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Carlo Ancelotti’s disappointment after Everton were deservedly beaten by Newcastle United was palpable. The Magpies had beaten the hosts 2-0 on their turf and probably even deserved more.

Newcastle, a side who get hammered by neutrals for their overly negative approach, actually took the game to the home side at times and were full value for the result at Goodison Park. They may have ceded possession to the Toffees (well, some things just stay the same, don’t they?) but fashioned out presentable openings intermittently during the game.

Their expected goals of 1.8 was their third-best of the season and highest since…beating Everton 2-1 at St James' Park. Perhaps, that also irritated Ancelotti, whose displeasure was unmistakable last Saturday.

“I think Newcastle won the game because they showed more fighting spirit on the pitch,” the Italian stated bluntly post-match. “They showed more concentration, more motivation. They were the weapons we had when we won games – spirit, motivation, concentration and ambition.

“I think we forgot all this today at home. I don’t know why, but that was the reason, it was not a tactical or physical reason, it was a mental reason. The psychological aspect affected our performance.”

While this was directed at the whole team, it probably resonated more with Alex Iwobi who was the first to feel the annoyance of the former Chelsea head coach in that defeat. The Nigeria playmaker was sacrificed in the 63rd minute for Andre Gomes in the sole substitution made by the experienced three-time Champions League-winning manager.

In truth, a lack of options on the bench meant the ex-Napoli boss made no further substitutions; still, opting to replace the West African was striking, nonetheless.

This isn’t a criticism on Iwobi — after all he’s been praised for his performances in recent months which have seen him go from rotational option to one of the Toffees’ key players — but a recognition of the need to maintain previous levels of consistency to remain useful to the 61-year-old.

While the harshness of that reality comes off as unfair, the truth is the former Arsenal playmaker is neither at the level of playmaker James Rodriguez nor Richarlison, whose goalscoring threat as a wide attacker makes him an asset in Everton’s XI.

The pair are allowed off days as there is always that feeling at the back of one’s mind that they may pull a rabbit out of a hat despite underwhelming. Iwobi hasn’t been overly creative in his amazing showings in the side neither has he netted a succession of goals. Frankly, it makes him an easy target.

Of course, observers will quickly point to the Brazilian’s paucity of goal contributions this term — two goals and three assists — which better the Nigerian’s three by a couple. Still, his 13-goal return in each of his two years at Everton, coupled with four assists in total indicate he’ll be favoured given that history.

Iwobi started the important 2-1 win over Leeds United in midweek, a suggestion of the level of trust Ancelotti has in him. Others will suggest this was simply due to the decision to give James a breather for Saturday night’s daunting trip to a Manchester United side buoyed by a 9-0 rout of hapless Southampton at Old Trafford.

Gylfi Sigurdsson replaced the Colombia superstar in the hole at Elland Road, with Andre Gomes and Abdoulaye Doucoure deployed in front of the defence. Given the Iceland star’s imperious showing vs Marcelo Bielsa’s men, the immediate thought will be to keep the same XI, save for James replacing Iwobi in the line-up.

This theory is understandable; however, the Everton boss will still be aware of the events in the reverse fixture at Goodison, particularly how the Red Devils brutally exposed the South American playmaker’s lack of defensive awareness to punish the hosts 3-1 on their turf.

It was that defeat that prompted a brief switch to a 3-4-3 in the very next Premier League game at Fulham, incidentally contributing to Iwobi’s increased functionality in this Everton side since November.

The defensive shift the 24-year-old can put in will be required against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s troops while his ball-carrying will come in handy on the break with the Toffees expected to cede territory and possession to the English giants.

Ancelotti wanted a reaction after that lame surrender vs Newcastle, and he was pleased their best qualities were evident in the 2-1 success over the Whites. Spirit, endeavour, speed, fight, focus and ambition characterised Everton’s fine spell in the autumn and winter, with Iwobi epitomising the growth during their impressive run of results.

Undoubtedly, the Italian boss will hope that side of the Nigerian is stimulated as they face a difficult trip seeking to be third-time lucky against the Red Devils after a couple of disappointing failures against the menacing Manchester giants.

Vipers SC coach Fred Kajoba is concerned his team is not defending enough as they resume Ugandan Premier League action with a clash against MYDA on Saturday.

The Venoms conceded five goals from three matches before the top-flight took a break last December to allow the Uganda national team to prepare and take part in the African Nations Championship held in Cameroon.

And with the league returning this weekend, the veteran tactician has maintained his main worry that needs an immediate remedy is the defensive line that has already let in five goals.

“It’s the work we’ve been doing on the pitch for weeks now and it’s been going well,” Kajoba said as quoted by the club’s official website. “We’ve to score and equally defend well.

“The goals we have conceded are avoidable and we are hoping to do better, plus the boys are already aware of the importance of maintaining a clean sheet.”

Against MYDA, Kajoba will have most of his players available for selection with all eyes on new signing Yunus Sentamu, who will provide a bonus going forward as the striker made a timely return to the club for a second time having signed a two year deal last month.

In an earlier interview, Kajoba explained how he will select his strike force considering the arrival of Sentamu, who will fight it out with Caeser Manzoki, Milton Karisa, Paul Mucureezi, and Dan Sserunkuma.

“It is pleasing to have such an amazing group of strikers at the club because it is their quality that brings the competition among them as they try to vie for playing time,” Kajoba said ahead of the game.

“And definitely I will choose them according to who performs better than the others in training. These are professionals and I know the time will come when I will be chosen at random because they are all good and it is all about them to keep impressing me.”

The 56-year-old further stated his charges are ready to go since almost everybody is available for the assignment.

“We are ready to go again and with nearly a full squad with a motive of defending the league title,” Kajoba added. “We only have a few injury concerns and also those players on national duty with the Uganda Hippos; otherwise we are set and good to go.”

Vipers have also received a huge boost with skipper Halid Lwaliwa, Ibrahim Orit, Karim Watambala, Paul Willa, and Shaban Muhammad all available for selection after returning from the Chan tournament.

The Venoms had beaten Kitara FC and Busoga United and drew with Wakiso Giants in their opening league games garnering seven points from a possible nine.

Orlando Pirates begin their bid for a second Cup this season when they host GladAfrica Championship side Uthongathi in a Nedbank Cup Last 32 match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

This is a trophy Pirates last lifted in 2014 under Vladimir Vermezovic.

After clinching the MTN8 earlier in the season, the Buccaneers would be keen to add to their trophy cabinet the Nedbank Cup. 

Pirates are the second most successful side in South Africa's premier knockout competition with eight titles after Kaizer Chiefs' 13.

But they have to clear this first hurdle against Uthongathi who are a potential banana skin for them in this David against Goliath affair.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Forwards Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa are edging closer to full fitness but are likely not to be available for selection on Saturday to afford coach Josef Zinnbauer more selection options upfront.

Defender Abel Mabaso is still out with a long-term injury.

After Zinnbauer was heavily criticised for benching centre-back Thulani Hlatshwayo in their defeat at Golden Arrows on Tuesday, the Bafana Bafana captain should return against Uthongathi.

No injury updates from Uthongathi as they prepare to tackle a giant in South African football.

But coach Simo Dladla would need the likes of Zimbabwean forward Clive Augusto and midfielder Issa Sarr who both have PSL experience.

If available for selection, Sarr would be facing his former employers Pirates with whom he previously spent four seasons.

Match Preview

It is the first time ever for Pirates and Uthongathi to meet in any competition.

Pirates will know that they face a potential upset from a side that narrowly missed the PSL promotional play-off spot last season.

They are currently placed sixth on the GaldAfrica Championship and still within a chance of booking a Premier Soccer League ticket with just three points behind log leaders Sekhukhune United.

Saturday's contest would see Pirates want to do better in this Cup than last season where they were eliminated at the Round of 32 stage by Bidvest Wits via a penalty shootout.

Zinnabauer oversaw that match during his early days into the Bucs job.

Uthongathi's campaign last season also ended at the same stage after they were defeated by Highlands Park.

But now Zinnabauer and his men are out to end a seven year drought of the Nedbank Cup which they last won in 2014 by beating Bidvest Wits 3-1 in the final.

They go into Saturday's match fresh from a 2-0 PSL defeat by Golden Arrows on Tuesday, three days after dismissing Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.

That performance underlined their inconsistent performances this season, something that gives Uthongathi a hope of pulling an upset.

Uthongathi themselves arrive in Gauteng from KwaZulu-Natal on the backdrop of a defeat by JDR Stars which was their only loss in the last five games and their second of the season..

Football Kenya Federation has clarified the reason fans will not be allowed to attend the FKF Premier League derby pitting rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on Sunday.

For the past one week, fans from the two giants have been pushing their clubs to talk to the government and the federation so that they are allowed to watch the derby which will be played at Kasarani Stadium.

The fans pleaded with the federation to even allow at least 3,000 spectators from each team to attend the match and also promised to make sure they adhere to the tough restrictions put in place by the Kenyan government to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, FKF has now shut the door on fans and only essential workers including journalists, security officers and 30 members from each club will be allowed to access the match venue and FKF CEO Barry Otieno has explained the reason behind it.

“I think we need to appreciate fans play a very crucial role in football, not only in football but sports, in general, they create an atmosphere but most importantly they [fans] also provide an avenue for clubs to generate revenue,” Otieno told Goal.

“We are at a situation now where we cannot have fans, for now, it is not in our liking, it is caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are protocols in place and the decision of if and when fans are allowed to watch matches will purely be dependent on the sanitary situation of Covid-19 in the country.

“So it is not something we can sit down here and discuss that we can have x number of fans attending matches unless we are advised by the Ministry of Health that according to their assessment provided by their Covid-19 professionals, it is safe to bring back the fans.

“For now as you are all aware and as you have seen all around the world is that fans are not allowed into the stadium because it is for their own safety and the players and the Kenyan public, so we cannot fix a number of how many fans will come back to the stadium.

“However, as a federation, we want to say if and when the decision of returning fans to the stadium is announced, then we will have to do it gradually, progressively, and consistently until we reach the good number of fans attending matches."

The two Kenyan giants will face off with K’Ogalo keen to maintain their dominance over Ingwe, who are yet to beat Gor Mahia in their last seven matches with the best result against their rivals coming in the 1-1 draw of the 2017-18 season with Gor Mahia winning the second round fixture 1-0.

Last season, Gor Mahia won both encounters, beating Ingwe 4-1 in the first round match before edging them out by a solitary goal en-route to winning their fourth straight league title.

The Malaysian government and its National Security Council's Covid-19 response has been under intense scrutiny in the past month or so by the public, the media as well the public sector.

While the detailed criticism of the government's response is better left to publications that are more political in nature, the gist of the complaints is that its handling of the pandemic is inconsistent and uneven.

Despite having earlier issued a lockdown throughout most parts of the country, it later allowed workers in important sectors to still come to the office, which in turn led to most employers to regard their businesses as players in important sectors, forcing their employees to still work at the office.

In the meantime, most construction sites and plants have been allowed to continue operating, despite the manufacturing and construction industries contributing to numerous Covid-19 clusters. 

Most recently, while announcing a two-week extension on the lockdown, defence minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob almost in the same breath stated that hair salons, barber shops and car wash outlets would be permitted to resume operations.

If you're a Malaysian, these decisions and almost expected about-turns by the government would have given you whiplash on an almost daily basis.

While it must be repeated that the wisdom of the Malaysian government's recent decisions is not the topic of discussions here, it must be stated; it's now Malaysian league's turn to be allowed to return to action.

Photo by Sports Regime

It cannot be denied that professional football is not  revenue generator beyond the industry players, but at the end of the day, its prolonged hiatus has disrupted the incomes of many who earn a living from it (including sports reporters and writers).

READ: Economic irrelevance hindering Malaysian pro football's bid to return sooner

And it is admittedly starting to feel unfair for a sector that has dutifully followed the preventative guidelines, discussed its operations with the powers that be and accepted every single of the government's orders since the outbreak of the pandemic (JDT accepted the order to not leave the country for the AFC Champions League without so much as a complaint), to be repeatedly overlooked by the government, especially at a time when the government's handling of the pandemic is looking less stringent by the day.

Ultimately, one fact must be remembered by the government; owing to Malaysian football administrators' adherence to the guidelines when the games were still being played last year, no coronavirus cluster was started by the sport in the country to date.

Furthermore, its prolonged suspension will also set the sport back a few years in the country, when grassroots training cannot be conducted, corporate attention recedes, and the national team (whose form was red hot just before the pandemic) players is out of action, just to name a few examples.

The latest announcement by the sports ministry that it is in discussions with the security council on the sports industry's operations is positive news, but only one outcome will be regarded as the right decision; for the Malaysian league, and by extension Malaysian football, to be contested again.

Youth and sports minister Dato' Sri Reezal Merican (left) with Malaysian FA president Datuk Hamidin Amin. Photo from Malaysian FA

Gor Mahia have explained their readiness to face their sworn rivals AFC Leopards in an FKF Premier League derby on Sunday.

The two Kenyan giants will clash at Kasarani Stadium with K’Ogalo keen to maintain their dominance over Ingwe, who are yet to beat them in the last seven matches with the best result against their rivals coming in the 1-1 draw of the 2017-18 season with Gor Mahia winning the second round fixture 1-0.

Last season, Gor Mahia won both encounters, beating Ingwe 4-1 in the first round match before edging them out by a solitary goal en-route to winning their fourth straight league title.

Gor Mahia secretary general Sam Ochola has maintained they are not scared of Ingwe’s good start to the 2020-21 season and is confident they will beat their bitter rivals yet again.

“We have no pressure at all, there is no pressure on our boys, we expect the best from them,” Ochola told Goal on Saturday. “We have a very good team and despite AFC Leopards starting the season on a high note, and with a lot of pressure, we will tame them.

“We are very confident going into the derby, we understand the field, we understand the stadium and that is where we are, in fact, AFC Leopards doesn’t scare Gor Mahia, they should be scared more than anyone else.”

On his part, Ingwe chairman Dan Shikanda believes missing fans in the stadium because of Covid-19 restrictions, will affect the outcome of the game.

“We don’t know how it will feel playing in an empty stadium, I have a feeling the game will not have a lot of pressure for the players because they will just be 11 players against 11,” Shikanda told Goal.

“It is difficult for people to believe Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards can play in a venue without fans, it will be the first time in history, we don’t know how the players will cope and what the experience will be, but somehow it will affect the game.

“We have played previous matches without fans and for us AFC Leopards we have had it tough missing our fans because it gives other teams an advantage because they don’t have fans like we do, we also miss the Isukuti band, which always pushes the players to do well, but we have been missing that.

“On Sunday we will have a very unique derby, now without fans, I am also keenly following to see how players from both sides will push themselves to get the result.”

Ingwe are enjoying a good run in the league, after losing two matches – 2-0 (against Western Stima) and 1-0 (against Wazito) - they have gone ahead to register three straight wins – 2-1 against KCB, 2-0 against Kariobangi Sharks, and 2-1 against Posta Rangers.

On the other hand, K’Ogalo, who are the defending league champions, have also recovered from the shock 1-0 defeat against Vihiga United to win two straight matches – 3-0 against Zoo FC and 3-1 against Bandari.

AFC Leopards will also head into the derby placed ahead of Gor Mahia in the 18-team league table in fourth position with 18 points from eight matches while Gor Mahia are sixth on 15 points from eights outings.

The versatile Joshua Kimmich is undoubtedly one of the most important players in Bayern Munich’s set-up. 

The 25-year-old, who played a key role in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning 2019-20 season, will be looking to help the Bavarians win the Club World Cup which has kicked off in Qatar. 

Kimmich, who can play in defence as well as midfield with aplomb, has left a German legend in Lothar Matthaus mighty impressed. 

While acknowledging that Bayern’s star forward Robert Lewandowski, who won the FIFA Best Player of the Year in 2020, is indeed the team’s best player, Matthaus feels Kimmich is the present and the future of the club. 

“The best player in the world is Lewandowski. The best thing FIFA did is giving him the trophy of the best player in the world. In the last few seasons, he has been the perfect player in the perfect team,’ Matthaus, the first-ever FIFA Player of the Year winner in 1991, told Goal.

Matthaus, who represented Germany in five consecutive World Cups in the 80s and 90s, went on to describe Kimmich as a complete player who has the classic ‘German’ mentality. 

“Joshua is one of the most important players in German football not only now but also for the future. I see him as a new (next) captain of Bayern, I see him like a new (next) captain of the national team. He has the German mentality. 

“He is always giving his best. He is a winner. He can defend, attack, give the last pass, give the cross, score, plays with passion. He has a lot of quality and he is just 25 so it is fantastic.”

Kimmich will next be seen in action at the Club World Cup, currently underway in Qatar when they take on African champions Al Ahly in the semifinals on Monday. 

Matthaus feels that Bayern Munich are the favourites for the global crown, especially since the team know the facilities in Qatar very well, since they normally base their winter training camp in the middle-east nation. 

“The tournament is very important for FIFA and football worldwide, it is where the continental champions play against each other. Bayern are the champions of Europe and are the favourites for the tournament. 

“They have the pleasure to play in a country that they know. They know the climate, the atmosphere, the way from the hotel to the stadium and it is always a good feeling for the players. But I think it is not a big difference against other teams. It is good for Bayern to go to a place they know,” he stated. 

Bayern are currently leading the Bundesliga comfortably with a 13 point advantage over their nearest rivals RB Leipzig and look set for another trophy-filled season. Matthaus felt the current team cannot be compared to the past successful teams but felt they are definitely among the strongest Bayern Munich teams ever. 

“It is very difficult to compare teams from 10 or 20 years ago. At this moment, Bayern have one of the strongest teams ever in the history of Bayern football. Maybe the best team ever, but I really cannot tell it is better than the team of (Franz) Beckenbauer and (Oliver) Kahn. 

“The team is very strong, everything is working well and not only on the field. Around the club, everything is perfect and organized, everyone is working for the best result. The coach (Hansi Flick) and team work very well together, they understand each other.”

Since Khalid Jamil took over at NorthEast United, they have won three games in a row and recently held third-placed FC Goa to a draw to make it 22 points from 15 games. 

The Highlanders, who now have the same tally of points as the two teams placed above them on the table, have emerged as one of the hot favourites to finish in the top four after Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan. 

Their chances looked slim after Gerard Nus was sacked following a run of seven matches without a win between December 8, 2020, and January 12, 2021. But the tables have turned on the results and since the appointment of Jamil, NorthEast United have impressed against all the current top three teams - Beating Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan before holding FC Goa.

They are the only team to do a double over league leaders Mumbai City this season and also the only team the Islanders have lost to! 

With five matches remaining in the league stage, the Highlanders have a fantastic opportunity to secure one of the top four spots. And their last five league fixtures have set them up for a fantastic finish at the business end of the season. 

NorthEast United's last five games are against Hyderabad, Odisha, Chennaiyin, East Bengal and Kerala Blasters. Four of those five opponents are languishing in the bottom half of the league table. 

Odisha are at the bottom of the table and are going through a terrible run of form. Chennaiyin are eighth on the table and unable to finish their chances and score goals. East Bengal have just two wins so far this season. And Kerala Blasters have been highly inconsistent and are ninth on the table. 

NorthEast United have the squad to keep playing well and qualify for the playoffs. Mid-season signing Deshorn Brown has three goals in four matches already and scoring was one of their major issues under Gerard Nus.

Federico Gallego seems to have hit top form at the right time and look menacing every time he gets on the ball. Luis Machado has what it takes to beat his marker and deliver the ball on a plate for the striker and in Ashutosh Mehta, they have one of the best full-backs in the ISL bombing up and down the right flank. 

It is up to NorthEast now to make use of the business end of the season as they are set to face teams who would be the teams they would want to face during this period if they had a choice. 

'Vaccine for goalscoring' is what Csaba Laszlo asked for after Chennaiyin's yet another frustrating goalless draw, this time against Bengaluru in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Friday.

The result against Bengaluru was Chennaiyin's eighth draw this season out of which six are goalless draws. The Marina Machans have managed to find the back of the net only 11 times this season, the least number of goals by a team. They are also the team with the most number of chances created this season which explains the Romanian-Hungarian coach's disappointment.

New recruit Manuel Lanzarote made his debut for Chennaiyin and the veteran midfielder lived up to the expectations as he created chances aplenty. Operating just behind lone striker Esmael Goncalves (Isma), the Spaniard was a livewire on the pitch and had a huge impact in Chennaiyin's forays forward. They had a total of 12 shots on goal compared to Bengaluru's five and had six shots on target. Yet they failed to change the scoreline and had to settle for yet another tie. 

Lanzarote's addition has definitely strengthened the Chennaiyin side but his presence in the team will have no significance if they cannot finish the chances which the Spanish midfield creates.

Chennaiyin have missed the presence of a genuine number nine in their squad right from the beginning of the season. Laszlo has experiment every possible combination with his two foreign strikers Isma and Jakub Sylvestr but unfortunately, none of them are natural goal poachers.

Isma could have very well ended up scoring at least two goals if he was a bit more clinical in front of the goal but unfortunately, the Guinea-Bissau international, who has scored just one goal from open play this season, failed to take his chances.

Another player who has struggled when presented with chances is Indian international Lallianzuala Chhangte. The Mizo winger once again came close to break the deadlock in more than one occasion but failed to do so. 

On a night when Chennaiyin attackers were extremely busy, their backline looked a bit more sturdy than usual. Bengaluru have been pragmatic in their approach and were looking to play on the counter more often than not. They did have their moments in attack towards the end but there was no doubt it was Chennaiyin's game to take. 

Blues head coach Naushad Moosa even admitted after the match that they were lucky to walk out of the game with a point. He said, "To tell you the truth, we were lucky. They got a lot of scoring chances but missed."

It hasn't been Chennaiyin's year and with yet another draw on Friday they are now slowly drifting away from the play-offs spot. Chennaiyin have only four matches in the league stage and unless they find an immediate solution to their goal scoring woes, a top-four finish is out of the question.

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus is no stranger to the thrills and frills of World Cups, having appeared in a record five consecutive editions from 1982 to 1998. 

Matthaus, who captained Germany to victory in 1990, also has experience of playing in World Cups outside the traditional regions like Europe and South America. He has featured in the 1986 Mexico World Cup and the 1994 edition in the USA, with both tournaments churning out some really memorable moments.

Now as the sport’s greatest spectacle heads over to a new frontier in Qatar for 2022, Matthaus expects a fantastic tournament in the middle-east nation. 

Matthaus, who has been to Qatar in the past, also dismissed the concerns over the weather conditions in the country during the World Cup, which is scheduled for the months of November and December in 2022. 

The former Bayern Munich midfielder stated that the climatic conditions during the time of the 2022 World Cup will be pleasant in Qatar. He also mentioned the use of Advanced Cooling Technology in the stadiums will also mean the players will find it very comfortable in the country.

“I have been to Qatar in the past. The climate now is really good, it is pleasant during winter. If they have (cooled down the stadiums), it will be really helpful for the players and the fans. We hope the current situation (pandemic) gets better so that we can all enjoy a fantastic tournament in Qatar,” Matthaus told Goal.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has gripped the world, Matthaus feels the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be a success. 

“The world is suffering from Corona so it is not right to expect the fans to fill the stadiums. We have time, and hopefully, once everything (pandemic) gets better, I am sure we will have a wonderful World Cup in Qatar.”

Qatar have already planned to allow fans into the Club World Cup stadiums, currently underway in the country, at 30 per cent capacity and after implementing Covid-19 protocols. 

The 59-year-old also touched upon his vast World Cup experience while talking about the compact nature of Qatar’s World Cup, with all eight stadiums located within one hour’s time from each other. 

He felt that the fans and players alike will find the compact nature of the tournament very helpful.

“It is going to be really helpful for the fans and players. We had the World Cup in Mexico and the US and we had thousands of people going travelling from one end of a continent to the other. It is incredible what football can do. You can play a World Cup in a small country like Qatar and then you can play the World Cup in continents. Football makes everything possible.”

Matthaus, the first-ever recipient of FIFA’s World Player of the Year award back in 1991, also spoke about Germany’s chances in the 2022 event after the group stage exit they suffered in Russia in 2018.

“Germany are still one of the best football teams in the world. But we cannot be proud of the last three years of our national team. It was the worst result ever in the history of the World Cup in 2018. The results have not been good but the team will be looking to make progress in the Qatar World Cup.”

However, Matthaus also felt Asian countries are catching up to European teams, given the number of players from Asia now plying their trade in Europe. It must be noted that Germany had suffered a 0-2 loss at the hands of South Korea in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup, one of the results that saw them make an early exit. 

He expects Asian sides, including hosts Qatar, to compete in the 2022 World Cup. 

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has outlined his hope that Eden Hazard can return in 2-3 weeks from his latest injury setback. 

The 30-year-old picked up a new muscle injury this week, continuing a run of terrible injury luck in the Spanish capital. 

Hazard has already had two different spells out due to muscle injuries this season, and he also missed time due to Covid-19.

The bigger picture

Hazard has failed to live up to expectations in Madrid since joining from Chelsea in a €100 million (£88m/$120m) deal in the summer of 2019.

Big things were expected from the Belgian star, but he has now been ruled out of a stretch of games nine different times due to injury or fitness issues since arriving at Madrid.

Zidane admitted that Hazard has grown frustrated at his run of injuries.

What Zidane said about Hazard

"It's not an easy time for the footballer. I'm sure it's a matter of time before we see him back playing and hopefully he won't pick up another injury," Zidane said at a press conference.

"Hopefully, when he recovers, we see the best Hazard, maybe in two or three weeks when he recovers.

"I think it's a bit of bad luck. It's not been easy on the player. We have to maintain a positive attitude. He's a great player, we need him back 100 per cent.

"Do you think he's happy with what's going on? Well, no. He's doing what he can to be in good shape, but you know in the life of a player you can be injured.

"We'll have to look at maybe changing something and improve this situation. He's the first player who wants to be fine, of course."

What games will Hazard miss?

Should Zidane's prediction of a two-week absence come true, Hazard would miss four La Liga matches: against Huesca, Getafe, Valencia and Valladolid.

Hazard should be considered a major doubt for Madrid's Champions League last-16 tie with Atalanta in two and a half weeks, with a league match against Real Sociedad four days after that first leg.

Further reading

Hazard a major doubt for Real Madrid's Champions League tie with Atalanta after suffering new injury setback (Feb 3)

'Hazard is in a vicious circle' - Belgium national team doctor disturbed by Real Madrid star's chronic injuries (Feb 4)

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo posted a message of gratitude on his 36th birthday as he reflected on his 20-year career in football. 

Ronaldo has established himself as one of the game's all-time greats in a career that has taken him from Sporting CP to Manchester United to Real Madrid and now to Juve. 

At an age when most players are slowing down or have already retired, Ronaldo has shown no signs of a dip in form, as he's scored 22 goals in 23 games for Juve this term.

Ronaldo's birthday message

On Instagram the Portuguese posted: “36 years old, unbelievable! It feels like it all started yesterday, but this journey is already full of adventures and stories to remember by. My first ball, my first team, my first goal... Time flies,” the Portuguese striker wrote.

“From Madeira to Lisbon, from Lisbon to Manchester, from Manchester to Madrid, from Madrid to Turim, but above all, from the bottom of my heart to the world... I’ve given everything I could, I never held back and I’ve always tried to deliver the best possible version of me. In return, you gave me your love and admiration, your presence and your unconditional support. And for that, I’ll never be able to thank you enough. I couldn’t have done without you.

“As I celebrate my 36th birthday and my 20th year as a professional footballer, I’m sorry that I can’t promise you 20 more years of this. But what I can promise you, is that as long as I keep going, you’ll never receive less than 100% from me!

“Thank you once again for all your support and for your kind messages and initiatives during this day. It means a lot to me and you all have a special place in my heart.”

Juve's message to Ronaldo

Juventus also posted a highlight video featuring some of Ronaldo's top moments with the club, saying he is "living proof that age is just a number."

What's next for Ronaldo?

Juventus will take on Roma on Saturday in a massive match as the Bianconeri look to claw their way back up the Serie A table. Juve are currently in fourth place, eight points behind Inter but with two games in hand over Antonio Conte's side.

Later this month Juventus will travel to face Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, before the second leg on March 9 in Turin.

Further reading

Ronaldo likened to Ibrahimovic and backed to play beyond 40 by former Real Madrid fitness coach (Feb 5)

‘When you have Ronaldo with you, you always start 1-0’ – Juventus can ‘win anything’ with Portuguese, says Vieri (Feb 2)

Takumi Minamino will be afforded the minutes he was missing at Liverpool following his switch to Southampton, says Ralph Hasenhuttl, with the Saints boss backing the Japan international to thrive.

The attacking midfielder sealed a deadline-day loan move from Anfield to St Mary's and has gone straight into the Austrian's squad for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

Having arrived at Merseyside at the start of 2020 - and with enough games last term to earn a Premier League winners' medal - Minamino has nevertheless found his chances limited this season.

His switch to the south coast of England from the north-west - a path well-furrowed in the opposite direction in recent years by players such as Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane - now presents him with a greater opportunity to impress, according to his new manager.

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to face the Magpies, Hasenhuttl revealed that he had discussed Minamino's potential with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and hailed the 26-year-old's prowess ahead of his debut, backing him to follow in the footsteps of fellow Merseyside loanee Theo Walcott, who joined from Everton.

“I spoke with Jurgen," the former Leipzig coach stated . "He said he didn’t have the chance to give Minamino enough time to play. I’m sure when he played, he did good games and scored a few goals.

“He’s a very special player for me - not because of his physical strength but more of his way of playing football. He is very quick in his mind, has good decision-making, knows about our pressing style and hopefully a lot of running.

“He knows when you come to me you have to run a lot, but that’s not a problem for him. Although he didn’t play a lot in the past games, he’ll also need time to step up - but we had a good experience with Theo, who helped us immediately, and hopefully he does the same.”

Southampton will meanwhile be able to call on Jan Bednarek after he was handed a red card reprieve following his dismissal in their 9-0 midweek humiliation against Manchester United, but Alex Jankewitz remains suspended.

Andre Ayew was on the scoresheet to help Swansea City secure a 2-0 victory over Norwich City in Friday’s Championship game.

The 25-year-old was handed his 25th league start and made a vital contribution, inspiring the Swans to their second consecutive victory after their win over Rotherham United last time out.

The Ghana international spearheaded Swansea attack along with Jamal Lowe at Liberty Stadium and found the back of the net.

Swansea began the game impressively, dictating the pace with their ball possession and were rewarded for their impressive start when Ayew opened the scoring.

The forward put Steve Cooper’s men in front when he fired his effort past hapless goalkeeper Tim Krul in the 42nd minute after receiving a timely assist from Jake Bidwell.

Conor Hourihane then doubled the lead in the 48th minute after receiving a sumptuous assist from Jay Fulton.

The strike proved vital, as it helped Swansea City sealed the victory despite late efforts from Norwich City to try and avoid defeat.

The win ensured the Liberty Stadium outfit climbed to the second spot on the Championship table after gathering 53 points from 27 games.

Ayew featured for the duration of the game, made 39 touches on the ball and had 88 percent successful pass rate besides scoring in the encounter.

The forward has now found the back of the net eight times and provided two assists in 25 league games, amid other dazzling showings.

The Ghana captain will hope to continue his impressive form in front of goal when Swansea City take on Manchester City in a FA Cup tie on February 10.

Ayew teamed up with the Swans in January 2018 from West Ham United for his second spell with the Liberty Stadium outfit.

The forward spent time on loan with Fenerbahce in the 2018-19 season and has been delivering scintillating performances since his return to the Championship side.’

Ayew remains a key member of the Ghana national team and has featured in more than 90 games for the West African country. 

The winger will be expected to lead the Black Stars in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

Mikel Arteta says firm decisions on the futures of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock will be made in the summer.

Both players were allowed to leave Arsenal on loan during the January transfer window, with Maitland-Niles joining West Brom and Willock moving to Newcastle.

They are due to return to north London at the end of the season, with neither deal including an option to make the move permanent, and talks will then take place to determine what their long-term futures could hold.

“I expect that all the loans come back and we will make a decision in the summer,” said Arteta.

Willock has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season for Arsenal, scoring three goals.

He has only started twice in the Premier League, however, and Arteta felt the time was right for the 21-year-old midfielder to experience some regular game time in the top flight.

“Joe’s situation was very clear to me,” said the Spaniard.

“We spoke in the summer about a possible loan and I said to him that I was not comfortable with that as I wanted to give him minutes to play different competitions. He has played 17 or 18 games in this period which is a lot.

“He has played to a big level, but now we have less competitions and I thought that he would have less time and that probably the best thing to do would be to give him 14, 15, 16 games in the Premier League.

“To have 30-32 games in one season for his age and with what he has done in the past few years would be a really positive thing.

“We found the right club manager and coaching staff. So hopefully it will be a successful period for him.”

Maitland-Niles meanwhile was desperate to head out on loan in January to give himself a chance of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s European Championships.

Arsenal rejected a bid of over £20 million from Wolves for the 23-year-old last summer, with Arteta deciding that he wanted to keep hold of the versatile player.

But he has only started five Premier League games since then and with the European Championships fast approaching, Maitland-Niles knew he needed to get out to secure some more game time.

“Ainsley is a different phase of his development [to Willock] and is an England international,” said Arteta.

“He has played more games and he wanted to start games and he wanted that guarantee and, in my position, it was really different to do that.

“He was willing to experience something else and I decided to allow him to do that. He can play in different positions and might have the possibility to play in midfield which for him is important.

“When a player’s main will is not financial and it is to just to play football, then it is really difficult to stand in his way when you don’t feel that he will start many games.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Paul Pogba is happy at Manchester United, despite ongoing speculation around his future, but would not comment on how long he will stay at the club.

Pogba’s contract expires in the summer of 2022 and Goal understands there have been no talks over a new deal for the midfielder.

Pogba’s brother said this week that the club would have to sell him in the next transfer window if they wanted to make any money or he would leave on a free transfer the year after.

But Solskjaer would not be drawn on what will be happening with the France international at the end of the season.

“Speculation about Paul is always going to be there, we’ve got a good open dialogue with Paul so what we talk about and how we see that situation remains between us,” Solskjaer said.

“I’m just happy he’s focused and playing really well and he’s happy within himself and that’s important. You can see Paul enjoying football himself with a red shirt on.”

After getting back to full fitness following successive injuries and a bout of Covid the midfielder has been in fine form. He was voted fans’ player of the month for January and also picked up the monthly award for goal of the month for his impressive strike against Fulham.

While Solskjaer has been credited for managing Pogba well during an uncertain time about his future the United manager says it is the player who should be getting all the credit.

“I think you should ask Paul what he’s done. Because the answer is Paul has really knuckled down, he’s worked hard, he’s got his fitness, I have said this many a time he had a bad season last season with injuries and he had Covid this season and an injury but he really works hard and is playing in a team that plays well and he’s a big inspiration for everyone,” Solskjaer explained.

“He always has a big smile… well not always a big smile because in training yesterday when his team lost you can see how that affects him and he wasn’t happy. But today is a new day and he is ready to go again tomorrow.”

Pushed on his management style which has seen him get the best out of a number of players including Pogba and Luke Shaw, Solskjaer replied: “I think it’s important for every player that you have a one to one relationship and that you have an open relationship and you can be honest about the situation.

“I try to manage every player as a different individual and a different human being and that’s the way I liked to be managed and hopefully the boys feel that I’m trying to get the best out of them to make a good team together.”

Jurgen Klopp admits it is unlikely that he will throw new signings Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies in at the deep end for Liverpool against Manchester City this weekend.

The Reds take on the Premier League leaders at Anfield on Sunday knowing anything other than a victory would spell the end of their fading title hopes.

Klopp’s side sit fourth at present, seven points behind City who also boast a game in hand on their rivals.

Liverpool could be boosted by the return of key players for the game. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Sadio Mane returned to training at Kirkby on Friday having missed the midweek loss to Brighton through illness and injury respectively, while Fabinho is also in contention after a muscle problem.

They also have two new centre-backs to consider, with Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak having arrived on transfer deadline day.

Davies was on the bench against Brighton while Klopp confirmed on Friday that Kabak’s international clearance had been received, meaning the Turkish international is available for selection on Sunday.

The Reds boss did, however, voice a note of caution when it was suggested the pair could both feature in the game.

“Of course everything helps,” he told reporters. “Now we have different options and that’s good. [It is] the best news we could get.

“Now we have to make sure the new-boys get all the information they need as quick as possible. In another position you could say ‘come on, play, try, we will adapt to you’ but in the defence the things we do are really clear; it’s about holding the line, it’s about dropping in the right moment. There are a lot of things [we do] that teams do different.

“We will see how quick we can do it. Today is an important session for that, and then we will see what we will make.”

Asked if he was prepared to play both of his new signings together, Klopp replied: “No. If I don’t have to, no.”

Klopp admits that Sunday’s game is likely to be decided by how well his side defend. City arrive on Merseyside on a run of 13 straight wins in all competitions – the first English team to achieve such a feat since Arsenal in 2002.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost back-to-back home games for the first time since 2012, and failed to score in three successive Anfield fixtures for the first time since 1984.

“We will try to do the right things,” Klopp said. “These are special games. That’s how it is. But in the end it’s only three points.

“Obviously City are in a slightly different moment to us, and we should not forget that, but one thing is clear; if you don’t defend on the highest level against City then you don’t even have to think about getting anything from the game.

“But then there are moments where you have to be brave and that’s what we will try to be. There are other moments where you have to control – not the game, but the situation, and we wlll try that as well.

“The last time against City we had a good idea for about 25 minutes and then it became an open game again. That can happen.

“We had a home game here where I think [Kyle] Walker didn’t pass the halfway line! That was surprising, but still they had the chance to win it in the last minutes with [Riyad] Mahrez’s penalty.

“We all know how much supporters help. We always knew it. For a long, long time we could ignore it, result-wise, but not in the last few weeks. We have to make sure that atmosphere, good or bad, doesn’t make a difference.

“It’s a football game. They don’t have an atmosphere, we don’t have an atmosphere so let’s go for it with all we have.”

Joleon Lescott says Ruben Dias has brought a similar mentality to Manchester City’s defence as Virgil van Dijk did at Liverpool following his arrival.

City have put together an incredible defensive record since Dias joined the club from Benfica in September, winning 20 of their 27 matches, keeping 16 clean sheets and conceding just nine times.

The Portugal international has also brought a leadership quality to the Etihad, which has been missing since former captain Vincent Kompany left the club following their last title success in 2019.

“Dias is the figure we were looking for - he had won stuff,” said Lescott, who was a key defender in City’s first Premier League title success in 2012.

“He knows what it means, knows the standards, and has a winning mentality. He’s been there before. He’s bringing that experience.”

Some of Dias’ statistics are actually better than Van Dijk’s following the Dutchman's move from Southampton. 

City have conceded 17 fewer goals, kept four more clean sheets and won three more games than Liverpool did following Van Dijk's arrival in January 2018.

“The stats are considerably better [for Ruben],” Lescott said. “I don’t want to take anything away from Dias but he came into a team that had success - Liverpool hadn’t. 

“Liverpool were hopeful of being contenders. The gap they had to reduce was difficult - and that’s not playing down what Dias has done because he deserves a lot of credit – but it’s hard to say one impact is bigger than the other. 

“If we hadn’t signed Dias and won the league this season, that wouldn’t be a surprise.”

Lescott has been hugely impressed with the way Dias has instantly fit into the City side with a minimum of fuss.

The 23-year-old centre-back has played nearly every minute in the Premier League since his arrival as well as striking up a strong partnership with John Stones at the heart of the defence. 

“The biggest thing for me is his reliability and consistency,” Lescott added. “He’s solid at all aspects - heading, tackling - but his availability is the biggest thing. 

“He’s played 50 games in the past two seasons with Benfica - and already played 27 for City - that’s a huge thing having someone who is always fit and available. 

“Coming to a new country at his age during lockdown and playing this well says a lot. It’s surprising he’s only 23 - he plays and seems like a very mature person. 

“That comes with coming from a big club. Benfica isn’t an average club, it’s massive where the demands are very high - as high as City’s. So he’s come from a winning mentality. They are things people take for granted.”

Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi has said he is loving life under new manager Thomas Tuchel. 

Tuchel has deployed Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back and the 20-year-old has responded with three assured performances at his new position.

Hudson-Odoi failed to lock down regular minutes under Tuchel's predecessor Frank Lampard, but has now started all three of the ex-Paris Saint Germain boss' matches as Blues head coach.

The bigger picture

Hudson-Odoi has been considered one of Chelsea's brightest prospects for years but often struggled to find regular playing time under Lampard. 

But Tuchel, who replaced the former England international last week after he was sacked, has offered him a new lease on life at Chelsea at a new position.

Normally an attacking winger, Hudson-Odoi has been moved to wing-back by Tuchel and he has responded with three assured performances. 

Chelsea have now won two and drawn one of Tuchel's first three games in charge, including back-to-back victories over Burnley and Tottenham.

What Hudson-Odoi said about Tuchel

"I'm liking it because it's motivating when a manager is on the side giving you instructions and pushing you and shouting at you," Hudson-Odoi told Sky Sports. "Sometimes you don't like shouting but sometimes it motivates players to keep improving and keep showing your quality. 

"I'm enjoying every bit of it. He has come with a real purpose to try and make us win games as much and quickly as possible. Try to apply his tactics as quick as possible as well. We're all enjoying it at the moment and hopefully we can keep going with it."

What Tuchel said about Hudson-Odoi 

"We just let him drive and he did very good, showing all his qualities he has: the high speed, the quick recoveries, dribbles, good one-on-one," Tuchel told Chelsea's website.

"He took his chance. There was no need to change for the second game and he did another good match.

"Maybe in some defensive duels in the air there is space to improve, but this is absolutely normal. I am very happy he was happy to be on the pitch. He has given his best and that’s what we have asked for."

Further reading

Hudson-Odoi comes in from the cold to ignite Tuchel's Chelsea revolution and inspire first win under new manager (Jan 31)

'Hudson-Odoi suits wing-back role' - Tuchel will be 'delighted' with 'intelligent' Chelsea star, says Hoddle (Feb 1)