logo
Hübner confirmed as Nagelsmann's Germany assistant after June games

Hübner confirmed as Nagelsmann's Germany assistant after June games

Yahoo24-05-2025

Hoffenheim assistant coach Benjamin Huebner laughs at his official farewell. Hoffenheim assistant coach Benjamin Hübner is in the running to replace Sandro Wagner as Julian Nagelsmann's Germany assistant. Uwe Anspach/dpa
Hoffenheim assistant coach Benjamin Hübner has been confirmed as Julian Nagelsmann's Germany assistant coach from July.
The 35-year-old retired German defender, who played under Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim, comes in after the Nations League Final Four in June and has signed a deal until Euro 2028 - just like his boss.
Advertisement
"I know Benni very well from our three years together at Hoffenheim," Nagelsmann said in a statement on Saturday.
"He was always a real team player who was passionate about the team's success and put his own interests aside."
Hübner will replace Sandro Wagner, who is leaving after the Nations League finale to try to carve out a managerial role for himself.
"It's a great honour to be able to work for the national team," said Hübner, who never gained international honours as a player,
"I had my most successful time at Hoffenheim under Julian Nagelsmann, it had a huge impact on me as a player, but also for my later job as assistant coach."
Advertisement
Hoffenheim only just avoided relegation in the Bundesliga this term.
Germany face a Nations League semi-final against Portugal on June 4 in Munich, with the final on June 8 in the Bavarian capital.
World Cup qualifying in September will be Hübner's first taste of the international touchline.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Report: Liverpool clear-out begins ahead of Slot's first full pre-season
Report: Liverpool clear-out begins ahead of Slot's first full pre-season

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Report: Liverpool clear-out begins ahead of Slot's first full pre-season

Slot's arrival triggers changing of the guard Liverpool's squad is already feeling the weight of change as Arne Slot wastes no time in streamlining his options ahead of pre-season. As highlighted in a recent report by Empire Of The Kop, three long-serving squad members – Tyler Morton, Nat Phillips, and Rhys Williams – are set to leave Anfield in search of pastures new. Advertisement None of the trio featured in Liverpool's 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign. While sentiment might have previously bought these players time, Slot appears keen to construct a new dynamic, focused on active contributors and fresh tactical identities. Pearce reported that the three are 'expected to leave in search of a fresh challenge,' a telling sign that the club is being decisive rather than sentimental. Their departures reflect a clear break from the past and the beginning of a new chapter under the Dutchman. Photo: IMAGO Fringe players prepare for life after Liverpool Tyler Morton has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular. Though tipped for a breakthrough after a promising loan at Blackburn Rovers in 2022–23, last season he remained largely on the fringes. As Pearce states, Morton 'failed to make much of an impact with the very limited opportunities that came his way.' With younger midfielders now ahead of him in the pecking order and a tactical reshuffle underway, a move seems like the logical next step for his development. Advertisement Meanwhile, centre-backs Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have seen their careers stall despite once playing pivotal roles during Liverpool's injury-plagued 2020–21 season. Both have spent time on loan in the Championship and lower-end Bundesliga sides, but without doing enough to force their way back into the plans at Anfield. As Pearce put it, 'both players struggled to make a consistent impact,' and that inconsistency has ultimately sealed their fate. Kelleher and Tsimikas exits underline evolution It's not just the fringe defenders and midfielders heading for the exit. Caoimhin Kelleher, once seen as a future Liverpool number one, has now sealed a permanent move to Brentford. As Pearce reported, 'Liverpool [were] happy to cash in on the Irish international even with the low fee that was offered.' This decision, while perhaps surprising on the surface, reflects Slot's willingness to offload valuable squad players to create room for higher-priority targets. Kostas Tsimikas is expected to follow. Despite being a reliable deputy for Andy Robertson since arriving in 2020, the Greek left-back has slipped down the order and is now considered surplus to requirements. Clubs in mainland Europe have reportedly expressed interest, and a transfer feels imminent. Photo: IMAGO Wirtz pursuit adds context to swift exits The overarching theme of these departures is a desire to reshape the squad and free up wages for top-level reinforcements. One name continues to dominate the conversation: Florian Wirtz. As Empire Of The Kop reports, a second Liverpool bid for the Bayer Leverkusen star has been rejected, but that hasn't dampened the club's pursuit. Advertisement Intriguingly, there are murmurs that 'Wirtz was supposedly the subject of a secret Liverpool medical in Cologne,' suggesting negotiations may be further along than initially believed. Whether or not that deal materialises, Slot's approach is clear – reduce, refine, and reload. The rapid nature of these decisions, so early in the summer window, speaks volumes about how the new manager intends to assert his authority. There is little room for nostalgia. The focus is firmly on ensuring the squad is both leaner and more tailored to his playing philosophy. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a supporter's perspective, it's refreshing to see such clarity and confidence in the early weeks of Arne Slot's tenure. While players like Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams will always have a place in Liverpool folklore for stepping up during a crisis, it's hard to argue that their time at the club has run its course. Morton's exit is perhaps the most disappointing, given his early promise, but even then, it feels like the right decision. Advertisement The Kelleher sale will sting for some, especially given his heroics in cup competitions, but his departure was inevitable if he was to realise his ambition of being a number one elsewhere. Tsimikas' exit feels similar – useful, dependable, but ultimately behind elite-level starters in the pecking order. Fans will now turn their attention to incomings, particularly the Wirtz saga. If these early exits are clearing the runway for a marquee signing, then the pain of these goodbyes will be more than worth it. Slot is clearly building something with purpose, and that bodes well for a seamless transition post-Klopp. What matters most now is turning this momentum into meaningful additions that can push the squad to new heights.

Report: Liverpool transfer could collapse due to international duty scare
Report: Liverpool transfer could collapse due to international duty scare

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Report: Liverpool transfer could collapse due to international duty scare

Wirtz Transfer Talks Accelerate Amid Injury Concerns Liverpool's ambitious pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has taken a dramatic twist this week, as concerns around his involvement in Germany's Nations League campaign threaten to derail what could become the biggest German transfer in history. Advertisement According to Bild, 'Florian Wirtz is on the verge of the biggest German transfer of all time', with Liverpool now pushing hard to finalise a deal worth around €150 million. That fee would surpass any previous purchase made by the Reds and set a new Bundesliga record for an outgoing transfer. However, the timing of the move has left club officials increasingly anxious. Wirtz is currently away on international duty, and Leverkusen fear that an injury while playing for Germany could throw the entire deal into jeopardy. 'If Wirtz gets injured, the entire transfer could be jeopardised. Liverpool could want to reduce the fee or back out altogether.' This sentiment echoes the high-stakes nature of the current talks, which have seen both clubs intensify negotiations. Medical Checks Already Underway in Germany In a sign of how advanced discussions have become, Empire of the Kop cite that a private jet flew from Manchester to Cologne, reportedly to conduct medical checks on Wirtz while he is away with the national team. Advertisement Although nothing has been signed yet, this quiet but crucial move behind the scenes reveals the seriousness of Liverpool's intent. Wirtz is widely seen as the creative lynchpin of Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen side, and his potential arrival at Anfield would mark a seismic addition to Arne Slot's midfield project. Germany face Portugal on Wednesday night, and the timing could not be worse. Liverpool are determined to close the deal before anything potentially damaging occurs on the pitch. Leverkusen, who have already rejected a €130 million bid, are similarly eager to avoid disaster. Player Wants Liverpool Switch as Talks Continue As reported by Empire of the Kop, the 22-year-old midfielder is only interested in joining Liverpool. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri also confirmed this detail on X, suggesting personal terms may not be a stumbling block at all. Advertisement With the player keen and Liverpool determined, attention now shifts back to the negotiating table. While a second offer has already been rejected, it appears Liverpool are inching closer to the €150 million valuation Leverkusen demand. Wirtz's performances this season under Alonso have been nothing short of sensational. The attacking midfielder has contributed heavily to Leverkusen's remarkable campaign and has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after young talents. Photo by IMAGO Risk Management Key Before Euro 2024 The fact that this move is not yet complete is what continues to worry all parties involved. Should Wirtz suffer any kind of injury while representing Germany this week, the consequences could be enormous for both player and clubs. Advertisement Behind the scenes, all efforts are focused on getting the deal wrapped up quickly. While Wirtz has a strong desire to play for Liverpool, the reality of international football means no club can fully protect their asset until signatures are inked. As things stand, negotiations continue and there remains cautious optimism around the outcome. But as one source explained to Empire of the Kop, 'talks are progressing between the two clubs', though the mood is tense given what is at stake. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis As a Liverpool supporter, it is hard not to get excited about the prospect of signing Florian Wirtz. A €150 million deal may seem massive, but Wirtz is not just another prospect — he is a generational talent. His vision, intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match from advanced midfield areas make him a dream addition to Arne Slot's system. Advertisement However, the timing is deeply frustrating. It is entirely understandable that Leverkusen and Liverpool are both nervous about Wirtz playing during the international break. This situation brings back memories of past sagas where promising transfers collapsed due to last-minute complications. The fact that Liverpool have already flown medical staff over shows how serious this is. It is not just paper talk anymore — there is real movement. If Wirtz is pushing for this move, and Leverkusen are willing to sell for the right price, we should do everything in our power to finalise it swiftly. Ideally, before Euro 2024 starts. The club has shown ambition here. Let's hope injury doesn't become the plot twist that kills it.

2025 UEFA Women's Nations League: France Stay Perfect, Switzerland Relegated And Ukraine Promoted
2025 UEFA Women's Nations League: France Stay Perfect, Switzerland Relegated And Ukraine Promoted

Forbes

time5 hours ago

  • Forbes

2025 UEFA Women's Nations League: France Stay Perfect, Switzerland Relegated And Ukraine Promoted

France maintained a 100% record in their group. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) ... More With the league stage played out in the space of a few months in the first half of the year, the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League has served as a great appetizer ahead of the Euros. Many of the tournament favorites were in action in League A, while there were some interesting stories and results elsewhere too. Each of the top three from the inaugural edition of the Women's Nations League sealed a return to the knockouts, but they all did so in different ways. In Group A1, Germany's first piece of competitive action under new head coach Christian Wück resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. They proceeded to run away with the group thereafter, scoring 24 more goals and winning all five remaining group games comprehensively, including an emphatic 4-0 triumph over the Dutch to seal first place at the end of May. Austria finished third with six points, while Scotland was relegated after losing each of their first five games. France was even more commanding in Group A2, as they won all six games and kept clean sheets on all but one occasion. Norway was a distant second and followed by Iceland, while upcoming Euro host Switzerland finished last with just two points. Legendary head coach Pia Sundhage certainly has a task on her hands ahead of this summer's big tournament. Group A3 had all sorts of drama from start to finish. Just on the opening day, European champion England was held to a draw by Portugal while world champion Spain had to stage a dramatic late turnaround to beat Belgium 3-2. Ultimately, the two heavy-hitters went head to head for the top spot and semi-final berth. England won their first meeting by a solitary goal, but Spain staged another turnaround in the reverse fixture to win the group on the final day. Montse Tomé's side might have accumulated 15 points, but they are now without a clean sheet in 10 games and will need to tighten up at the back to meet expectations at the Euros. Spain's defense never looked entirely solid in this Nations League campaign. (Photo by Eric ...) The last group was nicely set up for an exciting finish as three teams remained in contention for the top spot on the final day, with only Wales' position confirmed at the bottom. However, Sweden raced to a three-goal lead in just over 10 minutes and went on to beat Denmark 6-1, leaving little room for any drama. Italy capitalized to finish second and avoid the relegation playoff. League B featured many teams that participated in the Euro 2025 Qualifying playoffs last year. Among them were Poland, who are set to make their debut at a major women's international tournament this summer. They certainly warmed up nicely by dominating Group B1, finishing with double of second-placed Northern Ireland's eight-point tally. Slovenia and Ireland finished level on points at the top of Group B2 with 15 each, but the former's 4-0 home head-to-head win earned them the top spot and with it, direct promotion to League A. At the bottom, Greece got the unwanted record of being the only pointless team in the top two divisions of the Nations League. Euro qualifiers Finland faced a tougher test in Group B3, where they were beaten to the top spot by Serbia. So, they will have to compete against a League A side in the promotion/relegation playoffs, which will be held in October. The promoted side from Group B4 was Ukraine, who edged ahead of Czechia thanks to a superior head-to-head record. Croatia was relegated after losing each of their first five games, thus finishing behind Albania. The directly promoted teams from League C are Slovakia, Malta, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Israel and Latvia. The Faroe Islands impressed by accumulating 10 points in six games, but perhaps the biggest story of all was Liechtenstein's final-day draw with Armenia, which earned them their first point in competitive action. Though it might not seem much, it marks a commendable effort from a team taking part in their first-ever official tournament.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store