More stories

  • in

    Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeat to minnows

    GRANIT XHAKA clashed with his own fans in a heated confrontation following a humiliating defeat. Xhaka, 32, played the full 90 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal German Cup semi-finals by third-tier Arminia.Granit Xhaka got into a heated row with Bayer Leverkusen fansCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder angrily gesticulated towards a man in the front rowCredit: Sky SportsA member of staff tried to calm things downCredit: Sky SportsThe reigning Bundesliga champions became the FOURTH top-flight side to be dumped out of this season’s competition by the minnows.Leverkusen took the lead through Jonathan Tah on 17 minutes.The hosts equalised three minutes later then took a surprise lead just before half-time – and managed to hold on for another famous victory. But while Arminia celebrated booking their place in next month’s final – where they will face Stuttgart or RB Leipzig – the anger among Leverkusen fans threatened to boil over.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLXhaka went over to the away section to address the travelling supporters after full-time. But the conversation soon turned angry, with the former Arsenal skipper furious gesticulating towards one man in particular. As he demonstrated during his time at the Emirates with his infamous outburst where he told his own fans to “f*** off”, the combative Swiss star is never one to shy away from a blazing row. A Bayer member of staff tried to calm the raging fan down but Xhaka continued the intense exchange as another man joined the fiery debate. Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSXhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the German Cup by ArminiaCredit: ReutersThe third-tier side have knocked out four Bundesliga teams during their incredible runCredit: EPALeverkusen won the DFB-Pokal last season as part of their record-breaking campaign which saw them go unbeaten in domestic football and win the double – including their first-ever Bundesliga title.They missed out on the Treble when Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final. Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to ‘f*** off’ as captain is booed off pitch vs PalaceThe shock defeat to Arminia means Xabi Alonso’s side will not retain the cup this season.And they sit in second, six points behind Bayern Munich, with seven games to go in the league campaign. They will play either Stuttgart or RB Leizpig in the finalCredit: AFPXhaka has history clashing with his own fans – with the infamous incident against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Swiss midfielder cupped his ears to the Arsenal fans before ripping his shirt offCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Jurgen Klopp ‘could poach Premier League manager, 50, as RB Leipzig look to replace sacked Marco Rose’

    JURGEN KLOPP could be set to hire his first manager at RB Leipzig in his new role at Red Bull.Klopp, 57, began his job as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull on New Year’s Day, just six months after rolling credits on his glittering nine-year stint as Liverpool manager.Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp could be set to hire his first manager at RB LeipzigCredit: GettyGlobal Head of Soccer at Red Bull Klopp is targeting Crystal Palace boss Oliver GlasnerCredit: RexAnd the legendary German tactician could go back to the Premier League to find a new manager for Leipzig, who now have Zsolt Low in charge on an interim capacity after Marco Rose’s dismissal on Sunday.According to Sky Sports, the Bundesliga giants are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner ahead of the summer transfer window.However, it seems like Glasner, 50, wasn’t the first choice and Leipzig turned their attention on him after Sebastian Hoeness extended his stay as Stuttgart manager.The same source claims there has already been contact between the German outfit and the Austrian tactician’s camp.Read More on FootballHowever, if the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt boss wishes to leave Palace then the Prem outfit will require a transfer fee.That is because the Europa League winner’s contract doesn’t run out until 2026.Nevertheless, there is said to still be an “exit option” for Glasner this summer.And Klopp may have a lot of help from Leipzig’s managing director of sport Marcel Schafer, who knows the Eagles’ boss very well from their time working together at Wolfsburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGlasner turned Palace’s fortunes around upon his arrival in February last year.The Leipzig target took them from Premier League relegation strugglers to a strong side that took points off the big hitters.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Glasner counts a total of 24 wins and 13 losses in 49 matches with the Prem side.They also face Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month after a brilliant 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. More

  • in

    Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash

    EX-CHELSEA star Michy Batshuayi came off second best after tussling with his team’s beloved club mascot.The Belgian striker currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga. Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has tussled with a Golden EagleCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old joined the club in January after a spell in TurkeyCredit: GettyThe Belgian was hit hard in the face by Frankfurt’s mascot AttilaCredit: Instagram @eintrachtfrankfurtBatshuayi’s career has been eclectic, involving stints in England, Belgium, France, Turkey and Spain.He’s now trying to find the net in Germany following a January move to Frankfurt, but he doesn’t appear to have made friends with their beloved Eagle mascot Attila.Known as the King of the Skies, the bird of prey has been a regular at games since 2005. Eintracht scraped to a 1-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday to keep their European push alive. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter the game, Batshuayi – an unused sub – approached Attila on the pitch as he was being paraded by his handler.The Belgian stood too close to the Golden Eagle, who suddenly lashed out hard with its giant wing.Batshuayi was struck square in the face – but Attila’s handler simply burst out laughing. One fan laughed in response: “Bird is just testing his reflexes.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother wrote: “Now he is blessed by Atilla.”While a third joked: “The eagle got his revenge on him for what he did to Besiktas.”Former Chelsea star Demba Ba talks about his role as director of football of USL Batshuayi began his career at Standard Liege before banging in the goals for Marseille in France.He earned a big-money move to Chelsea in 2016, arriving for a fee of £33.2 million.Batshuayi struggled for consistent game time at the Bridge, despite scoring 25 times in 77 games.He was shipped out on loan to Dortmund, Valencia and Crystal Palace.The 31-year-old joined Fenerbahce in Turkey’s Super Lig on a permanent deal in 2022.He enjoyed a spell at cross-town Istanbul rivals Galatasaray earlier this season before returning to Germany in January. Batshuayi has played five times in the Bundesliga, netting twice. More

  • in

    Bayern Munich threaten to sue Canada’s national team over ‘clear violation’ in Alphonso Davies injury

    BAYERN MUNICH are considering legal action against the Canadian Soccer Federation after Alphonso Davies’ injury.The full-back, 24, is out for the rest of the season due to a torn ligament and further damage to his right knee.Bayern are fuming at Alphonso Davies’ injury and treatmentCredit: GettyThe Canada defender had surgery, ruling him out until the summerCredit: ReutersThat occurred on Sunday while playing in Canada’s 2-1 victory over the USA in the third-place decider for the CONCACAF Nations League.The star has undergone surgery after returning to Bayern, who have accused the Canadians of failing to provide “appropriate care” for Davies.Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen fumed: “We’re demanding a full investigation into the events from Canada Soccer and expressly reserve the right to take legal action.“Sending a clearly injured player with a damaged knee on a 12-hour intercontinental flight without a thorough medical assessment is, in our view, grossly negligent and a clear breach of medical duty of care.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Davies should not have been playing at all. The participation of Davies, who already had muscular problems before the game, in a match of no sporting significance is incomprehensible from our point our view.”Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund also blasted the treatment by Canada’s medical team as he added: “Phonzy complained of fatigue.“He’s the team captain, a young lad who wants to help his country. Most read in FootballThe Germans will miss Davies for their important run-inBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Then there’s this injury. I think it’s negligent, unprofessional.”Bayern boss Vincent Kompany will be without Davies for Bayern’s Bundesliga run-in and quest to reach the Champions League final at their home stadium.Bastian Schweinsteiger is booed by own Bayern fans who think he is leaving before he announces he is staying French defender Dayot Upamecano also returned from Nations League duty with a knee injury, although it is not as serious.Fellow defender Kim Min-jae was already sidelined.Another Bayern defender, Dayot Upamecano, also picked up an injuryCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Harry Kane leaves fans stunned as he shows off his German in video – and it could be a major hint over transfer future

    HARRY KANE might have just dropped a massive hint over his future amid rumours that the Bayern Munich star is contemplating a return to the Premier League.Kane, 31, left fans stunned after a video circulating online showed him grafting away at learning German.Harry Kane has been learning German while at Bayern MunichCredit: XKane has been linked with a return to the Premier League after continuing his goalscoring success in GermanyCredit: GettyThe England captain joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, calling time on his 13-year tenure at Tottenham.And after one and a half seasons in Bavaria, Kane is still working hard to learn the language.A video circulating online shows the prolific bagsman answering questions about training, meetings and Bayern Munich in German.Fans who have caught wind of the clip are convinced that it’s a major hint that Kane has no plans to leave Germany any time soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “And there are rumours that he wants to return to England in the summer. You can probably tick that one off for good!”While another added: “Hasn’t there been stories that he wants to go to Liverpool because Mohamed Salah is leaving? Hahaha!”And a third commented: “Kane has settled really nicely in Bavaria, is learning German, is competing for trophies and is a true #Bundesliga superstar. Why would he rush back?”Kane has been in the goalscoring form of his life since moving to the Bundesliga, scoring 76 goals and registering 23 assists in 82 appearances for Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballKane’s German lessonHere’s a little look at what Kane was saying during his German lesson..Q: Why were you not in training?Kane answer: “Because I was ill”Q: Why did you cancel the interview?Kane answer: “Because I am tired”Q: Why do you live in Munich?Kane answer: “Because I play for Bayern Munich”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the superstar has been tipped to return to England with rumours of a release clause in his contract and the looming temptation of trying to break Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League top goalscoring record.In fact, it’s Shearer himself that has suggested Kane should join league leaders Liverpool to cement a legacy in the the English top flight.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The Newcastle legend told Betfair: “Liverpool will be looking for a centre-forward in the summer, I don’t doubt that and Harry Kane would be a great option for them because of the size of the club and he’ll score goals.”Whether Harry decides to stay in Germany or he decides to come back to the Premier League, he’ll have options.”I’ve always said that if he comes back to the Premier League then he’ll have a really, really good chance of breaking my record. I’m a huge admirer of him.”Kane, who cost Bayern Munich £104m, is thought to have a release clause in his deal with the club.Reports suggest that Kane could have triggered a clause in his current contract this winter that would have allowed him to leave the Allianz Arena for a fee of around £67m in the summer.While it’s also said that the striker will have the option to activate the clause again next winter, this time allowing him to leave in the summer of 2026 for just £54m.For now, Kane is still tied down with Bayern Munich until 2027.Alan Shearer has tipped Kane to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Harry Kane tipped for stunning Liverpool transfer by Premier League legend just two years after Tottenham exit

    HARRY KANE has been tipped to join Liverpool by Alan Shearer.The striker left the Premier League in the summer of 2023 in search of silverware.Harry Kane has been tipped to join LiverpoolCredit: RexAlan Shearer believes a move to Anfield could appeal to the England captainCredit: GettyHe has so far been unable to find it at Bayern Munich, although the German giants are on course to win the Bundesliga and are still in the Champions League.Kane is still finding the net regularly, netting in both of England’s latest World Cup qualifiers, and Shearer believes Liverpool could make a move for the Three Lions captain.The Reds are in danger of losing key goalscorer Mo Salah when his contract expires in the summer and they could want a big name through the door amid speculation Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed a move to Real Madrid.Shearer thinks Kane would be a good fit at Anfield and could be lured by the size of the club and the opportunity to break the Prem goal record, which Shearer holds with 260.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pundit told Betfair: “Liverpool will be looking for a centre-forward in the summer, I don’t doubt that and Harry Kane would be a great option for them because of the size of the club and he’ll score goals.”Whether Harry decides to stay in Germany or he decides to come back to the Premier League, he’ll have options.”I’ve always said that if he comes back to the Premier League then he’ll have a really, really good chance of breaking my record. I’m a huge admirer of him.”Kane was signed for £104million by Bayern but he reportedly has a clause in his contract which means he could be available on the cheap.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTop five Premier League goalscorersAlan Shearer – 260Harry Kane – 213Wayne Rooney – 208Andy Cole – 187Sergio Aguero – 184= Mo Salah – 184The 31-year-old could have triggered the clause in the winter transfer window.That would have reportedly allowed him to leave Bayern for around £67m in the summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports That deadline has now passed but the release clause, which is not common in the Bundesliga, will be valid again next winter.If Kane triggers it next January, he could move to another club for just £54m in under 18 months’ time in the summer of 2026. More

  • in

    Football chief ‘strikes up secret romance’ with glamorous TV presenter who covered Luke Littler’s World Championship win

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND chief Sebastian Kehl has reportedly struck up a secret romance with glamorous TV presenter Katharina Kleinfeldt.German outlet Bunte claims the pair are yet to make their relationship public.Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kelh has reportedly found love with a TV presenterCredit: GettyKatharina Kleinfeldt is a glamorous host who is a regular on German sport showsCredit: InstagramBut they have allegedly been an item for several months.Kehl, 45, is a former Dortmund midfielder and 31-time Germany international who is now Sporting Director at his old club.He was married to wife Tina Kruger for 26 years and the pair share three children together.However, they had an amicable split in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ex-couple are now in the process of finalising their divorce.It’s reckoned Kehl is now “newly in love” with presenter Kleinfeldt, 31.She works for German TV channel Sport1.And Kleinfeldt is also a regular on football talk show Doppelpass.Most read in BundesligaKleinfeldt is a regular on a popular football talk showCredit: InstagramShe has also covered live darts, including Luke Littler’s World Championship winCredit: InstagramBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNot only that, she even enjoys a spot of darts.Kleinfeldt led German coverage of Luke Littler’s amazing World Darts Championship win earlier this year.Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck rushed to hospital after horror injury leaving manager in ‘shock’ But she now appears to be infatuated with Kehl.As a player, he won three Bundesliga titles as a Dortmund player.Kehl became their Sporting Director in 2022 and has overseen some impressive transfers including Marcel Sabitzer, Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy. More

  • in

    Harry Kane: People have got bored with my goals as they did with Ronaldo and Messi – I can win Ballon d’Or this year

    HARRY KANE claims he is under-appreciated as fans have become “bored” with his stunning scoring stats.The England skipper faces Albania tonight with an incredible international record of 69 goals in 103 appearances, while he has also struck 76 times in just 82 matches for Bayern Munich.Harry Kane says fans got bored of his goalsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo, pictured in 2018, was a goal machine at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettySo too was Lionel Messi, pictured here in 2019, during his Barcelona daysCredit: Getty Images – GettyKane, 31, said: “It’s like when Ronaldo and Messi were throwing these crazy numbers out there.“The next season, they’d score 40 goals instead of 50 and it was like they were having a bad season.“People take it for granted and maybe it’s a little bit for me with England as well.“I’ve scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it, so it’s not spoken about so much.READ MORE IN football “If I was 25 now and doing what I’m doing, the excitement around me would be a bit different.“Again, that’s part of where we are with football and I’ve seen it with some other players as they get into their 30s.“Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do but I’m certainly not bored. I’m excited for the games ahead.”The striker, back at former club Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, was asked whether he can win the Ballon d’Or this year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “One hundred per cent.“I felt that last season as well, I scored over 40 goals but I was never going to win the Ballon d’Or because we didn’t win the team trophies.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.”Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first game as England manager in what is the start of a new era following the reign of Sir Gareth Southgate.It was Tuchel who persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023.The German’s assistant in Munich was Englishman Anthony Barry and he is now the Three Lions’ No 2.Kane, set to win his first major title this season with Bundesliga leaders Bayern, said: “We had conversations before the transfer happened.“Gareth and Thomas are different characters. In terms of coaching, Thomas takes a bit more on the pitch.”I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.Harry Kane Kane is also delighted that Jordan Henderson is back in the England squad after 16 months out.There is no doubt the Three Lions missed the influence of Hendo, 34, during Euro 2024 with skipper Kane not the loudest of characters.Kane added: “Whenever you go to tournaments, I don’t think it’s just about having the best players.“It’s about creating an environment where you allow other people to thrive. I would say we were a little bit light on leadership in the summer.“Especially when things are not going well, that’s when you need me and Jordan — experienced players to take that responsibility on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hendo brings that experience as good as anyone I’ve played with.“Thomas has been clear on trying to build that environment. And it starts from this camp.”Tuchel persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023Credit: AP More