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Swallows FC have confirmed coach Brandon Truter has gone on leave, but the club has assured he has not been fired and will “definitely” be coming back.

The latest development comes a day after some reports suggested the coach will be placed on “special leave”.

The Soweto side has not won in its last three Premier Soccer League games, managing a 0-0 draw against AmaZulu, losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates, before last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by SuperSport United.

In between, they also drew 0-0 against Cape Town City in an MTN8 semi-final, first leg match, bringing their run to four winless games.

“He is on leave, but he’s not fired,” Swallows chairman David Mogashoa told Sowetan Live while declining to clarify if the leave was personal or club-induced.

“No, he’s on leave and that’s it. We are not going to release a statement because the coach is coming back. It’s not like he’s gone forever. The coach is definitely coming back.”

In the absence of Truter, assistant coach Simo Dladla will be in charge of first-team responsibilities.

While Mogashao declined to mention the nature of Truter’s leave, club chief executive officer Sipho Xulu also confirmed the coach is on leave for “personal reasons”.

“The coach is on leave,” Xulu told KickOff.

“But as you know there's this thing called employer/employee confidentiality. So the coach is on leave due to personal reasons. An agreement has been reached between him and the club for him to be on leave because of those reasons. 

“So we have to respect the agreement between the club and the employee. What I know is that he will be on leave for a short period then will return, it's not like he has been placed on indefinite leave, no. 

“It's a normal situation whereby a coach is absent due to some personal reasons, his assistant will take over on an interim basis. So assistant Simo Dladla is taking over in the interim, that's up until the head coach returns.”

Xulu expressed concern about Swallows’ current run of form in what could suggest they are not happy with Truter.

“As for the club's performance I can say it's not good my friend, but I'm not talking about the coach's performance, I'm talking about the club's performance, it's not good,” said Xulu.

“That is being addressed separately from the coach's current position and his personal issues. So let's draw a line there. Unfortunately, because of the timing of all this, it has now caused all sorts of speculation. Unfortunately, we can't control people speculating.”

The Birds host Cape Town City in their next league match on Friday.

Former Ghana coach and ex-Asante Kotoko defender James Kwasi Appiah believes new club boss Prosper Ogum Narteh has what it takes to restore the Kumasi-based outfit to its glory days.

Narteh was named head coach of the Porcupine Warriors on Saturday, bringing an end to his spell with Ghana Premier League side Wafa.

He replaced Portuguese coach Mariano Barreto who was relieved of his duty after failing to lead the club to any title last season and falling out with management.

"He is very intelligent, humble, hardworking and competent on the job so I strongly believe he can help the club back to its glorious days," Appiah told ATL FM.

"A lecturer who has practiced what he teaches and believes in good football is all that Kotoko needed, and I know he can make the club flourish.

"We need to give him enough time and exercise patience and he will deliver."

The most successful club in the history of the Premier League, Kotoko have won the title on 23 occasions.

Their last success, though, came seven years ago, highlighting their run of disappointments in the elite division.

“I want Kotoko to play a beautiful game that would please everyone who watches the team at training and in games. I want Kotoko to win trophies in my time here as head coach,” Ogum said in his first Kotoko interview.

“I want the team to be disciplined in an unprecedented way that the players would respect themselves, the supporters, and management, and all these people [should] also respect the players back so the players would know they’re important and give their best at training and in games.”

Last season, Kotoko finished second in the Premier League, losing the title to archrivals Hearts of Oak by four points.

Their fortune was not better in the FA Cup where they suffered quarter-final elimination, and consequently were unable to defend the title they won in 2017 when the competition was last organised.

Narteh will also hope to steer Kotoko back to Africa, where they are two-time winners of the Champions League.  

Al Ahly have issued an update on Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau, saying the attacker’s hamstring injury is nothing to worry about.

South Africa are set to clash against Ethiopia in a 2022 Fifa World Cup away match on October 9, before hosting Walia Ibex for the return fixture a few days later.

But there have been concerns about Tau’s fitness as he has not been participating in full training with Al Ahly.

The Cairo giants say he has since started light training after suffering a hamstring strain while on national duty with South Africa earlier this September.

“Tau doesn’t have any chronic injuries, he suffered this injury during his stay in his national team’s camp,” said Al Ahly head of medical staff Ahmed Abo-Ablaa, as per iDiski Times.

“When Percy returned to Egypt, we checked his current state, he’s suffering a partial hamstring tear, it’s nothing serious. The player started his solo training alongside his physical therapy. He’s recovering day after day and will be joining the team’s training in a week or so.”

Tau featured in Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Ghana.

He lasted 78 minutes in the 0-0 draw against the Warriors away in Harare, before playing 77 minutes in the Black Stars encounter at FNB Stadium.

Bafana are on top of Group G following a point secured against Zimbabwe and the 1-0 victory over Ghana who are second with three points.

Their next opponents Ethiopia are third in this pool, also with three points but with an inferior head-to-head record to Ghana’s.

If Tau makes it for the back-to-back games against Ethiopia, it is yet to be seen if he will be fit enough to reproduce the kind of form he is usually known for to have a big say while in Bafana colours.

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has declared "I don't have to prove myself in another league" after picking up the award for winning the 2020-21 European Golden Shoe.

Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation, having initially made his name at Borussia Dortmund before joining Bayern in 2014.

The Poland international has taken his game to even greater heights at Allianz Arena, with the 2020-21 campaign proving to be his best yet in terms of his overall contribution in the final third.

Lewandowski's record-breaking year

Lewandowski scored 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga matches for Bayern last term, despite missing a whole month of action due to injury.

The 33-year-old surpassed Gerd Muller's record for the most goals scored in a single German top-flight campaign in the process, and also won the European Golden Shoe for the first time in his career - finishing 11 ahead of ex-Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

What's been said?

Lewandowski was finally presented with the award on Tuesday, and took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to Bayern after a summer of intense transfer speculation.

The frontman was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League at one stage, with Chelsea mooted as his most likely destination amid suggestions that he would benefit from stepping out of his comfort zone in the Bundesliga.

"I don't have to prove myself in another league," said Lewandowski. "I can compete with the best from other leagues in the Champions League.

"I am 100 per cent focused on Bayern Munich, I don't think about anything else but my team."

Lewandowski reacts to Haaland rumours

It has been reported that Bayern could look to bring in Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland as Lewandowski's long-term successor, but he insists that he still has many years ahead of him at the highest level of the game. 

"I am still here - and I will be here for a long time!" said Lewandowski. "Age, these are just numbers. I feel very good, I have the best stats I've ever had. I know that with my body I can play at the top level for years to come. I'm like a good wine and I hope to get even better."

Lewandowski will be back in action with Bayern when they take on Furth in their next Bundesliga fixture on Friday.

Further reading

The Hungarian football association have been fined £158,00 ($215,000) and given a stadium ban after the racist abuse of England players in their World Cup qualifying clash at the start of the month.

England secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over Hungary at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest on September 2, thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice.

Unfortunately, the occasion was marred by the actions of a select group of the home supporters, who subjected Sterling and Jude Bellingham to racist chants during the match.

What's been said?

FIFA have now punished Hungary by ordering them to play two matches behind closed doors, the second of which will be suspended for two years.

They have also been hit with a hefty fine by world football's main governing body, who have made it clear that they will not tolerate any form of racial abuse or discrimination in the game.

An official statement from FIFA reads: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a ban and a substantial fine on the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) in relation to the racist behaviour of numerous supporters during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying match between Hungary and England on 2 September 2021.

"After analysing and taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case, specifically the seriousness of the incidents (racist words and actions, throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, blocked stairways), the Committee decided that the MLSZ would play its next two home matches in FIFA competitions without spectators, the second match being suspended for a probationary period of two years.

"In addition, the Committee imposed a fine of CHF 200,000. FIFA’s position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse. FIFA takes a clear zero-tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football.

"The decision rendered by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was notified to the MLSZ."

What has Southgate said?

England boss Gareth Southgate condemned the vile abuse aimed at his players after the Group I encounter but also praised the squad for how they dealt with the situation in testing circumstances.

"Unfortunately, I don't know how many camps in the last four years but I seem to have been talking about this subject almost every time we have been together,” he told a press conference.

"I can only reiterate that our players are incredibly mature in the way they deal with it. I think they feel supported by their team-mates, which is very important to them.

"I think their team-mates recognise how challenging it must be for our black players and how disappointing it is in the modern world that we continue to have to answer these questions because of the incidents that happen.

"But we can only keep taking the stance that we have done and hope that we continue to send the right messages, not only to people in football but across society, and that everybody keeps progressing."

Further reading

Manchester City continue to see moves for the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland mooted, but Shaun Wright-Phillips claims teenage frontman Liam Delap can keep Pep Guardiola out of the striker market.

The reigning Premier League champions bid farewell to Sergio Aguero over the summer, their all-time leading goalscorer, when he headed to Barcelona as a free agent.

Efforts were made to prise England captain Kane away from Tottenham to help fill that attacking void, while Haaland's exploits at Borussia Dortmund make him of obvious appeal, but no deals have been done and the Blues are having to make do.

What has been said?

On that situation, with City following up a six-goal showing against RB Leipzig in the Champions League by drawing a blank in a 0-0 stalemate with Southampton, Wright-Phillips has - speaking in association with Bonus Finder - told Goal: "It wasn't a great result for City, but it wasn't a bad one either since they still picked up a point, so it makes sure the teams above currently can't pull away easily.

"They will be upset with that result and I'm sure they will be trying to rectify it against Chelsea.

"As for the striker situation, I don't think they necessarily need to go out and buy someone, they just need that No.9 who knows the role.

"If there's someone who knows that position inside and out already at the club, then they will score a lot of goals because City always create a lot of chances."

Do City already have their next No.9?

Brazil international Gabriel Jesus remains on the club's books, but he is not a guaranteed starter as the likes of Ferran Torres and Raheem Sterling compete to operate as 'false nines'.

Academy graduate Delap, who took in three competitive appearances last season and opened his senior goal account, is another who could come into contention despite being just 18 years of age.

He is held in high regard by City, as shown by his outings to date and signing of a new contract in August, and Wright-Phillips believes he could prevent the Blues from having to spend big again on another proven performer.

The former City winger added when asked if Guardiola could assess his needs in January: "You never know with Pep and what he wants to do in terms of his transfer targets, but they do have a young lad doing really well at the club currently in Liam Delap.

"He's been impressive so far and you never know he could get his chance and do whatever he needs to do to stop City going out and buying a striker for big money."

Further reading

United States international and Borussia Dortmund star Giovanni Reyna has been included in FIFA 22's list of most improved players after another impressive year at Westfalenstadion.

Ahead of October's release of the latest edition of the popular football simulation game, EA Sports and the Ratings Collective have released player ratings and statistics for all the biggest clubs in Europe, including Dortmund.

Reyna is still one of the lowest-ranked players in the BVB squad, but he has received a significant upgrade from FIFA 21, having now fully established himself as one of the brightest young talents of his generation.

What are Reyna's stats on FIFA 22?

Reyna had to make do with a 68 rating on the last version of the game, with modest numbers in the six main attribute categories: Pace (77), Dribbling (76), Shot (59), Defence (29), Passing (64), Physical (52).

The 18-year-old has been bumped up to a 77 grading in FIFA 22, though, and his overall statistics have also improved drastically.

Reyna is still rated at 77 for Pace, but his Dribbling has gone up to 82, and he is ranked at 71 for Shot and 36 for Defence. His Passing and Physical numbers have also skyrocketed, with the midfielder now classified as 74 and 71 in those respective categories.

Reyna's rise at Dortmund

Reyna only made 18 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund in his debut season, but nailed down a regular role in the team in 2020-21 - which proved to be Lucien Favre's final year as head coach.

The USMNT starlet recorded seven goals and eight assists in 46 games as BVB finished fourth in the Bundesliga and won the DFB Pokal, and has also made a bright start to their latest campaign under new manager Marco Rose.

Who else has improved the most on FIFA 22?

Reyna did not top the list of the most improved players on FIFA 22, with Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix topping the pile after rising from 66 to 79.

Roma defender Ibanez is in second at 77 - up from 68, and Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has made the top three following his rating increase from 64 to 76.

Leicester's Wesley Fofana is the only other Premier League player included, rising from 70 to 78, with PSV's Noni Madueke, AC Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge (currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt), Levante star Jorge de Frutos, Barcelona prospect Ronald Araujo and Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd completing the list.

Further reading

Lionel Messi has handed Paris Saint-Germain an untimely injury headache, with the Ligue 1 giants revealing that the Argentine forward has undergone a scan on a knee problem.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was surprisingly taken off in his latest appearance against Lyon, with Mauricio Pochettino having to fend off plenty of questions as to why the all-time great was withdrawn.

There were suggestions at the time that the 34-year-old Argentine had taken a slight knock, with that now confirmed by PSG ahead of their midweek outing against Metz.

What has been said?

In a fitness update on the club's official website, PSG said: "Lionel Messi, who took a knock to his left knee against Lyon, underwent an MRI on Tuesday morning which confirmed signs of bruising of the bone. 

"A follow-up examination will be carried out in 48 hours."

With Messi now being rested in a bid to prevent him from suffering any further damage, he will not figure in a meeting with Metz on Wednesday.

How has Messi fared at PSG?

A stunning deal took the South American superstar to Parc des Princes from Barcelona over the summer, with his contract at Camp Nou expiring.

Big things were expected of him in France, especially as he was linking up with former Blaugrana team-mate Neymar and World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe.

They are, however, yet to fire as a trio and Messi continues to see his progress in Paris stunted.

He was eased into the PSG fold on the back of Copa America-winning exploits with Argentina, with just 24 minutes of game time seen before the September international break.

Messi now has just 166 more to his name, across Champions League and Ligue 1 outings, and continues to wait on his first goal for new employers.

Who else is missing for PSG?

Pochettino saw his side battle their way to a dramatic 2-1 win over Lyon last time out and he will shuffle his pack against Metz.

Marco Verratti is edging his way back into contention from a knee injury that has forced the Euro 2020 winner to sit out four games so far.

The Italian midfielder is running again in training, but Ismael Ghabri continues to work on his own.

Spanish centre-half Sergio Ramos, who is still waiting on his PSG debut, is another working away from the main group as the 35-year-old seeks to shake off a niggling calf complaint.

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Junior Khanye strongly believes that he could do a better job at coaching the Soweto giants than Stuart Baxter.

The British tactician has come under heavy scrutiny following Amakhosi's embarrassing 4-1 defeat to PSL newcomers Royal AM at home in an encounter that was played over the weekend. 

It was also Chiefs' second successive defeat in the league having suffered a 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns over a week ago and the team has now conceded six goals in their last two matches. 

Khanye has slammed Baxter and described the two-time PSL title-winning coach as "overrated".

“Stuart Baxter is overrated. Kaizer Chiefs has good players,” Khanye said on iDiski Times. 

“This team doesn’t need a bossy coach, it needs a coordinator, not a coach, who will put these players under pressure.

"They have signed players for him. You need combination play. His team selection is bad. He makes the wrong substitutions."

Baxter introduced defensive midfielder Anthony Akumu with Chiefs trailing 1-0, before bringing on left-back Sibusiso Mabiliso, who went on to score an own-goal. 

Khanye believes he can win trophies with Amakhosi if he is given the opportunity to coach the team along with Orlando Pirates legends Joseph Makhanya and Benedict Vilakazi. 

“Even I, Junior Khanye with Duku Duku Makhanya and Tso Vilakazi could lead this team to glory on half the salary that Baxter is on," he added. 

"We have played football. We have the brains."

The Daveyton-born player also feels that Baxter should not have taken charge of the team in the Caf Champions League final which Amakhosi lost 3-0 to Egypt's Al Ahly in July this year.

"Baxter put himself under pressure when he arrived at the club because the team was winning. The team was in the Caf Champions League final," he said.

"He should have allowed Arthur Zwane to finish what he had started and sat on the stands, but he took charge of the team and Chiefs lost 3-0."

Chiefs are set to take on Marumo Gallants in a league game at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo has always been "another level" above the greatest enigmas at Manchester United, says Paul Scholes, with even Eric Cantona having to accept a standing below the Portuguese superstar.

French talisman Cantona helped to open trophy-winning floodgates under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1992-93, with his mere presence making the Red Devils a more formidable proposition.

Plenty have filled a similar role at Old Trafford since then, with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo back for a second stint as he looks to recapture former glories in familiar surroundings.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the similarities between Cantona and Ronaldo, having played alongside both, United legend Scholes told Premier League Productions: "Eric was very similar but Cristiano was still on another level from that. Eric did go out and practice but he wasn’t so much a gym person.

"Cristiano did all of his practicing before and after training and also made sure he was stronger for the Premier League by going into the gym afterwards.

"I’ve never seen a more professional person.

"He was out there all day long, practicing those free kicks, his speed, he was sprinting up hills, he had weights on his ankles.

"He was doing everything that the likes of the British players hadn’t seen. That wasn’t it, he was in the gym afterwards, just doing everything to prepare himself."

What is Ronaldo's record for Man Utd?

Ronaldo was first snapped up by Ferguson in 2003 and went on to take in 292 appearances for United across six years before heading off to Real Madrid.

He hit 118 goals across those outings and helped the Red Devils to three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown - while landing himself a first Ballon d'Or.

Cantona was unable to deliver European glory during his time in Manchester, but he did collect four Premier League winners' medals and a couple of FA Cup wins.

He hit 82 goals through 185 appearances, before surprisingly heading into retirement at the age of 30 in May 1997.

Ronaldo is already six years older than the mercurial Frenchman was when he retired, but is showing no sign of slowing down.

Since returning to English football, he has hit the target in each of his three games so far and - having already become the all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football - is determined to bring United's five-year wait for major silverware to a close in 2021-22.

Further reading

Bayern Munich flop Michael Cuisance injured Sven Ulreich in training, with the goalkeeper now set to spend the next two months on the sidelines.

Cuisance has struggled to establish himself in Bayern's first team since joining the club from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2019, making just 12 appearances across all competitions.

The 22-year-old spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Marseille, who decided against signing him permanently, and he is now back at Allianz Arena trying to force his way into Julian Nagelsmann's plans, but did his chances some harm after a clash with Ulreich on Monday.

What happened?

Bayern's back-up goalkeeper was forced to withdraw from training after being caught by Cuisance, who hit his team-mate hard in the knee with his studs up.

Ulreich was heard screaming in pain after the challenge and had to be driven off the pitch in a golf cart with his knee strapped up, with Cuisance not helping his situation at the club.

The Frenchman was involved in a similar incident last week as he reportedly struck summer Marcel Sabitzer in the upper arm during a practice session, and there are reports that Bayern are now losing patience with him.

What's been said?

Bayern have released a statement confirming that Ulreich has suffered knee ligament damage, and it is expected that his recovery could take at least two months.

The German giants have also revealed that Jamal Musiala picked up a knock in the same session, and although he won't be out for as long as Ulreich, he is now a major doubt for their latest Bundesliga clash with Furth on Friday.

"Jamal Musiala and Sven Ulreich had to cut short Monday morning’s training early," Bayern's statement reads. "Examinations by the FC Bayern medical department revealed a capsule injury in Musiala’s right ankle.

"Goalkeeper Ulreich suffered a partial inner ligament injury in his right knee joint."

Bayern have confirmed that Musiala and Ulreich were both absent from their latest training session on Tuesday, along with Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso - with the former currently recovering from heart surgery and the latter nursing his own injury.

German winger Serge Gnabry was also missing due to illness, but the club have not given any details on how long he will be sidelined.

Further reading

Napoli skipper Lorenzo Insigne has suggested he is not furious with Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen who latched onto the former's goal-bound effort and had a touch to claim a goal against Udinese.

In the match against the hosts at Dacia Arena in Udine, the Naples-based charges claimed a 4-0 win thanks to goals from Osimhen, Amir Rrahmani, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mario Rui.

But it was the Osimhen goal that raised eyebrows.

Having not scored a Serie A goal this season, the West African 'stole' his teammate's goal.

The Italian had lobbed the Udinese custodian and the ball was destined for the back of the net, but the Nigeria striker had a touch before it crossed the line and ensured the goal was behind his name.

When asked his feeling over the incident, the skipper insisted the important thing was that the team won and went top of the table with maximum points from four matches played.

"Good game, good performance, good victory, but that's enough, now the first place doesn't count for anything," Insigne told DAZN as quoted by IlNapoliOnline.

"We are working well, the coach is trying to bring out the best from each of us. It doesn't matter who scores, my goal will come, it's okay even if the goal is from Osimhen!

"It is not easy to come to Udine and score four goals, we just have to keep doing what we are doing. Yes, the numbers resemble the numbers of [Maurizio] Sarri's Napoli, but if we look at the numbers we end up relaxing.

"We have to follow the coach, he's really giving us a lot."   

Napoli have so far scored 10 goals and conceded two, and have 12 points from their four matches. Inter Milan are second on the table with 10 points, the same as rivals AC Milan who are third owing to their inferior goal difference.

Rio Ferdinand has explained what Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta needs to do to get the best out of his striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international has not enjoyed a good start with Arsenal this campaign and has only managed to score one goal in the Premier League,  against Norwich City in the 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium

Prior to that, the 32-year-old had missed the two opening matches - a shock 2-0 defeat against promoted Brentford in the opener, and the 2-0 loss against Chelsea.

He, however, returned to captain the team as they suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal’s first win of the season came against Norwich in which Aubameyang's strike needed VAR intervention to stand and they followed it up with another 1-0 win against Burnley at Turf Moor last weekend.

According to the former Manchester United defender, Arsenal’s style of play is not helping the striker, who managed 10 goals last campaign, and has told Arteta what he needs to do to get the Gabon striker firing once again.

“I love Aubameyang. I think he’s a wicked finisher. But I don’t think they’re playing to his strengths, they need to get the ball forward quicker if they can get it forward quickly and running through teams, and in full flow, he’s as good as most,” Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE podcast on YouTube as quoted by Football London.

"When he’s smiling and he’s on form, he makes Arsenal a considerably better team.

"They have no one else who is finishing chances like him. More often than not, if Arsenal are 0-0 or behind, and they haven’t got him on form and scoring, then they haven’t got anyone else, really, who is going to bang you goals.”

In a recent interview, Arteta explained to SkySports what they are doing to help Aubameyang get back to his best.

“We are trying to give all the help and support we can to make him happy - which I think is a really important word for him - in order to perform, to flow, and to play with confidence and do what he has always done,” Arteta explained.

“I think it’s a collective thing. I think every ingredient; every detail we can add is going to help, between all of us, every department here at the club, and him individually.

“It depends on his personal life, how it is going to be, professionally, how he takes himself, and his level of motivation.

“I think he's a player who needs the fans. He's very engaged and linked emotionally to them so I think that's something that's going to help him.”

Liverpool will be keeping faith with Takumi Minamino because the Japan international is not "the end product" and still has "potential" to be unlocked, says Pep Lijnders.

The Reds acquired a versatile 26-year-old in January 2020 and saw him become a Premier League title winner within months of his arrival.

Progress has been slow from that point, with only 31 appearances made and a loan spell at Southampton taken in, but Minamino is part of Jurgen Klopp's plans this season and will be given further opportunities in which to prove his worth.

What has been said?

Assistant coach Lijnders has told Liverpool's official website of Minamino: "Taki had a really good pre-season and I think it was really important for him after going to Southampton, which was a good decision at that time.

"He came back and had a complete, full pre-season with us training-wise. He made an impact in pre-season, we were really enthusiastic about him. Then he had a small issue, with the national team, but he’s back now. He was not 100 per cent fit because he came back early, but now he is good to go and we are really happy that he’s part of our team.

"Jurgen said, ‘Wow, the amount of times Taki comes one-v-one against the goalkeeper.’ I said, ‘Yeah, it shows you don’t need super, super speed to come one-v-one with the goalkeeper.’ He is a very natural, intelligent mover.

"That’s what we need; we needed it already in the last games. He has this good timing to move in behind, good combination play when the players are close to him.

"He only can become better. That’s what we like, that’s why we brought him in at that time – because we saw the potential, not the end product."

How has Minamino fared for Liverpool?

Minamino was eased into the Reds fold by Klopp following a switch from Red Bull Salzburg, with 14 goalless appearances taken in during his debut campaign on Merseyside.

He broke his duck for the Reds in a 2020 Community Shield clash with Arsenal, before registering his first Premier League effort in a meeting with Crystal Palace.

Shortly after that a loan move to Southampton was sanctioned, with two goals recorded for the Saints.

Minamino has been an unused substitute on four occasions in 2021-22, as he waits on his first competitive minutes of the season, but he could figure in a Carabao Cup third-round clash with Norwich on Tuesday.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Rulani Mokwena has questioned the continued absence of defender Lyle Lakay from the Bafana Bafana squad taking part in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches.

Bafana Bafana, who are in Group G of the qualifiers, have already played two matches this campaign, drawing 0-0 against Zimbabwe on September 3 before gunning down Ghana’s Black Stars 1-0 at home on September 6.

Despite their good start in the race to Qatar, it is the absence of Lakay, who has managed to play and star in all of the Brazilians' opening four league games in the Premier Soccer League, which has left Mokwena a disappointed man.

Mokwena believes the Cape Town-born defender deserves a place in the squad and has called on Belgian coach Hugo Broos to consider the player for the remaining qualifiers.

What did Mokwena say?

“I watch Bafana games, I watched the entire Cosafa Cup and why do I think Lyle should be in the Bafana team? It is because when I watch Bafana I see Evidence Makgopa and Hlongwane up front and then I see a right-footed full-back at left-back,” Mokwena told KickOff as quoted by Phakaaathi.

Apart from Lakay, Mokwena thinks Rushine De Reuck, Thapelo Morena and Mothobi Mvala also deserve a call to the national team.

“We respect the Bafana coach, he has got to make his own decisions and he has got his own job to do. Can you imagine over 50-million people who have opinions about who should be in the Bafana team?” Mokwena continued.

“I am a football coach and I know what it is like to be put in a position where you are under a lot of scrutiny to play certain players but if we speak on merit and having the best players representing the national team then for sure.

“Without being biased, but if you ask me about any Sundowns player, the first answer will be yes because we have to look after the interest of our own players.

"We want them to be exposed to the national teams and that is why we sign the best players in the country. When you have the best players in the country you expect to go into the Fifa break without any player left behind.”

Broos picks squad without Lakay again

Meanwhile, ahead of the two-legged fixture against Ethiopia, Broos has already named a 34-man provisional squad for the qualifier and Lakay’s name is still missing, although De Reuck was included.

Full Bafana squad below:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Supersport United FC) Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu FC) Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs FC), and Sifiso Mlungwana (Golden Arrows FC).

Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United FC) Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs FC) Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City FC) Sifiso Hlanti (Kaizer Chiefs FC) Vusi Sibiya (Baroka FC) Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv) Thibang Phete (Belenenses SAD) Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs FC) Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Luke Fleurs (SuperSport United FC), and Tercious Malepe (AmaZulu FC).

Midfielder: Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows FC) Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Sphephelo Sithole (Belenenses FC) Yusurf Maart (Sekhukhune FC), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United) Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates FC) Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy FC), and Jesse Donn (SuperSport United FC).

Forwards: Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United FC) Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC) Victor Letsoalo (Royal Am FC) Luther Singh (F.C Copenhagen), Percy Tau (Al Ahly FC ) Vincent Pule (Orlando Pirates FC) Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City FC), and Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates FC).

The 2021-22 Carabao Cup is now well under way, but when is the draw for the fourth round? Goal is here to bring you everything you need to know, including which teams are involved and how you can tune in to watch.

The latest edition of the Carabao Cup began in August as Championship, League One and League Two sides entered the competition at the first round stage, before 13 Premier League sides were introduced to the action in the second round.

The remaining seven top-flight clubs are due to join in when the third round kicks off this week, but when will the winners learn their fate for the fourth round? Goal is on hand with all the details.

When is the Carabao Cup fourth round draw?

The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw is due to take place on Wednesday, September 22, immediately after Manchester United's third-round tie against West Ham - which kicks off at 7:45pm BST (2:45pm ET).

How to watch or live stream the Carabao Cup fourth round draw

Sky Sports currently has the rights to all the live action across their main television channels, and you can also follow matches via the Carabao Cup's official Twitter account.

Goal will also be streaming live score updates and publishing all the latest news and big talking points from the competition.

Where is the Carabao Cup fourth round draw being held?

The fourth round draw is being held at Potton Bowls Club in Bedfordshire, with former Manchester City star Micah Richards and ex-Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp set to pull the numbers out of the bag.

Once the ties are confirmed, supporters can look forward to watching the next stage during the week commencing October 25.

Which teams are in the Carabao Cup fourth round draw?

There were two all-Premier League ties in the second round starting with Watford vs Crystal Palace on August 24, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Hornets, with Burnley grabbing a penalty shootout victory against Newcastle the following day.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Norwich and Aston Villa recorded respective 6-0 victories against West Brom, Bournemouth and Barrow, while Everton saw off Huddersfield 2-1, Leeds beat Crewe 3-0 and Wolves thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0.

Brentford recorded a 3-1 victory over Forest Green and Southampton earned the biggest win of the round with an 8-0 rout of Newport County to complete a clean sweep for the Premier League clubs, but it remains to be seen whether they will all avoid upsets again in the third round.

Barcelona are preparing to part with Ronald Koeman, with Goal learning that the Dutchman will be relieved of his duties at Camp Nou as Belgium boss Roberto Martinez becomes a top target to replace him.

Speculation regarding the future of the former Blaugrana star has raged over several months, but a decision to head in a different direction has now been taken.

The Liga giants are now waiting on the right moment to make a change, as they are in the middle of a hectic domestic and European schedule, but an axe is about to fall in Catalunya.

When will Koeman be sacked?

Barca are seeing matches come thick and fast at present, with a 1-1 draw against Granada on Monday set to be followed by a trip to Cadiz on Thursday and a home date with Levante on Sunday.

No action will be taken in the midst of that run, while they also have no successor to Koeman lined up and are still experiencing financial difficulties that are making a redundancy package hard to fund.

Barca are, however, close to piecing together the €12 million (£10m/$14m) that it would take to pay off their current boss and terminate the final months of a contract that is due to run until the summer of 2022.

After their run of domestic fixtures, Barca also have a Champions League group-stage clash with Benfica fast approaching, before then taking on Atletico Madrid and the familiar faces of Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.

The second international break of 2021-22 will arrive in mid-October, with it expected that Barca will act then when it comes to parting with Koeman - unless a stunning reversal in fortune on the pitch is enjoyed by a side currently sat seventh in the table.

Who will Barcelona look to appoint?

Goal has learned that the next appointment at Camp Nou will not act as a bridge, with long-term plans in the process of being drawn up.

Former captain Xavi continues to be heavily linked with a retracing of his steps to Catalunya and has made no secret of the fact that he would like to manage Barca at some stage.

He is, however, tied to a contract in Qatar with Al Sadd and is not the top choice for Joan Laporta and Co at present.

Martinez is the preferred option for now, but he is also locked into a deal elsewhere.

The Spaniard is currently focused on the Nations League finals with Belgium in October, while qualification is well under way for the 2022 World Cup.

It could be that Martinez, who is a Catalan native, is open to walking away from his international post after another shot at silverware has been taken in during the next break in domestic action.

Barca, though, are playing their cards close to their chest and biding their time, with no talks opened as yet.

What is clear is that Koeman, who was appointed by ousted former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, is on borrowed time and may soon find himself in the market for another coaching post.

Further reading

Mats Hummels has enthused over Borussia Dortmund colleague Jude Bellingham, admitting that he has told the teen sensation "I just love him 25 times already".

Bellingham has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since joining Dortmund from Birmingham City for £25 million ($34m) in July 2020, firmly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders of his generation.

The 18-year-old has hit the ground running in 2021-22 after a hugely encouraging debut season in Germany, and Hummels is thoroughly enjoying playing with a youngster that he believes has all the attributes to go right to the top of the game.

What's been said?

The defender told DAZN of Bellingham's quality and character: "He's the most mature, most serious 18-year-old I've ever seen.

"Jude is already one of the leaders. He's already one of the loudest on the team. I've already told him 25 times this year that I just love him.

"A great footballer, a great guy. He'll go his way 100 per cent, without any doubt about it. "

Bellingham's Dortmund career so far

Bellingham quickly nailed down a regular spot in Dortmund's starting XI last term, and ended up making 44 appearances across all competitions.

The talented playmaker also contributed four goals and four assists while getting his hands on the DFB-Pokal, which capped a strong end to the campaign for BVB as they also secured a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.

Bellingham has played in all six of Dortmund's opening games of the new season, scoring twice, including one in their 2-1 Champions League group-stage win at Besiktas last week.

What's next?

The England international will be back in contention for a place in Marco Rose's line-up when Dortmund take on Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

BVB are due back in Champions League action at home to Sporting three days later, before their focus shifts to a Bundesliga meeting with Augsburg on October 2.

Further reading