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Thierry Henry has sent a warning to Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain, insisting "balance is most important" as they bid to become the top team in world football.

PSG added Messi to their ranks last week following his surprise exit from Barcelona, with the Argentine committing to a two-year deal at Parc des Princes after seeing his 21-year career at Camp Nou come to a premature end.

Messi has joined Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos in signing for the French club on a free transfer, while Achraf Hakimi has also been brought in from Inter, but Henry is adamant that big-money additions won't guarantee the club success in 2021-22.

What's been said?

Henry, who played alongside Messi at Barca between 2007 and 2010, expressed doubts over PSG's defensive credentials following their 4-2 victory over Strasbourg on Saturday.

"Balance is the most important. At one point, we always talk about great players, attacking, going forward, but we need a balance," the former Blaugrana and France forward told Dimanche Soir Foot.

"We are talking about the team in which I played at Barca, but people forget to point out that we weren't conceding a lot of goals.

"In general, teams that don't concede a lot of goals are not far from the title, or even from the Champions League.

"When you have superhuman players, it gets a little easier but when I see how Paris is evolving at the moment, they concede too many goals for my taste to be able to go a little further. It is true that there was a lack of players but the balance is the most important."

Is Messi the key to PSG's Champions League hopes?

PSG will be confident of wrestling the Ligue 1 title back from Lille after the arrival of Messi, but their main goal for the season is to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The Argentina international opened up on his Champions League ambitions after being unveiled at Parc des Princes, telling reporters: "For me on a personal level, I would love to win another Champions League, like I've said in previous years, and I think I've come to the ideal place that's ready for that."

Further reading

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy believes one mistake denied his team the chance to reach the semi-final of the MTN8 after losing 2-1 to Cape Town City on Sunday.

The Citizens took a deserved lead in the quarter-final fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium after Terrence Mashego scored in the eighth minute but Usuthu drew level in the 54th minute via Lehlohonolo Majoro, but Mduduzi Mdantsane slotted home the winner for City in the 89th minute.

According to McCarthy, he was impressed with the performance of his team especially the new players, but what hurt him most is conceding a goal in the last minutes after one mistake.

What did McCarthy say?

 “One mistake from us and they managed to score with three minutes from injury time and it was basically lights out for us,” McCarthy told media as quoted by idiskitimes.

“We wanted to finish in the 90 minutes, which maybe was a little bit naive as well. We could’ve just gone into extra time but yeah we went for it.”

McCarthy further said his team had started the game at a slow pace allowing City to take control and it proved difficult for them to recover.

“Not the result we wanted, definitely not what we expected. But overall listen, with what I had to deal with, I’m pretty pleased with some of the performances of the new guys and overall how the team played,” said the former Bafana Bafana striker.

“We started a bit slow, not like our usual selves like we did last season, but like I said it’s a new season and some of the players have to get used to the way we play. 

“The first Cape Town City goal was a well-taken goal from the left-back but it was pretty much given to them by us. No one was putting pressure on and he almost ran from the half-way line through and then he just slots it in.

“Early in the game to settle their nerves and we having to chase the game. We looked comfortable from then on but you come in half-time after creating at least three or four opportunities to score and go with a draw into the break.”

McCarthy praises Tinkler approach

McCarthy has also praised City coach Eric Tinkler for his defensive approach, saying it proved difficult for his team to get a breakthrough.

“Second half, we just continued the same way, [Majoro] missing a fantastic opportunity and then two minutes later he scores a fantastic equaliser and you think ‘ok, now we’re on the up, we can go get that second one and that third one that we might just need to settle our nerves and take the game away from City," the former Cape Town City boss added.

“But Eric [Tinkler] the way he sets the team up defensively stopped us from getting that second goal and they played their counter-attacks very well. 

“We wanted to avoid extra time because we know we’ve played the Premier Cup, which I think was quite hectic on the guys and we didn’t have the best week building up to this game. Missing 10 plus players for today’s [Sunday's] match.

“So we wanted to avoid extra-time and penalties, so we made the changes we did. Some forced changes, Mulenga and Buchanan due to injury, it left us a little bit vulnerable in midfield. Chasing the game, you always find yourselves open to the opposition.”

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has admitted that the club cannot keep Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka "at any cost".

Kimmich has just entered the final two years of his current contract at Allianz Arena, while Goretzka only has 11 months left to run on his agreement, and has been strongly linked with Manchester United.

Bayern are reportedly working to tie both players down to new long-term deals, but Hainer insists that the German champions won't be held to ransom when it comes to their wage demands.

What's been said?

"They will certainly not be kept at any cost," the Allianz Arena chief told Kicker: "The players know what they have at Bayern, they are paid very well here too, everyone gets their salary.

"And they can win titles with us now, and also in the future."

Kimmich & Goretzka's Bayern records

Kimmich initially joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2015, and has since recorded 30 goals and 72 assists in 262 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.

The 26-year-old has won 16 trophies during his time at Allianz Arena, including 10 alongside Goretzka, who has provided 25 goals in 113 outings since joining the club from Schalke in 2018, while also setting up another 27 for his team-mates.

Hainer on FFP

Hainer has also had his say on UEFA's reported plans to scrap Financial Fair Play, with a 'luxury tax' set to be introduced to punish any clubs that exceed the new agreed wage cap in Europe's major leagues.

"I'm not at all convinced by this luxury tax. In the event of violations, a club pays 100 million euros in luxury tax, which is shared among the other clubs," he said.

"This money does not help them decisively and does not really hurt the financial giants. We need valid regulations with clear consequences for fair competition.

"Strong attempts at sanctions have too often been revised or toned down in the past. It doesn't work that way."

The Bayern president went on to confirm that they are open to bringing in more new signings before the summer window closes, having only added Dayot Upamecano, Omar Richards and Sven Ulreich to their ranks so far.

"We are monitoring the transfer market, which is open until the end of August, to see whether there are still one or two possibilities," he added. "But we almost exclusively have national team players of the highest quality, so there is no urgent need to sign someone quickly."

Further reading

Virgil van Dijk has delivered an update on his fitness after coming through a first Premier League outing in 10 months, with the Liverpool looking to curb expectations by pointing out that he is not "a robot".

The Netherlands international has taken a long road to recovery since suffering knee ligament damage during the Merseyside derby with Everton in October 2020.

He reached the end of that path during a meeting with Norwich on Saturday as the Reds eased to a 3-0 win at Carrow Road, but Van Dijk is aware that it is going to take more than one outing against newly-promoted opponents in order for him to get back to his best.

What has been said?

Asked for an update on how he feels after coming through 90 minutes against the Canaries, Van Dijk told reporters: "Being back is not the closing of a chapter.

"It is still getting there. I wanted to be out there. I wanted to be playing from the first match because I feel I need it and it will improve me. From my point of view, knowing my own body, there are plenty of things to improve but I am not a robot.

"I cannot be back to 100 per cent immediately. The thing is I have played and the first one was very emotional and very tough for many reasons. You visualise the game so many times in your head before you actually play.

"I was tired because of everything around the game. It was sort of like a hurdle. I had to get over that, I felt like then it will come again. So that is what happened in my point of view. 

"I kept training well and felt confident in my knee. It's been a tough road but I am just happy to be out there again."

Are Liverpool improving as a collective?

Van Dijk slotted seamlessly back into Jurgen Klopp's plans, having made his return to action in pre-season, and will be delighted to have secured another clean sheet.

Liverpool looked more like their old selves in Norfolk, having struggled for consistency amid a flurry of injury problems last season, and will feel as though they are heading in the right direction.

It is, however, still very early days in 2021-22 and Van Dijk will not be carried away by a solitary success.

He added: "To win the first game 3-0 is something we will sign for, but if you look at the game critically, there is a lot to improve. It is the start of the season and we will improve. That is how we hopefully get better and we will give it a go next week (against Burnley).

"I am proud of myself and proud of the people who helped me, like my wife and kids, and at the club. The first step is to get match fitness and be back to my best - but I am not a robot. I need games, time and repetition. I'm just lucky we have a fantastic manager who helps me."

Further reading

Nigeria international defender Olu Aina has hit back at a section of Torino fans for booing him in the Coppa Italia fixture against Cremonese on Sunday.

The 24-year-old defender was part of the team that registered a victory against their visitors, who had to play with a man less after the dismissal of Jaime Baez Stabile for two bookable offences. 

Aina was one of the players who scored a penalty in the shoot-out that ended 4-1 in his team's favour, after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.

But he was unimpressed with how some of the supporters behaved when he had the ball. 

He has further challenged his teammates and club as a whole to stay united despite the obstacles coming their way.

"To all the Torino fans that were booing or whistling whenever I got the ball [on Sunday night], 'thank you,'" Aina posted on his official social media account.

"Doubters and haters will only make me better, we move. As a club, we should always stay together no matter what."

Aina joined the Serie A outfit in 2019 after serving them on loan from English heavyweights Chelsea. He started his development at the Blues from 2007 to 2015. He was then promoted to the senior team, making just three appearances.

In the 2017/18 season, he was loaned to Hull City where he played 44 matches. After failing to command a starting place with the Stamford Bridge side, he was loaned to Torino in the 2018/19 campaign, playing for them in 30 matches and scoring one goal.

He was signed after the end of the season, having also played for Fulham, albeit on loan, where he played 31 matches and scored two goals.

Aina has played for the Super Eagles 17 times after switching his allegiance from England where he played in the junior set-up.

Gor Mahia treasurer Dolphina Adhiambo has claimed the arrival of the transfer window is the time for the cartels within the Premier League club to spend money.

Distancing herself from the signing of the Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita, the official said she was not involved in the acquisition of the 31-year-old custodian.

"I was not involved in his [Keita] signing. It is time for the cartels to start eating. The two executive committee members who were involved should clear the air," Adhiambo told Nairobi News.

A few days ago, Keita was seen in Gor Mahia's jersey signing a contract, although the club have not made the news official. The goalkeeper played for Djoliba FC in 2018 and 2020 before he joined Cl Kamsar.

Critics have questioned the wisdom with which Gor Mahia are keen on having the Malian on board when Gad Mathews, Samwel Njau, and Caleb Omondi have impressed with the Premier League side.
 
Since the new coach, Mark Harrison, arrived, Njau has been preferred in goal while Mathews performed better under his predecessor Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto and his heroics in the Shield Cup ensured Gor Mahia earned a Caf Confederation Cup slot.

Dennis Ng'ang'a, Rooney Onyango, Boniface Omondi, Bernard Ochieng, all from Wazito, Goal understands, are the players on Gor Mahia's transfer wishlist.

Rodgers Ouma from Western Stima is the striker the local giants are considering signing in order to bolster the attacking department. 

Former Kariobangi Sharks' Ovella Ochieng and Duke Abuya, according to a source within the Gor Mahia corridors, are considered as players who will be approached for potential moves.

As the players are linked to Gor Mahia, Goal recently revealed how current K'Ogalo players are actively discouraging transfer targets from signing for the 19-time Premier League champions due to financial problems.

"According to the players, the new ones will be signing a ticket to hell should they join us if financial security is not assured. This is a new phenomenon, especially at a time when we are looking to bring on board local and foreign players," a source revealed then.

"We understand the challenges we are facing now, but I do not think it is right for the players to scare away others."

After Kenneth Muguna's exit, a number of players are understood to be keen on leaving the local giants once the season ends.

MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps have claimed that three of their players were assaulted in a "racially motivated attack" on Saturday night.

The Whitecaps academy squad attended an outdoor gathering in Burnaby, Canada at the weekend, which ended with the police being called.

The club have revealed that an assault took place which left one of their players hospitalised, with the Burnaby RCMP now investigating the incident.

What's been said?

None of the three players involved have been named as of yet, however, a suspect has reportedly already been arrested in relation to the attack.

The Whitecaps have released a statement condemning racism and vowing to push for swift justice, which reads: "Enough is enough.

"We are heartbroken and sickened by the allegations and strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, racism, and hate.

"Such disgusting behaviour has absolutely no place in our community.

"We will do everything to support our players affected and urge the toughest punishment possible for those responsible."

MLS rocked by racism again

This latest incident comes just one month after allegations that Portland Timbers star Diego Chara was racially abused in a contest against Minnesota United.

Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese claimed that Chara was targeted by an opponent during his side's 1-0 defeat, referencing "a discriminatory word that has been said to one of our players that cannot have any place in anywhere or in any situation or any sport."

MLS officials responded by launching a full investigation, but were ultimately unable to corroborate the incident, and no formal punishment was sanctioned for any of the parties involved.

The Whitecaps' turbulent season continues

The weekend's off-field events served to compound what has been a miserable season for the Whitecaps so far, as they sit second from bottom in the Western Conference after 18 games.

Marc Dos Santos' team have only recorded three wins, and were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by San Jose Earthquakes in their last outing, with a clash against Austin up next on Wednesday.

Further reading

Pep Guardiola insisted Jack Grealish had "an incredible debut" against Tottenham, praising Manchester City's £100 million ($139m) man for showing "personality" in the 1-0 defeat.

Grealish made his Premier League bow for City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, having been lured away from Aston Villa for a British record fee earlier this summer.

The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Spurs, but was ultimately powerless to prevent the Manchester outfit from slumping to an opening weekend loss for the first time in 10 years.

What's been said?

Guardiola was very pleased with Grealish's all-round display, and has no doubt he will go on to make a huge contribution to his team as the 2021-22 campaign progresses.

Pressed on what impressed him most about the ex-Villa star's performance, the City head coach told reporters post-match: "His personality and influence. He got three or four fouls in the first minutes and immediately he woke up and showed himself.

"He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass.

"He got three or four fouls in the first minutes and immediately he woke up and showed. He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass.

"He had an incredible game and incredible debut and will be so important for us. I congratulate him for having the personality to try and try until the end."

Grealish and co frustrated by Tottenham

City started brightly in north London, with Grealish leading their charge down the left-hand side, but clear cut chances were in short supply as Spurs stuck to a disciplined formation in Nuno Espirito Santo's first competitive match in charge.

Son Heung-min eventually grabbed the decisive goal ten minutes into the second half, with City ultimately unable to find an equaliser in the final portion of the game.

What's next?

Grealish will be back in contention for a place in Guardiola's line-up when City welcome newly-promoted Norwich to Etihad Stadium on August 21.

The reigning Premier League champions will then look ahead to a meeting with Arsenal seven days later before the first international break of the season.

Further reading

Manchester United kicked off their campaign in the 2021/22 Premier League season with a five-star performance against Leeds United on Saturday at the Old Trafford.

French midfielder Paul Pogba was at the thick of things as he provided four assists as Manchester United routed their rivals 5-1 to begin their season in style. Bruno Fernandes also starred by scoring a magnificent hat-trick.

With four assists in the match, Paul Pogba became the first Manchester United player to provide four or more assists in a single Premier League match. Before the Frenchman, six other players had achieved this feat in the Premier League.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp was the first player in the history of the Premier League to provide four assists in a game. During the 1998/99 season, in a home tie, Arsenal thrashed Leicester City 5-0 where the Dutchman assisted four of the five goals.

Other than Bergkamp three other Arsenal players have assisted four or more times in a Premier League tie and two Tottenham Hotspur players also feature in the list.

Here, we take a look at the players who have provided four assists in a single Premier League match.

Christian Pulisic has offered his verdict on Chelsea's £98 million ($136m) deal for Romelu Lukaku, with the United States international expecting a prolific Belgian striker to deliver more "exciting times" at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are the current holders of a much sought-after Champions League crown, while an impressive 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in a 2021-22 Premier League opener suggests that a title challenge could be on the cards this season.

Thomas Tuchel still has Lukaku to slot into a star-studded side, on the back of a big-money transfer from Inter, and Pulisic expects a proven performer in the final third to make west London heavyweights even more dangerous than they already are.

What has been said?

The USMNT star has told Chelsea's official website of welcoming one of the best No.9s in world football onto the Blues' books: "Lukaku’s a great striker. 

"He plays really good with his back to goal, holding the ball, and he’s a great goalscorer, so I’m very excited to play with him. It’s going to be exciting times.

"We have a very good team with a lot of depth and it’s a really exciting team. When you have a bunch of good players it’s never a bad thing so we’re really excited to see how this year goes."

Can Chelsea challenge for more trophies?

Chelsea barely had to get out of first gear when easing to a comfortable derby victory over Crystal Palace in their first domestic outing of the new season.

Prior to that contest, another trophy had been collected when edging out Villarreal on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup.

Tuchel's men appear ready to chase down even more silverware, with Pulisic among the goals for them against the Eagles, but nobody is getting carried away just yet.

"Obviously it’s always nice to get on the score sheet so I’m very happy, but I’m just happy about the win for the team," Pulisic added on early progress.

"We put a really good performance together and the clean sheet was very important, so it was a really good day for us and I’m just happy with getting three important points.

"Obviously challenging for the title is what we’re going to fight for, but it’s just the first game. We’re going to take it game by game, and try to put a great season together."

Chelsea will be back in action on Sunday when facing another London foe in the form of Arsenal.

Further reading

Simba SC have confirmed the exit of winger Luis Miquissone who is a transfer target for Kaizer Chiefs and Al Ahly.

In a statement obtained by Goal, the Mainland Premier League champions have announced parting ways with two players – Miquissone and Clatous Chama - ahead of the new season.

What did Simba statement say?

“Simba wishes to inform the public in the current transfer window it received several offers for its players from various clubs across the continent,” read the statement from the club.

“Simba has officially reached an agreement with two foreign clubs over the permanent transfer of two of its players – Clatous [Chama] and Luis [Miquissone].”

The statement continued: “Our collective team successes in the Caf Champions League in recent years has opened doors for the duo to be seen abroad.

“We are extremely grateful to Chama and Luis [Miquissone] for their incredible service to the club throughout their time at Simba and we will always treasure the wonderful memories they left us with.

“As they move onto the next chapter of their professional careers, we wish them great success; Chama and Miquissone will forever be part of the Simba family.”

While the club did not reveal the identity of the clubs where the players are headed, Goal can exclusively reveal Chama has already joined RS Berkane of Morocco while Miquissone is already in Egypt negotiating his move to the African champions.

Chama moved to Berkane a week ago and has already been training with the team alongside former Yanga SC striker Tuisila Kisinda.

Chama keen to sign for Al Ahly

Two weeks ago, confirmed to friends he was headed to Al Ahly and not Chiefs.

“He says he wants to reunite with Pitso [Mosimane] and according to him, he has been promised playtime when he signs for them, so it is the reason his heart was on a move to Al Ahly and not Chiefs,” a source, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

“As we speak, he has also bid farewell to his close friends at Simba, he has told them he will not play for them again in the new season and it seems the deal is as good as sealed."

Further PSL reading

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has insisted that all four of the club's captains will eventually take a pay cut. 

The club has already confirmed that Pique's salary has been "substantially reduced," which allowed Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj to be registered for La Liga's new season.

Pique has insisted that fellow captains Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba will soon follow his lead amid Barca's dire financial situation.

What was said?

Speaking to Movistar after Barca's 4-2 win over Real Sociedad to begin the season, Pique said: "[The pay cut] is what I had to do, I think.

"I want to stress that we've been in contact with the other captains over the pay cut and I know they'll take the same step shortly, it's just a question of timing.

"I had to be the first to do it quickly, because of the registration issue. But this is a family, we're all together, the captains have all had the intention from the first moment to adjust to what the club needed, and that's the decision we've taken and we're proud of it."

Alba heard jeers from some fans at Camp Nou on Sunday amid reports that he refused to lower his salary. Pique said that it was all a misunderstanding, though.

"Sometimes there are misunderstandings," Pique said. "I've been in touch with Sergi, Busi and Jordi, and we've all been aligned, to try to reach an agreement.

"With hours left before the league started they needed someone to make it official to be able to register the new players, but I know the others are also about to do it."

'All things must pass'

Barcelona's unstable financial picture meant the club was unable to re-sign Lionel Messi, who eventually moved to PSG in a shocking turn of events. 

Pique admitted that losing the legendary Argentine was a huge blow to Barca, but said the club is now ready to turn the page.

"I don't have to explain what Leo represents, we all know it," Pique added. "He's the most important player in the history of this club and in the history of football. But all things must pass, we have to keep going.

"I think we have a good level, we'll be very competitive. I'm convinced we'll compete for all the trophies until the end."

Further reading

Youssef En-Nesyri provided an assist and scored a goal as Sevilla cruised to a 3-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in their La Liga opener on Sunday.

The Morocco international enjoyed his best goalscoring record in the Spanish top-flight last season with 18 goals for Julen Lopetegui's side who finished fourth in the league table.

He has instantly formed a partnership with his compatriot Oussama Idrissi who returned to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in June after his loan spell at Ajax in the second half of the 2020-21 season.

Idrissi won a penalty for Sevilla in the 16th minute after he was brought down by goalkeeper Luca Zidane and En-Nesyri stepped forward to convert.

Zidane was consequently shown a straight red card for the foul and Rayo Vallecano were forced to take off Oscar Trejo for goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

Sevilla held on to the lead for the first 45 minutes and Idrissi was replaced by Erik Lamela before the start of the second half.

Lamela went on to double the hosts' lead in the 55th minute and he later made it 3-0 after benefitting from En-Nesyri's assist.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna has tipped his superstar team-mate Erling Haaland to become one of the all-time greats.

Haaland has started his Dortmund career in incredible form, having now scored 62 goals in 61 games with the club after his brace against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. 

The Norwegian also grabbed three assists in the 5-2 win, including one in the second half for Reyna. 

What was said?

"He keeps on getting better," Reyna said of Haaland in quotes published on Fox Sports. "It seems like every day he’s picking up something new and adding it to his game.

"It’s hard to say what the ceiling is for him. He can be unbelievable, he can be amazing. I mean, he already is. He can really be one of the best ever."

On the current Dortmund squad, Reyna added: "The team chemistry is on a high right now. It’s the best since I’ve been at Dortmund."

Haaland's future

Dortmund have been clear that they are not willing to sell the 21-year-old this summer, though some of Europe's biggest clubs have been eyeing a move.

Real Madrid are one of those clubs, and Goal understands the Blancos have not ruled out a late-summer bid if the opportunity arises.

Madrid are also keen on PSG star Kylian Mbappe, with the club more likely to move for one of the two players next summer.

What's next for Dortmund?

Dortmund will face an early-season test on Tuesday when they face Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup.

They will then return to Bundesliga action next weekend when they visit Freiburg.

Further reading

Mbwana Samatta was in action as Fenerbahce defeated David Akintola's Adana Demirspor in their opening Super Lig fixture of the 2021-22 season.

The Tanzania striker led the Yellow Canaries' attack on Sunday as Mesut Ozil scored the important goal that sealed three points for the visitors in Adana.

Both teams had African players on parade with Samatta playing for 45 minutes while DR Congo's Marcel Tisserand and Nigerian descent Bright Osayi-Samuel played the entire duration for Fenerbahce.

Akintola joined Morocco's Younes Belhanda and Mario Balotelli in the hosts' frontline and they were replaced in the second half by Gambia's Pa Dibba, Nigeria's Okwuchukwu Ezeh and DR Congo's Britt Assombalonga respectively.

It was Assombalonga's debut appearance in Turkey following his free transfer from Championship club Middlesbrough at the expiry of his contract.

Akintola also joined the Blue Lightnings from Midtjylland in July after his impressive loan spell at Hatayspor where he scored six goals in 35 Super Lig matches last season.

Prior to Sunday’s outing, Nigeria winger relished his partnership with Balotelli but both players could help Adana Demirspor avoid defeat at home.

"We have the quality to get a result against Fenerbahce and I'm looking forward to the game," Akintola told Goal.

"Adana are keen on a positive campaign and our impressive run in pre-season gives us good confidence ahead of the game against Fenerbahce.

“I also hope for a positive debut playing alongside Mario Balotelli. He has been a great guy since I joined, and I can't wait to help the team get a win in front of our home fans.”

Following their narrow loss at home, Akintola and his teammates will turn attention to their next Super Lig match which is a trip to Kayserispor on August 20 while Samatta's Fenerbahce will battle Finnish club HJK Helsinki in the Uefa Europa League play-offs on Thursday before hosting Antalyaspor for their next league outing on August 22.

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman admitted that he would prefer to have Lionel Messi still in his ranks, but he believes that his team's collective can now come to the fore.

Messi completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week following weeks of speculation over his future. Ultimately, he departed when it became evident that the Catalans could not afford to retain him.

The post-Messi era at Barcelona started promisingly, though, with Camp Nou witnessing a 4-2 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday in which Martin Braithwaite struck twice.

What was said?

Speaking to the media following the victory, Koeman said: “I think our game can be more collective than before, but I’d prefer to have Messi in my team. But if we don’t have the player, it has to be the collective.”

Koeman was asked about several individuals who impressed, and he picked out Memphis Depay, who will be expected to shoulder much of the burden that Messi has left, as an impressive performer.

“He played a great game and he gave a great assist. He’s always doing things,” he said of his compatriot before turning his attention to Braithwate.

“He’s an example of a professional," Koeman said of the Danish forward. "He always works for the team and has improved his game. He has speed and is difficult to stop. I’m delighted to have a player like him.”

Finally, he offered praise to Gerard Pique, who took a pay cut to allow Memphis and Garcia to be registered for this match.

“He was the leader last year but this season he is better physically,” Koeman said. “His attitude has been exemplary, like that of the other veterans.”

What's next for Barca?

The Blaugrana are next in action on Saturday when they face Athletic Club in their second La Liga match of the season.

Koeman's men then take on Getafe the following weekend.

Further Reading