Guardiola brushes off mole in Bayern's camp

Pep Guardiola on Friday contradicted the mole in his camp by insisting the atmosphere is 'really good' in the Bayern Munich squad and denied there is disharmony among his players.
Magazine Kicker created a storm in the German media this week by quoting an unnamed Bayern player, who claimed the squad's spirit is 'not good', then leaked details after Guardiola's demands for more professionalism.
Bayern's head coach will leave in May after three years in charge, but until then he insists he is simply doing his job.
The 45-year-old wants more professionalism after several players were carrying 'a few extra kilos'.
And he insists Bayern's stars must remain in Munich on their days off to rest properly in the coming weeks as they bid for the treble of Champions League, German Cup and Bundesliga titles.
EXTRA KILOS
"A few players were carrying a few extra kilos and that is why I said we need to be more professional," said Guardiola in a Munich press conference with his team eight points clear in Germany's top flight.
"We have nutritional advisors who keep an eye on the players weight, it's like that everywhere.
"You can't win titles when the players aren't professional.
"I also spoke to captain Philipp Lahm and (director of sport) Matthias Sammer and said that it's not good if players fly off in the weeks when we only have one game, they need to rest.
"I am here only to do what is best for my players, that's all.
"I just want them to be happy and healthy, we do absolutely everything for them.
"We talk to them about how important nutrition and sleep are.
"If you don't look after that, you can't win many titles."
Guardiola refused to say which players were overweight and seemed relaxed even though this is the second time he has had to deal with a mole in the Bayern camp.
"I saw the same in my first year here. When I talked to the squad, the details were in the paper the next day," said Guardiola, who wants to coach in England next season.
"That is just the way it is.
"I tried to stop it happening, but it didn't make any difference.
"I'm not friends with any journalists here, I don't have their numbers to ring them up."
TOTAL TRUST
Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt quit as Bayern's team doctor last April after being blamed for injuries in Bayern's quarterfinal, first-leg away defeat to Porto in the Champions League, before eventually reaching the semifinals.
Several of Bayern's stars are still treated by Mueller-Wohlfahrt, who has superstar Usain Bolt among his high-profile clients, and Guardiola has a problem with that.
"I let the doctors do their job. I don't know anything about medicine," said Guardiola.
"I trust Mueller-Wohlfahrt completely and the relationship with the medical department is better than it was.
"When a player wants to go to see him, it's no problem. Of course, we are speaking to each other."
But Guardiola does have problems in defence with Jerome Boateng expected to miss the next three months after tearing his groin last Friday in the 2-1 win over Hamburg.
It means Guardiola's only two fit centre-backs in Holger Badstuber and Javi Martinez will start Sunday's league match at home to Hoffenheim in a new partnership, although Medhi Benatia should return from a leg injury next week.
"There are qualities which Martinez and Benatia has which Boateng doesn't, but of course I am worried," said Guardiola.
"We have done everything to prevent Jerome's injury, but it still happened."

‘Turan's seamless integration no surprise’

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is not surprised by how quickly Arda Turan, hoping to face former side Atletico Madrid in Saturday's top of the table La Liga clash, has settled in at his new club.
Turan has slipped effortlessly into Barca the midfield and will be pushing for a start on his 29th birthday against Atletico where he established himself on the world stage and helped them win the La Liga title in 2014.
He watched the first months of this season from the sidelines following his move in July because he could not be registered until this transfer window due to the Catalan side's Fifa ban.
"He is the type of player that likes to have the ball and so it is logical that he has adapted quickly to a team that looks to always have possession," Luis Enrique told a news conference on Friday.
"He has also been able to take advantage during the four or five months this season when he could not play, to train with the players and get to know them.
"Anyone who likes to have the ball would like to play our system. On top of this though you have to work hard to pressure high up the pitch."
Turan has recovered from a bout of flu which caused him to miss Wednesday's King's Cup triumph over Athletic Bilbao but he faces tough competition for a starting place with Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic in rich form.
Barca are ahead of Atletico on goal difference at the top of La Liga with a game in hand and they remain on course for a second successive treble.
They did start slowly in their La Liga win over Malaga last weekend as well as against Bilbao, when they had to come from behind, but Luis Enrique believes they will be firing on all cylinders from the kick-off against Atletico.
"We were not at our best in the first half against Malaga or Athletic and in the second half we gave another image," he said.
"The fact that we improved in the game suggests it is not a physical problem and I have complete confidence that they will be strong from the start against Atletico."

Cameroon, Ivory Coast in heavyweight clash

The champions of romantic football are set for a grueling battle at Huye Stadium in Butare on Saturday in a do-or-die quarterfinal clash that will define the true hero of the much-awaited West African derby that pits Ivory Coast with Cameroon at the 2016 Chan.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast advanced to the knockout stage following wins over Gabon and Morocco; having lost 0-1 to the hosts in the opening game of the tournament.
Ivory Coast coach, Michel Dussuyer, knows the real importance of the crunch clash as much is expected after the nation, who won the 2015 African Cup of Nations and it will be a significant moment as they seek another convincing win as they are fast becoming integral members among the African elites.
“We have been improving with every game we played and scoring four goals against Gabon was a positive sign of what we are capable of doing as it gave a lot of confidence to the team that yes they can go far in the tournament.
“Cameroon is a very respected side so you should expect a crunch match full of action from both sides but again as a coach my motive and aspiration is to beat the Indomitable Lions hands down at Huye at that point I will know we have a chance of clinching the tournament as its now one game at a time which are all a must win,” Dussuyer told supersport.com.
“We have a mission and that mission is to stop Cameroon it is tough but not impossible as we have the capacity and the players that can rise up to any occasion though we will have to be cautious from the first whistle as they are technically and tactically very good.”
Dussuyer will be spoiled for choice from his very talented side with the like of Badra Ali Sangare, Marcelin Koffi, Mahan Goua, Essis Aka, Soualio Quattara, Krahire Zakri, Yace Okpekon, Cheick Comara and skipper Yao Serge Nguessan expected to start against Cameroon.
Indeed Ivory Coast might be the team to watch but Cameroon's Indomitable Lions are the team to beat with their statistic loaded with implications. Yet the most important one for the Lions' fans is that the team have finally got back their mojo at the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda.
The Indomitable Lions were extremely efficient in attack and are sure to cause the Elephants' defence all sorts of problems in what will be the referred to as the West African derby.
Having reached the quarters, Cameroon head coach, Mpile Martin Ndtoungou, wants his team to go all the way and win the trophy as he believes his team can achieve that feat as long as they can go past the Elephants.
"Having a good performance against the toughest team in our group and drawing with Ethiopia confirms the uncertainties in football. We prepared for this game just like any other match. We are facing one of the favourites in the tournament Ivory Coast a match that has so much implications and if we go through then I think we will be unstoppable until the final.
“We have no option but to treat the game against Ivory Coast as a final. It’s a do-or-die moment where only a win will determine our destiny in the competition we cannot afford to lose at their expense,” Mpile told supersport.com.
“I have told my players the match will decide if they will continue to showcase their skills here in Rwanda. It might be tough but nothing is impossible in football as long as you have the determination to get on top.”
Mpile will depend on his players such as Djetei Mohamed, Aaron Mbimbe II, Yazid Arouba, Nlend Samuel, Mouami Brice, Kombi Dore, Samuel Gouet and captain Nyame Hugo Patick to help them earn the bragging rights.
The winner will face either Mali on Tunisia in the last four. Kick-off at the Stade Huye is scheduled for 18h00 CAT.

Hiddink upbeat over Pato loan deal

Guus Hiddink insisted Friday that Alexandre Pato's loan switch to Chelsea is not a gamble and confirmed the deal will be completed once paperwork formalities have been concluded.
The Brazil striker, 26, arrived in London this week to complete a move that will see him remain at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season.
The Corinthians player has not played a competitive game since the end of November and Hiddink admits it will take time for the forward to recover match fitness.
But the Chelsea interim manager believes the loan arrangement means the deal suits both club and player, who is expected to have no difficulties securing a work permit.
"He is in London," said Hiddink. "He was well spotted. There are no secrets nowadays, and we don't want to hide.
"It's at the paperwork stage. We'll see how long it takes to solve before he gets on the pitch."
Pato will add to Hiddink’s attacking options with Diego Costa currently shouldering responsibility for providing the side’s goal-threat now that both Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao are injured.
"It's not a gamble," said the Dutch boss. "Coming on loan makes it possible to have a good view of him, whether he's able to adapt to the high demands of the club and the league.
"We'll give him all the support in this, but it's up to him. If you buy those players, with all respect to him, who must take the next step then it's more of a risk," the Dutchman added.
"Taking him on loan is good for everyone, to see whether he's happy at this club and if the club are happy with him."
But Hiddink said there would be a period of adjustment.
"He has to settle. We'll give him the time to settle and get used to a very demanding league. Pato was a promising youngster, and also a very stylish player. Then he had a few years in Milan.
"After that, he didn't make a big step in Europe but went back to Brazil. Now he has another chance to make a big step in Europe, a brave step into England, and we'll help him to get fit."
Remy’s future at Chelsea has been questioned, with the striker linked with a move to former club Newcastle United.
Hiddink confirmed the forward will miss Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Milton Keynes with a calf injury and said: "He's injured for the moment, a slight injury on his calf. We'll see what happens in the upcoming days."
But the interim manager insisted, though, that Gary Cahill will not be leaving the club despite recent reports suggesting the player was concerned about his chances of making England’s Euro 2016 squad after falling out of the Chelsea first team.
"I spoke to him a few days ago about the situation, which I like to do always with my key players, and he's one of them," said Hiddink. "He's not to be considered second choice. He's of big importance and will be, with the multitude of games coming up.
"He was very open and very clear, that he loves to stay in this club. There is no single space left by him to say he wasn't happy. He's very happy here, but he's not playing.
"And that gives a bit of frustration, which is normal. But I like his attitude in training, never giving up, and that will always be rewarded. There was no hint that he wants to leave."

Klopp set to ring changes for West Ham

Liverpool's exertions in their midweek League Cup shootout win over Stoke City mean it will be a much-changed side that faces West Ham United in this weekend's FA Cup clash, manager Juergen Klopp said on Friday.
Klopp fielded a number of young academy graduates when they beat Exeter City in a replay to come through the FA Cup's previous round and some of those could find themselves thrown back into action at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool played 120 minutes on Tuesday and then had to go through the nail-biting drama of a penalty shootout to beat Stoke in their semifinal, second leg tie, while Saturday's opponents West Ham had no midweek distractions.
"Yes. It will be a different team, for sure," Klopp told a news conference.
"We have to make a few changes, we will make them, but only because we want to win the game."
West Ham have already beaten Liverpool twice in the league this season, but with Klopp's squad currently decimated by injuries, his options are limited.
The manager confirmed that captain Jordan Henderson has re-joined an injury list that includes nine of the German's first team squad, having been substituted during the second half of Tuesday's match with a recurrence of his long-term heel injury.
While centre back Dejan Lovren, who was on the bench against Stoke, is now back fit and right back Nathaniel Clyne, recovering from a knee injury, is a possibility to face West Ham, Klopp said Daniel Sturridge's woes are on-going.
The England striker, whose injury problems have ruled him out of the majority of the last two seasons, has not played since suffering a hamstring problem on December 6 and he will miss at least their next two games, his manager said.
"He is still working. Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's worse," Klopp added.
"He needs consistency in sessions and that's what we try to do. There's no doubt about his quality. We have to work together on his fitness."
Klopp was keeping his cards close to his chest as to whether he will be able to add to his squad in the remainder of the January transfer window, with a number of players including Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira having been linked with a move.
"There is nothing to say. You have to wait, like I have to wait," Klopp said.

Two new signings for Rise and Shine

Polokwane City signed two new players on Friday before the close of the transfer window to strengthen their squad for the rest of the season, the club announced.
They are joined by midfielders Edgar Manaka, who moves from Lamontville Golden Arrows, and Themba Mavundla, released by Maritzburg United.
The 26-year-old Manaka started just one match for Arrows this season after he moved from Platinum Stars, where in the 2014-15 campaign he had also had bit-part role with one start for the club. He also previously played at Black Leopards.
The 23-year-old Mavundla has not yet made any appearances in the Absa Premiership but did play at Baroka FC and Sivutsa Stars in the National First Division.
“I have been following both their careers, seeing them grow and mature and I think that they have done remarkably well for themselves. They chose us and we will do whatever it takes to make them feel at home,” said Polokwane City owner Johnny Mogaladi in a club statement.
No details of the contract were released.
The club have released Batiste Faye and two goalkeepers, Dino Visser and Kgothatso Mashia.
Brazilian fitness trainer Marco Munhouz joins the club to replace Eduardo Langer.

Dembele signs new Spurs deal

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele has signed a new contract that will run until 2019, the club said on Friday.
Belgium midfielder Dembele, who joined Tottenham from Fulham in 2012 in a £15 million deal, has made 143 appearances for the club and scored nine goals.
"The way we're playing, the way the club is developing, everything is very good," Dembele, 28, said on Tottenham's Twitter feed.
"Everyone wants to be part of this team and this club. That's why I am proud to extend my contract."
Dembele, who has more than 60 caps for Belgium, has helped keep Tottenham on the fringes of the Premier League title race this season, scoring four times in 20 appearances.
That represents a turnaround for Dembele, who made only 10 league starts last season and scored once.
British media reported his new contract would be worth around £60 000 a week.
Tottenham visit third tier Colchester United in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Samatta seals move to Genk

Tanzanian international Mbwana Samatta has signed a four-year contract at Belgian side KRC Genk joining from Congolese side TP Mazembe, supersport.com can exclusively reveal.
The newly-crowned Orange African Footballer of the Year (based in Africa) has been a hot prospect and a target of top clubs like Olympique Marseille in France, but it was Genk who managed to get his signature on an undisclosed fee making him Tanzania's highest paid player.
Speaking to supersport.com after his unveiling in Belgium, an elated Samatta expressed happiness with the move that took him to Europe directly, and he promised to continue with his goalscoring exploits.
"I am indeed happy to have joined Genk, a team with so much great history and tradition. The dream of any player in Africa is to make it to Europe and I thank God for this great opportunity that has been a result of hard work.
"I want to thank my former club, TP Mazembe, specifically the club president, Moise Katumbi, for giving me the great opportunity to play in one of the greatest clubs in Africa and in turn winning medals and honours that contributed to many teams, especially Genk, noticing me. I have a mission here in Belgium, I have not come for holidays but to deliver and give them the goals as I have done before," Samatta told supersport.com.
Samatta has been in superb form for TP Mazembe where he led them to the Caf Champions League title, scoring eight goals. He has been instrumental in the team since signing and he will be a great addition for Genk just weeks after being crowned African Player of the Year based in Africa.
KRC Genk play in the Belgian Pro League and have won three titles in 1998/99, 2001/02 and in 2010/11. They also won four Belgian cups, most recently in 2008/09 and in 2012/13.
Genk qualified for Uefa Champions League group stage in 2013.

Cahill staying at Chelsea - Hiddink

England defender Gary Cahill is a key player for Chelsea and will be staying despite his frustration at a lack of starts for the Premier League champions this season, interim manager Guus Hiddink said on Friday.
"He is of big value and I will prove that in the upcoming time," the Dutchman, who took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho last month, told reporters ahead of an FA Cup fourth-round match at second tier MK Dons on Sunday.
"Of course players who aren't playing frequently, they must get frustrated," added Hiddink. "I spoke to him days ago about the situation, which I always like to do with key players.
"Recently he signed a new contract, which is a signal he loves the club and likes to be here. Sometimes players have a little period where they don't play frequently ... but everyone will get their minutes to play."
A source close to the player told Reuters this week that the 30-year-old feared he might miss out on this year's European Championship if he was not playing more regularly.
The frustration was such that the player, who signed a new four-year contract in December, felt he might have to leave.
The England vice-captain has played more than 170 games for Chelsea but has made only 12 league appearances this season as Kurt Zouma and John Terry have become preferred starters.
A mainstay of England's march to Euro 2016, Cahill has played just twice since Hiddink took charge.
Chelsea are 13th in the league, 19 points adrift of leaders Leicester City, but still fighting in the Champions League – with Paris St Germain standing between them and a place in the last eight – and FA Cup.
Hiddink also confirmed that Chelsea were set to bring in 20-year-old US international defender Matt Miazga from New York Red Bulls.
"He will be one of the squad members for the rest of the season, a young guy stepping up to the national team, and if you have young players you can see what they are capable of in training," the manager said.
Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato is also in the process of joining on loan after arriving in London on Wednesday.
"Pato is in London. He was well spotted," said Hiddink. "There are no secrets. He's now in the process of paperwork. We won't rush it and soon he can go on the pitch."

'Talk of Man City quadruple not realistic'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed talk of a 'quadruple' this season as unrealistic ahead of this weekend's FA Cup fourth round clash at Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
No English club has ever won both the domestic cup competitions, the league and European Champions League in the same season but Abu Dhabi-owned City remain in the mix for all of them.
They are second in the Premier League, three points adrift of unheralded leaders Leicester City, and made sure of at least one trip to Wembley after beating Everton in the League Cup semifinals.
They face Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.
"It's not a target that we have in mind at the moment because it is not a realistic target," Pellegrini told reporters on Friday when asked about the quadruple. "We have to play against Aston Villa tomorrow. If we fail tomorrow, we finish talking about that."
The Chilean said that fixture congestion could also become a problem, with the February 28 League Cup final already forcing the rescheduling to a later date of a Premier League match against Newcastle United.
"If we continue in the FA Cup, if you want to arrive to the final we have at least two (Premier League) games more suspended so it's difficult if you continue in the Champions League to find a day where you can play all those games," he added.
Villa, bottom of the league, held City to a goalless draw in November and have started to turn things around with a run of five games unbeaten.
City meanwhile have a lengthening injury list with Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne facing up to 10 weeks out with a medial ligament injury while Vincent Kompany, Aleksandar Kolarov, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony are also unavailable.
Pellegrini said Bony was expected to be fit again in a couple of weeks while Kompany, Mangala and Kolarov could return to working with the squad next week.
The manager felt City had a big enough squad to cope, however, without the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday.
"It is not our intention to bring in anyone in January. I trust in my squad and I am sure we will be competitive," he said.

Juve striker Mandzukic ruled out for a month

Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic will be sidelined for a month with a calf injury and could miss the Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayern Munich, the Serie A giants announced on Friday.
Mandzukic suffered the injury in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Inter Milan in the first leg of their Italian Cup semifinal, with Juve putting the timeline for the Croat's recovery at "four weeks".
The 29-year-old is likely to miss Juve's game against Serie A leaders Napoli on February 13, and is also a doubt for the home leg of their Champions League tie against former club Bayern 10 days later.
Mandzukic made a slow start in Italy following his close-season move from Atletico Madrid, but the Croat has since settled in Turin and has scored nine goals in 22 appearances this season.
Juve are seeking a fifth successive Scudetto and Massimiliano Allegri's second-placed side are just two points behind Napoli following a run of 11 straight wins.

Simon extends contract at Gent

Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, has extended his contract by another season with Belgian champions KAA Gent which will see him stay at the Ghelamco Arena until 2019.
Simon moved to the Buffaloes from Slovakian side AS Trencin a year ago and helped them to win a first ever Belgian leagues title last season.
The 20-year-old banged in seven goals in 15 matches as Gent surprised everyone to win the domestic title in Belgium.
Despite a slow start to the season occasioned by injury, Simon has been in good form of recent and was also an integral part of Gent’s qualification for the knock-out stage of the Uefa Champions League.
“I’m glad with the contract and I thank God for everything he has done for me. I’m happy to extend my contract with Gent,” he told supersport.com
“My focus now is to do my best for the team. I want to help Gent do well in the league and the Uefa Champions League.” he added.
Simon has also been in good form for the Super Eagles scoring two goals in his last three matches.

Ajax delighted for departing Scott

Ajax Cape Town midfielder Granwald Scott has completed his move to Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The 28-year-old had a 10-day trial in Europe earlier this month and impressed enough to win a contract.
He leaves Ajax after 16 years with the blessing of theclub and the well-wishes of CEO Ari Efstathiou.
“Scotty joined Ajax Cape Town Academy when he was 12 years old. He signed his first professional contract at the age of 15. He’s been a loyal servant to the club for many years, so we wish him well with his journey abroad,” Efstathiou said.
“We are confident that he will represent Ajax Cape Town, as well as his country, with great pride. He was good enough to play in Europe from a young age but had three unsuccessful European trials after injuring himself on all three occasions.
“To make it in Europe at the age of 28, is clearly an indication of Scotty’s immense talent.”
Ajax had earlier said they would not stand in the player’s way if Slovan decided to sign him.
“The club went out of its way to facilitate his transfer and to help make his dream move a reality. All of us at Ajax Cape Town are very proud of Granwald’s achievement.
“He’s a great example for every young player, showing great determination and perseverance in succeeding. We hope to see Scotty playing in the Champions League very soon.”
Slovan are currently second in the 12-team league, seven points behind leaders Trencin after 19 games.

Bruyne injury blow for City

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines after he was carried off on a stretcher with a suspected knee ligament injury in Wednesday's League Cup semifinal win over Everton.
The Belgian had come on as a second-half substitute and been instrumental in turning the game in City's favour.
He scored the goal that put them 2-1 ahead on the night and crossed brilliantly for Sergio Aguero to head home and give City a 4-3 aggregate victory.
De Bruyne suffered a painful end, however, when his knee appeared to give way in the 89th minute and he was carried off with his leg in a brace.
"I'm optimistic he won't be out for the rest of the season," City manager Manuel Pellegrini told the BBC.
"We'll see how important the damage is. It's not the cruciate ligament."
Pellegrini said the club's doctor thought it was a problem with De Bruyne's medial ligament.
"Kevin has been a very important player all season," he said. "Tomorrow we will have news but it is not a nice injury."
The injury could have a significant impact for both club and country, with City still fighting on four fronts and Belgium having qualified for this year's European Championship in France.
City are second in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Leicester City, and play Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League last 16.
They travel to Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Cup win catalyst for Reds - Milner

Liverpool's transition under Jurgen Klopp will become easier if the team can win the League Cup title, according to midfielder James Milner.
England's second most successful football club have won just one trophy in the last nine years, the League Cup in 2012, and will face Manchester City in the February 28 final.
Milner said the change of manager, from Brendan Rodgers to Klopp, has been difficult but believes the Merseyside club can lay foundations for further success by winning the Wembly contest against his former club.
"This club is built on success - they're used to winning trophies. It's always tough changing managers," Milner told British media.
"We can win a trophy and be in the hunt for others during a transition season when it's easy to say: 'There's been a lot of changes - let's see how we do; do the best we can and go again next year'.
"Hopefully we can do both: the transition with the new manager and keep improving - get a few players back as well. At times we haven't performed with the quality we want but the bottom line is we're still in every competition."
Milner remains optimistic about Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Klopp's men are currently seventh in the league with 34 points after 23 games, eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
"We're not a million miles off in the league. With a few more points and a few more goals, we'll be closer (to the top four)," the England international said.
"With a strong finish, we can be in a reasonable position. There's definitely a lot more to come from this squad."

Chinese player quota headache for Portugal

Portugal's second division clubs are disturbed over plans to impose Chinese players on the league as part of a sponsorship deal with a Chinese company.
"They can't force Chinese players on us, it should be an option," the division's chief Jose Godinho told AFP on Wednesday.
He was speaking after Monday's signing in Beijing of a deal with Ledman, a lighting manufacturer based in Shenzhen.
The agreement allows for "ten Chinese players and three assistant coaches to join the ten best clubs in the Portuguese second division to improve their level," Ledman noted in a statement.
But Godinho insisted that clubs had made it clear throughout negotiations that the arrival of Chinese players should always be an option, not an obligation.
The deal has also raised concerns with the Portuguese professional footballers union.
Their president Joaquim Evangelista said: "We don't understand why the league is allowing a company to force players on to clubs and their managers."
The Portuguese League sought to put the clubs' minds at ease.
"There will be an exchange of footballers but the League guarantees that nothing will be imposed on the clubs," said the League's media officer Germano Almeida.
According to a specialist sporting rights lawyer, the clubs' fears are unfounded.
"No one can force a club to hire a player, it's forbidden by Fifa's rules, by the Portuguese football federation and by the League," said Joao Manteigas.
"The regulations are even stricter for foreigners," he added, but "there is a way around them by offering clubs a premium for hiring Chinese players; as long as nothing is mandatory it's perfectly legal."
In 2015, as talks were held with Ledman, second division clubs laid out a proposed compensation package for taking on Chinese players.
They asked for 20 000 euros ($22 000) the first year and 100 000 euros the fourth year for accepting three players and an assistant referee.
And a Chinese footballer's playing time should earn them several thousand euros, suggested clubs, who wanted 20percent of any transfer fee when a player moved on.
None of these figures have been confirmed by the Portuguese League, which has also not confirmed the length of the sponsorship, nor if the league will be renamed 'Ledman Proliga', as the company has announced.
The multinational is already involved in football, as sponsors in the Chinese first and second divisions.
This is not the first time China has looked to Portugal to raise the standard of the country's football, currently ranked 82nd in the world.
Oriental Dragon, launched in 2011, has around 30 players based in the country with various regional outfits.
Some of these players are already under contract with first division sides back home.
Monday's deal is not the first breakthrough for China in European football.
Manchester City sold 13percent of its shares to a consortium of Chinese investors in December for around 375 million euros ($406 million), while earlier last year real estate and entertainment giant Wanda took 20percent of Atletico Madrid for 45 million euros.

Oliseh fears for Nigeria

Sunday Oliseh, has revealed his fear about Nigeria's chances of having their strongest squad for the coming qualifiers.
The Nigerian trainer explained that he holds the fear that "some players (might not come)" for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) if the country fails to act. He added that a number of the Nigerian internationals have called him on telephone to ask for "what they're being owed."
"I only have one fear, and I will share it with you. It is that I just hope that the next time we send invitations out, that players won't start refusing to play for Nigeria. That is something that is scary but it is real. We have to start thinking because we're not going to work miracles anymore," said Oliseh.
"I'm just afraid that if we don't put our acts in order we might invite players for the next qualifications and may be some players (might not come); I'm afraid. Already I'm getting phone calls from them, you they're still asking what they're being owed."

Oliseh took charge of his first international tournament at the African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda, where Nigeria failed to qualify from the group stage.

Amoo picks Chan positive

Nigeria's Olympic team assistant coach, Fatai Amoo has picked positive from Super Eagles' ouster from the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda.
Eagles lost 0-1 to Guinea in the last group match finishing a distant third as winners, Tunisia and conquerors, Guinea progressed to the quarterfinals of the biennial showpiece.
Amoo said the championship helped greatly in the discovery of few domestic players who can readily make the mainstream team, Super Eagles.
"Of course, the championship is not 100 percent losses there are gains as few players shone like million stars and can immediately fit into the Super Eagles programme.
"Chisom Chikatara is a standout performer, I was not surprised at his good rating because he was with us in the U-23 so I had the privilege of working closely with him.
"Chisom is a bundle of talent and will do greater thing in the near future in his chosen career.
"Osas Okoro and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, too performed excellently well at the championship.
"That's not to say the trio is the only performers but I can always put my money on the three to earn instant place in the Super Eagles.
"The three players actually standout in Rwanda Chan 2016 and clearly the positive of the championship, " said the former Super Eagles assistant coach to supersport.com.
Amoo however said Eagles' sudden elimination from the championship is more psychological than technical.
"After a bright start against Niger then a 1-1 draw against Tunisia it was a signal we are dropping instead of ascending in form.
"The last game we needed at least a draw to stay on while Guinea need a win to progress.
"Experience has shown that the team that need a win to advance in a championship often get the desired result over the one that needs a draw.
"Psychologically, our boys did not fight enough to earn the desired result that would have seen them move to the quarterfinals.
"Obviously, there is something wrong with the team in the game against Guinea but I believe the better side won the clash," said the former 3SC and Sunshine Stars coach.
Nigeria claimed bronze in the immediate past edition of the championship in South Africa under former manager, Stephen Keshi..

Nasri hopes to return in March

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri expects to return to action by end of March after initially fearing he could miss rest of the season with a thigh injury he picked up in October.

"The original estimate by the doctors was that I'd be out for between four to six months and the surgeon told me the same," Nasri told the club website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

"But I've already done two months and I'm targeting the international break in March to be back properly with the squad."

Manuel Pellegrini's men are second in the Premier League table after 23 games, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference and three points behind Leicester City, and Nasri hopes to return in time to help City's title push.

"We have a schedule and at the moment we are ahead... but I want to work hard and be back with the squad before the end of the season and I want to be back training normally with the team towards the end of March," he said.

City travel to face second-from-bottom Sunderland on February 2, after hosting Everton in the second leg of the League Cup semifinal on Wednesday and taking on Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.