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Hyderabad have been going through a rough patch as they have suffered successive defeats to Mumbai City and Kerala Blasters respectively, before heading into the clash against FC Goa. However, coach Manuel Marquez is not too concerned with his team's recent form and believes that his men can turn around their fortunes. 

"This is normal in football. Sometimes you are in a good situation. We were unbeaten in the first five games and now two consecutive defeats. We have to make a comeback as soon as possible. We are working in this direction and let's see if we can get the victory against FC Goa tomorrow (Wednesday). 

"They are young players in general. Of course, they are sad because they lost two consecutive games. In 20 games we play good and bad games but I am not happy with the performance, especially in the beginning of the game against Kerala. Otherwise, we are satisfied with the work of the players," he said.

The Nizams have not scored in two consecutive matches but the Spaniard is content that his team is creating scoring opportunities and believes that the goals will come sooner than later. 

"Against Mumbai, we didn't create too many chances but the other day (against Kerala) we had very clear chances, especially two of Aridane (Santana) in the first half and just before they scored the second goal, Albino (Gomes) made a good save off a good shot of Fran (Sandaza) which could have made it 1-1.

"It's difficult. The problem is if you don't create chances. Of course, for example, in the last training session (before the Kerala match) we scored a lot of goals from so many exercises but finally in the game we didn't get to score. This is football. Let's see what happens in the next games."

They have been also leaking goals at the back which as they have conceded six times in the last three games as compared to two in the first four. But the former Las Palmas manager is hopeful that his defenders will hold their fort against FC Goa.

"You have to analyse the teams. East Bengal scored two goals from two shots on target. Mumbai had three shots on target. Maybe Kerala had more shots on target. You had two clean sheets in the first two games and now you have conceded in five consecutive games. Let's see tomorrow if we can get another clean sheet."

The Nizams have also signed attacking midfielder Roland Alberg on loan from Dutch side Roda JC Kerkrade and the coach feels the new addition will compliment his team.

"He (Alberg) is a very good player as an attacking midfielder. He played in the (Dutch) second division after playing in Major League Soccer (Philadelphia Union, 2016-17) in United States. He's very good not only for set-pieces but technically a very good player to play in our style of football with the other players in the team."

The 52-year-old earmarked Igor Angulo to be the top scorer this season and opined that the Gaurs will finish in the top-four. 

"Igor Angulo is a very good player. If he is fit, for me, he will be the top scorer in the league. He doesn't need too many chances to score. He is very clever in the box with very good movements. He arrives at the right moment and plays just in the line of off-side. He showed his level in another league in Poland as well. A player like him is difficult to mark because he doesn't touch the ball for a lot of minutes but for the decisive moments for the goals.

"I think, except the game against Chennaiyin that they (Goa) deserved to lose, they showed a good level. When you are an offensive team, you can have problems in defence. On the other side, if you are strong in defence, it's difficult to create (many) chances. Goa has an offensive style. They arrive with a lot of players when they attack. It's not only about Angulo, Brandon (Fernandes), Romario (Jesuraj), Edu Bedia or Lenny (Rodrigues). They are one of the favourite teams to classify in the top four. It will be a difficult game but we will have our chances to win," he concluded.

Erling Haaland will be fit to return after the Bundesliga Christmas break, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed.

Haaland scored 17 goals in 14 appearances for Dortmund at the start of the season before being sidelined through injury before the Champions League clash with Lazio on December 12.

The 20-year-old missed Dortmund's next six matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin which marked the club's final Bundesliga fixture of 2020.

Dortmund have slipped to fifth in the standings in Haaland's absence, eight points behind current leaders and reigning champions Bayern Munich.

Lucien Favre paid the price for the team's poor form when he was relieved of his managerial duties earlier this month, with Edin Terzic stepping into his shoes on an interim basis.

Terzic has received a welcome boost ahead of Dortmund's return to action against Wolfsburg on January 3, with Haaland now ready to get back on the pitch after making a full recovery from a muscle issue.

Westfalenstadion chief Zorc, who serves as the senior intermediary between the club's coaching staff and board, delivered a positive update on the Norwegian striker's fitness on Tuesday.

“The rehab went very well. We assume that Erling can play again against Wolfsburg," Zorc told BILD.

Haaland has been linked with a big-money move away from Dortmund after a bright start to life in Germany, with Premier League duo Manchester United and Manchester City among those linked with an interest in his services.

However, a man who joined Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg for just €20 million (£18m/$24m) in January insists he is quite content in his current surroundings and says he wants to play a part in delivering major silverware to the club over the next few years.

“My biggest dream right now is to achieve something with Dortmund and that’s what I am working for,” Haaland told DAZN in an interview published on Boxing Day.

“To try to give this to the club and to the fans because everyone in this club deserves this. I will do the best every time I can.

“The club bought me for a lot of money and the fans can expect me to give 100 per cent. Borussia Dortmund is just the big dream I’m living. Achieving something with BVB is what I’m working for.”

Ronald Okoth believes the circumstances Gor Mahia were put under undermined their chances of getting a positive outcome away at CR Belouizdad in the Caf Champions League.

The Kenyan champions fell 6-0 to the North Africans who scored their goals through Amir Sayoud, who scored a hat-trick, Hamza Bellahouel, Larbi Tabti, and Maecky Ngombo during a thoroughly one-sided display. The former Sofapaka striker stated the off-pitch matters were too much for the East African outfit.

"The team was not put in circumstances that could have motivated them to win," Okoth told Goal on Tuesday.

"You just cannot expect the team to perform after everything they had gone through. A lot of off-pitch issues and expect the same players to perform. As a matter of fact, players gave their best."

The 33-year-old has further explained how the quality of the Algerian league played a part in ensuring the Great Chabab romped to an emphatic victory.

"K'Ogalo were also playing a good team; on most occasions, many North Africa teams are tough owing to their organization and investment done on them," Okoth continued.

"Their leagues are also doing well compared to ours that are [a] field with sideshows. You will hear of players not being paid. Issues like these affect a team. And again to be honest, it is not easy playing in North Africa, if you have not prepared well, it will not be easy on you."

Okoth, who also played for Mathare United and Western Stima, also felt the Sammy Omollo-led charges gave their hosts too much respect.

"I also feel Gor Mahia gave their opponents too much respect. It is good to respect a team, yes, but it is like they let the pressure get the better of them and as a result, they ended up conceding many goals.

"Otherwise, they could have tried to hold their opponents, try to hold them and ensure they are not bullied. Every attack almost produced a goal for the hosts. They should work on holding the play and maybe they can get a good result in the second leg."

The second leg will be played on Wednesday, January 6 at Nyayo Stadium.

Enyimba midfielder Farouk Mohammed believes the People’s Elephant 3-0 Champions League defeat away against Al-Merrikh was a good learning experience and suggests that could propel the team onto a good run.

Saif Terry’s hat-trick proved to be too much for the two-time African champions in the first round, first leg clash played inside Khartoum’s Al-Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman.

Although Enyimba’s chances of progressing to the group stage are slim, the Ghanaian who captained the team in the absence of Austin Oladapo, is of the view that if lessons against the Sudanese giants are learned, it could inspire the team to a good run on both the domestic and continental fronts.

“This kind of results come once in a while. Even the biggest teams sometimes suffer such defeats, but it is all about how you handle it,” Mohammed told Enyimba website.

“We are experienced players and we know if we continue to believe in ourselves and not dwell so much on it, it can motivate us to go on a good run.

“The coaches have been speaking to us, counselling us to remain optimistic, and if every player can handle it that way, then we can bounce back easily.”

Fatai Osho’s men commence their 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League campaign with a local derby against Abia Warriors on Tuesday, and the Mohammed wants his side to start building their poise from that duel.

“Abia Warriors is not an easy game but we have to start from there,” he added.

“We have to start to build our confidence and return to winning ways because the league will be very competitive this season.”

Osho’s team must defeat Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s side by four goals in the second leg billed for Aba in 2021 to stand a chance of progressing to the group phase. Failure to do that would see them demoted to the Caf Confederation Cup.

In the previous decade, Enyimba enjoyed success on the continent after defeating Egypt’s Ismaily to become the first Nigerian team to win the Caf Champions League before going ahead to defend their title the following year.

Joao Moutinho has played down comparisons with Bruno Fernandes ahead of Wolves' trip to Manchester United.

Wolves will be aiming to build on an encouraging display in their 1-1 draw with Tottenham at the weekend when they head Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

However, they will be underdogs against a side currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, with United looking like title contenders after recovering from a slow start to the season.

The form of Fernandes has been crucial in the Red Devils' recent rise, as the Portuguese has contributed ten goals and six assists to the cause in 14 top-flight appearances.

Moutinho is aware of the threat the 26-year-old will pose Wolves, having played alongside the midfielder for the last three years at international level with Portugal.

Several similarities between the two men have been noted during that period, but Moutinho has insisted they are very "different" players while dismissing any notion of an underlying rivalry.

“I started playing a long time ago, but of course we are players who play in the midfield, but Bruno has some characteristics that I don’t have, and I have some he doesn’t have, but it’s normal," the 34-year-old told Wolves' official website.

"No-one is like anyone else – I’m not like Ruben Neves, I’m not like Bruno, I’m not like William [Carvalho], and it’s different. He’s a very good player, but he’s already showing in Manchester since he’s come that he’s doing a very good job. 

"We’re going to play against them, and like I said against Tottenham, I will say against Manchester United – we want to win every game. Sometimes it’s not possible, but we’re going to try what we can to win.”

Wolves have a positive record against the "big six" this season, with impressive wins against Arsenal and Chelsea alongside their draw with Spurs, but Moutinho has warned his team-mates to expect the unexpected against a free-flowing United outfit.

"We try to do our best against every team that we play. It’s true that we have good results against these teams, but every game it’s another game," he added.

“We don’t know what we’re going to expect the next game, but what we do know is that they are a very good team, with very good players and each individual can do something else from the other, and make a decision in the match, score or assist, because they have very good players.”

Jean-Pierre Papin has lauded Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as the "best of his generation".

Benzema has enjoyed unprecedented success at the highest level since joining Madrid for €35 million (£32m/$43m) from Lyon back in 2009.

The Frenchman has found the net 261 times in 531 appearances for the Blancos, winning 18 trophies including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

12 of Benzema's goals have been recorded this season as he leads the line for Zinedine Zidane's side once again on both domestic and European fronts.

His latest strike rounded off a 2-0 home win over Granada on December 23, which ensured that Madrid went into the winter break level on points with current Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, albeit having played two games more.

Papin thinks Benzema is peerless in the modern era in terms of his prowess in the final third and has been hugely impressed with how the 33-year-old has been able to sustain his superb form at Santiago Bernabeu across the last eleven-and-a-half seasons.

“Karim Benzema is the best of his generation by far, he's very complete," the former France international told L'Equipe. "I like his finishing, his way of participating in the actions of his team, in their creation. He is not only there to score goals, he is there to bring the offensive animation of his training to life. 

"His longevity at Real Madrid is incredible. In such a club, where it is not easy to stay or settle down, he arrived, he imposed himself when he was in competition with very great players."

Papin says Benzema is a different player now to the one who played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Madrid to join Juventus in a big money-deal in 2018.

"He evolved his style by putting himself at the service of Cristiano Ronaldo," he added. "It may seem simple, but he had the merit of curbing his pure goalscoring ambitions to create harmony with such a star, over time."

Benzema will be back in contention for a place in Zidane's starting line up when Madrid resume their campaign away at Elche on Wednesday night.

Lionel Messi's situation at Barcelona is "reversible", according to presidential hopeful Joan Laporta.

Argentina great Messi sent shockwaves through the world of football when he asked to leave Camp Nou ahead of the 2020-21 season but after a lengthy transfer wrangle ultimately ended up staying put.

With Messi out of contract at the end of the campaign, the 33-year-old's long-term future is still shrouded in doubt, although the end of the reign of Josep Maria Bartomeu – with whom he has had a fraught relationship – as president may convince the superstar forward to stay.

One potential issue is the financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with presidential hopeful Toni Freixa last month saying Messi would have to reduce the terms of his bumper contract.

Laporta, who is hoping to return to a position he served between 2003 and 2010, remains hopeful that Barca's financial difficulties and Messi's future can both be resolved, though.

"They are two things that are the result of poor management. The situation has worsened with Covid, but mismanagement is part of and is the origin of this consequence; having Leo like this," Laporta told AS . 

"The two things are reversible. The situation of the club is reversible and the Leo issue, I hope too. 

"I think the most important thing is that Leo said he will wait for a new president to decide and, therefore, he would be willing to listen to Barca's proposal. 

"They told me they would wait until the end of the season. I like to stay with the positive and I think that is very positive."

Back in 2008, Barca sold Ronaldinho and Deco but Messi was reassured of the club's ambition and his own standing as a crucial member of the team following a meeting with Laporta.

Asked what his message to Messi would be now, Laporta said such an answer is dependent on him winning the election.

"To answer the question, first I have to be president. To see the possibilities that we have in the club to make a good financial proposal," he added. 

"And then, the sports proposal has to be competitive. Leo does not move for money, he wants Barca. 

"And then, I think what he really wants is to keep winning the Champions League and Leagues. And there is the key to the issue. Make a competitive proposal."

Chile head coach Jose Letelier has named a 25-woman squad to his first camp of 2021 for the Olympic intercontinental playoff clash with Cameroon.

La Roja has again announced their new year plans to start preparing for the crucial two-legged playoff following November's camp in Santiago.

In their last outing, the Chileans suffered their first defeat to an African side following a 2-1 loss to Tokyo-bound Zambia, after second half strikes from Barbara Banda and Rachel Nachula. 

With the camp date set for January 4-9, Letelier is keen to see the home-based stars in the five-day camp at the Quilin Sports Complex ahead of their showdown with the Indomitable Lionesses.

The 25 local players expected in the camp are composed of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and nine strikers.

Earlier in the summer, Fifa confirmed the new play-off dates of the matches between Chile and Cameroon to be played in Yaounde and Santiago for February 18 and 24 respectively. 

The winner will join hosts Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, United States, Zambia and Australia for the Women's Olympic football tournament in Tokyo.

CHILE SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Natalia Campos [Unattached], Ryann Torrero [Santiago Morning], Antonia Canales [Catholic University]

Defenders: Valentina Díaz [Colo Colo], Brbara Muñoz [Santiago Morning], Rocío Soto [Santiago Morning], Carla Guerrero [University of Chile], Mariana Morales [University of Chile], Fernanda Ramírez [University of Chile], Fernanda Pinilla [University of Chile], Gali Espinoza [Catholic University]

Midfielders: Yastin Jimenez [Colo Colo], Karen Araya [Santiago Morning], María Francisca Mardones [Santiago Morning] Daniela Pardo [Santiago Morning], Yessenia López [University of Chile]

Strikers: Isidora Olave [Colo Colo], Maria Jose Urrutia [Palestinian] Yenny Acuna [Santiago Morning], Rosario Balmaceda [Santiago Morning], Javiera Roa [Santiago Morning], Sonya Keefe [Spanish Union], Daniela Zamora [University of Chile], Natalia Cayupan [University of Chile], Valentina Navarrete [University of Concepcion]

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl believes he took the right decision in picking Jack Stephens over Ghanaian youngster Mohammed Salisu in Saturday's Premier League fixture against Fulham.

In the absence of injured first-choice centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, the manager had a choice to make between Stephens and Salisu for the game week 15 away tie.

Salisu has been awaiting his debut for The Saints since transferring from Spanish La Liga side Real Valladolid in August.

"For me, it was important [against Fulham] that I brought in a player who knew immediately what he was doing," said Hasenhuttl told Hampshire Live.

"When you have three changes in the team you need to have as much automatism as possible.

"I am sure Salisu could also play well, but it is important not to have too many changes and to keep our shape so that the players know exactly what they're doing and I think we made the right decision.

"It was important too that Jack showed that he could play on the left because I did not want to move Jan back to the left side.

"It was a little bit new for him but he is experienced as had the quality to handle this. He did a good job."

Salisu made Southampton's matchday squad for the first time for a 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month and has since made Hasenhuttl's bench on consecutive occasions.

After sealing his transfer in August, he delayed linking up with The Saints squad for pre-season due to an injury. He eventually joined practice in the week the Premier League kicked off and it then took him three more months to make his first match day squad.

"Salisu is the future of this club. It will take time. We know how long it takes for some players to step into the team," Hasenhuttl added.

"He has so much potential and [at Fulham] it was more important for me, as I said, not to unsettle the team. It would have been difficult, I think.

"I am really happy that Sali is here and he shows to me in every session that he can help us."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called for Manchester United to find their best home form ahead of four successive fixtures at Old Trafford.

United's worst start to a top-flight season at home in 48 years was confirmed when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Chelsea on October 24.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side had only picked up one point from a possible nine on home soil at that stage, and results have not improved much since.

Arsenal picked up a 1-0 win in Manchester at the start of November, and it wasn't until the end of the month that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side finally secured their first win in their own stadium.

The Red Devils beat West Brom by the same narrow scoreline before grabbing away wins over Southampton and West Ham, re-emerging as title contenders in the process.

Another stalemate at Old Trafford against arch-rivals Manchester City on December 12 halted their momentum, but a convincing win in their Pennines derby clash with Leeds United eight days later left supporters dreaming of a return to the glory days.

United moved up to third after that 6-2 home victory, and they retained their spot in the top four despite drawing 2-2 with Leicester City on Boxing Day, with a crucial fixture against Wolves up next on Tuesday night.

Solskjaer's men will move to within two points of leaders Liverpool if they see off Wolves, and the Norwegian boss is hoping to see his players build on their encouraging performance against Leeds.

“I think the last game we played at Old Trafford was a very positive one," Solskjaer told MUTV. "We have to build on that performance and the way we attacked and the way we went about the game. We’ve been doing well away from home, but now there’s no travel and more time to recover between the games and it’s fresh this morning [Monday] so we should be ready.”

The Red Devils manager added on the absence of supporters in stadiums being more conducive to strong displays on the road: “We certainly know how much they mean to us at Old Trafford. I think we can see that with the results – it swings more to away wins than home wins and that [no fans] is a massive factor.

"Being at home and having your own fans who know what we’re trying to do and them giving the players support and encouragement, that’s been one of the biggest things.

"All my team-mates and even players coming from abroad would always talk about how loyal all our fans have always been. So we can’t wait to get them back and we’ll do what we can to get points before they’re in.”

Solskjaer went on to update on the availability of Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with both men facing late fitness tests before the meeting with Wolves.

“Victor didn’t train [on Monday] so we’ll give him 24 hours, he’s still getting treatment. Aaron trained with the boys," he said. "We didn’t do a lot because there was snow and it was just about preparation training anyway. If there’s no reaction he should be available.”

Asked if United have adjusted to the hectic fixture schedule for 2020-21, Solskjaer responded: “Definitely. We’ve gotten used to it and I think the players are getting more and more robust and physically ready for games, with only two days rest in between.

"Of course we’ve got about 30 hours more than Wolverhampton to recover so we have a slight advantage in that respect, and hopefully we can make use of those extra calories of energy we’ve got.”

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the sacking of head coach Thomas Tuchel.

As confirmed by Goal, the 47-year-old was dismissed shortly after PSG's Ligue 1 victory over Strasbourg on Wednesday, but the club have now made the news official with a statement on the club's website.

"I would like to thank Thomas Tuchel and his staff for everything they brought to the club," said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. "Thomas has put a lot of energy and passion into his work, and of course we will remember the good times we shared together. I wish him the best for his future."

Tuchel leaves just four months after guiding the club to their first Champions League final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

He also helped the club lift the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue titles during the 2019-20 campaign.

In total, he won six domestic trophies in two seasons since succeeding Unai Emery as PSG head coach in the summer of 2018. 

However, he has paid the price for an inconsistent start to the season which sees the club trail Lyon and Lille by a point in the Ligue 1 table going into the Christmas break.

Tuchel was forced to defend himself after the Strasbourg game amid the fallout of an interview published by SPORT 1, during which he was quoted as saying he felt "more like a sports politician or sports minister than a coach" in his first season in France.

Despite their erratic domestic form, PSG still have much to look forward to in the new year, including a huge Champions League round-of-16 tie against Barcelona scheduled to take place in February.

The French giants will now look to appoint a new head coach before their next fixture against Saint-Etienne at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on January 6.

That man is expected to be former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine, who made nearly 100 appearances for PSG between 2001 and 2003, has been out of work since he was sacked by Spurs and replaced by Jose Mourinho in November 2019.

As reported by Goal last week, the 48-year-old will sign a contract that will keep him with PSG through to at least 2022 with a one-year option. An announcement is expected in the coming days.

AFC Leopards legend Boniface Ambani has blamed defensive misunderstandings and a failure to learn continental football lessons for Gor Mahia's humiliating 6-0 loss away to CR Belouizdad in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League game.  

The Great Chabab scored their goals through Amir Sayoud, who scored a hat-trick, Hamza Bellahouel, Larbi Tabti, and Maecky Ngombo during a thoroughly one-sided display.

The former striker has pointed out weaknesses at the back, which he believes contributed to the big loss.

"There was no cohesion in that defense, there were a lot of misunderstandings from what I saw," Ambani told Goal on Tuesday.

"From the goalkeeper to his four defenders. There was a lack of communication and reaction from the department.

"There are two instances the goalkeeper made saves but the defenders were slow to react. When a goalkeeper makes a save, the defenders should be there to clear the danger.

"However, I still fault the whole team because the defense starts from the attack. Strikers have to trackback. So if the strikers and midfielders cannot mark, there is nothing the defense can do."  

The 38-year-old has also stated K'Ogalo have failed to learn their lessons from previous continental competition participation.

"The problem with Gor Mahia, they do not learn," Ambani said.

"For them to make it to the group stage, they have to apply the lessons from the previous campaign. They lack consistency on the continental assignments.

"They lose a lot of players, then they go to the same competition with the new set of players who are learning again. They do not know where their mistakes were.

"But when you retain the players, there is a starting point. You discuss where the problem was and you work on them as a unit."

In the first leg, K'Ogalo came into the match without the services of their influential captain Kenneth Muguna, midfielder Bernard Ondiek and Nicholas Kipkirui. The first two were nursing injuries while the former Zoo FC man had family issues.    

The trio are expected to be fit for the second leg to be played on Wednesday, January 6 at Nyayo Stadium.

Frank Lampard says Chelsea will discover in the next few days whether their upcoming match against Manchester City will be postponed, but insists safety must take priority despite the potential fixture backlog it may cause.

City were forced to postpone their Premier League trip to Everton on Monday after an outbreak of Covid-19 among their squad.

In a statement the club said the security of their bio-secure bubble had been compromised and there was a risk the virus could spread further among the squad and staff.

They are scheduled to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but that match is now in serious doubt, with the club’s training ground currently closed as a precaution.

England is currently dealing with a surge in coronavirus cases sparked by a new variant which is spreading more rapidly, particularly in the south east of the country.

That has prompted the UK government to impose harsher ‘Tier 4’ restrictions on large areas of England, including London, which bans household mixing and forces non-essential shops to close.

It also means football matches in the capital must once again be played behind closed doors after a brief easing of restrictions allowed up to 2,000 supporters in at the start of December.

Postponing Sunday’s match would undoubtedly cause a fixture headache for Chelsea as they are already having to deal with a congested schedule, but Lampard says health has to come first as the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We’ll see what the position is," he told reporters. "It’s a key time and a rough time, and we felt that coming, with Tier 4 coming in and the surge in Covid. From our point of view I will find out more over the next day or two to make sure it has to be safe for the two teams. If not the [Man City] game won’t go ahead.”

Chelsea’s next game, against Morecambe in the FA Cup on January 10, is also in doubt after the League Two side were forced to cancel their next two matches following a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Lampard, again, was philosophical about the situation, accepting it was out of his hands.

"If we don’t play these games, we’ll keep working," he added. “I’m not surprised because the way Covid is in the UK is difficult for everybody and football isn’t very different. So we’ll just have to see what the Premier League come up with but safety will be paramount."

Chelsea are a "crisis club" according to Chris Sutton, who thinks the Blues' season is in danger of turning "ugly" under Frank Lampard.

The sense of optimism that surrounded Stamford Bridge at the end of the summer transfer window has been replaced by a growing feeling of unease and frustration in recent weeks.

Chelsea had seemingly thrown their hat in the ring for the title after a 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but a 1-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on December 12 marked the beginning of a downward spiral.

Lampard has seen his side pick up just four points from their next four fixtures, with further losses inflicted by Wolves and Arsenal either side of a win against West Ham.

The Blues could only manage a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, which leaves them trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points having played a game more.

Sutton is worried that Lampard's position will come under serious threat if he fails to address the team's recent slide, and believes the title is now out of reach for his old club.

"At the moment, they are a crisis club because they are underperforming," the former Chelsea striker told BBC Radio Five Live. "They are flat and that's why Frank needs to get a few wins under his belt and extremely quickly because it can, as we know, turn ugly at Chelsea.

"Whether we like it or not, this is a totally different season for Frank. The pressure is on; he has spent the big money. Now the pressure will build.

"I don't want to go too early on Chelsea and Frank because if they win three on the spin, they will be up into second place and we'll be saying 'can they win the title again?' and that's the way it is.

"I don't think Chelsea can win the title. They have to get back to a way of playing where they really find their rhythm."

The Blues invested a combined total of £127.5 million ($172m) in the talents of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz earlier this year, but they have failed to produce the same form they showed on a regular basis during their respective spells at RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.

Sutton says Lampard will continue to be judged harshly if he can't get a tune out of the German duo, as he added: "Timo Werner has been a massive disappointment and Kai Havertz has been too. When you spend big money, then the pressure is really on for Frank this season - and it wasn't last season.

"I don't think Frank has the overall say in the signings policy for Chelsea. I think there would be a transfer committee of sorts. In fairness, Havertz is a young man and a really talented player but we haven't seen that yet at Chelsea.

"I think Werner has been a bigger disappointment. He has missed some really big opportunities. I know he is capable of playing a number of positions and playing them well, but I just wonder if Werner would rather play as a central striker."

Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry has assessed their preparedness level for the upcoming African Nations Championship tournament.

The coach further indicated none of the selected players was injured during week-long training sessions and that makes him even more optimistic.

“We have been in camp for a week and the players have pushed really hard,” the former Rwanda tactician told Sports Nation.

“It is very clear that everyone is focused and determined, they want their ticket to go to Cameroon and to represent Uganda; you can see that in terms of enthusiasm, energy, in terms of learning in the classroom and the field.

“We came through the week well without injuries, just one or two knocks and nothing serious.”

The Cranes will be part of a mini-tournament that will involve Cameroon, Zambia and Niger ahead of the continental competition and McKinstry has explained the importance of having that experience of local conditions.

“We think it is very good, players will get time to acclimatise in Cameroon. We are now looking forward, get to Cameroon and start playing,” he added.

The Northern Irish tactician also explained the technical difference between teams at Chan and how Uganda can mount a successful campaign in West Africa.

“We have said ever since I came that we need to have that attitude of why not us, especially in the Chan tourney,” he stated.

“You look at nations like Libya and DR Congo who have won the tournament before, even when I took Rwanda in 2016, it was only an extra-time goal against DR Congo that eliminated us at quarter-finals.

“So, the difference between the teams are not so great at Chan, and really for us if we get confident and we perform at our best, we have the potential to go deep in the tournament.

“This is the challenge for the players; ‘why not us? why can’t we be there the last weekend?’ It is about being confident, it is about being ambitious and it is about putting the work ethic to make sure that that we are still there come February 7th.”

The mini-tournament will be played between January 1 and 7 and McKinstry selected 25 players for the competition.

Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish "would be really useful" for Manchester United according to Louis Saha, who hopes the Red Devils will rekindle their interest in the "amazing" England duo in 2021.

United spent most of the last transfer window chasing Sancho's signature, but Borussia Dortmund refused to compromise on a final fee for the winger.

The German giants made it clear that Sancho would not be sold for less than £100 million ($135m) - a price which the Red Devils were reluctant to play amid the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 20-year-old ended up staying, but speculation over his future at Westfalenstadion continues to rage heading into the new year with it suggested that ongoing transfer rumours adversely affected his form in the first half of the season.

Grealish was also mooted as a target for United, having played a key role in keeping Aston Villa in the Premier League last term with a string of outstanding performances.

The playmaker has built on that platform to inspire their recent push for a place in Europe, with his list of potential suitors growing with each passing game.

Saha thinks two men who have recently starred for England at international level are both capable of providing high-quality service for United's forwards, and linking up with creative hub Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park.

"It’s unfortunate Man United couldn’t get deals in place for Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho last summer because they are two amazing players," the former Red Devils striker told Ladbrokes.

"I know less about Grealish but I think he would have fitted perfectly into this team - but for me, I’m sorry, Sancho is just such an unbelievable player.

"He’s unpredictable, he’s such a great talent and if he was playing for United with Bruno Fernandes, you just know as a striker you’re going to score goals because of the two of those.

"Man United did miss out on the two of them in the summer, but hopefully they’ll have another chance to sign them soon. My choice of the two would be Sancho over Grealish. Both are amazing players and they’d improve any side. They’re so confident and would be really useful for Man United’s strikers.

"Fernandes has done a great job in helping United since arriving earlier this year, so could you imagine what another player of his level would do to the team?"

Polisi Tanzania have sealed the services of veteran defender Kelvin Yondani.

The 36-year-old has been a free agent since being released by Yanga SC early in the season. He has now joined the administrative side on a one-year deal hoping to bring experience in the defensive department.

Club's Communications Officer Frank Lukwaro believes the centre-back will have a positive influence on Polisi.

"We are happy to finally have Yondani in our squad and his defensive skills will play a vital role in strengthening our backline for the upcoming matches in the league," he said after sealing the deal.

Yondani might make his debut for his new team on Thursday in the league assignment against Azam FC at the Ushirika Stadium in Moshi.

On August 7, Timu ya Wananchi parted ways with Yondani alongside Juma Abdul. 

The Jangwani Street-based side confirmed through a statement they had failed to agree on a new contract with the players.

"The management of [Yanga SC] has announced the exit of their star players Kelvin Yondani and Juma Abdul after failure to reach an agreement regarding their contracts," the 27-time league champions confirmed. 

The move ended Yondani's stay at the club he joined in 2012 from bitter rivals Simba SC. He helped Wananchi to win four Tanzania Mainland League titles.

Meanwhile, Lukwaro has insisted defender Iddy Mobby is still contracted to Polisi Tanzania and has not left. The player has been linked with a move to reigning champions Simba SC or their bitter rivals Young Africans.

"All those are just rumours since, until now, Mobby is still our player. We have a contract with him and so far we have not received any offers for him.

"If any club will come with an interest to sign him, then we will sit down and do business but right now, Mobby is in the camp with his colleagues preparing for our next match."

Polis Tanzania are currently placed in the sixth position on the Tanzania Mainland League table with 23 points from the 17 matches played.

They are aiming at finishing the 2020/21 campaign in the top five and apart from Yondani, they are apparently keen on adding three more players to the team.

Zinedine Zidane was voted as the best manager in the world, beating out his strongest oponents Hans-Dieter Flick and Jurgen Klopp, becoming the last one to cement his position in the Goal's Top eleven powered by FIFA 21 as we attempt to identify who you think are the best footballers and coach around the world.

Zizou led the table with 38% of the votes (+4500) beating out the rest of the competition. Flick was the closest with 29% of the votes followed by Klopp, Guardiola and conte with +2500, 950 and 520 votes respectively. 

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey was lucky to have gotten away with a handball incident in the penalty box during Monday's Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace.

Television replays showed the ball struck Amartey's hand as he contested an aerial ball with Christian Benteke during the second half.

The referee did not penalise the Ghanaian while his video assistant referees did not spot the incident, much to the dismay of Palace players Benteke and Cheikhou Kouyate.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park as Harvey Barnes (Leicester) and Wilfried Zaha (Palace) scored to cancel out each other.

"It’s a really interesting one because you can understand how the referee has missed it initially," Clattenburg said, as reported by Talksport.

“But Crystal Palace will be feeling really disappointed because when the ball comes in, Benteke jumps in with Amartey. Amartey’s hand is out but it’s actually [Cheikhou] Kouyate who appeals.

“Therefore the VAR [Robert Jones] should have automatically checked because the ball’s out of play.

“But from the camera behind the goal I thought ‘is that a potential penalty for handball?’ So therefore the VAR should have checked it.

“He didn’t because less than 20 seconds from Benteke heading it over to Kasper Schmeichel taking the goal kick, the ball was back in play so it wasn’t checked. There wasn’t enough time.

“I feel he should’ve taken his time and used all the evidence that’s available. The camera angle we can see, Amartey’s hands are above his shoulder and he’s clearly hand-balled it.”

Fit-again Amartey lasted for the entire duration of Monday's game where he was deployed at centre-back alongside Jonny Evans.

It was his fourth Premier League appearance of the season and his first start since returning from a hamstring injury picked up while in action against West Ham United in October.

The 26-year-old made a return from a long-term injury just ahead of the start of the season, having been out on the sidelines since sustaining an ankle injury, coincidentally against West Ham, during a league fixture in October 2018.