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    Oliver Kahn denies ‘freaking out’ on the phone when hearing about his dismissal as Bayern Munich CEO

    OLIVER KAHN has denied claims that he freaked out after being told about his dismissal from Bayern Munich.The 53-year-old was relieved of his duties as CEO on Friday, just a matter of hours before the Bundesliga giants secured another title.
    Kahn has denied claims that he freaked out after being sackedCredit: Getty
    And he has since taken to social media to insist that he stayed calm after hearing the news.
    On Sunday, Kahn tweeted: “The claim that I freaked out when I was informed about the dismissal is definitely not true.
    “I got a call from Herbert Hainer on Friday telling me about the decision. It was a calm and matter-of-fact conversation.
    “I just wondered about this activism, why this decision was now brought forward.
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    “On Saturday morning I got the message that I can’t go to the game. I accepted this decision calmly.
    “Of course I’m disappointed, but I’m really happy about this championship and I’m happy for the team, the coach and our fans.”
    Bayern Munich won their 11th-straight Bundesliga title on Saturday after beating Koln 2-1 while bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund, who were leading the table by two points before kick-off, failed to defeat Mainz.
    Kahn was banned from attending the game while vice-chairman of the board Jan-Christian Dreesen stepped in as CEO.
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    Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was also dismissed from his position, but fans are convinced that he was sacked on the pitch while celebrating the title win.
    Footage recently emerged of Salihamidzic talking to chairman Herbert Hainer while looking very disgruntled.
    Despite the Bundesliga title win, former Germany international Dietmar Hamann believes Thomas Tuchel will be next to leave Bayern Munich. More

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    Awkward moment Hamburg fans invade pitch to celebrate promotion… only for rivals to wreck dreams in final minutes

    HAMBURG fans were left with egg on their faces after a premature pitch invasion backfired. Tim Walter’s side beat SV Sandhausen 1-0 in a result which they thought would guarantee their promotion to the Bundesliga.
    Hamburg fans were denied a promotion partyCredit: Getty
    Heidenheim celebrate their league title winCredit: AP
    A pitch invasion happens after Hamburg fans thought they had automatically won promotion to the Bundesliga But in the other game, Heidenheim scored 2 goals in injury time to win the league & push #hsv into a Bundesliga playoff slot 🫢pic.twitter.com/nTQ6cr9Pe4— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) May 28, 2023

    But unbeknown to them, Heidenheim were ready to spoil the party.
    Heidenheim were away from home to Jahn Regensburg and as the clock struck 90 minutes, they were 2-1 down.
    So when the Hamburg game finished, their fans stormed the pitch thinking promotion was theirs.
    But Heidenheim – who had 11 minutes of added time to play – pulled one back to make it level.
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    And in a stunning turn of events, Tim Kleindienst turned the game on its head in the NINTH minute of stoppage time.
    Not only did it deny Hamburg automatic promotion, it also clinched Heidenheim the Bundesliga 2 title.
    After the roller coaster of events, Hamburg boss Walter said: “We did our job today, but so did Heidenheim.
    “Accordingly, we congratulate you on your promotion. Of course we’re disappointed, but we’re well prepared for the [play-off].
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    “We will put a powerful squad on the field and want to have the upper hand this year.”
    Sandhausen even had to apologise after they wrongly congratulated Hamburg on promotion.
    Instead, Walter’s men will have to settle for a place in the play-offs.
    Tim Walter stops Hamburg fans from running on the pitchCredit: Getty More

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    Jude Bellingham hands out farewell gifts at Dortmund training ground ahead of stunning Real Madrid transfer

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been saying his final goodbyes at Borussia Dortmund ahead of his reported summer transfer to Real Madrid.The England international could only watch on as his team-mates missed out on the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich as he was an unused substitute as he comes off the back of a knee injury.
    Jude Bellingham has reportedly been saying his farewells at Borussia DortmundCredit: TWITTER
    Gifting a pair of signed boots to one staff memberCredit: TWITTER
    But that did not stop him from wanting to leave the club in a positive manner.
    According to Ruhr Nachrichten BVB, the midfielder went around the Dortmund training ground to say his farewells.
    Bellingham, 19, also handed gifts out to the staff while having his last conversations with them as a Dortmund player.
    The report also suggests that he spoke with managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke before leaving.
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    Among these gifts was a reported pair of boots which were given to one staff member with the message “thank you” written on them.
    On Saturday, Bayern Munich made it 11 Bundesliga crowns in a row on goal difference after Dortmund were held 2-2 at home by Mainz.
    In the aftermath, Bellingham shoved a camera out of the way as he was visibly emotional after the disappointment.
    And as Bellingham went on the pitch to thank fans afterwards, some interpreted his forlorn wave as a sign of his imminent parting.
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    According to Bild, his personal terms at Madrid have already been agreed.
    Under the contract, the Englishman will stay with Madrid until 2029 with a pay package worth more than £17million-a-year.
    However, the report adds the only thing left to be hashed out is the fee between the clubs.
    But according to Marca, a “definitive” move to Real Madrid could come to fruition in the coming days.
    With the report also suggesting that Bellingham has snubbed moves to the Premier League in favour of a switch to the Spanish capital. More

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    Fans call Bundesliga a ‘fix’ after bizarre gaffe stops Koln attack before Bayern Munich win title yet again

    FANS have put a dampener on Bayern Munich’s dramatic title glory – by claiming it was fixed.Sprinklers on the pitch went off as Koln attacked in Bayern’s 2-1 win – persuading ref Sven Jablonski to halt play and sparking wild speculation on social media.
    Injured Bayern skipper Manuel Neuer shrugged off the sprinkler controversy to get changed and lift the Bundesliga trophyCredit: Getty
    A sprinkler went off as Koln pressed forward, leading to conspiracy theories from some fans that Bayern were being helped in their title bidCredit: Bundesliga
    Bayern fans were out on the streets on Sunday celebrating 11 successive titlesCredit: EPA
    Thomas Tuchel’s men were 1-0 in front at the time through Kingsley Coman, with victory vital in their hunt for 11 crowns in a row.
    Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic hit a late penalty leveller but Jamal Musiala smashed an outstanding clincher for Bayern on 89 minutes.
    That left Borussia Dortmund needing to turn a 1-0 deficit at home to Mainz into victory to steal the crown
    Niklas Sule did notch a leveller six minutes into stoppage time but there was no time left for Dortmund to nick a winner.
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    And some observers were quick to pour cold water on Bayern’s triumph.
    Sprinklers popped up outside their penalty area during a testing moment in the 72nd minute against Koln.
    Bayern were handed possession back – and then picked up the title too.
    Fans then showered social media with a mixture of conspiracy theories and amusement.
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    One posted: “Investigate Bayern” and an equally-cheeky supporter wrote: “Fixed match.” 
    A third wrote: “No way Bayern let off sprinklers during the match” – followed by crying-with-laughter emojis.
    But perhaps the most cynical response on social media was: “That’s an insane way of rigging the game lmao there is no way that’s a mistake.”
    Tuchel didn’t refer to the incident afterwards but said: “We had the last shot and the last answer to all the questions with Jamal. 
    “We’ll take it, but it was a crazy, crazy afternoon.”
    Yet minutes after clinching another historic success, Bayern announced the sackings of CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
    Tuchel said: “Instead of celebrating, we now have another issue” manager Thomas Tuchel said in response to the sackings.” More

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    Bayern Munich chiefs SACKED despite dramatic Bundesliga title win – with Oliver Kahn BANNED from attending game

    BAYERN MUNICH have sacked chiefs Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidžić despite winning its 11th straight Bundesliga title.The Bavarian side completed the league win after beating Koln 2-1 as rivals Borussia Dortmund failed to beat Mainz.
    Oliver Kahn has been sacked as Bayern Munich CEOCredit: EPA
    Hasan Salihamidzic was also axed from his role as the club’s sporting directorCredit: Getty
    However, while the players were celebrating on the pitch, change was happening behind the scenes.
    Kahn was reportedly banned from attending the game and has been replaced as the club’s CEO by the current vice-chairman of the board Jan-Christian Dreesen.
    While Salihamidžić was at the game, though fans have suggested that he was told of his axing while on the pitch during the jubilations.
    Footage was shared online of Salihamidžić on the pitch talking to chairman Herbert Hainer and looking very disgruntled.
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    One fan tweeted: “Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić got sacked on the pitch 😳.”
    A second added: “Ruthless.”
    While reports suggest that he was indeed sacked before the game but still allowed to attend, unlike Kahn.
    After being dismissed, Kahn said: “My plan was to come to Koln and then of course celebrate title with the squad, but I was forbidden.”
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    A club statement read: “Oliver Kahn is no longer CEO of FC Bayern München AG.
    “Hasan Salihamidžić will also be replaced as board member for sport.
    “This was decided by the club’s supervisory board.
    “Kahn will be replaced by the current vice-chairman of the board Jan-Christian Dreesen. Salihamidžić’s successor is still to be decided.”
    Despite his sacking, Kahn did still congratulate Bayern on winning the Bundesliga.
    He tweeted: “Unbelievable! A big compliment and congratulations guys! I always told you so! Always give everything to the end and never give up.
    “I am incredibly proud of you and this achievement!
    “I’m looking forward to next season. We will not only be German champions for the 12th time! Let’s celebrate!”
    Despite winning the Bundesliga title, it has been a disappointing season for the German giants.
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    Julian Nagelsmann was sacked as manager and former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was hired as his replacement.
    While the club also exited from the Champions League and German Cup earlier than deemed acceptable. More

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    Fans in hysterics as Manuel Neuer ‘goes full John Terry’ for Bundesliga title celebrations after being sidelined

    AMUSED fans accused Manuel Neuer of “doing a John Terry” after the injured legend led Bayern Munich’s title celebrations.Keeper Neuer took centre stage in full kit to lift the Bundesliga trophy after Bayern pipped Borussia Dortmund on goal difference following dramatic finales in both their games.
    Crocked keeper Manuel Neuer, 37, and 33-year-old Thomas Muller lead Bayern’s title celebrations as the only players to have won it 11 times in a rowCredit: AFP
    John Terry was suspended when he changed into kit to lead Chelsea’s Champions League glory, claiming he earned the role in earlier roundsCredit: Getty
    Chelsea icon Terry famously changed into match gear to spearhead joyous scenes after they won the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern.
    JT was derided for that, yet did the same the following year as the Blues triumphed in the Europa League final against Benfica when he was injured.
    Supporters might have more sympathy with Neuer now than with fellow skipper Terry – because of the contrasting reasons for their absence.
    The 117-cap German, 37, has endured a terrible time since his season was ended by a skiing accident in January.
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    He soon feuded with then-manager Julian Nagelsmann.
    And Neuer saw his personal keeper coach Tony Tapalovic sacked over claims he leaked player conversations.
    He said: “It was a blow for me – when I was already on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out.
    “That was the most brutal thing I’ve experienced in my career. And I’ve already experienced a lot.”
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    Now he’s made history as he and Thomas Muller are the only two Bayern heroes to have played in their 11 straight title wins.
    The stopper picked up the silverware on Saturday after Jamal Musiala’s glorious strike on 89 minutes clinched a 2-1 victory at Koln.
    Bayern still needed Dortmund to lose or draw at home to Mainz.
    And Edin Terzic’s men battled back from a shock 2-0 deficit.
    But they only levelled on 96 minutes through Niklas Sule and had no time left to find the winner they needed.
    Neuer then looked like he had never been away as he donned a shiny turquoise top to raise the Bundesliga trophy.
    One fan said “Neuer doing a John Terry” – followed by three crying-with-laughter emojis.
    But another called him “our goat”.
    And as Neuer roared his delight next to Muller, a third supporter posted “Traditions” while a fourth claimed: “They’re cute together.” More

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    Bayern Munich star continues ridiculous record of winning league EVERY season after clinching TWELFTH title at just 26

    KINGSLEY COMAN has continued his incredible record of winning a league title every season of his senior career.The Bayern Munich star collected his 12th league winner’s medal as his side won the Bundesliga for the 11th year in a row.
    Bayern Munich sealed their 11th straight title after beating KolnCredit: Reuters
    But it was Kingsley Coman’s 12th consecutive league winCredit: Getty
    Coman, 26, played a crucial role as he scored the first goal in Bayern’s 2-1 win over Koln.
    Despite Koln equalising in the 81st minute from the spot, Jamal Musiala was able to net a dramatic winner seven minutes later.
    The title victory was only made possible as rivals Borussia Dortmund failed to beat Mainz at the Signal Iduna Park.
    The French international won’t care how it happened though, as he added another medal to his collection.
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    Coman’s run of league wins started in 2013 as he won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles with PSG.
    He then won Serie A titles with Juventus in 2015 and 2016.
    Coman earned the medal in 2016, having played in the first game in the season before leaving for Munich, where he also won the league in that campaign.
    He has since gone on to win seven successive Bundesliga titles with the Bavarian side.
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    And fans have been reacting to the astonishing record on social media.
    One tweeted: “He’s going to have a breakdown the first season he doesn’t win a trophy.”
    A second wrote: “He will be 27 this year. If he stays at Bayern, he could beat the all-time record for TOP 5 leagues.”
    A third said: “Bro soo chad he even won 2 titles in a season 😱.”
    A fourth added: “That’s quite a run!”
    While a fifth declared: “The man has 12 league titles, that’s crazy 😭😭.”
    Despite his young age, his private trophy cabinet is already stuffed with accolades other than the 12 league title winners’ medals.
    Coman has also won a World Cup with France as well as a Champions League and many domestic cups.
    The 26-year-old only needs one more league title to match Ryan Giggs’ record of 13 in an entire career. More

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    Heartbroken Bellingham shoves camera out of his face after taking role of waterboy as Dortmund let Bundesliga title slip

    DEVASTATED Jude Bellingham shoved a camera out of the way as Borussia Dortmund suffered last-gasp title agony.Bayern Munich made it 11 Bundesliga crowns in a row on goal difference after Dortmund were held 2-2 at home by Mainz.
    Dortmund sub Jude Bellingham shows the pain of missing out on the Bundesliga title after a dramatic finale to the seasonCredit: https://twitter.com/TheEuropeanLad/status/1662482051642142720

    Jude Bellingham was giving out water bottles to his team-matesCredit: https://twitter.com/TheEuropeanLad/status/1662460559353053187/photo/1
    And England midfielder Bellingham – reduced to the role of water carrier as a non-playing sub – had pain etched all over his face as he moved the camera away.
    The dream target for Real Madrid and Premier League giants wiped his face with his shirt as he walked off.
    And as the camera operator homed in to follow his movement, Bellingham shook his head as if pleading for a private moment and put out his arm to divert it.
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