Latest news with #DietmarHamann
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dietmar Hamann makes Florian Wirtz prediction after Liverpool agrees transfer fee
Dietmar Hamann has predicted that Liverpool 's supporters will "love" compatriot Florian Wirtz after the Reds agreed a fee with Bayer Leverkusen for the Germany international. After weeks of negotiations, the Reds committed a guaranteed initial £100 million ($135 million) to the transfer, while the fee could rise to £116 million ($157 million) if various add-on clauses are met. Wirtz was the subject of interest from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but he favored a move to Liverpool, emphasizing just how appealing the Reds are to join right now. Advertisement Hamann, who made 280 appearances for Liverpool, is confident that Wirtz will be a success on Merseyside. 'I think he's the best player we've (Germany) got," Hamann said, as quoted by Rousing the Kop. "And he's... well, obviously he won't be cheap, but I think he's a player who makes other players better. READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Atletico holds talks with Robertson, Kerkez latest READ MORE: Michael Edwards to Saudi Arabia truth after claim Liverpool and FSG chief 'agreed' deal '[Fellow Germany international Jamal] Musiala likes to dribble, he likes to play on his own. But Wirtz is somebody, because if you look at the team now, Frimpong, I think he's valued at 40 million, he's coming for, he came to Leverkusen for probably half the money. Advertisement "And part of the reason why all the team is now worth probably a double of what they were worth before is Wirtz, because he brings them into play. 'He's got a great eye for his teammates, he's got a brilliant touch, he can finish himself. And he always got an eye for the pass. And obviously one thing is seeing the pass, the other thing is executing. But he does both. "For me, he's in the position, he's probably the best player in Europe at the moment. And he played in a team that finished, well, they were 16th or 17th when Alonso took over. So they end up winning the league the season after, this year they finished second. Florian Wirtz is set to join Liverpool -Credit:2025 Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto 'And part of the reason or the biggest reason is Florian Wirtz. And if he comes to a team, which is even better than Leverkusen, I think it could be a perfect match. And I don't think it will take too long, if he does come here, which I think he will, before the punters love him here. Advertisement 'And the thing, why I think he will be a success, is that he can look after himself. He's like a street kid. So he won't shirk a challenge. "He will be looked after by his teammates, I'm pretty sure, because he will be one of the main players next season. But if he needs to, he can look after himself. And he won't be worried, he won't be afraid of any physical presence shown against him.'
BBC News
07-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Is Kelleher Republic of Ireland's World Cup 'trump card'?
"We talked before about who will be the player to take them to the World Cup? I think he is the biggest trump card."Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann was full of praise for Caoimhin Kelleher after the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Senegal. Kelleher's resolve was finally broken in the 81st minute after making three big saves to keep the African side out in Dublin. It has been a big week for the 26-year-old, who left Liverpool to join Brentford for an initial £12.5m, which could rise to £18m with to former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given, "in the current climate he's worth every single penny, if not more"."No disrespect to Brentford, but I'm surprised there wasn't a few more bigger clubs in," Given said on RTE Sport."Unless clubs have gone, 'let's have a look at him at Brentford. We know they are a selling club, let's see him as a number one for a year or two'. "At 26 years of age he's still plenty young enough. He looks the real deal" Given reflected upon the goalkeeping situation at Manchester United and Chelsea, and said "I would have gone in and got him".He was speaking after Kelleher made three big saves against Senegal. The first came early in the second half when he tipped Krepin Diatta's header onto the crossbar when it looked destined for the back of the was a save Given described as "world class", and Kelleher followed it up with another save to push the ball off the line after a big deflection onto the post, and then the initial stop with his foot to keep the ball out before Ismaila Sarr fired home the rebound in Dublin."I don't think there is a keeper in the group who is anywhere near as good as he is," Hamann said on RTE when talking about the key role Kelleher could play for the Irish ahead of World Cup qualifying in September. "I said last year, I think he is one of the top five keepers in the Premier League. "Obviously one of those better than him was playing for the same club [Liverpool's Alisson]. "You'll struggle to find three of four better players than him in the Premier League and I think he'll show it next season." Former Newcastle United and Manchester City stopper Given believes Kelleher will have a point to prove as he heads to Brentford as their first choice goalkeeper after deputising for Alisson while at who joined Liverpool as a 16-year-old, played in 25 Premier League games since making his debut five years ago."He would have benefited but he would have missed out on so many games as well," Given said on Kelleher's time at Liverpool. "He'll not get that back now. He'll be hungry to play every single week and be successful in his own right. "His patience paid off. He's gone to Brentford with a Premier League medal and it's not like he made one or two substitute appearances. "He played really well and it was in a part of the season when the league was far from won. There was high pressure and he can deal with it, he's got the whole lot."
Metro
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Premier League final day LIVE: Forest vs Chelsea latest score and updates
The final day of the 2024-25 Premier League season is here with plenty of business still to be concluded. Liverpool's title triumph has long been wrapped up with relegation settled before the end of April but the race for Champions League qualification is still very much on. Arsenal have joined champions Liverpool in securing a place at Europe's top table next season with Tottenham also there after their Europa League final victory over Manchester United midweek. But Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are all vying for the final three spots on the final day. Forest host Chelsea in the pick of those fixtures with our focus on that game at the City Ground. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Metro's LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs and goal updated across the final day this afternoon. Sort: Newest first Oldest first May 25, 2025 1:58 pm Welcome! Good afternoon and welcome to the Metro's LIVE coverage of the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season. It's been another thrilling year for England's top-flight and while the title and relegation battles are done and dusted, there is still so much at stake today as five clubs fight for Champions League qualification. We'll bring you the all important team news from around the grounds very soon… MORE: Dietmar Hamann says Liverpool star could be 'biggest transfer mistake in club's history' MORE: Jack Grealish next club odds after getting axed from Man City squad MORE: Man Utd stars 'beg' teammate to stay and have one big fear if he leaves
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Barcelona will be eliminated' – Former German star predicts UCL quarter-final shock
Barcelona are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The first leg is set to take place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 9, with the return fixture scheduled for the Signal Iduna Park. The matchup promises to be an intense battle as both teams aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Former Germany international and current football analyst Dietmar Hamann has shared his views on the upcoming clash, expressing confidence that Borussia Dortmund have what it takes to progress. The ex-midfielder, who enjoyed a distinguished career with Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs, believes the German side will capitalise on Barcelona's defensive frailties. 'Borussia will go through because they know what they need against a Barça side that is very open at the back,' he said as quoted by SPORT. Hamann highlighted Dortmund's recent performance in the Champions League, particularly their impressive comeback against Lille. Despite missing key chances early on and trailing 1-0, Dortmund turned the game around with a strong second-half display. Their ability to respond under pressure has given him confidence in their ability to overcome Barcelona. 'With this team, you never know what you're going to get. I think they are capable of anything and now they will eliminate Barcelona.' One of the key concerns Hamann raised about Barcelona is their defensive vulnerability. While the Catalan giants possess world-class attacking talent and regularly find the back of the net, their backline remains a weak point. He suggested that Dortmund's tactical discipline and experience in high-pressure European fixtures could give them an edge in the two-legged tie. 'Barça have a very open defence. And I don't know if that will work in the long run. Of course, they score a lot of goals because they have incredibly good players up front. 'But Dortmund know what it takes. They proved it last year. I think they will be eliminated,' he noted. With both teams possessing quality across the pitch, the quarter-final is certainly expected to be a thrilling contest.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ragnick the latest to criticize Dortmund's plans
In the wake of yesterday's defeat at Bochum, Sky analyst Dietmar Hamann lashed out at Dortmund. According to the former German international, Dortmund 'don't need a coach, they need a magician'. Ralf Rangnick now joins the long list of Bundesliga experts by criticizing Dortmund. Austria's national team coach was among those linked with the club when Nuri Şahin was relieved of his duty last month. In an interview with Bild, Rangnick emphasized the need to focus on the big picture. 'You can't blame the players. The fixed point of a game idea has not been pursued for years," says the former Manchester United coach. "Let's go back to the time when BVB was most successful in the last 20 years. Those were the years under Jürgen Klopp. "At that time, BVB was a brand. For example, when putting together the squad, they used to plan it from the very beginning to ensure that the players fit in with Klopp's desired style of play. Now they have the tenth or twelfth coach since Klopp left. They no longer put together the squad for one proposed style of play." Niko Kovac's side stuck in Bundesliga's midtable following yesterday's defeat, but they're expected to book their place in this season's Round of 16 when they host Sporting CP on Wednesday.
