Nigeria Held By South Africa, Qualify Alongside Uganda, Mali, Morocco For AFCON 2019

Nigeria Held By South Africa, Qualify Alongside Uganda, Mali, Morocco For AFCON 2019

Nigeria, Uganda, Mali and Morocco qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday while Libya scored eight goals to keep alive their hopes of also featuring at the finals.

Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa in Soweto, Uganda edged Cape Verde 1-0 in Kampala, Mali beat Gabon in Libreville and Morocco went through after rivals Malawi lost in the Comoros.

Libya triumphed 8-1 in the Seychelles and host South Africa next March on the final matchday needing a win to accompany Nigeria in qualifying from Group E.

The Libyans just missed equalling the record away winning margin for a Cup of Nations qualifier held by Ghana, who won 9-1 in Niger 49 years ago.

A total of nine nations have booked now places at the newly-extended 24-team finals with hosts Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia securing berths before this weekend.

Nigeria, the three-time former champions who had failed to qualify for the last two editions, were ahead in South Africa within nine minutes when Buhle Mkhwanazi scored an own goal.

Outstanding South African Percy Tau set up the equaliser for Lebo Mothiba on 26 minutes, but the hosts were fortunate as several contentious offside decisions went against Nigeria.

“A draw feels like a victory because of the heat (32 degrees celsius/90 fahrenheit) and getting little sleep on our overnight flight,” said Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr.

Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari was among those who saluted the Super Eagles for qualifying.

“The president joins millions of football-loving Nigerians in commending the team for their spirited and disciplined performance against a very formidable opponent,” a statement said.

South Africa coach Stuart Baxter said: “I am proud that we have taken four points off Nigeria in the group and disappointed that we were not braver during the second half.”

– Humiliated –

Anis Saltou bagged a hat-trick in Victoria as Libya humiliated the Seychelles, whose 188th world ranking is the lowest among the 48 teams in the qualifying competition.

A Patrick Kaddu goal on 79 minutes not only assured Uganda of first place in Group K, it opened the door for Tanzania to also qualify.

If Tanzania win in Lesotho on Sunday they will return to the African football showcase after a 39-year absence.

An early Moussa Doumbia goal gave Mali a 1-0 victory and left Gabon, who were without injured star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, needing a matchday 6 victory in Burundi to qualify from Group C.

A draw will suffice for Burundi, who are ranked 142nd in the world and seeking a first Cup of Nations appearance.

Morocco qualified when Group B rivals Malawi lost 2-1 away to out-of-contention Comoros in Mitsamiouli.

The Comoran victory in the multi-island Indian Ocean state gave Morocco an unassailable six-point advantage over Malawi with one matchday left.

El Fardou Mohamed Ben Nabouhane, who has been playing for Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League, gave the Comoros a second-minute lead.

Patrick Phiri equalised after 53 minutes and Nasser Chamed scored the winner in the 70th minute on an artificial pitch.

Leaders Morocco and second-placed Cameroon qualify from the group with the latter assured of a place because they are hosting the June 15-July 13 tournament.

Cameroon are involved in the qualifying competition to gain match practice before defending the title they won in Gabon last year by defeating Egypt 2-1 in the final.

Morocco climbed above Cameroon into first place in Group B Friday after beating them 2-0 in Casablanca thanks to a second-half brace from Hakim Ziyech.

AFP

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Robert Lewandowski Needs To Move from Bayern Munich, Says Specialist Pini Zahavi

Robert Lewandowski needs to leave Bayern Munich, as indicated by his specialist Pini Zahavi, who disclosed to Sport Bild magazine that the Bundesliga's best scorer "feels that he needs a change and another test in his vocation".

Pini Zahavi, the Israeli specialist who encouraged Neymar's reality record exchange from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain a year ago, said Lewandowski's reasons "are not cash or a particular club, as almost all best clubs might want to have the world's best striker in their positions".

Robert Lewandowski whose agreement with Bayern keeps running until 2021, has scored 106 objectives in 126 Bundesliga diversions for the club since changing from Borussia Dortmund in 2014.

He has tasted alliance accomplishment in each season at Bayern, however he has persevered through a baffling kept running in the Champions League, leaving at the semi-last stage in three of his four seasons with the club – with a quarter-last annihilation coming in 2017.

Bayern's administrator, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, as of late discounted an exchange. "We comprehend what we have in Robert Lewandowski. No one need stress, he will likewise play football here in Munich one year from now," he said.

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Mohamed Salah’s Boots Go On Display At British Museum

Mohamed Salah’s boots will go on display in the world famous collections of Egyptian pharaohs and ancient artifacts at the British Museum ahead of the Champions League Final.

The Liverpool forward’s boots have been donated to the museum to celebrate his Golden Boot award for being the Premier League’s top scorer.

    “We’ve made an exciting new acquisition!” the museum posted on Twitter. “To celebrate Egyptian footballing star Mohamed Salah being top scorer in the Premier League this season, we’ll be displaying his boots alongside objects from ancient Egypt in the run up to the Champions League final.”

Salah scored 32 league goals in his debut season for Liverpool – a record in a 38-game season. He has scored 44 times in all competitions, including 10 in the Champions League as Liverpool reached the final for the first time since 2007.

    We’ve made an exciting new acquisition! To celebrate Egyptian footballing star @MoSalah being top scorer in the Premier League this season, we’ll be displaying his boots alongside objects from ancient Egypt in the run up to the Champions League final ⚽🏆 pic.twitter.com/DBZDW5Q6kD

    — British Museum (@britishmuseum) May 17, 2018

Salah has also attained national-treasure status in Egypt after his late penalty in a 2-1 win over DR Congo secured his country’s qualification to this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Neal Spencer, Keeper of Ancient Egypt and Sudan said: “This acquisition brings the British Museum’s world-famous Egyptian collection right up to date.

    “The boots tell a story of a modern Egyptian icon, performing in the UK, with a truly global impact.

    “Displayed amidst the statues of ancient pharaohs, we now show the boots with which Mo Salah won the Golden Boot for Liverpool.

    “Salah will shortly lead his national team, known as The Pharaohs, to the World Cup Finals.

    “This acquisition builds on our recent project to acquire objects to tell the story of day-to-day life in 20th and 21st century Egypt.

    “From sport, to entertainment, worldwide trade to design, this collection is now accessible to all – like those from other periods of Egypt’s rich history.”

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Report: Arsene Wenger Turns Down Offer To Manage French Club Saint-Etienne

Arsene Wenger has reportedly turned down the chance to take over at French club Saint-Etienne.

Arsene Wenger recently revealed that he has received a number of job offers, and Le Sport reports that Saint-Etienne are among the clubs interested.

Saint-Etienne endured a turbulent season on the managerial front, initially replacing Oscar Garcia with former player Julien Sable, only to discover that he did not have the relevant qualifications.

Jean-Louis Gasset has subsequently led the club to eighth place in Ligue 1 with one game of the season remaining, but that has not prevented Saint-Etienne from making an approach for Wenger.

However, the 68-year-old wants to take time over making his next decision and so has turned the club down.

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FIFA Threatens To Ban Nigeria, Including Super Eagles In Russia 2018

World football governing body, FIFA has cautioned Nigeria that it would not consult with any of the parties fighting for the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) before throwing the country out of the game if it found that a third party had been meddling in the nation’s football affairs.

The football community in Nigeria was thrown into a state of uneasy on Friday after a Supreme Court decision directing the parties fighting for the leadership of the NFF to go back to the Jos High court to sort out the suit filed by one of the parties claiming it is the right board to lead the federation.

Following the suit filed by the group loyal to Ambassador Chris Giwa, the world football governing body in 2016 banned all the parties involved in instituting the case, including Giwa, Muazu Suleiman, Effiong Johnson, Yahaya Adama and Sani Fema from all football related activities for five years.

The world body later extended the five-year ban to a worldwide ban following the Giwa group’s decision to take their case to the CAS.

In the FIFA letter to the NFF in 2016, the world body said, “In accordance with art. 136ff of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the five-year ban from taking part in any kind of football-related activity imposed on the five officials to have worldwide effect.

“The relevant member association, as well as CAF has been duly notified of the chairman’s decision.

“Members of the media with questions relating to the substance of the decision are kindly requested to contact the NFF.”

FIFA, while reacting to Friday’s Supreme court decision on the issue, warned Nigeria at the weekend that it would not hesitate to throw the country out of world football, including stopping the Super Eagles from participating in the 2018 World Cup, Nigerian Guardian reports.

It also reminded Nigeria that the litigants in the case were banned from all football activities and therefore should not be seen meddling or taking part in anything related to the game.

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Mo Salah Risks Three-Match Ban

There are strong indications that Liverpool could be without Mohamed Salah for the rest of the Premier League season, after cameras caught the Egypt international appearing to strike out at Stoke defender Bruno Martins Indi at Anfield on Saturday.

This means he could likely be banned for three-match ban.

Salah gets away with punch. Refs love the Scousers. pic.twitter.com/k2GhqNEHxm

— Eddie Fitz (@Eddiepfitz) April 28, 2018

The Sun is reporting that the FA disciplinary beaks are expected to refer Salah’s clash with Stoke’s Bruno Martins Indi during Saturday’s goalless draw at Anfield to the three-man panel of ex-referees to rule if it was a red card offence.

The FA have been alerted to social media clips of the incident, in which the Egyptian superstar appears to flail a balled hand at Stoke’s Dutch defender near the half-way line.

Referee Andre Marriner did not spot the incident, which took place just before half-time.

Under FA rules, potential violent conduct incidents missed by the officials are referred to the panel of former whistlers, who must unanimously agree it was a sending off.

It is now understood that Salah will in less than 24 hours from now discover if he faces a violent conduct charge, which would bring with it an automatic three-game ban ruling him out of the rest of the domestic campaign and the first game of next term.

From Salah’s personal point of view, it would be a tough pill to swallow, as he is just one goal away from breaking the 38-game Premier League goalscoring record.

The Liverpool forward needs just one strike from the Reds’ last two games to take him to 32 goals, past a record held jointly by Alan Shearer, Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Manchester City Have No Plans To Sell John Stones This Summer

Manchester City have rubbished reports that John Stones could be allowed to leave this summer.

John Stones hasn’t played for the club since returning from international duty because of an abductor injury.

That’s led to speculation that he’s no longer part of Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans.

However, we have been told that Stones will not be going anywhere, and will be part of the squad aiming to defend the Premier League title next season.

City lost the only two games Stones has started since late January, against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup and Basel in the Champions League, and he has slipped to the bottom of the central defensive pecking order behind captain Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and January signing Aymeric Laporte.

Press Association Sport reported that City “have no intention” of selling Stones and are happy with the progress he has made under Guardiola.

The coach said at the weekend that he hoped Stones would be back soon, adding: “Hopefully he can play the last games and get to the World Cup. I think he will be fine.”

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Thibaut Courtois And Father To Sue Former Belgium Coach Marc Wilmots

Thibaut Courtois has confirmed that he and his father will begin legal proceedings against former Belgium coach Marc Wilmots.

Thibaut Courtois, 25, was named by Wilmots during an interview with beIN Sports as the ‘mole’ who leaked team news for the national team, also saying that the goalkeeper’s father was involved.

The Chelsea keeper has responded on social media saying that he and his father will begin legal proceedings.

“Following the statements made by Mr Wilmots, my father and I have decided to bring a criminal complaint together,” Courtois wrote.

His statement further read “In the interview granted by beIN Sports and recovery today by La Derniere Heure, Les Sports, Mr. Marc Wilmots affirms in particular that ‘means that a player has sold the selection. And that’s serious. It came back to me from several French journalists that Courtois’ father was doing it.'”

“Mr. M. Wilmots – not for the first time – reiterates publicly and intentionally accusations against my honour and my reputation as well as my father and we decided together to file a complaint accompanied by criminal indemnification proceeding for libel and defamation.”

Naar aanleiding van de uitspraken van de heer M. Wilmots hebben mijn vader en ik samen beslist een strafklacht in te dienen. Zie tekst voor meer info. pic.twitter.com/c0d7SMcuBe

— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) April 24, 2018

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Andreas Christensen Reveals How Chelsea Legend John Terry Helped Him With His Form

Andreas Christensen says he sought out former Chelsea captain John Terry to help address concerns over his form.

The 21-year-old centre-back has broken into the first team at Stamford Bridge this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, but has made costly errors in recent weeks.

Andreas Christensen admitted to mistakes leading to goals in key games against Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City, and says he asked Terry – now captain at Aston Villa – for advice.

He told Eurosport: “My team-mates have seen all my other performances, so they know these mistakes aren’t typical for me. I had a smaller talk with John Terry – he has also experienced setbacks, and it is always nice to talk to someone watching it from the outside and to learn they have experienced the same.

“He told me it is natural to make mistakes and he tried to put it in perspective for me, saying we can’t change a goal scored against us, so when we make mistakes it is more crucial and it is easy for people to point fingers. I have realised it, looked at it and now I have moved on.”

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Football Papers: All The Latest Football News And Transfer Gossips This Morning

• Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has emerged as a surprise contender to take over at Chelsea if Antonio Conte leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.

• Paris Saint-Germain will look to Antonio Conte as a replacement for Unai Emery if his time in the Premier League comes to an end 

• Gareth Southgate is set to make Tottenham striker Harry Kane his England captain for the World Cup in Russia this summer.

• Chelsea are keeping tabs on Turkish goalkeeping starlet Berke Ozer as a possible long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.

• Watford striker Troy Deeney has been given the green light to ‘mock’ Arsenal again by his boss Javier Gracia in the first meeting between the teams since he claimed the Gunners lacked “cojones.”

• Denis Suarez is Barcelona’s latest injury victim ahead of their vital Champions League clash with Chelsea next week as he will miss the game with a leg injury.

• Newcastle will release Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, the player at the centre of allegations made against Peter Beardsley, at the end of the season.

• Tottenham are considering a move for Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard according to reports in Germany.

• Harry Kane has pledged to stay at least one more season at Tottenham but Manchester United could tempt both Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld away from north London this summer.

• Reports in Spain claim Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is stalling on a move to Juventus in case Real Madrid come calling in the summer as they rebuild their squad.

• Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is open to a swap deal with Arsenal with Karim Benzema heading to the Emirates and Hector Bellerin moving to the Bernabeu.

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Stoger Disappointed In Dortmund After Home Loss

Borussia Dortmund interim coach, Peter Stoger could not hide his disappointment following his side’s 2-1 loss to Salzburg in their first leg last-16 Europa League draw.

The Austrian club continued their impressive away run in Europe, with Berisha scoring two goals in the space of seven minutes after the break.

Schurrle pulled one back from close range before time, but it was too little too late, as the German outfit needs two goals to progress.

Stoger will hope for an improved display in the return fixture after seeing his side slip to their first loss in 2018.

“I didn’t like a lot about this match,” he told the media in his post-match press conference.

“The first ten-to-15 minutes I thought that we were pretty acceptable in the game, but this feeling got less and less. The team didn’t keep the speed high. So the game for the opponent became easier.

“Salzburg adjusted more and more during the match. They became braver and gained more confidence.

“In several moments we had the feeling we could change something about the result. But, between these good stages, our performance wasn’t very dedicated. I’m not happy with it.”

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Italy Prosecutors Open Investigation Into Davide Astori Death

Italian public prosecutors are set to open proceedings to determine whether the sudden death on Sunday of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori could be considered as manslaughter.

Davide Astori, who made 289 Serie A appearances and played 14 times for Italy, died suddenly at the team hotel in Udine ahead of a match at Udinese. The game was postponed along with all of Sunday’s other Serie A fixtures.

Udine public prosecutor Antonio De Nicolo told state broadcaster Rai in a radio interview that an autopsy would be carried out on Tuesday.

“It’s our duty to discover whether this was a tragic piece of misfortune or whether someone could have detected something,” he said, adding that there was no indication of foul play or suspicions against any individual.

Prosecutors in Italy are obliged to investigate such cases.

On Monday, fans continued to gather at Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi stadium to pay tribute to the player, leaving flowers, scarves and messages such as “Ciao, Capitano”.

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Conte Wants More From Morata And Barkley

Antonio Conte has challenged Alvaro Morata and Ross Barkley to show their worth to the club.

Morata joined Chelsea in the summer and impressed in the opening months, with 10 goals in the league, however, he has not found the net since boxing day.

Barkley joined in January and has not had many opportunities to prove himself, with hamstring injury proving to be a problem.

“He has to work and to recover the best form after an injury in his back,” Conte told reporters ahead of Sunday’s trip to face league leaders Manchester City.

“He has to work and have patience and we must have patience. But the only way is to work.”

“Ross Barkley, in this week he trained with us. Now he has recovered from his injury and he will come with us for Manchester City,” the Italian added.

“Then I don’t know if I decide to find a place on the bench for him or in the stand for another week.”

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Crystal Palace Confirm Signing Of Former Liverpool Goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of former Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri on a contract until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old had been available on a free transfer following his release from Brazilian side Fluminense at the end of 2017.

Diego Cavalieri underwent a trial before officially penning a contract with Palace, where he will once again link-up with Eagles boss Roy Hodgson, who worked with the stopper at Liverpool.

“I am very happy to be here and have been training with the guys for some time now,” Cavalieri told Palace’s official website.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room has been really good and they have received me very well so we can talk a lot and get to know everyone. I am very happy with this opportunity.”

He will provide back-up for Wayne Hennessey while Julian Speroni is out with a knee injury. He has three caps for Brazil.

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Roger Federer Breaks Agassi’s Record – Becomes Oldest World No1 After Beating Robin Haase

Roger Federer has broken Andre Agassi’s record as the oldest top-ranked player in tennis history after defeating Robin Haase in the World Tennis Tournament quarter-finals in Rotterdam.

The 36-year-old Swiss, who won his 20th grand slam title last month by claiming a sixth Australian Open, replaced Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over the Dutchman.

Literally, it means that he will surpass Nadal as No.1 when rankings are updated on Monday and beat Agassi’s record by three years (the American was 33 years, 131 days, back in 2003).

    Apparently I’m the oldest tennis player with a #1️⃣ ranking. Somebody might have mentioned that to me already but I had a hard time hearing 👴🏻

    — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 16, 2018

Federer will also extend his record for most weeks as No.1 to 303.

    “Reaching No 1 is one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport,”an emotional Federer said on court immediately after the match.

    “Sometimes at the beginning you just kind of get there because you played so well but later you have to fight for it and have to wrestle it back from someone who deserves to be there. When you are older you maybe have to put double the work in. This maybe means the most to me in my career.”

Agassi was 33 when he was last on top in September 2003.

The American was quick to congratulate Federer:

    36 years 195 days…@RogerFederer continues to raise the bar in our sport. Congratulations on yet another remarkable achievement!!

    — Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) February 16, 2018

Federer’s return to the top spot will be formally rubber-stamped when the men’s tour rankings are published on Monday.

Federer also beats the mark set by the record holder in the women’s game, Agassi’s compatriot Serena Williams, who was 35 when she was last No 1 in May 2017.

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Chelsea Can’t Afford To Sell Eden Hazard- Ray Wilkins

Ray Wilkins says Chelsea cannot sell Eden Hazard – amid speculation of a move to Real Madrid – and has compared the Belgian to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Eden Hazard is reportedly a long-term target for Zinedine Zidane at Madrid,

Hazard hinted last week that he would be open to joining Los Blancos in the future, but Wilkins claims that life without the Belgian at Stamford Bridge is unthinkable because of his importance.

“I couldn’t even think of it to be perfectly honest. We’ve got to keep Hazard at Stamford Bridge,” he told Sky Sports News. “There’s lots of people who pay lots of money to go and watch Chelsea play. You’ve got to keep the best players there and Hazard is one of the best. He’s one of the best in the world.

“Special players who can just change games in a flash – you’ve got [Cristiano] Ronaldo, you’ve got [Lionel] Messi and you’ve got Hazard. He’s a joy to watch. He is sensational. You get special players and I think Hazard is just one of those that has cropped up.

“I’m a season ticket holder at Chelsea, I’m a Blue, and to watch him play is something exceptional over the last couple of years. [Antonio] Conte has allowed him to do his thing. He’s one of those guys, when you watch him play, he looks like he’s really enjoying himself.

“When he gets on the ball, you think ‘wow, something’s going to happen now’. He’ll eliminate people in the middle of the pitch, he’ll create chances. He’s just a fantastic footballer.”

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We Need To Be Very Cautious Vs Chelsea- Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique has warned his Barcelona teammates that they must “be more prudent” if they are to prevent a good season turning into a bad one.

Barcelona are on course for a clean sweep of trophies at home and in Europe after a hugely impressive first campaign at the helm for boss Ernesto Valverde.

With a seven-point lead on Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga and a Copa del Rey final meeting against Sevilla to look forward to in April, all focus is now on overcoming Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Pique is wary of the threat the English champions pose, and concedes that defeat over two legs could act as a negative turning point in his side’s season.

“Expectations are maximum,” he is quoted as saying by Goal.com. “We go out as favourites, with a chance to win. I know the atmosphere is positive, very favourable, everything looks good, but I think we have to be more prudent.

“We have to learn from experience, what has happened in recent years, and know that one bad day could see you knocked out of the Champions League.

“A bad result against Chelsea could turn the good season we are having into one that’s not so good. We know we are in a good position in the league and the Copa del Rey and we go to London in the Champions League looking to win, get through and progress in the competition.”

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Michy Batshuayi Not Concerned About His Future

On loan Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi says he’s not concerned about his future while trying to do his best with Borussia Dortmund.

Michy Batshuayi, 24, was the man of the match in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 home win over Atalanta in the Europa League on Thursday. The Belgium international bagged a brace, scoring a late winner in stoppage time to hand his side an advantage for the return leg in seven days.

“I’m feeling very good at the moment,” Batshuayi told ESPN FC after the game, adding: “It was an important win for the team. We’re trying to win every match and to continue to our good run.”

Asked whether he was thinking about his future as he becomes more interesting for Chelsea and other top clubs with every goal he scores, the centre-forward said: “I’m not thinking about that at all.

“For me, it’s important to perform well for Borussia Dortmund in every match anew. I’ll deal with the situation as it comes.”

Since joining Dortmund from Chelsea on a €1.5 million loan move until the end of the season, Batshuayi has scored five goals in three games, while being directly involved in another two, all within 270 minutes.

The 24-year-old thanked his teammates for making his integration at a new club seamless.

“They all welcomed me here with open arms,” he said. “The entire staff and the team made it very easy for me and I have a good translator by my side.”

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Report: Paul Pogba Demands Jose Mourinho Change His Tactics

Paul Pogba has reportedly made clear to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho that he is not happy with the current tactics being used.

Paul Pogba has endured a hit-and-miss second season at Old Trafford, recently coming under fire for displays in the defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Pogba was seen having an exchange of words with Mourinho prior to being taken off in the first of those costly losses, and was then dropped to the bench for the following game – a 2-0 home win against Huddersfield Town.

According to the Daily Record, the France international believes that his impact on matches has been limited due to his defensive duties in a deeper midfield role, which led to further talks with Mourinho behind the scenes.

The report suggests that Pogba has informed his manager to use him on the left side of a midfield three – a role that he is thrived in before.

But, if Mourinho does alter his plans to accommodate Pogba and switch to a 4-3-3, which of the attacking players would be forced to drop out?

Romelu Lukaku is guaranteed a starting place as the lone striker while Alexis Sanchez is the big-name January arrival, so he also has to play.

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Jordan Henderson Wants Liverpool To Build On Impressive Win Vs Porto

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has admitted that they must show a ruthless streak in front of goal “more often”.

On Wednesday night, Liverpool thrashed Porto by a 5-0 scoreline in Portugal

However, rather than spending too much time celebrating the win, Henderson has called on the first-team squad to focus their attention on replicating their efforts at Estadio do Dragao on a regular basis.

The 27-year-old is quoted by The Mirror as saying: “We have to do that more often. I thought the lads, the whole team, were brilliant from start to finish. That should be normal for us.

“You have to keep that going in the Premier League and in this competition. There is another leg at Anfield to finish the job off so there is a lot we need to do to improve but this was a good step.

“I thought we started the game really well, very aggressive, very brave. We pressed up high to get the ball back. We defended well and with the quality we have going forward, we were clinical as well.”

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