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Mamelodi Sundowns have been busy refreshing their squad and preparing for the future amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The Brazilians have brought in some young players into their squad and also extended contracts belong to their experienced players.

This has been done to ensure that there is no mismatch of players in the squad whereby there are too many ageing players or too many young players.

Much is expected from highly-rated Mkhuma

The current season has seen coach Pitso Mosimane unleash promising right-back Nicholas Lukhubeni, 24, who netted a brilliant solo goal against Chippa United in a PSL match in February 2020.

Exciting prospects Promise Mkhuma, 20, and Malebogo Modise, 21, have also been promoted to the first team from the club's academy in the last few months.

Furthermore, Sundowns are expected to officially announce the signing of Ajax Cape Town youngsters Jody February, 24, and Grant Margeman, 22, as they build for the future.

While new signing Lesedi Kapinga has his best years ahead of him at the age of 25, having joined Masandawana from Black Leopards last week.

The Brazilians have been tying down their older players to long term deals as their experience will prove valuable in the future.

Ageless Kekana remains Sundowns' pillar of strength

Team captain Hlompho Kekana signed a new four-year deal in March 2020 despite being 35-year-old, but the club was rewarding him for his consistent displays on the pitch.

The midfielder was followed by 32-year-old Anele Ngcongca, who extended his stay with the Brazilians by another year two months ago.

This week, Sundowns announced that their first-choice penalty taker and central defender Ricardo Nascimento, 33, has signed a new three-year deal.

While Thapelo Morena and Gaston Sirino have also been tied down to long-term deals by the Tshwane giants as keeping such influential players will be key to the Sundowns' success.

Tau benefitted from Downs' perfect blend of youth & experience

Mosimane, who has proved that he is not afraid to give youngsters a chance, is blending older and youthful players in order to lead the reigning PSL champions to new heights.

The man nicknamed Jingles showed his faith in Morena, Percy Tau, Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly and they flourished at Sundowns as youngsters.

The quartet was competing and learning from experienced players such as Ngcongca, Teko Modise, Anthony Laffor, Suprise Moriri as well as Kekana.

Mosimane is looking to ensure that the 2016 Caf Champions League winners continue their habit of winning and challenging for trophies.

Having a good blend of youth and experience to add to a gifted Sundowns squad will surely continue to propel the team in the right direction.

From an average of playing around 20 matches during his three years at Sporting Clube de Goa where Pratesh Shirodkar started his senior career, it came down to merely six matches over a span of three seasons at FC Goa until 2019. In the 2017-18 and 2018-19, he played just 21 minutes in the Indian Super League (ISL) cumulatively.

The 36-year-old spoke about his recent struggles that literally left him without a club to play first team football last season before he looks to ressurect his career having agreed to sign for I-League club Real Kashmir.

"Last year, I couldn't play anywhere because I went to Hyderabad FC and was there for trials for around a month. The coach (Phil Brown) said that he will sign me. I played so many practice matches and did well also," he narrated.

"When Adil (Khan) told him (Brown) about me, he called me for trials and told me on the first day itself, 'If I like you, I will sign you in three days'. I was there for a month waiting for him to sign me and missed an offer from East Bengal also who wanted to sign me for two years because I had thought that it is better to play in the ISL than the I-League.

"Then I had to wait for the next transfer window but it did not work out and I only got to join Dempo for a training stint," Shirodkar admitted.

Pratesh had his share of good times right from the age of 13 when he joined Calangute-based Goa United Sports Academy before being selected to hone his skills as a midfielder at the Sesa Football Academy in 2007.

"I started playing for Goa United Sports Academy from U-14 till U-20 when I was at school. At that time, Goa United wanted to put all the players who played for them at St. Joseph's school but I played for them from my own school (Little Flower of Jesus High School, Calangute). From there, I played nationals for Goa and then got selected for the Sesa Football Academy."

After five years at Sesa, which included three seasons playing in the Goa Professional League, Shirodkar joined Sporting Clube de Goa in 2012 and won the local top division twice that helped him gain the favour of then Flaming Oranje coach Oscar Bruzon. The Spaniard was on his way to the Indian Super League (ISL) as Nicolas Anelka's assistant at Mumbai City FC in 2015.

"Because of Oscar, I came to Mumbai City," the Goan acknowledged. "It (the ISL) is on another level if you compare it to the I-League. I think ISL is the best platform for all the players who are coming up because you get to learn a lot of things. In I-League also you get to learn something new but in ISL, you get better facilities and even when the new coaches come, you get to learn a lot more."

After a season with the Islanders, he returned to the coastal state on-loan to Sporting Goa before being signed by FC Goa in 2016. However, after just three appearances, in the January 2017 transfer window, he was loaned out to I-League outfit Mumbai FC where he clocked nearly four times the minutes (994) he would garner with the Gaurs (256) in three seasons combined.

"The journey was good but I couldn't play much (at FC Goa) because of injuries. I didn't get much time on the pitch," Shirodkar explained.

"Even the coach (Sergio Lobera, former FC Goa coach), when we had gone for the pre-season in Spain (2018), he used to play me as a right back or some other position but never in midfield. Even the few minutes that I played, I played in the right back or right half positions. I don't have anything against the coach, he was very good and he had his own strategies.

"I think the biggest competition I faced was my own height. I think the coach didn't prefer me to play in the midfield because of my height. Otherwise, there was no other issue. That (5.1 metres height) was the problem," he felt.

Former Sporting Goa coach Oscar Bruzon was extremely complimentary when talking about Shirodkar, explaining how the midfielder provided balance to his team.

"He (Shirodkar) was a player that was always giving consistency to my defensive stage, positioning himself ahead of the center backs. [Shirodkar was] energetic and winning balls from that area and also keeps balance when full backs go high in the attack," he told Goal.

"I used him a couple of games as a right full back (at Sporting Goa) but his natural habitat is in the midfield where he is well surrounded as he gives good first passes. He is obviously not an attacking player and this is why he has to be well surrounded. I think right back is also a suitable position for him."

Now that he's signed for Real Kashmir, Shirodkar is looking forward to clocking some much-needed playing time.

"I need to play now because now if I go to any ISL club, the first thing they will ask you is 'how many minutes did you play last year?' Last year, I don't know what happened.

"Last season also actually, after Hyderabad (trials), I was supposed to go there (Real Kashmir) but that is the time they signed Robin Singh on loan (from Hyderabad FC). At the end of the season then, coach (Dave Robertson) messaged me so I said okay.

"Now I want to start from Kashmir, give my best and show that I can still play. Most of the players who signed for I-League clubs after playing in the ISL never made a come-back in the ISL. Adil made a big come-back and it was really good for him."

109 years ago, on 29th July 1911, Mohun Bagan was immortalised in the history books of Indian football after they defeated East Yorkshire Regiment to lift the IFA Shield. The Green and Maroon were 2-1 winners in the final as they went on to become the first Indian side to win the competition.

Tens of thousands of fans had flocked the “maidan” to cheer for Mohun Bagan who promised a good show, having gotten the better of the likes of St. Xavier’s, Rangers, Rifle Brigade and Middlesex on their path to the final.

The Immortals conceded first but scored twice in the second half to send the state into a frenzy and hence a festive mood for weeks to come. Some of the best media houses at that time – London Times, Daily Mail and Manchester Guardian – covered the tournament in great detail.

The 11 players who featured in the game were henceforth known as the “Amor Ekadosh” which translated to “The Immortal 11”. All players were posthumously awarded the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna.

Here is a profile of the members of the Amor Ekadosh.

Shibdas Bhaduri – The captain of the Immortals who led from the front, Shibdas Bhaduri scored the equaliser and assisted the winner in the historic match. He played on the left flank alongside elder brother Bijaydas Bhaduri and tormented the opposition with his speed and dribbling. This earned him the nickname “Pichol babu” or “Mr Slippery”.

Abhilash Ghosh – There was nothing to separate Mohun Bagan and East Yorkshire Regiment after 86 minutes of football in the finals of the IFA Shield. Centre forward Abhilash Ghosh latched on to a pass from his captain to slot home the decider and earn his side an important win. He was also the player to score their first goal of the tournament – the opener in a 3-0 win over St. Xavier’s.

Bhuti Sukul – The right-back joined the club when he was just 16. He was famous for his strong tackles and incredible ability in the air.

Bijaydas Bhaduri – The oldest of the Immortals, Bhaduri played as a left midfielder and often swapped positions with his younger brother Shibdas. He was a great dribbler of the ball, easing past oppositions with shoulder drops and body feints.

Hiralal Mukherjee – He played in multiple positions throughout his career but stood firm between the sticks in the all-important tournament. The trusty custodian saved three penalties in the opener against St. Xavier’s. Good anticipation and the ability to stay resilient against physical strikers were other quivers in his arrow.

Manmohan Mukherjee – There were very few who could pass through Mohun Bagan’s midfield with the ball still at their feet and Manmohan Mukherjee was one of the biggest reasons why. The right-half was nicknamed “Terrier” for his ability to snatch the ball in midfield.

Rajendra Sengupta – It was Rajendra Sengupta who conceded the free-kick that led to East Yorkshire Regiment’s goal in the final. But what proved to be a harmless mistake should not discount the stellar performances displayed by the youngest player in the squad. Playing in central defence in an attack-minded team was not easy but Rajendra ensured Hiralal was well-protected.

Sudhir Chatterjee – It was not hard to spot Sudhir Chatterjee in the Mohun Bagan line-up that started the final. In fact, the defender was the only Indian to wear boots in that match. Sudhir was not among the fastest on the pitch but his intelligent reading of the game made him an asset to the team.

Srishchandra ‘Habul’ Sarkar – The right inside Habul was versatile and could also play in midfield. His moment of glory arrived in the replay semi-final game against Middlesex Regiment when he scored a goal in the dying moments to ensure a place in the final.

Jatindranath ‘Kanu’ Roy – When he was not tormenting defenders with his incredible pace on the right flank, Kanu was busy scoring important goals to keep his side in the tournament. He scored a brilliant long-range goal against Middlesex Regiment in the semis to equalise and force a replay.

Nilmadhab Bhattacharya – One of the most skilful players in the team, Nilmadhab Bhattacharya operated on the left flank. He had a brilliant passing range to go with and was an absolute delight to watch.

The 2019-20 season has been phenomenal for Mohun Bagan faithful. They won their second I-League title with four matches to spare and also ensured their participation in the top tier of Indian football, i.e. the Indian Super League (ISL), by joining hands with ATK.

Both the tasks had its fair share of challenges. As far as the sporting project is concerned, the officials chose to put their trust in a new manager in KIbu Vicuna and a host of players were signed. The start of the campaign was not great but the way the team was playing showed promise. In the Durand Cup and the Calcutta Football League (CFL), they finished as runners-up and got ousted in the semi-finals of the Sheikh Kamal Cup in Bangladesh. They even had a bumpy start to their I-League campaign with a draw and a 4-2 humiliation to Churchill Brothers at home. Yet, the management backed Vicuna and the Spaniard proved his worth at the end of the season. 

But, the Coronavirus pandemic played spoilsport and prevented the Mariners from lifting the trophy or celebrating the title with the million fans just as they did after bagging their maiden I-League championship in 2014-15. 

"Mohun Bagan winning I-League and we are not being able to celebrate with the fans with the trophy is the biggest regret. It is a huge disappointment. Some things you propose and God disposes. But we are hopeful that someday we will get the trophy and celebrate but it is too early to say," stated Srinjoy Bose, general secretary of Mohun Bagan, to Goal on the eve of Mohun Bagan day. 

Due to the pandemic, even the Mohun Bagan day celebrations will be held online, a first for the century-old club. 

"We have been adjusting to a new reality. For the past four months, we have been doing a lot of things in a way that we haven't done before. Now we are living in a virtual world. If meetings and classes can happen online then why not celebrations," said Bose, who believes that given the current circumstances the safety of the fans is of paramount importance."

Mohun Bagan is set to participate in the ISL and the official hopes that the synergy between the I-League and ISL champions will usher in an era of success.

"It is good that we will be playing the ISL (even in these difficult circumstances) for the first time as well as in the AFC Cup. These are testing times for us and for everyone. ISL is a different ball game for our supporters and the members. So hopefully, the blending of the two champions will yield a positive result. But it is really disappointing that fans will not be present in our first season in ISL. Again, this is the new normal. You have to accept it. All over the world fans are being prohibited."

Bose also shared that even though it was difficult to make a breakthrough into ISL, the management was firm to keep their promise that they made to the club members and fans. 

"The more difficult the task, the sweeter is the success. Winning the I-League with four matches to spare and in the royal manner that we won is hugely satisfying. It is the same thing with how we made our way into ISL. It was a difficult task but we did it after getting a new partner. There were sacrifices made as it was a corporate affair. You see that our rivals (East Bengal) are yet to come up (in ISL). Our President (Tutu Bose) had said that Mohun Bagan will always play in the top league of the country (although last season they played in the I-League). ISL is the top league and we are in it.

"So, to keep up with promise and the expectations was a huge task but we have done it successfully. It was a huge responsibility as it involved the emotions of millions of fans," concluded the board member of ATK Mohun Bagan FC, 

Jordan Ayew has expressed his gratitude after winning three Crystal Palace awards following an impressive 2019-20 season.

Accruing 37 percent of the total votes, the Ghana international dismissed competition from Vicente Guaita (28.2%) and Gary Cahill (16.7%) to clinch the Player of the Season prize.

Apart from that, he was named club’s Players' Player of the Season while his 87th-minute effort against West Ham United in October was named as the Goal of the Season.

“Last season was very tough for me but I was determined to work hard and repay the faith shown in me by the club.

“Thank you to our supporters for the amazing support once again and for the love they have shown me. We have missed you alot since the restart but we will see you again soon when it’s safe and it will be a very special feeling.

“As a team, we have worked so hard collectively and I want to thank my teammates for all their efforts on the pitch. A big thank you also to the boss [Roy Hodgson], the coaching staff, the board, and all the club staff for everything they have done for us this season.

“Whilst it’s always special to receive personal awards, the most important thing is that we work even harder and come back stronger next season. I would also like to thank my amazing family for their unconditional love and support every day.”

The Ghana international also paid tribute to former Olympique Marseille boss, Pape Diouf who died in March after battling with coronavirus.

“These awards are dedicated to the late Pape Diouf, who we sadly lost during the quarantine period. He was a very special man, who helped me and my family so much. I will miss him greatly,” he continued.

“It’s time for a short break now before the hard work starts again. See you all very soon and stay safe.”

Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are in the running to be crowned 2019-20 Arsenal Player of the Season.

The Anglo-Nigerian and Gabon star were named in the final three-man shortlist for the annual award alongside goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

18-year-old Saka - who was promoted to the first team in 2018 -  has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Gunners and has become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad. He underlined his importance to the Emirates Stadium giants by featuring in a variety of different positions, while scoring four times and claiming 12 assists across all competitions.

In the season under review, captain Aubameyang produced an awe-inspiring performance by recording 27 goals across all tournaments.

The Gabon international ended the English Premier League with 22 strikes in 36 outings, the same number of goals he scored for Arsenal in his first full campaign in England following a move from Borussia Dortmund.

He narrowly missed the chance to retain the Golden Boot he shared with Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in 2018-19, as Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy clinched it with 23 goals this season.

For former Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Leno, he was consistently one of the Gunners’ finest performers - making a string of great saves throughout the campaign until his season was ended prematurely against Brighton and Hove Albion after landing heavily on his right leg under pressure from Neal Maupay.

Winner will be decided by votes from Arsenal faithfuls. Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette was named winner of the 2018-19 season.

Nigeria prospect Saka had expressed his delight playing alongside marksman Aubameyang, whom he was watching as a teenager at the academy.

"In the academy we got tickets to watch [the first team] and I used to see him scoring goals. To now be playing with him is just amazing,” Saka told Sky Sports.

"You know he's going to score a goal for us. He's such a good guy who helps all the young players with advice and he's also funny as well!"

Having finished eighth in the just concluded English topflight season after garnering 56 points from 38 games, Arterta’s side would be hoping to end the season on a high by beating Chelsea to the FA Cup title on August 1 at Wembley.

Nigeria international Leon Balogun trained with his new Rangers teammates for the first time on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old joined the Scottish Premiership side on a one year contract with an option of an extension after leaving Championship side Wigan Athletic and becoming a free agent at the end the 2019-20 season.

Having been unveiled by Steven Gerrard’s men, the Super Eagles defender moved swiftly into action by training with the team at the Rangers Training Centre.

At the Ibrox Stadium, the former Mainz man would be seeking a new adventure while hoping to adapt quickly to his new environment as Rangers face Aberdeen in their first game of the season on August 1.

"I think it is an advantage for me not to be coming off 14 days or a 21-day break so I can come straight to fit into it, work with the team and get to know the team,” Balogun told the club website.

"The league starts next week, so I am looking forward to joining the squad and integrating as quickly as possible.

"It's amazing. I'm coming to a club which has an incredible history and an incredible fan culture. I, unfortunately, haven't witnessed it yet, but I am looking forward to it.

“On a personal note, my best friend, my oldest friend, was a huge Jorg Albertz supporter. That's how I first got in touch with Rangers because of my best friend and the Hammer, so it is a proud moment for both of us - we never really saw it coming but it's immense."

Apart from this, he wants the club to achieve success during his time.

"Obviously, to have this kind of crowd behind you in every game at home is amazing. I've been lucky enough to experience it, or something similar before in my career at some stage,” he continued.

“I just want to experience it as everyone has been telling me you have no idea just how big it is, and I am looking forward to getting started and getting in touch with them. Hopefully, we can have some success together."

Antonio Conte has again dismissed the possibility of Lionel Messi joining Inter, suggesting it would be easier to move Milan's cathedral than Barcelona's icon.

There was renewed speculation that Inter could attempt to pull off an audacious move for Messi in this transfer window when a picture of the Argentina great was projected onto the Duomo di Milano on Tuesday.

Reports in Italy said Inter's owners were behind the stunt, which had been designed to publicise television coverage of the Nerazzurri's Serie A clash with Napoli later that evening. 

It did more than that, though, once again reigniting the rumour that Messi – who has not been afraid to express his unhappiness at Barca this season – could move to Milan, where his father has recently bought a house.

However, after chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said suggestions Inter could sign Messi were merely "fantasy football", Conte also poured cold water on the idea.

Asked by Sky Sport Italia whether he would rather sign Messi or four players worth €50million each, Inter head coach Conte replied: "I think both of those scenarios are pretty improbable!

"I am holding on tight to my players, as they are giving their all, I can guarantee that.

"It'd be easier to move the Duomo than to bring Messi to Inter!"

It was Inter's current Argentina star who helped them defeat Napoli 2-0 on Tuesday. There were shades of Messi in Lautaro Martinez's brilliant run and 30-yard finish into the bottom corner, though it was just his third goal since January.

Danilo D'Ambrosio was also on target for an Inter side that moved back up to second and extended their unbeaten run to seven games.

Though Juventus have already been crowned champions, Conte is keen to secure the runners-up berth, which Inter would do if they avoid defeat against third-placed Atalanta in their final league fixture at the weekend.

"It was not easy after Atalanta had won at Parma, as we were in a certain sense forced to win our game," Conte added.

"These are important situations, because being in front – even if it's for second place and someone else won the Scudetto – we need to get used to feeling the pressure of teams pushing up behind us."

Portugal can expect an influx of thousands of football supporters when Lisbon hosts the final stages of the Champions League - which has been described as "a gift for the country".

Europe has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and UEFA decided in May it would move its flagship club competition to Portugal from the quarter-final stage onwards.

By having all eight teams together in the same city, UEFA will be able to closely manage the organisation of the competition, in the hope it passes off without any Covid-related problems.

According to Daniel Sa, executive director of the Portuguese Institute of Administration and Marketing (IPAM), Portugal can expect to benefit to the tune of around €50 million in extra income.

Along with potentially priceless showcasing of the country, there appear to be good reasons for Portugal to welcome the Champions League to its capital, even if all matches are currently due to be played behind closed doors.

Lisbon last hosted the Champions League final in 2014, when Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra time at Benfica's Estadio da Luz, the venue that will also stage this year's showpiece.

Sa said: "We believe that we will have more than 15,000 fans, without tickets of course, that are going to gather during these 12 days in the country and basically having fun around the tournament."

That would be just a small fraction of the number that gathered in Madrid last year when Liverpool faced Tottenham, when up to 150,000 fans were reported to have travelled, but it may be a manageable number for the local authorities.

"Portugal is a country that loves football," said Sa. "So having an event like this with the eight top European teams, during 12 days in Portugal in a year where we had no football for three months, this is a gift for the country."

It would surely help the cause locally if Juventus qualify, given Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the Italian giants. Juventus trail Lyon 1-0 after the first leg of their last-16 tie, with the second game in Turin on Friday, August 7.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are also among teams whose participation is on a knife-edge, ahead of last-16 second legs against Napoli and Manchester City respectively.

"Ronaldo is a very big, big brand in Portugal and right now some Portuguese are supporters for Juventus," Sa said. "So I think this could raise the attention in Portugal and raise the economic impact.

"People are very excited to have the best players in the world for 12 days in the country."

He pointed to a track record of successfully staged football events in Portugal, including Euro 2004 and last year's Nations League finals.

"I suppose that was the first reason to choose Portugal," said Sa. "The second one I believe it is related to the situation of the pandemic, and probably UEFA had confidence that Portuguese authorities would be able to provide the right standards and the right level of security, mainly about health security, and there is trust in the way Portugal is dealing with the pandemic."

IPAM has studied likely behavioural patterns, examining travel bookings, the prospects of restaurant use, shopping, entertainment and tourism activities on offer.

Sa said the 2014 Champions League final resulted in €46m of economic impact, while last year's game in Madrid saw the Spanish capital benefit to the tune of around €60m.

He added: "In these days having an event that can generate €50m for the country, but more than this can give a visibility around the world, is so important and very positive for the country in this moment."

Prince William has explained how he ended up supporting Aston Villa.

The Prince's footballing allegiance has long been a source of curiosity for some fans, given the lack of an obvious local or familial connection to the club.

He tweeted his support after Villa avoided relegation from the Premier League on Sunday, joking that survival was "never in doubt".

Speaking on the BBC's That Peter Crouch Podcast , Prince William said: “Only in the last few years have I really got a grip of Villa as my team. I watch them a lot. I get into stats and I watch them every week.

“It was the first FA Cup game I went to. It was a Villa vs Bolton game and I remember sitting in the stands with a beanie on.

“I must have been about 12 or 11 and I went with a load of mates. I sat there amongst all the Villa fans and I loved it. I thought the atmosphere and team ethos was great.

“At the time, I desperately didn’t want to support Man Utd or Chelsea like everyone else at school.

"I liked the idea that Villa had a real history, winning European Cups and stuff like that. I felt a real connection with the club, more than I felt watching some of the other ones. Villa felt like a really proud Midlands club and it felt very special.”

William also said he had taken his children, George and Charlotte, to Villa's 5-1 win against Norwich earlier in the season - but he wasn't pushing George to follow in his footsteps.

“I’m trying not to persuade him to be a Villa fan – I’m letting him choose his own way. It’s about finding what fits for him," he said. “Previously I was a bit concerned about him supporting Chelsea, but now Frank [Lampard] has come in I feel the culture’s a bit different at Chelsea and I’d be ok with it.

“I do like the values and the ethos of the club. I want them to look after the players and set a good example to the young fans. I want our children, when they go the match, to come away loving what they’ve seen, enjoying it and seeing their role models behave in a way that we’d all want them to.”

That Peter Crouch Podcast is available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Live

Hernan Crespo says he wants to return to England as a manager, possibly following in Marcelo Bielsa’s footsteps by cutting his teeth in the Championship.

Unlike his vastly experienced former boss Bielsa, Crespo is relatively new to the coaching game. His current side, Argentine outfit Defensa y Justicia, are the fourth team he has managed, following previous spells at Banfield, Modena and the youth team at Parma.

The former Chelsea, Milan and Inter forward is enjoying coaching and dreaming of a return to British shores.

“I was very happy playing in England, going to training, very happy with the fans,” Crespo told the Daily Mail. “That is why today as a manager I would like to be able to re-live that. I admire the Premier League and even the Championship, too.

“Being a coach is beautiful. Being beside Jose [Mourinho] at Chelsea and Inter, I learned that the manager is 360 degrees.

“How to deal with journalists, doctors, players, backroom staff, the atmosphere, fans, with everything. These three [Mourinho, Bielsa and Carlo Ancelotti] opened up my mind to certain things.”

While Crespo played under his fair share of top managers, he is adamant that his coaching style will be his own – just as his playing style was.

“I admired Marco Van Basten, Romario but I couldn’t be Van Basten or Romario, I had to be Hernan Crespo,” he said.

“I will simply try to put my name on the map without imitating anyone. For me it’s about identity. I like the managers who have identity like Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone or Jurgen Klopp.”

Away from his future in management, Crespo also spoke about his playing past, including his lowest moment. The then-forward scored twice in the first half of the 2005 Champions League final to give Milan a 3-0 lead at the break, before Liverpool executed their famous comeback in Istanbul.

“I don’t remember what you’re talking about,” he joked when asked about the game.

“The pain was so great, but that is why we love football, because it is not mathematics. Pain won over reason. Things simply happened which had to happen. It’s not something you could control.”

Atalanta are likely to be without top scorer Josip Ilicic for their Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

The 32-year-old Slovenia forward has starred for Gian Piero Gasperini's side this season, scoring 21 goals in 34 games including five in seven in Europe.

His contributions have been key to Atalanta's stunning scoring form this year. With one league game to play, they need two more goals to reach 100 in Serie A alone.

However, he hasn't featured since the 2-2 draw with Juventus on July 11, and there seems little prospect of him returning soon.

Speaking after a 2-1 win at Parma on Tuesday, Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia: "We're getting closer to the day [of the PSG game]. With each passing day, it is more difficult for us to have Ilicic back. It would be very difficult for him to be with us in Lisbon."

After finishing their league season with a home fixture against Inter on Saturday, Atalanta will face PSG on August 12. With the closing stages of the tournament played as one-off knockout games in Portugal, the winner will go on to face either Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig in the semi-final.

The Atalanta-PSG fixture had seemed a likely goal glut, but Ilicic isn't the only star forward set to miss the fixture.

Kylian Mbappe is almost certain to miss the game with an ankle injury picked up in PSG's 1-0 Coupe de France final win over Saint-Etienne, while Angel Di Maria is suspended.

The Ligue 1 champions will be relying on Neymar and Mauro Icardi to provide attacking inspiration, with club-record scorer Edinson Cavani having left at the expiry of his contract.

While Atalanta would clearly prefer to have Ilicic back, they have spread goals throughout their squad this season.

Colombian duo Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel have 19 each, while Mario Pasalic and Robin Gosens have also hit double figures. Ruslan Malinovskiy and Alejandro 'Papu' Gomez have been key contributors, with Gomez adding 18 assists to his eight goals.

Atalanta will go into their final league game against Inter looking to secure second place for the first time. That would improve on their best-ever finish of third, which they managed last season.

Substitute Lautaro Martinez's stunning strike ensured Inter are in pole position to finish as runners-up in Serie A after a 2-0 victory over Napoli.

Atalanta's win earlier on Tuesday dropped the Nerazzurri down to third, but Danilo D'Ambrosio's first-half goal put them on course to move directly behind champions Juventus once again.

Martinez then came off the bench and fired home from range in the 74th minute for just his third goal since January as Inter made it seven games without defeat ahead of Saturday's season-ending clash with Atalanta, who are just one point behind them.

A second straight away defeat for Napoli left them seventh, though their Coppa Italia victory has already assured them of a Europa League place in 2020-21.

It took Inter just 11 minutes to go ahead, D'Ambrosio reaching Cristiano Biraghi's cutback and steering a first-time shot into the net.

Napoli then seized control of proceedings, though, with a passage that began with Lorenzo Insigne flicking Piotr Zielinski's effort just wide with Samir Handanovic rooted to the spot.

Handanovic then made saves from Zielinski and Matteo Politano before an Antonio Candreva deflection diverted an Insigne effort wide when a goal looked certain.

Napoli keeper Alex Meret did his best not to be overshadowed, brilliantly tipping Marcelo Brozovic's effort wide at the end of an entertaining first half.

Momentum was lost after the break and an hour had gone when Eljif Elmas next went close when firing wide.

Biraghi could have wrapped up the three points but he got his effort horribly wrong on the counter, and it was left for Martinez to run forward and pick out the bottom corner from 30 yards out to seal it.

What does it mean? Unbeaten run goes on for Conte's men

A second-placed finish in Serie A would be nice but Conte would mainly like to keep this momentum going ahead of the Europa League resumption.

Atalanta, unbeaten since January, will represent a serious test, but Martinez started on the bench here and should be fresh for that, and imbued with the confidence of his long-range goal.

Bastoni a solid presence at the back

This was another clean sheet for Inter – their third in a row – and Alessandro Bastoni deserved plenty of credit for his role in that.

He jointly led the team with five clearances and two interceptions, won both of his duels and had a team-high 77 touches to boot.

Milik goes missing

While Bastoni had a big part to play, Arkadiusz Milik was a bit-part player instead.

The forward had only 18 touches despite being on the pitch for 84 minutes and struggled to get involved throughout.

Key Opta Facts

- Inter have scored the most goals (seven) with their first shot of the match in Serie A this season.
- Martínez has scored four goals from outside the box in Serie A this season. The last Inter player to do better in a single top-flight campaign was Zlatan Ibrahimovic (six in 2008-09).
- Only Robin Gosens has delivered most Serie A assists than Biraghi (six) among defenders his season.
- Napoli have not scored in five of their last six away games at San Siro in Serie A (against Milan or Inter).
- Inter have kept the clean sheet in three consecutive Serie A games for their first time since last September.

What's next?

Inter round off the season at Atalanta before facing Getafe in the Europa League. Napoli's final Serie A game is at home against Lazio.

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) have announced the signing of former Orlando Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa and ex-Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Molangoane. 

The Limpopo-based outfit took to their social media platforms on Tuesday night to confirm the arrivals of the experienced duo. 

TTM didn't disclose the length of the duo's contracts in their statement. 

The news comes hours after Mamelodi Sundowns' statement that Manyisa was no longer their player. 

According to the statement, Sundowns decided against taking the option they had on the midfielder's contract which expired at the end of June. 

Manyisa had been with the Tshwane giants for three seasons but injuries coupled with stiff competition for places made it difficult for him to cement his place in Pitso Mosimane's starting line-up. 

He was limited to just nine appearances across all competitions in the last two seasons with his last two coming in the Caf Champions League against Cote d'Or in 2019. 

He suffered a long-term Achilles tendon injury in the Shell Helix Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs in October 2019. 

His former coach Mosimane said Manyisa only recovered in February but revealed the Randfontein-born had fully recovered at the time the club released him.   

Malongoane, on the other hand, parted ways with Kaizer Chiefs following the expiry of his contract on June 30. 

The speedy utility player had been with the Glamour Boys for four years after his arrival from Chippa United in 2016. 

Like Manyisa, Malongoane also suffered a career-threatening injury when he broke his leg in the MTN8 quarter-final against Free State Stars in 2018. 

He was given enough time to recover by Amakhosi but he never really managed to get back to his best and it is for that reason Ernst Middendorp had not played him this season. 

The two midfielders will hope to revive their careers with the Limpopo-based side which will be campaigning in the PSL next season after purchasing the status of Bidvest Wits.

Inter could not afford Lionel Messi and any suggestion of them signing the Barcelona superstar is "utopian", according to chief executive Giuseppe Marotta.

There was a stir in Milan and beyond on Tuesday when a picture of Messi projected onto the city's cathedral circulated on social media.

Italian media said Inter's majority owners, Suning, used the image to publicise the televising of Inter's game against Napoli in China. It is not the first time there has been speculation they could be interested in signing Messi.

However, Marotta, who is hopeful Alexis Sanchez could stay with the club next season, cannot see how Inter could make any deal for Argentinian superstar Messi happen.

Marotta told Sky Sport Italia: "Messi on the cathedral? It wasn't my idea. It reminds me of football from the past with such situations. We are talking about an icon, a great player, a desire that everyone has."

He stressed it would be "extraordinary to see such a champion at Inter", adding: "It's fantasy football, a utopian situation."

Marotta added: "Our football [in Italy] needs a lift. Champions raise the value of the Italian brand and football. If we could consider ours to be a championship in which the great champions come and stay, it would be better.

"No Italian team is capable of carrying out such an operation unless extraordinary factors arise related to the shareholders, and therefore the actual owners.

"Let's not forget that we must respect FFP [Financial Fair Play]. This year, Covid-19 has ensured that there is some flexibility, but afterwards the rules will have to be respected.

"Suning has already injected many millions into the company. Today investments have to give continuity and be done with a project."

Marotta said Inter must look to "raise the bar" next season, in Antonio Conte's second campaign as head coach.

Whether Sanchez remains at the club remains to be seen, given the on-loan Chilean forward has two years remaining on a lucrative Manchester United contract.

"It is not easy," Marotta said, pointing to Sanchez's United's terms.

The intention is nevertheless there on Inter's part to push for an extension to Sanchez's stay, with Marotta saying: "We would like to have him with us today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow."

Jordan Ayew has been crowned Crystal Palace Player of the Season after his outstanding performances in the 2019-20 campaign.

Ayew saw off competition from Vicente Guaita and Gary Cahill to clinch the award after earning 37 per cent of the total votes from almost 6,000 club supporters.

It was an eventful Tuesday evening for the Black Stars forward who contributed nine goals and two assists for the Eagles this term. They ended the Premier League campaign in the 14th spot after a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Ayew was also named the Players' Player of the Season and his 87th-minute  winning strike against West Ham United back in October was awarded the Goal of the Season.

After receiving the three awards, the 28-year-old paid tribute to former Marseille President, Pape Diouf who died in March after battling with coronavirus.

“I’ve worked so hard to get into the team and I think the first season I came into this team wasn’t the best but the club had faith in me, the club wanted me to stay and I wanted to stay as well,” Ayew was quoted by the club website.

"I had the desire to have a better season and things have gone so well. I’m just grateful.

"I want to thank everyone at the football club; I want to thank the fans especially, they’ve been massive for us this season, for me especially they’ve been massive. I’d like to thank all the people that supported me within the difficult moments that I had in my football career.

"When I have this type of award I just think of my family and obviously of the fans. And one man that’s been so influential in my football career: that’s [mentor and former Olympique de Marseille president] Pape Diouf. I lost him within the period of COVID and he passed away, I wish he was still here so I could present him this."

During the season, Ayew was named Crystal Palace Player of the Month twice and he scooped 10 man-of-the-match awards.

Roy Hodgson, in his remarks, described the Ghana international as an ‘unbelievable’ player and also reserved praise for his work ethics.

"[Jordan] is an unbelievable enthusiast and hard worker, somebody really who never falls below a certain level of performance, someone who never misses a training session and is always lively and alert in each training session, irrespective if it’s the day after coming back after a long journey or after having a day or two off,” the manager said.

"He's made great strides going forward. When he came to us, he showed a lot of qualities but I think the qualities he possesses he really has worked on and improved... Well done, Jordan."

Wilfried Ndidi has expressed his disappointment after Leicester City ended the 2019-20 Premier League campaign in the fifth spot.

The Super Eagles midfielder was in action for 90 minutes as the Foxes narrowly missed out on qualification for next season’s Uefa Champions League.

Second half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard at the King Power Stadium condemned the hosts to a 2-0 loss against Manchester United on Sunday.

The result secured United's return to the elite European tournament since the 2017-18 season while Leicester City dropped to the Europa League.

Brendan Rodgers’ side finished the campaign with 62 points after 38 matches with 18 wins recorded in the process.

“We are a bit disappointed to finish 5th. But overall. It was a great season,” Ndidi tweeted.

“I want to first of all thank our fans for being with us even when the stadiums were empty due to the pandemic, it was indeed a season to learn from and grow into next season thanks for support.”

Ndidi was a rock in Leicester City’s midfield this season with his ball-winning skills, and he completed 128 total tackles – the second-highest in the Premier League behind Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka who made 129 tackles.

The 23-year-old featured in 39 games in the 2019-20 season, which include 32 league outings. He also scored two goals, against Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Ghana are on the verge of naming a new technical director, Football Association (GFA) general secretary Prosper Harrison Addo has said.

The office has been vacant since Francis Oti Akenteng's tenure ended in March.

Six candidates, comprising three expatriates and three locals, have already been interviewed for the role but the GFA has fallen short of revealing the precise identities of the shortlisted men.

“The Select Committee in charge is in the final leg of their work and would soon submit its final report to the Executive Council for approval, and once approval is given, an official announcement of the new technical director will be made,” Addo told Times Sports.

“The technical director role is one of the prerequisites of Fifa, and we are in the process of appointing the new head soon.

“All the applicants have been given a level playing field to show what they can offer and the most competent would land the position.

“It is for the sake of best practice that we are keeping the name of the six persons close to our chest for now, and not for any other clandestine reason."

Former Asante Kotoko coach Abdul Malik Jabir and erstwhile Somalia boss Bashir Hayford were among the applicants when the GFA announced the vacancy for the job in March.

Both men, however, failed to make the ultimate interview shortlist of six.

“I have heard that Bashir Hayford has also applied. They are saying that over 100 people have applied which is a big lie. It’s never possible," Addo added.

"The work of a technical director will be heavier than the work of a coach because as a technical director, you will be involved in all sectors.

“How can 100 plus people apply for this post? We will not sit down for these foolish things to continue. This is why I am mad.

"You know I’m a gentleman and I don’t fight so if you find me talking like this, you should know that I’m peeved. It’s selfishness because they want the money to remain with them."

In an earlier interview, Jabir lashed out at the GFA for failing to give applicants feedback before heading into the interview phase for the six men.