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Mokwena's departure has nothing to do with Chippa United's alleged group training - Mzinzi

The Chilli Boys will have to find a replacement for the former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach

Chippa United have denied that releasing Rhulani Mokwena had anything to do with allegations of conducting an unsanctioned group training session.

On Wednesday, Chilli Boys confirmed that they had decided to part ways with Mokwena after he joined the club as the head coach last March.

Mokwena took charge of only one match which they drew 0-0 against Bidvest Wits in a PSL clash on March 07 and shortly after that, the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Chilli Boys allegedly broke the government's Level 3 lockdown regulations by holding a group training session at Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth last week.

Chippa's chief operations officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi has revealed what transpired between the 35-year-old tactician and the club.

"His departure has nothing to do with the reports that the club trained in one place which is not authorized under the lockdown regulations.It had nothing to do with that. It is a business decision," Mzinzi told IOL.

"We had a short-term contract with coach Rhulani. Some call it a loan contract. That contract is ending next week Tuesday or at the end of the month if I may say.

"We worked well with the coach, he was just unfortunate to have only overseen one match because of circumstances beyond our control."

Mokwena had joined the Eastern Cape-based club on loan from Orlando Pirates and he is now expected to return to the Soweto giants.

“So, we've not extended the loan deal. We've allowed him to go back to Orlando Pirates," Mzinzi continued.

"The decision was taken based of the business interests of the club. In as much as we love our coach, it was a business decision that we took.

"There's uncertainty at the business and we had to take business decisions. What is happening at the club affects everyone. We will allow him to go back to his parent club."

Mzinzi added that they did not have an idea of who would replace Mokwena, but he indicated that they have options.

"No one can tell when the league will kickstart. We have to comply with all the rules and regulations before we can start to think about playing," he added.

"We have assistant coaches and development coaches. We haven't discussed that matter."

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Transfer Talk: Premier League giants line up for Bayer's Bailey

The boss will miss Sunday's trip to Parma, while Milan Skriniar will sit out subsequent fixtures against Brescia and Bologna

Inter will have to do without head coach Antonio Conte in the dugout for Sunday’s Serie A clash with Parma due to suspension.

The ex-Chelsea boss saw his fifth yellow card of the season on Wednesday, as he watched his side play out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sassuolo at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri led 2-0 in that encounter thanks to goals from Ciccio Caputo and Romelu Lukaku, but were pegged back to 2-2.

Another strike from Borja Valero after 85 minutes seemed to have won the match for Conte’s side but Giangiacomo Magnani’s late equaliser cost them two points and dealt them a major blow in the title race. It was shortly after that effort that Conte saw yellow.

“I think we deserved much more considering how much we created, whereas I don’t recall any Samir Handanovic saves,” Conte said of the match in his press conference. “It’s something we keep repeating in this pattern and are paying a heavy price.

"I am very disappointed and so are the lads. When you play this type of game and put so much into it, you have the chance to win despite the difficulties in the key area of midfield, you have to take home the three points. We didn’t do that, it’s disappointing and troubling.

“We had the chances to finish it and we didn’t. I don’t know what more we can do other than keep working.

“I am happy with the performance, we’ve got to be more careful on the details. That is where we can grow and improve.”

To make matters worse for Inter, who are eight points behind leaders Juventus with 11 fixtures remaining and four back from second-placed Lazio, they will have to do without centre-back Milan Skriniar after he was dismissed, rendering him unavailable for the next three games.

The Slovakia international, who was dismissed for “making an offensive remark to the referee along with a blasphemous exclamation” has also been fined €10,000 (£9,000/$11,200). 

As well as the trip to Parma at the weekend, he will sit out a home encounter with Brescia next Wednesday as well as a clash with Bologna in Milan on July 5.

Original author: Robin Bairner

Liverpool release England international Clyne following injury-ravaged spell

The Anfield side have announced that a raft of players will be let go, headlined by the ex-Southampton defender

Liverpool have announced that England international full-back Nathaniel Clyne’s contract with the club will not be renewed.

The right-back, who has been capped 14 times for his country, will depart the Anfield club upon the expiry of his current deal on June 30, having not played a single match this season.

Clyne joined Liverpool in July 2015 for a £12.5 million fee from Southampton, signing a five-year deal with the Reds and initially making a very positive impression as he played 52 times in his first season, scoring the only goals he would get for the club in a 6-0 rout over Crystal Palace and in a 1-0 League Cup victory over Bournemouth.

In the following campaign, he featured in all but one of the club’s Premier League matches but injury problems restricted him to a handful of appearances in subsequent years and he featured only four times in the 2018-19 season, including three times as a substitute, making cameos that lasted under 10 minutes.

A loan switch to Bournemouth was secured and under Eddie Howe’s charge he became a regular in the second half of the campaign as the Cherries finished comfortably clear of relegation. He was unable to win back a place at Anfield however and will, therefore, depart the club.

“Liverpool can confirm Nathaniel Clyne will depart the club at the end of this month upon the expiry of his contract,” the Reds posted on their website. “Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to thank Nathaniel for his service and wish him all the best in his future career.”

He will be searching for the fourth club of his career, having turned out for four seasons in the Championship with Crystal Palace before his switch to the south coast. At Selhurst Park, he played more than 120 times in the league, scoring a single goal.

The Premier League champions-elect, who could see the title in their grasp should Manchester City fail to win away to Chelsea on Thursday, also announced the departure of a number of academy players from their ranks.

Dan Atherton, Isaac Christie-Davies, Shamal George, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Jack Walls, Alex Turner and Abel Rodrigues will all leave the side come the end of June.

Original author: Robin Bairner

‘Man Utd should sign Ake to help calm De Gea’ – Under-fire keeper doesn’t trust back four, says Parker

The former Red Devils full-back believes that a naturally left-sided centre-half would add greater balance to the defensive unit at Old Trafford

David de Gea looks as though he “does not trust his back four” at Manchester United, says Paul Parker, with the Red Devils urged to snap up Bournemouth centre-half Nathan Ake as an option to provide greater assurance all round.

Questions are once again being asked of a goalkeeper at Old Trafford who was once untouchable. De Gea was, for several seasons, a model of consistency for the Red Devils as they struggled for such qualities as a collective under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

Various opinions have been offered in the debate regarding the slump from De Gea, with a man now tied to a lucrative new contract seemingly taking his eye off the ball.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has, however, continued to speak out in defence of his favoured No 1, with there no indication that Dean Henderson or anybody else will be taking on starting duties any time soon.

Parker can understand that decision, but the former United full-back does believe that further reinforcements are required in an area of the field that continues to pose unnecessary problems.

He told Eurosport: “It wouldn’t surprise me if De Gea is on edge because he does not trust his back four. When you trust your defence, you play much better.

“I think that United need to make changes in the transfer window. Harry Maguire should not be on the left of the central defence. He should be on the right where he is more comfortable.

“I’d drop Victor Lindelof and bring in Nathan Ake from Bournemouth. Chelsea don’t seem to want him, so now is the time to make a move. He has proven that he is a good defender in a poor team. He’s comfortable on the ball.

“Being left-footed, he would bring the ball forward better than Maguire does from that side, which is needed because Luke Shaw isn’t good enough in attack either. Ake would balance the whole side.

“Every player has a blip, and it’s up to the manager to coach De Gea, to sort him out and stick him out. He can’t just throw him out.

“De Gea knows he needs to justify his contract, and the club can’t afford to stick his £300,000-a-week wages on the bench.”

United have been linked with a number of possible additions ahead of the next transfer window, but the vast majority of their top targets are said to be options for the final third of the field – such as Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

Original author: Chris Burton

Dortmund sporting director Zorc reiterates need to integrate ‘New Eto’o’ Moukoko into first team

The wonderkid is poised to make his BVB senior debut when he turns 16 in November

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has once again stressed on the need to integrate wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko into the first team.

The 15-year old Cameroonian-German forward has dazzled for BVB in the various youth categories with more than 150 strikes to his name including 34 in 20 outings during the cancelled Under-19 Bundesliga West championship.

Moukoko’s continuous fine displays meant it was difficult for the Dortmund senior team management to turn a blind eye on him and pushed to have the DFB lower the age limit to be drafted into the first team from 17 to 16 which was eventually granted.

This paves way for the Yaounde-born player to make his debut when he turns 16 on November 20.

"The coach and I talked this week about the fact that we want to integrate him into our team, that he immediately learns to train and play with adults," Zorc said in a press briefing ahead of Dortmund’s final Bundesliga game of the season at home to Hoffenheim.

"As a result of the rule change, he can be used in the Bundesliga from November when he turns 16.

"We are very interested in involving the boys from the youth area with us. Of course, we know that we want to be at the top of the Bundesliga, that we want to play a good role in the Champions League. That means it's a big leap from the U-19 to the Bundesliga."

“Introducing young players from their own youth to the professional squad will always remain our focus, that's what Borussia Dortmund stands for".

Dortmund have nothing to fight for in the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich clinched an eighth consecutive title.

The North Rhine-Westphalia outfit are however guaranteed second spot and a place in next season’s Champions League as they hold a seven-point lead over third-placed RB Leipzig heading into Saturday’s finale.

Lucien Favre’s charges lifted the German Super Cup at the start of the season, seeing off Bayern 2-0 at the Signal Iduna Park. They reached the round of 16 of the Champions League but lost out to Paris Saint-German 3-2 on aggregate.

The men in yellow and black also lost out in the same round of the German Cup by the same 3-2 scoreline in a single leg to relegation-threatened Werder Bremen.

Original author: Kunle Fayiga

Rapinoe slams English football for 'disgraceful' under-investment in women's game

The former Blues defender believes those at Stamford Bridge should be doing all they can to avoid losing the proven Brazilian forward as a free agent

Chelsea should be looking to thrash out fresh terms with Willian, says Glen Johnson, as the Brazilian remains a “top player” and would cost upwards of £20 million ($25m) to replace.

As things stand, an experienced South American forward is only tied to the Blues until the end of the 2019-20 campaign. He has agreed a short-term extension that will allow him to see out the current season at Stamford Bridge, but free agency beckons beyond that.

Various landing spots have been mooted for the 31-year-old, from Arsenal to Barcelona, but it may be that an opportunity presents itself for him to remain in his current surroundings.

Willian has been with Chelsea since 2013, making 330 appearances and contributing 59 goals to a cause that has included two Premier League title wins and a Europa League triumph.

As a proven performer at the highest level, Johnson believes those in west London should be looking to accept any demands that are put to them when it comes to extension talks.

The former Blues defender told talkSPORT: “I still think he’s a top player. Those sort of players, those players with that level of professionalism, they are hard to replace.

“Financially, business-wise, trying to replace Willian – how much is that going to cost? You are going to let a top player walk out of the door for nothing. It’s going to cost you a good £20m to replace him.

“I’d definitely like to see him stay there for another year.”

Frank Lampard has suggested that Willian may yet be talked into prolonging his association with Chelsea, with it possible that he could be kept on as World Cup winner Pedro departs.

The Blues boss said, with two seasoned professionals committed through the next few weeks: “Yes, we are still talking with the players and Willian in particular we are talking with him. I always felt confident that they would remain.

“They have been fantastic professionals for the club and servants in all senses and when you have that level of professionalism within you it was a sign that they wanted to stay and see out this season at least. 

“So we will carry on talking and see but I think everybody’s focus now is on these next games, the individuals themselves and us as a club.

“I’m pleased negotiations were relatively easy because both sides wanted the same thing. The two players wanted to make sure they could see the season out with us. At this point we need them in the squad they are both important players for us so I’m happy.”

Chelsea, who continue to occupy a standing inside the Premier League’s top four, will be back in action on Thursday when they take in a home date with Manchester City.

Original author: Chris Burton

‘Disgraceful that Pogba can’t get into Man Utd team’ – Red Devils won’t succeed without World Cup winner, says Neville

The Red Devils have announced the academy footballers who have been let go and retained ahead of next season

Manchester United have confirmed they will release nine of their academy players when their contracts expire next week.

Demetri Mitchell, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Ethan Hamilton, Dion McGhee, Largie Ramazani, George Tanner, Aidan Barlow, Kieran O’Hara and Alex Fojticek will not be given new deals so will all leave the club when their contracts end on June 30.

The departing players have been offered a support package and been invited back to the club’s Carrington training base for pre-season training to maintain their fitness, while the club have been supporting them in trying to find new clubs.

No player under the age of 19 has been released as the academy are reluctant to let players leave during the current Covid-19 period.

Of the players that have been released Ramazani, who made his senior debut against Astana in the Europa League this season, was offered a new deal but turned it down.

Goal understands the 19-year-old asked for more money but his demands were deemed excessive given his current standing in the squad and he was asking for far more than established first team players were on. It is understood he is likely to join a Spanish second division side.

As well as Ramazani, Mitchell, Borthwick-Jackson, Hamilton and O’Hara have all had first team experience at United, be that on the bench or getting minutes on the pitch.

Head of academy Nick Cox said: “With some of the younger pros that are ending their contracts, we are putting packages in place so that when the season resumes they will come back for a few months with some financial support and a training programme to help them with the next stage of their career.

“This club is a family and looks after its family members. The last thing we wanted to do during this situation was to deliver bad news and release boys into the unknown”

“We made the decision not to release any of the boys [under-9s to under-18s]. The number one priority was getting them back with smiles on their faces, and we will deal with those decisions at another time. We have a duty to help them through this difficult time.”

The only first team player who is out of contract this summer is Angel Gomes. The club have offered the midfielder a new deal but the teenager has yet to agree terms and his contract expires at the end of the month.

Original author: Charlotte Duncker

Old habits die hard: Wazito FC fire head coach Ambani, assistant Babu

The Premier League club have also announced Andy Carroll and Javier Manquillo will be staying with the club beyond the 2019-20 season

Andy Carroll and Javier Manquillo have signed new deals with Newcastle United, while Matty Longstaff has agreed to a short-term extension.

Longstaff's long-term future still remains unclear, however. The midfielder's contract was due to expire at the end of June but he has now signed on for the rest of the campaign.

The 20-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and he is the subject of widespread interest from clubs across Europe, with Serie A side Udinese having already made him an offer.

He burst onto the scene in October last year when he scored the winner on his Premier League debut against Manchester United at St James’ Park, however he is reportedly still only on wages of £850-a-week and will only remain with Newcastle long term if they offer a significant raise.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has previously said he is "desperate" for Longstaff - whose old brother Sean is also a first-team midfielder for the north-east club - to stay on Tyneside.

Carroll meanwhile has yet to score since re-joining his boyhood club prior to the start of the 2019-20 season, making 16 appearances in all competitions but only four starts in his second spell at St James' Park. 

The striker, who left for Liverpool on deadline day in January 2011 and then moved on to West Ham, will remain at Newcastle for another year. 

As for Manquillo, the Spanish full-back is now tied to the Premier League club until 2024 after penning a four-year contract, with Bruce delighted to retain the duo. 

"I'm delighted Javier Manquillo and Andy Carroll have extended their contracts longer term," Bruce told the club's website . "They have both made important contributions this season and I'm really pleased we can continue to call on them beyond the summer." 

Nabil Bentaleb and Danny Rose will be staying beyond this month too after their loan deals from Schalke and Tottenham respectively were extended. 

Newcastle also confirmed they have an agreement in principle with Inter to keep Valentino Lazaro, who arrived on loan in January, but Rob Elliot, Jack Colback and Jamie Sterry will all be leaving when their contracts expire. 

Original author: Rob Lancaster

Zenit St Petersburg Express Interest in Dejan Lovren as Liverpool Exit Looms

The former Red Devils frontman believes there is more to come from an exciting talent who now has a Premier League hat-trick to his name

Anthony Martial looks happier at Manchester United on the back of his first senior hat-trick, says Mark Hughes, but the Frenchman is still not considered to be a natural No 9.

The highly-rated 24-year-old inherited that prestigious jersey from Romelu Lukaku at the start of the 2019-20 campaign. His efforts so far have lived up his billing as United’s main man in the final third of the field, with a personal-best return of 19 goals recorded.

That haul includes a treble against Sheffield United, with Martial inspiring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to their latest triumph.

He looked like a predatory marksman in that contest, but questions continue to be asked of whether he can be converted from a speedy winger into a fearsome frontman, like fellow countryman Thierry Henry.

Hughes believes the potential is there for Martial to nail down a role as the go-to man at Old Trafford, but the United legend also concedes that a forward who can look disinterested at times is far from being the finished article.

“He’s always had that potential,” Hughes, who scored 163 goals for the Red Devils across two spells, told talkSPORT.

“He’s a young guy trying to find his potential in a Manchester United shirt. I think he’s maybe looking to take on responsibility, and he needs to do that.

“His first two goals [against Sheffield United] were great finishes, striker’s finishes, which you always like to see from the guy playing down the middle.

“I think he is enjoying playing with the two guys either side of him – [Marcus] Rashford and [Mason] Greenwood – there is a lot of interchanging of positions, and that is the way he likes to play that role.

“He doesn’t like to be stuck in the middle of the park. At times, he looks like that movement to get involved doesn’t come naturally to him when he’s got his back to the goal, he’s happier when he links the play in a deeper position and then drives into the box and gets on the end of things.

“He looked like he was enjoying his game more than maybe he usually does – he gives this impression that it’s all a little bit too much like hard work for him, but he worked his socks off and got the reward with the goals.”

Pressed further on whether Martial can be regarded as a long-term option down the middle for United, Hughes added: “I think everyone accepts that around 26/27/28 years of age, that’s when you are at your peak as a top-line player. So he has got a number of years to go before he gets to that point.

“He is never going to be an out-and-out scorer who will score you 20-30 goals a season.

“I don’t think he’s scored anywhere near 20 goals in a Premier League season yet, but if he nails down that position in the middle rather than being put out onto the wing, then that will affect his ability to get on the end of things.

“If he says to himself ‘I’m going to be the main striker here, I’m going to be playing down the middle’, then I think he’ll get more goals.”

Martial is up to 14 Premier League goals for the current campaign and still has seven games left to take in, as United look to chase down a top-four finish.

Original author: Chris Burton

Bruno Fernandes Labels Himself a 'Risk Player' for Manchester United

The 28-year-old will join Belgium international team-mates Axel Witsel and Thorgan Hazard at Signal Iduna Park

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of former Paris Saint-Germain right-back Thomas Meunier on a free transfer.

The Belgium international had been linked with a switch to the Premier League over the past 12 months, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham having all been mentioned as possible destinations.

However it is Bundesliga giants Dortmund that have won the race for the 28-year-old, with Meunier signing a four-year contract that will run until 2024.

Explaining his reasons for joining the club, Meunier referenced BVB's passionate support, with the defender having witnessed the famous Yellow Wall up close as PSG dumped the German side out of Europe this season.

The Belgian told the club's official website: "Borussia Dortmund plays exactly the football that I want to play: exciting, authentic and natural. BVB are known for their enthusiastic fans and the atmosphere during the game with PSG at Signal Iduna Park really influenced my decision. 

"I am ambitious and, like when I was in Bruges and Paris, I would like to win titles with Dortmund."

As confirmed by Goal, Meunier, along with his former PSG team-mate Edinson Cavani, had already decided that he wouldn't make himself available for the remainder of the Ligue 1 club's Champions League campaign.

Thomas Tuchel's side are in the quarter-finals of the competition, which will now be staged in Lisbon in August as a mini-knockout tournament after the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a change in format.

However both Meunier and Cavani will be departing when their contracts expire on June 30, dealing a blow to the French capital club's hopes of winning the competition for the first time.

As for Dortmund, sporting director Michael Zorc, who himself signed a new contract with the club until 2022, also revealed that head coach Lucien Favre will be remaining in his position for next season.

He told reporters: "We have a lot of trust internally and will have talks [with Favre] in due course."

Dortmund will finish the 2019-20 campaign in second place, with BVB playing their final match of the Bundesliga season on Saturday as they host Hoffenheim.

Original author: Stephen Darwin

Bournemouth 4-1 Leicester: Report, Ratings and Reaction as Schmeichel Clanger Prompts Foxes Collapse

Sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed the Bundesliga club intend to have the Morocco international has part of their squad for next season

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed that the club are attempting to sign Achraf Hakimi for the 2020-21 season, while young talent Youssoufa Moukoko will soon be integrated into the first-team squad.

Hakimi is currently on a two-year loan from Real Madrid and has made a huge impact during his time with the Bundesliga club, developing into one of Europe's top attacking full-backs.

Indeed, the Moroccan has scored nine goals in 44 games for Dortmund this season, with four of those coming in the Champions League as Lucien Favre's side exited at the last-16 stage at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

Hakimi has always stated it is his intention to succeed at Madrid in the long-term, with his agent Alejandro Camano having said that talks with the Liga title hopefuls will be held at the end of the current campaign.

Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has been pleased with Hakimi's development at Dortmund but gave nothing away in regards to whether he has a future at the Bernabeu.

Dani Carvajal has been Madrid's first-choice right-back for some time now, and 21-year-old Hakimi is unlikely to want to settle for a squad rotation role at the Spanish club as he aims to continue his impressive career trajectory.

Zorc has confirmed that Dortmund plan to take advantage of any possible opportunity they may have to extend Hakimi's time at Signal Iduna Park, with the Bundesliga outfit potentially looking at another loan deal.

BVB's sporting director said: "His deal is ending. But we're interested in finding a solution with Real again and find a solution where he will be back playing at BVB next season."

Zorc also confirmed that 15-year-old forward Youssoufa Moukoko, who has made headlines having scored well over 100 goals for the club's various youth sides, will be joining up with the Dortmund first-team and could even make his Bundesliga debut when he turns 16.

He added: "The coach and I talked this week about the fact that we want to integrate him into our team, that he immediately learns to train and play with adults.

"As a result of the rule change, he can be used in the Bundesliga from November when he turns 16. We are very interested in involving the boys from the youth area with us.

"Of course, we know that we want to be at the top of the Bundesliga, that we want to do well in the Champions League. That means it's a big leap from the U-19s to the Bundesliga."

Dortmund have already wrapped up second place in Germany's top flight and will be looking to end the season on a positive note as they face Hoffenheim in their final game of the 2019-20 campaign on Saturday.

Original author: Stephen Darwin

Inter Could Be Forced Into Lowering Asking Price for Milan Skriniar

Brandon Fernandes feels Sergio Lobera left a mark at FC Goa and the expectations on Juan Ferrando will be high...

FC Goa midfielder Brandon Fernandes feels that the team's newly-appointed head coach Juan Ferrando will need time to build a squad to continue his predecessor's work. 

The India international, in an Instagram live chat with the Indian Super League (ISL), said that Sergio Lobera has left a mark at FC Goa and that his replacement should not be judged too quickly. 

"Sergio Lobera has left a mark. Whenever we played under Lobera, everyone would say Goa would win. Now the expectations will be even more. Juan Ferrando will have to build a team which can perform at the same level.

"It is going to take a while because it is never easy. Even when Lobera came, he got his players but we still struggled a bit in the first season. It will be difficult at the start but I hope we will reach that mark.," Brandon said. 

 

Brandon is into his fourth year with the Gaurs after having been picked up through the domestic player draft in 2017. With two more years left in his renewed contract, the player is pleased with how his career has shaped up so far. 

He said, "Before the draft, I knew three to four clubs were interested in me. I was hoping Goa would pick me. I knew they would go for me but did not know when. I spoke to the Mumbai City guys and they told me that if Goa had not picked me in the fourth round, they would have gone for me in the fifth round. My dad called me first and he was so happy that FC Goa picked me."

While FC Goa has managed to make a mark with their style of football in the ISL, they are yet to win the trophy. They went close in the last two years and were league winners last season but the trophy has remained elusive. 

"Last year (2018-19) season it was heartbreaking for us. We went on to win the Super Cup (after losing the final). Our main aim then was to win the ISL and it was a bit disappointing (not to win in the 2019-20 season). Hope that we can win the ISL soon."

 

Original author: Goal

Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal: Alderweireld settles north London derby to boost European hopes

The German boss is one of the most exciting personalities in England and has a salary to match

Jurgen Klopp is known for his charismatic personality and his tactical nous has helped him enjoy success at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

The German manager enjoyed a respectable, but not outstanding, playing career in his native country before moving into coaching and it is in that realm that he has become a star.

Since then, he has become an attractive partner for a variety of brands, who are keen to latch on to his infectious, smiling persona.

But just how much is the Liverpool boss earning and what is his net worth? Goal takes a look.

What is Jurgen Klopp's net worth? How much does Jurgen Klopp earn? What sponsorship deals does Jurgen Klopp have? What charity work does Jurgen Kopp do? What cars does Jurgen Klopp drive?

What is Jurgen Klopp's net worth?

Net worth: £20 million (approx.)
Source of wealth: Football contracts, endorsement deals & investments
Date of Birth: June 16, 1967
Country of birth: Germany

Klopp's net worth is understood to be in the region of £20 million to £40 million ($25m - $50m), with reports varying regarding the exact figure.

Financial magazine Spear's estimates that Klopp's net worth is £21 million ($26m) - a figure that has grown considerably since he helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019.

The website Celebrity Net Worth puts Klopp's net worth at a significantly higher footing of $50 million (£40m).

Klopp's wealth has been accrued through football, naturally, but also via off-field interests, such as endorsement deals.

How much does Jurgen Klopp earn?

Klopp is believed to be earning roughly £10 million ($12m) a year at Liverpool.

That figure means he has benefited from a hefty pay rise since leaving Dortmund, where he earned an estimated £4 million ($5m) a year.

On top of that, Klopp signed a new five-year contract with the club in December 2019 which will keep him at Anfield until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Timeframe Earnings
Per second £0.31
Per minute £19
Per hour £1,141
Per day £27,397
Per week £192,307
Per month £833,333
Per year £10m

What sponsorship deals does Jurgen Klopp have?

Klopp is a brand ambassador for New Balance, the company that manufactures Liverpool's kits, and you'll rarely see him without his trademark cap-and-coat look on the sidelines and in interviews.

In addition to the deal with the kit manufacturer, Klopp also has sponsorship deals with German beer Warsteiner, car manufacturers Opel, electronics giants Philips and TV network Sky Deutschland.

Klopp promotes the German beer company's non-alcoholic beverage, designed as the perfect refreshment for sports, meetings or to enjoy between meals.

"I am a German football coach and one of the ambassadors of our national sport, just like Warsteiner beer is one of the best ambassadors for the German beer tradition," he said about the beer. 

"My grandparents owned a small brewery and I do enjoy a good beer."

What charity work does Jurgen Klopp do?

Klopp is a noted philanthropist and once donated £4,000 to a cancer charity in 2018. The Reds coach donated the money to Liverpool sporting director Mike Edwards’ Men In Lycra Just Giving page as the Anfield sporting director was preparing to run a half marathon in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

"I have this helping syndrome. I really care about people," Klopp said at the time.

The German manager also participated in James Milner's 2018 charity match in Scotland. Named 'A Match For Cancer', the friendly was co-sponsored by the James Milner Foundation and featured Liverpool players on one team and Brendan Rodgers managing the other. The likes of Dirk Kuyt, Robbie Keane and Luis Garcia all featured.

“The people saw a lot of big names, still in a good shape," the German manager said after the game. "That they all came over here and did what they did is really nice. It was for something really good and that’s why we were all here.

“I really respect a lot what 'Millie' is doing with his foundation. It’s great. The gala is once a year and I was there three times. It’s a fantastic event and everybody is so generous. He invests a lot of time and money and all the people on the night invest a lot of money. It’s all for a really good project, I like that a lot."

Klopp is also invested in the club's charity events and fundraisers, a frequent visitor to Alder Hey hospital and participates in LFC Foundation events raising money for those who have cystic fibrosis.

He also is a participant of Juan Mata's Common Goal initiative, in which he donates 1 per cent of his salary to charity.

What cars does Jurgen Klopp drive?

Unlike his colleagues on the pitch, the German drives a rather modest Opel Insignia (priced at around £18,000) and has even appeared in a series of commercials for the car .

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Original author: Goal

'I felt a yard off at times, but I'm just grateful to be back' - Loftus-Cheek vows to regain 'sharpness' after Chelsea return

The English midfielder says "it felt amazing" to be back in action at the weekend, and he is now determined to rediscover his best form

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has admitted that he "felt a yard off" the pace during Chelsea's win over Aston Villa on Sunday, but has vowed to regain his mental and physical "sharpness" after returning from injury.

Loftus-Cheek was handed his first start of the season as Chelsea earned a 2-1 victory at Villa Park in their first game back following the coronavirus-enforced break.

The 24-year-old had to watch on from the sidelines for the Blues' previous 29 fixtures due to an Achilles injury, which has kept him out of action since May 2019.

The England international had just begun to establish himself as a vital member of the squad before his progress was halted, but he is now on the comeback trail under the stewardship of Frank Lampard.

Loftus-Cheek played 55 minutes on the right-hand side of midfield against Villa before being substituted for Christian Pulisic, and struggled to affect the game in any meaningful way.

However, the talented playmaker says he was "just grateful to be back", and that his "smell for the game" will soon be rediscovered if he continues to take in regular minutes.

"Honestly it felt amazing after so long without playing, 13 months since my last competitive game," Loftus-Cheek told Chelsea's official website. "To get on the pitch, even though there were no fans and it felt slightly different, it was amazing to feel that competitive spirit again.

"I’m just being grateful to be playing. I started against Aston Villa and I didn’t play as well as I wanted to play, but I just came off the pitch thinking I can’t be angry about that. I’ve just been out for 13 months.

"I did feel a yard off at times, physically and mentally, the feel of the game, how you would when you’re sharp and playing every week. I couldn’t say I felt like that. It’s hard to explain. You don’t have that smell for the game but it will come back the more I play.

"I wasn’t too hard on myself, I’m just happy to play and grateful to be back on the pitch. Slowly as I play more that sharpness will get better, and physically I will feel much better as well."

The Chelsea midfielder added on his desire to win back a spot in the middle of the park as he gets back up to speed: "I want to do as much as I can for the team.

"I played on the wing at the weekend, but I’ve played in midfield most of my career. Wherever I play I hope to bring what I can bring, my power and my strength, and try and get as many goals as possible.

"That’s what I did last season, getting in the box and trying to get goals, and using physicality in the middle of the park. I can’t wait to feel that power back and get my strength and speed to where it was last season."

Lampard's men are now looking ahead to a crunch showdown against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, and Loftus-Cheek is hopeful the Blues can still make home advantage count in the continued absence of supporters.

"The mood in the dressing room is really good, really bubbly and excited for it, especially coming off the back of a win," he said. "We’re obviously coming up against a really good team, and they can pose a threat, but we can pose a threat as well. We’ve got a really good team.

"They’re coming to our ground and even though our fans aren’t there, we are used to being at Stamford Bridge. Hopefully, that has an impact. As a team, we are looking to win, as always, and we’re really excited."

'14 more title chances’ - Alexander-Arnold hints at long Liverpool stay

A product of the Reds’ academy system has suggested that he will look to see out his career as a one-club man, while chasing down “every trophy”

Trent Alexander-Arnold has suggested that he will look to spend his entire playing career as a one-club man at Liverpool, with the Anfield academy graduate eyeing up another “14 more chances” of Premier League title glory with the Reds.

The Merseyside native is approaching the end of his third full season as a regular first-teamer. Despite still only being 21 years of age, Alexander-Arnold is already up to 127 appearances for Liverpool and has Champions League and Club World Cup winners’ medal to his name.

He is about to add an English top-flight crown to that collection, as Jurgen Klopp’s side close in on a long-awaited domestic triumph, and the hope is that they will be many more to come.

Alexander-Arnold intends to play a leading role in the pursuit of more silverware, with the England international right-back hinting at a lengthy stay on the Reds’ books.

He told MR PORTER: “I want every trophy and as many of them as possible. I remember Alex Inglethorpe breaking it down into a thought process that I’ve never stopped thinking about since.

“It was when I was around 18 and he asked me ‘When do you retire? Maybe when you’re around 34 or 35.’ That’s 17 years. So, you’ve only got 17 attempts to win the Premier League, 17 attempts to win the Champions League or any other trophy.

“As much you think that’s a long time, the reality is you get only 17 tries and there will be failure, which is natural and will reduce that number.”

Alexander-Arnold, who made his Liverpool debut in October 2016, added on his ambition: “I’ve been in the senior team fully for three seasons. The first try ended in a Champions League final defeat. The second, we missed the title by one point, but became champions of Europe.

“This season, we’re about to win the Premier League. So, I’m already thinking I’ve only got 14 more chances.

“Even though you can play hundreds of games, the fact is you only get a few attempts at silverware. I really pour everything into each season and focus on the here and now.

“It doesn’t help to think about the future and winning five or six trophies or whatever because you’re then losing sight of the opportunity in front of you to do something special.

“I know that if you get into that relentless habit, with a great team, a great manager and a great support structure, the chances will automatically be maximised.”

Alexander-Arnold caught the eye once again on his most recent outing, which has put Liverpool on the brink of title glory, with a spectacular free-kick recorded in a 4-0 mauling of Crystal Palace.

Original author: Chris Burton

Borussia Dortmund reveal Reyna contract plan as they seek to keep U.S. teen sensation long term

The Bundesliga giants are understandably keen to keep the exciting 17-year-old on their books and will be putting an offer to the youngster
Original author: Chris Burton

Nyamweya: Western Stima and Co. should transform to community clubs after sponsorship debacle

KPLC announced their exit from sponsoring the teams and the FKF Presidential Candidate has proposed ways to help the teams stay afloat

Veteran administrator Sam Nyamweya has requested the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to consider allowing three clubs initially sponsored by the company to be sponsored by other investors.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Western Stima and two National Super League sides, Coast Stima and Nairobi Stima were initially under the KPLC before they pulled out.

"We the football stakeholders were taken aback by the announcement by Kenya Power and Lighting Company of withdrawing sponsorship from three of its football teams participating in the Kenyan Premier League and the second-tier League the National Superleague, citing adverse business environment owing to the Covid-19 pandemic," the Football Kenya Federation Presidential candidate said in a letter addressed to company's Managing Director and CEO Bernard Ngugi and obtained by Goal.

"It is without a doubt that the KPLC has consistently and over the years supported football through the innovative Charity Cup and by sponsoring their own Company branded football teams.

"The withdrawal of a trusted partner like Kenya Power and Lighting Company is devastating to the football ecosystem and the consequences far-reaching.

"The immediate casualties being Western Stima FC a top Kenyan Premier League club which has been consistent and posted good results over the years in the Kenyan Premier League, the other casualties are the National Superleague sides Nairobi Stima who finished fourth and their sister club Coast Stima which finished seventh on the Log in the National Super League 2019/2020 League season."

Nyamweya has gone ahead to propose ways in which the three clubs can get another sponsor to continue taking part in their respective leagues in future.

"I propose that Kenya Power and lighting company consider reverting Coast Stima Football club to its original status as a community club based in Mombasa and revert to its previous name Coast United FC. 


"The County Government of Mombasa through His Excellency Governor Ali Joho considers sponsoring Coast United which, for all intents and purposes, represents the football face of the Coastal Community and specifically that of Mombasa without prejudice to Bandari FC and Modern Coast Rangers equally teams from Mombasa County.

The County of Nairobi has been challenged to adopt Nairobi Stima and rebrand it to Nairobi County FC as well. However, Nyamweya proposes something else on the Kisumu based side.

"Western Stima FC, whose name connotes close association with western region Counties, though in practice Western Stima is a Kisumu based team, considers relocating to the North Rift Region and be adopted, sponsored and rebranded by either Uasin Gishu County Government, Trans Nzoia County Government, Nandi County or Elgeyo Marakwet County Government.  

"The rationale for the relocation of Western Stima to the North Rift region is three-fold, one the North Rift Region has not had a team in the top tier league for a while, two there is enormous talent in the North Rift Region that can be harnessed to make the team a powerhouse in Kenyan football, three Kakamega County is sponsoring Kakamega Homeboyz and Kisumu County is Sponsoring Kisumu All-stars and it will be highly unlikely for the two Counties to sponsor an additional team and more so a top tier team whose budget is quite high."

The administrator believes this is the only way for the clubs to continue existing after the departure of KPLC.

"It is my considered opinion that if my proposal is well received and accepted it will cushion the players from loss of income and a platform to showcase their talents, the same will trigger a football renaissance in the proposed Counties and the enormous investment by Kenya Power and Lighting Company will be safeguarded and secured." 

 

Original author: Seth Willis

Traore and Jimenez solid partnership continues in Wolves victory over Bournemouth

The Mexican forward and Spanish-Malian winger combined once again to give the West Midlands outfit all three points

Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez combined for the 10th time in the Premier League this season as Wolverhampton Wanderers eased to a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Molineux on Wednesday.

Wolves have been in superb form this season largely thanks to this duo whose chemistry keeps going stronger each passing game.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men had claimed a 2-0 win at West Ham United in the resumption of Premier League fixtures last weekend. It was not an easy one though as they had to wait until the 73rd to get their first goal courtesy of Jimenez from a Traore assist followed by Pedro Neto netting the second from a Matt Doherty assist.

Traore started in attack this time alongside Jimenez and Diogo Jota and they had to wait until the 60th minute for the goal to come, Traore’s well-drilled cross on the right flank finding Jimenez who fired a powerful header home.

The involvement between Traore and Jimenez made it the 10th time this season both combined for a goal, which is the highest in the Premier League, ahead of Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne (six), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino (five) and Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell (five).

Traore has now been involved in 19 goals this term in all competitions (six goals, 12 assists) while Jimenez has almost double that tally as the club’s leading marksman with 34 (24 goals, 10 assists).

The Mexican forward and Catalonia-born winger of Malian descent have also been heavily involved in fixtures with a joint 91 apperances in a campaign that sees Wolves still involved in the Europa League with a 1-1 first leg result at Olympiacos in the round of 16.

Traore has also had the reputation being fouled a lot by the opposition which has led to 21 cards been dished out, three more ahead of Crystal Palace and Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha with 18.

Wolves are neck on neck with fifth-placed Manchester United in the standings on 49 points, just two points shy of fourth-placed Chelsea who later play Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.

Original author: Kunle Fayiga

Kane is a complete player but Martial can be Man Utd's permanent No.9, says Yorke

The former Red Devil does not think his old club need to bring in the Tottenham striker due to the continued presence of the in-form Frenchman

Dwight Yorke thinks, although rumoured Manchester United target Harry Kane is a "complete player", current first-choice forward Anthony Martial is capable of serving as the club's permanent No.9.

United are reportedly weighing up a big-money move for Tottenham talisman Kane in the summer window. The England captain has left the door open for a potential transfer in order to fulfil his silverware ambitions, and Old Trafford has been mooted as his most likely next destination.

The Red Devils decided against signing a replacement for Romelu Lukaku when he joined Inter last year, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instead placing his trust in Martial to lead the line.

The Frenchman has not yet proven he can deliver the goods on a consistent basis, but a superb hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday served as a stark reminder of his potential through the middle.

Yorke has suggested his old club will have no need for Kane if Martial builds on his latest performance to nail down a coveted spot in Solskjaer's line up.

The ex-United marksman told Talksport: “Martial’s hat-trick last night and the way he scored the three goals shows he’s an accomplished finisher.

“The fact is: when you play for United you’re scrutinised if you’re inconsistent and singled out for criticism if you don’t perform. We’ve got to remember these are young players and are very new into the Man United way of life.

“United are always linked with quality players and Harry Kane is at the top of the tree in terms of a No.9, he’s a complete player - but what we’ve seen is that United have invested a lot in young players and the No.9 position is a tricky position to play, it’s a specialist position, Ally [McCoist] will vouch for that.

“So if someone like Harry Kane wants to join our football club that can only be a huge plus, but for now we have a lot of talent in the young squad and they just need game time."

Yorke continued: “To be a No.9 you need to play there week-in, week-out; not one week on the left, then on the right and then you come back into the centre.

“The best goalscorers in the history of the Premier League, Alan Shearer for instance, he only played in one position and he wasn’t interested in anywhere else.

“The likes of Robbie Fowler, Andy Cole, Sergio Aguero, they only played in one position and that’s why they were the best, and Harry Kane is in that bracket too.

“Martial has been at the club for a few years now and his preferred position is playing as a centre-forward, and he got his opportunity and he really made it count. So I think he’s ready to go.”

Man Utd and Chelsea-linked Rice told to ‘sort his life out’ by West Ham icon McAvennie ahead of ‘big-money’ move

The Hammers legend concedes that a star of the present could leave the club in the next window, with England ambitions set to see his head turned

Declan Rice has been told he needs to “sort his life out” when it comes to an important decision on his future, with West Ham legend Frank McAvennie conceding that the Manchester United and Chelsea-linked star could form part of a “big money” transfer in the next window.

Speculation is building again when it comes to a possible move away from east London for the versatile England international.

A switch to Old Trafford for the talented 21-year-old has been mooted for some time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer putting performers who tick home-grown boxes at the top of his wish list.

Stamford Bridge has, however, been billed as an alternative landing spot for Rice – who spent several years within Chelsea’s academy system before being forced to chase a professional dream elsewhere.

Those at West Ham are understandably reluctant to part with a prized asset, but their hand may be forced if a tempting offer is tabled.

McAvennie expects interest to be shown when the market re-opens, with Rice’s potential for further development clear for all to see.

The Hammers hero is, however, eager to see a definitive call made as quickly as possible, so that everyone knows where they stand, with player and club having previous when it comes to causing confusion.

McAvennie told Football Insider: “I hope Declan Rice sorts his life out. There are a lot of rumours about him going and I am not sure if he will stay this summer.

“Look what he did to Ireland. He could not make up his mind.

“I do not think he will be a stalwart for England over the next few years because they have got a lot of players coming through.

“Yes, Declan is playing every week but he might think that he has to go to a big club and shine to cement his place in the England side, but if he goes they will be getting big money for him.”

It has been suggested that a bid of over £50 million ($62m) from one of his many suitors will be required in order to prise Rice from West Ham’s clutches, with some reports suggesting that his asking price may rise as far as £100m ($124m).

Original author: Chris Burton

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