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    Rodrigo Bentancur punishment decision confirmed after Tottenham star’s appeal against seven-game ban

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    RODRIGO BENTANCUR’S appeal against his seven-game ban for racism has failed.The Tottenham midfielder had hoped to cut the lengthy suspension by one match, meaning he would be available for Sunday’s hosting of league-leaders Liverpool.Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-game ban was upheldCredit: GettyBut an independent appeal board has dismissed his claim so will be unavailable for the clash with Arne Slot’s Reds, as well as Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.He has already missed Premier League games against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Southampton.The ex-Juventus man, though, has been allowed to play in the Europa League.Bentancur, 27, was slapped with a seven-game suspension for bigoted comments aimed towards Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min.Read more in footballThe Uruguayan used the racial slur while appearing in a TV interview in his homeland in June.He was asked by the interviewer to provide a shirt belonging to a Spurs player.And Bentancur replied: “Sonny’s? I could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”Bentancur was also hit with a £100,000 fine and ordered to take part in a mandatory face-to-face education programme.Most read in FootballSpurs accepted the charge but felt seven games was “severe” and so appealed.But the original ban was upheld. Ruthless Postecoglou tells Werrner ‘I’m not worried about bruised egos’ after slamming ‘unacceptable’ Tottenham star The FA said in a statement on Tuesday: “An independent Appeal Board has dismissed an appeal by Rodrigo Bentancur in relation to his recent suspension.“An independent Regulatory Commission imposed a seven-match suspension on the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder for an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.“This appeal was dismissed following a hearing, and the seven-match suspension remains as ordered by the Regulatory Commission.”The Uruguayan was punished following his comments about team-mate Son Heung-minCredit: PA More

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      Bundesliga’s youngest-ever scorer in age scandal as Dortmund star’s father admits he ‘lied about date of birth’

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      GERMANY star Youssoufa Moukoko is at the centre of an age scandal after his father claimed to have lied about his date of birth.The Borussia Dortmund wonderkid, who is currently on loan at French side Nice, is seen as one of the best young players in the world.A man claiming to be Youssoufa Moukoko’s father claims he is 24-years-old not 20Credit: GettyMoukoko starred for Germany at the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyMoukoko is 20-years-old – but a man claiming to be his registered dad has shockingly alleged the player is actually 24 years of age.He also says the striker is NOT his biological son and is using a fake name.The incredible claims are due to be aired on German TV channel ProSieben on Sunday night, in a documentary named “Tricks, Cheats, Deception – The Million Dollar Business with Football Talents”.Dortmund have responded to the accusations, insisting they are unaware of any wrongdoing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club said in a statement: “In the case of Youssoufa Moukoko, the biological parents and the date of birth are derived from official identification documents and birth certificates issued by a German authority.”These documents are still valid today and are the basis for playing authorisations and permits for clubs, regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign, and of course also for association teams such as the German U21 national team. “Please also note that both the player and the biological parents identified in the above-mentioned documents have declared to us and, in the case of the parents, even to third parties through affidavits in the context of legal proceedings that the information contained in the aforementioned official documents is correct. “This factual status is of course decisive for us, the DFB, and the player’s current club.”Most read in BundesligaIn the show, the man claiming to be the player’s registered father, Joseph Moukoko, confesses to falsifying documents about his age and identity.He says: “Youssoufa Moukoko is not the biological son of me and my wife Marie Moukoko. Nor was he born on November 20, 2004 in Yaounde, Cameroon.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”He was actually born on July 19, 2000. We made him four years younger.”He later admits: “We did it so he could have better opportunities in European football.”Moukoko has two senior caps for Germany and became the nation’s youngest ever player aged 17 years and 361 days and the youngest to feature at a World Cup, aged 18 years and 3 days.He burst onto the scene as the Bundesliga’s youngest ever player, with his debut coming at the age of 16 years and 1 day.The starlet then broke the record as the league’s youngest ever goalscorer, hitting the back of the net 27 days after his debut.Moukoko, who has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, shone in youth-team football for Dortmund and Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe lifted the Under-21 Euros two years ago and clinched the Fritz Walter Medal for best young prospect in Germany twice.Back during his days in Dortmund’s Under-17s and Under-19s team, he scored 141 goals in just 88 games.Moukoko scored for Dortmund at the age of 16 years and 1 dayCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup winner opens up on shock health battle with rare exercise ‘addiction’ bigorexia as he admits ‘I am sick’

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      WORLD CUP winner Bixente Lizarazu has lifted the lid on his battle with bigorexia, admitting: “I am a sick man”.The former France star won a host of trophies with Bayern Munich, and also played for Bordeaux, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille.Bixente Lizarazu won the World Cup and Euros with FranceCredit: GettyLizarazu has revealed he is ‘sick’ with a rare conditionCredit: GettyLeft-back Lizarazu helped Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, playing in both finals.But the 54-year-old has now opened up on suffering a rare mental illness that compels people to exercise too much.Also known as muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia makes sufferers think their bodies are too small and weak.They also only eat foods they believe will boost their muscles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe condition can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide and steroid misuse if left untreated.Lizarazu has been heavily involved in surfing, jiu-jitsu, cycling and other sports since quitting football 18 years ago.The 95-cap international told French media: “I am sick. I am 54-years-old now, but I still have to feel like a professional athlete even now.”Physical exercise is my passion and it does me good. Most read in Football”It has been my compass throughout my life and has helped me find my balance.”But I have bigorexia. It’s fair to say I exercise to excess.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”Anyone with the condition who stops training from one day to the next risks falling into depression.”I need to work hard, wear myself out and release the entire mass of energy I have within myself.”But this sickness is preferable to other forms of addiction. I just have to know how to manage it.”Lizarazu has been with his current partner, actress Claire Keim, since 2006.He added: “She met me while I was still a footballer, so luckily she accepts my addiction to sport.”Even though it it healthy, it takes up a lot of time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLizarazu won the Champions League and six Bundesliga titles with Bayern.He also helped Bordeaux climb from France’s second division to become Intertoto Cup winners and UEFA Cup finalists.Lizarazu won six Bundesliga titles at BayernCredit: GettyHelp for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      Harry Kane trophy curse strikes again as Bayern Munich dumped out of German cup after goal from ex-Premier League star

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      HARRY KANE will NOT win this season’s German cup after Bayern Munich were dumped out by Bayer Leverkusen last night.Vincent Kompany’s side fell 1-0 to the reigning holders courtesy of Nathan Tella’s second-half strike.Harry Kane watched last night’s game from the sidelinesCredit: GettyKane, 31, appeared to suffer a hamstring injury against DortmundCredit: GettyKane, 31, was absent for the match after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund.Kompany vowed to “solve things differently” without the ex-Tottenham striker available against Leverkusen.But his side’s task was made much more difficult on 17 minutes, when Manuel Neuer was red carded for clearing out Jeremie Frimpong after racing off his line.Bayern held out with 10 men for more than 50 minutes, before former Southampton and Burnley winger Tella headed home Alex Grimaldo’s inviting cross.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKompany’s side pushed for an equaliser, with Michael Olise striking wide with just seconds remaining.But with their star striker missing, they were unable to conjure a goal as Leverkusen ran out 1-0 winners.This means that Kane will not break his duck in this season’s DFB Pokal, Germany’s domestic cup.Despite having been a prolific goal-scorer for the last decade, Kane is yet to win any major silverware.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNathan Tella rises to head home Alex Grimaldo’s crossCredit: RexTella, 25, celebrates netting Bayer Leverkusen’s winnerCredit: APDuring his time at Tottenham he finished as runner-up in the Premier League, Champions League and twice in the League Cup.He has also twice lost European Championship finals with England.’It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain Kane moved to Bayern in the summer of 2023 with the aim of adding some titles to his CV.But it has not yet worked out that way.Last season under Thomas Tuchel, the German giants slumped to a third-place Bundesliga finish.They were knocked out of the DFB Pokal by second-tier FC Saarbrucken, and fell to eventual winners Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-finals.Bayern sit four points clear at the top of this season’s Bundesliga table after 12 games.Kane has scored 20 in 19 appearances in all competitions, adding to the 44 in 45 he managed last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESUpdating fans on Kane’s fitness yesterday, boss Kompany said: “There’s a chance he’ll play again this year. He’ll definitely miss a few games.”You can’t replace him one-to-one. He’s a top player.”Vincent Kompany worked with Tella in the Championship with BurnleyCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘targeted for managerial return in Champions League’ with old rival likely to have say

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      ERIK TEN HAG has reportedly emerged as a managerial target for Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig.The Dutchman was dismissed by Manchester United in October following a disastrous start to the Premier League season.Erik ten Hag has emerged as a potential target for RB LeipzigCredit: PARB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has come under increasing pressure in recent weeksCredit: AlamyIn the wake of his Old Trafford exit, Ten Hag has been enjoying some time away from the dugout.But he could be set for a swift managerial return with RB Leipzig.Patrick Berger of Sky Germany claims the 54-year-old is being considered as a potential replacement for Marco Rose, who has found himself under pressure in recent weeks.Leipzig currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga table, nine points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.Read More on Man UtdThe Red Bulls are also yet to earn a point in the Champions League this season.And they have not won a match in over a month.Should Rose leave the Red Bull Arena, Ten Hag is understood to be in line to replace him.The prospective move would see him reunite with former rival Jurgen Klopp.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJurgen Klopp was recently appointed as the Global Head of Football at Red BullCredit: APKlopp was appointed as the Global Head of Football at Red Bull in October.His new role, set to come into effect next month, will see the former Liverpool boss responsible for guiding philosophy and the development of young players, as well as advising on transfers and managerial appointments.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Ten Hag isn’t the only manager being considered for the RB Leipzig job.Ex-Benfica boss Roger Schmidt is also in the frame.Schmidt previously spent two years with RB Salzburg, also owned by Red Bull, in Austria between 2012 and 2014.However, the 57-year-old German is reluctant to accept a new job mid-season.Ten Hag’s managerial recordGo Ahead Eagles:Matches: 39Wins: 19Draws: 10Losses: 10Bayern Munich II:Matches: 72Wins: 48Draws: 10Losses: 14Utrecht:Matches: 111Wins: 56Draws: 25Losses: 30Ajax:Matches: 215Wins: 159Draws: 27Losses: 29Manchester United: Matches: 128Wins: 72Draws: 20Losses: 36Trophies:FA Cup: 2023-24 (Man Utd)Carabao Cup: 2022-23 (Man Utd)Eredivisie: 2021-22, 2020-21. 2018-19 (Ajax)Dutch Cup: 2020-21, 2018-19 (Ajax)Dutch Super Cup: 2019-20 (Ajax) More

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      Bayern Munich star footballer ‘is caught drink-driving in Germany after partying with pals at club & faces ban and fine’

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      BAYERN Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reports.The Canadian defender, 24, now faces a driving ban after he was reportedly found to be over the legal limit in the early hours of Thursday morning.Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reportsCredit: GettyDavies training with his teammates before a Champions League tie this weekCredit: APThe Bayern Munich team before they played PSG on TuesdayA breathalyser test revealed he registered a blood alcohol level of 0.6 grams per litre, according to Bild.In Germany, the allowed level is under 0.5 grams per litre.Davies had spent Wednesday evening with friends at a Christmas market in Munich, say German media.He then moved on to a nightclub before making his way home in the early hours of Thursday morning where he was stopped by cops at around 2:15am.read more in Bayern MunichDavies is now expected to have his driving licence taken away for a month and fork out £4,100 in fines, He will also receive two points on his licence.His club side, Bayern Munich are not expected to punish him any further. They had allowed the star leftback to have a day off following their huge Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Most read in FootballHe returned to training as normal on Friday as the Bundesliga favourites prepare to face off with Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.They are still unbeaten with 11 games played.Davies also captains the Canadian national soccer team. He became the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Major League Soccer match when he played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Canadian defender also became the youngest player to appear in the national team. Born in Ghana to refugee Liberian parents, Davies and his family relocated to Canada when he was five-years-old.He obtained Canadian citizenship in 2017. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.Credit: AFP More

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      England U21 sensation Jamie Gittens tipped to be better than Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho as he shines at Dortmund

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      HARRY KANE may be the Englishman most fans focus on when German football’s biggest rivalry is rekindled on Saturday night.But as far as Borussia Dortmund supporters are concerned, Jamie Gittens deserves all the attention.Jamie Gittens is already close to world class, says Karl-Heinz RiedleCredit: RexRaal Madrid’s Jude Bellingham might ultimately be usurped by GittensCredit: GettyFormer Dortmund Champions League winner Karl-Heinz Riedle believes Gittens can be the best English star to play for the club yetCredit: GettyThe winger from Reading was 17 when he walked out on Manchester City to join Dortmund in 2020, following Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho’s Bundesliga footsteps.Now, the 20-year-old is a vital cog in new coach Nuri Sahin’s side, with four Champions League goals so far — including one against Real Madrid and Wednesday’s stunner at Dinamo Zagreb.Dortmund legend Karl-Heinz Riedle feels Gittens can shine in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.Ex-Liverpool striker Riedle, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.“He is very quick, very good in a one-against-one situation and with the ability to finish as well.“I see a young player who has the full package, plus he is someone who I see working on how  to make himself better.“And that comes from games — the more you play, the more you learn, the better your decision-making and  better you become.Most read in BundesligaChelsea loanee Jadon Sancho has struggled to match his Dortmund formCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The most important thing is  you have to be quick, to not be afraid of going one- on-one against a defender. That’s what we want to see.“It was why Sancho and Haaland brought people to the stadium. Jude Bellingham says he feels like a ‘scapegoat’ as he discusses England woes”Fans wanted to see them do that and it’s there with Jamie as well.”Gittens — who dropped the “Bynoe” in  his double-barrelled surname  at the start of the season — has  played for every England  team from Under-15 to U21.That includes tasting 2022 European U19 Cham­pion­ship glory. Now he aims to make the final step to the senior ranks — and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as new Three Lions boss could speed that up.Riedle suspects Gittens will not be the last English rookie to see the Ruhr-based club as a stepping stone.He  explained: “Dortmund is a family. The guys who come to us   know we have everything here to let them become the best players they can be.“They can get a chance to play at the top level but maybe with less pressure than in England at football clubs such as Manchester United and City.“We give them the time to grow into players and be something special.“Jamie is an incredible talent and can make the same impression — if not a bigger one – as Jude and Jadon made before him.”Striker Kane has hit 50 Bundesliga goals in 43 games — the fastest pace ever.Despite this and Munich’s unbeaten domestic start, the England skipper was criticised by ex-Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for not scoring in the  “big” games.Riedle, though, thinks Hamann is talking rubbish.He said: “Didi criticised him even though he scored like crazy last year — and I’m not with him at all.“Harry’s just a fantastic finisher and fantastic football player.“No player can score every game or every chance. He has done very well for Munich and is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He just wants to play football. He loves the game. He is such a humble guy who likes to play and score and wants to win things.” KARL-HEINZ RIEDLE was speaking to mark the ten-year anniversary of Borussia Dortmund’s long-term investment in Singapore.Riedle was stunned by criticism of Bayern’s Harry KaneCredit: RexErling Haaland is one of the aces who Gittens could soon compare withCredit: Rex More

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      Real Madrid and Bayern Munich locked in transfer war over FIVE players with Man Utd target caught in the middle

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      EUROPEAN heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are reportedly set to battle it out for several players next summer.The futures of five different stars are currently up in the air.Alphonso Davies’ contract is set to expire in JuneCredit: GettyJoshua Kimmich is also nearing the end of his contractCredit: GettyReal Madrid are allegedly interested in Jamal MusialaCredit: GettyIt could result in some of them swapping Germany for Spain.Bayern full-back Alphonso Davies has just seven months left on his current deal.As things stand, he is yet to agree terms for a new contract.Real Madrid are waiting to pounce if he does become a free agent at the end of the campaign.Read More in FootballBut they could face competition from Man Utd for his signature.Similarly, German full-back Joshua Kimmich is also edging towards the conclusion of his deal at the Allianz Arena.The future of young superstar Jamal Musiala is arguably Bayern’s most significant cause for concern.Musiala has just 19 months left on his contract with the Bundesliga giants.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFlorian Wirtz is wanted by both clubsCredit: GettyJonathan Tah has also attracted interest from several clubsCredit: GettyReal Madrid are also waiting for the right moment to launch an offer for the Germany ace.With Davies, Musiala and Kimmich potentially set to leave Munich in the near future, the Bavarians could reportedly attempt to sign Bayer Leverkusen stars Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah.Arda Guler shows his talent at Real Madrid training However, Los Blancos could prove to be a thorn in their side once again.Earlier this year it was revealed that Real Madrid chiefs wanted to add Wirtz to their ever-growing list of Galacticos.The 21-year-old is expected to cost around £125million next summer.Arsenal and Manchester City are among the other clubs understood to be interested.Meanwhile, Bayern pushed to sign Tah this summer alongside Man Utd but failed to seal a deal.This time around, however, the German giants will also have to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona if they want to attempt another swoop. More

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      Bayern Munich star diagnosed with cancer aged 23 and out for ‘indefinite period’ as club and team-mates rally around ace

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      BAYERN MUNICH goalkeeper Mala Grohs has been diagnosed with cancer and says she will be out for an “indefinite period”.Team-mates and fans are rallying round the 23-year-old, while Bayern promptly extended her contract until June 2026.Maria Grohs won the hearts of fans with a video saying she had cancerCredit: AlamyGrohs revealed in a powerful video message she had the condition but added she was “generally very optimistic” ahead of treatment.The three-time Bundesliga Women-title winner explained: “I was diagnosed with a malignant tumour.”I’m in the very best hands with the doctors here.”The girls and everyone at the club are really supporting me in any way that they can.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe continued: “The whole thing is definitely a challenge that I never thought I would have to overcome”.And after adding a little laugh at that thought, Grohs added: “But with the help of everyone here I’ll certainly beat it.”She also said: “I’m going to try to be around the team as much as I can now to absorb the energy that the girls give and to be part of things, and then we’ll surely see each other again very soon.”The club’s director of women’s football Bianca Rech stressed: “The team, the coaching and support team and we as the entire FC Bayern family are firmly on Mala’s side.Most read in FootballGrohs is in her third season as Bayern’s first-choice stopperCredit: AP”She will receive all of our support, which is one of the things we wanted to express with the contract extension. “We wish Mala a lot of strength and the best possible recovery from the bottom of our hearts.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanBayern’s England Euro 2022 hero Georgia Stanway was amongst the many other well-wishers.The ex-Blackburn and Manchester City midfielder said: “We are with you!”Bayern captain Glodis Perla Viggosdottir added: “With you through it all.”The club’s Austria midfielder Sarah Zadrazil shared a post of the keeper with the words: “You got this, and we got you!” And the Bayern squad as a whole posed with her match top which had “We are with you!” printed on it.Grohs joined Bayern from VfL Bochum in 2019 as reserve stopper.She became first-choice two years ago, playing 81 senior games and also winning the German Super Cup.Grohs is confident all the support she is getting will play a part in her returning to play many more games.She said: “With the help I am now getting from all sides, I will manage it and get completely healthy again.” Messages of support flooded in from fans too.One posted: “Our angel Mala. We will win, You are not alone. We love you.”Another wrote: “I hope it is a comfort to Mala to know that even in the world of football there are players who are role models for having beaten cancer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third insisted: “She will be back stronger.”Bayern also won widespread praise for extending Grohs’ contract. More