News Trending

‘Incredible feeling’ – Alonso toasts Leverkusen title

By 74 0

Xabi Alonso expressed overwhelming joy as Bayer Leverkusen clinched their inaugural Bundesliga title with an emphatic 5-0 triumph over Werder Bremen, marking a historic moment for the club. This victory, achieved with five games remaining, ignited jubilant scenes at the BayArena, with fans joining the celebration on the pitch.

Alonso, reflecting on his debut season as a coach, couldn’t contain his excitement, describing the feeling as “incredible.” The match witnessed stellar performances, including Victor Boniface’s penalty and stunning goals from Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz. For Xhaka and Wirtz, the magnitude of their achievement hadn’t fully sunk in yet.

The win not only ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year Bundesliga reign but also positioned Leverkusen for a potential treble, with the German Cup and Europa League still within reach. The anticipation surrounding Leverkusen’s title triumph had been building for weeks, with fans eagerly awaiting the moment their team would lift the Meisterschale.

Despite an early scare from Werder, Leverkusen’s dominance prevailed, highlighted by Xhaka and Wirtz’s remarkable goals. The match was a testament to Leverkusen’s remarkable turnaround under Alonso, who took charge when the team was in the relegation zone just 18 months ago.

Overall, Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph symbolized a remarkable journey from adversity to glory, marking a new chapter in the club’s history.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

European Super League: Fans and clubs can be convinced to back new plans, says organiser

By 153 0

The head of A22, the organization behind the revived European Super League (ESL), believes that fans and clubs can be persuaded to support the new proposal. In 2021, the original ESL, involving 12 teams, faced strong opposition and collapsed within 72 hours. However, the European Court of Justice recently ruled against banning clubs from joining such leagues, leading to the announcement of a revamped ESL.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin dismissed the new proposals, stating that football is not for sale and jokingly looking forward to a two-team tournament. Five of the six Premier League teams that initially supported the breakaway plans in 2021 expressed commitment to Uefa competitions.

A22’s new proposal suggests a league system with 64 men’s clubs and 32 women’s clubs, featuring an annual promotion and relegation system with no permanent members. A22 CEO Bernd Reichart stated that the proposal addresses the concerns raised by critics of the original ESL, focusing on an open, accessible, and meritocratic league system alongside domestic leagues.

Reichart refrained from naming interested clubs but emphasized the importance of convincing both clubs and fans. The proposal aims to prioritize players’ health by aligning with the current football calendar, without increasing the number of matchdays.

Domestic leagues, including the Premier League, swiftly condemned the new project, reiterating their rejection of any breakaway concept. Despite the ECJ ruling, Uefa sees it as an opportunity to improve regulations, and Ceferin highlighted the need to maintain the connection between domestic and European football.

Champions League holders Manchester City and other previously involved Premier League clubs affirmed their commitment to Uefa competitions. The ESL saga, which began in 2021, faced criticism and opposition, leading to the withdrawal of several clubs. Ceferin mocked the new proposal, expressing skepticism about its closed nature and comparing it to the rejected 2021 version.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Mainz Suspends Anwar El Ghazi for Controversial Israel-Gaza Post

By 416 0

Mainz, the Bundesliga club, has suspended Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi from both training and games due to a social media post concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. The club deemed the post “unacceptable” and emphasized that El Ghazi had taken a stance on the ongoing conflict that did not align with the club’s values.

El Ghazi, who joined Mainz this summer after stints at Aston Villa and Everton, has participated in three league games since his transfer.

In response to the incident, Bayern Munich has reportedly planned to hold a detailed meeting with full-back Noussair Mazraoui after the player shared a pro-Palestinian video on Instagram.

Similarly, French prosecutors are investigating Nice defender Youcef Atal for allegedly posting an antisemitic video on social media regarding the Israel-Gaza situation. Both Mainz and Bayern Munich have been contacted for further comment on the matter.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Julian Nagelsmann: Bayern Munich Appoints Leipzig Coach Replacing Flick

By 381 0
Bayern Munich has hired RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann as the Coach replacing the departing Hansi Flick starting next season.
The 33-year-old Nagelsmann will move from RB Leipzig for a five-year contract as the coach in Bayern Munich as per the reports by the reigning German champions. Bayern stated that it agreed to terminate Flick’s contract as he had asked to be released earlier, due to his relationship with the club’s powerful sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic had deteriorated over transfer policy.
Nagelsmann had been with RB Leipzig for three years now leading the team to the Champions League semi-finals in 2020.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright