Arsenal’s winter signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has insisted that he is capable of alongside Mesut Ozil in an attacking midfield partnership. The Armenia international made a tremendous start to his Gunners career with a hat-trick of assists versus Everton, but he failed to perform with the same intensity in the derby defeat against Tottenham Hotspur which followed.
In an interview with ESPN FC, Mkhitaryan refuted suggestions that he cannot partner Ozil on the playing field whilst stressing the club have a greater scope for improvement on the offensive side of their game, he said: “Some people are saying we cannot play together, but I can’t understand these people that are saying that. I’m just enjoying playing with Mesut and he’s an amazing football player.I’m getting better playing with him, everyone knows his skills, abilities, so why not? Everything is possible, why not have two No. 10s on a pitch?You know, even if we [Arsenal] play very good, there’s always room for improvement — even if we were playing offensive football, we can still improve.”
Continue reading Henrikh Mkhitaryan Insists He Can Form An Attacking Partnership With Mesut Ozil
James Rodriguez wants long-term Bayern Munich stay
Colombia international James Rodriguez has said that he is ‘very happy’ with his stay with Bayern Munich despite being hampered by injuries and the patchy form during the first half of the season. Rodriguez joined the Bavarian giants on a two-year loan from Real Madrid earlier in the summer, and he has since managed two goals and four assists in 19 appearances.
Speaking to Sport1, Rodriguez was complimentary about his current employers, and feels Bayern are at the same level as his parent club Real Madrid. He added to reveal his contention of playing for the German champions, and he is hoping to stay with the club for the long-term.
Continue reading James Rodriguez wants long-term Bayern Munich stay
Bierhoff admits Germans are worried at England’s progress
Oliver Bierhoff, the former German international striker and one of the key players in the resurgence of the nation as a major football power has admitted the world champions are concerned about the development England have seen in recent seasons especially at the youth level.
Bierhoff is the general manager of the German senior side said the country had taken notice of England’s historic triumphs in the world under-17 and under-20 cup finals as well as victory at the European under-19 Championships.
Continue reading Bierhoff admits Germans are worried at England’s progress
Ian Wright hits back at Mesut Ozil with stinging criticism
Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Ian Wright has hit back at German international Mesut Ozil following his public criticism of the club’s ex-players earlier in the week.
The World Cup winner urged them to ‘stop talking and start supporting’ following numerous statements made by former players regarding the current state of the squad.
Wright has never shied away from expressing his views over the Gunners, and he branded the German’s thought as ‘laughable’. He added to question why the attacker has not signed a fresh contract with the Gunners if he feels so strongly about the situation.Speaking on BBC Radio 5, he said: “It’s laughable. We’re not talking about a team charging up the league, we’re talking about a team that’s under-performing. It’s not just the team, it’s the people in the boardroom, the manager, everybody.”
Wright, who is the Gunners’ second highest goal getter of all time behind Thierry Henry, accused the 28-year-old of hiding behind Alexis Sanchez, whose future remains another topic of discussion this season, he added: “Sign a contract if you feel that strongly about people criticising the team because you’re someone who’s integral to Arsenal’s success. You’re going to continue to hide behind Sanchez. Why haven’t you signed yet? That’s what I would say to you. If you feel that strongly, why haven’t you signed yet?” Continue reading Ian Wright hits back at Mesut Ozil with stinging criticism
Arsenal prepared to offload German defender for £35m
Arsenal are prepared to part ways with defender Shkodran Mustafi this summer following an average first season at the club.
The Germany international joined the Gunners from Valencia for £35m last summer, and many expected him to settle alongside Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the defence.
The 24-year-old made a good start to his Gunners’ career with no defeats in his first 22 games, but things therein became worse for the former Evertonian as he found himself at fault in gruelling losses against the likes of Watford and West Bromwich Albion. Mustafi had his first piece of first-team action this term in the 1-0 away defeat to Stoke City, and The Sun suggests that this may be his last appearance in his Gunners career.
Arsene Wenger’s side have already turned down a loan approach from Inter Milan for the German’s signature but it is said that they would be willing to do business, if they manage to recoup the entire £35m paid to Los Che a year ago. Continue reading Arsenal prepared to offload German defender for £35m
GERMANY CONTINUE 100 PERCENT RECORD IN QUALIFIER
European football powerhouse Germany have continued their impressive run as expected in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
The coach Joachim Low made several changes to the usual lineup but the team thrashed San Marino 7-0.
Julian Draxler was the skipper. He scored in the 11th minute before Wagner doubled the tally. Wagner got another in his first competitive game for Germany and then Amin Younes added another to make it 4-0 before the break.
Arsenal defender ShkodranMustafi scored the fifth after the break before Julian Brandt added his. It was Brandt’s first international goal for Die Mannschaft. Wagner scored with a header five minutes from time to complete a hat trick.
Low started Barcelona first choice Marc-Andre terStegen. The keeper is one of the five changes to the team that played a 1-1 draw against Denmark on Tuesday. Joshua Kimmich was impressive on the night as well.
The result see Germany restore their five point lead in Group C. Northern Ireland follow after their 1-0 victory against Azerbaijan courtesy of stoppage time goal by Stuart Dallas. In the same group, Czech Rep played a 1-1 draw against Norway. This leaves Czech four points from Northern Ireland. Theodor Gebre Selassie scored in the first half but a penalty from Alexander Soderlund restored parity. Continue reading GERMANY CONTINUE 100 PERCENT RECORD IN QUALIFIER