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Thabo Qalinge is leaving SuperSport United at the end of his contract as indicated by club CEO Stan Matthews. 

This is because he made little or no impact at all after featuring in just five times since joining Matsatsantsa in August 2019. 

At the time, he had just been dumped by the Buccaneers - five years after signing him from the now-defunct club Mpumalanga Black Aces. 

Qalinge admitted in one of his recent interviews that perhaps leaving Aces for the Sea Robbers wasn't a right move after having to reach his full potential despite being one of most exciting players in the PSL at the time. 

It is common knowledge Kaizer Chiefs wanted to sign Qalinge - in fact, they submitted an official offer for the services of the speedy winger but Pirates hijacked the deal at the 11th hour. 

Qalinge also knew that he was going to Chiefs until he was told he's leaving Aces for Pirates after the announcement by the Ghosts in the off-season of 2014. 

The fact of the matter is that at the time of the announcement in 2014, Qalinge had not agreed on personal terms with Pirates - it was a club-to-club agreement which Aces had already accepted - and that saw them reject Chiefs; the club the player himself wanted to play for. 

As a professional, Qalinge had to accept his fate, move to Pirates and continue doing what he knows without being involved in the politics of football. 

However, he never really cracked it at Pirates as he either struggled for form or sustained injuries for the better part of his five-year stint with the club because he was just limited to just 11 league appearances in his first and 14 the following season. 

And that's when his career started taking a nosedive, maybe because of the frustrations due to his lack of regular game time under various managers at Pirates.

This is not an indictment on either Qalinge or Pirates but should he have moved to a club he wanted to play for which is Chiefs, chances are that he would have blossomed. 

At the time, Chiefs needed a player like him and didn't have too many right-wingers who could create and score goals. 

It was during Amakhosi's dominant era under Stuart Baxter; a period which saw them win four trophies, including two league titles before things started falling away for them, and this is when Qalinge would have perhaps shone. 

In addition, the Chiefs rebuilding phase started in Steve Komphela's second season in charge - and the level of quality they had at the time was nowhere close to what they are known for. 

So many players came and left during that period and this could have been a breakthrough and a chance for Qalinge to take his football career to another level. 

Qalinge appeared to have made peace with the fact that he was a benchwarmer in his third season as there was no consistency in how the technical team decided on its team selection. 

He would be in the team this week and play well, only to be dropped the following week without no explanation, and that impacted negatively on his progress.  

When he was released by Pirates, many thought he would finally get back to his best, but the truth of the matter is that he would need to find his feet again.

He needs a coach and a club that will be patient with him while he tries to rediscover himself and form, and SuperSport were not prepared to give him that this season. 

At 28, Qalinge is at the peak of his career and deserves to play regularly but it's up to him to make the right decision on his next move because that could well be his last chance to redeem himself and show South Africa his true potential. 

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana is dreaming of more continental glory under club coaches, Pitso Mosimane and Manqoba Mngqithi.

This comes after head coach Mosimane and his assistant Mngqithi extended their contracts at the Chloorkop-based giants.

The duo has led Sundowns to nine major trophies since Mosimane was joined by Mngqithi in the technical team midway through to the 2013/14 season.

Kekana is enjoying working under the two local tacticians with the current season having been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic since mid-March 2020.

"It's a big plus for the club simply because we have been working [well] together for the last few years," Kekana told SuperSport.com.

"Their work speaks for itself. We understand the way they [Mosimane and Mngqithi] do things."

Mosimane had two assistants in Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena when he guided Sundowns to the 2016 Caf Champions League and 2017 Caf Super Cup triumphs.

Mokwena left the Brazilians for Orlando Pirates at the end of the 2016/17 season and Mosimane decided to stick with Mngqithi as his sole assistant.

Kekana is hoping to win another Champions League title in the future having captained Masandawana as they clinched the trophy four years ago.

"Obviously, we share [a common] goal whenever we compete on the continent. We have already won the Caf Champions League together," he said.

"We want to continue experiencing similar moments together for as long as we are here at Sundowns."

The 35-year-old player is among the Sundowns players, who have signed new long-term deals in recent months including Gaston Sirino and Thapelo Morena.

"It is another big plus for the team and it is good that he has adapted so well [to Sundowns' style of play]," he said about Sirino, who joined Sundowns in January 2018.

"The environment he is working under also makes him feel at home."

Sirino netted five goals in four appearances in the Telkom Knockout as Sundowns clinched the South African League Cup and his exploits have not gone unnoticed.

The Uruguayan playmaker was linked with Egyptian football powerhouse Al Ahly in recent months, but Sundowns have moved swiftly to offer him a new deal which he signed.

Nemanja Matic is enjoying “some of his best football”, admits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the 31-year-old midfielder considered to be playing his way towards a new contract.

The Serbia international has seen an option taken up in his current deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2021.

With only 12 months to run on that agreement, though, more long-term decisions need to be made.

Matic has been with United since 2017, taking in 111 appearances on the back of being lured away from Chelsea – where he landed two Premier League titles.

He has not always been guaranteed a starting berth under various bosses, but is back in favour with Solskjaer and underlining his value to the collective cause.

Another assured showing was put in during a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United, as his holding qualities allowed the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba to flourish, and his manager concedes that the offer of fresh terms could be made at some point in the near future.

Solskjaer told United’s official website: “Nemanja is playing some of his best football. He’s had a good pre-season for the first time in many, many years and today he was dictating the game and his experience is vital for us.

“I’m very, very happy that we’re seeing the best of Nemanja and he’ll be important for us and then, of course, it’s down to performances and if Nemanja wants to stay but at the moment he’s in great form.”

Matic, who will turn 32 in August, is enjoying his football at present, with there plenty of competition and quality to be found within United’s midfield ranks.

An experienced performer said: “It is always good to play with top players and we are lucky we have top players in every position. [Against Sheffield United] I played with Bruno and Paul and we did really well.

“It was a good formation and I am sure in the future we can improve a lot together also with Scott [McTominay] and Fred when they play with us.”

While Matic and Co ensured that Solskjaer’s side were rarely threatened against the Blades, it was French forward Anthony Martial who stole the headlines as he grabbed a hat-trick.

“I am especially happy for Anthony scoring his first hat trick. It is very important for him to score goals,” said Matic.

“It is important for every striker for confidence. I am happy that our strikers are in good condition and for me, Anthony was man of the match. He used almost every chance he had to score.

“Let us see in the future what he can do for us but I am happy for him and congratulations to him.”

Yanga SC coach Luc Eymael believes his charges could have done better in stopping Namungo from scoring their goals in the 2-2 draw.

The Jangwani Street-based giants came into the match buoyed by Azam FC’s 1-0 defeat against Kagera Sugar and knew a win would see them move second on the 20-team league table.  

Charles Manyama scored a brace for the fourth-placed side before substitute David Moling returned the favour to ensure the spoils were shared by the two Tanzania Mainland League sides.

"We conceded two stupid goals which I am sure we could have avoided," Eymael told Goal on Thursday.

"The first goal, the goalkeeper makes a mistake, and we are punished and in the second one, [Manyama] wins a duel, goes past three defenders before scoring.

"He was not stopped, no commitment at all and we ended up conceding in the game I believe we should not have."

The 60-year-old has also hit again on his charges for failing to take advantage of their domination in the first half.

"We had five clear scoring chances which we failed to convert, it was a one-sided affair in the first half but the best we could do is hit the woodwork," Eymael continued.

The officials ruled out two goals from Timu ya Wananchi, something that did not go down well with the Belgian.

"Four goals in our last two matches have been cancelled, but what I did not agree with is the denied goal scored by my left back [Adeyuma Saleh] with a deflection from a Namungo defender.

"I wonder how that turned out to be offside."

However, replays sanctified the officials; Tariq Seif, who was in an off-side position, made a move towards the strike which might have confused the goalkeeper.

Following Wednesday's draw, Yanga have now managed a single win – a 1-0 result against Mwadui FC, since the league returned on June 13. The other matches have ended in draws, 1-1 against JKT Tanzania, 0-0 against Azam, and now 2-2 against Namungo.

In other matches played on Wednesday, champions Simba SC are now a win away from being crowned again after they beat Mbeya City 2-0.

Captain John Bocco was the team’s hero notching a double, the opener coming in the sixth minute with the hosts struggling to contain the giants but were unlucky not to concede another goal until the second half.

Bocco earned his brace in the 54th minute to help Wekundu wa Msimbazi record not only a win but also a clean sheet in Mbeya. The victory saw Simba add their tally to 78 points after playing 31 matches.

Mbeya City will remain in position 18 on the 20-team table with 30 points from the same number of matches. Mbeya are not completely out of the relegation zone given the 19th-placed Mbao FC have four fewer points.

Azam's bid to keep second place received a big blow after they lost 1-0 to Kagera Sugar while Alliance FC and Polisi Tanzania fought to share points in their respective tie from a 1-1 scoreline.

The debate as to which side can be considered the best, Liverpool or Manchester City, can be compared to the long-running Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo argument, says Jamie Redknapp.

Pep Guardiola has overseen a period of domestic dominance at the Etihad Stadium in recent years.

A star-studded City side have collected back-to-back Premier League crowns – with the 100-point mark reached in one of those – while also rewriting the history books with a treble triumph.

The Blues have, however, fallen behind North West rivals from Anfield this season, with Jurgen Klopp raising the bar of collective brilliance.

Liverpool currently stand on the brink of a first title triumph in 30 years, with the Reds having swept aside all before them in 2019-20.

They have been a model of consistency, like City before them, and Redknapp admits there is no right answer to be found when picking between two brilliant options – much like the debate which sees a Barcelona icon compared to a Juventus superstar.

The former Liverpool midfielder told Sky Sports after seeing Klopp’s side ease to a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace: "It's like the analogy of Messi or Ronaldo, which one do you prefer? They're both brilliant at what they do.

"Man City play through midfield more, they like a possession-based game. Liverpool are different, they get it up to the front three and magic happens, like that last goal [Sadio Mane’s against Palace]. That's what it's all about for Liverpool, they've got so much pace going forward.

"But you can't say either is wrong, they're both great to watch and a joy in their own right. Some like Ronaldo, some like Messi. It depends on the type of football you like."

Another ex-Liverpool star, Graeme Souness, agrees that there is little to choose between the Reds and Blues.

The Scot added: "If you're making a direct comparison between the two teams, they both have top goalkeepers, you'd rather have Liverpool's back four and then City's midfield, then toss a coin for the attackers. It's a different type of football, both great to watch.

"But if you're playing against Liverpool you have to be prepared to go to war with them. They want to bully you, get in your face and be really aggressive. The three midfield players, you wouldn't describe any of them as silky, they're all warrior types. They want to run over you.

"If you're playing against City they want to play triangles and pass you to death. So they are different but they're very special.

"Who would I rather watch? Liverpool [against Palace] were fantastic and, against Arsenal, City were fantastic.

"We're enjoying a purple patch. I think these are two special teams in the time of the Premier League. These teams could dominate European football as well."

“A good attack wins you games, a good defence wins you titles” is one of those cliched football opinions that never seems to go away.

After Chelsea’s recent transfer activity, their performance at Aston Villa prompted many to suggest they’ll achieve little if their unconvincing backline isn’t strengthened in the summer.

Frank Lampard has, in the last few months, seen the Blues board secure the services of Ajax and Morocco playmaker Hakim Ziyech and prolific RB Leipzig attacker Timo Werner for next season. Still, there were moments in his side’s 2-1 comeback victory at Villa Park to indicate failings at the back persist and could prevent them from challenging Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues have seemingly prioritised signing a left-back (the primary target is understood to be Ben Chilwell), but is the logic of the 2019 Europa League winners flawed?

Admittedly, there’s a need to solve their issues on the left, given Marcos Alonso is naturally a wing-back and Emerson Palmieri has failed to convince in both roles, but should Lampard look to solve issues in central defence first?

On the evidence of Sunday’s win over Villa, perhaps he should.

Chelsea have four centre-backs: Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori, who, as individuals, each have their strengths.

Rudiger’s aggression comes in handy from time to time, Christensen’s poise in possession sees many tag him as the most comfortable with the ball at his feet, Zouma’s aerial strength is second to none, while Tomori’s speed and passing have shone at Stamford Bridge this term.

However, there remains a suspicion that Lampard doesn’t know his best partnership while the absence of a true leader among the quartet has left the rearguard without a voice or defensive organiser like John Terry in the 2000s and 2010s.

Frustratingly, the current crop have their pronounced flaws, and always seem to have a mistake in them.

Against Dean Smith’s side, Rudiger, who lost more than half of his total duels, nearly let the home side through on goal in the second-half after taking his eye off the ball while attempting a pass. His defensive partner Christensen made an unforgivable gaffe late on that nearly allowed Jota to equalize with his first touch.

These sort of schoolboy errors have cost the West London club dear in Lampard’s first season at the helm, and the general feeling is a top centre-back ought to be high on the club’s wish-list, particularly as they seem all set in attack.

Two possible solutions immediately spring to mind: Kalidou Koulibaly and Dayot Upamecano.

The Napoli centre-back is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe and has been linked with a move to Chelsea for years. The Serie A Best Defender for 18/19 ticks nearly every box, and can comfortably be considered world class. He’s dominant in the air, reads the game superbly and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Having been named in the Italian top flight’s Team of the Year on four occasions, the perception was that this year would be K2’s last in Naples. That was before the coronavirus pandemic, however, and it remains to be seen if the Blues will be willing to splurge on a player who is reportedly valued at £90 million by the uncompromising Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Given the Senegal star’s just turned 29, he’s got little resale value and doesn’t fit the profile of signing the West London club are looking to build around. It is believed this was the thinking when opting for Werner (24) as opposed to the 31-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who, like the Napoli man is top class, but ageing.

The London side signed the younger German forward from Leipzig instead and could return to the Red Bulls to prise their top centre-half away.

Upamecano, a French youth international of Bissau-Guinean descent, has come on in leaps and bounds since signing in 2017 and is tipped to become one of the best defenders of his generation.

Still 21, the highly-rated youngster's calmness in possession belies his youth, while his strength in the tackle typifies his iron-willed nature. Rarely is the wonderkid bullied by the opposition and he has the requisite physicality to thrive in the English game.

His positioning rarely sees him caught in no man’s land, and he possesses the recovery pace to get back in position if ever he’s found wanting.

Be that as it may, Upamecano, despite his strengths, isn’t the finished article.

The centre-back is still prone to the odd lapse in concentration which has been evident since the Bundesliga resumed in May. He’s struggled for consistency since the German top flight returned, causing many to doubt whether the young star is set for that big move that’s been touted for the last 12 months.

There are also doubts as to whether he can be the commanding presence Chelsea need in defence as he’s younger and arguably inexperienced compared to the current crop at Lampard’s disposal.

A dive into Koulibaly and Upamecano’s statistics present some interesting facts.

While the pair are head and shoulders above Rudiger for total duels won, tackles won per match and interceptions per game, they aren’t significantly better than the trident of Christensen, Zouma and Tomori.

The Senegalese wins 60 percent of his total duels, makes 1.1 interceptions per match and 2.6 tackles per game, while the France U-21 international’s stats read 60 percent of successful tussles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.9 tackles respectively.

Christensen wins 65 percent of his duels, makes 1.3 interceptions per game and wins 2 tackles per match. Zouma, on the other hand, is successful in 66 percent of challenges, makes 1.9 interceptions and wins one tackle per outing, while Tomori’s read 62 percent of total duels won, 1.5 interceptions per match and 1.9 tackles per game.

Given the aforementioned comparison, doubts may arise as to whether Lampard’s team will be boosted by either import for big money moves.

Koulibaly is more established and is one of the leading players in his position in Europe while the younger Upamecano is still earning his stripes, fits into the club’s profile of transfer target and already posts statistics to rival the Napoli defender, despite his youth.

Lampard needs a commanding centre-back to complete his rebuild at Chelsea, and based on a comparison between the pair, a move for Upamecano would represent a wiser long-term move.

Antonio Conte conceded Inter's failure to claim all three points against Sassuolo was "troubling", but the coach believes his side would have been worthy winners.

Inter twice threw away a lead late on as a frantic Serie A encounter ended 3-3 at San Siro, with the Nerazzurri missing the chance to apply some pressure to Lazio and Juventus.

Francesco Caputo's early goal gave Sassuolo the lead, but Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Biraghi put Inter ahead by the break, before Roberto Gagliardini missed a golden chance to make it 3-1.

Sassuolo made their luck count, with Domenico Berardi scoring from the spot in the 81st minute, before Borja Valero then restored Inter's lead only for Giangiacomo Magnani to salvage a point for the visitors. Milan Skriniar's red card capped a remarkable conclusion to the clash.

"I think we deserved much more considering how much we created, whereas I don't recall any Samir Handanovic saves," a frustrated Conte told reporters. 

"It's something we keep repeating in this pattern and we 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.

"There are situations where we need to score goals and we are paying for these naive errors. 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.

"We must try to win all of our remaining matches, regardless of what will happen, because I want the team always aiming for the maximum. I don't want any regrets, but we have some tonight."

Biraghi's goal was his first in Serie A since September 2018, yet the full-back was left equally as disappointed as his coach.

"When you play for Inter, you're part of a great team and need to move on immediately. The away trip to Parma is a chance to get back on track," he told Inter's official website.

"We need to think like a great team. We are focused on winning. Since we've been back, we've had more opportunities than our opponents. Failing to kill off games has become a problem."

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic lauded star team-mate Anthony Martial following his first senior hat-trick.

Martial scored his maiden treble as United outclassed Sheffield United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday.

A first-half brace set the tone before Martial became the first United player to celebrate a Premier League hat-trick since Robin van Persie in 2013.

Martial has scored a career-high 14 Premier League goals and 19 across all competitions this season as Matic hailed the French forward.

"I think it was very important for him to score goals, for every striker it's important, for his confidence," Matic told MUTV .

"I'm happy that our strikers are in good condition, tonight Anthony was man of the match, every chance he had went in.

"Let's see in the future what he can do for us. But I'm happy for him. Congratulations to him."

Matic also produced an impressive performance alongside Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in midfield as United kept their Champions League bid on track.

Fernandes and Pogba started together for the first time for United, who extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men fifth in the table – two points behind Chelsea and six adrift of stuttering third-placed Leicester City.

Matic said: "I think it's always good play with top players. Not only them, we're lucky we have top players in every position.

"So tonight I played with Bruno and Paul, I think we did well, it was good there, I'm sure in the future we can improve a lot together, and also with Scott [McTominay] and Fred, whoever plays with us; I'm happy with the team performance and the way we controlled the game.

"I think we had control during all 90 minutes, of course we knew they were going to have some dangerous counter-attacks because tactically they play well.

"We analysed them very well, we treated them with respect, I'm so happy with the team performance, 3-0 against a team who creates problems for every team in the Premier League."

Football is bound to face some key challenges in the post Coronavirus world, as is evident from the European leagues. The world is still getting used to experiencing games with no fans in the stands and the norms are here to stay for a while now.

An increased travelling for matches and diversity in the number of stadiums used for the tournament makes it difficult to contain the spread of the virus. UEFA ruling to host the quarterfinals, semi-finals and the final of the Champions League in a neutral venue (Lisbon) hence comes as a welcome move.

The European footballing body confirmed that Estadio da Luz and Estadio Jose Alvalade, home to Benfica and Sporting respectively will play host to the single-legged games in the subsequent rounds. There will be no changes in venues for the remaining games from the Round-of-16.

Even the Qatar Stars League (QSL) has adopted this format to finish their league off. The rest of the rounds in QSL will be played in three stadiums. Numerous other leagues, including the Chinese Super League (CSL) and Australia's A-League are mulling over a short tournament at neutral venues.

Considering the rapid spread of the virus in India, it should not come as a surprise if the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the league organisers of the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL) adopts a similar strategy as a backup plan ahead of the 2020-21 season which could begin in November tentatively.

Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), indicated in a virtual meeting representatives of 15 sports federations including the AIFF on Tuesday that tournaments could start without spectators from August. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the virus, Rijiju feels the plan should be to start some sporting events by then.

"After today’s meeting the Sports Ministry will review all the ideas and work in tandem with federations to open up sports. I feel, from August onwards, we should be able to start some sporting events as well,” Rijiju said.

"Since federations are best qualified to decide the way forward for each sport, the ministry would like to get ideas from federations. Their ideas will be the key in planning India’s post Covid strategy in sports,” he added.

Interestingly, Rijiju highlighted the need to innovate the events in order to make it easier to organise.

“Given the situation, we have to be innovative about events. We may need to hold smaller events in stadias and not have spectators. But we can surely try and beam the sports on television channels and social media platforms.”

As per sources, the Indian FA did communicate to the Minister that the domestic leagues will only start by November tentatively but they will be looking to start training camps for the various national teams in the next couple of months, given the international tournaments scheduled to start in October and November - World Cup qualifiers and AFC U16 Championship apart from preparation for the 2020 Women's U17 World Cup which will take place in February 2021.

But if the virus situation does not abate by the time October comes along, AIFF and the league organisers might need to think of alternative plans to hold both ISL and the I-League. One of the alternatives could be holding these tournaments without the 'home and away' format, at a neutral venue with a smaller schedule.

Such an arrangement would also help in case there are restrictions and quarantine procedure for inter-state travel. As of now, different quarantine rules apply for inter-state travel for each state which could possibly complicate matters when it comes to players and the operational entourage travelling back and forth.

Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad are the worst-hit among the footballing cities. Bengaluru, Kochi and Goa are moderately hit but the trend in the number of recorded active cases per day is not encouraging. The North-Eastern states, Odisha and Kerala have done well to maintain low numbers and are closest to flattening the curve.

Clearly, different parts of the country will recover at different rates. It would be overly optimistic to expect Mumbai, a city with 28,893 active cases as on June 21st to host ISL games in November.

Having just two-to-three stadiums play host could also prove beneficial in other ways as the footballers get accustomed to the new, temporary normal. With minimal training off-season and a high possibility of lack of overseas pre-season, the fitness levels of the players are bound to take a hit.

The reduction in the number of host stadiums could hence work in their favour. The fatigue due to travel is reduced and the recovery time is increased. This could play a massive role in ensuring a decent level of fitness of the players when they play three games in one week.

More importantly, any tournament or camp in the coming months will need to follow a standard operating procedure (SOP), much like what leagues in Europe are currently doing in order to ensure the virus doesn't spread. A compact tournament at a reduced number of venues will help the organisers implement the SOPs required to maintain safety and health of players.

According to the SOPs, sanitising the venues and training area is paramount and so is testing the players for Covid-19 every week. It is a costly undertaking but something that cannot be avoided.

The reduction in the number of stadiums also reduces the operational cost of the tournament due to a significant decrease in travelling and limited staff. With the economic situation in a post Coronavirus world affecting sponsorship deals and the prospect of closed-door games posing a threat to match-day revenue, this reduction in the operational cost will be a welcome move.

As such, the compact nature of an alternative tournament will only ease the burden on the organisers. Netherlands' Eredivisie have decided to open up the league for spectators from September, with social distancing restrictions. But again, they have made it clear it is dependant on the virus situation improving.

Keep in mind that such an option should only be an alternative in case the conducting the season regularly becomes unfeasible due to the situation of the virus.

Roy Hodgson congratulated former club Liverpool and said it was just a matter of by how much they would win the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp's men were impressive in a 4-0 victory over Hodgson's Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday.

Liverpool will be crowned league champions for the first time since 1990 if Manchester City fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Hodgson, who managed Liverpool in 2010-11, praised Klopp's side and congratulated them on their season.

"They've been excellent. That moment [they are crowned champions] will arrive soon, quite simply because they are not going to lose any matches – they won't stop winning," he said, via the club's website.

"Their determination and desire in a game when you could have argued they could have taken it a little bit easy because they weren't put under real pressure from us, we didn't see that.

"Even in the last four or five minutes – they are desperately chasing every ball down, winning it back and trying to score again.

"With that type of attitude and desire there is no doubt [the] title is theirs, the big question is by how many points it is going to be, and I can only congratulate them on a wonderful season – two seasons really."

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane were all on the scoresheet for Liverpool, who are now 23 points clear at the top.

Klopp felt the performance reflected just how much his side want to wrap up the title and their dedication to playing good football. 

“You should not underestimate how much this team wants it,” Klopp said. “This team really wants it. 

“They want to fulfil the wishes of the people at home, really. We all have a common dream but we have to work for it.  We have to work our way for it.

“We can’t play like other teams but we can play pretty good stuff. That is what the boys did. 

"The game was exceptional. From talking about football, it was exceptional from so many points of view. This game will last in my mind for a while. This is where we want to be. This is what we have to show against each and everybody. This is us."

Sergio Lobera was unceremoniously shown the door by FC Goa at the business end of the previous season despite of the Gaurs occupying pole position on the India Super League (ISL) table. 

During his stint with Goa, he led them to three play-offs, one final, one Indian Super League (ISL) shield (almost) and one Super Cup title. During his tenure, Goa won the most games in the league, alongside Bengaluru FC who also won 31 games. He also remains the coach with the most points won during in this period (94).

With 110 goals in three seasons, Goa under Lobera were in a league of their own (after discounting the 14 goals Goa scored under Clifford Miranda towards the end of the league stages). Bengaluru FC (86) are second, the gap is clearly massive. And the firebrand striker in Ferran Corominas netted 48 of the 110 goals.

They have created the most chances in the same period (144). Yet again, the gap between the Gaurs and second-placed Bengaluru (105) is massive.

Lobera's men liked to control the game with the ball and they top the possession charts in all three seasons and have managed an average of 56.9 per cent in this period. Subsequently, they also boast of the maximum accurate passes.

Corominas, the league's highest goalscorer, was full of praises for his former manager and the time he spent under him.

"Sergio Lobera is a good coach who in the last three years has changed the way of playing at FC Goa and has implemented a soccer idea that wants to have possession of the ball and control of the game. He is smart, knows how to sign, and surrounds himself with good professionals. He also knows how to control the load well in training," Corominas stated to Goal. 

Goa have since appointed Spaniard Juan Ferrando for the upcoming season and will take part in the AFC Champions League.

Mumbai City have snapped up Lobera to lead them in the next season and if Corominas, who is currently without a club, continues his journey with Goa, the two will cross paths at least twice in the next ISL season. 

Boris Singh has steadily matured as a player since he led Manipur to the U14 national championship title in 2013. He has represented India in the AFC U16 Championship and subsequently at the world stage when the country hosted the U17 World Cup in 2017. 

However, from a very young age, he has learnt that failures will teach you more than success. He was rejected by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Elite Academy when he first appeared for trials. But a more chastening incident took place in the AFC U16 Championship match against Iran in Margao. 

"It was the final group game and a do-or-die match. Their winger was about to skip past me and I stick my foot out. I was shown a second yellow and was given the marching orders. I was not aware that a ban is carried forward in FIFA competitions. 

"For that red card, I missed the opening match against USA in the World Cup. I was sitting in the stands and I could not hold back my tears. From that moment, I decided I am never going to be sent-off in my career," reminisced Singh to Goal. 

At a tender age of 13, he had to leave the comforts of home to follow his passion for football. It was not easy for a child who had never before left his hamlet in Manipur, to criss-cross the country and take part in several trials and age-group tournaments. He was then called up to Goa for a trial by the Indian FA.

"AIFF Elite Academy happened to me at the right time. There were two teams, Team A and Team B. I was in Team B at first. There was Sajid Sir (Sajid Dar) and Bibiano Sir (Bibiano Fernandes). After a few weeks, there was another trial and I got into the A-team. 

"In the academy, I learnt to be disciplined. It is very important for a player to lead a disciplined life to give his best on the pitch. Then comes the technical aspect. We focused on the basics like how to stick to a formation. Receiving the ball, passing, shooting and every basic thing. Those years helped me greatly."

Singh admits that reviving the Indian Arrows project was the best thing to happen for him as it allowed him to rub shoulders with senior footballers and quality overseas players. He also spoke highly of coach Luis Norton de Matos under whom he learnt a lot.

"The two seasons with the Indian Arrows was fantastic. That gave me confidence. At first, my heart used to beat so fast before a match, now I have learnt to remain calm before a match. Matos Sir helped me a lot. We have a strong mentality and even if we fell behind we did not give up.

"I run a lot. I learnt when to run and how much to run. It is of no use to run all throughout the field for no cause. He also told me to create an understanding with m winger so that I know when to overlap and when not to. He was a great coach."

However, his most cherished win came under the tutelage of Floyd Pinto in national colours when the India U20 team beat Argentina 2-1 in the COTIF tournament in Spain.

"Before the Argentina match, we were completely focused. In the team meeting, Floyd sir asked us not to fear them. We just needed to give our 100 per cent. And the goal by Deepak (Tangri) in the fourth minute gave us a lot of confidence. We had a red card in the second half but that also did not dampen our spirits," exclaimed Singh. 

But his transition from a developmental team to a professional team has not been smooth. With ATK he has not featured in the Indian Super League (ISL) as coach Antonio Habas prefers more experienced campaigners like Prabir Das and Michael Soosairaj in his position. 

"I know I did not get many chances in ATK. I understand there are better players in the team. Prabir da (Prabir Das), Pritam Da (Pritam Kotal) are great players. But I train with full focus and I give my 100 per cent to impress the coach. The seniors also help me and they motivate me a lot. I am waiting for my opportunity. I will not get many chances but I intend to make the most of that one chance," said Singh with resolve. 

Singh has always turned adversity into opportunity. He had not given up when he couldn't make it to the Elite Academy in the first attempt and neither he would today after a disappointing season. One chance, he says all that he needs to prove himself. 

Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos should retire at the Santiago Bernabeu amid question marks over his future.

Ramos' contract expires at the end of the 2020-21 season, by which time he will be 35, and it remains to be seen whether the star defender will remain in the Spanish capital.

The Spain skipper showed he is far from finished with another inspiring performance in Madrid's 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Mallorca on Wednesday.

Ramos – who took his season tally to nine goals, becoming the first defender to score eight or more goals in a single LaLiga campaign since Ezequiel Garay in 2006-07 – scored a stunning 56th-minute free-kick to ensure Madrid returned to the top of the table midweek.

"Sergio belongs here as a player," Madrid head coach Zidane told reporters afterwards. "He's been here for years and he should retire here. It's what I think and I'll stand by it."

Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock for Madrid in the 19th minute at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium, where Ramos curled a set-piece past Manolo Reina 11 minutes into the second half.

A fourth consecutive victory since the coronavirus-enforced break saw Madrid move back to the summit due to their superior head-to-head record against bitter rivals Barcelona.

"We need to have the ball," Zidane said. "The setup isn't the most important thing for me, it's more about what we do on the pitch with the ball. We can do better, but I'm satisfied with what I saw and what these players are doing is not at all easy. 

"That's four wins in a row, but the standout feature for us today was our defensive solidity all round. We can get better going forward and that's what we'll try to do.

"We were a bit tired by the end today but that's not just Real Madrid, the same goes for all the teams. It's a strange situation, we're back training after 60 days and with the heat and everything. But we have to keep going and all we can do is be more alert with the players, we want to keep moving forward strong.

"We're all more or less in the same boat. The important thing is that it's four wins for us, but that's a credit to the players. We're training well and we always want more.

"The players' attitude has been phenomenal, so too has that of the players who are not playing as much, and this is what makes the difference in the dressing room. We have seven finals left, the players have to recover well and continue with what we are doing, we haven't won anything."

Out-of-favour star Gareth Bale, meanwhile, made his first start for Madrid since February. Bale, despite working hard, largely failed to impress against relegation-threatened Mallorca.

"We're happy with what we're doing and Gareth is an important player, he's always shown that," Zidane said.

"The important thing is to play like we're playing. The players change, but the important thing is that the dynamic doesn't change.

"As always, there are players who are going to have more minutes, but that has been the case all along and it's not going to change."

Mohamed Salah said Liverpool's time to win the Premier League had come after their resounding 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane at Anfield saw Jurgen Klopp's men take another step towards a first league title in 30 years.

Liverpool could be crowned champions on Thursday if Manchester City fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Salah is thrilled to have Liverpool just two points away from a first league crown since 1990.

"I feel great," he told Sky Sports. "Since I came here I said I want to win the Premier League with the team. The city didn't win it for a long time, so it was the right time.

"Maybe last year we had a chance to win it but Man City also performed really good and they deserved to win it. It's our time to win it and it's great."

Liverpool were dominant against Palace on their way to a 28th win in 31 league games this season.

Salah hailed the performance, with Liverpool now not in action again until July 2, when they visit City.

"We had a great performance today and all the players were unbelievable," the forward said.

"I'm happy about the result and looking forward to the next two games. I think all the players are motivated, everyone is motivated in his way – but everyone is motivated to win the league."

Klopp dedicated Liverpool's strong performance on Wednesday to the club's fans, who won't be in attendance when the Reds do wrap up the league title.

“We showed a lot, if not everything, which helped us into the position we are in," he said. 

“Before this part of the season, I said I wanted to see the best behind-closed-doors football ever. I don’t know if we had that, but for sure it was the best counter-pressing behind closed doors ever! 

“The attitude, the passion we showed was exceptional, and we played some outstanding football. Usually in my job I have to calm things down and say we can improve – and we can improve – but that’s not important tonight.

“We showed our supporters the respect they deserve – that we can play like they are here even when they are not. 

“Yes, they can push us to incredible things, and without them it is nothing. I never missed them more than I did tonight because imagine this game in front of 50,000 people, the emotions that would have been in the stadium. It would have been incredible!”

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane said Sergio Ramos always leads by example following his spectacular free-kick against Real Mallorca.

Ramos curled a stunning set-piece past Manolo Reina as Madrid returned to the top of La Liga thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win over Mallorca on Wednesday.

After Vinicius Junior's 19th-minute opener, Madrid captain Ramos showcased his set-piece ability 11 minutes into the second half at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.

Ramos took his season tally to nine goals, becoming the first defender to score eight or more goals in a single LaLiga campaign since Ezequiel Garay in 2006-07 and Zidane hailed the Spain skipper.

"He's been looking for a free-kick goal," Zidane said after the match in the Spanish capital. "He's worked on it a lot in training.

"He's our leader, our captain and he always leads the way."

Ramos appeared to respond to comments made by Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique following Madrid's victory midweek.

Madrid reclaimed top spot after La Liga's return this month due to Barca's 0-0 draw with Sevilla last Friday, after which Pique suggested it would be hard to stop Los Blancos winning the title because VAR and referee decisions too often go their way.

Ramos said people "shouldn't be imagining things" after Madrid moved back to the summit due to their superior head-to-head record.

Zidane, however, was reluctant to add to the controversy following Madrid's fourth consecutive win since the coronavirus-enforced postponement.

"I'm not going to get involved in these things," Zidane said. "Ramos has already spoken.

"I have my own views. We have to rest and think about the next game."

Madrid will travel to Espanyol on Sunday and Zidane added: "I'm sure it's going to be difficult until the last game."

Vinicius, meanwhile, savoured his first chance to play alongside Eden Hazard on Wednesday as he compared La Liga's final few games to the World Cup. 

"I am very happy with today's match. We have worked a lot at home to get to our best version," the forward said via the club's website.

"As for me, I think I'm the same as before the break, but it's true that I worked a lot at home to be physically well.

"This is like a World Cup with few games and we have to be focused from the beginning. I always try to improve in all aspects. The coaching staff always helps me a lot to improve and I want to continue evolving at Real Madrid."

Vinicius Junior lauded Eden Hazard and said it was easy to play alongside the attacker in Real Madrid's 2-0 La Liga win over Real Mallorca.

A fine finish from Vinicius and Sergio Ramos' brilliant second-half free-kick saw Madrid climb back above rivals Barcelona and to the top of the La Liga table.

Vinicius was happy with his performance and also talked up his combination with Hazard, with the pair starting together in Madrid.

"I am very happy with today's match. We have worked a lot at home to get to our best version," the forward said, via the club's website.

"As for me, I think I'm the same as before the break, but it's true that I worked a lot at home to be physically well.

"This is like a World Cup with few games and we have to be focused from the beginning. I always try to improve in all aspects. The coaching staff always helps me a lot to improve and I want to continue evolving at Real Madrid.

"Hazard is easy to play [with] because he is a great player and today was the first time that [Zinedine] Zidane has brought us together. It went very well."

Madrid extended their winning streak to four since returning from the coronavirus-enforced break, staying on track to win the La Liga title.

Vinicius said it was important for the whole squad to be ready when called upon by head coach Zidane.

"We are all ready to enter the field when Zidane decides and we will do our best. We have the best players on the field," he said.

"We are going to do our best to win the remaining seven finals. We have won four and we are going for the league."

Madrid continue their campaign with a trip to Espanyol on Sunday with their last La Liga loss now dating back to October 2019 when they were defeated 1-0 by Mallorca. 

Since returning to action following the break of play caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Zidane's side have won all four of their matches by a combined scoreline of 10-1 to strengthen their push for domestic success. 

Mohamed Salah has voiced Liverpool’s enthusiasm to emerge as Premier League champions as the Reds boosted their title chances against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

Injury hassles ruled the Egyptian out of their 0-0 draw at Everton, however, he was handed a starter’s role against the Eagles - scoring one and assisting one in Jurgen Klopp’s team 4-0 win.

Consequently, Liverpool could end their 30-year wait to win the diadem on Thursday should Manchester City fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Pep Guardiola’s men held their nerve on the final day of last term to reach a tally of 98 points, one more than the Anfield Stadium giant’s haul of 97 - which was the highest total ever amassed by a second-placed side in the competition's history.

In the wake of this result, the former AS Roma and Chelsea star is delighted about the current situation while disclosing his mission at Liverpool.

"I feel great. Since I came here I said I want to win the Premier League with the team. The city didn't win it for a long time, so it was the right time,” Salah told Sky Sports as reported by Liverpool’s website.

"Maybe last year we had a chance to win it but Man City also performed really good and they won it. It's our time to win it and it's great."

Following his goal against Roy Hodgson’s team, the 28-year-old recorded his 15th Premier League at Anfield this season, with no other player scoring more than ten home goals in the tournament so far.

Moreover, he has now scored seven times in each of his last six fixtures on Liverpool’s home ground.

"Two points to go to win the league, it's great,” he continued.

“We had a great performance today and all the players were unbelievable.

"I'm happy about the result and looking forward to the next two games. 

"I think all the players are motivated, everyone is motivated in his way – but everyone is motivated to win the league."

Liverpool travel to the Etihad Stadium for their next fixture versus Manchester City on July 2.

Jurgen Klopp joked Pep Guardiola should play poker after the Manchester City boss hinted he may rest some key players for Thursday's trip to Chelsea.

The reigning Premier League champions travel to Stamford Bridge before playing Newcastle United less than 72 hours later in an FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend.

City must win against Frank Lampard's side to keep the title race alive, mathematically at least, after Liverpool moved closer to being crowned with a resounding 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday.

Asked about Guardiola's comments on leaving out some of his leading names against Chelsea, Klopp told Sky Sports: "What? He said that? Pep...he should play poker probably."

Klopp had exalted Guardiola's squad before the game against the Eagles and was again effusive in his praise after the victory, admitting his Reds cannot expect to play in a similar manner.

"Manchester City - I couldn't respect them more," the Liverpool boss added.

"The football they play, I really like it a lot. We are different, we have to be different. We cannot be like Manchester City. 

"We probably celebrate different things when they happen. There are different ways of football and I like them both."

After a 0-0 draw away at neighbours Everton on Sunday, Liverpool rediscovered their scoring touch to brush aside Palace and move to the brink of glory, albeit the ongoing coronavirus pandemic meant no fans were inside Anfield to enjoy the occasion.

"Imagine if the stadium was full today and all the people could have experienced that live – it would have been amazing," Klopp said.

"I don't think the game would have been better, to be honest. My boys played like everybody was in the stadium. The atmosphere on the pitch was incredible. 

"It was for sure the best counter-pressing game I've ever seen behind closed doors. It was exceptional. 

"The attitude shown by the boys was amazing, I liked it a lot - and the football we played as well."

Mohamed Salah’s notable Premier League scoring form for Liverpool continued in Wednesday’s 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace.

The Egypt international got a goal as Jurgen Klopp’s men smashed the Eagles for four at the Anfield Stadium.

With the Reds taking a 23rd-minute lead through Trent Alexander-Arnold's wonderful free-kick, Salah doubled his team’s lead a minute before the half-time break.

In the process, the 28-year-old recorded his 15th English topflight goal at Anfield this season, with no other player scoring more than ten home goals in the tournament so far.

Also, the former AS Roma man has now scored seven times in each of his last six fixtures on Liverpool’s home ground.

Salah was handed a starter’s role against Palace after missing his team’s 0-0 draw against Everton on Sunday due to fitness concern. He accentuated his importance to the squad by ensuring that the Reds moved closer to emerging as league champions.

He also turned provider for Sadio Mane’s goal with his throughball allowing the Senegalese run on goal before navigating a low shot past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

For his contribution against Roy Hodgson’s side, the two-time African Player of the Year recorded 82 touches, five shots, 67 passing and a passing accuracy of 77.6 %.

Mane who scored his 15th league goal of the season from 28 matches was replaced with six minutes to play by Guinea international Naby Keita.

Cote d’Ivoire international Wilfred Zaha was a first half substitute for Max Meyer after an early injury forced him off the field of play. Ghana star and the Eagles’ leading scorer Jordan Ayew could not add to his goal tally so far as he was marked out by the hosts’ backline anchored by Virgil van Dijk. Nevertheless, he was replaced by Cameroon prospect Brandon Pierrick after 84 minutes.

Luka Milivojevic came in for Cheikhou Kouyate with 24 minutes left to play, while Jeffrey Schlupp was not listed for the showdown.

Liverpool have time to recover before they travel to the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City on July 2. Hodgson’s Palace are in action prior to then, however, welcoming Burnley to Selhurst Park on Monday.