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Kingsley Coman says he will have "no problem" if Bayern Munich sign Leroy Sane, and has vowed to stay and fight for his place in the team.

Sane has been linked with a move to Bayern from Manchester City over the past year, with speculation beginning to intensify once again ahead of the summer transfer window.

Talks between the two clubs reached an advanced stage last week, but a final deal has yet to be agreed with City reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of €70 million (£62m/$79m) for a prized asset.

Should the Germany international indeed complete a move to Allianz Arena when the market reopens, he will be expected to slot into Hansi Flick's line-up on the left wing.

However, Coman has occupied that role for the majority of the 2019-20 campaign, and isn't worried about losing his place after competing with a whole host of world-class players for regular minutes throughout his time at Bayern.

The 23-year-old told Sport Bild: "If Sane came, it would not be a problem! Except if the club says to me that they no longer need me, but I think the club knows what it has in me. 

"The situation of Leroy Sane has nothing to do with my own future.

"When I came to Bayern Munich we had Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa and me, and I was still a young player, in front of the legends Ribery and Robben! You can see that that's not a problem for me.

"It is better for the team if there are many players at this level."

Coman went on to insist that he is in no rush to make a decision on his long-term future, adding: “I have a contract until 2023, which means we have time.  I want to finish the season, after that, in the summer, I can think about my situation: what I want to do, what decision is good."

Coman opened the scoring in Bayern's 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, taking his overall tally for the season to six goals in 29 appearances.

The Frenchman - who previously enjoyed spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus - is on the verge of picking up the eighth successive league title of his career, with Bayern now only two wins away from retaining their Bundesliga crown.

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has cast doubt on his future with the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.

The British coach, who joined K’Ogalo at the start of the 2019-20 season, has exclusively told Goal he would love to see through his two-year contract with the club, which comes to a close next season, but he was not sure if that will indeed be the case.

“I have a contract [with Gor Mahia] to the end of next season, so you know, so I am here until then for sure,” Polack told Goal on Wednesday.

“But like I say in football you never know what is going to happen, football is completely different to any other business, and you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.”

Asked if he had received any offers from different clubs, Polack said: “I keep reading the teams who want me but nobody in this world has given me a call or have contacted me.”

Asked whether he is committed to Gor Mahia, Polack explained: “Of course yes, of course, but like I said tomorrow you will never know, the club [Gor Mahia] could tomorrow say, they don’t want me, so will I stay on if they don’t want me?

“So I just want to do my work for the best of my ability and then we can just move on from there but let’s just see how things unfold.

“The way the situation is with the coronavirus pandemic and then we have the resources, the financial struggles of the club, let us just get over this first and see where we can go from there.

“That is the best thing you know, we need to get over this because it is not easy for clubs [not Gor Mahia alone in KPL], so we need to get over the problems and then tackle the other issues later when everything is back to normal.”

The former Asante Kotoko coach guided Gor Mahia to the season curtain-raiser trophy and was on course to clinch the KPL title when the league was banned indefinitely owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.

While the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has moved to crown Gor Mahia the champions, the KPL has insisted the fate of the league is not decided yet.

Michael Owen believes Manchester United need to find their next Wayne Rooney, suggesting that Mason Greenwood could be the man to follow in the club's legendary former striker's footsteps.

Greenwood has been a bright spark for United during another frustrating Premier League campaign, proving himself on the biggest stages after being asked to step up following Romelu Lukaku's move to Inter last summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned to Greenwood to provide much-needed support for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the final third, and has been richly rewarded for his faith in the teenage forward.

Despite most of his 35 appearances in 2019-20 coming from the bench, Greenwood has hit 12 goals  and shown his impressive ability with both feet.

The 18-year-old has even been compared with former United striker Robin van Persie , who fired the club towards their last league title in 2013, and is already being tipped to break into Gareth Southgate's England squad.

Owen believes the Red Devils are still lacking a talismanic leader in the mould of Rooney, the club's all-time record goalscorer, but has also suggested that Greenwood could well pick up the mantle in the coming years.

The ex-United frontman told Premier League Productions : "I still think that Manchester United could do with – I know it’s impossible but if they could find that next Wayne Rooney, that next 19, 20, 21-year-old who was going to be there for the next 10 years…

"They’ve almost been getting by with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, getting by with [Odion] Ighalo.

"These players are very good but coming to the end of their career but they probably need to find that one like a Rooney, right at the start of his career that’s going to carry them forward.

"Can it be Mason Greenwood? It might be that they use these types of players while he grows with them.

"It’s all fascinating at the moment at Manchester United, a real, interesting puzzle to solve. But I do think they’re going in the right direction."

Greenwood will likely be back in contention for a spot in Solskjaer's line-up when United resume their season with a crucial clash against Tottenham on June 19.

The coronavirus outbreak saw English football shut down for three months but remaining fixtures have been cleared to take place behind closed doors following an easing of lockdown restrictions across the country.

United are fifth in the table at the moment, three points behind Chelsea, and cannot afford any slip-ups as they look to secure a return to the Champions League.

Tanzania international Mbwana Samatta has revealed how Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo have inspired him.

The Aston Villa forward singled out the Ivorian for praise for what he did at Chelsea, where he helped the London club lift the Champions League trophy in 2012 in Munich.

He also named Juventus star Ronaldo as the player who has influenced him most during his formative years.

“I watched so many players and I felt like I wanted to be like them. But let me go with [Didier] Drogba even though inspiring players were so many. He was doing well at Chelsea where he became a champion a few times as well as scoring many goals,” Samatta, 27, told Villa TV.

“He helped Chelsea became Champions League winner.

“[Cristiano] Ronaldo is the sporting icon that has influenced me the most. I love how he works hard and is always fighting for the team to win.”

The former Tout Puissant Mazembe forward also revealed how he has come to forge a close relationship with Marvelous Nakamba since his arrival at Villa Park. 

“I have a few friends but I will go with [Marvelous] Nakamba. He is a guy who we meet outside the pitch a lot. He is a cool guy and also he is coming from Zimbabwe and I am coming from Tanzania,” Samatta added.

“When we talk about the culture and struggle of our countries it is all the same. He is a good guy, quiet and I am quiet as well. He is always positive too.”

In addition, Samatta - who signed for Villa in January - also pointed out the funniest player in the squad.

“[Henri] Lansbury, he does not talk too much but whatever he does everyone loves it he can say one word and everyone starts laughing. It is fantastic to have one person in the group who can make people smile,” explained the Taifa Stars captain.

Samatta joined the English side to become the first Tanzanian to play for a Premier League club, and has explained the differences between England and Belgium, as well as what he thinks of the club's supporters.

“First of all, it was my dream to come to the Premier League and when Villa showed up, I think I could not say no. They gave me the chance and I love Villa because I wanted to be here,” revealed former Simba SC star.

“There is no big difference [between live in Belgium and England] but where I was in Belgium, I was in a small city but here Birmingham is a bigger city. But I think there is no big difference. 

“The Villa fans are amazing sometimes when you come to a club and you are a new player, supporters would wait a little bit to know who you are and what you can do to the club before they start supporting you.

“But immediately when I came and before I even touched the ball, they weres singing my name and I was like 'wow these guys are going to give me boost so that I can try and win the game for them'.

“When fans support you, I think it is everything for me. You can't make them go home heads down and so I always want to fight hard and win the game for them.”

Simba SC assistant coach Selemani Matola has explained why they opted to play two build-up matches within ten hours on Monday.

The Mainland Premier League champions first beat Transit Camp 4-2 before edging out fellow league side KMC 3-1 in matches played at Simba Mo Arena in Dar es Salaam.

Matola has now revealed they featured in the two build-up matches in a single day because they wanted to check the fitness levels of each player in the squad ahead of the league resumption on June 13.

“We have a good depth in our squad that is why we decided to have two games within ten hours and see how everyone was responding to training sessions we have had so far,” Matola is quoted by Daily News.

“It was a good test from KMC, who came to win and approached the game like a final but in the end, we won and that is the positive thing from us.”

But Simba suffered a huge blow in the second match after midfielder Jonas Mkude was rushed to hospital after colliding with a KMC player.

The club’s team doctor Yassin Gembe revealed they will need to assess the player further, after he was discharged from hospital, before establishing whether he be available for their first league match against Ruvu Shooting at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

“For now, Mkude has left the hospital and he is looking good and doing fine, however, he will have to undergo further scans and tests to know how bad the injury was,” Gembe told the club’s official website earlier.

Simba, who are chasing a third straight title, have been boosted with the arrival of their foreign players, who had relocated to their countries when the league was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coach Sven Vandenbroeck has also urged the players to ensure they bag the first 12 points to win the title in earnest.

The Wekundu Wa Mzimbazi are leading the league table on 71 points, and are followed by Azam FC in second-position while rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) are trailing in third position.

Simba SC have sent a passionate appeal to their fans to follow the rules and regulations issued by the government when attending Mainland Premier League matches.

The Tanzanian top-flight is finally set to return on June 13, after it was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

With Simba, who are chasing a third straight title, set to host Ruvu Shooting in their first match on June 14 at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the club has now sent a plea to the fans to make sure they follow the guidelines to help combat the spread of Covid-19.

Simba information officer Haji Manara has stated in a statement on the club’s official website: “We want to inform our fans that the Covid-19 virus is still with us and they should adhere to the tough measures put in place by the Ministry of Health when attending matches.

“Starting on Sunday when we play our first match, we want the fans to follow the rules, wear masks when coming to the stadium, wash hands outside the venue, and also make sure they keep social distance.

“Our President Magufuli loves all Tanzania and it is good if we follow the rules to avoid contracting the disease which has become a big pandemic across the world. I am very confident Simba fans respect laws and will follow what the Ministry wants them to do.”

Some of the measures the government wants adhered to include all the players and officials undergoing mandatory Covid-19 tests, while temperature readings should be done under the supervision of medical experts.

The government also wants players and officials travelling in team buses to ensure they sit far enough apart on the way to the stadium.

The government ordered the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to make sure they have enough water in place as well as sanitizers inside and outside match venues, and all this will be used when entering the pitch before matches.

The organisers will also be required to open gates early enough to avoid fans crowding the area, while the seating arrangements must see the one-metre distance rule followed.

The government, additionally, warned against wild celebration, saying any goal scored should not invite hugging, while the exchange of jerseys at the end of the match and handshakes before and after the match will also not be tolerated.

Furthermore, substitutes sitting on the bench will be required to wear masks and must sit a metre apart, while players coming off the pitch will be required to wear masks immediately after leaving the field.

Midfielder Roland Putsche said he has had the best four years of his life in South Africa after parting ways with Cape Town City on Tuesday. 

Speaking to SA FM, Putsche admitted he was overwhelmed by the reaction on social media soon after his departure from the Citizens was announced, adding that it will be difficult for him to eventually leave the country. 

"Honestly, I had the best four years of my life here in South Africa. I'm very emotional after I saw the reaction on social media. It feels like I'm leaving home. I never expected it to be like this. It will be hard to eventually leave these shores," Putsche said in an interview with SA FM. 

The 29-year-old made a shocking revelation that he didn't plan to play professional football when he first came to South Africa four years ago. 

According to Putsche, assisting underprivileged children through the Young Bafana project was his original reason for coming to the country, but was tempted when City offered him an opportunity to showcase his talent.  

"I hadn't set out to play football when I came to South Africa - I was part of a project called Young Bafana and my friend asked me to come and help out. It was a project to assist underprivileged children. It felt right in my heart to come here but I also ended up playing professional football," he revealed.  

"Honesty, I don't know what the future holds, but now my focus is getting back to Austria to be with my family again during this crisis. When I'm there, I will make up my mind. I'm a bit uncertain right now, but I have a few options open. I'd like to stay in football.

"I want to thank everyone for giving me this experience to see the beauty of South Africa. How I'm leaving right now is not ideal, but I hope to come back to South Africa and say goodbye in a proper manner."

Putsche leaves City with his head held high after helping the club win two major trophies, and he admitted one of the highlights of his career was being coached by South African football icon Benni McCarthy.  

"I have many highlights at Cape Town City - winning MTN8 and Telkom [Knockout Cup titles] and also working with Benni McCarthy. I was also really enjoying my football before the injury and I was having a wonderful partnership with Nodada," concluded Putsche. 

FC Goa is set to appoint Clifford Miranda as the assistant coach for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season 2020-21, Goal can confirm.

The 37-year-old who spent a majority of his senior playing career with Dempo SC had started his coaching career in 2018 as assistant coach at FC Goa's reserve team that was led by Derrick Pereira. 

Pereira currently serves as the technical director of the club and also was the assistant and interim manager of the first team during the Super Cup.

However, it was Miranda who was named as the interim manager of the first team after the exit of Sergio Lobera, earlier this year. He helped the Gaurs win their last three league games on the trot and guided them to the top spot in the regular season.

It saw them earn a direct spot in the 2021 AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League group stage and become the first Indian side to do so. But Miranda's team could not get the better of Chennaiyin FC in the play-offs, with the first leg seeing Chennaiyin triumph 4-1 and the second leg finishing in Goa's favour 4-2 (with the aggregate score 5-6 in favour of Chennaiyin).

In the five games that Miranda was in charge of Goa, he helped them win four and lost one.

The former FC Goa winger recently completed his AFC Pro Diploma Coaching course fulfils the criterion of the league - that of possessing a Pro Diploma - for an Indian to be eligible for the post of head coach. However, he is all set to extend his contract at the club in the capacity of assistant manager.

East Bengal will not be able to participate in the 2020 editions of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and IFA Shield unless their investors Quess Corp return the sporting rights to the club.

Bengaluru-based business service providing company Quess Corp had stated their intention to end their association with the Kolkata giants East Bengal on May 31, 2020, for the last one year or so.

As per the contract between Quess and East Bengal which was legally drawn in 2018 after Quess came on board to become the club’s investor, the sporting rights of the football and cricket teams were transferred to Quess East Bengal FC, a Joint Venture formed between East Bengal and their investors. Quess had 70 per cent stake in the new entity while East Bengal had 30 per cent.

It was initially a three-year partnership but Quess have decided to make an exit after just two years.

There is no clarity on the exit strategy between the two parties and whether the sporting rights, currently enjoyed by the joint venture, has been transferred back to the club.

The following rights were transferred to the joint venture according to the contract between the club and Quess.

“The Club shall be entitled to independently pursue Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis and Athletics without any objections and/or interruptions from the Company (“Club Domain Activities”). Apart from the Club Domain Activities, Football, Cricket and all other sporting activities which the Club pursues shall be collectively referred to as “Club Sporting Activities.”

“Club Sporting Activity of the teams participating on behalf of the Club in any sport across state-level, regional, national and international tournaments will be under the name ‘Quess East Bengal FC’.”

This means that unless Quess Corp transfers the sporting rights back to the club, the Red and Golds will not be able to take part in any football competition both at the national and state level.

Thus, even though East Bengal are registered with the Indian Football Association (IFA) as East Bengal Club and not Quess East Bengal FC, the club can still not take part in the CFL or IFA Shield.

East Bengal need to find a solution quickly if they are to participate in the traditional season opening tournaments - the IFA Shield and the CFL.

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay believes Martin Odegaard will stay at the club rather than returning to Real Madrid ahead of next season.

Odegaard, 21, joined Sociedad on a one-season loan deal last year, although there is reportedly an option for that to be extended for another campaign.

The Norway international has been linked with a return to Madrid , but Aperribay believes Odegaard will stay at Sociedad.

"I think Odegaard is going to stay at Real. It is what I believe and the hope we have," he told Radio Euskadi on Tuesday.

"When you stay at Real, if you stay, you have to be convinced, like when he came last year. Convinced that it is the best option for next season.

"The decision is up to him and I think he will stay."

Odegaard had scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 28 games this season before the campaign was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He helped Sociedad reach the Copa del Rey final, in which they are due to face Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao, but Aperribay is unclear when the decider could be held.

"It is not easy to organise a final in a short time. I see that as impossible. We have no knowledge of any date," he said.

"It is not easy to imagine that scenario now – that of a final with an audience before the end of the season."

Sociedad legend Roberto Lopez Ufarte believes Odegaard has the ability to claim a first team spot at Real Madrid , possibly ahead of veteran midfielder Luka Modric.

"I think he has his head screwed on and he knows why he came here: to show people, to show that he has a lot of ability and that he is waiting for a spot to open up at Real Madrid," Ufarte told told Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

"These are just my thoughts, but possibly in the next year when Modric leaves.

"Possibly, as he has said many times, he is here for two years. They might leave him here because it's down to the club who pays him, which is not just Real Sociedad but Real Madrid.

"If you ask anyone who the most important players at La Real are, they will say Odegaard, [Alexander] Isak and [Mikel] Oyarzabal but Odegaard will always be in first place. 

"He has almost all of the tools to play in midfield. We won't just speak about his technique, which is exquisite, and he knows the exact moment when he has to do something and when to give the ball but what also stands out is his recoveries and pressures. Because the first to put the central defenders under pressure is him.

"If you pushed me to find one, maybe he holds onto the ball a bit much but they are at the right moments when he thinks the best thing to do is hold onto the ball to let his team-mates get free, but he is a player with talent, he knows what is best for him and for the team above all."

Fernando Morientes believes Inter star Lautaro Martinez could fit in at either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Lautaro, 22, has been heavily linked with a move to Barca after a fine season during which he has scored 16 goals in 31 games.

Madrid also reportedly have an interest in the Argentina international , who is said to have a release clause of €111 million (£99m/$126m).

Former Madrid and Spain forward Morientes feels Lautaro would have no trouble fitting in at either of the La Liga giants.

"In Spain, we were lucky to enjoy great Argentine players and coaches. They have a competitive gene that is very difficult to find anywhere in the world," he said, via Sport.

"Barcelona is very interested in buying him, but there has also been talk of Real Madrid although I think more about Barca.

"He is a very interesting player for either team. He has a very good vision of the game.

"He is one of the best forwards in the world at the moment and I think he could fit into either team."

A move to Barcelona would see Lautaro reunite with international team-mate Lionel Messi.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala feels the national team would benefit from the attacking duo playing together at club level .

"The more matches they play together, the more they can get to know each other, it can be an advantage [for Argentina]," Ayala told Ole.

"But we will have to see if Lautaro plays for Barcelona or not because we can't forget [Luis] Suarez is there. We will see.

"It's an important decision Lautaro will have to make. Whatever he decides you have to respect because he's managing his career.

"The more chances of them playing together, the more they're going to understand each other.

"Lautaro is in a very important club at the moment and scoring goals in Italy is not easy.

"At Inter he's grown a lot and learned to earn his place. Inter trust in him a lot, his coach is empowering him, he found a partnership that complements him very well."

Messi is out of contract next year, but Morientes believes the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is destined to finish his career at Camp Nou.

"I don't imagine him outside Barcelona. He reminds me of [Paolo] Maldini, [Francesco] Totti, [Carles] Puyol, like them," he said.

"He is a club player, one of those who have started and finished his career in a very powerful club. I don't even think about it.

"I hope he reaches an agreement. He is the most important player in Barcelona and he will be until the end of his career."

Rudi Voller said Bayer Leverkusen were still hopeful of keeping Kai Havertz despite the speculation around the star attacker's future.

Havertz is linked with numerous European giants, with Chelsea the latest reportedly ready to launch a bid for the Germany international.

The 20-year-old missed Leverkusen's 3-0 win over Saarbrucken due to injury on Tuesday as they reached the DFB-Pokal final.

While talk continues to surround Havertz, Leverkusen sporting director Voller said the Bundesliga side were hoping to hold onto their star.

"We haven't given up hope that he'll stay with us," he told ARD.

"We try to give him every possibility that he can call up his qualities. He made that outstanding in the second half of the season."

Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for Havertz, and German legend Lothar Matthaus claims the club can afford a move for the Leverkusen star and their other reported target Leroy Sane despite the financial constrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Matthaus told Sky Deutschland : Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz may make this team better. But you only know that when they are there. Of course there is no doubt that both are outstanding and that Bayern Munich would certainly not get weaker, on the contrary.

"Bayern could economically handle both transfers and buy Sane and Havertz at the same time.

"Before a big change, though, every top player asks himself the question: Where can I be almost sure to play if I perform? The Leverkusen player [Havertz], who is sure to be hunted by the vast majority of clubs, should in my eyes have the character and quality to assert himself at Real, Barcelona, ​​Juventus or the top English clubs.

"Havertz has made a very good impression on me and that, paired with insane talent, means he has what it takes to show his class abroad. But of course Bayern will also be a factor.

"It could also be an option to agree on the season after next, with Bayern allowing him to stay in Leverkusen for another year – especially if they qualify for the Champions League."

Without Havertz, Leverkusen cruised past Saarbrucken thanks to goals from Moussa Diaby, Lucas Alario and Karim Bellarabi.

Leverkusen head coach Peter Bosz was pleased with his side's performance, with Bayern Munich or Eintracht Frankfurt awaiting them in the final.

"Satisfied because we went into the game very serious, 2-0 after 30 minutes, that's game over," he said.

"And we finished it off very well. Maybe we could've scored one or two more goals because we had the chances.

"But all in all, satisfied and happy because we're through to the final."

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien said he did not have "any doubts" over Lionel Messi's fitness as the superstar captain prepares to face Real Mallorca.

Messi returned to group training on Monday following concerns over a quadriceps injury that forced the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to train away from the squad.

Setien had previously stated that Messi is "perfectly fine" as the Barcelona boss addressed the superstar's physical condition after the Argentine trained by himself last week.

La Liga resumes on Thursday following a three-month break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic, with leaders Barca – two points clear of Real Madrid through 27 game – visiting Mallorca on Saturday.

Messi is set to face Mallorca after Setien told Catalunya Radio: "We didn't have any doubts over his availability against Mallorca.

"There have also been others with [injury] problems. He stopped [training] out of precaution."

After facing Mallorca, Barcelona will host Leganes three days later before taking visiting Sevilla on June 19 for a third match in six days. 

Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has been declared fit to play for Barca in their final 11 matches of the 2019-20 season after recovering from the knee operation he underwent in January.

Suarez had surgery on the external meniscus of his right knee at the start of the year, having reportedly struggled with the issue for several months at that point.

Setien, however, is unsure whether the 33-year-old Uruguay international forward will start away to Mallorca.

"It's something that we have to talk about," Setien said. "I'm sure he could play from the start. It would be hasty for him to play the whole match. We don't know if he'll play from start to finish.

"He's doing very well, but we have to avoid putting him at risk. Any [injury] problem makes you miss three or four matches, which would be very damaging."

Setien added: "He's an extraordinary player. He has some qualities that any team would want.

"He's very active, he puts a lot of pressure on opponents and defences, his movement is good and he has great effectiveness. He's a great addition, without doubt."

A few days before the competition returns, La Liga has announced new broadcast experiences that will be part of the remaining eleven matchdays of the 2019/20 season.

Due to the unprecedented situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, La Liga Santander and La Liga SmartBank matches will look and sound different than they did before the league was postponed.

The innovations have been implemented in two main areas: virtualisation of stands and fan audio as well as new camera positions and the images they will offer to viewers. Both will be carried out with the help of partners and implemented by Mediapro, the official production partner of La Liga.

“We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga,” said La Liga President Javier Tebas.

“We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us, it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans.”

Virtualised stands and fan audio for television broadcasts

The biggest change for the return of the competition is the virtualised broadcasting that La Liga will offer to international broadcast partners, which will allow matches to be seen in an attractive way that closely resembles how they looked and sounded before the competition was postponed.

For these broadcasts, the stands will be virtualised and will always offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the colours of the home club. To develop this digital experience, La Liga collaborated with Norwegian company VIZRT, which also works with other European leagues.

In moments when the game is stopped, this image of fans can be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages among other offerings.

This innovative broadcast will also feature virtual sound, which has been obtained through collaboration with EA SPORTS FIFA, in a project called Sounds of the Stands. Through this, the audio library of La Liga official sponsor EA, which was recorded in real stadiums, has been used and has been digitally adapted so that it can be implemented in real time during the match. It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is known as Atmospheric Audio.

Cameras: New angles to bring action closer to fans

The match itself will also be seen differently due to new camera positions.

Some cameras will shift their location to positions where they would previously have affected the sightline of fans in the stands. Among other examples, the aerial camera will modify its flight path to offer new shots, the bench camera will be moved to the opposite stand, while robotic cameras will be used in the tunnel for reasons of health safety.

Kit canopies above the streets

La Liga Santander club kits are one of the competition's identifying features and will be showcased through hanging exhibitions to generate a buzz ahead of the restart.

Madrid (Calle Preciados), Seville (Calle Tetuan) and Bilbao (Arenal Bridge) will display these exhibitions between 8 and 11 June. The kits, which will carry the #BackToWin message, will create a colourful canopy to get fans in the mood before the competition resumes.

Video mapping projections onto iconic buildings

Also, this week, the league will give exposure to the real stars of the competition: the fans. It has invited supporters of La Liga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs to take photos in their respective kits and to share them in order to feature in a unique projection campaign.

The images will be projected onto important buildings in various Spanish cities using video mapping on 10 and 11 June. These will be accompanied by a video that pays tribute to the fans of La Liga who represent the soul of the competition.

The Golden Tower in Seville, the Puerta del Sol and City Hall in Madrid, San Mames stadium and the tourist office in Bilbao and L'Hemisfèric in the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia are the locations where these images and video will be projected.

An international return

These La Liga initiatives are not restricted to Spain, with over 80 expected to be rolled out globally.

Among these initiatives, urban art commissioned by La Liga will appear in 12 cities across five continents, including Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Lagos, Hong Kong, London, and Paris. These artworks, displaying the colours and values of the competition, are designed to unite different countries and cultures through football and LaLiga.

Support from sponsors

To increase the impact of the competition's return, these initiatives will be supported by national and international sporting figures, who have already affiliated themselves with some activities and will continue to do so in the coming days.

Major companies and partners of LaLiga are also supporting the return, such as Banco Santander, PUMA, EA Sports, Budweiser, Rexona, BKT, LiveScore, El Corte Ingles, Samsung, Panini, Deliveroo, Allianz, STIHL, Mazda, Danone, Marques del Atrio, VITALDENT, Mail Boxes and RENFE.

Some of these have released their own campaigns with content that is linked to LaLiga and promotes #BackToWin, ensuring that they are part of this global event.

An example of one such campaign is #LaLigaBouncesBack, an initiative by PUMA and LaLiga involving 32 sports stars that celebrates the return of the competition. The video features stars from the United States, South Africa, and Australia among others as well La Liga Santander players such as Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann, Santi Cazorla, Marc Bartra, Suso and Jan Oblak.

All of these changes, which will be maintained as long as matches have to be played behind closed doors, continue La Liga's commitment to bring fans at home the best experience.

FC Dallas and U.S. men's national team defender Reggie Cannon says that Colin Kaepernick's much-criticized kneeling protests were right all along as the former NFL quarterback's message is now finally being listened to nearly four years after he first began his national anthem protest.

Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racism and police brutality in the United States, with the former San Francisco 49er consulting military veteran Nate Boyer to form a plan to send a message while still respecting those that had served.

However, Kaepernick's efforts were met with widespread backlash, including from President Donald Trump, who told NFL owners to fire any "son of a b*tch" that kneeled during the national anthem.

Since leaving the 49ers in 2017, though, Kaepernick has not been signed by any other team, despite leading his team to the Super Bowl in 2012.

In recent weeks, though, the U.S. has experienced massive protests across the country following the death of George Floyd, with marches occuring all over the world in an effort to combat racism and police brutality.

And Cannon says that the ongoing movement only shows that Kaepernick's point was right the whole time, even if many didn't listen to his peaceful form of sending a message. 

"I can firmly say Kaepernick was right," Cannon told reporters. "Peaceful protests happened, but they weren’t accepted. … Now, you get people speaking out against violent protests. We had a peaceful protest, we’ve been peacefully protesting. It didn’t work. Now that people are being forced to listen, the message is getting out."

When asked if he plans on kneeling during the national anthem when MLS returns, Cannon added: "I don’t know. It may happen, it may not."

A number of the USMNT's stars have been vocal in recent weeks, with the likes of Weston McKennie, Zack Steffen, Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams joining Cannon in speaking out against racism and police brutality.

Several key members of the team have used their platforms to advocate for change, with McKennie saying that one FC Dallas teammate, Ryan Hollingshead, reached out to ask what he can do to help.

In addition, FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez reached out to Cannon and other black players on the team, later hosting a group call for players to discuss their experiences with racism.

"Having that power of social media, I’ve been using that a lot," Cannon said. "It helps inspire different conversations to be had. After I reposted that video of George Floyd, as uncomfortable as it was, sparked a conversation between me and Ryan. He reached out to ask what he could do to help. That’s important, it gives you a sense of unity."

"It’s not just us fighting the battle in this case, it’s been different," Cannon added. "It’s been a crazy couple of weeks but it’s a time for change."

England manager Gareth Southgate has urged football to rid itself of its white privilege problem as he revealed he had witnessed the blockage of black coaches and staff from prominent positions.

With anti-racism protests spreading worldwide following the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd, the spotlight has turned to discrimination within the football world.

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling says tackling racism is the most important issue society faces and that he believes that former Three Lions stars Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole have been given fewer opportunities in their coaching careers than team-mates Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

Southgate believes the hindrance of black coaches and staff is football's 'biggest crime' and called for the career path to be equal for all.

"I think Ashley Cole is developing very well and on a similar route to what Steven did – in that Steven worked in Liverpool’s academy for a couple of years,” Southgate said.

"On a broader scale, we lack that representation. The biggest crime for us in any area, if we’re adults looking at kids, is if they sit and think that a path in life isn’t possible. And is not accessible.

"I heard Jermain Defoe say a few days ago: ‘Is it worth me taking my [coaching] qualifications?’

"We have to avoid the feeling that you can’t achieve something because that stops some people going for it.

"We have to make sure the opportunity is there when people are qualified and capable.  And then, of course, they have to grasp that opportunity.

"If they can do well, they’ll role model what’s possible to the next generation.”

Southgate moved into football management as head of coach of Middlesbrough in 2006 after a distinguished playing career at the Teeside club, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, while also making 54 appearances for England.

He recognised he most likely wouldn't have been given that chance at Middlesbrough if it wasn't for his standing at the club and he feels that is a situation that would not happen for others.

"I know that I got an opportunity at Middlesbrough when I wasn’t qualified," Southgate said. "That came because I had worked at the club and the owner knew me.

"But I couldn’t say that opportunity would have been there for somebody else. And I think we are all very conscious of it.

"The power of what is happening at the moment is that people are standing together and these observations, these deeper-seated issues are rightly leading to the broader debate on opportunity, on privilege, and it’s important people speak out. I do feel there is a moment for change but I’m also conscious that we’ve been here before.

"People have spoken brilliantly over the last week – people like Troy Townsend, Chris Grant and David Olusoga. A lot of that will be uncomfortable for white people, in particular, but they are critical voices to be heard.

"It’s also important to hear from white voices because ultimately they are going to be in the positions to open up opportunity. We are the ones who have to be educated."

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has left the door open for a potential move to the Egyptian Premier League in future.

The 33-year-old is a free agent after ending his contract with Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor by mutual agreement in March.

Mikel quit the Black Sea Storm after expressing his fears of playing football amid the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

He was recently linked with a move to Brazilian side Botafogo who showed interest to sign him but the ex- Tianjin TEDA captain claimed he was yet to make a final decision.

During a chat with Egyptian media outfit OnTime Sports, the two-time English Premier League winner was quizzed about a potential move to the Egyptian topflight.

“Playing in the Egyptian Premier League? Why not?” said Mikel as reported by Kingfut.

“I am a professional footballer and everything is possible. I never ruled anything out.

“My goal is to continue playing football, and I hope I will have the opportunity, I do not reject any offers made to me, but rather study them well until I make the right decision.”

Mikel left Chelsea after over 10 seasons at Stamford Bridge. There, he made 374 appearances and won eight major domestic honours and two European trophies.

He returned to English football on a short-term deal at Middlesbrough, after a spell at Chinese topflight outfit Tianjin TEDA.

Having represented Nigeria at U17 and U20 levels, he made his senior national team debut against Libya on August 17, 2005.

Mikel went ahead to feature in two Fifa World Cup tournaments and four Africa Cup of Nations, where he won the title in 2013 and bronze medals in 2006, 2010 and 2019. He also captained the U23 team to a third-place finish at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

However, he retired from international football after helping Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2019 Afcon staged in Egypt.

The 2005 Caf Most Promising Talent of the Year is Nigeria’s fourth most-capped player after Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa after garnering 86 caps in 14 years of service to fatherland – with six goals to his credit.

Bayer Leverkusen swept aside overmatched minnows Saarbrucken to reach the final of the DFB-Pokal with a 3-0 away win.

Saarbrucken were declared champions of their truncated Regionalliga Sudwest campaign – week-by-week consistency having gone hand in hand with an incredible cup run – when Germany's lower categories were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It meant the fourth-tier side had not played for more than three months by the time Leverkusen, fifth in the Bundesliga, arrived at Hermann-Neuberger-Stadion.

Despite the likes of Kai Havertz and Leon Bailey sitting out the contest entirely, Peter Bosz's men were 2-0 up inside 19 minutes thanks to Moussa Diaby and Lucas Alario, with Karim Bellarabi getting in on the scoring act after half-time.

Kerem Demirbay had an early shot deflected wide before a sublime chipped pass from the playmaker found a swivelling Diaby to volley the 11th-minute opener.

Alario capitalised on a defensive mix-up to lash home at the near post and effectively end the contest, with the opening half continuing to take place almost exclusively inside the Saarbrucken half thereafter.

Paulinho clipped a clever effort beyond goalkeeper Daniel Batz and narrowly wide of the left-hand post after Alario opened up the home defence.

Saarbrucken bodies were launched in the direction of Mitchell Weiser's 42nd-minute drive to help keep the deficit down at the break.

A double substitution robbed Leverkusen of their fluency during the opening stages of the second half, although any whiff of encouragement was snuffed out when Demirbay teed up one of the replacements, Bellarabi, to slam home from inside the box.

Paulinho exchanged passes with another substitute, Kevin Volland, to lash over in the 72nd minute before Batz saved sharply from the latter and Markus Mendler scuffed a wonderful chance for a memorable Saarbrucken consolation.

What does it mean? Lockdown shuts the door on Saarbrucken's dreams

Saarbrucken's improbable run to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal captured hearts and minds across German football but circumstances dictated their bid for one more memorable night was inevitably forlorn. A fourth-tier club taking on Champions League aspirants would require everything to fall in their favour at the best of times, but Lukas Kwasniok's men being forced to spend 94 days without match practice, as COVID-19 brought their league competition to a premature close, left them playing out a hopeless if noble endeavour.

Demirbay shows there can be life after Havertz

Havertz sat out Tuesday's tie as a precaution, allowing him to bask in being one of the hottest properties in Europe. A host of big hitters are purportedly lining up to take the Germany international off Bosz's hands, but the Leverkusen coach's trademark expansive style remained in good order without his talisman. That owed much to the mesmeric Demirbay, who created each of his side's goals.

Batz flaps unhelpfully

Batz will forever be remembered as the superhero of this Saarbrucken run, having saved a penalty in normal time and a remarkable four more during the quarter-final shoot-out against Fortuna Dusseldorf. It was unfortunate, therefore, to see him fail to claim Demirbay's cross and collide with Manuel Zeitz – allowing Alario to make it 2-0. There was no way back from there.

What's next?

Bayern Munich or Eintracht Frankfurt await in the final for Leverkusen, who were swatted aside 4-2 by the reigning Bundesliga champions at the weekend. Saarbrucken's next meaningful action will take place in 3.Liga – a fitting reward for their superb 2019-20.

AC Milan winger Samu Castillejo says he was robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old posted in an Instagram story that he was the victim of an armed robbery, with reports in Italy saying he stopped at a traffic light in his car when two men approached him and took his watch.

"Is everything fine in Milan? Two guys have robbed me while pointing a gun at my face," he wrote.

The Spaniard followed up to say that he emerged from the incident shaken but unscathed and has reported it to police.

Castillejo joined Milan two years ago from Villarreal in a €21 million (£16m/$20m) move.

He has since made 59 appearances and scored five goals for the Rossoneri.

Castillejo has featured 16 times in the league this term, starting 12 of those.

He has three years left on his contract and despite his limited role so far in 2019-20, he said last month that he is planning on staying at the club for a long time.

"Those who know me know how tough I am, beyond the appearance I give with my hair and tattoos. I'm a very humble boy," Castillejo said in an interview with AS .

"The first year was adaptive, it is difficult to show what you can do when getting just 15 minutes and only starting one game every two or three weeks.

"If there is confidence and you're made to feel important you feel better about yourself.

"I always wanted to succeed here. I want to stay at the club for a long time. The truth is that 2020 had started well. I have played every game and at a good level. I hope it continues like this."

The San Siro outfit will be back in action later this month when they take on Juventus in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie on June 12.

Then they will return to Serie A duty when Stefano Pioli’s men take on relegation candidates Lecce on June 22.

Milan are currently seventh in the Italian top flight and three points behind Napoli, who occupy the final spot that guarantees a place in the Europa League play-offs next term.