Bundesliga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamal Musiala was always going to play for England until meeting that ‘shifted everything’ and made him pick Germany

      by

      JAMAL MUSIALA had his heart set on playing for England – until an intervention from then-Germany boss Jogi Low helped steal him away.Die Mannschaft superstar Musiala, who takes on Denmark tomorrow, was born in Stuttgart but moved to the UK at seven.Jamal Musiala represented England at youth levelCredit: ReutersMusiala, 21, has now been one of the stars of Euro 2024 for GermanyCredit: RexHe represented both England and Germany at Under-15 level but was planning on plumping for the former long-term.Yet, when Bayern Munich pinched him from Chelsea in 2019, Low went to meet the whizkid along with Bayern’s academy director and sold Musiala his vision of how he could quickly reach the first team for club and country.Musiala’s old school coach Andrew Martin, who is still close to the player and his family, told SunSport: “It was always going to be England.“I vividly remember having conversations with him and his dad (Daniel Richard).READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Jamal played for both countries at Under-15s and the report back was that he preferred England.“He felt more at home there, he played for Chelsea and there were other Chelsea boys in the England squad, and he knew others from playing on the academy circuit.“But sadly for English football, at 16 Jamal decided not to sign for Chelsea and moved to Bayern Munich.“I know that that shifted it all, they put it completely the other way.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He was playing for Bayern, he was on the academy circuit there. Bayern made a clear pathway.“I remember at the time Jamal went to meet Jogi Low and the academy director at Bayern.Roy Keane says it was nice to see England get taste of own medicine after losing out of MusialaWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.“They made a clear pathway of how he would get into the Bayern first team and the German first team.“I think once you meet the first-team manager as a 16-17-year-old, I think your decision is made for you. That’s pretty impressive that they made the time to do that.“He wanted it to be England but then it was the move to Germany that swayed everything, with the help of Low and the help of the Bayern set-up.“They made a clear pathway for him and a year later he was playing in the Bayern first team.”Joachim Low helped to convince Musiala to choose Germany over EnglandCredit: GettyEngland’s new Euros WagsENGLAND football stars will be hoping their other halves will bring them good luck in Germany this summer and SunSport runs down the new faces to expect to see. Erica Correa: We exclusively revealed Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has been growing close to the Colombia-born model.Laura Celia Valk: The Dutch stunner is rumoured to be dating Jude Bellginham and staying in his Madrid mansion.Ellie Alderson: The interior designer is with Ollie Watkins, who will be hoping for a place on the plane after missing the last Euros and World Cup.Dani Dyer: The actor and reality TV star is going out with Jarrod Bowen, who is in fine form and in line for a Euros call up.Annie Keating: Girlfriend to Anthony Gordon, who is vying for a place in England’s competitive frontline. Iris Law: The model and daughter to actor Jude sparked romance rumours with Trent Alexander-Arnold after they were spotted together. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Tipped to be Slovenia’s greatest ever player, it’s little wonder Benjamin Sesko has Arsenal and Chelsea on red alert  

      by

      HE is the latest Bundesliga star to attract serious interest from the big boys of the Premier League.Once upon a time it was Erling Haaland. Now, Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the name on everyone’s lips, a supreme talent that is on every transfer wish list back in England.Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko was tipped to move to the Prem before the EurosCredit: AFPThe 21-year-old has already made a name for himself in the BundesligaCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea – to name just a few – were hopeful of luring the 21-year-old to the bright lights of London this summer after netting 18 goals in all competitions last season, ready to trigger an appealing £55m release clause.But it says a lot about this young player’s mindset and maturity that he recently decided to sign a new long-term deal with Leipzig instead.There is a composure and an aura around the Slovenian which is hard to ignore. A self-confidence that his time in the Prem spotlight will come – just not yet.Not that the spotlight has avoided his towering 6ft5 stature over in Germany during the Euros, showing glimpses of why he is such a wanted man.read more on EnglandAs such, he is embracing Slovenia’s Group C showdown with England on Tuesday, a chance to pit himself against players he may well call teammates before too long.Speaking to SunSport, he said: “To be honest, with the pressure, I put it on the bright side.“It’s a good kind of pressure. If you have the opportunity where people can talk about you, doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, there’s something about you and it means I have done something good in the past and people are talking about it.“I always put it on the bright side and I am happy to be a part of this.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s definitely a good chance for me to play in this type of tournament. I’m really proud of myself to be a part of the team and be here and for the experience and the self-growth.“It’s really important for me and for my career in general. It’s been an amazing time and I’m looking forward to more of this.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesSlovenian journalists – who have covered Sesko’s journey ever since he took the plunge at the age of 15 to leave his home in a small village in Radece and join Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 before agreeing to join Leipzig last summer – are in awe of this kid.They happily admit they have never seen or met anyone like him – a unique presence matched with an eye-catching ability.Having scored 11 times in 31 caps, he is already tipped to be Slovenia’s greatest ever product, with many predicting he will soon eclipse Zlatko Zahovic’s national goalscoring record of 35 sooner rather than later.Sesko holds the country’s footballing hopes on his enormous shoulders. He added: “It’s good that I can be that. We have to know that I am still young and there will be plenty more games, tournaments, so I am always going to be there for the team.“Sometimes I am lucky, sometimes I am not. It is just about the position I am in at the moment. It’s my status. I always help my team as much as I can and do my best.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe is yet to find the net at his first major tournament, but came agonisingly close in Slovenia’s opening 1-1 draw with Denmark, smacking the post from range late on.Two points from two games sees Slovenia needing an unlikely result against the Three Lions to stand any chance of reaching the last 16 in their first Euros campaign for 24 years.Sesko’s impressive conviction shines through again when asked what he thinks of England’s stuttering start in the Euros and whether Slovenia could catch them cold.He explained: “Yeah we definitely can. They know that we have played two great games.“They’re not at their best. They are still doing great of course, but now is the best opportunity to play against them and show them the best we can do. I am sure we are going to shine.”Sesko admits to watching clips of England skipper and Bayern Munich man Harry Kane on his journey to becoming a top European goal-getter – not that he believes they are one of the same, having already sized him up in the Bundesliga this term.He said: “Every single season [Kane] scores plenty of goals and he is a great striker – a different type to me but still the position and what a striker needs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a great example to learn from. It’s amazing that I am going to play against him and try to copy him in a couple of positions.“I watch him, I watch a lot of strikers and try to learn from them and hope to learn from him too.” More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Dortmund boss Edin Terzic QUITS after ‘violent’ bust-up with Mats Hummels before Champions League final

      by

      BORUSSIA DORTMUND boss Edin Terzic has quit the club.He departs after leading the German giants to the Champions League final, which they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.Edin Terzic has left Borussia DortmundCredit: PAMats Hummels slammed Terzic days before the finalCredit: RexTerzic, 41, has resigned after an alleged bust-up with Mats Hummels.Just days before the final at Wembley, the veteran centre-back criticised the manager’s tactics against other top teams in an interview.Hummels said: “I was furious because I was of the opinion that Borussia Dortmund shouldn’t play like that – against any opponent in the world. ‘I didn’t think it could go on like this. I felt insulted in my honour to stand on the pitch in that kit. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So submissive, so inferior in footballing terms. “The two Stuttgart games and the away game in Leverkusen. That was barricading with 11 men in the box.”German outlet Bild report that the comments made Terzic lose his temper and a confrontation with Hummels supposedly turned violent.Dortmund were in the process of discussing punishments for both when the manager offered his resignation.Most read in BundesligaEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTerzic and Hummels reportedly “made peace” before the final.The former West Ham assistant worked as a scout and youth-team coach at Dortmund before landing a job under Slaven Bilic at the Hammers for two years from 2015.Borussia Dortmund fans release flares during half-time of Champions League final in second Wembley security breachHe then returned to his boyhood club as an assistant to then gaffer Lucien Favre.After he was sacked, Terzic got the job on an interim basis.Marco Rose was then appointed manager but following his dismissal, he got the job on a full-time basis.Terzic won the domestic cup with Dortmund in 2021 and saw them narrowly lose the title to Bayern Munich in a dramatic final day of the 2022/23 season.Inside Terzic’s bust-up with HummelsBy Alex Smith
      Just days before Dortmund’s biggest game in years, Mats Hummels spoke to the press and questioned Edin Terzic’s tactics against top opponents.
      They finished the season in fifth and will play Champions League football next season thanks to their own run in Europe, handing the Bundesliga an extra place.
      But ending up outside the top four is underwhelming for Dortmund and Hummels was unhappy with his boss.
      He went as far as saying he was “furious” and “insulted” by his defensive tactics.
      Terzic was supposedly fuming and confronted Hummels about his remarks.
      Things reportedly turned violent and the boss has now quit.
      However, Dortmund attacked well and created plenty of chances in the final as they took the game to Real Madrid, who again found a way in Europe. More

    • 63 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      When is Toni Kroos retiring?

      by

      EURO 2024 will take place in Germany this summer with some of the best footballing talent in Europe on display.Many of the sport’s serial winners such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski and Toni Kroos, will take to the pitch at the huge international tournament.Toni Kroos and Luka Modric both claimed their sixth Champions League win in JuneCredit: GETTYReal Madrid’s ageing midfield duo of Modric and Kroos showed no signs of slowing down after the pair lifted their sixth Champions League title at Wembley in June.But it will soon be the end of an era for one of the two maestros after Kroos revealed his retirement plans earlier this year.When is Toni Kroos retiring?Toni Kroos has enjoyed a phenomenal career in football winning some of the highest honours the game has to offer.The German made his debut for European giants Bayern Munich aged 17 and went on to win the first of three Bundesliga titles that season.READ MORE IN EURO 2024He also won his first Champions League with the club in 2013, beating rivals Borussia Dortmund in the final.Kroos made the £20million move to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in July 2014.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe midfield maestro went on to make 465 appearances for Los Blancos, winning 21 trophies including five Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups and four La Liga titles.Kroos was also part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.Most read in Euro 2024He quit international football in 2021 but came out of retirement ahead of Euro 2024 in his native country, following talks with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.Kroos will, however, call time on his illustrious career after the European championship this summer.He confirmed his decision on Instagram: “July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but especially as a person. “It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end.”At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship. “As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. “My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level.”Who is in Germany’s squad for Euro 2024?Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Stuttgart), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstadt (Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)READ MORE SUN STORIESMidfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Fuhrich (Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion), Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Hoffenheim), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Vincent Kompany ‘makes six Bayern Munich stars available for transfer’ including £68million defender in brutal clearout

      by

      VINCENT KOMPANY is willing to release SIX big name Bayern Munich stars, including Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt.The Manchester City legend is enjoying a fresh start leading Bayern after leaving relegated Burnley in a £10million deal.New Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has put SIX big names on the chopping blockCredit: AlamyDefender Matthijs de Ligt is among the six players namedCredit: GettyThe Bundesliga giants identified Kompany as the man to take them forwards after a dismal campaign, that saw them finish third in the table.And the Belgian has begun his shock appointment by brutally putting his foot down with a proposed mass exodus.According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg six big name players are “allowed to leave” if the club receive suitable offers this summer.Bayern are inviting offers for forward Serge Gnabry and French winger Kingsley Coman, whose contract ends in 2027.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMidfielders Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich, and defenders Noussair Mazraoui and De Ligt are also deemed sellable assets.De Ligt has been on Manchester United’s radar for quite some time.The Dutchman only joined Bayern two years ago from Juventus for around £68million.But now the Old Trafford interest could be reignited after Raphael Varane left the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGerman midfielder Kimmich attracted interest from Arsenal earlier in the year, who are likely to offload Thomas Partey.In an effort to properly compete for the Bundesliga next year, Bayern are said to be planning a busy summer transfer window.Harry Kane pictured training with Bayern days after 3 of his kids were saved by hero nanny in three-car smashKompany’s main task will be to restore their place as Germany’s No1 club after Bayern’s 11-season title streak was ended by Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.Along with adding new players to the squad, Bayern also want to trim their wage bill, with Coman currently taking home £273,000 a week.Crystal Palace ace and Euro midfielder Adam Wharton is on Kompany’s shopping list, as is Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.Fulham are likely to receive a fresh approach from Bayern to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton set to make Premier League history as they consider little-known 31-year-old to replace Roberto De Zerbi

      by

      BRIGHTON are considering making Fabian Hurzeler the youngest ever Premier League manager.The Seagulls are in talks with the St. Pauli boss, 31, who has never managed in a top tier but led the club to promotion last season by winning the Bundesliga 2.Fabian Hurzeler took St. Pauli to the German second-flight titleCredit: ReutersMalmo chief Henrik Rydstrom is on Brighton’s shortlist with HurzelerCredit: GettyHurzeler, who has worked with Germany’s youth teams as a coach, is on the final shortlist alongside Malmo manager Henrik Rydstrom to replace Roberto De Zerbi.Should the St. Pauli man get the job, he would become the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history. Attilio Lombardo holds the current record having taken charge at 32, while Ryan Mason held a caretaker role for Tottenham at 28.Contact had been made with Graham Potter to explore a potential return to The Amex but that is seen as unlikely.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLKieran McKenna was the first choice to replace De Zerbi in Sussex, but the Ipswich boss agreed a new deal at Portman Road following interest from Chelsea and Manchester United as well as the Seagulls.Hurzeler joined St Pauli as an assistant in December 2022 but was quickly made interim and then permanent head coach having steered them away from relegation to the third tier.The former Bayern Munich academy player was born in Houston, Texas though his father is Swiss and mother German.While Hurzeler is the leading candidate to replace De Zerbi, who left after two years on the south coast, there are concerns over whether he meets the criteria for a work permit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHurzeler became St. Pauli assistant in 2020 and boss two years laterCredit: GettyThere are similar concerns over the Malmo boss, Rydstrom – though his appointment would excite at least one Brighton player.Midfielder Yasin Ayari told Aftonbladet when asked about Rydstrom: “Honestly? Is it just a rumour? How sick!Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?”He is a great coach who likes to play good football. The rumour can’t be completely stupid, because Brighton look at data and stats. He has very good statistics in Allsvenskan.”Brighton are also ready to revive their interest in Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.The Seagulls made an attempt to land the Foxes star in January but were put off by the £30million asking price.Having won promotion, that price is expected to have gone up. However, Leicester’s delicate financial position means they could have to sell.A move for Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville is also being explored. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      You’ve been saying Vincent Kompany’s name all wrong as new Bayern Munich boss reveals correct pronunciation

      by

      VINCENT KOMPANY has revealed that people have been pronouncing his name wrong for years.The Belgian, 38, was speaking after being unveiled as the new Bayern Munich manager.Vincent Kompany told the press we have been saying his name wrong all these yearsCredit: AlamyThe former Burnley gaffer said his first name should be pronounced “Van-sont” with a soft “t” at the end of his name.But he revealed that his days as a player in Germany for Hamburg saw his first name become “Vincent” or “Vinny” in the way that Brits would say it.A post on Bayern’s Tiktok saw the manager say: “So my name is actually pronounced ‘Van-sont’. But I played in Hamburg for two years.”And it never worked because it is hard to pronounce for Germans I guess. That’s why ‘Vincent’ or ‘Vinny’ is totally fine.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKompany played for Hamburg from 2006 until 2008 when he joined Manchester City.He spent 11 years at the club, captaining them and becoming a club legend.He racked up four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four league cups during his time at the Cityzens.He left to join Anderlecht in 2019, and would go on to become their manager soon after.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKompany left the Belgian side in 2022 to join Burnley, and got them promoted to the Premier League at the first time of asking.But his time in the Premier League with the Clarets was less fruitful, with Burnley being relegated with just 24 points.How to do Germany on a budget for Euro 2024He has now been appointed as Bayern manager, after the club failed in their attempts to convince Thomas Tuchel to stay, to re-appoint Julian Nagelsmann, and appoint Ralf Rangnick.They also reportedly failed in an attempt to re-appoint former coach Hansi Flick, who is now the manager of Barcelona.Kompany has a contract with Bayern that will run until 2027. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich reach agreement with Burnley over compensation for Vincent Kompany after fans stunned by reported amount

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH have agreed to a deal to take Vincent Kompany away from Burnley.The Bundesliga giants identified the Belgian as the man to take them forwards after a dismal campaign.Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is a wanted manCredit: PABayern Munich endured a shocking seasonCredit: GettySky Sports News claim that Burnley initially demanded £17million for their manager, who has agreed a deal in principle to move to Germany.But the Clarets are believed to have settled for a fee of between £10m and £12m.Fans could not believe the huge sum Burnley were supposedly requesting for Thomas Tuchel’s potential replacement.One replied to the news: “I cant believe Bayern are considering this fraud.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother simply said: “Wow…””£17m for a manager. The worlds gone mental,” added another.A fourth suggested: “Hold out for as much as we can get Bayern aren’t short of the money.”Kompany, 38, has identified Manchester City trickster Jack Grealish as his top target.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe former City star is believed to be a huge fan of the England international.Grealish has fallen down the pecking order at City and could see the switch as a chance to boost his playing time.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHe would link up with England team-mate Harry Kane in a formidable quartet also featuring Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane.Bayern failed to win a single trophy in Kane’s first season – a rare flop for a club of their stature.And their new manager will be under immediate pressure to usurp Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen as the kings of German football.Kompany earned rave reviews for Burnley’s performances in winning promotion to the Premier League.But he managed just 24 points in 38 games as the Clarets tumbled back into the second tier.Vincent Kompany’s careerVincent Kompany enjoyed a successful playing career before becoming a manager.
      Playing Career:
      Anderlecht

      Appearances: 121
      Goals: 7
      Honours: Belgian First Division x2

      Hamburg

      Appearances: 51
      Goals: 4
      Honours: Uefa Intertoto Cup, 2007

      Manchester City

      Appearances: 360
      Goals: 20
      Honours: Premier League x4, FA Cup x2, EFL Cup x4

      Belgium

      Caps: 89
      Goals: 4

      Managerial career:
      Anderlecht

      Games: 90
      PPG: 1.70

      Burnley

      Games: 96
      PPG: 1.53
      Honours: Championship, 2023 More