Bundesliga

XABI ALONSO has reportedly opened talks with Bayern Munich as he leans towards snubbing Liverpool.The Spanish boss is on the list of both clubs after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga.Xabi Alonso is reportedly in talks to join Bayern Munich from Bayer LeverkusenCredit: RexThomas Tuchel will leave Bayern, who are ten points off leaders LeverkusenCredit: GettyAlonso’s men are ten points clear of Bayern and remain unbeaten this season.However, Leverkusen’s rivals are looking to destabilise the title race by opening talks with Alonso.Bayern have already confirmed they will part ways with Thomas Tuchel this summer.And Sky Germany claims they are now in discussions for Alonso to become their new boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former midfielder won three titles playing for Bayern between 2014 and 2017.Liverpool were hoping Alonso’s connections to Anfield would swing things their way.But he apparently believes the void that will be left by Jurgen Klopp’s impending exit is too big to fill.Alonso fears there will be too much risk attached to the Liverpool hot seat once their German supremo departs after a decade of decadence.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Bayern, who have won the previous 11 Bundesliga titles, are a safer option at this moment in time.Alonso has already given “positive” indications that he is willing to join Leverkusen’s rivals.Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are two names who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summerLiverpool were hoping to replace Jurgen Klopp with Alonso this summerCredit: GettySporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is an option on Liverpool’s listCredit: GettyBut Bayern will have to cough up a tasty fee for the tactician.He is tied down to the BayArena until 2026.And due to a release clause in his deal which doesn’t kick in until 2025, Alonso could cost anywhere between £13million and £21m in compensation.It means Liverpool could have to look elsewhere for a new manager this summer.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is on their shortlist after leading his side to the top of the Portuguese league table.And the Reds are also keeping a close eye on Brighton maverick Roberto De Zerbi.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Seagulls sit ninth in the table with ten wins from 27 games.But it’s the Italian’s attacking style of football and willingness to develop youngsters that makes him an attractive option.Xabi Alonso is perfect man for LiverpoolBy Dan King
XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to ten points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world. More

FANS have demanded that a groundskeeper apologise after a bobble caused a horror own goal.Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Muller was the victim of the bizarre moment.’I cannot believe what I have just seen!’ 🤯Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Muller won’t want to see that one again 🫣 pic.twitter.com/B3gD7umGkX— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 3, 2024

Kevin Muller was decided by a massive bobbleCredit: Sky SportsThe ball bounced over the Heidenheim’s goalkeeper’s footCredit: Sky SportsThe Bundesliga outfit were taking on Eintracht Frankfurt but gave away a goal in comedic fashion.Defender Benedikt Gimber passed the ball back to Muller with little threat from the visitors around.As the stopper tried to boot the ball away it took a massive bobble off the turf and bounced over his foot.Muller could only turn and watch the ball as it rolled into the goal as Frankfurt took the lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGimber and Muller were able to see the funny side as they shook hands and shared a smile after the catastrophe.Fans have reacted to the moment on social media, with some calling for the groundskeeper to take responsibility.One posted: “Unbelievable.”A second wrote: “I could see that bobble from Mars.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third commented: “The groundskeeper should apologise.”A fourth said: “Dunno how they’re blaming the keeper there that bobble is horrific.”EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goalAnother added: “One of the worst bobbles I’ve ever seen, unfair on the guy would happen to anyone.”The goal proved to be costly for Heidenheim as they went in behind at the break.Frankfurt then doubled their lead in the 49th minute through former Everton defender Niels Nkounkou.Heidenheim did get one back as Marvin Pieringer found the net, but they could not grab an equaliser.It was not the only drama in the Bundesliga on the weekend as Darmstadt’s players were yelled at by an ultra on the pitch. More

A FOOTBALL fan has been arrested after charging onto the pitch to attack a rival player.The shocking incident occurred during Saturday’s 2. Bundesliga clash between Hansa Rostock and Kaiserslautern in Germany.A fan in Germany has been arrested after running on to the pitch and attacking playersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @thecasualultraThe incident occurred during Hansa Rostock’s 3-0 loss to KaiserslauternCredit: X formerly Twitter / @thecasualultraRagnar Ache scored a hat-trick for Kaiserslautern as they romped to a 3-0 victory over their ten-man hosts.However, there were horrific scenes following his third goal as a home fan stormed on to the pitch.The Hansa supporter confronted the Kaiserslautern players as they celebrated by the corner flag.They were then pushed to the floor before being escorted away by security.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootage of the incident has since been shared to social media after it was captured from the stands.Meanwhile, the fan has been arrested by police, according to the Daily Star.Ache was left furious after the match, exclaiming: “How can this happen? Personally, I think you can’t do that.”No matter how bad the game is, as fans you have to accept that. But at the end of the day nothing bad happened, so we just have to keep going.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRostock also released a statement apologising for the incident, which read: “FC Hansa Rostock formally apologises to 1. FC Kaiserslautern and its players for this unacceptable attack and deeply regrets this incident.”More home fans evaded security to get on to the pitch at the full-time whistle.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThey could be seen confronting their own players before being seized and removed.Saturday’s defeat leaves Rostock second bottom of the 2. Bundesliga and without a win in their last five matches. More

A BUNDESLIGA ultra stormed on to the pitch to give his flop team a dressing down in incredible scenes.Darmstadt suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat at home to Augsburg on Saturday.A Darmstadt ultra let out an almighty rant at the players on the pitch on SaturdayCredit: X@eurofootcomThe Bundesliga side lost 6-0 at home to AugsburgCredit: GettyThat included conceding five goals inside the first 29 minutes of the match.The result left the newly-promoted club rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga table on 13 points from 24 matches.They are 12 points off guaranteed safety with ten games remaining – but are more likely to catch 16th-placed FC Koln to go into the relegation play-offs.But as Augsburg celebrated their thumping victory, one Darmstadt supporter took to the field.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDecked out in a navy fleece and a backwards cap, the furious fan stood on the edge of the pitch to let rip at the players and coaches gathered in front of him.And he unleashed an emphatic rant at the group, who watched on nervously in silence, as the reality of the situation was laid bare for them.The commentator said: “It’s an interesting tradition they have, a few home truths being told.”Supporters in the stadium jeered and whistled during the 90-second showdown full of wild gesticulations.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThen when the ultra finished his passionate monologue, he turned back to take his place among the rest of the fans in the stand behind the goal.And he was met with applause from his fellow supporters as well as some of the shellshocked players.Incredible moment AC Milan stars get TELLING OFF from club ultras with fans furious after Serie A loss to Spezia The Darmstadt faithful will be desperate the speech has its desired effect with time running out to retain their top-flight status in the Bundesliga.Torsten Lieberknecht’s side – which includes ex-Norwich centre-back Christoph Zimmermann – take on RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in their next two matches. Fans on social media were loving the approach to allow the ultra to address the players directly – just as AC Milan supporters did last year.And some were even keen to see something similar at their own clubs.One said: “He should coach them.”Another wrote: “They know he’s right and taking the criticism in. That’s why they stood and listened.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third added: “Extreme but not enough of this kind of thing in life these days. Need a fear factor re consequences of not performing well.”And a final user commented: “This is what Chelsea players need right now. From the manager to players up to the owners, all need to get this treatment.”Darmstadt were 5-0 down after just 29 minutesCredit: GettyThe supporter tore into the group of flopsCredit: X@eurofootcomThe fans know it will take an almighty turnaround to avoid relegationCredit: X@eurofootcom More

HARRY KANE’S bid for a first career title is all-but-over after Bayern Munich slipped up at Freiburg.Thomas Tuchel’s misfit side conceded an 87th minute equaliser in another disastrous performance.Bayern Munich could fall ten points behind Bayer Leverkusen after drawing at FreiburgCredit: GettyHarry Kane looks set to go without his first career title yet againCredit: ReutersAnd Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen could potentially move TEN points clear with victory against Cologne on Sunday.Freiburg took the lead in a topsy-turvy match as Kane failed to add to his 27 league goals, with Christian Gunter firing them ahead after just 12 minutes.Young forward Mathys Tel then levelled for Bayern ten minutes before half-time.And Jamal Musiala looked to have won it with a strike in the 75th minute.READ MORE ON HARRY KANEBut Bayern’s shaky defence came to the fore again as Freiburg netted an equaliser at the death through Lucas Holer.It means Kane and Co could now drift ten points behind Leverkusen, who travel to third-bottom Cologne on Sunday.It’s been a morbid few weeks for Bayern, who are on the hunt for a new boss after confirming Tuchel will leave the dugout when his contract expires this summer.The current champions have just one win in their last five matches in all competitions – with three of those games ending in defeat.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe first game in a 3-0 hammering at Leverkusen, confirming Xabi Alonso’s side as the runaway favourites for the title.Bayern then suffered a shock loss to Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.Harry Kane sets ANOTHER record at Bayern Munich after bagging 24th league goal of the seasonThomas Tuchel will leave Bayern when his deal expires this summerCredit: EPAAnd they made it three defeats on the bounce with a 3-2 loss at minnows Bochum.Leverkusen boss Alonso is already the favourite to replace Tuchel at Bayern this summer, despite strong interest from Liverpool. More