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East Bengal appointed Spanish coach Manuel 'Manolo' Diaz as their new manager after the club parted ways with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler after just one season.

The former England international had one more year in his contract but the club and manager decided to mutually part ways. However, the clubs was quick to announce the 53-year-old Spaniard as their new coach.

This will be the third time in the history of the Red and Golds that a Spaniard will be at the helm of affairs. Manolo Diaz's predecessor at Real Madrid Castilla, Alejandro Menendez was the first-ever Spanish national to manage the club from September 2018 to January 2020. After Menendez left, his former assistant coach Mario Rivera replaced him at the helm. Rivera was the second Spaniard to manage the club,

As Diaz gears up to sit on the East Bengal bench in the upcoming 2021/22 season fo the Indian Super League, here are five things every East Bengal fan must know about their new head coach.

Managed Real Madrid at various levels

The Spaniard started his coaching career at Real Madrid Juvenil two decades ago in 2002. He was in charge of the youth side for four seasons until 2006. From 2009 to 2013, he managed Real Madrid C in Tercera Division. From 2013 to 2015, he was in charge of Real Madrid Castilla. He had another stint with Castilla during the 2018/19 season in the Segunda Division after Santiago Solari became the first-team coach of Real Madrid.

Other than working with the Los Blancos, Manolo Diaz managed the likes of Navalcarnero, Ponferradina and Hercules. 

Famous proteges

The newly appointed East Bengal coach has managed some top players during stints in Spain. While at Real Madrid Castilla in his first stint, Diaz managed players like Lucas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz and Diego Llorente. While Vazquez and Mariano Diaz went on to establish themselves in Real Madrid's senior side, Llorente currently plays for Leeds United in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.

But by far one of the biggest names, Diaz has managed in his career is Kepa Arrizabalaga who currently plays for Chelsea. In 2018, Kepa became the most expensive goalkeeper of all time when he moved to London from Athletic Bilbao for a world record transfer fee of  £71 million.

Segunda Division Manager of Month - September 2014

After joining Ponferradina in 2014/15, in the second month of his coaching, Manolo Diaz was named the manager of the month in September 2014. In that month, under Diaz's tutelage, Ponferradina had won three out of their four matches and scored eight goals and were on the third position after the month of September. Eventually, the team finished seventh with 60 points from 42 matches.

Almost joined Real Valladolid as manager

In the summer of 2017, he was offered the managerial position at Real Valladolid, but he did not leave Madrid and chose to continue his work in the academy with Ramon Martinez and Merino. However, when he declined to join Valladolid brought in Spaniard Luis Cesar as the head coach. The white and violets finished fifth on the table in the Segunda Division with 67 points from 42 matches. 

What is Manolo Diaz's win percentage as a manager?

As a senior team coach, in the last 13 years, Manolo Diaz managed 328 matches out of which he won 137 games. 83 matches ended in draws and his teams lost in 109. His overall win percentage is 41.77 per cent.

His most successful stint as a manager was when he was in charge of Real Madrid Castilla during the 2018/19 season where he had won 14 out of 30 matches with a win percentage of 46.67 percent.

Many of Europe’s biggest clubs can be delighted with the business they achieved during the course of the transfer window.

Chelsea pulled off a massive deal with the signing of Romelu Lukaku, while Manchester United were able to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tottenham Hotspur kept hold of Harry Kane even though he had appeared to be primed for the exit door for much of the summer.

None of them—perhaps—can claim to have enjoyed as much success as Paris Saint-Germain, with the team on African Football HQ arguing in our Transfer Deadline Day review show that the French giants have ‘won’ the transfer window.

They certainly needed a big summer of deals, after missing out on the French title to LOSC Lille last term.

Mauricio Pochettino didn’t lose his job in light of that disappointment—and further failure in the Champions League—but has instead been backed heavily over the summer.

Lionel Messi is, of course, the most exciting arrival for PSG, and his signing from Barcelona made headlines around the world…and brought an emotional response from football fans of all creeds.

The capital club pulled off a major coup in recruiting the greatest player of his generation—some would argue the greatest player of all time—and upon him, the club will pin the hopes of ending their wait for Europe’s biggest honour.

Messi, however, is just the pinnacle of an outstanding transfer window.

Sergio Ramos brings experience to the backline—and an awesome winning mentality—while Gianluigi Donnarumma is a European champion and among the world’s finest goalkeepers today.

Georginio Wijnaldum arrives at the club on the back of a successful stint at Liverpool in which he became a Premier League winner as a key man in Jurgen Klopp’s magnificent Reds side.

Danilo Pereira signs permanently from FC Porto, while his fellow Portugal international Nuno Mendes joins on loan from Sporting Lisbon, and—from an African point of view—Achraf Hakimi signs from Internazionale.

Like Wijnaldum, he won the league title with his previous employers, and will now be focused on doing the same again at his new club.

Hakimi can also set about proving he is the finest right-back in the world game.

He was a Champions League winner with Real Madrid as a teenager, took his game to new heights with Borussia Dortmund on loan, and then was influential as Antonio Conte’s side won the Serie A crown last season.

His defensive competencies and attacking prowess could ensure—long term—that he proves to be the most valuable of PSG’s summer haul of eye-catching recruits.

The World Cup, the grandest show in football, is coming to Asia for only the second time in it's history with Qatar hosting the 2022 edition. The Middle-East nation have already established themselves as one of the giants on the continent when it comes to hosting and managing sporting events. Even then, it will be safe to say, they have taken a leaf out of the book of another Asian giant - Japan, who incidentally were the co-hosts when the World Cup came Asia for the very first time in 2002.

While Japan were the pioneers in 2002 with state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities, especially the Yokohama stadium which hosted the World Cup final, Qatar have taken it up a notch with cutting-edge tech that they have used to build their eight venues for the 2022 World Cup, feels Australian legend Tim Cahill. 

Interestingly, Qatar's eight swanky stadiums, seven of which are/are being built from scratch are world class and have Advanced Cooling Tech and more, making them the most advanced footballing venues in the world. Cahill also believes that the two nations have helped each other in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup and there is a lot of common ground to be found.

"There's a nice synergy (between Qatar and Japan). Japan are one of the leaders in hosting mega events and building stadiums. Japan, I said in 2000 that they were the pioneers. And Qatar have the taken it to the next level with their implementation, you know - seven out of the eight stadiums with cooling systems, air conditioning etc, " Cahill, who is currently in Qatar, working with the Aspire Academy as their Chief Sports Officer, told Goal.

"There's definitely an amazing relationship between the Asian countries, two power houses," he added. 

The former Everton star also spoke about how Qatar and Japan have proven themselves as leaders in hosting mega events, even during pandemic and pointed out that the countries have helped each other. Japan hosted the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics while Qatar played hosts to the 2020 AFC Champions League, 2020 Club World Cup and even Japan's 2022 World Cup qualifier against China recently. 

"I think I've been able to witness some amazing events, especially here living in Qatar, seeing how you can hold events during the pandemic, have the (bio) bubbles. Make sure everyone's safe and make sure the protocol is good. There was the Club World Cup, and then we had (the World Cup) qualifiers. Then we have the Asian Champions League.

"Massive congratulations also to Tokyo and Japan, for the Olympic Games. To be able to be structured and navigate the pandemic and everything that comes with it with (participation from) every country in the world. It was a great experience. And Qatar had people in contact with Japan to learn from the Olympics."

Cahill is no stranger to Japan, having featured in many a battle with the Blue Samurai during his illustrious playing career for the Socceroos. In fact, Cahill has a nickname - Japan Killer - bestowed by journalists from the Asian nation. Perhaps, the most memorable of his battles with Japan will be Australia's group stage fixture against them in the 2006 World Cup. It was Australia's first World Cup game in 32 years and Cahill did the star turn, coming off the bench to score a historic brace and overturn a 1-0 deficit. 

"Yep, I was sitting on the bench playing against Japan and we were one nil down. Guus Hiddink subs me on and a few minutes later, I scored the first ever goal for Australia in a World Cup. And I remember, you know, playing in that game, that was 1-1 and soon after I scored the second goal. I suppose that sort of set the tone. Because, you know, that got us our first ever three points (at a World Cup). It was an amazing feeling that.

"Over the years (against Japan), there were qualifying campaigns - games in Australia .I scored a couple of goals at home against Japan to secure another World Cup qualification. I think it was in Melbourne I scored two goals there against them in a game that they were dominating," Cahill reminisced. 

However, it was not all sweet memories for him. Cahill was part of Australia's 2011 Asian Cup team which were beaten by Japan in the final in Doha at the Khalifa International stadium, one of the venues for the 2022 World Cup.

"Yeah, the final I was strapped up in my right knee. I think some of the other players has had injuries and we come into the game and we pretty much gave everything and we lost at the final hurdle. We lost then it was so sad. I'll never forget the feeling but Japan were deserved winners."

There was also the final match of the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers where Australia had to avoid defeat to Japan. They could not and Cahill and his team were required to go through the play-offs where they beat Syria and then Honduras.

"Probably one of my most memorable games is the last World Cup qualifying game against Japan, we needed to win or we needed to draw just to go through with Japan and we lost. We didn't play for a draw, we played to win.

"Unfortunately, we didn't get a result and the whole team, all the staff went inside. I stayed outside and Japan had set up a massive hoarding, whatever to celebrate and have all their jerseys on that they're going to next World Cup, we had to go through the next phase which was Syria to qualify. I stayed outside. And basically there's a photo that I used on my Instagram and I keep using it, I think you have to go through that hurt to understand the pain because at the end of the day, we qualified for the World Cup."

And Cahill hopes to see Japan qualify for the 2022 World Cup where he can enjoy one of his favourite teams play from his new home. 

"And so Japan for me is a love story. It's romantic. So playing in their stadiums, you know, I scored against them. And they clapped me after the game. I have a great rapport with the  (Japanese) federation, the players, the current players. So I can talk forever, but there's some memorable moments between me and Japan. They are one of the favourites to get further taste of Qatar, when they qualify for the World Cup next year."

Former AFC Leopards midfielder Whyvonne Isuza is among the four players released by Wazito FC ahead of the 2021-22 FKF Premier League season.

According to a statement on their social media pages, the Nairobi-based clubs have also released goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, who joined them last season from Gor Mahia, defender Bernard Ochieng signed from Vihiga United, and Dennis Nganga, who signed from KCB.

What did Wazito's statement say?

“We can confirm the following players have left the club upon the expiry of their contracts/on mutual consent: Bernard Ochieng, Levis Opiyo, Dennis Ng'ang'a, Whyvone Isuza,” read part of the statement.

“We would like to thank them for their service to the club and wish them well for the future.”

The four players were all signed at the start of last season with hopes of helping the team to win the top-flight title but Wazito, led by coach Francis Kimanzi, performed disappointingly in the campaign as they finished ninth on the 18-team table with 45 points.

The move to release the four comes just a day after Fifa lifted the embargo that had been imposed on the club after violating transfer rules.

Wazito have become the third team in the league after new champions Tusker and Kariobangi Sharks to part ways with players since the transfer window opened on August 22.

The Brewers, who will represent the country in the Caf Champions League, confirmed the release of 11 players before the team left for Djibouti to face AS Arta Solar 7 in the preliminary round fixture on Saturday.

Some of the players dropped by Tusker include Luke Namanda, Mike Madoya and Chris Ochieng’, Chrispinus Onyango, Rodgers Aloro, Brian Marita, Faraj Ominde, custodian Robert Mboya, Sammy Meja, and Eric Ambunya.

However, the Brewers have already beefed up their squad with new arrivals among them Clyde Senaji, Teddy Osok, Charles Momanyi, Daniel Sakari, goalkeeper Brian Bwire, Joshua Ibrahim, Kalos Kalenge, and John Njuguna.

On the other hand, Sharks released 10 players, among them Brian Bwire, Daniel Sakari, James Mazembe, John Kuol, Joshua Onyango, Peter Lwasa, Ibrahim Kitawi, Ibrahim Ochieng, Robert Onyango, and Peter Oudu.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

After the international break, PSL football returns this weekend with Matchday 3 action in the South African top-flight, with Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in action.

With AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants participating in Caf inter-club competitions, their respective league fixtures against SuperSport United and Cape Town City have been postponed to next week.

The table is yet to take shape as only two league matches have been played so far and Chiefs, Pirates as well as Sundowns are yet to lose.

Interestingly, no team has a 100 percent winning record as all 16 PSL sides have dropped points after just two rounds of games.

How to watch PSL matches this weekend 

SuperSport TV has so far confirmed they will broadcast four matches on two of their channels.

Live broadcast schedules for the other two games are yet to be updated on SuperSport’s TV guide, and we will provide an update as soon as they are available.

Matches will also be live-streamed on the Dstv app.

South African state broadcaster SABC is yet to reveal its plans for this weekend's games. 

PSL Matchday 3 fixtures & TV schedule

Key PSL matches to look forward to

Two games involving some of the league’s most-followed teams could attract massive interest this weekend. 

Orlando Pirates vs Swallows FC

It is Original Soweto Derby time again as Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC resume their rivalry in what is Saturday’s main attraction.

Less than a month after Swallows knocked the Buccaneers out of the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage following a 2-1 victory, the two sides clash again.

Interestingly, that match was at Orlando Stadium and the Soweto rivals are back at that venue again as Pirates are seeking revenge while the Dube Birds want to cement their recent dominance over the Buccaneers.

Pirates' August 14 defeat to Swallows led to the departure of Josef Zinnbauer. 

Also making this a must-win for Pirates is that they are yet to taste victory in the league this season after recording draws in their matches.

Swallows have registered a win and a draw so far. 

Pirates are bidding for a first league title in a decade and they would be keen for their first set of maximum points to keep their championship ambitions on track.

A win for Swallows would be crucial to spurring them to be crowned champions for the first time since 1965.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs

This is arguably the biggest match of the weekend and it will take place at Loftus Versfeld.

Just like Pirates and Swallows who met in the MTN8 quarter-finals, Sundowns and Chiefs also met at the same stage of that competition and are now confronting each other in a league game.

Sundowns knocked Chiefs out of the MTN8 via a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

That Chiefs had to come from 2-0 down to secure a draw can give them confidence about their pedigree and they can fancy upsetting the PSL defending champions on Sunday. 

Both sides are yet to lose in this league campaign, each having each recorded a win and a draw so far. 

Germany-born attacker Braydon Manu has suggested his call-up to Ghana’s national team may have been undeserved.

Born to Ghanaian parents in the Germany city of Hamburg, the 24-year-old was drafted into the Black Stars squad for their recent 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Ethiopia and South Africa as a late call-up.

He joined CK Akonor’s outfit together with fellow Germany-born player Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.

“I was surprised and thought it was fake in the beginning. I honestly didn’t believe it,” Manu told Ahutor FM.

“[Ghana technical director] Benhard Lippert called to inform me I was under consideration for the Black Stars. I was happy but also very surprised, because I personally didn’t think I’d played enough games to merit a call-up. But then I felt that maybe they had seen something that others hadn’t.

“Initially, CK Akonnor said they were just monitoring me, then [GFA deputy general secretary] Alex Asante called to ask for my passport details. I was like, wow God is good.”

Unlike Kyere, who featured in Ghana’s 1-0 home win over Ethiopia on matchday one of the qualifiers, Manu watched both games from the stands.

Manu plays club football for German second-tier side Darmstadt. So far this season, the winger has appeared in two of the club’s five Bundesliga 2 matches, coming on as a substitute in both games.

“It makes me incredibly proud to have been selected for my parents' home country. I grew up with the culture, speak the language and have always felt like a Ghanaian,” he told his club’s official website after his call-up before joining the Ghana camp.

“I know the enthusiasm and emotions the Black Stars' trigger all over Ghana and it is unbelievable that I am now part of this team myself.

“When I found out about it, I was speechless at first. And that rarely happens to me (laughs). I still can't quite believe it and will probably only realize it when I've actually made it to the national team.”

Manu will hope for a recall when Ghana coach CK Akonnor announces his next squad for consecutive matches against Zimbabwe next month.

Lionel Messi scored his 79th international goal on Thursday night to break the South American men's record held by Pele.

Messi scored all three goals in Argentina's World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia in Buenos Aires, giving him two more goals than the legendary Brazilian star. 

Only Brazilian stars Marta (109) and Cristiane (96) have scored more overall international goals than the Argentina star now as he claimed his spot as the top men's goalscorer on the continent.

What did Messi say?

“I really wanted to be able to enjoy it," Messi said after the match. "I waited a long time for this, I looked for it and I dreamedof it. It’s a unique moment for the way it happened after so much waiting.

“There was no better way to celebrate this than to be here. My mother, my brothers are in the stands… They suffered a lot and today, they are here celebrating. I’m very happy.”

Another mark for Messi

With the three goals on Thursday, Messi also surpassed former team-mate and long time friend Luis Suarez to become the leading scorer in CONMEBOL's men's World Cup qualifying.

He now has 26 career goals in qualifying, while the hat-trick also gives him  eight career goals against Bolivia in 11 games, making them the opponent the Argentine has been most prolific against.

Messi has been Argentina's most prolific scorer since 2016, when he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta (54 goals).

The Argentine helped lead his country to the Copa America title this summer, his first piece of major senior international silverware with his country.

Further reading

Percy Tau said one of the reasons he joined Caf Champions League winners Al Ahly was because of the opportunity to play in the Fifa Club World Cup.

The Egyptian giants are getting ready to play in the global competition after they defeated Caf Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane 2-0 in the Super Cup final in Doha in May.

They will join other continental champions including Chelsea for the annual club championship in December.

Meanwhile, Tau might have to wait to play in the Fifa Club World Cup after Japan withdrew from hosting the 2021 edition due to coronavirus restrictions.

The South Africa international also praised his former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane for his return to Africa, three years after he left the PSL.

“I’m looking forward to participating in the Club World Cup. It’s part of why I chose to come here; it’s always good to go for a second time and to just keep going,” Tau told the club’s website.

“Everyone played a role in me coming to Al Ahly. The club, the addition of the coach, I know the coach very well. I always love to be around him. He’s got the hunger to win. He works hard. We are almost similar.

“He wants to win. I always want to win. We’ve got the love for each other. We always try and get the best out of each other. He knows that I’m very engaging. He’s also engaging to the players.”

Sergio Aguero has denied the existence of a Lionel Messi-related release clause in his contract at Barcelona.

Aguero signed for Barca on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City in June, committing to a two-year contract at Camp Nou.

It was initially suggested that one of the main reasons the 33-year-old chose to join the Blaugrana was to link up with fellow Argentina international Messi, but he ended up having to bring his 21-year accusations to the club to an end due to their struggles to get below La Liga's salary cap.

What's been said?

Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain shortly after his departure from Camp Nou was confirmed, and it was subsequently reported that Aguero demanded to tear up his agreement with Barca.

The experienced striker has now come out to set the record straight, insisting that it was never stipulated in his contract that Messi's future was linked to his own in any way shape or form.

"I don't understand why there was talk of this. When I signed, Leo had nothing signed. They were coming to an agreement," Aguero has told RAC1.

"It was invented that there was a clause, but there was nothing."

Asked whether he would like to come up against Messi with the Blaugrana in the Champions League, the ex-City star replied: "I've already faced Messi, but it would be very nice. Now ... we know that when Leo turns on the light it's impossible to stop him."

Aguero on his recovery from injury

Aguero has been made to wait for his Barca debut to a serious calf injury, which has already seen him miss their first three La Liga games of the new season.

The Spanish giants initially gave a ten-week timeframe for the forward's recovery at the start of August, but he is optimistic of returning sooner.

"I'm fine. There's no forecast of when I'll be back, but I'm moving forward and maybe I can shorten some weeks of recovery," said Aguero.

Barca's silverware chances assessed

Aguero went on to express his belief that Barca can still enjoy a successful season despite the loss of Messi and a number of other high profile stars, including Antoine Griezmann - who rejoined Atletico Madrid on deadline day.

"We have very good players. Those who have left are important, but even so Barca have plenty of players to cover it up," he added.

"Just because we are Barça we have to fight for all the titles. I don't think we are favourites for the Champions League, but our rivals have respect for us."

Further reading

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to seeing Ademola Lookman shine at the club with his versatility and goalscoring ability.

Lookman returned to England on August 31 to join the Foxes on a season-long loan after finding it difficult at RB Leipzig.

The Nigerian descent spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Fulham and he contributed four goals in 34 matches which were not enough to keep the Cottagers in the Premier League.

On Thursday, Rodgers disclosed that he has been watching Lookman since his teenage days at Charlton Athletic and he tried to sign him during his coaching stint at Celtic.

"I'm really excited about working with Ade, he's a top talent. I wanted to take him to Celtic when he was at Charlton. I was aware of him when he was 15," Rodgers was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.

"He has all the tools, he has a great dribbling ability, how he views the game, he has an eye for a goal.

"My hope is that this environment will give him a chance to flourish. Hopefully, he can find a home here. I have no doubt the supporters will be excited by him. 

"He can play in a number of positions. His preferred position is off the left side but he can play on the inside as well and on the right.

"He's very balanced. He's got two good feet. You wouldn't know which is his strongest foot, he can strike the ball very well off both sides." 

The Foxes are currently ninth on the Premier League table with six points after three matches. 

Asked if Lookman could make his Leicester City debut against Manchester City on Saturday, Rodgers said: "I'm excited to work with Ade over the course of the season, he's going to have an impact. He's available. 

"He looks fit and strong. If he doesn't start, he may play some part in the game. 

"His contribution will be dependent on the tactic we want to use in the game and we have a number of players who can give us that option."

Stuart Pearce has hinted that Jesse Lingard could still join West Ham in January, claiming the Manchester United star "holds all the cards".

Lingard returned to United in June after a successful six-month loan spell at West Ham, where he scored nine goals in 16 Premier League games to help David Moyes' side qualify for the Europa League.

Moyes openly admitted that the Hammers were eager to sign the 28-year-old on a permanent deal, but they failed to do so before the summer deadline, and his assistant has suggested that the midfielder made the wrong choice over his future.

What's been said?

Pearce believes Lingard could end up making a U-turn when the transfer market reopens due to the fact his considerable talents are being wasted at Old Trafford.

"He's missed the opportunity to leave United in this transfer window," the West Ham coach has told talkSPORT.

"He can reassess his situation come January once again and decide whether there’s an opportunity to move clubs. He holds the cards, Jesse.

"The most important thing for him at the moment is his football. He's playing the odd game for United and also playing extremely well for England - and those performances for England might help him get in the United side.

"I think he’s too good a player to be sat on the outside of it not playing and he’s at an age where he needs to be playing."

What's Lingard's situation at United?

Lingard has featured in 211 games across all competitions for United since making his debut back in 2011, scoring 33 goals while also setting up another 20 for his team-mates.

However, the England international's sole appearance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side so far this term came from the bench, and he currently finds himself behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Fred in the midfield pecking order.

Lingard was selected for Gareth Southgate's latest Three Lions squad despite a lack of regular minutes at club level, and scored twice in a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra at the weekend to send a statement ahead of his return to Old Trafford.

He will hope to earn a place in Solskjaer's lineup for a home fixture against Newcastle on Sunday, but if he continues to play a bit-part role, West Ham could emerge as an attractive option again, particularly given the fact he is now less than 10 months away from the expiration of his contract.

Further reading

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned that the new World Cup plans could lead to a European boycott of the competition.

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been pushing for major reform in his role as FIFA's chief of football development.

The Frenchman has proposed that the World Cup should be held every two years, with it his belief that a structural change is necessary to reduce travelling time and the number of matches played at the top level of international football.

Ceferin's response

Ceferin confirmed last week that UEFA has "grave concerns" about the plans in a written letter to the executive director of Football Supporters Europe, Ronan Evain.

The Slovenian has now doubled down on his comments while insisting that Europe's main governing body have widespread support in their opposition to the radical overhaul, which he believes goes against the core values of the game.

"We can decide not to play in it," Ceferin has told The Times. "As far as I know, the South Americans are on the same page. So good luck with a World Cup like that. I think it will never happen as it is so much against the basic principles of football.

"To play every summer a one-month tournament, for the players it's a killer. If it's every two years it clashes with the women's World Cup, with the Olympic football tournament.

"The value is precisely because it is every four years, you wait for it, it's like the Olympic Games, it's a huge event. I don't see our federations supporting that."

Will Wenger back down?

FIFA is in the process of reviewing the international match calendar, and there will be a final vote taken on Wenger's plans, which he insists have been well received in most corners of the game.

The 71-year-old, who coached Arsenal for 22 years before stepping down in 2018, remains stubborn in his resolve but is also open to further discussion with the relevant parties to come to the best possible decision.

"Overall, I think I have got a very positive response, but this decision is a democratic decision and will be made certainly by the 211 countries who are affiliated to FIFA. I think that we continue to consult people," Wenger said on Thursday.

"I'm not hesitant at all. I'm 100% convinced that what I propose is the right solution for the modern way to organise football. If people have better ideas, I'm open to it and I welcome every idea that is better than mine.

"I will not vote. I just make a proposal that I think will improve things and make life better for everybody, but especially make football better."

Further reading

Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall spoke about the future of star striker Vivianne Miedema on Thursday night, after the 25-year-old scored her 100th goal for the club.

Miedema hit a 12-minute hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Slavia Prague, a result which, combined with the 3-0 victory in the first leg, helped the Gunners secure their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages.

The Dutch international’s contract in north London expires this coming summer and, as one of the best players in the planet, she will have plenty of options should she choose not to renew her current deal.

What has been said?

Speaking after the win over Slavia Prague, Eidevall told reporters: “Nobody is trying to hide that we would like Viv to stay on, but I understand from Viv’s perspective, what kind of player she is, it’s important for her to see what the direction the club is going [in]. For her, when the time is right to, [she will] take a decision about her future.

“I am of that opinion, when you see the squad that we have today, of course there can be external players coming in, making us a little bit better. But I think the most important thing will be to try and keep the foundation of this group of players that we have together, and keep on building with them.

“That’s sometimes [difficult] in women’s football, with a little bit shorter term contracts, if you would compare to men’s football. We need to do both - extend some contracts and get the best players possible from an external point.”

What is Miedema’s goal-scoring record?

Miedema’s 100th goal came in just her 110th game for the club, a record which incredibly includes no penalties.

“It’s not one in one, is it?” she joked, speaking to the club after the game. “It’s special. I’m happy that I reached that. Numbers are there for other people probably more. I’m trying to appreciate the 100 goals and the girls were really nice about it.”

The 25-year-old joined Arsenal in 2017 from Bayern Munich, winning the Continental Cup in her first season. The following year, she helped the Gunners win their first Women’s Super League title in seven years, scoring 22 goals in 20 league games, a single-season record.

It's one of many records she has to her name, having become her country's all-time top goalscorer at the age of just 22 later that year. She also smashed the record for the best ever tally at a single Olympic Games this summer, scoring 10 times in four matches.

When is the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage draw?

Arsenal will find out their opponents in the next round of the Champions League on Monday 13 September.

The English side are in pot two, alongside seven-time champions Lyon, two-time winners Wolfsburg and Iceland’s Breidablik.

Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich make up pot one, with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid in pot three.

Further reading

Jaime Carragher and Peter Schmeichel traded barbs over Manchester United's signing of Cristiano Ronaldo as the former Liverpool defender says he thinks the deal will prove to be a bad one for his former rivals.

Ronaldo moved to Man Utd this summer, returning to the club 12 years after he initially departed for Real Madrid to continue his push towards being regarded as one of the best of all time.

And, with his return, Schmeichel says Manchester United can now reach a new level while Carragher isn't so sure.

What was said

"I've never seen so many ex-Manchester United players almost looking love-struck by the sign of Cristiano Ronaldo so it's a huge moment for them," Carragher said on a call promoting CBS' coverage of the Champions League in the U.S.

"He is one of the greatest players of all time, no doubt, but I actually think it may have a negative effect on Manchester United."

In response, Schmeichel fired back at the ex-Liverpool centre-half, saying that he believes that Ronaldo has what it takes to take Man Utd to a new level.

"I don't think you said anything wrong, but there's a word that you said: 'I think it will have'. I think you should say, 'I hope there is a negative effect'. It's a big, big difference. I don't think there is a negative effect in that signing," said the former Red Devils goalkeeper.

"I think it's a marquee signing. It's one of the best signings that the club has made in 10 years, and it's something we as fans, we've been hoping for something of this calibre.

"People say that he's way past the sell-by date, that he wasn't as good as he has been when he was that Juventus but the fact is, in his weak season, which is three years ago at Juventus, he scored 28 goals. Last season he scored 37 goals.

"If you can score half that or add half those goals to a Manchester United season, then it's going to be a fantastic season.

"Also because of who he is, the experience he has at the international level, it gives us a shot of competing at to the very end in the Champions League. PSG this season, it looks on paper, it looks like an unbeatable team but they have got a lot to prove. And so has Liverpool."

Ronaldo's potential debut

Ronaldo could make his long-awaited second debut at Old Trafford as soon as this weekend, with Man Utd set to play host to Newcastle.

After that, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will visit Young Boys on Tuesday for their first Champions League group stage match of the new season.

Further reading

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is excited by the arrival of Maxwel Cornet from Ligue 1 club Lyon.

Cornet signed a five-year deal with the Clarets last month and he has joined his teammates after going for international duty with Ivory Coast.

The 24-year-old is among the five players signed by Burnley during the summer transfer window as they aim to improve on their 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Dyche believes the new signings would bring more competition to his team which would boost their performance.

“Maxwel Cornet has just come in, so we’ll find out a bit more about him over the next few days and check his fitness out,” the English tactician told the club’s website. “There's a couple of standard tests that we do, so we’ll see how he's feeling.

“It was a good [window]. We’re trying to mould further than just the immediacy by bringing in players that are slightly younger and newer to the challenge of what the Premier League brings so we’re trying to map out the strengths of what we have now and then adding in the next layer of players.

“The camp here is one that adjusts very quickly, very accepting, very open to new players. They will demand of the new players that they come into line with what we do here. I think the players accept that and so we’re looking forward to it.

“Also [there is] that subliminal pressure that comes on the other group that has been here because they’re looking over their shoulder as we’ve brought in some very good players, in my opinion, and that can only push those around them. There is just that little edge that can drive performance.”

Cornet played the entire duration as Ivory Coast secured a 2-1 win over Cameroon in their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier on Monday.

While giving a squad update, Dyche disclosed that the former Metz star returned to Turf Moor with a ‘dead leg’ but he should be fit for Monday’s league game against Everton.

“[Cornet] had a bit of a dead leg at the game he was involved in, but I don’t think it is serious so we’ll catch up later today. He’s with the medical team but just to oversee and overcheck really,” he added.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Njabulo Blom has praised the strength of their Sunday Premier Soccer League opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Amakhosi will travel to Pretoria for the biggest game in the league over the weekend and the South African international said they will not be deterred from looking for a win despite Sundowns' strength.

"Sundowns are a very good team and comfortable on the ball but we will go out as a team, work hard and hope to grind out positive results. We will go out there and play according to how our coach would want because we have been practising his new philosophy," Blom told the club's media department.

"We will go out and try to get it right and play according to the best of our talent. We will try as hard as possible to get positive results."

The 21-year-old defender recalled his first encounter against the Brazilians and explained how he is dealing with pressure at Chiefs and the kind of support he is getting from close individuals.

"I am fit and ready and since I came back on Wednesday, I have been pushing myself at the training ground so I think I am fit and ready to play on Sunday. I think my first game for Chiefs' first team was against Sundowns and I think I played very well," he added.

"I have to keep my feet on the ground, stay humble, focus and keep working hard. I get support from home, from my younger brother, my mother and dad, and also from friends who have given me support.

"But again, I try to keep my circle at a minimum level as possible. To be honest, I do not feel any pressure because the coach always tells us to go out and enjoy ourselves and not to put pressure on ourselves."

Blom came on as a substitute in the World Cup qualifier against Ghana - a game which Bafana Bafana won by a margin of 1-0 - and he has revealed how he felt about the debut and why they struggled against Zimbabwe in the previous qualifier that ended 0-0.

"I think we did well as players [vs Ghana] and, obviously, most of the players were new and young, and in the first case, we were scared to showcase our talents.  But the coach told us to go out and enjoy ourselves and in the second game, that is what we did exactly," he concluded.

"I thank God and the coach for the opportunity I was given because it is every player's dream to represent their national team. It was a great feeling and I appreciate the opportunity."

The Glamour Boys will be meeting the Brazilians for the first time since they were eliminated from the MTN8 tournament in August.