Author: Isaac Somto

READ: Update On Thomas Tuchel Following Heidenheim Loss

Bayern Munich have not had the best of campaigns in the ongoing 2023-24 season and their season hit yet another all time low.

The Bavarians were on the losing end in the Bundesliga yet again — this time, a 2-3 loss to Heidenheim on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen’s win at Union Berlin meant the defending champions now sit 16 points behind with 10 games left.

Also, the result left many eyebrows raised on whether manager Thomas Tuchel – who is to leave the dugout at the end of the season – would be sacked ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter final clash against Arsenal.

However, a report from respected football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, has revealed that the former PSG, Dortmund and Chelsea gaffer will not be relieved of his duties ahead of time.

The record German top flight champions’ loss was the first time since 2011/12 in which they have lost more than five league games.

It was also the first time since 2000 that Bayern have lost to a side making their debut in the first division.

Rio Ferdinand Urges Rashford To Leave Man United

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has advised Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United in a bid to revive his career.

Rashford has netted just eight goals in 36 games for the Red Devils this campaign — compared to what was a career best, scoring 30 goals across all competitions.

The Englishman has also received criticism for his off-field character with reports in late January suggesting he spent his time at a Belfast nightclub before missing training with United.

Another issue with Rashford making a decision to go to a separate nightclub event after a 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City — a scenario Erik ten Hag termed “unacceptable”.

And now, Ferdinand has suggested the forward, whose Euro 2024 place could be at risk should consider moving away from Old Trafford.

“I think it’s a pivotal moment in his career now, he’s not a kid anymore,” Ferdinand said to Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.

“I think there’s a big decision to make, from him. He’s got to look at who’s around him, who are the external people? Are they the right people?

“Are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors? Or are they saying ‘look at yourself and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.”

The former Man United captain also added: “When I left West Ham (for Leeds) I could have gone to Chelsea, that’s probably a club I would have preferred to go to at the time. But the reason I went to Leeds was it was out of London and the external people around me, I needed to get away from.

“He might need to go ‘you know what, I’ll get rid of them and stay in Manchester, or I’ve got to leave Manchester and get rid of those people’.”

Guardiola Fires Back At Roy Keane, Disagrees With Haaland Criticisms

Pep Guardiola has responded to criticisms targeted at Erling Haaland, stating that his poacher remains “the best striker in the world”.

Haaland came under fire for his performance, from pundits alike, against Arsenal in City’s goalless draw at the Etihad.

One particular opinion was Roy Keane’s – who labelled the Norwegian’s overall play as a “League Two player” when he is not scoring the goals.

Despite being the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 18 goals, Keane feels Haaland should be able to do much more – a sentiment Guardiola refused to agree with.

“I’m not agreeing with him, absolutely not.

“He is the best striker in the world and helped us to win what we won last season. He’s exceptional.”

Guardiola also weighed in on criticisms aimed at players, especially when it comes from former footballers.

The Spaniard added: “I’m surprised when it comes from former players.

“Journalists I understand but former players, I’m surprised.

“It’s like former referees criticising referees… memory disappears quick.”

City, sit third on the standings, are set to play host to top four chasers Aston Villa on Wednesday as they aim to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool whom they are three points behind.

“We Both Want To Win. I Will Prepare The Game To Win It” – Arteta Speaks On Friendly Rivalry With Guardiola Ahead City Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed his admiration for Pep Guardiola while also admitting his sentiments will not get in his way of charging his troops to victory when Arsenal visit Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Gunners boss also stated he would want his side to enjoy the moment in the game against a City side, whom he insists have raised the bar in world football.

Arteta, who was Guardiola’s assistant at City before becoming Arsenal boss in 2019, spoke highly of his relationship with the former Barcelona manager while also citing that sitting in opposite dugouts would alter their relationship for 90 minutes.

Arteta was an assistant under Guardiola at City before taking the managerial reins at Arsenal, and the two Spaniards’ friendship goes back to their days as players. Sitting in opposing dugouts, however, has meant a change in their relationship.

“It has to change, [but]my admiration for him certainly not,” Arteta said of Guardiola in his pre-match press conference.

“My opinion is he is the best coach in the world by a mile and he’s one of the nicest people I have met in football.

“But our roles at the moment are where they are and it has to adapt to the situation. Probably I would prefer to [beat] somebody else that I don’t have those feelings [of friendship], but it is not a choice.

“We both want to win. We know each other very well and I will prepare the game to win it.”

Triumph at the Etihad will see Arsenal end a nine-year winless run at the home of the defending champions and boost their hopes of claiming the title.

The North London outfit have been in fine form, winning their last eight games on the bounce and scoring 33 goals.

However, Arteta maintains that his charges have to keep up with City, encouraging them to “enjoy the moment” on Sunday evening.

“We’ve done a lot already to be in the position that we are and now we have to embrace and enjoy the moment and go for it,” Arteta told reporters.

“City have raised the bar in this league, I think in football in general, to a level that hadn’t been seen before.

“And that’s the beauty of the sport, that makes you better, that challenges you more and you have to keep up with that pace. And that’s what we are trying to do.”

In what is looking like a title race for the ages, with 10 games to go, Arsenal sit top of the standings on goals difference as they have amassed an equal 64 points with second placed Liverpool and Man City sit third with 63 points.

Reason For Xabi Alonso’s Snubbing Of Liverpool And Bayern Munich To Remain At Bayer Leverkusen

Reason For Xabi Alonso’s Snubbing Of Liverpool And Bayern Munich To Remain At Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool and Bayern Munich have been dealt a big blow in their respective manager search.

Xabi Alonso has been a leading candidate for top clubs heading towards next season without a name at the dugout.

However the Spaniard, who seems destined to be leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in decades, is set to remain at the club.

Liverpool were the initial club to pull out of the race for Alonso after learning of his decision to remain in Germany.

Bayern, hence followed suit on Friday after getting official confirmation.

Alonso is said to be insistent on remaining at Leverkusen for at least another season, until 2025, and continuing what is looking a successful project.

He is also reported to be involved in planing transfers ahead of the 2024-25 season as the German club also aim to keep key stars at the club, like Florian Wirtz.

In addition, speaking to pressmen on Friday, Alonso stated: “I’m not gonna comment about Liverpool or Bayern. These are big clubs and I’ve strong links with them but I’m in the place where I want to be.

“It’s not time to decide my future now, I want to develop at Bayer Leverkusen.”