Holders Bayern knocked out of German Cup by second tier Kiel

14Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Holders Bayern knocked out of German Cup by second tier Kiel

13 January 2021, Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel: Football: DFB Cup, Holstein Kiel - Bayern Munich, 2nd round at Holstein Stadium. Kiel's Hauke Wahl (l) and Munich's Serge Gnabry in action.Holders Bayern Munich twice gave up a one-goal lead before crashing out of the German Cup 6-5 on penalties to second tier Holstein Kiel on Wednesday following a 2-2 draw after extra time in the second-round match.Both sides converted all five spot-kicks before Bayern's Marc Roca had his effort saved and Fin Bartels slotted in the winning penalty.The Bavarians went ahead through Serge Gnabry in the 14th minute and Thomas Mueller should have doubled the lead when he fired over the bar from three meters out."We lost to the underdogs Kiel and they did everything they could," Mueller said. "We had chances in the fir...

13Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Sheffield United Approach Jesse Lingard Over Potential Deal

Jesse Lingard of Manchester United in action during the FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Watford on January 09, 2021 in Manchester, England.Jesse Lingard could be on his way out of Manchester United this month, with Sheffield United set to launch a potential move for the player according to The Athletic.The Red Devils star has been out of favour at Old Trafford, with the 28-year-old yet to feature in a Premier League game for the club so far this season.Instead, Lingard has had to rely on appearances in the cup for some first-team action and with the player seemingly not in boss Ole Gunner Solksjaer’s plans, he could be on his way out of the club.Sheffield United are one team that have registered an interest in the player. They’re on the lookout for recruits to help t...

13Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits he has been ‘struggling a lot’ in front of goal this season

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England.Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits he has been 'struggling a lot' this season but is determined to arrest his poor run in front of goal.The Gabonese striker, the club's talisman last season as they won the FA Cup, has scored just three league goals so far this season, with a particular low point coming against Burnley last month when he scored the decisive goal at the wrong end. The 31-year-old's poor form contributed to a terrible start to the season for the Gunners but after four wins on the trot in all competitions in recent weeks, Mikel Arteta's side looked to have turned a corner and Aubameyang hopes...

13Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Steve Bruce defiant amid calls for his sacking at Newcastle United

Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on January 12, 2021 in Sheffield, England.Bruce's side were beaten 1-0 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lanelast night.It was the home side’s first Premier League win of the season – and there was an online backlash on Tyneside to the defeat.Bruce had already been under pressure before the game following a run of seven games without a win which had included two cup defeats.And United’s head coach knows his position will be under further scrutiny in the coming days with the club, 15th in the Premier League with 17 games played, seemingly being dragged into a relegation battle.Asked if he would continue, Bruce said: “Yes, I’m bitterly disappointed that w...

13Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic returns to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan

Luka Jovic of Real Madrid is seen wearing a protective mask as he arrives at the stadium prior to the La Liga Santander match between Elche CF and Real Madrid at Estadio Martinez Valero on December 30, 2020 in Elche, Spain.Real Madrid are loaning striker Luca Jovic back to Eintracht Frankfurt having paid out 60 million euros to the Bundesliga club in order to secure the Serb's services on a six-year contract in 2019.Jovic's temporary return 'home' was announced by Eintracht sporting director Fredi Bobic on Tuesday.He told Sky television: "Luka Jovic is being loaned to us until the summer. We still have to sort out a couple of details like for example his medical."If everything is in order he will be back with us very soon."Jovic was high on Real's shopping list after he had lit up the 2018...

12Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Lewandowski: Klopp was a ‘bad teacher’ to me at Dortmund

Manager of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp talks with Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool at Allianz Arena on March 13, 2019 in Munich, Bavaria.Former Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was like the “bad teacher” at school who pushed you to go further.Klopp coached Lewandowski for four years between 2010 and 2014, with the Poland international bagging 103 goals in 187 appearances.That led to the 32-year-old’s move to Bayern Munich where he has gone on to win a Champions League medal and six more Bundesliga titles, with his 269 goals in 309 appearances propelling the German giants to glory.And Lewandowski has labelled current Liverpool boss Klopp as...

11Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Kieran Tierney ‘becomes long-term Napoli target’

Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England.Kieran Tierney is reportedly a long-term target for Napoli after the Serie A side missed out on the Arsenal full-back at the beginning of last season.The Scotland international opted for a move from Celtic to Arsenal in August 2019 for a fee of £25m, despite rumoured interest at the time from Napoli.Tierney has been arguably Arsenal's most consistent performer this season, earning rave reviews for his performances down the left flank.However, according to The Telegraph, the Gunners may now face competition keeping hold of the 23-year-old as Napoli are plotting a fresh move.The report claims that the Italian outfit are unlikely to make...

11Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Juve beat 10-man Sassuolo to move fourth in Serie A

Briansafo Oddei of Sassuolo, Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus during the Italian Serie A match between Juventus v Sassuolo at the Allianz Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Turin Italy.Juventus battled to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Sassuolo to move fourth in Serie A on Sunday.Sassuolo played the entire second half a man down after Pedro Obiang saw red for a dangerous challenge on Federico Chiesa.Defender Danilo put Juventus ahead in the 50th minute when he fired home his first goal of the season.But seven minutes later Sassuolo pulled level with Gregoire Defrel brilliantly finishing off a Hamed Junior Traore through ball.Substitute Aaron Ramsey gave Juventus the advantage again eight minutes from time when he tapped in a Gianluca Frabotta cross to claim his first goal of the campaign.Cristiano Ron...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Schick goal rescues point for Leverkusen against Werder

Leverkusen's Czech forward Patrik Schick (C) heads the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match Bayer Leverkusen v Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, western Germany, on January 9, 2021.Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.Werder, who have won one of their last 12 league games, went ahead with Omer Toprak's close-range effort in the 52nd minute but Patrik Schick equalised on the rebound for the hosts following a lengthy VAR review in the 70th to earn a point. Big day in the #Bundesliga ⚽#BLMatchday pic.twitter.com/PjOgv7AqQ7— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) January 9, 2021 Leverkusen, unbeaten in their first 12 league games before losing twice, did not push for a second goal after levelling and are in third place on 29 p...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan squad against Torino

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio San Paolo on November 22, 2020 in Naples, Italy.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recalled to the AC Milan squad after seven weeks out injured for Saturday's Serie A match against Torino.The 39-year-old, who has missed the Serie A leaders' last eight league games, had not been expected to return until next weekend against Cagliari.Ibrahimovic scored 10 goals in six league games before picking up a thigh injury after scoring a double in a 3-1 win over Napoli on November 22, and later had problems with his calf.Stefano Pioli's side have numerous injuries as they try and hold top spot against lowly Torino, with Inter Milan just one point behind in second.Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has also bee...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Celtic edge closer to big signing

Filip Benkovic of Leicester City during the Leicester City training session at Belvoir Drive Training Complex on October 02nd, 2020 in Leicester, United Kingdom.Celtic are closing in on a big January signing as they aim to bolster their defence for one last title push. Talks are ongoing to bring Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic back to Celtic Park for a second loan spell.The big Croatian international has struggled to make the breakthrough at The Foxes this season and found himself shipped out on loan at Cardiff City. After making only one appearance, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, has recalled the stopper as he bids to find a club where the 23 year old can get regular first team football.Rodgers revealed yesterday that a deal may be completed between the clubs and it looks ...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Report: Hammers join hunt for Bundesliga defender

Ozan Kabak of Schalke runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Veltins-Arena on December 06, 2020 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.West Ham have joined the race for Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, according to reports in Germany.Sport1, claim West Ham have joined the list of suitors for the Schalke centre back and Turkey international.It is claimed that Schalke are no longer standing in the way of an exit for the 20-year-old. They could listen to offers in the region of €15m.He left boyhood side Galatasaray to move to Schalke, his current deal runs until June 2024 with a €15million (£13.5m) release clause.Sky Germany recently claimed that Kabak had his eye on joining either a bigger Bundesliga side or make a switch to the Premier League.Schalke ...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Juve confirm third Covid case this week as De Ligt tests positive

Matthijs De Ligt reacts of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 06, 2021 in Milan, Italy.Juventus said on Friday that Netherlands defender Matthijs De Ligt has tested positive for Covid-19, the third player from the Serie A champions to do so this week.Brazilian defender Alex Sandro returned a positive result on Monday, while winger Juan Cuadrado tested positive on Tuesday."Juventus Football Club announces that, during the checks provided for by the protocol in force, Matthijs De Ligt has emerged positive with Covid 19. The player has already been placed in solitary confinement," Juventus said in a statement. First Team footballer tests positivehttps://t.co/EcTO4lNHab pic.twitter.com/NttqVjS2Yg— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Former FIFA chair Blatter taken to hospital

Former president of World football's governing body FIFA, Sepp Blatter speaks to a journalist as he arrives at the building of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland to a hearing summoned by Swiss prosecutor on September 1, 2020 in Bern.A former FIFA president, Sepp Blatter has been in hospital as his health got worse, Swiss daily Blick reported on Friday."My father is in the hospital. He is getting better every day. But he needs time and rest," his daughter, Corinne Blatter Andenmatten said.The 84-year-old was treated in intensive care in 2015 over an immune system disorder.Blatter was a longtime FIFA chief, he served between the years 1998 and 2015.In December 2015, Blatter was suspended from football related activities for eight years for abusing his position. Former FIFA pre...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Transfer News: Barcelona Face Serie A Competition In Memphis Depay Pursuit

Captain Memphis Depay of Olympique Lyon in action during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon at Parc des Princes on December 13, 2020 in Paris, France.Barcelona reportedly face competition from Serie A clubs Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan in the race to sign Memphis Depay.According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are facing competition from Serie A clubs AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan in their pursuit for Memphis Depay’s signature. Depay has previously played under Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, for Netherlands and both parties seem interested in making a reunion happen at Camp Nou.Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan are all keen on signing Depay, who has just 6 months left on his current contract with Lyon. With these clubs in a prospective...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Concern grows at coronavirus surge with Aston Villa v Liverpool FA Cup clash now in doubt

Jack Grealish of Aston Villa (L) lifts the trophy with Dean Smith of Aston Villa following victory in the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final match between Aston Villa and Derby County at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo is alarmed by the rising number of Covid-19 cases within English clubs and fears the situation will worsen.Aston Villa's FA Cup third round-match against Liverpool on Friday is in doubt after Villa reported a "significant" Covid-19 outbreak in their squad, while Shrewsbury Town's clash at Southampton will not go ahead after an outbreak at the third-tier team.A final decision on whether the game at Villa Park will take place at all will be made on Friday, while even if it goes ahead, the Premier Le...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid star Benzema to face trial over sex tape case

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid and RC Celta at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on January 02, 2021 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is to face trial for attempted blackmail in a case linked to a sex tape featuring his former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, French prosecutors said Thursday.Benzema, 33, who has not been selected for his country since the affair came to light in 2015, is accused of paying individuals to extort money from Valbuena by threatening to make the video public.The French striker argues that a police officer used dishonest methods to draw him into the affair.Valbuena, who now plays for Greek club Olympiakos, received a call from a blackmailer who threatened to release the video, and contacte...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

West Brom set to sign Snodgrass from West Ham

Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 30, 2020 in Liverpool, England.West Brom are poised to sign Robert Snodgrass from fellow Premier League side West Ham on a free transfer.The winger has agreed an 18-month deal to move to The Hawthorns as the Baggies battle to stay in the top flight, the PA news agency understands.The Scotland international will become Sam Allardyce’s first signing since he took over from Slaven Bilic last month.Snodgrass joins with the promise of more first-team football, despite Albion struggling to avoid relegation – having registered just one win this season.The 33-year-old has made six appearances, scoring twice, for the Hammers this season but has played just ...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Copa del Rey: Atletico Madrid dumped out of domestic cup by third-division Cornella

Madrid: La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday after suffering a shock second-round 1-0 defeat by third-division Cornella.Cornella sit seventh in their Segunda B division, Spain's third tier, but deserved a historic win thanks to a volleyed finish by Adrian Jimenez in the seventh minute.Atleti's task became tougher when 20-year-old Ricard Sanchez was sent off in the 63rd minute, while Saul Niguez had hit the crossbar in the first half.Diego Simeone also left out some key players including Luis Suarez, Koke, Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco, with Joao Felix taken off in the second half when they needed an equaliser.But Atletico also struggled for fluency and chances against a far less prestigious opponent. "We apologise to the fans," said Saul. "We ...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Dortmund pinning hopes on Sancho and Haaland

Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring the 2-0 goal with his teamamtes Dortmund's English midfielder Jadon Sancho and Dortmund's German midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud (R) during the German first division Bundesliga football match between BVB Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04 on October 24, 2020 in Dortmund, western Germany.Rarely has a Jadon Sancho goal triggered such relief at Borussia Dortmund.Everyone in the Black and Yellows arena exploded after the 20-year-old scored his league first goal of the season against VfL Wolfsburg (2-0).Ahead of the crucial clash against RB Leipzig this Saturday, the 20-year-old's improvement seems to have come at just the right time.Considering Dortmund's claim to be the country's No. 2, strong enough to challenge top dogs Bayern Munic...