Joshua Kimmich says he would not be against Pep Guardiola returning to Bayern Munich, amid the Manchester City boss being linked to the vacant manager’s role at the Allianz Arena.

Pep Guardiola brought Joshua Kimmich to the Bavaria club in 2015

Niko Kovac was sacked by the current Bundesliga champions earlier in November after 16 months in charge of the Bavaria club.

Kimmich, who Guardiola brought to the German giants in 2015 in a £6.4m move from RB Leipzig, would welcome the Spaniard returning to the club where he won seven trophies in three seasons from 2013-2016.

Joshua Kimmich (centre) has made 18 appearances for Bayern in all competitions so far this term

“I know [Guardiola] and have a lot to thank him for. He took me from the second division and let me play in the Bundesliga,” he told reporters prior to Germany’s European Qualifier with Belarus.

“We won the double together and after that season I became a player for Germany. So, of course, I won’t be against him coming back.”

Since Kovac’s departure, Hans-Dieter Flick has taken temporary charge and guided Bayern to a 4-0 triumph over title rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, and a 2-0 victory against Olympiakos in the Champions League three days previously to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group B this term.

Full-back Kimmich, whose side are third in the Bundesliga and four points behind current league leaders Borussia Monchengladbach, said their interim boss could stay on longer than expected, given their recent upturn in form.

Pep Guardiola has been linked with a return to Bayern Munich

“At first you thought that we would get a new coach after the international break. Now, we won both games with Flick and it sounds like he will stay until winter or even the entire season,” the 24-year-old added.

“What happens then is the business of the club – we players have nothing to do with it.”

Guardiola, who remains under contract at Manchester City until 2021, is one of a number of candidates that have been linked to the vacant post at the Allianz Arena.

Arsene Wenger was appointed as FIFA chief of global football development this week, ruling him out of the running after speculation associating the former Arsenal boss with a move to Bayern.

PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel has been contacted by Bayern about the role, according to Sky in Germany, but has insisted he intends to see out his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Source – Goal.com

The Uruguay forward has struck up a superb partnership with Messi over the years, and says he has no doubts at all who is the best in the world.

Photo by Getty Images

Lionel Messi proves he is the best player in the world day after day at Barcelona and “everyone knows” it to be true, says Luis Suarez.

Uruguayan striker Suarez last month celebrated the fifth anniversary of his debut for the Camp Nou giants, and since his switch from Liverpool to La Liga he has forged a devastating partnership with Messi.

This season is proving no different, with the duo contributing 14 La Liga goals between them despite Messi having missed early games of the season with injury.

The debate as to who is the greatest player in the world between Messi and former Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo, now at Juventus, has rumbled on for over a decade.

But for Suarez, there is simply nobody better than Argentinian Messi.

“Messi has helped me a lot in my personal growth,” he said. “We had an affinity from the beginning. From coexistence came friendship, and the moments I spent with him also helped on the pitch,” Suarez told Barcelona’s official website.

“Everyone knows that he is the best in the world. He has proven it and continues to prove it day after day.

“He has shown me his companionship a thousand times. He helped me when I was fighting for the Golden Boot. The other day, at Eibar, he gave me a goal.”

Despite heading into the international break at the top of La Liga, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde has found himself under pressure having seen his side drop 11 points from 12 matches this term.

Barca have a tricky period over the coming month, with Champions League fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Inter, a trip to Atletico Madrid and the rescheduled Clasico with Madrid on December 18.

Suarez, though, is relishing what is to come.

He said: “A very nice month is ahead. We like those, both as footballers and also people. There will be a Clasico too.

“You have to be mentally and physically prepared. Maybe we won’t win every game or have it easy, but we hope to do our best with the support of the fans.

“We have not had a simple league start. We gave away points that in other years we hadn’t lost, but we know that other teams are also competing well.”

Source – Goal.com

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner fell victim of the Dutchman’s hunger for goals. the former France international has revealed.

Photo by Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo was made to cry during Manchester United training by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Louis Saha has revealed.

Ronaldo joined up with the Old Trafford side as an 18-year-old during the era in which the Netherlands international striker was the top dog at the club.

The young Portuguese was still developing his game at that juncture and had a reputation for being greedy – something the goal-hungry former PSV striker did not appreciate.

As such, the pair rowed at training, which came to a head when the teenager was experiencing some personal issues.

“Ruud had that kind of ego: he wanted all the passes,” Saha told FourFourTwo. “And sometimes, for the development of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, it was difficult for the manager to deal with.

“Did Ruud make Ronaldo cry? Yeah, there were stories because I think they ended up in an argument at the moment when Cristiano’s father had passed away, so it wasn’t the right moment. Things like that happen when two players have lots of spirit, but I’m sure Ruud regrets some of his words.

“Cristiano was just an animal. I don’t know if you can say that he was a human! You could see from when he was 18 or 19 that this guy was not normal.

“These players who have all the ability recognise that it’s also about working harder than anyone – not just talent. The top seeds in tennis don’t hit the ball better or have better technique; no, they work harder than anyone, and Cristiano did that.”

While Van Nistelrooy, who later played with Real Madrid, might have had a spikey attitude, he had no problems with the France international, despite Saha taking his place in the 2006 League Cup final victory over Wigan – a call made by Sir Alex Ferguson that is rumoured to have hastened the Dutchman’s exit from the club.

“He was always really nice with me; he maybe had a problem with the choice made by the manager, but never with me. He was obsessed about goals, and I respect that,” Saha said.

“I know some people said I maybe pushed him to a move away from the club, but that’s totally b*llocks. He was such a good player – he just had an issue with the manager – and I was maybe good enough for the manager to replace him, but I could have played with him, too.”

Source – Goal.com

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi says it took only one conversation with new boss Frank Lampard to convince him to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has made 11 appearances for Chelsea this season

The 19-year-old handed in a transfer request in January after Chelsea rejected a £35m bid from Bayern Munich.

But he broke into Maurizio Sarri’s side last season and has impressed for Lampard who took charge in the summer.

“He wants me to play for him,” Hudson-Odoi said. “They were encouraging signs that you want to hear from a manager.”

Hudson-Odoi made his England debut in March before his first Premier League start for Chelsea the following month.

But having made 24 appearances for the Blues he ruptured his Achilles tendon against Burnley on 22 April and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, missing the Europa League final victory over Arsenal.

He was also sidelined for the Nations League finals, but shortly after Lampard’s arrival he agreed a new five-year contract.

Since returning to fitness Hudson-Odoi has helped Chelsea to third in the Premier League, earning a place in the England squad for the forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo.

Asked how many conversations he had with Lampard before agreeing to sign a new deal, he replied: “One. I can’t say exactly what he said but he just said he believes in me, he wants me to work hard and if I believe in myself then he believes in me and things will go well for me at this club.”

Players ‘all good’ about Lampard’s fine system

Chelsea attracted attention off the field this week when a photograph of Lampard’s list of fines for first-team players was leaked.

The list revealed that any player late for training would be fined £20,000 and that all penalties had to be paid within 14 days – or be doubled.

“To be fair, we have a couple of fines where it’s pretty strict and we have to stick by it,” Hudson-Odoi explained.

“But even if there weren’t fines, we would still be on point. All of us are very on time with everything that we do.

“We’re very positive about everything we do. If there is a fine, we will pay it.

“For the fines, we don’t really look into it because we are always on time for what we do so it’s OK. It’s there but we’re all good about it.

“He is hard on me but it’s in a good way because he wants me to improve and keep getting better.

“When the manager is telling me stuff, I always want to listen and improve my game because I’m not there yet. I know I can always get better and keep getting better.”

Source – BBC News

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says his two-season stint at LA Galaxy made him “feel alive again” as he confirms he will leave the Major League Soccer side.

Ibrahimovic scored two goals in a 4-3 win over local rivals Los Angeles FC on his debut in March 2018

The former Sweden striker, 38, scored 52 goals in 53 starts for LA Galaxy since arriving in March 2018.

“You wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome,” said Ibrahimovic in a social media message to Galaxy’s fans.

Ibrahimovic has been linked with a return to Serie A side AC Milan, where he played between 2010 and 2012.

“Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and passion,” said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein.

“We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole.”

Ibrahimovic was named in the MLS Best XI in both his seasons in the US. While his contract expires at the end of 2019, Galaxy reportedly offered him a two-year deal to extend his terms in California.

The Manchester City winger will also have to undergo education following his racially-charged post on social media.

Photo by Getty Images

Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva has been handed a one-game ban and a £50,000 ($64,160) fine for a tweet aimed at team-mate Benjamin Mendy in September.

Silva tweeted a photo of Mendy as a child alongside an old image from Spanish company ‘Conguitos’ that has been condemned for racist undertones, with the caption: “Guess who?”

Mendy did not take offence, replying with laughing emojis, but others quickly pointed out the racial aspect of Silva’s remarks.

The former Benfica and Monaco midfielder deleted the entry soon after before commenting: “Can’t even joke with a friend these days…You guys…”

Pep Guardiola and several City players leapt to Silva’s defence, stating that the midfielder and Mendy are close friends while adding that the Portugal star is not racist.

He was charged by the FA for the post, and will now miss out on one match as a result of the social media post.

“Bernardo Silva has been suspended for one first team competitive fixture, fined £50,000 and must complete face-to-face education after admitting a breach of FA Rule E3,” the FA said in a statement.

“The Manchester City midfielder’s social media activity on 22 September 2019 breached FA Rule E3(1), as it was insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, and constituted an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included reference, whether expressed or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin.”

The 25-year-old could have been suspended for up to six matches for the incident, but Silva’s intent, cooperation and lack of history of past transgressions led to his one-game ban.

“The Commission took account of the fact that there are a number of features which can properly be said to mitigate the misconduct,” the statement read. “In reaching its decision the Commission has taken careful account in particular of the following matters, namely that: a) The Player did not have any knowledge of the historical connotations of the Conguitos character. b) His tweet was not intended by him to be either racist or offensive in any way.

“c) The tweet was promptly deleted by the Player. d) The Player and his Club have taken steps themselves to ensure that the Player has a greater understanding of his responsibilities on social media. e) The Player made an early admission in full cooperation with the disciplinary process. f) The Player has an exemplary character and disciplinary record.”

Silva has scored five goals in 11 Premier League appearances for City this season while featuring in six other matches in other competitions.

Following the international break, City

Sare set to face Chelsea at home on November 23 after losing to title favourites Liverpool last time out.

Source – Goal.com

The Frenchman has returned to work in an unexpected capacity after over a year out of the game following his departure from Arsenal.

Photo by Getty Images

Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has accepted his first role since leaving Emirates Stadium, becoming FIFA’s new Chief of Global Football Development.

The 70-year-old called time on his Arsenal career at the end of the 2018-19 season, after 22 years at the helm.

Wenger, one of the longest-serving coaches in Premier League history, won 17 trophies during his time with the Gunners, including three Premier League titles.

He has been linked with a number of managerial vacancies across European football over the last year-and-a-half, most recently at Bayern Munich, who are on the lookout for Nico Kovac’s successor at the moment.

Wenger will not be arriving at Allianz Arena any time soon, however, with FIFA announcing the Frenchman as their new Chief of Global Football Development on Wednesday.

Speaking at his unveiling, Wenger expressed his excitement after undertaking a new role, with it his desire to “develop the game” in all its forms in the coming years.

“I very much look forward to taking on this extremely important challenge, not only because I have always been interested in analysing football from a broader perspective but also because FIFA’s mission as world football’s governing body is truly global,” he said.

“I believe that the new FIFA we have seen emerging in recent years has the sport itself at the very heart of its objectives and is determined to develop the game in its many different components.

“I know I can contribute to this objective and will put all my energy into this.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added on Wenger’s appointment: “Arsene Wenger’s profound knowledge and passion for the different aspects of our game sets him apart as one of the most respected personalities in football. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.

“Since I arrived at FIFA, we have placed football at the centre of our mission, striving to learn from those who know the sport inside out: Arsene is someone who, with his strategic vision, competence and hard work, has dedicated his life to football. His arrival is just another example of how we keep strengthening our purpose to bring FIFA back to football and football back to FIFA.”

Wenger revealed earlier this week that he had not been the subject of an official approach from Bayern, declaring himself out of the running for the top job at Allianz Arena.

He had previously insisted that he missed the “intensity” of top-level management, but he will now be taking on a new challenge in a quite different capacity.

Wenger will be required to oversee the growth and development of football for both men and women around the world, with a “particular focus on coach education”.

Source – Goal.com

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Taison remains indignant after he received a red card for reacting to racial abuse from the stands against Dynamo Kiev on Sunday.

Photo by Reuters

The Brazilian raised his middle finger to the crowd and kicked a ball into the stands during the match and the referee took the players off the pitch, following the incident.

When play resumed five minutes later, the officials adjudged Taison’s reaction to be worthy of a red card and the player had be consoled by Dynamo players.

However, in a lengthy post on Instagram, Taison vowed to keep fighting against racism.

“I will never stay quiet after seeing such an inhuman and despicable act!’ Taison wrote.

Dynamo Kiev’s Viktor Tsygankov and Mykola Shaparenko console Shakhtar Donetsk’s Taison, who reacts to presumed racist insults.Reuters

“In a racist society, it’s not enough not to be racist, we must be anti-racist! We need more respect in football, we need more respect in the world.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will face no action from the Football Association for his actions during the defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.

Manchester City are nine points behind Liverpool in the Premier League

Liverpool beat the Premier League champions 3-1 at Anfield to move eight points clear at the top of the table and nine clear of Guardiola’s City.

It came after City had two penalty appeals for handball turned down.

Guardiola could be seen saying “thank you so much” as he shook referee Michael Oliver’s hand after the match.

Asked about the incident, the Spaniard said: “No, it was not sarcastic. It was: ‘Thank you so much’.

“I said the same thing after the Tottenham game. ‘Thank you so much’.

“I go over to the referees and my colleagues and I say ‘good luck’ all the time.”

City were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty for a Trent Alexander-Arnold handball moments before Fabinho struck the opening goal.

Guardiola appeared visibly upset by the decision to allow the goal, suggesting any questions about it should be put to Mike Riley, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body responsible for referees in English professional football.

The City manager offered no comment on the incident beyond saying: “Ask Mike Riley and his people please.”

Guardiola was again animated on the touchline when the ball struck Alexander-Arnold on the arm from close range late in the match.

Source – BBC News

Unai Emery has been offered public backing by the Arsenal hierarchy, but warned results must improve.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester leaves Arsenal sixth in the Premier League, eight points outside the top four

Emery’s position is under scrutiny after a run of just two wins from their last 10 Premier League games.

However, Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi and managing director Vinai Venkatesham say they have no immediate plans to make a change of manager.

“We firmly believe Unai is the right man for the job,” they told Arsenal staff at a meeting.

“We are as disappointed as everyone else with both our results and performances at this stage of the season.

“We share the frustration with our fans, Unai, players and all our staff as they are not at the level we want or expect. Things need to improve to meet our objectives for the season.

“We are all working intensively behind the scenes to turn things around and are confident we will.

“We never take our fantastic support for granted. We hope we can all stick together and get behind the team in this challenging period, as together we are stronger.”

Xhaka ‘hurt’ by hostile criticism

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka says he has been hurt by the “extreme hostility” directed towards him from the supporters, but has promised to prove his worth.

Xhaka, 27, was stripped of the club captaincy after being involved in an angry confrontation with home fans during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on 27 October.

The Switzerland midfielder has not played for the club since.

“It was very hurtful and frustrating,” Xhaka told Swiss newspaper Blick.

“I can’t understand a reaction like that even now, especially the vehemence of it and the extreme hostility directed against me.”

Xhaka was booed as he walked off the pitch as he was substituted against Palace, prompting him to cup his ear, take his shirt off and head straight down the tunnel to the dressing room.

“When my shirt number lit up on the fourth official’s panel and our own fans broke into gleeful jubilation, that hit me very hard and really upset me,” he added.

“Insulting and swearing at your own captain will cause upset and a bad atmosphere for the team you are actually supposed to be supporting; that makes no sense to me and weakens the team’s spirit.”

Arsenal manager Emery said last week that he was unsure whether the midfielder would play for the club again, adding that “he was not ready” to return for Saturday’s match at Leicester, which the Gunners lost 2-0.

Xhaka, though, says he is fully committed to the club and is ready to move on from the incident.

“I’ve been 100% behind the club and my role as a player since I came here,” he said.

“I’m proud to be playing for this big club. I’ll continue to stay positive, give my all to an even greater extent and prove that I’m an important part of this great team.

“Last week in particular was a very special, emotional experience for me but I’m doing very well again, I’ve trained well this week and am looking forward to my next assignments.”

Source – BBC News