Football

Mainz fans expressed their disapproval of former coach Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull by unveiling banners during Saturday's 2-0 home loss to RB Leipzig. The banners, which played on Klopp's last name, questioned his sanity and accused him of forgetting the support he received at Mainz.Klopp, who played for Mainz before coaching them for seven years, led the club to the top flight for the first time. He then moved to Borussia Dortmund and later Liverpool, where he won several titles, including the Premier League and Champions League.In October, Klopp announced he would join energy drink company Red Bull as their global head of football from January 2025. The decision has angered supporters in Germany, particularly at ex-clubs Dortmund and Mainz, who have a long-standing dislike of RB Leipzig.Some fans believe Leipzig, founded in 2009, violates Germany's 50+1 rule, which requires member control of clubs. Others criticize Red Bull's multi-club ownership model.Leipzig's win at Mainz sent them top of the table, at least until Bayern Munich's match against Stuttgart later on Saturday. Leipzig coach Marco Rose, who played under Klopp at Mainz, dismissed the fans' criticism as a minority opinion."There are 35,000 people in the stadium, many of whom have an opinion," said Rose. "I believe that around 34,936 people love Kloppo for the fact that he shaped an era here, that we achieved something great together."Rose added that Klopp "didn't even notice (the banner), so it can't have been that wild."

Borussia Dortmund fans are reeling from the news that former coach Jurgen Klopp will join Red Bull as head of football operations. Klopp, who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup during his seven-year tenure, has been a beloved figure in the city. However, his decision to join Red Bull, a company that owns several football clubs including Dortmund's rival RB Leipzig, has sparked outrage among fans.The Dortmund fanzine Schwatzgelb has accused Klopp of "tearing down" his reputation with his move to Red Bull. The magazine criticized Klopp's self-proclaimed status as "the normal one," comparing him to Jose Mourinho's infamous declaration of being "a special one." Schwatzgelb also accused Klopp of giving a "well-mannered middle finger" to Dortmund fans.Klopp's decision has also drawn criticism from other quarters. Some fans believe that RB Leipzig, founded in 2009, violates Germany's 50+1 rule, which requires member control of clubs. Others have criticized Red Bull's multi-club ownership model.Despite the backlash, Klopp's decision did not come as a complete surprise to Dortmund managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke. Watzke said that he and Klopp had discussed the move personally. Klopp has previously defended the Red Bull model, calling it a "football idea" rather than a "money idea."Former Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick, who held the same position Klopp will take over in January, said he is excited to see what Klopp can contribute to Red Bull. However, it remains to be seen how Klopp's move will be received by the wider football community.

In a thrilling Bundesliga encounter, Eintracht Frankfurt fought back from a 3-2 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich, denying the Bavarian giants a two-point cushion at the summit. Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush emerged as the hero for Frankfurt, scoring twice, including a dramatic injury-time equalizer.Bayern took the lead through Min-Jae Kim's opener, but Frankfurt responded with a stunning counter-attack, Marmoush equalizing before Hugo Ekitike gave them a 2-1 advantage. Bayern regained the lead through Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise, but Marmoush's late strike ensured a share of the spoils.Meanwhile, RB Leipzig moved into joint leadership with Bayern after a 1-0 victory at Heidenheim. Ikoma Openda scored the only goal, extending Leipzig's unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.In other Bundesliga action, Stuttgart's Ermedin Demirovic scored a 100th-minute equalizer to deny Hoffenheim a much-needed three points. Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen also dropped points, drawing 2-2 with Holstein Kiel despite taking an early two-goal lead.Marmoush's performance has been particularly impressive, with the Egyptian now the Bundesliga's top scorer with eight goals in six games. His goalscoring exploits have helped Frankfurt climb to third place, just a point behind Bayern and Leipzig.

Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga title defense has hit another roadblock after they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Holstein Kiel on Saturday. The result leaves Xabi Alonso's side with 11 points from six matches, allowing Bayern Munich to extend their lead at the summit when they face Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.Leverkusen made a blistering start at the BayArena, with Victor Boniface opening the scoring after just four minutes. Exequiel Palacios' incisive run created the opportunity, and the Argentinian was also involved in the second goal four minutes later, setting up Jonas Hofmann for a composed finish.However, Kiel refused to be overawed and pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time. Max Geschwill forced the ball into the net with his shoulder, and the goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check.Leverkusen's defensive frailties were exposed again in the second half as Jann-Fiete Arp equalized from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. The hosts pushed for a winner but were unable to find a breakthrough.In the capital, Union Berlin stunned Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 halftime lead. Kevin Vogt converted a penalty, and Yorbe Vertessen added a second. Dortmund rallied in the second half, with Julian Ryerson pulling one back in the 62nd minute. However, it was not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat.Elsewhere, Wolfsburg earned a crucial 3-1 victory away to Bochum to climb out of the relegation zone. Werder Bremen suffered a 1-0 home loss to Freiburg, while Augsburg defeated Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 in a mid-table clash on Friday.

Bayern Munich's attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala has been ruled out of action for the upcoming Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany's two Nations League matches due to a hip injury. The 21-year-old was initially included in Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the international fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands, but will now miss out.Musiala has been a key player for Bayern this season, scoring three goals in 10 appearances across all competitions. His absence will be a blow to the German champions, who are currently top of the Bundesliga table.The injury is a setback for Musiala, who has been in impressive form for both club and country. He has made 36 appearances for Germany, scoring six goals, and has established himself as one of the most promising young players in Europe.Bayern have confirmed that Musiala will be sidelined for the time being, but have not provided a specific timeframe for his return. The club's medical staff will continue to assess his condition and provide updates as they become available.In Musiala's absence, Bayern will likely turn to Leroy Sané or Kingsley Coman to fill the void in attack. Both players have been in good form this season and will be eager to make an impact in Musiala's absence.Germany have called up Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling to replace Musiala in their squad for the Nations League matches. Leweling has been in impressive form for Stuttgart this season, scoring three goals in 10 appearances.Musiala's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of top-level football. The 21-year-old has played a lot of football in recent months and his body is now paying the price. Bayern will hope that he can recover quickly and return to action soon.

Bundesliga Title Showdown: Musiala and Wirtz Set to Clash in Early BattleThe Bundesliga title race is set to ignite this weekend as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning champions, face off in a highly anticipated clash at Munich's Allianz Arena. At the heart of this early showdown will be two of Germany's most promising young talents: Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.Musiala, 21, and Wirtz, 20, have emerged as key figures for their respective clubs and the German national team. Both midfielders possess exceptional technical ability, creativity, and an eye for goal. They have combined brilliantly at international level, but on Saturday, they will go head-to-head in a battle that could have a significant impact on the title race.Bayern, the perennial Bundesliga champions, have started the season in dominant fashion, winning all four of their opening fixtures. Leverkusen, meanwhile, sit just three points behind in second place, having lost only once in their first five games.The match will be played against the backdrop of Munich's Oktoberfest, adding to the festive atmosphere. Last year, Leverkusen laid down an early marker with a 2-2 draw in Munich, before thumping Bayern 3-0 in the return fixture.Musiala has been in impressive form for Bayern this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four league games. Wirtz, Leverkusen's creative force, has been equally impressive, with four goals and an assist in the same number of matches.In the lead-up to the match, Musiala described Wirtz as a "good friend" and acknowledged the significance of the clash. "It's going to be a tough game and everyone's looking forward to it," he said.The match will also be a test of character for both players, who have been linked with moves away from their current clubs. Bayern are keen to extend Musiala's contract, which expires in 2026, while Leverkusen are facing an uphill battle to keep Wirtz, whose deal runs until 2027.With both players entering the match with uncertain futures, the stakes are high. The outcome of the match could provide an early indication of the title race and the potential destinations of two of Germany's most exciting young talents.

In a thrilling Bundesliga encounter, Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious with a dramatic 4-3 win over Wolfsburg, while Borussia Dortmund suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat at Stuttgart.Leverkusen and Wolfsburg traded blows throughout the match, with the score locked at 3-3 from the 48th minute. However, Wolfsburg's Yannick Gerhardt was sent off in the dying stages, leaving his team vulnerable. Victor Boniface, who had come on as a substitute, capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure a crucial victory for Leverkusen.Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka expressed dissatisfaction with the performance, calling it "a giant wake-up call." He emphasized the need for improvement in defense, stating, "We can't keep going with performances like that. We can't defend so naively."Despite the win, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso made significant changes to the lineup that had thrashed Feyenoord in the Champions League. Nordi Mukiele, on loan from PSG, had a nightmare debut, scoring an own goal in the fifth minute. Florian Wirtz equalized for Leverkusen, but Wolfsburg's Sebastiaan Bornauw and Mattias Svanberg put the visitors back in the lead. Piero Hincapie leveled the score again for Leverkusen on 48 minutes.In the late game, RB Leipzig were held to a 0-0 draw at promoted St Pauli. Leipzig's goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi, kept St Pauli at bay in the first half, but the hosts held on for a point in the second half.Meanwhile, Stuttgart soared to a dominant 5-1 victory over Dortmund. Deniz Undav scored a brace, while Ermedin Demirovic, Enzo Millot, and El Bilal Toure also found the net. Dortmund, who had raided Stuttgart for players in the summer, were outclassed and disappointed.Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin admitted that Stuttgart's win was "absolutely deserved" and vowed to improve their performance in their next match.

Bayern Munich continued their dominant start to the Bundesliga season with a resounding 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. Michael Olise, the summer signing from Crystal Palace, was the star of the show, scoring twice and assisting on two more goals. Harry Kane also got on the scoresheet, continuing his impressive form since joining Bayern from Tottenham.Olise opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing off a pass from Kane. He then turned provider, setting up Jamal Musiala for Bayern's second goal shortly after. Kane extended Bayern's lead in the 57th minute, tapping in a pass from Olise. Olise then scored his second goal of the game, before Kane set up Serge Gnabry to make it five.The win was Bayern's fourth in four Bundesliga matches this season, and they now sit top of the table. Werder Bremen, on the other hand, have lost their last three league games and are now in the relegation zone.Olise's performance was particularly impressive, as he showed his versatility and creativity in attack. He was a constant threat to the Werder Bremen defense, and his goals and assists were crucial in Bayern's victory.Kane also continued his fine form for Bayern, scoring his 10th goal in six games in all competitions. The England captain is now Bayern's leading scorer this season, and he is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Munich.Bayern will now turn their attention to next Saturday's match against Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen are one of Bayern's main rivals for the Bundesliga title, and the match will be a key test of Bayern's credentials.

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has been crowned the European Golden Shoe winner for the 2023-24 season, receiving the prestigious award at a ceremony in Munich on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Kane's remarkable tally of 36 goals in the Bundesliga propelled him to the top of the scoring charts across all European leagues.Despite being the Premier League's top scorer on three occasions, Kane had never previously won the Golden Shoe. The award recognizes the highest goalscorer in any European football league, and Kane's achievement marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career."It's a fantastic feeling," Kane said after receiving the award. "The award is for everyone. Without you, I wouldn't be standing here today."Kane's success in Munich has been a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. After a trophyless debut season with Bayern, the first time the club had failed to win silverware since 2012, Kane has bounced back with a vengeance."I feel good and am looking forward to the new season," Kane added. "I feel a new energy."Kane's goal tally of 36 in 32 Bayern appearances is just five shy of the single-season record held by former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored 41 goals in the 2020-21 season. However, Kane remains humble about his chances of breaking the record."Once we get to April and we're a little bit closer, maybe it's something we can talk about, but for now it's just taking it game by game, trying to help the team by scoring goals," Kane said.This season's Champions League final will be held in Munich, and Kane is eager to lead Bayern to glory on home soil. "We have to be there," he said.Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised Kane's character and contributions to the team since his arrival in Munich. "Harry has been an exceptional player for us," Dreesen said. "His goalscoring ability is unmatched, and he has also been a great leader in the dressing room."Kane's Golden Shoe award is the latest in a long list of personal accolades, but he remains focused on team success. "I want to continue on as I started last season, but it is important to win titles," Kane said. "We want to achieve success as a team."