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Newcastle chairman discusses club's ambitions after takeover

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with England international Jadon Sancho, and a former star at Old Trafford has called for five additions

Manchester United, who have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, need to be bringing in another right winger as competition for Mason Greenwood, claims Gary Neville.

The Red Devils already have Wales international Daniel James as an alternative option to fill that spot.

Marcus Rashford is also capable of operating on either flank, but Neville feels that greater depth will help United to hit their ultimate goal of challenging for the Premier League title.

The Old Trafford icon told Sky Sports: "He (Greenwood) will play, I think he can play centre-forward, I think he can play left-wing, I think he can play right-wing.

"To me, not signing a right-winger thinking he would be out of the team is not the right way to look at it.

"Manchester United have always signed great players to challenge other great players in positions. Manchester United had four centre-forwards in 1999.

"Sir Alex Ferguson signed Dwight Yorke having already had Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham at the club. It didn't stop him signing Dwight Yorke.

"You don't just say 'where will he play?'. Great players will challenge each other, they'll improve, they will find a way to get into the team.

"They won't feel belittled by it or challenged to the point where they sulk, they will step up to the task and they will go for it.

"I'm sure that's what Mason Greenwood will do. He's still young but so exciting it's untrue. I love watching him."

Neville feels that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be looking to bring in five players during the next transfer window, with a United side that has gone 18 games unbeaten in all competitions still requiring a further injection of talent in order to close on Liverpool and Manchester City.

He added: "I think they need a winger. I think they need a centre forward, I think they need a centre back, they need a proper challenge for David de Gea and then at left-back, they maybe need something if Luke Shaw gets injured.

"For me, they need four or five players still to challenge, whereby they can get into a position where they can challenge for a title and win in Europe – that’s where the club needs to get to."

Solskjaer is expected to add at the next opportunity, but it remains to be seen how much money he will be given to spend now that the coronavirus pandemic - and the financial implications of that - have forced leading clubs around the world to tighten their purse strings a little.

Original author: Chris Burton
  78 Hits

Atalanta's De Roon: Pizza party for UCL win

The 23-year-old Cameroonian found the back of the net to inspire the Timbers to victory against Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s men

Jeremy Ebobisse scored as Portland Timbers secured a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy in Tuesday’s MLS is Back Tournament outing at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

The 23-year-old delivered an impressive performance in the encounter, finding the back of the net to help the Timbers clinch their first win in Group F.

The centre-forward was handed a starting role in the match and spearheaded his side’s attack along with Diego Valeri.

Portland Timbers could have been behind in the 12th minute of the contest but for the heroic display of goalkeeper Steve Clark, who saved Javier Hernandez’s penalty.

Despite efforts from both side to break the deadlock, the first half ended without any of the sides able to find the back of the net.

The second half, however, looked more entertaining and action-packed and Giovanni Savarese’s men seemed more revitalized than LA Galaxy.

Portland Timbers were duly rewarded for their work-rate when Ebobisse broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when he connected with Sebastian Blanco’s cross and calmly put his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper David Bingham.

Blanco then scored a goal of his own in the 66th minute to double his side’s lead with a fine finish but shortly after the strike, the Timbers were reduced to 10 men.

Having been booked in the 11th minute of the encounter, Dario Zuparic got his second in the 75th minute and was subsequently sent off.

LA Galaxy soon capitalized on their numerical advantage when former Manchester United striker Hernandez made amends for his earlier miss by reducing the deficit after he was set up by Gordon Wild in the 88th minute.

Portland Timbers, however, held their nerve to secure all three points in their first game of the MLS is Back Tournament.

Ebobisse featured for 80 minutes before he was replaced by Jaroslaw Niezgoda while Malian defender Diedie Traorewas was an unused substitute for LA Galaxy.

The victory saw Portland Timbers lead Group F with three points after Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles FC played out a 3-3 draw earlier in the day.

Ebobisse will hope to continue his brilliant performances in front of goal when his side takes on Houston Dynamo on July 19.

The forward was born in France to Cameroonian and Malagasy parents and has represented the United States at the U20, U23 level and played for the senior team in a friendly.

Notwithstanding, the striker is still eligible to feature for Cameroon and Madagascar, having not played a competitive game for the USA senior team.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
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David breaks Davies' Canada fee mark in Lille move

The former Reds striker admits that interest from Anfield and the Etihad Stadium is unlikely, but he remains a fan of the French midfielder

Matteo Guendouzi continues to spark exit talk at Arsenal, and Stan Collymore claims the divisive midfielder is good enough to play for Liverpool or Manchester City.

A step up the Premier League ladder for an enigmatic 21-year-old appears unlikely.

Collymore admits as much, with there no indication that Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola would be considering a raid on the ranks at Emirates Stadium.

Guendouzi is, however, a player of considerable potential and somebody outside of north London may stand to benefit from that.

That is because Arsenal are said to be mulling over a sale in the next transfer window, with Mikel Arteta dropping the youngster from his plans amid more attitude questions.

“Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp might feel he’s not good enough for Manchester City or Liverpool, but I’d be inclined to disagree, because being around good players he could thrive,” former Reds striker Collymore told The Mirror.

“I’m not saying he’d get into either’s first XI now. But he could play for either club, the talent is that obvious.”

While there has been no talk of Liverpool or City entering the chase for Guendouzi as yet, La Liga giants Barcelona have been linked with a shock move.

Collymore’s comments suggest that he would not be surprised to see the former Lorient star end up at Camp Nou, but others are not so sure.

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has already played down the Blaugrana talk, with the former Gunners left-back of the opinion that Guendouzi still has much to work on – both as a player and in his character.

“I think there would need to be a huge improvement in Guendouzi’s game for Barcelona to be willing to take him,” Winterburn told bookmakers.co.uk.

“He’s a young kid who’s made big improvements but there’s a long way to go, so that would surprise me if it turns out to be true.

“Arsenal wouldn’t just let him go easily even if they do decide to sell him, it would need to be a substantial fee, so would Barcelona think he’s worth the risk?

“If the price is right, maybe, but it seems like a bit of a long shot to me.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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Sevilla hero Bounou shifts focus to Manchester United game

The 2016 KPL MVP has also revealed he might not be at K'Ogalo for the 2020/21 season

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna has revealed his mother remains the most important person in his life owing to her influence in his football career.

The midfielder is one of the best players in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and his quality has seen him get into the national team Harambee Stars. The 24-year-old has revealed the blessings from his mother as the moment he treasures.

"Best gift was my first boot given by my mother when I was still young," Muguna told KTN.

"I treasured it because that was like her blessings for me in the game. Tears flood my eyes when I recall the moment, it has contributed to my success. I feel happy because my mother was the first one to support me in my football career."

In his debut season in the Kenyan top-tier, the soft-speaking Muguna who was just 20 at the time, walked past established players to win the Most Valuable Players (MVP) Award.

"Winning the MVP Award while at Western Stima in 2016 is my most memorable moment considering it was my debut in the KPL," Muguna revealed.

"This will remain my best moment and will forever have it in my memory."

Kenya has arguably the most talented players in the region with the potential to be one of the best in the continent. However, it is not easy for players in the top-tier and Muguna has opined on the matter.

"In our league, many players are not paid for their services which is not a good thing. It contributes to a lack of taste in the league and has affected even the fans' attendance. 

"Most of these players come to play without salaries while others go for several months before getting paid and our quality has gone down as a result."

The K'Ogalo skipper has also revealed his contractual situation with KPL champions, Gor Mahia.

"It is true I might be leaving the team," the Kenya midfielder answered when asked whether he will be at the club.

"But it will depend on the outcome of our negotiations. If it all goes well, I will be with the team next season, if not, I will be playing for another team."  

Original author: Seth Willis
  88 Hits

Liverpool are counting on Núñez. He delivered at Newcastle

The Purple Sharks have unveiled their second signing as they strive to beef up the squad ahead of the new season

Wakiso Giants have confirmed the signing of winger Pius Kagwa from Uganda Premier League (UPL) side Police FC ahead of the new season.

The Purple Sharks are strengthening their squad ahead of the new season after they managed to secure their top-flight status in the just concluded 2019-20 season.

The club has confirmed on their official website the arrival of the winger, who is comfortable on both flanks on a three-year deal.

“In a bid to strengthen our squad, the Purple Sharks have signed winger Pius Kagwa from Police,” the club confirmed.

“The highly-rated winger who is comfortable on both flanks joins us on a three-year contract with an option to extend for a further year and he becomes our second signing in the transfer window after midfielder Ibrahim Kasule alias Owen Kasule.”

On signing for the team, Kagwa said: “I am excited to be joining one of the best clubs in the country at the moment. I have had some great time at Police and would love to thank the management, former teammates, and my coaches for turning me into the player I am today.

“There is still a lot to learn for me but am ready for the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”

Kagwa has also featured for Synergy FC in the lower league before he moved to sign for Police in the top-flight.

Kagwa becomes the second signing for Wakiso after the club brought on board Kasule from Kampala Junior Team on a three-year contract and with an option to extend it for a further year.

The 22-year-old Kasule had previously turned out for Nansana United and Buddu Ssaza where he emerged as the Most Valuable Player in 2018.

He also won the MVP during the University Football League where he managed to captain Lawrence University in 2019 and also won the Best Midfielder of the season in the same competition.

Wakiso will play in the top-flight for another season after they avoided relegation in the 2019-20 campaign when the league was ended owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wakiso finished the league in position 10 with Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) crowning Vipers SC, who were leading the league table, with former champions KCCA FC coming second.

Maroons FC, Uganda Cup champions Proline FC and Tooro United were all relegated, Myda FC and UPDF earned slots in the top-tier while Kiboga, Kataka, Kitara and Ndejje will face off in the play-offs to produce the third team that will grace the top-tier in the 2020/21 season.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  93 Hits

Cristiano Ronaldo wins April Premier League Player of the Month

The retired defender is keen to ensure that Matsatsantsa clinch the coveted trophy having won three successive titles between 2008 and 2010

SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo says his side can only challenge for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in two or three years.

The Zimbabwean tactician has been coaching the Tshwane giants since March 2018 having initially taken charge of the team as a caretaker coach.

Tembo was then appointed permanent head coach ahead of the 2018/19 season and he led the team to the 2018 MTN8 final where they lost to Cape Town City on penalties.

“I always look back to where I started as the interim coach. I think when I took over, the team was in 14th, two points above relegation, and with only about seven games to go – and we finished seventh," Tembo told Far Post.

"And the following season, when I was appointed full-time, we lost in the MTN8 final on penalties to Cape Town City and finished sixth in the league.

“And this is my second season, where we also got into the MTN8 final, and we won it [against Highlands Park], and we’re currently third in the league."

Tembo joined Matsatsantsa in 1999 and he has served as a player, academy coach, first-team assistant coach and now head coach.

The 49-year-old worked under coach Eric Tinkler when SuperSport lost to DR Congo's TP Mazembe in the 2017 Caf Confederation Cup final and he explained that they are rebuilding the team.

“So when I look back I see progress. And if you look at the team which I took over, to the team I have now, there’s a huge difference,” he said.

“A lot of players have left and we’ve brought in a lot of young players. For me, that’s what I look at if I want to judge myself.

“This season, I want to try and finish higher than we did last season. The team that got to the Confederation Cup final was very experienced, and most of those players are no longer with us.

“We are in a rebuilding phase, and it’s also made worse by the pandemic, and there are no budgets. So how I look at it is to bring in young players," he added.

“This team can still improve and in the next two or three years, we should be fighting for the league. So we’re cutting the budget, and at the same time staying competitive.

"I can see that in the next two, three seasons, we will be able to challenge."

SuperSport will be hoping to move up on the PSL standings when the current season resumes having been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic last March.

Tembo's side is placed third on the league standings - four points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have three games in hand.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  93 Hits

Frenkie de Jong & Erik ten Hag interested in reunion amid Man Utd interest

The Belgian coach was left gutted after some of his key players failed to report to training a day after losing the derby contest

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has confirmed only a few players turned out for training just a day after they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Simba SC in the FA Cup.

The Jangwani Street-based giants failed in their bid to reach the final of the domestic Cup after losing 4-1 in the semi-final clash played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

The huge defeat ended Yanga’s pursuit for a straight ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup but enhanced Simba’s chances of sealing a double this season since they had already been crowned the Mainland Premier League champions with six matches to spare.

The Belgian coach has now told Goal he was left a disappointed man after some key players, whom he did not want to name, decided to skip training on Monday which was aimed at discussing the Cup exit and also the remaining matches in the top-flight.

“A lot of players were not there on [Monday] for training, it is when you see the character when you are facing tough times, some players are there and some are not there but we will do with the players we have at hand,” Eymael told Goal.

“If people are not there perhaps they are thinking beyond the club, maybe their mind is not at the club and what can we do? We have to live with that and work with those players who are ready to play.”

Pressed further to name the players who skipped training and whether the club will take action against them,” Eymael said: “I don’t want to comment on that…okay, thank you very much.”

On whether the conduct of the missing players will affect the team’s quest to finish second on the 20-team league table, Eymael explained: “I don’t think so, but we will see, let us wait and see.

“We have to stay focused, now we have to prove if we are really men, if we can bounce back, unfortunately, this game [against Simba] is finished, and we cannot play it again, we have to see if we can bounce back and finish second on the table and we have to take some positives from this defeat.”

Yanga are now fighting to finish second with close challengers Azam FC as they lie third on the log.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  208 Hits

After Haaland, who are the No. 9 strikers the big clubs should sign?

The 84-capped Black Stars winger has the desire to play for Kaizer Chiefs. Goal ranks those who shone or continues to shine in SA from Ghana
Original author: Ernest Makhaya
  84 Hits

Utd's Martinez out for season, Varane for weeks

Goal looks at top youngsters in the region who can have an impact in South African top tier
Original author: Seth Willis
  85 Hits

Barca win to set up Super Cup Clasico final

With English football’s second-tier nearing it’s climax, who are the African attackers seeking to end the season strongly?
Original author: Seye Omidiora
  82 Hits

Leeds target undergoing medical ahead of club-record move

The Red Devils midfielder believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side belong among the European elite, with their fate still in their own hands

Manchester United “deserve” to secure Champions League qualification, claims Nemanja Matic, with the Red Devils aware that top-four fate remains in their own hands after dropping points against Southampton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were on course to hit third spot in the Premier League table as they entered stoppage-time in a home date with the Saints on Monday.

There was, however, to be a late sting in the tail, with Michael Obafemi bundling home the most dramatic of equalisers in a 2-2 draw.

Taking a share of the spoils instead of another morale-boosting wins means that United remain in fifth, level with Leicester and one point behind Chelsea.

They have just three more games in which to haul themselves up the standings, with the last of those set to see them travel to the King Power Stadium for a crunch clash with the Foxes.

Matic believes the Red Devils can get over the line, given their form since the turn of the year, and is looking to remain upbeat after seeing an unbeaten run extended to 18 games in all competitions.

The Serbian midfielder told MUTV on the back of a frustrating finish to a meeting with Southampton: “We have to keep our head up, we have three games to go. The next one is Crystal Palace on Thursday, if we win the last three games we are in the Champions League.

“So we have to stay positive and keep working as we were until now. Everything is in our hands. It's in our hands, we have to recover as soon as possible.

“We have another game now, against a very good team again, so we have to go with everything because we want to play Champions League next season.

“I think we deserve that, so I want to say we work positively, recover well and we will see on Thursday if we are ready. I am sure the team is ready.

“Of course, three months ago it was not in our hands. We needed Chelsea and Leicester to drop points, which they did obviously. Now we are a point behind Chelsea and it's in our hands.

“We’ll take it game by game. We’ll think about Palace first, then if we do our job there, like we normally do.”

Alongside their Premier League efforts, United also have an FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea to take in on Sunday.

“The next two weeks are very important for us,” added Matic.

“We will give everything, we promise that we will give everything for this club to play Champions League, of course the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, we will give our best to make our supporters proud.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  91 Hits

Man Utd told to take 'more money than was expected' for Lingard as Cole talks up summer transfer

The defender has outlined the key differences between the two managers in the wake of an encouraging north London derby victory

Tottenham are "more tactical" under Jose Mourinho than they were when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge, according to Ben Davies.

Pochettino's five-year reign at Spurs came to an end back in November, following a disastrous start to the 2019-20 campaign.

Club chairman Daniel Levy decided that a change was needed after seeing the team drop into the bottom half of the table, and Mourinho was swiftly drafted in as the Argentine's successor.

Tottenham became regulars in the top four and Champions League finalists while Pochettino was at the wheel, but he was unable to deliver any tangible success in the form of trophies.

Mourinho was seen as the ideal man to finally bring the club's long wait for silverware to a close, due to his glittering CV which includes three Premier League titles and two European Cups.

However, the Portuguese has only managed to oversee 11 wins from his first 23 Premier League games, and Spurs have also exited the FA Cup and Champions League in the first few months of his tenure.

Results have been mixed since the resumption of the season on June 17, with a 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United marking arguably the lowest point of Tottenham's entire campaign to date.

Pressure has been building on Mourinho in recent weeks, but a 2-1 north London derby victory over Arsenal on Sunday helped to silence critics and keep his team in the hunt for a top-seven finish.

Davies, who has taken in 19 appearances for the Lilywhites across all competitions this term, says the players are now better prepared for each fixture than they were when Pochettino led the squad.

The Spurs defender told Talksport: “Under Poch, we very much had our style of play and it was just the high press, high intensity…

“Now I think we’re a bit more tactical, we’re a bit more aware of what we’re coming up against.

“We have a game plan for each game.”

Davies went on to express his belief that Mourinho is the right man to take Tottenham forward in the coming years, adding: “In some games, it hasn’t been what we’ve wanted but everyone’s buying into the skill set that Mourinho has and we all know that he’s a top, top manager.

“He’s won everything there is to win so us as players have got to put our trust into him and the results will follow.

“We know it [results this season] hasn’t been what we want, it has been stop-start but we can’t use that as an excuse.

“We’ve got to be better than that away from home and we know that.

“We’ll go away in the summer and I’m sure we’ll do a lot of work in pre-season, get ready for it and next year has to be a different story.”

  201 Hits

Armand Traore - Sadio Mane is the best Senegalese player ever

With the four-foreigner rule on the horizon, we could see a huge demand for Indian players in the market....

The Indian Super League (ISL) is currently in a transitional stage, with several changes in structure and requirements for eligibility in the works. The ever-changing footballing ecosystem is bound to impact clubs’ view on transfers and player contracts.

The reduction in the number of foreign players on the field to just four, which will be integrated soon is likely to have a profound effect on the contracts of Indian players. With an increase in demand for these players, clubs will look to tie the players to lengthy contracts, as opposed to the current scenario.

Indian football clubs rarely offer contracts longer than two-to-three years for any player. The overseas signings are well into their thirties and are hence handed out smaller contracts. It is often seen that clubs do not trust the players for a longer period of time and vice versa. The players are also not inclined to sign a long deal, given the constant changes in both ISL and I-League.

Bengaluru, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City, Hyderabad and Odisha are the only clubs with at least one player contracted until 2023 or beyond.

The JSW-owned club expressed their faith in wingers Udanta Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan with lengthy contracts. India number one Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is also tied to the club in 2023. Given his consistent performances for club and country, this commitment by the club carries very little risk.

Jessel Carneiro impressed in his debut season in the ISL and this caused the Blasters to extend his contract until 2023. Nishu Kumar, who has joined the southern club has put pen to paper on a lengthy contract. The left-back was one of the bright spots for Bengaluru last season and is slowly registering himself as one of the most consistent Indian players in the league.

Hyderabad have Souvik Chakrabarti, Yasir Khan and Nikhil Poojary while Odisha have tied Vinit Rai, Nandha Kumar and Shubham Sarangi until 2023.

It’s interesting to note that most of these players are either wingers, goalkeepers or full-backs. This could be a consequence of how the ISL clubs view potential overseas signings. Most clubs prefer a foreigner as a striker, given that it is one of the most influential positions on the field. The lack of quality Indian strikers is another reason why clubs make it a priority to scout a top overseas marksman.

The same can be said about the centre-back position. The gulf in quality of the overseas centre-backs and Indians makes it an attractive option to reserve at least one of those slots for a foreigner.

It is hence, understandable why most of the players with lengthy contracts in the ISL play on the flanks. Additionally, most of these players are capable of playing on either side of the pitch, thus making themselves valuable assets in times of injuries and suspensions within the team.

That said, the demand for a top-rated, proven Indian striker or a centre-back will be extremely high, as has been the case with Sandesh Jhingan.

With top players in these positions tied with long contracts, the young prospects will start attracting eyeballs, with the ‘four foreigners’ rule in the starting XI set to kick i from 2021-22 season.

However, there is another side to this story. There is also the case of the clubs being reluctant in investing in a player for a longer period due to uncertain returns. Numerous times, such players have suffered injuries that have seen their seasons cut short and suffer massive dips in form.

  196 Hits

What can West Ham fans expect from Morocco's Nayef Aguerd?

The former Goan winger spoke about his injury-ridden career in Indian football that saw a premature conclusion...

Once a promising winger who possessed the pace to breeze through defences, Gabriel Fernades is somebody who watched his career fade into a premature conclusion due to recurring injuries.

The Goan footballer has donned the kits of top clubs such as East Bengal and Mumbai City FC. He has also represented almost every top-level Goan club during his decade-long career. However, the 32-year-old is currently working in England as a professional, and plays recreationally for Hellenic League side Shrivenham FC on the weekends.

Gabriel mentioned Mecca Rodriguez and Camilo Gonsalves as two coaches who helped him a lot during his formative years that he spent at the Sesa Football Academy and Dempo.

“I started playing football at Father Agnel High School. Then I joined Sesa Football Academy. Late coach Mecca Rodriguez helped me a lot and taught me so much during my formative years. After that, I joined Dempo and played for their U-14 and U-15 side under coach Camilo Gonsalves. I returned to Sesa, this time to play for their senior side. I then joined Sporting Clube de Goa but was unable to get a lot of chances here,” he told Goal.

The winger joined FC Goa ahead of the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL). He spoke about how several coaches had a huge impact on getting his confidence level up.

“I had a good time at FC Goa and at Dempo. My confidence shot up at Mumbai FC because of coach Khalid Jamil. I also learnt a lot from coach Mike Snoei at Pune FC and earned my confidence,” he claimed.

“During a practice session at FC Goa, coach Zico once told me that he did not want me in the side if I was playing safe passes and not carrying the ball myself.  He wanted me to dribble and move forwards. He told me that I could have even 100 unsuccessful dribbles in a game just as long as I tried. He was confident that at least one would bear fruit. In that practice game, I had one good dribble and got an assist. This gave me confidence.”

Muscular injuries are not easy to recover from, especially when the diet and recovery program is not optimum. Gabriel experienced this first-hand in the second half of his career, with injuries preventing him from capitalising on a good run of form.

“I started enjoying a good time there (Goa) but then I suffered from an injury. It went downhill ever since,” he explained.

“I was a good player, not great but I had the speed when I was young. I did not take care of my body in the right manner. I learnt about diet and recovery too late in my career. I was not able to say when my body needed more rest.

“Now, everything is very professional. Players have their food on time and get adequate rest. All these have a huge effect on your game. When you get less sleep and don’t take enough rest, you are likely to get injured. The muscles won’t have time to recover. This is the reason I suffered from several muscular injuries. I was seldom side-lined due to ankle and knee injuries, it was usually muscular.

“Players who rely on speed need to take good care of their muscles. You never know when you get injured and there are also chances of relapses. I decided to call it a day after suffering from a lot of muscular injuries. I was unable to run and dribble like I used to before.”

The then 29-year-old joined East Bengal in 2017 in hopes of rejuvenating his injury-ridden career. He also scored one goal for the club, in a 7-1 win over Chennai City FC. But muscular injuries in the lower body persisted and he decided to call it a day on his career in Indian football after the troubling times.

“I joined East Bengal to get my confidence back. But even there I suffered from injuries very frequently, especially to my calves and hamstrings,” he said.

“My last good season was at Mumbai City FC (2015). But I suffered from a hamstring injury and I could feel my level dropping ever since. I wanted a club that gave me minutes and help build my confidence. I believed East Bengal would be the right destination. But due to constant injuries, I was unable to get it.

“I performed well in the Calcutta Football League but met with an injury due to which they did not want to register me for the I-League.

Gabriel hailed Samad Abdul Sahad as one of the brightest talents of this generation and had great things to say about Anirudh Thapa’s passing. But among his contemporaries, the winger labelled former defender Mahesh Gawli as a special player.

“I think Mahesh Gawli is one of the most special players I have played with. Among the current youngsters, I think Sahal Abdul Samad is a good player. Anirudh Thapa also plays very well. Both these players can pass the ball very well,” he concluded.

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Real Madrid push back completion date of Santiago Bernabeu redevelopment

Inter head coach Antonio Conte said he will not "hesitate" to leave if the club are unhappy, though the Italian remains committed to the Nerazzurri project amid question marks over his future.

Conte joined Inter at the start of the season but there have been reports the former Chelsea and Juventus boss could leave at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Doubts have emerged amid Inter's struggles and Conte's frustrations, with the team failing to fire since the Serie A returned last month after the season was halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Inter leapfrogged Lazio into second position in the table, eight points behind leaders Juve with six games remaining, following Monday's rallying 3-1 win at home to Torino and Conte was asked about his future.

"I was called to Inter for a three-year project, to bring them back where they deserve to be," Conte told Sky Sport Italia. "Inevitably, that takes time. I came here with so much enthusiasm. I have faith.

"I started a three-year project and [my contract] lasts three years. After that, if they want to extend my contract... I'm happy, I know there's a long way to go, but I don't want to overstay my welcome.

"If everyone's happy with the job I'm doing, and I think that's the case right now, from what I've been told, then I don't see why we shouldn't go on.

"If they're not happy with the job I'm doing then I won't hesitate to step aside."

Inter have seen their Scudetto bid derailed following a home defeat to Bologna and a draw with Hellas Verona, and they fell behind in the 17th minute on Monday.

Andrea Belotti was gifted the opener after Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic fumbled a corner at the Torino star's feet at San Siro – heaping further misery on Conte and his stuttering side. 

But Inter – without Romelu Lukaku – rallied in the second half thanks to goals from Ashley Young, Diego Godin and Lautaro Martinez, who ended his five-game scoreless drought. 

Conte added: "I honestly think we started the game very well. Then there was this corner kick. It was a period where there was an incident and we conceded a goal.

"I find it sensational that Samir messed up: he hardly makes mistakes. Overall, I think it was a game we dominated.

"The goal could've made us nervous and caused us problems, but we did well to score our goals.

"We're much less predictable than we were before as now we attack with more men. The result must crown the effort we put in and when it doesn't, it disappoints me.

"We've been punished excessively by certain incidents, but we're on the right track: playing attacking football and overloading our opponents' box."

Original author: Sacha Pisani
  77 Hits

Premier League Team of the Week - Round 8

The Highlanders are all set to rope in attacking midfielder Imran Khan from I-League outfit NEROCA….

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC are all set to sign attacking midfielder Imran Khan from NEROCA FC, Goal can confirm.

The 25-year-old Manipuri footballer had joined Mohun Bagan at the beginning of the 2019-20 season but due to lack of game time, he headed back home in the January transfer window and joined NEROCA.

He made 11 appearances this season in the I-League for NEROCA and raked up 990 minutes under his belt. He put in a man-of-the-match performance against TRAU where he scored once and provided two assists.

The midfielder started his career with Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting in 2013 and spent three seasons before heading to Fateh Hyderabad FC.

In 2018, he had joined ISL side FC Goa but was loaned out to Gokulam Kerala FC midway into the season. He appeared in nine I-League matches for the Kerala club during the 2018-19 season.

The Highlanders, who had finished ninth on the league table last season with just 14 points from 18 matches, have made notable additions in the transfer window this year.

They have already signed Ponif Vaz, Gurjinder Kumar, Lalkhawpuimawia & Rochharzela for the upcoming 2020-21 season. They are also close to signing former Mohun Bagan striker VP Suhair.

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
  80 Hits

Barcelona stuck in 7th after shock loss to Cadiz

Standard Chartered brings you an opportunity to enjoy the famed Anfield atmosphere with a certified club legend...

Bruce Grobbelaar is a name that resonates among the fans of Liverpool.

The Zimbabwean custodian spent 13 seasons at Anfield, from 1981 to 1994, establishing himself as a legendary figure among the Reds faithful.

Remembered for his gymnastic-like athletic ability, unflappable confidence and eccentric and flamboyant style of play, Grobbelaar made 628 appearances for Liverpool over the 13 years and won six English league titles and a European Cup trophy apart from countless other silverware.

Grobbelaar moved to Liverpool from Vancouver Whitecaps and made an immediate impression on his debut for the club in 1981 against Wolves. Though Liverpool lost the game 1-0, manager Bob Paisley was impressed. So much so that he played 317 consecutive matches for the Reds from that point on.

One of his most memorable performances came against Everton in the 1986 FA Cup final where Liverpool vanquished their arch-rivals 3-1. Grobbelaar came up with some big saves and even pulled off the famous 'Kangaroo leap' to keep Alan Hansen's headed backpass from going in. Had he not done that, Everton would have been 2-1 up at that point.

Of course, Grobbelaar's most famous moment in a Liverpool shirt came during the 1984 European Cup final where his 'spaghetti legs' captured all the attention. After Roma and Liverpool were tied at 1-1 after the end of extra-time, penalty shootouts were required. Grobbelaar's wobbly knees and shaky legs during Francesco Graziani’s run up to his spotkick put him off and he ended up skying his effort. Liverpool won the shootout 4-2, with Grobbelaar's antics being termed 'spaghetti legs'.

By the time Grobbelaar left Liverpool, he had distinguished himself in a Red shirt.

Here's your chance to catch up with the goalkeeper and interact with him as you celebrate Liverpool's title triumph. Grobbelaar will be appearing on Standard Chartered's Soundboard during Liverpool's Premier League encounter against Arsenal on July 15 (20:15 GMT).

As the official partner of the club, Standard Chartered are bringing together various Liverpool legends and fan hosts on their YouTube platform with SC Soundboard. Tune in and let the Soundboard bring the best of Kop chants directly to your home. Sing along and enjoy the experience during every remaining Premier League match of Liverpool.

This Saturday, it's Grobbelaar who will be live. You can catch him in action here .

Original author: Goal
  76 Hits

David de Gea Backs Himself to Retain Man Utd Place

The striker revelled in Monday's memorable achievement and the Reds boss joined the party

Adebayo Akinfenwa said he was only open to talking to Jurgen Klopp after Wycombe Wanderers secured promotion to the Championship and the Liverpool manager responded.

Wycombe reached the Championship for the first time in their 133-year history thanks to Monday's 2-1 League One play-off victory over Oxford United at Wembley.

Joe Jacobson's penalty with 11 minutes remaining stunned Oxford and sent Wycombe up to England's second tier against the odds.

Wycombe cult hero and Liverpool fan Akinfenwa – out of contract at the end of the season – revelled in the achievement, telling Sky Sports in a memorable post-game interview: "Look, look, let me calm down. First and foremost, I want to thank God, because today he made the impossible possible. Four years ago I stood in front of you and I was technically unemployed.

"Let me tell you something, the only person that can hit me up on WhatsApp this time is Klopp, so we can celebrate together. You get me? Oi!

"I hope my story shows that the only opinion that matters is the opinion you have about yourself. I was lucky and blessed to find a manager and players who believed in me, so we are here today, and I'll say it for the people in the back: Wycombe's in the Championship.

"Wait, wait, I'll say it one more time: Wycombe is in the Champio- Wait! The people in the back didn't hear me! Wycombe is in the Championship!"

Premier League-winning manager Klopp heard the 38-year-old striker's request and answered.

In a video message sent to Akinfenwa, Klopp said: "Hello big man, congratulations!

"Watched the game, well I didn't see the post-match interviews but Hendo [Jordan Henderson] or one of my players told me that you want to get, what did you think to say? If you could get in contact with me on WhatsApp, here we go!

"Congratulations. I'm pretty sure your whole life at least a Championship player and now finally, you are there. Well done.

"Great, great victory. Even in strange times, I hope you celebrate appropriately."

Original author: Sacha Pisani
  79 Hits

Akinfenwa: Liverpool boss Klopp answers Wycombe striker’s WhatsApp request

The 38-year-old Anglo-Nigerian’s wish to celebrate the Chairboys’ Championship promotion with the Reds’ boss has been fulfilled

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has answered Adebayo Akinfenwa’s wish following Wycombe Wanderers’ promotion to the English Championship.

Goals from Anthony Stewart and Joe Jacobson were all the Chairboys needed at Wembley to beat Karl Robinson’s Oxford United 2-1 in Monday’s League One play-off final.

That triumph sealed the Yellows’ promotion to England’s second tier for the first time in their 133-year history.

Celebrating his team’s achievement, Akinfenwa who featured for 30 minutes against Yellows had jokingly said that the German should contact him so that they can celebrate together.

"Look, look, let me calm down. First and foremost, I want to thank God, because today he made the impossible possible," he said in his post-match interview with  Sky Sports.

"Four years ago I stood in front of you and I was technically unemployed.

"Let me tell you something, the only person that can hit me up on WhatsApp this time is Klopp, so we can celebrate together. You get me? Oi!"

Klopp, who led the Reds to emerge as 2019-20 champions of the English elite division took to the social media platform to answer the Anglo-Nigerian request through a video message.

"Hello big man, congratulations!" said Klopp.

"Watched the game, well I didn't see the post-match interviews but Hendo [Jordan Henderson] or one of my players told me that you want to get, what did you think to say? If you could get in contact with me on WhatsApp, here we go!

"Congratulations. I'm pretty sure your whole life at least a Championship player and now finally, you are there. Well done.

"Great, great victory. Even in strange times, I hope you celebrate appropriately."

Meanwhile, Gareth Ainsworth has reserved some special words for him and his teammates who played key roles in the club’s promotion

"Bayo is one of the generals along with Matt Bloomfield, Joe Jacobson, Dominic Gape and they run the dressing room,” Ainsworth told with  Sky Sports.

“They uphold my standards, emulate what we are as a football club and, if anyone is out of line, they are told in the right way.”

The big striker joined Wycombe in 2016 after leaving Wimbledon – a team he helped secure promotion after defeating Plymouth in the League Two play-off final.

He has scored 10 goals in 32 appearances in 2019-20 to the club's top goalscorer in the EFL era. Nevertheless, his contract with the Adams Park Stadium expires at the end of season.

 

Original author: Shina Oludare
  311 Hits

From Ilhan Fandi to Farhan Zulkifli - Meet the future of Singapore

We take a look at some of the country's finest talents born in the 21st century
Original author: Jay Parmar
  327 Hits

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