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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted to see Jesse Lingard answer his critics by scoring the winning goal as they beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday.

The England international came off the bench to help United on the way to securing three points when he struck in the 89th minute of the Premier League clash.

Lingard's decisive display comes just days after he faced a lot of criticism for a mistake that proved his side's undoing in their Champions League defeat against Young Boys in midweek.

What has been said?

Solskjaer was pleased by the 28-year-old's response and the way he has added to the Old Trafford side since his return from his impressive loan spell at West Ham last season.

"I think today was a good answer! Jesse was quite clear he wants to fight for his place and be part of a Manchester United team that is going places," he said at a press conference.

"I can't speak for Jesse now but he's really contributing, he'll play on Wednesday as I'll make a few changes. So pleased he handles the highs and lows really well.

"He's becoming a grown man and is a very good player."

He added: "I'm so happy for Jesse, he had a tough evening on Tuesday, he knuckled down, he's a positive lad, so happy for him. A good turn by Jesse, good finish."

Solskjaer surprised by De Gea save

Lingard was not the only hero for the Red Devils.

David De Gea had to step up in stoppage time to save a penalty from Mark Noble to ensure his side took home the win.

De Gea had gone over five years without saving a spot kick, having conceded 40 until he kept Noble's effort out.

Solskjaer admits he did not expect the goalkeeper to save the penalty, saying: "I believe in David and I've seen him, he saved against Crystal Palace last season, and his foot was a little inch off the line. 

"I've seen Mark Noble score so many penalties, you did feel down and out and expected to come home with one point but luckily David has continued his good form."

Should United have had a penalty?

United had a few penalty calls of their own dismissed throughout the game.

Amid the hectic end to the match, Cristiano Ronaldo had two appeals for a spot kick turned down by the referee.

"Cristiano should have had two, the first and the third, penalties for me," Solskjaer said.

He added to Sky Sports : "I think they’re stonewall you can’t even argue them.

"I think the first one the lad puts his leg up Cristiano runs straight and is fouled. The last one, Paul Pogba had a foul against Kurt Zouma went over him, so why is Cristiano third appeal not a penalty?"

Further reading

SuperSport United emerged 3-0 winners against Moroka Swallows in a Premier Soccer League game played at Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.
 
Jamie Webber, Teboho Mokoena, and Thamsanqa Gabuza were the scorers for the away side who appeared hungrier than the Soweto club.
 
A late tackle by Gabuza on Junaid Sait saw the Swallows defender go down, but after medical attention, he was lucky to continue with the game.
 
In the ninth minute, Swallows countered SuperSport United with Thabo Matlaba and Ruzaigh Gamildien leading the attacks, but Buhle Mkhwanazi did well to stop the opponents in time from getting into their box.
 
Iqraam Rayners made a good run down the left flank before he aimed at goal with a curling effort, but goalkeeper Virgil Vries was alert to ensure SuperSport United did not get an opener in the 13th minute.
 
Keletso Makgalwa outmaneuvered some of his opponents after receiving a pass from Gamilden, but the loanee from Mamelodi Sundowns ended up shooting wide despite a fine run in the 23rd minute and thus wasted Swallows' chance.
 
Vries saved the day once more for Swallows as he denied Webber in the 29th minute as the away side looked more dominant towards the latter stages of the first half.
 
Swallows made a 52nd-minute change when Grant Margeman came on for George Matlou, who got injured.
 
Moses Waiswa should have struck the opening goal for the away side in the 59th minute when he was spotted unmarked by Webber in the Swallows' penalty area, but the Ugandan ended up firing over the bar from close range.
 
Kaitano Tembo's side won a penalty at the hour mark when Siphiyo Sibiya handled the ball. Webber took the spot-kick and easily beat Swallows' Vries as the away side took what can be described as a deserved lead. 
 
Two minutes after grabbing the lead, SuperSport scored the second when Mokoena - after receiving a pass from Webber - found the back of the net. Vries failed to stop the ball, giving the scorer a chance to tap home with the rebound as the home side struggled to contain the pressure from their opponents.
 
Sibiya conceded a second penalty after he brought down Webber in the 70th minute. Gabuza scored from the spot as the Swallows defender was unlucky not to be sent off as he received a yellow card when he conceded the first penalty.
 
For the last 20 minutes of the rather one-sided encounter, SuperSport were unlucky not to add more goals as they eventually ended a winless away run that had stretched to 13 games.

Manchester United secured a win against West Ham amid a chaotic end to the Premier League match.

The Red Devils came from behind to get the three points, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard dealing the decisive blows after Said Benrahma gave the home side the lead.

The game had an intense finish, with Ronaldo's call for a penalty in the 77th minute being waved away. With five minutes left to play, Ronaldo was again asking for a penalty when he claimed Aaron Cresswell pulled his jersey.

But United went ahead eventually when substitute Lingard popped up with a goal in the 89th minute, refusing to celebrate against the team he enjoyed an excellent loan spell at last season.

The drama did not stop there, though, as the Hammers were awarded a penalty in stoppage time.

But Mark Noble, who had just come on before the penalty, saw his effort saved by David de Gea and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's team clinched the victory.

De Gea's penalty save was his first in over five years. The last time he saved a spot kick was in April 2016 and had conceded 40 since then until the decisive stop against Noble.

What was the reaction?

Further reading

Ghana Premier League side Asante Kotoko have announced Prosper Narteh Ogum as their new head coach, effectively signaling the end of Mariano Barreto’s tenure as club boss.

Ogum joins the Porcupine Warriors on a two-year deal, leaving Wafa, and will be hoping to lead the Kumasi-based outfit to their first league glory since 2014.

“We're delighted to announce Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum as our new head coach,” Kotoko have announced.

“The sports psychologist, educationist and coach joins us on a two-year deal from Wafa, having previously handled UCC Soccer Team, Elmina Sharks, Dwarfs and Karela Utd.”

Kotoko failed to make a statement on the situation of Barreto, who was head coach until Ogum’s appointment, but Goal understands the club and the Portuguese coach mutually agreed to a contract termination.

Barreto, who was named Kotoko head coach on a one-and-a-half-year-deal in March, was heavily criticised for failing to lead the club to league glory as they finished four points behind archrivals and champions Hearts of Oak.

There was more misery for the former Black Stars boss as Kotoko were kicked out of the FA Cup in the quarter-finals.

At the end of the season, he fell out with management for publicly criticising the club’s perceived lack of development.

"I know Asante Kotoko fans won't be happy with this but I must say it. Asante Kotoko is only a big name and not a big team because they lack so many things a big team should be having,” Barreto said last month.

"A big team should have their own physiotherapy room, a strong youth team, philosophy, video room, amongst other infrastructure.

"I don't know where the Asante Kotoko secretariat is located. I haven't been there before since my appointment.

"I have been in Ghana for the past four months to handle Asante Kotoko but I don't know where it is located. I signed my contract in Accra at a hotel. 'Is it located at the stadium [Baba Yara Sports Stadium]?”

Kotoko, two-time African champions, are the most successful club in the history of the Premier League, having lifted the cup on 23 occasions.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been named in the Chelsea starting XI for Sunday's Premier League match against Tottenham.

Kepa replaces Edouard Mendy in goal for the Blues, while the Senegal international has been left out of the squad altogether.

It is the Spain international's second game in all competitions this season, having also featured in the UEFA Super Cup win against Villarreal.

More to follow

Ghana fans have been given hope for the most part after latest news emerged that Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi is nearing a switch from England to Ghana at international level.

Born to Ghanaian parents in England, the attacker is eligible to pledge his long-term future to either nation, having already featured three times for The Three Lions.

Fifa rules on eligibility allows a player to switch from one nation to the other provided, he has not made more than three competitive outings for his old side and all appearances came before he turned 21, regulations which currently work in favour of the Champions League winner should he opt for a change, which could only materialise in November next year, also per eligibility rules.

Latest news from the Daily Mail is that England boss Gareth Southgate is “growing resigned to losing” the 20-year-old, who is “disillusioned with the English FA”.

Earlier this month, news of a speculated imminent Ghana switch was rife after the attacker, who was recently in Ghana for summer holiday, turned down a call-up to the England U21 side.

Below are some of the best reactions to the latest development:

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has explained his reluctance to field too many young players while giving a positive update on Ansu Fati's recovery from long-term injury.

Koeman is currently dealing with something of an injury crisis at Camp Nou, with the likes of Ansu, Sergino Dest, Sergio Aguero, Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele all currently sidelined.

Pedri and Jordi Alba added to the Dutchman's injury woes after picking up respective knocks in Barca's 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, but he has no plans to dip into the academy for extra reinforcements.

What's been said?

Speaking ahead of his side's latest La Liga outing against Granada on Monday, Koeman told a press conference: "I am not even afraid to start a young man, but putting six in right away is not good either ... It is difficult to know when they are going to have more games."

Goal has reported that the Blaugrana manager has been instructed to give La Masia graduate Riqui Puig a more prominent role in his plans, but he insists that he will only hand the 22-year-old midfielder extra minutes based on merit.

"He has to work to win minutes and improve his game like all young people," Koeman added.

Ansu closing in on return to action

Ansu returned to training at the end of August after nine months out of action with a serious knee injury, but is still waiting for his first appearance of the 2021-22 campaign.

Koeman is confident that he will be ready to play again by the start of October, though, and is eager to welcome him back amid a lack of high-quality options in the final third.

"We do not set a date, but he is working with the team," he said. "It could be in a week or in 10 days. We know that we are lacking in attack and if Ansu can have minutes it is important. We are talking about a great player."

Koeman also delivered updates on Aguero and Philippe Coutinho as the former continues his recovery from a calf issue and the latter seeks to force his way back into the fold after missing pre-season.

"Kun is working with the physio and he still lacks. Coutinho entered well the other day and we will decide if he can start. It will not be for 90 minutes," he continued. "We have to look for the best for the team and for Philippe."

Koeman on his future

Questions have been asked over Koeman's position once again in the wake of Barca's humiliating loss to Bayern, but he insists that he's not feeling any pressure.

"We are confident in winning games, but there is still a long way to go," he said. "I hope to get people back to have more players available. I know the results count.

"I have no fear about my future. In the end the club and the president (Laporta) decide."

Further reading

Raphael Varane says France team-mate Paul Pogba has played an important role in the defender's adaptation to life at Manchester United.

Varane joined United in a £40 million ($55m) move from Real Madrid in August. 

The 28-year-old has slotted into the heart of the defence alongside Harry Maguire in United's last two Premier League matches and immediately impressed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

What has been said?

Pogba's presence has been key in helping Varane settle at Old Trafford, as the centre-back told Telefoot: "Yes of course he helps me integrate, in his own way with his good humor, he is always joking. It's cool, it's going well."

Varane, who was announced as a United player in front of the club's supporters before their opening Premier League game of the season, is happy with the welcome he has received from fans and team-mates.

He added: "It was emotional because it was a magnificent welcome and it will remain engraved in my memory. We have a good group. It's young, it's dynamic. There's really a spirit of camaraderie. I'm very happy to be part of this team."

Varane happy to reunite with Ronaldo

The World Cup winner's move to United sees him paired with another familiar face. Varane spent seven years playing with Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid and is delighted to be playing alongside him again after the Portugal star returned to the Premier League.

"He's a huge professional. He has scored goals all his career," Varane said. "He will continue as long as he does not stop football. So, it's better to have him with than against you."

Furher reading

The Football Kenya Federation has appointed Turkish tactician Engin Firat as the new Harambee Stars head coach.

Confirming the appointment at a Nairobi hotel on Sunday, FKF president Nick Mwendwa explained why they settled on the 51-year-old tactician. 

"I am bringing the coach at a time when Kenya are competing for a World Cup ticket, and as you know, we stand second in the group and we have a clear chance to compete well in this group," Mwendwa told reporters.

"Firat has the experience to handle the team since he is a top coach."
 
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia legend Jerim Onyango has been appointed the goalkeepers' coach, replacing Haggai Azande, who left alongside Mulee.

Firat's big task will be to help Kenya find a first 2022 World Cup qualifying win after draws against Uganda and Rwanda in the opening two games. Kenyans will also be keen to see whether the Turkish will incorporate high-profile stars like Victor Wanyama, Ayub Timbe, Jesse Were, and Johanna Omollo, who were overlooked by Mulee.

Mulee started a restructuring process at the national team that saw the likes of Lawrence Juma, Kenneth Muguna, Abdallah Hassan, and Daniel Sakari become an integral part of the national team set up.

Although the stars were regularly summoned for stellar performances with their local sides, they never disappointed while turning out for Harambee Stars as they showed top-level performances, individually.

Whether Firat will continue with the culture of relying on some of the local stars, especially the Juma-Muguna midfield axis, is a question that will only be answered in time.

Firat is the latest foreigner to take charge after Sebastien Migne, who left his position in 2019 when Kenya were defeated by Tanzania in the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualification.

Initially, Migne had guided Kenya to the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt, where they picked up a win in a group that had Senegal and Algeria - the eventual finalists - and neighbours Tanzania.

The other foreign coach to have worked under Mwendwa is Paul Put, who took the team from Stanley Okumbi and led them to the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Machakos in 2017. Given the two foreigners left a mark on the national side, that puts Firat under pressure to try and achieve bigger things with Kenya.

Firat has worked with 18 teams, both clubs and national outfits - Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany and Fenerbahce of Turkey where he worked as an assistant manager between 2002 and 2003 - are the high-profile jobs he had handled.

His first competitive assignment will be the World Cup qualifiers against Mali in October.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana marksman Mark Williams believes Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa could be a reliable source of goals for the Sea Robbers.

It hadn't been going Pirates' way against the Chilli Boys in Gqeberha on Saturday after the hosts had capitalised on some sloppy defending in the 12th minute to take the lead through Phakamani Mahlambi.

But Mabasa set Pirates back on track in the 29th minute with a sharp finish in the box as he latched onto a miscued shot from teammate Vincent Pule.

Williams, an Afcon winner with Bafana Bafana in 1996, liked what he saw from Mabasa and believes the 24-year-old is just what Pirates need upfront.

"The cross comes in and it's a miss-kick [Pule's attempted shot, which flew into Mabasa's path]. But look where [Mabasa] is. It's not an easy goal because the ball goes away from him,” the former Amakhosi marksman commented in the SuperSport TV studio.

"But what I like is he still goes in there, commits himself and then got a wonderful touch there (for the finish)."

Mabasa managed five league goals for Bucs last season, although injuries meant he only got to play 11 times.

It is however Gabadinho Mhango who is seen as Pirates' leading striker, after he banged in 16 league goals two seasons back. The Malawian was however only able to score five league goals in 22 matches last term.

Williams thinks that Mhango is not best-suited to playing as a central target-man and should be given the space to attack from wider. Instead, it should be Mabasa who plays through the middle.

"That's a man [full] of confidence," he said of Mabasa. "I think Pirates should be looking at him for more. We talked about it earlier, once you're in the kitchen," Williams said, in reference to the striker's tendency to position himself deep inside the opposition box.

"And Mabasa is one of those strikers (who takes up advanced, central positions). Mhango's drifting wide."

Pirates’ other goals against Chippa came from midfielders Abel Mabaso and Goodman Mosele.

The Buccaneers have eight points from four games and are next in action against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp says Ibrahima Konate learned "harsh lessons" on his competitive debut for Liverpool against Crystal Palace.

Konate was made to wait for his first outing for the Reds, having initially been signed from RB Leipzig for £36 million ($54m) back in June.

The 22-year-old sat out Liverpool's opening four Premier League fixtures and a 3-2 Champions League win over AC Milan in midweek, but finally took his bow in a home fixture against Palace on Saturday.

What's been said?

Konate slotted in at centre-half alongside Virgil van Dijk and helped Klopp's side record a clean sheet in a comfortable 3-0 victory, but did have a few shaky moments against the Eagles' formidable attacking unit.

Asked if the Frenchman was made to adapt to his system, the German head coach told reporters post-match: "Definitely and I think that is very important. We all saw what potential the boy has, it is incredible, physically, his technique, his game-understanding, it is all there.

"But when you are a young boy already skilled then you rely sometimes on those skills and the Premier League teaches you harsh lessons sometimes. Today against Palace was a good example, Wilf Zaha, Ayew, Edouard, these were proper strikers.

"Maybe it is not so nice when you play a completely new last line but together with Virg and Milly (James Milner, at right-back) it worked really well. Kostas Tsimikas played a superb game too.

"Konate is in a good way, I am really happy. But there is a lot more to come from Ibou, he is still young and yes he has to adapt, they have all had to adapt to the way we play and to the league as well because it is a special league."

Klopp on rotation

Konate's introduction was one of six changes Klopp made to the side that beat Milan, and the Liverpool boss has promised to continue tinkering with the starting XI as his side negotiate their way through a punishing domestic and European schedule.

“You want to line up the best possible team and there are different factors; one is who played together?” he said. "It was ‘rhythm or freshness?’ and we decided for freshness. Otherwise, we could have played one or another again, but we didn’t want that.

“I don’t know what it says exactly, but we had to do the changes, that was clear. We will rotate, we always rotated, but you see in the last line in the last years we couldn’t rotate really because there were always a maximum of two fit [centre-backs] very often – and the third one was already a midfielder.

“In midfield, hopefully we have the numbers to do it and we need that because this is the engine room of the team and we need to make the changes there. Up front, we have different opportunities as well, so that’s good. How often we do it, I didn’t make a plan already for the season, but as often as necessary and possible.”

What's next?

Liverpool will now look ahead to a third-round Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich on Tuesday, before their focus switches back to the Premier League and a trip to newly-promoted Brentford on September 25.

Further reading

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has hit back at the hateful messages he has received online, declaring he is "enjoying life" while the "keyboard warriors will still be sitting in their boxers".

Jones has spent the last ten years on United's books having initially been signed from Blackburn in 2011, and has made more than 200 appearances across all competitions for the club.

The 29-year-old has also won five trophies at OId Trafford including the Premier League, but hasn't played for the Red Devils since January 2020 due to a serious knee injury.

What has been said?

Jones has been subjected to online abuse throughout his lengthy spell on the sidelines but insists he is still in a strong place mentally despite the best efforts of cowardly figures.

“I must be an easy target," the England international has told The Times. "Every footballer has a tag and unfortunately, mine is, ‘Let’s have a laugh at him.’

“When my career finishes and I’m enjoying my life - and by the way I’m fortunate that I’ll be able to do that - the keyboard warriors will still be in their mum’s spare bedroom, sipping Pepsi that’s flat, eating a Pot Noodle, sitting in their boxers, tweeting.”

Jones added on the impact internet trolls can have on footballers in the modern era: "In this society we’re living in at the minute, all the racism and stuff that affects mental health - I’d just say be careful. You don’t know how it’s going to affect players: physically, mentally, emotionally.

“We always go back to the same point: ‘Oh they’re footballers, they should be able to deal with it, they get so much money, have this lavish lifestyle.’ Take all that away, strip all that back and we’re just human beings.

“Listen, my problems are not bigger than the problems someone has to deal with in an office, I know that, but they are problems. Footballers have problems like anybody else, and maybe me talking can help players.”

Jones hits back at Ferdinand

Jones went on to hit back at the criticism he recently received from ex-team-mate Rio Ferdinand, who has claimed that United were wrong to keep hold of a man currently "taking up a youth player's position" in the squad during the summer transfer window.

“Listen, the respect I’ve got is enormous," he said. "I’ve shared a dressing room with Rio - great professional. Loved playing with him. Great lad, good humour. Learnt so much from him.

“What he said was poor. Really poor. I’m not into disputes, not into arguments, and if he didn’t know, he didn’t know [about the injury].”

When will Jones be back?

Jones has returned to full training with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad, and could be in line for a return to action when the Red Devils take on West Ham in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday.

The centre-back has told the club's official podcast of his current condition: "Thankfully, I see the light at the end of the tunnel now, and I’ve been back training, played a few behind-closed-doors games and I’m feeling really good at the minute."

Further reading

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the role he has asked midfielder Thomas Partey to play after returning from injury.

The Ghana international was influential throughout on his return to the starting line-up as the Gunners registered their second win in the Premier League this season after downing Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday.

It was midfielder Martin Odegaard who scored the lone goal from a well-curled free-kick to hand Arteta and Arsenal a second straight win, coming after they had beaten Norwich City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Partey, who has struggled with injury since joining the Gunners from Atletico Madrid, played for 75 minutes before paving way for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but coach Arteta was impressed with his overall display and further elaborated on the role he’s asking him to play in the midfield.

“He’s really important because he is the anchor," Arteta told the club’s official website. “He is the one that needs to read what is happening and make the rest better.

“That's his biggest job, to get the right balance in the team and get the right fluidity in the team so we can attack.”

The 28-year-old Black Star had missed the opening three matches for the Gunners and also sat out the 6-0 Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.

Partey was suffering from an ankle injury picked up during pre-season friendly against Chelsea but Arteta is happy with how he managed to fit into the squad on his return.

“How he managed the transitions was top, he has the pressing and the charisma, and then he struggled at the end. He could not finish the game because he was cramping. But that will come up,” Arteta continued.

“He missed a long time but now he's back again and he needs some more fitness back.”

On the win against Burnley Arteta said: “It was a hard-fought win like it should be when you play Burnley away. I think we started the game really well. We played some fantastic passes and you could see a lot of the things that we want.”

Partey will hope to keep his place when Arsenal face AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before they host North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on September 26.

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has revealed what keeps him going after he scored yet again in a 3-0 Premier League win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Egyptian forward, who joined the Reds from AS Roma in 2017, scored his goal in the 78th minute after Senegal star Sadio Mane had opened the scoring in the 43rd minute and Guinea’s Naby Keita sealed the win in the 89th minute.

However, what caught the eye of many is how Salah wildly celebrated scoring his 99th goal for Liverpool, as he removed his shirt and ran towards the fans sitting at the Kop end while yelling and punching the air.

Salah has revealed his reason by stating on his official social media pages: “You, the fans, keep me going. You give me more strength than I think you’ll ever know.”

The Egyptian has so far scored four goals in five games this season but has less than two years remaining on his contract.

In a recent interview, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his focus was on Salah’s form on the pitch and not his contract negotiations.

“There’s nothing really to say, especially from me as I am not involved,” Klopp said as quoted by Sky Sports.

“The only thing I’m really interested in is how Mo looks, how sharp and committed he is at the moment, and that's absolutely spot on.

“He looks really good. There is nothing else to say.”

Out of 150 league games for Liverpool, Salah has raked in 99 goals and delivered 36 assists.

Meanwhile, Klopp has admitted his team gave everything to beat Palace at Anfield.

“I told the boys that is one of the most hard-fought 3-0s I ever saw. We gave everything,” Klopp said as quoted by BBC Sports.

“We scored from set-pieces. Palace defended pretty well. I tell the boys, this is one of those games we need to win. We were not brilliant. The chips behind our full-backs gave us the distance to cover. It makes the pitch really big.

“They have quality. We kept them quiet somehow. We need Alisson in moments, that is normal. I am fine with the game.”

Liverpool will next travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich City on September 21.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has conceded he does not like it when his goalkeeper Edouard Mendy makes many saves since it means he is exposed.

In the four league matches, the Senegal international has made 16 saves which is joint-high in the Premier League. The former PSG coach believes when the goalkeeper is less busy, then it means his in-field players did not allow many chances for his opponents.

"I don’t like it too much when he’s in the spotlight," Tuchel said as quoted by the club's official portal.

"I like it more when he gets the praise from us for one-and-a-half saves, for being concentrated, for pushing the line up high and clearing some situations as a sweeper. If he is more or less invisible to the spectators in the stadium then I’m super happy. It means we did not allow many chances.

"He’s been in the spotlight the last few games and on one hand that’s not the most satisfying feeling for a coach. On the other hand, it is because we can rely on him. We have to accept things are not too easy at the moment. I even like these tough matches and tough moments because it sharpens our mentality.

"It’s a good part of the season to struggle a little bit. It’s better than having everything in place and then suddenly in November or December not knowing what’s going on. Now we can progress and get better."

The German went on to laud the custodian for his outstanding performance as well as his personality.

"I’m super happy with him. He’s an outstanding guy with a fantastic personality, super humble, super calm. His development from the first day has been outstanding. He plays with so much confidence. It’s so hard to score against him in training," Tuchel continued.

"Our goalkeeper coaches and the second and third goalkeepers did a fantastic job because only if they are a top team and push each other to the limits can a number one perform like he performs. He is calm because he feels safe in his environment.

"Every top team needs a top goalkeeper, and we have one."

Mendy is expected to retain his place in goal when the Blues play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Former Orlando Pirates star Joseph Makhanya thinks Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter’s tactics are “a confusion” and he is being "suicidal" by imposing them on players who do not suit his type of play.

The Soweto giants were thumped 4-1 by Royal AM at home on Saturday, a result which came on the backdrop of losing 2-0 away at Mamelodi Sundowns the previous weekend.

Makhanya has narrowed Chiefs’ difficult run down to Baxter’s game plan which he says shows that he does not appreciate the type of players he has.

“It's a confusion of tactics and approach. The tactics do not suit the kind of players he has. It will definitely lead to frustration on the players’ part,” Makhanya told iDiski TV.

“The coach does not understand his players, what it is they have at their disposal so that he can use it to the team’s benefit and strengthen it. What he is doing is suicidal for players. The more you lose games, the more you will start losing confidence in players. 

“Here we are talking about players who strive on confidence like [Khama] Billiat and [Kgaogelo] Sekgota. But once you start employing wrong tactics, you are killing the players’ confidence. 

“One thing as a coach, you look at the type of players you have. You try to accommodate the talent they bring at your disposal and not impose what you normally know. 

“This is a situation of the coach imposing what he knows and now it becomes problematic. When players are not responding to your tactics, it tells you something as a coach. It tells you that as a coach, your job and duty is to get the best out of your players.

“Your players function according to their strengths. You have so many ball players.  My biggest worry is the style of play he is trying to impose on the type of players he has currently.”

Most notably in Chiefs' difficult patch is striker Samir Nurkovic’s goal drought.

The Serb has started all four league games but is yet to find the back of the net.

With Nurkovic starting as a left-sided forward this season, Makhanya feels Baxter is “killing” the player who he feels should play as a number nine.

“There is nothing wrong playing according to Nurkovic’s strengths,” added Makhanya.

“But let other players create chances for him because you have creative players. You have Billiat, Lebo [Manyama], Sekgota, [Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and [Keagan] Dolly.

“Those are creative players, so let them create for Nurkovic. Play him as a target man and not in the space of creative players. There is nothing wrong playing with a target man. But place him right upfront. He is becoming frustrated now because he is not scoring.

“Nurkovic is in the wrong space. Play him as your target man, then allow players around him to create for him. He is not a creative player. At the end of the day, people will start doubting Nurkovic because of the coach’s tactics which are killing the player. He now finds himself having to dribble past people yet he is not a dribbler.”

Up next for Chiefs is a visit to Marumo Gallants.