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    European football clash CANCELLED over safety fears after stadium and team bus are left buried in snow

    MAINZ’S Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin has been cancelled due to freezing temperatures and heavy snow.Germany is currently struggling after being hit with a snow blast – and now the Bundesliga is affected.
    The Bundesliga clash against Mainz and Union Berlin has been postponed due to heavy snowCredit: Instagram @1fsvmainz05
    Mainz’s team bus has been abandoned and buried in the snowCredit: X/fcunion
    Temperatures have dropped to -8 degrees celsius in Mainz and the club who are currently in the relegation zone will have to wait for their head-to-head match for salvation.
    This is the second game of the season Mainz has seen postponed due to poor weather conditions – after their game against Bayern Munich was cancelled in December.
    The Deutsche Football League said: “MEWA Arena has been closed due to the significant formation of ice in the lower bleachers.
    “Especially in the area where the game is watched standing, and in the access paths.
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    “The safety of spectators would be put at risk.”
    Safety risks and the traffic situation were cited as the reason for cancellation.
    The Bundesliga tie was meant to kick off on Friday 19 January at 8:30pm.
    But Union alerted fans of the situation on Thursday after they tweeted their opponent’s team bus was buried in snow.
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    The German capital is over 350 miles away and lucky for fans they had not started their trip to the Rhineland yet.
    A new date for the match “will be announced soon.”
    Union and Mainz sit on the brink of relegation in the Bundesliga in 14th and 15th respectively.
    Mainz’s last win was 2-0 victory against RP Leipzig back in November.
    A victory for Jan Siewert’s side would see them overtake their German rivals and escape the relegation zone. More

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    Harry Kane has ‘no room’ for Eric Dier at stunning £30m German mansion, new Bayern Munich team-mate suggests

    ERIC DIER has ruled out staying with Harry Kane as there is no room in his Munich mansion.The centre-back joined his pal Kane at Bayern Munich last week, stating it was his “dream come true”.
    Eric Dier says there is no space for him at Harry Kane’s houseCredit: Getty
    Kane lives in his mansion with his wife Kate and their four childrenCredit: Getty
    Dier is in Portugal for a training camp with Bayern but when he gets back he will need to find a new home.
    Kane stayed in a hotel for several months before settling on his £30million family home – which Dier intends to visit.
    However the 29-year-old does not want to interfere in Kane’s “busy” family life as the England captain and wife Kate have four kids to look after – Ivy, 6, Vivienne, 5, Louis, 2, and five-month-old Henry.
    Dier said: “I don’t know if he has any space there. I have not been there yet but he has invited me so I will go there for sure.
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    “But I don’t think I will stay there. He has a lot of kids so I know it is very busy. I don’t want to add to that work.”
    Dier was teased about his accent after moving to Germany and the former Tottenham star revealed he intends to learn German soon.
    He added: “I need some golf lessons and German lessons I need, for sure. I will be doing everything to learn the language, it is very important for me.
    “It has been fantastic since I arrived, I felt the history, and the warmth of the family here which feels special.”
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    Dier could be put up in the same hotel Kane stayed in, though the striker did rack up a £1million bill.
    Kane hit the ground running despite his housing situation and now has 26 goals in 23 games for the Bundesliga champions. More

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    Inside Harry Kane’s stunning new £30m Munich mansion once used for bizarre movie after he leaves £10k-a-night hotel

    HARRY KANE has comfortably settled into life at Bayern Munich on the pitch and he now finally has a home for his family.The England skipper has scored 26 goals in 23 games since moving from Tottenham in the summer.
    Harry Kane is set to move into a £30m mansion in Munich
    The house is in an area dubbed ‘Beverly Hills of Bavaria’
    Kane’s property has been in a film
    Kane, 30, has spent around five months living at luxury hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski while house hunting in Munich.
    He racked up a whopping £1million bill in his £10,000 per night pad and he was named second-best guest ever behind only the Queen.
    But his time in the hotel is now over and he has moved into a mansion overlooking the River Isar.
    The home is valued at £30m with the area dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Bavaria”.
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    Luckily, he pockets £415,000-a-week at Bayern so can afford it.
    Kane will be joined in the posh property by wife Kate and their four kids – Ivy, 6, Vivienne, 5, Louis, 2, and five-month old Henry.
    The house reportedly sits on the edge of a forest with stunning views over the river, as well as bonuses like a sun deck and spa.
    Fans can supposedly get a sneaky look around Kane’s house by watching 2014 German romantic comedy Vaterfreuden – translated to Joy of Fatherhood.
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    Many of the scenes in the movie, which is based on a man accidentally getting a vasectomy from a ferret, are filmed at the mansion.
    The home has previously been lived in by ex-Bayern stars Mehmet Scholl and Lucas Hernandez.
    According to the Mirror, who spoke to one of the neighbours Renate Lindner, Kane is “a very nice man”
    She added: “He has a lovely family. I have seen him in the street to say hello.
    “I love football so I knew straight away who it was. He was very polite and I wanted to make him feel welcome here.”
    Harry Kane said farewell to hotel staff just before New YearCredit: Instagram @harrykane
    He lived in five star hotel Vier Jahreszeiten KempinskiCredit: Alamy More

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    RB Leipzig chief fires parting dig at Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho as he is recalled and sent to Hull on loan transfer

    LIVERPOOL star Fabio Carvalho was sent straight back out on loan to Hull City after returning from RB Leipzig earlier this month.The 21-year-old exited the club because he “didn’t want to face competition”, according to the Bundesliga side’s sporting director Rouven Schroder.
    RB Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder said Fabio Carvalho ‘didn’t want to face the competition’ at the clubCredit: Getty
    Carvalho was recalled to Liverpool and immediately sent back on loan to Hull earlier this monthCredit: Rex
    The Reds youngster signed for Leipzig in the summer but was called back by Jurgen Klopp’s team after only playing 158 minutes in the Bundesliga.
    Carvalho, who made 15 appearances but mainly from the bench at Leipzig, struggled to outshine players like Dani Olmo and Lois Openda.
    After a disappointing stint in Germany, the Portugal under-21 international moved to Hull City on loan for the rest of the season.
    Schroder claimed his lack of determination to fight for a spot on the team as the reason for his departure.
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    He told RB Live: “We made a conscious decision to go with Fabio last summer.
    “He had a great season with Fulham in the English second division, which is very physical.
    “We had said to ourselves: great talent, good age, has already gained his experience.”
    “Nevertheless, you don’t get to know a player as an end product until he’s there.
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    “Fabio has a great character. But he realized: ‘Okay, there’s a competitor here, I need to do more!’.
    “And we noticed that he didn’t want to face the competition.”
    And over Christmas, there were doubts over Carvalho’s future at Leipzig.
    When Liverpool asked to terminate the loan the German side did not stand in their way.
    Schroder continued: “Do we feel more comfortable with a man or do we be clear and straight and say: Listen, if you don’t want to go down this path, then we’ll end the loan.
    “You shouldn’t be afraid of abandonment.”
    Carvalho’s first appearance for the Championship team was not as glorious as he hoped, as he was part of the 2-1 loss to Norwich on Friday night.
    Watch this week’s brilliant episode of the Tap In – SunSport’s exclusive new football show. More

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    Bayern Munich pay emotional tribute to Franz Beckenbauer as Harry Kane equals Robert Lewandowski’s record

    A sombre night of reflection and mourning ended with an inevitable Harry Kane goal.Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim was overshadowed by emotional and heartfelt tributes to one of their own – the late, great Franz Beckenbauer.
    Bayern Munich paid tribute to legend Franz BeckenbauerCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane scored his 26th goal of the seasonCredit: EPA
    Since his passing last weekend at the age of 78, the footballing world has grieved the loss of a true great – a man who won the World Cup both as a player and a manager.
    And before their first match since the sad news, Bayern produced a respectful and classy send-off in front of a packed-out Allianz, including Beckenbauer’s friends and family.
    On the pitch, it was business as usual for the reigning German champions, attempting to chase down Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen – seeing off 10-man Hoffenheim thanks largely to a double from former England U21 star Jamal Musiala.
    After each of the goals, Beckenbauer’s 1960s song “Gute Freunde” belted from the speakers and was sung straight back.
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    And then came Kane, having a rare off night for a man in incredible form with 21 league goals in 15 appearances for Bayern, but still managed to make more history by matching Robert Lewandowski’s feat of 22 strikes in the first 16 games of a Bundesliga season.
    However, this result was merely a sideshow amid the backdrop of Beckenbauer’s last goodbye.
    Five-and-a-half hours before kick-off, hundreds of fans gathered at the Allianz for an intimate memorial inside the ground, alongside former teammates of the three-time European Cup winner.
    The stadium’s famous digital shell – normally lit up completely red – had the addition of “Danke, Franz” appear in large, black letters.
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    For this summer’s Euros, there are talks over whether the Allianz should briefly be renamed “The Franz Beckenbauer Stadium”. Fitting, seeing as he helped build both Bayern and Germany from the ground up with his unrivalled footballing talent.
    There were plenty more heart-warming little touches – Bayern warmed up in special jerseys with No.5 on the back, as well as on their retro walk-out tracksuits.
    Both sets will be signed and auctioned off for the Beckenbauer Foundation.
    The minute’s silence before kick-off – held across every Bundesliga game this week – was immaculate and spinetingling.
    A banner read: “The figure of light goes on its final journey – rest in peace, emperor”.
    The atmosphere in the early stages was understandably subdued, and Bayern were perhaps lucky to come away with a narrow, crucial victory – Hoffenheim blowing several chances before having a man sent off.
    But in the grand scheme of things, this was not about anything other than remembering a man whose legacy is etched in Bayern’s past, present and future. More

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    Jose Mourinho’s incredible managers prediction from four years ago goes viral as fans say ‘Special One for a reason’

    XABI ALONSO has wowed football fans with his managerial heroics at Bayer Leverkusen – but Jose Mourinho won’t be surprised.That’s because the Special One tipped the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder to be a top boss FOUR years ago.
    José Mourinho predicted Xabi Alonso was going to be a ‘very good’ coachCredit: YOUTUBE @topeleven
    Bayern Leverkusen manager Alonso is unbeaten this season in the BundesligaCredit: AFP
    Leverkusen are surprise leaders of the Bundesliga, four points above Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, having gone unbeaten so far this season.
    And much of the credit has gone to Alonso, 42, in his first managerial job.
    The former Spain international has already been linked to some of the top jobs, including Real, Liverpool and Manchester City.
    And Mourinho, who coached Alonso while he was playing at Real Madrid from 2010-2013, predicted he would excel in his managerial career.
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    An interview from four years ago has gone viral where the Roma boss revealed, “Xabi has conditions to be a very good coach.”
    And fans could not agree more as they took to Twitter to praise Mourinho’s prediction.
    As one said: “He’s so good in analysis. Special one for a reason.”
    While another put: “That’s why Mou will remain to be the GOAT.”
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    Then a third fan added: “Mourinho is the goat for a reason, this man’s footballing brain is great and he knows when a great player will take that next step above…”
    Alonso was perhaps destined to be a great boss with football running through his veins as his father Periko was a player and manager.
    Periko won La Liga twice with Real Sociedad and then a third time with Barcelona.
    He then went on to coach lower league Spanish sides including Beassain and Hercules before ending his managerial career back at Sociedad.
    Now his son and World Cup-winner Xabi who played for Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich has not disappointed since retiring from playing in 2017.
    The three-time Bundesliga winner is now dominating the top-flight German league as a manger.
    After taking over the leading role at Leverkusen in 2022, he guided the team to the semi-finals of the Europa League, but was booted out by Mourinho’s Roma side last term.
    However, this season the German club are the frontrunners for Bundesliga glory with not a single defeat and only drawing against Stuttgart, Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. More

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    Jadon Sancho takes brutal swipe at Erik ten Hag as Man Utd flop seals emotional Borussia Dortmund return

    JADON SANCHO has completed his loan move to Borussia Dortmund. The 23-year-old will spend the rest of the season with the Bundesliga giants.
    Jadon Sancho has joined Borussia Dortmund on loanCredit: @BlackYellow
    He said he feels like he has returned homeCredit: @BlackYellow
    Dortmund announced the move with a short statement that read: “I’m back.”
    Sancho appeared to make a dig at Erik ten Hag as he sealed the move, saying he “can’t wait to play football with a smile” again.
    On rejoining his former club, the winger said: “When I came into the dressing room today, it felt like coming home. 
    “I know the club inside and out, I’ve always been very close with the fans here and I’ve never lost contact with those in charge. 
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    “I can’t wait to see my team-mates again, go out on the pitch, play football with a smile on my face, assist goals, score goals and help qualify for the Champions League.”
    Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “Jadon is an absolute difference player and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in black and yellow soon. 

    “He knows this city, Signal Iduna Park, our fans and our club. 
    “Even though he hasn’t played any competitive games in the past few months, we are sure that he will quickly settle back in with us, get into top form and use his qualities to help us achieve our goals for the season.”
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    Sancho had a huge fall out with Erik ten Hag and refused to apologise to himCredit: Getty
    Sancho is looking to revive his career after spending four months in exile at Manchester United.
    He has not played any football since his public fall out with Ten Hag.
    Sancho was left out of the squad for United’s trip to Arsenal in September with the boss citing his “performances in training.”
    The attacker then took to social media and claimed he was made a “scapegoat” by Ten Hag.
    He then refused to apologise and was banned from training and all first-team facilities.
    Sancho returns to Dortmund after spending four years there from 2017 to 2021.
    The fans’ favourite scored 50 goals and got 64 assists in 137 games, earning him a £73million move to Man Utd.
    But he has suffered a nightmare at Old Trafford, struggling to hit top form as he found the back of the net just 12 times in 82 games.
    The 23-time capped England star also managed a paltry six assists.
    Ex-United star Louis Saha slammed him as one of the club’s “biggest transfer failures” ever when speaking to Paddy Power.
    Sancho’s Red Devils contract runs until 2026 and his parent club are reportedly paying £100,000 of his weekly £290,000 salary while he is in Germany.
    Dortmund supposedly do not have an option to buy included in the loan deal.
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    They will pay United £3m for the loan, which could rise to £3.4m if clauses relating to appearances and Champions League qualification are met.
    Sancho deleted his Instagram account following his spat with Ten Hag but prior to his transfer becoming official, he reactivated his profile.
    Sancho has not played for Man Utd since SeptemberCredit: Getty
    The winger was a fans’ favourite during his four years at DortmundCredit: EPA More

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    Jadon Sancho all but confirms Man Utd transfer exit with rare Twitter interaction after Ten Hag row

    JADON SANCHO has seemingly confirmed his Manchester United exit on social media.The 23-year-old is set to rejoin his former club Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season.
    Jadon Sancho has seemingly confirmed he will join Borussia Dortmund on loanCredit: AP
    Sancho dropped a major hint that the deal is done as he liked a post about the transfer from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
    The tweet states that the winger will head to Germany later today.
    It also claims that Dortmund will not have an option to buy him when the loan finishes and they will pay just a portion of his wages.
    Reports suggest that Sancho earns £290,000-a-week at Man Utd and his parent club will have to cover a third of his salary.
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    It is rare for the England international to interact on social media, having deactivated his Instagram account after being exiled by Erik ten Hag.
    Sancho has not tweeted since August and he last liked a post on December 19.

    He has not played any football following his public fall out with United manager in September.
    Sancho claimed he was made a “scapegoat” by Ten Hag and then refused to apologise to him.
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    The £73million man is currently banned from training and is not allowed to use any first-team facilities.
    Meanwhile, Dortmund are also closing in on the loan signing of Chelsea star Ian Maatsen.
    But the move is on hold due to a little-known rule preventing the completion of the deal. More