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Selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January 2018 has proved to be “the best bit of business” that Liverpool have “ever done”, says Graeme Souness.

The Reds reluctantly agreed to part with a Brazilian playmaker once it became clear that he wanted to go chasing a dream in Catalunya. Jurgen Klopp had no desire to part with the talented midfielder, but has seen the big-money deal work in their favour at Anfield.

The funds generated from the sale of Coutinho allowed Liverpool to invest heavily in the transfer market. Virgil van Dijk was acquired in the same winter window, while Brazil international goalkeeper Alisson was snapped up from Roma a few months later.

Those deals proved to be the final pieces in the trophy puzzle, with Champions League and Premier League crowns having been collected by the Reds.

Souness has been quick to hail the shrewd business carried out on Merseyside, with Klopp having proved to be an inspirational leader for a team that could have many more successes to come.

The Liverpool legend told Sky Sports, after his former club capture a first top-flight title in 30 years: “The secret of consistency is driven by the manager.

“I never get fed up of saying this, you can't be successful unless you have good senior pros. I think the senior pros are driving that consistency.

“’We can't drop our standards’, as well as the manager. In terms of recruitment, it's still the single biggest thing you have to get right at a football club.

“If you're recruiting well, you're getting leaders, you're getting player who are talented, you get the right players in your club. That self-perpetuates itself to the marvellous team we have here. I seem to finish every sentence with 'this team isn't going anywhere, this team won't be beaten for a while'.

“When you say what's the most important signing, I think you can look back to when Liverpool went from a good team to a great team.

“They sold Coutinho and got £160 million or whatever it was, they got Alisson and they got Van Dijk and still had change left over. That's got to be the best business this club has ever done.”

Liverpool have found plenty of value in recent windows, with the likes of Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane also proving to be star turns in a remarkable run of consistency.

Marcelo Bielsa has been coaching in football for more than three decades, forging a reputation as a deep thinker about the game and earning the moniker 'El Loco' in the process.

His methods and, indeed, madness have had a profound impact on many footballers who have played under him, as well as his contemporaries who have crossed swords on the touchline.

However, while Bielsa is admired by some of the most respected personalities in football, his trophy count does not seem to stack up with the legendary status that he enjoys.

Goal takes a look at the titles Bielsa has won in his career, as well as the individual awards he has earned.

How many titles has Marcelo Bielsa won?

Bielsa has won six titles over the course of his managerial career, which stretches across 30 years.

His title successes have been achieved on two continents (South America and Europe) and in two countries (Argentina and England).

His first title was the 1991 Primera Division Apertura with Newell's, which was followed by the Primera Division Clausura in 1992.

He won the Primera Division Clausura again in 1998 as head coach of Velez.

Bielsa enjoyed success on the international stage with Argentina when he won the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic tournament in 2004 before securing gold in Athens.

Having come close to achieving promotion from the notoriously competitive Championship in 2018-19 with Leeds, Bielsa managed to do so the following season by winning the division.

The Argentine's trophy cabinet is relatively bare compared with that of Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola, but it should be noted that he has endured a number of disappointments in cup finals.

For example, his impressive Argentina team lost the 2004 Copa America final on penalties to Brazil, and before that he experienced further spot-kick heartache with Newell's in the 1992 Copa Libertadores final.

His Athletic Club team reached the final of the Copa del Rey and the Europa League in 2011-12, losing heavily in each to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively, in a case of suspected 'Bielsa Burnout'.

You can see a breakdown of the clubs Bielsa has managed to glory and the trophies he has won in the table below.

Bielsa failed to win titles during his time in Mexico as manager of Atlas and then Club America, while his first experience in Europe with Espanyol was shortlived, lasting just three months.

After managing Argentina, Bielsa took the Chile job in 2007 and remained in the post for just over three years, but could not deliver success. He did qualify for the 2010 World Cup and brought La Roja to the last-16 stage, where they lost to Brazil.

As noted, he reached two finals with Athletic, but left the club without winning a title. He has had two brief and barren stints in France (with Marseille and Lille).

What individual awards has Marcelo Bielsa won?

Bielsa has had his talents recognised with a handful of individual awards over the course of his career.

He was named IFFHS World's Best National Coach in 2001 while at the helm of Argentina, and crowned South American Coach of the Year in 2009 after finishing second in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification section, one point behind Brazil.

Since joining Leeds, Bielsa has been well received and he won the Championship Manager of the Month twice before earning promotion to the Premier League.

One of the most memorable awards he received was the FIFA  Fair Play Award in 2019 following a wholly unusual situation during a game against Aston Villa, when he ordered his players to let Villa score a goal after Leeds were perceived to have taken the lead in bad faith.

In keeping with the custom of good sportsmanship, the Yorkshire side were expected to stop play to allow an apparently injured Villa player to receive treatment, but played on and found the net. Despite the fact that the goal could have helped Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League, Bielsa commanded his players to stand down and level the playing field.

In the aftermath of the remarkable moment, Bielsa explained: "We just gave the goal back. Everyone saw the facts. We expressed our interpretation of the facts by doing what we did.

"English football is known for this. I don't have to comment on this kind of thing, which is common in England."

Birmingham have left their supporters, and those in the football world as a whole, baffled by their decision to retire Jude Bellingham’s No.22 shirt on the back of his big-money move to Borussia Dortmund.

Bundesliga giants have agreed to invest €25 million (£23m/$29m) in the talented 17-year-old midfielder. Big things are expected of Bellingham in the future, but he is heading to Germany on the back of just one season and 44 senior appearances for Birmingham.

He had been part of the academy system at St Andrew’s since joining their Under-8s, with the Blues rightly proud of the path he has trodden to this point.

Fans, though, have questioned why the jersey he is vacating will not be passed on given that he can hardly be considered to have secured legend status in the West Midlands.

Birmingham’s decision has been branded “the most embarrassing thing a football club has ever done”, while others have billed it “tinpot” and “ridiculous”.

Birmingham claim that the call has been made to “remember one of our own and to inspire others”.

The club said: “In such a remarkably short space of time Jude has become an iconic figure at Blues, showing what can be achieved through talent, hard work and dedication.

“His caring, humble and engaging off-the-field demeanour has also made him such an impressive role model.

“The No 22 shirt has become synonymous with Jude, his rise to the first team aged just 16 years and 38 days and these qualities. As such the Club have decided it would be fitting to retire this number, to remember one of our own and to inspire others.”

Bellingham is honoured that the Blues would adopt such a stance, with the teenager telling the club’s official website as he prepares to open a new chapter in his career: "I do love the club and I struggle to hide how much this club means to me. I just hope the fans have enjoyed seeing me play

"It will always have a massive place in my heart because it's my club and the club I support, and it's been a privilege.

"I've been coming here since I was seven, so it was natural I shed a few tears after the game, but Dortmund is the best place for me to carry on my development and I am optimistic for the future."

Famara Diedhiou has won Bristol City’s Player of the Season and top-scorer awards for the 2019-20 campaign.

The Senegal international bagged 14 goals and provided one assist in 44 appearances across all competition, including 12 strikes in the Championship.

The 27-year-old’s effort helped the Ashton Gate outfit finished 12th in the division and has been rewarded for his fine showings.

Diedhiou is delighted with the awards and hopes to continue the impressive performances in the 2020-21 season.

“I feel happy and proud of this. As a team, we work hard and try to work our socks off and I’m just happy to receive this, massive thanks to everyone. I’m happy [with my goals] but in my head, I need more," Diedhiou told the club website.

The striker has been with the Robins since the summer of 2017 when he arrived from French Ligue 1 side Angers.

Diedhiou has scored 36 league goals in 106 Championship games since joining the Ashton Gate outfit amid other dazzling displays.

The forward started his professional football career with ASM Belfort before signing for Epinal and then Gazelec Ajaccio in 2013.

After only a season with Ajaccio, Diedhiou teamed up with Ligue 2 side Sochaux in 2014, where he spent two seasons, including a loan spell at Clermont.

The striker joined Angers in 2016 and scored eight league goals in 31 appearances during his one-year stay with the club before leaving for Bristol City in 2017.

Diedhiou has 10 caps and five goals for Senegal national team and was part of the West African side at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Virgil van Dijk has been recognised as a “real leader” at Liverpool by club captain Jordan Henderson, with the Dutchman considered to be “the best centre-half in the world”.

Jurgen Klopp has assembled a star-studded cast at Anfield, with many of those at his disposal said to sit among the global elite in their chosen position.

Van Dijk fits into that category, with the Netherlands international having become a talismanic presence for the Champions League and Premier League winners.

His value is not lost on those around him, with Henderson telling the Liverpool Echo: “Virgil is a huge player for us. Everyone knows that. He's made such a big difference since he's been at the club.

“As a player, as a person, as a leader, everything. I haven't got enough words to describe him. He gives the team confidence and he just gets better and better. A real leader. He is the best centre-half in the world.”

Along with Van Dijk, Liverpool’s acquisition of Alisson has allowed them to return to the loftiest of perches. The Brazilian goalkeeper has earned plenty of plaudits during his two seasons in England, with Henderson adding to them.

He said: “Where do I start?! Ali is the best goalkeeper in the world. I know it is easy for me to say as I play with him but in the big moments, the saves he's made, his distribution, everything about him is world class.

“He is so laid back off the pitch, so chilled, a brilliant person to have around the dressing room. I couldn't speak highly enough of him really. A top-class keeper and he's made a real difference since he's been at the club.”

Another of those that Henderson places at the very top of the talent tree is Fabinho, with the Reds skipper saying of his fellow midfielder: “Another player who has been incredible. Fab is probably one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

“He is so good at reading the game and breaking the play up, but also you've seen some of his work in the final third. Some of the passes he has played to create openings have been fantastic. Another great addition to this squad. He has made a big difference.”

Former Manchester City forward Benjani Mwaruwari has revealed he blew an opportunity to break into the Premier League earlier after he disappeared from the radar of Jomo Sono who had organised trials for him at Newcastle United.

While turning out for Jomo Cosmos in 2001, Benjani went for national duty with Zimbabwe but failed to return to South Africa in time to fly to England for auditions with Newcastle.

Although he might have struggled to obtain a work permit had he impressed The Magpies, he still missed out on an early chance with the Premier League where he later on arrived in 2006 after stints in Switzerland and France.

“To be quite honest I didn’t have a clue about him [Sono] taking a lot of players to Europe. I was just excited that I will come to South Africa and play for Jomo Cosmos as he mentioned to me,” Benjani told Marawa Sports Worldwide as per The Herald.

“When I was at Cosmos, I discovered all these things he did for the players. I went AWOL when we were playing for the national team in Zimbabwe and he said 'Where are you? I want you to go to Newcastle for trials'.

“I was nowhere to be found, he said 'You missed a chance to go to Newcastle, now you have to go to Bournemouth, where I am at the moment'. He made some arrangements and I came to Bournemouth. I went there at the wrong time.”

Options for him widened after failing to impress Bournemouth as he ended up trialling at clubs in Turkey, Norway and Swiss side Grasshopper where he signed on loan from Cosmos for the 2001/02 season.

“While I was in Bournemouth, he arranged for me to go to Turkey but I didn’t like it,” said Benjani.

“I flew to Turkey from Norway, I don’t know what’s happened there. From there, I went to Switzerland. Within a space of one month, I had four trials, then, eventually, I made it in Zurich.

“You know, in Zurich, it was nice, the city was beautiful and I loved it and I said Bra Jay, you know what, I will sign here and he said 'I am coming tomorrow'. He flew over then we signed a deal. When he wants things to happen he can put an effort.’’

Following the end of his loan stint at Grasshopper, Benjani went to then Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre where he spent two-and-half seasons, a stint which included Champions League football and winning the French Cup.

Then his Premier League breakthrough finally came in January 2006 when Harry Redknapp brought him to Portsmouth.

This was followed by spells at Manchester City, Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers, before he wrapped up his playing career in the Premier Soccer League with Chippa United and Bidvest Wits.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp has opened the door for an emotional return to north London.

The former Netherlands international spent 11 memorable years with the Gunners during his playing days.

His arrival at Highbury in1995, which was followed by Arsene Wenger a year later, is considered to have helped pave the way for the success that Arsenal were to enjoy in the late 90s and early 00s.

A statue of Bergkamp now sits outside Emirates Stadium, with his achievements through 423 appearances set to live long in the memory.

He did head back to his homeland when hanging up his boots in 2006, with a coaching role taken up within the famed academy system at Ajax that he came through.

That post was left, though, in 2017 and Bergkamp is starting to get the football itch once more.

That could lead him back to Arsenal, with the 51-year-old admitting that he would welcome an approach from a club that still holds a special place in his heart.

Bergkamp told FourFourTwo of his future plans: “When the time is right, I’d love to go back and get a role somewhere.

“At the moment we’re great in Holland. I’ve got a young family and have been out of coaching for a little while now. But I must admit, I have the urge to go on the pitch again and help, whether it’s with the technical or coaching staff. 

“It might be a bit too early, but you never know. We’ll see what comes my way.”

Pressed specifically on Arsenal, Bergkamp added: “At the moment there hasn’t been any contact about that, but as soon as I make my decision, let’s see what happens.

“Of course it would be ideal at Arsenal – I spent 11 years there and have a good feeling with the club.”

Bergkamp was also quizzed on whether he could see himself working alongside a former team-mate such as Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, with two iconic Frenchman now filling managerial roles at Nice and Montreal Impact respectively.

The Dutchman said: “I follow how they’re doing from afar. It’s a shame that MLS stopped after Thierry took a job there, and Patrick is doing well at Nice.

“I’m really interested in Mikel Arteta and how he’s doing at Arsenal, as there have been signs that he wants to change their philosophy. It looked good in the few matches I watched earlier in the year. 

“But my future, who knows? In football, one day is not the same as the other.”

Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is back in management, with La Liga outfit Villarreal confirming his appointment on a three-year contract.

The Spaniard was relieved of his duties at Emirates Stadium in November 2019 after a testing 18 months in north London.

He had been acquired by the Gunners as successor to the legendary Arsene Wenger, but found it difficult to fill big coaching shoes and deliver on expectation.

Various landing spots have been mooted for Emery since he vacated a Premier League post, with the ex-Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain coach still held in high regard across Europe.

Villarreal have won the race for his signature, with the 48-year-old opting to take on a new challenge back his homeland.

The Yellow Submarine said in a statement on the club’s official website: “Villarreal CF has reached an agreement with Unai Emery for the Basque manager to be Yellows head coach for the next three seasons.

“Unai Emery is a well-respected coach with vast experience in football around the world, and has managed top-level clubs such as Paris Saint-German and Arsenal FC. Furthermore, he also knows La Liga perfectly, after two successful spells at Sevilla FC and Valencia CF.

“Emery started his sporting career at Lorca Deportiva, managing to get them promoted to Segunda Division. After his first managerial experience, he moved to UD Almeria, who he also got promoted. This time, it was to the top flight of Spanish football.

“In the 2007-08 season, Emery arrived at Valencia CF, the club he managed for four seasons. On the bench at Mestalla, the Basque coach finished third in La Liga on a total of three occasions, each of which saw Los Che qualify for the UEFA Champions League the following season.

“After a brief spell at Spartak Moscow, Emery returned to Spain in 2013 to take the reins at Sevilla. With the Andalusian club, he made history, winning three consecutive UEFA Europa League.

“In recent seasons, the Basque manager has been in charge of two top-level projects on the European stage.

“After his successful time at Sevilla, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, with whom he added to his trophy cabinet, winning a Ligue 1, two Coupes de France, two Coupes de la Ligue and two French Super Cups.

“In his last role as manager, Emery took charge at Arsenal FC, with whom he was UEFA Europa League runner-up in the 2018-19 campaign.”

Villarreal ended the 2019-20 campaign with a fifth-place finish in La Liga, meaning that they will be taking part in the Europa League next season – a competition that Emery boasts a rich history in.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Ndubuisi Egbo after leading KF Tirana to clinch the Albanian league on Saturday.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper achieved the feat after guiding the Tirona to a 2-0 home victory over Flamurtari at the weekend which saw them open a seven-point gap at the top of the table.

It is the first time the Selman Stermasi Stadium outfit will win the Kategoria Superiore title and have also secured a place in the Champions League qualifying round.

Egbo, thus, becomes the first Nigerian manager to win a European trophy and the football governing body has sent him a congratulatory message.

“It was with a huge sense of pride that the NFF and the entire Nigerian football family learnt of your exemplary achievement as the first-ever Nigerian, black and African coach to win a major European League, as you have steered KF Tirana to the Albanian top-tier championship with few matches left in the on-going season,” read a statement from the NFF.

“In the process, you also became the first African to qualify a team for the Uefa Champions League competition.

“The fact that KF Tirana was unable to win any silverware since the year 2018 until your arrival in December 2019 puts your accomplishment in proper perspective.

“Certainly, your rare character traits of sobriety, quiet confidence, seamless application and effortless brilliance, so evident in your days with the Super Eagles, when you steered your team to glory.

“This achievement is no doubt a marker for other Nigerian coaches, including your fellow ex-internationals, that by working assiduously and diligently in a noble way, they can indeed go out there and break the proverbial glass ceiling.

“On our part, we wish you and KF Tirana an enriching and fulfilling experience in the UEFA Champions League, where you are bound to come across much tougher encounters, but you have already demonstrated that you have the capacity to be unflappable when the going gets tough.”

Egbo, who started his managerial career with Bylis, has been with the Albanian side since 2014 as a goalkeeping manager before he was made coach of the side in 2019.

The 46-year-old had 12 caps for the Super Eagles and was part of the team that featured at the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.

Declan Rice has been warned off a move to one of the “big guns”, with West Ham legend Tony Carr calling on the England international to stay put as speculation mounts regarding a switch to Chelsea.

The versatile 21-year-old was on the books at Stamford Bridge before being released from the Blues’ academy system.

That decision forced him to look elsewhere, with West Ham eventually opening up their doors.

Carr, who spent 43 years working in the Hammers’ youth ranks, was to help put Rice on a path that has led him to the very top of the game.

Such progress has, however, generated admiring glances from afar.

Rice’s potential is said to have registered on the radar of Manchester United, while talk of a return to west London at Chelsea refuses to go away.

Carr hopes said interest can be fended off, telling the We Are West Ham Podcast: “I'm a little bit concerned. I hope he stays, I really do.

“He’s developing into a top player. His goal the other night against Watford - terrific.

“You could see the look on his face, the pleasure it gave him. And the hug he gave to David Moyes on the touchline when the goal went in sends great signs and signals he’s happy there and wants to stay.

“Unfortunately, sometimes agents get involved – I’m not saying this is Declan’s agent - but if someone says ‘we’re going to double your money if you come to us’, it’s hard to turn down and let loyalty be the deciding factor.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that. I hope he just comes out and says ‘I’m happy to stay at West Ham, I’m still developing as a player, they’ve brought me from obscurity, released from Chelsea, and now into the England team’.”

Carr added, with Rice seemingly set to have some big decisions to make on his future: “My message to Dec is this: ‘Stay where you are pal. You’re young enough and there’s still plenty of time to go to the big guns. Just keep establishing yourself by being a regular in the team.

“You’re in the England team because you're in West Ham's first team, you don’t need to go anywhere else’.

“He’s now an integral part of that West Ham team and in some respects, he’s taking up Mark Noble's mantle. If he stays, over time he’s going to be a future captain I’m sure.”

Liverpool needed Champions League heartbreak to reach the next level, according to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who says "Kiev was the turning point" for Jurgen Klopp's squad.

The Reds suffered the third final defeat of Klopp's tenure when they came up against Real Madrid in the 2018-19 Champions League showpiece.

The Blancos ran out 3-1 winners in Ukraine thanks to a Karim Benzema effort and a Gareth Bale brace, with Sadio Mane grabbing what amounted to no more than a consolation goal for Liverpool.

The Reds reached the final again one year later and claimed the sixth Champions League crown in their history by beating Tottenham in an all-English decider.

They have since won the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Premier League title, with Alexander-Arnold having reflected on how the Reds' journey to the top began.

"For us, the turning point probably was Kiev," the 21-year-old full-back told the Liverpool Echo. "That was when we turned from a naive team, to one that knew how exactly to win games.

"So I think in Kiev, that taught us how to win games. We all walked away from that going into next season learning the best lessons we could.

"We all needed that loss, which is something that happens all the time. You need to make mistakes to learn what you need to improve on. It was the worst night of our lives but looking back, it was the best lesson we could have ever learned.

"And that is what has put us on this path we are on now. So over the last two years, winning so many games and trophies was all down to that one game and learning how to win.

"Once you get that first taste of a trophy, it is different to chasing it. You are chasing the feeling of it and you never really know what that might feel like. It is about chasing the unknown. But when you have won it, you know what is coming.

"So comparing the night in Kiev, which was the worst night of our lives, to the best night of our lives in Madrid, that contrast is there.

"It was always us wanting to feel like we did in Madrid so many more times. It was that feeling of winning, of pride and being a part of a successful team. Pushing ourselves to be the best we can be, the best players in the world, the best team in the world. We wanted to just take the club back to where we belong.

"Since the Champions League, we have won three more trophies. So for me, I personally always had a feeling that once we won the first one, we would be able to win anything and everything and barring the two domestic cups, we have done that over the last two seasons.

"The mentality was there before the Champions League, but I think we really cemented ourselves as a world-class team who can win trophies after Kiev. We have shown how good we are."

Asked how it feels to be a Premier League winner, Alexander-Arnold responded: "I think, to an extent, I have reflected but winning the league hasn't really kicked in and settled yet. When you are so involved in it and so close to it, it is hard to take a step back and realise what you have achieved.

"The time for all that will come when you retire and I can look back and feel proud of what I have achieved, but so far, I have achieved a lot and I am really grateful for the opportunities I have been given.

"Everyone always believed in me and have given me the chances to be able to take them as well, so there are a lot of thanks needed for everyone who has helped me on this journey, but there is still a long way to go.

"This is just the beginning."

Gor Mahia official Ronald Ngala has stated Sam Ochola convinced him and other officials that he needed a chance to help in the club's transformation.

The K'Ogalo Secretary-General opted against defending his seat in the elections set for August 8 in favour of Ochola who also vied for the same position in the last elections.

"Ochola convinced the majority of us that he is fit to help Gor Mahia hit the next level," Ngala told Goal.

"He came up with ideas on how he intends to help the team move forward, and I have to admit they were impressive. So I decided to let him run for the seat and rallied my supporters behind him.

"We will assess him after his term has ended to see what he has achieved and his impact on the team."

The experienced administrator has also revealed fresh ideas were needed in management.

"I have been at Gor Mahia since 2005 and sometimes you have to give others a chance to help in development," Ngala continued.

"We all love the team and we want to make one of the top sides in the continent. So when there is a chance to make the team better, we take it; it is the reason why I opted not to contest." 

Earlier on, the Sports Registrar Rose Wasike had laid down the requirements Gor Mahia's election process must meet if they are to be allowed to proceed.

"This is to request you to submit documents relating to the appointed Independent Panel that will ensure the holding of fair and transparent elections,” a letter to the club and obtained by Goal read.  

"Nomination process of candidates without unfairly blocking any candidate from vying, adherence to 2/3 gender rule, non-discrimination, having an election procedure that adheres to the general provision of Article 81 of the Kenya Constitution 2010, the Sports Act and regulation 20 of Sports Registrar Regulation of 2nd September 2016 and other regulations stipulated in the club's constitution.

"It is a requirement under Regulation 20 of the Sports Registrar of 2016 that an independent panel is appointed and the Sports Registrar, one or an umbrella sports organisations and the ministry observers.

"Note that all your candidates must get clearance certificates from the government integrity clearance offices including Credit Reference Bureau, Higher Education Loans Board, Kenya Revenue Authority, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigation, National Social Security Fund, and the National Hospital Insurance Fund among others.

"It is also my request that you submit a list of members that will vote, and who should be paid up members plus copies of their membership cards to prove membership, two passports size photos, postal address and mobile phone numbers to enable the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya [ICPAK) fit them into the online voting system."

Former Orlando Pirates defender Benson Mhlongo believes midfielder Khethokwakhe Masuku left the Soweto giants because he did not receive proper guidance.

Masuku joined Pirates from Black Leopards at the beginning of the 12/13 season and spent three seasons at the club before leaving straight for lower division side Royal Eagles.

After just a season at Eagles, Masuku returned to play Premier Soccer League (PSL) football with Bloemfontein Celtic for one and a half seasons.

But Mhlongo feels the midfielder prematurely left Pirates where he could have made more of an impact had he stayed.

“I believe that you didn’t have that guidance, a person to mentor you and guide you… If I was your mentor by then I was going to tell you to stay at Pirates. Happy Jele has stayed at Pirates, Sergio Ramos has stayed at Real Madrid,” said Mhlongo in conversation with Masuku on Amaplayer.

“I felt that you were one of those players, if you stayed, coaches will come and go and if you were still at Pirates, there was a lot you were going to offer Pirates.

“I believe that but I was not there, I was still playing with you and I am now willing to mentor you.”

Following his last PSL chance with Bloemfontein Celtic midway through the 2017/2018 campaign, Masuku was back in the First Division for the rest of the season at Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

After turning out for another lower division side Baberwa FC, he has been clubless since 2019.

His latest attempt to return to football in January drew blanks following an unsuccessful trial stint at Baroka FC but Mhlongo has pledged to resuscitate Masuku’s career.

“We must see you back in the PSL, how you make it, we have to fight. Let’s not make this just talk, let us make it happen,” Mhlongo said.

“I am a coach. There must be feedback after three or six months that, ok, this is where you are. Feedback in terms of you are playing.

“Masuku I am going to try my best to at least get you a team either in the PSL or GladAfrica Championship.”

Manchester United are clearly struggling with fatigue, according to Luke Chadwick, who says the Red Devils' "spark seems to have disappeared" in recent matches.

United won five of their first six matches in all competitions after returning from lockdown, scoring an impressive 17 goals while only conceding four at the other end of the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood were firing on all cylinders as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men put Sheffield United, Brighton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa to the sword, moving to within touching distance of a place in the top four in the process.

The Red Devils were, however, dealt a setback after being held to a 2-2 draw by Southampton at Old Trafford on July 13, as they produced a performance devoid of the free-flowing attacking verve and intensity of previous games.

The Manchester outfit were equally unconvincing during a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace, and their 19-match unbeaten run stretching back to January came to an end in stunning fashion when they were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea in last weekend's FA Cup semi-finals.

Fortunately for United, Leicester suffered a damaging defeat to Tottenham on Sunday which opened the door for them to move into the Champions League spots if they avoided defeat at home to West Ham on Wednesday.

Solskjaer watched his side secure the point they needed to go third, and their position was cemented when Chelsea were humbled by Liverpool later that day.

Chadwick sees plenty of cause for concern for the Norwegian despite the Red Devils' position in the table, and has stressed the importance of his old club finishing the job on the final day against Leicester so that they can attract top talent from across Europe this summer.

The former United midfielder wrote in his latest column for Talk of the Devils: “Having watched a lot of the Premier League fixtures since football returned, I would have to say it looks like United’s performance has dropped off the most over the past 3-4 games in terms of what looks like fatigue.

"The spark seems to have disappeared… don’t get me wrong there has still been the odd glimpse here and there, but the difference between say the Brighton or Bournemouth attacking play, and the Southampton or Crystal Palace performances, and again last night, have been like night and day.

"Some suggested that the team selection was down to pressure to qualify for the Champions League.

"I would imagine in the club’s eyes, the most important thing this season is qualification for the Champions League, and rightly so for a business that expects at the very least to be involved in the most lucrative competition in club football.

"To attract the calibre of player to really challenge, Champions League football is a must and of course for the club to finance these sort of moves.

"Obviously any sort of silverware would be a massive boost to everyone at the club after a tough couple of years, I think the majority of fans would accept and understand Ole changing the team for the FA Cup considering the games that were coming up but what would have been very hard to accept would have been the performance as much as the result, crashing out with a bit of a whimper!

"I have been as guilty as anyone of getting a bit carried away in the past couple of weeks, watching United playing with attacking vigour and confidence – reminiscent of the wonderful teams of years gone by!

"The last four performances against Southampton, Palace, Chelsea and West Ham have brought him back down to earth and realise there is still plenty of work for Ole to do to get the club really competing again.”

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Gor Mahia have completed the signing of goalkeeper Levis Opiyo.

Opiyo was a free agent after his contract with Nairobi City Stars expired and he expressed an unwillingness to extend it.

A source from Gor Mahia has indicated to Goal the former Thika United custodian has already put pen to paper for a fairly long deal.

“[Levis] Opiyo has signed a two-year contract with Gor Mahia already. He has visited the club’s office where he signed the papers to serve Gor Mahia for the two seasons ahead,” the source told Goal.

Goal also understands Fredrick Odhiambo has been released by Gor Mahia and his place is expected to be filled by Opiyo.

“It is also true that [Fredrick] Odhiambo has left the club,” the source added.

“This is just the beginning of our transfer activities in the market as we hope to assemble a better and competitive team going forward.

“We need a team that will help mount a good campaign both at the domestic and international levels.”

Opiyo is expected to battle for a starting position with Boniface Oluoch who has remained a key man for a dominant K’Ogalo side in the Premier League scene since 2015 when he was signed from Tusker.

The exit of David Mapigano, who was signed before the 2019/20 season began, is understood to have made Gor Mahia prioritise the signing of a goalkeeper.

Opiyo has played for one foreign club in his career, lower league German side Fortuna Babelsberg. He has played for many local clubs including Posta Rangers, Thika United, Sofapaka, Mathare United, Mahakama FC, Western Stima and Vihiga United.

He made his name at Thika United where he worked with goalkeepers Lukas Indeche, Zamu Adisa and Joel Bataro when the Thika-based club was still in the KPL.

Gor Mahia are also understood to have reached an agreement with defender Kevin Okumu.

Okumu, like Opiyo, were key for Nairobi City Stars in the National Super League (NSL) where they were declared champions when the league was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Nairobi City Stars Chief Executive Officer Patrick Korir confirmed both Opiyo and Okumu left the club due to expiration of their contracts.

“Yes, Opiyo left after his contract expired and Okumu hinted he had other offers and that is why he could not extend his stay with us,” Korir told Goal.

Opiyo’s signing is the first Gor Mahia have completed and they are linked with a number of local stars.

It’s been another breathtaking campaign in the Premier League, and the 2019-20 season will live long in the memory, but the top flight is still to reach its conclusion on Sunday, where much will be decided in the final round of fixtures.

Liverpool’s title triumph may have been wrapped up some time ago, but there’s still Champions League qualification to be decided, and one of three relegation candidates will be able to save themselves from the drop.

Heading into the final day, only the champions and Manchester City have confirmed their berths in the Champions League for next season, and two out of Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City will join them in Europe’s premier club competition next term.

United, on 63 points and with a +28 goal difference, are in pole position.

They are away at Leicester and, regardless of the result in Chelsea’s game, will advance if they avoid defeat against the Foxes.

A week or two ago, United would be overwhelming favourites; they were the in-form team in the division, had Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood firing on all cylinders, and appeared capable of outclassing any team in the division.

However, in recent fixtures, vulnerabilities have appeared.

They were denied all three points at the death against Southampton, outclassed in their FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea, and struggled to down West Ham United on Wednesday.

Indeed, the Hammers were the better side for much of the contest, and fully deserved their opener when Paul Pogba handled in the box and Michail Antonio converted the subsequent penalty.

United are looking leggy and jaded at just the wrong time, and the defensive lapses of Harry Maguire and, notably, David de Gea, will give the Foxes hope of a home victory.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have also come in for criticism of late; they’ve lost their grip on third, and then fourth, and are fifth heading into the final day.

Leicester have lost two of their last three, collapsing against both Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur, and appear devoid of cohesion and defensive security.

Nonetheless, they still know how to win games—witness recent victories against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace—and may be quietly confident of upsetting the Red Devils at the death.

SuperSport Fixtures

Thursday 23 July – Udinese vs Juventus

Thursday 23 July – Lazio vs Cagliari

Friday 24 July – AC Milan vs Atalanta

Saturday 25 July – Genoa vs Inter Milan

Saturday 25 July – Napoli vs Sassuolo

Sunday 26 July – Arsenal vs Watford

Sunday 26 July – Chelsea vs Wolves

Sunday 26 July – Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

Sunday 26 July – Leicester vs Manchester United

Sunday 26 July – Manchester City vs Norwich

Sunday 26 July – Newcastle vs Liverpool

Regardless of the result at the King Power Stadium, Chelsea will finish inside the top four with a point, and the only scenario in which Frank Lampard’s side would miss out on the top four is if they are defeated by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester take all three points from United.

It’s a strong position, particularly considering Chelsea are at home, but they too have shown worrying failings in recent weeks.

On Wednesday evening, they conceded five as they were outgunned by champions Liverpool, and while there’s genuine quality going forward, Chelsea’s defence appears in dire need of an overhaul.

While they impressed against United in the FA Cup, Chelsea’s backline—which conceded three goals in defeats by West Ham and Sheffield United—risks being exposed by Wolves’ attackers.

The Old Gold are on a three-match unbeaten streak, and while their own Champions League hopes were extinguished by back-to-back defeats by Arsenal and the Blades, they’re bubbling with quality and confidence.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are comfortably capable of exploiting the holes in Chelsea’s defence, but will it be enough to deny the Blues Champions League qualification?

Elsewhere in the Premier League on Sunday, Arsenal host Watford, Tottenham Hotspur are away at struggling Crystal Palace, while Manchester City and Liverpool meet Norwich City and Newcastle United respectively, with all matches live on SuperSport.

There’s also Serie A action this week, with the top four all in action.

League leaders Juventus returned to winning ways on Monday, ending a three-game run without a victory by dispatching Lazio as their miserable streak continues, and are on the brink of yet another title.

Once touted as the side most likely to compete with the Old Lady for the title, Lazio have endured a disappointing run, taking just one point from their last five matches.

Juve are away at Udinese on Thursday, and can clinch the title with a win, while Lazio host Cagliari…will this be the match when they finally get all three points?

Three more points for Maurizio Sarri's side would take them out of the reach of Atalanta due to a superior head-to-head record, and would mean they secure a record-extending ninth Italian title with three games to spare.

On Friday, Champions League contenders Atalanta will face a stern test of their ambitions when they travel away to AC Milan.

UCL qualification is beyond the Rossoneri, but they’re ending the season strongly, and will be keen to secure a statement victory against a free-flowing Atalanta side who have not lost since late January.

Stefano Pioli was recently rewarded with a two-year contract for his side’s excellent form, but can Milan take another big step in their recent renaissance on Friday?

Atalanta, who have an eye-catching 95 goals in their 35 league outings to date, will surely be desperate to hit a century of top flight strikes before the season is out.

Arsenal defender David Luiz says he will cut his hair if he ever moves into management, but a number of his current club colleagues are not convinced that he will follow through on that promise.

At 33 years of age, an enigmatic Brazilian centre-half is starting to piece together plans for when the day comes to hang up his boots.

He has committed to another 12 months at Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta taking up a one-year option in his contract despite ongoing questions of the South American’s ability to perform on a consistent basis.

Luiz has also expressed a desire to take in a second spell at Portuguese giants Benfica before heading into retirement.

That suggests that he is at least two seasons away from calling it quits.

When that time does come, the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain star has suggested that he will look to head into coaching and pass on the vast experience that he has accrued over the years.

In order to make that transition, though, he may have to smarten up his image.

Luiz claims he would be willing to do that, with his trademark curly locks chopped off, but his Arsenal team-mates – including Alexandre Lacazette, Sead Kolasinac and Hector Bellerin – are not so sure.

Luiz was asked by Esquire, while promotion the Gunners’ new kit for 2020-21, what he would do if going into management.

He said: “I’d put a suit on and cut my hair.

“I can’t be a coach with this hair, nobody’s going to respect me!”

Lacazette responded by saying: “You’d cut your hair?!”

Kolasinac chipped in with: “Tracksuit. I don’t think David would actually go through with that haircut. He can’t, it’s David! I think he’d look better with his hair.”

Bellerin added: “No way. He wouldn’t be David Luiz anymore. He’d be someone else.”

Luiz has earned favour again during his recent outings for Arsenal, with the mistakes which have been an all too familiar theme in his game being cut out.

A commanding performance was put in during a 2-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City, although the Gunners followed up that display with a shock 1-0 defeat away at relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s side will bring the curtain down on their 2019-20 Premier League campaign with a home date against Watford on Sunday.

Former Asante Kotoko star Ibrahim Sunday believes the club will need between two to three years to make a strong impact in continental inter-club competitions.

The two-time conquerors of Africa are set to represent Ghana in the 2020-21 Caf Champions League with an aim of improving upon their first-round elimination in 2019-20.

They received the nod for the championship on the decision of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season.

“Football has been made easy through globalisation. We should be proactive in studying our opponents before meeting them," Sunday, who won the Champions League with Kotoko as a player in 1976 and as a coach in 1983, told Light FM.

"Moreover, we need aggressive and committed players for the course, if thinking of a short term project.

“The long term will need a time of maybe two or three years to prepare the players very well before competing heavily in Caf competitions.

“Determination was the key for us in winning the trophy. We had committed and devoted players who even slept on the floor through hunger in achieving this step because this was a trophy which escaped Kotoko for far too long. That’s how I became the African Footballer of the Year onwards.”

Kotoko's best performance in a continental championship in recent times remains a runners-up finish in the 2004 Confederation Cup following a defeat to country rivals Hearts of Oak.

The club's new 12-member board, set up in June and has been tasked to restore the glory of the old days.

"The board is not prepared enough and ready to compete, so they should resign from joining the Caf competitions [in the coming season] and concentrate on the next time," former Kotoko striker Osei Kofi, joint-top scorer at the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as Ghana won a second continental title, told Boss FM.

"If [Kotoko] join next season's Caf competitions, it will be a disaster and misuse of money and staff."

Kotoko are regarded as the biggest club in Ghana. With the biggest fanbase, the side has won the Premier League on 23 occasions, with four titles more than nemesis Hearts.