<p>Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Friday, an 87th-minute equaliser from Lucas Hoeler giving leaders Bayer Leverkusen a chance to go 10 points clear.</p>

<p>Mathys Tel's 35th-minute stunner had cancelled out an impressive opener from Freiburg captain Christian Guenter, before Jamal Musiala's spectacular solo effort looked to have snared the three points for Bayern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hoeler however had other ideas, chipping a volley through a crowded Bayern penalty area and past a helpless Manuel Neuer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel criticised his players' "body language and lack of bite" in the first half an hour, telling DAZN "we played completely without structure and had no discipline and weren't in our positions."</p>

<p>Calling his side "panicky", Tuchel said: "We did things that we've never trained, that we've never spoken about.</p>

<p>"We played like it was the 85th minute and we were a goal down."</p>

<p>Musiala told DAZN he felt "frustrated".</p>

<p>"Since I've been at Bayern it's been in my head that we must win and we hate to lose. &nbsp;We want to win the Bundesliga, we want to win titles," he said.</p>

<p>Bayern have now failed to win away from home in four matches dating back to January in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tuchel's side face Lazio at home in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, staring down an early exit with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Rome.</p>

<h2>Simply instinct</h2>

<p>Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen can go 10 points clear of the Bavarians with a win against lowly Cologne in their derby clash on Sunday as they chase a first-ever Bundesliga title.</p>

<p>"We played a good game" Freiburg's Vincenzo Grifo told DAZN. "It's clear that you have to suffer against Bayern."</p>

<p>Guenter blasted the hosts into the lead after 12 minutes, unleashing a spinning rocket from outside the box and into the bottom right of the goal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The goal was the Freiburg captain's first of the season and the club's only strike from outside the box this campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not content to allow Guenter to dominate the highlights reel, Tel hit back with a dream goal of his own, curling in a long-range effort on his second league start this season.</p>

<p>With 15 minutes remaining, and Bayern dominating possession but failing to carve out clear chances, Musiala dribbled past three Freiburg defenders and blasted a low shot into the right corner.</p>

<p>"Simply instinct" said Musiala of the goal. "You try and you dribble and see what you can create."</p>

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<p>Despite holding the lead Bayern grew passive, dropping deep to hold onto their slender lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With just three minutes of regular time remaining, Hoeler held off several Bayern defenders and chipped a volley over Neuer and into the goal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The draw spoilt the first day at work for Bayern sporting director Max Eberl, who said during his unveiling this week the side would still push Leverkusen for the title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The point sees Freiburg finish the night in ninth place in a crowded Bundesliga table, with only five points separating seventh and 15th places.</p>


Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Friday, an 87th-minute equaliser from Lucas Hoeler giving leaders Bayer Leverkusen a chance to go 10 points clear.

Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Friday, an 87th-minute equaliser from Lucas Hoeler giving leaders Bayer Leverkusen a chance to go 10 points clear. Mathys Tel's 35th-minute stunner had cancelled out an impressive opener from Freiburg captain Christian Guenter, before Jamal Musiala's spectacular solo effort looked to have snared the three points for Bayern. Hoeler however had other ideas, chipping a volley through a crowded Bayern penalty area and past a helpless Manuel Neuer. Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel criticised his players' "body language and lack of bite" in the first half an hour, telling DAZN "we played completely without structure and had no discipline and weren't in our positions." Calling his side "panicky", Tuchel said: "We did things that we've never trained, that we've never spoken about. "We played like it was the 85th minute and we were a goal down." Musiala told DAZN he felt "frustrated". "Since I've been at Bayern it's been in my head that we must win and we hate to lose. We want to win the Bundesliga, we want to win titles," he said. Bayern have now failed to win away from home in four matches dating back to January in both the Bundesliga and Champions League. Tuchel's side face Lazio at home in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, staring down an early exit with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Rome. Simply instinct Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen can go 10 points clear of the Bavarians with a win against lowly Cologne in their derby clash on Sunday as they chase a first-ever Bundesliga title. "We played a good game" Freiburg's Vincenzo Grifo told DAZN. "It's clear that you have to suffer against Bayern." Guenter blasted the hosts into the lead after 12 minutes, unleashing a spinning rocket from outside the box and into the bottom right of the goal. The goal was the Freiburg captain's first of the season and the club's only strike from outside the box this campaign. Not content to allow Guenter to dominate the highlights reel, Tel hit back with a dream goal of his own, curling in a long-range effort on his second league start this season. With 15 minutes remaining, and Bayern dominating possession but failing to carve out clear chances, Musiala dribbled past three Freiburg defenders and blasted a low shot into the right corner. "Simply instinct" said Musiala of the goal. "You try and you dribble and see what you can create." ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan likely to get contracts on THIS condition, says BCCI source Despite holding the lead Bayern grew passive, dropping deep to hold onto their slender lead. With just three minutes of regular time remaining, Hoeler held off several Bayern defenders and chipped a volley over Neuer and into the goal. The draw spoilt the first day at work for Bayern sporting director Max Eberl, who said during his unveiling this week the side would still push Leverkusen for the title. The point sees Freiburg finish the night in ninth place in a crowded Bundesliga table, with only five points separating seventh and 15th places.

Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen handed title advantage as Bayern Munich drop points at Freiburg

<p>German football giants Bayern Munich have made a bold comparison of two of the best sports personalities in a sensational tweet on their X handle on Tuesday (Feb 27). Bayern, while replying to a trending tweet on X, compared Indian great Virat Kohli to Germany football team captain Manuel Neuer in a cross-sport. While the comparison is trending on the internet, fans were in awe of Bayern seeing the two greats in the same frame.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="de">⚽ Manuel Neuer 🐐<br />
🏏 Virat Kohli 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/5VTygpZioC">https://t.co/5VTygpZioC</a></p>
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1762487161578828060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Bayern compare&nbsp;Virat, Neuer</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, the German giants posted on their X handle with names of both Virat and Neuer along with a goat emoji indicating their status as greats of the game. Interestingly, both Neuer and Virat have common comparisons including being members of World Cup-winning squads and playing in finals of almost all international tournaments. Their stature at club and franchise level also remains intact with Neuer now in his 13th season with the club while Virat will enter his 17th season with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).</p>

<p>Interestingly at the franchise level, Neuer has enjoyed more success winning the Champions League twice while also winning the German Bundesliga on 11 occasions. Virat’s luck hasn’t been great and has been runner-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on three occasions and twice in the now-abolished Champions League.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lets-not-sunil-gavaskar-opines-on-rishabh-pants-awaited-comeback-during-ipl-2024-694666">'Let's not...': Sunil Gavaskar opines on Rishabh Pant's awaited comeback during IPL 2024</a></p>

<p>While Bayern’s tweet made plenty of headlines, in the recent weeks they have been in headlines for all the wrong reasons. They recently announced the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel after having a poor season compared to the recent years where they have won the Bundesliga. They are eight points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the German league while getting eliminated in the DFB Pokal early.</p>

<p>Virat on the other hand has been away from cricket after playing in the two-match Test series against South Africa in January. He recently became a father for the second time and skipped the entire Test series against England. Despite his absence, India won the Test series 3-1 having pocketed the wins in Vizag, Rajkot and Ranchi. He is expected to be back in action during the IPL 2024 when he represents RCB. In his 16 seasons with the South Indian giants, he is yet to win the IPL and will look to find the missing piece in the puzzle.</p>


German football giants Bayern Munich have made a bold comparison of two of the best sports personalities in a sensational tweet on their X handle on Tuesday (Feb 27).

German football giants Bayern Munich have made a bold comparison of two of the best sports personalities in a sensational tweet on their X handle on Tuesday (Feb 27). Bayern, while replying to a trending tweet on X, compared Indian great Virat Kohli to Germany football team captain Manuel Neuer in a cross-sport. While the comparison is trending on the internet, fans were in awe of Bayern seeing the two greats in the same frame. ⚽ Manuel Neuer 🐐 🏏 Virat Kohli 🐐 https://t.co/5VTygpZioC — FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 27, 2024 × Bayern compare Virat, Neuer On Tuesday, the German giants posted on their X handle with names of both Virat and Neuer along with a goat emoji indicating their status as greats of the game. Interestingly, both Neuer and Virat have common comparisons including being members of World Cup-winning squads and playing in finals of almost all international tournaments. Their stature at club and franchise level also remains intact with Neuer now in his 13th season with the club while Virat will enter his 17th season with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Interestingly at the franchise level, Neuer has enjoyed more success winning the Champions League twice while also winning the German Bundesliga on 11 occasions. Virat’s luck hasn’t been great and has been runner-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on three occasions and twice in the now-abolished Champions League. ALSO READ | 'Let's not...': Sunil Gavaskar opines on Rishabh Pant's awaited comeback during IPL 2024 While Bayern’s tweet made plenty of headlines, in the recent weeks they have been in headlines for all the wrong reasons. They recently announced the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel after having a poor season compared to the recent years where they have won the Bundesliga. They are eight points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the German league while getting eliminated in the DFB Pokal early. Virat on the other hand has been away from cricket after playing in the two-match Test series against South Africa in January. He recently became a father for the second time and skipped the entire Test series against England. Despite his absence, India won the Test series 3-1 having pocketed the wins in Vizag, Rajkot and Ranchi. He is expected to be back in action during the IPL 2024 when he represents RCB. In his 16 seasons with the South Indian giants, he is yet to win the IPL and will look to find the missing piece in the puzzle.

German football giants Bayern Munich pick Virat Kohli as cross-sport equivalent of legendary Manuel Neuer

<p>Harry Kane scored two goals in the second-half, including an injury time winner, to snatch Bayern Munich a 2-1 home win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, ending the side's worst run since 2015.</p>

<p>Bayern had lost three matches in a row for the first time in nine years before the club announced this week that coach Thomas Tuchel would leave in the summer.</p>

<p>Bayern captain Manuel Neuer told Sky "it might seem a bit like the good old Bayern luck, but we deserved to win today."</p>

<p>The win reduced the gap to leaders Bayer Leverkusen to eight points with 11 games left.</p>

<p>Neuer said Tuchel's exit "cast a bad light on us as players, that we weren't able to make it work with a top coach like Thomas Tuchel.</p>

<p>"It's our mistake. We want to keep things going professionally until the end."</p>

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<p>Kane broke the deadlock midway through the first half but Leipzig hit back with 20 remaining minutes, Benjamin Sesko equalising for the visitors.</p>

<p>With Bayern in danger of conceding further ground to Leverkusen in the title race, Kane stepped up and scored in the first minute of injury time, his 27th league goal of the season.</p>

<p>Kane had a golden chance to release the pressure on the home side just five minutes in but his point-blank header was pushed onto the post by Janis Blaswich.</p>

<p>The England captain went close once more just before half-time but a bicycle kick was directed straight at Blaswich.</p>

<p>Kane finally broke through after 56 minutes, slamming a low shot into the Leipzig goal, his 26th strike in 23 games.</p>

<p>Leipzig, who had not lost to Bayern in the league in two years, pressured the German champions, breaking through after 70 minutes through Sesko.</p>

<p>Sesko collected a short Dani Olmo pass and drove his shot low, with the ball deflected by Leon Goretzka and rolling into the net.</p>

<p>The match looked set for a stalemate until Kane latched onto a pass from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, before volleying past Blaswich to seize a valuable win.</p>


Harry Kane scored two goals in the second-half, including an injury time winner, to snatch Bayern Munich a 2-1 home win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, ending the side's worst run since 2015.

Harry Kane scored two goals in the second-half, including an injury time winner, to snatch Bayern Munich a 2-1 home win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, ending the side's worst run since 2015. Bayern had lost three matches in a row for the first time in nine years before the club announced this week that coach Thomas Tuchel would leave in the summer. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer told Sky "it might seem a bit like the good old Bayern luck, but we deserved to win today." The win reduced the gap to leaders Bayer Leverkusen to eight points with 11 games left. Neuer said Tuchel's exit "cast a bad light on us as players, that we weren't able to make it work with a top coach like Thomas Tuchel. "It's our mistake. We want to keep things going professionally until the end." ALSO READ: Manchester City, Arsenal close in gap with latest wins as Premier League title race gets tighter Kane broke the deadlock midway through the first half but Leipzig hit back with 20 remaining minutes, Benjamin Sesko equalising for the visitors. With Bayern in danger of conceding further ground to Leverkusen in the title race, Kane stepped up and scored in the first minute of injury time, his 27th league goal of the season. Kane had a golden chance to release the pressure on the home side just five minutes in but his point-blank header was pushed onto the post by Janis Blaswich. The England captain went close once more just before half-time but a bicycle kick was directed straight at Blaswich. Kane finally broke through after 56 minutes, slamming a low shot into the Leipzig goal, his 26th strike in 23 games. Leipzig, who had not lost to Bayern in the league in two years, pressured the German champions, breaking through after 70 minutes through Sesko. Sesko collected a short Dani Olmo pass and drove his shot low, with the ball deflected by Leon Goretzka and rolling into the net. The match looked set for a stalemate until Kane latched onto a pass from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, before volleying past Blaswich to seize a valuable win.

Bundesliga: Harry Kane hits brace in crucial win for Bayern Munich over RB Leipzig

<p>Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will be a hot managerial property during the European summer after impressing with the German side during the 2023-24 season. Alonso, in charge of Bayer, has led them to the top of the Bundesliga standings despite the one-sided domination of Bayern Munich in the German league for the last decade. With vacancies at Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the Spaniard has attracted interest from big giant clubs. However, the former World Cup winner insists he is not paying attention to such links and is focused on the Leverkusen job.</p>

<h2><strong>Alonso focused on Leverkusen job</strong></h2>

<p>"Maybe you have questions about my future," said Alonso before his side's game against Mainz on Friday.</p>

<p>"I have nothing new to say about that. I wanted to say that in advance.</p>

<p>"Right now I'm the coach here, that's for sure. For the future I have nothing new to say, we'll see,' he further added.</p>

<p>Alonso’s stocks were once again inflated on Wednesday (Feb 21) when Bayern decided to part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel. The sudden departure after a poor run of form has sparked rumours of a potential takeover from Alonso at Bayern having also played for the club in his playing days.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-2024-4th-test-ranchi-match-preview-and-result-prediction-692808">India vs England 2024, 4th Test, Ranchi - Match preview and result prediction</a></p>

<p>Apart from Bayern, Liverpool remain the most interested club in Alonso’s services with links again stretching back to playing days. Alonso famously won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005, scoring in the final. Current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is on his way out of the club, ending his almost nine-year association with the club.</p>

<p>Apart from Liverpool and Bayern, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the manager. However, neither is likely to get the services of Alonso for several reasons which makes him property at Liverpool and Bayern.</p>

<p>Real Madrid are unlikely to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti unless there is a serious collapse while connections with the Los Blancos during playing days see him as an unpopular choice at Barcelona. Manchester United’s season is getting back on track and a Champions League spot next season could earn current boss Erik ten Hag a reprieve.</p>


Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will be a hot managerial property during the European summer after impressing with the German side during the 2023-24 season. Alonso, in charge of Bayer, has led them to the top of the Bundesliga standings despite the one-sided domination of Bayern Munich in the German league for the last decade.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will be a hot managerial property during the European summer after impressing with the German side during the 2023-24 season. Alonso, in charge of Bayer, has led them to the top of the Bundesliga standings despite the one-sided domination of Bayern Munich in the German league for the last decade. With vacancies at Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the Spaniard has attracted interest from big giant clubs. However, the former World Cup winner insists he is not paying attention to such links and is focused on the Leverkusen job. Alonso focused on Leverkusen job "Maybe you have questions about my future," said Alonso before his side's game against Mainz on Friday. "I have nothing new to say about that. I wanted to say that in advance. "Right now I'm the coach here, that's for sure. For the future I have nothing new to say, we'll see,' he further added. Alonso’s stocks were once again inflated on Wednesday (Feb 21) when Bayern decided to part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel. The sudden departure after a poor run of form has sparked rumours of a potential takeover from Alonso at Bayern having also played for the club in his playing days. ALSO READ | India vs England 2024, 4th Test, Ranchi - Match preview and result prediction Apart from Bayern, Liverpool remain the most interested club in Alonso’s services with links again stretching back to playing days. Alonso famously won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005, scoring in the final. Current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is on his way out of the club, ending his almost nine-year association with the club. Apart from Liverpool and Bayern, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the manager. However, neither is likely to get the services of Alonso for several reasons which makes him property at Liverpool and Bayern. Real Madrid are unlikely to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti unless there is a serious collapse while connections with the Los Blancos during playing days see him as an unpopular choice at Barcelona. Manchester United’s season is getting back on track and a Champions League spot next season could earn current boss Erik ten Hag a reprieve.

'I have nothing new to say': Xabi Alonso avoids speaking on Bayern Munich, Liverpool links

<p>On Wednesday (Feb 21), the German club Bayern Munich revealed that they have decided to end their collaboration with coach&nbsp;Thomas&nbsp;Tuchel&nbsp;at the end of the ongoing&nbsp;season despite his&nbsp;contract&nbsp;till&nbsp;2025. Under Tuchel, Bayern have not had the best of runs and have&nbsp;lost their last three games in all competitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, the club&nbsp;has&nbsp;dropped eight points to be placed behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. To add to their woes, the Harry Kane-starrer club were&nbsp;beaten 1-0 by Lazio in last week's Champions League Round of 16 first leg.</p>

<p>It is to be noted that Tuchel, the former Chelsea manager, took over&nbsp;in March last year from Julian Nagelsmann. However, the club&nbsp;has been a pale shadow of themselves in the ongoing season and, thus,&nbsp;many questions have been raised over Tuchel's position. Despite Kane's goal-scoring spree, Bayern have not functioned well as a unit.</p>

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<p>Bayern revealed that Tuchel’s summer departure was finalised&nbsp;after the manager held talks with the CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen.</p>

<p>Tuchel said, "We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season.&nbsp;Until then, I will of course continue to do everything I can with my coaching staff to achieve maximum success."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dressen stated, "In a good, open discussion, we came to the decision to end our working relationship by mutual agreement in the summer. Our goal is to pursue a new footballing direction with a new head coach for the 2024-25 season. Until then, every individual at the club is expressly called upon to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and Bundesliga.</p>

<p>'I also explicitly hold the team accountable in this regard. In the Champions League in particular, after losing 1-0 in the first leg at Lazio, we are convinced we will reach the quarter-finals at a packed Allianz Arena with our fans behind us," he added. The&nbsp;second leg will take place&nbsp;on Tuesday (Mar 5).</p>

<p>As per a report in Goal.com, some high-profile names are already been associated with the post which will be&nbsp;vacant by Tuchel. The likes of Xabi Alonso and Liverpool's outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp are in fray to succeed Tuchel.&nbsp;</p>


On Wednesday (Feb 21), the German club Bayern Munich revealed that they have decided to end their collaboration with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the ongoing season despite his contract till 2025.

On Wednesday (Feb 21), the German club Bayern Munich revealed that they have decided to end their collaboration with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the ongoing season despite his contract till 2025. Under Tuchel, Bayern have not had the best of runs and have lost their last three games in all competitions. In addition, the club has dropped eight points to be placed behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. To add to their woes, the Harry Kane-starrer club were beaten 1-0 by Lazio in last week's Champions League Round of 16 first leg. It is to be noted that Tuchel, the former Chelsea manager, took over in March last year from Julian Nagelsmann. However, the club has been a pale shadow of themselves in the ongoing season and, thus, many questions have been raised over Tuchel's position. Despite Kane's goal-scoring spree, Bayern have not functioned well as a unit. Also read: Manchester United: British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes purchase of minority stake Bayern revealed that Tuchel’s summer departure was finalised after the manager held talks with the CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen. Tuchel said, "We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season. Until then, I will of course continue to do everything I can with my coaching staff to achieve maximum success." Meanwhile, Dressen stated, "In a good, open discussion, we came to the decision to end our working relationship by mutual agreement in the summer. Our goal is to pursue a new footballing direction with a new head coach for the 2024-25 season. Until then, every individual at the club is expressly called upon to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and Bundesliga. 'I also explicitly hold the team accountable in this regard. In the Champions League in particular, after losing 1-0 in the first leg at Lazio, we are convinced we will reach the quarter-finals at a packed Allianz Arena with our fans behind us," he added. The second leg will take place on Tuesday (Mar 5). As per a report in Goal.com, some high-profile names are already been associated with the post which will be vacant by Tuchel. The likes of Xabi Alonso and Liverpool's outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp are in fray to succeed Tuchel.

Thomas Tuchel to part ways with Bayern Munich; Xabi Alonso, Jurgen Klopp in fray to succeed him

<p>Bayern Munich’s reign as German champions could come to an end in the 2023-24 season as they sit second in the Bundesliga standings after back-to-back defeats. Coach Thomas Tuchel, who has been in charge of the side since March 2023, has seen a lot of criticism attracted towards him with the side on the brink of exit in the Champions League and already out of the DFB Pokal. The situation has seen Bayern on the hunt for a new manager including former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.</p>

<h2><strong>Pressure mounts on Tuchel</strong></h2>

<p>After Bayern’s latest defeat to Bochum in the Bundesliga, they stay second in the league with 50 points while Bayer Leverkusen are top of the pile with 58 points. The record German champions also lost 1-0 in the Champions League as they are on the brink of exit in that competition. If things go according to current form, Bayern could end the season without a major trophy for the first time since 2011-12. They were earlier eliminated in the DFB Pokal while they only managed to win the Bundesliga on the final day of the season in 2022-23 season.</p>

<p>As a result, pressure is mounting high on Tuchel who had succeeded Julian Nagelsmann in 2023 at the helm of Bayern Munich. If things don’t change quickly, the German gaffer could be on his way out before completing one year.</p>

<p>As things stand, Bayern are monitoring three big names to replace Tuchel which includes Solskjaer and Zidane. Jose Mourinho is also part of the conversation and has been out of a job since being sacked as the manager of AS Roma. All three managers are free agents as things stand and could join the big-spending club.</p>

<p>Solskjaer has been out of a job since being sacked by Manchester United in October 2021 and could make his return to top management. He has not won a big trophy while facing relegation with Cardiff City in the 2013-14 season in his first major managerial job. However, he had an impressive couple of seasons with United where he led them to the final of the Europa League in 2021, only to lose on penalties.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-does-the-india-england-test-series-give-05-ashes-vibes-691755">Explained | Why does the India-England Test series give 2005 Ashes vibes?</a></p>

<p>Zidane has also been out of a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 as the Frenchman wants a lucrative job. He has been linked with the French national team and the Paris Saint-Germain job in the past but has never explored joining either side. During his time at Real Madrid in two different spells, Zidane has won the Champions League thrice and the league on two occasions and will come with a proven caliber.</p>

<p>Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Mourinho also remain a big priority for Bayern but will face competition from Liverpool and Barcelona. Both Liverpool and Barcelona have vacancies at the moment and could attract any of the big names mentioned above. It is also speculated that Nagelsmann could also rejoin Bayern at the start of the next season if he leaves the German National side after Euro 2024.</p>


Bayern Munich’s reign as German champions could come to an end in the 2023-24 season as they sit second in the Bundesliga standings after back-to-back defeats. Coach Thomas Tuchel, who has been in charge of the side since March 2023, has seen a lot of criticism attracted towards him with the side on the brink of exit in the Champions League and already out of the DFB Pokal.

Bayern Munich’s reign as German champions could come to an end in the 2023-24 season as they sit second in the Bundesliga standings after back-to-back defeats. Coach Thomas Tuchel, who has been in charge of the side since March 2023, has seen a lot of criticism attracted towards him with the side on the brink of exit in the Champions League and already out of the DFB Pokal. The situation has seen Bayern on the hunt for a new manager including former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. Pressure mounts on Tuchel After Bayern’s latest defeat to Bochum in the Bundesliga, they stay second in the league with 50 points while Bayer Leverkusen are top of the pile with 58 points. The record German champions also lost 1-0 in the Champions League as they are on the brink of exit in that competition. If things go according to current form, Bayern could end the season without a major trophy for the first time since 2011-12. They were earlier eliminated in the DFB Pokal while they only managed to win the Bundesliga on the final day of the season in 2022-23 season. As a result, pressure is mounting high on Tuchel who had succeeded Julian Nagelsmann in 2023 at the helm of Bayern Munich. If things don’t change quickly, the German gaffer could be on his way out before completing one year. As things stand, Bayern are monitoring three big names to replace Tuchel which includes Solskjaer and Zidane. Jose Mourinho is also part of the conversation and has been out of a job since being sacked as the manager of AS Roma. All three managers are free agents as things stand and could join the big-spending club. Solskjaer has been out of a job since being sacked by Manchester United in October 2021 and could make his return to top management. He has not won a big trophy while facing relegation with Cardiff City in the 2013-14 season in his first major managerial job. However, he had an impressive couple of seasons with United where he led them to the final of the Europa League in 2021, only to lose on penalties. ALSO READ | Explained | Why does the India-England Test series give 2005 Ashes vibes? Zidane has also been out of a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 as the Frenchman wants a lucrative job. He has been linked with the French national team and the Paris Saint-Germain job in the past but has never explored joining either side. During his time at Real Madrid in two different spells, Zidane has won the Champions League thrice and the league on two occasions and will come with a proven caliber. Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Mourinho also remain a big priority for Bayern but will face competition from Liverpool and Barcelona. Both Liverpool and Barcelona have vacancies at the moment and could attract any of the big names mentioned above. It is also speculated that Nagelsmann could also rejoin Bayern at the start of the next season if he leaves the German National side after Euro 2024.

Bayern Munich search for options as pressure mounts on Thomas Tuchel; Solskjaer, Zidane in race

<p>Goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Amine Adli earned Leverkusen a 2-1 win at Heidenheim on Saturday, sending Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga leaders eight points clear of Bayern Munich in second.</p>

<p>Leverkusen's win extended their unbeaten run to 32 games this season, equalling the record set by Hansi Flick's Bayern across the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frustrated by the resolute hosts early, Leverkusen eventually broke through right before half-time when Frimpong's deflected shot found the net.</p>

<p>Midfield maestro Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar late but helped seal the result shortly after, laying on a perfect pass for Adli to round the goalkeeper and score.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heidenheim's Tim Kleindienst headed in a goal with three minutes remaining, the first time Leverkusen had conceded in six hours in the league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Altogether we did it very smartly, other than the late goal we conceded," Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka told Sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The team is ripe. We showed again how dominant we can be."</p>

<p>Second-placed Bayern, thumped 3-0 by Leverkusen last week, can narrow the gap when they play on Sunday at Bochum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund were held 1-1 at Wolfsburg, Yannick Gerhardt's second-half header cancelling out an early Niclas Fuellkrug goal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having absorbed some early pressure from the hosts, Dortmund scored after eight minutes, Fuellkrug kneeing in a rebound from a Marco Reus shot on the counter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gerhardt equalised after a long interruption due to fan protests against an investor deal for the Bundesliga, heading in from close range after a deflected clearance from the Dortmund defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The draw leaves Dortmund four clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig, who host Borussia Moenchengladbach later on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"We didn't have enough chances on the whole," said Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.&nbsp;"We are not satisfied with the point."</p>

<p>Serhou Guirassy scored his first goal of the calendar year as 10-man Stuttgart won 2-1 at Darmstadt to go five clear of Dortmund in third.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guirassy headed in from close range 15 minutes in for his 18th league goal of the season.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Both sides scored in second-half injury time as Stuttgart held on despite being reduced to 10 men late in the first half.</p>

<p>Union Berlin secured a crucial victory in their bid to avoid the drop, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson scoring late for a 1-0 win at Hoffenheim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both sides played the second half with 10 men after Hoffenheim's Stanley Nsoki and Union's Kevin Volland picked up second yellow cards just before half-time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union's win took them eight points clear of the relegation spots in an increasingly crowded lower half of the table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mainz won just their second match of the season 1-0 at home over Augsburg, with Liverpool loanee Sepp van den Berg's first-half strike enough despite Nadiem Amiri missing a penalty.&nbsp;</p>


Goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Amine Adli earned Leverkusen a 2-1 win at Heidenheim on Saturday, sending Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga leaders eight points clear of Bayern Munich in second.

Goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Amine Adli earned Leverkusen a 2-1 win at Heidenheim on Saturday, sending Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga leaders eight points clear of Bayern Munich in second. Leverkusen's win extended their unbeaten run to 32 games this season, equalling the record set by Hansi Flick's Bayern across the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. Frustrated by the resolute hosts early, Leverkusen eventually broke through right before half-time when Frimpong's deflected shot found the net. Midfield maestro Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar late but helped seal the result shortly after, laying on a perfect pass for Adli to round the goalkeeper and score. Heidenheim's Tim Kleindienst headed in a goal with three minutes remaining, the first time Leverkusen had conceded in six hours in the league. "Altogether we did it very smartly, other than the late goal we conceded," Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka told Sky. "The team is ripe. We showed again how dominant we can be." Second-placed Bayern, thumped 3-0 by Leverkusen last week, can narrow the gap when they play on Sunday at Bochum. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund were held 1-1 at Wolfsburg, Yannick Gerhardt's second-half header cancelling out an early Niclas Fuellkrug goal. Having absorbed some early pressure from the hosts, Dortmund scored after eight minutes, Fuellkrug kneeing in a rebound from a Marco Reus shot on the counter. Gerhardt equalised after a long interruption due to fan protests against an investor deal for the Bundesliga, heading in from close range after a deflected clearance from the Dortmund defence. The draw leaves Dortmund four clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig, who host Borussia Moenchengladbach later on Saturday. × "We didn't have enough chances on the whole," said Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. "We are not satisfied with the point." Serhou Guirassy scored his first goal of the calendar year as 10-man Stuttgart won 2-1 at Darmstadt to go five clear of Dortmund in third. Guirassy headed in from close range 15 minutes in for his 18th league goal of the season. ALSO READ | Rajkot Test, Day 3: India players wear black armband for THIS reason, Gavaskar says 'could've done it sooner' Both sides scored in second-half injury time as Stuttgart held on despite being reduced to 10 men late in the first half. Union Berlin secured a crucial victory in their bid to avoid the drop, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson scoring late for a 1-0 win at Hoffenheim. Both sides played the second half with 10 men after Hoffenheim's Stanley Nsoki and Union's Kevin Volland picked up second yellow cards just before half-time. Union's win took them eight points clear of the relegation spots in an increasingly crowded lower half of the table. Mainz won just their second match of the season 1-0 at home over Augsburg, with Liverpool loanee Sepp van den Berg's first-half strike enough despite Nadiem Amiri missing a penalty.

Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen beat Heidenheim to go eight clear, extend unbeaten run to 32 matches

<p>Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said Saturday his side needed to do more to bring an "unsatisfied" Harry Kane into games amid a dip in form.</p>

<p>Kane has not registered a shot on target for two matches, both of which Bayern lost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern, who travel to Bochum on Sunday, have not lost three matches in a row since 2015.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"It's unbelievable how well he can score in training and how he pushes on the team -- which is absolutely world-class -- and how little we have found him in games."</p>

<p>"I have seldom experienced such a difference in what a player has been able to bring on the pitch in training and on the pitch in actual games."</p>

<p>Tuchel said he has not given the experienced striker advice, saying "Harry doesn't need me. He can take care of himself."</p>

<p>"He knows what he's doing and he's not satisfied with the way he's been implemented in games and we're not satisfied with the way things have been going."</p>

<p>Kane has 24 league goals in 21 games so far this season, but drew blanks against Bayer Leverkusen and again at Lazio in the Champions League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tuchel on Saturday recognised the "gloomy" atmosphere around the team but said "we are all committed to turning things around".</p>

<p>Bayern, who have won the past 11 Bundesliga titles, sit five points behind Leverkusen with 13 games remaining this season.&nbsp;</p>


Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said Saturday his side needed to do more to bring an "unsatisfied" Harry Kane into games amid a dip in form. Kane has not registered a shot on target for two matches, both of which Bayern lost.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said Saturday his side needed to do more to bring an "unsatisfied" Harry Kane into games amid a dip in form. Kane has not registered a shot on target for two matches, both of which Bayern lost. Bayern, who travel to Bochum on Sunday, have not lost three matches in a row since 2015. Also Read: After Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce donates $100,000 for victims of Super Bowl victory parade "It's unbelievable how well he can score in training and how he pushes on the team -- which is absolutely world-class -- and how little we have found him in games." "I have seldom experienced such a difference in what a player has been able to bring on the pitch in training and on the pitch in actual games." Tuchel said he has not given the experienced striker advice, saying "Harry doesn't need me. He can take care of himself." "He knows what he's doing and he's not satisfied with the way he's been implemented in games and we're not satisfied with the way things have been going." Kane has 24 league goals in 21 games so far this season, but drew blanks against Bayer Leverkusen and again at Lazio in the Champions League. Tuchel on Saturday recognised the "gloomy" atmosphere around the team but said "we are all committed to turning things around". Bayern, who have won the past 11 Bundesliga titles, sit five points behind Leverkusen with 13 games remaining this season.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel concedes 'team needs to do more' amid dip in form for Harry Kane

<p>Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has made headlines once again with his grand unveiling on Friday (Feb 2) as he returned to his boyhood club Colo-Colo. Vidal, who has played for big European powerhouses like Bayern, Barcelona and Juventus made his return to the Chilean League with club Colo-Colo based in the capital city of Santiago. During his unveiling for the home fans in the stadium, he was seen making a grand entrance before starting a&nbsp;new chapter in his illustrious football career.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arturo Vidal's unveiling at his new club in Chile just got crazier and crazier 🚁🐎👑 <a href="https://t.co/1LyQtAYRP0">pic.twitter.com/1LyQtAYRP0</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Vidal makes grand entrance</strong></h2>

<p>Now 36, the veteran star was seen taking a helicopter ride to arrive at the club’s stadium. If this was not enough, Vidal&nbsp;then took&nbsp;a horse ride in a traditional royal manner where he was seen wearing the king’s crown coupled with a sword in hand and cape around his neck. He rode&nbsp;the horse on the football pitch at the Estadio Monumental where fans were seen chanting his name.</p>

<p>The royal entrance on his return to the boyhood club marks a special beginning of a new football chapter for Vidal who is now in the twilight of his career. As donned at many previous clubs, Vidal will be wearing the No. 23 shirt for what could be his last football club.</p>

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<p>Vidal took his first football steps in 2005 when he started with Colo-Colo before moving to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen in 2007. After four years at the club, he moved to Italy in 2011 for the first time with Juventus where he established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet. In 2015 he made his big-money move to Bayern Munich as he returned to Germany for the second time. He would later return to Italy with Inter Milan having also served time at Barcelona.</p>

<p>At the international level, he helped Chile win back-to-back Copa America in 2015 and 2016, beating Argentina in both finals. He also helped his side reach the knockout stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite being in the group of death with then-champions Spain and runners-up Netherlands.</p>


Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has made headlines once again with his grand unveiling on Friday (Feb 2) as he returned to his boyhood club Colo-Colo.

Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has made headlines once again with his grand unveiling on Friday (Feb 2) as he returned to his boyhood club Colo-Colo. Vidal, who has played for big European powerhouses like Bayern, Barcelona and Juventus made his return to the Chilean League with club Colo-Colo based in the capital city of Santiago. During his unveiling for the home fans in the stadium, he was seen making a grand entrance before starting a new chapter in his illustrious football career. Arturo Vidal's unveiling at his new club in Chile just got crazier and crazier 🚁🐎👑 pic.twitter.com/1LyQtAYRP0 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 2, 2024 × Vidal makes grand entrance Now 36, the veteran star was seen taking a helicopter ride to arrive at the club’s stadium. If this was not enough, Vidal then took a horse ride in a traditional royal manner where he was seen wearing the king’s crown coupled with a sword in hand and cape around his neck. He rode the horse on the football pitch at the Estadio Monumental where fans were seen chanting his name. The royal entrance on his return to the boyhood club marks a special beginning of a new football chapter for Vidal who is now in the twilight of his career. As donned at many previous clubs, Vidal will be wearing the No. 23 shirt for what could be his last football club. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen backs Shubman Gill despite shaky form, compares to THIS legendary player Vidal took his first football steps in 2005 when he started with Colo-Colo before moving to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen in 2007. After four years at the club, he moved to Italy in 2011 for the first time with Juventus where he established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet. In 2015 he made his big-money move to Bayern Munich as he returned to Germany for the second time. He would later return to Italy with Inter Milan having also served time at Barcelona. At the international level, he helped Chile win back-to-back Copa America in 2015 and 2016, beating Argentina in both finals. He also helped his side reach the knockout stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite being in the group of death with then-champions Spain and runners-up Netherlands.

Ex-Bayern star Arturo Vidal makes royal entrance on horse in grand return to boyhood club Colo-Colo - WATCH

<p>Bayern Munich closed the gap on Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga to a point with a 3-2 victory at Augsburg on Saturday after the hosts endured hit and miss late penalty drama.</p>

<p>Aleksandar Pavlovic and Alphonso Davies put Bayern into a comfortable lead at the break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Augsburg's Ermedin Demirovic halved Bayern's advantage but Harry Kane struck just before the hour to help secure the three points.</p>

<p>Augsburg then missed one penalty while Demirovic scored from another spot-kick attempt in the final few minutes but Bayern held on for a precious win in one of the closest Bundesliga title races for years.</p>

<p>Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, the last unbeaten team in the Bundesliga this season, can re-establish a four-point cushion with victory at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach in Saturday's late game.</p>

<p>Bayern came into this game having got back on track in midweek with a 1-0 win over Union Berlin after a shock 1-0 home defeat by Werder Bremen last weekend.</p>

<p>With Dayot Upamecano limping off with a hamstring injury against Union and joining Bayern's lengthening injury list, Eric Dier made his first start as Davies also returned to the starting line-up after being dropped in midweek.</p>

<p>But it was another player drafted into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI who got things rolling for Bayern.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Making just his fourth start in the league, 19-year-old German midfielder Pavlovic steered the ball in from close range after 23 minutes when Augsburg failed to clear a corner.</p>

<p>Davies let fly from distance deep into first half stoppage time to give Bayern a two-goal cushion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Demirovic's glancing header early in the second half lifted the mood of the home fans, until Kane tapped in Leon Goretzka's cross.</p>

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<p>A clumsy foul by Manuel Neuer saw Augsburg awarded an 88th&nbsp;minute penalty, but the Bayern goalkeeper atoned with a fine save from Sven Michel's spot-kick.</p>

<p>Augsburg won another penalty, in stoppage time, after a trip by substitute Thomas Mueller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time Neuer could do nothing about Demirovic's powerful penalty, but it was too little too late for Augsburg.</p>

<p>Bayern keep the pressure on Leverkusen but yet another injury, this time to French winger Kingsley Coman, soured the victory for Tuchel.</p>

<p>In another key game at the top, Deniz Undav scored a hat-trick as Stuttgart thrashed RB Leipzig 5-2 to keep alive their hopes of Champions League qualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Borussia Dortmund will have the chance to leapfrog Leipzig and enter the top four with victory over Bochum on Sunday.</p>


Bayern Munich closed the gap on Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga to a point with a 3-2 victory at Augsburg on Saturday after the hosts endured hit and miss late penalty drama.

Bayern Munich closed the gap on Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga to a point with a 3-2 victory at Augsburg on Saturday after the hosts endured hit and miss late penalty drama. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Alphonso Davies put Bayern into a comfortable lead at the break. Augsburg's Ermedin Demirovic halved Bayern's advantage but Harry Kane struck just before the hour to help secure the three points. Augsburg then missed one penalty while Demirovic scored from another spot-kick attempt in the final few minutes but Bayern held on for a precious win in one of the closest Bundesliga title races for years. Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, the last unbeaten team in the Bundesliga this season, can re-establish a four-point cushion with victory at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach in Saturday's late game. Bayern came into this game having got back on track in midweek with a 1-0 win over Union Berlin after a shock 1-0 home defeat by Werder Bremen last weekend. With Dayot Upamecano limping off with a hamstring injury against Union and joining Bayern's lengthening injury list, Eric Dier made his first start as Davies also returned to the starting line-up after being dropped in midweek. But it was another player drafted into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI who got things rolling for Bayern. × Making just his fourth start in the league, 19-year-old German midfielder Pavlovic steered the ball in from close range after 23 minutes when Augsburg failed to clear a corner. Davies let fly from distance deep into first half stoppage time to give Bayern a two-goal cushion. Demirovic's glancing header early in the second half lifted the mood of the home fans, until Kane tapped in Leon Goretzka's cross. ALSO READ | Aryna Sabalenka defends Australian Open title after dominating straight-set win over China’s Zheng Qinwen A clumsy foul by Manuel Neuer saw Augsburg awarded an 88th minute penalty, but the Bayern goalkeeper atoned with a fine save from Sven Michel's spot-kick. Augsburg won another penalty, in stoppage time, after a trip by substitute Thomas Mueller. This time Neuer could do nothing about Demirovic's powerful penalty, but it was too little too late for Augsburg. Bayern keep the pressure on Leverkusen but yet another injury, this time to French winger Kingsley Coman, soured the victory for Tuchel. In another key game at the top, Deniz Undav scored a hat-trick as Stuttgart thrashed RB Leipzig 5-2 to keep alive their hopes of Champions League qualification. Borussia Dortmund will have the chance to leapfrog Leipzig and enter the top four with victory over Bochum on Sunday.

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich cut gap at top after Augsburg suffer ‘hit and miss’ penalty drama

<p>Mitchell Weiser stunned his former club with the only goal as Werder Bremen defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 on Sunday, keeping Bayer Leverkusen seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.</p>

<p>Bayern were last held scoreless in the league in February 2020, when former Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann's Leipzig recorded a 0-0 draw at the Allianz Arena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bremen's victory, their first over Bayern in any competition since 2008, broke a 27-game winless run against the German champions, which included 26 losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leverkusen's 3-2 win at RB Leipzig on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso's men coming from behind twice and scoring the winner in injury time, put the pressure back on Bayern, who went into Sunday's game with two games in hand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bremen were unlucky to have a goal struck off by VAR in the first-half for a foul on Jamal Musiala but Weiser took matters into his own hands in the second period, gliding down the right wing and blasting into the net after 59 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern pinned Bremen in their own box after the opener but failed to break through.</p>

<p>Bremen travelled to Munich trying to overturn recent history, the visitors having not beaten Bayern in any competition in 16 years.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>On that day, a teenage Mesut Ozil ran riot, scoring one goal and assisting in two more in a 5-2 victory during happier times for the four-time Bundesliga winners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bremen started strongly, Weiser&nbsp;forcing a fingertip save from Manuel Neuer midway through the first-half.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bremen's Justin Njinmah had the ball in the net after a lightning-fast counter attack, but the goal was struck off, with VAR finding a foul on Musiala at the other end of the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern exited the pitch to a sprinkling of boos and whistles but the half-time break failed to revive the home side, with Bremen continuing to impress.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Weiser, who spent three years at Bayern after arriving as an 18-year-old before leaving on a free transfer in 2015, gave the visitors the lead in impressive syle, dancing down the right flank and unleashing a rocket into the top of the net.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bremen's win consigned the defending champions to their second league loss of the season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern can cut the gap at the top when they play their game in hand at home to Union Berlin on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bremen's victory lifts them nine points clear of the relegation placings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later on Sunday, Borussia Moenchengladbach host Augsburg.&nbsp;</p>


Mitchell Weiser stunned his former club with the only goal as Werder Bremen defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 on Sunday, keeping Bayer Leverkusen seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Mitchell Weiser stunned his former club with the only goal as Werder Bremen defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 on Sunday, keeping Bayer Leverkusen seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. Bayern were last held scoreless in the league in February 2020, when former Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann's Leipzig recorded a 0-0 draw at the Allianz Arena. Bremen's victory, their first over Bayern in any competition since 2008, broke a 27-game winless run against the German champions, which included 26 losses. Leverkusen's 3-2 win at RB Leipzig on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso's men coming from behind twice and scoring the winner in injury time, put the pressure back on Bayern, who went into Sunday's game with two games in hand. Bremen were unlucky to have a goal struck off by VAR in the first-half for a foul on Jamal Musiala but Weiser took matters into his own hands in the second period, gliding down the right wing and blasting into the net after 59 minutes. Bayern pinned Bremen in their own box after the opener but failed to break through. Bremen travelled to Munich trying to overturn recent history, the visitors having not beaten Bayern in any competition in 16 years. × On that day, a teenage Mesut Ozil ran riot, scoring one goal and assisting in two more in a 5-2 victory during happier times for the four-time Bundesliga winners. Bremen started strongly, Weiser forcing a fingertip save from Manuel Neuer midway through the first-half. Bremen's Justin Njinmah had the ball in the net after a lightning-fast counter attack, but the goal was struck off, with VAR finding a foul on Musiala at the other end of the pitch. Bayern exited the pitch to a sprinkling of boos and whistles but the half-time break failed to revive the home side, with Bremen continuing to impress. ALSO READ | England batter Harry Brook withdraws from upcoming India series, announces board Weiser, who spent three years at Bayern after arriving as an 18-year-old before leaving on a free transfer in 2015, gave the visitors the lead in impressive syle, dancing down the right flank and unleashing a rocket into the top of the net. Bremen's win consigned the defending champions to their second league loss of the season. Bayern can cut the gap at the top when they play their game in hand at home to Union Berlin on Wednesday. Bremen's victory lifts them nine points clear of the relegation placings. Later on Sunday, Borussia Moenchengladbach host Augsburg.

Bundesliga: Advantage Bayer Leverkusen after Werder Bremen snap 16-year wait for win over Bayern

<p>Germany’s greatest footballer ever, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away aged 78 on Monday, the German Football Association confirmed. Regarded as perhaps the best defender to grace this game, Franz was a decorated footballer, having won countless accolades both as a player and manager. Upon receiving the news of his death, the football world came to a standstill, with everyone mourning the passing away of a legend.</p>

<p>From winning plenty of trophies at the club level to winning the World Cup in 1974, Franz had tasted success at the highest level and was a pioneer of German football.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-and-bayern-munich-legend-franz-beckenbauer-passes-away-at-78-677958">Germany's World Cup winning captain Franz Beckenbauer passes away at 78</a></strong></p>

<p>"Franz Beckenbauer was definitely the biggest German footballer of all time, and above all one of the greatest men who I have known," said DFB vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke.</p>

<p>Franz was also one of the only three players ever to win a World Cup as a footballer and a manager. Though he lifted the title as a player during his prime in the 70s, Franz led Germany to a World Cup trophy in 1990 as a manager.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, outside of being the four-time German Player of the Year, Franz won the FIFA Order of Merit and was also awarded the coveted Ballon d’Or prize twice. His list of accolades also include&nbsp;the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award (2007) and FIFA Presidential Award (2012).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just as a footballer but also as part of the boardroom, Franz succeeded at all levels. From holding several positions at Bayern Munich, from being the club's president to becoming its advisory board's chairman to later becoming FIFA’s vice president, the legendary German footballer had seen it all.</p>

<p>Here is how everyone reacted to his death -</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78.<br />
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RIP, Franz. 👑🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/IwdSA5KaiT">pic.twitter.com/IwdSA5KaiT</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1744394306125692982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.</p>
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1744399058884493742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football's greatest ever players<br />
<br />
A World Cup winner as both player and manager, 'Der Kaiser' was as elegant as he was dominant<br />
<br />
He will forever be remembered <a href="https://t.co/dJDF4eAuod">pic.twitter.com/dJDF4eAuod</a></p>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1744402203043942438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football's greatest sons, has passed away aged 78.<br />
<br />
"Der Kaiser" was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other. <a href="https://t.co/rW12ArNnNh">pic.twitter.com/rW12ArNnNh</a></p>
— UEFA (@UEFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UEFA/status/1744403806194970839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser <a href="https://t.co/32p8T2rEkI">pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI</a></p>
— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/kennethdalglish/status/1744409380164903307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bayern and Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78, his family has confirmed to <a href="https://twitter.com/dpa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dpa</a><br />
<br />
RIP, Kaiser 🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/Zic2h4I43D">pic.twitter.com/Zic2h4I43D</a></p>
— Bayern &amp; Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1744394118069891462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're saddened to hear of the passing of Franz Beckenbauer.<br />
<br />
He was the first person to win the FIFA World Cup as captain (1974) and manager (1990). <a href="https://t.co/ixPAClBiBm">pic.twitter.com/ixPAClBiBm</a></p>
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GWR/status/1744404062961840377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We mourn the loss of a legend of world football.<br />
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Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/P1ahQkbp8B">pic.twitter.com/P1ahQkbp8B</a></p>
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fenerbahce_EN/status/1744407429071122720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A true icon of our game.<br />
<br />
We are truly saddened to hear the passing of Franz Beckenbauer.<br />
<br />
Rest in peace. 🖤 <a href="https://t.co/0fefeosJeD">pic.twitter.com/0fefeosJeD</a></p>
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) <a href="https://twitter.com/Galatasaray/status/1744403132665188405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FC Barcelona offers its condolences for the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, legend of world football who has left us today at the age of 78. Rest in peace.</p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1744404641431929264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A true footballing icon.<br />
<br />
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. <a href="https://t.co/RqARHeg0jl">pic.twitter.com/RqARHeg0jl</a></p>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1744407991267319995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Germany’s greatest footballer ever, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away aged 78 on Monday, the German Football Association confirmed. Regarded as perhaps the best defender to grace this game, Franz was a decorated footballer, having won countless accolades both as a player and manager.

Germany’s greatest footballer ever, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away aged 78 on Monday, the German Football Association confirmed. Regarded as perhaps the best defender to grace this game, Franz was a decorated footballer, having won countless accolades both as a player and manager. Upon receiving the news of his death, the football world came to a standstill, with everyone mourning the passing away of a legend. From winning plenty of trophies at the club level to winning the World Cup in 1974, Franz had tasted success at the highest level and was a pioneer of German football. ALSO READ: Germany's World Cup winning captain Franz Beckenbauer passes away at 78 "Franz Beckenbauer was definitely the biggest German footballer of all time, and above all one of the greatest men who I have known," said DFB vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke. Franz was also one of the only three players ever to win a World Cup as a footballer and a manager. Though he lifted the title as a player during his prime in the 70s, Franz led Germany to a World Cup trophy in 1990 as a manager. Meanwhile, outside of being the four-time German Player of the Year, Franz won the FIFA Order of Merit and was also awarded the coveted Ballon d’Or prize twice. His list of accolades also include the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award (2007) and FIFA Presidential Award (2012). Not just as a footballer but also as part of the boardroom, Franz succeeded at all levels. From holding several positions at Bayern Munich, from being the club's president to becoming its advisory board's chairman to later becoming FIFA’s vice president, the legendary German footballer had seen it all. Here is how everyone reacted to his death - German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78. RIP, Franz. 👑🕊️ pic.twitter.com/IwdSA5KaiT — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024 × Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP. — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2024 × We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football's greatest ever players A World Cup winner as both player and manager, 'Der Kaiser' was as elegant as he was dominant He will forever be remembered pic.twitter.com/dJDF4eAuod — Premier League (@premierleague) January 8, 2024 × Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football's greatest sons, has passed away aged 78. "Der Kaiser" was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other. pic.twitter.com/rW12ArNnNh — UEFA (@UEFA) January 8, 2024 × It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI — Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024 × Bayern and Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78, his family has confirmed to @dpa RIP, Kaiser 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Zic2h4I43D — Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) January 8, 2024 × We're saddened to hear of the passing of Franz Beckenbauer. He was the first person to win the FIFA World Cup as captain (1974) and manager (1990). pic.twitter.com/ixPAClBiBm — Guinness World Records (@GWR) January 8, 2024 × We mourn the loss of a legend of world football. Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/P1ahQkbp8B — Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) January 8, 2024 × A true icon of our game. We are truly saddened to hear the passing of Franz Beckenbauer. Rest in peace. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/0fefeosJeD — Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) January 8, 2024 × FC Barcelona offers its condolences for the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, legend of world football who has left us today at the age of 78. Rest in peace. — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2024 × A true footballing icon. Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. pic.twitter.com/RqARHeg0jl — Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 8, 2024 ×

Football world mourns death of German legend Franz Beckenbauer. See who said what

<p>Franz Beckenbauer, one of Germany's greatest soccer players, who captained the team to World Cup victory in 1974 then won the tournament again as manager in 1990, has died at the age of 78, German news agency DPA reported on Monday.</p>

<p>Beckenbauer was a classy, dominant presence on the pitch for West Germany and Bayern Munich in the 1960s and 70s, using the calmness on the ball and effortless distribution that marked his midfield performances to virtually invent the central defensive sweeper role where he found most success.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78.<br />
<br />
RIP, Franz. 👑🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/IwdSA5KaiT">pic.twitter.com/IwdSA5KaiT</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1744394306125692982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He collected 103 caps for West Germany, winning the 1972 European championship and then the World Cup on home soil having lost in the final to England in 1966.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-ireland-wing-mark-hansen-ruled-out-of-six-nations-with-dislocated-shoulder-677848">Rugby: Ireland wing Mark Hansen ruled out of Six Nations with dislocated shoulder</a></strong></p>

<p>His Bayern Munich team was the best club side in the world during the mid-1970s, winning three successive European Cups and three successive Bundesliga titles, and Beckenbauer himself was twice named European footballer of the year.</p>

<p>As national team manager his West Germany team lost in the 1986 World Cup final to Argentina but triumphed four years later in Italy as a combined German team.</p>

<p>Beckenbauer, nicknamed Der Kaiser ("The emperor"), was one of three men to have won the World Cup as player and coach and his death comes three days after the first to do it - Brazil's Mario Zagallo. France's Didier Deschamps is the other.</p>

<p>After coaching, Beckenbauer moved into football administration but in 2016 he was fined by FIFA's ethics committee for failing to co-operate with an inquiry into corruption over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.</p>


Franz Beckenbauer, one of Germany's greatest soccer players, who captained the team to World Cup victory in 1974 then won the tournament again as manager in 1990, has died at the age of 78, German news agency DPA reported on Monday.

Franz Beckenbauer, one of Germany's greatest soccer players, who captained the team to World Cup victory in 1974 then won the tournament again as manager in 1990, has died at the age of 78, German news agency DPA reported on Monday. Beckenbauer was a classy, dominant presence on the pitch for West Germany and Bayern Munich in the 1960s and 70s, using the calmness on the ball and effortless distribution that marked his midfield performances to virtually invent the central defensive sweeper role where he found most success. German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78. RIP, Franz. 👑🕊️ pic.twitter.com/IwdSA5KaiT — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024 × He collected 103 caps for West Germany, winning the 1972 European championship and then the World Cup on home soil having lost in the final to England in 1966. ALSO READ: Rugby: Ireland wing Mark Hansen ruled out of Six Nations with dislocated shoulder His Bayern Munich team was the best club side in the world during the mid-1970s, winning three successive European Cups and three successive Bundesliga titles, and Beckenbauer himself was twice named European footballer of the year. As national team manager his West Germany team lost in the 1986 World Cup final to Argentina but triumphed four years later in Italy as a combined German team. Beckenbauer, nicknamed Der Kaiser ("The emperor"), was one of three men to have won the World Cup as player and coach and his death comes three days after the first to do it - Brazil's Mario Zagallo. France's Didier Deschamps is the other. After coaching, Beckenbauer moved into football administration but in 2016 he was fined by FIFA's ethics committee for failing to co-operate with an inquiry into corruption over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Germany’s World Cup winning captain Franz Beckenbauer passes away at 78

<p>Veteran Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Mueller has extended his deal by one year to 2025, the Bavarian club announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm happy my journey at FC Bayern is continuing. I want to play my part in us remaining successful, both as a team and the whole club," Mueller said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mueller's contract was set to expire at the end of this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling Mueller "quality and reliability personified", Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said the veteran was "a leader on and off the pitch, always a role model and incredibly valuable for the entire team".</p>

<p>Despite wearing the captain's armband several times this season, the 34-year-old has received less game time under coach Thomas Tuchel,&nbsp;enjoying just five league starts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mueller has become synonymous with the Bavarian giants and has been at Bayern for more than two decades, having joined as a 10-year-old in 2000 from village club TSV Paehl, located just 50 kilometres from Munich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A two-time Champions League winner, Mueller has won 12 Bundesliga titles with Bayern in a career spanning 684 games, scoring 237 goals and providing 261 assists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only former Bayern goalkeeper Sepp Maier has played more games for the club and only Gerd Mueller, with 568, and Robert Lewandowski, with 344, have more goals for the club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Germany, Mueller was first called up in March of 2010, where he played in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-unimaginable-australia-pacer-mitchell-starc-goes-to-kkr-for-a-mammoth-inr-2475-crore-671302">IPL 2024 Auction: UNIMAGINABLE! Australia pacer Mitchell Starc goes to KKR for a MAMMOTH INR 24.75 crore</a></p>

<p>Since then, the attacker has played 126 games, scoring 45 times and winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mueller was left out of the Germany squad after their group-stage exit at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with many expecting his time with the four-time World Cup winners was over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he was recalled in September, scoring a goal in a 2-1 win over France, and looks likely to play a role in next year's home European Championship under former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In November, Mueller's captain and long-time teammate Manuel Neuer, 37, also extended his deal by a season to 2025.&nbsp;</p>


Veteran Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Mueller has extended his deal by one year to 2025, the Bavarian club announced on Tuesday. "I'm happy my journey at FC Bayern is continuing.

Veteran Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Mueller has extended his deal by one year to 2025, the Bavarian club announced on Tuesday. "I'm happy my journey at FC Bayern is continuing. I want to play my part in us remaining successful, both as a team and the whole club," Mueller said in a statement. Mueller's contract was set to expire at the end of this season. Calling Mueller "quality and reliability personified", Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said the veteran was "a leader on and off the pitch, always a role model and incredibly valuable for the entire team". Despite wearing the captain's armband several times this season, the 34-year-old has received less game time under coach Thomas Tuchel, enjoying just five league starts. Mueller has become synonymous with the Bavarian giants and has been at Bayern for more than two decades, having joined as a 10-year-old in 2000 from village club TSV Paehl, located just 50 kilometres from Munich. A two-time Champions League winner, Mueller has won 12 Bundesliga titles with Bayern in a career spanning 684 games, scoring 237 goals and providing 261 assists. Only former Bayern goalkeeper Sepp Maier has played more games for the club and only Gerd Mueller, with 568, and Robert Lewandowski, with 344, have more goals for the club. For Germany, Mueller was first called up in March of 2010, where he played in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina. ALSO READ | IPL 2024 Auction: UNIMAGINABLE! Australia pacer Mitchell Starc goes to KKR for a MAMMOTH INR 24.75 crore Since then, the attacker has played 126 games, scoring 45 times and winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Mueller was left out of the Germany squad after their group-stage exit at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with many expecting his time with the four-time World Cup winners was over. However, he was recalled in September, scoring a goal in a 2-1 win over France, and looks likely to play a role in next year's home European Championship under former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann. In November, Mueller's captain and long-time teammate Manuel Neuer, 37, also extended his deal by a season to 2025.

Bundesliga: Thomas Mueller extends Bayern Munich deal until 2025

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League with a 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich. United finished rock-bottom in Group A which means that they haven't qualified for the Europa League as well. The Red Devils conceded 15 goals in the group stage which was the most by an English Premier League club.

UCL: Manchester United end worst-ever campaign with a loss to Bayern Munich

<p>Manchester United crashed out of Europe as a 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday rounded off a miserable Champions League campaign for the Red Devils.</p>

<p>Kingsley Coman scored the only goal for the Bundesliga champions, who had long since secured their place in the last 16, to leave United without even the consolation of dropping into the Europa League.</p>

<p>An embarrassing early exit from Europe's elite competition increases the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag with United also languishing in sixth in the Premier League.</p>

<p>The damage to United's Champions League hopes was done long before the arrival of Bayern when they failed to win three of their four games against Copenhagen and Galatasaray.</p>

<p>Copenhagen beat Galatasaray 1-0 on Tuesday to join Bayern in the last 16, with the Turkish giants finishing third.</p>

<p>It is just the fourth time than an English side has finished bottom of their Champions League group.</p>

<p>A troubled season for Ten Hag reached a new low on Saturday when Bournemouth won for the first time at Old Trafford and with ease in a 3-0 victory.</p>

<p>The former Ajax boss responded by recalling Raphael Varane to the starting line-up for the first time in nearly two months.</p>

<p>The Frenchman has been surprisingly frozen out by Ten Hag, but is likely to have a big part to play in the coming weeks as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw had to be replaced during Tuesday's action, adding to an already lengthy injury list.</p>

<p>Bayern were already assured of progressing as Group A winners but Thomas Tuchel's men had a point to prove themselves after suffering a 5-1 hammering at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.</p>

<p>Harry Kane started on his return to England and played a decisive role in the winning goal as he teed up Coman to blast past Andre Onana.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That Kane through ball 🤤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cvkpw5QJDP">pic.twitter.com/Cvkpw5QJDP</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Lack of urgency&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Bayern remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stages since 2017, and extended a competition record of nine consecutive away wins at this stage of the competition.</p>

<p>Yet the German giants rarely had to get out of second gear as they look forward to the knockout stages in 2024.</p>

<p>There was no such excuse for United's lack of urgency as they bowed out with a whimper.</p>

<p>The decision to pursue the potential of Rasmus Hojlund instead of launching a bid for Kane in the summer transfer window looks ever more questionable.</p>

<p>Hojlund is yet to score in the Premier League and has only netted in one of his last 13 United appearances.</p>

<p>Injuries to Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial meant the young Dane was Ten Hag's only available striker.</p>

<p>Shaw's long-range effort that Manuel Neuer comfortably batted behind was United's only shot on target.</p>

<p>But the loss of Shaw at half-time and Maguire during the first half, to an apparent groin injury, only added to Ten Hag's woes ahead of a daunting trip to Liverpool on Sunday.</p>

<p>United did have one big chance to go in front early in the second half, but Bruno Fernandes' wild effort that flew well over the bar summed up his side's lack of quality and composure in the final third.</p>

<p>Bayern were also far from their free-flowing best.</p>

<p>However, they needed just one slick move to win the game as Kane flicked Thomas Mueller's pass into the path of Coman to fire home his fifth goal of the season 19 minutes from time.</p>


Manchester United crashed out of Europe as a 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday rounded off a miserable Champions League campaign for the Red Devils. Kingsley Coman scored the only goal for the Bundesliga champions, who had long since secured their place in the last 16, to leave United without even the consolation of dropping into the Europa League.

Manchester United crashed out of Europe as a 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday rounded off a miserable Champions League campaign for the Red Devils. Kingsley Coman scored the only goal for the Bundesliga champions, who had long since secured their place in the last 16, to leave United without even the consolation of dropping into the Europa League. An embarrassing early exit from Europe's elite competition increases the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag with United also languishing in sixth in the Premier League. The damage to United's Champions League hopes was done long before the arrival of Bayern when they failed to win three of their four games against Copenhagen and Galatasaray. Copenhagen beat Galatasaray 1-0 on Tuesday to join Bayern in the last 16, with the Turkish giants finishing third. It is just the fourth time than an English side has finished bottom of their Champions League group. A troubled season for Ten Hag reached a new low on Saturday when Bournemouth won for the first time at Old Trafford and with ease in a 3-0 victory. The former Ajax boss responded by recalling Raphael Varane to the starting line-up for the first time in nearly two months. The Frenchman has been surprisingly frozen out by Ten Hag, but is likely to have a big part to play in the coming weeks as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw had to be replaced during Tuesday's action, adding to an already lengthy injury list. Bayern were already assured of progressing as Group A winners but Thomas Tuchel's men had a point to prove themselves after suffering a 5-1 hammering at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Harry Kane started on his return to England and played a decisive role in the winning goal as he teed up Coman to blast past Andre Onana. That Kane through ball 🤤#UCL pic.twitter.com/Cvkpw5QJDP — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2023 × Lack of urgency Bayern remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stages since 2017, and extended a competition record of nine consecutive away wins at this stage of the competition. Yet the German giants rarely had to get out of second gear as they look forward to the knockout stages in 2024. There was no such excuse for United's lack of urgency as they bowed out with a whimper. The decision to pursue the potential of Rasmus Hojlund instead of launching a bid for Kane in the summer transfer window looks ever more questionable. Hojlund is yet to score in the Premier League and has only netted in one of his last 13 United appearances. Injuries to Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial meant the young Dane was Ten Hag's only available striker. Shaw's long-range effort that Manuel Neuer comfortably batted behind was United's only shot on target. But the loss of Shaw at half-time and Maguire during the first half, to an apparent groin injury, only added to Ten Hag's woes ahead of a daunting trip to Liverpool on Sunday. United did have one big chance to go in front early in the second half, but Bruno Fernandes' wild effort that flew well over the bar summed up his side's lack of quality and composure in the final third. Bayern were also far from their free-flowing best. However, they needed just one slick move to win the game as Kane flicked Thomas Mueller's pass into the path of Coman to fire home his fifth goal of the season 19 minutes from time.

Champions League: Manchester United crash out of Europe after 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich

<p>Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says that there's still a lot left to play for after his club's exit from the Champions League following the loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (Dec. 12). It was United's 12th loss across tournaments this season and seventh at home.</p>

<p>"There are still many things to play for and now we can focus, of course, on the Premier League. This is the level we want to play, the Champions League, so we have to give every effort to be in the top four and next year be back in the Champions League. Then we have the FA Cup, so there are so many things to play for," said Ten Hag after the crushing 1-0 loss.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mood-in-camp-is-always-happy-says-unperturbed-india-skipper-suryakumar-after-loss-in-2nd-t20i-vs-sa-669134">'Mood in camp is always happy,' says unperturbed India skipper Suryakumar after loss in 2nd T20I vs SA</a></p>

<p>He acknowledged that the whole group is disappointed with the result, and so is he since he is the manager. Noting that the team&nbsp;should have done better, Ten Hag said: "The facts are we do not have enough points. We are disappointed as a group. As a manager, I am disappointed. We should have done better."</p>

<p>The statement comes more or less as an attempt to find something positive from a forgettable season Manchester United are having in which they have exited Carabao Cup and Champions League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Man United next play against table-toppers Liverpool in the English Premier League (EPL) at Anfield on Sunday, December 17. They, however, have been plagued with injuries too as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw suffered muscle injuries against Bayern. Both the players could miss the Sunday trip and Ten Hag isn't excited about it.</p>

<p>"We are losing players and players who are very decisive for our game, who can make the difference and in many games it was also the case in this campaign," said Ten Hag. "We had not always the players available we want to play. That's definitely a part.</p>

<p>"Now I give you a reason, but don't see it as an excuse because even when we are not all on board, we still have to win because they are targets that belong to Manchester United."</p>

<p>The Red Devils, who finished fourth in four-team group A at the end of the Champions League group stage, are sixth on the Premier League points table with 27 points from nine wins in 16 games.</p>


Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says that there's still a lot left to play for after his club's exit from the Champions League following the loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (Dec.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says that there's still a lot left to play for after his club's exit from the Champions League following the loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (Dec. 12). It was United's 12th loss across tournaments this season and seventh at home. "There are still many things to play for and now we can focus, of course, on the Premier League. This is the level we want to play, the Champions League, so we have to give every effort to be in the top four and next year be back in the Champions League. Then we have the FA Cup, so there are so many things to play for," said Ten Hag after the crushing 1-0 loss. Also Read: 'Mood in camp is always happy,' says unperturbed India skipper Suryakumar after loss in 2nd T20I vs SA He acknowledged that the whole group is disappointed with the result, and so is he since he is the manager. Noting that the team should have done better, Ten Hag said: "The facts are we do not have enough points. We are disappointed as a group. As a manager, I am disappointed. We should have done better." The statement comes more or less as an attempt to find something positive from a forgettable season Manchester United are having in which they have exited Carabao Cup and Champions League. Man United next play against table-toppers Liverpool in the English Premier League (EPL) at Anfield on Sunday, December 17. They, however, have been plagued with injuries too as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw suffered muscle injuries against Bayern. Both the players could miss the Sunday trip and Ten Hag isn't excited about it. "We are losing players and players who are very decisive for our game, who can make the difference and in many games it was also the case in this campaign," said Ten Hag. "We had not always the players available we want to play. That's definitely a part. "Now I give you a reason, but don't see it as an excuse because even when we are not all on board, we still have to win because they are targets that belong to Manchester United." The Red Devils, who finished fourth in four-team group A at the end of the Champions League group stage, are sixth on the Premier League points table with 27 points from nine wins in 16 games.

'We should've done better,' acknowledges Ten Hag after Manchester United crash out of Champions League

<p>Manchester United’s Champions League hopes are hanging in balance as they take on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in Europe’s elite club competition on Tuesday (Dec 12) evening. The contest at Old Trafford will have huge bearings on the fate of manager Erik ten Hag as United face a tough run of fixtures in the coming days. Heading into the contest, United will need a helping hand to progress to the Round of 16 while they need to beat German champions Bayern Munich. The night will also see Arsenal, Napoli and Real Madrid in action with qualification already secured.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤯🤯🤯<br />
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What's happening tonight?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/74GHu3YLFg">pic.twitter.com/74GHu3YLFg</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1734506124261376477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Manchester United’s equation for the R16</strong></h2>

<p>Currently at bottom of the four-team group standings, United need a miracle of sorts to reach the R16 with them on four points from five matches. Bayern Munich are top of the table with 13 points in five matches and have already won Group A. Copenhagen and Galatasaray are second and third respectively with five points each. Interestingly, both Copenhagen and Galatasaray meet in the other meeting while United host Harry Kane-inspired Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in two weeks.</p>

<p>United’s only equation of reaching the R16 is simple, they must beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday. However, they will need a helping hand from both Copenhagen and Galatasaray with their head-to-head clash should result in a draw. However, any other set of results in the two matches will see United get eliminated. If both the matches end in a draw and United fail to win on final matchday it will be curtains in Europe altogether for Erik ten Hag’s side.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fair-decision-chris-woakes-reacts-after-being-out-of-england-squad-for-india-tests-668826">Fair decision: Chris Woakes reacts after being left out of England squad for India Tests</a></p>

<p>A win for United coupled with a win for either Copenhagen or Galatasaray will see the Premier League side get relegated to the Europa League. If this is the case, United will be the fourth English side to join the second-tier European competition with West Ham United, Liverpool and Brighton also part of the competition. Interestingly, Newcastle United could become the fifth team to join the Europa League if results go against them on Wednesday.</p>

<h2><strong>Other fixtures</strong></h2>

<p>The evening will also feature Arsenal and PSV in action with the former already guaranteed the top spot in Group B while PSV need a point to guarantee a place in the R16. Napoli will also need a point against Braga to secure the second spot in C with Real Madrid already through as group winners. Inter Milan’s clash will Real Sociedad will see who wins Group D with both teams already through to the next round.</p>


Manchester United’s Champions League hopes are hanging in balance as they take on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in Europe’s elite club competition on Tuesday (Dec 12) evening.

Manchester United’s Champions League hopes are hanging in balance as they take on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in Europe’s elite club competition on Tuesday (Dec 12) evening. The contest at Old Trafford will have huge bearings on the fate of manager Erik ten Hag as United face a tough run of fixtures in the coming days. Heading into the contest, United will need a helping hand to progress to the Round of 16 while they need to beat German champions Bayern Munich. The night will also see Arsenal, Napoli and Real Madrid in action with qualification already secured. 🤯🤯🤯 What's happening tonight?#UCL pic.twitter.com/74GHu3YLFg — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2023 × Manchester United’s equation for the R16 Currently at bottom of the four-team group standings, United need a miracle of sorts to reach the R16 with them on four points from five matches. Bayern Munich are top of the table with 13 points in five matches and have already won Group A. Copenhagen and Galatasaray are second and third respectively with five points each. Interestingly, both Copenhagen and Galatasaray meet in the other meeting while United host Harry Kane-inspired Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in two weeks. United’s only equation of reaching the R16 is simple, they must beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday. However, they will need a helping hand from both Copenhagen and Galatasaray with their head-to-head clash should result in a draw. However, any other set of results in the two matches will see United get eliminated. If both the matches end in a draw and United fail to win on final matchday it will be curtains in Europe altogether for Erik ten Hag’s side. ALSO READ | Fair decision: Chris Woakes reacts after being left out of England squad for India Tests A win for United coupled with a win for either Copenhagen or Galatasaray will see the Premier League side get relegated to the Europa League. If this is the case, United will be the fourth English side to join the second-tier European competition with West Ham United, Liverpool and Brighton also part of the competition. Interestingly, Newcastle United could become the fifth team to join the Europa League if results go against them on Wednesday. Other fixtures The evening will also feature Arsenal and PSV in action with the former already guaranteed the top spot in Group B while PSV need a point to guarantee a place in the R16. Napoli will also need a point against Braga to secure the second spot in C with Real Madrid already through as group winners. Inter Milan’s clash will Real Sociedad will see who wins Group D with both teams already through to the next round.

Champions League: Manchester United's fate hangs in balance as Harry Kane's Bayern Munich visit Old Trafford

<p>Bayern Munich's clash against Union Berlin has been postponed due to heavy snowfall in the Bavarian capital, authorities confirmed on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match had been scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon but a press statement from Bayern said "security risks and the traffic situation made cancellation unavoidable".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A look at the situation at the Allianz Arena today 📸<br />
<br />
As much as we regret <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBFCU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBFCU</a> being called off, it's important that everyone stays safe out there! Wishing a safe trip home to everyone who had travelled to Munich 🤗<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/GzyOqp5ID2">pic.twitter.com/GzyOqp5ID2</a></p>
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1730922954173604316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Low temperatures brought heavy snowfall across southern Germany, particularly in Munich. Prior to the cancellation of the game, the Munich transport authorities had already stopped rail connections in the greater Munich area, while traffic had largely come to a standstill.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adelaide-strikers-win-second-consecutive-womens-big-bash-league-title-after-defeating-brisbane-heat-665461">Adelaide Strikers win second consecutive Women's Big Bash League title after defeating Brisbane Heat</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement issued on Saturday, Bayern said there was an "incalculable risk for spectators" and explained "it is hardly possible to get to the Arena". "Under these conditions, it cannot be guaranteed that the security personnel and other stadium staff necessary for the game to go ahead can get to the Allianz Arena."</p>

<p>"We regret very much that we need to cancel the game, but the safety of our fans and Union Berlin supporters is the absolute priority," Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The German Football Leagues (DFL), which administers the Bundesliga, confirmed the cancellation on Saturday and said a new date for the match would be communicated soon.</p>


Bayern Munich's clash against Union Berlin has been postponed due to heavy snowfall in the Bavarian capital, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The match had been scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon but a press statement from Bayern said "security risks and the traffic situation made cancellation unavoidable".

Bayern Munich's clash against Union Berlin has been postponed due to heavy snowfall in the Bavarian capital, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The match had been scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon but a press statement from Bayern said "security risks and the traffic situation made cancellation unavoidable". A look at the situation at the Allianz Arena today 📸 As much as we regret #FCBFCU being called off, it's important that everyone stays safe out there! Wishing a safe trip home to everyone who had travelled to Munich 🤗#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/GzyOqp5ID2 — FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) December 2, 2023 × Low temperatures brought heavy snowfall across southern Germany, particularly in Munich. Prior to the cancellation of the game, the Munich transport authorities had already stopped rail connections in the greater Munich area, while traffic had largely come to a standstill. Also Read: Adelaide Strikers win second consecutive Women's Big Bash League title after defeating Brisbane Heat In a statement issued on Saturday, Bayern said there was an "incalculable risk for spectators" and explained "it is hardly possible to get to the Arena". "Under these conditions, it cannot be guaranteed that the security personnel and other stadium staff necessary for the game to go ahead can get to the Allianz Arena." "We regret very much that we need to cancel the game, but the safety of our fans and Union Berlin supporters is the absolute priority," Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said in a statement. The German Football Leagues (DFL), which administers the Bundesliga, confirmed the cancellation on Saturday and said a new date for the match would be communicated soon.

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich v Union Berlin match postponed due to heavy snowfall

<p>Indian cricket and football fans erupted on social media on Monday evening as German international and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller posted a video of himself wearing the Indian men's cricket team jersey. Muller not only wore the jersey but also tagged former captain Virat Kohli while thanking Team India for the gift.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muller took to his social media handles&nbsp;to post the unboxing video and captioned it as saying: "Look at this, @imVkohli. Thank you for the shirt, #TeamIndia! Good luck at the @cricketworldcup"</p>

<p>"Thank you Team India for the shirt and good luck at the World Cup. Pleasure," Muller could be heard saying in the video.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have to try to play cricket in my garden," the World Cup-winning player added while wearing the jersey which has his name and no. 25 on the back.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Look at this, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> 😃🏏<br />
Thank you for the shirt, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! 👍<br />
Good luck at the <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketworldcup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/esmuellert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#esmuellert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/liBA4nrVmT">pic.twitter.com/liBA4nrVmT</a></p>
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) <a href="https://twitter.com/esmuellert_/status/1724075229230579978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Fans appreciated Muller's good luck message for the Indian team and thanked him for the support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Raumdeuter, invading space on the pitch like Bumrah invades the off stump with his inswinging Yorkers," said one fan, while another commented: "This is why Thomas Müller is the greatest player of all time."</p>

<p>A third added: "Thank you Legend for your best wishes to Team India."</p>

<h2><strong>Muller's previous message for Kohli</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time&nbsp;Muller has posted a good luck message for the Indian team and Virat Kohli. In 2019, days before the start of the ODI World Cup in England, Muller wore an Indian team t-shirt and posted a positive message.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck &amp; thrilling matches. Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He’s a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past #Cricket #GermanyCheersForIndia,"&nbsp;he&nbsp;posted.</p>

<p>India take on New Zealand in the first semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday (Nov 13). Despite cruising to the knockouts by winning nine consecutive league matches, it all boils down to one match that will decide if India find a space in the finals or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The men-in-blue have reached the semifinal stage twice in the last two World Cup campaigns, only to flounder at the ultimate stage. The Indian team will take the field to avenge the loss in the 2019 WC semifinal when they were beaten in a rather agonising manner by Wednesday's opponents only.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket and football fans erupted on social media on Monday evening as German international and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller posted a video of himself wearing the Indian men's cricket team jersey.

Indian cricket and football fans erupted on social media on Monday evening as German international and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller posted a video of himself wearing the Indian men's cricket team jersey. Muller not only wore the jersey but also tagged former captain Virat Kohli while thanking Team India for the gift. Muller took to his social media handles to post the unboxing video and captioned it as saying: "Look at this, @imVkohli. Thank you for the shirt, #TeamIndia! Good luck at the @cricketworldcup" "Thank you Team India for the shirt and good luck at the World Cup. Pleasure," Muller could be heard saying in the video. "I have to try to play cricket in my garden," the World Cup-winning player added while wearing the jersey which has his name and no. 25 on the back. Look at this, @imVkohli 😃🏏 Thank you for the shirt, #TeamIndia! 👍 Good luck at the @cricketworldcup #esmuellert #Cricket pic.twitter.com/liBA4nrVmT — Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) November 13, 2023 × Fans appreciated Muller's good luck message for the Indian team and thanked him for the support. "The Raumdeuter, invading space on the pitch like Bumrah invades the off stump with his inswinging Yorkers," said one fan, while another commented: "This is why Thomas Müller is the greatest player of all time." A third added: "Thank you Legend for your best wishes to Team India." Muller's previous message for Kohli Notably, this is not the first time Muller has posted a good luck message for the Indian team and Virat Kohli. In 2019, days before the start of the ODI World Cup in England, Muller wore an Indian team t-shirt and posted a positive message. “I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck & thrilling matches. Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He’s a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past #Cricket #GermanyCheersForIndia," he posted. India take on New Zealand in the first semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday (Nov 13). Despite cruising to the knockouts by winning nine consecutive league matches, it all boils down to one match that will decide if India find a space in the finals or not. The men-in-blue have reached the semifinal stage twice in the last two World Cup campaigns, only to flounder at the ultimate stage. The Indian team will take the field to avenge the loss in the 2019 WC semifinal when they were beaten in a rather agonising manner by Wednesday's opponents only.

Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller shows support for Indian team at World Cup; wears jersey & tags Virat Kohli

<p>Manchester United will have a task in their hand on Wednesday (Nov 8) evening as they take on FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. Plagued by issues off the field, United have endured a tough time recently losing to Manchester City and Newcastle United which has piled pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. With just one win in three matches, United will have a tough away trip to Denmark as they try to silence the critics. On the other hand, former champions Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will look to secure Round of 16 berths.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who's banking a Wednesday win? ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/3JRhifbJrW">pic.twitter.com/3JRhifbJrW</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1722162043594399847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Manchester United face Copenhagen</strong></h2>

<p>Facing issues on and off the field, Man Utd were bailed out against Copenhagen in the first leg of the group match after goalkeeper Andre Onana saved an added-time penalty. So far, United have suffered two defeats in three matches which has seen them third in the group stage with three points while Bayern Munich and Galatasaray sit above them.</p>

<p>It is expected that Marcus Rashford will be reinstated in the Playing XI having suffered a reported knock in the training. However, according to reports he was dropped for attending a party after United lost to City in the derby last Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-it-was-disappointing-says-bangladesh-bowling-coach-donald-on-shakibs-time-out-appeal-656478">ODI World Cup 2023: 'It was disappointing,' says Bangladesh bowling coach Donald on Shakib's time out appeal</a></p>

<p>In the same group, Bayern could guarantee a place in the R16 if they get the better of Galatasaray in Munich. As things stand they are on a record run of 37 group-stage matches without a defeat with 34 wins in the process. They dismantled Borussia Dortmund on the weekend at the Signal Iduna Park with a thumping 4-0 win with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick.</p>

<p>In other matches, 14-time champions Real Madrid will face Portugal outfit Braga in the return leg with them winning 2-1 in the first meeting. On the other hand, Arsenal will host Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium knowing a win will put them in pole position to qualify. PSV host Lens in Eindhoven while last season’s runners-up Inter Milan host RB Salzburg.</p>


Manchester United will have a task in their hand on Wednesday (Nov 8) evening as they take on FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. Plagued by issues off the field, United have endured a tough time recently losing to Manchester City and Newcastle United which has piled pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United will have a task in their hand on Wednesday (Nov 8) evening as they take on FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. Plagued by issues off the field, United have endured a tough time recently losing to Manchester City and Newcastle United which has piled pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. With just one win in three matches, United will have a tough away trip to Denmark as they try to silence the critics. On the other hand, former champions Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will look to secure Round of 16 berths. Who's banking a Wednesday win? ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/3JRhifbJrW — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 8, 2023 × Manchester United face Copenhagen Facing issues on and off the field, Man Utd were bailed out against Copenhagen in the first leg of the group match after goalkeeper Andre Onana saved an added-time penalty. So far, United have suffered two defeats in three matches which has seen them third in the group stage with three points while Bayern Munich and Galatasaray sit above them. It is expected that Marcus Rashford will be reinstated in the Playing XI having suffered a reported knock in the training. However, according to reports he was dropped for attending a party after United lost to City in the derby last Sunday. ALSO READ | ODI World Cup 2023: 'It was disappointing,' says Bangladesh bowling coach Donald on Shakib's time out appeal In the same group, Bayern could guarantee a place in the R16 if they get the better of Galatasaray in Munich. As things stand they are on a record run of 37 group-stage matches without a defeat with 34 wins in the process. They dismantled Borussia Dortmund on the weekend at the Signal Iduna Park with a thumping 4-0 win with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick. In other matches, 14-time champions Real Madrid will face Portugal outfit Braga in the return leg with them winning 2-1 in the first meeting. On the other hand, Arsenal will host Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium knowing a win will put them in pole position to qualify. PSV host Lens in Eindhoven while last season’s runners-up Inter Milan host RB Salzburg.

Champions League Preview: Manchester United face stern Copenhagen challenge; Bayern, Real on brink of R16

<p>Bayern Munich's understaffed defence has been dealt another setback, with the club confirming on Thursday centre-back Matthijs de Ligt will be missing "for the time being" with a knee injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The club did not specify how long de Ligt would spend on the sidelines, saying he was "out for the time being" and "will be missing from FC Bayern in the next games."</p>

<p>Bayern travel to rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Netherlands central defender injured his right knee as Bayern were eliminated 2-1 to third-division Saarbruecken in the German Cup on Wednesday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Ligt, who has just returned from an injury to the same knee, grabbed his leg and signalled immediately to the bench 19 minutes into the match, before being subbed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Midfielder Joshua Kimmich moved to centre-back, with Bayern having only one fit central defender in the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern's French centre-back Dayot Upamecano has missed the club's last four matches with a hamstring injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the match de Ligt's injury was to the "same knee" and "was extremely painful".</p>

<p>Bayern took the lead through Thomas Mueller after just 16 minutes, but their third division opponents equalised in first-half injury time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-cwc-23-kohli-surpasses-tendulkars-all-time-record-of-most-1000-run-years-in-odis-654292">IND vs SL, CWC '23: Kohli surpasses Tendulkar’s all-time record of most 1000-run years in ODIs</a></p>

<p>With the scores locked at 1-1 and the game looking set to go to extra time, Saarbruecken's Marcel Gaus scored in the sixth minute of injury time to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The loss means 20-time German Cup winners Bayern have been eliminated in the second round in three of the past four years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern sit second on the Bundesliga, two points ahead of Dortmund, and have not lost a clash between the two sides since 2018.&nbsp;</p>


Bayern Munich's understaffed defence has been dealt another setback, with the club confirming on Thursday centre-back Matthijs de Ligt will be missing "for the time being" with a knee injury.

Bayern Munich's understaffed defence has been dealt another setback, with the club confirming on Thursday centre-back Matthijs de Ligt will be missing "for the time being" with a knee injury. The club did not specify how long de Ligt would spend on the sidelines, saying he was "out for the time being" and "will be missing from FC Bayern in the next games." Bayern travel to rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. The Netherlands central defender injured his right knee as Bayern were eliminated 2-1 to third-division Saarbruecken in the German Cup on Wednesday night. De Ligt, who has just returned from an injury to the same knee, grabbed his leg and signalled immediately to the bench 19 minutes into the match, before being subbed out. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich moved to centre-back, with Bayern having only one fit central defender in the squad. Bayern's French centre-back Dayot Upamecano has missed the club's last four matches with a hamstring injury. Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the match de Ligt's injury was to the "same knee" and "was extremely painful". Bayern took the lead through Thomas Mueller after just 16 minutes, but their third division opponents equalised in first-half injury time. ALSO READ | IND vs SL, CWC '23: Kohli surpasses Tendulkar’s all-time record of most 1000-run years in ODIs With the scores locked at 1-1 and the game looking set to go to extra time, Saarbruecken's Marcel Gaus scored in the sixth minute of injury time to win. The loss means 20-time German Cup winners Bayern have been eliminated in the second round in three of the past four years. Bayern sit second on the Bundesliga, two points ahead of Dortmund, and have not lost a clash between the two sides since 2018.

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt sidelined with knee injury

<p>After days of speculation, Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on Friday (Oct 20) announced that defender&nbsp;Noussair Mazraoui would not be suspended for making pro-Palestine comments over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern in a statement said they had "held a&nbsp;detailed and clarifying conversation" with the player, concerning his Instagram posts which led to "irritation and criticism".&nbsp;Bayern Chief Executive Jan-Christian Dreesen said the Moroccan player had assured that he rejected 'terror and war'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mazraoui has credibly assured us that as a peace-loving person he resolutely rejects terror and war and he never meant to cause any irritation with his posts.&nbsp;FC Bayern condemns Hamas' attack on Israel," said&nbsp;Dreesen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The club added that it "stands by Germany's Jewish community and by Israel's side; nothing justifies the murder of children and families".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern also quoted Mazaroui as saying:&nbsp;"I condemn all terrorism and terrorist organisations."</p>

<h2><strong>El Ghazi and&nbsp;Atal suspended&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While&nbsp;Mazaroui escaped without any suspension, some of his compatriots have had not the same luck. On Wednesday (Oct 18), another Bundesliga club&nbsp;FSV Mainz 05, suspended&nbsp;their newly signed player Anwar El Ghazi for his pro-Palestinian social media posts.</p>

<p>Mainz issued a statement wherein it said Anwar had taken a position that was unacceptable to the club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The decision comes as a result of a since-deleted social media post from the 28-year-old that appeared on Sunday evening. In the post, El Ghazi took a position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that was deemed unacceptable by the club," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly,&nbsp;Algerian footballer Youcef Atal, playing for Ligue 1 club Nice, was suspended for an anti-Jewish message on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Given the nature of the publication shared [by Atal], and its seriousness, the club has taken the decision to take immediate disciplinary action against the player, prior to any action that may be taken by sporting and legal authorities,” the Ligue 1 club said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-taxi-driver-from-jerusalem-speaks-to-wion-world-news-648112"><strong>Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Taxi driver from Jerusalem speaks to WION | World News</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Salah issues statement</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday (Oct 19), Liverpool star Mo Salah, arguably the biggest football face in the Arab world, issued a video statement where he implored world leaders to bring an end to the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not always easy to speak in a time like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality," Salah said in a video posted to his 62.7 million followers on Instagram.</p>

<p>"The escalations in recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop, families are being torn apart."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/egyptian-football-star-mohamed-salah-calls-for-end-of-massacres-amid-israel-hamas-conflict-648635"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah calls for end to 'massacres' amid Israel-Hamas conflict</strong></a></p>

<p>More than 1,500 Israelis have died after&nbsp;Hamas - a terror outfit operating from the Gaza Strip - launched an ambush attack on Israel earlier this month. As a retaliatory move, Israel has been bombing specific terror locations in the Gaza Strip to eradicate Hamas out of existence. However, more than 2,750 Palestinians have lost their lives as collateral damage, according to the claims made by the&nbsp;health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After days of speculation, Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on Friday (Oct 20) announced that defender Noussair Mazraoui would not be suspended for making pro-Palestine comments over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

After days of speculation, Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on Friday (Oct 20) announced that defender Noussair Mazraoui would not be suspended for making pro-Palestine comments over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Bayern in a statement said they had "held a detailed and clarifying conversation" with the player, concerning his Instagram posts which led to "irritation and criticism". Bayern Chief Executive Jan-Christian Dreesen said the Moroccan player had assured that he rejected 'terror and war'. "Mazraoui has credibly assured us that as a peace-loving person he resolutely rejects terror and war and he never meant to cause any irritation with his posts. FC Bayern condemns Hamas' attack on Israel," said Dreesen. The club added that it "stands by Germany's Jewish community and by Israel's side; nothing justifies the murder of children and families". Bayern also quoted Mazaroui as saying: "I condemn all terrorism and terrorist organisations." El Ghazi and Atal suspended While Mazaroui escaped without any suspension, some of his compatriots have had not the same luck. On Wednesday (Oct 18), another Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05, suspended their newly signed player Anwar El Ghazi for his pro-Palestinian social media posts. Mainz issued a statement wherein it said Anwar had taken a position that was unacceptable to the club. “The decision comes as a result of a since-deleted social media post from the 28-year-old that appeared on Sunday evening. In the post, El Ghazi took a position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that was deemed unacceptable by the club," read the statement. Similarly, Algerian footballer Youcef Atal, playing for Ligue 1 club Nice, was suspended for an anti-Jewish message on social media. “Given the nature of the publication shared [by Atal], and its seriousness, the club has taken the decision to take immediate disciplinary action against the player, prior to any action that may be taken by sporting and legal authorities,” the Ligue 1 club said in a statement. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Taxi driver from Jerusalem speaks to WION | World News × Salah issues statement On Thursday (Oct 19), Liverpool star Mo Salah, arguably the biggest football face in the Arab world, issued a video statement where he implored world leaders to bring an end to the conflict. "It is not always easy to speak in a time like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality," Salah said in a video posted to his 62.7 million followers on Instagram. "The escalations in recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop, families are being torn apart." Also read | Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah calls for end to 'massacres' amid Israel-Hamas conflict More than 1,500 Israelis have died after Hamas - a terror outfit operating from the Gaza Strip - launched an ambush attack on Israel earlier this month. As a retaliatory move, Israel has been bombing specific terror locations in the Gaza Strip to eradicate Hamas out of existence. However, more than 2,750 Palestinians have lost their lives as collateral damage, according to the claims made by the health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Football: Bayern player Mazraoui escapes suspension over pro-Palestine posts

<p>Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said the side would "not rush anything" as captain Manuel Neuer edged closer to a return from injury after almost 12 months on the sidelines.&nbsp;"The sensationally good news is that Manu is back in training," Tuchel said at a press conference on Friday, but indicated Bayern "would not get hectic and would not rush anything, despite the euphoria from all of us and from me. "That's why we're waiting a few more training sessions."</p>

<p>The manager said number two goalkeeper Sven Ulreich would play Bayern's next two matches away at Mainz and Galatasaray, hinting the 2014 World Cup winner may return for the home match against Darmstadt on October 28.&nbsp; "He feels good, he has confidence," Tuchel said.</p>

<p>Neuer, who won the 2013 and 2020 Champions League titles with Bayern, last played for the club on November 12, 2022 away at former side Schalke in a 2-0 win.&nbsp; The 37-year-old then captained Germany as they were eliminated at the group stage in Qatar at the World Cup, before breaking his leg while skiing after returning in December.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-kill-him-wayne-rooney-warns-english-fans-regarding-jude-bellingham-649268">'Don’t kill him...': Wayne Rooney warns English fans regarding Jude Bellingham</a></strong></p>

<p>"I have to say, I'm incredibly proud of him for the manner in which he pursued his comeback," Tuchel continued, explaining Neuer was already showing his "extraordinary quality" in training.&nbsp; Alongside Neuer, Serge Gnabry, Noussair Mazraoui and Dayot Upamecano would miss Saturday's game against Mainz, while a potential return for Joshua Kimmich "will be very tight" as the midfielder recovers from an illness which saw him leave Germany's USA tour early.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bayern sit third on the table after seven matches, two points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and one behind second-placed Stuttgart.&nbsp;</p>

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Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said the side would "not rush anything" as captain Manuel Neuer edged closer to a return from injury after almost 12 months on the sidelines.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said the side would "not rush anything" as captain Manuel Neuer edged closer to a return from injury after almost 12 months on the sidelines. "The sensationally good news is that Manu is back in training," Tuchel said at a press conference on Friday, but indicated Bayern "would not get hectic and would not rush anything, despite the euphoria from all of us and from me. "That's why we're waiting a few more training sessions." The manager said number two goalkeeper Sven Ulreich would play Bayern's next two matches away at Mainz and Galatasaray, hinting the 2014 World Cup winner may return for the home match against Darmstadt on October 28. "He feels good, he has confidence," Tuchel said. Neuer, who won the 2013 and 2020 Champions League titles with Bayern, last played for the club on November 12, 2022 away at former side Schalke in a 2-0 win. The 37-year-old then captained Germany as they were eliminated at the group stage in Qatar at the World Cup, before breaking his leg while skiing after returning in December. Also read: 'Don’t kill him...': Wayne Rooney warns English fans regarding Jude Bellingham "I have to say, I'm incredibly proud of him for the manner in which he pursued his comeback," Tuchel continued, explaining Neuer was already showing his "extraordinary quality" in training. Alongside Neuer, Serge Gnabry, Noussair Mazraoui and Dayot Upamecano would miss Saturday's game against Mainz, while a potential return for Joshua Kimmich "will be very tight" as the midfielder recovers from an illness which saw him leave Germany's USA tour early. Bayern sit third on the table after seven matches, two points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and one behind second-placed Stuttgart. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bayern Munich 'not rushing' captain Manuel Neuer comeback, says coach Thomas Tuchel

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