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Chennaiyin FC head coach Csaba Laszlo sounded a warning to his side ahead of their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) match against NorthEast United FC. 

The Marina Machans have suffered back-to-back defeats after a positive start to the season. Laszlo feels his side needs to be careful against NorthEast United who are solid defensively while possessing the ability to score against any defence. 

NorthEast United have scored in every match so far, tallying seven goals in four games, and are unbeaten so far. 

"NorthEast had a good start (to the season). They are very stable and have good offensive players. They can score goals against every opponent," Laszlo said. "We must be prepared. We have our own style and strengths and we will put it to use against them."

The 56-year-old feels that his side needs to improve their defending from set-pieces. They have looked vulnerable from dead-ball situations and conceded two such goals against Mumbai City FC, resulting in a 2-1 loss despite dominating proceedings.

"We study our opponents closely. We try to understand what kind of free-kicks are going to come. We have players who are good in the air. We have to remain sharp, and fit and we can win against anybody."

The Hungarian is confident that Chennaiyin can improve and has been left impressed by the kind of football they have played so far. With a lot of matches left to be played, Laszlo feels there is no need to panic. 

"We are not in a panic situation. We played good football. But it is also about results. The players showed the best phase (with performances). The season is very long. I don't want to talk about where we will end. Against Mumbai, we were unhappy after the game and with a little luck, we can get better results."

Chennaiyin have been unlucky at times, having been at the receiving end of several controversial on-field decisions. Laszlo joined the growing call for a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in ISL if it is possible. 

"I am concentrating on my team before the next game. The standard (of officiating) will be better. I don't want to talk about referees. If it is possible to bring VAR, then I am all for it."

More hearteningly for Laszlo and Chennaiyin fans, influential midfielder Anirudh Thapa is set to return to the side for the NorthEast match, after missing out against Mumbai City last time out. He had suffered an injury in their 1-0 loss to Bengaluru FC. 

The condition of Isma Goncalves and Enes Sipovic, both of whom had to be taken out during the Mumbai game with injuries, is also better than first feared. 

"Thapa was more or less ready for the previous game. Now he is training fully. It looks good for Thapa. Isma will take 14 days. He is not so serious. Whereas, Sipovic will be out for seven days. Good that they will not miss many matches. The other players are doing a great job."

Simba SC have arrived in Mbeya on Friday minus five key players for their Mainland Premier League clash against Mbeya City on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi who are seeking to reduce the gap between them and table-toppers Young Africans (Yanga SC), are missing five players from their squad – Bernard Morrison, Ibrahim Ajibu, Miraji Athuman, Charles Ilanfya, and Larry Bwalya.

While Bwalya asked for permission to attend to family matters in Zambia, it is not clear why the other four players were left behind in Dar es Salaam for the league match to be played at Sokoine Stadium.

“We gave Lary [Bwalya] permission to attend to family matters in Zambia and it means he will not be available to face Mbeya City, he will only return when he sorts out the problems back home,” Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck told reporters on Friday.

Vandebroeck has already sent a warning to his players that they must win all their two matches in hand, so as to catch up with rivals Yanga, who are now on 34 points while Simba have 26.

Simba, who were out of league action last weekend as they took part in the Caf Champions League, returned to domestic football on Wednesday with a 2-0 win against Polisi Tanzania, with Zambian star Clatous Chama notching the two goals in the second half at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“At the moment, we need to concentrate on the obligation to stay in the race of the league because we are now two games behind Yanga and eight points behind them so we have to win all the games to stay on two points adrift while hoping that they will too drop points,” Vandenbroeck told reporters.

The Belgian further added he will continue to rotate his squad so as to keep the player fresh and fit for upcoming assignments.

“We have several matches coming, we are playing in the league, we are also playing in the Champions League so it will be good for me to keep rotating the squad so that we can have fit and fresh players to battle on all fronts,” Vandenbroeck continued.

In the reverse fixture, Simba beat Mbeya 2-0 with captain John Bocco notching a double.

Kerala Blasters have two points to show after four matches in the current edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Kibu Vicuna’s team have impressed in phases but have struggled to get the job done.The Spanish coach was asked if he found the Kerala Blasters challenge tougher than what he expected.

“No, because you never know how we are going to start the season. I knew we have a tough challenge. I knew that this team hadn't qualified for the playoff for the last two (three) seasons,” said Vicuna.

It is believed that Vicuna could field both Gary Hooper and Jordan Murray against Bengaluru FC this Sunday as the club has struggled to get going offensively with just three goals to show in over 360 minutes.

“It is one of the questions we are thinking about - whether to use one or two strikers. It will depend on our starting XI of the game. We are trying different possibilities. We are trying to improve. We have to improve in the last third.

“We are working and hoping that in the next game, everything is going to be better. We didn't think we will get two points in four games but sometimes it happens,” said Vicuna.

Kerala Blasters suffered a 3-1 defeat to FC Goa in their last game and Vicuna was questioned on what was his message in the aftermath. 

“We were not happy with our performance. My message is that I believe in the team and have full confidence in the players and in the work we are doing.”

The former Mohun Bagan coach believes that while the Indian Super League (ISL) is making rapid strides forward, it’s difficult to compare it with the European leagues.

“ISL is stronger and better (now). It is a very even league, you can expect every result in every game. It is difficult to compare it with European leagues. The football culture in Spain is completely different,” he replied.

Kerala Blasters haven’t had much joy with Bengaluru FC in the past and Vicuna pointed that they have a good bunch of Indian players. He also said that Bengaluru FC are tactically fluid as they change their system often.

“They have very good Indian players, most of them are Internationals. They changed their formation in the last two games. They are good team, also trying to be better like us. It is going to be a big challenge. We are improving as well and in the process,” Vicuna pointed.

“We have to be brave and work better and hard. We have confidence, we know we have a good team and players,” he added.

Vicuna also updated that midfielder Sergio Cidoncha has already left for Spain to recuperate.

SC Villa coach Edward Kaziba has called for a cautious approach when they take on Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) in a Ugandan Premier League (UPL) match on Saturday.

The Jogoos will host the Taxmen at the Arena of Visions in Bombo for their third match of the 2020-21 campaign and coach Kaziba has reminded his players how difficult their opponents proved to be during the reverse fixture last season.

“Last season, URA gave us a hard time,” Kaziba told the club’s official website. “When we hosted them we got the equaliser deep in injury time in order to get at least a point from the game, away to them we lost but as I have always emphasised in my previous pre-match briefings, this is a new season.

“My technical team and I are using a new approach in order to achieve greater things.”

On whether they have injury concerns heading to the clash, Kaziba explained: “All my players recovered very well from the Mbarara City game and have trained very well in preparation for this game.

“We do not have any fresh injury worries, Muhindo and Keni continue to be out for the same respective issues as the previous game.”

On the performance of his new signings so far in this campaign, Kaziba said: “As you can see, our new players improve with every game they feature for this team.

"Goffin is becoming a bigger threat on the wing, Ogwang has started scoring the goals, Ssekiganda is giving us playing diversity in the midfield, the goalkeeper Meddie [Kibirige] is also superb. I am expecting more from them and the whole team in this game.”

On what to expect from the game, Kaziba said: “We come into this game hoping to build on the matchday two win [against Mbarara City] in order to propel the results further in the right direction.

“The win from matchday two was a very vital result for the team in that it boosted the club’s confidence going into a challenging run of fixtures starting with this one.”

In their last outing, Villa beat Mbarara 3-0 with Isaac Ogwang, who was named the Man of the Match, notching a brace while Derrick Ndahiro added the other to give Jogoos their first win of the current campaign.

Ashique Kuruniyan has been deployed as a left-back by Carles Cuadrat this season and the Spaniard believes that the Kerala-born player has the potential to be the best in this position.

Nishu Kumar parted ways with Bengaluru FC in the summer and since, Kuruniyan, who is also known to play as a winger, has been asked to fill that role, a position in which he played sparingly last season.

“Ashique, when he plays as a winger, the pitch becomes too short. But when is playing from a little behind he has metres to run. He has been getting better and he is getting two-to-three opportunities in every game. I believe he can become a very good left-back,” opined Cuadrat.

Bengaluru FC are up against Kerala Blasters on Sunday evening in what promises to be an intriguing battle. Due to COVID-19, the Indian Super League (ISL) is being held in Goa closed doors and hence, fans will miss the chance to support their teams in person.

“Blasters need the points. They have just two (points). We have a plan and we will try to get three points. I’m feeling sorry for the fans. They enjoy this kind of matches. I am sure it will be a game of passion,” said the Bengaluru boss.

The Blues have scored five goals in four matches with Juanan Gonzalez leading the charge with two goals. Cuadrat highlighted that a shortened pre-season hasn’t allowed his team to gel as a squad given that there are a few new faces this time around.

He also mentioned that the Bangalore club haven’t had luck with their overseas strikers in the past, partly due to injuries.

“I think we are working well. We will be getting more points. We have six points but we could have eight or 10. We have to be mentally and physically strong. Some teams had more pre-season but they were not able to take three points. This is something we are working on and we will eventually get there.
 
“The team is carrying out all the plans on the pitch. We are improving every day. We played well against Chennai and week after week we are getting better. I am very happy with the strikers. In the last two seasons, we were missing foreign strikers for half of the season.

“Miku was out for nine games and Onwu for nine games as well in the previous season. But now we have to adjust. We have a plan B. To put in Sunil (Chhetri) in a number nine will not be apt as he will be able to give more to the team in a different position. We have got three number nine foreigners. They are getting ready game after game. Cleiton (Silva) has got good chances and they are getting close. Just because he is not getting the goals, he is getting criticised,” reasoned Cuadrat.

Critics haven’t been kind to Bengaluru FC this season and Cuadrat pointed that while a team like Hyderabad FC, who incidentally have the same number of points as them, have been praised, the yardsticks to measure a ‘good performance’ have been different for his side.

"It (what needs to improve) is always about little details. ATK gave away an easy penalty yesterday (against Hyderabad). But these details decide the game. Talking about foreign strikers, they are not winning duels. When they are going up against experienced defenders they are not winning duels. But in two weeks they will be able to win those. In defence also, when you arrive in 70-to-80 minute mark, you are physically down and you commit a mistake. We go with a match plan and most of the time it is working for us. 

(Apparently) Hyderabad is having a good season and we have the same points as them. If we win tomorrow's match we will be same with NorthEast on points,” he stated.

Cuadrat was once again questioned on the importance of set-pieces and the Bengaluru coach explained that his players are still adapting to a new system he has deployed. He reiterated that the new players in the squad would need more time to get accustomed to his style of play.

“It is a game of topics. People say that we only live for set-pieces. That we are missing some players and we are not the same team. (But) We have been working well in all the seasons.  It was very clear that we are starting a new system. My idea was to give opportunities to Ashique and Udanta (Singh) and give advantage to the strikers by utilising the crosses.

“It was not working well for us at the moment but it can work well in the future. We have a plan b and plan c. We came back to a 4-3-3. It helped us to get more offensive. I am very happy. As  a coach and players, we have to take pressure and we can take the criticisms. To answer every conference about set-pieces is very funny.

“I am very proud of the players. Give 20 minutes a week and get the result. We are creating chances. We had 21 shots in the previous game. It will take some time to understand each other as we have new players. We are one of the favourites, we are happy with that but we are not happy with the topics. Football needs time.”
 

If events in the last three Bundesliga matchdays are to be believed, Taiwo Awoniyi may very well be fitting to run riot in the German top flight.

The transition to professional football has been an unforgiving one for the 23-year-old. On the back of leading Nigeria to victory at the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup, and starring two years later at Under-20 level, Awoniyi signed for Liverpool in 2015 with the world seemingly at his feet.

However, since then he has struggled for any sort of relevance at the club’s Melwood training ground. Instead, he has been palmed off on sundry loans all over Europe.

The success of that strategy has been modest: unable to properly put down roots, it has often been the case that Awoniyi has found his feet (and his form) too late during his loan spells to truly force the issue and convince anyone to stump up the cash required to extricate him from his contract with Liverpool.

Combine this with his inability to get a work permit, and his prospects in England have not been great either. He revealed recently that he discussed a departure with the Anfield hierarchy, and was somewhat disappointed at the idea of yet another year in a holding pattern. This time, his destination was capital club Union Berlin, who ended 2019/20 in an impressive 11th place following promotion to the Bundesliga at the beginning of the season.

Considering Awoniyi had toiled fruitlessly with a hapless Mainz in the same campaign, he could have been forgiven for being down on a return to Germany. Instead, the Nigeria international appears to have found his feet quicker than usual, and is now into a healthy rhythm in front of goal to boot.

Admittedly, some of that owed to the misfortune of injuries to both Joel Pohjanpalo and compatriot Anthony Ujah, which depleted Union’s striking options for the season.

However, after easing his way in via cameos in the first couple of matchdays, Awoniyi has picked up the slack for the overachievers, scoring twice and winning a penalty over the course of the last three matches.

Key to his good form has been a good relationship with manager Urs Fischer, with whom Awoniyi conversed before agreeing on a move to Berlin.

He has credited the 45-year-old Swiss tactician with providing him the right guidance, and likewise Fischer has placed a lot of faith in him by deploying him upfront, resisting the temptation to misuse Awoniyi out wide like Mainz did for portions of last season.

It is a simple alchemy, but it has been strikingly effective, and the centre-forward looks a player reborn. His finish in the derby against Hertha harkened back to his almost telepathic relationship with Kelechi Iheanacho at under-17 level, complete with a delicate through ball and a finish taken early to catch out the advancing goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.

That derby reverse was only Union’s second defeat of the season, a game that clearly turned on a red card midway through the first half. Against all logic, Fischer’s side are just two points off the European places. It may be far-fetched to see them keeping this up, but if Awoniyi keeps putting them away, it may spark something close to magical.

It would also, justifiably, stir up debate as to his return to the international fold.

Despite having featured at every youth level for Nigeria, Awoniyi is yet to earn his bow for the Super Eagles. On account of the self-same instability that has plagued his club career, he has found himself completely shut out from the conversation altogether. Instead, the mantle skipped a generation: it is Victor Osimhen, who led the 2015 under-17 set, who now holds sway for the senior national team.

There is, however, a window of opportunity to be found in the paucity of options to deputize for the Napoli striker. Over the last two international breaks, Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho have all taken turns at filling in. All three have underwhelmed, lacking the physicality and movement required to make a mark; Osimhen’s boots, it appears, are too big to fill.

Awoniyi would appear to be eminently suited, however. While his all-round game is perhaps not as comprehensive as Osimhen’s, he nevertheless works defenders with and without possession, is adept at running the channels to unbalance the opposition, and is calm in front of goal.

It is an intriguing proposition, but that is all it can be just now. If Awoniyi keeps scoring though, soon it might not seem quite so fanciful.

While the Malaysian FA (FAM) has recently announced the slightly controversial, if necessary, step of entering a youth team in the coming season of the Malaysia Premier League, several youth Malaysian players have taken the bold measure of trying their luck overseas.

On Friday, FAM revealed the success of Malaysia U-15 women's international Celine Chuang, who earned a spot on the Bayern Munich women's U-17 second team in Germany.

The winger had gone to the country to pursue her education, after undergoing training at the British International School Phuket for two years.

In Munich, Germany, she attended a trial held by the Bavarian giants, and was accepted to join their U-17 women's second team.

More impressively, she has also been playing on the men's U-15 team of lower tier club Wacker Munchen e.V.

According to an FAM social media posting, Celine has been scoring for both sides, one for the U-15 side and two more for the women's team.

“Despite the challenges, the community here is very friendly and has been extremely welcoming to me since the very beginning. Thanks to this, I have been able to adapt and settle in since arriving in Germany in June.

"I am currently undergoing online training due to the cancellation of competitions and leagues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Celine as quoted in the posting.

Earlier in the week, Harian Metro reported on the success of brothers Anas Nadawi, 16, and Amar Makruf, 18 in joining Valencia-based academy The Next Generation Sports (TNGS).

According to their father Shahruddin Mat Dali, his sons will train with TNGS for a number of months and stand a chance of being recruited by youth scouts of lower league clubs based in Valencia.

"TNGS has been in touch with Amar after they were contacted by him on Instagram back in January. In April they reached out to me through Zoom to discuss our plans for Amar and Anas. The academy now represents their development in Spain."

Ulsan Hyundai have been at their prolific best in the East Zone Asian Champions League as they have scored 18 goals in seven matches in Qatar. 

After defeating their more glamourous opponents Beijing Guoan 2-0 in Thursday’s East Zone Semifinal, coach Kim Do-hoon revealed to the media the one single unifying strand running through his team which helped connect their on and off-field achievements – living life to the full despite the limiting external circumstances caused by the global pandemic outbreak.

“Even though we are limited to the hotel and training only, the players are enjoying their time here [Qatar] and enjoying the competition. I think we brought that onto the pitch and the players showed how much they wanted to win this game," said Kim.

A day previously, while addressing the media, Kim had revealed that the three players who had joined the squad from Austria after the national team friendlies  – namely defensive midfielder Won Du-jae, full-back Kim Tae-hwan and centre-back Jung Seung-Hyun -- had all undergone self-quarantine for 10 days despite testing negative upon arrival in Qatar.

There had been an outbreak among six players, including Ulsan’s number one goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, ahead of the ‘Taeguk Warriors’ friendlies against Mexico and AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar. Right from the outset coach Kim was clear in his communication that the AFC and LOC had done a perfect job with respect to tournament health and safety protocol, especially the provision of excellent quarantine facilities.

“I am looking forward to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar now that I know how well this tournament has been organised,” said Kim. “We were tested for Coronavirus every time we played a game on the previous day – this made us feel safe and I need to thank the LOC and the AFC. The bubble system was implemented right through and we could not meet anyone from outside. Good quarantine infrastructure was provided [for the three players].”

The tone was set right from the word go. During his first media interaction ahead of his club’s first centralized venue group game on 21 November, Kim had waxed eloquent about the strides made by Qatar in terms of tournament infrastructure and had specifically referred to Education City Stadium and an important accessory of the 2022 FIFA World Cup venue, the Advanced Stadium Cooling System.

“I came here twenty years ago as a Jeonbuk Hyundai player but now everything has changed. The place looks totally different. As a country hosting the World Cup, it is well prepared,” the 50-year-old former South Korea striker had said.

“The ground [Education City Stadium] and facilities are great. There is great involvement to play football here. The stadiums are kept cool at 23 degrees [Celsius] and this helps players a lot. I hope the players are motivated to be at their best.”

That is exactly what his players did. They combined perfectly as a team moving the ball around at ease in the midfield and finding the killer passes to penetrate rival defences.

If this was the story at Education City Stadium, where they played their East Zone Quarterfinal in addition to all group games, another 2022 WC venue Al Janoub Stadium brought out a different aspect of their game.

After taking an early first-half lead against the fancied Beijing Guoan in the East Zone Semifinal, Kim’s side showed great tactical nous and defensive technique for the rest of the match to set up an East Zone Final date with Vissel Kobe on Sunday.

Everyone played their role – from the experienced legend Lee Chung-yong to Won Du-jae, the brightest young defensive talent not just in Korea but arguably the whole of Asia who did a great job containing the dangerous Brazilian Renato Augusto.

By the time coach Kim leaves the shores of the host nation of the second Asian World Cup with his team, 2020 AFC Champions League could well become an all-of-Qatar-for-Ulsan story as well.

Hyderabad FC took on ATK Mohun Bagan on Friday evening with just two foreign players in their starting lineup and none on the bench. And they returned with a draw. 

It was a promising show by Manuel Marquez' team who did not have four of their overseas players due to injury concerns, with their Indian contingent stepping up to the plate. 

Bagan had plenty of shots on target in the first half. Roy Krishna could have grabbed a brace by half-time going by how many chances he had. But the Fijian striker, who already has four goals to his name, had a rare off day in front of goal. 

With Tiri absent due to an injury, their midfield presence Carl McHugh had to step in at the back to fill the gap alongside Sandesh Jhingan and the stand-in partnership were not afforded an easy day out by their opponents. 

A goalless first-half produced an even contest. But ATK Moun Bagan did fashion quite a few chances which could or should have been scored. However, a 25-minute period after the restart saw a goal each at either end and it was a result of lacklustre defending. 

Arindam Bhattacharya's careless goal kick ended up at the feet of an opponent. And from the centre of the field, Manvir Singh, who was given another chance to impress alongside Krishna in the final third of Bagan, did the rest. The former Goa forward dribbled his way into the box skipping past multiple challenges (and a bit of luck) and found the net with confidence that he arguably did not have this time last year. 

However, the lead didn't last long as the goalscorer barged into the back of Nikhil Poojary to commit a silly foul inside the box and gift a spot-kick to Hyderabad. Joao Victor said thanks by converting it from 12 yards and giving his side a dais to put up a fight. 

And it was an impressive fight for the rest of the game by Hyderabad. Victor and Souvik kept things simple in midfield. Onaindia was alert at the back with Krishna waiting to pounce and Liston Colaco ran the defence ragged with his touches and runs in the attacking third.

The only thing Hyderabad was missing was a finisher. Colaco, despite impressing with his touches, needs to learn how to finish moves and Thangboi Singto, who was on the sidelines in place of the suspended Manuel Marquez, will be hoping to have the injured Aridane Santana back in the team as soon as possible. 

Habas brought on Pronay Halder in place of Bagan's most creative midfielder Edu Garcia after they took the lead - and that change proved to be decisive. From thereon, it was all about Hyderabad's spirit and fight.

Both coaches have star names missing. Habas wants David Williams and Tiri back in shape as soon as possible. Marquez, on the other hand, will hope some of his foreign players return to action sooner rather than later because the Indian players look promising and it could be a remarkable campaign for his team if things fall into place. 

Kevin-Prince Boateng urged Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi to join Napoli as a tribute to club and Argentina great Diego Maradona.

Maradona – arguably football's greatest ever player – died at the age of 60 after suffering heart failure last month.

Napoli renamed their stadium to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in honour of the 1986 World Cup winner, who guided the Serie A side to their only Scudetto triumphs in 1987 and 1990 after arriving from Barca in 1984.

Messi removed his Barca shirt to reveal a Newell's Old Boys jersey emblazoned with Maradona's famous number 10 after scoring in last month's 4-0 La Liga rout of Osasuna.

But former Barca team-mate Boateng wants six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi – who has been heavily linked to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain – to do more to pay tribute to his countryman.

"I often hear of the comparison between Messi and Maradona and therefore I'll make a proposal to Leo," Boateng, who now plays for Serie B outfit Monza alongside Mario Balotelli, told ESPN.

"He should go to Napoli after his contract with Barcelona expires. It would be great if he himself called [president Aurelio] De Laurentiis and said: 'I'm coming'.

"Even if they have retired the No 10 shirt, 'I would like to honour Maradona's No 10 and come and play for a year or two at Napoli', without thinking about money, just the heart.

"Maybe then he manages to win a championship and then it would be the apotheosis, a movie story.

"If I were him, I would think about it. By now, he has won everything at club level, closing in a legendary way would be incredible."

However, Messi's former assistant coach at Camp Nou, Juan Carlos Unzue has a warning for any future team-mates of the Argentine wizard.

Unzue, who spent three years working alongside the Argentine icon as assistant coach to Luis Enrique, says the 33-year-old's high standards turn out to be too much for many of his team-mates .

"What has kept Messi going has been ambition, and that brings moments of stress with it," he told Marca.

"He demands that he continues to be the best and as a consequence he always wants the maximum from those around him.

"It doesn't matter if this is team-mates, the coach, the physio or what, it produces great stress on some colleagues who aren't able to shoulder it."

FC Goa's Alberto Noguera was all praises for teammate Brandon Fernandes, highlighting him as one of the best Indian players.

Noguera, who has started two games out of four for the Gaurs this season, has been impressive so far. He registered an assist in the 2-2 draw against Bengaluru and was unfortunate to hit the upright in what could have been the potential winner in the 1-1 draw against NorthEast United.

"There should certainly be some healthy competition within the side. That’s how we all grow. I like to play with good players and Brandon is one of the best Indian players in this league. So I am happy playing on his side anytime rather than against," Noguera told Goal, having started alongside Brandon once - against NorthEast United.

With Goa currently occupying the seventh spot and with an opportunity to climb into the top four at the end of Round 5 as they face Odisha on Saturday, the 31-year-old is impressed by the level of competition in the ISL.

"I think this league is really competitive and I am frankly quite impressed by the level. It’s improving every year. As you can see this season, any team can beat any other team. That’s great for watching.

"To be fair, I am most impressed with my team. It’s a new team and a new coach, but I am really delighted at how everything has come together. I think we are playing some outstanding football. We haven’t got the best results but sometimes in football these things happen. We are trying to change this situation with wins in the upcoming games.

Several young Indian players have been afforded an opportunity to shine like Saviour Gama and Princeton Rebello this season at Goa. Noguera spoke about their potential.

"We have some very talented (Indian) players in our club. They need to improve in some aspects. With time and confidence, they will be very good. I’m sure they will grow to become really important players for the club and for the national team really soon," he observed.

Asante Kotoko registered their first win of the Ghana Premier League season as they defeated Asamoah Gyan's Legon Cities 1-0 in Accra on Friday.

Osman Ibrahim's 11th-minute effort handed the Porcupine Warriors all three points over The Royals who threw on Ghana legend Gyan in the second half in a desperate attempt for an equaliser.

The matchday five win has catapulted Maxwell Konadu's outfit to fourth on the league table.

Legon, who played under new coach Bashir Hayford for the first time, sit only two points above the relegation zone as they continue their search for a first win of the season.

Konadu welcomed centre-back Habib Mohammed back into his starting line-up while handing a debut to former Atalanta and Ghana U-20 left-back Patrick Asmah.

Against speculations of a first starting spot for October signing Gyan, new Legon coach Hayford left the former Sunderland and Udinese forward on the bench, instead putting faith in Raphael Ocloo to lead the attack.

After Kwame Opoku sent a rebound just wide, Kotoko broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through Ibrahim, who beat Legon goalkeeper Fatau Dauda with a shot from inside the 18-box after being picked out by Godfred Asiamah.

The goalscorer's night turned from joy to misery as the game approached half-time, having to be taken out of the game after sustaining an injury.

Just back from the break, Legon almost found an equaliser when Ocloo was put through one-on-one with Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah but the striker saw his shot saved.

Nine minutes later, Baah was again on hand to prevent an equaliser as he reacted well to palm away a David Cudjoe first-time shot before Joseph Adjei's rebound went off target.

In the 70th minute, Kotoko's Evans Adomako shot over the bar from dangerous position before Gyan's free-kick at the other end was coolly collected by Baah. The 35-year-old was introduced into the game on the hour-mark.

Gyamfi had an opportunity to consolidate Kotoko's lead seven minutes to full-time but his effort, having sprinted into the opposition box after benefiting from a quickly-taken free-kick, proved no trouble for goalkeeper Dauda, who ended the game as the official Man of the Match.

Gyan came close to joining Kotoko during the transfer window but ditched the Porcupine Warriors at the last hour in favour of Legon. 

Manchester United can win the Premier League title this season, according to coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Red Devils take on Manchester City in a blockbuster derby at Old Trafford on Saturday - only days after they were eliminated from the Champions League by RB Leipzig with a disappointing 3-2 defeat.

Despite an inconsistent start to their domestic campaign - including a 6-1 loss to Tottenham and home defeats against Arsenal and Crystal Palace - United can go within two points of leaders Spurs if they manage to get the victory against their city rivals.

United have won their last four Premier League games, with three of those victories coming on the road after going behind, and Solskjaer feels his team are showing signs they could be developing into title contenders.

"At Manchester United, you should always aim to win trophies," Solskjaer said.

"Of course, with the last three seasons, as they have been, there's been two teams far ahead of the rest of the pack.

"I got belief during the season, or since the turn of the new year, that this team is improving and that we can put up a challenge.

"Of course we need to improve on last season but I don't think any team will run away with it.

"I go into every single game wanting to win, so maybe that's the answer to your question. If you win every game you end up with a trophy."

Solskjaer's decisions as Man Utd manager have come under-fire in recent matches, with the Norwegian criticised for not substituting Fred prior to the midfielder being sent off against Paris-Saint Germain and the back five formation deployed against Leipzig has also been questioned.

Former United star Paul Parker feels the manager was far too conservative when choosing his line up for the Leipzig match, and has urged him to stick with one system to halt the team's recent run of unconvincing performances.

"Solskjaer is too reliant on having two holding midfielders all the time. It doesn’t make sense," Parker told Eurosport.

"He’s going into a game where you can’t go looking for a draw, but when you’re putting out two holding players, their coach [Julian Nagelsmann] couldn’t believe what they were doing.

"That first half tells you why Manchester United got their team selection so wrong and you can’t just keep coming out against quality sides and changing your system for every game.

"When I played for United we were 4-4-2 and then when Eric Cantona came along it was 4-4-1-1. It was very flexible. Everyone would do every other person’s job. They’re not flexible in what they’re doing."

Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal's experienced stars that he is willing to drop them to give the team's younger players a chance.

Eddie Nketiah, 21, Joe Willock, 21, and Folarin Balogun, 19, were all on the scoresheet as the Gunners beat Dundalk 4-2 in the Europa League on Thursday.

While Arteta's side finished the group stage with six wins and scored 20 goals, they have been struggling to find any consistency in the Premier League.

Arteta was  frustrated with their failure to convert chances  in last week's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, which left them 15th in the top flight.

Only three teams - including Sunday's opponents Burnley - have scored fewer league goals than Arsenal this season, with Alexandre Lacazette their top scorer with three and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having netted just twice.

Arteta says he is open to giving the team's rising stars a run in the starting XI.  

Asked if he could mix up the attack, Arteta told reporters: "When I feel that it is the right moment to do that I have to pick the players that I have the feeling, we have the feeling as a coaching staff, that has the best chance to win the game, so it has to be a yes."

Arsenal host Burnley on Sunday and then welcome Southampton to north London three days later. They have lost three league games in a row at home, but Arteta sees an opportunity to improve their recent form. 

"Absolutely, and we can do nothing right now about what happened in the last few weeks," he said.

"We know the home form is going to be vital for our success and we have to change that immediately.

"So, if we want to have any hope of doing something important and relevant this season, it has to be by winning the games at home."

He added: "I'm telling the desire, commitment, attitude and everything that they will try and put onto that pitch will be the best that they can do.

"It’s not just about character, because at the end you have to win football matches, you have to make a lot of decisions on that pitch and everybody has to contribute for that.

"So it’s not just about how much I want it, because it’s an opponent in front of you that are gonna minimise your strengths and maximise your weaknesses. What I can tell you is that the team will be prepared to battle with a real desire because we know how important that game is going to be for us."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Paul Pogba’s work-rate this week after the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola cast doubt over his future at Manchester United.

Raiola claimed his client’s time with the club was "over" this week and talked up a transfer before his contract expires in the summer of 2022.

Pogba came on as a second-half sub and scored against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night, but he couldn't prevent United from crashing out of the Champions League after a 3-2 loss.

Speaking after that game, Solskjaer responded to Raiola by saying: “As soon as Paul’s agent realises this is a team sport and we work together the better."

The United manager was again asked about Pogba ahead of their clash with Manchester City this weekend and Solskjaer said he had no doubts over the player’s commitment.

“I think I said during the week that this is a team game and Paul is part of this team,” Solskjaer explained. "He's very focused on contributing when he's here. He's got the hunger and appetite to play and wants to play.

"He wants to train and he trains. There's been other players refusing to train and refusing to play – they're not here anymore of course – but Paul's not once done that.

“He's just focused on performing when he gets a chance. That's the good thing about Paul. He's got the quality and the desire to do well when he comes on, like he did against Leipzig. He had a positive impact. The short answer is he's part of the squad for tomorrow.”

United go into the derby looking to bounce back after crashing out of the Champions League, another result that increased the pressure on Solskjaer. His job is not under immediate threat but he spoke about dealing with the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being manager at the club.

“There's always pressure on you when you manage Man Utd," the Norwegian said. "That's something I had to think about when I accepted the role.

"Do I have what it takes to be in such a situation? Can you handle setbacks? Can you handle success? I think I can.

“I've got a fantastic staff around me who I use as sparring partners for discussions even [though] the conversation with the club goes on all the time. It's a continuous open dialogue. When you come to work the next day you see the quality of the players you have and you want to work with them.”

Frank Lampard believes England have an embarrassment of riches up front with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's emergence at Everton meaning he is now competing with Harry Kane and Tammy Abraham in the national team.

The trio are currently front-runners to make Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2020, which will now take place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chelsea will try to stop the Premier League's top goalscorer Calvert-Lewin from finding the net on Saturday as they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton.

The 11-goal hitman is a threat for club and country, according to Lampard, but he is backing his own striker Abraham to come out on top.

"Yes, it is an exciting battle," Lampard told reporters via Zoom. "I profess my love for Tammy enough sitting here. He's my player.

"To speak about an opposition player is a bit different but what I do respect about Calvert-Lewin is that, and this is from afar because I don’t know him, but it feels like a career that he has really worked for. That sounds simple but it is not a straightforward pathway.

"Not everyone gets in their first team at 17 or 18 other than the Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen types of the world. Other players have to find different ways and now he has shown himself, last season and particularly this season, consistently he's an all-round striker. Every part of his game is a real threat.

"When I look at him as an opposition striker and he has quite rightly got into the England team and he has settled into that so he is a major threat for us at the weekend and for Everton going forward. That’s why he has scored so many goals, so fair play to him.

"It is a good challenge for England to have a few strikers competing and he has thrown himself into that question."

Saturday's game will also see Lampard face his former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who coached him between 2009 and 2011 at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti got a career-best 27 goals in all competitions out of Lampard in the 2009-10 season, which the current Chelsea boss believes was a triumph of his former mentor's coaching ability.

“I remember that season very well out of my seasons because it was the season I did not start very well," Lampard continued. "Carlo came in and we played in a diamond formation and I played at the top of it, which on paper may have looked right but I was finding it very difficult.

"My game was very fluid and I wanted to get my chance to arrive in the box. I went quite a few games myself without getting a goal.

"I remember having a really honest conversation with Carlo and he was very open with how he dealt with it with me and I remember being really impressed, not just because it meant my position changed slightly and I managed to start playing better, but just how he handled that for me, with [what] was a tough period for me.

"From then on the season went from strength to strength, not just myself but for the whole team, so he got a tune out of the whole team. It was a difficult squad looking back, a very good squad - difficult is the wrong word - but we were strong and overloaded in certain areas.

"In this job, I understand you have to find balance in a squad and he found the perfect balance during that run-in and he should take a lot of credit for that. I think he had a very laid-back demeanour about him which I appreciated. But beneath that was a hard edge.

“That was very evident but I certainly enjoyed his general, laid-back demeanour. I didn’t crave too much conversation with my manager, I just wanted to do my job but with him I always felt comfortable when I had that one-on-one conversation. I’ve got specific moments in my time with him that I remember.

“One was the evening that he left the club and he actually came and had a couple of beers with us in The Plough over the road in Cobham. Another time when I was in America with Andrea Pirlo in Vancouver and we had dinner together in an Italian restaurant and it was a fantastic event.

"I have such high regard for him. He has the personal touch, he got it nailed, and I think the great thing with it is that he is very straight. He is very honest in everything he does and that is very refreshing.”

Kevin De Bruyne has warned Manchester City to expect a strong response from Manchester United following their exit from the Champions League.

City travel to Old Trafford on Saturday for the first derby of the season with United stinging from their 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig, which saw them miss out on the Champions League knockout stages.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sit a place and a point above City in the Premier League table and De Bruyne is expecting a reaction after their European disappointment.

“We need to be careful because everything that has happened this week, it is a good game for them to change the switch,” the Belgian midfielder said.

“They will want to show a different side to what happened in Leipzig and we need to be aware of that.

“In the end it is similar for them as it is for us, both teams want to keep momentum from the last few weeks and it is important to do that.”

The two rivals met four times last season with United winning three of those games. Pep Guardiola’s side were caught out by their opponents’ quick counter-attacking, particularly through Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

But with Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek joining in the summer, De Bruyne believes United could play a more attacking derby this season.

“They have some new players and maybe they will play a bit more offensively but we will see tomorrow,” he added.

“After five minutes you are going to know what is happening in the game and then it depends how the game goes, who scores first.

“They played defensively and on the counter last season and picked us off really well. I remember the home game when we lost 2-1 but we made a couple of mistakes and it was difficult to come back.

“In the away game I wasn’t there so I don’t know the details but they won three out of four last year so we need to try and make that right.”

City strengthened themselves in the summer with Ruben Dias, in particular, helping to give a strong defensive base alongside John Stones or Aymeric Laporte, who missed much of last season through injury.

“I think we are playing more solid,” De Bruyne said. “At the beginning of the year, we lost ones we shouldn’t have, conceding goals and not scoring a lot of goals so it is difficult when you don’t score.

“It is hard but lately we have been scoring a few goals, not conceding many. It makes it easier for everybody and makes everybody feel comfortable.”

City go into the game six points behind Tottenham and Liverpool with a game in hand.

The top half of the Premier League is separated by just seven points and De Bruyne is not surprised that this season is an open title race with injuries and a hectic schedule meaning a number of teams are capable of making a challenge.

“It is something I expected before the season just with the way everything happened last year with having no pre-season while some had one and some didn’t, injuries and then a lot of teams became stronger,” he added.

“I think it is going to be open and it seems that way. I think teams are so good and every team has got quality so if you are not 100 per cent there is a chance you can lose these games.

“I think this has been happening for every team. I think the team that goes on a decent run with six, seven games in a row then maybe there will be a gap, but at the moment that has not been the case.”