More stories

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel backs Harry Kane to save Bayern Munich’s season with England star frustrated by disastrous collapse

    THOMAS TUCHEL has backed Harry Kane to help save Bayern Munich’s season.Because if the England captain thought things had become a bit bumpy here in Bavaria over the last few weeks, this would be nothing compared to the furious fall-out if Bayern get booted out of the Champions League by Lazio tomorrow.Thomas Tuchel has backed Harry Kane to help get Bayern Munich’s season back on trackCredit: GettyKane left Spurs to win trophies and despite plundering 27 Bundesliga goals, the team trail Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side by 10 points.Under-fire Bayern boss Tuchel is now leaving at the end of the season but if the team fails to turn around a 1-0 first leg deficit against Lazio, the former Chelsea manager could be sacked before the home game with Mainz on Saturday.So all eyes will be on Kane to add to his 31 goals in all competitions against Maurizio Sarri’s side and to send Bayern into the quarter-finals.Understandably, the ex-Tottenham striker has been left frustrated by the club’s feeble title bid despite his prolific form.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if he has been forced to boost Kane’s spirits, Tuchel said: “I do not feel it is necessary to lift him but of course, like every player, like every human being, he likes to have attention and to have commitment from the coach. “He gets 100 per cent from me and there is not one per cent of doubt in me in what he does here and how he behaves.“Harry has an impact on every team that he plays for, because of the way he plays. He is not very outspoken, so he is not loud in the dressing room. “The way he does things calmly, focused, and full of confidence always has a positive effect on our team, so it is basically a pleasure to have him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It is a gift to be his coach, so we are absolutely not worried about him and I am sure he will perform against Lazio and that is what he does under pressure. We can 100 per cent rely on him.”Bayern were really poor in the defeat in Rome three weeks ago and a 3-2 loss to Bochum four days later was the final straw for the club’s hierarchy. Harry Kane reacts to Bayern Munich’s shock Champions League defeatIt was then announced that Tuchel – originally due to stay until 2025 – would leave this summer.The problem Bayern have is that if they do sack Tuchel this week, there is no obvious candidate to hire short-term and they remain focused on trying to lure Liverpool target Alonso to the Allianz Arena.Yet if Bayern, who won their sixth Champions League title in 2020, progress to the quarter-finals, things will settle down here – for the time being.Tuchel said: “For me it is a very important game. I am a very bad loser and I do not like having the influence that I demand. “Talking about titles doesn’t win you titles. We need to train well and play well.”With Kane up front, Bayern should still have enough to overcome Lazio who are ninth in Serie A after having three players sent off in a 1-0 home loss to Milan on Friday. More

  • in

    Chelsea and Man City set to pounce for Bayern golden boy Jamal Musiala with ex-England youth star keen on return to Prem

    MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Jamal Musiala’s ongoing contract talks at Bayern Munich.And they are ready to go head-to-head for the German golden boy if he fails to agree a new deal with the Bundesliga giants.Jamal Musiala has interest from Premier League clubsCredit: RexMusiala, 21, has two years left on his current terms, and although Bayern want to tie him down to an extension, there is still no sign of an agreement.Sources claim the highly-rated Stuttgart-born midfielder fancies a return to England.He previously spent seven years in Chelsea’s Academy.Musiala lived over here for nearly a decade, after his parents moved from Germany when he was seven, and his old club would love to take him back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut City are equally keen and sent a delegation to watch him in Bayern’s recent 3-0 defeat to leaders Bayer Leverkusen.Talks over a £150,000-a-week new deal have been going on since October.Yet Musiala is aware of the Premier League interest and knows he is in a strong bargaining position.He has scored nine goals and registered four assists in all competitions so far this season.Most read in BundesligaHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLMusiala netted the title-winning goal for Bayern last season and was their second top scorer.He has also been capped 25 times by Germany after changing his allegiance from England while he was an Under-21 international.Gareth Southgate says he would have liked Jamal Musiala to stay as an England player instead of playing for Germany More

  • in

    Eric Dier ‘to sign for Bayern Munich as permanent transfer option triggered after just six appearances’

    ERIC DIER is set to sign for Bayern Munich permanently, according to reports. Dier, 30, has been with the German champions on loan from Tottenham since January.Eric Dier is set to sign for Bayern Munich on a permanent basisCredit: GettyThe original deal was due to run until the end of the season with a further option for 12 months.However, according to The Athletic, Dier has now met the contractual obligations to turn the move into a permanent transfer.Bayern are believed to have paid Spurs £3.5million for the loan deal.It means they will effectively sign the former England international as a free agent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub chiefs are said to be pleased with Dier’s contribution and leadership skills since joining them.Dier has so far played six Bundesliga games, helping them to one clean sheet.It means Dier will remain with Harry Kane in the quest to lift the German league title.Bayern currently sit eight points behind Xabi Alonso’s record-breaking league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlonso is said to be on Bayern’s list of candidates to take over in the summer after it was announced Thomas Tuchel would step down at the end of the season.Tuchel’s team will face Freiburg tomorrow before facing Lazio in the second leg of the Champions League last 16.Dier has played just six games for the Bundesliga outfitFans reckon Eric Dier has ‘gone full Steve McClaren’ as ex-Tottenham ace reveals German twang after Bayern Munich debut More

  • in

    Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid’ as World Cup winner predicts next move

    XABI ALONSO is going to snub Liverpool, Bayern Munich AND Real Madrid – according to Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.Former Bayern star Matthaus would love Alonso to be the next boss of his old team, but reckons the Spaniard will spurn interest from a number of big clubs to stay for at least one more year at Bayer Leverkusen.
    Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso is going nowhere this summerCredit: Getty
    Matthaus said: “His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet.
    “Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that. 
    “He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with. 
    “He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to sign for another club next season.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Former Kop idol Alonso is believed to be Liverpool’s top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Anfield at the end of the season.
    But another of the Spaniard’s former clubs, Bayern, are also in the market for a new head coach after confirming that Thomas Tuchel would be on his way this summer.
    And Real Madrid, another club that Alonso graced as one of the most stylish midfielders of his generation, have also been linked with him.
    Matthaus, who won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern and the 1990 World Cup with West Germany, knows exactly where he would like Alonso to pitch up next.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Matthaus, 62, now a Sky Germany pundit, said: “As for the search for Tuchel’s successor, I would first like to say one thing: Xabi Alonso has to top Bayern’s list because of his resume, his authority and his successful work at Leverkusen. 
    “I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso.
    Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are two names who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer
    “But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good. Xabi Alonso is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid. 
    “He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.
    “The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach.
    “He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don’t matter to him. 
    “He has no pressure and can take things easy.” More

  • in

    Liverpool star Andy Robertson ‘is Bayern Munich’s top transfer target to replace Real Madrid-bound Alphonso Davies’

    LIVERPOOL star Andy Robertson is Bayern Munich’s top choice to replace Alphonso Davies, according to reports.The German giants are set to lose left-back Davies to Real Madrid this summer, with the Canadian having reached a “verbal agreement” with the LaLiga champions.
    Andrew Robertson helped Liverpool win the Carabao Cup last SundayCredit: Rex
    Bayern Munich are resigned to losing Alphonso DaviesCredit: Getty
    Bayern want to recruit a top-class replacement for the 23-year-old, with Robertson fitting the bill.
    According to the Mail, Bayern will try to tempt the Scot into a move.
    The Bundesliga champions recognise that it will be difficult to prise the 29-year-old away from Anfield.
    But they are determined to secure as high-quality a replacement for Davies as possible.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And they reckon that at this stage of his career, Robertson may be tempted by a new challenge.
    The Scotland captain joined Liverpool from Hull in an £8million deal in 2017.
    He has since appeared 282 times for the Reds, playing a key role in Premier League and Champions League wins, in addition to pocketing plenty of domestic medals.
    Robertson recently returned from a shoulder injury and started Sunday’s victorious Carabao Cup final.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The speedy left-back is also set to skipper his country at Euro 2024 this summer, with Scotland taking on Germany in the tournament’s opening game at Bayern’s Allianz Arena.
    The German side have looked to the Premier League in recent transfer windows.
    Xabi Alonso’s preference ‘revealed’ as Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘make enquiries over Bayer Leverkusen boss
    They signed Harry Kane from Tottenham in a £104m swoop last August.
    While they secured a short-term deal for Eric Dier from Spurs in January.
    Despite the blockbuster acquisition of Kane, Bayern have endured a difficult season.
    They are currently second in the Bundesliga table with 11 games to go, trailing leaders Bayer Leverkusen by eight points.
    Kane and Co also find themselves on the brink of a round of 16 Champions League exit, having lost their first leg 1-0 to Lazio.
    Bayern have been eliminated from the DFB Pokal, and lost in the German Supercup on Kane’s debut.
    Boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he will leave at the end of the season.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Should he accelerate his exit, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could step in as interim.
    Liverpool target Xabi Alonso has been linked with taking the role in the summer, although the Reds want him to snub Bayern and replace Jurgen Klopp instead. More

  • in

    Alphonso Davies ‘reaches verbal agreement’ on Bayern Munich transfer exit after ‘several meetings in recent weeks’

    ALPHONSO DAVIES has allegedly reached a “verbal agreement” to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid.The versatile Canadian defender, 23, left Vancouver Whitecaps for the German side back in 2018.
    Real Madrid have allegedly agreed terms with Alphonso DaviesCredit: Getty
    Since then he has become one of the top stars at the club, helping them to win five straight Bundesliga titles plus the 2020 Champions League.
    However, his contract at Bayern expires in 2025 and he now looks set to leave them to join Madrid.
    The LaLiga leaders are on the lookout for a new left-back and are believed to have made Davies their top target.
    Now The Athletic have offered an update on the transfer chase.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    They say talks have already taken place between Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat and director general Jose Angel Sanchez with the player’s representatives.
    And they claim that the duo have asked Davies not to extend his deal at Bayern.
    Several meetings have reportedly taken place already, including one in person earlier this month in Madrid.
    And they now claim that a verbal agreement has been reached for Davies to either join Madrid this summer or as a free agent next year.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    Meanwhile, Marca have also revealed how much it would cost Madrid to sign him at the end of this season.
    They claim that Bayern have placed a £42.75m price tag on his head.
    Bayern Munich clash temporarily suspended and players taken off pitch as fans hurl tennis balls on field
    Ferland Mendy is currently Madrid’s first-choice left-back.
    The 28-year-old French international moved to the Bernabeu in 2019 from Lyon.
    He has made over 100 appearances for Los Blancos since then but he will also become a free agent in 2025 unless he agrees to an extension. More

  • in

    Jurgen Klopp’s agent confirms manager’s plans after Liverpool exit with Bayern Munich job set to be available

    LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp plans to take a year out following his exit from the club. That’s according to his agent Marc Kosicke who told Sky Germany that the German doesn’t plan to take over any club or national team anytime soon.
    Jurgen Klopp will depart Liverpool this summerCredit: EPA
    The statement comes after Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich confirmed they will be parting ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
    Klopp was immediately linked with replacing him.
    The Liverpool chief has already stated he has no intentions of coaching another team in England following a successful nine year spell at Anfield.
    But since the announcement in January, he has found himself linked with vacancies at Barcelona and Germany but his agent insists he is going nowhere… for now.

    Klopp’s agent Kosicke said: “Jurgen Klopp will not coach any club or national team for a year after this current season.
    “That remains unchanged.“
    With Klopp having ruled himself out of Bayern Munich job, former player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso is favourite to land the job alongside Zinedine Zidane and former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Ironically, the vacancy coming up at Bayern could wreck Liverpool’s plans with it understood they are keen to appoint Alonso themselves.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Klopp first arrived to Liverpool back in November 2015 having replaced Brendan Rodgers in the dugout.
    Klopp was able to get the team to the Europa League final a couple of months later where they lost 3-1 to Sevilla.
    Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s shock exit at end of season after Man City beat Tottenham
    Since then, he has returned the club to the top of the game, guiding them to a Champions League and Premier League trophy during his time.
    Signings including Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk have been key players during his tenure.
    Klopp has spent nine years at LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel snubs Premier League club despite soon-to-be-axed Bayern Munich boss being desperate to return to England

    THOMAS TUCHEL is not interested in managing West Ham despite being desperate for a Premier League return.The outgoing Bayern Munich boss has unfinished business with English football having been sacked by Chelsea in September 2022.
    Tuchel is not interested in taking the West Ham jobCredit: AP
    West Ham’s current boss David Moyes is out of contract at the end of this season and recent results have placed him under extra pressure.
    Some fans even want him out following a run of eight games without a win in which they have conceded 16 goals.
    Hammers’ chiefs are exploring possible options for a change of coach while remaining firmly behind Moyes for the immediate future.
    Tuchel will become a free agent in the summer after it was announced he will be leaving German champions Bayern at the end of this season.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    But sources close to the German say Tuchel will only entertain ideas to manage at the biggest clubs in England.
    Liverpool are losing head coach Jurgen Klopp this summer and with new people on the board at Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag is facing an uncertain future.
    Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is also under pressure with his team eighth in the Premier League despite the backing of Saudi billions.
    Tuchel managed Chelsea for a year and a half from January 2021 and won the Champions League and Club World Cup before helping the club through the most turbulent period in its history.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced then club owner Roman Abramovich to sell the club amid strict financial sanctions imposed by the UK government.
    Americans Todd Boehly and sidekick Behdad Eghbali bought Chelsea for just over £2 billion in May 2022 and sacked Tuchel 100 days later following a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
    Watch bizarre moment Thomas Tuchel pulls down players pants
    Graham Potter, Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui are all names also thought to be being considered by the West Ham hierarchy. More