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Mauricio Pochettino has seemingly opened the door to potentially coaching Barcelona after expressing regret for showing them "disrespect" with comments he made in 2018.

Pochettino's managerial career is most synonymous with Tottenham, where he spent five years until 2019, but Espanyol is where he first made his name and spent most of his playing days.

Across two spells as a player, Pochettino represented Espanyol for just shy of 10 years and then became the club's head coach in 2009, three years after retiring with Los Periquitos.

It was this association that was often referenced by Spanish football commentators and columnists when suggesting Pochettino would not coach Espanyol's local rivals Barcelona.

Pochettino also expressed reticence to such an idea on several occasions, most recently in 2018 when he claimed he would never coach Barca, Arsenal or Rosario Central due to his close ties to Espanyol, Spurs and Newell's Old Boys.

"I would prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than go to work in certain places," he said - but he has now backtracked on that statement.

"I have to explain it well," he told El Pais. "I was in Barcelona that year and I met [Barca president Josep Maria] Bartomeu in a bar.

"We greeted each other because we were taking the children to the same school and we were talking for five minutes. That generated a rumour that set off alarms because there were more teams that wanted us.

"When reporters asked me, I wanted to settle it drastically. I didn't want to disrespect Barcelona. You can say things differently. Espanyol has made a name for me, but I'm not arrogant and I didn't like making a statement like that.

"Maybe now I wouldn't because in life you never know what will happen."

Pochettino has been out of a job since November last year when he was sacked by Spurs, just a few months after leading the club to the Champions League final.

Barca are currently coached by Quique Setien, but following his failure to retain the Liga title after replacing Ernesto Valverde earlier this year, it looks as if he must win the Champions League just to keep his job.

Bayern Munich great Oliver Kahn believes that UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules need to be examined after Manchester City had their two-year European ban overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Pep Guardiola’s side had expected to sit out the next two years of competition but were found to have exploited a loophole in UEFA’s regulations that meant this aspect of their suspension was annulled, while a €30 million (£27m/$35m) fine was reduced to €10m (£9m/$11m).

The outcry that has followed from City’s European competitors has been a frustrated one, with Kahn, currently a director at Bayern, of the opinion that the laws need examining.

When asked if the current situation means that it will be harder for Bayern to secure a sixth European title, he replied: “Yes, that's right, if we look at the Financial Fair Play issue it would be. We are very interested that Financial Fair Play should be taken more seriously.

“I don't know the situation exactly now in Man City or Paris Saint-Germain or other clubs but I think we should take this Financial Fair Play in the future more seriously, because if we don't do that, we don't need it.

“I think there is a lot of work to do and as you see from the competition in Europe, we need a clear structure and serious Financial Fair Play so that we get more balanced competition.

“If in the future you only have the same clubs winning the Champions League or winning for example Bundesliga or Premier League or other leagues I think it's getting a little bit boring. So, I think we should do everything to get really strong Financial Fair Play.”

Bayern have now won the Bundesliga eight times in succession, but Kahn believes competition can only be healthy in the sport, although how to achieve it is a more problematic issue.

“I think that's the big question at the moment in football,” he admitted. “If you look for example in Italy, you have Juventus winning now the ninth title. If you look to Spain, you have always the situation between Real Madrid and Barcelona. I think if you look to England, you have different champions in the last years.

“We as Bayern Munich we are always interested in a more balanced competition in our league, but we have to be careful concerning the money because we are not only competing in the German Bundesliga, we as a global brand are also competing in Europe. These are not easy questions but we need to find an answer in the next months.

“We have to find this balance between our local leagues and get a good competition there but we as Bayern Munich must also compete in Europe against the other clubs. To find this balance is I think not an easy thing.”

Bayern are still active in the 2019-20 Champions League, with a strong 3-0 advantage over Chelsea before the second leg of their delayed last-16 fixture next week.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has asserted that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future doesn’t seem to be with Arsenal, even after the Gabon striker lifted the FA Cup for the first time on Saturday.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man scored twice as the Gunners edged past Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley for a record-extending 14th cup crown.

Aubameyang has a year left on his existing deal and there has been no indication he is keen to commit to new terms, even though coach Mikel Arteta has been positive that he will sign.

When quizzed after the game, Auba, as he has done in time past, didn’t give a definitive answer.

“I’m really not thinking about this. I just want to enjoy this with the guys and take the trophy," he told BT Sport.

"I think we deserved the win. Everyone gave their best today for the team and yeah, we deserve it. The journey has been long but today we’re enjoying this great game."

This response prompted Ferdinand to think Aubameyang isn’t focused on staying at Arsenal, believing the FA Cup triumph would have been a perfect opportunity for him to announce his commitment.

“I think he's [Aubameyang] gone from that reaction. He's already decided,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

"I'm going to enjoy this with my team-mates" - he sounds like someone who is going elsewhere.

“Arsenal need to do all they can to keep him. He was unbelievable. But the Arsenal fans adore him. Is he going to find that elsewhere in his career?

"I feel there have definitely been negotiations or he’s already decided I’m going to go.

"I’m going to enjoy this moment with my team-mates and I don’t want to talk about my future.

"From my own perspective if I’m committed to the club and I know I’m staying this is a moment for me to say I’m going to sort it out it’s not done yet but I will try and get it sorted out here guys."

Former Chelsea and Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson was of the opinion that Aubameyang will definitely want to leave Arsenal, citing his desire to want to win bigger trophies like the Premier League and playing in the Champions League, which Johnson doesn’t believe Arsenal can win in the next four years.

"Yeah I think you're right [he'll want Champions League football]," Johnson told Stadium Astro.

“I think there's two different equations - if you're Arsenal Football Club you have to do anything possible to keep hold of him.

"As Aubameyang, he's 30, and Arsenal aren't winning the league in the next four years. That's a fact, they're miles away from it. So in four years' time, Aubameyang is not going to be the same player.

"For him personally, if he wants to win trophies - it sounds silly after them winning the FA Cup of course, but trophies like the league or playing in the Champions League then of course he needs to move on.

"But he seems to enjoy his football there, and these strikers are hard to come by.

"If you want to go and buy a striker now that's going to get you 20 goals a season, you're talking £100million.

"Arsenal have that player so as a club they need to do all they can to keep him. Liverpool would take him, City would take him, United would take him - everyone would take him.

"For him personally he might look elsewhere but he does seem to enjoy the lads and he does seem to enjoy Arsenal Football Club so maybe he will stay."

Aubameyang ends the season with 29 goals in 44 competitive matches, 22 of those coming in the Premier League which was one short of Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy of Leicester City.

Overall, he has 70 goals in 109 outings since joining Arsenal in January 2018.

Maurizio Sarri's Juventus have posted the worst Serie A statistics from the club's last nine title-winning seasons.

Juve were crowned champions of Italy for a ninth successive season after beating Sampdoria 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium on July 26. Sarri's men clinched the Scudetto with two matches to spare, but benefitted greatly from the inconsistent form of their main title rivals Inter, Atalanta and Lazio.

The Bianconeri only picked up two victories from their final eight matches, and finished the campaign with back-to-back defeats against Cagliari and Roma.

After wrapping up their domestic schedule with a 3-1 loss at home to the Giallarossi, Sarri admitted that his side's motivation levels had dwindled.

While looking ahead to a Champions League last 16 showdown against Lyon, the Italian boss said Juve knew the title was all but wrapped up after last month's win against Lazio.

"A little fear can do us good. After Lazio we felt the championship was won and we had a mental decline," Sarri told reporters.

The truth is that Juve have failed to reach the same heights as in previous years throughout the season, which is reflected in their final points tally.

Their latest haul of 83 is the lowest number they've amassed in the last decade, and they also conceded more goals than in any of their previous eight title successes - 43. Juve have recorded their worst goal difference of that period (+33) along with the highest number of defeats (seven) and the smallest final points gap between the top two clubs.

To make matters even worse, the Turin-based outfit have dropped 21 points from a winning position, more than any other title-winning side in Serie A history, beating Roma's previous mark of 20 set in 1982-83.

Sarri also saw his team beaten in both the Italian Super Cup and Coppa Italia finals, but he could end up silencing many of his critics if he can deliver the Champions League later this month.

Juve haven't won the competition since 1996 and face an uphill battle to reach the quarter-finals this time around having been beaten 1-0 by Lyon in the first-leg of their first knockout tie.

The Bianconeri will be rewarded with a last-eight clash against either Real Madrid or Manchester City if they can complete a comeback against the French outfit on Friday.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Bidvest Wits manager Gavin Hunt says they face an uphill battle in their remaining matches of the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

The Clever Boys have nine games to wrap up the campaign and the experienced boss says they require physical and psychological strength, although they will be professional until the end.

On the other hand, his counterpart at Baroka, Dylan Kerr, says playing the Nedbank Cup semi-final match against Bloemfontein Celtic next weekend without friendly matches is set to cause headaches when it comes to team selection.

“It’s difficult because we have so much to deal with. So, it’s not only the physical but psychological issues to deal with. We’ll see how it goes and we will show professionalism until the end,” Hunt told CityPress print version.

“In a normal pre-season, you would play five or six friendly games. We haven’t really done anything like that. Our programme will not be easy because we have so many catch-up games.”

The Braamfontein-based club was recently sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) and are set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semis next weekend at Orlando Stadium.

On the part of Bakgaga Ba Mphahele, Kerr says he hopes his men can overcome John Maduka’s Phunya Sele Sele for them to gain an advantage heading to the remaining matches in the league.

“It goes against everything a coach wants to do before any game. Never mind such a huge game. We normally need to play competitive games against good opponents to see the level [of fitness] of your team,” Kerr said.

“Now we have 25 players who want to play in the semi-final. Within our team, we have played 11 versus 11 – it’s very competitive and you risk injuries.

“If we win, it will give us good momentum going into other games. It would set us up nicely for the remaining league games and then the cup final.

“It’s our FA Cup and the biggest competition in the league for me. It’s the last cup of the season and what a way it would be to end the season on a high by winning it.”

Looking at Wits’ league schedule, they will clash against PSL table-toppers Kaizer Chiefs in their next match on Wednesday, August 12, and are currently sixth on the log with 38 points from 21 games.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo club will target a safe finish this term as they are involved in the relegation battle – they occupy the 13th spot with 23 points from 24 games so far.

Tanzania Mainland League side Azam FC have completed the signing of midfielder Ayoub Lyanga on a two-year deal.

The 2014 league champions have been active in the transfer window so far, aiming at strengthening the team ahead of next season. The midfielder, who was turning out for Coastal Union last season, is among the new players who are expected to bolster the squad.

"Attacking midfielder Ayoub Lyanga has joined Azam FC after signing a two-year contract as a free agent," the club confirmed on their official social media accounts.

"In presence during the signing of the contract was Azam FC CEO Abdulkarim Amin who was also there during the medical tests.

"The midfielder has been in a fine form for Coastal Union, scoring eight goals in the process and creating four."

Lyanga helped the team finish in the seventh position with 53 points after winning 14 matches, drawing 11 and losing 13.

A couple of days ago, the 2018/19 FA Cup champions completed the signing of midfielder Awesu Ally Awesu from Kagera Sugar on a two-year deal.

The player made a return to the team which developed him between 2014-15 while at the Azam Academy. In the last two seasons, he has been in good form and it was not a tough decision for the technical bench to make him the first signing in the transfer window. 

"I am delighted to sign this deal, it is like making a return home," Awesu said during the signing.

"No one can turn down a deal from Azam because it is a big team in Tanzania. It is home for me because I played for them [in the reserve team] for two years.

"I had to leave and gain experience elsewhere, but in my heart, I always promised myself to make a return to the team and not in the reserve but as a first-team player. I am happy it has happened."

On Saturday, the team also announced the signing of Ally Niyonzima from Rayon Sports.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ confirmed the arrival of the Rwanda international who signed a two-year contract that will see him stay at the Chamazi-based club until 2023.

Mauricio Pochettino feels no regret over his decision to honour his Tottenham contract and shun Real Madrid in 2018, but did reveal frustration at a perceived lack of "support" from the Spurs board.

Pochettino spent five years with Spurs after joining from Southampton in 2014 and turned the team into Premier League top-four regulars and Champions League finalists.

But a difficult start to the 2019-20 season led to his dismissal in November last year, with Spurs bringing in Jose Mourinho as his replacement.

Pochettino previously had the opportunity to leave on his own terms in 2018, when Real Madrid attempted to hire him as Zinedine Zidane's successor, but he opted to stay put.

In the short term it proved a wise decision, as he went on to guide Spurs to their first ever Champions League final and Madrid sacked Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari in the same campaign, eventually persuading Zidane to return in March 2019.

But within a few months of Spurs' Champions League defeat to Liverpool, the club's outlook was much gloomier and Pochettino rued not being shown more support by chairman Daniel Levy and the board.

"I was happy at Tottenham and I signed a contract," Pochettino told El Pais when asked if he regretted not joining Madrid when the opportunity arose.

"And we [his staff and Spurs] finished very well, the relationship is impeccable. I always say, without false humility, that we too made mistakes that led to what happened, although we did expect a little more support or reassurance to reverse the situation.

"But the club line was going another way and there was wear; respite was needed from both sides.

"We work in a result-led environment where it seems that all the things that have a good result are the ones that continue. But, how do you measure what works or not?

"Only the one who wins or the one who exceeds expectations? After the Champions League final, four years in the top four, two years without signings ... a different management strategy was needed.

"Sometimes the vision of a coaching staff is not accepted by the club management. We knew what could happen.

"You need to fall, be down to then go up, but Tottenham made the decision to separate us after five and a half years. I understand that it is a long time."

As the games are set to restart next weekend after they were suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane insists the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) title is in the hands of the log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

Although the reigning PSL champions trail Amakhosi by four points and have a game in hand, ‘Jingles’ says he cannot be emotional about their title aspirations.

Moreover, he believes the two upcoming matches against German coaches, Josef Zinnbauer and Ernst Middendorp, may not decide the title race but warned SuperSport United can still win it.

“For me, it’s always about winning the next match, that’s my attitude. Some people say you’ve won this and you’ve won that,” Mosimane told SundayTimes print version.

“So, what else inspires you? I always say top coaches want to win everything. We’ve done the treble, in fact, we won four [2015/16].

“In those nine games, big clubs [Pirates and Chiefs] are coming. Who can get maximum points in the remaining games? I don’t think anybody can really.

 “The league is not in our hands, it’s in Chiefs’ hands. They don’t need anybody’s favour. All they have to do is win their remaining matches and they’re champions.”

Speaking about the fact that he will meet the two Soweto giants in the second round, games many reckon would have a say in the race, the former Bafana Bafana boss has a different view, saying he won’t be emotional about winning their 10th league trophy.

“Anybody can win the league even SuperSport United can,” he added.

“Football is not the way we say it. Football is on the pitch and it’s played on the pitch: and then it’s a different story.

“I remove my heart from being emotional about all these talks. It’s our supporters who are on that. Same as Chiefs, it’s their 50th anniversary and they’d like to celebrate that with winning the league.

“But my job is to make sure I remain sober-minded and the players must get into my mode of knowing that yes we have to deliver, yes we can but we can’t be reckless and be all over the place, planning the party without winning the games.”

Meanwhile, the Brazilians will resume their current campaign with a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup as they look to reach the final.

As things stand, Sundowns are gunning for their third consecutive PSL crown and have already lifted the Telkom Knockout Cup trophy – and winning another cup will complete a treble for them.

Eder Militao is eagerly awaiting the second leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie with Manchester City and is ready to plug the gap that Sergio Ramos’ absence will leave.

The Spain defender was dismissed with four minutes remaining of the first leg, in which City scored twice in the last 12 minutes earn a 2-1 win.

With the second leg to be played in England, it leaves the Liga champions with a mountain to climb as they will need to score twice to stand any chance of progression, a particularly difficult ask without their talismanic captain. Militao, though, is ready to step up to the plate.

“Ramos is not there and I have to show my heart, play with everything I have,” he told AS. “It’s a really strong feeling. It is a unique moment for me.”

Still to score for the club which he joined in the summer of 2019, Militao has admitted that he has dreamed of making a decisive contribution in the second leg.

“I can imagine it now, in the Champions League, in Manchester. The winning goal, with a header. I wouldn't know how to celebrate it. Nothing is impossible, so I'm going to go for it,” he said.

Madrid, whose three-year reign as European champions was ended in 2019, have been through some difficult periods this season, sacking two coaches before Zinedine Zidane led them past Barcelona to the domestic crown, but former Porto man Militao says the squad always retained confidence in their abilities.

“The media always have to talk about something to do with Madrid,” he said. “We know what we worked on in training, and how well we were doing. We don't like to lose, we always want to keep winning, but it doesn't always happen. We knew we were on the right track.

“I said that the Champions League was very important, but the league is also important and I can't explain the feeling of winning it, it was incredible. Now comes the Champions League, and we’ll fight and battle to reach the final and succeed.”

Since losing 2-1 at home to City, Madrid have won 11 of their 13 fixtures, with a 2-2 draw against Leganes in their last outing on July 19 nothing more than a dead rubber for them. Their tie at the Etihad Stadium will be played on August 7.

Manchester City "may never have a better chance to win the Champions League", according to Wayne Rooney, who has backed Pep Guardiola's side to beat Real Madrid in the last 16.

City will welcome Madrid to Etihad Stadium for the second-leg of their round of 16 tie on Friday boasting a 2-1 aggregate advantage.

Guardiola got his tactics spot on in the reverse fixture at Santiago Bernabeu, as Gabriel Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne scored late goals to earn the four-time Premier League champions a huge away victory.

However, Zinedine Zidane picked his players up after that result to dethrone Barcelona in La Liga, and he is now targeting the fourth European cup of his managerial career.

Madrid won ten successive games to overhaul their arch-rivals and win a 34th Spanish title after returning from lockdown.

City will be missing star striker Sergio Aguero through injury in the second leg, but Real will also be without a talisman with Sergio Ramos ineligible due to suspension.

Rooney can't see Madrid keeping the Blues at bay without their captain, and has predicted that Guardiola will mastermind another positive result which will take them one step closer to an elusive Champions League crown.

"City may never have a better chance to win the Champions League," the Manchester United legend wrote in his latest column for The Times. "Sergio Ramos is suspended which is a huge loss to the Real defence and I think City will score. Whether they are solid enough at the back themselves is my only question.

"Real will target their centre-halves and it's a worry that this season every other [Premier League] 'Big Six' club beat City. This shows Guardiola's team can struggle to keep the best sides out."

Rooney says that although Zidane has proven in the past he is capable of inspiring European turnarounds, he cannot see City losing from such a strong position.

The Derby midfielder added: "I saw Zinedine Zidane do it in his first spell as Real coach when he played against Guardiola-style teams in big games, and it brought him successes.

"Yet my money is still on City. They don't have to chase the game. They don't have to score. They can even afford to lose 1-0 and go through, and in the first leg they surprised Madrid by sitting in themselves.

"It was the first time I've seen Guardiola play like that and I've a feeling he'll do the same at the Etihad. It could be a game of cat-and-mouse."

Wayne Rooney says Sir Alex Ferguson's "suicidal" tactics led to Manchester United's Champions League final defeats against Barcelona.

Ferguson won two European cups during his 27-year reign at Old Trafford, with the first success coming in 1999 against Bayern Munich at Camp Nou before a triumph over Chelsea in Moscow nine years later.

The Red Devils beat Barca in the last four to earn a place in the 2008 showpiece, with a Paul Scholes goal enough to send them through 1-0 on aggregate.

United set up to frustrate the Spanish giants and look for openings on the break, which proved to be an effective strategy as they minimised the threat of talismanic trio Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Andres Iniesta over the two legs.

However, the two teams met again in the final a year later, and Ferguson altered his system in an attempt to honour the club's time-honoured philosophy of free-flowing attacking football.

Goals from Eto'o and Messi gave Barca a 2-0 victory in Rome, a result which ultimately flattered the Red Devils given Barca's dominance on the night.

The Blaugrana repeated the trick two years later at Wembley, as Pedro, Messi and David Villa found the net to cancel out a fine Rooney strike in another one-sided game.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Etihad Stadium on Friday, where they will be aiming to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of their round of 16 tie against Manchester City, the United legend admitted that Ferguson took the "wrong approach" in both finals against Barca.

"It's always hard for a club like Real to go into a game saying 'we'll surrender the ball'. It is the same for United," Rooney told The Sunday Times. "But we lost two Champions League finals going toe-to-toe with Guardiola's Barcelona, by trying to press high and get round them, which was suicidal.

"I remember Alex Ferguson saying 'we're Man United and we're going to attack, it's in the culture of this football club' and thinking 'I'm not too sure about this'.

"I think all the players knew, deep down, it was the wrong approach, that we were abandoning the way that had brought us success in that 2008 semi-final, and sure enough both times we got outplayed."

The Red Devils' all-time record scorer went on to reference Liverpool's 2-0 win against Tottenham in last year's final as proof that pragmatism often reaps rewards on the biggest stages.

"There is being true to the club, but then there's sitting back afterwards and thinking 'we lost'," Rooney added. "For me, it doesn't matter how you do it in these big Champions League games, as long as you win — look at how Liverpool ground it out in last year's final — and I think [Madrid boss Zinedine] Zidane has the same mindset."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu wants to keep attacker Ansu Fati at the club “for life”.

The 17-year-old winger has had an exciting introduction to top-team football in his debut campaign, scoring eight goals in 32 outings in all competitions and showing flair in the tradition of the Catalan club.

Such is the impression that the teenager has made, there have been reports of a €100 million (£88m/$115m) bid made for him by an unnamed club, thought to be Manchester United, but Bartomeu has said there has never been any formal talks over a talent he hopes will never leave the Catalans.

“There have been no formal offers but there has been interest from some clubs,” he confirmed to Sport. “Barcelona’s answer has been: ‘No.’”

“He’s essential for the future of the club. Ansu is not for sale. He represents the academy the players come out of, learn from and consolidate themselves in the first team.

“He’s unique because he jumped from the youth team to the first team. There are not many players like him and Barcelona cannot sell him, even if it would be an economic solution for the club in the times of this pandemic.

“At no time have we considered selling him. On the contrary: what we have to do is help him in his growth and get him to sign a new contract in the future, so that he plays here for life.”

Ansu signed a deal in December that runs until 2022, though Bartomeu confirmed that the plan is to tie him down to fresh terms as quickly as possible.

“He signed the contract as a Barcelona B player. Now the plan is to transfer him to the first team,” said the Blaugrana chief. “He’s going to the first team because he’s earned it.

“Along with Riqui Puig and Ronald Araujo, he represents La Masia, which makes young players capable of growing into the first team. They show that, although some people say it doesn’t work, continues to generate footballers. 

“Generations don’t always come out, but now there are three players who are here to stay.”

But while the teenager has shown much promise, Bartomeu does not want to give him any grand labels, such as the superstar to take over from Lionel Messi.

“He’s only 17, let’s not put pressure on him,” he said. “Now he has to play and train with the best. Let him get into the team. The role that awaits him will be decided by him when appropriate. It is still early.”

Andy Lonergan has hailed "flawless" Liverpool No 1 Alisson as "by far the best goalkeeper in the world".

Following Loris Karius' horror show in a 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, Liverpool forked out £67 million (€75m/$88m) to bring Alisson to Anfield from Roma.

The 27-year-old didn't take long to repay that investment, winning the Premier League's Golden Glove award in his debut season while also playing a key role in the run to a second successive European showpiece.

Liverpool won their first trophy of Jurgen Klopp's reign by beating Tottenham in an all English final, which turned out to be a springboard towards even greater success.

The Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup have all been added to the Anfield trophy cabinet in 2019-20, with Alisson once again proving to be a vital presence between the sticks.

The Brazil international overcame early-season injury problems to record 13 clean sheets in 29 top-flight outings, and Lonergan has now offered an insight into what makes him such a special keeper.

Klopp drafted Lonergan in last summer amid a shortage of back-up options between the sticks, which gave him the chance to work closely with Alisson on the training ground over the past 12 months.

The 36-year-old told the Liverpool Echo of his Anfield experience: “We’ve not had everyone fit all season, it’s only recently we’ve had all four goalkeepers, first-team goalkeepers, training together.

“It’s been brilliant, it’s the best group I’ve been part of. Obviously talent-wise but as guys as well.

“It’s common for people to say, 'The goalie had nothing to do,' but Alisson makes it that way. The way he controls his defence.

“The hardest thing for a goalkeeper is having nothing to do because your lesser goalkeepers will start looking for stuff, coming out for balls aren’t theirs, trying to make an impact on the game, but Ali is flawless. He is by far the best goalkeeper in the world and I won’t have anyone ever tell me any differently.”

Spanish shot-stopper Adrian joined Liverpool on a free transfer just before Lonergan, and filled in for Alisson for much of the first half of the season.

Lonergan went on to praise the 33-year-old for making an immediate impact at Anfield, adding: “The way Adrian came in and played for nine or ten league games on the bounce at the beginning of the season, he was fantastic.

“He was absolutely outstanding with the saves he made and his general play. I don’t think you could have got a better replacement. How he performed, I don’t think anyone else could have come in and done that. It’s a credit to him.

“He’s a top man and an absolute legend of character. He trains every day and works his socks off and I’m so pleased that it’s happened for him. They’re fantastic people and the two goalkeeper coaches are the best goalie coaches I’ve worked with. They work great together.”

New Azam FC signing Ally Niyonzima has revealed he is itching to get started after joining the Mainland Premier League giants on Saturday.

The Rwanda international midfielder was unveiled by the ‘Ice Cream Makers’ after arriving from Rayon Sports of Rwanda.

“My first target, I want to play, I want to be used, because I am a fighter, I play to win and my head now is on playing for Azam, and I want to repay them for signing me, I want everyone to be happy here, and I want to get the chance to show what I can do,” Niyonzima told reporters after signing the deal.

“I am ready to give out what I can give, and help them win trophies, I want to leave everything to God and wait for the season to start, I know Azam fans will be happy when they see me play, I will not disappoint them, it is a new challenge I am taking with both hands and will be ready to play.”

On signing for the Chamazi-based club, Niyonzima explained: “I thank God for the great chance he has given me to play for Azam because he has allowed me to continue with my work and I also want to thank Azam officials for the chance they have given me to play for this great team.

“I also want to thank the coach for having the belief in me, and giving me the chance and come play in Tanzania, I also thank my manager who played a key role to have the deal sealed.

“I have come here to play, I have come here to do my work, and I know with God, I will repay the faith the coach has in me and will help them to win trophies.”

Asked whether he knows anything about Azam, Niyonzima responded: “I don’t know them very well, but I remember I watched them when I was very young but for now, I was not following them because I was involved elsewhere but I think I am in great shape to come in and do well with the players who are here.”

On what he knows about the Tanzania league, Niyonzima said: “I have not been keen to follow Tanzania league, I only watched it on TV, and mostly we follow the derby in Tanzania, I know more about the Tanzania league and I have many people here who have been telling me what to expect so it will not be difficult for me to settle in.

“I have talked to only one player in Azam, [Mvuyekure], he has told me good things about Azam, he is a good friend, he has told me Azam is a great team, and if I do my job well, then I will always be happy.”

Niyonzima becomes the second signing for Azam, who have already brought on board winger Awesu Awesu from Kagera Sugar.

Andy Lonergan has revealed the "little magician" he dreaded facing in Liverpool training, while opening up on a memorable season at Anfield.

Liverpool brought in journeyman goalkeeper Lonergan last August as Jurgen Klopp looked to bolster his options between the sticks, with ex-West Ham star Adrian also arriving at the club on a free transfer.

Despite not making a single senior appearance in 2019-20, the 36-year-old has been part of the Premier League-title winning squad, while also benefitting from the chance to work alongside a plethora of world-class talent at Melwood day in, day out.

Lonergan is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract, but is open to penning a new deal at Anfield if the opportunity presents itself.

Although the quality within Liverpool's squad didn't come as a shock to the English shot-stopper, he has singled out one player as the most deadly with the ball at his feet in the final third.

Lonergan has admitted that he feared coming up against Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss winger who has built a solid reputation over the course of his career for being a dead ball expert with superb technical ability.

“No-one’s surprised me because they’re all unreal,” the Reds' keeper told the Liverpool Echo. “The one I really don’t like facing is Shaqiri. When he’s shooting, he can do whatever he wants with that left foot. I’m always thinking when we’re doing five-a-side, 'Please be on my team,' because if he’s against you, he’s a little magician with his finishing.”

Shaqiri has struggled for regular playing time throughout his two-year spell at Anfield, mainly due to the form of first-choice front three Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Lonergan says a talismanic trio's devastating impact on the pitch is a result of their hard graft in training, and that not even No 1 keeper Alisson is able to keep them out when they are in full flow.

He added on the challenge of facing Liverpool's fearsome attacking triumvirate: “It’s brilliant facing them but it’s tough. I remember the first few shooting sessions before Alisson came back and I thought, 'I’d love to see how Alisson gets on in this shooting.'

“I remember speaking to him about it. Sometimes it doesn’t matter who’s in goal, you can’t stop them. When they’re 12-yards out with a free shot at goal, more often than not it’s going top corner or in off the post.

“To make a save, you have to make a worldie. They’re brilliant. Three great guys as well. They never stop working in the gym. It’s not luck, how they perform, it’s all preparation and how they look after themselves.”

Rwanda President Paul Kagame has challenged Arsenal to aim for “bigger things” after beating Chelsea 2-1 to lift the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal's talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the star as he worked his Wembley magic once again to produce the two goals and earn the Gunners the trophy for a record 14th time.

Chelsea had taken the lead inside five minutes through Christian Pulisic's smart finish but then fell victim to the brilliance of Aubameyang, who was also Arsenal's hero when he scored twice in the semi-final win over Manchester City.

The Gabon forward drew Arsenal level from the penalty spot before the break after he was fouled by Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, then produced a moment of world-class finishing midway through the second half to make the defining contribution to the first behind-closed-doors FA Cup final.

Chelsea were hampered by a first-half injury to Azpilicueta and were struggling even further when they lost the outstanding Pulisic to a hamstring problem after the break. To make matters worse, Mateo Kovacic was sent off for a second bookable offence shortly after Auba's second goal.

Kagame, who is an ardent Arsenal fan, has congratulated the team for the latest achievement but was quick to point out the club should now focus on winning “bigger things” in the future.

"Bravo, congrats Arsenal for a well-deserved and needed FA Cup win,” the President of the East African nation wrote on his Twitter handle. “We, fans, and supporters kept faith in you...going forward let's aim at much bigger things and yes we can.”

Malawi's new President, Lazarus Chakwera, also took to his Twitter handle to send a message to his beloved Arsenal after winning the trophy.

“It feels great to see the Arsenal winning, a sweet victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, my favourite kind,” Chakwera wrote.

Rwanda and Arsenal have a good relationship since the country moved to sponsor the Premier League giants, whose players display a ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo on their sleeves.

The three-year deal which became Arsenal’s first-ever sleeve sponsorship was signed on May 23, 2018, with the Rwanda Development Board, through their subsidiary, the Rwandan Convention Bureau, aiming for the country to become a leading global tourist destination.

The ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo features on the left sleeve for all first team, U-23, and women’s matches.

Onduparaka FC chairman Benjamin Nyakuni has explained why the club has seen key players leave en masse previously.

The Ugandan Premier League side lost Gaddafi Wahab, Vitalis Tabu, Geriga Atendele, Ramathan Dudu, Faizul Anini and Abdul Lukwata in the middle of last season as well as coach Livingstone Mbabazi.

In the ongoing transfer window, Hassan Muhamood has already joined Police FC and Ezra Bida is reportedly on his way Kyetume FC.

Shaban Mohammad, Rashid Toha and Gaddafi Gadinho are also key players who left the club previously after being part of the starting team on a regular basis.

“We had played well in the first round of last season but the exodus happened during the half-season,” Nyakuni said as was quoted by Sports Nation.

“These players also have their own ambitions, and when you don’t give them want they want, they have to go, they have families and at times they want to experience other environments elsewhere.

“But the main challenge has been finances mostly.”

The chair also linked their struggle that almost saw them engaged in the relegation fight to the exodus that happened mid-season.

“Players and coach [Livingston] Mbabazi leaving at half-season demoralised us so much,” he added.

“It became so hard to assemble a strong side at that moment. It was very tough. Our target was at least to come second but the good thing is that we managed to remain in the league.”

Nyakuni further admitted they are still far from competing with the league bigwigs and their weakness is also contributed by their comparatively younger age.

“Our hands are also tied, we can’t go where we can’t reach. We are competing with the big guns but we can’t afford some things they have done,” he continued.

“This has been a learning process, we are also learning, people are judging us like a club that has been here for 30 years.

“We are our own source of learning. We never had any team in our region to learn from during the time we came into existence, but we have plans and we will get there sometime.”

Onduparaka, just like Busoga United and SC Villa, suffered financial constraints and attempted to pressure the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) to allocate them part of the relief money they received from Fifa.

“Our agenda was that Covid-19 affected each and every team. We felt that if Fufa is supported by Caf and Fifa, we also needed to be supported," he revealed.

“We may not have achieved from that campaign as per now but maybe Fufa is thinking for some solutions.”

Nyakuni also feels their location has drained them financially, unlike other teams in the league.

“We travel most and it’s a disadvantage, the cost of running an upcountry club is higher than in central region,” he concluded.

“Football is very expensive and so clubs have to revise ways of doing things. You cannot promise the players that you will not deliver, it's affecting each and every club.

“But as clubs, it is time we swallow what we can chew. We have to understand our finances.”

Wayne Rooney has compared Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne with Man United and Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs.

De Bruyne returned to the Premier League in 2015 after an ill-fated spell with Chelsea earlier in his career with a point to prove.

City paid £55 million (€60m/$72m) to bring him to Etihad Stadium from Wolfsburg, and he has since proved to be worth every penny, scoring 56 goals and laying on 89 assists in 220 appearances.

The Belgian has been the driving force behind the club's latest bid for silverware across multiple fronts, with many now calling for him to pick up the PFA Player of the Year award for 2019-20.

Pep Guardiola's men have already won a third successive Carabao Cup with De Bruyne orchestrating proceedings from the middle of the park , and an elusive Champions League crown could also be secured when the competition resumes later this month.

United's all-time record goalscorer Rooney has recalled being at the mercy of the 29-year-old's technical ability while playing for Everton, and drew similarities between the playmaker's game and ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard.

"There’s no doubt Man City’s biggest weapon is De Bruyne, arguably one of the top three players in the world right now," the Derby midfielder wrote in his latest column for The Times .

"Playing against him was never, ever, easy and I’ll always remember Everton using me and Morgan Schneiderlin, in a 4-4-2, against a City midfield of De Bruyne, David Silva and Fernandinho, with Sterling dropping in.

"They absolutely outnumbered us. Me and Schneiderlin were in the middle of the pitch saying, 'What’s going on here?!' We were 3-0 down after 37 minutes and had 18 per cent possession in the game.

"De Bruyne reminds me a bit of Steven Gerrard. He drifts out to that right-hand side and plays some brilliant balls whipped in, like Stevie used to. What I like most is he takes chances, he takes risks, he doesn’t go for the easy ball - he plays the hard pass."

The former United striker added: "You watch, when he’s in possession in space other players start running and that’s the biggest compliment you can pay a midfielder.

"When I played with Ryan Giggs and Giggsy got the ball, I made runs because I knew he’d try and find me, and if it came off he’d get me through on goal. De Bruyne is like that. Teams think they can force him to play it to the side but he can squeeze those passes through the smallest gaps."

New Chippa United head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has expressed pleasure at the commitment of the players as they look to avoid relegation from the PSL.

The Lesotho-born tactician surprisingly joined the Chilli Boys last month after dumping PSL top eight hopefuls Bloemfontein Celtic.

Seema had also guided Phunya Sele Sele to this season's Nedbank Cup semi-finals where they will face Baroka FC on August 8.

The 40-year-old has now been tasked with ensuring that Chippa retain their status in the elite league and he explained that he is happy with a change of scenery at the Port Elizabeth-based side.

“It’s a group [team] that is willing to work and that is the first positive thing. We need to work hard as a group,” Seema said on Daily Sun.

“We don’t have anyone that thinks he stands out more than other players. So, it’s a good group of players and we can work hard and ensure we do well for the club.”

Seema is the Chilli Boys' fourth head coach this season after the club fired Clinton Larsen and Norman Mapeza, before parting ways with Rhulani Mokwena at the end of June 2020.

Chippa are placed 12th on the league standings - three points above the relegation zone and Seema is hopeful that his side will get positive results when their league campaign resumes later this month.

“The guys are willing to learn what we are implementing, The confidence is there," Seema, who is a retired central defender, continued. 

"As it is said, when a new coach is appointed, every player breaths some fresh air and wants to show the coach what they are capable of. They are responding very well. Hopefully, we will get the results that we want.”

Seema revealed that he is enjoying working with his assistant Mbuyiselo Sambu, who has served as the club's caretaker coach in the past.  

“I have been welcomed with open arms. Sambu and I are working well," the former Orlando Pirates captain added. 

"I know him well as we did some courses together and we played at the same time. It’s easy for us to work together." 

The Chilli Boys are set to take on Cape Town City in a league clash at Orlando Stadium on August 14 and they could be without experienced winger William Twala, who is currently nursing an injury.

“Other than that, it’s a clean bill of health,” Seema concluded.

Twala was one of Chippa's top performers before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

The former Kaizer Chiefs player has netted four goals in 21 appearances in the league this term. 

Mbao FC have been relegated from the Tanzania Mainland League despite their 4-2 win over Ihefu FC in the promotion/relegation play-offs, losing the two-legged tie on away goals.

In the first leg, Ihefu managed to claim a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Steven Mwaijala, who scored from the penalty spot after just four minutes, and Mridi Tangai, who struck with six minutes to go.

On Saturday, the Mwanza based side needed a convincing win to turn the tables and stay in the top tier.

Striker Waziri Junior, who finished as the league's second-best goal scorer with 13 goals, opened the scoring in the eighth minute after heading in a Paul Peter cross to give his team hopes of getting a needed scoreline to play in top-flight football beyond this season.

However, in the 40th minute, Mbao conceded a free-kick which was taken by Sudi Mlindwa, Joseph Kinyozi managed to flick it past the defenders and into the back of the net to level the scores and break the hearts of home team supporters.

With seconds to the break, Babilas Chitembe managed to head the ball on the path of the dangerous Waziri, and the forward unleashed a one-time rocket to ensure Mbao went to the break with a slim advantage.

Two minutes after the break, Mbao gave their fans something to smile about when Michael Masinda turned the ball into his net under pressure from Waziri to make it 3-1.

Ihefu were not going to let this chance of dining with the big boys pass them and they continued pushing for another goal.

Their efforts paid dividends in the 88th minute. Willy Mgaya was fed the ball in a promising position, and he unleashed a fierce strike past the goalkeeper to make it 3-2 on the day.

An Ihefu player handled the ball in the 18-yard area leaving the referee with no option but give the Mwanza side a penalty. Datius Peter converted to make it 4-2 in injury time.

It was too little too late as Ihefu held on to get promoted to Tanzania's top-flight football.

In another play-offs match, Mbeya City guaranteed their stay in the top tier with a narrow 1-0 win against Geita Gold.

The two teams had played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The hosts needed an 11th minute Geoffrey Manyasi's own goal to down the second-tier side. 

Ihefu joins Gwambina and Dodoma Jiji in the Tanzania Mainland League while Mbao FC have been relegated alongside Alliance FC, Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC and Singida United.