Bayern München · 0 yrs
Reports have emerged announcing Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City after 10 years, prompting questions on who is the main candidate to replace him. Pep Guardiola has written a legacy at Manchester City, turning the Citizens into the dominant side of Manchester over the last few years. However, reports have emerged that his 10-year tenure will be coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, with questions prompting on who will be assigned to replace the legendary Spanish coach. As reported by Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs, Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City in the summer of 2026. An official announcement is yet to be made by the club as City are still in the Premier League title race, but as reported by the journalists, Guardiola will be bidding farewell in the coming days. Questions over his continuity arose especially taking into account that Guardiola’s current deal runs until June 2027. In fact, the former FC Barcelona manager previously dismissed the possibility of leaving the Mancunian side, with this remaining year seen as the main factor of his continuity. Before lifting the FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday, Guardiola was asked if he was going to leave during his press conference: “No way. No way. I have a one year (left on my) contract,” he stated, before addressing how Wembley Stadium has turned into one of his favorite stages. “I’m so disappointed that they don’t make a stand for Pep (at Wembley), the number of times I’ve been there – at least a lounge or a box. Maybe I go 24 more times. It’s been a special place, with Barcelona in 1992, and after against Manchester United with Barcelona for the second time and many times since I am here with semi-finals and finals. It’s really good to go to Wembley again. Top,” he stated last Saturday. However, reports are now claiming that Guardiola is set to put an end to the tenure he began back on July 1, 2016, ten years later. Through that span, he claimed multiple records and conquered six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups, three FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup to make a total of 20 titles with the Citizens. Who will replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City? With the status as the best coach in Manchester City history, and one of the best of all time, replacing Pep Guardiola won’t be an easy task for any of the candidates put to embrace the challenge. However, the board is trusting in one of his latest disciples and a familiar face to take his seat. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Enzo Maresca is positioned as the only replacement for Pep Guardiola. After his sacking from Chelsea in January, the club has reportedly been working on securing his future to be part of the club, with Maresca reportedly accepting the project months ago even before the Guardiola decision was reported. Maresca is deeply rooted in the City soccer structure, having first arrived in 2020 to lead the U-23 squad to a Premier League 2 title. After a brief stint managing Parma, he returned to the Etihad in 2022 as Guardiola’s lead assistant, replacing Juanma Lillo. A year later, he took the reins at Leicester City and engineered their promotion back to the top flight, earning a move to Chelsea, where he coached the Blues to a revamped FIFA Club World Cup title in 2025. Enzo Maresca, coach of Chelsea, embraces Pep Guardiola, coach of Manchester City. Former City captain and club legend Vincent Kompany was briefly floated as a potential candidate, but the Belgian’s recent contract extension with Bayern Munich through June 2029 quickly removed him from the running. With the field cleared, Maresca is now poised for his third stint in Manchester, this time taking the ultimate seat as head coach of the first team.
Being one of Bayern Munich's standout players this season, Manuel Neuer appears to be on the verge of a comeback with Germany for the 2026 World Cup. However, he suffered an injury in a recent match, raising doubts about whether this will affect his participation in the anticipated tournament. Manuel Neuer has remained one of the best goalkeepers in the world for more than 15 years at Bayern Munich. Under Vincent Kompany, the 40-year-old star has been a starter, even renewing his contract until 2027. Because of this, he appears to be on track to be called back up by Germany for the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, he suffered an injury in the most recent match, raising doubts about his participation in the anticipated tournament. According to Florian Plettenberg, via X, formerly Twitter, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and Rudi Völler have managed to convince Manuel Neuer to return to the national team. Despite retiring in August 2024, the 40-year-old star remains in excellent form and will reportedly be ready to serve as Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, leaving Oliver Baumann as the backup despite being the starter during the UEFA Qualifiers. After being substituted in the previous match against 1. FC Köln, Manuel Neuer has been diagnosed with muscle problems in his left calf, reveal Bayern Munich. Despite this, Florian Plettenberg revealed that the veteran German’s injury has no serious consequences, meaning he could recover soon and his possible presence with Germany at the 2026 World Cup would not be at risk. With this in mind, he could be heading to his fifth edition of the anticipated tournament. Far from confirming his return to the national team, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to avoid making statements regarding the 40-year-old goalkeeper: “Neuer retired of his own free will, he has repeated that several times and that is why it is not even useful to constantly discuss it… the list won’t be published, so I won’t comment on it. What I can say is that there are a lot of players on it, because there are 55 of them,” he revealed, via ZDF-Sportstudio. Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of Germany gives instructions to his keeper Manuel Neuer Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury paved the way for Neuer’s return Following a successful international career, Manuel Neuer decided to retire from Germany as a true legend. With that, he aimed to focus on Bayern Munich and maximize the final years of his club career. Marc-André ter Stegen then appeared to take over as the veteran goalkeeper’s successor, becoming Nagelsmann’s preferred choice to start at the 2026 World Cup. However, an injury sustained while at Girona FC involving the 34-year-old star changed everything. Ter Stegen suffered a severe torn hamstring and tendon damage in his left thigh shortly after arriving at Girona FC. As a result, he had to undergo surgery in February, which leaves him with a recovery period of four to five months and rules him out of the 2026 World Cup. For this reason, Julian Nagelsmann turned to Oliver Baumann as his starting option, with Alexander Nübel listed as backup. However, none of them fully convinced, opening the door for Neuer’s return. Unlike Baumann or Nübel, Manuel Neuer has been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world this season. While Bayern Munich did not win the UEFA Champions League, the 40-year-old goalkeeper emerged as a standout in Vincent Kompany’s team. With his foot skills and impressive saves, head coach Julian Nagelsmann may have found in him the best option to restore stability to the national team in goal, potentially playing his final tournament.
Prediction: Over 4.5 goals Best Odds: 17/20 Bookmaker: Zetbet Bayern Munich and 1. FC Koln will lock horns with each other in the Bundesliga next weekend. The match between Vincent Kompany’s side and Rene Wagner’s team will be held at the Allianz Arena and is scheduled to kick off at 2:30pm UK time on Saturday. […] The post Prediction: Bayern Munich vs 1. FC Koln appeared first on Soccer News.
Harry Kane missed the first penalty kick of his Bundesliga career on Saturday – but he’s got the perfect excuse for failing to create history. The 32-year-old was presented with the golden chance to open the deadlock in the eventual 1-0 win away at Wolfsburg in the 36th minute. Kane failed to hit the target from 12 yards out in Bayern’s clash against WolfsburgGetty It would have been his 25th successive spot-kick since making the move to Germany from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023. And he would have also fired in his 11th penalty this term, which would have written his name in the history books, as well as grabbing his 56th strike for the Bavarian giants in all competitions. He currently is the joint-record holder for most converted penalties [ten] in a single Bundesliga season – tied with ex-Bayern star Paul Breitner – who achieved the feat in the 1980/81 campaign. Kane you believe it? But the England skipper skied his attempt high and wide when looking for the top right corner after slipping as he planted his standing foot. The striker immediately looked down at the spot. And he was right to do so. New footage shown from the VAR review of the penalty clearly sees Wolfsburg centre-back Jeanuel Belocian stamping on the spot – not once – but twice. Speaking to Bild after the match, the France youth international was pressed as to whether he deliberately attempted to sabotage Kane. To which he simply stated: “Yes, that was easy.” His teammate Patrick Wimmer was thankful for the 21-year-old’s actions, which kept them in the game as they battle to stay in the division. Belocian’s actions may have been the reason for Kane missing a rare penaltyReddit Kane instantly looked to the penalty spot after slipping as he took the shotGetty He told Sky Sport Germany: “These are the sort of dirty little tricks you might have to resort to sometimes when you’re down there. “Whether that’s why it happened to Harry Kane, we don’t know, maybe it was down to his boots.” Bayern starlet Tom Bischof was left incensed by the stamp – deeming Belocian’s behaviour as unacceptable. He said: “I know Wolfsburg are battling relegation, but that action was unnecessary. Fair play should always apply, even when the stakes are high.” Though Bayern boss Vincent Kompany took a more level-headed approach, insisting he understands why Belocian did what he did. The Manchester City legend stated: “What do you expect them to do? Should they just clap when we score a goal? Kane has scored all of his 25 previous penalties before his miss at WolfsburgGetty “Should they just get relegated without giving it their all? “That the Wolfsburg player did that? Of course he shouldn’t have done it. But I can understand it too.” Thankfully for Kane – and Bayern – they walked away with the three points after Michael Olise’s 56th minute stunner from range. Bayern’s final Bundesliga game of the season comes next weekend against FC Koln [Cologne], before they battle Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final. As for Wolfsburg, the defeat leaves them in 16th spot and on course for a two-legged play-off tie against the third-placed team from Bundesliga 2 – which is currently Hannnover 96. But they will be relegated if they lose to St Pauli in their next fixture, with their upcoming opponents sitting in 17th place and only behind on goal difference.
Vincent Kompany praised his Bayern Munich side’s adaptability, after battling their way to a 1-0 win over Wolfsburg. Michael Olise proved to be the matchwinner in the 56th minute with a stunning finish, while Harry Kane missed a penalty in the first half. Wolfsburg dominated the opening 45 minutes at Volkswagen Arena, producing 2.44 xG […] The post Kompany credits Bayern response against relegation battlers Wolfsburg appeared first on Soccer News.
Arsenal have the advantage in the Premier League title race but will they hold off Manchester City’s challenge?By WhoScoredSeven games remain: three for Arsenal, four for Manchester City. Seven opportunities for more twists and turns in the title race. Just as City appeared to be building their trademark relentless charge at the end of the season, they self-destructed in the space of 13 minutes at Everton. Jérémy Doku’s extraordinary late equaliser has given them a lifeline, but that 3-3 draw has handed the initiative back to Arsenal. Five points separate the sides and the equation is now brutally simple: if Arsenal win their last three games they will be crowned champions for the first time in 22 years, whereas City must be flawless and hope their rivals stumble.Premier League titles turn on moments: Sergio Agüero’s 94th-minute winner in 2012, Steven Gerrard’s slip in 2014, Vincent Kompany’s thunderbolt in 2019, or City’s final-day comeback in 2022. The question now is whether the 2025-26 season has already had its defining moment in that Everton game or whether, with seven games to play, this campaign is yet to deliver the scene for which it will be remembered. Continue reading...
Despite Bayern Munich being eliminated by PSG, Harry Kane still managed to score in the match. With this goal, the English striker equaled a Champions League knockout stage scoring record that Cristiano Ronaldo had held outright for several years. Harry Kane has become as one of the best players in the world. Not only has he emerged as Bayern Munich’s top scorer, but he is also structurally vital to the team, playing an important role in build-up play. While the German side were eliminated by PSG in the Champions League semifinals, the Englishman once again stepped up as a goalscorer, allowing him to equal a knockout stage scoring record that Cristiano Ronaldo had previously held on his own. After scoring in the closing minutes against PSG, Harry Kane matched Cristiano Ronaldo by becoming only the second player to score in six consecutive Champions League knockout matches. With this, the Englishman caps off the best season of his professional career, having scored 14 goals in the competition and 55 in all competitions, making him the favorite to win the European Golden Boot. Under Vincent Kompany, Kane has managed to elevate his attacking impact, becoming the most complete striker in the world. As he is not a naturally explosive athlete, the Englishman frequently drops into midfield or deeper areas. Because of his freedom of movement, he appears constantly in dangerous areas, often unmarked in front of goal, as his continuous movement prevents defenders from maintaining a strict one-on-one marking assignment. Despite his outstanding form, Harry will not be able to finish as the competition’s top scorer. Due to Bayern’s elimination, he remains one goal behind Kylian Mbappé, who is near to win the award with 15 goals. Because of this, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to stand as the ultimate benchmark of the Champions League, having finished as the tournament’s top scorer on multiple occasions while also winning the title, something Kane was unable to achieve this season. Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich Harry Kane still trails Cristiano Ronaldo in Champions League goals Harry Kane has established as one of the greatest English strikers of all time. Not only has he maintained remarkable consistency throughout the years, but he has also elevated his impact since joining Bayern Munich. Despite this, he has yet to build a defining legacy in the Champions League, remaining without the trophy and still a considerable distance behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring record in the competition. Before his move to Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo become as the all-time top scorer in Champions League history, scoring 140 goals in 183 matches. Right behind him is Lionel Messi with 129 goals in 163 matches, followed by Robert Lewandowski with 109 goals in 144 appearances. Harry Kane currently appears in tenth place, with 54 goals in 70 matches, as his many years at Tottenham Hotspur limited his opportunity to build even greater numbers in the competition. Although Harry Kane is only just inside the top 10 all-time Champions League scorers, he is the only English player in that ranking. Wayne Rooney sits far behind with 30 goals in 85 matches, remaining the closest Englishman but still at a significant distance. Because of this, the Bayern Munich striker has already made history in the competition, but he may need to strengthen his legacy further by winning the trophy, something Bayern will aim to achieve next season.
Harry Kane believes holders Paris St-Germain will be slight favourites for the Champions League final against Arsenal – but expects an even contest in Budapest. Former Tottenham striker Kane suffered the disappointment of a semi-final exit after Bayern Munich went out 6-5 on aggregate to Luis Enrique's outstanding side. England captain Kane, who scored Bayern's late goal in a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, admitted it was tough to take as Vincent Kompany's side failed to claw back a 5-4 deficit from the first leg in Paris.
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!The state-owned football team it’s OK to like (and proof that sportswashing works), Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in Bigger Cup final courtesy of a draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Like Shaun Murphy in Monday’s night’s thrilling denouement of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, the German champions didn’t do a great deal wrong and were similarly gracious in defeat despite their obvious disappointment. “The level of both teams was very, very high,” sighed Vincent Kompany as he ruminated on his team’s exit. “PSG have so much quality, they’ve probably been the best team in Europe in the last two years.” A team that is currently so good it was forced to replace deadweight no-marks such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Neymar to finally shed their tag as Bigger Cup nearlymen and bottlers, the willingness of their replacements to do the dirty work of defending played no small part in helping PSG get over the line.Doing some half-hearted/@rsed research of potential Bigger Vase finalists, Braga, I drifted into a section about the city’s famous old inhabitants. One of these was a 16th-century skeptic philosopher called Francisco Sanches, who claimed that nobody knows anything, particularly those who say they do. With a European campaign – that was helmed, briefly, by both Big Ange and Sean Dyche (et al) – potentially ending in an unlikely final, Forest seem to have proved old Fran-San’s point” – Andrew Boulton.It’s interesting that Declan Rice thinks that Arsenal’s achievements can’t be underestimated (yesterday’s Football Daily). The only things that can’t be underestimated are things that are extremely small. Anything large can easily be underestimated” – Bob Cushion (and others).Maybe Chester and Wrexham (yesterday’s Football Daily, full email edition) could go down the Forest/Derby route and rename the A483 to ‘Phil Parkinson Way’?” – Jim Hearson.Am I the only one who saw this fine picture of Pep Guardiola and Jordan Pickford at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night and thought: ‘All this really needs is the addition of an ‘I’ and an ‘S’ to be perfect?’” – Adam Sherlock. Continue reading...
The teams for the final in Budapest are set. We look at how they got there and the factors that could determine the championDestination Budapest, where Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to be the first club apart from Real Madrid to win two consecutive European Cups since Milan in 1990. Vincent Kompany’s promise of “more” from Bayern Munich after a nine-goal first leg did not materialise. PSG offered a different proposition in Wednesday’s second leg; they put on a performance of defensive discipline, with their attacking players committed to closing down their opponents. Luis Enrique’s team never allowed the tie to spin from their control even if there were 33 shots in Munich compared to 22 in Paris.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia plays like an old-style winger, and set up Ousmane Dembélé’s goal, but he is also thoroughly modern in the way he presses hard and high. Bayern found space at a premium until Harry Kane’s late goal. Luis Enrique’s team is much the same as last season’s, sticking to the same formula. They are a year older but still flush with youth. The PSG project took many years and billions of euros to hit pay dirt but is now delivering the success that was dreamed of after the Qatari takeover in 2011. Continue reading...
Coach Vincent Kompany said he was "already motivated" for a tilt at next season's Champions League as he digested Bayern Munich's narrow semi-final elimination at the hands of holders Paris Saint-Germain. In three years at Bayern, he has reached the semi-finals twice and quarter-finals the other time.
