TIG Post

Tag: Bayern Munich

  • PSG sets sights on ex Barcelona manager as target as negotiations with Julian Nagelsmann falter

    PSG sets sights on ex Barcelona manager as target as negotiations with Julian Nagelsmann falter

    Paris Saint-Germain appears to have acted swiftly following reports of a failed attempt to secure Julian Nagelsmann as their new coach.

    Nagelsmann had been strongly linked with a move to the French club as a potential replacement for Christophe Galtier.

    However, negotiations between Nagelsmann and PSG did not reach a successful agreement, as reported by L’Equipe.

    As a result, former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has emerged as a prominent candidate in the race to become the new head coach of the Ligue 1 champions.

    A report filed by PSG Community suggests that the Spanish manager will be in Paris in the next few hours to likely secure his contract.

    Nagelsmann reportedly informed some players waiting to arrive that he will not be managing PSG. One player said to have been to the French giants as part of Nagelsmann’s arrival was Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.

    Nonetheless, with Enrique possibly taking over the managerial role at PSG, it seems a move for Pavard might be out of the question. If the 53-year-old does take over, it will be interesting to see what players he will desire that sporting advisor Luis Campos should pursue.

    Nagelsmann’s agent slams Chelsea

    Meanwhile, there were many complications surrounding Nagelsmann. First, he is still under contract with Bayern until the end of his deal in 2026 – this was agreed upon when he was sacked.

    The Blues hierarchy were also reportedly concerned about his age – 35 – and the reasons for his dismissal from the Bavarian club which could hint at what was expected from him.

    However, Nagelsmann’s agent, Volker Struth, appeared to have confirmed reports that he had rejected the London outfit’s advances and not the other way around.

    “I can confirm that Chelsea were quick to call, there were some phone conversations. It was the right decision not to go there. It’s a club in troubled waters at the moment,” he told BILD’s podcast, Phrasenmaher.

    Struth further expatiated the situation at Chelsea had compelled his client to decide against taking the job.

    Nagelsmann’s sad altercation with Mane

    In related coverage, Sports Brief reported on Nagelsmann’s dressing room bust-up with Bayern’s Senegalese superstar, Sadio Mane.

    The incident is alleged to have occurred after the Bavarians’ second-leg Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

    It was reported the former Liverpool forward was unhappy that Nagelsmann only brought him on late against the French side.

  • The ‘Big update’ on Victor Osimhen, as Bayern Munich president details on links

    The ‘Big update’ on Victor Osimhen, as Bayern Munich president details on links

    Herbert Hainer, the President of Bayern Munich, has made a strong statement confirming that they, along with other club officials, are closely monitoring Nigerian and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during this summer transfer window.

    Osimhen had an outstanding performance during the 2022/23 Serie A season, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumph as they clinched the Scudetto after a 33-year wait.

    His remarkable season also saw him secure the Golden Boot award, making him the first-ever African player to achieve this feat in the history of Serie A.

    Given his impressive achievements, Osimhen has garnered attention from top clubs, with Bayern Munich expressing their keen interest in monitoring the talented striker’s progress during the ongoing transfer period.

    Osimhen’s superb performances have made him a target for clubs like Chelsea, Man United, and Paris Saint-Germain.

    According to reports on Soccernet and Football London, Herbert Hainer explained that he is aware of the fact that Bayern will have to spend big for them to have Osimhen.

    Herbert Hainer on Osimhen

    “As a striker costs a lot, we have to make sure he fits well at Bayern. The same names are mentioned in the media: Kolo Muani, Harry Kane, Osimhen, Vlahovic.

    “We are watching closely to see who is a better fit at Bayern. We’re also looking at the financial side. I am convinced that we will find a good solution.”

    Victor Osimhen flaunts his daughter

    Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Victor Osimhen showcased his adorable daughter to the world as Napoli welcomed Sampdoria in their final Serie A game of the season.

    The 24-year-old led the Partenopei to the Scudetto this season, with his 26 goals making him the top scorer.

    Osimhen was on the scoresheet again in Napoli’s final match of the season, after he netted from the spot in the 64th minute.

    Giovanni Simeone scored the second goal to seal Napoli’s historic season with a 2-0 win.

    Before the game, Osimhen took the opportunity to show off his beautiful daughter, Hailey, while thanking the Napoli fans for their remarkable support throughout their season.

  • Utd, Bayern eye Juventus star Vlahovic

    Utd, Bayern eye Juventus star Vlahovic

    This summer, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly vying to acquire the services of Dusan Vlahovic, the talented forward from Juventus.

    Despite joining Juventus two seasons ago, the Serbian player’s time at the club has not yielded the desired success, with no major trophies won.

    Nicolo Schira, an Italian transfer reporter, suggests that Vlahovic might intensify the competition for his signature by expressing his desire to leave if Max Allegri remains as the manager of Juventus.

    Juve’s manager and top striker reportedly share a rocky relationship and the tactician’s future is up in the air with Marseille boss and former Old Lady star Igor Tudor linked with the job.

    Vlahovic, 23, was one of the world’s most wanted talents after scoring 17 times in 21 Serie A games in a prolific first half of the 2020-21 season for Fiorentina.

    Juve won the race and the 21-cap Serbian international has 23 strikes in 63 outings since his arrival in Turin last January.

    United and Bayern are in the market for more firepower, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen among the superstar names being linked with both clubs, although Chelsea could rival the duo in any bidding war.

    Erik ten Hag has been forced to rely on loanee Wout Weghorst and injury-prone Anthony Martial to lead the line, while Sadio Mane has not settled in Germany after replacing Robert Lewandowski.

  • Tuchel’s shake up to axe Muller from first team

    Tuchel’s shake up to axe Muller from first team


    Despite Thomas Muller’s     impressive achievement of winning 12 Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, his future at the club remains uncertain following their recent domestic league triumph.

    Bayern Munich is planning to make significant changes at the club for the upcoming season after struggling with consistency and only managing to secure one title out of a possible three in the past season.

    According to SB Nation, Thomas Tuchel is reportedly planning to exclude Muller from his preferred starting lineup for the 2023/24 season, as the legendary German player has fallen down the hierarchy at the Allianz Arena.

    The former Chelsea manager is hoping Bayern will land Juventus forward, Dusan Vlahovic in the summer to add impetus to the club’s attack, which has lacked a natural goal-poacher since the exit of Robert Lewandowski.

    Muller only managed seven Bundesliga goals and created eight assists this season for Bayern Munich in 27 appearances.

    Muller contemplating future at Bayern

    Meanwhile, Muller is considering his future at Bayern Munich after being reduced to an option from the bench under coach Tuchel, Fansided reports.

    The 2014 World Cup winner could be one of the high-profile departures from the Allianz Arena, as he wants regular game time and the chance to compete for big trophies.

    Muller is yet to hold talks with the Bayern hierarchy about his future, although it is believed the Bundesliga champios would not mind parting ways with the 33-year-old forward this summer.

    Muller sets amazing Bundesliga record

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Muller becoming the most successful player in Bundesliga history after helping Bayern Munich win their 11th German league title in a row.

  • Sadio Mane finally speaks after Bundesliga win with Bayern Munich

    Sadio Mane, a forward from Senegal, expressed his joy when Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga on the last day of the regular season.

    Bayern needed to defeat Koln in order to increase their chances of Borussia Dortmund losing at home to Mainz on a momentous German league day.

    Kingsley Coman gave the Bavarians the lead, but Dejan Ljubicic’s penalty-point conversion for the hosts tied the score with nine minutes still to play.

    Sadio Mane was named Player of the Tournament as Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations this year

    With Dortmund losing 2-1 in the other game, the Black and Yellows were set to be crowned champions. However, their dreams were dashed after Jamal Musiala netted a late winner for Bayern Munich, as reported by the BBC.

    Mane, who has struggled for form in recent times, took to social media to share his delight and hopes to return next season in good form.

    “What a season!! But Alhamdoulilah. Time to go rest and come back stronger,” the African Player of the Year said via Twitter.

    Meanwhile, his future in Germany remains in doubt after reports claimed he would be sold at the end of the campaign.

    Mane joined Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window from Liverpool but has been plagued by issues including injuries, form, and his bust-up with teammate, Leroy Sane.

    Sadio Mane celebrates Bundesliga win with teamates
    Bayern win 11th straight Bundesliga

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Dortmund gifted Bayern the Bundesliga title on a shocking final day in the German top flight, with a stunning collapse turning Borussia’s swan song into a dirge.

    The Bavarians had taken an early lead through Kingsley Coman against Koln while Dortmund went 2-0 down in the first half versus Mainz, missing a penalty that would’ve tied the score at one apiece.

    Dortmund entered the day at the top of the table and despite dominated the game, Mainz’s Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Karim Onisiwo’s goals were enough as the Black and Yellows stumbled to second.

  • Borussia Dortmund suffer final-day heartbreak

    Borussia Dortmund suffer final-day heartbreak

    Borussia Dortmund experienced heartbreak on the final day of the season as they narrowly missed out on clinching their first Bundesliga title in 11 years, losing the race by goal difference. Despite a valiant fightback to secure a 2-2 draw against Mainz, it wasn’t enough to claim the championship.

    Edin Terzic’s team had their hopes dashed when Bayern Munich secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Koln, with Jamal Musiala scoring a late winner for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

    Dortmund found themselves in a constant battle to catch up after conceding two first-half goals from Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Karim Onisiwo, with Sebastien Haller also failing to convert a weak penalty.

    Raphael Guerreiro provided a glimmer of hope with a goal in the second half, but Musiala’s late strike for Bayern at the RheinEnergie Stadion made Niklas Sule’s last-minute equalizer for BVB inconsequential in the title race.

    After Bayern went ahead early in Koln, Signal Iduna Park was silenced in the 15th minute as Hanche-Olsen headed in Edimilson Fernandes’ corner.

    Dortmund squandered a great opportunity to respond within four minutes, Finn Dahmen saving Haller’s tame penalty after Dominik Kohr fouled Guerreiro in the box.

    The hosts were duly punished five minutes later, the unmarked Onisiwo afforded too much space to nod Lee Jae-sung’s cross beyond Gregor Kobel.

    Julian Brandt and Donyell Malen went close at the other end but Mainz almost added a third after half-time, Lee calling Kobel into action and Onisiwo rattling the post. 

    Opportunities went begging for Haller and Malen, but Dortmund finally broke through in the 69th minute as Guerreiro exchanged passes with substitute Gio Reyna before slotting past Dahmen.

    Dortmund required a further two goals, but Marco Reus missed a great chance while Haller and Reyna headed straight at Dahmen.

    It was not until the 96th minute that Sule levelled but following the dramatic developments in Koln, it was too late for the hosts to find a third goal to take the title away from Bayern.

  • Bayern and Sadio Mane relationship is “over, yes” – Lothar Matthaus

    Bayern and Sadio Mane relationship is “over, yes” – Lothar Matthaus


    Lothar Matthaus, the former German international, has expressed his belief that Sadio Mane’s tenure at Bayern Munich appears to be reaching its conclusion.

    This assumption stems from the fact that the Senegalese player once again started the recent defeat against RB Leipzig from the bench.

    Sadio Mane

    Mane’s relationship with the club took a downturn following a confrontation with teammate Leroy Sane in the dressing room, which occurred after Bayern’s loss to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League back in March.

    Additionally, since returning from injury in February, the Senegalese forward has encountered struggles in terms of form, often being brought on as a substitute in most of the matches.

    According to Matthaus, who was in Ghana early this week for the launch of his co-ownership of Accra Lions, stated Mane could leave at the end of the season.

    “Bayern will let him go, yes. I think the relationship between Bayern Munich and Mane is over,” he told Super Sport TV.

    “After the last game on Saturday, he was in in the last ten minutes and a young player came before him. I think the relationship was maybe a mistake. There were so many mistakes Bayern were making in the last 12 months.”

    Matthaus also mentioned Mane having returned from an injury following the 2022 World Cup.

    “This didn’t make him happy, didn’t make Bayern happy and he never performed like he did at Liverpool two years ago.”

    Mane joined Bayern last summer after six successful seasons with Liverpool, where he won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.

    However, he might end the season without a trophy after the Bavarians let their league crown slip away from them by losing to RB Leipzig last week, as reported by the BBC.

    Matthaus slams Bayern over Nagelsmann

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that World Cup winner and former Player of the Year, Matthaus blamed Bayern for recent woes and said it came down to poor decisions.

    Julian Nagelsmann

    Earlier this year, the German giants fired manager, Julian Nagelsmann and replaced him with former Chelsea coach, Thomas Tuchel – a choice which has backfired.

    Bayern Munich could end the season without a sniff of silverware, having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and the DFB-Pokal.

  • German tycoon opt to fund CR7’s move to Bayern, sends shockwaves

    German tycoon opt to fund CR7’s move to Bayern, sends shockwaves

    In order to attract Cristiano Ronaldo to Bayern Munich, a German business billionaire and tycoon has volunteered to finance the transaction.

    Following his departure from Manchester United in November of last year, Ronaldo was rumoured to be moving to Bayern last summer. However, he ultimately decided to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Premier League, where he currently earns a remarkable £173 million per year in pay.

    But businessman Marcus Schon is bent on bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Europe. The German millionaire reportedly reached out to Bayern Munich’s CEO Oliver Kahn via email, expressing his interest in financially supporting a potential transfer.

    “It’s conceivable that we could commit ourselves to the transfer fee or paying the salary excess over a basic amount if our company is clearly identified as the facilitator of the deal,” a portion of the mail read according to the Bavarian newspaper Abendzeitung.

    In the alleged communication, it was further mentioned that in the event of a permanent transfer, a request was made for a percentage of shirt sales to be allocated, as reported by GOAL.

    Meanwhile, Ronaldo has bagged 13 goals in 14 Saudi Pro League matches as Al-Nassr aim to make up for lost grounds in search of their first league title since 2019.

    Cristiano Ronaldo
    What’s next for Ronaldo and Bayern?

    Ronaldo helped revived Al-Nassr’s faint league hopes with a strike from the spot as the Knights of Nahd reduced the gap between themselves and table-topping Al-Ittihad to just three points. He will hope to continue his scoring spree when his side plays host to Al Shabab on May 23, Tuesday.

    Bayern, on the flip side, are looking to win a record 11th successive Bundesliga crown but will have to pass the acid test of RB Leipzig on Saturday, May 20, as Borussia Dortmund continues to breathe down on their necks.

    Ronaldo’s near-Arsenal move

    In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that fresh details have emerged on how Cristiano Ronaldo came close to joining Arsenal during the January transfer window before his switch to Al-Nassr.

    Ronaldo became a free agent in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup after Manchester United terminated his contract prematurely.

    It has now emerged the Portuguese international was reportedly close to sealing a stunning move to Arsenal before he moved to Saudi Arabia. This is according to Gunners fan Morgan, who recently took to social media claiming the Real Madrid icon was keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

  • Marquinhos’ PSG deal extended till 2028

    Marquinhos’ PSG deal extended till 2028

    Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced on Friday that their captain and Brazil defender, Marquinhos, has signed to extend his contract until 2028.

    The Qatari-owned club expressed their delight in a statement, stating that the 29-year-old Brazilian defender will continue his journey with the Red and Blue until June 30, 2028.

    Marquinhos joined PSG in 2013 at the age of 19, leaving Roma to become an integral part of the team.

    Marquinhos ignores transfer talks, stays with PSG

    He has since become indispensable to the club and was a key player in the PSG squad that reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2020.

    “I am very happy to announce this contract extension but also very proud,” said Marquinhos.

    “This is a very special moment for me,” he added, saying he was “convinced that we will continue to achieve great things together in the years to come”.

    With Lionel Messi on the point of leaving and speculation surrounding the futures of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the decision of Marquinhos to throw his weight behind PSG has been welcomed by the club.

    “This is already very good news for the club, for me as coach and for the fans,” said Christophe Galtier in a press conference.

    “It is an example. He is finishing his 10th season. He is one of the best central defenders in the world, he has been omnipresent for 10 years. It’s a strong signal sent to everyone.”

    Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi hug each other

    PSG were beaten by Bayern Munich in the last 16 of this year’s competition but are on the verge of wrapping up their ninth Ligue 1 title in 11 years.

  • Sadio Mane may land any of these club after steely Bayern axe

    Sadio Mane may land any of these club after steely Bayern axe

    Sadio Mane is expected to seek a transfer away from Bayern Munich this summer, with the former Liverpool forward not believed to have a future under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

    Mane, who swapped Liverpool for Bayern last summer, has failed to hit the right strings despite beginning his spell with the Bavarians on a bright note – scoring five goals in his first six outings.

    His goals have since dried up while his overall form has significantly dipped, largely due to niggling injuries, with rumours linking him with a move away from the Allianz Arena, per GOAL.

    With seven goals in the Bundesliga this season, Mane’s goal returns have dipped significantly and any interested party will now be aware of signing a player whose talents look to have diminished.

    Senegal star, Sadio Mane

    However, with his valuable experience at the elite level, he could remain a useful option for clubs around the world.

    A move away from the Allianz Arena is on the cards for Mane, and Sports Brief takes a look at the potential new clubs for the Senegal star ahead of the summer transfer window.

    Chelsea

    Even if Chelsea have options in Mane‘s position, it would not be strange for a bid to sign the Senegalese forward to happen, considering Todd Boehly’s transfer approach thus far at Stamford Bridge.

    The addition of Mane would increase competition for Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk, although departures are probably necessary before any transfer is made.

    The Blues are leading the race for Mane, and they also need to continue the evolution of their squad. However, Boehly needs to learn from the mistakes he made by signing a waning Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the previous summer.

    Saudi Arabia

    Mane has been linked to a number of elite European clubs, but the attacker may also be interested in Saudi Arabia, which is now paying high wages to attract top European players.

    Lionel Messi is said to be attracting interest to Al-Hilal, where he could earn a staggering £320 million per year. Such astronomical figures might not be on the table for Mane, but he might look for a sizable payment so that he can keep supporting village initiatives in his hometown.

    Man United

    According to reports in Germany, Mane’s most likely Premier League destination is Manchester United.

    The ex-Liverpool superstar has found himself linked to the Old Trafford outfit following reports of discontent in Bavaria.

    United boss Erik ten Hag is likely to bolster his frontline, and the club may pursue a player they came close to signing in 2016.

    Mane has previously spoken about how close he came to a United move.

    “I have to say, I was really close to going to Manchester United,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready, but instead, I thought, ‘No, I want to go to Liverpool.”

    PSG

    Given that both Lionel Messi and Neymar are anticipated to leave the team this summer, PSG may be forced to look to Mane as an alternative to fill the vacuum.

    Mane would be a good fit for this role because of his versatility in the middle of the field and his ability to connect up with Kylian Mbappe.

    He might fall outside of their new transfer model, though, since the Parisian club is anticipated to have a new recruitment plan based around bringing in young French players.

    Mane told to join PSG

    Sports Brief reported earlier that Sadio Mane has been urged to leave Bayern Munich after one season following the Senegalese forward recent struggles with the reigning Bundesliga champions.

    The 31-year-old forward has endured a mixed start to life at Bayern, having been plagued with injuries and off-field controversies following his spat with teammate Leroy Sane.

    According to PSG Talk, journalist Nabil Djelitt has advised Mane to move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain this summer to escape his nightmares in Germany.

  • Check out Bayern Munich’s new white home shirt

    Check out Bayern Munich’s new white home shirt

    For the upcoming season, Bayern Munich has revealed a distinctive and unconventional white home shirt.

    The renowned German club has opted to combine the color white with their iconic red on the sleeves, resulting in a bold design.

    Created by adidas, the jersey pays homage to Bayern’s inaugural season in the country’s top division back in 1965-66 when notable players like Gerd Muller sported a similar style.

    The inside of the collar features the message “Rot & Weiss ein Leben lang” — translating to “red and white for life” — a reference to one of the club’s bylaws that home kits must feature the two colours.

    Striker Thomas Muller said: “The colours red and white have been with me all my life. 

    “With this traditional design, the new home shirt stands for the success story of Bayern Munich.”

    Gakpo in new white home shirt

    Women’s team star Lina Magull added: “When you think of FC Bayern, images of red and white immediately come to mind. 

    “Even as a child, my room was decorated in these colors and it’s a dream to be able to wear them on the pitch. 

    “The new jersey combines history and elegance — and we want to do justice to these colours.”

    Women’s stars Linda Dallman and Lina Magull will also wear the shirt next season

    Thomas Tuchel’s men will wear the shirt for the first time in their crunch clash with RB Leipzig on Saturday, with the battle to defend their Bundesliga crown going down to the wire.

    Bayern’s away kit

    The champions are just a point above Borussia Dortmund with two games to play as BVB bid to end Bayern’s decade of dominance. 

  • See how Thomas Tuchel jokingly pulled down Mane’s shorts during training

    See how Thomas Tuchel jokingly pulled down Mane’s shorts during training

    Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel has been in the news lately for his unusual way of attempting to make Sadio Mane feel at ease after the Senegal forward’s recent troubles in Germany.

    Thomas Tuchel on grounds

    This season has been a tough one for Liverpool forward Sadio Mane. The Senegalese international has had to battle with form and fitness issues, and his frustration was evident after he was suspended for one game for punching teammate Leroy Sane following a Champions League game.

    But Mane’s troubles did not end there. According to a report by Goal, Liverpool’s former manager Thomas Tuchel left Mane feeling humiliated during training by pulling down his shorts.

    The incident must have been embarrassing for the 31-year-old forward, who has been one of Liverpool’s key players in recent years.

    Despite Mane’s struggles this season, Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp has shown faith in him, and he has continued to feature prominently in the team’s line-up.

    As the Reds look to finish the season strongly and secure a top-four spot in the Premier League, Mane will need to put his troubles behind him and focus on his football.

    Thomas Tuchel pulls down Sadio Mane’s shorts

    Despite joining the Bavarians last summer, Mane’s future at Bayern Munich remains uncertain, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly set on selling the forward after just one season in Germany.

    Mauricio Pochettino has even discussed the possibility of signing the unsettled Bayern Munich striker if he decides to take over the Chelsea job next season, as reported by Tribal Football.


    Bayern Munich’s manager Thomas Tuchel has attempted to make Sadio Mane feel more at ease following the Senegal forward’s recent troubles in Germany.

    Mane has struggled with form and fitness issues this season, and he was most recently suspended for one game after punching teammate Leroy Sane following a Champions League game.

    According to Goal, Tuchel left Mane feeling embarrassed after he pulled down the 31-year-old forward’s shorts during training. The coach sneaked up from behind and “pantsed” the forward, who was standing on the training pitch’s sidelines, before casually walking away from the scene.

    Despite joining the Bavarians last summer, Mane’s future at Bayern Munich remains uncertain, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly set on offloading the forward after just one season in Germany.

    It has been reported that Mauricio Pochettino has discussed the possibility of signing the unsettled Bayern Munich striker if he decides to take over the Chelsea job next season, according to Tribal Football.

    Mauricio Pochettino likely to be Chelsea’s new manager

    The Argentine coach is expected to be confirmed as the new manager of the Blues soon following lengthy negotiations with the Premier League club’s hierarchy.

    Bayern are said to be willing to sell Mane and would accept a bid of around £30 million to part with the Senegal international, who has struggled to adapt to Germany. Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Bayern Munich manager, Tuchel telling Mane to step up as the winger struggles for form with the Bundesliga side.

    The Senegalese, who moved from Liverpool last summer, has yet to hit the right strings despite beginning his spell with five goals from six outings.

    Tuchel analyzed Mane’s role in the team and the reason for his subpar performance. While Mane’s time at Bayern Munich may be coming to an end, it remains to be seen where he will end up next season.

    Sadio Mane is not the only Bayern player, who is likely to be let off the hook by the German giants. Serge Gnabry, Daley Blind, Ryan Gravenberch, and goal keeper Yann Sommer.

    Yann Sommer’s comes as a suprise as the keeper was signed just January, 2023.

  • Bayern likely to meet stern competition in bid for Kolol Mauani

    Bayern likely to meet stern competition in bid for Kolol Mauani

    Markus Krosche, the sporting director at Eintracht Frankfurt, claims that Bayern Munich is not the only team interested in signing Randal Kolo Muani.

    Bayern, the defending Bundesliga champions, are scrambling to find a talented striker to join them at the end of the season after finding it difficult to replace Robert Lewandowski after he left for Barcelona earlier this year.

    Following a successful debut season with Frankfurt in Germany’s top division, French international Kolo Muani has been linked with a transfer.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/little-over-month-and-tuchel-is-allegedly-battling-to-keep-job-as-bayern-board-makes-plan-for-new-calls/

    The 24-year-old Kolo Muani is reportedly wanted by prominent former Bayern president Uli Hoeness to improve Thomas Tuchel’s attacking options.

    However, Krosche told German broadcaster Sky Sport: “So far there have been no specific enquiries, neither from Bayern nor from others.”

    Krosche is nevertheless alive to interest in the former Nantes player, who has managed 13 goals and 10 assists in 28 Bundesliga games for mid-table Frankfurt, converting 20.31 per cent of his chances.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/sadio-mane-told-to-join-psg-after-bayerns-stuggles/

    “Bayern Munich are not the only club occupied with him,” Krosche said. “On the other hand, Randal still feels very comfortable with us, and he also has a lot of development areas that he can work on very well with us.”

  • Little over month and Tuchel is allegedly battling to keep job, as Bayern board makes plan for new calls

    Little over month and Tuchel is allegedly battling to keep job, as Bayern board makes plan for new calls

    Tuchel is reportedly struggling for his job at Bayern Munich already. The club’s board is set to make its decision in less than a month whether to let him go or stay following Bayern’s recent struggles.

    The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss returned to his native Germany in March when agreeing to succeed Julian Nagelsmann at the Allianz Arena.

    He has, however, found the going tough in Bavaria, with Bayern bowing out of the Champions League to Manchester City and the German Cup at the hands of Freiburg.

    The reigning champions have also surrendered top spot in the Bundesliga, with Tuchel overseeing just two wins across his opening seven games in charge. 

    Bild reports that Bayern bosses are now set to meet on May 22 – five days before the club’s final league game of the season – while making big decisions on coaching and directorial staff.

    Oliver Kahn, who currently fills a CEO role in Munich, is another facing uncomfortable questions of his future – but he will not be quitting and would need to be forced out – while sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic could also be offloaded if it is determined that change at the top is required.

     Kahn, Salihamidzic and Bayern chairman Herbert Hainer all felt the need to enter the dressing room following Bayern’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Mainz on Saturday, with Tuchel under pressure a matter of weeks into a contract that is supposed to run until the summer of 2025.

  • Sadio Mane told to join PSG after Bayern’s stuggles

    Sadio Mane told to join PSG after Bayern’s stuggles

    Following the Senegalese forward’s recent problems with the defending Bundesliga winners, Sadio Mane has been pushed to leave Bayern Munich after just one season.

    The 31-year-old forward has had a bumpy start to life at Bayern, being dogged by injuries and off-field drama after his altercation with colleague Leroy Sane.

    Journalist Nabil Djelitt, according to PSG Talk, has recommended Mane to transfer to Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain this summer in order to escape his nightmares in Germany.

    “Sadio Mane is a global brand; it was announced like that, and he is not a player who has a vocation to be on the sidelines. I advise him to go to PSG.”

    Djelitt believes the Bundesliga champions haven’t put the Senegalese forward in the proper position to succeed after the German club fell in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

    Bayern chief admits error signing Mane

    Meanwhile, Bayern Munich sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, has admitted that the club should have targeted a centre forward during last summer’s transfer window, Daily Post reports.

    Instead of finding a comparable replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona, the Bundesliga champions signed Mane from Liverpool.

    Mane has struggled to find his best form with the Bundesliga giants as the Senegalese forward has scored just 11 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season.

    Mane and Sane reunite in training

    It was reported that Bayern Munich winger, Sadio Mane returned to training on April 18, after serving a one-game ban for his bust-up with teammate, Leroy Sane.

    The former Liverpool icon was axed from Bayern’s first team as part of disciplinary measures taken against him for reportedly punching Sane in the face.

    Mane and Sane were involved in a scuffle in the dressing room after a disagreement during their Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week.

  • Thomas Tuchel is just “overrated” – Fans after Bayern’s loss to Mainz

    Thomas Tuchel is just “overrated” – Fans after Bayern’s loss to Mainz

    Following Bayern Munich’s shocking loss to Mainz on Saturday, football supporters raced to social media to express their displeasure with Thomas Tuchel.

    To the dismay of most supporters who had high hopes for the former Chelsea manager, Bayern lost a 1-0 lead at halftime and collapsed to a 3-1 defeat against Tuchel’s old haunts.

    The defeat by Mainz follows a sad Champions League departure for the Bavarians, who were eliminated by Manchester City after losing 4-1 on aggregate over two legs, according to Eurosport.

    Tuchel’s latest setback means he has won just two of seven games in charge of FC Hollywood and could move to second place in the Bundesliga if Borussia Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening, BBC reports.

    Following the defeat to Mainz, football fans questioned the tactical nous of the 49-year-old, suggesting he is overrated.

    How fans reacted to Bayern’s loss

    @analysispanel tweeted:

    “Massively overrated, he implodes spontaneously.”

    @antwigodwin62 added:

    “Yes, he is overrated. He does nothing special, He defends all the time.

    Another user, @RulixFelix, claimed Tuchel is similar to Frank Lampard:

    “Him [Tuchel] and Lampard have something in common.”

    @Only1Nelson suggested the 49-year-old was lucky at Chelsea:

    “Tuchel is overrated, but we ain’t ready for that discussion. His lucky first 6-months magic got y’all overrating him.”

  • Erling Haaland: City’s ‘goal machine’ misses penalty, but vindicates himself with a goal

    Erling Haaland: City’s ‘goal machine’ misses penalty, but vindicates himself with a goal

    Erling Haaland missed his first penalty in a Manchester City shirt during Bayern Munich’s clash.

    Since moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, the Norwegian has been a threat for the Cityzens, scoring an incredible 48 goals in 41 appearances.

    He reenacted Lionel Messi’s move against Jerome Boateng on Wednesday, seating Dayot Upamecano before scoring against Bayern Munich, according to Sportstar. 

    He then scored his 12th Champions League goal.

    His goal will be neutralized by a spot kick from Joshua Kimmich, but it proved to be a case of much ado about nothing as City ran out 4-1 winners across two legs, advancing to the Champions League semifinal.

    But before his sublime skill and then a goal in the 57th minute, Haaland failed to put away a penalty, Fan Nation reports.

    The 22-year-old has been flawless from 12 yards for Man City but proved he is human after all, ballooning his effort – which was his first penalty miss in eight attempts.

    Since moving to the Etihad, he has found the net seven times from the penalty spot.

    Haaland sits Upamecano down

    Erling Haaland picked Dayot Upamecano apart before notching his 12th Champions League goal as Manchester City advanced to the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, Sports Brief reported.

    The Norwegian’s goal helped City reach the last four with an aggregate scoreline of 4-1, booking a tantalizing date with record holders Real Madrid, who bundled Chelsea out of the competition the previous day.

  • Bayern players allegedly distant themselves from Sadio Mane after he lip punched teammate, Sane

    Bayern players allegedly distant themselves from Sadio Mane after he lip punched teammate, Sane

    Following his confrontation with teammate Leroy Sane at the Etihad Stadium, Senegal international Sadio Mane has lost the support of Bayern Munich players, according to Sky Sports.

    Following Bayern Munich’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the first leg of the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Sadio Mane is accused of punching Leroy Sane in the lip.

    The incident led to the Senegalese being banned for one game hence his absence in Bayern’s Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

    Sky Sports has now reported the Bayern Munich players were disappointed about the incident because they expected Sadio to Mane better and has since distanced themselves from him.

    “He is seen very critically inside now and because of that behavior, a lot of players in the team that I have spoken to have distance themselves from him (Sadio Mane),” Sky Sports reported.

    The report also added that the club will most likely let Sadio Mane go in the summer for his behavior.

    “I can say that he is a candidate for sale in the summer because of high salary and also I heard that Thomas Tuchel has no real plans of working with him in the summer,” the report added.

  • Tuchel defends Sadio Mane as ‘absolute professional’ after Sane fracas

    Tuchel defends Sadio Mane as ‘absolute professional’ after Sane fracas

    Leroy Sane and Sadio Mane apparently engaged in an altercation in which the former Liverpool player punched his Bayern Munich teammate, and Thomas Tuchel was eager to put an end to it.

    The two were seen bickering on the field during Bayern’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday.

    There were rumours that they had become physical after the game.

    Bayern announced on Thursday that Mane had been fined and suspended from Saturday’s Bundesliga game at home to Hoffenheim.

    “Yes just the one match, and the fine. These are the consequences of his behaviour,” Bayern head coach Tuchel confirmed at a press conference on Friday.

    He added: “I didn’t see it myself because I was in the coaching room. Of course, I immediately spoke to everyone involved, the players and the staff.

    “It was important that we clarified the matter before we started the next training session. We did that yesterday. 

    We have cleared up everything so that we can train positively with each other again.

    “The way both players involved dealt with it, and the way the other players dealt with it, it had a cleansing effect. We had a positive atmosphere yesterday and today.”

    Tuchel insisted the matter is now closed, and supported Mane, expressing his belief that it was out of character for someone he considers an “absolute professional.”

    “I’m the first one to defend him. I’ve known him for a very long time and only know him as an absolute professional… He has never been guilty of anything [like this before].

    “It was against the club’s code of conduct, and he recognised it and apologised.”

    Mane has struggled on the pitch as well as off it since his move from Liverpool last year, with many calling into question whether he can reproduce the form he showed in his time at Anfield.

    “Maybe he needs not to think too much,” Tuchel suggested. “He hesitates and takes long to react. That’s why it seems he can be half a step too late. We want to get him to where he was [at Liverpool] through trust and appreciation. He was an absolute top striker in the best league in the world.”

    Bayern have been linked with a big-money move for a striker at the end of the season, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen chief among the names being touted.

    Tuchel was asked about the Nigerian, but kept his cards close to his chest, replying: “I have an opinion on that, but I know how things work.

  • English Pundit advises Chelsea to choose Lampard over hiring Nagelsmann

    English Pundit advises Chelsea to choose Lampard over hiring Nagelsmann

    An English pundit has suggested Chelsea should stick with Frank Lampard if they choose former Bayern Munich manager, Julian Nagelsmann as their manager.

    Graham Potter was fired and his assistant, Bruno Saltor, who oversaw the 0-0 draw against Liverpool, declined the appointment. 

    He was replaced as interim manager until the end of the season by the Blues veteran and former coach.

    With the hasty firing of Thomas Tuchel after only a few games of the new season, Todd Boehly and company are attempting to avoid making the same mistake with Potter.

    The club invited former Barcelona boss, Luis Enrique to London last week for an interview and this week have invited Nagelsmann to do the same, according to German newspaper, Bild.

    Keys advises Chelsea against Nagelsmann

    Lampard has lost his first two games in charge, a 1-0 loss to Wolves in the Premier League and a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, leading to calls from fans to hasten the appointment of a new manager.

    Sportskeeda reported that the former RB Leipzig boss is the favourite and has the backing of technical director, Christopher Vivell and co-sporting director, Paul Winstanley.

    However, English TV anchor, Richard Keys is critical of the possible appointment of 35-year-old Nagelsmann, claiming Lampard should be retained ahead of bringing the German on-boardif the German tactician is the club’s choice in the future.

    Fans want Lampard sacked

    Potter was not a popular figure among Chelsea fans but despite being a club legend, Lampard is also gradually losing his popularity among the Blues faithful.

    As Sports Brief reported, fans called for Lampard’s sack after losing his first game 1-0 to Wolves thanks to a brilliant volley from Matheus Nunes past Kepathat beat Kepa Arrizabalaga.

  • Pep hails Silva as his ‘special player’ after City’s victory over Bayern

    Pep hails Silva as his ‘special player’ after City’s victory over Bayern

    Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, praised midfielder Bernardo Silva for his outstanding performance in the team’s victory over Bayern Munich.

    The Citizens easily defeated Germany by a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, and they will have the upper hand when the teams meet again.

    Before the halfway point, Spanish ace Rodri unleashed a breathtaking left-footed shot into the top corner to start the scoring.

    But it was Silva’s rare headed goal that was even more unexpected as he doubled City’s advantage, with Erling Haaland adding a third shortly after.

    The 28-year-old was given the nod over Riyad Mahrez, who had started in the last two Premier League matches and his contributions were of the highest class at the Etihad.

    After the game, his manager could not help but rave about the midfielder, who had the beating of Alphonso Davies all night.

    He said: “He is one of the best players I have trained in my life. He’s special.

    “Bernardo Silva is a football player. What does it mean? He will play everywhere because he understands the game. Bernardo has the ability to read.

    “But Bernardo is such an important player in these type of games. He can play holding midfield, false nine, he scores recently a lot of goals.

    “He is a player if you say play in this position, he understands everything.”

    It may have looked like a comfortable night for the hosts, but Guardiola insists that he is “emotionally destroyed” after such a tough match.

    He said: “It was not comfortable. I’m emotionally destroyed. I’ve aged 10 more years today.

    “It was such a demanding game. Now I have to relax, a day off for the guys, then prepare for Leicester.

    “I knew exactly what we had to do. If you don’t perform really well, Bayern are able to score one, two or three.

    “It’s an incredible result, but we have to play our game with a huge, huge personality over there.

    “I know what this win means, but we’re going there to score goals and to try to win the game.”

  • City-Bayern clash: Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano’s abysmal defence subjects him to harsh trolls from fans

    City-Bayern clash: Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano’s abysmal defence subjects him to harsh trolls from fans

    After Dayot Upamecano’s awful performance in his team’s 3-0 hammering against Manchester City, football fans have rushed to social media to lambast the defender for Bayern Munich.

    Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland scored on Tuesday night to give Pep Guardiola’s team a foot in the semifinal.

    In significant part, Upamecano is also to blame for the English giants’ success since he was unable to restrain the City’s attackers’ fierce intensity.

    According to the Daily Star, the Frenchman was rightfully held responsible for the English team’s second goal, which effectively ended the match midway through the second half because of his expensive mistake.

    Jack Grealish dispossessed Upamecano as he attempted to dribble out from the back, before backheeling the ball into the path of a charging Haaland.

    The Norwegian then raced into the huge space inside the penalty box before chipping the ball to Silva at the back post, who nodded it in.

    @gyaigyimii wrote: “Upamecano playing like Prime Maguire”

    @linusMufc added: “Upamecano had a horrendous game against City. Completely destroyed his teams CL hopes single-handedly.”

    @CFCMod_ tweeted: “Upamecano is such an unfortunate player cause my brother is actually a good defender but he’s one of those players when he has a bad game it’s plastered all over social media.”

    @ConnCFCp posted: “I am happy Chelsea never got Upamecano when we was linked. He is terrible omd”

    @LJGLA_ wrote: “Upamecano is soooo overrated” @Opresii tweeted: “Liverpool signed underrated Konate and left Upamecano for a reason”

    Fans troll Tuchel after loss

    Meanwhile, Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel has also been trolled heavily on social media after his side were humbled by Man City.

    The Bavarians were put to the sword by a vicious Citizens side, who put three past them in the first leg of their Champions League last eight tie.

    Sports Brief reported that it would take a mighty miracle for Tuchel’s charges to overturn the scoreline when both sides clash next Wednesday.

    Takeaways from Bayern’s defeat

    Sports Brief also reported on Man City versus Bayern Munich being the pick of the quarter-final ties and the game certainly living up to its billing. With a semi-final spot up for grabs, Pep Guardiola’s charges produced a masterclass performance to keep their search for the Champions League alive.

    The Man City boss appeared to have mapped out a strategy which dealt with Tuchel, a man touted as the Spaniard’s kryptonite, in the first leg of the tie.

  • Manchester City grounds Bayern Munich in a 3-0 clash

    Manchester City grounds Bayern Munich in a 3-0 clash

    With a 3-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s previous team Bayern Munich in the last-eight first leg on Tuesday, Manchester City made a significant step towards the Champions League semifinals.

    In a tense match at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola faced Bayern for the first time since leaving Germany, and he easily defeated Thomas Tuchel, whose Chelsea team defeated City in the 2021 final.

    At the half, Rodri’s spectacular first Champions League goal gave City the advantage. Bernardo Silva then added the second as pressure mounted on the Bayern goal in the final 20 minutes, and Erling Haaland’s 45th goal of the season—a Premier League player record—soon after.

    Guardiola and City have let slip all manner of leads in this competition against weaker opposition than Bayern, but they were rampant by full-time and head into the return match with full command of the tie.

    The breakthrough goal came after 27 minutes as Rodri evaded pressure from Jamal Musiala by chopping onto his left foot 25 yards from goal before curling high past Yann Sommer, and City went in pursuit of a swift second.

    Both Dayot Upamecano and Sommer failed to deal with a cross from the City right, with the goalkeeper merely helping it into the path of Ilkay Gundogan but responding with an instinctive save.

    Although Leroy Sane led a response as his shot wide before half-time was followed by three on target following the restart – the best of them drawing a low stop from Ederson – the mix-ups in the Bayern back line only increased in number as the match wore on.

    Sommer saved from Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias in quick succession but failed to get enough on Silva’s header after Upamecano had gifted the ball to Jack Grealish to set in motion the City attack.

    Another stop from Julian Alvarez looked to have kept Bayern in the tie, yet Haaland got his goal from a John Stones knockdown to leave the Bundesliga giants an almighty task back in Germany.


    What does it mean? City blow away brittle Bayern

    Only City in Europe’s top five leagues enjoy more possession on average than Bayern, who looked to dominate the ball at the Etihad, too, and did so in a sense – finishing with a 55.9 per cent share of the play.

    But this approach merely played into City’s hands, with Bayern’s determination to play out from the back creating issues under intense pressure from Grealish, Haaland and Co.

    Upamecano’s mistake in the build-up to Silva’s goal was the first Bayern error leading to a goal in the Champions League this season, but it could have been repeated more than once and could yet be in the second leg.

    Sommer sloppy and sublime

    Evidence of Bayern’s woes at the back came in the form of Sommer’s five clearances, the most by a goalkeeper in a Champions League game this season. That was a competition high achieved more by mistake than design, repeatedly rushed by City attackers with one hack teeing up a Haaland shot inside the box.

    Yet Sommer also did more than most in keeping the score down. He made six saves, with the last of them from a Rodri header – after Haaland’s goal – protecting the remnants of Bayern hope.

    Silva reward for winger’s work

    Haaland beat Bayern for the first time in his career and scored to make yet more history in doing so, but he operated largely outside of the limelight.

    No scorer could have been more deserving than Silva, who netted with his only shot but played three key passes – including for Rodri’s blockbuster – and, most notably, led City with eight tackles. It was clear why he was chosen to play on the same wing as Alphonso Davies and Sane.

    What’s next?

    Ahead of next week’s return leg, City host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, three hours after Bayern kick off against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

  • Bayern eyeing a new striker after shameful DFB-Pokal loss

    Bayern eyeing a new striker after shameful DFB-Pokal loss

    After Bayern Munich’s unexpected 2-1 DFB-Pokal loss to Freiburg on Tuesday, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic explained the club’s ambitions to sign a new striker during the summer season.

    Dayot Upamecano gave Thomas Tuchel’s team an early advantage in their quarterfinal match, but Nicolas Hoefler’s goal pulled them back, and Lucas Hoeler’s 95th-minute penalty sent the Bundesliga’s top team home.

    Bayern will now miss out on the final of the competition for the third successive season, and Salihamidzic was adamant signing a new striker will be necessary for the club to move forward next season.

    “Of course we will sit down and see what we need to do in the transfer market,” he said after the game.

    “But the games show: To go into the new season with just Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Mathys Tel, Thomas Muller and Sadio Mane would be negligent.

    “In all likelihood, there will be a new striker. Whether it’s Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or Randal Kolo Muani, the coming weeks will show.”

    Bayern remain top of the Bundesliga and are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but they have struggled to replace the output of the talismanic Robert Lewandowski since his departure to Barcelona at the end of last season.

    The Poland international scored 110 goals in just 94 league games in his last three seasons at Bayern as the club won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. 

    Choupo-Moting has led the line in Lewandowski’s absence this season but has scored just 10 league goals.

    Despite the disappointing result against Freiburg, Salihamidzic remained positive about Tuchel’s appointment and refused to lay the blame for the defeat at the door of the new boss.

    “It is bitter for all of us, but it has nothing to do with the coach,” Salihamidzic said.

    “It’s a process. He makes a very good impression and is doing a very good job. Today was bitter for all of us, but we will continue on Saturday.”

  • Bayern considering new striker after DFB-Pokal departure

    Bayern considering new striker after DFB-Pokal departure

    Following Tuesday’s shocking 2-1 DFB-Pokal loss to Freiburg, Bayern Munich sports director Hasan Salihamidzic explained the club’s ambitions to sign a new striker during the summer season.

    Dayot Upamecano gave Thomas Tuchel’s team the lead in their quarterfinal match, but Nicolas Hoefler’s goal pulled them back, and Lucas Hoeler’s 95th-minute penalty sent the Bundesliga’s top team home.

    Bayern will now miss the competition’s final for the third consecutive season, and Salihamidzic was adamant that the club would need to buy a new striker in order to advance the following campaign.

    “Of course we will sit down and see what we need to do in the transfer market,” he said after the game.

    “But the games show: To go into the new season with just Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Mathys Tel, Thomas Muller and Sadio Mane would be negligent.

    “In all likelihood, there will be a new striker. Whether it’s Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or Randal Kolo Muani, the coming weeks will show.”

    Bayern remain top of the Bundesliga and are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but they have struggled to replace the output of the talismanic Robert Lewandowski since his departure to Barcelona at the end of last season.

    The Poland international scored 110 goals in just 94 league games in his last three seasons at Bayern as the club won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. 

    Choupo-Moting has led the line in Lewandowski’s absence this season but has scored just 10 league goals.

    Despite the disappointing result against Freiburg, Salihamidzic remained positive about Tuchel’s appointment and refused to lay the blame for the defeat at the door of the new boss.

    “It is bitter for all of us, but it has nothing to do with the coach,” Salihamidzic said.

    “It’s a process. He makes a very good impression and is doing a very good job. Today was bitter for all of us, but we will continue on Saturday.”

  • Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool all race for Napoli star, Minjae Kim

    Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool all race for Napoli star, Minjae Kim

    This summer’s bidding war for Napoli defender Minjae Kim will include Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool.

    The 26-year-old international from South Korea, Kim, has been a revelation for Luciano Spalletti’s dominant Serie A team this season, appearing in 36 of their 37 games in all competitions.

    Kim’s current contract apparently features a £39 million release clause, despite only being signed from Turkish team Fenerbahce last summer.

    According to The Mail, that has caught the interest of United, Spurs and the Reds, as well as German giants Bayern Munich and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

    Napoli intend to offer their No3 fresh terms in the coming weeks to try and avoid losing him for a relatively modest fee.

    Those efforts may prove in vain however, with the report suggesting Kim is keen to test himself in the Premier League.

    Spurs will hope they hold an edge over their rivals due to the presence of Kim’s international captain Heung-Min Son in their ranks.

    But Napoli, who have a commanding 16-point lead in the league and are among the favourites for Champions League glory, will not give up their star defender without a fight.

    Describing Kim earlier this season, Spalletti said: “For me, he truly is the best centre-back in the world. 

    “When he starts the run with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opposition penalty area in five seconds flat.”

  • Arsenal 2-0 Bayern Munich (2-1 agg): Gunners shoot into semi-finals

    Arsenal 2-0 Bayern Munich (2-1 agg): Gunners shoot into semi-finals

    Arsenal reached the Women’s Champions League semi-finals after a dominating opening 45 minutes helped overturn a first-leg deficit and see off Bayern Munich 2-1 on aggregate. 

    Trailing to a Lea Schuller goal, the hosts recovered from the early loss of captain Kim Little to win 2-0 in front of 21,307 fans at the Emirates. 

    A Frida Maanum strike set them on their way before Stina Blackstenius’ header settled the tie. 

    The victory would have been more comfortable but for a fine goalkeeping display from Maria-Luisa Grohs and some wayward finishing from Arsenal. 

    After watching Jonas Eidevall guide the Gunners to their first Champions League semi-final since 2013 when they lost to Wolfsburg, who also knocked them out in the quarter-finals last season, former England defender Gilly Flaherty was full of praise. 

    Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, she said: “Eidevall is confident Arsenal can beat anybody. If they get the game plan right, they’re confident of beating anyone. 

    “Tonight they were unbelievable, they thoroughly deserved the win. 

    “They won’t fear whoever they get next. I feel they believe they can go the whole way.”

    Little was tripped as she looked to maraud into the Bayern half with their defence out of position in the 10th minute. 

    No free-kick was given but the Arsenal skipper had to be replaced by Lotte Wubben-Moy as birthday girl Leah Williamson took both the armband and Little’s place in the heart of midfield.

    The positional shift would play a part in Arsenal breaking the deadlock as Williamson directed a flick into the path of Maanum, who bent home the opener. 

    Maanum was in again soon after but could not nick the ball off the toe of Grohs as she looked to intercept a weak back-pass. 

    Arsenal’s lead was doubled before the half-hour as Katie McCabe worked space for a cross from the left and Blackstenius nodded in.

    Stina Blackstenius heads home the decisive goal on a memorable night
    Stina Blackstenius heads home the decisive goal on a memorable night

    It could have got even better before the break but Williamson missed with a header and Blackstenius was denied by Grohs before Maanum’s follow-up was blocked. 

    Grohs was keeping the visitors alive, saving a close-range header from Blackstenius before Wubben-Moy’s cross cannoned back off the crossbar. 

    The second half started on a more even keel. 

    Bayern wrestled back some possession as two corners caused problems in the Arsenal box and Wubben-Moy blocked to keep out a Klara Buhl strike. 

    Grohs was at it again moments later, tipping a McCabe shot wide after the Republic of Ireland international had danced into the box. 

    When Grohs was not in the position to keep Arsenal at bay, it was more profligate finishing that failed to kill off the tie as Caitlin Foord ballooned a chance over the crossbar.

    McCabe limped off late on to present Eidevall with another injury concern but he will be pleased his Continental Cup winners have at least two more games to add to their packed fixture schedule.

    Barca cruise through

    Earlier in the night, Barcelone hammered Roma 5-1 at the Camp Nou to advance to the last four 6-1 on aggregate. 

    Two-goal Fridolina Rolfo scored either side of Maria Leon’s curler to put Barca, who finished runners-up to Lyon last season, out of sight before half-time. 

    Asisat Oshoala tapped in a fourth a minute after the restart and Patricia Guijarro headed home from a corner to complete the rout. 

    Champions League debutants Roma pulled one back through Annamaria Serturini but it was plain sailing for Barca in their quest for a second European crown.

  • Nagelsmann sacking is ‘hard to take’ -De Ligt admits

    Nagelsmann sacking is ‘hard to take’ -De Ligt admits

    Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt was surprised by the club’s decision to part company with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and says it has been “hard to swallow”.

    German heavyweights Bayern officially called time on Nagelsmann’s 20-month reign on Friday and swiftly appointed Thomas Tuchel as his successor.

    Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga in his only full season in Bavaria, but Bayern find themselves a point behind Borussia Dortmund with 25 games of this campaign played.

    Bayern face leaders Dortmund in a huge clash on Saturday, while they also have DFB-Pokal and Champions League quarter-final ties to play in April.

    And with the club still in the hunt for a treble, De Ligt – who has been away on international duty with the Netherlands – did not see Nagelsmann’s sacking coming.

    “I was surprised,” he told Dutch TV broadcaster NOS. “We’re second in the league and in the quarter-finals of the cups. We’re still playing for everything.

    “Those in charge decide who the coach is, but it was a difficult decision that is hard to swallow. But I also believe that Tuchel is a coach who suits us.”

    According to a report in the German media, certain Bayern players turned against Nagelsmann and effectively forced him out of the Allianz Arena.

    But De Ligt, who has played 31 times since arriving at Bayern from Juventus at the start of the season, refuted those suggestions.

    “Oh, the German media. That says it all,” he said. “I had a good relationship with him and his team.

    “I sent him a message and thanked him for everything he taught me.

    “He really wanted me here at the club and was very important to me. 

    “Thanks in part to him, I have taken important steps in my development over the past few months.”

  • Bayern Munich is always the top choice to defeat Borussia Dortmund – Goretzka

    Bayern Munich is always the top choice to defeat Borussia Dortmund – Goretzka

    Bayern Munich will always be the favourite to defeat Borussia Dortmund, according to Leon Goretzka, because no team can compete with Die Roten at the Allianz Arena and come out on top.

    The two teams square off in their first game following the international break in a game that could be crucial to this season’s Bundesliga title race.

    After taking over for Julian Nagelsmann last week, Thomas Tuchel, a former captain of the Black and Yellow, Dortmund now has a one-point advantage over their rivals.

    According to Goretzka, who was speaking ahead of the crucial game, the visitors’ advantage in the league standing means nothing when they travel to the Allianz Arena.

    “We are ready,” he told SportBILD. “We want the 11th championship in a row. To quote Kylian Mbappe, we are always favourites.

    “When we play at home, there isn’t a team we don’t go into the game against as favourites. I think [the pressure] is great.

    “I really enjoy these games. As a player, you don’t want to be part of the team that can break this series [and miss out on another title win].”

    Nagelsmann’s departure, despite guiding Bayern to the title last term and the Champions League quarter-finals this year, is a gamble for the Bavarian giants.

    But in Tuchel, they have a former Champions League-winning coach from his time at Chelsea, and Goretzka hopes he can help retain their Bundesliga crown.

    “We all know and appreciate his successes,” he added. “[We] have great respect for his achievements and experience.”

  • Onana deserves more respect from Inter Milan in Champions League

    Onana deserves more respect from Inter Milan in Champions League

    Andre Onana claims Inter Milan deserve more respect in the Champions League after progressing from a group containing Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

    Simone Inzaghi’s side finished second in Group C in UEFA’s top club competition, with a home win and an away draw against Xavi’s Blaugrana proving crucial to their group-stage progression.

    Inter then negotiated a tough last-16 task against Porto, winning 1-0 on aggregate in the two-legged affair, and face Benfica in the quarter-final.

    The Nerazzurri could face either runaway Serie A leaders Napoli or AC Milan in the last four as Italian clubs dominate in Europe and Onana believes his side should get more credit.

    The keeper told Mediaset: “We deserve more respect in Europe, given that we sent Barcelona to the Europa League and faced a complicated group.

    “We have shown that we are a strong team. It doesn’t matter what will happen in the next round, we will face Benfica to win. I want to win everything.”

    The Scudetto appears destined for Napoli, who are 19 points clear at the Serie A summit, but Inter are still fighting on two fronts for silverware.

    Alongside their Champions League exploits, a Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus awaits, with the first leg coming in a week at Allianz Stadium.

    Onana insists Inter can go all the way due to their preparations and performances under Inzaghi.

    He added: “We must always play without fear. If there is fear, it’s better not to take the field. 

    “A difficult month awaits us, but we prepare every day to play matches like those against Juventus and Benfica.

    “I am convinced that if we work in the right way, it will be a month full of satisfaction.”

    Before the Coppa Italia clash with Juventus, Inter – who are third in Serie A – host Fiorentina in the league on Saturday.

  • Thomas Tuchel targets Chelsea’s highly regarded Anthony Barry to join his coaching staff at Bayern

    Thomas Tuchel targets Chelsea’s highly regarded Anthony Barry to join his coaching staff at Bayern

    Thomas Tuchel is set to start making a difference at Bayern Munich by targeting his former club. Tuchel was named the new head coach of Bayern Munich on March 24th, following the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann.

    Tuchel’s first job since being fired by Chelsea in September of last year, with the manager now set to oversee the remainder of the season and the next two years.

    Bayern is currently involved in a three-way Bundesliga battle as well as a Champions League quarterfinal clash with Manchester City.

    According to reports, Tuchel is planning to hire Chelsea’s highly regarded Anthony Barry as a member of his coaching staff.

    Barry was signed by Frank Lampard and stayed when the Chelsea legend was fired in 2021.

    The 36-year-old then remained to help Graham Potter when he took over from Tuchel last year. As the Telegraph reports, Chelsea are preparing to convince Barry not to move to Munich.

    Kovacic and Mendy deals

    Apart from Barry, Football London, via Calciomercato, additionally adds that Tuchel could prompt the Bavarians to move for Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy in the summer.

    Both players’ futures at Chelsea remain uncertain amid the abrasive shake-up undertaken by Todd Boehly.

    Kovacic and Mendy were among the most trusted lieutenants of Tuchel during his reign at Stamford Bridge.

    Tuchel’s first assignment after the international break will be a reunion against his other former side Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker. Dortmund currently lead Bayern by a point.

    Why Chelsea sacked Tuchel

    Previously, it was reported that it has been close to six months since Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea.

    It was a decision not many fans and pundits agreed with, as the new owners decided to bring in now-embattled Graham Potter as his replacement.

    At the time of his sacking, the Blues weren’t performing well, but co-owner, Todd Boehly revealed the German wasn’t sacked entirely because of on-pitch results and rather because the club was being steered in a new direction – one which Tuchel was not seen as the right person to do.

  • Bayern Munich allegedly sacks Julian for Tuchel

    Bayern Munich allegedly sacks Julian for Tuchel

    Bayern Munich have sensationally sacked Julian Nagelsmann, and Thomas Tuchel is in line to take over.

    While not officially confirmed by the German club, widespread reports on Thursday suggested Nagelsmann had been dismissed.

    Bayern sit second in the Bundesliga, one point behind Borussia Dortmund, and it is one of their rivals’ former coaches who is favourite to replace Nagelsmann.

    TOP STORY – TUCHEL SIGNS BAYERN DEAL

    According to Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel – who was sacked by Chelsea in September – has already agreed to become Bayern’s new coach.

    Tuchel’s first game would be against his former team Dortmund on April 1.

    Bayern face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, is sure to be linked with plenty of high-profile job opportunities.

    ROUND UP

    – The Sun, citing a Sport Bild report, claim that Eintracht Frankfurt have placed an £88million (€99.7m) price tag on Manchester United target Randal Kolo Muani.

    – The father of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister has informed ESPN no clubs are in concrete talks with his son, but that there are interested parties.

    – According to 90min, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester City are all scouting Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.

    – Fabrizio Romano says that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool are interested in Florian Wirtz, though Bayer Leverkusen are confident of keeping hold of the youngster.

  • Champions League talking points as Blues and Gunners go for glory

    Champions League talking points as Blues and Gunners go for glory

    Arsenal and Chelsea resume their Women’s Champions League campaigns this week in the first legs of their quarter-final clashes.

    The Gunners take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday and the Blues play Lyon at Groupama Stadium 24 hours later.

    Elsewhere, Roma meet Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain tackle Wolfsburg in the quest to be crowned queens of Europe.

    We take a look at some of the talking points ahead of the action. 

    Gunners aim to do without crocked stars

    Arsenal — the only English club to have won the competition — are looking to reach the semis for the first time in 10 years.

    WATCH: Lens breeze past Angers in Champions League charge

    They face German opposition at this stage again after being eliminated in the 2021-22 quarter-finals by Wolfsburg. 

    Jonas Eidevall’s side made an eye-catching start to their continental campaign, winning 5-1 at defending champions Lyon en route to topping their group.

    But losing forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema to ACL injuries is a massive blow. 

    The club re-signed veteran striker Jodie Taylor last week, though she is not part of their Champions League squad. 

    Currently fourth in the Women’s Super League, they have won each of their last three games — including beating Chelsea 3-1 in the Continental Cup final. 

    Stan in the way

    Georgia Stanway will be a familiar face to the Arsenal players
    Georgia Stanway will be a familiar face to the Arsenal players

    The Gunners will face England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who scored three times in the group stage after joining Bayern Munich from Manchester City last summer.

    Bayern, who finished second behind Barcelona in Group D on goal difference, have twice before reached the Champions League semi-finals.

    Last season they bowed out in the quarters with defeat over two legs to PSG. 

    They are second in the German top flight — two points behind Wolfsburg — and on a 12-match winning streak in all competitions. 

    Kerr on song for Blues

    Chelsea’s Conti Cup final defeat was only their second loss of 2022-23 and first since September. 

    Otherwise, it has been pretty ruthless form from Emma Hayes’ side, who look well-placed to secure a fourth successive WSL title. 

    Australia forward Sam Kerr has again been at the forefront, scoring 22 goals for the Blues including 12 since the turn of the year. Five of those came in the group stage.

    Hayes’ side topped their pool a year on from failing to make it to the last eight. 

    Lyon on the prowl

    Ada Hegerberg's return will be a huge boost to Lyon
    Ada Hegerberg’s return will be a huge boost to Lyon

    After being thrashed by Arsenal, Lyon’s recovery included beating the Gunners 1-0 at the Emirates. 

    Meanwhile, their defence of the French league title currently sees them a point clear of PSG at the top. 

    They have had a number of big names back in action in recent months after injuries and Norway star Ada Hegerberg, who scored one goal and set up another in the 3-1 win over Barcelona in last season’s final, is nearing a return of her own. 

    The road to Eindhoven

    The second legs of these ties take place at the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge next Wednesday and Thursday respectively. 

    If the English sides progress, Arsenal will then face either PSG or Wolfsburg in the semis in late April, while for Chelsea it will be Barca or Roma.

    The final is scheduled for June 3 at PSV Eindhoven’s Philips Stadion.

  • Real Madrid, Napoli complete quarter-final line up

    Real Madrid, Napoli complete quarter-final line up

    On Wednesday night, Real Madrid and Napoli easily advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, completing the field of eight teams.

    Real defeated Liverpool 1-0 on the night to finish with a 6-3 overall triumph over the Reds, while Napoli defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 to win with a 5-0 overall victory.

    Real Madrid and Napoli join Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester City and Benfica for Friday’s draw.

    The Reds, who lost the first leg 5-2, lined up with four forwards at the Bernabeu as they looked to add another famous comeback to their fabled European history.

    But that rarely looked on the cards and legendary Real striker Karim Benzema put the tie beyond doubt when he tucked in from Vinicius Jr’s cutback late on.

    In Naples, Victor Osimhen scored twice as Napoli cruised into the last 8 for the first time with a comfortable win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

    With Luciano Spalletti’s side two goals up from the first leg, the Nigeria striker’s thumping header in first-half stoppage time dispelled any lingering nerves at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

    Champions League: Real Madrid, Napoli complete quarter-final line up

    Osimhen doubled the Italians’ lead on the night with a close-range finish from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s cross eight minutes after the break and, having been brought down in the box, Piotr Zielinski converted the penalty himself to make it 3-0.

    The draw for the quarter finals and semi finals of the Champions League will be held at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.

  • Bayern, LAFC collaborate to ensure player development

    Bayern, LAFC collaborate to ensure player development

    Bayern Munich and Los Angeles FC have reached an agreement to bolster both teams’ development of young players.

    In order to develop players for both teams abroad, the Bundesliga champions and the MLS Cup winners have formed a joint business called “Red&Gold Football” with headquarters in Munich.

    Oliver Kahn, the chief executive of Bayern, claimed that the affiliation with LAFC would help the German powerhouses stay competitive against their European competitors as MLS’s caliber rose.

    “On an international level, soccer is developing rapidly, which is also evident in the transfer market,” Kahn told the club’s website. 

    “We see this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen FC Bayern in the sporting competition with the best clubs in Europe and the Bundesliga. 

    “The fact that the 2026 World Cup will largely take place in the United States, where we already have an office in New York, makes Los Angeles even more attractive. 

    “I expect a boost in quality and young talent in Major League Soccer, which will have a positive impact on our partnership.”

    LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said: “A partnership of this magnitude is the next step in our evolution as a club. We are extremely excited to work together with FC Bayern to identify and develop young talent in Southern California and beyond.

    “We believe this relationship will provide players throughout our systems with the ability to maximise their potential and see a clear pathway to first-team football.”

    The sides envisage the partnership could grow to include other clubs and development academies across the game in the future “as part of a global development initiative”.

  • Messi, Mbappe, Neymar suffer trolls from Augsburg after UCL PSG’s elimination

    Messi, Mbappe, Neymar suffer trolls from Augsburg after UCL PSG’s elimination

    Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain were viciously attacked by Bundesliga club Augsburg after Bayern Munich eliminated them from the Champions League earlier this week.

    PSG was eliminated in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich over the course of two legs, prolonging their wait for their first Champions League victory.

    Against the Bavarians, PSG’s feared trio unexpectedly failed to score even once, with Messi and Mbappe in particular being muffled at the Allianz Arena. Due to an ankle injury that would end his season, Neymar was unable to play.

    Augsburg played Bayern Munich on Saturday in a top-flight game, and despite losing 5-3, they took solace in the fact that they did score thrice against the league champions – a fete PSG couldn’t.

    Ironically, had Christophe Galtier’s side scored three goals over the two ties, the game could have gone to extra time and possibly penalties. Mergim Berisha scored twice on march 11th to add to the strike he got in the first leg against the same opposition in a surprise 1-0 win in September.

    Fans reactions

    Fans trooped online to respond to the online troll.

    @jogabonito said: “Mbappé alone has more trophies than your club. Know your place.”

    @ahmdan said: “I’d never thought I’d see the day where Berisha outscores the whole PSG team”

    PSG bounced back to beat Brest in Ligue 1 on Saturday evening to cement their lead in France, while Augsburg’s defeat saw them remain in 13th place.

    Messi achieves new milestone Sports Brief had earlier reported that Messi reached 300 club assists as Paris Saint-Germain wiped their midweek wounds with a hard-fought victory over Brest.

    The genius number 10 added further gloss to his greatest of all-time claim when he set up Kylian Mbappe, who made no mistake by rounding the goalkeeper before slotting home from close range.

    PSG were coming off a 2-0 defeat at Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in midweek, suffering a 3-0 aggregate loss.

    Messi’s latest milestone intertwined with PSG’s 3000th goal in the French top flight.

  • Kylian Mbappe allegedly at loggerhead with three teammates after 3-0 aggregate loss to Bayern

    Kylian Mbappe allegedly at loggerhead with three teammates after 3-0 aggregate loss to Bayern

    After their Champions League elimination, four of Kylian Mbappe’s teammates from Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly not “on good terms” with him. After losing 3-0 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, the Parisians were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the round of 16 for the second consecutive year.

    It was the fifth time in the previous 12 seasons that PSG had been eliminated in the Round of 16. According to Sporkskeeda, Mbappe avoids communication with three teammates, including Marco Verratti, because he is dissatisfied with the team’s performance in Europe.

    The Frenchman is furious that Verratti, who was ejected twice and was the reason PSG lost 2-0 in Munich, was to blame for the team’s demise.

    The reports further state that there is already a factor of jealousy between Mbappe and the Italian midfielder.

    Verratti was reportedly the owner’s favourite before Mbappe’s arrival in 2017. Hence, losing that title hasn’t gone down well with the former Pescara midfielder.

    Mbappe also reportedly doesn’t talk with compatriot Presnel Kimpembe and Brazil star Neymar Junior. Mbappe and Kimpembe are not friends, nor are they enemies. They have just never been close, the reports indicate.

    For Neymar, he is still annoyed that Mbappe is trying to push him out of the club.

    Mbappe regrets not joining Real Madrid

    Meanwhile, Mbappe is apparently regretting his decision to extend his deal with Paris Saint-Germain, just a few months after signing a three-year contraction extension with the Ligue 1 champions.

    The 24-year-old forward made a U-turn on joining Real Madrid last summer despite having a verbal agreement to join the Spanish giants before the start of the 2022/23 season.

    According to Madrid Universal, Mbappe’s entourage called Real Madrid at the end of the last summer, admitting the forward regrets his decision to extend his contract with PSG.

    ‘Mbappe should join Real Madrid’ In related news, former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher believes Mbappe should leave PSG urgently for the sake of his career, Football Espana reported.

    Mbappe discusses his club future

    Sports Brief also reported on Mbappe discussing his club future following PSG’s early elimination from the Champions League. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from France despite signing a bumper deal with PSG earlier this season.

    Mbappe has now revealed he is solely focused on winning the Ligue 1 title with PSG but did not discuss what the future held.

  • Harry Kane’s transfer would be ‘completely gaga’ -Bayern honorary president Hoeness

    Harry Kane’s transfer would be ‘completely gaga’ -Bayern honorary president Hoeness

    Uli Hoeness thinks Harry Kane would make Bayern Munich go “gaga,” but the Bundesliga champions are still interested in signing the England captain.

    Discussions about Kane’s future have been sparked by Tottenham’s failure to win any trophies this season.

    Bayern is one of the very few teams that seems capable of bringing in a player of that calibre, paying the transfer fee and wages while also guaranteeing the striker the chance to finally bring home a trophy.

    But honorary president Hoeness has suggested the idea of splashing out on Kane would be “completely gaga”.

    Hoeness appeared to make a similar suggestion in an interview with Sky Sports, though he also discussed how Bayern could still make a bid for Kane.

    “It doesn’t go over my desk,” Hoeness said. “I’m one of nine members of the supervisory board who have a say in the executive committee when it comes to large expenses of over €25million.

    “I’ve expressed my personal private opinion here. I can imagine that the day is coming a player would go to Bayern and can cost around €100million, but I gave my opinion specifically on the Kane case.

    “He’s almost 30 years old and last year Tottenham rejected Manchester City’s €160million offer.”

    Asked what role he might have in any discussions around Kane, Hoeness replied: “I would give my private opinion.

    “I’m one of nine, and if the other eight say he’s going to be bought, then he’s going to be bought. That’s how it is in a democracy.”

    Bayern’s record transfer remains their €80m signing of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

  • Neymar to miss Bayern match due to ankle injury

    Neymar to miss Bayern match due to ankle injury

    Neymar is anticipated to miss the second leg of Paris Saint-Champions Germain’s League match against Bayern Munich due to an ankle injury, according to head coach Christophe Galtier.

    After being carried off the pitch during PSG’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Lille on February 19, scans revealed Neymar had damaged ankle ligaments.

    As PSG needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit after losing the first leg at the Parc des Princes, where fellow attacking star Kylian Mbappe was forced to play only as a substitute due to injury, the Brazil international’s injury put his participation against Bayern in doubt right away.

    PSG’s fears were confirmed as Galtier previewed Saturday’s Ligue 1 meeting with Nantes, saying: “In the next two games, we won’t have Neymar available.” 

    “I think he will miss out against Bayern Munich.”

    A medical update issued by the club, meanwhile, said Neymar was continuing his rehabilitation and would be reassessed on Monday—two days before PSG’s trip to Germany.

    Neymar’s absence did not hamper PSG last time out, as Mbappe and Lionel Messi starred in a 3-0 thrashing of Marseille to move the Ligue 1 leaders eight points clear at the summit.

    That win saw Mbappe move level with PSG’s all-time record scorer Edinson Cavani with 200 goals for the club, while Messi claimed the 700th senior goal of his club career.

    Having exchanged assists for all three goals, Messi and Mbappe have now combined for 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season, which is the most in the division and four more than Neymar and Mbappe.

    However, Galtier dismissed suggestions PSG were a more balanced side with Neymar sidelined, saying: “Our block is much more compact, denser. 

    “With the absence of Neymar, instead of having two midfielders, we will be with three midfielders and two attackers.

    “To tell you that Neymar’s absence is trivial… no. It’s a detrimental absence for us.”

    While Wednesday’s trip to Bayern is viewed as make-or-break for PSG’s season, Galtier knows Nantes – who have won two of their last four league games against the Parisians – will provide a stern test.

    “The most important game is the one that’s coming. Our squad is weakened by suspensions and injuries, we have to make our way in the league,” he said.

    “I hope the players don’t have the game against Bayern on Wednesday in a corner of their heads. It’s important to have a third consecutive victory in the league.” 

  • Mbappe hopeful PSG can surmount Bayern deficit

    Mbappe hopeful PSG can surmount Bayern deficit

    If Paris Saint-Germain overcomes their first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16, Kylian Mbappe maintained it won’t be viewed as a comeback.

    The champions of Germany upset the champions of France 1-0 at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday thanks to a goal from former PSG forward Kingsley Coman.

    In order to prevent another early Champions League departure, Christian Galtier’s team will have a lot of work to do. However, France forward Kylian Mbappe is certain that PSG will succeed in Munich.

    “As we said, we said we had to take the positives. It’s a two-legged tie. We can’t change what happened in the first leg,” Mbappe said in quotes reported by PSG’s official website.

    “We will go there to qualify. We know that there is a possibility. There is always a good possibility to qualify. So we will go there with a lot of energy and determination.

    “It’s not a comeback. There’s no longer the away goal. We have to score a goal and we’ll be level, so we have to go there and win. 

    “Play our game, play attacking football, which we know how to do and try to go there and win.”

    Mbappe had initially been ruled out of the first leg with a hamstring injury sustained against Montpellier on February 1.

    Galtier named Mbappe among the substitutes and he entered the fray shortly before the hour, with the man himself admitting he was not supposed to play.

    “I wasn’t supposed to play but I wanted to play and help my team-mates,” he added.

    “We did everything, we worked night and day to get me some game time.

    “I wanted to [start the game]. But sometimes you have to be satisfied with what you can do, and that’s all I could do.

    “My feeling? I was a bit concerned, but I gave everything I had and I have nothing left. Now we have to continue and recover well. 

    “Like I said, get everyone back healthy and all come back at 100 per cent, and I’m sure it can go well.”

  • Bayern hire Michael Rechner as new goalkeeping coach 

    Bayern hire Michael Rechner as new goalkeeping coach 

    Following the contentious firing of Toni Tapalovic as their goalkeeping coach, Bayern Munich has hired Michael Rechner in his place.

    Tapalovic, who allegedly had a tense relationship with head coach Julian Nagelsmann, was fired by the Bundesliga champions.

    However, Tapalovic was friendly with Manuel Neuer, the club captain, with whom he had collaborated for more than a decade.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/matthaus-calls-for-neuer-lose-his-role-as-bayerns-captain/

    Neuer, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, was upset by his departure and vented his resentment in an interview with The Athletic, which drew ire from numerous Bayern top executives.

    Rechner will train first alongside Yann Sommer, who was brought in after Neuer’s injury, according to the club.

    Oliver Baumann and Rechner had been Hoffenheim’s first team goalkeeping coaches since 2015.

  • Matthaus calls for Neuer lose his role as Bayern’s captain

    Matthaus calls for Neuer lose his role as Bayern’s captain

    Lothar Matthaus has said Manuel Neuer can no longer be Bayern Munich captain amid the ongoing saga surrounding the goalkeeper’s criticism of the club.

    Germany veteran Neuer is out for the rest of the season after a freak skiing injury sustained during a post-World Cup holiday, with Yann Sommer signed from Borussia Monchengladbach as a replacement.

    The arrival of Switzerland international Sommer coincided with the dismissal of long-term Bayern goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic, a move Neuer criticised in an interview with The Athletic.

    His comments have sparked widespread backlash, including from coach Julian Nagelsmann, and Germany’s most-capped player Matthaus has added his own voice to the chorus of disapproval.

    “Manuel Neuer is no longer acceptable as Bayern captain,” he wrote in his Sky Sport Germany column. “He skied negligently and now vehemently attacks the club. Didn’t he say a few weeks ago no one was above the club?

    “He is an icon of world football, one of the greatest to ever play for Bayern and Germany. I was the biggest fan you can imagine of him, but it is his own fault, the skiing accident and this interview.

    “He did his club such a disservice, they have to do without his irreplaceable class for months, maybe even forever, and continue to pay his lavish salary.

    “Bayern were more loyal to Neuer than to any other player. Serge Gnabry was publicly thrown at hell and Manuel didn’t say a bad word to the outside world.

    “Bayern had to sign Yann Sommer for a lot of money and now [they] have to read that they ripped out [Neuer’s] heart.”

    In Neuer’s absence, Bayern defeated Wolfsbur

    g on Sunday in a 4-2 victory as Nagelsmann’s side leapfrogged unlikely title challengers Union Berlin at the Bundesliga summit.

  • OFFICIAL: Man Utd sign Bayern’s Sabitzer

    OFFICIAL: Man Utd sign Bayern’s Sabitzer

    Manchester United have wasted no time in searching a replacement for Eriksen as the Red Devils have agreed a last-minute deal with Bayern Munich for the loan of Marcel Sabitzer.

    Manchester United have managed to reach an agreement with Bayern Munich for the loan of Marcel Sabitzer until the end of the season without option to buy.

    According to reports, the Red Devils reached an agreement quickly as the midfielder reportedly agreed immediately to travel to Manchester to play under Ten Hag. 

    The Old Trafford side’s move has been prompted mainly by the loss of key midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is likely to be out until May after suffering an ankle injury in the FA Cup win over Reading. 

    The former Bayern Munich player was caught in the afternoon arriving in England to undergo a medical with the Mancunian club. In this way, the Austrian will help fill the gap left by Eriksen’s absence. In addition, the player will help Ten Hag’s side continue their run of form, which sees them sit fourth in the Premier League on 39 points, level with Newcastle and six points behind runners-up Manchester City.

    The 28-year-old playmaker will join his sixth club in his career, having had spells with Admira, Rapid Wien, Salzburg, Leipzig and Bayern Munich. Sabitzer has been capped by Austria and has made 581 official appearances in his playing career, scoring 140 goals and providing 76 assists.

  • Bayern Munich sign Joao Cancelo on loan from Man City

    Bayern Munich sign Joao Cancelo on loan from Man City

    Bayern Munich have signed Portugal wing-back Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season from Manchester City, the German club confirmed on Tuesday.

    Bayern have an option to buy the Portuguese defender for a reported 70 million euros at the end of the season. Cancelo, who has scored seven times in 41 appearances for Portugal, arrived in Munich on Monday and completed a medical on Tuesday for a move that could spell the end of France international Benjamin Pavard’s time at Bayern.

    The 28-year-old Portuguese defender joined City from Juventus for 65 million euros in 2019 and has a contract with the English champions until 2027. “FC Bayern is a great club, one of the best in the world, and it’s enormous motivation for me to now play alongside these extraordinary players in a team,” Cancelo said in a statement released by the club on Tuesday.

    “I know that this club, this team lives for titles and wins titles every year. I’m also driven by the hunger for success.” Cancelo has won multiple titles throughout his career, including league titles with Benfica, Juventus and Man City. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said the club “had been thinking about (Cancelo) for a while” before making its move.

    “He’s the optimal fit in our system with his attacking style of play and dynamism, and his mentality and experience fit very well in our team. I’m convinced Joao will help us in the coming weeks and months where we want to win titles.” Bayern secured the deadline-day signing after Cancelo, who has been named in the Premier League Team of the Year for the past two seasons, has fallen out of the Man City first team in recent weeks.

    Manager Pep Guardiola has left Cancelo out of the starting line-up in each of the team’s last three games, with academy graduate Rico Lewis, alongside Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker and John Stones all preferred to Cancelo.

     Cancelo could make his Bayern debut in the club’s German Cup match away against Mainz on Wednesday, or in their away Bundesliga clash with Wolfsburg on Sunday.

  • Cancelo officially joins FC Bayern on loan

    Cancelo officially joins FC Bayern on loan

    Joao Cancelo, a defender for Manchester City, has been loaned to Bayern Munich till the end of the current campaign.

    Cancelo, 28, has not scored or assisted in the Premier League since October. He has been benched for City’s last three games under Pep Guardiola in recent weeks.

    Since the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United earlier this month, academy graduate Rico Lewis appears to have replaced Pep Guardiola as his go-to right-back choice.

    Cancelo strengthens a Bayern team that has been in a slump, drawing their previous three Bundesliga games, but the Bavarians still lead the German top division after 18 games by one point.

    Julian Nagelsmann’s side travel to Mainz on Wednesday for their DFB-Pokal last-16 clash before a trip to Wolfsburg on Sunday.

    Portuguese international Cancelo moved to the Etihad from Juventus in 2019 and has twice won the Premier League with the Citizens.

    The versatile full-back also won domestic league titles in previous spells at Benfica and Juve and signed a five-year contract last February.

  • Bayern Munich sign goalkeeper Sommer

    Bayern Munich sign goalkeeper Sommer

    Borussia Monchengladbach, a fellow Bundesliga team, has lost Yann Sommer to Bayern Munich.

    While playing at Gladbach, Sommer, a Switzerland international, consistently ranked among the top goalkeepers in Germany.

    The 34-year-old, whose agreement was about to expire at the end of the current campaign, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Bayern for a rumoured cost of around €8 million.

    After Manuel Neuer broke his leg while skiing in December and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, Bayern wanted to expand their options in goal.

    Alexander Nubel’s loan at Monaco had the potential to be called back, but Sommer always looked to be the top priority.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/sommer-return-boosts-switzerlands-world-cup-squad/

    Despite Gladbach’s insistence they did not wish to sell him, Sommer reportedly asked to leave, and a deal was struck between the clubs on Wednesday.

    “I’m really looking forward to my new role at Bayern. It’s a big club with power, we’ve often played against each other – I know about the enormous quality and charisma of this club,” Sommer said on his transfer.

    “I’m proud to be part of Bayern now. We have big tasks ahead of us. I’m really looking forward to the start with my new colleagues and to everything that’s coming.

    “I would like to thank Borussia Monchengladbach for eight and a half great years and for making this transfer possible.”

    Sommer joined Gladbach in 2014 and made 272 Bundesliga appearances. Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann is the only goalkeeper to have played more times in the competition in the same period.

    Of goalkeepers to make 10 or more Bundesliga appearances in that time, Sommer’s save percentage of 71.1 is the seventh best and ranks similarly to Neuer’s (72.5). He has kept 70 clean sheets.

    Sommer has only made 10 appearances in the competition this season but boasts the second-best save percentage (77.1) behind Union Berlin’s Frederik Ronnow (79.1).

    Bayern restart their campaign against Julian Nagelsmann’s former team RB Leipzig on Friday.

  • Nagelsmann says Bayern need to sign another goalkeeper

    Nagelsmann says Bayern need to sign another goalkeeper

    According to head coach Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern Munich “have a duty to get another goalkeeper” in the current transfer window.

    After Manuel Neuer fractured his leg while skiing, the German giants are in a difficult situation because Sven Ulreich, 34, their backup goalie, is the only seasoned alternative.

    Johannes Schenk, a 19-year-old, is in second place behind Ulreich, and Nagelsmann has made it obvious that he is searching for a more seasoned veteran to challenge Ulreich for the top slot while Neuer is out.

    But he explained to reporters on Thursday why it’s such a challenging prospect in the middle of the season.

    “In winter it is very, very difficult,” he said. “The market situation is complex because other clubs are also looking for certain positions. 

    “The goalkeeping market is generally complex – there aren’t that many players out there. The situation is not easy.

    “We’re trying to do something. We have a duty to get another goalkeeper, regardless of whether he becomes number one or number two, because behind [Ulreich] we only have very young players. 

    “If [Ulreich] were to get injured, it would be a complex situation for a young player with no professional experience to be between the posts. I’m a friend of always keeping your eyes and ears open.”

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/bayern-munich-rebuke-racist-abuse-of-coman-after-world-cup-final/

    When asked about Bayern’s links to 34-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Nagelsmann suggested there has been little progress.

    “It’s like I said before, it’s kind of normal the way things are going,” he said. “There is no club that likes to give away their goalkeeper. 

    “There are few goalkeepers on the market that make sense for us and improve us. Nothing new at the moment.”

  • Mane could be fit for Champions League clash with PSG -Nagelsmann

    Mane could be fit for Champions League clash with PSG -Nagelsmann

    Julian Nagelsmann expects to be without Sadio Mane for the first leg of Bayern Munich‘s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain but says there is a chance he could feature in the second.

    Mane was ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar after suffering a fibula injury in November.

    The Senegal forward, who joined Bundesliga champions Bayern from Liverpool last June, underwent surgery and is on the road to recovery.

    Bayern head coach Nagelsmann does not envisage Mane playing a part in the clash against PSG at the Parc des Princes on February 14.

    However, if Mane does not suffer any setbacks, Nagelsmann hopes he may be able to call upon the 30-year-old for the showdown with the Ligue 1 champions at the Allianz Arena on March 8.

    Nagelsmann said during a press conference in Doha on Thursday: “He’s [Mane] an important player. If everything goes well, then it could be the case that he returns in time for PSG.

    “We will see how he reacts to the workload. Personally, I’m not yet considering him for the first leg.”

    Bayern will face Salzburg on Friday in a friendly before resuming the Bundesliga season with a trip to RB Leipzig next Friday.

    Matthijs de Ligt will not face the Austrian side due to an ankle injury, but new signing Daley Blind will be included after joining the Bavarian giants following his release by Ajax.

    Nagelsmann said of the Netherlands full-back: “He will play tomorrow. He still needs some time, because the intensity in training is a bit higher.

    “You can tell that he has a lot of experience and he looks confident on the ball. He will be the player that we imagined he’d be.”

  • Kimmich pessimistic about Germany’s trophy chances

    Kimmich pessimistic about Germany’s trophy chances

    Joshua Kimmich joked he may have to play until the age of 45 to lift an international trophy as he rued Germany’s dire showing at the 2022 World Cup.  

    Having been eliminated in the group stage at Russia 2018 and fallen to England in the last 16 at Euro 2020, Germany arrived in Qatar in the midst of a dismal run of tournament showings.

    Hansi Flick’s side were left with a familiar sinking feeling as they failed to recover from a shock defeat to Japan in their Group E opener, missing out on a place in the round of 16 despite taking four points from games against Spain and Costa Rica.

    Bayern Munich midfielder Kimmich has now been a Germany regular at four major tournaments, and their shortcomings have left him with a “bitter” taste.

    Kimmich is back in Doha for a mid-season training camp with Bayern, and asked in a press conference about Germany’s chances of winning a major trophy as they look ahead to hosting Euro 2024, he said: “I just have to keep playing until I’m 45, then we will, hopefully.”

    Reflecting on Germany’s World Cup exit, the 27-year-old added: “We had big objectives and wanted to reach something. 

    “Eventually, we got knocked out early again. After 2018, the Euros and now another tournament like this, it is very bitter.

    “You don’t get that many chances with the national team, so this is not something you can just easily forget and move on from because it is what it is.”

    Kimmich believes Germany could have grown into the tournament had they qualified from their group, but he acknowledges other sides – including eventual champions Argentina – arrived in Qatar in better form.

    “I thought that in 2018, many things weren’t working, also internally on our team. Against England [at Euro 2020], it felt like a 50-50 game,” Kimmich said.

    “Last year, I don’t want to say everything was great but in the end, those 30 minutes against Japan cost us the tournament. If we had drawn there, we would definitely have progressed

    “We were also missing self-confidence, especially when I look at other teams. Italy before the Euros had a long streak of unbeaten games, Argentina as well [before the World Cup].

    “This is something we have to aim for. We can’t just start with that once the tournament starts. We should start that in March. 

    “We have to win our games, gain self-confidence and gain some self-understanding for our processes. Then we have to also bring that to the pitch and be able to rely on that.”