Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes the Bavarians’ decision to sell Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United was the correct one.

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes the Bavarians’ decision to sell Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United was the correct one.
Schweinsteiger came off the bench to make his debut for the Red Devils in their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Germany captain’s departure left many Bayern fans feeling confused an upset why the club was willing to let the midfielder leave, but Kahn is convinced the club made the right call because the playmaker was unlikely to be able to hold down a regular place in the first team this season.
“A club cannot make allowances for what a player has achieved for them, but they are responsible for looking at what he is currently doing for them,” Kahn told Kicker magazine.
Bayern current boast Aturo Vidal, Thiago Alcantara, Xabi Alonso, Phillip Lahm, David Alaba, newly-signed Joshua Kimmich and Javi Martinez all capable of playing in central midfield.
“I certainly don’t think Schweinsteiger would have been suited to being a back-up player,” Kahn added. “With that in mind, this decision is understandable.”
The retired goalkeeper went on to warn Schweinsteiger he would need to adapt to a new style of play, and quickly, if he was to succeed in the Premier League.
“Bayern’s style of play was suited to him, but he’s going to have to adapt to an extremely high tempo at Manchester United,” he added.
“He could run into problems relatively quickly if he does not get back to a top physical condition.”

Source Foxsports

West Brom have confirmed the club-record £12 million signing of striker Salomon Rondon on a four-year deal from Zenit St Petersburg.

West Brom have confirmed the club-record £12 million signing of striker Salomon Rondon on a four-year deal from Zenit St Petersburg.
The 25-year-old striker had been linked with a host of clubs but arrived at the Baggies’ training ground last week to discuss terms and undergo a medical.
The club and player have since been waiting on international clearance to confirm the move, and Rondon has now become West Brom’s fifth signing during the current transfer window.
Talking to Albion’s website upon signing his deal, Rondon said: “I am very happy to be here. This is a new opportunity in my career. I can’t wait to be with the other players and to play.
“The club showed a lot of interest in me, that’s what is important for a player, what you take into account, and there are expectations of me.”
Manager Tony Pulis added: “He’s got a fantastic goalscoring record in some of the top leagues in Europe and for his country. He’s 25 years of age and still to fulfil his full potential.
“We hope he hits the ground running of course but understand it might take him time to settle. I’m sure our fans will help him and get behind him.”

Source Foxsports

Manchester City made a strong start to their Premier League campaign, overpowering West Bromwich Albion to secure a 3-0 victory at The Hawthorns on Monday night.

Manchester City made a strong start to their Premier League campaign, overpowering West Bromwich Albion to secure a 3-0 victory at The Hawthorns on Monday night.
West Brom 0 Man City 3
Sterling makes City bow
Adventurous Baggies undone
Silva stars for visitors
Lambert fails to shine on debut
Match Summary
A brace from Yaya Toure, though the first may be claimed by David Silva, had City two up and in command inside 25 minutes while debutant Raheem Sterling squandered a good chance on the strke of half-time.
However, a Vincent Kompany header in the second half sealed a comprehensive opening fixture win for last season’s Premier League runners-up and pole position in the league standings following the opening round of fixtures.
Full Report
WBA, who secured the signing of £12million striker Soloman Rondon shortly before kick-off, rarely troubled Joe Hart in the City goal.
Tony Pulis set his side up adventurously, pairing last season’s top scorer Saido Berahino with summer recruit Rickie Lambert in attack, but WBA never looked like establishing a foothold.
City were in control from the off, with David Silva in especially mesmeric form throughout. It was Toure who was the difference-maker in front of goal, though.
In the ninth minute, the midfield behemoth latched onto a cut-back from Jesus Navas to side-foot his side into a deserved lead with the help of a couple of deflections along the way, the first of which could lead to the goal being attributed to Silva.
However, there was no question about who the second goal belonged to. Exchanging passes with Ivory Coast team-mate Wilfried Bony, Toure curled a sumptuous strike into the top corner of the net.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men didn’t stop there, either. Bony and Aleksandar Kolarov saw efforts denied by last ditch WBA interventions, and £49million summer signing Raheem Sterling should have written his name on the scoresheet just before half-time, but finished disappointingly when one-on-one with Baggies stopper Boaz Myhill.
The third goal did eventually arrive, though, and it did so through an unlikely source. With 59 minutes played, City skipper Kompany glanced a header into the far corner from Silva’s pinpoint corner.
West Brom enjoyed more of the game after that as City relaxed their stranglehold, with Berahino wasting the best of the opportunities, but his was a game very much played on the visitor’s terms for the duration.

Source Foxsports

The former AC Milan, Inter and Real Madrid forward spent four years with the club between 2007 and 2011 and has now sealed his comeback

Sampdoria have confirmed Antonio Cassano has returned to the club for a second spell and signed a two-year deal at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The 33-year-old was a free agent after terminating his contract with Parma towards the end of last season following a dispute over unpaid wages as the club suffered a financial meltdown.

But he has been handed a lifeline by his former club, despite the club’s head coach Walter Zenga repeatedly rejecting any chance of Cassano returning.

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero intervened and wants the forward to become one of the club’s leaders.

“He will become our symbol,” he said. “He will prove himself to be a great man.”

Cassano added his thoughts on the move with some brief words for the club’s official website, saying: “I am so happy. Always Forza Samp!”

The former Italy international had endured a controversial career blighted by numerous episodes of indiscipline. Indeed, his first spell at Sampdoria ended under a cloud following a bust-up with former president Riccardo Garrone.

Source Goal