Niko Kovač knows exactly what awaits Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, but that does not mean BVB are heading to Munich without belief.
For the first time in a long time, Dortmund will travel to the Allianz Arena level on points with Bayern Munich, adding another layer of intrigue to an already massive Der Klassiker. Kovač recognizes the opportunity whi
"After a very, very long time, we have the opportunity to travel to Munich and play a game in which we are level on points. That certainly makes things much more exciting, but no less difficult. Bayern Munich are the benchmark, not just in Germany but also in Europe. We have to perform at the very highest level. The bar is set high, but of course, we have the ambition to come away with something. We are BVB, we have our own standards, and we want to live up to them," Kovač said (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
There is no shortage of respect for Bayern Munich from Kovač, but Dortmund are not making the trip simply to admire the opposition. They want to compete, challenge, and prove they belong at the top of the Bundesliga.
Saturday should be a fascinating test of the respective ambitions for both sides.

#long

Borussia Dortmund are preparing for a massive top-of-the-table showdown against Bayern Munich this weekend as both sides look to break their current deadlock at the summit. Head coach Niko Kovac has acknowledged the significant threat posed by the record champions, specifically highlighting the form of their star forward.
Kovac has offered high praise for Kane as Dortmund prepare to face a Bayern side led by the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner. The England captain has continued his devastating form in Germany, prompting the Dortmund boss to recognize the sheer scale of the task facing his defense on Saturday. Kovac noted that the striker's recent accolades speak for themselves, emphasizing that he has successfully reached a new level since moving to the Bundesliga.
"There's no need to say a word about him. The mere fact that he received this ****** le says everything about him. He was already a top player in England. To take another leap forward now is sensational," said Kovac on the club's official website
The stakes could not be higher for this edition of Der Klassiker, with both teams currently tied on 17 points after seven matchdays. While Bayern hold the top spot due to a superior goal difference, Dortmund have the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals. Kovac believes the current competitiveness at the top is a breath of fresh air for the league. However, the coach warned that excitement does not equate to an easy path to victory. He demanded absolute focus from his squad, stressing that only their best football would suffice in Munich.
"This certainly makes things a lot more exciting than in recent years. But that doesn't make it any easier, because FC Bayern Munich is undoubtedly the best of the best—not just in Germany, but also in Europe. We have to play at the very highest level. But we're Dortmund—we have our own standards, and we intend to live up to them," Kovac insisted.

#dortmund #best #germany #form

All eyes will be on Gianluigi Donnarumma in net for Manchester City on Saturday.
On Wednesday night, City hosted Brighton with a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on the line.
Despite the hosts starting on the front foot, Brighton took the lead just half an hour in through Malick Junior Yalcouye. The Malian winger found himself unmarked on the edge of the six yard box, played marginally onside by Ayyoub Bouaddi, from there a tap-in left the hosts trailing.
The opener spurred Maresca's side into action though, and just ten minutes later they were back level. Phil Foden found Mateo Kovacic just outside the area, and the Croatian international made no mistake with a wonderfully placed side-footed finish.
After the break it didn't take long for the visitors to take the lead once again. Georginio Rutter got himself goal-side of Mateo Kovacic and slotted home to the left of Geronimo Rulli, leaving Manchester City with all the work to do.

#found #himself

The pounding drums of Fogo Azul have become a familiar sound for New York City Marathon runners, and this Sunday the group will once again take its place along the course to help motivate athletes chasing the finish line.
Fogo Azul, which means "blue fire" in Portuguese, is a women-led samba reggae drumline whose mantra is simple: percussion is power.
Founder Stacy Kovacs said the group's energy is a natural match for New York.
"New York is big, we're big ..we're loud, New York is loud," Kovacs said.
The drumline has become a marathon tradition that both members and runners look forward to each year. According to Kovacs, runners can hear the band long before they arrive.

#azul #marathon #become #drumline

Borussia Dortmund entertain neighbors Paderborn on matchday 3. The hosts extended their perfect league start to the Bundesliga season with a narrow win over Villarreal in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Paderborn are yet to score on their return to the top-flight league.
Konstantinos Karetsas was discharged from the hospital after Tuesday's incident, but this game came too early for him. Ethan Nwaneri gets his first start in Niko Kovac's midfield for the Westphalian affair. Nico Schlotterbeck is also back in the lineup for the very first time.
Paderborn's striker Steffen Tigges starts on the bench in his return to his former club Dortmund. At the other end, goalkeeper Nahuel Noll hopes to continue his brilliant start to the campaign.
Here are the lineups as Borussia Dortmund aim to continue their perfect Bundesliga start.
BVB: Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck ©; Ryerson, Veerman, Bellingham, Svensson; Nwaneri; Guirassy, Fabio Silva

#borussia #paderborn

"He knows his role in the team. Serhou Guirassy is our number one striker. He is the challenger." With these clear words, Niko Kovač made it plain at the press conference ahead of the season opener against Hamburger SV who is in charge in Dortmund's attack. But in football, two weeks can feel like an eternity. By now, the black-and-yellow world looks very different.
Because Fabio Silva has now become so important that he could even prompt a system change at Dortmund. Guirassy himself also raved about his competitor. "Fabio Silva and I really enjoy playing together and we have a lot of fun in training. He is a great player," he said after the Champions League win against Villarreal to the microphone of 'Amazon Prime'.
You can see what else the two say about each other here in the video.
Coach Kovač was also full of praise after the win against the Spaniards. Fabio Silva repeatedly worked his way into clear-cut chances and rewarded himself for his effort. "You can see that we can play this system with two strikers just as well as with one striker. If we now add Fabio (Silva, editor's note) alongside Serhou (Guirassy, editor's note) too - and we will - then we really have something special," said the BVB coach happily.
Few would probably have expected the Portuguese forward to be receiving this kind of praise right now. In the summer, there were rumors about a transfer because Silva had only rarely been able to meet expectations. According to 'Sky', the Bundesliga club would have been open to talks starting at a fee of 20 million euros. Both a loan and a sale were reportedly considered.

#serhou #coach #clear #himself

Borussia Dortmund will face newly promoted SC Paderborn 07 at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday in their next Bundesliga fixture.
Dortmund go into the game in outstanding form, having secured victories in each of their last four matches across all competitions. Under the guidance of head coach Niko Kovač, the Black and Yellows have collected the maximum six points from their opening two Bundesliga matches and are firmly positioned close to the top of the standings. Their latest league appearance produced an exciting 3-2 away win against TSG Hoffenheim, while they followed that result with another narrow 3-2 victory over Villarreal CF in their midweek UEFA Champions League opener.
The German side have also been handed a significant boost in defence before the encounter, although Kovač still has to deal with a number of important absences.
Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini have both recovered from their respective ankle and rib problems, providing welcome news for the Dortmund backline.
The pair returned to full team training during the week, and Kovač confirmed that both defenders are fit and ready to challenge for places in the starting XI.

#paderborn

Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini have resumed team training after their injuries and are available for the match against Paderborn. "They are fit, healthy, and ready to play this weekend. I can count on both of them," said Kovac.
Konstantinos Karetsas will not be involved after having to be substituted in the match against FC Villarreal due to circulatory problems. Sporting director Ole Book had said of him: "He is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Further tests are being carried out, and we want to get to the bottom of it very thoroughly."
Also unavailable are Emre Can (torn ACL), Filippo Mane (muscle injury), Giannis Konstantelias (torn ACL), and Samuele Inacio (suspension following a red card).
Kovac also had words of praise for new signing Ethan Nwaneri, who came on as a substitute last weekend against Hoffenheim and on Tuesday against Villarreal. "He has settled in superbly. He's a great lad, very calm, down-to-earth, friendly, helpful, and a very good footballer," said Kovac. "In those two brief appearances, he showed that he can help us. I'm very satisfied with him." (cr)
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

#match #nico #paderborn

Two wins in the Bundesliga, one in the cup, one in the UEFA Champions League – BVB have recently celebrated four consecutive victories. In the Bundesliga table, the Black and Yellows sit in third place with the maximum return of six points. Speaking about the clash against Villarreal FC (3:2) in midweek, BVB coach Niko Kovac said: "Of course, you expend a lot physically, but also mentally. Now it's about getting the mental side back under control immediately in order to switch back to the Bundesliga." His team are the favorites against the newly promoted side: "We're playing at home and we want to win, that's our goal." But: "There are no easy games in the Bundesliga. You have to approach them in a way that means you're fully there right away. That's why I want my boys to step on the gas from the first minute and get our fans behind us again as quickly as possible so that we can play successful football."
Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini have returned to team training after their injuries and are available for the Paderborn match. "They are fit, healthy and ready to play this weekend. I can count on both of them," said Kovac. Konstantinos Karetsas will not be involved after having to be substituted in the game against Villarreal FC due to circulation problems. Read more now!
SC Paderborn have been promoted to the Bundesliga for the third time in the club's history. "A team with the ambition to stay in the league. We will certainly be facing a deep block from the opposition, who will want to hit on the counter," said Kovac. On matchday one, the team picked up a point away at FSV Mainz 05 (0:0) and then lost 1:0 at home to SC Freiburg. They currently sit 12th in the table. Despite 23 shots on goal, Paderborn have yet to score. Defensively, however, they have not allowed much either and have goalkeeper Nahuel Noll to thank, as he has conceded only one goal so far. Paderborn's Felix Götze (in the BVB youth setup until 2014) and Steffen Tigges (2019 to 2022) also wore the Black and Yellow shirt in the past.
BVB have never lost a competitive match against SC Paderborn: there have been two meetings in the DFB-Pokal, and on both occasions the Black and Yellows advanced to the next round. In the Bundesliga, Borussia have won two matches so far, while two others ended in draws. The last Bundesliga meeting at the end of May 2020 is especially memorable. In this ghost game in Paderborn played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus, the Black and Yellows produced a poor first half but improved after the break. All seven goals in the 6:1 victory came in the second half. It was the highest-scoring half of the 2019/20 season. For BVB, Jadon Sancho (3), Thorgan Hazard, Achraf Hakimi and Marcel Schmelzer, with the last goal of his professional career, were on target.Christina Reinke
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

#yellows #goal #half

Borussia Dortmund will look to make it four wins in a row in the new season when they host Villarreal in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture on Tuesday at the Signal Iduna Park.
Date: Tuesday, 8th September.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovač faces a significant defensive crisis ahead of this opening fixture, with several key players ruled out.

#signal

After joining Borussia Dortmund on loan from ***** nal on deadline day, Ethan Nwaneri came off the bench to make his debut for the German club on Saturday.
The 19-year-old played a vital role in Dortmund's 3-2 comeback win over Hoffenheim, with his cross ultimately leading to Albion Hajdari putting the ball into his own net for BVB's third goal. Nwaneri subsequently received praise from head coach Niko Kovac.
"I liked what I saw," Kovac said of Nwaneri, according to AFP.
"That's what we brought him in for... Maybe it wasn't officially his goal, but he created it."
Germany legend Dietmar Hamann also spoke highly of Nwaneri, whom he sees as a promising addition to the BVB squad.

#borussia #saturday

Kovac's 33-9-8 record (wins-losses-draws) and 107 points earned since taking charge of BVB is a total no other head coach in club history has ever achieved through 50 games. Nor has anyone else been able to post a points-per-game average of 2.14.
Niko Kovac now sits above Thomas Tuchel (2.09), Lucien Favre (2.08), Marco Rose (2.03), Jürgen Klopp (1.91) and Ottmar Hitzfeld (1.86) in the club's all-time ranking. (br)

#kovac #thomas #rose

Borussia Dortmund did it the hard way today in only their second match of the season. Away to Hoffenheim, the Black and Yellows went two goals behind, leaving it all to do with thirty minutes to play. Waldemar Anton took charge, sporting the captain's armband, blasting through the Hoffenheim defense at a lax moment to nick a loose ball and square it for Serhou Guirassy, who got the comeback started. BVB would find two further goals from Fabio Silva, and an own goal created by some intelligent interplay between Silva and Nwaneri.
The defense today was… not exactly sterling. The injury to Mane unsettled the back line, and despite some bright spots specifically from Gadou in progression, there were also some calamitous errors that gave Hoffenheim control of the momentum. Anton has been given the tricky task of leading a young, inexperienced back line. Gadou and Mane are talented, but they are both really in their first seasons of top flight football. Anton needs to keep them in check and handle his defensive duties as well. It's a lot of responsibity for BVB's stand-in captain. Anton's tenacity to win the ball high up the pitch got his team back into the game, and he deserves credit for his efforts across the pitch.
An additional note on Mane. I'm worried about this kid. Two hamstring injuries in only a few professional matches point to either a more serious issue, or insufficient preparation from the physio team. Mane has looked promising in the lead up to the season, but these injuries threaten to derail his career. BVB need to get their well-paid medical staff to figure out what's going on here.
Anyone seen the midfield? I can't seem to find it.
I'm not sure if we blame Kovac here, blame the players, blame the system, but my goodness where is our central spine? Hoffenheim ran down the throat of the BVB defense for the entire first half because there seemed to be no cover in front of it. Maybe we will see more of Veerman in the weeks to come, but it's not like the dutchman is some deep-lying enforcer—he is a creator. If BVB are going to be fielding a juvenile back line for the next few weeks (they are), the midfield needs to provide some better cover.

#line #silva #gadou #today

Borussia Dortmund have submitted their squad for the league phase of the Champions League to UEFA.
Still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in the spring, captain Emre Can has remarkably been left out of the squad.
It was thought that the veteran could be an option later in the first half of the season, but BVB apparently don't see that as realistic.
New signings Giannis Konstantelias, who suffered a torn ACL last week, and Jefferson Lerma were also not included in the squad. BVB coach Niko Kovac recently said that patience will be needed with the latter as he continues to acclimatize following his move from Ecuadorian side Independiente.
"He still needs time, and that's completely normal," Kovac said.

#still #suffered #dortmund #champions

As reported by David Ornstein, ****** nal's Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old winger is set to be the replacement for Greek international Giannis Konstantelias, who suffered an ACL injury on his debut last weekend.
Nwaneri is seen as one of England's top U21 talents and is now set to get more minutes in the Bundesliga with Niko Kovac's Borussia Dortmund.
As per the deal, BVB are expected to cover the wages of the youngster.
GGFN | Jamie Allen

#borussia #ornstein #greek #konstantelias

Believe it or not, Soleil Moon Frye turned 50 on August 6, 2026. As one of the '80s stars who grew up to be gorgeous, Frye became a familiar face thanks to her role as Punky in "Punky Brewster," which aired from 1984 to 1988. "Punky is still such a huge part of my heart and soul," Frye told People in March 2021. "If I'm 88 and people still want to call me Punky, I'd be thrilled."
Although playing Punky may be the thing for which Frye is best known, over the years, she's appeared in other series, including "Saved by the Bell" and "Friends. She's also gotten married and had four kids (to no surprise, Soleil Moon Frye's daughters look so much like their famous mom). Frye has also had quite the style evolution since her days as Punky Brewster and being a teen star in the 1990s. "I immediately think of the scary clothes that I wore," Frye told Parade in August 2011 about her memories of that era. "Catsuits were big for me in the '90s, and I had many of them... I remember wearing a skintight bright cherry-red dress to my Sweet 16 party, and none of my friends told me I looked out of sight!"
With catsuits in the rearview mirror, Frye has had more than a few fabulous fashion occasions. From never surrendering her Doc Marten boots to the best way to style a chic blazer, Frye has slayed so many looks. In other words, her 40s were full of memorable style moments.
Read more: The Worst-Dressed Celebs In Oscars History
Michael Kovac/Getty Images

#style #august #people

The good feelings lasted about 53 minutes. In that far-too-brief period of time, we got to see a glimpse of what the 2026-27 Borussia Dortmund squad could do, even without Joey Veerman or Nico Schlotterbeck. But with Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias, the two signings designed more than anything to reinvigorate the club as a whole, out on the pitch showing what they were made of, we were flying.
Hamburg couldn't get out of their own half, much less touch the Dortmund goal. The Greek kids looked every bit the talented studs that were promised. Karetsas played a perfect combo with Guirassy to set up the Dortmund striker for his and the club's first goal of the season. Then, just before the half, Giannis opened his own account when Maxi Beier played him into the box. He dribbled, found a bit of **** e, and took a shot that took a very fortunate deflection off Sebastiaan Bornauw and into the net. The deflection was so lucky I thought it might be ruled an own goal, but the Bundesliga's website still gives it to Giannis as of writing this.
Aaaaaaaaand that was it for the good feelings. BVB came out into the second half and it took eight minutes for the season to end. Giannis challenged for a ball, tweaked his knee without contact, and had to be subbed off. Niko Kovac subbed on Marcel Sabitzer, but Giannis's absence was noticed immediately. Hamburg controlled the play much better in the second half, and to add to the sour mood, Samuele Inacio received a straight red card towards the end of the match with a late slide-tackle that connected with Albert Grønbæk's shin. Inacio walked off in tears.
So Dortmund held out for the 2-0 win and clean-sheet, but the mood was irrevocably destroyed. We can never have nice things, and when we do they only get briefly teased before they get ripped away. The night is dark and full of terrors.
I'll just say it because we're all already thinking it: I'm very nervous that Giannis tore his ACL. Depending on the severity he could potentially miss the entire season, but even a partial tear would put him out of action for multiple (read: at bare minimum three months). Bottom line, unless it's a miracle and it's only a Grade 1 or something less severe like a meniscus tear (which would still require many weeks' recovery), we're not seeing him back on the pitch any time soon. If I'm Ole Book, I'm trying to find a last second cheap winger on the transfer market.

#dortmund #half #season #took

"These are exciting matches that we can look forward to. With Inter Milan, Villarreal CF, and Bodø/Glimt, we'll be facing three familiar opponents from last season, while at the same time, AEK Athens and Sabah FK – two teams we've never played before – are waiting for us. That's certainly exciting, especially since we still have a score to settle with Inter and Bodø from last year. Our minimum goal is to reach the Round of 16 – ideally, we'll achieve that within these eight games."
Ole Book: "We're looking forward to eight very interesting and athletically challenging matches. With **** nal and Inter Milan, we'll be facing the English and Italian champions. We'll show that we don't have to shy away from even the best teams in Europe."
Niko Kovac: "Exciting matches await us, and we'll take every opponent very seriously. We performed very well in London during our preseason preparations, and now we want to confirm that under competitive conditions. We're now eager to see how the games will be scheduled. I can **** ure you: We'll be ready for the opener."

#Inter #forward

German national team coach Jürgen Klopp has already spoken with several Bundesliga coaches, including Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany:
During his first few weeks in charge, Jürgen Klopp held long conversations with Bundesliga coaches, including Vincent Kompany, Niko Kovač and Sebastian Hoeneß. Klopp wants to work with them closely and stay in regular contact. He has also spoken to the coaches of Germany's youth teams and made it clear to them that they're part of the process and are very important to him. Klopp attaches a lot of importance to attending games regularly in stadiums. After last week's Super Cup, he will also attend Friday's Bundesliga opener at Allianz Arena.
Klopp is trying as best he can to get a read on his talent pool and taking in feedback from some of the most important managers in Germany's top tier. Sure, you can say that is what he is supposed to do, but it is reassuring that he — so far — is able to juggle managing the here and now, while also working to establish new initiatives for the future.
Juventus is still trying to sort out its desire to bring in a new attacker:
Juventus are unimpressed with Randal Kolo Muani's performances since his return to the club and are now looking at Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The Norway international is being favoured over Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee because it is felt that his characteristics would be a better fit. Nicolas González could be used as part of a deal to bring the costs down, especially as the 28-year-old wants to continue with Atleti following the expiration of his loan.

#wants

Borussia Dortmund's U21 team will face Fulham's U21 team on Wednesday evening in the Premier League International Cup. Among those named in BVB's squad, is notably Luca Reggiani, who broke into Die Schwarzgelben's first team towards the end of 2025/26.
Reggiani, who started last season in the U19 league, also featured in the UEFA Youth League before becoming a regular in Niko Kovac's side towards the end of the season. The 18-year-old Italian defender played 513 minutes across eight Bundesliga games, and also completed a full 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League, featuring in their 2-0 victory over Serie A outfit Atalanta.
In addition to Reggiani, Ruhr Nachrichten report that Justin Lerma, Kauã Prates and Mathis Albert will also bolster Daniel Rios' U21 squad. Additionally, all four are expected to start against Fulham, while a good performance here could make a case for them being in Dortmund's first team. Particularly Reggiani, who is fighting for his long-term future, with Filippo Mane seemingly ahead of his compatriot in the pecking order.
GGFN | News Desk

#team #squad #first #towards

In the summer of 2021, the Swiss player joined BVB. Only Emre Can has been at the club longer – since January 2020. Kobel has made 217 competitive appearances in black and yellow. A milestone is waiting for the 28-year-old right at the start of the league season: his 200th Bundesliga match.
Gregor Kobel is a guarantee of reliability and has become one of the faces of the team. In 2025/26, he was the Bundesliga's best goalkeeper; in four of the last five seasons, he was named the league's top keeper.
Niko Kovac says of him: "He did fantastic work here even before I arrived. We have a great goalkeeper in our ranks. He radiates calm and composure and saves what he has to save. And if it takes a superhuman stop, he's capable of that too."
Is a sentence like that confirmation of years of hard work?"It's very nice to hear something like that, especially from your own coach. He's also been at quite a few places and seen a lot. So a statement like that means a great deal to me."
The son of a former top-flight professional ice hockey player was born in Zurich on St. Nicholas Day in 1997 and trained at Grasshopper Club. In 2014, at the age of 16, he moved to the youth academy of TSG Hoffenheim. After his first appearances for the senior side under coach Julian Nagelsmann, he was loaned to FC Augsburg in January 2019, where he played in 16 of the 17 possible matches in the second half of the season. In the summer of 2019, he joined then-second-division side VfB Stuttgart. A year later, he helped the club win promotion to the Bundesliga. The 1.96-meter athlete has been under contract with Borussia Dortmund since 2021, with his deal extended early until June 2028.

#like

When the Manchester City starting lineup was announced prior to City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday, it did appear that Nico O'Reilly, Rico Lewis, and Elliot Anderson would form City's midfield. However, that was not the case. Rico Lewis lined up at right-back, with Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol starting in defence. Elliot Anderson, Nico O'Reilly, and Marc Guehi formed Manchester City's midfield. A criticism of Manchester City's play in the four preseason matches they played before yesterday's match was how open their midfield was. By starting Guehi and Anderson together, Enzo Maresca addressed this issue. Guehi put in a strong display in midfield, which fully justified Maresca's decision to play Guehi in City's engine room.
Manchester City have one of the elite centre-backs in the Premier League in Marc Guehi. Guehi has quickly established himself as an important player for his team since signing for the club from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Yesterday he once again showed his importance to Enzo Maresca's side, albeit in a completely different role.
Marc Guehi played in midfield yesterday. To his credit, he looked right at home in his new role. Guehi was good on possession, and he did get himself in the right positions out of possession. Typically, when a centre-back plays in midfield, they look clunky. Guehi was the exact opposite yesterday. He was integral to City's possession dominance, and his pairing with Elliot Anderson and then Mateo Kovacic was crucial to City's win.
Marc Guehi was a threat going forward at times yesterday, especially in the second half. He should have scored just after halftime when he missed a header from two yards out five minutes after halftime. Guehi did create one great opportunity for Erling Haaland in the 75th minute as he showed that he knew when to get forward. Eventually, Guehi got his goal in the 84th minute when he headed home a Rayan Cherki corner.
Come the final whistle, Geuhi had put in an brilliant all-around display in midfield and he fully vindicated Maresca's decision to start him in midfield.

#manchester

Manchester City left it late to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign in the right fashion. Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the 26th minute. Enzo Maresca's side squandered several gilt-edged chances before they finally found their equalizer through Marc Guehi in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol scored the winner in the 91st minute. Rayan Cherki set up both of City's late goals. When Manchester City needed more creativity and someone to unlock Bournemouth's defence, it was Cherki who provided his team with the inspiration that they needed.
Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic replaced Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson in the 63rd minute of yesterday's match. Manchester City needed a creative spark to find an equalizer despite the fact that they had squandered a host of great chances up until that point in the match.
After coming off the bench, Rayan Cherki immediately provided Enzo Maresca's side with the creative spark that they needed to go up a gear and beat Bournemouth. He created four chances and gave his team the creative spark that they desperately needed.
It was Cherki who set up both of Manchester City's late goals. Cherki's inch-perfect delivery from the corner that Marc Guehi headed home to make it 1-1 was the first. Rayan Cherki delivered an exquisite corner from the right with his left foot that Marc Guehi headed home to equalize for City. In the 91st minute, it was Cherki's close control, neat footwork and supreme vision that set up Josko Gvardiol's late winner.
Enzo Maresca turned to Rayan Cherki to give his team the creative lift they needed. The French international did exactly that. Alongside Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, Enzo Maresca's substitutions were bang on yesterday and helped his team claim the three points they so desperately wanted.

#cherki #manchester #late

Manchester City rescued a late win at the Etihad this afternoon, coming from behind to score an 85th-minute equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner to ****** all three points.
Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring for Bournemouth before the half-hour mark, when he found himself in plenty of ****** e in the area before firing home.
Marc Guéhi headed home the leveller for City late in the day, making up for a guilt-edged miss earlier in the match. However, the real headlines were written by Josko Gvardiol, who broke free in the box in injury time and slotted into the bottom corner to win the match for City.
Enzo Maresca made two changes to his starting XI this afternoon, following his side's 3-0 defeat to ****** nal in the Community Shield last weekend. Those changes saw Rico Lewis and Guéhi replace Jérémy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, whilst a new-look Erling Haaland made a landmark 200th appearance for The Citizens.
Meanwhile, Marco Rose's first Bournemouth side featured plenty of familiar faces, with António Silva the only Summer arrival in from the off.

#bournemouth #late #minute #made

Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Enzo Maresca's first competitive Premier League match in charge of the club.
Maresca succeeds Pep Guardiola after a decade in which City won six league **** les and the Champions League. The Community Shield defeat to **** nal was a difficult beginning, and Sunday offers the first opportunity to put that result behind him.
Jeremy Doku will not feature. The Belgian winger aggravated a calf issue during the Community Shield defeat and has been ruled out for two to three weeks. Savinho is also unavailable, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the works, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be in the same position should his own move to north London be finalised in time. Matheus Nunes is back in contention after sitting out the Community Shield with a minor muscle problem and could replace Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.
With Doku sidelined, Maresca is expected to turn to Jack Grealish on the left flank, a role he filled after coming on in the Community Shield. Antoine **** yo, who joined from Bournemouth in January, operates on the opposite side, with Phil Foden retained centrally behind Erling Haaland. Elliot Anderson, a big-money summer signing, continues to partner Mateo Kovačić in central midfield as City look to bed in one of their most significant additions.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League opening weekends and 22 in just 14 appearances during the month of August throughout his career, giving City's attack a reliable focal point regardless of the upheaval elsewhere. Gianluigi Donnarumma continues in goal behind a back four of Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly.

#community #league #city

As of right now, Manchester City are short of midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season getting under way this weekend. Looking at Enzo Maresca's squad, there is Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki who will form City's midfield against Bournemouth. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left earlier this week, and Bernardo Silva departed when his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. It has now been revealed that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City. If that report is correct, yet another midfield option could leave Enzo Maresca's squad.
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that Nico Gonzalez has been informed that he can leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Newcastle United maintains a strong interest in signing the Spanish midfielder and he is becoming open to the move. Lastly, it is also reported that some of Nico Gonzalez's City teammates are trying to convince him to shun Newcastle's interest and stay at City.
If Craig Hope's report is on the money, Nico Gonzalez is heading for an exit from Manchester City. He'd be another midfielder that City would have to replace. It is seemingly City's plan to replace any player who leaves from this point onwards.
It does seem harsh that Nico Gonzalez has been told he can leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The Spanish midfielder is the only number six in Enzo Maresca's squad. Also, Nico Gonzalez showed during the first half of last season that he can play a role for this City team. He held down the fort superbly well while Rodri was out last season playing in Rodri's role. So there is evidence that Nico is good enough to play in an Enzo Maresca side.
It is hard to see why Pep Guardiola cast Nico Gonzalez aside during the second half of last season. Enzo Maresca seems to prefer Mateo Kovacic in midfield rather than Nico. Maybe Nico isn't thought to be physically strong enough to compete consistently in Manchester City's midfield. Perhaps the issue is that Nico's work in possession isn't up to standard. I'm not sure what the issue but clearly there is something that the majority are missing.

#city #manchester #midfield #season

It is 0-0 between Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion with 15 minutes remaining in the opening game of the season at Carrow Road.
Baggies forward Jimmy Jay-Morgan crosses it into Norwich's six-yard box at pace, flying by the outstretched hand of Canaries keeper Vladan Kovacevic and into the path of Albion striker Aune Heggebo.
The Norwegian jumps, seemingly trying to guide it in with his foot but it hits his hand instead and flies into the net.
Did he mean to handball it? Hard to tell at the speed it all happened.
Norwich players protest, but referee Tim Robinson and his ******* istants did not see it and the goal is given.

#baggies

Waldemar Anton (training management), Maxi Beier (knee injury), and Carney Chukwuemeka (muscle issues) were unable to play in the season opener against AS Roma. Beier has already returned this week. "Waldi is also ready to train fully with the team and play in Saturday's game," said Kovac. Carney Chukwuemeka took part in team training for the first time on Thursday. "Maybe he'll be an option for the weekend." Emre Can (torn cruciate ligament) and Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle) remain sidelined.
Particular attention is being paid to new signings Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman, who joined BVB at the start of the week. "Giannis isn't arriving until tonight and will train with the team for the first time tomorrow," said Kovac. "Joey has only had two or three training sessions with the team. Giannis hasn't had any yet. Still, I know they're physically fit and have playing time under their belts. I see no reason not to include them in the roster."
Veerman is a "similar type of player to Felix Nmecha – very confident on the ball. Someone who demands and seeks out every ball. That's what we need in the transition from defense to attack," Kovac said about his midfield. "Sabi and Jobe are the two players who are similar in style. We have a good mix."
Although Konstantinos Karetsas is also new to BVB, he already has two friendly matches under his belt with his new teammates. "In the games against ******* nal and Roma, we already saw what Kosta can do with the ball – how he sets up his teammates but also how he can make himself a key player. That's what we were looking for," explains the BVB coach. "But at 18, he still has a lot to learn. The leap from the Belgian league is a big one. That's why we'll bring him along carefully."
It remains to be seen who Kovac will actually field in the battle for the season's first ******* le. At the very least, the coach is spoiled for choice.Christina Reinke

#kovac

Germany's biggest clubs Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich will kickstart their season on Saturday with the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup showdown at Signal Iduna Park (Westfalenstadion).
Once a regular fixture at this time of the year, this will be the first head-to-head meeting in the competition since 2021. Back in the days of COVID restrictions limiting attendances, the all-time top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scored a brace at his former homeground to seal a 3-1 victory for Julian Nagelsmann's side.
Bayern won the trophy for the 11th time last year with a narrow win away at Stuttgart on the occasion of the first final under the name of "Franz Beckenbauer Supercup". As for the hosts, four of their six trophies were achieved after wins over FC Bayern.
However, the Black and Yellows are unable to taste victory in this fixture since the arrival of Vincent Kompany. Both Bundesliga fixtures ended in stalemates in his first season before Bayern did the double over their biggest rivals for the first time since 2021/22.
The Rekordmeister ended their pre-season in excellent form, although Jamal Musiala's health scare dominated headlines. Meanwhile, Niko Kovac's men beat Premier League holders ***** nal before a comeback draw at home against AS Roma.

#bayern #season #supercup #fixture

If Enzo Maresca decides to use Elliot Anderson as a number six in midfield, Manchester City will need to find players who can combine well with the strengths of the England international. Currently, City have Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, and Nico Gonzalez as recognised midfielders who could form a double pivot in midfield in their squad. Perhaps, Nico O'Reilly and Rico Lewis could also slot into this role. Manchester City are bidding to bolster their midfield this summer. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has now been named as a midfielder that City could potentially bid to sign. The strengths of Adam Wharton do look suited to playing in an Enzo Maresca side and alongside Elliot Anderson.
Two reports have named Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a potential target for Manchester City. First, Jack Rosser has reported for The Sun that the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders could consider a move for Adam Wharton. It is reported that Crystal Palace's price tag to sell Wharton is unknown. Rosser indicates that perhaps a package of up to £100 million could be Palace's asking price for the England international.
Ben Ransom has reported for Sky Sports that Adam Wharton wasn't included on a list of Manchester City's transfer targets for this summer but that stance has now softened, Ransom adds. Furthermore, Ransom reports that the expectation is that City will make a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. However, City's change in stance over a possible move for Adam Wharton shows that they could be moving onto other midfield targets.
If Manchester City want a midfielder who can possess a wide and elite range of passing alongside Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton could be that player. Wharton is blessed with elite vision with the ball and he scans the pitch exceptionally well before receiving possession. He can also make every pass in the book. Wharton can break open a game in an instant with his wand of a left foot. His ability to break the lines with a decisive ball is almost second to none in English football.
The fact that Wharton can do this with a first time ball or after one or two touches after receiving the ball could be ideally suited to an Enzo Maresca side. Maresca wants to play a possession-based style of football with the ability to play at a quicker tempo when required. Adam Wharton would fulfil this demand. Also, getting the ball out wide or in behind for Haaland is a key to Manchester City's attack. Wharton would also be perfect for this style of play.

#enzo #midfielder #ball #elliot