Latest news with #GregorKobel
Metro
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Chelsea rejected by £50m transfer target after 'months of talks'
Gregor Kobel has turned down strong interest from Chelsea to continue his stay with Borussia Dortmund. Robert Sanchez has endured a torrid time across an error-strewn season at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are believed to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper ahead the summer transfer window. The Spain international even lost his place midway through the campaign, only to win it back again thanks to a string of unconvincing performances from his understudy Filip Jorgensen. There have been calls amongst the fanbase for head coach Enzo Maresca to put his faith in Djordje Petrovic next term, with the Serbian enjoying an impressive loan spell at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg. But it's understood the priority is to find a long-term solution in the summer transfer market and the likes of Roma's Mile Svilar, Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale and Dortmund's Kobel have been linked in recent weeks. 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 we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. According to Bild, Kobel has 'long been in Chelsea's sights' and there has been 'contact for months' between the two camps over a potential transfer deal. But it's claimed Kobel has decided he will be staying put at Dortmund and a proposed move to west London is now 'off the table'. The report adds that Kobel's entourage have informed BVB sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, that their client has no plans to up sticks and remains committed to the Bundesliga outfit. The 27-year-old is keen to nail down his spot at Switzerland's number one for the 2026 World Cup – and remain fully focussed on the upcoming Club World Cup – without transfer speculation becoming a distraction. Earlier this month, the German newspaper reported that Dortmund could have done business for Kobel had they received an offer of between €60-70 million (£50-59m) for the shot-stopper. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Kobel still has three years remaining on his current contract at the Westfalenstadion. Asked for an update on his future earlier this month, Kobel said: 'I do not comment on such things at all. 'It was important to me that we were in the Champions League, because this club simply belongs in the Champions League. 'It is been a hell of a four years here. The Champions League final, almost champions, and this year it was a completely different season. 'It was definitely exciting, and you never got bored.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: 'One of my favourite nines' – Thierry Henry recommends perfect striker to Arsenal MORE: Chelsea team to face Betis: Europa Conference League final predicted lineups and team news MORE: Marcus Rashford next club odds after Manchester United set asking price
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Gossip: Magpies monitor Borussia Dortmund duo
Newcastle United have scouted Borussia Dortmund's 20-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens and could also make a summer move for his 27-year-old teammate, Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. (Mail - subscription required), externalWant more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip columnFollow the gossip column on BBC Sport
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso basks in hero's sendoff but Dortmund ruin Leverkusen party
It was the last two and a half years in a nutshell; deliciously inventive, daringly late and, quite frankly, a bit too good for Borussia Dortmund. As stoppage time ticked on Florian Wirtz received the ball on the left, seemingly without an angle for a cross; so he dug out a spinning ball with the outside of his foot, spearing it to the back post. The substitute Jonas Hofmann snuck around the back of the defence to bullet a diving header into the far corner as we went into the second minute of added time, another goal at the last for Bayer Leverkusen. Yet there was just a muted cheer and as the familiar chords of ATC's All Around The World greeted the strike from the sound system, they were met by considerable echo. This time, it was already over. Xabi Alonso's side had lost a Bundesliga game for only the third time this season but the moment had long since passed, for coach and for team. With the concession of their title to Bayern Munich last weekend came this week's confirmation from Alonso that 'these last two games are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach'. It was, in many ways, a relief, giving clarity and a chance to truly celebrate everything that Alonso's spell in charge has meant for club and coach. Advertisement It began before kick-off in Sunday afternoon's game, with Alonso presented with a commemorative shirt and a street sign of Xabi Alonso Allee, the thoroughfare in front of the BayArena unofficially renamed after him on the day of the title win 13 months ago. As he received the plaudits from the stands it was notable to see the travelling Dortmund fans join in. Having helped to break Bayern's hegemony he is seen as someone who did a lot for German football, not just for Leverkusen. Even if it was 'not the result we wanted' in the words of Jeremie Frimpong, this was not an unworthy tribute to Alonso and everything he and his group has achieved since his October 2022 arrival. The first half underlined everything that his team have been about; invention, intensity and just all-round excellence. Frimpong's opener, as he stepped inside to smash high into the net with his left foot, was a signpost to how he has thrived under Alonso, going from dashing wing-back to a player who is also a poised, effective part of the attack. The goal was also scant reward for Leverkusen's total domination of a team who arrived having dropped just two points in the last six games (and those had been in a draw at Bayern), and were saved time and again by the outstanding Gregor Kobel in goal to improbably lead at the break. 'We had a lot of luck in the first half and a lot of Gregor Kobel,' smiled Julian Brandt, who scored the equaliser, admitting that his team had taken the points by adding 'killer instinct' to those first two qualities. The win was wrapped up with a minimum of fuss in the second half, with Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy scoring to make it 4-1 before Hofmann's minor footnote. Dortmund, then, breathe again, going into the final day with a clear chance of returning to the Champions League, a minor miracle after a largely torrid season. Yet perhaps their biggest takeaway from their trip to BayArena was that to build a winning environment, a true culture, as Alonso has, is another level entirely. Something to aim for and, for Leverkusen, memories to be treasured. Advertisement Stuttgart 4-0 Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 St Pauli, Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Borussia Dortmund, Bayern 2-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach, Holstein Kiel 1-2 Freiburg, Union Berlin 0-3 Heidenheim, Bochum 1-4 Mainz, Werder Bremen 0-0 RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg 2-2 Hoffenheim. Talking points • It's party time for Bayern and they celebrated properly in their final home game with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a 2-0 win which featured the returning Manuel Neuer repelling a number of attacks in exhilarating fashion. Then, after Harry Kane had returned from a ban to open the scoring and Michael Olise had got himself a goal, it was on to a guard of honour as Thomas Müller left the Allianz Arena field for the final time, followed by beer showers all round and a Sunday morning flight to Ibiza for most of the squad to celebrate at Pacha (despite Max Eberl having put a block on the trip to the island after last weekend's late equaliser for Leipzig). • There's still work to be done in the Champions League race, with Dortmund now knowing that (remarkably) they will make the top four if they beat relegated Holstein Kiel at Signal Iduna Park by at least a two-goal margin – because the current third and fourth-placed teams, Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, face each other on the final day. Freiburg came from behind at Kiel on Saturday, with the in-form Lucas Höler's header sending the hosts down, while Eintracht were held at home by St Pauli on Sunday despite taking the lead via Rasmus Kristensen after 22 seconds, thus blowing a second straight chance to mathematically secure a Champions League spot. They need a point in Freiburg to be sure. 'Of course, we imagined it differently,' said Kevin Trapp, 'but I can't remember a last matchday at Eintracht where everything was already decided. That's how it is. But I'm convinced we can do it.' Advertisement • Meanwhile Leipzig's goalless draw at Werder Bremen means they can no longer reach the top four, which put the cap on a deeply disappointing season and which will have consequences. 'You have to be honest and say we didn't deserve it,' admitted sporting director, Marcel Schäfer, who promised a 'bigger than expected' overhaul of his expensively assembled squad. In addition to the missed revenue the loss of status may affect their head coach search, as Leipzig are a less attractive proposition without the Champions League – though there is now the potential aim of a home European final in 2026 as the Red Bull Arena will host next year's Conference League final, though qualifying for that will also require help from Leverkusen against Mainz on the final day. • Relegation was confirmed for Holstein Kiel and Bochum, though Dieter Hecking will stay in charge of the latter. St Pauli celebrated wildly in Frankfurt, having got the point that means only a mathematical miracle would send them into the relegation playoff spot currently occupied by Heidenheim, who won 3-0 at Union Berlin. Frank Schmidt's side could escape completely if they win heavily against Werder on the final day and Hoffenheim take a thrashing from Bayern. • St Pauli, who this week edged to the verge of their €30m fundraising target from their fan stadium purchase cooperative, also have a top-flight derby with Hamburg to look forward to after HSV secured a Bundesliga return this weekend, after seven years away. Despite a nervy start in which they conceded the opening goal HSV ran out 6-1 winners over Ulm, and a win at Greuther Fürth next weekend would guarantee the title ahead of second-placed Köln, who need a point to guarantee promotion. It is a personal triumph for 34-year-old coach Merlin Polzin, who grew up a season ticket holder. 'I held my brother in my arms,' Polzin said of the post-match celebrations. 'He had tears in his eyes. This means everything to me.'
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Dortmund thump Leverkusen to spoil Alonso's home farewell
LEVERKUSEN, May 12 — Borussia Dortmund romped to a 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, spoiling Xabi Alonso's last match in the home dugout while boosting their Champions League hopes. The visitors came from one down as Jeremie Frimpong's early strike was cancelled out by goals from Julian Brandt, Julian Ryerson, Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy. Alonso, who took Leverkusen to a league and cup double last year in his first full season in charge, announced his impending departure from the club on Friday, with Real Madrid the Spaniard's likely destination. Alonso told reporters his exit was 'emotional and this club will stay in my heart forever', adding he would 'forget the result from today pretty quickly'. Leverkusen's title defence fizzled out with a 2-2 draw at Freiburg last Sunday, but the home fans were in a celebratory mood, 12 months after Alonso took them to a first league title in their 120-year history. Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, who is also leaving at season's end, was full of praise for Alonso. 'He's got a certain aura, he's a great coach and a great person. We can be thankful to him,' said Tah. Before the game, Leverkusen celebrated Alonso's time at the club as fans chanted 'Danke Xabi' and held up placards with pictures of the Basque coach, but Dortmund were in no mood to celebrate. The hosts dominated the opening period, pinning Dortmund in their own half. Only some spectacular saves from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made seven stops before half-time alone, kept Leverkusen at bay. Leverkusen's pressure finally told with 31 minutes gone when Florian Wirtz waltzed through the penalty area, attracted three defenders before laying the ball off to Frimpong who curled a shot into the top corner. Dortmund roar back Dortmund had barely left their own half but the goal shook them to life. The visitors equalised two minutes later, Adeyemi cutting the ball back for Brandt to hammer home. Brandt engineered Dortmund's second two minutes before the break, winning a ball near the sideline and finding a cross to Pascal Gross, who swivelled and teed up Ryerson to drive a low shot into the net. Both Adeyemi and Guirassy, who each scored braces in last week's 4-0 thumping of Wolfsburg, got on the scoresheet in the space of four second-half minutes. Guirassy now has 33 goals from 44 games in his first season in Dortmund. Wirtz, who has been linked with a summer departure, laid on a late consolation goal for Jonas Hofmann in stoppage time. Alonso will coach Leverkusen one more time, in next week's game at Mainz, but Leverkusen cannot finish any higher or lower than second. At one point sitting 12th, Dortmund have picked up 19 of a possible 21 points and now sit one point behind fourth-placed Freiburg. 'It's not in our hands but we're a bit closer and we've got one more final next week at home,' coach Niko Kovac told DAZN. Dortmund's job was made a little easier when third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt were held to a 2-2 draw at home to St Pauli later on Sunday. Rasmus Kristensen opened the scoring with a stunner after just 23 seconds but St Pauli quickly turned the match around as goals from Manolis Saliakas and Morgan Guilavogui fired the visitors ahead. Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi equalised on 71 minutes and had the ball in the net again in the dying stages, but the goal was chalked off for handball. Frankfurt stay third but face fourth-placed Freiburg next week, with the winner guaranteed to play in the Champions League. Dortmund need to beat relegated Holstein Kiel at home to join them. Later on Sunday, German Cup finalists Stuttgart play at home to Augsburg. — AFP
Free Malaysia Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Dortmund storm past Leverkusen 4-2 to keep alive Champions League chance
Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena. (AP pic) LEVERKUSEN : Borussia Dortmund powered back from a goal down to crush hosts Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 in the Bundesliga on Sunday, keeping alive their chance of a top-four finish going into the final matchday next week. Dortmund have now won six of their last seven league games to climb up from 11th to fifth and are just a point behind fourth-placed Freiburg. The Ruhr valley club, last year's Champions League finalists, have 54 points going into next week's season finale, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification for next season's Champions League. Yet they found themselves a goal down in the 31st minute with Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong giving the hosts a deserved lead in coach Xabi Alonso's final home match. The Spaniard announced on Friday that he will leave at the end of the season, having joined in October 2022 and led them to the domestic double last season without defeat while also reaching the Europa League final. A half-dozen saves by Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel kept them in the game in the first half but after Leverkusen's goal the visitors never looked back. Dortmund levelled two minutes later with Julian Brandt slotting in from a Karim Adeyemi cutback. The visitors scored again in the 43rd after winning possession in Leverkusen's half and Julian Ryerson completing the move with a low finish from the right. Leverkusen's lethargic play saw them lose possession once more in the 73rd with Marcel Sabitzer feeding lightning-quick Adeyemi to make it 3-1. Before the hosts had time to regroup they conceded another goal through Serhou Guirassy, who bagged his 20th league goal of the season in the 77th. Jonas Hofmann manage to score in stoppage time for Leverkusen. Dortmund host relegated Holstein Kiel next week. Bayern Munich on Saturday celebrated the league title they had secured a week earlier, beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0.
