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Josep Gombau is one of the few coaches in India who has been able to leave a mark with his work in spite of not winning silverware. He was entrusted with a project when he signed for Delhi Dynamos and the Spaniard worked tirelessly to execute the vision. 

In the two years that he spent in India, he has brought the best from his young players and had implemented a style of football that was entertaining. But what led him to snap his ties with Odisha FC, a club that seemed committed to his methods ? 

"It was an excellent experience in India. I and my family had a very good time. I was happy with Delhi Dynamos and subsequently with Odisha FC. The club offered me a contract extension. But I had to decline it. My two kids are six and eight years old. In Delhi, we had good schools. But things were different in Bhubaneshwar. We could not manage the things in the way that we would have liked to.  It is necessary to provide my kids with the best possible education. Last season, my family was in Delhi and I was in Bhubaneswar. I do not want this kind of life. I put in a lot of thought. Unfortunately, things cannot change. So I decided to leave," explained the coach to Goal. 

Odisha have always promoted young players. The management has trusted young players like Shubham Sarangi, Vinit Rai, Gaurav Bora and others in key positions. While some might argue that this decision has backfired and has impeded their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, Gombau did not share the same view. 

"In Odisha, I was working with a group of promising players. They worked extremely hard. They always want to learn a lot. They are intelligent.  A coach wants his players to be hungry and I had no complaints. We had five U23 players in the squad on every matchday. If they were not good, they wouldn't have made it.

"Gourav can become one of the best central defenders. For that, he has to improve physically. He has good game reading skills and is also good with the ball. Vinit is also good. Shubham has a lot of potential. Then there is Jerry (Mawihmingthanga), and Nanda (Nandhakumar). I believe each of them can go on to play for India."

Odisha FC's talisman Aridane Santana suffered a hamstring injury against Bengaluru FC on January 22 which saw him ruled out for the rest of the season. He was in prolific form scoring nine goals from 14 matches. Moreover,  Marcos Tebar was also sidelined in the same match and he missed the next game against FC Goa where the Juggernauts were defeated 4-2 at home. 

Gombau felt that these injuries took the wind off their sails, going into the business end of the season.

"We had the momentum with us. At a crucial point, we lost both Aridane and Tebar. He is not only a striker who scores goals but also links with the midfield and his movements create a difference on the pitch. Also, Marcos was our captain. He led the game from the back. These were two major disappointments. We could have done better with them. But this is football. You have to deal with the injuries and move ahead," commented Gombau reflecting on what could have the turning point of the season. 

It has been learnt that the 44-year-old has already signed his next assignment and which will be disclosed within the coming weeks. According to sources, he is set to join Queensboro which plays in the second-tier USL Championship in USA. But he remains open to coming back to India in the future as he has thoroughly enjoyed his stint in the sub-continent and 'remains grateful to the hospitality shown by the Indian people'.

Kedah left back Azmeer Yusof on Thursday made a surprise statement, announcing his exit from the Super League side.

The ostensible reason provided by him in the social media post was to concentrate on his business enterprises.

When the competitions suspension began due to the global Covid-19 outbreak some months ago, the 30-year old player shifted his focus towards his fish mongering business, which according to him was starting to become profitable.

READ: Kedah's Azmeer takes career detour during competitions suspension

"This decision was not made because of salary issues, but due to my desire to concentrate my time fully on my business. I apologise if my presence in Kedah was not welcomed. Everything that was good came from Allah, that which was terrible was of my own doing.

"To Kedah fans, keep supporting the team. Without you, football is nothing. Forgive me and I will forever miss your support," the defender wrote on his Facebook page.

During the absence of competitive football in the country, Azmeer has attracted attention for several reasons beside his decision to concentrate on business.

Almost a month ago, he wrote a lengthy reminder for his footballer peers, advising them to secure their financial future and to spend modestly. Earlier this week, he had revealed his plan to establish an Islamic studies centre in Alor Setar, Kedah.

His parting statement on Thursday also included a religious reminder: "For all Muslims, our religion is our responsibility. We must pray five times a day because that is what Allah wants to know of us first in the afterlife.

"To Kedah fans, I may not be a former Kedah player and a Kedah legend, but I am still your friend. Pray that Allah blesses my plan to establish the Azmeer Yusof Islamic Studies Centre in Alor Setar."

He has played Kedah in two stints; in the 2016 season when he won the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup double with them, and 2019 to 2020.

However, although the former Perak, ATM and Kuala Lumpur player explicitly wrote that the Red Eagles' financial issue is not a reason behind his departure, fans will find that hard to believe. Earlier this month, it was reported that Kedah players have not been paid for a staggering four months due to competitions suspension and political developments in the state of Kedah. Like most professional teams in the country, the team is led by the Menteri Besar (chief minister) of the state.

Mohamed Salah thanked Liverpool's fans after the club claimed a first league title since 1990.

Liverpool celebrated their first English top-flight success in 30 years following Manchester City's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool – who have only lost once in the league this season – cannot be caught atop the table with seven matches remaining in 2019-20.

Liverpool narrowly missed out on ending their drought last season, finishing just a point behind City, and star forward Salah revelled in the team's triumph this term.

Salah wrote via Twitter: "Yes. It feels THAT good. I want to thank all our supporters watching us from all corners of the world.

"You made this possible for us and I hope we can keep bringing you the joy you deserve. Now they're gonna believe us."

Liverpool, who claimed the 2018-19 Champions League, have won 28 of their 31 Premier League matches this season.

Reds defender Andy Robertson stressed the club's united approach has played a big part in their title triumph, noting that they are like one big family. 

"As a squad we're so close. We love coming in to training every single day. If somebody is having a bad game, we dig them out of a hole and we stick together on the pitch, we stick together off the pitch – that's why this squad is so special. I love being a part of it," Robertson told Liverpool's official website. 

"We're all kind of brothers and we have a dad figure in the gaffer and he's the one that leads us in the right direction. Him and his staff have been second to none, to be fair, since I've came here. This season they've been excellent to us going, keep us hungry, keep us motivated.

"Motivation has never been a struggle. As players we've always been hungry and we always wanted to win trophies for this club. Luckily, we're now showing that in the last 12 months."

Liverpool's players will be hoping to get a few days off after the title win with their next game not until July 2 at the Etihad against Manchester City.

In its continued commitment to women's football, LaLiga provided two masterclass sessions for coaches of the Nigerian Women Football League. LaLiga has further strengthened relations between both institutions with these online classes, within the existing MoU with the highest competition in the African country, the NWFL.

These sessions consist of some adapted and selected content that is part of a new comprehensive programme developed by LaLiga, called “LaLiga Women’s Football Coaching Methodology”. The original programme consists of a series of in-person courses organised into different levels of complexity, from the grassroots to the elite, focused on the specialities of women's football. In this way, LaLiga has gone one step further by innovating and developing a unique training programme of its kind aimed at coaches and focused on women's football.

Training on and off the field is essential in order to lay the foundations for women's football and, therefore, with this online methodology and these masterclass sessions, LaLiga helps to increase the visibility, development and professionalisation of women's football.

Aisha Falode, NWFL Chairperson said: “The NWFL and LaLiga have identified common grounds in our goals and vision for the future. Progress has been made and grounds covered in our partnership with La Liga since we signed the MOU in 2018.

"Though a lot of work has gone into the activation points of the MOU in the last few months, the training- the- trainers programme is the first engagement entry point into many more activations to come within the scope of our MOU. Our goal here at the NWFL is simple and direct and it aligns with LaLiga's, "to be a global league brand and among the best women leagues in the world."

“At LaLiga, we are extremely happy about the success of this first edition of the online masterclasses. NWFL is one of our key partners in Nigeria and, activating the MoU between both entities, was one of our priorities for this season," said LaLiga Delegate in Nigeria, Guillermo Perez.

"The fact that Nigeria was the first country in which we’ve trained through this new format and methodology, proves how important Nigeria is in LaLiga’s international development and how committed we are to the local football development. We hope this will be the first activation of many more to come with NWFL."

Despite the difficult situation that we are currently experiencing around the world, LaLiga has adapted and selected content, which was originally to be used in in-person sessions, to the online format, to facilitate participation. There will also be another version of this masterclass session, which will be focused on the initiation level in women's football training, on 29 June with coaches from Kuwait.

These sessions are part of the different initiatives that LaLiga has been developing since the creation of the Women's Football Department in 2015, with the aim of promoting and developing women's football, as well as the role of women in sport in general and football in particular.

LaLiga and the NWFL signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 to bolster sustainable development and growth of women football in Nigeria by promoting gender equality in sports, through the integration of women in football while encouraging access to sports management, education and the development of CSR activities.

Stevenage have completed the signing of Anglo-Nigerian Femi Akinwande ahead of next season’s campaign.

Following their relegation from League Two at the end of 2019-20 season, the Boro will now play in the National League – the fifth tier of the English football league system.

Akinwande, 24, featured in the National League South for Braintree Town and Billericay Town, netting 12 times across both teams.

Before then, he had spells at Maldon & Tiptree, East Thurrock United and Concord Rangers.

He becomes the club’s second signing after Anglo-Nigeria Inih Effiong arrived at the Lamex earlier in the week from Dover Athletic.

Speaking on the club’s website, manager Alex Revell is delighted with the arrival of the striker who he felt deserved the chance to play for the club.

“Femi is a fantastic young man. He has showed this season what a talent he is scoring 12 goals and impressing with his pace, power and trickery,” said Revell.

“He fully deserves his opportunity to come in and showcase his talents but what really excites me is his burning desire to come in every day and work as hard as he can to improve and make the most of his opportunity.

“We are a club that wants to give these players the opportunity to show people how good they are and flourish in our environment.

“The likes of [Steve] Morison, [Matty] Godden and [Danny] Newton are perfect examples of those types of players and I believe that Femi has all the attributes to go on and have a hugely successful career both here at Stevenage and beyond.”

For Akinwande whose length of deal at Broadhall Way has not been revealed, joining the Boro is an opportunity for him, while expressing his gratitude for the chance.

“It feels very, very good. I was waiting for a full-time opportunity and when I spoke to the gaffer it was a no-brainer to join,” he said.

“He said he has seen my clips and he sent somebody down to watch a few of my games and he was impressed, so I am just very grateful for the opportunity.”

Premier League side Everton have confirmed Oumar Niasse will be released along with Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt when their contracts end in June.

Niasse joined the Goodison Park outfit in February 2016 for a fee of around £13.5 million from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow.  

The Senegal international made his debut for the Foxes against Bournemouth on February 20, replacing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

The forward went on to score eight goals in 35 Premier League appearances during his four-year stay with the Toffees

Niasse also spent part of his time with Everton on loan with Hull City, where he found the back of the net four times in 17 league games but his effort was not enough to prevent the ‎KCOM Stadium outfit from relegating to the Championship in 2017.

The 30-year-old forward also featured for English second division side Cardiff City and played 13 times for the Bluebirds, having joined the side in January.  

On Thursday, the Toffees announced the imminent departure of the forward along with two other first-team players.  

“Everton can confirm Oumar Niasse, Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt will leave the Club when their current contracts expire at the end of the month,” read a statement from Everton website.

“Everton wishes to thank all departing players for their contribution throughout their time at the Club.”

Niasse only featured in three league games for Everton in this campaign and will become a free agent at the end of this month.

The striker has nine caps for Senegal and was not part of the squad that finished as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

In the U23, the Goodison Park outfit also announced the release of 19-year-old Nigerian winger Korede Adedoyin.

The contracts of Morgan Feeney, Alex Denny, Matty Foulds, Manasse Mampala and Kieran Phillips, who is currently on loan with the U23 team of Huddersfield Town will also not be renewed when it expires at the end of June.

Steven Gerrard congratulated the "fantastic" Liverpool squad after the club were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool cannot be caught atop the table after Manchester City fell to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It marked Liverpool's first league title since 1990 in an achievement they never managed during Gerrard's 17 years at the club as a player.

Gerrard congratulated Liverpool and Klopp, as well as owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

"Congratulations to all @liverpoolfc on winning the Premier League," the Rangers manager wrote on Instagram.

"Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players. Led by a world class manager and coaching team also a special mention for the backing from FSG.

"And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years. Let the party begin."

Another club legend in the form of Sir Kenny Dalglish was also quick to pay tribute to Klopp's men for ending a surprisingly long wait for another league title. 

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport. “He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here. Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive.

"You know how much it means. It's hard work to dominate the English league beside quality like Manchester City, by the way!

"I'm very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen [Klopp] has done a fantastic job. The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team. Last night's game was a huge example of that.

"They played with tempo and never gave Crystal Palace time on the ball. It's the whole feeling within the club, you do not win anything without a great dressing room, and they have that."

Liverpool will now hope to secure a few days off and enjoy their title win with their next league game set to be played on July 2 at the Etihad against Manchester City. 

Dinamo Batumi played a 1-1 draw versus Kakheti Telavi in a Georgia Erovnuli Liga encounter, with Godfrey Oboabona putting up a remarkable display.

After two draws in their opening two games, George Geguchadze’s men went into game chasing their first win of the season, however, they were pegged down by their resolute visitors at the Batumis Dinamos Satsvrtneli, Baza.

Things looked bright for Batumi when they took a first-minute lead through Brazil’s Flamarion, but could not guarantee them all points.

Telavi threw in everything to level matters but for Rizespor defender Oboabona was always on ground to thwart their attacking forays, while goalkeeper Mikheil Alavidze made a couple of fine saves.

Revaz Gotsiridze’s side reaped the reward for their persistence as they cancelled out the hosts’ effort through Lasha Kokhreidze in the 53rd minute.

That goal reignited Batumi’s fighting spirit but the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

For his contributions, Oboabona made six clearances, three shots, 65 passes with a passing accuracy of 89% while he lasted for the entire duration of the game.

His compatriot Benjamin Teidi was introduced in the 78th minute for Georgian star Mate Tsintsadze.

28-year-old Nigerian defender Ukwubile Chukwurah was on parade from start to finish for Telavi in the balanced encounter.

With this result, Batumi have now recorded draws in all games played so far this season to stay fifth in the Erovnuli Liga, while their opponents are sixth with an inferior goal difference.

They host Saburtalo in their next game on July 2, while Telavi welcome Samtredia to the Givi Chokheli Stadium three days later.

The Nigeria international took to social media to social media to express his discontentment with the result while assuring that his team would bounce back in upcoming games.  

“We are unlucky not a get win today despite putting in our very best,” Oboabona tweeted.

“We really miss our great fans because their absence really played out. One thing is very certain; we'll bounce back in our subsequent games.”

After spells in Turkish Super Lig, Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the 29-year-old joined the Georgian outfit who will be campaigning in the Europa League next season.

The Sunshine Stars legend will be recalled played an excelling role for the Super Eagles in their triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations staged in South Africa.

Virgil van Dijk has declared that Liverpool took their season to "another level" after claiming a long-awaited Premier League title. 

Having missed out on the trophy by a single point to Manchester City last year, the Reds have dominated this campaign with City's 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Thursday handing Jurgen Klopp's side the title with seven games to play. 

Liverpool have lost just one game and drawn two others in the league this season with the club on course to set a new Premier League points record.

Van Dijk has been key to the Reds' success on the pitch with his side conceding a league low 21 goals across 31 matches so far this season. 

As Klopp's side began their title celebrations, Van Dijk quickly reflected on what Liverpool had achieved this season and how they managed to up their game after falling short in the league last year. 

"It's unbelievable, what a season. We've been incredible," Van Dijk told BT Sport.

"To be part of this group of players and part of this journey is incredible and I am very proud to be able to call myself a Premier League winner.

"Of course, I watched the [Man City/Chelsea] game. I don't watch too many games but the game felt like it was taking ages and never ended. When the free-kick went in from Kevin [De Bruyne] - what an incredible goal by the way - I was getting nervous, and I haven't been nervous in a while.

"But after that it was just celebration time and we are all proud of each other. I can't really describe the feeling to be honest.

"In the league this year we have taken it to another level. We have been so consistent and played so well."

Liverpool are now hoping to convince Klopp for a few days off to celebrate with their next game against Manchester City set to kick off at the Etihad Stadium on July 2. 

Guardiola was quick to pay tribute to the Reds after losing to Chelsea, admitting his side failed to match the level of passion the title winners showed in every match this season. 

Robbie Fowler suggested Jurgen Klopp should be Liverpool's new "God" after the club clinched their first league title since 1990.

The Reds were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday after Manchester City fell to a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Fowler, who earned the nickname 'God' during his Liverpool career, joked he was ready to hand that over to manager Klopp.

"I think I'm going to have to relinquish this God shout now, give it on to Jurgen. Jurgen can be called 'God' now, can't he?" he told Optus Sport .

"I'll let him have that, I'll let him have it.

"I honestly feel brilliant, I know we haven't played for Liverpool for a long time but to be here and witnessing what we've witnessed, it's absolutely incredible, it really is."

Since taking over at Liverpool in 2015, Klopp has led the club to a Premier League title, Champions League crown and UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies.

Fowler, who is now coach of A-League club Brisbane Roar, lauded the German's man management.

"Since Jurgen's been there, I think the belief that he has given the players and they really go into every game believing that they will win, believing that no one can touch them," he said.

"He's got the attitude absolutely spot on. What he said four years ago that he's going to bring the Premier League to this club, he's absolutely nailed it. In four years, he's been in the Europa League final, he's been in a Champions League final twice, obviously they've won it once, and now the Premier League.

"I think the belief that he's instilled into them players has been nothing short of just a phenomenal bit of man management."

Captain Jordan Henderson also paid tribute to Klopp on the night, calling him "a great leader and a great human being".

"What you see is what you get, with his press conferences and on the sidelines," Henderson told  Sky Sports .

“Obviously, he has got more of a personal side with the players, but he has got a balance of having a relationship with the players and being a friend but also being a bit ruthless when he needs to be.

"He is a great leader and a great human being and we all believe in him. We have got an amazing group and that is down to the manager and how he has gelled them all together. It's not a coincidence and it's credit to him and all the staff."

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are “different class”, according to Frank Lampard – who says he thinks Manchester City play the best football of any team.

Lampard’s Chelsea team beat City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to hand Liverpool their long-awaited maiden Premier League title on Thursday.

The Blues were deserved winners, leading through Christian Pulisic and winning the game through Willian’s penalty after Kevin De Bruyne had levelled the scores with a magical free-kick.

“It was tough,” Lampard told BT Sport.

“When you come up against a team of Manchester City’s quality – in individuals, in the way they’re coached – for me, they’re the best, in terms of the way they play football, so great to watch.

“Pep and Jurgen Klopp are different class, hence why Liverpool are winning the league tonight!

“We had to work every bit that we ccould to try and get a result. We had to work defensively so, so hard and we did it, and we created the better chances on the night.”

Lampard was happy to see his side make City pay for their mistakes on the night.

Benjamin Mendy was shown up by Pulisic for the first goal, before Fernandinho saw red to give Willian the opportunity to win the game after handballing on the line.

“You always try and limit your errors, which there have been issues with at times, and you always try and capitalise [on your opponents’] but when you’ve got pace and you’ve got players like Christian who can get away from people and drive with the ball, you can do that,” Lampard said.

“We’ve had the ball more than any team I think, regularly this season in games, the bigger percentage.

“But today against Manchester City when they play a false nine and they’ve got bodies in midfield, it’s really tough so we had to tweak a little bit at half-time, suffer in the first 20 minutes of the second half, but I think we deserved the win on chances.”

The Blues boss was also keen to praise the late contribution of substitute Tammy Abraham.

“Olly [Olivier Giroud] has been great for us but when you think about attributes and I knew we were suffering and we needed an outlet.

“Maybe to press a bit higher up the pitch, it’s a lot of work we’re asking for from the players but at any moment you need your subs and you need people to come on fresh and bring energy to the team and I thought Tammy did that.”

Belgian club Genk have announced the permanent signing of Eboue Kouassi from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Bhoys in January 2017 for a fee around £3 million from Russian Premier League side Krasnodar.

The Ivorian only made 22 appearances for Neil Lennon’s Celtic before he moved to the Belgian side on loan in January.

Kouassi only featured four times for Genk in the 2019-20 season owing to injury problem and the outbreak of the coronavirus which forced the Belgian First Division A to an abrupt conclusion.

On Thursday, the Blue-White heralded the permanent signing of the midfielder after agreeing to a four-year deal with the side, which will keep him at Luminus Arena until 2024. 

The Ivorian will permanently link up with Nigeria duo of Paul Onuachu and Stephen Odey and Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil.

Since his January move, the midfielder has played against Oostende, Club Brugge, Kortrijk and Sporting Charleroi.

Genk, who finished seventh in the 2019-20 season, will hope the addition of the midfielder will help them compete for the league title next season. 

Kouassi started his career in Ivory Coast, joining Academie Symbiose Foot d'Abobo in 2010 before moving to Shirak in 2014.

The midfielder later departed the Armenian club after a short spell to team up with the youth setup of Krasnodar and in 2016 he was promoted to the first team of the Russian side.  

On the international scene, Kouassi is yet to feature for Ivory Coast and will hope to impress with his Belgian club to boost his chances with the Elephants.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is hoping a few beers could be enough to sway Jurgen Klopp to give the side a few days off after they wrapped up the Premier League title . 

After Manchester City lose 2-1 to Chelsea on Thursday , the Reds secured their first league title since 1990, having themselves smashed Crystal Palace 4-0 the day prior. 

With Liverpool's next game not until July 2 against Pep Guardiola's side, the squad are hoping to enjoy a few days of celebrating and Robertson is hopeful Klopp will grant them some time off with a bit of encouragement. 

"We're still trying to convince the boss downstairs to give us a few days off! Give him a couple more beers and I think we'll get two days off," Andy Robertson joked to  Match of the Day .

"We won’t tell you the exact location but we are all in a hotel together as a team. We thought something hopefully special was going to happen and that’s how it turned out.

"We went a bit crazy but the place went a bit silent when [Kevin] De Bruyne bagged a worldie free-kick. Luckily Chelsea reacted off that.

"The place went wild and we could sit back and enjoy the last five minutes."

Klopp was also nervously watching the City game and admitted afterwards he was overwhelmed to see his side end the club's considerable league drought. 

Reds veteran James Milner, meanwhile, stressed the title win was spurred on by the club falling short last season and declared they won't be looking to pull their punches next season either. 

"It shows the character in the squad to get so close last time and to go again. We have proven we are fuelled by disappointment and learning," Milner told Match of the Day . 

"I am sure the hunger will stay and we want to keep being successful. It is absolutely massive, to get over the line is huge."

Liverpool still have seven league games to play this season and would end the campaign with a Premier League records 107 points should they win every one of those matches.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson paid tribute to Jurgen Klopp after the Reds clinched the Premier League title, saying the German “changed everything” when he arrived at the club in 2015.

Five years after arriving in England, Klopp has cemented his status as a legend of English football by delivering Liverpool their first title in 30 years.

One of the players most transformed during his tenure has been the former Sunderland midfielder Henderson, who has emerged as a Player of the Season contender this campaign.

Speaking immediately after Manchester City lost at Chelsea to hand Liverpool the title, Henderson struggled to find the words to describe his emotions.

"It is amazing,” Henderson told Sky Sports. “I didn't want to talk about it until this moment.

“I'm so happy for all the boys. I'm just a bit overwhelmed and it's an amazing feeling. I'm so proud of what we have achieved.”

Liverpool’s squad and some staff were able to watch the Manchester City game together, with scenes of their celebrations making for popular viewing on social media.

"There was a lot of emotion and it was a different experience watching the game, and then to be with everyone and all the staff at the final whistle,” Henderson added.

“It was a moment we will never forget. I'm just lost for words at the minute. It hasn't really sunk in, you never really think of this end moment, you are just concentrating on each game. When this moment comes, I cannot really describe it.

"After the Champions League final, I said it wouldn't be possible to win it without the manager, and that is no disrespect to the managers before him, but I felt from day one he came in the door he changed everything and we have all followed him.

“So far, it has been very special and I hope we can stay hungry and keep wanting more.

"What you see is what you get, with his press conferences and on the sidelines.

“Obviously, he has got more of a personal side with the players, but he has got a balance of having a relationship with the players and being a friend but also being a bit ruthless when he needs to be.

"He is a great leader and a great human being and we all believe in him. We have got an amazing group and that is down to the manager and how he has gelled them all together. It's not a coincidence and it's credit to him and all the staff."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the personality at which Eddie Nketiah plays as ‘incredible’.

The forward of Ghanaian descent found the net as the Gunners ended their two-game losing streak in their 2-0 triumph over Southampton on Thursday.

20 minutes into the encounter, Alex McCarthy fetched a back pass which he gifted to Nketiah under pressure – with the 21-year-old tapping into an empty net.

In the process, he extended his fine goalscoring run this term netting six goals in his eleventh start of the season – with four of them coming for the Emirates Stadium giants, and two coming for Leeds United.

Substitute Joe Willock put the result beyond doubt with four minutes left to play after pouncing on another McCarthy blunder.

Speaking after the game, the Gunners’ boss expressed his delight with Nketiah who he feels made the biggest impression.

“Eddie, since I joined, the maturity and the personality that he plays every game with is incredible,” Arteta said during the post-match as reported by Arsenal website.

“I demand a lot of our forward players to put the opponent under pressure and they've done it. A lot of the goals we score are because of the errors that we force on the opponent.

“In that heat, to keep chasing players and putting them under pressure, sometimes it's not a really nice thing to do.

“But obviously when you get a goal from the mistakes they've made - which could have caused a few more goals - it's really important. It generates belief in what they do and it pays the price for the effort.

“I am happy with Eddie, the way he's played again today, but I'm happy in general with the team. I'm really happy with the subs, the way they came in and helped the team together with the result and the attitude that they showed.”

Thanks to this result, Arsenal climbed to ninth in the English elite division log with 43 points from 31 games. They travel to Sheffield United for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

After that, they host relegation-threatened Norwich City on Wednesday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side’s chase for a third successive Premier League title lacked “passion” as Liverpool were confirmed as champions on Thursday.

A 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge confirmed the Anfield club would end a 30-year wait to become champions of England, with the title having long been inevitable given their massive advantage at the summit of the standings.

Guardiola has said that the drive shown by the Reds for success this season was not matched by his side, but he did point out that the last eight domestic trophies have been returned to the Etihad Stadium while he also cited a weakness at centre-back.

“We won eight titles in a row which had never happened before in this country,” he told the media. “It can happen to miss one. We lost Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht and had Aymeric Laporte injured. 

“After we won those titles maybe we didn't have the same passion as Liverpool.

“After two seasons the gap is big. We were not consistent like the previous seasons. Liverpool won the Champions League and were given confidence. They played every game like it was their last game. In the beginning, we didn't play like that way.

“Congratulations to Liverpool for this great season. We still have five or six weeks to play but we won a lot in the last few years and of course we want to close the gap.

“We cannot forget we are still second in the league so we are better than a lot of the teams.”

Guardiola reflected positively upon City’s performance in defeat at Chelsea, a fixture lit up by a fine Kevin De Bruyne free kick, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was left to rue critical errors. 

“In terms of the game, we played good. Not a lot of pressure in the box. But we play in general a good game but our mistakes...” he lamented to BT Sport .

City will seek to pick themselves up with a fixture against Newcastle on Thursday before they play host to the new champions next Thursday in a game that will offer them a chance to restore some pride.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described his side’s Premier League title win as “unbelievable” after watching Manchester City lose 2-1 to Chelsea on Thursday. 

That result combined with the Reds' recent 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace to hand Klopp's side the trophy with seven games left to play this season. 

After falling short of the title by one point to Pep Guardiola's men last year, Liverpool left nothing to chance this campaign and have won 28 of their 31 league games so far. 

The Reds' last league title dated back to 1990, while this marks Klopp's third league trophy, having won the Bundesliga twice with Borussia Dortmund. 

Having watched City's decisive clash against Chelsea, Klopp was left pinching himself after realising his side had wrapped up the league title with the German coach quick to dedicate the success to club legends, while also encouraging fans to still keep their distance as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. 

"It is unbelievable. It's much more than I ever thought would be possible," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"Knowing how much Kenny [Dalglish] supported us, it is for you. He has waited 30 years and it's for Stevie [Gerrard]. The boys admire you all and it's easy to motivate the team because of our great history.

"It was really tense for 100 minutes of the City game, I didn't really want to be involved but you are when you watch it. It's an incredible achievement by my players and it's a huge joy for me to coach them.

"I haven't waited 30 years, I have been here for four and a half years, but it is quite an achievement, especially with the three-month break because nobody knew if we could go on.

"The game last night gave me the feeling we would be fine and tonight is for the fans. I hope you stay at home, and it's a joy to do it for you. It [the pandemic] is not over yet and we watched the game together at the hotel so we will enjoy the moment.

"I know it is difficult for people in this moment but we could not hold back. We will enjoy this with our supporters when we can.

He added: "I'm completely overwhelmed. I never thought it would be like this. I had no idea." 

Liverpool now have a full week to celebrate with their next league clash against Manchester City due to be played on July 2 at the Etihad. 

Liverpool will go down as one of the best teams in Premier League history, according to former striker Michael Owen.

Jurgen Klopp's side were crowned champions on Thursday after Manchester City fell to a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It marked Liverpool's first league title since 1990, and they are on track to set a record for the most points in a Premier League season.

Owen, who scored more than 150 goals for the club across eight seasons, paid tribute to Klopp and his team.

"Quite unbelievable. They're such a good team, it's such a good club, it's been waiting for this moment for such a long time," he told Optus Sport.

"Jurgen Klopp, what an absolute legend of a manager he's gone down as. European champions and now they've got the one that they wanted all that time, Premier League champions, it's just what everybody's wanted for such a long time and I'm sure Merseyside is absolutely bouncing at the moment and so it should be.

"The players deserve immense credit, it's been a tough season but they've been far and away the best team, the stats will prove that, it'll go down in history as one of the best Premier League teams that we have seen.

"Jurgen Klopp, he's just taken this team to new heights so 30, 40 years ago when Liverpool had great teams, I think Merseyside is unbelievably proud of what they've got now."

Another former Reds forward, Sir Kenny Dalglish, also paid tribute to Klopp and his side after City's defeat.

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport. “He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here."

Liverpool hold an unassailable 23-point lead atop the table with seven matches left to play.

Their next game will see them receive a guard of honour from toppled champions City, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium on July 2.

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has predicted more happy days ahead for the club following their first Premier League title – as long as Jurgen Klopp sticks around.

The Reds thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday and took their first English title in 30 years as Manchester City lost at Chelsea on Thursday .

Liverpool are now champions of England, champions of Europe and champions of the world – and Dalglish has loved every minute.

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport .

“He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here.

"Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive.

"You know how much it means. It's hard work to dominate the English league beside quality like Manchester City, by the way!"

He added:  "I'm very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen [Klopp] has done a fantastic job. The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team. Last night's game was a huge example of that.

"They played with tempo and never gave Crystal Palace time on the ball. It's the whole feeling within the club, you do not win anything without a great dressing room, and they have that."

Former Reds player and manager Dalglish was speaking on a video call from his home, and toasted Liverpool’s victory with a glass of champagne.

"I remember Bob Paisley said once after winning the European Cup, he never had a drink because he wanted to remember the occasion,” he said.

"Well, I never took his advice!"

Liverpool’s victory came in poetic fashion through Chelsea’s win. There were memories of the 2013-14 season, when Chelsea’s win over Liverpool helped City win back momentum and win the title race after Steven Gerrard’s famous slip.

City weren’t at their best without Sergio Aguero and went in behind at the break following Christian Pulisic’s well-taken breakaway goal.

A sensational Kevin De Bruyne free-kick brought Pep Guardiola’s side level, but Fernandinho was sent off for a handball on the goal line with Willian – who scored Chelsea’s second against Liverpool in 2014 – dispatching the decisive penalty.

With 28 wins from their 31 games so far, Liverpool now have their eye on a record-breaking season, with City’s 100-point record well within their grasp.

Liverpool’s first game as champions comes on Thursday, July 2 – away at Manchester City.