Bundesliga

FORMER Premier League star Nathan Tella has won the Bundesliga after rejecting a move to Burnley.The forward has made 31 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this season, who wrapped up the title with a 5-0 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday.Nathan Tella celebrates with the Bundesliga trophyCredit: Twitter @NathanTella_11The forward has made 31 appearances in Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning campaignCredit: GettyXabi Alonso’s side are still unbeaten this season and fans went wild invading the pitch after securing their first Bundesliga title.Tella could also win the DFB Pokal Cup and the Europa League in what has been another successful campaign for the Englishman.Last season he helped Burnley win the Championship and the Clarets were keen to make his loan move from Southampton permanent.Burnley had a bid for Tella rejected by the Saints, leading owner Alan Pace’s daughter to launch a ‘Free Nathan Tella’ campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a TikTok video Ashlyn Pace-Ferguson can be seen posting ‘missing posters’ for Tella before sharing clips of him celebrating in a Burnley shirt.Tella, who scored 17 goals during Burnley’s promotion campaign, instead joined Leverkusen for £20million.The 24-year-old was delighted to claim the Bundesliga title on Saturday and hailed the “amazing” achievement.He said: “It’s an amazing feeling. When you join a club you always aim high.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But the fans and the club, there was never a trophy in the Bundesliga, but as the season went on we started to get more of a feel that we could do something.”We just kept going and going and going, it’s been amazing.”As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless season More

JEREMIE FRIMPONG was forced to “hide” from his team-mates by gatecrashing a live TV interview after Bayer Leverkusen’s title win.The German side clinched their first Bundesliga title by beating Werder Bremen 5-0 at home on Sunday.Jeremie Frimpong was forced to ‘hide’ with ESPN’s Archie Rhind-TuttCredit: ESPNAfter the match, the wild celebrations of fans and players saw Frimpong drenched in beer.The celebrations continued into the home dressing room, with manager Xabi Alonso also drenched in beer.In an attempt to avoid another drenching, the Dutch full-back joined ESPN’s Archie Rhind-Tutt for an interview.Frimpong apologised for the smell of beer in his hair before explaining: “The coach tried to drench me, Edmond Tapsoba tried to drench me. I’ve come here to hide.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then ended the light-hearted interview by admiring Rhind-Tutt’s pink jacket.The 23-year-old admitted: “I like the pink by the way. Very nice. You look handsome.”His compliment left Rhind-Tutt blushing as the reporter replied: “Not everyone tells me that.”Frimpong has now scored 12 goals and registered 11 assists from right wing-back in 38 appearances across all competitions this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis performances have also seen the former Celtic defender linked with a summer move to Manchester United.Meanwhile, Leverkusen could still make more history this season.Frimpong trolls Arsenal after Xhaka wins the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen Alonso’s side remain unbeaten across all competitions with five Bundesliga matches remaining.They are also into the DFB Pokal final and face West Ham in their Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday.Leverkusen will take a 2-0 lead to the London Stadium following last week’s first leg in Germany. More

KINGSLEY COMAN has been hit by the Harry Kane curse as his incredible streak comes to an end.The Bayern Munich star has won trophies every season of his career since making his debut in 2013.Kingsley Coman has lost his record of winning the league every seasonCredit: GettyFans have blamed Harry Kane’s arrivalCredit: GettyComan, 27, had won the league title in Ligue 1, Serie A and the Bundesliga.The winger has in total won 24 domestic titles including the Champions League.However, his run of winning the league title every season has now come to an end.The Bundesliga was won by an undefeated Bayer Leverkusen this season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLeverkusen completed their first-ever top-flight title with a win over Werder Bremen on Sunday.And fans claim to have figured out the reason behind the disastrous campaign for Coman and Bayern.They pointed to the arrival of Harry Kane last summer and think he has brought his “trophyless curse” to the club.One posted: “Kingsley Coman FAILS to win the league title for the FIRST time in his carer. The Harry Kane curse.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA second wrote: “The Harry Kane VS Kingsley Coman effect just got its winner.”A third commented: “Coman wins a league title every season of his career, whereas Kane goes trophyless again. Someone’s streak coming to an end like the undertaker streak.”Inside Bayer Leverkusen’s wild dressing room title party with Xabi Alonso drenched in beer TWICE as Bayern streak endsA fourth said: “I think Kane is just cursed.”Another added: “Kane jinx > > > > > >.”Coman’s run of winning a trophy every season now relies on Bayern winning the Champions League.The Bavarian club will need to get past Arsenal on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena after drawing the first-leg 2-2. More

BAYER LEVERKUSEN celebrated their Bundelisga title in wild fashion after beating Werder Bremen.Fans invaded the pitch at full-time and the players continued the party into the dressing room.Xabi Alonso helped himself to a massive beerCredit: X @@bayer04_enHe was then drenched in lager by Josip StanisicCredit: X @@bayer04_enAlonso was also soaked again in the press conferenceCredit: APFew escaped a soaking in the Leverkusen dressing roomCredit: X/@bayer04_enLeverkusen’s title was the club’s first ever top flight crown and first trophy since 1993.The club still have the possibility of winning a treble as they are in the final of the DFB-Pokal and one step away from the Europa League semi-finals.However, that did not stop the players from enjoying themselves after sealing the Bundesliga title.Manager Xabi Alonso was the victim of being covered in beer on two occasions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first came in the dressing room as Josip Stanišić poured a class of lager over his head.The second came during his press conference as his players ran in and soaked him in litres of beer.Striker Victor Boniface also delivered a pouring of beer over the Spaniard’s heads.Another clip online showed stars such as Edmond Tapsoba and Álex Grimaldo singing together and spraying more beer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERStar full-back Jeremie Frimpong live streamed part of the jubilations.Fans spotted a moment during the stream in which he spoke to former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka.As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonFrimpong teased the midfielder by saying, “You came from Arsenal and you won it here.”Xhaka was also a recipient of having beer poured over his head, while Frimpong also splashed Tapsoba after chasing him around the dressing room.West Ham fans also popped up on social media, with many saying, “Drink up” ahead of the club’s Europa League second leg on Thursday.The Hammers are currently 2-0 down after goals from Jonas Hofmann and Boniface.The players were dancing in the dressing roomCredit: X @@bayer04_enThe Bayer Leverkusen players enjoyed the title celebrationCredit: X @@bayer04_enOne Hammers fan posted: “Drink as much as you need lads, as much as you need.”A second wrote: “Keep drinking, season over lads.”Another joked: “Remember to stop drinking roughly about 10pm Thursday night.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLeverkusen were not the only team to have some wild celebrations this weekend.Wrexham celebrated achieving back-to-back promotions after sealing their spot in League One with a thumping win over Forest Green Rovers.How Xabi Alonso transformed Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen are the story of European football this season after being transformed by Xabi Alonso. CHARLIE WYETT looks at this stunning turnaround at the BayArena.
FROM RELEGATION BATTLERS TO CHAMPIONS-IN-WAITING, IS THIS ALL DOWN TO ALONSO?In a nutshell, yes. He was appointed on October 5, 2022 when Leverkusen were second from bottom in the Bundesliga with five points from their opening eight games but incredibly, they ended up finishing sixth.Now, they are 16 points clear of Bayern with six games left.WHAT ARE HIS TACTICS?A hallmark of Alonso teams is a commitment to a fast-paced approach. With the ball, he likes to dominate possession and play in compact triangles but, a bit like Jurgen Klopp, he likes to get the ball up early into the final third.This season, 3-4-2-1 has become his preferred formation, with three centre-backs, wing-backs, a double-pivot in midfield and three forward players.WHAT ABOUT HIS TRANSFER BUSINESS?All eyes in Germany last summer were on Harry Kane’s arrival at Bayern Munich but Leverkusen delivered some clever work in the transfer market.They lost last season’s 14-goal top scorer Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa for £43million but spent the money wisely.Granit Xhaka arrived from Arsenal and is known as The King. Germany winger Jonas Hofmann joined for just £8.5m and left-back Alejandro Grimaldo was snapped up from Benfica on a free tranfer.Victor Boniface, top scorer in last season’s Europa League with six goals, signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for just £17.2m.SO WHAT ARE LEVERKUSEN’S STRENGTHS?They have been scintillating up front. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, 20, has been outstanding, along with Xhaka, centre-back Jonathan Tah and joint top-scorer at Euro 2020 Patrik Schick.Nigerian Boniface was a huge success until his injury at the Africa Cup of Nations but he has just returned.WHAT WAS THE REACTION WHEN ALONSO CONFIRMED HE WOULD STAY FOR NEXT SEASON?As you would expect, the club’s fans — fearing their manager was off to Liverpool or Bayern Munich — were absolutely delighted. But inside the club there was not much surprise.Sporting director Simon Rolfes enjoys a great relationship with Alonso, who earns £5m-a-year.DID HE EXPECT TO DOTHIS WELL?In his first press conference of the season, Alonso was asked whether he was aiming for the Bundesliga title. He surprised the journalists by saying: “August is not the time to speak about medals but let’s see in May . . . ”WHO WILL THEY SELL NEXT?The club have a remarkable record of nurturing and selling top talent, including Kai Havertz (Chelsea) and Son Heung-min (Tottenham).Now, it looks as though Wirtz could be next, although he would cost over £100m. Arsenal full-back target Jeremie Frimpong, 23, has a £34m release clause. More

FANS raced on to celebrate BEFORE the final whistle as Bayer Leverkusen sealed their first ever Bundesliga title with a 5-0 defeat of Werder Bremen.Incredibly, Xabi Alonso’s men ended Bayern Munich’s 12-year grip on the crown without losing a single league game all season.Fans don’t hold back on the final whistle with an amazing pitch invasionCredit: GettyXabi Alonso revels after Leverkusen sealed their first top-flight crownCredit: EPASome fans came on ahead of the final whistleCredit: RexLeverkusen supporters surged on to enjoy a moment of historyCredit: GettyHat-trick hero Florian Wirtz sparked frenzied joyCredit: ReutersLeverkusen team-mates rushed to mob Granit Xhaka after he made it 2-0Credit: ReutersVictor Boniface’s first-half penalty and a worldie from Arsenal hardman Granit Xhaka made it 2-0 before Florian Wirtz fired the first hat-trick of his career.It’s the first major trophy of ex-Liverpool midfielder Alonso’s managerial career – with a Treble still possible this campaign.Unbeaten in all competitions, Leverkusen have one foot in the Europa League semis having beaten West Ham 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.They also play Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal final, who are second bottom of the German second division.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLeverkusen supporters lit flares and some surged onto the pitch once Wirtz made it 5-0 just ahead of stoppage time.Leverkusen have five Bundesliga games remaining to ensure they finish this season as ‘Invincibles’.If they do so, they would be the first German club to ever achieve that feat.Leverkusen’s fine form has in part seen Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich turn into a nightmare.Most read in FootballFans got ready to rush out at 4-0 up and some couldn’t contain themselves when the fifth goal went inCredit: GettyVictor Boniface’s penalty put Leverkusen on the way to a title-clinching winCredit: AFPGranit Xhaka, take a BOW! 🤩An absolute WORLDIE from the Swiss midfielder, as Leverkusen look to have all but won the Bundesliga 🏆 pic.twitter.com/SuA4gVpLnY— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 14, 2024

Victor Boniface sent Leverkusen on the road to a title-clinching victoryCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWith Bayern winning the last 11 Bundesliga titles on the bounce, a 12th looked a dead cert when he made the £104million move from Tottenham last summer.But things began to turn sour for Kane when Bayern were knocked out of the DFB Pokal by third tier minnows Saarbrucken in November.As Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen seal Bundesliga title and leave Harry Kane on brink of trophyless seasonSeveral fans brought mock ups of the Bundesliga title with themCredit: ReutersThe Bayer team were welcomed with flares as they arrived at the stadiumCredit: RexThat helped lead to a wretched run of form that saw Thomas Tuchel told he would be relieved of his duties this summer back in February.Kane’s last chance of a trophy this season relies on the second leg of Bayern’s Champions League tie with Arsenal – having drawn the first leg of the quarter-final 2-2 at The Emirates.Leverkusen’s rampant form and Alonso’s glittering playing CV has seen him linked with top jobs across Europe.The Spaniard played for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid throughout his career and was seen as the ideal candidate to succeed both Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel at their respective clubs.However he dramatically reaffirmed his commitment to Leverkusen last month, saying: “This is the place to be for me. My job at Bayer is not over.”I want to help the club, and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m still a young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way, to continue together.”Alonso was anointed the new king of LeverkusenCredit: ReutersFans brought their own Bundesliga trophies to commemorate the momentCredit: GettyAlonso’s ‘secret plan’SPANISH football expert Guillem Balague has claimed that Xabi Alonso has a “secret plan
Balague told the BBC’s The Football News Show: “I’ll tell you a little secret.
“When he went to Bayer Leverkusen, he told his agent ‘do you know what, I am thinking that if it doesn’t go well at Bayer Leverkusen, I’ll go back to Real Sociedad’.
“But if it goes well, from here, it’s Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich.
“Let me add Manchester City to the equation and that’s where Xabi Alonso could go next.
“When, is a different matter.”
For now though, Alonso is staying at Leverkusen having confirmed earlier this year that he would remain in charge beyond this summer.

Xabi Alonso’s face adorned some of the trophiesCredit: Rex More