4 hours ago
Bayern Munich has made progress towards generating income from its campus this summer, with multiple sales of academy talents contributing to Bayern's overall summer transfer income — estimated at over €50M, per Transfermarkt.
It has been called the 'summer of the century' by Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß, according to an interview he gave to Kicker. However, the Bavarians are naturally hoping for more first team-ready products to emerge for themselves, to follow in the recent examples of Aleksandar Pavlović and Lennart Karl.
Via Kicker journalist Frank Linkesch, as captured by iMiaSanMia:
Speaking to kicker, Uli Hoeneß says he's very happy with the funds the club managed to raise in the summer by selling Campus players. Hoeneß has even called it "summer of the century", saying that when the Campus was established, he was thinking more about producing players for the first team than generating transfer revenue from sales.
Hoeneß calls the resulting income "a nice side effect," adding that the academy has long since paid for itself. And in an era of exorbitant salaries, it can also help ease the financial burden on the first-team budget.
#generating
It has been called the 'summer of the century' by Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß, according to an interview he gave to Kicker. However, the Bavarians are naturally hoping for more first team-ready products to emerge for themselves, to follow in the recent examples of Aleksandar Pavlović and Lennart Karl.
Via Kicker journalist Frank Linkesch, as captured by iMiaSanMia:
Speaking to kicker, Uli Hoeneß says he's very happy with the funds the club managed to raise in the summer by selling Campus players. Hoeneß has even called it "summer of the century", saying that when the Campus was established, he was thinking more about producing players for the first team than generating transfer revenue from sales.
Hoeneß calls the resulting income "a nice side effect," adding that the academy has long since paid for itself. And in an era of exorbitant salaries, it can also help ease the financial burden on the first-team budget.
#generating
1 month ago
Richarlison still has suitors despite failed move, Philippe Coutinho agrees Santos deal and Manchester United monitor Adrien Truffert.
Clubs remain interested in Brazil forward Richarlison, 29, after the collapse of his proposed move from Tottenham to Vasco da Gama. (UOL - in Portuguese)
Former Brazil forward Philippe Coutinho has agreed to spend three months with Santos as the 34-year-old, once of Liverpool and Aston Villa, decides whether he wants to keep playing having been a free agent since February when he left Vasco da Gama. (Globo - in Portuguese)
Manchester United are closely monitoring Bournemouth's Adrien Truffert, the 24-year-old France left-back who is valued at £60m. (Teamtalk)
Liverpool remain keen on Inter Milan's Aleksandar Stankovic after making an enquiry about the 21-year-old Serbia midfielder this summer. (Teamtalk)
#truffert
Clubs remain interested in Brazil forward Richarlison, 29, after the collapse of his proposed move from Tottenham to Vasco da Gama. (UOL - in Portuguese)
Former Brazil forward Philippe Coutinho has agreed to spend three months with Santos as the 34-year-old, once of Liverpool and Aston Villa, decides whether he wants to keep playing having been a free agent since February when he left Vasco da Gama. (Globo - in Portuguese)
Manchester United are closely monitoring Bournemouth's Adrien Truffert, the 24-year-old France left-back who is valued at £60m. (Teamtalk)
Liverpool remain keen on Inter Milan's Aleksandar Stankovic after making an enquiry about the 21-year-old Serbia midfielder this summer. (Teamtalk)
#truffert
2 months ago
Champions Bayern Munich began the Bundesliga season with a flattering 5-1 home win over VfB Stuttgart on Friday after Josha Vagnoman scored at both ends.
Dayot Upamecano headed home a corner for the hosts in the first half, but Stuttgart - fourth last term - were always in the game and defender Vagnoman struck early in the second period.
Clever play from Joshua Kimmich set up Michael Olise just three minutes later on 55 minutes and Vagnoman ended a wild segment of the game by sliding in an own goal almost immediately afterwards. Substitute Ismael Saibari played in Aleksandar Pavlović for the fourth and Luis Díaz grabbed a late fifth.
The overwhelming favourites for a third straight ****** le were not at their fluent best of last season, but easily did enough in the Bavarian rain.
Double winners Bayern, who beat Stuttgart four times last term including in the German Cup final, extended their run of not losing their league opener since 2011.
#stuttgart #game #minutes
Dayot Upamecano headed home a corner for the hosts in the first half, but Stuttgart - fourth last term - were always in the game and defender Vagnoman struck early in the second period.
Clever play from Joshua Kimmich set up Michael Olise just three minutes later on 55 minutes and Vagnoman ended a wild segment of the game by sliding in an own goal almost immediately afterwards. Substitute Ismael Saibari played in Aleksandar Pavlović for the fourth and Luis Díaz grabbed a late fifth.
The overwhelming favourites for a third straight ****** le were not at their fluent best of last season, but easily did enough in the Bavarian rain.
Double winners Bayern, who beat Stuttgart four times last term including in the German Cup final, extended their run of not losing their league opener since 2011.
#stuttgart #game #minutes
2 months ago
Michael Olise and Luis Diaz were among five different goalscorers as Bayern Munich cruised to a 5-1 home win over Stuttgart in Friday's Bundesliga opener.
Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern were in control from start to finish in a rematch of last season's German Cup final, with Olise in spectacular form despite the wet conditions.
Dayot Upamecano headed the hosts in front from a corner and while Josha Vagnoman levelled things up for Stuttgart after the break, Bayern scored twice in three minutes through Olise and a Vagnomann own goal to restore control.
Bundesliga debutant Ismael Saibari created a late goal for Aleksandar Pavlovic and Diaz scored in stoppage time to extend Bayern's unbeaten run in league openers to 15 seasons.
With 14 goals including three hat-tricks, Harry Kane had scored against Stuttgart more than any other German opponent but had a quiet night and was subbed out late in the second-half.
#stuttgart #scored
Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern were in control from start to finish in a rematch of last season's German Cup final, with Olise in spectacular form despite the wet conditions.
Dayot Upamecano headed the hosts in front from a corner and while Josha Vagnoman levelled things up for Stuttgart after the break, Bayern scored twice in three minutes through Olise and a Vagnomann own goal to restore control.
Bundesliga debutant Ismael Saibari created a late goal for Aleksandar Pavlovic and Diaz scored in stoppage time to extend Bayern's unbeaten run in league openers to 15 seasons.
With 14 goals including three hat-tricks, Harry Kane had scored against Stuttgart more than any other German opponent but had a quiet night and was subbed out late in the second-half.
#stuttgart #scored
2 months ago
Hakan Calhanoglu and Inter have decided to play out the final year of his deal without discussing an extension this summer, which has been free of transfer market-related tribulations, unlike the previous ones.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the decision came more from the team than the player. The Nerazzurri don't question his quality but want to see how he holds up physically. He was productive but fragile last year. He missed nearly half of the matches because of a few different injuries.
Calhanoglu has flirted a few times with Galatasaray and could indeed head to Turkey after his time with Inter is over. However, if this campaign goes well, a renewal wouldn't be out of the question. The 'regista' remains central in Christian Chivu's plans. Piotr Zielinski has filled in nicely in the role last year, and the gaffer is trying to turn Aleksandar Stankovic into a deep-lying playmaker, but the 32-year-old is by far the top option when healthy.
The manager is a big fan of the midfielder. He significantly helped ease tensions in the locker room after his past sagas. In particular, the veteran had more than one foot out the door after the Club World Cup. He even quarreled with some teammates, but then the situation was eventually resolved.
It'd be strange if things were already decided with a year to go; otherwise, the Nerazzurri would have probably considered a sale, even though it wouldn't have fetched enough to acquire a worthy replacement. It'll also depend on his demands, as his salary is robust. Injuries have indeed become a problem, but he has a few more good campaigns in him in a part-time role.
#nerazzurri #injuries #decided
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the decision came more from the team than the player. The Nerazzurri don't question his quality but want to see how he holds up physically. He was productive but fragile last year. He missed nearly half of the matches because of a few different injuries.
Calhanoglu has flirted a few times with Galatasaray and could indeed head to Turkey after his time with Inter is over. However, if this campaign goes well, a renewal wouldn't be out of the question. The 'regista' remains central in Christian Chivu's plans. Piotr Zielinski has filled in nicely in the role last year, and the gaffer is trying to turn Aleksandar Stankovic into a deep-lying playmaker, but the 32-year-old is by far the top option when healthy.
The manager is a big fan of the midfielder. He significantly helped ease tensions in the locker room after his past sagas. In particular, the veteran had more than one foot out the door after the Club World Cup. He even quarreled with some teammates, but then the situation was eventually resolved.
It'd be strange if things were already decided with a year to go; otherwise, the Nerazzurri would have probably considered a sale, even though it wouldn't have fetched enough to acquire a worthy replacement. It'll also depend on his demands, as his salary is robust. Injuries have indeed become a problem, but he has a few more good campaigns in him in a part-time role.
#nerazzurri #injuries #decided
2 months ago
A special day as Inter returned to San Siro and reunited with their fans after almost three months, kicking off the new Nerazzurri season with victory over Monza.
Four goals, three points, endless love: a night of celebration packed with emotion and unforgettable moments, from Çalhanoğlu's thunderbolt that opened Inter's 2026/27 Serie A campaign to Pio Esposito's backheel and the debuts of John Stones and Aleksandar Stanković.
Relive the match with our exclusive content!
#serie #stones
Four goals, three points, endless love: a night of celebration packed with emotion and unforgettable moments, from Çalhanoğlu's thunderbolt that opened Inter's 2026/27 Serie A campaign to Pio Esposito's backheel and the debuts of John Stones and Aleksandar Stanković.
Relive the match with our exclusive content!
#serie #stones
2 months ago
Bayern Munich players Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, Jonathan Tah, and Dayot Upamecano were all named to ESPN's Top 100 List.
On the center-forward list, Bayern Munich star Kane was rightfully ranked at No.1:
Harry Kane — Bayern Munich/England
Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid/France
Erling Haaland — Manchester City/Norway
#kane #harry #list #michael
On the center-forward list, Bayern Munich star Kane was rightfully ranked at No.1:
Harry Kane — Bayern Munich/England
Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid/France
Erling Haaland — Manchester City/Norway
#kane #harry #list #michael
2 months ago
Serie A side Inter are set to rope in Curtis Jonees from Liverpool and this could hinder the development of midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic. But the player is keen on staying with the Italian champions.
Earlier this summer, Inter exercised their option to buy the Serbian back from Club Brugge. There have been doubts about his future at the club but things are now slowly starting to clear up.
Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Stankovic wants to play his cards under Cristian Chivu next season. Even if competition for the midfield is now fierce, it hasn't changed his mind about his situation and he doesn't even want to seek a loan exit.
There is interest from Torino and some other suitors can also offer him Champions League football. But Stankovic has no immediate plans to depart. He will ***** s his situation between now and January and then consider how to proceed further.
The player has previously described playing for Inter as a dream and this led him to returning after a good season in Belgium in the 2025/25 campaign.
#even #player #serie #curtis
Earlier this summer, Inter exercised their option to buy the Serbian back from Club Brugge. There have been doubts about his future at the club but things are now slowly starting to clear up.
Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Stankovic wants to play his cards under Cristian Chivu next season. Even if competition for the midfield is now fierce, it hasn't changed his mind about his situation and he doesn't even want to seek a loan exit.
There is interest from Torino and some other suitors can also offer him Champions League football. But Stankovic has no immediate plans to depart. He will ***** s his situation between now and January and then consider how to proceed further.
The player has previously described playing for Inter as a dream and this led him to returning after a good season in Belgium in the 2025/25 campaign.
#even #player #serie #curtis
2 months ago
Bayern Munich won the Telekom Cup against RB Leipzig 3-1. The preseason tournament featured a majority of the first-teamers, as opposed to the previous games where there was a more heterogenous mix of youngsters and seasoned players. Through the preseason, midfielders Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof have both impressed. The former spoke after the game, expressing his delight in the win.
"We're delighted to have won the game," ge expressed (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
"It wasn't an easy game; Leipzig played well and put us under a lot of pressure. But we showed what we're capable of and deservedly won," he went on. Leipzig was certainly keeping Bayern on their toes — their attack was constantly on the lookout (10 shots with 5 on target.)
"Personally, I'm very happy with my performance. I've settled into pre-season well," he went on. "I'm also very happy with the team. We have a great team spirit, we've trained hard, prepared well and shown in the games what we're capable of," he praised the team.
"We have a great mentality and great players – and there is still more to come [from the team]," he declared.
#team #we 're #players
"We're delighted to have won the game," ge expressed (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
"It wasn't an easy game; Leipzig played well and put us under a lot of pressure. But we showed what we're capable of and deservedly won," he went on. Leipzig was certainly keeping Bayern on their toes — their attack was constantly on the lookout (10 shots with 5 on target.)
"Personally, I'm very happy with my performance. I've settled into pre-season well," he went on. "I'm also very happy with the team. We have a great team spirit, we've trained hard, prepared well and shown in the games what we're capable of," he praised the team.
"We have a great mentality and great players – and there is still more to come [from the team]," he declared.
#team #we 're #players
2 months ago
Newcastle United's search for midfield help remains one of the club's biggest priorities with the Premier League season approaching, particularly after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg turned down a move to St. James' Park following advanced talks.
According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, Newcastle is now involved in situations concerning two Inter Milan midfielders. The Magpies have been offered the chance to sign Davide Frattesi and have also inquired about highly rated 21-year-old Aleksandar Stankovic, though landing the latter looks like a very long shot.
"We can now reveal that intermediaries working on Frattesi's situation have made Newcastle aware of his potential availability," Bailey reported.
Frattesi, 26, has been told he can leave Inter this summer as the Italian club attempts to create room in its squad for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, whom Bailey says Inter remains determined to sign.
TEAMtalk reports that Inter values Frattesi at approximately €30 million (£26 million), with Juventus also showing interest. The Italy international is believed to be willing to move to the Premier League after previously attracting interest from Nottingham Forest in January.
#bailey #million
According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, Newcastle is now involved in situations concerning two Inter Milan midfielders. The Magpies have been offered the chance to sign Davide Frattesi and have also inquired about highly rated 21-year-old Aleksandar Stankovic, though landing the latter looks like a very long shot.
"We can now reveal that intermediaries working on Frattesi's situation have made Newcastle aware of his potential availability," Bailey reported.
Frattesi, 26, has been told he can leave Inter this summer as the Italian club attempts to create room in its squad for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, whom Bailey says Inter remains determined to sign.
TEAMtalk reports that Inter values Frattesi at approximately €30 million (£26 million), with Juventus also showing interest. The Italy international is believed to be willing to move to the Premier League after previously attracting interest from Nottingham Forest in January.
#bailey #million
2 months ago
Despite several delays in negotiations with Premier League giants, Inter have not pulled themselves out of the race to acquire Liverpool central midfielder Curtis Jones, as coach Christian Chivu deems the English international as his primary target to bolster the central area of the pitch.
Milanese journal La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that with a short window of nearly two weeks before the Serie A 2026-27 campaign kicks off, the Nerazzurri remain hopeful in attaining a complete squad prior to the opening match against Monza.
As it stands, Liverpool remains firm on their €40m evaluation for the 25-year-old midfield starlet, albeit his contract with the Reds expiring in the summer of 2027.
Hence, Inter are seeking to offload former Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattessi as soon as possible as he is no longer part of coach Christian Chivu's plans and the departure of the Italian international would make room for Curtis Jones to arrive at San Siro.
In the event that Inter struggle to find an appropriate suitor for Frattessi in a short amount of time, the Beneamata would evaluate cashing in on promising holding midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, whom they just redeemed from Club Brugges after activating the €26m buy-back clause and refusing a lucrative €40m from Premier League oufits Brentford for the 21-year-old rising star.
#jones
Milanese journal La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that with a short window of nearly two weeks before the Serie A 2026-27 campaign kicks off, the Nerazzurri remain hopeful in attaining a complete squad prior to the opening match against Monza.
As it stands, Liverpool remains firm on their €40m evaluation for the 25-year-old midfield starlet, albeit his contract with the Reds expiring in the summer of 2027.
Hence, Inter are seeking to offload former Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattessi as soon as possible as he is no longer part of coach Christian Chivu's plans and the departure of the Italian international would make room for Curtis Jones to arrive at San Siro.
In the event that Inter struggle to find an appropriate suitor for Frattessi in a short amount of time, the Beneamata would evaluate cashing in on promising holding midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, whom they just redeemed from Club Brugges after activating the €26m buy-back clause and refusing a lucrative €40m from Premier League oufits Brentford for the 21-year-old rising star.
#jones
2 months ago
Argentine Guillermo Balzi and South Korean Lee Ho-jae scored on their 2. Bundesliga debut as SV Darmstadt and Holstein Kiel shared spoils at Bollenfalltor. The hosts scored twice in the last 15 minutes after their poor start to the game.
Former Newell's Old Boys midfielder Balzi opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes with a brilliant finish after Phil Harres' fortuitous ****** ist. There was no fortune involved when Harres doubled their advantage just before the break, though.
The striker who had a brilliant pre-season scored with a free header after Adrian Kapralik's pinpoint delivery. Darmstadt looked defeated until the introduction of their summer signing Lee at the hour mark.
The tall striker first received a huge cheer from the home fans when he helped his injured teammate Yosuke Furukawa get off the pitch by holding him all by himself. Five minutes after that incident, the former K League 1 targetman scored with a brilliant finish.
Darmstadt sealed the point five minutes before time as Aleksandar Vukotic produced a bullet header from Lance Duijvestijn's corner-kick delivery. Kiel's coach Tim Walter was visibly irritated after the final whistle by the manner in which his team dropped two points.
#minutes #finish
Former Newell's Old Boys midfielder Balzi opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes with a brilliant finish after Phil Harres' fortuitous ****** ist. There was no fortune involved when Harres doubled their advantage just before the break, though.
The striker who had a brilliant pre-season scored with a free header after Adrian Kapralik's pinpoint delivery. Darmstadt looked defeated until the introduction of their summer signing Lee at the hour mark.
The tall striker first received a huge cheer from the home fans when he helped his injured teammate Yosuke Furukawa get off the pitch by holding him all by himself. Five minutes after that incident, the former K League 1 targetman scored with a brilliant finish.
Darmstadt sealed the point five minutes before time as Aleksandar Vukotic produced a bullet header from Lance Duijvestijn's corner-kick delivery. Kiel's coach Tim Walter was visibly irritated after the final whistle by the manner in which his team dropped two points.
#minutes #finish
3 months ago
Mateo Kovačić has not forgotten Inter, and speculation over a return to San Siro has been rekindled after the Croatian caught up with old friends during Manchester City's visit to face the Nerazzurri.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the contact came on the fringes of the two sides' pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Inter themselves posted a video on social media showing the 32-year-old deep in conversation with compatriot Petar Sučić and warmly greeting the likes of Federico Dimarco and ****** istant coach Aleksandar Kolarov, a reunion that has only fuelled talk of a possible homecoming.
(From L) Italy's midfielder #18 Nicolo Barella and Croatia's midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Those whispers are not new. In recent weeks it emerged that Kovačić's entourage had offered him to the Inter hierarchy, who made clear that departures would be required before any deal could be considered.
#midfielder #croatian
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the contact came on the fringes of the two sides' pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Inter themselves posted a video on social media showing the 32-year-old deep in conversation with compatriot Petar Sučić and warmly greeting the likes of Federico Dimarco and ****** istant coach Aleksandar Kolarov, a reunion that has only fuelled talk of a possible homecoming.
(From L) Italy's midfielder #18 Nicolo Barella and Croatia's midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Those whispers are not new. In recent weeks it emerged that Kovačić's entourage had offered him to the Inter hierarchy, who made clear that departures would be required before any deal could be considered.
#midfielder #croatian
3 months ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS MORNING (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) with UFC Belgrade, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens inside Beogradska Arena in Belgrade, Serbia. This is the promotion's first-ever trip to the Balkans. Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez serves as our main event today.
Medic — from nearby Novi Sad, Serbia — gets his first UFC main event slot here. He's earned it with blistering finishes over Geoff Neal (see that here), Muslim Salikhov (that one here) and Gilbert Urbina (re-live that here). The combined time of those fights is less than four minutes. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off a grueling win over Kevin Holland; however, he's been held out for sometime because of legal issues (which saw him stuck in a Mexican jail for eight months).
The co-main event is Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling. Blachowicz was scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov, before Guskov was needed in Abi Dhabi last weekend. Stirling comes in on short notice, just a month removed from his win over Ion Cutelaba.
The rest of the main card is a "Balkans vs. The World" theme with Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin Tybura, Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert Valentin, Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina and Milos Janicic vs. Noah Gugnon.
The "Prelims" are headlined by Ludovit Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev. Mateusz Rebecki (a walking "Fight of the Night") also makes an appearance. He's facing Kyle Prepolec. Other notable fights on the undercard include Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira and Bogdan Grad vs. Dennis Buzukja.
#gilbert
Medic — from nearby Novi Sad, Serbia — gets his first UFC main event slot here. He's earned it with blistering finishes over Geoff Neal (see that here), Muslim Salikhov (that one here) and Gilbert Urbina (re-live that here). The combined time of those fights is less than four minutes. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off a grueling win over Kevin Holland; however, he's been held out for sometime because of legal issues (which saw him stuck in a Mexican jail for eight months).
The co-main event is Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling. Blachowicz was scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov, before Guskov was needed in Abi Dhabi last weekend. Stirling comes in on short notice, just a month removed from his win over Ion Cutelaba.
The rest of the main card is a "Balkans vs. The World" theme with Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin Tybura, Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert Valentin, Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina and Milos Janicic vs. Noah Gugnon.
The "Prelims" are headlined by Ludovit Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev. Mateusz Rebecki (a walking "Fight of the Night") also makes an appearance. He's facing Kyle Prepolec. Other notable fights on the undercard include Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira and Bogdan Grad vs. Dennis Buzukja.
#gilbert
3 months ago
Aleksandar Rakic got his first win in more than five years at UFC Fight Night 283, and did so as a heavyweight for the first time.
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) made a successful transition up from 205 pounds on Saturday when he outworked divisional veteran Marcin Tybura (27-12 MMA, 14-11 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision win by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27 at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
After Serbian fighters went 0-3 to start the main card, Rakic put his home country on the win column with a methodical striking performance.
Rakic, 34, came out throwing high volume against Tybura, who stayed and fought from inside the pocket. Rakic slowed down a bit as the contest wore on, but remained focused and stayed out of danger while delivering damage on his Polish foes legs and head.
The result brought an end to a four-fight losing skid for Rakic and marked his first time getting his hand raised since March 2021. Tybura, meanwhile, has dropped his past three.
#rakic #tybura #first #aleksandar
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) made a successful transition up from 205 pounds on Saturday when he outworked divisional veteran Marcin Tybura (27-12 MMA, 14-11 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision win by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27 at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
After Serbian fighters went 0-3 to start the main card, Rakic put his home country on the win column with a methodical striking performance.
Rakic, 34, came out throwing high volume against Tybura, who stayed and fought from inside the pocket. Rakic slowed down a bit as the contest wore on, but remained focused and stayed out of danger while delivering damage on his Polish foes legs and head.
The result brought an end to a four-fight losing skid for Rakic and marked his first time getting his hand raised since March 2021. Tybura, meanwhile, has dropped his past three.
#rakic #tybura #first #aleksandar
3 months ago
Aleksandar Rakic and Marcin Tybura meet on the UFC Fight Night 283 main card Saturday at Belgrade Arena in Serbia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ***** yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) aims to end the roughest stretch of his pro career, as he comes in on a four-fight skid. Three former champions have handed him losses on this unfortunate streak, including Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev. Rakic's last win was a unanimous decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 259 in March 2021.
Tybura (27-11 MMA, 14-10 UFC) is also in need of a win after dropping back-to-back fights against Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. His last win was a unanimous nod against Mick Parkin last March.
#last #tybura #march #unanimous
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) aims to end the roughest stretch of his pro career, as he comes in on a four-fight skid. Three former champions have handed him losses on this unfortunate streak, including Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev. Rakic's last win was a unanimous decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 259 in March 2021.
Tybura (27-11 MMA, 14-10 UFC) is also in need of a win after dropping back-to-back fights against Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. His last win was a unanimous nod against Mick Parkin last March.
#last #tybura #march #unanimous
3 months ago
Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling meet in the UFC Fight Night 283 co-feature Saturday at Belgrade Arena in Serbia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ******* yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) is hunting for his first win since May 2022, which came against Aleksandar Rakic. Since then, the former champion has recorded two losses and two draws. His last fight was a majority draw against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323 in December.
Stirling (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) puts his undefeated record on the line against a former ******* leholder in his third fight of the year. He has finished his last two opponents, stopping Bruno Lopes and Ion Cutelaba both in the second round in March and June, respectively.
#last #former #night #saturday
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) is hunting for his first win since May 2022, which came against Aleksandar Rakic. Since then, the former champion has recorded two losses and two draws. His last fight was a majority draw against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323 in December.
Stirling (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) puts his undefeated record on the line against a former ******* leholder in his third fight of the year. He has finished his last two opponents, stopping Bruno Lopes and Ion Cutelaba both in the second round in March and June, respectively.
#last #former #night #saturday
3 months ago
JanBlachowicz's journey back to ******* le contention has taken anotherunexpected turn.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight ******* leholderwas originally slated to rematch BogdanGuskov at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia. However, those plans changedwhen Guskov was offered the UFC Abu Dhabi main event spot against MagomedAnkalaev following KhalilRountree's withdrawal.
As such, Blachowicz (29-11-2) will now square off against NavajoStirling in the new co-main event in Belgrade and the Polishveteran is unfazed by the change.
After Guskov accepted the short-notice bout against Ankalaev,Blachowicz was paired with Stirling. The former champion insistslittle has changed in his preparation.
"I am doing this all my life," Blachowicz said in a recentinterview. "It's a new opponent. I have a lot of respect for him,but it's just another fighter who I have to stop. I don't thinkabout this mess around because I don't want to waste energy forthat. Okay, it's a new opponent; that's it. We do small changes andwe are here to win the fight against him, or a different opponentdoesn't matter."
The upcoming matchup gives Blachowicz an opportunity to halt thelongest winless stretch of his UFC tenure. He has gone fourstraight outings without a victory and is coming off a majoritydraw against Guskov this past December. His last win came all theway back in May 2022 when he defeated AleksandarRakic.
He'll have his work cut out for him against the surging Stirling,who boasts a perfect 10-0 record.
#main #opponent
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight ******* leholderwas originally slated to rematch BogdanGuskov at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia. However, those plans changedwhen Guskov was offered the UFC Abu Dhabi main event spot against MagomedAnkalaev following KhalilRountree's withdrawal.
As such, Blachowicz (29-11-2) will now square off against NavajoStirling in the new co-main event in Belgrade and the Polishveteran is unfazed by the change.
After Guskov accepted the short-notice bout against Ankalaev,Blachowicz was paired with Stirling. The former champion insistslittle has changed in his preparation.
"I am doing this all my life," Blachowicz said in a recentinterview. "It's a new opponent. I have a lot of respect for him,but it's just another fighter who I have to stop. I don't thinkabout this mess around because I don't want to waste energy forthat. Okay, it's a new opponent; that's it. We do small changes andwe are here to win the fight against him, or a different opponentdoesn't matter."
The upcoming matchup gives Blachowicz an opportunity to halt thelongest winless stretch of his UFC tenure. He has gone fourstraight outings without a victory and is coming off a majoritydraw against Guskov this past December. His last win came all theway back in May 2022 when he defeated AleksandarRakic.
He'll have his work cut out for him against the surging Stirling,who boasts a perfect 10-0 record.
#main #opponent
3 months ago
HNB are reporting that Club Brugge have had a bid of around €9m for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Peer Koopmeiners rejected. AZ have already seen one midfielder leave this summer, with the talented Sven Mijnans depart for Eredivisie champions PSV. They are hoping to receive a fee of around €17m for Koopmeiners, well above the €9m that Club Brugge initially bid. Koopmeiners is said to be keen on a move to Belgium and for Club Brugge he would provide a replacement for Aleksandar Stankovic, who returned to Inter, and Raphael Onyedika who is also likely to depart this summer.
Outside of loan spells with Excelsior and Almere City, Koopmeiners has spent his entire career with AZ. Since making his debut in 2020, he has played over 100 games for the club, scoring six goals. The previous two seasons have been the best of Koopmeiners career so far. During the 2024/2025 season he returned from a loan spell with Excelsior to play 53 games for AZ, scoring twice and providing seven ***** ists. Last season he played 50 games for AZ, scoring four goals and providing two ***** ists.
Club Brugge, after selling Christos Tzolis and Stankovic this summer, certainly have enough money to pay the fee AZ are asking for, but the club will likely try and bargain for a lower price.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
#koopmeiners #brugge #scoring #excelsior
Outside of loan spells with Excelsior and Almere City, Koopmeiners has spent his entire career with AZ. Since making his debut in 2020, he has played over 100 games for the club, scoring six goals. The previous two seasons have been the best of Koopmeiners career so far. During the 2024/2025 season he returned from a loan spell with Excelsior to play 53 games for AZ, scoring twice and providing seven ***** ists. Last season he played 50 games for AZ, scoring four goals and providing two ***** ists.
Club Brugge, after selling Christos Tzolis and Stankovic this summer, certainly have enough money to pay the fee AZ are asking for, but the club will likely try and bargain for a lower price.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
#koopmeiners #brugge #scoring #excelsior
3 months ago
Aleksandar Pavlović’s rise at Bayern Munich has largely been built on his composure in possession and ability to dictate play from midfield. But if the young German has taken another step forward this past season, he believes it has come on the defensive side of the ball—and he credits Vincent Kompany for helping make it happen.
“I think I’ve made significant progress in my defensive work. When you have a former world-class centre-back as a coach, you almost have to improve, don’t you? He certainly gives me a lot of good tips, which have already helped me a lot,” Pavlović told Bayern Munich club magazine Säbener 51 (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
It is easy to focus on Pavlović’s passing range and calmness under pressure, but modern midfielders are expected to contribute just as much without the ball. Winning duels, reading passing lanes, pressing intelligently, and protecting the back line are all essential responsibilities, particularly for a player operating in the heart of Bayern Munich’s midfield.
That is where Kompany’s influence could prove invaluable.
As one of the finest defenders of his generation, Kompany built his career on positioning, anticipation, communication, and defensive awareness rather than relying solely on athleticism. Those are qualities that translate well beyond the back line, and it appears Pavlović has benefited from learning directly from someone who mastered those aspects of the game.
#defensive #built
“I think I’ve made significant progress in my defensive work. When you have a former world-class centre-back as a coach, you almost have to improve, don’t you? He certainly gives me a lot of good tips, which have already helped me a lot,” Pavlović told Bayern Munich club magazine Säbener 51 (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
It is easy to focus on Pavlović’s passing range and calmness under pressure, but modern midfielders are expected to contribute just as much without the ball. Winning duels, reading passing lanes, pressing intelligently, and protecting the back line are all essential responsibilities, particularly for a player operating in the heart of Bayern Munich’s midfield.
That is where Kompany’s influence could prove invaluable.
As one of the finest defenders of his generation, Kompany built his career on positioning, anticipation, communication, and defensive awareness rather than relying solely on athleticism. Those are qualities that translate well beyond the back line, and it appears Pavlović has benefited from learning directly from someone who mastered those aspects of the game.
#defensive #built
3 months ago
Inter could easily turn a profit on either Petar Sucic or Aleksandar Stankovic if they wished, but the plan is to keep them both at the moment. The former turned heads in the World Cup, landing even on Real Madrid's radar.
According to Vecernji List (via Calciomercato), Los Merengues and a few English clubs are keeping tabs on him, but the Nerazzurri want to have him for the long haul. He scored and ******* isted once during the recent tournament, becoming an indispensable player for Croatia and throwing his hat in the ring to succeed Luka Modric as the fulcrum of their midfield. He's under contract until 2030. His €1.5M salary will eventually need to be ******* ped up.
Inter already value Sucic €50/60M, and it's unlikely any side will lodge proposals that could really tempt them, while Stankovic is worth about €30/40M. His sale would yield a decent-sized 'plusvalenza,' since the Nerazzurri brought him back from Club Brugge for €13M earlier in the summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays.
Christian Chivu spoke highly of the youngster during a recent press conference. He'll likely be part of the squad next season, too. In the meantime, there hasn't been any progress in their Curtis Jones chase. New Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola stated he'd like to retain him (via Mediaset).
Since they have already proven their worth, the team is in a good financial position and doesn't have a ton to do in the transfer market, the opposite stance would be counterintuitive, especially given that they have an aging midfield trio, and two of them might have reached the end of the road.
According to Vecernji List (via Calciomercato), Los Merengues and a few English clubs are keeping tabs on him, but the Nerazzurri want to have him for the long haul. He scored and ******* isted once during the recent tournament, becoming an indispensable player for Croatia and throwing his hat in the ring to succeed Luka Modric as the fulcrum of their midfield. He's under contract until 2030. His €1.5M salary will eventually need to be ******* ped up.
Inter already value Sucic €50/60M, and it's unlikely any side will lodge proposals that could really tempt them, while Stankovic is worth about €30/40M. His sale would yield a decent-sized 'plusvalenza,' since the Nerazzurri brought him back from Club Brugge for €13M earlier in the summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays.
Christian Chivu spoke highly of the youngster during a recent press conference. He'll likely be part of the squad next season, too. In the meantime, there hasn't been any progress in their Curtis Jones chase. New Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola stated he'd like to retain him (via Mediaset).
Since they have already proven their worth, the team is in a good financial position and doesn't have a ton to do in the transfer market, the opposite stance would be counterintuitive, especially given that they have an aging midfield trio, and two of them might have reached the end of the road.
3 months ago
Henry Patten knows only victory in the men's doubles final at Wimbledon on Saturday will get him and partner Harri Heliovaara on the ATP Tour Instagram page amid the sport's ongoing civil war.
The four-man format at the All England Club has been overshadowed after a proposal was presented at an ATP Player Council meeting last week that would mean from 2028 doubles draws would be halved and prize money reduced in favour of singles players.
It has sparked outrage in the doubles community and British left-hander Patten has been one of the most outspoken, but not let it distract the world number one pair from another deep run at a grand slam.
Patten and Heliovaara progressed into Saturday's showpiece on Centre Court against Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo with a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (10-8) victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Kovacevic in front of a packed Court One crowd on Thursday.
The thrilling triumph has not made it onto the ATP's Instagram page yet and nor did Patten and Heliovaara after they finished runners-up at Roland Garros.
The four-man format at the All England Club has been overshadowed after a proposal was presented at an ATP Player Council meeting last week that would mean from 2028 doubles draws would be halved and prize money reduced in favour of singles players.
It has sparked outrage in the doubles community and British left-hander Patten has been one of the most outspoken, but not let it distract the world number one pair from another deep run at a grand slam.
Patten and Heliovaara progressed into Saturday's showpiece on Centre Court against Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo with a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (10-8) victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Kovacevic in front of a packed Court One crowd on Thursday.
The thrilling triumph has not made it onto the ATP's Instagram page yet and nor did Patten and Heliovaara after they finished runners-up at Roland Garros.
3 months ago
According to a report from Kicker journalist Georg Holzner (as captured by iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich is about to give fans something they were clamoring for last season — a bigger role for midfielder Tom Bischof.
Bischof, who made the move from Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich last summer, often played out of position at left-back or right-back last season for the Bavarians, as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlović, and even Raphaël Guerreiro ate up the majority of the midfield minutes.
Now, though, Bischof looks ready to be an important part of the group:
Tom Bischof will play a significantly bigger role under Vincent Kompany in the coming season. The German U21 captain is the player who will benefit the most from the departures of Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro. Bischof is to take over Goretzka's role as third midfielder, while also retaining the versatility that made Guerreiro valuable, including the ability to fill in at left-back and in the attacking areas if necessary. In doing so, Bischof will effectively replace two departing players at once and receive plenty of game time.
With Noël Aséko Nkili likely headed to Eintracht Frankfurt and David Santos Daiber unproven and coming off of an injury, Bischof has a much more clear pathway to playing time than he did last season. Kimmich aging up another year and Pavlović's poor World Cup showing could present a good opportunity for Bischof to really take advantage of the situation and prove his mettle.
Bischof, who made the move from Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich last summer, often played out of position at left-back or right-back last season for the Bavarians, as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlović, and even Raphaël Guerreiro ate up the majority of the midfield minutes.
Now, though, Bischof looks ready to be an important part of the group:
Tom Bischof will play a significantly bigger role under Vincent Kompany in the coming season. The German U21 captain is the player who will benefit the most from the departures of Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro. Bischof is to take over Goretzka's role as third midfielder, while also retaining the versatility that made Guerreiro valuable, including the ability to fill in at left-back and in the attacking areas if necessary. In doing so, Bischof will effectively replace two departing players at once and receive plenty of game time.
With Noël Aséko Nkili likely headed to Eintracht Frankfurt and David Santos Daiber unproven and coming off of an injury, Bischof has a much more clear pathway to playing time than he did last season. Kimmich aging up another year and Pavlović's poor World Cup showing could present a good opportunity for Bischof to really take advantage of the situation and prove his mettle.
4 months ago
If a recent report from the Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Rangers are plotting a move for Vanja Dragojević. They have tabled an offer of around €4.5m for the Partizan Belgrade midfield ace, but his current employers, destined to lose him this summer, are holding out for a €5.5m fee along with a sell-on clause.
The 20-year-old Serbia international took his first steps in football at Altina Zemun before joining the esteemed ranks of Partizan. There, he impressed at various youth levels and was eventually loaned out to third-tier outfit Teleoptik for first-team experience.
However, Dragojević was recalled after a brief stint, as he was starting to be involved with the seniors sporadically. The 2025-26 season proved to be the turning point of his career, particularly after goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic's departure. Israeli veteran Bibars Natcho was elected as the club skipper. But the Serb, their vice-captain and a starter, led the Steamrollers more often than the now-retired midfielder.
TOLUCA, MEXICO – JUNE 04: Alvaro Fidalgo of Mexico competes for the ball with Vanja Dragojevic of Serbia during the international friendly match between Mexico and Serbia at Nemesio Diez Stadium on June 04, 2026 in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Dragojević made 41 appearances last season, scoring and ****** isting 4 times each across competitions [stats via Transfermarket]. He cemented his place as a deep-lying playmaker, and Rangers, despite securing the services of Dan Neil already, are keen to have the youngster in their ranks as part of a squad reconstruction under new boss Derek McInnes. They are also attempting an ambitious swoop for Lewis Ferguson, but it won't impact any potential deal for the Serbian sensation.
The 20-year-old Serbia international took his first steps in football at Altina Zemun before joining the esteemed ranks of Partizan. There, he impressed at various youth levels and was eventually loaned out to third-tier outfit Teleoptik for first-team experience.
However, Dragojević was recalled after a brief stint, as he was starting to be involved with the seniors sporadically. The 2025-26 season proved to be the turning point of his career, particularly after goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic's departure. Israeli veteran Bibars Natcho was elected as the club skipper. But the Serb, their vice-captain and a starter, led the Steamrollers more often than the now-retired midfielder.
TOLUCA, MEXICO – JUNE 04: Alvaro Fidalgo of Mexico competes for the ball with Vanja Dragojevic of Serbia during the international friendly match between Mexico and Serbia at Nemesio Diez Stadium on June 04, 2026 in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Dragojević made 41 appearances last season, scoring and ****** isting 4 times each across competitions [stats via Transfermarket]. He cemented his place as a deep-lying playmaker, and Rangers, despite securing the services of Dan Neil already, are keen to have the youngster in their ranks as part of a squad reconstruction under new boss Derek McInnes. They are also attempting an ambitious swoop for Lewis Ferguson, but it won't impact any potential deal for the Serbian sensation.
4 months ago
Calls are growing for a decision on the future of Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, who touched down in Munich on Wednesday following his team's early World Cup exit.
Nagelsmann has come under fire after four-time champions Germany were ousted 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay in the round of 32 on Monday, a result only marginally better than group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
The performance has sparked a heated debate over the future of Nagelsmann, who has a contract until 2028 and said post-match he would not step down and wanted to continue if allowed to.
Nagelsmann did not speak to waiting reporters when leaving Munich Airport through a rear exit in pouring rain.
Bayern stars Aleksandar Pavlovic and Jamal Musiala, who had travelled on the same plane, also left the terminal without comment.
Nagelsmann has come under fire after four-time champions Germany were ousted 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay in the round of 32 on Monday, a result only marginally better than group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
The performance has sparked a heated debate over the future of Nagelsmann, who has a contract until 2028 and said post-match he would not step down and wanted to continue if allowed to.
Nagelsmann did not speak to waiting reporters when leaving Munich Airport through a rear exit in pouring rain.
Bayern stars Aleksandar Pavlovic and Jamal Musiala, who had travelled on the same plane, also left the terminal without comment.
4 months ago
By Aleksandar Vasovic
BELGRADE, June 27 (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday he would resign within weeks and the country will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections, following 18 months of anti-government protests.
The announcement by Vucic, who has been in power as president or prime minister for 12 years, came amid persistent anti-corruption demonstrations led by students and triggered by the collapse of an awning at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, in which 16 people died.
Protesters, opposition and rights groups allege the railway station disaster was a sign of broader government mismanagement of construction projects and corruption.
"I will be president for only a couple more weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told throngs of his supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade. Vucic's second and final mandate was due to expire in mid-2027.
BELGRADE, June 27 (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday he would resign within weeks and the country will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections, following 18 months of anti-government protests.
The announcement by Vucic, who has been in power as president or prime minister for 12 years, came amid persistent anti-corruption demonstrations led by students and triggered by the collapse of an awning at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, in which 16 people died.
Protesters, opposition and rights groups allege the railway station disaster was a sign of broader government mismanagement of construction projects and corruption.
"I will be president for only a couple more weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told throngs of his supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade. Vucic's second and final mandate was due to expire in mid-2027.
4 months ago
As Germany continue to limp their way through a mixed World Cup campaign, former players keep firing shots in the media. The latest barrage comes from former Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm, who led Germany to World Cup glory back in 2014. He took square aim at one player: Aleksandar Pavlović.
“The midfield was particularly shaky,” Lahm told Kicker (via iMiaSanMia), referencing the recent defeat to Ecuador. “Aleksandar Pavlović hasn’t really impressed in this tournament; I’ve noticed an incredible number of easy turnovers. He’s not optimally positioned on the pitch.”
What is Lahm’s solution to the issue? Well, you can probably guess …
“Therefore, I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield,” said the former right-back. “He’s played at a high level there for about 10 years, both for the national team and Bayern Munich. He would give the team stability, and his strengths would be much more apparent. He can help the defense, just as he can help the attack with his long passes. Felix Nmecha is currently a better fit alongside him. Therefore, Pavlović would have to drop out of the starting eleven.
“I would recommend Waldemar Anton at right-back, and Kimmich in midfield. Playing Kimmich at right-back isn’t doing him any favors. His strengths and leadership qualities are needed in midfield.”
“The midfield was particularly shaky,” Lahm told Kicker (via iMiaSanMia), referencing the recent defeat to Ecuador. “Aleksandar Pavlović hasn’t really impressed in this tournament; I’ve noticed an incredible number of easy turnovers. He’s not optimally positioned on the pitch.”
What is Lahm’s solution to the issue? Well, you can probably guess …
“Therefore, I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield,” said the former right-back. “He’s played at a high level there for about 10 years, both for the national team and Bayern Munich. He would give the team stability, and his strengths would be much more apparent. He can help the defense, just as he can help the attack with his long passes. Felix Nmecha is currently a better fit alongside him. Therefore, Pavlović would have to drop out of the starting eleven.
“I would recommend Waldemar Anton at right-back, and Kimmich in midfield. Playing Kimmich at right-back isn’t doing him any favors. His strengths and leadership qualities are needed in midfield.”
4 months ago
Serbia secured a convincing 90-76 victory over Czechia in a closed-door friendly at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall in Belgrade as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIBA window.
EuroHoops.net
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Serbia secured a convincing 90-76 victory over Czechia …
EuroHoops.net
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Serbia secured a convincing 90-76 victory over Czechia …
4 months ago
Germany were handed a sound defeat at the hands of Ecuador in the closing game of group E in the FIFA World Cup. The abysmal performance from the German midfield will not bring Joshua Kimmich from his right-back role back into the middle. Moreover, German coach Julian Nagelsman is not keen on making any changes regardless of the loss.
"So, should (Aleksandar) Pavlović be benched, or what? I think Aleks and Felix (Nmecha) are doing a good job. I can only repeat: Jo (Kimmich) was outstanding at the EUROs as a defender, leading the way in every key metric. I don't want to leave out either Felix or Pavlo. That's not my plan," said Nagelsmann (Sky's Patrick Berger as captured by iMiaSanMia).
A total of 1 defensive contribution, only 6 duels won of 16 contested, dispossessed 15 times and an error leading to a goal. This was horrendous from the pair of Pavlović and Nmecha. The defiant defense of this duo from Nagelsmann is concerning.
The choice of substitution for Nmecha was another shocker. Leon Goretzka was a good option to bolster Germany and handle the Ecuadorian pressure, but Naglesmann's choice of Angelo Stiller sweetened the deal for the opposition. Against teams that press as tenaciously as Ecuador did, the midfield needs a major upgrade should Die Mannschaft wish to proceed further in the knockouts.
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"So, should (Aleksandar) Pavlović be benched, or what? I think Aleks and Felix (Nmecha) are doing a good job. I can only repeat: Jo (Kimmich) was outstanding at the EUROs as a defender, leading the way in every key metric. I don't want to leave out either Felix or Pavlo. That's not my plan," said Nagelsmann (Sky's Patrick Berger as captured by iMiaSanMia).
A total of 1 defensive contribution, only 6 duels won of 16 contested, dispossessed 15 times and an error leading to a goal. This was horrendous from the pair of Pavlović and Nmecha. The defiant defense of this duo from Nagelsmann is concerning.
The choice of substitution for Nmecha was another shocker. Leon Goretzka was a good option to bolster Germany and handle the Ecuadorian pressure, but Naglesmann's choice of Angelo Stiller sweetened the deal for the opposition. Against teams that press as tenaciously as Ecuador did, the midfield needs a major upgrade should Die Mannschaft wish to proceed further in the knockouts.
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4 months ago
Recent rumors linking Bayern Munich to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha appear to be wide of the mark. The German record champions are reportedly happy with the current group and Nmecha would be too expensive anyway, according to a report from Sport1 journalist Stefan ****** berger, as captured by iMiaSanMia:
Bayern believe they’re well-equipped in the central midfield area. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are still planned as the starting double pivot next season. Tom Bischof will be used more often as a backup in the position. In addition, Noël Aséko has ‘influential supporters’ within the club who want him to be a squad player and get appearances as another midfield backup. Bayern want to continue with the strategy of having a small squad, which allows young players to get their chance and prove themselves. The recent links to Felix Nmecha are questionable. The German international is not for sale unless a nine-figure offer were to come in, which is beyond Bayern’s reach. In addition, BVB’s management would prefer to sell abroad [StefanKumberger, SPORT1]
This is good — Bayern probably should not be trying to add positions to spend this summer when it is already investing significant resources in transfers in attack and defense. Moreover, the attacker, Ismael Saibari, is slated to play centrally when Bayern also has a short-term need for reinforcements at wing. And the defender, left-back Nathaniel Brown, will provide cover and competition for Alphonso Davies at left-back while the Bavarians mull their next big center-back signing, which is probably also due next summer at the latest.
Nmecha is having himself a great World Cup and that is going to raise his stock. If there is not a huge need right now, why not see how things shake out with the younger players? Bischof’s future is extremely bright and Aséko might just serve the club better by being the next showcase of academy-to-first team success than by finding a move elsewhere. There is too little clarity right now on what type of midfielder Bayern would need to add to this mix, so if a player already on the roster can do the job — why not? Then hit the market, if necessary, once the need crystallizes.
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Bayern believe they’re well-equipped in the central midfield area. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are still planned as the starting double pivot next season. Tom Bischof will be used more often as a backup in the position. In addition, Noël Aséko has ‘influential supporters’ within the club who want him to be a squad player and get appearances as another midfield backup. Bayern want to continue with the strategy of having a small squad, which allows young players to get their chance and prove themselves. The recent links to Felix Nmecha are questionable. The German international is not for sale unless a nine-figure offer were to come in, which is beyond Bayern’s reach. In addition, BVB’s management would prefer to sell abroad [StefanKumberger, SPORT1]
This is good — Bayern probably should not be trying to add positions to spend this summer when it is already investing significant resources in transfers in attack and defense. Moreover, the attacker, Ismael Saibari, is slated to play centrally when Bayern also has a short-term need for reinforcements at wing. And the defender, left-back Nathaniel Brown, will provide cover and competition for Alphonso Davies at left-back while the Bavarians mull their next big center-back signing, which is probably also due next summer at the latest.
Nmecha is having himself a great World Cup and that is going to raise his stock. If there is not a huge need right now, why not see how things shake out with the younger players? Bischof’s future is extremely bright and Aséko might just serve the club better by being the next showcase of academy-to-first team success than by finding a move elsewhere. There is too little clarity right now on what type of midfielder Bayern would need to add to this mix, so if a player already on the roster can do the job — why not? Then hit the market, if necessary, once the need crystallizes.
Sign up for a user account and get:
