<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-sights-on-flamengo-as-firmino-takes-reds-into-club-world-cup-final-269087">Liverpool</a> did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Red Bull Salzburg</a>&nbsp;on January&nbsp;1.

"It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," Minamino told Liverpool's website in a statement.

"To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.

"But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it."

Minamino, who has scored 11 goals in 22 matches for Japan, previously played for Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top flight.

Liverpool did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the Red Bull Salzburg on January 1.

Liverpool did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the Red Bull Salzburg on January 1. "It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," Minamino told Liverpool's website in a statement. "To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League. "But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it." Minamino, who has scored 11 goals in 22 matches for Japan, previously played for Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top flight.

Liverpool reach agreement with Salzburg to sign Minamino

Wijnaldum&nbsp;was injured in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Liverpool</a>'s&nbsp;2-0 Premier League win over Watford on Saturday but travelled with the squad to Qatar. Klopp said that the 29-year-old's problem was not as serious as initially feared but that they would monitor how it responded to treatment over the coming days.

"Gini was not as serious as we thought in the first moment, so he's here doing the first recovery and then we have stuff what is necessary," Klopp told reporters on Tuesday.

"We'll see day by day, but for tomorrow night (Wednesday) he's not involved."

Wijnaldum's fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk also&nbsp;missed training in Doha on Monday but Klopp said the defender was not carrying any injury.

"Virgil is fine. We had to do different stuff for recovery for different people, that was the reason why he wasn't involved yesterday in the session," Klopp added.

"All the rest of the squad is fine."

European champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Liverpool</a> are looking to capture their maiden&nbsp;Club&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;trophy.

The winner of Wednesday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium will take on Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo in Saturday's&nbsp;final.

With Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in Doha this week, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players for Tuesday's League&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;semi-final&nbsp;against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aston-villa-beat-liverpools-kids-to-reach-league-cup-semis-268863">Aston Villa</a>.

They acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side but were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aston-villa-beat-liverpools-kids-to-reach-league-cup-semis-268863">beaten 5-0</a>.

Wijnaldum was injured in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford on Saturday but travelled with the squad to Qatar. Klopp said that the 29-year-old's problem was not as serious as initially feared but that they would monitor how it responded to treatment over the coming days.

Wijnaldum was injured in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford on Saturday but travelled with the squad to Qatar. Klopp said that the 29-year-old's problem was not as serious as initially feared but that they would monitor how it responded to treatment over the coming days. "Gini was not as serious as we thought in the first moment, so he's here doing the first recovery and then we have stuff what is necessary," Klopp told reporters on Tuesday. "We'll see day by day, but for tomorrow night (Wednesday) he's not involved." Wijnaldum's fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk also missed training in Doha on Monday but Klopp said the defender was not carrying any injury. "Virgil is fine. We had to do different stuff for recovery for different people, that was the reason why he wasn't involved yesterday in the session," Klopp added. "All the rest of the squad is fine." European champions Liverpool are looking to capture their maiden Club World Cup trophy. The winner of Wednesday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium will take on Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo in Saturday's final. With Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in Doha this week, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players for Tuesday's League Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. They acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side but were beaten 5-0.

Liverpool's Geroginio Wijnaldum to miss Club World Cup semi-final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-denies-presence-of-break-clause-in-contract-with-manchester-city-268224">Guardiola</a>&nbsp;said&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-gabriel-jesus-hat-trick-gives-man-city-4-1-win-at-dinamo-zagreb-267832">City</a>'s League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.

"I think it (the&nbsp;decision) is going to happen&nbsp;quick,"&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;was quoted as saying by the BBC. "Why not [go]? It's a good argument."

Former&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;captain&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;is the leading candidate to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unai-emery-axed-as-arsenal-boss-after-worst-run-in-decades-265245">Unai Emery</a> as&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;manager after the London club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was pictured outside the 37-year-old's house in the early hours of Monday morning.

"Mikel is travelling to Oxford with us tomorrow,"&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;earlier told reporters. We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He's an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That's why he is what he is.

"He's talking with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Arsenal</a>&nbsp;so I don't know. Now he is part of our group and staff and he is here. When we have new news, I will know and you will know. Now he is here, tomorrow travelling. He trained today and that's all."

Spaniard&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;made 149 appearances for&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;before joining City's coaching staff in 2016 where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to&nbsp;Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles&nbsp;over&nbsp;the last two seasons.

Guardiola&nbsp;said he had spoken to&nbsp;Arteta&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mesut-ozil-deceived-by-fake-news-will-be-pleased-to-see-him-go-to-xinjiang-china-268547">Arsenal</a>&nbsp;opportunity and would not stand in his way.

"I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually," he said.

"Mikel knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more."

Guardiola said Arteta will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.

Guardiola said Arteta will be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final but appears resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man. "I think it (the decision) is going to happen quick," Guardiola was quoted as saying by the BBC. "Why not [go]? It's a good argument." Former Arsenal captain Arteta is the leading candidate to succeed Unai Emery as Arsenal manager after the London club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was pictured outside the 37-year-old's house in the early hours of Monday morning. "Mikel is travelling to Oxford with us tomorrow," Guardiola earlier told reporters. We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He's an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That's why he is what he is. "He's talking with Arsenal so I don't know. Now he is part of our group and staff and he is here. When we have new news, I will know and you will know. Now he is here, tomorrow travelling. He trained today and that's all." Spaniard Arteta made 149 appearances for Arsenal before joining City's coaching staff in 2016 where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles over the last two seasons. Guardiola said he had spoken to Arteta about the Arsenal opportunity and would not stand in his way. "I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually," he said. "Mikel knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more."

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola expects quick decision on Arteta over Arsenal move

English football clubs will only wake up to the security risks their players face when either one of them or a member of their family are maimed or killed, a security expert told AFP.

The stark warning from former soldier Alex Bomberg comes after Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were targeted in a carjacking attack by knife-wielding men on mopeds in London in July.

The fallout from that incident resulted in the duo being left out of the opening Premier League fixture with Newcastle due to "further security incidents".

Bomberg, founder and CEO of Intelligent (UK Holdings) Limited, is responsible for the personal protection of nine footballers in Spain and France but says he has had no approaches from England-based players even since the incident involving German star Ozil and Bosnian international Kolasinac.

He said he was surprised that super-rich Premier League players and clubs were underestimating the threat.

"Footballers are more exposed in the United Kingdom, far more exposed," the former aide to the British royal family told AFP at his office in Gloucestershire in the west of England.

"I think we have a serious problem in the UK and it does surprise me how we look at it.

"This is a really serious subject which needs proper attention and I can tell you what will happen; nothing will change dramatically until a footballer or member of his family either is seriously injured or killed."

Bomberg, who says he has been contacted by other players in mainland Europe since the Arsenal stars were attacked, believes footballers and their families are especially vulnerable.

"I came across newspaper clippings from 2009 where they were talking about 21 robberies of British players' homes in a three-year period," he said.

"That is 2009 so where are we now? We are nearly 2020, we were talking about it 10 years ago and it is still a problem today.

He said elite footballers were particularly vulnerable because their movements are so widely known.

"It's advertised when footballers are away from home because they are playing football. Straight away that leaves them exposed."

The Ozil incident received widespread coverage because Kolasinac fought off the assailants, but Bomberg says that was the wrong way to respond.

"He did what many young guys would do but he put himself and his friend (Ozil) in danger," said Bomberg.

"It could have ended in a very different way, we know how many people get stabbed in London every day."

'Protecting clubs' assets'

Bomberg, whose clients also include celebrities, members of foreign royal families, lawyers and bankers -- he will not divulge their identities -- says he teaches clients how to deal with such incidents.

He said he tells them if they are with their family in a car and someone is following them, they should ask themselves: "What are we going to do to prevent them trying to stop the car?"

"Do as the footballers did? Get out and confront them or dial the police, or beep the horn to bring attention to yourselves.&nbsp;

"Or drive to the nearest police station or to a garage forecourt where there is CCTV?

"It is knowing that. You have got to start somewhere and I believe footballers are not being given the right advice."

Bomberg says he believes one of the reasons for such attitudes is a lack of understanding of the concept of security.

"I think that security for a lot of people is a dirty word," he said.

"They think of an old bloke falling asleep in his hut or some guy wearing a yellow vest."

Bomberg's basic entry package costs a cool £400,000 ($490,000) and uses close protection officers who are normally ex-special forces or policemen.&nbsp;

He said the approach of International Intelligence Limited, which he founded in 2002, was high-tech.

"We can put a technical fence round your property.

"If someone is outside and tweeting 'I am going to (expletive) kill him' they don't need to mention the name as that will still flag up to us because they are using profanity and a threat within that 'geo-fenced' area."

Bomberg is unsure where the duty of care for football clubs ends.

"I think the whole football business industry needs to wake up," he said. "These men and women are the assets of the club.

"Okay the club might have the bricks and mortar of the stadium but these people are the celebrities and what the sponsors are paying for.

"If you have a vehicle worth half a million pounds would you leave it parked randomly somewhere in London?

"They need to start to realise they have a legal duty of care, a responsibility not just to footballers but to families."

English football clubs will only wake up to the security risks their players face when either one of them or a member of their family are maimed or killed, a security expert told AFP.

English football clubs will only wake up to the security risks their players face when either one of them or a member of their family are maimed or killed, a security expert told AFP. The stark warning from former soldier Alex Bomberg comes after Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were targeted in a carjacking attack by knife-wielding men on mopeds in London in July. The fallout from that incident resulted in the duo being left out of the opening Premier League fixture with Newcastle due to "further security incidents". Bomberg, founder and CEO of Intelligent (UK Holdings) Limited, is responsible for the personal protection of nine footballers in Spain and France but says he has had no approaches from England-based players even since the incident involving German star Ozil and Bosnian international Kolasinac. He said he was surprised that super-rich Premier League players and clubs were underestimating the threat. "Footballers are more exposed in the United Kingdom, far more exposed," the former aide to the British royal family told AFP at his office in Gloucestershire in the west of England. "I think we have a serious problem in the UK and it does surprise me how we look at it. "This is a really serious subject which needs proper attention and I can tell you what will happen; nothing will change dramatically until a footballer or member of his family either is seriously injured or killed." Bomberg, who says he has been contacted by other players in mainland Europe since the Arsenal stars were attacked, believes footballers and their families are especially vulnerable. "I came across newspaper clippings from 2009 where they were talking about 21 robberies of British players' homes in a three-year period," he said. "That is 2009 so where are we now? We are nearly 2020, we were talking about it 10 years ago and it is still a problem today. He said elite footballers were particularly vulnerable because their movements are so widely known. "It's advertised when footballers are away from home because they are playing football. Straight away that leaves them exposed." The Ozil incident received widespread coverage because Kolasinac fought off the assailants, but Bomberg says that was the wrong way to respond. "He did what many young guys would do but he put himself and his friend (Ozil) in danger," said Bomberg. "It could have ended in a very different way, we know how many people get stabbed in London every day." 'Protecting clubs' assets' Bomberg, whose clients also include celebrities, members of foreign royal families, lawyers and bankers -- he will not divulge their identities -- says he teaches clients how to deal with such incidents. He said he tells them if they are with their family in a car and someone is following them, they should ask themselves: "What are we going to do to prevent them trying to stop the car?" "Do as the footballers did? Get out and confront them or dial the police, or beep the horn to bring attention to yourselves. "Or drive to the nearest police station or to a garage forecourt where there is CCTV? "It is knowing that. You have got to start somewhere and I believe footballers are not being given the right advice." Bomberg says he believes one of the reasons for such attitudes is a lack of understanding of the concept of security. "I think that security for a lot of people is a dirty word," he said. "They think of an old bloke falling asleep in his hut or some guy wearing a yellow vest." Bomberg's basic entry package costs a cool £400,000 ($490,000) and uses close protection officers who are normally ex-special forces or policemen. He said the approach of International Intelligence Limited, which he founded in 2002, was high-tech. "We can put a technical fence round your property. "If someone is outside and tweeting 'I am going to (expletive) kill him' they don't need to mention the name as that will still flag up to us because they are using profanity and a threat within that 'geo-fenced' area." Bomberg is unsure where the duty of care for football clubs ends. "I think the whole football business industry needs to wake up," he said. "These men and women are the assets of the club. "Okay the club might have the bricks and mortar of the stadium but these people are the celebrities and what the sponsors are paying for. "If you have a vehicle worth half a million pounds would you leave it parked randomly somewhere in London? "They need to start to realise they have a legal duty of care, a responsibility not just to footballers but to families."

English football 'needs to wake up' over players' security: Expert

English football star Wayne Rooney was arrested in December at Dulles Airport outside Washington, D.C. for public intoxication, according to local police.

Rooney, who has played for US soccer team DC United since last year, was booked into the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on December 16, on a charge of public intoxication stemming from an arrest by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, the local sheriff's office said.

Rooney, 33, was released later the same day on a personal recognizance bond, said Kraig Troxell, a spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

It was not immediately why authorities had delayed details of Rooney's arrest for more than two weeks. Rooney's agent could not be reached immediately for comment. DC United did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rooney, England's former captain and all-time top scorer, joined the Major League Soccer club in mid-2018 in a deal that was reportedly worth more than $12 million and made him the highest paid player in DC United's history.

Liverpool-born Rooney was the latest addition to an elite list of former England captains to hop across the Atlantic, following David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

Rooney burst into the consciousness of English soccer when he made his Premier League debut for Everton at age 16.

He joined Manchester United for $35 million in 2004 and stayed there for 13 seasons - winning five English titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, three League Cups and becoming the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 goals.

English football star Wayne Rooney was arrested in December at Dulles Airport outside Washington, D.C. for public intoxication, according to local police. Rooney, who has played for US soccer team DC United since last year, was booked into the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on December 16, on a charge of public intoxication stemming from an arrest by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, the local sheriff's office said.

English football star Wayne Rooney was arrested in December at Dulles Airport outside Washington, D.C. for public intoxication, according to local police. Rooney, who has played for US soccer team DC United since last year, was booked into the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on December 16, on a charge of public intoxication stemming from an arrest by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, the local sheriff's office said. Rooney, 33, was released later the same day on a personal recognizance bond, said Kraig Troxell, a spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. It was not immediately why authorities had delayed details of Rooney's arrest for more than two weeks. Rooney's agent could not be reached immediately for comment. DC United did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rooney, England's former captain and all-time top scorer, joined the Major League Soccer club in mid-2018 in a deal that was reportedly worth more than $12 million and made him the highest paid player in DC United's history. Liverpool-born Rooney was the latest addition to an elite list of former England captains to hop across the Atlantic, following David Beckham and Steven Gerrard. Rooney burst into the consciousness of English soccer when he made his Premier League debut for Everton at age 16. He joined Manchester United for $35 million in 2004 and stayed there for 13 seasons - winning five English titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, three League Cups and becoming the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 goals.

England football star Wayne Rooney arrested in US for public intoxication

Former youth coach Barry Bennell was found guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse on Tuesday in an investigation that triggered hundreds of revelations about similar cases and rocked English football.

Bennell, a former coach at Crewe Alexandra, is being tried on 48 counts of abuse between 1979 and 1990.

Bennell, a former coach at Crewe Alexandra, is being tried on 48 counts of abuse between 1979 and 1990

Former youth coach Barry Bennell was found guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse on Tuesday in an investigation that triggered hundreds of revelations about similar cases and rocked English football. Bennell, a former coach at Crewe Alexandra, is being tried on 48 counts of abuse between 1979 and 1990.

Former UK football coach Barry Bennell convicted of child abuse

By&nbsp;

Rahul Dalal 
&nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with WION, former England football player&nbsp;Alan Shearer talks about his second visit to India, the English Premier League, the Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry and much more...

Q:&nbsp;This is your second trip to India, you&#39;ve seen this and done this before in Mumbai. What do you expect from this one here in Bengaluru and how it&#39;ll be better this time?

Shearer: It was a great experience in Mumbai earlier this year to be a part of that. It showed how much India loves football. We are here to pass on our expertise from the Premier League to the Indian Super League which is getting bigger and better.

We are here to improve the fan experience. I&#39;m reliably told there are close to forty thousand fans expected to be here at the Premier League Live Screening in Bengaluru over Saturday and Sunday.

Q: When so many fans get together, there&#39;s always going to be banter. There will be when there&#39;s such a big game to look forward to? When you meet your fellow legends is there a lot of banter as well?

Shearer: A lot of us don&#39;t know each other. But we&#39;ve come together after we&#39;ve finished playing as we meet each other a lot while doing media events. You always have a bit of a laugh as we have a lot of banter.

Back in the day, it was all serious business out on the pitch. But now when we look back and reflect, we feel perhaps we shouldn&#39;t have been that aggressive at that moment.

We all wanted to win at that time and wouldn&#39;t have it any other way. It feels good to catch up with these great players again.

Q: Coming to that big match, the biggest game of the English season. History, heated rivalry. Where could it be decided?

Shearer: It is a huge fixture in the Premier League calendar because of the size of the clubs, fans, tradition and history. These two giants have dominated English football for a long time. Liverpool have even dominated in Europe as well.

They are popular not only in England but also across the world. As for the match on Saturday, Jose Mourinho and his boys will try to frustrate Liverpool. Liverpool only have one plan when they take the field.

They will try to press and win the ball in the Man Utd half.

I was in attendance at Anfield couple of weeks back when they played Newcastle United. They created so many chances they could&#39;ve been cruising comfortably at half-time but they failed to take them.

But then there&#39;s the same old problem that is the defence where they are too wide open. Newcastle got the equaliser and they lost two points.

Liverpool have no chance of winning the Premier League when they play like that. They haven&#39;t improved their defence from last season. And if they don&#39;t improve, they won&#39;t win the league.

Having said that, given how Liverpool have performed against the big teams, I wouldn&#39;t be surprised if they go out there and get a result against Manchester United.

Q:&nbsp;Interesting point you&#39;re bringing up. Why is it that Liverpool seem to show up for the big matches and why do they tend slip up against the bottom teams?

Shearer: A lot of teams go out there and fancy their chances against Liverpool. That actually suits them because Liverpool have a plethora of attacking talent. But when teams sit deeper, play compact and frustrate them. I think Manchester United will try and do that.

Q:&nbsp;They did that last year, Jose Mourinho tried to park the bus. And succeeded to an extent. Do you think a similar result will be in store this time round?

Shearer: I think Mourinho and Manchester United will go to Anfield to try and frustrate them. They will keep it tight at the back. Although Mourinho has a better team this time than he did last season.

They&#39;re scoring more goals as well. I still think Mourinho will go out there and try to pull off a typical Mourinho Masterclass that is he&#39;ll try to frustrate Liverpool.

Q: If Manchester United fail to get three points from this fixture, would it be significant?

Shearer: If Manchester United don&#39;t get the three points, it will damage their title credentials obviously. But if Liverpool are to be beaten then they are out of the title race.

They will be 10 points behind United, so they can&#39;t afford that. If United don&#39;t get the three points it&#39;ll be hard for them to digest, but it won&#39;t be a disaster.&nbsp;

England football legend Alan Shearer said he had a great experience in Mumbai

By Rahul Dalal In an exclusive interview with WION, former England football player Alan Shearer talks about his second visit to India, the English Premier League, the Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry and much more... Q: This is your second trip to India, you've seen this and done this before in Mumbai. What do you expect from this one here in Bengaluru and how it'll be better this time? Shearer: It was a great experience in Mumbai earlier this year to be a part of that. It showed how much India loves football. We are here to pass on our expertise from the Premier League to the Indian Super League which is getting bigger and better. We are here to improve the fan experience. I'm reliably told there are close to forty thousand fans expected to be here at the Premier League Live Screening in Bengaluru over Saturday and Sunday. Q: When so many fans get together, there's always going to be banter. There will be when there's such a big game to look forward to? When you meet your fellow legends is there a lot of banter as well? Shearer: A lot of us don't know each other. But we've come together after we've finished playing as we meet each other a lot while doing media events. You always have a bit of a laugh as we have a lot of banter. Back in the day, it was all serious business out on the pitch. But now when we look back and reflect, we feel perhaps we shouldn't have been that aggressive at that moment. We all wanted to win at that time and wouldn't have it any other way. It feels good to catch up with these great players again. Q: Coming to that big match, the biggest game of the English season. History, heated rivalry. Where could it be decided? Shearer: It is a huge fixture in the Premier League calendar because of the size of the clubs, fans, tradition and history. These two giants have dominated English football for a long time. Liverpool have even dominated in Europe as well. They are popular not only in England but also across the world. As for the match on Saturday, Jose Mourinho and his boys will try to frustrate Liverpool. Liverpool only have one plan when they take the field. They will try to press and win the ball in the Man Utd half. I was in attendance at Anfield couple of weeks back when they played Newcastle United. They created so many chances they could've been cruising comfortably at half-time but they failed to take them. But then there's the same old problem that is the defence where they are too wide open. Newcastle got the equaliser and they lost two points. Liverpool have no chance of winning the Premier League when they play like that. They haven't improved their defence from last season. And if they don't improve, they won't win the league. Having said that, given how Liverpool have performed against the big teams, I wouldn't be surprised if they go out there and get a result against Manchester United. Q: Interesting point you're bringing up. Why is it that Liverpool seem to show up for the big matches and why do they tend slip up against the bottom teams? Shearer: A lot of teams go out there and fancy their chances against Liverpool. That actually suits them because Liverpool have a plethora of attacking talent. But when teams sit deeper, play compact and frustrate them. I think Manchester United will try and do that. Q: They did that last year, Jose Mourinho tried to park the bus. And succeeded to an extent. Do you think a similar result will be in store this time round? Shearer: I think Mourinho and Manchester United will go to Anfield to try and frustrate them. They will keep it tight at the back. Although Mourinho has a better team this time than he did last season. They're scoring more goals as well. I still think Mourinho will go out there and try to pull off a typical Mourinho Masterclass that is he'll try to frustrate Liverpool. Q: If Manchester United fail to get three points from this fixture, would it be significant? Shearer: If Manchester United don't get the three points, it will damage their title credentials obviously. But if Liverpool are to be beaten then they are out of the title race. They will be 10 points behind United, so they can't afford that. If United don't get the three points it'll be hard for them to digest, but it won't be a disaster.

Watch WION Exclusive: India loves football, says?Alan Shearer

Police investigations into the sexual abuse of youngsters within English football widened Friday as England captain Wayne Rooney praised victims for speaking out.

Jason Dunford, once a youth player with Premier League giants Manchester City, added to the growing tide of abuse accusations that have rocked the English game by alleging that a football paedophile ring was covered up.

The allegations mainly centre on Barry Bennell, a youth coach with Manchester City, Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra and several junior teams in northwest England.

Andy Woodward last week became the first player to reveal publicly the abuse Bennell inflicted upon him, triggering a stream of similar claims.

Bennell was given a four-year sentence for raping a British boy on a football tour of Florida in 1994 and a nine-year sentence for 23 offences against six boys in England in 1998.

He was jailed for a third time in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to abusing a boy at a football camp in Macclesfield, northwest England, in 1980.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) announced Thursday it had launched a telephone helpline for victims of football abuse.&nbsp;

Rooney urged any player who had been affected to call the hotline and no longer &quot;suffer in silence&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s awful that some of my colleagues have suffered this way whilst playing the sport that I and they love,&quot; the Manchester United forward said.&nbsp;

&quot;Andy (Woodward) has been really brave to come forward and I would encourage anyone who has or is suffering from abuse to call the NSPCC&#39;s new football helpline.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s important that people know that it&#39;s ok to speak out, there is help available and that they don&#39;t need to suffer in silence.&quot;

Allegations increase

Police said the establishment of the hotline and the publicity generated by former players sharing their stories in the media had prompted other potential victims to come forward, with Bennell not the only name under investigation.

A growing number of allegations have been reported in four police force areas, against several individuals.

London&#39;s Metropolitan Police said it had received information relating to &quot;non-recent sexual abuse in football clubs&quot; in the city, without naming the teams involved.

Earlier, Dunford told BBC television: &quot;I believe there was a conspiracy and paedophile ring.&quot;

Dunford added Bennell had attempted to touch him in bed while he had been staying at a holiday camp after winning a football competition.

&quot;There were people at those clubs who had a duty to look after boys coming through their system,&quot; Dunford said. &quot;I think (Jimmy) Savile looks like a choirboy compared to this fellow.&quot;

Following his death in 2011, numerous allegations of sexual abuse stretching back six decades tainted the name of Savile, a BBC radio DJ and television presenter.&nbsp;

As a result of allegations involving Savile and other high-profile figures, but none specifically linked to football, a wide-ranging inquiry into sex abuse in Britain was established two years ago.

The probe has said it is open to examining allegations within football.

A spokeswoman said the investigation&#39;s role is to look at &quot;institutional failure to protect children from child sexual abuse&quot;, adding that its terms of reference &quot;are broad enough to include failures by sports clubs&quot;.

Death threats

Seven former players have come forward to allege abuse by a youth coach.

Former Manchester City and England forward David White, Woodward, Dunford, Chris Unsworth and Steve Walters all allege they were abused by Bennell.

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Paul Stewart, capped three times by England, said he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by an unnamed man who threatened to kill his family if he told anyone.

The Guardian newspaper said it had been approached by a former Newcastle United player, whose identity it did not reveal, alleging he had been sexually abused while at the northeast club.

The ex-player named George Ormond, who has already had a six-year prison sentence for convictions involving boys from the club&#39;s youth system over a 24-year period.

The English Premier League said it was &quot;very concerned&quot; by the allegations and offered its support to anyone coming forward. It said clubs were regularly visited to check their safeguarding provisions for youth players.

(AFP)

Andy Woodward last week became the first player to reveal publicly the abuse Barry Bennell inflicted upon him

Police investigations into the sexual abuse of youngsters within English football widened Friday as England captain Wayne Rooney praised victims for speaking out. Jason Dunford, once a youth player with Premier League giants Manchester City, added to the growing tide of abuse accusations that have rocked the English game by alleging that a football paedophile ring was covered up. The allegations mainly centre on Barry Bennell, a youth coach with Manchester City, Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra and several junior teams in northwest England. Andy Woodward last week became the first player to reveal publicly the abuse Bennell inflicted upon him, triggering a stream of similar claims. Bennell was given a four-year sentence for raping a British boy on a football tour of Florida in 1994 and a nine-year sentence for 23 offences against six boys in England in 1998. He was jailed for a third time in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to abusing a boy at a football camp in Macclesfield, northwest England, in 1980. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) announced Thursday it had launched a telephone helpline for victims of football abuse. Rooney urged any player who had been affected to call the hotline and no longer "suffer in silence". "It's awful that some of my colleagues have suffered this way whilst playing the sport that I and they love," the Manchester United forward said. "Andy (Woodward) has been really brave to come forward and I would encourage anyone who has or is suffering from abuse to call the NSPCC's new football helpline. "It's important that people know that it's ok to speak out, there is help available and that they don't need to suffer in silence." Allegations increase Police said the establishment of the hotline and the publicity generated by former players sharing their stories in the media had prompted other potential victims to come forward, with Bennell not the only name under investigation. A growing number of allegations have been reported in four police force areas, against several individuals. London's Metropolitan Police said it had received information relating to "non-recent sexual abuse in football clubs" in the city, without naming the teams involved. Earlier, Dunford told BBC television: "I believe there was a conspiracy and paedophile ring." Dunford added Bennell had attempted to touch him in bed while he had been staying at a holiday camp after winning a football competition. "There were people at those clubs who had a duty to look after boys coming through their system," Dunford said. "I think (Jimmy) Savile looks like a choirboy compared to this fellow." Following his death in 2011, numerous allegations of sexual abuse stretching back six decades tainted the name of Savile, a BBC radio DJ and television presenter. As a result of allegations involving Savile and other high-profile figures, but none specifically linked to football, a wide-ranging inquiry into sex abuse in Britain was established two years ago. The probe has said it is open to examining allegations within football. A spokeswoman said the investigation's role is to look at "institutional failure to protect children from child sexual abuse", adding that its terms of reference "are broad enough to include failures by sports clubs". Death threats Seven former players have come forward to allege abuse by a youth coach. Former Manchester City and England forward David White, Woodward, Dunford, Chris Unsworth and Steve Walters all allege they were abused by Bennell. Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Paul Stewart, capped three times by England, said he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by an unnamed man who threatened to kill his family if he told anyone. The Guardian newspaper said it had been approached by a former Newcastle United player, whose identity it did not reveal, alleging he had been sexually abused while at the northeast club. The ex-player named George Ormond, who has already had a six-year prison sentence for convictions involving boys from the club's youth system over a 24-year period. The English Premier League said it was "very concerned" by the allegations and offered its support to anyone coming forward. It said clubs were regularly visited to check their safeguarding provisions for youth players. (AFP)

Football: Probes widen into youth sex abuse at English clubs

Roberto Di Matteo has been handed the task of restoring Aston Villa&#39;s fortunes after the seven-times English champions announced the Italian as their new manager today.

The 46-year-old, who won the Champions League during a short spell in charge of Chelsea in 2012, takes over weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League.
&quot;It&#39;s a wonderful honour for me to become manager of this great football club and I&#39;m looking forward to the challenge of taking Aston Villa back to its rightful place,&quot; Di Matteo said.

Former Chelsea team mate and coach Steve Clarke has been appointed as Di Matteo&#39;s assistant.

Di Matteo has previously worked as a manager in the second-tier Championship, gaining promotion with West Bromwich Albion in 2009-10.

Villa will be hoping that their new manager can have a similar impact after a dreadful season in which they finished bottom with only three wins and sacked two managers, Tim Sherwood in October and his replacement Remi Garde in March.

Swiss-born former Italian midfielder Di Matteo played for Lazio and Chelsea. He once scored after 42 seconds in the 1997 FA Cup final against Middlesbrough.

He won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners&#39; Cup while at Stamford Bridge and returned to Chelsea as assistant manager to Andre Villas-Boas in 2011, stepping up as interim manager when the Portuguese was sacked in March 2012.

Against all expectations, he guided Chelsea to a Champions League semi-final defeat of Barcelona and then beat Bayern Munich on penalties in the final in their own stadium.

Di Matteo was rewarded by being appointed manager on a permanent basis&nbsp;but by November&nbsp;he had fallen out of favour and was sacked after a Champions League defeat by Juventus.

Since then&nbsp;he managed Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga but resigned in May 2015.

Di Matteo's appointment is a result of the club's performance in the Premier League. This former Italian midfielder had won the Champions League and FA Cup with Chelsea in 2012

Roberto Di Matteo has been handed the task of restoring Aston Villa's fortunes after the seven-times English champions announced the Italian as their new manager today. The 46-year-old, who won the Champions League during a short spell in charge of Chelsea in 2012, takes over weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League. "It's a wonderful honour for me to become manager of this great football club and I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking Aston Villa back to its rightful place," Di Matteo said. Former Chelsea team mate and coach Steve Clarke has been appointed as Di Matteo's assistant. Di Matteo has previously worked as a manager in the second-tier Championship, gaining promotion with West Bromwich Albion in 2009-10. Villa will be hoping that their new manager can have a similar impact after a dreadful season in which they finished bottom with only three wins and sacked two managers, Tim Sherwood in October and his replacement Remi Garde in March. Swiss-born former Italian midfielder Di Matteo played for Lazio and Chelsea. He once scored after 42 seconds in the 1997 FA Cup final against Middlesbrough. He won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup while at Stamford Bridge and returned to Chelsea as assistant manager to Andre Villas-Boas in 2011, stepping up as interim manager when the Portuguese was sacked in March 2012. Against all expectations, he guided Chelsea to a Champions League semi-final defeat of Barcelona and then beat Bayern Munich on penalties in the final in their own stadium. Di Matteo was rewarded by being appointed manager on a permanent basis but by November he had fallen out of favour and was sacked after a Champions League defeat by Juventus. Since then he managed Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga but resigned in May 2015.

Roberto Di Matteo is Aston Villa's new manager

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho today backed Sam Allardyce&#39;s impending appointment as England manager saying he was a &quot;good choice&quot; for the job. 
 
&quot;I think it&#39;s the right person for that job,&quot; Mourinho told a news conference in Shanghai on the eve of the International Champions Cup match against Borussia Dortmund. 
 
&quot;I think he&#39;s a good choice. I think Sam never had a big chance at the highest level; lots of experience in the Premier League but never that big one and now he has the big one. 
 
&quot;I think he&#39;s more than ready.&quot; 
 
Allardyce is set to be chosen as new England manager at a Football Association board meeting at Wembley today, FA chairman Greg Dyke said. 
 
&quot;Big Sam&quot;, as the Sunderland manager is known, has been selected by a three-man FA panel from a shortlist that included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. 
 
Allardyce is also thought to have received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and the new Old Trafford boss agrees. 
 
&quot;I think he&#39;s a good motivator. I think he can create a good team spirit with his players,&quot; said Mourinho. 
 
&quot;And I wish him the best from my side and not just as a friend but as a Manchester United manager. 
 
&quot;The only thing I can promise is that I am going to try to support him in the best way ...to have English players always available in conditions to help him. 
 
&quot;So good luck to Sam.&quot; 
 
Dyke told the UK&#39;s Sky Sports News that the board were due to rubber-stamp Allardyce&#39;s appointment. 
 
&quot;Clearly the three-man group are convinced he&#39;s the right man and I go along with that, yes. 
 
&quot;We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. 
 
&quot;They&#39;ve taken that decision and obviously we&#39;ll agree with them.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Big Sam, as the Sunderland manager is known, has been selected by a three-man Football Association panel

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho today backed Sam Allardyce's impending appointment as England manager saying he was a "good choice" for the job. "I think it's the right person for that job," Mourinho told a news conference in Shanghai on the eve of the International Champions Cup match against Borussia Dortmund. "I think he's a good choice. I think Sam never had a big chance at the highest level; lots of experience in the Premier League but never that big one and now he has the big one. "I think he's more than ready." Allardyce is set to be chosen as new England manager at a Football Association board meeting at Wembley today, FA chairman Greg Dyke said. "Big Sam", as the Sunderland manager is known, has been selected by a three-man FA panel from a shortlist that included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Allardyce is also thought to have received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and the new Old Trafford boss agrees. "I think he's a good motivator. I think he can create a good team spirit with his players," said Mourinho. "And I wish him the best from my side and not just as a friend but as a Manchester United manager. "The only thing I can promise is that I am going to try to support him in the best way ...to have English players always available in conditions to help him. "So good luck to Sam." Dyke told the UK's Sky Sports News that the board were due to rubber-stamp Allardyce's appointment. "Clearly the three-man group are convinced he's the right man and I go along with that, yes. "We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. "They've taken that decision and obviously we'll agree with them." (AFP)

Sam Allardyce ready to lead English football: Jose Mourinho

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