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AFC Leopards have officially lost 17 players with only a week left before the new FKF Premier League season kicks-off, Goal can exclusively reveal.

Ingwe, who finished last season without a trophy, have been hit hard with a mass exodus and to make matters worse they are banned by world governing body Fifa from signing new players after they failed to pay their previous coaches and players.

The embargo from Fifa has stopped Ingwe, who finished last season in fourth position with 48 points from 32 matches, from signing new players, and with the team struggling financially, many key players have opted to terminate their contracts and seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Goal has now obtained the list of players who have already parted ways with the team on mutual consent.

17 players have officially left the Den

The players include goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, Austin Odhiambo, Bienventure Shaka, Boniface Wafula, Clyde Senaji, Collins Lusaka, Elvis Baranga, Fabrice Mugheni, and Hansel Ochieng.

Others are Harrison Mwendwa, Robinson Kamura, Said Tsuma, Sellasie Otieno, John Oyemba, Eugene Mukangula, Ezekiel Owade, and Jafari Owiti.

Most of the aforementioned were first-team players and so far the team has remained with a squad of 13 players among them Abdallah Asad, Caleb Olilo, Collins Shivachi, Dan Sunguti, Isaac Kipyegon, Lewis Esambe, and Marvin Omondi.

Others are Omar Omari, Peter Nganga, Robert Mudenyu, Tedian Esilaba, Washington Munene and Yusuf Nasri.

Ingwe could skip season opener vs Tusker

On Monday, a top official at the club confirmed to Goal that indeed the former Kenyan giants were facing a huge crisis following a mass exodus of key players.

“It is true we have lost at least half of the squad that played for us last season and more are on their way out,” the official, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

“It is the situation we find ourselves in now, and it is very frustrating, we have lost several key players and we don’t know if we will be able to raise a team to start off the new season.”

AFC Leopards will start their new season with an away game against defending champions Tusker on September 25.

Gor Mahia will play Sudanese side Al-Ahly Merowe in the second preliminary round of the 2021/22 Caf Confederation Cup.

The Kenyan heavyweights were exempted from the initial round of the annual competition as they are among the top-ranked teams.

This is the first time in four years K'Ogalo are starting in the second-tier competition. Since 2017, they have been dining against the big boys in Caf Champions League until Tusker FC dethroned them.

How did Al-Ahly Merowe perform in the initial round?

The Sudanese outfit was paired with Atlabara of South Sudan in the first preliminary round. They started their campaign on September 11 away at Al-Ubayyid Stadium and gained a massive advantage after emerging 2-0 victors.

In that particular encounter, Abdelkarim Mutwakil was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net to hand the visitors a lead after just 12 minutes.

The second strike happened in the 52nd minute, courtesy of Gahdia Siddig.

In the second meeting played on September 9 at the same venue, Siddig was on target after 44 minutes to give his team a slim advantage after the first half. Muaz Abdelhalim Kafi scored in the 87th minute to ensure Al-Ahly advanced 4-0 on aggregate.

When are Gor Mahia playing Al-Ahly?

K'Ogalo will start their first leg away at Al-Ubayyid Stadium on October 15, with the second leg set to be played a week later at Nyayo Stadium.

Last season, the Kenyans had qualified for the Caf Champions League and they did well by eliminating APR of Rwanda 4-3 on aggregate in the first preliminary round. They, however, were humiliated by CR Belouizdad in the next round after an 8-1 thumping on aggregate. 

They dropped to the second-tier competition where they had to get past Napsa Stars to get in the group stage. At home, they lost by a solitary goal before drawing 2-2 away and were eventually eliminated after an aggregate 3-2 loss.

The aggregate winner between Gor Mahia and Al-Ahly will advance to the final preliminary round.

Kenyan defender Robinson Kamura has officially confirmed his departure from Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, AFC Leopards.

Goal understands the former Mathare United defender has agreed to join KCB after a fallout with AFC Leopards coach, Aussems.

"Since it was apparent he would not stay at AFC Leopards beyond last season, several clubs approached him and finally he has agreed to join KCB," a source close to the player told Goal.

"On several occasions, he made it clear that leaving AFC Leopards was not his immediate desire but given how the environment turned out especially last season, he had no option but to leave."

In his farewell message, the centre-back said he 'chose peace' as he wished the local giants the best.

"I am leaving a team I love and a team I'll forever hold dear to my heart. I'll never forget the moments we shared together, the end doesn't define my stay," he wrote on Facebook.
 
"I would have loved my end at this beautiful club to be different but so many things transpired and I chose peace because the club is bigger than any individual and it deserves respect.

"There is no love like your love, the passion you have for the club is so enormous and it drives the team in a way. I wish you knew I enjoyed everything about you and you made me love the club even more and it was easy through your support to play for the badge.

"'I honestly will never forget you, my people. One love and let me just say 'tuko pamoja' [we are together]. I will miss you, you are AFC Leopards and AFC Leopards is you, lovely fans continue with the love and support.

"I wish AFC Leopards all the best. Thank you AFC Leopards. Thank you for everything."
 
When Aussems was appointed coach, he took the armband from Kamura and gave it to Isaac Kipyegon who was appointed the first captain. Elvis Rupia, who has so far left AFC Leopards for Bisha FC of Saudi Arabia, was appointed as assistant captain.

Former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker says it was “silly” for Stuart Baxter to apologise after the 4-1 Premier Soccer League defeat by Royal AM, and that the fans will always expect similar gestures if things do not go their way.

Baxter was quick to acknowledge regret on Saturday as he described the result as an “embarrassment.”

In his apology, the Chiefs coach bemoaned his players’ “naivety” as he explained how they lost it against the PSL newboys, but Barker sees that as excuses which the Briton should desist from.

“One other thing I didn't like is when he [Baxter] apologised to the supporters," Barker told KickOff.  

“I mean, you must never apologise to the supporters because they will expect you to do that every time. So I thought it was a silly thing to apologise, saying ‘I’m sorry for the performance.’ He must just sit back and coach the players and not make any excuses.”

After elimination from the MTN8 at the quarter-final level, Chiefs have now won just one league match, shared spoils once and lost twice.

It appears to be a continuation of their domestic troubles from last season where they had to seal a top-eight finish on the last day of the season.

Barker says the Soweto giants have become a pale shadow of their former selves where opponents would concede defeat before facing Chiefs.

“They used to be one of the main contenders for the league and Cups,” said Barker.

“I remember the days when we used to walk down a stadium's corridors, and by just looking at them, you knew something was going to happen that day, now things have changed.

“If you were playing in a cup match, you always wanted to play Chiefs because they gave you a good atmosphere, but the control and the domination in the Chiefs players is no longer there.

“So that has changed. In the past, you were one-nil down to Chiefs before it even started. That has turned around over the years.”

Chiefs will now attempt to correct their difficult patch of form when they visit Marumo Gallants on Sunday. 

Danny Drinkwater admits his time at Chelsea has been a "shambles", with the 31-year-old midfielder becoming a £35 million ($48m) flop for the Blues following a transfer from Leicester in 2017.

That deal was done when Drinkwater was a Premier League title winner and an England international, with those at Stamford Bridge eager to reunite a proven performer with former Foxes team-mate N'Golo Kante.

Little return has been found in a big-money investment, with a loan spell at Reading this season coming after similar stints at Burnley, Aston Villa and Turkish outfit Kasimpasa.

What has been said?

Drinkwater, who has made just 12 Premier League appearances for Chelsea and 23 in total across all competitions, told talkSPORT when assessing his time in west London: "Can I paint a picture? No. It’s been a shambles.

"It’s football, it’s never straightforward, it’s never simple. I’m just excited for the new challenges. I need to [kick-start my career]. I’m more excited about this than I have been for a few years now, especially how my career’s panned out.

"Games, getting the enjoyment of football back, then going from there. A few have slid away, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve not played.

"I’m in the last year of my contract, so there’s more than just football riding on it. I’ve got other things."

He added: "I’m desperate for games, I know my position and I know it’s not what I’ve expected for 10 years. So I’ve got to make changes and I’m making the right steps.

"I’ve just got to keep in contact with the manager, trust each other and trust the team. Hopefully they trust me and we can build on that."

What is next for Drinkwater?

Having become a forgotten man at Chelsea, Drinkwater is set to become a free agent next summer. He will be written off as an expensive mistake by the Blues, with the Champions League holders moving on with a number of alternative options.

A season-long stint at Reading has been sanctioned, so Drinkwater can at least hope to see some regular game time in 2021-22.

He now finds himself in the Championship, and faces a long journey back to the heights he scaled in 2016 when helping Leicester to a stunning top-flight crown and making his senior international debut.

Further reading

N'Golo Kante's update on his general fitness at Chelsea will be music to the ears of Thomas Tuchel, with the French midfielder saying his recent groin problem was "managed very well" and he is now "feeling better".

The World Cup winner was forced to sit out three games for the Blues after picking up another untimely knock.

He was, however, introduced off the bench in a derby date with Tottenham on Sunday and scored a rare goal in north London as his presence helped to swing a tight encounter in favour of the current Premier League leaders.

What has been said?

On being back in action and looking to rediscover full match sharpness, Kante told Chelsea's official website: "I am feeling better.

"I think we managed the injury very well. I took time to come onto the pitch and I am happy to be back and I felt very good."

Can Kante get back to his best?

Kante replaced Mason Mount in the heart of Chelsea's midfield against Spurs, and helped the Blues to a convincing 3-0 win.

He added greater control for Tuchel's side in a congested engine room, with his energy and drive helping to push their local rivals onto the back foot.

The 30-year-old even got his name on the scoresheet, although he did benefit from a large slice of luck as a hopeful drive from distance flicked off Eric Dier and left Hugo Lloris wrong-footed.

"It wasn’t my most beautiful goal, but it was an important goal and it helped my team," Kante added.

"Mateo [Kovacic] gave me the ball, I saw that I had time to shoot so I shot, it was a deflection, but I am happy that it touched the post and went in. I am happy that I helped the team."

Kante's outing against Tottenham was just his fourth of the season, with only 108 minutes of top-flight action seen so far, but he is now free of his latest ailment and ready to become a talismanic figure for Chelsea once more.

Further reading

Mehmet-Can Aydin has recalled an encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo during his early days at Schalke, revealing that he "was scared to ask" the ex-Real Madrid striker for a photo before a Champions League game.

Aydin joined Schalke's youth ranks as a 12-year-old back in 2014, at which time the German club's senior squad were regulars in the Champions League.

The German midfielder's first taste of Europe's elite competition came when he was allowed to attend a contest between Schalke and Real, who had Ronaldo on their books at the time, and he remembers being awestruck while in the presence of one of football's all-time greats.

What's been said?

Aydin says the now-Manchester United forward's former Blancos team-mate Raul and one-time Schalke talisman Julian Draxler had a similar effect on him as he adjusted to his new surroundings at Vetlins-Arena.

"I was a very shy boy and didn't dare ask players like Raul or Draxler for a photo when they played here," the 19-year-old told Goal and SPOX.

"The first game I watched as a youth player in the Veltins Arena was a Champions League match against Real Madrid.

"Shortly after the final whistle, I was suddenly stood two metres away from Cristiano Ronaldo. In that situation, too, I was scared to ask him for a photo."

Aydin's role models

Aydin doesn't count Ronaldo among his main role models, though, with Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold currently the two players he looks up to most in the European game.

"I think Joshua Kimmich is absolutely outstanding when he plays on the right side. Especially offensively, he is very dangerous," he said.

"Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool is also a great player. I like his crosses and his ball handling."

Aydin's passion for Schalke

Aydin has gradually worked his way into Schalke's first team, and made six Bundesliga appearances during their ill-fated 2020-21 campaign, which ultimately ended in relegation.

The Germany U20 international has been one of the first names on head coach Dimitrios Grammozis's team sheet at the start of the new season, and says he is living out his dream after supporting the club throughout his childhood.

"I've been at Schalke for eight years and have met so many wonderful people," Aydin added. "The sense of community is huge. What I find very cool is that the youth teams are housed on the same training ground as the professionals.

"I've always had my eye on the Veltins Arena since I was a little boy. It was simply my goal and my dream to play there one day."

Further reading

Per Mertesacker admits that a Champions League return for Arsenal may not happen for another "two or three years", but he has urged patience with Mikel Arteta in what remains a "big, big transition" for the Gunners.

North London heavyweights have failed to qualify for elite European competition since Arsene Wenger was still at the helm, with their last top-four finish coming back in 2015-16.

Arteta is the man charged with the task of reversing that trend and despite questions being asked of the Spaniard's ability to deliver on lofty expectations, Mertesacker insists he is the right man for the job.

What has been said?

Former Arsenal defender Mertesacker, who is now head of the club's academy, has told The Beautiful Game Podcast of the current state of affairs at Emirates Stadium: "Massive transition, that’s what I would class it as. I think it was clear when Arsene left the void that needed to be filled wouldn’t get sorted in a couple of seasons, or three to four years.

"You always want the shortcut, you know, bang straight back into the Champions League, straight back into being successful. I think even myself, realising and working now with the academy, going more long-term developmental, I think we see kind of similar-ish traits in the first team, and I hope that Mikel gets the time that he needs."

The World Cup winner added: "I want to be successful tomorrow, I want to go back in the Champions League tomorrow, I want to speak to people and say 'listen, we have got the best club in the world who challenges for titles every single year'. That’s not the reality. I think the earlier we get on the train of we are in a big, big transition still [the better].

"To have sustainable success there needs to be some trust. I’m all for trusting people in people. If Mikel Arteta, and I perceive him to be the right person, let's give him the trust and the development squad that he can take to the next level that will achieve Champions League football, maybe in two or three years.

"From a club person, thats my take basically at the moment, because I’ve worked with Mikel very, very closely.

"I know how much he wants it, I  know his work ethic, I know how intense the squad works at the moment to get to a better level. I think we all have to swallow disappointment at the moment, which I’m keen to change, but the environments that we are going to deliver in the next years will be key for our success.

"The stakes are very, very high, and I understand that there is a lot of criticism, but some people need to swallow that and try and grow with it, and Mikel is someone that does that."

What shape are Arsenal in?

Arteta has delivered FA Cup and Community Shield glory since succeeding Unai Emery at the helm in December 2019.

Progress has been slow since then, though, with a pointless start through three tough opening games in 2021-22 seeing pressure piled onto a 39-year-old coach.

Back-to-back wins over Norwich and Burnley have helped to silence some of the doubters, but questions continue to be asked of the direction in which Arsenal are heading.

They are without continental football of any kind this season, having finished eighth last term, and are still looking for the desired return on a club-record £145 million ($200m) investment during the summer transfer window.

Exit talk is also being sparked around the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Bernd Leno, with no new contracts in place, while club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - who has often been a talismanic presence - has managed just two goals through his last 10 Premier League appearances.

Further reading

Juventus' defensive troubles continued after being held to a 1-1 by arch-rivals AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Massimiliano Allegri is still on the lookout for his first win since returning to Juve for a second spell in the managerial hot seat, with Ante Rebic scoring a late equaliser for Milan to cancel out Alvaro Morata's second-minute opener in the battle between two Serie A heavyweights.

The Bianconeri slipped to 18th in the table as a result, eight points behind leaders and reigning champions Inter, and also reached a new defensive low after missing out on another clean sheet.

What record have Juve set?

Juve have now conceded one goal or more in 18 successive league matches - a run that stretches back to March 9 - which is currently the worst record in Europe's top five major leagues.

The Italian giants are now only one game away from equalling their streak of 19 games without a clean sheet in 2010, and three away from matching their worst-ever run set back in 1955.

Allegri is also now only the fourth Juventus coach to ever oversee a four-game winless streak at the start of a season, with the club failing to win the title on the other three occasions in 1942-43, 1955-56 and in 1961-62.

What's been said?

Allegri tried to take the positives from the final result against Milan, but did admit that Juve will struggle to regain the Scudetto if they don't cut out the regular mistakes at the back.

“It was important to get a positive result and we did. A defeat would’ve not definitively left us behind Milan, but a big advantage, now it is easier to bridge,” he insisted.

“The problem is that winning a game is one thing, winning a league is another, and that means not conceding goals due to errors like that. We can draw games if the other team does better, not if we give it away.

“There were some positives, in other words the first half, but what makes me angry are the final 15 minutes. We should’ve suffered more, been ready to fight tooth and nail. At those moments, you can’t look at being aesthetically beautiful, you just take the result home, even if it’s ugly.”

What's next?

The Bianconeri now only have three days to pick themselves up before a must-win trip to Spezia, with a home fixture against Sampdoria set to follow on Sunday.

Allegri will then prepare his players for their second Champions League group-stage outing against Chelsea, where they will be aiming to build on a 3-0 win at Malmo on matchday one.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel has delivered an update on the injury which kept Edouard Mendy out of Chelsea's derby win at Tottenham, with the Blues' first-choice goalkeeper carrying a "very painful" knock.

The Senegal international was expected to line up against Spurs, but saw his place go to Kepa Arrizabalaga once it became clear that he was in no position to perform at his best.

Mendy had been hurt late on in the Champions League win over Zenit, with serious discomfort meaning that he would have been unable to compete as normal in a fiery Premier League clash with their London neighbours.

What has been said?

Offering a full explanation as to why Mendy was missing from the 3-0 win over Tottenham, Chelsea boss Tuchel told reporters: "We tried throughout the week and on Saturday in training it was so-so.

"It comes from the last-minute kick against Zenit in the Champions League. 

"It is very painful and he did not feel 100 per cent comfortable going for a full stretch or to land on it. He didn't feel comfortable to fight at set-pieces or corners.

"So we decided to go with 100 per cent and that was Kepa and have Edou with us to be supportive and have good energy.

"I'm happy Kepa played a crucial role and kept a clean sheet. This is what he deserves and I am happy that he could."

When are Chelsea next in action?

Chelsea are due to be in Carabao Cup third-round action on Wednesday when playing host to Aston Villa.

Kepa would probably have stepped in for that contest regardless of whether Mendy was ready or not, with Tuchel shuffling his pack in domestic cup competition.

The Blues will, however, be hoping to have their established number one back in contention for their next Premier League outing.

A heavyweight clash with title holders Manchester City is set to be staged at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Tuchel locking horns with Pep Guardiola's men for the first time since beating them in the 2021 Champions League final.

Further reading

Liverpool have confirmed Thiago Alcantara will play no part in their next two fixtures against Norwich and Brentford while offering an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold as he continues to recover from illness.

Thiago made his fourth top-flight appearance of the season as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday, but had to come off on the hour mark after picking up a knock.

Reds assistant coach Pep Lijnders has now revealed the Spaniard will miss their trip to Norwich in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, as well as the Premier League meeting with Brentford four days later.

What's been said?

“Thiago, how the gaffer said after the game, it was a calf injury. I can’t say now how long it will take but definitely not tomorrow and not at the weekend,” Lijnders told Liverpool's official website.

“Let’s get the scan results back and we have a proper diagnosis. A shame as well because he was taking the game by the hand, he was a proper playmaker in my opinion. A shame that we miss him."

What about Alexander-Arnold?

Jurgen Klopp's assistant went on to discuss the availability of Alexander-Arnold, who sat out the Reds' win against Palace after falling ill shortly before kick-off.

Lijnders ruled out the possibility of the full-back returning against Norwich, but is confident that he will be back in time for the trip to Brentford.

“Our game basically started at 12 o’clock against Palace; he took responsibility to speak with the doctor,” he said. “It was not easy because these guys – it says a lot about our group anyway – they want to play everything, [even] if they feel a bit shaky or ill, but he took the responsibility.

"There are no Covid symptoms. We test regardless. He should be fine in a few days but Norwich comes too early."

Additional team news

Liverpool will also be without Roberto Firmino when they face Norwich, but the club have stated that the Brazilian is "set to resume team training this week" after missing their last three games due to a hamstring issue.

Neco Williams is still on the comeback trail after an injury too, with Lijnders adding on the pair: “Bobby will do parts of team training but also not ready. He is progressing well. Neco is progressing well as well. [For him] tomorrow also comes too early.”

Further reading

Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa has explained why Engin Firat accepted to be appointed the new head coach for Harambee Stars on an initial short-term deal.

Firat, 51, was confirmed on Sunday as the new boss after the resignation of Jacob Mulee on Wednesday, and Mwendwa has defended the federation's choice of settling on the Turkish coach.

"Our agreement is that he will do four matches and then we will discuss the long-term nature of the deal," Mwendwa told Goal.

"I am grateful that he has agreed to join us in this journey and I want to make it clear; we wanted this kind of arrangement and we want him to be in a position to do what he wants to do and we hope we win the group and then he will stay with us for a while.
 
"He has the experience to handle the team and has played against Italy and France at the highest level.
 
"We were looking for someone who fit the plan we have, we wanted somebody who could take what we have. We wanted someone to help us with new energy and with new impetus."

"So, we think he has the mentality to beat the best and the work begins now.
 
"We feel someone of his level can take us far. Someone who was being chased by Turkey means we have nailed a good coach and for him to come is something big for us as Kenya. I am happy we have a good arrangement.
 
"It was not easy to attract someone like this from Uefa, and when I spoke to him and we engaged, he was interested in the possibility of helping us qualify for the World Cup and that is the only reason he agreed to come and work with us."
 
Firat's first competitive games will be the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Mali in October.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma insists he is on a mission and nothing can stop him from achieving it.

The Mali international played a vital role in helping the Seagulls collect maximum points in a 2-1 win over Leicester City at the American Express Community Stadium on Saturday.

Neal Maupay opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 35th minute before Danny Welbeck nodded in a Leandro Trossard cross to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute.

Leicester scored their only goal in the 61st minute courtesy of Jamie Vardy, who converted a Youri Tieleman's cross before VAR denied Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi for offside.

Bissouma was happy with the three points and he could not hide it from social media.

"It can happen that I fall on the way but I would always reveal myself to continue my journey because I am a soldier on a mission; great team performance," the 25-year-old posted.

After the win, the Seagulls moved to the fourth position with 12 points, just one behind leaders Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, manager Brendan Rodgers believes his charges were unlucky after two disallowed goals following VAR reviews.

"I can see a little bit on Ade's [Lookman] one where Barnes' run is maybe blocking him a bit - the 'keeper is maybe thinking Jannik is going to head it so it catches him by surprise. I think he can still see the ball but I can understand that one, that Barnes is maybe half-blocking him," Rodgers said as quoted by Sky Sports.

"But for [Ndidi's] goal, 'Barnsey' is moving out; everything's in front of the goalkeeper - he can see it. It's a great leap, a great header and at no time was the 'keeper ever blocked from viewing it.

"We didn't have the luck on our side and that's ultimately cost us. I don't think there's any doubt that we should have had at least one of those as a goal."

The Foxes have six points from five matches and as a result, they are placed 12th on the table.

Virgil van Dijk remains "Superman" in the eyes of many at Liverpool, but James Milner has pointed out that even players of that stature have to be rotated when working their way back from serious injuries.

That is the case for the commanding Dutch centre-half at Anfield, with the 30-year-old Netherlands international sitting out much of the 2020-21 campaign with knee ligament damage.

He has returned to Jurgen Klopp's plans this season, but was rested for a Champions League group-stage opener against AC Milan before returning to the fold for a 3-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

What has been said?

With Van Dijk already up to seven outings for club and country this season - and 100 for Liverpool in total - Milner told reporters of the Reds' need to handle him with care: "We all think Virg is Superman and he is, 99 times out of 100.

"But the injury that he has come back from - and to look as good as he has done since he has come back - you know, he's not 21.

"He needs looking after as well, no matter how angry he gets at being left out of the team. He is going to need looking after and that is rotation.

"I think it (rotation) is obviously important. The positions we got into last year, we were unlucky with injuries and players having to play out of position. I think it is to help with things like that."

What shape are Liverpool in?

Liverpool are currently joint-top of the Premier League table, with 13 points taken from five games so far.

They also have a European victory over Milan under their belt and are set to face Norwich in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Positive progress is being made by Klopp's side, who endured serious injury struggles last season, and Milner believes they may be in better shape than when a 30-year wait for domestic title glory was brought to a close in 2019-20.

The versatile 35-year-old added: "If you have a couple of bad results and iffy performances, that is when it gets harder.

"But you look at this squad and it is more experienced than when we won the title. We have had more success.

"We had the pain of last year but it ended up being a really good year, with what we managed to achieve in the circumstances and coming with that late run.

"That was a nice way to finish the season. But those experiences and feelings, as a group, we have been through them all together and that can only be a good thing."

Further reading

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has refused to confirm whether goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will be available for the team’s next match against Aston Villa.

The Senegal custodian, who has enjoyed a good start to life at Stamford Bridge since signing from Ligue 1 side Rennes, was left out as Chelsea cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby on Sunday.

Mendy was reportedly dropped from the matchday squad because of a hip injury that he picked up during Chelsea's 1-0 win against Zenit in the Champions League last week.

With his replacement Kepa Arrizabalaga keeping a clean sheet against Spurs, Tuchel was asked to provide an update on the injury situation of the 29-year-old custodian, but he could not confirm whether he will return for their Carabao Cup fixture against Villa at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

“We tried everything throughout the week and yesterday [Saturday] in training but it was so-so,” Tuchel told the club’s official website. “It comes from the last-minute kick against Zenit in the Champions League so it’s very painful and he felt it.

“He was not 100 per cent comfortable to go for a full stretch or to land on it so we decided to go for 100 per cent, which was Kepa, and have Edou with us to be supportive and to have good energy.

“I’m so happy that Kepa played a crucial role today [Sunday] to have a clean sheet because it’s what he deserved.”

On Christian Pulisic, Tuchel said: “I think for Christian the game against Aston Villa [in the Carabao Cup in midweek] is maybe a bit too close. I hope that I’m wrong but this is my impression.

“He’s not in training so far but let’s see tomorrow [Monday]. Maybe if he had a good progression today, maybe it’s possible. It would be super nice for us to have him but for me, it’s a bit doubtful.”

Mendy has managed a total of 35 appearances since joining Chelsea, and in those matches, he has kept 19 clean sheets.

Paul Pogba was involved in a foul-mouthed confrontation with West Ham supporters following Manchester United's win at London Stadium, with Michael Carrick having to drag the Frenchman down the tunnel after he was told to shut his "f*cking mouth".

The World Cup-winning midfielder did not appear to be saying too much when leaving the field at the end of an eventful contest in east London, but some Hammers fans did not take kindly to his supposed taunts.

Pogba was prepared to stand his ground once becoming a target for abuse, but Red Devils coach Carrick ushered him out of the firing line.

What happened with Pogba?

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Why were West Ham fans unhappy?

Hammers supporters saw their mood soured on Sunday following a thrilling end to the game. Said Benrahma had fired the hosts in front on the half-hour mark, but Cristiano Ronaldo restored parity five minutes later.

It appeared as though the spoils would be shared, but former West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard stepped off the bench to curl in a spectacular 89th-minute strike that put the Red Devils back in front.

The Hammers were offered a lifeline in stoppage-time when a penalty was awarded. Mark Noble came off the bench purely to take the spot-kick, but David De Gea saved his tame effort.

Pogba and co indulged in wild celebrations at the full-time whistle, with some locals not taking kindly to seeing the visitors head up north with all three points.

Further reading

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Nigeria striker Cyriel Dessers has revealed how his shirt still smells like alcohol after angry PSV supporters reacted by splashing the beer on him in the wake of a 4-0 loss to Feyenoord in the Eredivisie on Saturday.

With Feyenoord already leading 2-0 courtesy of Jens Toornstra, who converted a Marcus Pedersen assist in the stroke of half-time before Luis Sinisterra teed Brian Linssen for an easy finish in the 71st minute, the West African came off the bench in the 83rd minute.

Two minutes later he set up Toornstra for his second goal, and then got his name on the score sheet in stoppage time after Luis Sinisterra picked out the 26-year-old in the danger zone and the attacker took his chance to score his first goal for the team.

PSV fans were unhappy with their team and what followed was a big beer shower from the angry supporters.

"My shirt still smells a bit like beer," the attacker told ESPN laughing as quoted by FR12.

"But that is part of it. That makes such matches special, that is why it lives. For me, it is a nice feeling when you score yourself.

"I would like to play as much as possible, but we have several good players and the trainer is the boss.

"You have to take the moments like today, then you have to show something. I did that, but it is only the first match in the Eredivisie."

The Belgium-born Nigeria international has further conceded the first half was tough and went on to underline the importance of sticking to coach Arne Slot's instructions.

"The first half was not easy. It went back and forth well," Dessers continued. 

"In the second half, we held up well after the lead. After a while, you know that the spaces are getting bigger and that you are going to get chances. We finished them almost one hundred percent, that was great.

"I think it is good and that it works for the team. If you see how our captain Toornstra puts pressure on himself every time and runs out, tens of meters, then I think that speaks for the team and for how the trainer wants to play."

After Saturday's win, Feyenoord are fifth on the table with nine points from four matches, four points behind leaders Ajax, who have played a game more.

David Beckham's son Romeo made his professional football debut for Inter Miami reserves on Sunday night.

Beckham junior was handed his first professional contract earlier this month, with the 19-year-old signing for Fort Lauderdale CF - part of MLS franchise Inter Miami, which is co-owned by his father.

The 19-year-old made his full debut for the USL League One outfit at the weekend, playing 79 minutes of their 2-2 draw with Tormenta at DRV PNK Stadium.

How did Romeo perform?

Romeo started on the right-wing against Tormenta - the position Beckham senior mastered during his own career across spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager wasn't quite able to emulate his father in his first appearance, as he managed just 19 touches before being substituted 11 minutes from time.

Romeo's best moment came in the 57th minute when he linked up well with Harvey Neville - son of Inter Miami head coach Phil - before setting up a team-mate with an inch-perfect cross, only to see him head the ball wide of the post.

Fort Lauderdale were 2-1 up before Romeo left the pitch, thanks to goals from Mitchell Curry and George Acosta, but conceded a late equaliser which ultimately saw them slip to eighth in the USL League One standings.

What has been said?

Romeo took to social media to express his delight after making his debut, before looking ahead to Fort Lauderdale's next fixture against Greenville Triumph on Saturday.

"Blessed to have made my pro debut tonight for @fortlauderdalecf. Full focus onto the next match," he wrote on Instagram.

Further reading