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Henry Onyekuru revealed Galatasaray will keep fighting to retain their Turkish Super Lig title, notwithstanding their 3-3 draw with Gaziantep on Sunday.

The Yellow-Reds were leading 3-1 before Gaziantep rallied from behind to ensure a share of the spoils at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Turk Telekom Stadium.

The Nigeria international featured for the entirety of the game in his 11th appearance since re-joining the side in January from Ligue 1 club Monaco.

The 23-year-old was part of the Yellow-Reds’ team that won the league title for a record 22nd time last season, after teaming up with them on loan from Everton.

Onyekuru feels the officiating was not favourable to his side against Gaziantep but he is optimistic they will not relent in their quest to clinch the 2019-20 top-flight diadem.

“Let no one perceive this as an excuse, but let's look back at the game we played last week; the same way this week,” Onyekuru told the club website.

“We can never touch our opponent. When we touch them, fouls are blown against us, and meaningless cards were shown.

“It really shocked us and we were surprised by the referee’s decisions. We did everything we could, we went 3-1 ahead.

“We were running and fighting from the beginning to the end of the match but we could only do that to the extent the referee allows us.

“We are Galatasaray. Galatasaray fight until the last minute carries this spirit and reflects on the field. I hope, these will not happen in the match we will play next week, but it was the same this past week. I hope we won't experience them next week.

“As Galatasaray football players, we have to fight until the last second. Of course, we can say that it has become difficult due to the difference in points opened, but Galatasaray does not give up in the spirit, we will continue to fight in the same spirit.”

The draw left Galatasaray in the fourth position with 51 points from 28 games, eight below leaders Istanbul Basaksehir.

Onyekuru, who has scored one goal and provided two assists for Fatih Terim’s men in this campaign, will hope to inspire his side to victory when they take on Istanbul Basaksehir on June 28.

Barcelona boss Quique Setien does not expect the injured Frenkie de Jong to miss the remainder of the La Liga season.

De Jong is currently nursing a calf injury and will not be involved when the Catalans host Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.

There have been suggestions the Netherlands international is likely to miss the rest of the 2019-20 campaign, as Barca attempt to defend their title from Real Madrid over the final eight matches.

Setien, though, expects De Jong to recover sooner rather than later.

When asked if the 23-year-old could miss the business end of the season, the Barca manager told reporters on Monday: "We hope that won't be the case. He has a small injury in the area of his calf and we'll see how he progresses. But I'm sure he'll be able to play a few games.

"He's a complete player because he gives us a lot of things when we have the ball, but he's also physical and covers a lot of space. He's young, he has dynamism, enthusiasm and quality. He's learning many things we've been trying to improve.

"It's true that he's an important loss and he could help us a lot. We're a little upset that he's not there, but these are things you have to adapt to. I still have confidence in the people who are going to play in his position."

Barca, who will also be without Sergi Roberto against Athletic, lost their place at the top of the table on Sunday as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-1 to take advantage of the champions' draw with Sevilla.

Although they are behind Madrid by virtue of their head-to-head record this season, meaning the title race is no longer in their hands, Setien says his Barca players have trained positively in recent days.

"We've trained very well. There's a bit of residual fatigue but we're going to try to keep up the excitement and expectations because we're convinced we can win the title and we're going to try to improve the footballing aspects we have to control," he said.

Setien included Jorge Cuenca and Dani Morer from the B team in his 24-man squad, but he does not necessarily expect either to play.

However, he says Samuel Umtiti has a chance of forcing his way back into the first-team picture after returning from suspension.

"As they gave us the option of taking 23 players, it's difficult for Cuenca to play, but we can't include players who haven't passed the [COVID-19] tests," he said.

"We'll see tomorrow because one of the two [Cuenca and Morer] will be left out. But they train with us every day and they're here.

"If we decided he [Umtiti] has to play, he would play. He's getting better and better and this is strictly a subject for me. These are football issues.

"It's true he's better but he was injured for a while and he hasn't been at the level of others. He's much better now and has his chances to play, like everyone else."

Setien added that Ousmane Dembele is progressing well in his recovery from a thigh injury but that his return to group training "will have to wait".

Ghana international Joseph Alfred Duncan has expressed worry about the Black Stars' long wait for a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title.

Four-time champions, the West Africans have not lifted the trophy since the last success in Libya in 1982.

Their most recent attempt ended woefully as they suffered a Round of 16 elimination at the 2019 championship in Egypt. It was the first time the Black Stars failed to make the semi-final since 2006.

“Obviously it’s something that is very frustrating because even when we are not in camp and we are in our various clubs, sometimes we get the opportunity to talk [among ourselves and] it’s something we talk about the most,” Duncan, who plays club football for Serie A side Fiorentina, told Citi FM.

“It’s something we also have in mind because most of the players also want to be great like the likes of Abedi Pele. Obviously we used to hear about them.

“Even having our team manager Stephen Appiah next to us, you also feel like I will like to win something with the national team or you want to get to the level where the old players got to that made them what they are today; that got them the names they have today."

In 1992, the Black Stars finished second, losing to Cote d’Ivoire in a penalty shoot-out in the final. In 1996, Ghana reached the semi-finals again, this time placing fourth after falling to Zambia in a third-place play-off.

The West Africans finished third and second, respectively, in 2008 and 2010, before making consecutive fourth-placed appearances at Gabon/Equatorial Guinea in 2012 and South Africa 2013.

At Equatorial Guinea 2015, Ghana, under former Chelsea coach Avram Grant, came mighty close once again, this time losing to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties in the final.

In 2017, the Black Stars ended the tournament in fourth position but failed to make the quarter-final of the championship at Egypt 2019 where they succumbed to Tunisia on penalties in the Round of 16.

Duncan is still chasing his first appearance at Afcon having missed the 2017 and 2019 events due to injury.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will “do an amazing job” at Manchester United, says Denis Irwin, with one 1999 Treble winner being backed by another to handle the “incredible” pressure of working at Old Trafford.

Having been a fan favourite in his playing days, a familiar face was returned to the Theatre of Dreams in December 2018.

Jose Mourinho had been ushered through the exits, with Solskjaer initially asked to steady the ship on an interim basis.

Having delivered on that remit, the Norwegian was then handed a three-year contract and charged with the task of bringing the good times back for the 13-time Premier League champions.

The odd question has been asked of his suitability to such a demanding role, given his lack of coaching experience at the very highest level, but signs of encouragement are being offered.

Irwin is among those buying into a long-term project and says Solskjaer’s presence at the helm comes as no surprise.

The legendary former United defender told ‘The Old Footballers Club’ on Switchbox TV: “I had six, seven years with Ole and he was very studious. He was very involved in the game.

“It’s a well-known fact that when he was sub he used to take it all in and try to work on a defender’s weaknesses when he went on.

“A highly intelligent man and I think he knows what he wants. I’m not surprised at all that he went into management.

“It was tough taking over Manchester United. He went on an incredible run when he took over and this year is his first year with a pre-season. I think he’s signed some great players, particularly [Bruno] Fernandes in the January window.

“Pre-Christmas I think we were up and down a little bit, but then we went on a run where we have really got ourselves challenging for that European spot. I think Ole will do an amazing job.”

Solskjaer has United in the hunt for a top-four finish this season, with competitive action having resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic, with Champions League qualification considered to be the very least that the Red Devils should be aiming for.

With such a rich history behind them, one of the biggest clubs in world football are expected to be much more than also-rans – with any manager taking the reins fully aware of that fact.

Irwin added: “They are under so much pressure.

“There is so much money involved in the Premier League and teams like us want to be up there, winning titles and certainly being in the Champions League.

“There is so much pressure on managers these days, it’s like a revolving door. But Ole knows the history of the club, he knows what the club is all about.

“He’s tried to bring everybody back together as more of a unit as much as possible and I think we’re heading in the right direction.

“You need to be thick-skinned, but the amount of pressure managers are under is incredible.”

Cape Town City chairman John Comitis says people shouldn’t be complaining now that Bidvest Wits have been sold because their sponsor, Bidvest, bought it from Wits University.

The Citizens owner further explained that his club wouldn’t exist if they weren't able to acquire Premier Soccer League (PSL) status after buying Mpumalanga Black Aces back in 2016 and relocate to the Mother City.

Comitis was speaking after the sale of the Clever Boys led to contrasting views as they will now be known as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) as of next season, and they will relocate to the Limpopo province.

“We as Cape Town City wouldn’t have been in existence if we weren’t allowed to do what we did,” Comitis told CityPress.

“If you’re going to complain about the Wits purchase, you should have complained when Bidvest bought the club and changed their name to Bidvest Wits because then it ultimately lost its positioning, which was a Wits University team. It was more about the sponsor.

“Well, Bidvest was entitled to do so, but that’s very much a rugby model, which I think is not very good.

“For instance, you have the DHL Stormers and two seasons later, the sponsor goes and it’s called something else. The secret is in the name and I think as the PSL we should keep it in the PSL intact.”

On the other hand,  Bloemfontein Celtic have also been making headlines in recent times as they were reportedly set to be bought by TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi.

However, it looks the sale will not go ahead and Phunya Sele Sele will not move to Mpumalanga after a Bloemfontein-born businessman Lebo Mokoena has reportedly stepped in to rescue the club from its financial woes.

In addition, Platinum Stars were also sold to new owners, including former Wits coach Roger De Sa, and are now known as Cape Umoya United, after relocating to the Western Cape in 2018, and the former Orlando Pirates coach has echoed Comitis' sentiments.

“We have a league in which the clubs are based on a franchise model and status buying is bound to happen,” said De Sá to the same publication.

“Look at Cape Town City and [Moroka] Swallows. they have both been revived and they bought their way back. We’ve got to accept the [club] owners have the right to sell.

“When we bought Platinum Stars, we did it differently because our vision was about development and education.”

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack says he has no problem with new sponsors' Betsafe stance that they can only start financing the club when football returns in the country.

Last Thursday, the Kenyan champions alongside their sworn rivals AFC Leopards signed a joint three-year sponsorship deal with the betting firm estimated at Sh285 million, which will see K’Ogalo pocket KSh55m per year while Ingwe will receive KSh45m.

However, immediately after signing the deal, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier came out to clarify that they can only get financial support from the new sponsors when football action returns to the country.

“As things stand now, we don’t have anything to give back to the new sponsor because there is no football being played,” Rachier told Goal.

“What we agreed on when signing the deal, is they will only be able to start funding the club when football resumes, and that can only be possible when our league starts again.”

The British coach has also waded into the issue, stating he was part of the club officials who attended the meeting when signing the deal with the new partners, and it is exactly what was agreed.

“It is something that was discussed and we understand the situation, how can you get money from sponsors if you are not advertising them? Polack posed a question to Goal on Monday.

“It doesn’t make sense, because you have to advertise before you get paid for your work, so I do agree with [Betsafe] and I know even around the world some sponsors dropped out because they were not making money themselves, so we understand they will not give the whole amount assigned in the deal but they will definitely boost the team.

“That is why I understand the situation very well, and I was actually in the meeting with the sponsors, the chairman invited me and I attended two meetings before the deal was sealed.”

Polack also took his time to thank Eliud Owalo, who hosted the team to a luncheon and also gave them money to boost the players during these difficult times occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I appreciate what the honourable Owalo did, hosting the team to lunch, it was a very good gesture from him even though the entire squad was not there, we have to thank him and appreciate him for the gesture,” Polack continued.

“It was a nice gesture and I am very happy from what he did, and also the cash token he gave to the players and the technical bench was amazing, nobody knew that he was also going to give financial token and he did so, so we appreciate him very much, that was well appreciated.

“Gor Mahia needs help as much as they can and such gestures are good for the club and especially to the players, who have gone through tough times during the Covid-19 period.”

The new season for the Kenyan top flight is pencilled in to kick-off at the end of August.

Barcelona boss Quique Setien has expressed his belief that there is an idea that VAR "is not being used well" after Real Madrid's controversial victory over Real Sociedad.

Madrid earned a 2-1 victory at the Anoeta on Sunday thanks to second-half goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, but benefitted from a number of contentious refereeing decisions to move above Barca at the Liga summit.

Sociedad thought they had equalised when Adnan Januzaj fired past Thibaut Courtois from long distance, but the goal was ruled out for offside because Mikel Merino was deemed to be blocking the Madrid goalkeeper's view.

The home side's woes were compounded when Benzema appeared to control the ball with his arm before firing the winning goal in the 70th minute, with the Frenchman eventually cleared of handball after a VAR review pitchside.

Barca were held to a 0-0 draw away at Sevilla on Friday, and are now trailing their arch-rivals due to an inferior head-to-head record heading into the final eight matches of the season.

Ahead of a meeting with Athletic Club on Tuesday, Setien called for VAR to be used more effectively in order to ensure a level playing field.

"I'm focusing on us," the Barcelona manager told a pre-match press conference. "We have footballing problems, but I'm very happy with a lot of the things we're doing.

"We've won two and drawn one. We've scored six goals and we haven't conceded a single one. VAR is a tool we have that can make us better.

"But we must use it and have a clearer vision of reality. It is fair to ask why some actions are reviewed and others are not.

"It can lead to the idea that it is not being used well."

Setien went on to admit that Barca cannot afford any more slip-ups in pursuit of a third successive domestic crown.

"It's true that goal difference puts us below," he added. "But we still have the same amount of points. They [Real Madrid] can't make any mistakes either.

"Many leagues have been resolved in the last few games. Things are still the same.

"We're behind, but there are eight games left and we have the same idea of winning every game and being there until the last one.

"I knew we had to win almost everything, just like them."

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Teboho Moloi shed light on how he was taught and groomed to play for the Soweto giants, saying chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza is proud of his service to the club.

‘Tebza’ also revealed he used to earn less money compared to his Kaizer Chiefs counterparts such as Doctor Khumalo, because Amakhosi were winning trophies at the time.

The former Buccaneers mentor also goes on to say why wearing the black and white shirt was the equivalent to playing for the South African national team.

“I was taught to play for Pirates, I will be honest with you, during school holidays in 1985 to 86 I used to train with Jomo Cosmos and there’s a picture of the 1973 team that swept all the trophies at Pirates and in that picture I am their mascot but I am not in between my father’s legs, taking the pictures with the whole team, I am in between Jomo Sono’s legs, I love that man,” Moloi told FARPost.

“Playing for Pirates for me was like representing the country each and every day because the Pirates jersey is heavy.

"It is a jersey that you wear each and every day where else the Bafana Bafana jersey you wear it only for six days and then the pressure is off your shoulders but with the Pirates jersey, the pressure will always be there for each and every day of your life until you retire.

"When I went to Pirates [from Cosmos] I was taught that when you join Pirates you are going to serve, you are going to work, you are going to try and change things for the better because in Rockville, Soweto, the Kaizer Chiefs juniors used to train at Elkah Stadium and we would admire them.”

Speaking about his salary, the former Chippa United coach and Bafana Bafana midfielder said he used to earn R400 back in the day and he never received a signing-on fee from the club.

“If my father wanted money out of my talent, he could have taken me to any other team where he would have gotten a fat signing on fee for me, where I would have gotten an exorbitant salary,” he added.

“But my salary at Pirates when I joined them it was R400 and a couple of Rands and my friend at Chiefs [Doctor Khumalo] was earning big money, you must understand Chiefs were winning trophies so there were bonuses but you remember what you were taught.

"So, when I went to Pirates I went to serve, that is why till today I never received any signing on fee from Pirates.

“Irvin Khoza is happy that we have given our time, served the team and the next generation can always be thankful that players like ourselves that went through a lot of hardship, difficult periods for Pirates to be what it today, so when I joined the team I wouldn’t say I joined because I wanted to, I joined because I was sent to go serve.”

Ralf Rangnick wants to sign Hoffenheim teenager Melayro Bogarde as one of his first players at AC Milan.

The current head of sport development for Red Bull is set to take charge at Milan this summer, replacing Stefano Pioli as the club's coach.

Milan look to have missed out on a Champions League spot for 2020-21 and see Rangnick as the man who can lead them back to Europe's top competition after another season of failing to finish in the top four.

Pioli is determined to finish the season strongly with Milan, who currently sit ninth in Serie A. A top-seven finish would be enough to earn a Europa League spot, but even European qualification will not be enough to keep the former Lazio boss in the job.

Rangnick is expected to take charge at the end of the season and has drawn up a list of players he would like to bring to Milan.

Having worked as sporting director and head coach at RB Leipzig, Rangnick will have a similar role at San Siro and is eager to shape the team in his image.

One of the first players he has targeted for Milan is Hoffenheim centre-back Bogarde, who became the youngest Dutch player to play in the Bundesliga when he made his debut in May.

The nephew of former Ajax and Barcelona defender Winston Bogarde, the 18-year-old is highly regarded across Europe and turned down offers from Manchester City and Manchester United to sign for Hoffenheim in 2018.

When he was at Feyenoord, many of Europe's top clubs were interested, with Arsenal also in the running for the teenage talent who decided that a switch to Germany would offer him a quicker route to first-team football.

"I did not want to go to a club that only ever loans you," Bogarde said when he arrived in Germany.

"So I went to Hoffenheim because I know that I can become a professional here. They are a big club, they played in the Champions League last season."

However, with one year left on his contract, the Netherlands Under-18 international could be set for the next step in his career as Rangnick looks to overhaul Milan's backline.

Gareth Bale “does not seem to care” that he is out of favour at Real Madrid, claims Jorge Valdano, with Zinedine Zidane considered to have “ruled out” the Welshman for the foreseeable future.

This is not the first time that Bale has slipped down the pecking order under an iconic French coach.

He has previously come back into contention, with Real reluctant to leave a big-money asset stuck in the shadows.

Form and fitness issues have, however, made life difficult for Bale over recent seasons, with an expectant fan base marking him out as an easy target.

Questions have been asked of the 30-year-old’s ongoing commitment to the cause, with criticism of his fondness for golf never far away.

It may be that he gets more time on the fairways than he does on the football field over the coming weeks, with Valdano of the opinion that Real are preparing to play out their 2019-20 campaign without Bale forming part of those plans.

The former Blancos player, coach and director has told Onda Cero: “Zidane needs all of his players involved for these games.

“But that seems to be without Bale, who he has already ruled out.

“Bale does not seem to care too much either, and coaches know when a player wants to play.”

Bale did step off the bench in Real’s 3-1 victory over Eibar, which marked their return to competitive action, but was not involved in subsequent successes against Valencia and Real Sociedad.

Karim Benzema has been the star of the show for Madrid in those contests, with the French striker bursting through the 20-goal mark for the season.

Vinicius Junior is another of those to have seen regular game time, with the Brazilian youngster getting the nod ahead of fellow countryman Rodrygo.

That has come as no surprise to Valdano, who said of the battle between two teenage stars: “His [Vinicius’] contribution ended up being decisive.

“It seems that Vinicius is giving more to the team. Rodrygo does not have the same degree of self-confidence that Vinicius has.”

Valdano did, however, concede that “everyone sees more talent in Rodrygo” and that a couple of hot prospects should have prominent roles to play in Real’s long-term future.

Bernardo Silva believes Manchester City players “don’t get the recognition they deserve” when it comes to prestigious individual awards, with Kevin De Bruyne’s lack of personal prizes leaving the Portuguese forward baffled.

The Belgium international playmaker has been a leading contender for PFA Player of the Year gongs in the past. That honour has, however, always headed elsewhere since De Bruyne returned to English football at the Etihad Stadium in 2015.

Leicester’s remarkable title triumph in 2016 saw Riyad Mahrez’s efforts recognised by his peers, with N’Golo Kante going on to take first place a year later after moving to Chelsea and helping them to the Premier League crown.

De Bruyne then starred for title winners City in 2017-18 – as they reached 100 points – but he was edged out in the PFA vote by Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

A domestic treble was not enough to see him past Virgil van Dijk in 2019 – with injury issues working against him that season – and Silva has questioned whey a period of stunning success for Pep Guardiola’s side as a collective has not been mirrored on a personal level.

He told The Telegraph: “Kevin de Bruyne should have won the [award] two years ago - he was clearly the best player in the league that season. It is a fair process, but I can't understand why City players don't get the recognition they deserve.”

City are now sweating on whether the likes of De Bruyne will stick around if a two-year ban from European competition is upheld. They have appealed that ruling, with Silva admitting that future uncertainty at the Etihad is helping to narrow the focus when it comes to a European quest in the present.

He added: “Of course, what happens with UEFA is an important matter. No one knows what is going to happen, so we must only think about what we can control now. What we can control is to play the competition in the best possible way. We must put all of our energy into trying to win the Champions League.

“I think all of the players are with the club and support what they are saying. We will try to do our best this year and not worry about anything else.”

Silva has added incentive when it comes to capturing a continental crown this season, with the final stages of the 2019-20 Champions League campaign set to be played out in his homeland.

“For me personally, it is an extra motivation to try to do well in the Champions League,” said Silva. “It is a special competition and it is going to be a unique event in my home city.

“To fight for the title in my city [Lisbon] would mean a lot because I missed out on the Euros four years ago when Portugal won the trophy and I was hoping to play in this summer’s tournament before the pandemic.

“We know we are no longer fighting for the Premier League – that is impossible. Of course, we want to defend the FA Cup, but we all know what the Champions League means.

“This club has never won it, I’ve never won it and most of the players haven’t won it. Our goal is to really go for it because it’s a big opportunity to win the biggest competition.”

Jose Mourinho admits Steven Bergwijn was not his first-choice option in the January window but is delighted with the winger's impact since joining Tottenham.

The Netherlands international opened the scoring in Friday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United to make it three goals in eight appearances for the London side.

Bergwijn has added an extra dimension to Spurs' attack and Mourinho is pleased the club pushed ahead with the signing, even if the left-sided attacker was not his primary target.

"He's a good player. Congratulations to my club because initially he wasn't my first option – in the end it was a great decision," he said at Monday's pre-match media conference. "He's a player with a bright future and we are more than happy."

Mourinho has a near fully fit squad to choose from for Tuesday's Premier League clash against West Ham, with Dele Alli back from suspension and Lucas Moura overcoming a knock.

The Portuguese is relishing the prospect of fielding his favoured attacking line-up for the first time since succeeding Mauricio Pochettino in November.

"It's only good news [on the injury front]. Lucas is back. Dele Alli is back from punishment and no injuries were reported in the game against United," he said. "We didn't lose any players and we have two extra players who make my squad really good. It's the first time since I arrived that I have all six attacking players available.

"It's a problem that we love. The problem that we hate I had for a long time. It's very good news for us because we need everybody."

Juan Foyth will miss out on the midweek London derby with a troublesome knee injury, but Mourinho denied reports the centre-back requires surgery.

"Surgery? Unless he has consultation by Zoom in Argentina, I hope not," he said. "The information I had from medical department is he'll have recovery period and be available for some matches."

Spurs head into the match winless in seven, a run that has seen them exit two cup competitions and lose ground in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Mourinho acknowledges that only victory will do against West Ham to keep alive his side's hopes of Champions League football next season.

"I think we have to think about winning the game. Even a draw is not a good result for us," he said. "If you want to finish seventh, if you reduce our ambition, then a point is a point. If you want think about the biggest ambition as possible then we'll need to win."

Jose Mourinho has defended his record with strikers ahead of Tottenham's clash with West Ham on Tuesday, insisting "Harry Kane has no problem" given his previous experience with the likes of Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson expressed his belief that Mourinho's preferred playing style could force Kane to consider his future at Spurs during his latest column for Sky Sports.

After analysing the England international's subdued performance during Friday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, the former Gunners midfielder said: "I think he'll have a serious think at the end of the season. I don't see him getting 25, 30 goals next season the way Jose will want to play."

Mourinho hit back at Merson directly during a pre-match press conference on Monday, rolling out statistics from his previous spells at Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and United as proof of his ability to maximise the output of top attacking players.

The Spurs boss said: "I feel a bit strange at some analysis and some comments, especially as it looks for me that have started from Paul [Merson]. I have to say I respect a lot of people like him and because I respect him a lot, I want to be nice in my answer.

"I don’t think he’s ready for a bad answer so I try to be nice and say something that people can think a little bit. First of all, Harry played his first game for six months, and if you watch and analyse the game, compared Harry Kane with Anthony Martial.

"It was a game of many chances, it was a game where the two strikers had a lot of chances. Do you give credit to my defence for Martial's game, do you give credit to the United defence for the occasions we create or didn’t create? You have to look at it in a balanced approach.

"Harry doesn’t play a game for six months. The record of goals that Harry has for me is easy for me. Go to your data and it’s easy to see how many matches he played with me and how many goals he scored before his injury.

"I had a few strikers that played for me and they’re not bad. I have a guy called (Didier) Drogba he played for me for four seasons, he scored 186 goals – an average 46 goals per season."

However, in his anger, Mourinho did not get all his facts correct. Drogba, in fact, made 186 appearances under the manager, rather than scoring that many goals. The Ivorian hitman struck on 73 occasions while playing for the Portuguese tactician.

Mourinho continued: "I had another guy who is also not bad, played for Juventus now [Ronaldo]. He played for me three seasons, he scored 186 goals, which gives an average of 56 goals per season. I had another guy who is also not bad, called Karim Benzema.

"He played for me three seasons, he was not always starting because he was quite young at the time, he scored 78 goals in three seasons, which gives a 26-goal average per season.

"I had another called (Diego) Milito, he played one season, he scored 30 goals, won three titles. I had another guy, he played for one and a half seasons, in the other half he had a big injury. A tall guy called Zlatan (Ibrahimovic). He scored 58 goals, which gives a 29 average per season.

"So dear Paul, I have lots of respect for you. I think Harry Kane has no problem at all to score goals in my teams, especially when he’s fit and fresh and has routines of playing. That’s my message to somebody I have lots of respect for."

Liverpool will need to dip into the transfer market for “additional firepower” when the transfer window re-opens, says Danny Murphy, with the Africa Cup of Nations set to see them lose Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for a long period in 2020-21.

The 2021 AFCON in Cameroon was initially due to be held in the summer of 2021, but it has been rescheduled and will now run from January 9 to February 6.

Egypt and Senegal – the respective nations of Salah and Mane – will be among those setting their sights on the ultimate prize if qualification is secured.

Their presence on international duty will force Liverpool to find cover in domestic action, with Jurgen Klopp facing quite the selection poser.

He had been expected to join the race for Timo Werner once it became clear that the Germany international striker would be leaving RB Leipzig, but Chelsea have secured the prized signature.

Liverpool continue to lack depth in their attacking ranks as a result, with Murphy expecting that issue to be addressed at some stage over the coming weeks.

The former Reds midfielder told talkSPORT: “I do think Liverpool could do with some additional firepower, especially as next season there will be the Africa Cup of Nations. That’s going to mean that both Salah and Mane are going to be missing for a chunk, a big chunk of the games.

“I would be amazed if when the window does open, or when the season ends, that Liverpool don’t sign someone in attacking areas.

“But you also have to remember that for two years they got to the Champions League final and got 97 points last season and are going to win it this year, so who are we to argue with how he’s [Klopp] balanced his squad.”

Liverpool resisted the urge to gamble on Salah’s fitness when returning to action after a coronavirus-enforced break with a goalless derby draw across Stanley Park at Everton.

A lack of spark there highlighted the need for further options to be found, but Klopp’s side are still easing their first to a first English top-flight title in 30 years – with there still eight games left for them to take in.

“I think Liverpool will inevitably win the title,” added Murphy. “The fact that everybody wants it done so quickly, or the desire of everyone associated with Liverpool wanting to get it done quickly is obvious because it’s been 30 years. It’s going to happen.

“You’d think they will beat Palace on Wednesday and it makes the Man City away game [on July 2] really interesting because Pep and those Man City players are not going to want Liverpool winning it there.”

Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has escaped punishment from the FA despite being caught on camera grabbing Brighton's Neal Maupay by the throat.

The Gunners succumbed to a surprise defeat at the hands of Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Lewis Dunk and Maupay finding the net to complete a stunning turnaround for the hosts after Nicolas Pepe's second-half opener.

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher after a collision with Maupay earlier in the contest, which provoked a strong reaction from Guendouzi.

The Frenchman appeared to accost the Seagulls striker after he had tried to apologise to Leno, but the incident was not picked up by match official Martin Atkinson.

The two men clashed again after the final whistle, with Guendouzi clearly seen grabbing Maupay by the neck in replay footage as frustrations boiled over.

However, Atkinson failed to pick up on the clash once again and a VAR review decided that no further action was required against the Gunners playmaker.

The FA have released an official statement confirming that Guendouzi will not be reprimanded for his actions, which asserts that the referee took all the necessary steps to deal with the situation on the pitch.

The statement reads: “Matteo Guendouzi’s conduct during this incident was not seen by the match officials at the time, but it was subsequently reviewed by the VAR, so he will face no further action.”

Mikel Arteta will still be able to call upon Guendouzi when his side take in a trip to St Mary's to face Southampton on Thursday.

Arsenal are now in real danger of missing out on European football next season, having endured a nightmare return to action following the three-month hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester City thrashed the Gunners 3-0 at Etihad Stadium three days before they were humbled by Brighton, bringing Arteta's honeymoon period at the helm to a definitive close.

Arsenal are now sitting tenth in the Premier League standings with only eight fixtures remaining, 11 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and four behind Sheffield United - who currently occupy the final Europa League spot.

With speculation mounting on Bidvest Wits defender Thulani Hlatshwayo's move to Orlando Pirates, former Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund believes the 30-year-old can add value at the Soweto giants.

Hlatshwayo’s future has been a subject of speculation in the past few weeks, just after the Clever Boys were sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), and coach Jozef Zinnbauer’s men are said to be the frontrunners for his signature.

The four-time Premier Soccer League (PSL) winner says this is a perfect opportunity for the Buccaneers to sign the lanky defender as he will also bring stability whilst helping skipper Happy Jele.  

“I think he can bring a lot to any team, there’s no doubt about his qualities. He’s a leader, a team player, and a good footballer in general,” Igesund told Goal.

“He’s an international player and the current captain of Bafana Bafana. He has grown over the years and he will definitely help Pirates should they sign him.

“He is disciplined, he works very hard and he’s a good team player. He is someone that can bring inspiration to those around him. Yeah, I think he’s a player that can really do well for Pirates if they go ahead and eventually sign him.”

On the fact that the former Ajax Cape Town defender has chipped in with crucial goals or Gavin Hunt’s side, ‘GI’ is confident that a player like Hlatshwayo will help in many aspects at Pirates.

“He is doing well aerially, he can go up front and score vital goals for the club,” added the coach.

“He does well for Wits because they are a team that can capitalize or plan around set-piece or corner kicks. I think that’s another good quality of Thulani. He has a strong aerial presence both in defending and attacking.

“I think to have a solid goalkeeper and defender like Thulani can be good for Pirates. Players like Happy [Jele] can definitely benefit from a signing like Thulani. They can challenge for trophies when they sign him.”

Meanwhile, the Soweto giants are also linked to midfielder Thabang Monare, left-back Sifiso Hlanti as well as winger Deon Hotto from the Braamfontein-based outfit.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has called on Kenyan goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo to be patient as he strives to make the starting XI.

The former Bandari custodian is yet to start a game in the Mainland Premier League since the top-flight restarted on June 13, with the Belgian coach preferring Metacha Mnata in that position.

The Belgian tactician has now urged the Harambee Stars keeper to keep fighting hard in training and wait for his chance, saying he does not have any bad feelings towards the player.

“If you watched our game against Azam FC, my keeper Metacha [Mnata] played very well, and he as always been fantastic in the position, so Shikalo must wait for his time,” Eymael told Goal on Monday.

"I told him last week he has to wait for his chance and when the chance comes, he has to take it with both hands, it is that simple,

“I like him [Shikalo], he is working very hard during training sessions but how can you change your goalkeeper, when he is doing very well?

“[Mnata] has shown how good he is and for a coach, you don’t change a top player just because you have another one on the bench, but always keep him in your squad.

"I am not against Shikalo playing, he is a good keeper too but must wait for his time, I know his time will come.”

Since joining the Jangwani Street-based giants, Shikalo has remained an understudy to Mnata and has rarely started in league matches.

Meanwhile, Eymael has confirmed captain Papy Tshishimbi will miss their next league match against Ndanda FC owing to injury.

The towering defender has already missed the first three matches since the top-flight restarted on June 13 after President John Pombe Magufuli gave the green light for all sporting activities to resume in the country.

Tshishimbi missed the 1-0 win against Mwadui FC in Shinyanga, the 1-1 draw against JKT Tanzania in Dodoma, and their 0-0 result against Azam FC at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

“[Tshishimbi] will miss the next two matches because he is yet to recover fully from injury,” Eymael told Goal on Monday.

“We don’t want to rush him, we want him to heal properly to avoid him coming back to action and then returning to the treatment table, our doctors are monitoring his situation very closely and from what I have been told, he will be out for the next two matches.”

After the 0-0 draw against Azam FC at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Yanga will remain third with 56 points as the ‘Ice Cream Makers’ maintain the second spot, with 58 points, after 30 matches.

Liverpool passed up the opportunity to move for Timo Werner because Jurgen Klopp does not like to have “lots of superstars in the team”, says Reds legend John Barnes.

A move to Anfield appeared to be on the cards for the Germany international forward at one stage. With Werner having opened the door for fellow countryman Klopp to make a move, Merseyside looked like being his most logical landing spot in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old is, however, set to trade life at RB Leipzig for Chelsea, with the Blues confirming that they have reached a deal for the prolific frontman.

Questions have been asked of whether Liverpool will live to regret their decision not to bolster their attacking ranks with another proven performer. Barnes, though, is among those who feel that the Reds have made the right call and that Klopp’s decision-making must be respected.

He believes that the arrival of Werner, as competition for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, could have impacted squad “harmony” and proved “problematic” for a team edging their way towards a first Premier League title.

The Liverpool legend told Sky Sports when quizzed on the Werner snub: “Well once again you're talking about the harmony within the team. You're talking about a world-class player who demands to play every week and if he's not going to play every week, is that going to upset the spirit in the camp?

“I don't know if Timo Werner was given assurances or he feels he can play for Chelsea every week rather than coming here, but you've got to be careful and I know Jurgen doesn't like to have a big squad and lots of superstars in the team.

“Keeping them happy can be quite problematic and we’ve seen every now and again, like the Barcelona game when they didn’t have [Roberto] Firmino or Salah and [Divock] Origi can come in and did the job.”

Liverpool have been linked with a number of alternative options when it comes to finding more firepower, with Wolves winger Adama Traore and Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho among those said to be in their sights.

Klopp also showed in a 0-0 Merseyside derby draw with Everton, in what was the Reds’ first game back after a coronavirus-enforced break, that he already has the ability to shuffle his pack in the final third – with January signing Takumi Minamino starting in place of the rested Salah at Goodison Park.