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Frederic Kanoute feels that the world is still not doing enough to eradicate racism.

Attention seems to be gradually shifting from the coronavirus pandemic which enforced a protracted suspension to racism which has led to a series of protests globally.

The latest is the death of George Floyd – a black American who died in police custody in Minneapolis last week.

During a LaLiga conference to herald the resumption of Spanish football, Sevilla’s all-time highest league goal-scorer Kanoute expressed his dissatisfaction with how the ‘lesser evil’ is being handled.

“That I’m satisfied, certainly not. There are still a lot of things to do to fight racism across the globe,” the ex-Mali international told Goal.

“Like I have always said, if there is racism on the pitch, then it happens in the society and it’s a lesser evil. It is worse for people who are not privileged to play football.

“When we are black and everyone knows us, you suffer less from racism. So, we have to think about those who are not in this situation first. Obviously, we have to tackle racism in society as a whole.”

Yakubu Ayegbeni, Mutiu Adepoju, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Lewis Hamilton were among several popular sportsmen to have spoken out in the wake of Floyd's death.

Marcus Thuram and Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, displayed anti-racism gestures and messages during their goal celebrations in the German elite division.

But the 42-year-old claims that those gestures, slogans and social media campaigns would do little in curbing the menace.

“I will encourage all the football associations to do much more because what it happening in our society proves that we haven’t done enough,” he continued.

“It will take much more than hashtags and slogans and a few protests as everything comes back to normal after two weeks.

“I think it will have to be an ongoing process and it’s not going to be easy because that has been happening for a very long time.

“Everyone has to look into the mirror, think about what to do and try to make the situation better.”

Kanoute starred for Los Nervionenses from 2005 to 2012 before heading to the Chinese Super League.

Before then, he won two Uefa Cups and two Copa del Rey titles with the Seville-based outfit.

Kai Havertz has been advised by Dietmar Hamann that Chelsea would be the obvious transfer option for him if he faced a choice between the Blues and Manchester United.

The Bayer Leverkusen starlet has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in European football.

Sides from across the continent are monitoring both his development and situation in Germany.

Premier League suitors appear to be heading the chase for his signature, with it also suggested that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may be tempted to join the clamour for a fellow countryman.

Chelsea, though, have already shown that they can fend off the Reds when it comes to pursuing top targets, with a £54 million (€60m/$68m) agreement in place for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

Frank Lampard has also tied up a swoop for Hakim Ziyech and has Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell in his sights.

Similar ambition is expected to be shown at Old Trafford, with United in the market for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, but Hamann believes Stamford Bridge is showing itself to be the best fit for Havertz.

The former Germany international, who spent time in England with Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City in his playing days, has told Sky Deutschland: “Chelsea and Manchester United are fighting for fourth place [in the Premier League].

“If United miss out on the Champions League again, the Red Devils are at risk of falling behind the other clubs.

“United has lost its appeal in recent years. They have been the measure of things for many years, they are still the largest club in England, but they have major internal problems.

“If there was a player on the market in the past, Manchester United was the first point of contact for years. I believe that is no longer the case today.

“When a player like Kai Havertz changes clubs and signs somewhere for five years, the long-term perspective is more important than participating in the Champions League next season.

“The player may have to make the decision in the next few weeks and cannot wait until the season in England, which runs until the end of July or beginning of August, is over. Perspective is important for a player, but Manchester has been in a vacuum for years.

“On the other hand, if I look at Chelsea, they have a coach with Frank Lampard who did a great job for the club as a player, and I have the feeling that the Blues are growing again.

“They had the two-year transfer embargo and, with [Mason] Mount and [Tammy] Abraham, brought back two young players who were on loan. [Andreas] Christensen is an incredibly interesting player.

“For the first time in a long time, you have a team with which the fans can really identify. If a Timo Werner or possibly a Kai Havertz were to be added, it would be an incredibly exciting and interesting story.

“If I think about where I see the clubs now and in two or three years, the decision for Chelsea would be a relatively easy one for me as a player.”

Arsenal remain “too open”, says Paul Merson, with Mikel Arteta warned that he could have Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi at his disposal and still concede goals with the way the Gunners are currently set up.

Attacking spark is not an issue for those at Emirates Stadium, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil proven performers at the highest level.

Defensive leaks have been difficult to plug, though, with questionable transfer deals and confusing tactical messages resulting in a long-standing problem still holding Arsenal back.

Merson believes that will remain the case for as long as the Gunners try to entertain rather than address their obvious failings, with a return to contention for top-four finishes likely to remain “a few years” off as a result.

The former Arsenal forward told Sky Sports: “You've got Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a world-class centre forward who scores goals. He's a one out of two merchant, where you get two chances and score one, there aren't many of them in the world. There's a lot more to come from Alexandre Lacazette, he's a top-drawer player.

“We talk about the defence at Arsenal, but it often comes from the front. If you're not closing down from the front, and then the midfield aren't connecting, I don't care who is playing at the back for you. It could be [Paolo] Maldini, [Alessandro] Costacurta, [Franco] Baresi, if you've got players running at you left, right and centre, you're going to leak goals.

“I think it's important they play as a team, but at the moment I don't see it at Arsenal. I know Arteta is trying to change it, but it seems like the forwards have their game, the midfielders have their game, and then we then just see what the defenders do.

“I think they've got to get back to basics, get tight at the back. We all like watching Arsenal play because you know you're going to get action and goals at both ends.

“I think they need to say: 'Right, let's get tight, if we have to win games 1-0, we will.' I just think they are too entertaining, it's too open, they don't move up the pitch as a unit or move back as a unit.

“It could be a few years before Arsenal reach top four again. I do believe in Arteta, I like him and I think he'll get it right, but it's hard as an inexperienced manager. You've got to be careful not to just try to entertain the fans. When you're inexperienced, you often try to entertain the fans behind the goal.”

There will be no supporters in attendance when Arsenal next take to the field for a competitive fixture, against Manchester City on June 17, and Merson fears that could also work against a side that often needs motivation to pour over from the stands.

He added, with Arteta’s side having come unstuck in their latest behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford: “I worry for Arsenal. I watched the goals they let in against Brentford, and I worry about them playing behind closed doors. When you're not a great defender, and Arsenal have a few of them, not top-drawer defenders, I think the fans keep you honest.

“I mean that they keep your concentration levels. You need the fans there to keep you concentrated. One of the goals against Brentford, David Luiz tries to play out, flick it over the lad's head, and that's not honest. The fans try to keep you honest.

“I think with Arsenal that's going to be a little bit of a problem defensively. I think they will switch off behind closed doors with no crowd, and there could be mistake after mistake.”

Burnley winger Dwight McNeil has been warned off a move to Manchester United, or any of his other suitors, by his own father.

The highly-rated 20-year-old has seen his efforts at Turf Moor start to attract admiring glances from afar.

A move to Old Trafford has been mooted for the youngster, with it suggested that he could soon head back to familiar surroundings.

McNeil spent time in United’s youth system before being freed to join the academy ranks at Burnley, with his potential surprisingly being allowed to slip the Red Devils’ net.

He has gone on to star on a Premier League stage, with England U-21 recognition also coming his way.

United, along with the likes of Leicester and Crystal Palace, are said to be interested in signing McNeil.

His father has, however, urged a midfielder who is still learning his trade to give careful consideration to his next move.

Burnley have presented him with the perfect platform on which to build a productive senior career, and it is important to realise that moving away too soon could actually have a detrimental impact on his development.

McNeil senior has said in The Sun of the transfer talk surrounding his son: “He's doing really well. It would be best for him to stay put at the moment and go that way.

“That’s instead of him going to a top team and just sitting there and getting drip fed into it. He's got to keep working hard and listening to his manager and coaches.

“I believe with improvement he can be good enough for the top teams.”

McNeil is used to such statements by now, with former Burnley star Kieran Trippier – who left Lancashire for Tottenham in 2015 – another of those to have warned a hot prospect against leaving his comfort zone too soon.

The now Atletico Madrid right-back told the Burnley Express in April: “Dwight has burst onto the scene, and when he trained with us last season for England he was brilliant.

“He’s got to stay focused, keep performing well while he’s young, and his time will come.

“I’d say ‘don’t rush anything, just keep playing’ and Dwight is at the right club to do that. He just needs to keep playing games, because that’s the most important thing for somebody his age.

“He’s got the right manager to guide him and he’ll be in no rush to go anywhere. If I was him I’d stay put and keep playing games.”

Express FC skipper Disan Galiwango has suggested he will stay at the club for the new Ugandan Premier League (UPL) season.

The Red Eagles have been on a high alert after reports emerged that former UPL champions KCCA FC had shown keen interest to sign the defender.

According to reports in Uganda, Galiwango had already been promised a three-year contract should he accept a move away from Express and could have become the second captain Express lost to KCCA after John Revita left as a free agent in 2019.

“We should pull it off if all goes well. Both parties are interested. He is coming as a free agent but terms with the player have not been concluded yet. When done with all our targets, I’ll let you know,” a source close to KCCA was quoted saying by Daily Monitor.

However, in a bid to cool things down, Galiwango has now taken to his Twitter handle to deny the transfer report, insisting he will stay at Express to get more success.

“Success comes to those who are honest and confident in their endeavour,” Galiwango tweeted. “Am to stay at Express.”

In a recent interview, new Express CEO Isaac Mwesigwa, however, denied the rumours their captain is a free agent.

“I assure you Galiwango is not a free agent. He is our player contracted up to 2022. He is not going anywhere,” Mwesigwa told reporters in Kampala.

Galiwango’s statement will come as a huge boost to Express, who were on the verge of losing their best player in the just-ended season where he managed to score six goals after being moved to a more advanced role.

The news will also excite new team coach Wasswa Bbosa, who recently revealed that he had been tasked to win the UPL title in the next three years.

Bbosa was given the mantle fully a few days ago after serving from February as an interim boss. He was brought on board when George Ssimwogerere was fired early in the year.

Bbosa joined when the club was battling relegation but helped them move up the ladder and to finish ninth when the UPL season was cancelled.

Chennaiyin FC's star midfielder Anirudh Thapa is enjoying some well-earned time with family after an engaging season of football that saw him help his side reach the final of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Thapa has finally had some chance to spend some quality time at his hometown in Dehradun, albeit amid a lockdown imposed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. However, the midfielder is not impressed by the popularity of football in the Uttarakhand capital compared to when he was growing up.

"We used to have a lot of players training in Dehradun back then," Thapa told Goal. "We have two big grounds here and most of the players would come and play in the morning and evening. But last year, there were very few players. That too, not many from Dehradun. Some are from Uttar Kashi and other adjoining districts. This year, of course, there is the lockdown."

While Thapa has been left heartened by the improvement in facilities, he thinks Dehradun needs more.

"Ground conditions and facilities in and around the sports hostels are developing. That is a good thing. But honestly, we need more infrastructure and coaches here so that players get chances and grow."

The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has made it tough for footballers to keep themselves fit, given that access to grounds and training facilities have been limited. Thapa too has found it challenging but has been keeping himself fit with rehabilitiation and condition workouts from his home.

"I used to go to the ground to do some cardio and maintain my fitness at first in Dehradun. But now, after the lockdown, I can’t go out. I try to remain fit however. It is important because we don’t want to get injuries when I properly go back out to train on the pitch later. I do some rehab workouts, core workouts and some strengthening."

The time with family, however, is a massive plus for him, feels Thapa.

"But then again, there is my family. I haven’t got a chance to spend time with them much. So that’s a plus for me during this time. 

"It’s very difficult to maintain a diet at this time. Of course, my mother gives me a lot of food to which I can’t say no," he adds with a smile.

The 22-year-old feels that the pandemic has brought about a lot of uncertainty to Indian football with no clarity on when the new season will start. The Central Government is yet to clarify when live sports action can resume and as such, the AIFF and ISL are also unable to fix a start date for the new season.

There is also talk that football might have to return behind closed doors, with Covid-19 cases rising in India. Thapa, however, is not a fan of playing without fans but understands that it might be the only way forward.

"Things have changed a lot. Many people have lost jobs and people are finding it difficult to even move back to their homes. If you talk about football, we are not sure when the new season is going to start. And if there are no fans, it will be difficult for us too. The aggression we show on the pitch, the way we abuse and talk between players on the pitch, I’m not sure people would want to hear that. 

"We will miss the fans because they give a lot of motivation and support from the stands. It is very important. Our celebrations are for the fans. We will miss their welcoming and these things we will miss for sure if football is held behind closed doors."

Mohun Bagan are looking forward to a new partnership with Indian Super League (ISL) side ATK, but a few loose ends of the previous regime remain to be addressed. Sukhdev Singh is yet to receive his salary and the player has sought the intervention of the Player Status Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). 

In 2018, the Mariners fought tooth-and-nail with East Bengal to secure the services of Singh from Minerva Punjab and even shelled out a hefty transfer fee (INR 16 lakhs) to the Chandigarh-based side. But the defender was banned for six months for contract malpractice by the AIFF, after an attempt by East Bengal to sign him. The club also were given a transfer ban as a result. 

Though Sukhdev finally ended up moving to Bagan, he also had to pay a fine of INR 50000 each to the federation and Minerva Punjab.  Subsequently, he was plagued by a series of injuries that forced him to spend significant time on the sidelines during his tenure at Mohun Bagan. In fact, he made no appearance in I-League during his entire stint at Bagan. He played a few matches in the Durand Cup and Calcutta Football League (CFL).

It was clear that the player was not in the plans of Kibu Vicuna and he continued to be in the fringes. Singh had a two-year contract which was finally annulled in January 2020, after the club failed to pay multiple installments. Both parties tried to settle the matter mutually but no agreement could be reached. 

Hence, Singh has now knocked on the doors of the Player Status Committee of the federation voicing his grievance. The committee is set to meet soon, though no date has been fixed yet.

Mohun Bagan will take part in ISL 2020-21 season as 'ATK Mohun Bagan', as Goal had revealed earlier, but they have some unfinished business to settle which must be taken care of by the erstwhile management.

ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited has already been 'reserved' on the official site of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) which means the name cannot be allocated to any other entity henceforth. The name has been approved and set 'reserved' for concerned parties and they can now move to further formalities.

The new entity was supposed to come into existence on June 1, 2020, but due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdown since March 25, the deal got delayed. With the new company already being reserved, an official announcement from both parties is expected soon.

Other than participating in the ISL, the merged entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using Mohun Bagan’s I-League 2019-20 champions’ slot.

Lucas Ocampos and Fernando did the derby damage as Sevilla boosted their Champions League hopes with a 2-0 home win over Real Betis when the LaLiga season resumed on Thursday.

The first top-flight match in Spain since March 10 saw the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stands deserted, albeit with piped-in crowd chanting and a bank of CGI supporters generating some kind of atmosphere.

It was nothing like a true Seville derby, of course, but this will have to do while Spain, and the rest of the world, attempts to contain and eventually move forward from the coronavirus pandemic.

The goals had been long in coming by the time they arrived, with dominant Sevilla taking the lead after 56 minutes when Ocampos beat Joel Robles from the penalty spot after Luuk de Jong was impeded by Marc Bartra, a VAR check confirming the spot-kick.

It made Ocampos the first Sevilla player to score in five successive LaLiga appearances since Alvaro Negredo netted in six straight games nine years ago.

Sevilla's second goal came six minutes later, with a tremendous backheeled flick from Ocampos following a corner setting up Fernando to head home.

Ocampos had a fine game, hitting the angle of post and crossbar early on and showing no signs of any rustiness after a three-month break from competitive action.

Sevilla strengthened their grip on third place on a night when they commemorated the life of their long-serving former captain Marcelo Campanal, who died aged 89 in May.

A minute of reflection preceded the match as sombre music played, with those quiet moments dedicated to those whose lives have been lost to COVID-19 and on this occasion also to Campanal.

Sevilla's players wore shirts bearing his name as they took another step towards a top-four finish, with more recorded cheering and celebratory singing at the final whistle giving a firm indication of what to expect over the final weeks of this atypical season.

Rennes right-back Hamari Traore is delighted with his development and feels he is now a modern player.

The 28-year-old started his career at Paris FC as a forward before he was converted to a defender and has been impressive in the role.

The Mali international had hands in six goals scored by his side in the recently abruptly-ended 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign – five assists and one goal – as the Roazhon Park outfit finished third on the league table.

Traore, who has been with the Red and Blacks since 2017, revealed he has improved on his defensive and offensive game since teaming up with Rennes.

“Even if we, players are often judged on our offensive contribution, we must be able to find a certain balance,” Traore told the club website.  

“I guess everyone has their own speciality, their own style of play. Besides, there are still a lot of players today who are much better defensively than offensively.

“I think I'm a modern player, who doesn't just defend. I try to be on all fronts, to be solid behind but also to be a good counter-attacker.

“I like having the ball, hurting the opponents by attacking and provoking. I like to take part in the offensive phases. In general, when a player can attack often in a match and project themselves with the ball, it's a good sign.

“When I started at Paris FC, I was still very offensive. It remains my preference today but I think I have progressed on the defensive aspect. I feel that I have more serenity in my game, defensive security. Of course, we can and must always progress.

“You must not centre on attacking. This style must be necessary to be attempted. Of course, I do this also in training with my teammates.

“I also had success this year, combined with that of the attackers who were precise and scored a lot of goals. I intend to continue working so that my attacks are even more decisive.”

Traore was a consistent performer for Julien Stephan’s side in the 2019-20 season, as he featured in 37 games across all competitions.

The defender will hope to continue his form next campaign and help the Red and Blacks challenge for the Ligue 1 title.

Youssef En-Nesyri’s Sevilla secured a 2-0 victory over Zouhair Feddal’s Real Betis in Thursday’s La Liga game.

The Spanish elite division returned after a three-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

Goals from Lucas Ocampos and Fernando were all the hosts needed to secure maximum points against the visitors in the Great Derby.

Sevilla came into the encounter with the intention of completing a double over Betis who stuttered in the first leg.

They had the first clear cut chance in the 19th minute but Ocampos headed Jules Kounde’s cross wide from the six-yard box.

Despite asking the questions in the keenly contested first-half, scores stood 0-0 at half-time with the Green and Whites hardly having a chance.

Ocampos handed his side a 56th-minute lead after beating goalkeeper Joel Robles from the penalty mark after Luuk de Jong was obstructed by Marc Bartra – which was confirmed by a VAR check.

That effort made the Argentine before the first Sevilla player to score in five consecutive Spanish topflight appearances since Alvaro Negredo in 2011.

Six minutes later, Fernando sealed the triumph with a header from a backheeled flick from Ocampos.

With the maximum points at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjan Stadium, Julen Lopetegui’s stay third in the log having accrued 50 points from 28 games. Their visitors have now lost 11 fixtures and occupy the 12th spot with 33 points from the same number of outings.

En-Nesyri replaced Luuk de Jong in the 71st minute for his seventh league appearance for Los Nervionenses so far this term since his €25 million move from Leganes in January.

His compatriot who is on-loan from Girona Yassine Bounou was an unused substitute.

For Betis, Feddal was a 46th-minute replacement for Sidnei but could do little to rescue his team from going down. He has now featured 11 times this season for the Green and Whites.

Club’s assistant captain and Algeria international Aissa Mandi was an unused substitute.

Real Betis would be hoping for redemption when they welcome Granada to Estadio Benito Villamarin on Monday, while Sevilla who are unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions are guests of 13-placed Levante on the same day.

Velez Sarsfield manager Pablo Cavallero has revealed Barcelona have enquired about the club's teenage star Thiago Almada.

The 19-year-old midfielder made his debut for Velez last season and is now approaching 50 first-team appearances for the Buenos Aires club.

While contracted to Velez until 2023, interest in the young Argentine has been growing with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid just some of the clubs linked. 

And Barcelona can now be added to that list with Cavallero confirming the Catalans have made an initial approach. 

"I know that Barcelona has asked within the technical secretariat for Almada, but we know that he is only 19 years old and has to continue maturing," Cavallero told Crack Deportivo via TNT Sports. 

"If an irresistible offer arrives for the player and the club, we will most likely consider it." 

Cavallero's comments come just days after a Velez board member also suggested the club are open to selling their teenage star as interest in Almada grows. 

“There is no way to hold him back,” the board member was quoted by ESPN. 

“To all the offers that are seen in the media, add one from the local market and two from Italy.

“We are going to wait for the market to open so that we know what is real and who is asking, and we will be as serious at the negotiating table as we have been since this administration began.”

In Goal's recent NxGn profile of Almada, the young star's tough upbringing in the Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Fuerte Apache was revealed, with matches between friends often broken up by gunshots. 

"I spent my childhood in the neighbourhood. I learned good and bad things," he told TyC Sports. "There were people who smoked next to me and I saw people walking with a gun in their hands."

In a further interview with Clarin, he added: "In the neighbourhood there are a lot who chose the bad road. It's one way or the other, and I had to choose."

This season, Almada has made 25 appearances for Velez in all competitions, scoring five goals and contributing two assists as his stock continues to rise. 

Arsene Wenger is "convinced" Barcelona will sign another forward despite expecting improvement from Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann has struggled to hit top form in his first season at Barca, scoring 14 goals in 37 games since his €120 million ($135m) arrival from Atletico Madrid.

Barca are heavily linked with a move for Inter star Lautaro Martinez, who is considered a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.

Former Arsenal manager Wenger believes Griezmann will improve, but feels Barcelona will add another forward this close season.

"Barcelona has always bought the greatest players. Personally, I'm not sure that Suarez needs to be replaced," he told beIN SPORTS.

"They can add another striker because it's true that Suarez and [Lionel] Messi are the main contributors and they might need somebody else who can score goals.

"I still think Griezmann at some stage will start to score goals, he doesn't look completely adapted, maybe now after confinement he will be refreshed because he's a good goalscorer as well.

"But I'm convinced they will buy another striker as well."

While Messi has scored 24 goals this season, Suarez has – like Griezmann – contributed 14, although he has played in 14 fewer games.

Barcelona, two points clear atop La Liga, resume their campaign away to Mallorca on Saturday.

Martin Braithwaite was one attacker the Catalans have recently added to their squad, with the Danish forward linking up with the club in February. 

While yet to score and set to see his play time limited further upon La Liga's return, Braithwaite is relishing the chance to learn from Suarez and train at a club like Barca. 

"I am so happy that Luis is back because when I came here he was injured and I haven't played with him," he told Goal. "I want to learn from him, he is one of the best strikers in the world and I am happy he is back.

"The training is totally different to what I was used to so I can feel I am developing a lot in the technical level. As a human I can feel I have more attention in such a big club like this but you must learn to live with all this attention."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise upon the club's younger players who stepped up in a 6-0 friendly win over Blackburn. 

With the Reds preparing for the Premier League's imminent return, they got the chance to sharpen up against Championship opposition. 

While Arsenal fell to a surprise 3-2 defeat against Brentford, there was no such slip up for Liverpool as they fired freely in front of goal. 

Leighton Clarkson, 18, bagged the Reds final goal in the comfortable win, with Klopp happy to see the club's younger player showing their quality. 

"It is just so nice. Not only the goal, but when you see the situations when he came on, I think the first pass was between the two strikers, he got it in the No.6 position where he is calm, turns and passes the ball out," Klopp told Liverpool's official website of Clarkson's goal.

"We can teach the boys a lot, but they have to bring a lot. Obviously the basis for Leighton is not too bad and Jake [Cain] did really well, as well. All of the boys.

"For Sepp [Van den Berg] it is always hard for centre-halves. We have four, so sitting outside [but] he looks really promising in training sessions. Ki-Jana, centre-half and right-back and looks really good.

"You see them – when Harvey [Elliott], Curtis [Jones] and Neco [Williams] played, it looked good as well. It’s coming, it’s nice and nice they are here and training with us.

"The way we play helps the players to feel safe; everybody is defending and you should never feel alone in a big area where you have no chance to sort the situation. That’s what I really like and for the boys it was really good." 

Following such a long break in play due to the coronavirus pandemic, Klopp felt the friendly was crucial ahead of Liverpool's competitive return against Everton on June 21. 

"It was not only a workout; for us, it was a really important test and we wanted the players to go for 45 minutes [but] because of a few little issues we couldn’t do that, so we didn’t have enough ‘first-team players’, I would say, so that’s why we decided to let three players go for 60 minutes," he said.

"That’s ok. It looked really good, obviously. It looked really good, pretty much from the beginning. Yes, you have to get used again to playing against a deep-defending side and stuff like this.

"Blackburn had a playing build-up from time to time, so we could work on the high press as well. So [the] counter-press was brilliant, the football was really good, the goals were nice and it was a really good afternoon.

"I am really thankful that Blackburn came here and we could do that, so I wish them all the best." 

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius claims he had "half the Premier League" following him prior to his move to Manchester City, while insisting that he would only leave Anfield if first-team football was on offer. 

Karius, 26, recently cut short a two-year loan spell at Besiktas to return to Merseyside, where he remains firmly behind Alisson in the club's pecking order. 

His first taste of life in England, however, came at the Reds' rivals City, having signed for the Manchester club as a teenager before leaving without making a single appearance. 

"I was playing in the U16 national team at the time, and there were a lot of scouts at the games. At 16 you could sign your first professional contract. I had offers from all sorts of clubs back then, but Manchester City went out of their way to help me," the keeper explained to Transfermarkt.

"They showed me a concrete plan, for example how I could make it to the senior game. That fascinated me. I could just as well imagine staying in Stuttgart - but the concept and their plan for me did not convince me as much as that of Man City. 

"So I said to myself: I'm going to take the challenge and I'm going to England.

"Who else was interested? It felt like half of the Premier League. In Germany, I actually only dealt with Stuttgart because VfB was and is known to do great youth work. I enjoyed great training there. 

"At that time I only listened to the plans of Man City and VfB. At that time, the arrival of investors [in clubs] was only just getting started. 

"Man City was actually a club that relied heavily on its own youngsters. Many made the breakthrough, the academy was in a good position - that's why I decided in the end on this club."

On his present situation, Karius left the door open for a move away from Anfield, on the condition that he would have to be moving to a club that would make him their first choice. 

"Of course I have to play if I am going to change clubs. It makes no sense to say: 'I'm leaving Liverpool for a worse club and I'm only number two there'," he added. 

"But I'm not in a pressure situation at all, I don't have to change.

"I can move forward in training at Liverpool. As the second-choice goalkeeper in England you know that you get your chances. 

"I am currently at the best club in the world, play for titles, have the highest level around me every day in training. I am fully aware that I am in a good position to be in Liverpool. I have great conditions there."

Allan Nyom has revealed Getafe is aiming to clinch victories against Granada and Espanyol when they meet in La Liga.

The Spanish top-flight has been suspended since mid-March following the outbreak of coronavirus in Spain and across the world.

The league, is, however, set to resume on June 11 behind closed doors after safety measures have been put in place having secured the government’s approval.

Getafe will take on Granada on Friday at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes in their opening game after the restart of the league before facing Espanyol four days later at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Jose Bordalas’ men are currently fifth on the league table with 46 points from 27 games, having won 13 matches, drawn seven and lost seven.  

The Cameroon international explained his side is looking to build on their performances before the league was forced into a hiatus.

“We expect a Granada that competes very well. It will be a difficult match. They want to win, but like us, we also want to win and start again with three points,” Nyom told the club website.

“Our goal is to beat Granada, then Espanyol and keep adding. We work very hard every day, but you have to have your feet on the ground to achieve your goals.”

The 32-year-old defender has been key to his side’s success in this campaign, having featured in 25 league games.

The right-back joined Getafe last summer permanently from Championship club West Bromwich Albion after impressing on loan.

The French-born Cameroonian started his career with AS Choisy-le-Roi youth setup before joining the Nancy academy.

He moved to Arles-Avignon and made 37 appearances for the side and then left for Udinese, who immediately loaned him to Granada.

He spent six years on loan at Nuevo Los Carmenes and made 204 league appearances to help them secure promotion to the Spanish top-flight before departing to Watford in 2015.

Nyom, who has 18 caps for Cameroon, will hope to continue his consistent form for Getafe in this campaign.

Jules Kounde has revealed Sevilla are focused on qualifying for the Champions League when La Liga resumes.

The Spanish top-flight was forced into a hiatus in March along with major football leagues across the world due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The league has, however, been given the green light by the government to restart behind closed doors on June 11 after safety measures have been put in place.

Julen Lopetegui’s men are currently third on the table with 47 points from 27 games, below Real Madrid and Barcelona. They will take on Levante on June 15. 

The 21-year-old centre-back, who is eligible to play for the Republic of Benin, stated his side’s aim is to maintain their current position on the log.

"We're not worrying about the table, although our aim is always clear, it's being in the Champions League. We're third and we're going to defend this position to the end to finish in those places," he told the club website.

"I have no doubt that we would return very well. We trained really well at home with the help of the coaches and we came back very prepared. Although the feelings of training at home are different and difficult. We feel good and we've already been back a month, we feel good for the first match.

"The mental and physical aspects are always important, but I think the mental aspect will be a little bit more important than normal because the fans won't be there to support us and it will be different.

“We're going to be in an environment we know little about and concentration is going to be very important during these days".

Kounde has played 26 times for the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan outfit in this campaign across all competitions and he is looking to continue his consistent showing for the side to boost his morale.

"As long as I play some matches consecutively I have more confidence, but when there have been difficult moments I never lost confidence. If you don't have confidence in yourself it's very difficult,” he continued.

“I was playing well before the break and I feel good now, I'm very keen to return to competitive action. It helps to be able to be with my teammates and fellow defenders. I'm a person who listens a lot and I take on board any advice they give me, because we're a team and everyone has their own importance within their age.

"It's very important to be confident in yourself, every player here has their importance. We're a team, although some play more and others less, but it's crucial for the team to be united and ready to play so many matches in so few days. Anything can happen in these games and it's important that we're all together.

“We've had a good month of preparation, we're ready. We've got a few things to look at before the match but we look good and we're very keen to play and begin La Liga again. We've got a lot of energy".

Victory against Levante will help Sevilla strengthen their third position as they are currently only one point above Real Sociedad and Getafe.

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has urged his old club to continue their pursuit of Ben Chilwell, claiming that the Leicester star represents an improvement at left-back. 

Chilwell, 23, has been one of the stars of the 2019-20 season for the Foxes as they sit in third place in the Premier League ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. 

That talent has not gone unnoticed, with the Blues in particular linked with a move this summer amid reports Leicester will demand upwards of £80 million ($101m).  

Goal revealed last week that Chilwell was Chelsea's latest transfer priority following Timo Werner's imminent move to Stamford Bridge and the previous capture of Ajax star Hakim Ziyech. 

And Johnson believes that the youngster has everything it takes to thrive in west London, telling talkSPORT: “I’ve said many times I am a fan of Chilwell. 

“I like the way he carries himself. You don’t really hear him unless it’s football related which I like, and I think he’s the sort of player Lamps [Frank Lampard] would connect with.

“He’s the sort of out-and-out left-back they haven’t had for a while.

“I know Ashley Cole was irreplaceable, but in terms of a natural, solid left-back, they haven’t had one for a while and I think he’ll do very well."

Marcos Alonso is the current occupant of the left-back spot, but Johnson believes that the Leicester man is more suited to the position.

“Alonso is a fantastic player. But I don’t think he’s a solid natural left-back," he added.

“There’s no doubt he is a wonderful footballer but Chilwell is a natural full-back.

“It’s a hefty price tag, there’s no doubting that, but if [Chelsea] can get a deal for him that is reasonable then he’s a player they should try to get.”

Chelsea, who were banned from last summer's transfer window and refrained from entering the market in January, currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League as they prepare to resume their campaign following the three-month hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Frank Lampard's charges will return to action for the first time on June 21, when they visit relegation battlers Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has helped FareShare reach its goal of supplying three million meals to vulnerable people in the United Kingdom by the end of June.

Rashford, 22, has been championed throughout the coronavirus pandemic for his commitment to helping those in need through charitable causes.

The England international has been getting involved in online gaming tournaments for charity and reserving United tickets for workers in the UK's National Health Service.

But arguably his most significant work has been with the charity FareShare, who, with Rashford's help have now reached the point where they will be able to provide a huge number vulnerable people in the UK with food.

His efforts were rewarded in May with a commendation from from the high sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal, who sent the United star a certificate praising his fund-raising efforts.

Rashford has raised more than £20 million ($25m) for FareShare, having initially targeted £100,000 worth of donations. He insists there is much work still to be done, though, and pledged to continue helping such causes for as long as there are British children without access to meals.

Writing on his official Twitter account on Thursday, Rashford said: "Guys, I have AMAZING news!! We had a goal that by end of June FareShare would be able to supply 3million meals to vulnerable people across the UK.

"TODAY we have met the financial goal to provide these meals. Thank you all SO much for the support.

"And whilst I'm celebrating this, there is SO much more to do. Trust me when I say, I will keep fighting until no child in the UK has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

"This is England in 2020 and families need help."

Following three months without domestic top-flight football, La Liga returns this weekend with the division’s big three—Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid—all in action.

The league leaders Barca are the first team in action, taking to the field away at Real Mallorca in Saturday’s late kick-off. 

With 11 games to play, the Catalan giants are two points clear at the top of the table, with their advantage having been cut before the lockdown with their 2-0 Clasico defeat by Real Madrid.

They’ll take encouragement from the fact that Mallorca have a miserable track record against Barca; they’re winless in their last nine league games against the leaders—drawing just one—and have conceded, on average, four per game in their last six defeats.

Expect goals aplenty when Barcelona return to action, even if Lionel Messi picked up an injury ahead of the comeback and has had to train alone at times this week in order to be fit for the restart.

Mallorca will surely be desperate for the Argentina superstar to miss out; he’s netted in each of his last six games against the islanders—11 goals in total including two hat-tricks—and the Vermilions will surely be relieved if he misses out!

However, on the other hand, this one may not be an entirely done deal.

Mallorca may be struggling, but Barca have already lost five away games in the top-flight so far this term—more than they’ve lost away from the Camp Nou in any season since the 2007-08 campaign.

Can Mallorca exploit these failings, or will Barcelona extend their advantage to five points before Real return to action?

SuperSport Fixtures

Saturday 13 June | Mallorca vs Barcelona | SS7 | Kickoff at 22:00 (CAT)

Sunday 14 June | Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid | SS1 & SS7 | Kickoff at 14:00 (CAT)

Sunday 14 June | Real Madrid vs Eibar | SS7 | Kickoff at 19:30 (CAT)

On Sunday, both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are in action, away at Athletic Bilbao and at home against Eibar respectively.

Atleti, down in sixth, are in the midst of a season of transition, although they’ve only won 11 matches—leaving them 13 points off the pace—they’ve only lost four, demonstrating that the same resiliency and organisation that have been hallmarks of Diego Simeone’s tenure remain present.

Nonetheless, Atleti have a fight on their hands to return to the Champions League next term, and an away game in the Basque region to return to action represents a tough assignment.

Real are overwhelming favourites for the visit of relegation battlers Eibar.

They’ve lost just one of their top-flight matches against the strugglers—3-0 away last term—and they also have a superb record against Basque sides, losing just one of their last 36 against opponents from the area at the Bernabeu.

Eibar’s all-time La Liga record against Real doesn’t make for encouraging reading, as the minnows have conceded 29 and scored only seven across all of their matches against Los Merengues.

The strugglers will be particularly wary about France’s Karim Benzema, who has netted twice in each of his last two La Liga outings against Eibar.

In fact, he’s scored more braces against The Gunsmiths than against any other side, and Jose Luis Mendilibar will be desperate to keep the star striker at bay this weekend.