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Getafe star Jose Juan Macias suggested that football in his home country of Mexico might not be as strong as locals believe, while claiming many of his compatriots are not prepared to try their luck in the European game. 

Macias is a new arrival in La Liga, having joined Getafe on loan from Chivas this summer. 

But he has some explosive opinions to offer about the Liga MX and countrymen as he addressed the relatively small number of Mexican stars who choose to play their football away from home, affirming that there are several factors that stop them travelling across the Atlantic Ocean. 

What was said? 

"Our preferences as players is another issue," he told Fox Sports.. 

"Some are over there [in Mexico], they live comfortably, with their families, they have a good wage. So they say, 'why should I move? I'm stable there.' 

"They don't have the goal of coming here to Europe, and I can respect that." 

Overpriced fees?

Macias also reflected on how many players are priced out of a move as clubs demand high fees for the league's biggest stars.

As a result, players are encouraged to stay local, leaving few able to head to Europe.

"Mexican football is over-hyped," the 21-year-old forward said.

"The transfer fees are through the roof and there are team who will pay 15 million for you when in Europe you don't get that. 

"There is an interest from the clubs to sell you locally."

Further reading 

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew was on target as Crystal Palace beat Reading 3-1 in a pre-season clash on Saturday.

With the score at 1-1 and Senegal defender Cheikhou Kouyate sent off for The Eagles before half-time, the 29-year-old netted to send his side 2-1 up before Scott Banks scored to seal the win at Madejski Stadium.

John Swift, through a deflected free-kick, had canceled out Jean-Phillipe Mateta’s penalty opener for Palace, who gave opportunities to young new faces.

“It’s not easy, because I’m not used to that,” Ayew admitted about playing with the young Eagles, his club’s official website reports.

“But that shows the club is moving in a different direction, and it's positive. They’re doing really well, and I’m pleased for them.

“I’m pleased for them and as well for the club because it shows that we’re moving in the right direction."

Palace, now under new manager Patrick Vieira, have bounced back to winning ways, registering three victories in four pre-season games in all so far.

Their last game coming into Saturday’s fixture was a 2-2 draw with Charlton.

“It’s different, because the gaffer came in and had a different style of play and wanted me to have more control of the game, and asked to create a lot of chances,” the Ghanaian said on playing under the new manager.

“He’s trying to keep me high up the pitch, so I have lots of energy. Obviously me, Wilf [Zaha], Christian [Benteke], JP [Mateta] and [Jeff] Schluppy are just trying to put in the best conditions for us to make the difference upfront.

“It was a good one for the team because the second-half was not easy. We defended well. There is a lot of positives – the young guys are performing and everything is going to plan.”

Ayew will be hoping to spark a scoring run with his latest goal, having endured a frustrating time out last season.

It was certainly one to forget for the forward who registered only one goal in 33 Premier League appearances involving 23 starts for The Eagles.

Egypt U23 coach Shawky Gharib has encouraged his players not to worry about their defeat to Brazil in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s football event.

Matheus Cunha's 37th-minute goal separated both teams at the Saitama Stadium 2002, and it sent the North African country packing from the tournament.

The Pharaohs aim to end their long wait for a medal in the football event did not come to fruition at Tokyo 2020 but Gharib, immediately after the match, assembled the team on the pitch and advised them to look into the future positively.

They managed just a win which came against Australia (2-0) in their final group game after losing to Argentina (1-0) and holding Spain to a goalless draw.

“I thank you for your effort throughout the tournament. You did a great job,” Gharib was quoted by King Fut.

“We’re out of the Olympics, but against a team that is favourite to win the gold medal, so don’t worry about anything.

“We will not sit here and talk about what we would have done if we faced another team. You fought until the last seconds and we could have equalized until the last minute or even conceded a second goal.

“Now your career with the Olympic team is over, so don’t lose contact with your friends, and if anything happened between you during the match just forget about it and look to the future. You will now become members of the first team and I wish you success.”

Former Stoke City and Huddersfield Town midfielder Ramadan Sobhi took to social media to thank fans for their support.

“Thank you to all the Egyptian fans for the support for the team from the beginning of the tournament, and I very much appreciate your sadness after we left the Olympics,” Sobhi wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you Shawky Gharib, the technical, administrative and medical staff for all your efforts and support over the past years, God willing, the next is better.”

Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu was unlucky to fire into his own net as Southampton handed Swansea City a 3-1 defeat in a pre-season fixture on Saturday.

The centre-back mistakenly diverted Liam Cullen’s cross into his own net to hand the Jack Army the lead in the 15th minute.

However, goals from Nathan Tella, Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong turned things around for The Saints.

“It was a good game, I think, and we scored three good goals,” he said. “It’s a pity that we conceded one. It was a mistake from Sali [Salisu], but okay,” Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said after the match, as reported by his club's official website.

“We are in pre-season and I must say that we are physically in good condition. The last freshness was not there, but overall it was a good performance.

“We dropped the speed a little bit in the last 30 minutes. We had a few good chances, yes, but I hope that we can find the next gear and push them a little bit more.

“It was not enough for me, but after the week they’ve worked hard, and yesterday we didn’t really respect the game today because we still worked hard, so it’s okay.”

Salisu played for 60 minutes in Saturday’s tie.

At the time of his substitution, The Saints had already found a way back into the game as they led 3-1.

“I think it was really good,” Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters remarked.

“We’ve been working on a few new tactics in training, and I think today we really showed that we’re getting used to them and starting to gel more as a team within those tactics, so it was a positive result.

“It’s a great feeling. You want to create that winning environment and that’s what we’re doing here, so long may it continue.

“We’ve been working on keeping clean sheets, which, as a defender like myself, is very important. We were glad to get the clean sheet in the last game. Today it was a bit unlucky for Sali [Salisu], but we’ll let it slide!”

Southampton are set to face Spanish sides Levante and Athletic Bilbao on August 4 and 7 respectively ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, which will be the Ghanaian’s second for The Saints following his move from La Liga fold Real Valladolid last summer.

Chelsea and U.S. men's national team star Christian Pulisic opened up on his struggles with mental health, revealing the impact talking to a therapist has had on him during his most difficult moments.

Pulisic and Chelsea are set to play pre-season friendlies against Arsenal and Tottenham as part of The Mind Series, which aims to raise funds and promote awareness for Mind, a mental health organization.

Speaking on Chelsea's Youtube channel, Pulisic discussed his own experiences while opening up on the struggles he's faced as a footballer and as a person.

What did Pulisic say?

"When it’s all on you it can really feel like a lot," Pulisic said. "Personally, during this time, I reached out to a therapist and it’s not something anyone should be ashamed of.

"It’s something that can help talk about the way that you’re feeling. Sometimes just expressing how you feel to somebody else can help you so much. It’s something I’ve done personally and seen other people do. Getting it off your chest, speaking about it is something that can go a long way."

He added: "This has been a tough time for a lot of people, me included. For me, the most important thing is having a good support system and people around me that I can always rely on and have a chat to. Personally, living alone in Europe has been tough at times. Having someone always there to talk to is extremely important for me, it’s what’s carried me through this time."

Pulisc went on to say that his teammates and coaches have also proven to be an incredible support system with many others in football dealing with similar emotions, especially over the last year.

"Getting stuff off your chest, speaking to your teammates and coaches about it - they’re also people who deal with similar things so when you have that conversation it clears your head a lot and feel a lot more free once you’re playing."

How did Pulisic do last season?

The 2020-21 season was Pulisic's second with Chelsea, although it was derailed by several injuries throughout the campaign.

He finished with six goals in 43 appearances as Chelsea went on to win the Champions League, with Pulisic also leading the USMNT to a Nations League triumph over Mexico shortly after.

Further reading

Memphis Depay gave Barcelona fans a taste of what is to come at his new club with a brilliant individual effort in his club's friendly clash against Stuttgart on Saturday.

The Netherlands international is a fresh face at Camp Nou having joined from Lyon on a free transfer this summer. 

But if he can reproduce this kind of ability when it counts, he will soon be a firm favourite with the Catalans.

Stuttgart made Depay

Depay made his first appearance in a Barca shirt last week, when he came off the bench to net a penalty as Girona were dispatched 3-1. 

Saturday's goal, though, was somewhat more memorable. 

The striker brought down a lofted pass with minimal effort and turned his marker inside out as he teed himself up for a volley which gave Stuttgart goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow no chance. 

Still not registered

While the Barca faithful are looking forward to similar flashes of brilliance once the season proper begins, it may not prove so simple. 

Memphis, Sergio Aguero, Emerson and Eric Garcia, the club's four signings to date, are all still waiting to be registered as new players; something which has not yet been possible due to their parlous financial state. 

"It doesn't worry me, I focus on football," Depay signalled when asked about that impasse at his presentation in July.

"The board is working on that issue. It is not my responsibility. I totally trust the board."

Further reading 

Said Benrahma scored a stunning winning goal as West Ham United defeated his former club Brentford 1-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Benrahma faced the Bees for the first time since he left the Brentford Community Stadium in October 2020.

After a goalless affair in the first half, the Algeria international powered his strike to the top corner of the net to help David Moyes' side break the deadlock in the 66th minute.

The victory boosted West Ham’s preparation for the 2021-22 season as they are unbeaten after six games with a record of four wins and two draws.

Benrahma is set to face Brentford again in the Premier League this season after Thomas Frank’s side won the 2021 Championship play-off final.

Prior to Saturday’s match, the former Nice midfielder – who did not celebrate his goal – described Brentford as his family after he spent two years at the club.

"Without a doubt, I think that Brentford is a club that gave me everything. They did give me everything, they helped me, they made me evolve and grow. Despite the fact I was only there for two years, they showed me a lot of love," Benrahma said.

"It is special to go back, it is a friendly match but we will also play them in the league this year. I’m happy for them that they got promoted, it’s a well-structured and well-run club. I’m very pleased that they came up to the Premier League.

"It is always weird to play against your old club. It is a team that gave me a lot, they’re like my family and I won’t forget that."

Benrahma moved to the London Stadium on an initial loan last October but it was made permanent earlier this year for a reported €23.1 million fee.

The 25-year-old contributed a goal and six assists in 30 Premier League appearances for the Hammers last season.

Mauro Icardi has reaffirmed his commitment to Paris Saint-Germain amid rumours that he could be bound for Juventus in a swap deal for Cristiano Ronaldo. 

A report in L'Equipe suggested that PSG would be keen to add the record-breaking striker to their ranks after three years in Italy. 

But Icardi has no interest in forming part of that or any other transfer as he is happy in the French capital. 

What's been said? 

"This season, the next and the next!!!" the Argentina proclaimed on his Instagram account   in response to the speculation.

"That has never been in doubt!!! Come on PSG".

The bigger picture 

Icardi arrived at Parc des Princes from Inter on an initial loan move in 2019 after relations soured between the striker and his club. 

Despite Inter's star man for several years following his move from Sampdoria, the Argentine was stripped him of the captaincy towards the end of his final season at San Siro amid uncertainty over a new contract.

Icardi's debut season at PSG yielded 20 goals in 34 games in all competitions, prompting them to make the move permanent in the summer of 2020 in exchange for a reported €60 million (£51m/$71m). 

Last term the Argentine saw less time on the pitch, however, netting 13 times in 28 outings as his chances for first-team football were blocked by the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and loan signing Moise Kean. 

He will be hoping for better luck this time around, as PSG prepare to kick off their Ligue 1 campaign on August 7 away to Troyes.

Further reading

Abel Shongwe has faulted Kaizer Chiefs for the decision to give the number 10 jersey to new signing Keagan Dolly.

According to Shongwe, the number 10 jersey has always been heavy for players who have donned it at Amakhosi. He feels Given Thibedi was best-suited for the number ahead of Dolly.

Both players are new arrivals at the Soweto giants and Dolly, who joined from Montpellier, was handed the jersey which has also been worn by the likes Absalom Thindwa, Isaac Kungwane, and Stanton Fredericks at the club.

What has been said?

“I'm also happy with the boy who is coming back from Swallows - Thibedi. I thought maybe the number 10 will go to that boy. That boy for me - he is a maestro,” Shongwe said as quoted by KickOff.com.

“That boy is still going to learn a lot and is very talented. What I like about him, he's also comfortable on the ball; he can read them very well also. To me, that number 10 would suit him very well.”

On why Dolly is not suited for the jersey, Shongwe explained: “My concern [with Dolly] is when he came here for Bafana Bafana, he didn't perform well. To me, this boy was good when he was at Sundowns.

“Going abroad changed his style of play a lot. Probably he will change [back to his old style], but I'm happy that Chiefs signed this boy.”

Shongwe also explained apart from Thibedi the other player who could have taken the number 10 jersey is Siyabonga Nkosi because of his experience.

“Wearing the Kaizer Chiefs jersey irrespective of what number, it becomes heavy for any player. To me, the number suited [Siyabonga] Nkosi very well,” Shongwe continued.

“Number 10 needs someone who knows what is behind his back. It's only that he didn't last very long at Chiefs.”

In a recent interview, Dolly, who signed a three-year contract to join Chiefs, explained what his reunion with Khama Billiat will mean for the Premier Soccer League side.

"I am excited about being here and starting my career with Chiefs. I am looking forward to getting in touch with teammates and coaches and getting down to business," Dolly said.

"I speak with Khama a lot and it is an exciting time to play with him again, especially after we had good connections when we played at Sundowns.

“We will bring what we have learnt throughout a couple of seasons that we played for different clubs. We can come back, work hard for the team and score more goals as we encourage each other.

“I feel right at home because I know a lot of players that are part of the team. That will make me settle and work together.”

Further PSL reading 

Nigeria's Joe Aribo was in action as Zambia's Fashion Sakala made his Premiership debut in Rangers' 3-0 victory over Livingston on Saturday.

The Gers continued from where they left off last season after they recorded an unbeaten league run with an overall tally of 102 points from 38 matches.

Ianis Hagi opened the scoring at Ibrox Stadium in the eighth minute following an assist from James Tavernier, and second-half goals from Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe sealed the hosts' dominant performance and their first win in the 2021-22 campaign.

It was a memorable fixture for Zambia striker Sakala who made his first appearance in the Scottish top-flight following his free transfer from Belgian club KV Oostende in June.

He led Steven Gerrard's attack and he was in action for 71 minutes before he was replaced by Jamaica's Roofe.

Aribo, meanwhile, earned a spot in the starting XI after he missed Rangers' friendly games against Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Real Madrid.

He was on parade for 64 minutes while his compatriot Leon Balogun played the entire match as his defensive contribution helped the hosts keep a clean sheet.

"I thought it was good in large parts. We played with a lot of control and there was very little action in our box,” Gerrard said after the match.

"Our mentality changed from 1-0, we complicated the game a little bit, then from 2-0 to seeing the game out I thought we were fantastic again. But I thought we sort of came off it a bit."

Rangers will hope to build on the win when they begin their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a trip to Malmo on Tuesday.

After the trip to the Eleda Stadion, Gerrard's men are scheduled to face Dundee United for their second league match on August 7.

Former Celtic centre-back Efe Ambrose said Kieran Tierney’s move to Arsenal two years ago would serve as an inspiration for young Scottish players in the country.

The 24-year-old left-back joined the Gunners after 14 years at Celtic where he developed through their youth ranks and made a name for himself with his versatility.

Before Tierney’s switch to the Emirates Stadium, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Southampton’s Stuart Armstrong are some of the players who left the Scottish top-flight for a new challenge in the Premier League.

Having spent over nine years in Scotland, Ambrose believes the Premiership is as competitive as the English top-tier.

"Tierney went to Arsenal but there have been some great players who left Celtic like Virgil van Dijk, Stuart Armstrong," the former Hibernian and Livingston defender told presenter Charlene Smith.

"There's been a few of them who have left to go to England and have done well. What I would say is there is an opportunity for anyone down (in England) to know the league is competitive and it's good.

"They have good players who can play in the Premiership, Championship and League One so for me, enjoy the opportunity and the platform to show yourself.

“I believe Tierney has done it for the young ones, so many young players will aspire to be like Tierney which is going to help the league. It doesn't matter where you play, once you have that belief and work hard, they can do it."

Meanwhile, the Scotland international was rewarded for his fine contributions to Mikel Arteta's team earlier this month with a contract extension that would keep him in North London until 2026.

Ambrose spent the majority of his spell in Scotland at Celtic Park but the Bhoys gave up their nine-year dominance in the Premiership last campaign.

With the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as Neil Lennon’s successor, the 32-year-old thinks the Australian coach faces an uphill task to upstage defending champions Rangers, who started their 2021-22 league campaign with a 3-0 win over Livingston on Saturday.

"It's not going to be an easy job looking at how Rangers are right now," he added.

"The form of Rangers is going to be a huge responsibility. And a huge commitment from him to turn things around very quickly. The Celtic fans are impatient so just want results, so it's going to be a huge task for him."

Raul Jimenez has scored his first goal for Wolves since the horror injury he sustained against Arsenal that kept him out for eight months.

Jimenez found the net after 30 minutes, having being named in the starting XI to face Stoke City in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Leading the line with the support of Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincao and Adama Traore, the Mexico star was subbed off in the second half to huge applause as Bruno Lage's squad look to get minutes under their belt ahead of the new Premier League season.

Jimenez's injury & return to fitness

Jimenez suffered a horrific fractured skull during a Premier League meeting with Arsenal, with the Mexican having clashed heads with former Gunners centre-back David Luiz.

Wolves have carefully managed Jimenez's return to action, with the striker having been sidelined for eight months before he returned to the pitch for a pre-season friendly clash with Crewe on July 17.

And Jimenez now has his first goal since suffering the injury, as he found the net in Wolves' 1-1 draw with Championship side Stoke City on July 31.

'To see him on the pitch is crazy'

Speaking after the draw with Stoke, Jimenez's Wolves team-mate Fernando Marcal told the club's official website: "We are very happy because I think, for us, when we play with Raul it’s different because he’s a very good player, a top player.

"When he got injured, it was hard, I was there, we were there, it was difficult for him and for us too, and to see him now on the pitch is crazy because when you are looking in front of you and see Raul, it’s top."

What's next for Wolves?

Following their 1-1 draw with Stoke, Wolves have two more pre-season friendlies to take in - against Coventry City and Celta Vigo.

Bruno Lage's side will then begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester on August 14, although it's unclear if Jimenez will feature from the start in that match.

Further reading

Aston Villa are set to sign exciting winger Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen after reaching a reported £30 million (€35m) agreement over a transfer with the German side.

A move to the Premier League has been mooted for some time for the 23-year-old, who has spent the last four-and-a-half years in the Bundesliga.

That move now appears to be on the verge of being completed, with only a medical needed before the deal is made official.

What has been said?

A statement on Villa's official website reads: "Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Leon Bailey subject to the player completing a medical and finalising personal terms."

Earlier this week, meanwhile, Bailey himself spoke of wanting to take on a new challenge.

"One hundred per cent, I’m totally ready for the next step," the Jamaica international told ESPN.

"I’ve been working hard to be able to reach where I am today. I feel like I’m at an age and point in my life where I feel like I’m ready for the next step. Hopefully we can make that happen.

"For me, just playing at the top. The highest level. I feel like I need a new challenge so anywhere where it’s a good opportunity for me to really showcase myself and work hard."

Preparing for Grealish exit?

Having already snapped up former Norwich attacker Emiliano Buendia and adding Ashley Young to their ranks after he had slipped into free agency following his time at Inter, the Villans have not been shy in the transfer market.

The addition of another attacker in Bailey, however, will undoubtedly pour more fuel on the fire regarding reports that Jack Grealish could be on his way to Manchester City before the new season starts.

It has been claimed that Villa are prepared to accept a £100m ($139m) bid from City for their captain.

What next for Villa?

Following their 3-0 friendly win over Bristol City on Saturday, Villa welcome Sevilla to Birmingham for their final pre-season clash on Saturday, August 7.

They will then kick off their 2021-22 Premier League campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Watford.

Further reading