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La Liga’s exciting accelerated end of season programme continues this weekend, with top two Barcelona and Real Madrid both facing tricking away tests along with crucial fixtures in the races for European qualification and against relegation.

Barcelona have been solid at the back as they have taken 10 points from their first four games since the return of La Liga earlier this month. Quique Setien’s team faces another challenge on Saturday afternoon at away at Celta Vigo, where the Blaugrana have picked up just one point across their last four La Liga visits. Celta players Rafinha, Denis Suarez and Nolito, as well as coach Oscar Garcia, all have Barca pasts and come into the game on a high after a convincing 6-0 win over Deportivo Alaves in their last game at Abanca Balaidos.

Real Madrid have also had a strong return to action and Zinedine Zidane’s side will look to again showcase their title credentials when they visit Espanyol on Sunday evening. Los Blancos have the best away record in 2019/20 La Liga Santander so far but hosts Espanyol will need every point they can get to escape the relegation zone and won this fixture 1-0 two seasons ago.

The weekend’s programme kicks off Friday with Sevilla hosting Real Valladolid in a clash of two teams looking to continue excellent returns to action in recent weeks as they look to seal a top four spot and stay clear of the bottom three respectively.

Saturday’s schedule starts with Athletic Club at home to Real Mallorca. The Balearic Islanders last La Liga win at San Mames was back in 2010, but they could really do with another victory now in their battle against the drop.

Osasuna and Leganes have only ever met three times at El Sadar across La Liga Santander and La Liga SmartBank with Osasuna winning 2-1 on each occasion, but the visitors will need to turn that history around on Saturday if they are to get out of their difficult position in the bottom three.

Atletico Madrid have been on a roll since returning, moving up from sixth to third in the table, with youngsters Joao Felix and Marcos Llorente have been impressing. Diego Simeone’s men will hope to continue that positive run on Saturday evening at home to mid-table Alaves, who have lost on their last two visits to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Levante at home to Real Betis on Sunday brings together two teams who should in theory already be safe from relegation, but Betis’ concerns about their form saw them part company with coach Rubi last weekend.

Villarreal against Valencia is a regional derby with an extra edge on Sunday afternoon given both teams are right in the race for European qualification next season. The Yellow Submarine have risen up the table with 10 points from their four games since the return, while Valencia won the first meeting of the season between these two sides 2-1 last November.

Just one defeat in their last eight La Liga games has Granada still dreaming of a first ever qualification for the Europa League as they prepare for Sunday’s game at home to Eibar, from whom the nightmare scenario of relegation is still a real possibility despite an improvement in performances since the return from the Covid-19 induced break.

Getafe at home to Real Sociedad rounds off matchday 32 with a clash of two Champions League hopefuls who have restarted inconsistently. Both sides are yet to win since La Liga was resumed in early June and will be keen to put their campaign back on track against a direct rival.

Watch La Liga Santander this weekend on SuperSport 7 and GOtv’s SuperSport Select.

Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda football federations are expected to receive further financial relief from Fifa designed to help them cope with the effects caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The three East African Member Associations, just like their global counterparts, will receive $1 million after the Fifa council unanimously approved the Covid‑19 relief plan.

The plan, expected to be released in three stages, will see the world governing body avail up to $1.5 billion to the member associations.

“In the first two stages of the plan, Fifa provided for the immediate release of all Forward operational‑cost payments to member associations and, subsequently, for the opportunity to transform Forward development grants into Covid-19 operational relief funds – with a minimum of 50% of released funds to be allocated to women’s football,” Fifa announced.

The financial support will be provided through a system of grants and loans.

“On grants, a universal solidarity grant of $1 million will be made available to all member associations, and an additional grant of $500,000 will be allocated specifically to women’s football,” Fifa's statement continued.

“In addition, each confederation will receive a grant of $2 million.

“On loans, member associations will be able to apply for interest-free loans amounting to up to 35% of their audited annual revenues. In the interest of solidarity, a minimum loan of $500,000 will be available and a maximum of  $5 million.

“In addition, each confederation will have access to a loan of up to $4 million.”

With most clubs affected, Fifa has given the federations the go-ahead to help other football stakeholders like clubs. Ugandan Premier League (UPL) teams had specifically petitioned Fufa to bail them out from the initial money received from Fifa.

“Both grants and loans can be directed by member associations to the wider football community in their respective territories, including clubs, players, leagues, or others that have been affected,” Fifa added.

On the governance model, the Switzerland-based body has set strict measures to ensure the funds are used objectively.

“To ensure effective oversight of the plan, there will be strict controls on the use of funds, audit requirements, as well as clear loan repayment conditions,” it stated.

“A Fifa Covid-19 Relief Plan steering committee will also be established to supervise the administration of the scheme.”

Olli Rehn was appointed to lead the steering committee. 

Kenya and Uganda have already cancelled their leagues due to the Covid-19 pandemic though the former's move remains challenged. Tanzania's league is ongoing since it resumed on June 13 after March's suspension.

Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson famously stated that his mission was to knock his club's great rivals Liverpool off their perch and he managed to do just that.

The Scottish manager won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and three Champions League honours during his time with the Red Devils, and is regarded as one of the greatest of all-time.

Following Liverpool's success in their sixth Champions League title in June 2019 and their 19th league title in 2020, however, Jurgen Klopp's side have shown that they are able to challenge once again.

But which team can claim to be the most successful side on English soil, and how many trophies has each side won? Goal takes a look.

Who won has won the most titles in England?

Well, it depends on who you ask.

After Liverpool won their sixth UEFA Super Cup title in 2019, beating Chelsea through a penalty shootout in Istanbul, Reds fans were quick to claim that they became the most successful club in English football.

In beating the Blues on that occasion, Liverpool lifted their 46th major trophy, with supporters believing that they had surpassed great rivals Manchester United, who, they said, have 45 major trophies.

While the Reds have now won 47 major prizes – including the league, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League/European Cup, the UEFA Cup/Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup – their count disregards one competition.

Liverpool's 47 major titles excludes the number of Community Shield titles they have won, which is the key point of the discussion – as Man Utd have a record 21 Community Shields to their name, compared to Liverpool's 15.

And so, if Community Shield titles are to count in the trophy haul, Man Utd have won 66 major titles to Liverpool's 62, sealing their status as the most successful side in England.

*Accurate as of July 25, 2020.

Does the Community Shield count as a major trophy?

The key point of contention between the sets of supporters is about whether or not the Community Shield counts as a major title. Once again, it depends on who you ask.

The FA considers the Community Shield to be an official honour in English football, and it is seen as the first game of the new English top-flight season, though its status as a 'major title' has been contested by certain football figures and fans.

The Community Shield is seen as a minor trophy to some compared to the likes of the FA Cup and League Cup, with some referring to it as a 'glorified friendly' – especially as yellow card and red cards earned in the match do not carry on to other competitions.

In 2008, Ferguson stated: "The Community Shield is a prestigious match, but I have used players in it who were not quite fit, and we are more or less in the same situation again."

However, for the most part, players and managers involved in the Community Shield respect its status as a major trophy, and regard it as the first 'final' of the season.

Speaking on his players' fitness levels ahead of the 2018 Community Shield against Chelsea, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said: "We have just four or five days to prepare for the first final [Community Shield]. so we have to adapt. 

"Some of them are coming back before, some are coming back after the final."

Moreover, in 2016, ex-Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri added: "Why do you say this question, a friendly? [Since] when is the Community Shield a friendly?

"Of course we will be at the maximum and Manchester United will be at their maximum. The two teams want to win. I am very excited."

Jose Mourinho may have been unceremoniously dumped from the hot seat at Manchester United, but Red Devils coach Kieran McKenna considers the Portuguese to be “an absolutely top manager”.

Those at Old Trafford had hoped that the proven winner would be the man to rekindle former glories. Three trophy triumphs in his debut campaign boded well, but Mourinho was relieved of his duties in December 2018 after two-and-a-half years at the helm.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now the man charged with the task of getting United back to the top, with McKenna forming part of the Norwegian’s coaching staff.

He had, however, been working in the youth ranks during Mourinho’s reign and saw enough of the current Tottenham boss to convince him that the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager has lost none of his spark.

McKenna told The Coaches’ Voice: “He's an absolutely top manager in a lot of different ways.

“A very intelligent man. A fantastic communicator across different languages and it would be impossible to not pick things up from someone like him.

“I think probably one of the biggest insights that I gained was just seeing the levels of organisation around both his training process and his match preparation.

"The process behind his design of training practices, the small details within the session and the transition between the practices and the flow of work and the delegation and clarity of duties from different staff within and around the session were all organised to a really high level and a higher level than I had experienced before.

“Around the match preparation, just seeing how he went from that process of study in the opposition and identifying things from within them to then turning it into training practices, and then the analysis side of it and how that was broken down and filtered into the players and what they would need to know.”

Mourinho took in 144 games as manager of Manchester United, collecting 84 victories from those contests and suffering only 28 defeats. His win percentage of 58.3 is only bettered by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, with Solskjaer currently on 52.6 from his 78 matches at the helm.

Borussia Dortmund managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke says the club want to sign Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham, but admits competition to sign the 16-year-old prodigy will be fierce.

Despite his tender age, Bellingham has emerged as a key player this season for the Championship side, resulting in most of Europe's top clubs taking an interest in the young central midfielder.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with Bellingham, however Watzke has openly said that Dortmund will be pursuing a deal for Bellingham this summer.

"Of course we want this to work," Watzke told German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, "but it is clear that with such a talented player, many others are also interested."

Dortmund have earned a reputation for giving some of Europe's most talented teenagers opportunities for first-team football at the very top level, including England international Jadon Sancho, who they signed as a youngster from Manchester City.

Other teenagers featuring regularly for Dortmund are striker Erling Haaland, and United States winger Gio Reyna.

That first-team pathway will be tempting to Bellingham, who has been valued at around £30 million ($37m) and will sign his first professional contract this summer.

Birmingham meanwhile are resigned to the fact they will lose one of their most prized assets, with former manager Pep Clotet last month admitting the club are in for a "busy summer" - although he did suggest that coronavirus could impact on transfer deals and how much clubs are willing to pay for players.

He told Sky Sports: “As a head coach, I don’t deal with transfers, it’s the club. But I can imagine the situation has all the clubs very worried about how to finish this season and what impact this season has into next season.

“That can change a lot of the future of the clubs. Possibly it’s going to be a busy summer, possibly it’s going to be less busy, we still don’t know what impact it will have.”

Bellingham has featured 36 times in all competitions for the senior Birmingham side this season, scoring four goals. He has primarily played in the centre of midfield, but has also been deployed on both the left and right wing on occasions.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have singled out a few areas that need to be improved ahead of the completion of work at Nyao Stadium.

On Thursday, the federation’s international matches organizing committee toured the facility which has been under renovation for the past three years but is now nearing completion and will be open for matches.

The tour by the FKF committee was ahead of a scheduled inspection by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in the coming days, subject to the global Covid-19 pandemic, to ascertain whether it is fit to host international matches.

The federation’s committee toured the stadium’s amenities, among them the changing rooms, VVIP and VIP daises, media tribunes and centres, live production zones, doping rooms, and emergency medical rooms.

“We are happy with the progress made this far since it is evident a lot has clearly been put in to make this stadium what it is now,” FKF IMOC chairman Michael Ouma told Goal.

“Some areas, however, need to be improved to suit Caf and Fifa requirements, and we are happy to share with Sports Kenya with a view of having this stadium fully ready for the upcoming international matches.”

The committee is set to present its recommendations to the Ministry of Sports ahead of the visit by Caf in the coming days.

The unavailability of Nyayo, before the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) was ended owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, forced the Nairobi teams to scramble for stadiums outside the city with Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos and Narok Stadium in Narok County offering their services to the city clubs.

Moi Kasarani has always been designated for Caf Confederation and Champions League matches as well as the Mashemeji Derby, an encounter between arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

Nyayo Stadium, when available, has always been preferred to Kasarani to host the Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards clash.

Nyayo Stadium was closed in 2017 for renovations and was meant to host the Africa Nations Championships in 2018. Kenya lost the hosting rights to Morocco for not being ready on time.

Kasarani was closed in March for a facelift ahead of the 2020 World U20 Championships that was due to be held on July 7-12, and the World Athletics Continental Tour, but both were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Liverpool’s title-winning exploits have allowed them to silence critics who have “taken the Michael” for 30 years, says Phil Thompson, with the former Reds skipper seeing the Anfield giants firmly “back on our perch”.

Ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson delighted during his reign at Old Trafford in pointing out that a once dominant force in English football had been knocked off their pedestal by the Red Devils.

The tide has started to turn again, though, with Liverpool savouring Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League triumphs as those in Manchester undergo their own rebuilding process.

Records have been sent tumbling by Jurgen Klopp’s side in 2019-20, with a first top-flight crown in three decades secured while sat 23 points clear of the chasing pack.

Thompson formed part of similar successes in his playing days, with seven First Division titles claimed in the 1970s and 80s, and he is thrilled to see the Reds bringing the good times back – especially as many had written the Merseyside outfit off.

The former Liverpool captain told Sky Sports: “We are back on our perch. It has been a long time coming, I won’t use the expletive that came before it but we are back.

“It’s been a long, long time. It has been a generation, 30 years, and yes, we have had the Champions League, which has been fantastic.

“But Liverpool has always been out of the league championship, the Premier League, and we have not been able to get our hands on it.

“It has been a burden to everybody. A lot of managers have had to carry it and to Jurgen Klopp and the players, congratulations, I thank you so much because it has been hard.

“They have been an absolute pleasure to watch and I have to congratulate them.

“I have four boys and I have been desperate to watch them win the Premier League title, it has been the Holy Grail and we have done it.”

Thompson added on the long wait to savour domestic dominance again: “We’ve been successful with trophies, we have won in the past and it has been wonderful.

“But as the years have gone by, Gerard Houllier came second, Rafa [Benitez] came second, Brendan [Rodgers] came second.

“There have been some really good teams, but not as good as this one. This team has deserved it - 97 points last year and they didn’t bring it home.

“There are a lot of people who were giggling and thinking ‘you are not going to get that chance again’.

“So to go and compete with this Manchester City team is absolutely wonderful.

“Those young people who have not had that opportunity and those other fans who have taken the Michael out of Liverpool Football Club because we hadn’t won the Premier League...we have done it!

“If this team stays together, which I think it will, they will be a hell of a team to beat next year.”

Selangor boss Satiananthan R. Bhaskran has pleaded with the authorities to allow supporters to attend matches once the 2020 Malaysian football season resumes.

In an interview with the Malaysian Football League (MFL), the experienced trainer voiced his belief in the public's ability to adhere to post-Covid 19 quarantine standard operating procedures (SOP).

"If all parties adhere to the SOP and regulations, I'm sure the pandemic will abate and no new cases will appear. I believe that the government can then permit the fans to attend matches once the league resumes.

"Fans are of the utmost importance in football, and their attendance will boost the players' morale," said the Malaysian coaches' association president.

He is also hoping that Malaysian clubs' strict adherence to post-quarantine training SOP will lead to the government allowing them to conduct training with body contact soon.

"In the past few days we have been able to follow the SOP and show everyone, especially the sporting fraternity, that no-contact training can be conducted. The SOP must be adhered to strictly in order to avoid the unwanted.

"I hope that in two or three weeks' time, training with body contact can be held again because so far we've only performed endurance training, with and without the ball," explained the former Malaysia head coach. 

While the 2020 season had been planned to continue at the start of September behind closed doors, there are rumours that it is currently being pushed for an earlier, mid-August restart date. As of this moment, only 16 out of the 24 top two tier teams have been permitted to conduct no-contact practice following competitions suspension and a nationwide quarantine. 

QUICK FACTS

Team: Australia

Nickname: Joeys

Manager: Trevor Morgan

Last game: Australia 2-1 Vietnam (22 September 2019)

TEAM PROFILE

Heavyweights of Group C and one of the favourites for the title, the Joeys boast of a promising squad led by a manager who has coached the U16 for about two years now. Trevor Morgan’s boys have the potential, momentum and the coaching to top the group.

Australia have featured in the AFC U16 Championship in every edition since 2008 but are yet to get their hands on the grand prize. However, their record in the competition is encouraging, given they made the semi-finals three out of six times and were unable to qualify from the group stages just once (India, 2016).

The Joeys made the semi-finals for the first time in 2010 when they eased past the likes of Vietnam and Timor-Leste in the group stages before edging the UAE 3-2 in the quarterfinals. A 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts Uzbekistan in the semis brought an end to their promising campaign.

Australia’s best result in the competition arrived in Thailand in 2014. They made it three out of three in the group stage and proceeded to beat Malaysia 2-1 in the first knockout round. Eventual champions DPR Korea eliminated them through a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final. The Joeys were placed third in the tournament by virtue of accumulating more points. They also conceded the fewest number of goals (4) in the tournament among the teams that made it out of the group.

Australia’s 2018 (Malaysia) U16 Championship was rather underwhelming to their standards. They finished as runners-up in the group after a 3-0 defeat to South Korea. This was followed by a narrow win over Indonesia in the quarterfinals and a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against Japan in the semis.

The Joeys have also been among regular participants in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. They qualified for the final round thrice in the last decade and made it to the last-16 on each of these occasions. However, they have not made it past the quarterfinals since 2001.

LESSONS FROM THE PAST

India and Australia have never faced each other in the AFC U16 Championship. India comes under the umbrella of West Asian nations while Australia belongs to the East Asian category. This eliminated the possibility of the two sides facing in the qualifiers too.

RECENT RESULTS

The Joeys breezed through their qualifier games, topping the group with 12 points from their four games. They began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Mongolia before they smashed Macau 3-0 and edged Timor-Leste 1-0. A 2-1 win over Vietnam in a must-win final qualifier game ensured a successful outing.

The defence conceded just two goals in the tournament, displaying great discipline at the back while ensuring a good supply of goals upfront. The Coronavirus pandemic proved to be a roadblock to Australia's preparations ahead of the U16 Championship but they could return to training by August at the earliest. A friendly against New Zealand is on the cards, should the situation cool down.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Trevor Morgan is a pragmatic coach who has coached the side for two years. He has worked closely with the senior team boss Graham Arnold who is known for his ability to spot and nurture talent. Given the senior team operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation, it would not be a surprise if Morgan opts the same with the Joeys.

India can expect an Australian side that is solid at the back, is filled with some great individual talent and has a knack of getting the result. This could prove to be a tough test for India in the group stages of the 2020 AFC U16 Championship.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Joshua Rawlins of Perth Glory who captained the side during the qualifiers is a defensive mainstay.

Matthew Scarcella, who plays in midfield for Western Sydney Wanderers is also a crucial element of the Joeys squad.

Morgan could have Bernardo Oliviera be the focal point of Australia’s attack. The promising attacker recently joined Melbourne City FC’s impressive youth set-up to hone his skills and boasts of the ability to torment defences in the tournament.

Roy Krishna has extended his contract with ATK Mohun Bagan and is set to stay at least for another season with the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions. 

“I am delighted to extend my contract with ATKFC Mohun Bagan. I had no hesitation in choosing to remain with the Champion Team. Looking forward to returning to Kolkata, training, reuniting with teammates & the merger of ATK & Mohun Bagan,” said the striker on his social media channel.
 
The Fijian played a pivotal role in helping ATK clinch their third ISL title and thus, make them the most successful side in the competition’s six-year history. He scored 15 goals and also had six assists to his name in 21 games.

ATK and Mohun Bagan merged into a single entity earlier this year and will take part in ISL 2020-21. 

They have formed a new company ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited which has been incorporated with the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs on June 17. 

Five directors have also been appointed in the company. ATK co-owner Utsav Parekh, Mohun Bagan officials Srinjoy Bose and Debashis Dutta are present in the board of directors. Whereas the other two members are Gautam Ray and Sanjeev Mehra.

The new entity was supposed to come into existence on June 1, 2020, but due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdown since March 25, the deal was delayed. With the new company already being reserved, an official announcement from both parties is expected soon.

Mohun Bagan won the league title for the fifth time in their history this year and ATK won their third ISL title beating Chennaiyin FC in the final back in March.

Other than participating in the ISL, the merged entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using Mohun Bagan’s I-League 2019-20 champions’ slot.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he initially 'felt empty inside' after the club secured the Premier League title. 

Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday to hand the Reds the league title with seven games still to play. 

After missing out on finishing first last year by a single point, Klopp's side have dominated this season and currently boast a 23-point lead atop the table. 

Having watched the Blues narrowly beat City, the Liverpool manager revealed his initial reaction to league success involved a strange sense of emptiness but stressed he couldn't be happier. 

"I am completely overwhelmed; I don’t know, it’s a mix of everything – I am relieved, I am happy, I am proud, I couldn’t be more proud of the boys," Klopp told Liverpool's official website. 

"How we watched the game tonight together, we knew it could happen, it couldn’t not happen, we didn’t know. We want to play football and we are really happy that we are allowed to play again – then when it happened in that moment, it was a pure explosion.

"When we counted down the last five seconds of the game, the ref counted down a little bit longer than us so we had to look at two or three more passes!

"Then it was pure...I cannot describe it. It was a really, really nice moment. Directly after it, I felt so empty inside – I cannot believe it, I am really not happy with myself in the moment that I feel like I feel, but it’s just a little bit too much in the moment. I will be fine, nobody has to worry.

"I actually couldn’t be happier; I couldn’t have dreamed of something like that and I never did before last year, honestly. We were not close enough three years ago, a year ago we were really close…what the boys have done in the last two-and-a-half years, the consistency they show is absolutely incredible and second to none.

"Honestly, I have no idea how we do that all the time. Last night, a very good example – we played a game like the stadium is fully packed and everybody is shouting ‘Liverpool’ or whatever constantly.

"It is a wonderful moment, that’s what I can say." 

Josep Gombau is one of the few coaches in India who has been able to leave a mark with his work in spite of not winning silverware. He was entrusted with a project when he signed for Delhi Dynamos and the Spaniard worked tirelessly to execute the vision. 

In the two years that he spent in India, he has brought the best from his young players and had implemented a style of football that was entertaining. But what led him to snap his ties with Odisha FC, a club that seemed committed to his methods ? 

"It was an excellent experience in India. I and my family had a very good time. I was happy with Delhi Dynamos and subsequently with Odisha FC. The club offered me a contract extension. But I had to decline it. My two kids are six and eight years old. In Delhi, we had good schools. But things were different in Bhubaneshwar. We could not manage the things in the way that we would have liked to.  It is necessary to provide my kids with the best possible education. Last season, my family was in Delhi and I was in Bhubaneswar. I do not want this kind of life. I put in a lot of thought. Unfortunately, things cannot change. So I decided to leave," explained the coach to Goal. 

Odisha have always promoted young players. The management has trusted young players like Shubham Sarangi, Vinit Rai, Gaurav Bora and others in key positions. While some might argue that this decision has backfired and has impeded their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, Gombau did not share the same view. 

"In Odisha, I was working with a group of promising players. They worked extremely hard. They always want to learn a lot. They are intelligent.  A coach wants his players to be hungry and I had no complaints. We had five U23 players in the squad on every matchday. If they were not good, they wouldn't have made it.

"Gourav can become one of the best central defenders. For that, he has to improve physically. He has good game reading skills and is also good with the ball. Vinit is also good. Shubham has a lot of potential. Then there is Jerry (Mawihmingthanga), and Nanda (Nandhakumar). I believe each of them can go on to play for India."

Odisha FC's talisman Aridane Santana suffered a hamstring injury against Bengaluru FC on January 22 which saw him ruled out for the rest of the season. He was in prolific form scoring nine goals from 14 matches. Moreover,  Marcos Tebar was also sidelined in the same match and he missed the next game against FC Goa where the Juggernauts were defeated 4-2 at home. 

Gombau felt that these injuries took the wind off their sails, going into the business end of the season.

"We had the momentum with us. At a crucial point, we lost both Aridane and Tebar. He is not only a striker who scores goals but also links with the midfield and his movements create a difference on the pitch. Also, Marcos was our captain. He led the game from the back. These were two major disappointments. We could have done better with them. But this is football. You have to deal with the injuries and move ahead," commented Gombau reflecting on what could have the turning point of the season. 

It has been learnt that the 44-year-old has already signed his next assignment and which will be disclosed within the coming weeks. According to sources, he is set to join Queensboro which plays in the second-tier USL Championship in USA. But he remains open to coming back to India in the future as he has thoroughly enjoyed his stint in the sub-continent and 'remains grateful to the hospitality shown by the Indian people'.

Mohamed Salah thanked Liverpool's fans after the club claimed a first league title since 1990.

Liverpool celebrated their first English top-flight success in 30 years following Manchester City's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool – who have only lost once in the league this season – cannot be caught atop the table with seven matches remaining in 2019-20.

Liverpool narrowly missed out on ending their drought last season, finishing just a point behind City, and star forward Salah revelled in the team's triumph this term.

Salah wrote via Twitter: "Yes. It feels THAT good. I want to thank all our supporters watching us from all corners of the world.

"You made this possible for us and I hope we can keep bringing you the joy you deserve. Now they're gonna believe us."

Liverpool, who claimed the 2018-19 Champions League, have won 28 of their 31 Premier League matches this season.

Reds defender Andy Robertson stressed the club's united approach has played a big part in their title triumph, noting that they are like one big family. 

"As a squad we're so close. We love coming in to training every single day. If somebody is having a bad game, we dig them out of a hole and we stick together on the pitch, we stick together off the pitch – that's why this squad is so special. I love being a part of it," Robertson told Liverpool's official website. 

"We're all kind of brothers and we have a dad figure in the gaffer and he's the one that leads us in the right direction. Him and his staff have been second to none, to be fair, since I've came here. This season they've been excellent to us going, keep us hungry, keep us motivated.

"Motivation has never been a struggle. As players we've always been hungry and we always wanted to win trophies for this club. Luckily, we're now showing that in the last 12 months."

Liverpool's players will be hoping to get a few days off after the title win with their next game not until July 2 at the Etihad against Manchester City.

In its continued commitment to women's football, LaLiga provided two masterclass sessions for coaches of the Nigerian Women Football League. LaLiga has further strengthened relations between both institutions with these online classes, within the existing MoU with the highest competition in the African country, the NWFL.

These sessions consist of some adapted and selected content that is part of a new comprehensive programme developed by LaLiga, called “LaLiga Women’s Football Coaching Methodology”. The original programme consists of a series of in-person courses organised into different levels of complexity, from the grassroots to the elite, focused on the specialities of women's football. In this way, LaLiga has gone one step further by innovating and developing a unique training programme of its kind aimed at coaches and focused on women's football.

Training on and off the field is essential in order to lay the foundations for women's football and, therefore, with this online methodology and these masterclass sessions, LaLiga helps to increase the visibility, development and professionalisation of women's football.

Aisha Falode, NWFL Chairperson said: “The NWFL and LaLiga have identified common grounds in our goals and vision for the future. Progress has been made and grounds covered in our partnership with La Liga since we signed the MOU in 2018.

"Though a lot of work has gone into the activation points of the MOU in the last few months, the training- the- trainers programme is the first engagement entry point into many more activations to come within the scope of our MOU. Our goal here at the NWFL is simple and direct and it aligns with LaLiga's, "to be a global league brand and among the best women leagues in the world."

“At LaLiga, we are extremely happy about the success of this first edition of the online masterclasses. NWFL is one of our key partners in Nigeria and, activating the MoU between both entities, was one of our priorities for this season," said LaLiga Delegate in Nigeria, Guillermo Perez.

"The fact that Nigeria was the first country in which we’ve trained through this new format and methodology, proves how important Nigeria is in LaLiga’s international development and how committed we are to the local football development. We hope this will be the first activation of many more to come with NWFL."

Despite the difficult situation that we are currently experiencing around the world, LaLiga has adapted and selected content, which was originally to be used in in-person sessions, to the online format, to facilitate participation. There will also be another version of this masterclass session, which will be focused on the initiation level in women's football training, on 29 June with coaches from Kuwait.

These sessions are part of the different initiatives that LaLiga has been developing since the creation of the Women's Football Department in 2015, with the aim of promoting and developing women's football, as well as the role of women in sport in general and football in particular.

LaLiga and the NWFL signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 to bolster sustainable development and growth of women football in Nigeria by promoting gender equality in sports, through the integration of women in football while encouraging access to sports management, education and the development of CSR activities.

Stevenage have completed the signing of Anglo-Nigerian Femi Akinwande ahead of next season’s campaign.

Following their relegation from League Two at the end of 2019-20 season, the Boro will now play in the National League – the fifth tier of the English football league system.

Akinwande, 24, featured in the National League South for Braintree Town and Billericay Town, netting 12 times across both teams.

Before then, he had spells at Maldon & Tiptree, East Thurrock United and Concord Rangers.

He becomes the club’s second signing after Anglo-Nigeria Inih Effiong arrived at the Lamex earlier in the week from Dover Athletic.

Speaking on the club’s website, manager Alex Revell is delighted with the arrival of the striker who he felt deserved the chance to play for the club.

“Femi is a fantastic young man. He has showed this season what a talent he is scoring 12 goals and impressing with his pace, power and trickery,” said Revell.

“He fully deserves his opportunity to come in and showcase his talents but what really excites me is his burning desire to come in every day and work as hard as he can to improve and make the most of his opportunity.

“We are a club that wants to give these players the opportunity to show people how good they are and flourish in our environment.

“The likes of [Steve] Morison, [Matty] Godden and [Danny] Newton are perfect examples of those types of players and I believe that Femi has all the attributes to go on and have a hugely successful career both here at Stevenage and beyond.”

For Akinwande whose length of deal at Broadhall Way has not been revealed, joining the Boro is an opportunity for him, while expressing his gratitude for the chance.

“It feels very, very good. I was waiting for a full-time opportunity and when I spoke to the gaffer it was a no-brainer to join,” he said.

“He said he has seen my clips and he sent somebody down to watch a few of my games and he was impressed, so I am just very grateful for the opportunity.”

Kedah left back Azmeer Yusof on Thursday made a surprise statement, announcing his exit from the Super League side.

The ostensible reason provided by him in the social media post was to concentrate on his business enterprises.

When the competitions suspension began due to the global Covid-19 outbreak some months ago, the 30-year old player shifted his focus towards his fish mongering business, which according to him was starting to become profitable.

READ: Kedah's Azmeer takes career detour during competitions suspension

"This decision was not made because of salary issues, but due to my desire to concentrate my time fully on my business. I apologise if my presence in Kedah was not welcomed. Everything that was good came from Allah, that which was terrible was of my own doing.

"To Kedah fans, keep supporting the team. Without you, football is nothing. Forgive me and I will forever miss your support," the defender wrote on his Facebook page.

During the absence of competitive football in the country, Azmeer has attracted attention for several reasons beside his decision to concentrate on business.

Almost a month ago, he wrote a lengthy reminder for his footballer peers, advising them to secure their financial future and to spend modestly. Earlier this week, he had revealed his plan to establish an Islamic studies centre in Alor Setar, Kedah.

His parting statement on Thursday also included a religious reminder: "For all Muslims, our religion is our responsibility. We must pray five times a day because that is what Allah wants to know of us first in the afterlife.

"To Kedah fans, I may not be a former Kedah player and a Kedah legend, but I am still your friend. Pray that Allah blesses my plan to establish the Azmeer Yusof Islamic Studies Centre in Alor Setar."

He has played Kedah in two stints; in the 2016 season when he won the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup double with them, and 2019 to 2020.

However, although the former Perak, ATM and Kuala Lumpur player explicitly wrote that the Red Eagles' financial issue is not a reason behind his departure, fans will find that hard to believe. Earlier this month, it was reported that Kedah players have not been paid for a staggering four months due to competitions suspension and political developments in the state of Kedah. Like most professional teams in the country, the team is led by the Menteri Besar (chief minister) of the state.

Premier League side Everton have confirmed Oumar Niasse will be released along with Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt when their contracts end in June.

Niasse joined the Goodison Park outfit in February 2016 for a fee of around £13.5 million from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow.  

The Senegal international made his debut for the Foxes against Bournemouth on February 20, replacing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

The forward went on to score eight goals in 35 Premier League appearances during his four-year stay with the Toffees

Niasse also spent part of his time with Everton on loan with Hull City, where he found the back of the net four times in 17 league games but his effort was not enough to prevent the ‎KCOM Stadium outfit from relegating to the Championship in 2017.

The 30-year-old forward also featured for English second division side Cardiff City and played 13 times for the Bluebirds, having joined the side in January.  

On Thursday, the Toffees announced the imminent departure of the forward along with two other first-team players.  

“Everton can confirm Oumar Niasse, Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt will leave the Club when their current contracts expire at the end of the month,” read a statement from Everton website.

“Everton wishes to thank all departing players for their contribution throughout their time at the Club.”

Niasse only featured in three league games for Everton in this campaign and will become a free agent at the end of this month.

The striker has nine caps for Senegal and was not part of the squad that finished as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

In the U23, the Goodison Park outfit also announced the release of 19-year-old Nigerian winger Korede Adedoyin.

The contracts of Morgan Feeney, Alex Denny, Matty Foulds, Manasse Mampala and Kieran Phillips, who is currently on loan with the U23 team of Huddersfield Town will also not be renewed when it expires at the end of June.

Steven Gerrard congratulated the "fantastic" Liverpool squad after the club were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool cannot be caught atop the table after Manchester City fell to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It marked Liverpool's first league title since 1990 in an achievement they never managed during Gerrard's 17 years at the club as a player.

Gerrard congratulated Liverpool and Klopp, as well as owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

"Congratulations to all @liverpoolfc on winning the Premier League," the Rangers manager wrote on Instagram.

"Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players. Led by a world class manager and coaching team also a special mention for the backing from FSG.

"And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years. Let the party begin."

Another club legend in the form of Sir Kenny Dalglish was also quick to pay tribute to Klopp's men for ending a surprisingly long wait for another league title. 

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport. “He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here. Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive.

"You know how much it means. It's hard work to dominate the English league beside quality like Manchester City, by the way!

"I'm very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen [Klopp] has done a fantastic job. The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team. Last night's game was a huge example of that.

"They played with tempo and never gave Crystal Palace time on the ball. It's the whole feeling within the club, you do not win anything without a great dressing room, and they have that."

Liverpool will now hope to secure a few days off and enjoy their title win with their next league game set to be played on July 2 at the Etihad against Manchester City. 

Dinamo Batumi played a 1-1 draw versus Kakheti Telavi in a Georgia Erovnuli Liga encounter, with Godfrey Oboabona putting up a remarkable display.

After two draws in their opening two games, George Geguchadze’s men went into game chasing their first win of the season, however, they were pegged down by their resolute visitors at the Batumis Dinamos Satsvrtneli, Baza.

Things looked bright for Batumi when they took a first-minute lead through Brazil’s Flamarion, but could not guarantee them all points.

Telavi threw in everything to level matters but for Rizespor defender Oboabona was always on ground to thwart their attacking forays, while goalkeeper Mikheil Alavidze made a couple of fine saves.

Revaz Gotsiridze’s side reaped the reward for their persistence as they cancelled out the hosts’ effort through Lasha Kokhreidze in the 53rd minute.

That goal reignited Batumi’s fighting spirit but the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

For his contributions, Oboabona made six clearances, three shots, 65 passes with a passing accuracy of 89% while he lasted for the entire duration of the game.

His compatriot Benjamin Teidi was introduced in the 78th minute for Georgian star Mate Tsintsadze.

28-year-old Nigerian defender Ukwubile Chukwurah was on parade from start to finish for Telavi in the balanced encounter.

With this result, Batumi have now recorded draws in all games played so far this season to stay fifth in the Erovnuli Liga, while their opponents are sixth with an inferior goal difference.

They host Saburtalo in their next game on July 2, while Telavi welcome Samtredia to the Givi Chokheli Stadium three days later.

The Nigeria international took to social media to social media to express his discontentment with the result while assuring that his team would bounce back in upcoming games.  

“We are unlucky not a get win today despite putting in our very best,” Oboabona tweeted.

“We really miss our great fans because their absence really played out. One thing is very certain; we'll bounce back in our subsequent games.”

After spells in Turkish Super Lig, Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the 29-year-old joined the Georgian outfit who will be campaigning in the Europa League next season.

The Sunshine Stars legend will be recalled played an excelling role for the Super Eagles in their triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations staged in South Africa.