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Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed a disappointing part of their Premier Soccer League victory against AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday.

Peter Shalulile scored the only goal that separated last season's closest rivals but Mokwena has pointed out areas that he feels underperformed as they started the journey to retain a title they have won in the last four seasons.

"The most disappointing part is probably in relation to the other half on the other side of the pitch. From [one] side of the pitch, we were very slow, we defended very well, we were extremely disciplined with a lot of good focus and a lot of the action," Mokwena told the club's website.

"However, the other side of the pitch was just out of possession, which was good, but also in possession to create more chances, to use the ball better and make better decisions.

"We don’t complete our attacks and facilitate shots at goal because that’s how you win football matches, to have such a dominant performance with so much possession, creating so many possibilities to have goals and only have one shot at goal is probably something that leaves a sour taste in our mouth.

The tactician believes Masandawana would have solved most of their problems by the time the competition hits the fifth or the sixth matchday.

"We are far from where we want to be, we have not hit top gear yet, it’s a work in progress and we have to keep on working to improve the fluidity of our game. We are hoping that when we hit match five or six, we are in a good space with regards to our fluidity and our cohesion," he added.

"We knew that the first games of the season are not going to be as good as we know Sundowns, but we are in that space where we have to try and improve, not just in the performances but certain aspects of our performances, and try to make sure that the team hits a good level, but the signs are there and the signs are good so far."

The Brazilians will next face Chippa United on Tuesday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Kenya coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee responded in an aggressive manner when asked why midfielder Victor Wanyama was not part of the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

On Friday, Mulee named a provisional squad of 36-payers for the upcoming matches against Uganda and Rwanda but missing from the list was Wanyama, who is currently enjoying good form with CF Montreal in Major League Soccer.

His omission, as well as that of Simba SC defender Joash Onyango, former Vissel Kobe winger Ayub Timbe and Anthony Akumu of Kaizer Chiefs left many Kenyans questioning why they had been overlooked.

While Goal managed to find why Onyango was left out, efforts to learn the reason why the other players were not included, especially Wanyama, were met with an angry response from Mulee.

What did Mulee say?

“Don’t ask me such a stupid question,” Mulee told a Goal reporter when asked why Wanyama was not in the squad. “If you want to know the reason, come to the press conference.”

On Saturday, a top FKF official told Goal Onyango had been omitted from the squad because he was suffering from injury.

“Joash [Onyango] was left out because he is currently injured,” the source told Goal on Saturday. “We reached out to his club Simba, who are away in Morocco for pre-season and they told us Onyango is injured.

“We cannot move to bring someone to camp that is already injured and it is the reason the coach decided against calling him to the squad.”

Apart from Wanyama, Onyango, and Timbe, other prominent players who were left out are Johanna Omollo, Jesse Were of Zesco United in Zambia, Brian Mandela of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, and Cliff Nyakeya, who recently left Egyptian side FC Masr.

Among the notable players in the squad are Joseph Okumu of KAA Gent (Belgium), Sweden-based Eric Johanna, Eric Ouma of AIK (Sweden), Al-Duhail SC’s striker Michael Olunga, and the Zambia-based trio of Ian Otieno (Zesco United), Duke Abuya (Nkana FC), and Duncan Otieno (Power Dynamos).

Goal understands, Mulee, who took over the mantle of handling the team from Francis Kimanzi, is under pressure with reports claiming out of the 36 players announced on Friday, he had only given a list of 26 players.

Harambee Stars squad:

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), and Brandon Obiero (Kariobangi Sharks).

Defenders: Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Nashon Alembi (KCB, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Clyde Senaji (AFC Leopards, ), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), and Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya).

Midfielders: Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Kevin Kimani (Wazito, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), and Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya).

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Samuel Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya), and Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia, Kenya).

Harvey Elliott will make his first Premier League start for Liverpool in their clash with Burnley on Saturday.

The 18-year-old has been named in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI for the lunchtime kick-off at Anfield. 

Elliott will start in a midfield three alongside Naby Keita and Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who will make his first appearance of the campaign.

Who else has been selected?

Klopp has made two changes to the side which beat Norwich on the opening weekend of the season.

Both come in midfield, where Elliott and Henderson replace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner, both of whom are named on the bench.

Fabinho misses out, having been given compassionate leave following the death of his father, Joao Roberto, earlier this week.

Andy Robertson is back in the squad, named as a substitute having made an earlier-than-expected return from an ankle injury. Kostas Tsimikas, the Greek international, starts at left-back.

The rest of the side is unchanged, with Virgil van Dijk making his first competitive appearance at Anfield since October 1, 2020, and Diogo Jota preferred to Roberto Firmino in attack.

Who is Elliott?

Liverpool have high hopes for Elliott, who joined the club from Fulham in the summer of 2019.

The teenager is already the youngest player to appear in a Premier League game, coming off the bench for the Cottagers at Wolves in April 2019, aged just 16 years and 30 days.

He made eight appearances for the Reds in his first season, and was part of the squad which won the European Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League crowns.

Elliott moved on loan to Blackburn last September, making 42 appearances in an impressive campaign with the Championship outfit. He returned to Liverpool in the summer, and enjoyed an eye-catching pre-season with Klopp's squad.

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo has told Massimiliano Allegri that he is "staying at Juventus", with a summer of unwelcome transfer speculation being brought to a close in Turin.

With a Portuguese superstar entering the final 12 months of his contract with Serie A heavyweights, questions have been asked of how long he will be sticking around.

Returns to Real Madrid or Manchester United have been mooted, along with long-running links to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, but a five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be going nowhere before the August 31 recruitment deadline.

What has been said?

Quizzed on Ronaldo's plans, with the 36-year-old sitting out a friendly clash with Juve's U23 team in midweek, Allegri has told reporters: "Ronaldo didn’t play on Thursday because we were coming off a heavy training workload and I gave him half a day off.

"Ronaldo is an added bonus for us, because he guarantees a large number of goals. Obviously, we also have to work as a team to get the best out of an individual.

"He has always trained well, I just read the gossip in the papers. He never told us he wanted to leave.

"Ronaldo told me that he is staying at Juventus."

Will there be more movement at Juve?

Ronaldo appears set to remain part of Allegri's plans for 2021-22, ahead of a season opener against Udinese on Sunday, while Manuel Locatelli has finally been lured away from Sassuolo.

There has been talk of further comings and goings before another window shuts, with Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic said to be a target while Aaron Ramsey is linked with a move elsewhere, but Allegri would be happy to make do.

He added: "Market? I told the club that I am very happy with the players available, we must try to create value by improving the young players.

"I am happy with Locatelli's arrival. He has grown a lot, he has become an important player.

"He is not in optimal condition because he has worked very little, he will need a few days, but after the break for the national team he will be in good condition. But if there is a need for a quarter of an hour, he is already able to do it in Udine."

Further reading

Lionel Messi could be in line for his Paris Saint-Germain debut against Reims in Ligue 1 next weekend, says Mauricio Pochettino, as the Argentine closes in on his first game for the club.

The former Barcelona forward brought the curtain down on a glittering Camp Nou career in particularly wounded circumstances earlier this year following the club's inabiility to re-sign him.

Now, the attacker, who has headlined an influx of major talents at Parc des Princes this summer, is fast approaching a maiden match in their colours, according to his manager.

What has been said?

"It's been a very good week for Leo," Pochettino told ESPN Argentina, after his side's 4-2 win over Brest on Friday.

"Next week will be a long one, but if all goes well, we hope he can be in the squad and start at a competitive level [against Reims]."

Pochettino also confirmed that the club would not stand in Messi's way if he elects to link up with the Argentina national team ahead of their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers next month.

"I have not yet spoken with the selectors," he added. "But they know that I am pro-selection and that we are to help not only Argentina, but all those nations which involve our players."

The bigger picture

The lure of playing under a fellow countryman is thought to have helped swing Messi towards PSG following his Barca exit, and the 34-year-old will be hopeful to feature in some capacity against Reims.

Having not played since he led Argentina to Copa America glory - his first major senior honour for his country - during the international off-season, he will be hoping to pick up minutes ahead of matches with Venezuela and Bolivia.

Further reading

Kai Havertz says that he would be keen to fulfil the central striker role within the Germany national team that new boss Hansi Flick is reportedly eyeing him up for.

The Chelsea forward has primarily played behind the lead attacker during his club career to date, though he has occupied the role for both the Blues and old club Bayer Leverkusen at points.

Now, speaking ahead of Germany's first clutch of games under Flick following Joachim Low's exit, the 22-year-old has reaffirmed his affection for the position and believes that he can thrive in the spot if placed there.

What has been said?

"I can take on that role," Havertz told Bild when asked whether he could fulfil such a position in the national setup. "I've already played as a central striker at Leverkusen, one time or another at Chelsea.

"I don't yet know how Hansi Flick will line up. I like the position as a centre-forward in the box, in the penalty area, to push into the front aggressively, to score goals.

"That would be a position I would like. I'm really looking forward to the first course with Hansi Flick at the end of August and beginning of September. I don't see any problem in the position."

Havertz hopeful of Qatar 2022 turnaround

Since their triumph at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Germany had been in steady decline under Low, culminating in the embarrassment of a group stage exit at Russia 2018.

While they managed to reach the knockout stages of this summer's rearranged Euro 2020, they were downed in the last-16 by eventual finalists England. But under new management, Havertz does not see why they cannot reverse their fortunes in time for Qatar 2022 next year.

"The past few years have not been positive. That's why a lot has to change," he added. "Nevertheless, we are all convinced that we have a very good team with great players.

"We have initiated a change in the past few years, many players have come up. That benefited me. We have to find our old strength of building a certain winning mentality game after game, month after month.

"It is a long way to go to win the 2022 World Cup, but no one doubts the quality and breadth of the squad. We can make our way back to the top of the world."

The bigger picture

Havertz will get his first taste of Germany under Flick if he features in next month's World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein, Armenia and Iceland.

Before then, however, he will be out to ensure that Chelsea maintain their sterling start to the new season, after they backed up their Super Cup triumph with victory over Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

They face another test of their credentials next against London rivals Arsenal, who were stung by newly-promoted Brentford in a shock loss in their curtain-raiser clash.

Further reading

Junior Khanye has revealed the reason he does not want to see South Africa international Percy Tau leave Brighton & Hove Albion for Al Ahly.

The 27-year-old forward has been a transfer subject for the Egyptian giants in the current window and reports have indicated he could seal the move next week.

Khanye, who formerly played for Kaizer Chiefs, Platinum Stars, and Maritzburg United in the PSL, believes a transfer to the African champions will be a step backward for the Bafana Bafana star and insists a stay in England will be good for his career.

What did Khanye say?

“If Percy leaves England for Egypt, it would be a huge step back in his career,” Khanye said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“I understand that Al Ahly have won the Caf Champions League two times in a row, and they are going to play at the Club World Cup later this year, however, you cannot compare the EPL with the Egyptian League.

“Percy worked extremely hard to be where he is today. Not every player has the ability to earn himself a move to England. 

“Tau, through his hard work, has managed to do what many players from our country have failed to do; which is to play in the best league in the world.”

Khanye further explained why staying in England will be good for Tau.

"This matter is very depressing because, in my opinion, Percy should stay in England and fight for his place in the team rather than leave,” Khanye continued.

“I have never played overseas, but I can guarantee you that a player is better in England fighting on the bench than being in Africa. The coaching in England is better and Percy has a lot of opportunities to grow.”

Khanye worried if Mosimane leaves Al Ahly

Khanye further said things will get complicated for Tau if he moves to Al Ahly and then they lose their head coach Pitso Mosimane.

“I am unhappy with this situation to be honest because I want this player to succeed at all costs,” Khanye added. “I think the best thing that can happen to him is if he earns a loan move to Al Ahly or a permanent transfer to a club in Europe. 

“Even in this scenario, I am not happy because if Percy earns a loan move, he will fall down the pecking order [if Mosimane leaves] just as he was earning his way into the starting lineup. 

“Alternatively, he can join a club in France or Portugal. Staying in Europe is going to be the best option for the player because he has the ability to play at that high level. 

“Pitso [Mosimane] has coached Percy Tau, but the owners at Al Ahly are known to be impatient.  What happens if they fire Pitso? It happens in football. I would rather he stays in Europe if I am being honest.”

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain "have to build a team" this season following the heavy influx of new faces at Parc des Princes across a lively summer transfer window.

The Argentine has presided over a flurry of fresh arrivals in the French capital following last term's dethronement as Ligue 1 champions by Lille, with Georginio Wijnaldum, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma having led the new arrivals.

The capture of Lionel Messi earlier this month has dwarfed all other off-season business but with the introduction of such headline talent comes the balancing act of allowing them all to thrive - and Pochettino has acknowledged that the process "will take time" to perfect.

What has been said?

"We are at the start of the season, we can see how difficult it is for all the teams to win a game," the Argentine told his post-match press conference following his side's 4-2 victory over Brest on Friday.

"There are things to improve. In defence, we have to prevent the transition play which can hurt us. I'm very happy to take three points on difficult ground, against a team that has started the season well. 

“We have a lot of names of players that shine, but we have to build a team, that's the challenge. It won't be easy, we have to find a balance between the talents that we have. It will take time."

Kimpembe admits Parisians must "adapt"

Despite the fact they have already notched up double figures in terms of goals scored across their opening three Ligue 1 wins this term, PSG have also conceded five times, a figure that no other side inside the top half of the table can match.

That Pochettino is yet to solve their defensive fragilities remains an issue, one further acknowledged by Presnel Kimpembe post-match, with the centre-back sporting the captain's armband in victory against Brest.

"We know that we were playing an away game against a team not easy to play," the France international told Amazon Prime Video. "The team is not yet complete, we still have links to create. There are new players, we have to adapt."

The bigger picture

Despite those concerns, PSG are yet to integrate a host of new faces, with Messi, Ramos and Donnarumma all still awaiting their debut for the club.

While Pochettino may face headaches in figuring out how to put them to good use within a single XI, their match-winning properties will still be key assets to the Parisians as they chase domestic and European glory.

Messi could well feature in the club's final game before the September international break, when PSG face Reims on August 29.

Further reading

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has confirmed the cancellation of the Jordan trip ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Kenya in September.

Fufa had organised a camp that would have lasted from August 21 to 26, where the Cranes were scheduled to play two friendly games against Syria, but the federation, without giving reasons, confirmed the trip would not happen.

Cancelled

"The Uganda Cranes earlier scheduled team camp week in Jordan has been cancelled," Fufa said in a statement.

"However, efforts are being made by the federation to find an alternative friendly match within that period, before facing Ethiopia in the last build-up on Sunday 29th August in the city of Bahir Dar.

"After that, the team will fly out to Kenya, to take on the hosts in a Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier in Nairobi on Thursday 2 September 2021.

"The team will continue with preparations in Uganda until a new schedule is communicated for the trip to Ethiopia. Uganda play Kenya away on 2 September 2021 and will host Mali on 6 September 2021 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende."

Express FC defender Murushid Juuko was the last local player to join the camp ahead of the friendlies and September qualifiers.

Coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, who returned to take charge of the Cecafa giants after Johnathan Mckinstry left, highlighted areas of concern ahead of the Nairobi showdown.

"We have to do a deep analysis of the situation in which we are coming from, and we are coming from a campaign that has shown us that we had a good and quality defence. We did not concede more than two or three goals in a game," Micho said then.

"We need a variety of attacks, numbers in the box and the probability of scoring at higher levels.

"This is where the focus is now and the most critical thing is solid defending and sharp attacking."

Players in camp:

Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Express), Charles Lukwago (KCCA), Simon Tamale (Soltilo Bright Stars), Nafian Alionzi (URA)

Defenders: Murushid Juuko (Express), Enock Walusimbi (Express), Arthur Kiggundu (Express), Denis Iguma (KCCA), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Eric Ssenjobe (Police), Azizi Kayondo (Vipers), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Garvin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Hassan Muhamood (Police)

Midfielders: Muzamiru Mutyaba (Express), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA), Nicholas Kasozi (Kyetume), Abubakar Gift Ali (KCCA)

Forwards: Martin Kizza (Express), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Unattached), Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkene), Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers), Jude Ssemugabi (Mbarara City), Richard Basangwa (Vipers), Steven Dese Mukwala (URA FC)

Football Kenya Federation has offered an explanation as to why defender Joash Onyango was left out of the Harambee Stars squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches in September.

The burly star, who currently turns out for Tanzania’s Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC, was among the key players missing out when coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee named a provisional squad of 36 ahead of Uganda and Rwanda matches.

His omission was not received well by a section of Kenyan fans who demanded to know why the former Gor Mahia defender, popularly referred to as ‘Berlin Wall’, owing to his solid defensive skills, did not make the squad.

A top FKF official, who did not want to be named, has confirmed to Goal the player was left out because of injury.

What did the FKF official say?

“Joash [Onyango] was left out because he is currently injured,” the source told Goal on Saturday. “We reached out to his club Simba, who are away in Morocco for pre-season and they told us Onyango is injured.

“We cannot move to bring someone to camp that is already injured and it is the reason the coach decided against calling him to the squad.”

Apart from Onyango, several other players were surprisingly left out, among them captain Victor Wanyama, who turns out for CF Montreal in the Major Soccer League, Ayub Timbe, who recently left Vissel Kobe in Japan, and Anthony Akumu of South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs.

Others left out are Johanna Omollo, Jesse Were of Zesco United in Zambia, Brian Mandela of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, and Cliff Nyakeya, who recently left Egyptian side FC Masr.

Some of the notable inclusions in the squad include defender Joseph Okumu of KAA Gent (Belgium), Sweden-based Eric Johanna, Eric Ouma of AIK (Sweden), Al-Duhail SC’s striker Michael Olunga, and the Zambia-based trio of Ian Otieno (Zesco United), Duke Abuya (Nkana FC), and Duncan Otieno (Power Dynamos).

Kenya, who are pooled in Group E alongside Rwanda, Mali, and Uganda and will open their campaign against the Cranes on September 2, at Nyayo Stadium, after which they will travel to face Rwanda on Friday, September 3, 2021.

Harambee Stars named; Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), and Brandon Obiero (Kariobangi Sharks).

Defenders: Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Nashon Alembi (KCB, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Clyde Senaji (AFC Leopards, ), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), and Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya).

Midfielders: Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Kevin Kimani (Wazito, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), and Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya).

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Samuel Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya), and Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia, Kenya).

Pep Guardiola says that he is "more than optimistic" when it comes to Manchester City's fortunes this season, despite a frustrating opening day defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.

The reigning champions were handed a loss in London, as Son Heung-min condemned the Spaniard's side - the most expensive starting line-up in British football history - to a particularly jarring reverse, one that has incited fears of another slow start.

Ahead of this week's first home game of the campaign, against newly-promoted Norwich City however, Guardiola has shrugged off concerns that his side could be forced to endure another early season wobble, albeit with the acknowledgement that "anything" can unfold.

What has been said?

“I would have preferred to have played better and won the game last Sunday," the 50-year-old told City's website. “[But] it’s never easy against Spurs. What happened last season doesn't mean it will happen again.

"We have to prepare game by game. The rest is hypothetical. I am not a guy to venture what is going to happen this season. As for my squad, I don’t have any doubts.

"What they have done so far, for many, many years, the main group are the same. I know their mentality, I know they want to do it, but football is unpredictable. Anything can happen. Bad periods can happen again but I am more than optimistic."

Guardiola pledges time for Grealish

Among the starters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were City's British record signing Jack Grealish, making his first start for the club since his nine-figure move from Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium.

The England man failed to find the breakthrough for the visitors, despite impressing out on the left flank where he featured for the Three Lions at Euro 2020 - but his manager has added that he will be afforded the space to settle by the club and its players.

“Everyone needs time, of course for Jack, a bit more because he is new,” Guardiola added. "The team is going to help Jack be who he is and he will help us be the team we want to be. All together. Alone, we cannot do it."

The bigger picture

City will be determined to ensure that they pick up a first win in three competitive games against the Canaries, with their defeat to Tottenham coming several months after they narrowly lost the Champions League final to Chelsea in Portugal.

Daniel Farke's side have already faced Liverpool this season, in what is a particularly trying opening stretch on paper, and will hope that they can swing an upset when they travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Guardiola, meanwhile, continues to attempt to juggle his host of superstar players in both attack and defence - though he may be forced to be without Kevin De Bruyne as the Belgian continues to struggle with injury.

Further reading

Kojo Addae Mensah has pointed out Asamoah Gyan as his greatest Ghanaian player of all time, not Abedi Pele or Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed - who was commonly referred to as Polo.

The attacker, who plays for Ghanaian top-tier side Legon Cities, still commands respect from West Africa and the world at large owing to what he has achieved in football.

The Databank Chief Executive Officer insists the towering attacker is the greatest of them all.

"Gyan is my greatest Ghanaian of all time," the administrator told Ash FM as quoted by SportsWorldGhana.

"I know people will mention Pele, Polo, and the likes, but Asamoah has performed at the highest level of international football and he is Ghana’s highest goal-scorer of all time.

"He is a great guy."

Gyan made his debut for the Black Stars in 2003 at the age of 17. He went on to play 109 matches, scoring 51 goals in the process. 

At club level, the 35-year-old started with Liberty Professionals in 2003, playing 16 matches and finding the back of the net 10 times. Udinese, of Italy, came for his signature and loaned him to Modena where he scored 15 times in 53 matches. He then went back to Udinese where he made 39 appearances and scored 11 goals.

His next destination was Ligue 1 outfit Rennes where he found the back of the net 14 times in 48 matches before Sunderland came for him. He played for the Premier League side in 36 matches and scored 11 goals.

During his loan spell at Al Ain, Gyan scored 22 goals in 18 matches. They eventually made his deal permanent in 2012 where he scored 73 goals in 65 matches. 

Shanghai SIPG came for his services and between 2015 and 2017, he scored seven goals in 20 matches he played. He was loaned to Al Ahli Dubai where he played for them 14 matches and hit the back of the net six times.

The striker also played for Kayserispor and NorthEast United before he made a return home to finish his career with Legon Cities.

Nigeria international Frank Onyeka has admitted he was happy to receive a standing ovation after he was substituted in their Premier League opener against Arsenal last Friday.

The Super Eagle made a good start to life in the top-flight as the promoted side secured a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard to gun down the Gunners in the match at Brentford Community Stadium.

The 23-year-old, who signed for the Bees from FC Midtjylland in the summer, received a standing ovation as he was substituted in the 80th minute for Mads Bidstrup and has now explained how he felt during the moment.

“It was a great feeling. I was tired then I was going out and I saw everyone standing, this is amazing,” Onyeka told the club’s Warm Up Show. None of my family came, just one person from Nigeria, a journalist, she came to watch the game.

“It was nice to have the fans back, it was an amazing atmosphere, and it was good to win the game for them. I like the way they push us, sometimes they make a lot of noise which we don’t here, it gives us extra motivation to push and get a positive result,” Onyeka continued.

On the second goal against Arsenal, Onyeka said: “I thought I could score it but Christian [Norgaard] was a bit taller than me, he reached to the ball before me and the most important thing is we scored and won the game.

"It was tough for me, Chris Norgaard and Vitaly Janelt. It was hard for us but what can we do, we just need to push ourselves and make sure they don't get a goal.”

Ahead of their second game against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Brentford coach Thomas Frank has explained the importance of having Onyeka and Norgaard in his squad.

“If everyone was fit, there is a big chance that both Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen would have started the game,” Frank told the club’s official website.

“It is fantastic to have Vitaly Janelt and Frank [Onyeka] doing an unbelievable job alongside Christian [Norgaard] of course. We need to have that strength in depth and also players to play different games.

“For Arsenal, it was good to have Frank [Onyeka] and Vitaly who are two pressing machines; they are constantly going and must be a nightmare to play against.

“They were a big part of why we were successful on Friday night.”

Raphael Varane has always fit the mould of a classic Manchester United player prior to his decade-in-the-making arrival at Old Trafford, claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ten years on from originally being scouted as a Lens youngster, the France international has finally made the move to the Red Devils, signing on a four-year deal from Real Madrid which was finally confirmed ahead of United's 5-1 Premier League rout of Leeds last weekend.

Since 2011, when Sir Alex Ferguson came close to sealing his signature, Varane has blossomed into a World Cup-winning centre-back - but his new manager feels that his conduct on and off the field has marked him out as a United player long before he walked through the door.

What has been said?

"It’s no secret that we were close - or we were in there - when he left to Real Madrid 10 years ago," Solskjaer told United's website. "Sir Alex was in there speaking to them and we were close.

"Ever since his performances on the pitch, his demeanour and behaviour off the pitch, it tells me that that’s a Man United player. And we managed to convince him to have the feeling of Man United.

"I think that’s been in his heart ever since he went to Real Madrid as well. I think he had a little bit of a feeling for Man United. We definitely have had feelings for him for many, many years."

"Everything about him is class"

Having now been able to get up close and personal with his new recruit following his arrival last weekend, Solskjaer has had nothing but kind words to say about Varane, who claimed a dozen-and-a-half trophies during his time with Madrid, alongside the 2018 World Cup with France.

“The Champions League wins he’s had, the World Cup wins… everything about him is class," the Norwegian added. “He’s a quick, strong defender, good in the air, he can play with both feet.

“The short answer is everything about him is what you want. He’s been humble, he’s been inquisitive. He asks questions. He doesn’t want to learn by a mistake in the game, he wants to learn it on the training field before he comes on the pitch. Everything about him has been impressive"

The bigger picture

Having been unveiled ahead of a rampant homecoming against bitter rivals Leeds last weekend, Varane could be in line to make his debut for United this weekend when they face Southampton.

The Red Devils will travel down south to St Mary's Stadium, having put themselves atop the Premier League table after the opening matchweek thanks to Bruno Fernandes' hat-trick and Paul Pogba's quartet of assists.

With Solskjaer's men arguably the closest rivals to dethroning Manchester City as title holders this term, they will be determined to ensure they dodge any potential banana skins on the road at this early part of the season.

Further reading