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Former Nigeria U23 star Seun Olulayo is backing Al Ahly to win the 2021 Caf Champions League at the expense of Kaizer Chiefs.

The Egyptians would be hoping to win the title back to back when they square up against the South Africans at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

To reach this stage, Pitso Mosimane's men silenced Tunisia's Esperance 4-0 on aggregate in the last four. Victory over Stuart Baxter's team on Saturday would see them emerge as African champions for a record tenth time.

For Amakhosi, they are playing in the competition’s final for the first time in their history having negotiated their way past Wydad Casablanca in the semi-final. 

Olulayo, however, is not expecting Baxter's men to cause an upset while predicting that the North Africans would return home victorious.

"Kaizer Chief not doubt have been impressive so far in this year's Caf Champions League, but I don’t see them beating Al Ahly to the title," the Sunshine Stars wing-back told Goal.

"I have watched the Egyptians closely in recent times, and I don’t think any team on the continent can stop them at the moment.

"Aside from having an intelligent coach in Pitso Mosimane, they look very organised and have the ability to score goals at every given opportunity.

"Well, football is all about upset, but taking into consideration how both teams have fared so far, I will be rooting for Al Ahly to get the job done within 90 minutes."

Junior Ajayi has been listed for the final showdown in the Moroccan city, and Olulayo is backing his former international teammate to disturb the South African topflight side.

"If there is any player to watch out for on Saturday, that should be Ajayi," he continued.

"He is a very good striker and on a good day, we know what he can offer his Egyptian side. If he gets to play, I see him wreaking havoc against Daniel Akpeyi's club.

"I wish him the best of luck while hoping he scores some goals too.”

The winners of this year's Caf Champions League will qualify for the 2021 Fifa Club World Cup in Japan and also square up against Raja Casablanca in the Caf Super Cup.

Sunday's Euro 2020 final between Italy and England was in danger of being postponed because ticketless fans broke into the stadium, Metropolitan Police said.

Stewards at Wembley were unable to prevent supporters breaking through the barricades ahead of the tournament decider.

A total of 26 people were arrested at the stadium and deputy assistant commissioner Jane Connors has praised police for their response to ensure the game went ahead.

What has been said?

A statement on Met Police's website read: "On Sunday, for the first time in more than 50 years, England had qualified for the final of a major international football tournament. This was meant to be a day of national pride, full of jubilance and celebration.

“In the main, the day was exactly that. However, it was sadly tarnished by a minority of disorderly and violent fans who attempted to hijack the final for their own selfish personal gain.

"Throughout the course of the day, police officers witnessed disgraceful behaviour both in central London and at Wembley, where a number of people pushed through security cordons or fought with police officers.

“Soon after gates opened, the stewarding and outer security perimeter became overwhelmed and fans began pushing through security checks. I want to praise the quick response by police commanders and those brave officers who confronted these subsequent scenes of disorder and violence.

“I am in no doubt that their swift action prevented any further escalation. Frustratingly, 19 of our officers were injured during the course of Sunday's policing operation when confronting volatile crowds.

“I do not accept that the policing operation failed and I stand by the difficult decisions made by police officers and the Met’s public order commanders. Without their immediate intervention, it is possible that this game could have been abandoned.

“The ugly scenes at Wembley on Sunday night will rightly be reviewed by the Football Association and by police. Where lessons can be learnt we will work with partners to ensure that future matches are not disrupted by a group of hooligans who are fueled on alcohol.”

What happened?

Video posted to social media showed huge numbers of fans rushing past security and gaining entry to the stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 final.

Many supporters managed to gain entry to the stadium to see the match despite not having tickets.

As well as those arrested around the ground, a further 25 were arrested around central London.

Police warned that "as part of the post-incident investigation, we expect further arrests to follow in the days and weeks ahead."

Further reading

Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann says it is no surprise to see teams interested in Robert Lewandowski because of his excellent form in recent seasons.

Lewandowski, 32, finished last season with 48 goals in all competitions as Bayern secured another Bundesliga title.

The Poland star's form has prompted rumours that he could be set for a move this summer and Nagelsmann says he has already discussed the issue with the striker.

What has been said?

“The rumours about Robert Lewandowski have been around for ages, I think since he joined Bayern Munich," he said to Sky Germany.

"I think it’s normal for someone who scores so many goals that almost every club puts out a feeler.

"I think on one hand Robert knows what he has in Munich, what he has in this team. I’ve spoken to him and texted him. I’m not very fond of the first official act with a player being to immediately discuss his contractual situation."

What has Lewandowski said?

Lewandowski said in May that he is "open-minded" about a summer move.

The former Borussia Dortmund star added: “I am always curious to learn a new language, a new culture. But whether it will be in football or after my career, even I don't know.”

Who could sign him?

Real Madrid are the team most frequently linked to the attacker.

Reports this week stated that he is eager to make the switch to the Spanish giants this summer.

But teams in England and Italy are also said to be interested in signing Lewandowski.

Further reading

Victor Moses continued his fine goalscoring run for Spartak Moscow with the opening goal in their 4-0 victory over Rubin Kazan on Wednesday.

The former Super Eagles midfielder made it four goals in four appearances for Rui Vitoria’s side since he completed a permanent switch from Chelsea.

Moses broke the deadlock at the Otkritie Arena with his strike from the penalty spot in the 10th minute.

The goal separated both teams in the first 45 minutes before goals from Alexander Sobolev, Roman Zobnin and Georgi Dzhikiya sealed their emphatic victory.

The result was Spartak Moscow's second straight win in the Premier Cup - a pre-season tournament involving Russian Premier League clubs. Two days ago, Moses completed the rout as Vitoria's men cruised to a 4-0 win over FC Sochi.

Ghana captain Andre Ayew believes the burst of fine young talent bodes well for the national team.

In their search for an elusive fifth Africa Cup of Nations title, Black Stars coach CK Akonnor has put faith in young talent in the hope of building a formidable set-up.

Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus, Nordsjaelland winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, who has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Ajax, and Steadfast attacker Abdul Fatawu Issahaku are among Ghana’s new wave of exciting stars.

“The talent is there; maybe a bit less experience but the talent, the endeavour, fighting spirit, the desire to do good things are there. I can feel it when I’m with the boys at camp, they are very hungry and motivated,” Ayew said, as reported by Citi Sports.

“[Issahaku], Kudus, Danlad [Ibrahim], all these young guys coming up, they have a bright future but to be successful they need to be able to deal with the pressure.

“I hope that as a squad we will be ready to fulfill what the nation wants.”

Ajax attacker Kudus has made the greatest impact among Ghana’s young talent since making his debut against South Africa in an Afcon qualifier in 2019.

After scoring against Bafana in Cape Coast, the 20-year-old found the back of the net in his third game for the Black Stars, coincidentally against South Africa again, in the Afcon qualifying reverse fixture in Johannesburg, and he went on to provide a pair of assists in the following fixture against Sao Tome and Principe.

Kamaldeen, on the other hand, made his debut in a friendly fixture against Mali last October. After a short time out in the international wilderness, he was handed a recall for a double-header of friendlies against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire in June but ultimately turned down the invitation as he seeks to finalise his club future.

He is expected to make a comeback when the West Africans return to action in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September.

Issahaku, meanwhile, has been linked to German side Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Portuguese fold Sporting since breaking onto the scene at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations earlier this year. He made the Black Stars’ last two call-up lists but is yet to make his debut for the A side.

Achraf Hakimi started his PSG career with an assist as the Ligue 1 giants thrashed third division club Le Mans 4-0 in a friendly encounter on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old who joined the Parisians on a five-year deal from Inter Milan last Tuesday, made a starting debut in PSG's first pre-season warm-up match at the club's training ground.

Hakimi dazzled in the right-back position and he instantly made an impact which led to the hosts' second goal of the day, after Mauro Icardi's opener in the 12th minute.

Following fine team movement, the two-time Caf Youth Player of the Year linked up with Ismael Gharbi who doubled their lead in the 35th minute.

Hakimi was on parade for just 45 minutes before Mauricio Pochettino made six changes at the break. The Morocco international was replaced by Nathan Bitumazala.

Senegal internationals Abdou Diallo and Idrissa Gueye were also in action for PSG from the start and the latter was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Marquinhos.

Gueye was replaced by Xavi Simons at half-time while Diallo played for 78 minutes before coming off for Teddy Alloh.

PSG have been active in the transfer window this summer and they have been bolstering their defence with key signings.

On Wednesday, the Parisians announced the arrival of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after they reunited Hakimi with former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

“We want to apply the same principles as last season,” Pochettino told the club’s website. “We want to be an aggressive team in the right sense of the word, to be dominant on the pitch and to play in the opponent's half.

“We like playing well and understanding our players’ games, we work to have the best possible understanding on the pitch, more than just the system we use. We are clear about what we expect, about the mentality and about the principles of the game.

“And above all on the fact that we want to win every match, which is a standard for a club like Paris Saint-Germain. That's our biggest challenge, to make sure we don't differentiate between competitions, and play every game with the same desire to win."

PSG will continue their preparation for the 2021-22 season with another friendly fixture against third-division club Chambly on Saturday.

They will then begin the new campaign with the Super Cup clash against Ligue 1 champions Lille on July 31. Their quest for the top-flight crown will commence on August 7, with an away game against newly-promoted Troyes.

Group A continues in the Gold Cup on Wednesday, with Guatemala playing Mexico in Dallas.

Watch Guatemala vs Mexico on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Guatemala has not won a Gold Cup game since 2011 when it reached the quarter-finals, while Mexico needs to pick up points if it is to defend its title, having lifted the trophy in 2019.

Mexico opened Group A with a 0-0 draw against Trinidad and Tobago, while Guatemala lost 2-0 to El Salvador.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Gold Cup games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Guatemala held El Salvador scoreless for the first 80 minutes of its opening Gold Cup game, but eventually lost 2-0 after a strong defensive performance.

Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen will likely be in for a busier game against Mexico, who boast extra firepower in attack.

Guatemala has no major injury concerns or suspensions so may be able to pick a similar starting XI to the side that faced El Salvador.

Predicted Guatemala starting XI : Hagen; Hernandez, Pinto, Gordillo; Galindo, Dominguez, Aparicio, Santis; Arreola, Martinez, Betancourth.

Hirving Lozano lasted just 11 minutes of this year's Gold Cup and will not feature again during the tournament after a blow to the head against Trinidad and Tobago.

Lozano is the only injury suffered by Mexico so far in the tournament with LA Galaxy teenager Efrain Alvarez in line to replace the Napoli winger.

Predicted Mexico starting XI:  Talavera; Rodriguez, Salcedo, Moreno, Gallardo; Herrera, Alvarez, Pineda; Corona, Funes Mori, Pulido.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

AC Milan technical director Paulo Maldini has confirmed Olivier Giroud will complete a move to the club on Thursday.

The Serie A side reached an agreement with Chelsea over a €2 million deal for the French striker last week.

The 34-year-old will travel to Milan to undergo a medical and will be confirmed as the San Siro side's latest signing.

What has been said?

“Yes, [Giroud] should arrive tomorrow," Maldini told DAZN.

"Olivier is a champion and a fresh winner of the Champions League.

"He is a very reliable player, what we were looking for since we need experienced players like him. We are the youngest team in Serie A."

Milan could sign another striker

The club's summer investment in attack might not end with Giroud's arrival.

Milan are looking to add a young striker to the squad before the transfer window ends, Rossoneri legend Maldini said.

"A young striker could also arrive," he added.

"The idea is to lay the foundations for the team and then perhaps wait for the final phase of the transfer market."

Will Kessie stay?

Franck Kessie's future at Milan has been the subject of speculation, too.

The midfielder has been linked to city rivals Inter as well as Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham.

Kessie has entered the last year of his contract, but Maldini says the Rossoneri hope to keep him for years to come.

"He will be part of the future of Milan, we are working on his renewal," he said.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he could not "stand in the way" of Manchester United duo Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo representing Ivory Coast at the Olympics this year.

United could have refused to let the players compete in the tournament because as an Under-23 competition, the Olympics is not part of FIFA's official calendar.

But Solskjaer accepts that playing at the Games is a boyhood dream and believes it will be an important experience for the pair.

What has been said?

He told United's website: "I think everyone, when they grow up, watches the Olympics and can see Usain Bolt or Ryan Giggs. I saw him play in the Olympics [for Great Britain in 2012]!

"When your country calls you up, I think I can’t stand in the way of that boyhood dream being fulfilled.

"Of course, Eric is over-age but I think they can see the value of him and that’s why they brought him in.

"Amad is a young, exciting prospect. It’ll be good to see them. It’ll be their pre-season but they’ve got to come back with a medal. We need a nice feel about the place when they come back!"

When do the Olympics begin?

The first men's football matches at the Tokyo 2020 Games will be played on July 22.

Ivory Coast have been drawn in Group D with Brazil, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

The African nation will begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia, followed by a match with Brazil on July 25 before taking on Germany three days later.

Further reading

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder William 'Naughty' Mokoena has lauded the club's decision to sign Kwanda Mngonyama ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Buccaneers recently snapped up the versatile defender on a free transfer after he was released by Maritzburg United at the end of June this year with his contract having expired.

Mngonyama was unveiled along with his former Maritzburg teammate Bandile Shandu, Free State Stars winger Monnapule Saneng and Baroka FC midfielder Goodman Mosele as Bucs' new signings last week.

Mokoena, who was part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the 1998 Fifa World Cup finals in France, feels Mngonyama is the most important signing for the Soweto giants. 

"Mngonyama from Maritzburg is a good signing because Pirates have been lacking a defender like him," Mokoena told Goal. 

"The defence leaked a lot of goals in the recent season. So, we needed a young boy to strengthen the defence. For me, it is a good acquisition by the club." 

Pirates conceded 22 goals from 30 league matches compared to the 14 that PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns shipped from the same number of matches during the 2020/21 term. 

Mngonyama started his career at Mamelodi Sundowns and the 27-year-old went on to turn out for the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, Cape Town City as well as Maritzburg.

Mokoena believes Mosele, 21, will find it difficult to break into the Pirates starting line-up despite the South Africa under-23 international being rated among the top young midfielders in the PSL. 

"He has to understand that he needs to fight for his place in the starting line-up," the former AmaZulu FC and Swallows FC player said. 

"He will be fighting with those two players [Ben Motshwari and Thabang Monare] from Bidvest Wits for a place in the team. 

"So, for him to walk straight into the Pirates starting line-up will be very difficult because in order to play for a big club like Pirates you need to have strong mental strength," he added. 

"It also takes time to understand Pirates' culture for most players. One needs to fight hard for their place in the team due to the quality players that are part of the Pirates squad." 

Mosele won the PSL Young Player of the Season award for the 2019/20 campaign and he was constantly linked with Kaizer Chiefs before he joined Pirates. 

He is part of the South Africa under-23 squad which travelled to Japan on Tuesday for the 2020 Olympic Games. 

Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City coaching staff will be back for pre-season training on July 19, but much of his squad will be missing as they enjoy an extended break following this summer’s tournaments.

City, along with Chelsea, sent the most players to Euro 2020 with 15 in total, including finalists England’s Kyle Walker, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, as well as Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Ferran Torres, who reached the semi-finals playing for Spain.

Ederson and Gabriel Jesus also reached the final of the Copa America with Brazil, where they lost the final to Argentina.

Players are generally given a minimum of three weeks off over the summer, with Guardiola keen for his squad to have time to relax and recuperate, especially with the international tournaments coming after a gruelling season.

Goal brings you everything you need to know about Man City's plans for pre-season and who will be involved.

Man City pre-season fixtures & results

City have so far confirmed pre-season friendlies against Championship side Preston North End on July 27 and French club Troyes four days later.

The game against Preston will be played at City’s Academy Stadium at 7pm BST, with fans able to attend, while they will face fellow City Football Group-owned club Troyes in France.

They will also play the Community Shield against Leicester City at Wembley on August 7, a week before the Premier League kicks off.

A charity match in Barcelona has also been mooted for August, but is expected to take place after the season has started.

City also had a low-key pre-season last year following a short turnaround between the end-of-season Champions League tournament in Portugal and the start of the new campaign.

Which players are involved in Man City's pre-season?

The majority of the first-team players that were not part of international squads will be back on the first day of training, with others returning at different times during the summer.

Those back on July 19 include club captain Fernandinho, after signing a new one-year contract, Riyad Mahrez, Benjamin Mendy, and goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

A number of academy youngsters are set to join up for training with Guardiola, with last season’s Premier League 2-winners such as Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia likely to spend much of the 2021-22 campaign with the first team.

Will Man City's new signings be present?

While Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia have left the club on free transfers to Barcelona, City have yet to bring in any new players since the transfer window opened.

Any deals could be delayed as potential targets take their summer breaks, with England duo Harry Kane and Jack Grealish high on the club's priority list.

City had a number of South American players out on loan last season, and their involvement could depend on work permit issues. 

When does Man City's season start?

City kick off their season in the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Leicester, with the Premier League season starting eight days’ later away to Tottenham on Sunday, August 15.

Much of the focus will be on striker Kane, who is a potential target for City, although Spurs are desperate to keep him.

The first game at a capacity Etihad Stadium in nearly 18 months will come the following Saturday against newly-promoted Norwich City.

See Man City's Premier League 2021-22 fixtures in full

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has thrown his weight behind the selection of Amad Diallo and Eric Bailly for Ivory Coast’s campaign at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Bailly alongside AC Milan's Franck Kessie and Sivasspor's Max Gradel have been picked as over-aged players while Diallo, 19, joins a number of home-based players in coach Haidara Soualiho's team.

The West African country will begin their Olympic campaign against Saudi Arabia on July 22 followed by a date with Brazil three days later, before they conclude their Group D outings against Germany on July 28. 

Solskjaer described their invitation as a good thing and he is backing the two players to return to Manchester with medals from the competition.

“I think everyone, when they grow up, watches the Olympics and can see Usain Bolt or Ryan Giggs. I saw him play in the Olympics [for Great Britain in 2012]!” Solskjaer told the club's website. “When your country calls you up, I think I can’t stand in the way of that boyhood dream being fulfilled.

“Of course, Eric is over-age but I think they can see the value of him and that’s why they brought him in.

“Amad is a young, exciting prospect. It’ll be good to see them. It’ll be their pre-season but they’ve got to come back with a medal. We need a nice feel about the place when they come back!”

Earlier this year, Diallo made his international debut for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations champions against Niger and he opened his goal account for Ivory Coast with the match-winning free-kick against Burkina Faso in a friendly match in June.

He described Bailly as his 'older brother' who has helped him find his feet at Old Trafford following his arrival from Atalanta in January.

“Eric has been like an older brother to me since I arrived in Manchester, but not just Eric, Paul [Pogba] as well,” Diallo said.

“In fact, everyone, but I am closer to Eric and Paul because they speak French and help me with what I need to do both on and off the pitch. 

“And I go with Eric to the national team games, although I did not know him before I came here. But since I have met him, he is a really calm person, he always gives me advice. I think that someone like him is really important for my development as a player.”

Manchester City finished the season as both Premier League and FA Cup winners, and not to mention Champions League finalists, for the first time under Pep Guardiola's reign.

The Citizens will be intent on defending their titles next season, and their new  Puma  kits will be sporting their status as Premier League champions with patches on the brand-new jerseys.  

As the new campaign looms ahead,  Goal  takes a look at what Manchester City will be wearing and release dates, as well as leaks and rumours about potential shirt styles.

Manchester City's 2021-22 home kit & release date

The 2021-22 Man City home kit is the traditional sky blue colour, with the logos in white instead of the darker blue of the previous season.

The kits continue to be sponsored by Etihad Airways, with a white trim accentuating the sides of the shirt alongside the additional sponsors.

The inside collar will sport '93:20', a reference to the historic Sergio Aguero goal against Queens Park Rangers that clinched Manchester City's first league title in 44 years back in 2012.

The home getup is completed by the matching sky blue shorts and socks.

Manchester City's 2021-22 away kit & release date

Manchester City's away kit has not been launched, but rumoured photos circulating online about the latest strip show that the Etihad side will be going for a mostly white colourway for the base, with light blue accents.

Manchester City's 2021-22 third kit & release date

Manchester City's third kit is only expected to be launched towards the end of the summer and closer to when the new club season begins, though leaked photos suggest that it is set to be predominantly a base of a navy colour with a white trim.

How much will they cost & where to buy?

Fans will be able to buy the new Manchester City kits from the club megastore at the Etihad, as well as the usual high street sports retail outlets.

They will also be available to purchase online using the official club webstore.

Last season's Manchester City shirts cost £60 for adults and kids jerseys could be bought for £33.

Note: prices may vary.

Liverpool have turned down the chance to sign former loanee Ozan Kabak from Schalke for just £8.5 million ($11.75m), Goal has learned.

The Reds were offered the Turkey international, who spent the second half of last season at Anfield, with Schalke desperate to raise funds and cut their wage bill following their relegation from the Bundesliga.

But Liverpool’s stance, for now at least, has not changed, and sources say it is unlikely to do so before the end of the summer transfer window.

What’s the deal?

Kabak joined the Reds on the final day of the winter window, as Jurgen Klopp sought to alleviate the defensive crisis which engulfed his side last season.

Liverpool paid an initial loan fee of £1m plus a bonus of £500,000, and negotiated a fee of around £18m ($25m) for a potential permanent move this summer.

But with Ibrahima Konate joining from RB Leipzig in May, and with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all closing in on a return from long-term injury, the decision was made not to take up the option on Kabak.

Liverpool also have Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, who performed admirably last season in difficult circumstances, and Ben Davies, who was signed from Preston on the same day as Kabak.

Schalke, Goal understands, are so eager to offload Kabak, one of their most highly rated assets, that they are now ready to more than halve their asking price for the 21-year-old, though so far mooted interest
from the Premier League and from Serie A is yet to formalise.

Liverpool, though, are unlikely to be involved.

How did Kabak do at Anfield?

Kabak made 13 appearances in total following his move, and formed a solid enough partnership with Phillips as the Reds revived their Champions League qualification hopes in the spring.

He played in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid, before an injury cut short his campaign, forcing him to miss the final five league matches.

Upon leaving Anfield, Kabak posted a heartfelt farewell, expressing his gratitude to supporters and stating that the experience gathered during his spell with the club would prove invaluable.

Further reading

Everton manager Rafael Benitez has defended dismissing the club as "small" during his time as Liverpool coach.

Benitez made the comments after a draw in the Merseyside derby in 2007.

The Spaniard's insult has circulated again since he was confirmed as the Toffees' new boss and he insists they will have no impact on how he tackles his new job. 

What has been said?

Asked about the "small club" comments during a press conference on Wednesday, Benitez said: "I’ve said before, it depends on the context. It’s a long time ago and you are fighting for your club. That is what I will do now.

“If you are the manager you have to defend your club in any context. In this case I will fight for Everton, I will try to do my best every single game and I will try to compete against anyone.

“I’m really pleased that this club is getting bigger and bigger and I am happy with the idea we can challenge and we can compete and I will fight for that.”

Benitez addresses threatening banners

Many Everton fans protested against Benitez's appointment as head coach.

A banner was left near the 61-year-old's house warning him not to take the job, a matter which is being investigated by police.

But the Spaniard says there has been a lot of support since he accepted the role and is not worried about the anger of some fans. 

“The Evertonians around my place, they are quite happy and they were very supportive," he said.

“Even the Liverpudlians, they were accepting it’s a chance and an opportunity for me to come back to the Premier League and to compete for something so it was quite good.

“Talking about the banners, we can talk about one, two people - you never know. I think it’s better to think about positives and how a lot of people were encouraging me to do well. I’m happy with that.

"I was convinced when I decided to say yes, or even decided to start talking. It's not something I'm scared of, it's the opposite. I want to win, I want to do well. That is to be competitive for me, to be ambitious."

He added: "I am professional and very competitive. I have confidence that we've done it before, and we can do it now. We are creating an atmosphere that will allow us to compete at the maximum level.

"When I was in Chelsea, in Cobham, I was going to the supermarkets and the fans were really good. The majority of the fans every day were fine. Liverpool is my city, now obviously a lot of people on the Blues side will be pleased if I'm successful."

Further reading

Kenya international Cliff Nyakeya has parted ways with Egyptian side FC Masr.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Nyakeya confirmed they had reached a mutual agreement with the Egyptian Divison Two side to end their association. The former Mathare United winger joined Masr two years ago when they were still in the top division before they were relegated in 2020.

"[I] have had to go through a lot in the past year and now I have decided to end my contract with FC Masr after two years by mutual consent," Nyakeya posted. "Thank you for the trust and the opportunity you gave me to play in the Egyptian League and for the first time outside my country. Good luck!"
 
Nyakeya is among the players that were trusted by head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt, Togo and Comoros. While most foreign-based players were overlooked by Mulee, the winger featured prominently and impressed especially against Comoros even though Harambee Stars did not get the results that would have catapulted them to back-to-back Afcons.
 
Before he joined Masr in 2019, Nyakeya was plying his trade with Mathare United and had been tipped as one of the most promising talents - in the attacking department - for club and country. At Masr, the 26-year-old made six appearances before the club was relegated to the second-tier.

Avire had controversially joined Tanta SC from Sofapaka before he switched allegiance to Coca-Cola.
 

Former Manchester United manager Casey Stoney will be the first head coach in San Diego NWSL history, the club announced on Wednesday.

Stoney left United at the end of the 2020-21 season, having helped the club secure promotion from the second tier and subsequently establish themselves as a power in the Women's Super League.

San Diego NWSL, which features former U.S. national team head coach Jill Ellis as its president, will begin play in NWSL next season and will announce an official name and colors in the near future.

What was said?

“Casey is one of the most decorated, distinguished and talented English players of all time and has transitioned seamlessly in her role as a manager,” Ellis said in a club release.

“She immediately turned Manchester United Women Football Club into respected contenders and established herself as one of the top managers in the league.

"Casey has all of the qualities we want in our manager and she is fully committed to making San Diego NWSL a globally successful club and brand led by powerful and talented women."

Stoney added: “I am extremely excited and motivated to lead San Diego NWSL on the field next season and beyond.

"Jill and this ownership group are deeply committed to building a world-class club both on and off the field and I look forward to being a part of creating our culture and style of play as a team."

Ellis looks to build around female leaders

Ellis has stated her desire to hire women in leadership positions in her role as president of the new NWSL club.

Though she could have landed another head coaching role, the ex-USWNT boss has said she wanted to be higher up in the organizational structure to ensure she could hire women in leadership roles.

“This opportunity presented itself and I thought: ‘What a great way to continue to champion women, provide opportunities for women but also stay connected to the game I love,’” Ellis said after being hired last month.

Earlier this week, San Diego NWSL hired former USWNT administrator Molly Downtain as its first general manager.

Further reading