Bundesliga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans just realising the only trophy Harry Kane could lift this season looks exactly like the Arsenal badge

      by

      HARRY KANE’S chances of winning a maiden trophy took another huge dent last night.The England captain, 30, joined Bayern Munich in a £104million deal last August in a bid to break his duck.
      Harry Kane was in Champions League action for Bayern Munich last nightCredit: Alamy
      The 30-year-old cut a dejected figure at the end of his side’s 1-0 defeat to LazioCredit: Getty
      Kane made his debut from the bench in the German Supercup on the day he signed, but couldn’t prevent his new side from losing 3-0 to RB Leipzig.
      He was then rested for both of Bayern’s DFB Pokal matches, with Thomas Tuchel’s men shockingly crashing out at the hands of third-tier Saarbrucken.
      Last Saturday the reigning champions fell five points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen after losing 3-0 to Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten side.
      Kane and Co kicked off their Champions League knockout campaign against Lazio in the Italian capital last night.
      READ MORE KANE
      They were left with much work to do in the second leg by Maurizio Sarri’s men after losing 1-0 courtesy of Ciro Immobile’s penalty after Dayot Upamecano was sent off.
      While Kane’s chances of winning a first team trophy have been left hanging in the balance, the striker is likely to collect another individual accolade.
      He has been on fire in Germany, scoring 24 goals in just 21 Bundesliga appearances.
      The former Tottenham star is seven goals clear of second-placed Serhou Guirassy and looks to set to add another golden boot to the three he won in the Premier League and one at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Kane has tormented Arsenal down the years, scoring 14 goals against the Gunners.
      So their fans have been enjoying his trophy struggles extending to Germany.
      Harry Kane sets ANOTHER record at Bayern Munich after bagging 24th league goal of the season
      Some eagle-eyed observers have noticed that the Bundesliga’s top scorer trophy appears to resemble a cannon much like the Arsenal badge, to Gunners fans’ glee.
      One wrote on social media: “So, Harry Kane could finish this season as the Bundesliga’s top scorer, but still without a championship trophy to his name…
      “And the funniest part – Have you seen what the award for being top scorer in Germany actually looks like?”
      While a second gushed: “That’s absolutely amazing!”
      Another added: “This is brilliant.”
      Robert Lewandowski clutches the Bundesliga’s top scorer trophyCredit: AFP
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also among those to have won the accoladeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Kane remains determined to achieve his season goals despite a testing week.
      Speaking to TNT Sports after last night’s game, he said: “Really tough week. I thought the game today in the first half we started well.
      We have to find more energy, confidenceHarry Kane
      “We had some clear chances. One myself, Jamal (Musiala) had one, Josh (Kimmich) had one from the edge of the box.
      “And in these games they’re big moments and we weren’t able to take it in the first half.
      “But the second half was disappointing. We came out with less energy, less confidence. Too many balls given away and ultimately we got punished.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Once you go down to ten men it’s always difficult to find a way back into the game but I think for us now we have to find it amongst ourselves. We have to find more energy, confidence.
      “We’re still in the race for the Bundesliga, still in this tie and they come to our stadium in a few weeks so we have to keep fighting and look forward and try to turn our momentum around.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans convinced Harry Kane’s ‘trophy curse is real’ as Bayern Munich fall to shock Champions League defeat

      by

      HARRY KANE is on course to go trophyless again after Ciro Immobile heaped more misery on ten-man Bayern Munich after Dayot Upamecano was sent.Immobile’s ice-cool spotkick on 69 minutes to made it four Champions League goals for the Italia striker. 
      Harry Kane saw Bayern Munich lose 1-0 to LazioCredit: Rex
      Kane is facing down another trophyless seasonCredit: Rex
      The game changed when Dayot Upamecano was sent off for this challengeCredit: AFP
      Upamecano was subsequently given his marching ordersCredit: Reuters
      Ciro Immobile converted from the spotCredit: Getty

      The penalty was awarded after France centre-back Upamecano lunged in wildly and landed on Gustav Isaksen’s ankle in the box. 
      Thomas Tuchel is clearly feeling the heat, with cameras catching the ex-Chelsea boss with his head in his hands at the Stadio Olimpico. 
      Kane joined the club from Tottenham in a club-record deal in the summer, setting his sights on a first-major trophy. 
      But it feels like after eight months at the club he has already turned them into the toothless North Londoners. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Before he arrived at Bayern they had won the Bundesliga 11-years on the spin before but are in second place in the table, five points behind Bayer Leverkusen. 
      Kane saw also Bayern lose the DFL Supercup at the start of the season before crashing out of the DFB-Pokal in the second round in November.
      And a bleak performance for Tuchel’s side, who failed to have a shot on target in the first-half of the Champions League for the first time this season, has left fans convinced Kane is “cursed”.
      The last time that happened was against Manchester City last April.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      It was also the first time they have lost the first leg of a Champions League last-16 game for the first time in 11 seasons.
      Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Harry Kane trophy curse real.”
      Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five
      A second said: “Kane trophy curse is actually real.”
      Another said: “Harry Kane came to win trophies at Bayern Munich but right now the trophy wants to win him.”
      A fourth added: “I blame Kane. He is jinxed, the man can’t win a trophy.”
      The two best chances of the opening half were thanks to ex-Spurs striker Kane with a close-range shot he would have normally gobbled up. 
      Later on Jamal Musiala fired over the bar after latching onto the end of a pretty passing sequence. 
      Tuchel cut an animated figure on the touchline and no doubt gave his players a tongue-lashing at the break. 
      But it was Lazio who emerged from the restart with a fire in their bellies. 
      They should have been ahead when a lofted ball floated from Luis Alberto to Isaksen who was one on one with Manuel Neuer. 
      Here’s how the two teams fared
      Bayern dominated most of the game but failed to land any punches
      Kane dropped very deep to try and get involved in play
      Kane had a limited impact on the game
      He had the time to gather his footing but his shot was saved by an outstretched leg from the German shot-stopper 
      Kane headed over from 14 yards out, but in fairness to him the cross was looping high in the first place. 
      Things went from bad to worse for Bayern when Upamecano’s moment of madness sent him packing before Lazio broke the deadlock. 
      Tuchel hauled off Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller for forwards Mathys Tel and Eric Maxim Choup-Moting but they didn’t inject any more oomph into Bayern. 
      Kane blasted a free-kick at Lazio’s wall and that summed up the visitors’ frustrations for the night.
      Speaking after the game, Kane told TNT Sports: “It’s been a really tough week.
      “We started well. We had clear chances, myself, Jamaal had one, Josh had one, but in these games they are big moments and we weren’t able to take them.
      “The second half was disappointing, we came out with less energy and confidence and we gave too many balls away.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Ultimately we got punished. Once you go down to ten men, it’s always difficult to find a way back into the game. We need to find more energy and confidence among ourselves.
      “We’re still in the race for the Bundesliga and still in this tie when they come to our stadium in a few weeks. We have to keep fighting and turn the momentum around.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘offers himself up to Barcelona’ with Bayern Munich future in doubt

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona amid doubts over his Bayern Munich future.The former Chelsea boss, 50, only joined Bayern 11 months ago.
      Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has offered himself to BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Tuchel managed to retain their Bundesliga title on the final day of last season thanks to a lucky late winner.
      But Bayern’s decade of dominance could be coming to an end after losing 3-0 to table toppers Bayer Leverkusen.
      Xabi Alonso’s men, the only unbeaten side left in Europe’s top leagues, are now five points clear of Bayern.
      And reports claim Tuchel could soon be given his marching orders.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, the Champions League winner is already said to be plotting his next move.
      There will be a vacancy at Barcelona this summer after Xavi Hernandez declared his intention to step down from the dugout.
      And Mundo Deportivo claims Tuchel has now offered himself to the Spaniards as he braces for a backlash at Bayern.
      The Ligue 1 winner with Paris Saint-Germain has already managed in Germany, France and England.
      Most read in Bundesliga
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And Barca could be equally keen after previously shortlisting him following Ronald Koeman’s exit in 2021.
      Last month, Tuchel revealed his admiration for Spanish football and admitted he’d be tempted by another move abroad.
      Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen
      He said: “Moving abroad would appeal to me again, Spain has an extraordinary league.
      “From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.
      “When you speak with the Spanish players, you quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.”
      Tuchel’s comments and subsequent links in the Spanish press to Barcelona prompted a backlash from Bayern.
      An angry statement read: “Our head coach Thomas Tuchel was asked by supporters on Sunday as part of a fan club visit about his coaching career and his previous experiences abroad at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and naturally provided information about this during the discussion.
      “He also answered general questions from fans about Spain as a footballing country. He never spoke about Xavi Hernandez and his successor, as was falsely claimed afterwards.
      “We will no longer accept such non-factual statements directed against our coach, which always come from the same source.” More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Football Wag reveals terrifying encounter with yob while breastfeeding that left her ‘unable to sleep’

      by

      A FORMER Celtic star’s WAG has received an official apology after an angry fan confronted her while she attempted to breastfeed her baby at a game.Steffani Jenz is married to husband Moritz Jenz, 24, who now plays in Germany for VfL Wolfsburg.
      Steffani Jenz, the wife of Wolfsburg’s Moritz Jenz, has revealed a shock incident while breastfeedingCredit: Instagram @steffanijenz
      The defender spent a year playing for Celtic in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: Getty
      She was watching her fella at Union Berlin when she was confronted by a fan while feeding her babyCredit: instagram @steffanijenz
      Wolfsburg were beaten 1-0 at UnionCredit: Getty
      Union Berlin have now sent the singer an official apologyCredit: Instagram @steffanijenz
      The defender, who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Celtic, was in action for his team’s 1-0 defeat at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga when the shock incident occurred on Saturday.
      Jenz had left the main bowl of the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei and headed to the ground’s family section to feed their 11-month-old son.
      However, after finding a table and starting to feed, an irate Union Berlin supporter stormed over and began shouting at her while clutching a can of beer.
      The thug launched a volley of abuse and began pawing at baby Indiana Leonardo’s toys as the shocked Steffani revealed how she “couldn’t sleep all night” afterwards due to the shock.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Posting on her Instagram account, the singer said: “Yesterday I went to Berlin to watch my husband playing against Union.
      “During the first half I went inside to the family area, which was full of tables, almost all empty and I sat at one with my friend and started breastfeeding my 11-month-old son.
      “Suddenly a man over 70 approached me with a quite angry / disturbed face and started speaking in German and making a very rude sign that we have to leave.
      “He is holding a beer and comes very close to me and put his scarf on top of our jackets.”
      Most read in Bundesliga
      Steffani continued: “I have a small baby in my arms and this man looks very angry and gets too close to my baby, so I stand up and with my backpack in one arm I start to go to another table.
      “He takes one toy of my son’s and in a very rude way screams I have to take it.”
      Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire models
      She then told how the man began “smacking his lips in a very vulgar way” before throwing the toy at her and the baby.
      The furious Steffani says that she was ignored when reporting the abuse to catering workers before a security guard laughed at her when she complained to him.
      She said: “I explain the situation in detail and he doesn’t really react to my words, like wondering what he should do about it?”
      “I ask him to speak to this man. I see he goes towards him and after not even five seconds of conversation, they start to LAUGH together.
      “In 2024, a woman still cannot feel safe to breastfeed in a ‘familiar environment’ like a stadium family area.”
      “Not one of the people I asked for help did anything or saved a kind word for me.
      “Sadly we live in a society that not only doesn’t condemn, but also protects these types of ignorant people.”
      She then addressed Union Berlin, who made history by appointing female coach Marie-Louise Eta as assistant manager in November, directly – which led to her receiving an official apology from the club.
      Steffani wrote: “You are the first club with a female assistant coach and you call yourself a ‘family club’, but you should be careful who you hire and make sure to educate your staff about respect towards women and families.
      “I hope from the bottom of my heart that this doesn’t happen anymore to any other woman cause it was utterly humiliating and distressing.”
      Union Berlin responded to her on social media by writing: “Dear Steffani, we are very sorry to hear about this matter and have forwarded your complaint to our head of security.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Women should be able to breastfeed their babies everywhere without harassment. Especially in a family area. We are trying to clear things up, thank you for sharing and speaking out!”
      That led to her replying with: “Thank you so much for reaching out, I truly appreciate your concern and support.”
      The couple have an 11-month-old baby togetherCredit: instagram @steffanijenz
      The centre-back signed for Wolfsburg last summerCredit: Instagram @steffanijenz More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I beat Brooklyn Beckham to an Arsenal scholarship but never made the grade… now I’m closing in on Bundesliga history

      by

      NATHAN TELLA once beat Brooklyn Beckham to an Arsenal scholarship.Now the former Gunner is helping Bayer Leverkusen close in on an historic Bundesliga title.
      Brooklyn Beckham posted on social media a photo of himself and fellow Arsenal youngsters, including Nathan TellaCredit: Facebook
      Tella has become a key player in recent weeks for Bayer Leverkusen as they close in on a first Bundesliga title in their historyCredit: Getty
      But the journey to the top of the table in Germany has been far from smooth for Tella.
      The Stevenage-born winger signed scholar’s terms with Arsenal in 2015 when he was 15, with Brooklyn, the oldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, among those to miss out.
      Just two years later, however, Tella’s 10-year stay at Arsenal also came to an end.
      An injury at the start of the 2016/17 season cost him his place in the Gunners’ under-18 side.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And competition from the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson for positions out wide led to the club telling Tella that he would not be offered a professional deal.
      So the youngster moved to Southampton where, after steady progress through the ranks, he made his first-team debut against Norwich in June 2020 during the Covid-19-interrupted season.
      Tella seemed to have made his breakthrough in the second half of 2020/1 campaign and signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at St Mary’s in January 2022.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      But the following summer he was sent on loan to Championship side Burnley.
      Most read in football
      And in a sensational reversal of fortune, Tella had a stellar season as the Clarets and the Saints swapped divisions.
      Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen
      Tella was named in the Championship Team of the Season after finishing top scorer for Vincent Kompany’s side, with 17 goals in 39 league appearances, as they returned to the top flight as champions.
      After Burnley confirmed promotion, Tella said: “It’s been my favourite season. 
      “I’ve learnt so much from the boys and the team and the staff and playing in front of these fans and it’s meant a lot to me. 
      “I’m just happy that we were able to bring home the silverware and do it for them.”

      But Tella is on the verge of having an even better season with Leverkusen.
      He was hugely popular at Southampton and the club was hoping and expecting him to be part of new boss Russell Martin’s new-lookd side.
      But when Leverkusen came in with a bid worth a reported £20m, it was too good for the Saints to turn down and Tella leapt at the chance to try his luck in Germany.
      Tella celebrates scoring against Darmstadt with Leverkusen team-mate Granit XhakaCredit: Getty

      Another new arrival at Leverkusen helped the 24-year-old settle in to his new life – former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka.
      Tella said: “When he left Arsenal in the summer it really upset me as a fan of the club.
      “He was incredibly important to the team. Then suddenly playing alongside him four weeks later – crazy! That was a fast emotional change for me.
      “He really helped me a lot from my first day and told me all about the team and the players.
      “His approach and that of the other lads made it easy for me to quickly feel at home in this new environment and I haven’t regretted taking this big step.”
      Tella initially struggled for game time in the Bundesliga but featured in all six of the club’s Europa League group games and earned a first senior call-up from Nigeria.
      Tella has grabbed three goals in his last four Bundesliga games as Leverkusen open up a five-point lead over Bayern MunichCredit: AFP
      Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso said: “Nathan is a player that has the ability to just do the right thing, be in the right place,” Alonso said.
      “He has the quality to be in the box and makes the right runs.”
      Tella missed out on Nigeria’s squad for the recent African Cup of Nations.
      But in recent weeks he has made an impact in Leverkusen’s quest for a first ever German title.
      Tella has scored three goals in his last four Bundesliga games and produced an assist in the convincing 3-0 win over closest rivals Bayern Munich at the weekend.
      Alonso, whose side are five points clear of Bayern with 13 games to go, said: “Nathan is getting better every game.
      “His talent creates problems for any defence and he is so important to how we play.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Axed by Arsenal, saved by Southampton, boosted by Burnley and now loving it with Leverkusen – Tella’s road to the top is a lesson in perseverance and self-belief. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich ‘made shock last-gasp transfer bid for Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk in January’

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH had a last-minute approach for Mykhailo Mudryk rebuffed by Chelsea last month, according to reports.The Ukrainian, 23, joined the Blues in a £97million deal from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.
      Mykhailo Mudryk has struggled to make a big impact at ChelseaCredit: Alamy
      But he has since struggled to leave his mark at Stamford Bridge.
      Mudryk has made 19 Premier League appearances this season under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring three goals and laying on a further trio of assists.
      He has been out of favour in recent weeks, however, failing to start any of the Blues’ last five Premier League games.
      According to The Athletic, Bayern Munich considered a swoop for Mudryk last month.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The German giants required reinforcements on the wing after being hit by Kingsley Coman’s injury.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Bayern called Chelsea to enquire about Mudryk’s availability.
      He the claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s side were met by an immediate “no” from Chelsea.
      And that the Blues are “happy” with Mudryk.
      Most read in Bundesliga
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Bayern eventually decided to bring forward Bryan Zaragoza’s move from Granada.
      In December they agreed a deal worth around £12.8million to sign the Spanish international at the end of the season.
      Watch Mykhailo Mudryk tell cameraman to film him from better angle with Chelsea fans calling flop signing ‘unreal’
      Following Coman’s injury, they opted to pay en extra £3.4m to bring forward the move.
      Bayern had a busy January window, also recruiting Eric Dier and Sacha Boey from Tottenham and Galatasaray respectively.

      Despite their new additions, the reigning champions fell 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.
      The result left them trailing Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten side with just 13 games remaining. More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd on transfer red alert over Matthijs de Ligt with defender unhappy at Bayern Munich

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt as he is reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich. His future at the German giants is in doubt, having falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel.
      Matthijs de Ligt could want to quit Bayern Munich in the summerCredit: Getty
      De Ligt has made just 11 starts in all competitions this season as Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are the preferred defensive pairing.
      It has led to reports claiming he is unhappy with his lack of playing time.
      There has also been suggestions that his relationship with Tuchel has become strained and he could therefore push to leave this summer.
      De Ligt was an unused substitute as Bayern lost to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 on Saturday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Eric Dier played ahead of him and after the defeat, the Dutchman appeared to make a dig at his boss as he replied “top fit” to claims he was injured.
      The centre-back has three-and-a-half years left on his deal at Bayern.
      He only joined the club 18 months ago from Juventus for around £68million.
      But Man Utd could reignite their interest should De Ligt want out.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

      He has long been admired by chiefs at Old Trafford and was linked with the club prior to his move to Bavaria.
      Erik ten Hag could fancy a reunion with the player he coached at Ajax amid uncertainty over Raphael Varane’s future.
      Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen
      The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of next season. More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel fumes at Bundesliga rule after Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL has been left fuming at a Bundesliga rule after it came back to bite Bayern Munich.The Bavarians lost ground in the title race after losing 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen.
      Thomas Tuchel fumed about the loan rule in German footballCredit: Getty
      It came after Josip Stanisic was allowed to play against Bayern Munich while on loan at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Rex
      Stanisic scored the opening goal in the gameCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel said the rule ‘made more sense’ in EnglandCredit: Reuters

      In his post-match press conference Tuchel, 50, was asked about opening goalscorer Josip Stanisic, who is on-loan from Bayern.
      And the German boss fumed about the loan rule in Germany, arguing the way it was implemented in England – where loan players cannot play against their parent club’s – was better.
      Tuchel said: “In England there’s a nice rule where when you loan a player out, they can’t play against you.
      “For me that makes more sense. The rule unfortunately doesn’t exist in Germany.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Stanisic, 23, has made 20 appearances for Xabi Alonso’s team in all competitions, scoring once and adding three assists.
      The Croatia star’s opening goal after 18 minutes, when he tapped in Robert Andrich cross at the far post, was followed up by a thumping strike by Alex Grimaldo in the 50th minute.
      Jeremie Frimpong then added a decisive third in injury time, which led to Leroy Sane smashing a camera in the goal out of frustration.
      At one stage of his press conference, Tuchel also bemoaned how talisman Harry Kane had been left isolated.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And it proved in the England captain’s stats as he had just one shot at goal and was remarkably in the penalty box less than GOALKEEPER Manuel Neuer based on their respective heat maps.
      Legend Thomas Muller was similarly angry at the teams tactics in the game.
      Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer Leverkusen
      He said: “There are of course some symptoms on the pitch. To be honest, I’m p***ed off.
      “To quote Oliver Kahn: ‘What I miss from us players are the balls in the game’.
      “We are showing significantly better approaches in training. It’s okay to feel pressure, but there needs to be energy and freedom. That’s missing in our game.”
      The result leaves Bayern five points behind Leverkusen.
      It also saw Alonso’s side match a Bayern record for most games unbeaten across all competitions (32), meaning if they avoid defeat Heidenheim next week they will break the record.
      SunSport previously broke down what made Alonso’s Bayer team tick, amid rumours he will join Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp steps down at the end of the season.
      Failing to win the Bundesliga this season would be the first time Bayern have failed to do so since 2012.
      Stanisic put in a fine display against his parent club More