Vincent Kompany speaks on Leon Goretzka’s situation at Bayern Munich.
Bundesliga giant, Bayern Munich is reportedly looking to offload Leon Goretzka, as the midfielder has fallen out of favour under manager Vincent Kompany. After being excluded from Bayern’s 4-0 DFB-Pokal win over Ulm on Friday, speculation has grown regarding the 29-year-old’s future at the club. Sources suggest that Bayern is “increasing the pressure” on Goretzka to consider a transfer. However, his camp believes he will stay, as the Germany international is determined to fight for his place. A winter exit seems possible if he struggles for game time. Speaking after Friday’s win, Kompany addressed Goretzka’s absence, confirming it was a “technical decision” and emphasizing that the club prefers to handle such matters privately. He said, “We always want to be clear with the players internally; we don’t need to say anything publicly.”
🔴⚠️ Kompany confirms Goretzka’s out for technical decision: “As a club, we always want to be clear with the players, that is the reality”.
“We do that internally within our family. We don't need to say anything publicly”. pic.twitter.com/PlciMNZpZV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2024
Phil Jones announces retirement from football after 13 years.
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has officially announced his Retirement from professional football at 32. Jones spent 12 years at Old Trafford after joining from Blackburn Rovers, making 229 appearances and winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League. However, his final three seasons were plagued by long-term injuries, limiting him to just 13 appearances. After leaving United as a free agent in 2023, Jones took on a coaching role with the club’s academy, helping them win the U18 PL National final against Chelsea in May. Speaking to the BBC on the Premier League’s opening weekend, Jones confirmed his retirement and revealed his ambitions in coaching. He said, “My career ended sooner than I’d have liked,” but added he’s optimistic, having completed his A licence. “I want to take charge of a team and challenge myself in coaching,” he said, acknowledging the toll his injuries had taken on both him and his family.
🚨🚨| OFFICIAL: Phil Jones has announced he has RETIRED from playing football! 🏴👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/Jm11HGEbWJ
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 17, 2024
Mason Greenwood scores a brace in Ligue 1 debut with Marseille.
Former Manchester United star, Mason Greenwood made an impressive debut for Marseille on Saturday, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory over Brest in their Ligue 1 season opener. The young forward opened the scoring within three minutes and added a second goal from the penalty spot after Luis Henrique had made it 2-0. Despite Brest pulling one back through Mahdi Camara, Greenwood played a role in both of Luis Henrique’s goals, helping to restore Marseille’s dominance. Greenwood also won a second penalty, which was converted by fellow new signing Elye Wahi. Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi, who was instrumental in bringing Greenwood to the club despite opposition from fans and local officials, praised the young forward. “Mason Greenwood is exceptional. He’s an excellent player, and I’m happy to see him scoring,” De Zerbi said, addressing the media controversy surrounding Greenwood’s move.
An 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 start of Marseille’s new era under De Zerbi 👏 pic.twitter.com/r6dPjKVjN7
— 433 (@433) August 17, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen defeats Stuttgart on penalties to win the German Super Cup.
Ten-man Bayer Leverkusen claimed their first German Super Cup title on Saturday, defeating Stuttgart 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Leverkusen took an early lead in the 11th minute when Edmond Tapsoba’s header found Victor Boniface, who finished at the far post. Stuttgart quickly equalized through Enzo Millot just four minutes later. Leverkusen were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute after Martin Terrier received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge, allowing Stuttgart to take control. Despite hitting the woodwork three times, Stuttgart went ahead in the 63rd minute through Deniz Undav. However, Leverkusen’s fighting spirit showed again, with Patrik Schick equalizing in the 88th minute. In the penalty shootout, Leverkusen scored all four spot-kicks, while Stuttgart’s Silas missed, securing a dramatic victory for Xabi Alonso’s side.
SUPERCUP CHAMPIONS!!!! 🏆
90' | 2-2 | #B04VfB #Supercup2024 pic.twitter.com/uKnRM34Wjr
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 17, 2024
South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis beats Israel Adesanya in UFC 305.
In a surprising upset at UFC 305, Israel Adesanya was defeated by South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis. The fight began with both men pushing the pace, exchanging strikes in a competitive first round. Du Plessis used a mix of leg kicks and blitzes, while Adesanya responded with long-range strikes. As the fight progressed, Du Plessis leaned on his grappling skills in the second round, completing takedowns despite Adesanya’s strong defense. In the third round, Adesanya had his best moments, landing crisp shots to the head and body. However, Du Plessis regained control in the fourth round, securing a takedown and locking in a rear-naked choke to force Adesanya to tap. After the fight, Adesanya admitted to making a mistake on the ground, saying, “I’m disappointed in myself, but proud too. I knew he was going to be tough.”
Dricus du Plessis beats Israel Adesanya to retain his UFC Middleweight Title.
Drace placed a $450,000 bet on Israel Adesanya to win and lost. pic.twitter.com/Qzu2qK3rig
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) August 18, 2024