With Argentina losing 3-0 last night, the favourites for the World Cup would be on high alert as to any surprises that can happen in Russia 2018. Germany lost their opening game to Mexico, and if by any stroke of luck Sweden also shock them, then the defending champions would go the way of Italy and Spain that crashed out at the first round in the defence of their World Cups.
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara believes Germany should be the front-runners for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, given they are defending their title. The Germans ended a 24-year wait for the trophy four years ago, and they now have the opportunity of becoming the first nation to reclaim the crown after the highly successful Brazilian side of the 1960s.
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
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
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
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.
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