort of growing into a young man. Now I've come back a lot more experienced as I learned a lot about myself, about my character - on and off the field.

“I'm coming back into the building as a man who understands the game, how it works, and now I'm an England international. It's been a great learning curve, going over to Yorkshire, and one I really enjoyed. I learned a lot and I can't thank them enough.

“Promotion last year was good, that experience of playing and fighting for something with the pressure on in all the games. Going to Elland Road and places like that, must-win games in the run-in. For me, it made me who I am today. It made me understand the pressure of things and how to get over the line and win things. That was an amazing feeling, that first season at Sheffield United.

“To go back and have the season we had in the Premier League, when everyone had written us off and said we'd be relegated and were going into the unknown, but to finish ninth in the way we did, I felt was outstanding. 

“But for lockdown, we could have pushed on into the Europa League places, no doubt about it, but, unfortunately, it didn't work out in the end. However, it was a season the club can be proud of and I am hopeful they will kick on next season.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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France's toughest opponent at Euro 2022? Themselves

Shree Cement Limited, the new investors for East Bengal FC, have registered a new company named 'Shree Cement Foundation' with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on Saturday.

As per sources close to Goal, this new company will be the entity that will pick up the bid proposal for a spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) on behalf of East Bengal.

Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have already invited bids for the inclusion of an 11th team in the ISL. The soft bid document must be submitted by September 14th and hard copy by September 17th.

Currently, the company has two directors in Sanjay Mehta and Prakash Narayan Chhangani. But within the next few days, following a meeting between representatives of Shree Cement and the club, additional directors could be incorporated in the board.

Chhangani is already a whole-time director at Shree Cement Limited whereas, Mehta is President (Commercial) at Shree Cement.

The company was founded in Beawar, Ajmer district, Rajasthan, in 1979. Its headquarters is located in Kolkata. It also produces and sells power under the name Shree Power (Captive Power Plant) and Shree Mega Power (Independent Power Plant).

The Chairman of the group is B.G.Bangur and the managing director is H.M.Bangur. 

Shree Cement was the second-largest cement company in India (by market cap) in 2018, only behind to Ultra Tech Cement. Their plants are located in Beawar, Ras, Khushkhera, Jobner (Jaipur) and Suratgarh in Rajasthan, Laksar (Roorkee) in Uttarakhand, Panipat in Haryana, Bulandshahar in UP, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Aurangabad in Bihar.

 

 

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
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Tottenham sign Richarlison from Everton

The German midfielder has offered an insight into the way his manager brings the best out of his star-studded squad at Santiago Bernabeu

Toni Kroos says Zinedine Zidane is "the best coach you could ask for" and that the Real Madrid boss has everything "under control" at the club.

Zidane is currently in the middle of his second managerial stint at Santiago Bernabeu.

The Frenchman's first spell in charge came between 2016 and 2018, which saw him deliver three consecutive Champions League crowns and one La Liga title.

He walked away from his post following a European Cup final victory over Liverpool, but returned nine months later after the Blancos' had suffered a dramatic decline in his absence.

Madrid have gradually emerged as a major force since welcoming Zidane back into the dugout, with the 2019-20 campaign proving to be a hugely successful one domestically.

The Blancos finished five points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish top flight to secure their first league title in three years, having won 10 of their final 11 fixtures post-lockdown.

Not even a disappointing last 16 Champions League defeat at the hands of Manchester City could dampen the jubilant mood at the Bernabeu, and Kroos is happy to give Zidane all the credit for Madrid's recent success.

The Germany international told Swiss publication Blick of a club legend's unique approach to management: “It helps that he was a great player himself. 

"He knows exactly what makes them tick and what it's like to be a Real Madrid player. He applies this knowledge superbly," explained Kroos.

"He's incredibly good at managing this group of stars. He meets every player at eye level, brings everyone on board and has everything around Real under control. 

"And he is also very good technically. He's the best coach you could ask for."

Kroos took in 43 appearances across all competitions for Madrid last term, taking his overall tally to 278 since joining the club from Bayern Munich in 2014.

The 30-year-old arrived in the Spanish capital following Germany's triumph at the World Cup in Brazil, but says he never could have imagined the success that would follow under Zidane's stewardship.

“I was then lucky enough to come to Madrid as a newly crowned world champion," Kroos added.

"But that I've been here for six years and won the Champions League three times in a row, that was more than I had hoped."

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Nemanja Matic confirms he is leaving Man Utd this summer

The Angola midfielder watched from the substitute's bench as his new team played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday

Yanga SC coach Zlatko Krmpotic has explained new signing Carlinhos was left out of the starting 11 because he was not physically ready to be involved in a competitive game.

The 27-time league champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania Prisons in their opening game of the 2020/21 Tanzania Mainland League match played on Sunday.

"It is a game which we wanted to win and I had to play those players I felt were ready," Krmpotic told the reporters.

"We did not use Carlinhos because he is not yet fit. He has not trained for long meaning we could not expose him. His time is coming and he will play; just that we could not throw him in a deep end just like that."

The Serbian also believes his team could have won the game if his strikers and attacking players could have been clinical in front of goal.

"Our captain Deus Kaseke had an open chance to score for us in the first half, too bad he could not capitalise on it, same with Tuisila Kisinda who we introduced in the second half," Krmpotic added.

"In the latter stages of the game, Yacouba Songne had a chance also but failed to convert it."

"I must admit my players were not physically prepared to endure the entire 90 minutes, and it is the reason we got [a draw]," the veteran coach revealed.

"In the first half, we played well the same as the second half, however, we struggled to finish the good moves. Even the subs we introduced did well, but sometimes in football, you need luck to win."

The 62-year-old has, however, picked up vital lessons ahead of their second game against Mbeya City.

"We need to get our game fitness on the right level to stand a chance of getting maximum points in our next game," Krmpotic continued.

"We have picked some lessons from the game [against Tanzania Prisons] and we are going to work on them to better the team."

Lambert Sabiyanka managed to beat Farouk Shikhalo in the Yanga goal in the seventh minute with his 30-yard shot.

The lead, however, lasted just 13 minutes as the Jangwani-based side fought hard for the equalizing goal.

Prisons defenders failed to clear a cross from the left, and the loose ball fell to new signing Michael Sarpong whose first-time shot was too much for the custodian to deal with.

Original author: Seth Willis
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Newcastle predicted lineup vs Leicester - Premier League

The new signing from the Venoms calls on K’Ogalo to shift focus to doing well on the continental scene this season

New Gor Mahia signing Tito Okello has challenged the club to shift focus on doing well in the continental scene now they are assured of winning the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title again.

The Ugandan striker, who signed for K’Ogalo from Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC, has revealed with good preparations, the club can achieve more in continental assignments.

“I have experienced the beauty of playing at the continental level,” Okello is quoted by the Gor Mahia website. “You feel special, you feel different, you win home matches, your fans are happy and you feel invincible.

“I know there are other local expectations like winning the Mashemeji Derby but I also know this is Gor Mahia and those no longer make the fans happy. They want the club to do well in Africa and that is what we as players should have as our first priority.

“With good training, planning, and coordination with his teammates, the focus is continental glory, winning domestic competitions will be achievable for the club.”

Okello has also revealed why he signed for K’Ogalo: “I know at Gor Mahia winning the league title is expected, not hoped for.

“So, once you get the privilege of playing here you aim to excite the fans. And to be honest, having followed their recent performance I think the only thing that would excite them now is if we played well at the continental arena.”

Okello was part of the Vipers squad that won the league title last season and also featured for the team in the Caf Champions League in 2018 where they failed to move past the play-offs.

The Ugandan has arrived at Gor Mahia at a time the club has lost several key players owing to the financial situation at the club.

Goalkeeper David Mapigano started the exodus at K’Ogalo after he joined Azam FC on a two-year deal while winger Dickson Ambudo, who had a good start at Gor Mahia in the initial part of the season before somewhat fading, joined the newly-promoted Tanzanian side Dodoma Jiji FC.

Joash Onyango signed for Simba SC whereas his partner at Gor Mahia Charles Momanyi is said to be on his way to rivals KCB. Winger Boniface Omondi was the first player to confirm an exit from Gor Mahia and joined Wazito FC alongside keeper Peter Odhiambo.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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Premier League predictions: Gameweek 33

The Brazilian youngster wants to follow in the footsteps of “legends” at Santiago Bernabeu, with “lots of support” being offered to him in Spain

Vinicius Junior has stated his desire to follow in the footsteps of “legends” Iker Casillas and Raul by helping Real Madrid to “lots of trophies”.

The Brazilian youngster is approaching the start of his third season at Santiago Bernabeu.

He is still just 20 years of age and remains a work in progress for the Blancos, with his full potential yet to be unlocked.

Real did, however, invest heavily in his ability and have always viewed him as one for the future.

They have already got 69 games and nine goals out of the South American starlet, with a La Liga title and Club World Cup success taken in along the way.

Vinicius believes there is more to come from him, with it his intention to emulate the efforts of some iconic figures from past and present in the Spanish capital.

“I have lots of support,” Vinicius told Yellow and Green Football.

“We realise that they're worried about us, the younger players, because we're the present and the future.

“At my age, only [Iker] Casillas and Raul have played more games than me and they're legends here. They won lots of trophies and I hope to be able to do the same.

“Sergio Ramos and Casemiro are my best role models here. I watch them train and I want to do that too. Their work ethic pushes me further.”

Vinicius revelled in helping Real to a domestic crown in 2019-20, but was denied the opportunity to aid their Champions League cause when overlooked for the second leg of a last-16 showdown with Manchester City that the Blancos lost 2-1.

He said of that decision from Zinedine Zidane: “I wanted to go on and help, but I play for the biggest club in the world where there are lots of talented players.

“The coach has lots of options going into a match, it's part of the game.

“It takes time, but we can and we have to understand each selection choice.”

Zidane’s side are set to open their 2020-21 La Liga campaign with a trip to Real Sociedad on September 20.

Original author: Chris Burton
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England's Latest Victory Gives Gareth Southgate Further Selection Headache

Video: Record breaker Fati will remain level headed despite unreal confidence - Luis Enrique | Goal.com

Videos

10:22 BST 07/09/2020

Ansu Fati Barcelona

Luis Enrique believes Ansu Fati will keep his feet on the ground after becoming Spain's youngest ever goal scorer.

Original author: Goal
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West Ham lead Keane Lewis-Potter chase; Brentford and Watford bids rejected

Liverpool won their first top-flight title in 30 years last season but Manchester City are favourites to make it three crowns in four campaigns

It looks set to be another exciting Premier League season as Liverpool look to retain the maiden title they claimed in June.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were virtually unstoppable to that point, winning 28 of their 31 matches when their first league crown for 30 years was confirmed.

Manchester City, though, will be out to make it three Premier League titles in four seasons after finishing 18 points off the pace last term but still 15 above third place.

Who are the favourites to win the Premier League?

Manchester City are 8/11 (1.73) favourites to reclaim the title after somewhat of a down year by their lofty standards.

Fresh off winning the domestic treble, Pep Guardiola’s men could only finish with 81 points – some way short of the 198 they had amassed across the previous two campaigns.

The ability and the depth of their squad can not be matched, even by the reigning champions, and it is little surprise they are odds-on favourites to lift the title for the fifth time in 10 seasons.

Liverpool are 9/4 (3.25) to follow up their first ever Premier League title by making it two in a row to cement their status as one of the best teams in the world.

Klopp’s side broke a host of records last term, including the fewest amount of matches taken to win the title, and while the Anfield faithful are unlikely to expect a repeat performance, they will still be expecting their team to be in the running in May.

Chelsea have been incredibly active in the transfer market by bringing in a host of starting players, including Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, and bet365 make them 12/1 (13.0) to win the league.

Frank Lampard impressed in his debut season as Blues manager but still finished 33 points behind Liverpool, and the former midfielder will be hoping to address inconsistency issues that plagued his team last season.

Who are the underdogs to win the Premier League?

Manchester United have not win the title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013 and they are 16/1 (17.0) to wrestle back the Premier League crown.

It was a season of two halves last time around for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who saw his side win just seven of their first 19 games but the signing Bruno Fernandes revitalised the Red Devils and a third-place finish was secured on the final day.

Arsenal enjoyed a strong end to the 2019-20 campaign with 16 points from their final nine games and are 40/1 (41.0) outsiders to win a first Premier League title in 17 years.

Their season was topped off by winning the FA Cup but it would take an exceptional season to translate that into league glory considering they have finished outside the top four for the last four years.

North London rivals Tottenham are 50/1 (51.0) to improve upon their sixth-place finish last season and win a first top-flight title since 1961.

Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino in November last term and his tally of 45 points was the fourth-most accrued since his hiring, behind only the champions and both Manchester sides.

Who are the outsiders to win the Premier League?

Leicester City were the surprise package of last season and are 150/1 (151.0) to go even further this season by winning a second Premier League title.

The Foxes were second at the halfway stage last time around, albeit still 13 points behind Liverpool, but completely imploded in 2020 to pick up just 23 points and miss out on Champions League football.

Wolves also threatened to reach the top four for a brief moment last season before coming seventh, and are 200/1 (201.0) to win the Premier League.

Everton finished 12th last season and it would take an incredible turnaround for them to top the table in May, with their 200/1 (201.0) price courtesy of the Toffees finishing 50 points behind Liverpool last term.

There is also 200/1 (201.0) available on newly-promoted Leeds United, with the bookies expecting big things from Marcelo Bielsa’s side on their return to the promised land after 16 years away.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Original author: Oliver Lines
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Seven sports legacies created by Title IX

The Nigeria international has put smiles on the faces of the Agatu people with a solution to their long-term water problem

Nantes winger Moses Simon has come to the aid of Obagaji Agatu community, local government area of Benue State by donating boreholes.

The 25-year-old forward was born in Jos, Plateau State and raised in Kaduna but his father hails from Obagaji Agatu.

The area has suffered basic amenities in the past before the Super Eagles star extended his generosity to the community by drilling three boreholes.

The head of Obagaji Agatu community, Chief James Ocheche, explains how the area has relied on stream and rainwater to meet their needs before the intervention of Simon.

“Early this year, a brother of Simon said he [Simon] is concerned about the source of our drinking water and other social amenities in the community,” Ocheche said, as per Punch.

“He was sympathetic enough to sink three boreholes as an individual. You can see that he is a boy who wants the development of his community. May God lift him up.”

Simon started his career with GBS Academy and his eye-catching displays soon caught the attention of Dutch club Trencin, who subsequently signed him in 2014.

The forward played 33 times for the Stadion na Sihoti outfit before moving to Belgium to team up with Gent, where he enjoyed great success.

Simon spent three years with the club and helped them to win the Belgian First Division A title and Super Cup diadem.   

He then joined Spanish side Levante in the summer of 2018 before signing for Nantes on loan, where he shone and was handed a permanent deal.

Simon will hope to feature prominently for the Canaries when they take on Henry Onyekuru’s Monaco in their next Ligue 1 game on September 13.

The forward is a key member of Super Eagles and played a major role as they finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Simon has featured 33 times for the Nigeria national team since he made his debut against Uganda in 2015.

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  56 Hits

Chelsea shouldn't underestimate Havertz and Werner - Gianfranco Zola

The former Reds striker believes a Dutch midfielder could become an issue for Jurgen Klopp if transfer talk is allowed to become a distraction

Liverpool cannot afford for Georginio Wijnaldum to become a “big problem”, says John Aldridge, with links to Barcelona for the Dutch midfielder doing nobody at Anfield any favours.

The Netherlands international has entered the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions.

No fresh terms have been agreed as yet, meaning that Jurgen Klopp’s side are being backed into a corner.

Goal has learned that new Barca boss Ronald Koeman has made Wijnaldum a top target as he seeks to freshen up an out-of-sorts squad at Camp Nou.

No formal approach has been made as yet, but a bid is being lined up ahead of the next transfer deadline.

Liverpool may have to sanction a sale, rather than allow Wijnaldum to head towards free agency, and they are already being heavily linked with Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara as possible cover.

Aldridge hopes a couple of distracting sagas are brought to a close as quickly as possible, with Liverpool needing to know where they stand in a bid to avoid carrying any passengers into 2020-21.

The former Reds striker told the Sunday World of Wijnaldum: “You very rarely see him giving the ball away, but he did that a few times in the first half against Arsenal [in the Community Shield] and that may be because his future is up in the air.

“There has been a lot of talk that Thiago Alcantara will replace Wijnaldum in the Liverpool squad and there are rumours that he has been tapped up by Barcelona’s new manager Ronald Koeman.

“[Klopp] will want that situation resolved quickly because players who are uncertain over their future can be affected in matches and Liverpool can’t afford to allow that issue to become a big problem ahead of the transfer deadline on October 5th.”

Wijnaldum has been giving little away when it comes to his future plans.

He is aware of the Barcelona talk, with the Liga giants confident that a deal can be put in place, but is reluctant to be drawn into a transfer debate.

Quizzed on the speculation ahead of the Netherlands’ latest UEFA Nations League outing, Wijnaldum said: “It’s a rumour, I have nothing to say about it.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  177 Hits

Ten Hag: De Jong would make any team stronger

The Blues' preparations for the new season have been disrupted by coronavirus, with two key players now set to go into quarantine

Manchester City duo Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez have tested positive for Covid-19.

City announced that both players have been forced to self-isolate for the next two weeks in a statement on their official website on Monday, which reads: "Manchester City FC can confirm that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have tested positive for Covid-19.

"Both players are currently observing a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. Neither is displaying symptoms of the virus.

"Everyone at the Club wishes Riyad and Aymeric a speedy recovery ahead of their return to training and the new season."

Pep Guardiola will welcome Laporte and Mahrez back into his squad before City's 2020-21 season opener against Wolves on September 21, but their participation could be in doubt due to a potential lack of match fitness.

Goal understands that Guardiola, who has just returned to England after a trip to Spain, is also currently observing a 14-day period in quarantine.

A large number of City's senior stars are due to make their way back to Etihad Stadium later in the week after the international break, including England stars Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden.

Assistant manager Juan Manuel Lillo will oversee pre-season preparations in Guardiola's absence, as the Blues look to bounce back from a disappointing 2019-20 campaign.

City finished 18 points behind eventual champions Liverpool in the Premier League, lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals and suffered an early exit in the Champions League at the hands of Lyon.

A third successive Carabao Cup crown came as scant consolation for Guardiola's side, who are due to play host to Leicester City six days after their meeting with Wolves later this month.

A trip to Elland Road to face newly-promoted Leeds United will follow for City on October 3, which comes two weeks before a crunch clash against Arsenal at the Etihad.

The Blues are not the only Premier League side to have been affected by coronavirus ahead of the new season, with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba currently in self-isolation after contracting the illness last month.

Top-flight clubs have reportedly been warned that fixtures will not be called off if any further outbreaks are recorded, as officials look to avoid a repeat of the scheduling issues which occurred last term.

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Marsch on Leeds huddle: Reaction is 'ridiculous'

The 56-year-old mentor has always spoken about timing when revealing interest from the PSL's big clubs and it appears he's now ready to make it happen

Former Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt will not be on the unemployment queue for too long, Goal can exclusively reveal. 

The 56-year-old mentor appears to have made his decision on where he will be coaching next season following the conclusion of the 2019-20 PSL season. 

Goal has it on good authority Kaizer Chiefs are likely to be Hunt's next employers. 

This means he will replace Ernst Middendorp for the upcoming campaign with the German expected to be sacked in the next few weeks. 

Goal can further confirm Hunt had many offers from the PSL and overseas and that Orlando Pirates, at one stage, also made inquiries about his availability.  

However, with Josef Zinnbauer guiding the club to a top-three finish after arriving in December, it is also expected Pirates will give him a full season to see if he can take the club to greater heights.  

Earlier this year, Hunt denied any links to Chiefs, describing the reports as 'embarrassing' out of respect for Middendorp.  

As things stand, Middendorp is contracted to the Soweto giants as he still has a year left on his contract, according to Chiefs. 

His side's failure to win the league this past weekend has seen calls for his sacking gain momentum but of course, he will have to submit his technical report before an official statement is made public from Chiefs. 

Middendorp's tactics have been heavily criticised since joining Amakhosi in December 2018 with the majority of fans slamming him that he doesn't have a plan B, especially after dropping crucial points from a winning position this season. 

His team's reliance on crosses and set-pieces also became a hot topic among the fans and football legends who felt it was a matter of time before their opponents figured them out, and this is how it turned out as teams made it difficult for Chiefs to score after the resumption of the season.   

Injuries to key players such as Leonardo Castro and Lebogang Manyama coupled with the departure of George Maluleka were also contributing factors to Amakhosi's capitulation. 

However, management is likely to brush that aside as Chiefs had enough players to clinch the title. 

Original author: Ernest Makhaya
  73 Hits

Manchester United confirm departure of USWNT stars Press and Heath

It was a history-making first start for the 17-year-old winger in the Nations League clash against Ukraine

Ansu Fati became Spain's youngest goalscorer in history with his strike in the first half of Sunday's clash with Ukraine in Madrid.

The Barcelona forward marked his first international start with a fine effort to make it 3-0 before half-time in the Nations League match being played at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Aged 17 years and 311 days, Fati became the youngest player to net for Spain. The rising star broke the record that was set in 1925 by Juan Errazquin, who was 18 years and 344 days old when he struck three times against Switzerland.

It was the culmination of a fine opening period for Fati, who also won the penalty for Sergio Ramos to open the scoring, with a looping header from the Real Madrid defender then doubling Spain's lead.

Fati made his senior international debut off the bench in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Germany.

The Guinea-Bissau-born winger was 10 when he joined Barcelona’s youth system and made his senior debut in August 2019. He then became the club’s youngest ever scorer when he struck against Osasuna less than a week later.

He ended the season with eight goals from 33 games in all competitions for the Camp Nou side.

He is currently tied to the club until 2022, but president Josep Maria Bartomeu said last month that he would like to hand him a contract for life.

“He’s essential for the future of the club. Ansu is not for sale. He represents the academy the players come out of, learn from and consolidate themselves in the first team,” he said .

“He’s unique because he jumped from the youth team to the first team. There are not many players like him and Barcelona cannot sell him, even if it would be an economic solution for the club in the times of this pandemic.

“At no time have we considered selling him. On the contrary: what we have to do is help him in his growth and get him to sign a new contract in the future, so that he plays here for life.”

  167 Hits

Kevin Mbala: Caen forward loaned to FC Bastia-Borgo

Silvan Widmer's equaliser left Germany still waiting for a win in the Nations League as they were held by Switzerland at St-Jakob Park.

Germany are still waiting for their first Nations League win after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland on Sunday.

The 2014 World Cup winners were relegated from League A in the inaugural 2018-19 Nations League but a change in format to the competition saved them from demotion.

Die Mannschaft's winless run was extended to five games with a draw against Spain on Thursday and they were again frustrated in Basle.

Ilkay Gundogan gave Germany the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour but an inability to convert chances came back to hurt Joachim Low's men as Silvan Widmer's well-taken goal secured a share of the spoils for Switzerland.

Germany dominated possession early on and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Gundogan rounded off a well-worked move by meeting Matthias Ginter's pull back with a composed low finish from the edge of the area.

Switzerland responded well to going behind and could have been level had Haris Seferovic made proper contact with Djibril Sow's cross.

Julian Draxler spurned a chance to double Germany's lead when he shot straight at Yann Sommer following good work down the left from Timo Werner, who then volleyed over the bar as Switzerland continued to look vulnerable at the back.

The hosts remained an attacking threat, however, Seferovic clipping the outside of the post before Granit Xhaka forced Arsenal team-mate Bernd Leno to turn his long-range drive over the crossbar.

Draxler saw an effort deflected wide seven minutes after the break and Germany's failure to double their advantage was punished when Breel Embolo cut in from the left and laid off for Widmer to find the bottom-left corner with a first-time finish.

Switzerland looked the more likely to find a decisive goal in the closing stages, with Germany's ability to keep them at bay likely cold comfort to Low as their winless run in this competition goes on.


What does it mean? Germany with work to do in Finals quest

This result, combined with Spain's win over Ukraine, means Luis Enrique's men are two points ahead of Germany in Group A4.

Overhauling La Roja and earning a spot in the Finals will be a difficult task for Low's side, while Switzerland are bottom of the group after picking up their first point.

Gundogan in the goals

The opener was a first goal since January for Manchester City's Gundogan, with his confident finish surely a welcome sight for Low and his club manager Pep Guardiola.

Profligacy proves costly

Germany were without several members of Bayern Munich's treble-winning side but the team they put out should have had enough to see off Switzerland. Low will have been disappointed to see players of such calibre waste as many chances as they did.

What's next?

The next international window in October sees Germany host Turkey in a friendly before their search for an elusive Nations League win takes them to Ukraine.

Spain are next for Switzerland in the Nations League following a friendly with Croatia.

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Why Barcelona vs. Man United is the Frenkie de Jong game

Joachim Low's team have collected just two points from their first two matches, leaving their players thoroughly disappointed

Ilkay Gundogan says he was "pissed off" after Germany lost their lead to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in Sunday's UEFA Nations League clash.

Joachim Low's side have collected just two points from as many matches in the competition, having tied with Spain on Thursday.

Gundogan fired low into the net to give Germany the lead just 14 minutes into the clash at St. Jakob Park, but Silvan Widmer equalised just before the hour mark.

The midfielder was disappointed in his side's failure to regain control of the encounter.

"I'm a little pissed off. We lost balls unnecessarily. It's very annoying and I'm a little pissed off," Gundogan told ZDF.

"It was completely up to us. We were in a good starting position, leading 1-0. Then we gave away a bad pass, run into a counter-attack and then it's 1-1.

"This is not a process, this is a very simple football game. If you have the ball up front, you have to keep it up there. Then you have to fight the last 10, 20 minutes and you are lucky to get out with a point.

"I'm dissatisfied, honestly. We should have played through the second half as ice cold. So we're giving away two points."

Fellow Germany midfielder Toni Kroos was also left irritated by his side's second consecutive collapse, which leaves them two points behind group leaders Spain, who beat Ukraine 4-0.

"Unfortunately it was similar to the one against Spain, so we can definitely work to have more solutions and more self-confidence as a team," he said.

"If there are six points to be distributed and you only get two, that is disappointing."

Coach Low sympathised with his players' irritation, but is confident they will bounce back when they face Ukraine and Switzerland again in the next Nations League matches in October. 

"Unfortunately it wasn't enough. We just failed to make it 2-0 again," he said.

"We just can't capitalise on the good opportunities. That would have given us security. I think the draw will be okay. If you lead 1-0 twice and then don't bring it home, that is of course annoying. We'll attack properly in October."

  66 Hits

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