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Kenya striker Michael Olunga is on the verge of signing for Al-Duhail SC of Qatar, according to reports.

Olunga’s club Kashiwa Reysol have accepted a transfer fee of 7million Euros (approximately Ksh890million) from the Qatari club for the services of the towering striker.

A source close to the player has also told Goal a move to Qatar could be in the offing but refused to divulge more details.

“What I know, Olunga’s club Reysol and Al-Duhail have been in talks for a possible move for the player but I don’t want to give out details or how far they have reached in the negotiations,” the source told Goal on Tuesday.

The former Gor Mahia striker recently clinched the Golden Boot in the Japanese J-1 League after notching 28 goals from 32 matches while in the 2019 season, he finished the season with 27 league goals as Reysol finished the J2 season as champions, winning promotion to the first division.

On Monday, Olunga failed to win a trophy to crown a stellar season after Reysol went down 2-1 against FC Tokyo in a J-League Cup match.

The domestic encounter was the only chance for Olunga and teammates to finish the season with at least a trophy but Tokyo denied them that glory after winning the cup.

Weverson Leandro opened the scoring for Tokyo in the 16th minute before Yusuke Segawa equalised for Olunga’s side in the 45th minute. Adaìlton da Silva, who came on in the second half, scored the winning goal for the away side in the 74th minute.

If Kashiwa Reysol would have won the title, it would have crowned Olunga’s year in Japan in style.

Al-Duhail formerly Lekhwiya SC, is a Qatari sports club that plays in the Qatar Stars League. The club is based in the Duhail district in the city of Doha and plays its home games at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium and is the first team in Qatari football to win the first division title on its debut season.

They are currently sitting second on the 12-team table with 24 points from 12 matches, eight fewer than table-toppers Al Sadd, who are on 32 points.

While Leicester City began 2020/21 with European involvement, there remained a ‘what might have been?’ impression that Europa League football should have been Champions League participation instead, but for their collapse in the second half of the previous campaign.

Even though Wilfred Ndidi’s absence played a part at the start of their rot, it became clear post-lockdown that the Nigerian’s return wouldn’t necessarily reverse the slump in performances and results, and the East Midlands side ended in fifth spot.

Despite this, Ndidi’s profile grew as one of the leading anchormen in the Premier League, as well as the continent. Statistics showed how the West African’s game evolved from largely a hard-tackling enforcer to all-round midfield man in 2019/20.

His importance to the Foxes’ build-up was examined along with the blue-collar tendencies that initially prompted effusive praise upon his first 18 months in England and it was fascinating to see the 24-year-old feature in Europe for Rodgers’ men in the new season through to 2021.

Ndidi: The story of 2020

The Nigeria star endured an injury-troubled year in which he missed a few games in the first weeks of 2020 before a layoff of about two months from September to December.

Leicester missed his expertise in the middle of the park in the former, but the Foxes’ issues ran deeper than that as they struggled for performances and wins as the season wore on.

Ndidi equally struggled in some games, particularly post-lockdown, where he conceded penalties at Everton and Bournemouth to continue the side’s worrying drop off that started after a 4-0 thrashing by Liverpool in December 2019.

An ill-timed layoff at the start of the campaign meant the former Genk man didn’t make his European bow for the side until December’s 1-0 defeat by Zorya in Ukraine, and another in the 2-0 success over AEK Athens in matchday six.

Ndidi’s opportune return was welcome due to the injuries in the Leicester side and with the flurry of games to come during the frenzied Christmas schedule.

He’s featured at centre-back making a comeback — having initially moonlighted there on the opening weekend of the season at West Bromwich Albion — but his strengths in midfield mean Rodgers will be pleased to have the Nigeria star back in his favoured role for the rest of the season.

Ndidi: Any transfer rumours?

Surprisingly, there have been a scarcity of reports linking Leicester man to other clubs despite his growth since joining the 2016 PL winners.

This could change in future particularly if Rodgers’ men fail to make the top four, unable to win the Europa League or fail to end in the European slots at the end of 20/21.

Ndidi: One big ambition for 2021

Given the two moderately lengthy layoffs in 2020, the immediate goal for Ndidi will be staying fit for the majority of the New Year, especially as Rodgers’ side look to go the distance in the Premier League top four tussle this season.

The race is tighter this time, with several clubs jostling for a place in a really tight window, and Leicester will need their top defensive midfielder healthy for a tough second part of the season.

Ndidi: One big fear for 2021

What if Ndidi’s injury problems aren’t behind him?

On a personal front, further setbacks in the New Year could have ramifications down the line for the 24-year-old, as doubts may begin to grow over how much he can be relied upon to play regularly.

For Leicester, failure to at least end in the European spots will feel like an impediment to the club’s progress since Rodgers took charge and disappoint observers who believed their growth in the last 18 months indicated they’ll become continental regulars for the next few years.

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has given an update over the fitness of Mauricio Affonso and Gift Motupa.

It's good news regarding Motupa, but not so for the 28-year-old Affonso, whose injury-hit stay with the Brazilians continues.

He is yet to fully recover from a groin operation.

“Affonso is still out. We are not really sure when he’s going to come back because he always breaks down when we are hoping that he’s coming in,” Mngqithi was quoted saying by the Daily Sun.

“He must recover fully and be ready to help us. We believe in the next two to three or four months (he will return). But it is a tough one for us to call.”

Since arriving at Sundowns ahead of the 2019/ 20 season, the lanky Uruguayan marksman has played only 13 games in all competitions and has scored five goals; a healthy return which suggests he could contribute significantly.

Two of those goals came in the 2019 Telkom Knockout final, which ended in a 2-1 win for Masandawana over Maritzburg United.

Motupa meanwhile is yet to play for Downs since signing from Bidvest Wits ahead of the current campaign.

He could however be set to make his debut later this month if he regains his fitness and forces his way into the team.

“Motupa is probably going to get to full training next week,” Mngqithi confirmed.

The 26-year-old Motupa managed five league goals in just 15 league matches for the Clever Boys last season and netted nine in 22 the season before, and his knack of scoring from midfield should prove a big asset to the team once he’s fully fit.

The Brazilians have also had a few other players out injured this season, including Gaston Sirino and Sibusiso Vilakazi, while Kermit Erasmus had a minor knock which kept him out for a couple of games.

But the depth of their squad has enabled them to keep firing on all cylinders and they are currently top of the standings as they go in search of a fourth consecutive league title.

Sundowns are next in action in the Caf Champions League – they play Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy this evening (Tuesday 5 January) at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Defender Fred Okot believes he was released by Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side UPDF FC for missing a penalty against Kyetume FC in a match his former side eventually lost by a solitary goal.

The player was let go from the promoted side alongside goalkeeper Tony Kyamera, winger Juma Ssebaduka and defenders Najib Gwaidu Tusaba, and Ronnie Kisekka. The defender says he asked for forgiveness for missing the penalty but the coach, Kefa Kisala, did not grant him one.

"The reason I was released was because of missing a spot-kick in the 90th minute," Okot said as quoted by Sports Nation.

"There was some misunderstanding and when the game ended, I even asked for forgiveness from the team and the coach. The team forgave me but the coach didn’t.

The defender has further explained how he knew his coach did not forgive his act of taking a penalty, despite not being the first taker and missing it.

"We had the next game with Police FC of which I wasn’t on the lineup, that came to my mind that the coach didn’t forgive me so I decided to leave the team because I knew it may not end well," Okot continued.

"But I still love him, he is a good coach and like my father because he’s the one who turned me into who I am today. He spotted me from Lweza FC to URA FC.

"The next thing is to get another club because I am a free agent now."

In an initial interview, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashraf Miiro the five stars were released after a general review of their performance at the end of 2020.

"We decided to release five players that include Kyamera, Ssebaduka, Tusaba, Okot and Kisekka after a review of their commitment to serve the club via-a-vis the current demands and pressure at the club," Miiro said. 

"Therefore varying factors for their release ranging from professional conduct, performance to commitment at work."

The released players were signed before the season began, with Kyamera arriving from Express FC after the club felt it was not tenable to keep him when he was facing challenges in getting valid national identity documents.

Competition from Yusuf Wasswa and Douglas Kisembo did not make things any better for him as he failed to make his way into the first-team on a regular basis.

Ssebadduka, signed from Bright Stars, also had issues with his national identity card as well as passport.

According to the outlet, Okot and Kisekka were shown the exit door due to allegedly poor commitment and suspected unprofessional conduct that affected their dedication at work on numerous occasions.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has come out to deny claims the players have been staging a go-slow to demand their accrued salaries and allowances.

Since the Kenyan champions returned home from Algeria where they suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat against CR Belouizdad, K’Ogalo players have not attended training sessions for the return leg with some of them telling Goal they will only do so when their dues are settled.

However, Rachier has now come out to explain the players had been given an extra four days off to celebrate the Christmas holidays with their families and that at no point did they stage a go-slow to demand unpaid salaries.

“There is no truth that players have been staging go-slows, first of all, the players had gone home for Christmas holidays and when they came back we also gave them another extra four days to extend their holiday with family members,” Rachier told Goal.

“Those saying the players had staged a go-slow, or that they having been staging a go-slow to demand salaries, are not being sincere, the players have not staged any go-slow and all of them returned to training on Monday.”

On whether they will be able to pay the players before their crucial match against the North African giants, Rachier said: “We are working round the clock to make sure we pay them between today [Monday] and tomorrow [Tuesday], we are confident we will pay them their dues and we know they will be ready for the return leg match on Wednesday.”

On Sunday, only 10 players, led by defender Charles Momanyi, Joachim Oluoch, Clifton Miheso, Samuel Onyango, and assistant captain Philemon Otieno attended the training session at Camp Toyoyo, with the club’s former official Judith Nyangi confirming to Goal they had been forced to raise funds to help the players get a fare back home.

“I had to be there for the players and even provided transport for those who attended Sunday’s training,” Nyangi told Goal. The fans have also contributed some money to ensure we have more players in training on Monday.

“The coach requested we have as many players as possible to ensure he trains them well ahead of the game. It is quite unfortunate the team is experiencing tough situations but we will play our part to ensure the team performs well in the return leg.”

During the first leg played on December 26 at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium in Algiers, goals from Amir Sayoud, who scored a hat-trick, Hamza Bellahouel, Larbi Tabti, and Maecky Ngombo were enough to put Belouizdad on course to qualify for the next stage.

Tanzania giants Simba SC have stated they will use the first 20 minutes of their Caf Champions League clash against FC Platinum to advance to the group stage of the competition.

The two sides will face off in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday with the Zimbabwean champions enjoying the slim advantage of a 1-0 win secured from the first leg played in Harare a week ago.

The club’s Information Officer Haji Manara has now bragged that a number of top teams from Africa have seen their 'fire' and suffered defeats while playing Simba at Mkapa Stadium.

“We will finish the game within the first 20 minutes, you know very well what happens when we play at Mkapa, several teams have suffered at the venue and Platinum will not be an exception,” Manara told reporters in Dar es Salaam ahead of the return leg.

“We have beaten AS Vita Club [of DR Congo] at Mkapa, we have beaten Al Ahly [from Egypt], we have beaten Zambia’s Nkana FC and it will be the same thing against Platinum, we will do the job in the space of 20 minutes, just watch the space, people should know this is Simba, we do what we want and it is not easy to beat us at Mkapa.”

Manara has further urged fans to turn out in large numbers and give the players support promising they will not be disappointed at the final whistle.

“We urge our fans to come and cheer the team, let us give them support from the first to the final whistle, I am sure with their [fans'] support, Platinum will get nothing from the fixture,” Manara continued.

“I can assure you, there is no way they [Platinum] will come out of Mkapa Stadium with a win, they know what we have done to other teams, they know we have done it against the biggest clubs from Africa, will it be them to beat us? It will not be possible.

“Our strength is because of the fans, our pride is because of the fans, we depend on our fans more than anything else, we are the team of the people and we want them to come in big numbers, our target is the group stage and we will make it for sure.”

The tough speaking Simba spokesman further called on the players to write history by becoming the second team to reach the group stage of the competition.

“I want to urge Bocco and his teammates to know they are a step away from leaving a legacy, they are a step away from helping the team reach the group stage for the second time in history, so they should work hard to make sure we reach that stage.

“They will set a record that will remain forever, even when they retire they will know they did something, they wrote history, they left a legacy, to qualify for the second time, even if other players will come to do it again, they will have done it before them, so the others will copy what they have achieved already.”

Manara continued: “Your legs have the chance to make history, it is your legs that have the chance to leave a legacy and when your time to retire comes, you will always brag you were among the players to lead Simba to the group stage of the competition.”

Simba qualified for the second round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Plateau United of Nigeria while Platinum made it to the next round after a 4-1 aggregate win over Costa De Sol of Mozambique, winning the first leg played in Maputo 2-1 before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg played in Harare.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goals rule to UD Songo of Mozambique.

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to avoid a huge upset by finishing off Jwaneng Galaxy in Tuesday’s Caf Champions League first round, second leg game at Loftus Versfeld.

Downs stand in an advantageous position with one leg in the group stage after a 2-0 victory from the away leg played on December 22, 2020.

But the Botswana Premier League champions could be fancying upsetting the 2016 African champions by overturning their deficit although that is an uphill task.

If that happens, it would be Galaxy’s first time ever to reach the Champions League group phase.

Sundowns' quest for a second elite continental crown continues but this time under co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena as well as senior coach Steve Komphela.

Kick-off time for the match which was initially scheduled for 18.00hrs has been changed to 16.00hrs due to South Africa’s lockdown curfew.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Sundowns coach Mngqithi and his technical team have not been fielding their strongest squad in the past five games due to injury and medical issues.

Star midfielder Themba Zwane has not featured in their last three games for unspecified reasons and it is not clear if he would be available for Tuesday’s encounter.

Also uncertain is captain Hlompho Kekana who has also been absent lately but Kermit Erasmus is likely to start after returning in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Orlando Pirates last weekend.

Since getting injured in February 2020, forward Mauricio Affonso is still far from recovering, according to Mngqithi.

The Uruguayan has been aggravating his injury whenever he nears a return. Attacking midfielder Gift Motupa is also another player out but has started light training as he edges closer to full fitness.

The former Pirates man is yet to make his debut for Downs since signing from Bidvest Wits in September 2020.

Although Jwaneng Galaxy have what could be slim chances of pulling a shocker against Sundowns, they will be hoping to have all their best players available on Tuesday.

Galaxy coach Sikalame Keatlholetswe could start Ivorian forward Junior Dion and Resaobaka Thatanyane upfront.

The two were a threat for Sundowns on rare occasions in the first leg and carry Galaxy’s hopes of upsetting the PSL champions.

At the back, Keatlholetswe banks on Isaac Paeye and Fortunate Thulare to thwart any danger posed by the hosts.

Former Orlando Pirates youth player Ricardo Lourenco who lasted just 39 minutes in the first leg was part of the Galaxy squad that arrived in Pretoria by road on Monday.

Match Preview

Sundowns prepared for this match with a huge PSL fixture against Orlando Pirates from which they emerged victorious on a 1-0 scoreline.

It was a morale booster needed ahead of Galaxy, making Downs already involved in competitive action in 2021.

That they are leading the PSL standings and also enjoying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg further gives confidence to the Brazilians.

They also host the Botswana champions on the back drop of a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions this season.

On the other hand, Jwaneng Galaxy last played a match on December 22 when they hosted Sundowns.

Since football was suspended in Botswana in March owing to the coronavirus pandemic, Galaxy's only taste of competitive football outside was the Champions League preliminary round 5-1 aggregate victory over Zilimadjou in the Comoros.

Keatlholetswe might not be fully aware of his men’s fitness levels and momentum after the Christmas break.

For a team that is making their maiden appearance in the Champions League, it would be a massive achievement if Galaxy beat Downs and reach the tournament’s next round.

On Monday, the Malaysian FA (FAM) announced the appointment of former Malaysia and Malaysia U-23 head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee as its technical director.

The 50-year old trainer is replacing Dutchman Peter de Roo, who left the post late last year.

Although he had three stints as the Malaysia senior team head coach, twice as a caretaker and finally as a permanent appointee, it was his time as Malaysia U-23 that was arguably more memorable.

He guided the Young Tigers to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games men's football gold medal in 2011, and years later would take them to a higher stage, the continental one.

After first leading his charges to the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship finals, they then upset favourites Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the last group match to qualify for the round of 16, Malaysia's best record ever in the competition.

Later that year, he further cemented his reputation as a coach who is capable of leading his team to punch above their weight, when Malaysia U-22 produced a stunning 2-1 group stage win over eventual champions South Korea, en route to qualifying for the 2018 Asian Games football event's round of 16.

Malaysia U-23 v South Korea U-23. Getty/Goal Composite

But all good things must come to an end, and his brilliant run with the Young Tigers would end in 2019. Early in the year they failed to qualify for the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship finals, and later reached only as far as the group stage in the 2019 SEA Games.

Although his contract as head coach was not extended past the year, FAM still valued the services of the man who in 2017 had told Goal that he was "honoured to be able to continue serving FAM," when he was then reassigned to the U-23 team from the senior team, rather unfairly, following a change in the association's administration. 

Following the second parting of ways between him and the Young Tigers, in January 2020 FAM appointed him as its head of youth development unit.

Almost one year later, Kim Swee has been handed a much larger role at FAM, evidence of his ability to take setbacks in his stride and to overcome any disappointments through his perseverance and a quite dedication to hardwork.

Hyderabad FC were at their very best on Monday evening as they pumped in four goals past Chennaiyin to return to winning ways in the Indian Super League (ISL).

After a five-match unbeaten streak at the beginning of the season, the Nizams had seen a sudden dip in form as they lost three matches in a row, but they came back in style, routing the Marina Machans.

Hyderabad and Chennaiyin were both desperate for a win and it was expected that both teams would go for the kill right from the off to get the three points. The first half of the match saw an end to end action. Chennaiyin maintained more possession of the ball but it was Hyderabad who created better goal scoring opportunities.

The two-time ISL champions were without their skipper Rafael Crivellaro who had to sit out due to an injury he had picked up in their last match against ATK Mohun Bagan. In the Brazilian's absence, Anirudh Thapa was slotted in as the number 10 as Deepak Tangri returned into defensive midfield alongside Memo Moura.

Thapa did a decent job in his new role but lacked the composure and creativity that Crivellaro has come to be known for. Without their skipper, at times Chennaiyin looked like a ship without a rudder in the attacking third.

The second half was thoroughly entertaining if you are not a Chennaiyin fan as Hyderabad upped their game. After conceding two goals, the Marina Machans manager Csaba Laszlo had even tweaked the formation a bit as he introduced Edwin Vanspaul in place of Jerry Lalrinzuala and pushed Memo backward, making it a three-man defence.

But in a counter move, Marquez brought in Fran Sandaza to replace the tired legs of Joel Chianese which further added firepower to the Hyderabad attack. In fact, Sandaza was the key architect in Hyderabad's fourth goal as it was the Spaniard who made a  swiping run from a counter-attack and found Narzary who found the back of the net with a clinical finish past Vishal Kaith.

It was a night to forget for Chennaiyin who has a lot to think after an embarrassing defeat. The team have had issues with scoring goals this season but at least they were creating the chances. But without their captain, the team looked a bit off colour in the attack. But it was the defence that let Chennaiyin down. Enes Sipovic, Eli Sabia and Jerry Lalrinzuala were at fault on numerous occasions while Kaith looked shaky on occasions too.

Mumbai CityFC take on Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) encounter on Tuesday as Sergio Lobera has some scores to settle.

Among the coaches who have a minimum of 50 ISL matches under their belt, Lobera is up there with the best Points Per Match (PPM) average of 1.81, followed by Antonio Habas (1.67) and Steve Coppell (1.47). But when it comes to Bengaluru, for a club he has faced seven times in his managerial career, the former FC Goa coach has recorded the lowest PPM of 0.57 (W1, D1, L5).

His only victory (4-3) while leading the Goan side against Bengaluru came when the opponents were reduced to 10 men on account of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's sending off.

After that game, the Blues accumulated as many as three clean sheets in the rest of the games against the Sergio Lobera-led Gaurs outfit who in turn haven't managed to score more than once in the particular fixture until the 2-2 draw but of which came under new Goa coach Juan Ferrando this season.

Now at Mumbai City, Lobera has a number of quality personnel at his disposal and other than their opening day defeat against NorthEast United unbeaten in the last seven games (W6, D1).

Reminded of his dismal record against Bengaluru ahead of the tie, he told reporters, "The past is the past and it doesn't affect the future. These are different teams and different players. We are preparing in the same way. We need to know the small details of the opponent team that can help us. It's always very difficult to play against Bengaluru but the most important for us is to give our best."

Mumbai City are currently second with 19 points with a game in hand as compared to leaders ATK Mohun Bagan who have played nine games and lead by just a point. The Islanders have the best offensive record with 13 goals and joint best defensive record as well (3, with ATK Mohun Bagan).

Adam le Fondre has so far scored six goals for Mumbai City, Ahmed Jahouh and Rowllin Borges are two of the best midfield marshalls in business, Hugo Boumous (4) and Bipin Singh (3) have the most number of assists in the league while goalkeeper Amrinder Singh has kept as many as five clean sheets this season.

Add to that, the Mumbai-based side also boast of squad depth with players like Bartholomew Ogbeche, Cy Goddard who can prove effective on their, and a selection headache in numerous positions that any coach would dream of.

In short, Lobera has all the ingredients to prove his critics wrong with regard to his Bengaluru record. The Blues have kept only two clean sheets this season and failed to score in two consecutive games in the first time in the history of the competition but they will always be a tough opponent to play against.

The 2020-21 season of Indian Super League (ISL) has been unique for the viewers at home. The Coronavirus pandemic had a big impact on the business of football and Indian football also had its fair share of concerns. 

In ISL's case, the sixth season was wrapped up a week before India went into a lockdown. The discussions were all about how the seventh season of the competition can be organized. After plenty of deliberation, it was decided that the tournament will be organized in Goa. 

Soon, all the teams kicked off their pre-season after the completion of their quarantine process. After a short pre-season that saw friendlies being played between ISL teams, the league finally kicked off on November 20, 2020.

The performances of all the clubs since the start of the season have been affected by the short pre-season, the life in the bio-bubble due to the pandemic and the lack of proper training for months during the lockdown. 

While some clubs have had to deal with the fatigue in the form of recurring niggles, others have seen a drop in their performance levels. As a whole, the quality of football in ISL has suffered, due to no fault of anyone in particular. 

There have been a total of 93 goals scored in the 2020-21 season of ISL up until the 43rd match. That number of goals scored is the fewest in the last four seasons and the joint-fewest in the history of ISL. 

There also have been five goalless draws so far this season even before the league has reached its halfway stage. The entire 2019-20 season had six goalless draws whereas the 2018-19 season saw a total of 10 goalless draws being recorded. 

Of the 11 teams, East Bengal had the shortest pre-season due to the formalities that needed to be completed before their entry into the ISL. The delay had a huge impact as the Red and Golds started with a seven-game winless run which recently ended with their first win of the season against Odisha. Incidentally, their arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan were one of the first teams to start their pre-season and have also retained the core of the title-winning squad of ATK - they sit atop the league table.

The last six teams on the table as of January 5 have all had players with fitness issues this season and that is all down to the lack of a proper pre-season. 

The mental health of the players is just as important, not just this season, but always. But the life inside a bio-bubble is challenging. These are footballers who love to hang out with their friends or relax at home with their family after a stressful matchday. Instead, they are all locked down inside luxurious hotels in Goa. It is a daunting task even for experienced players. 

Arjun Jayaraj recently revealed that life inside the bio-bubble was tough before he left Kerala Blasters. Gary Hooper had also mentioned that the whole experience was weird when we first came in. 

As the weeks go by, players will start to adjust to the new normal, and as a result, the league could see more goals and a lot of exciting games. 

Barcelona have postponed their training session on Tuesday following an outbreak of coronavirus at the club.

The Catalans are preparing for a trip to Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in La Liga on Wednesday, but their morning training session on Tuesday has been halted ahead of all players and staff being tested for Covid-19.

Two members of the club’s staff have provided positive coronavirus tests and the club need to find out if there are any further cases.

"After PCR tests carried out today (Monday) two members of the football first-team staff have returned positives for Covid-19,” Barcelona said in a statement on the club’s official website . "The club has informed the relevant sports and health authorities. Furthermore,  the whole squad will undergo further PCR testing on Tuesday morning local time in line with La Liga protocol.

“As a result the training session planned for tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10:00am (11:00am CET) has been postponed. The new time for training and the subsequent press conference ahead of Athletic Club v FC Barcelona will be announced tomorrow.“

Barcelona are looking to build on their win over Huesca at the weekend, which came courtesy of a goal from midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Ronald Koeman’s side are on a run of six games on the spin without defeat in La Liga, but two of those have been home draws against Valencia and Eibar.

Barca head into their game in Bilbao sat in fifth place in La Liga, 10 points adrift of Atletico Madrid having played a game more than the table toppers.

Koeman is likely to be able to welcome Samuel Umtiti back into the fold, as he took part in Monday’s recovery session following the win over Huesca.

The France international defender missed the win over Huesca and was an unused substitute against Eibar on account of a stomach complaint, but is expected to feature in the travelling party to Bilbao.

One player who will not travel is Ansu Fati, who is recovering following a knee procedure.

Kevin De Bruyne believes Manchester City are starting to approach their peak, with the Belgium star stating Pep Guardiola's team were not ready for the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

City's elongated 2019-20 season finished in August, as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Guardiola's side were given an extra week off prior to starting their Premier League season in September, but their tally of 12 points from their opening eight games was their worst start to a top-flight campaign since 2008-09.

However, City are unbeaten in seven Premier League outings since a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, conceding just twice during that run.

De Bruyne scored and set up another in a dominant 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday, creating three chances and attempting a game-high five shots.

City have closed to within four points of leaders Liverpool and have two games in hand on the reigning champions, who lost 1-0 at Southampton on Monday.

First they face rivals Manchester United on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup semi-finals - chasing a fourth consecutive triumph in the competition - and De Bruyne has put their early struggles down to a lack of proper preparation owing to a condensed pre-season. 

"I think at the beginning of the season we had many difficulties, many injuries, no pre-season," De Bruyne said. 

"Mentally and physically, we weren't ready for the new season.

"I think over the last month we recovered a few players, we raised our level, we have won a few matches and we have gone up a few places in the table.

"We still have another eight games in January in all competitions, it's going to be tough, but I think we are ready for the battle and that is what matters."

Following the two successive cup games, against United in the Carabao Cup and Birmingham in the FA Cup, City embark on a run of three home games on the spin in the Premier League.

They face Brighton on January 13, Crystal Palace on January 17 and Aston Villa on January 20.

They conclude January with a trip to West Brom and home game with Sheffield United.

Jurgen Klopp has leapt to the defence of Sadio Mane, insisting his forward is not a diver and should have had a penalty in Liverpool’s loss to Southampton.

The Reds slipped to a 1-0 defeat thanks to an early goal from Danny Ings to hand the initiative to Manchester United in the title race.

Liverpool offered little as an attacking threat, with Fraser Forster only forced into once save, although they had two claims for penalties turned away.

One was a shot from Georginio Wijnaldum which struck an arm, with the second when Mane went down under challenge from Kyle Walker-Peters.

Various angles were not conclusive on the Mane incident, but Klopp feels it was a penalty and suggested the Senegal forward is too honest.

“The best situations were when Sadio had the ball,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “Anyone who ever again says Sadio Mane is a diver is the biggest joke in the world. This boy tries to stay on his feet. There were two situations where other teams will get a penalty for it.

“The handball, I do now know who will explain that to me.

"If this boy went down easy, we could have had a penalty in this game and a stonewall penalty in the last game [against Newcastle]. But what Andre Marriner did with Sadio Mane tonight, I’m not sure that’s OK, to be honest. 

“He tried absolutely everything, a few great challenges with [James] Ward-Prowse, but there were a lot of situations which were free-kicks as well. The last situation where he goes down in the box, if you see that, he [Walker-Peters] hits him again with his left foot. It’s another penalty. 

“I hear now that Man United had more penalties in two years than I had in five-and-a-half years. I’ve no idea if that’s my fault, or how that can happen.

“This does not make our performance better, it should not take anything away from Southampton, but in these situations we were very unfortunate at least.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best players in the Premier League, but was hauled off by Kloppp on 77 minutes after giving the ball away 38 times - the most of any player in the league this season.

Alexander-Arnold was at fault for Saints’ goal, as he completely missed James Ward-Prowse’s delivery - allowing Ings to score.

“The goal was defended,” Klopp said when asked to comment on Ings’ winner. “We had a player who is there to hit the ball but he misses it. 

“As good as the set-piece is, we have a player there and he misses it. It is a great finish, but we should have defended it.”

Klopp dismissed suggestions that his side are struggling on the road, and wants his players to play through their current slump that has seen then take two points from a possible nine.

“I wish we only had a problem away from home,” Klopp said. "This has nothing to do with being at Southampton. We drew at home with West Brom. 

“It is a rusty moment, we have to admit that.

“Only if you know the problem can you solve the problem and we are not blind to our problems.

"We just have to fight through this and play through this. It is up to us to change this.”

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted that there were tears in his eyes following his side's 1-0 triumph over Liverpool as the Austrian manager joked said tears were caused by the wind, not his team's emotional victory.

Hasenhuttl's Saints took down the Premier League champions on Monday, with an early goal from Danny Ings proving just enough to upset a sloppy Reds team.

Liverpool were held without a shot on target until the 75th minute as Southampton stood tall against Jurgen Klopp's side.

After the win, Hasenhuttl was seen on his knees on the sideline as tears flowed, with several coaches coming to offer the Southampton boss a pat on the back.

And, moments later, Hasenhuttl explained why he was so emotional, although he preceded it by trying to offer a more practical explanation.

"There were tears in my eyes - because of the wind!" he joked to BBC Sport. "When you see our guys fighting with everything they have it makes me really proud. You need to have the perfect game against Liverpool and I think we did that.

"It felt like we were under massive pressure and the defending around the box was the key today - then still try and play football. We did it in a good way.

"It was an intense game, my voice is nearly gone. The guys are tired, you have to be to win against such a team. The guys believed in what they were doing.

"In the 92nd minute I thought, OK, it can be something for us. It's a perfect evening."

The day's goalscorer Ings was full of praise for his manager after the match, saying that Hasenhuttl's passion for the club has rubbed off on the players as they look to continue to push up the table.

"He is very passionate and he brings that passion into the game and it's great for us to see that," Ings told Sky Sports. "The manager has got us all working our socks off and it's really paid off."

He added: "The last couple of seasons have been very difficult at this time and to have this start this year is great, but we are going to try to keep improving. We don't want to stand still, we want to keep going."

After finishing 11th in the Premier League last season following a difficult start to the campaign, Southampton are all the way up to sixth in the table currently.

They'll play host to Shrewsbury in the FA Cup this weekend before visiting Leicester City on January 16 for their next Premier League match.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has demanded a reaction from his players following their shock loss to Southampton.

Danny Ings’ early goal, a deft lob over Alisson, was enough to seal the 1-0 win for a Saints side who had to withstand some second-half pressure from Liverpool but never looked threatened.

And Klopp felt the slow start was a massive issue on the night at St Mary’s.

“What was disappointing? How long have we got? The start, obviously,” Klopp told BBC Sport. “Not only the goal but the start in general. Congratulations to Southampton, they deserved it.

“You know exactly what you are going to get from them, you cannot be surprised - but we looked surprised. At the beginning, how we played, where we lost the balls, it's not rocket science. We should have done much better. We played into their hands with the start.”

It was an abject display from the Reds, who summoned only one shot on target - a tame effort from Sadio Mane that did not trouble Fraser Forster.

“They put a lot of work in,” Klopp said of Southampton. “Our decision making was just not good. That is how it is when you don't have momentum. We should have had much more chances.”

Klopp described his players as an outstanding bunch, but is looking for a response from such a poor post-Christmas period.

Liverpool surrendered the initiative in the title race, with the defeat at Southampton meaning Manchester United can move clear at the top if they win their game in hand.

The loss means Liverpool have taken two from a possible nine points since Christmas, and has allowed the pack to close up. 

“These are outstanding players but they were not ready from the start,” Klopp said. “Sadio Mane should have had a penalty tonight, and there was the handball - I've no idea.

“It's not an excuse for the performance but you can get a point if they are given. Now we have to show a reaction.”

The Reds now turn their attentions to the FA Cup and a meeting with Aston Villa, before a clash with title rivals Manchester United.