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    Bayern Munich fail to score in Bundesliga for first time in 87 games as calls grow for Sadio Mane to be benched

    BAYERN MUNICH fired blanks in the Bundesliga for the first time in 87 games as calls for Sadio Mane to be axed grew.Ex-Liverpool striker Mane is goalless for five matches after Saturday’s shock 1-0 loss at Augsburg.
    Bayern stars Serge Gnabry, Josip Stanisic, Marcel Sabitzer and Joshua Kimmich show their frustration after a first defeat of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Marquee summer signing Sadio Mane again struggled as Bayern failed to net a league goal for the first time in 87 matchesCredit: AFP
    The German champions last failed to score in the league back in February 2020.
    And although this was their first defeat of the season they have now gone four Bundesliga games without victory.
    Pressure is mounting on £30million star summer recruit Mane amid claims he is “isolated” and struggling to adapt to a more central role.
    The Senegal hero still has five goals from 11 matches overall.
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    But he was taken off 12 minutes from time as Bayern chased the game at Augsburg.
    Mergim Berisha had given the mid-table hosts their first home triumph of the campaign just before the hour.
    Bayern them made three changes, including replacing Mane with Cameroon ace Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
    But the shake-up failed to prevent more disappointment for Julian Nagelsmann’s men.
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    Former Liverpool and Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann fears Mane is just not suited to Nagelsmann’s tactics.
    He said earlier in the week: “He is not integrated.
    “I saw him at Liverpool, where he played through the middle. That is not his position. Now he’s taking that position at FC Bayern as well.
    “He is at his best when he comes from the outside. He doesn’t look happy to me.”
    Ex-Germany star Hamann added: “Other players like Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala or, in defence, Lucas Hernandez, who is injured at the moment, are putting in outstanding performances.
    “Nobody is talking about Mane at the moment. He seems isolated and hardly takes part in the game. FC Bayern has to get a grip on that.”
    Nagelsmann, though, insists Mane WILL adjust to Bayern’s system.
    He said: “He put in so much for Liverpool. He’s a new signing.
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    “He just needs to adapt. He was trying. I’m certain he will succeed for us.”
    Borussia Dortmund top the table after 17-year-old sub Youssoufa Moukoko headed home in a 1-0 derby triumph over Schalke. More

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    Bayern Munich ‘make Harry Kane top transfer target’ and German side ‘have the money’ to sign Tottenham star in summer

    BAYERN MUNICH have reportedly made Harry Kane their top summer transfer target.And the Bundesliga giants allegedly “have the money” to complete what would be the blockbuster signing.
    Bayern Munich have made Harry Kane their top summer transfer targetCredit: Reuters
    The England international striker, 29, tried to force through a move to Manchester City just over a year ago but Spurs dug their heels in and kept their talisman.
    He was then linked with Bayern during the recent summer window, but once again Tottenham refused to do business and insisted that the star was going nowhere.
    However, speculation continues to rumble on over Kane’s future due to his contract ending in 2024.
    He would then be able to move abroad and leave for nothing, which could force Antonio Conte’s side to cash in at the end of this season rather than risk losing him on a free.
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    Now a fresh report on Sky Sport Italia‘s special transfer edition has poured more fuel on the fire regarding a potential move to Bayern.
    Journalist Florian Plettenberg said: “I am convinced that Kane will be Bayern Munich’s real market target next summer.
    “It will depend on the player’s performance this season, but Bayern has the money. Coman, Mane and Gnabry are there, but a number nine is missing.”
    His colleague Marc Behrenbeck then added: “I am sure, Bayern Munich will bet strongly on Harry Kane. The discussion is already underway.
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    “Bayern Munich is thinking about whether they will need a new striker and Kane is the target. number one. More him than Lukaku, for example.
    “Hasan Salihamidzic and Julian Nagelsmann really like Harry Kane.”
    Kane has not let any of the speculation affect his displays this term as he has fired five goals in his first six matches in the Premier League. More

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    Brighton put Mainz 05 head coach Bo Svensson on shortlist to become new boss as Graham Potter replacement

    BRIGHTON have reportedly identified Mainz 05 boss Bo Svensson as a primary candidate to take over from Graham Potter. The Seagulls have been on the lookout for a new boss since Potter departed to take up the Chelsea job.
    Mainz manager Bo Svensson has been earmarked to take over as the new Brighton bossCredit: Getty
    Bo Svensson favours a similar playing style to Graham PotterCredit: AP
    Graham Potter has overseen Chelsea training ahead of his first game against RB SalzburgCredit: AFP
    Club chiefs had reportedly been preparing contingency plans for Potter’s departure for some time, and are now putting these plans in place.
    According to The Athletic, Svensson is the latest candidate Brighton have shortlisted as their potential new manager.
    Ex-Shakhtar Donetsk coach Roberto De Zerbi and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen are reportedly also in discussions to take over the position.
    Club owner and chairman Tony Bloom, chief executive Paul Barber and technical director David Weir are all understood to be involved in the recruitment process for their new manager.
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    Svensson, 43, brought Mainz up the German league table last season, with an impressive eighth-placed finish.
    And an impressive start to this season sees The 05ers in sixth spot.
    Svensson also favours a similar playing style to Potter, setting up his Mainz team in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 shape in games this season.
    Under Potter, Brighton went from a side treading water in the Premier League to one of the most enthralling teams to watch.
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    Last season’s ninth-placed finish was their highest ever ranking in the Premier League, having finished no higher than 15th in the four years prior.
    Smart recruitment and savvy coaching has enabled the club to cultivate an identifiable philosophy both on and off the pitch, which has seen them – like Brentford – champion data-driven analysis as a keystone to their success.
    Whichever new boss is brought in will also need to bring in a new set of staff after Potter rinsed Brighton’s backroom by taking five coaches and analysts with him to Chelsea.
    Potter’s first game at Chelsea will be their test tonight against RB Salzburg, with The Blues hoping to bounce back from last weeks surprise defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. More

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    Bayern Munich’s incredible Champions League unbeaten record revealed… with huge dominance over Barcelona included

    BAYERN MUNICH have been undefeated in the Champions League group stages since 2017.That means Bayern haven’t lost a single time in their last 29 games in that stage of the competition.
    Bayern Munich are undefeated in their last 29 group stage matches in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
    Bayern Munich also hold a dominant record over Barcelona in EuropeCredit: Getty
    The German champions extended their magnificent streak on Tuesday when they beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Allianz Arena.
    That means the Bundesliga giants have won a whopping 27 out of their last 29 matches.
    But that’s not the only impressive streak Bayern have under their belt in Europe.
    Barcelona appear to be one of their favourite victims across all competitions.
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    Bayern have beaten Barca 10 times in all of their 14 meetings and only lost twice.
    And the German outfit has scored a staggering 32 goals along the way.
    Lucas Hernandez and former Manchester City star Leroy Sane added to that tally last night.
    Robert Lewandowski has also contributed four goals but this time he was on the receiving end without firing back.
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    Thomas Muller has scored the most of the exchange as he was on target eight times.
    Barcelona haven’t beaten Bayern since 2015 when they won 3-0 in the semi-finals at the Nou Camp.
    Lionel Messi netted a brace and Neymar sealed the win with a late goal. More

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    Man Utd and Liverpool set to fight it out for Jude Bellingham transfer next summer with Borussia Dortmund demanding £87m

    MANCHESTER UNITED will go head-to-head with Liverpool to try and sign Jude Bellingham next summer, according to reports. Bellingham, 19, has really caught the eye of many around the world of football with his dazzling displays at Borussia Dortmund really catching the eye.
    Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund’s press conference before their game against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    And this has consequently generated lots of interest in his services from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with a price tag of £87million being set on his head by his club according to AS.
    They report Liverpool will be rivalled by three other Premier League clubs in their bid to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all interested.
    Each club have their own reasons for being interested in Bellingham outside of his obvious qualities.
    Liverpool’s lightweight midfield has already been exposed numerous times this season, and The Reds believe Bellingham would give them a fresh new talent to spruce up their midfield for a generation.
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    Amid their rebuild under Erik ten Hag, United want to sign a player with a similar profile to Frenkie de Jong – who they failed to sign despite a long-term pursuit throughout the summer.
    They did sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, but Bellingham would serve to upgrade this position as a player who is comfortable playing deeper and upgrade the entirety of United’s midfield.
    City are after a long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan with the 31-year-old’s contract expiring next summer, and only a player of Bellingham’s calibre will be able to replace the German.
    He has been a key component of Pep Guardiola’s City team throughout his time there and proved his worth once again with his late brace against Aston Villa to seal last season’s title on the final day.
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    City will get to see him in action up close once again when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tonight.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea are likely to overhaul their midfield next summer, with the ageing N’Golo Kante and Jorginho proving themselves to no longer be either fit enough or capable enough to continue playing at the top level without rest for much longer.
    Bellingham would give Chelsea an energetic option in central midfield, and the way new boss Graham Potter likes to play champions energy across the pitch. More

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    ‘This hurts’ – Chelsea fans all saying the same thing after selling Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala for just £180k

    CHELSEA fans have lambasted the decision of the club to allow teenage sensation Jamal Musiala to leave for just £180,000.Musiala, 19, left Chelsea to join Bayern Munich in 2019 and from there he has blossomed into one of the most exciting talents in world football.
    Jamal Musiala celebrates his man of the match award against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    He starred in Bayern’s 2-0 victory over Barcelona last night, dominating the midfield against the likes of rival prodigy Pedri and veteran Sergio Busquets.
    The attacking midfielder even chipped in with an assist for Leroy Sane’s toe poke to double the advantage.
    But Chelsea fans have retrospectively criticised the club for allowing the sale of yet another Cobham graduate.
    Fans took to social media to vent their frustration.
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    High-profile Chelsea fan Frank Khalid said: “This hurts!!!” and paired his post with a screenshot of an ESPN tweet which reminded fans about the sale of the youngster.
    A second user added: “Hurts bad bad,” while a third user said: “Musiala could be playing for Chelsea it hurts so much so so much.”
    Others chose to draw comparisons with Musiala to La Masia products Pedri and Gavi, who themselves are two rising stars of football.
    “Musiala won the Pedri and Gavi debate,” declared one fan.
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    His performance also drew praise from Thierry Henry, who told CBS Sports Golazo: “First and foremost, he looks like he is 13 years old. But when he gets the ball at his feet, he’s not scared of anyone.”
    Based on his performance last night and his games throughout this season so far, it’s clear to see why he is so highly rated.

    Against Barcelona he had the most passes in the final third (22), the joint most touches in the opposition box (8) most chances created (5) most poss won in the final third (3), joint most touches in the opposition box (8) and the joint most shots (2).
    He remains Bayern’s top goalscorer after yesterday’s game as well, with six goals to his name, and has also gone level with Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman and Sane for assists this season. More

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    Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller has his say on Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate

    BAYERN MUNICH ace Thomas Muller has had his say on who he thinks is best between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The German shared his opinion on the GOAT debate and he has come to an unique way of deciding between the two.
    Thomas Muller has a strange deciding factor as to who he prefers between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
    Opinion over who is better, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, splits the football worldCredit: Getty
    Muller cites his own record against both to come to his conclusion.
    He told ESPN: “I go for Ronaldo.
    “Against Messi I have a good statistic, against Ronaldo, not that good.”
    The Bayern attacking midfielder was part of the team when the Bundesliga champions demolished Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the 2019/20 Champions League.
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    He was also in action against Messi in the World Cup final in 2014 as Germany beat Argentina in extra-time to lift the trophy.
    Overall the 33-year-old particularly enjoys playing against the PSG star beating him five times in eight matches scoring six in those games.
    Against Ronaldo his record isn’t so impressive winning half of matches versus the Portuguese legend.
    He has faced him ten times scoring just three against teams with Ronaldo in.
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    Muller was also asked who should win the Ballon d’Or between Karim Benzema and ex-teammate Robert Lewandowski.
    He said: “I have to go for Lewandowski.
    “Benzema had a very good season and is a very good player.”
    Muller is ready to come up against the Polish striker for the first time since he controversially left Bayern as they take on Barcelona in the Champions League. More

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    Ex-Bayern Munich chief Rummenigge reveals most important transfers in club history with Robert Lewandowski only FOURTH

    FORMER Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed the club’s most important transfers in history.But icon Robert Lewandowski is only FOURTH on the supremo’s list.
    Robert Lewandowski is only rated as Bayern Munich’s fourth best signing everCredit: EPA
    Ex-CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge does not include Lewandowski in his top three signingsCredit: Getty
    Rummenigge, 66, spent ten years playing for Bayern before taking a management role in 1991.
    After being made CEO in 2002, he oversaw a golden period at the club which included 14 Bundesliga title wins and two Champions Leagues.
    Before passing his role to Oliver Kahn last year, Rummenigge also signed off on numerous top talents including Polish striker Lewandowski.
    The hitman, who joined Barcelona this summer, scored 344 goals in 375 games for Bayern after a move from Borussia Dortmund in 2014.
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    He also won countless trophies, including the 2020 Treble.
    But despite Lewandowski being the second-top scorer in Bundesliga history, while also holding several records for goals, Rumminegge does NOT count him in Bayern’s top three signings.
    According to Sky, he believes “Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Manuel Neuer” have all proven to be more important transfers than Lewandowski – and “in this order” too.
    Ribery spent 12 years at Bayern after joining from Marseille in 2007, scoring 124 goals in 425 games while winning nine titles and a Champions League.
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    Franck Ribery is rated No1, followed by Arjen RobbenCredit: Reuters
    Current goalie Manuel Neuer is third on Rummenigge’s listCredit: Getty
    As for Robben, he netted 144 times in 309 matches during a ten-year stay, winning eight titles plus a Champions League.
    Finally, Neuer is in his 12th season at Bayern and still going strong.
    He’s played 481 times for the club and has won ten titles plus two Champions Leagues.
    But Lewandowski will get the chance to prove Rummenigge wrong when new side Barcelona face Bayern in the Champions League on Tuesday.
    He angered the Germans by forcing through a move to Spain over the summer in his bid to win a first Ballon d’Or title.
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    Bayern failed to land a direct replacement, although they did sign Sadio Mane from Liverpool.
    And it’s believed Tottenham and England star Harry Kane is top of transfer their list for next summer. More