Latest news with #SkyGermany
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Last-gasp Scienza strike keeps Heidenheim in Bundesliga
BERLIN: Heidenheim's Leo Scienza scored a last-gasp winner in a 2-1 second leg play-off victory at Elversberg yesterday, securing his side's top-flight status next season. A 2-2 draw in Thursday's first leg at Heidenheim meant the winner in Elversberg yesterday would play in the Bundesliga next season. Heidenheim, who were third from bottom in the top division, took the lead through Mathias Honsak after nine minutes in front of a sold-out crowd of 9,200 at the Kaiserlinde Stadium. Elversberg, who finished the season third in the second division, helped their bid to become the smallest Bundesliga side in history when Robin Fellhauer equalised just after the half-hour mark. They looked to have taken the lead just two minutes after half-time when Tom Zimmerschied tapped in from close range, but the goal was overturned for offside after a lengthy VAR review. With the match heading for extra-time, Paul Wanner played Scienza into space and the Brazilian blasted a shot past the goalkeeper, sending the visiting side into raptures. The 4-3 aggregate triumph means Heidenheim, who this season played in the Conference League, in the top-flight for a third straight campaign. Visiting coach Frank Schmidt played for the club and took over as coach when Heidenheim were in the fifth division, before piloting them to the top flight. Schmidt said he was "mega happy, mega proud of the team and the club," but said he was too spent to celebrate. "I put everything into this. I'm empty, I've got nothing left, no energy. Tomorrow no matter who tries to call me, I won't be answering." Elversberg tested their top-flight opponents throughout, finishing with 65 percent possession. Coach Horst Steffen told Sky Germany: "To have such a performance and still lose, that hurts. The boys deserved better for what they showed today." Elversberg's defeat means Hamburg and Cologne are the only two teams promoted to the top flight, while Holstein Kiel and Bochum will play second division football next season. Elversberg, from a town of just 13,000, were promoted to the second division for the first time in 2023. Since the play-off was reintroduced at the end of the 2008-09 campaign, the top-flight team has now won over two legs in 14 of 17 seasons. The most recent second-division side to win promotion via the play-off was Union Berlin, who came through on away goals against Stuttgart in 2019.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool winger joins the list of potential Bayern transfer targets
Cody Gakpo is on Bayern Munich's list of possible options for the left wing position, Sky Germany believes. The Bavarian club has already contact with the Dutchman, who could leave Liverpool this summer. A price tag of €50-60million is supposedly the asking price put toward by the new Premier League champions. Bavaria would be one of three potential destinations for Gakpo should he leave Liverpool in summer. Vincent Kompany's side have already been linked with names like AC Milan's Rafael Leão and Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton in recent weeks.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Bayern shortlist Brighton star amid winger uncertainty
Mitoma in Bayern's Sights: Brighton Star Gains Bundesliga Attention Bundesliga Eyes on Seagulls' Star Brighton's Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma has become the latest name linked with a move to FC Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany. With his contract running until 2027, the 28-year-old remains a key figure on the south coast, but the Bundesliga giants are reportedly monitoring him as a left-wing alternative should Kingsley Coman or Leroy Sané leave this summer. Advertisement Florian Plettenberg reports, 'An exciting name that Bayern have had their eye on for some time. It's fitting that Bayern have recently invested less in Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens. Like Mitoma, they would be players for the left wing.' This indicates a clear tactical vision at Bayern: pace, flair, and inverted wingers with a keen eye for goal. Technical Brilliance Born in Academia Mitoma's footballing education is the stuff of legend. Not only has he lit up the Premier League since arriving at Brighton via a successful loan at Union Saint-Gilloise, but his academic grounding is unique. His university thesis? The science of dribbling. And it shows. The man from Kawasaki brings a cerebral edge to his rapid, slaloming runs. Whether cutting in or driving wide, Mitoma's ability to destabilise defensive lines with technique and speed makes him an ideal fit for top-level tactical systems like Bayern's. Rejected Riches, Chasing Glory Earlier this year, Mitoma was the subject of a €90 million offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. Brighton's refusal to sell—even in the face of such lucrative temptation—speaks volumes. Not only about their valuation of the player but also about their long-term ambitions. Advertisement Like Coman and Sané, Mitoma prefers operating from wide areas, drifting inside on his stronger right foot. He offers variety and verticality—qualities Bayern's sporting leadership, particularly Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, are understood to be seeking. Strategic Thinking at Bayern It's a classic Bayern move: identify undervalued or under-the-radar quality and integrate it into a squad already brimming with pedigree. Mitoma's experience in the Premier League and his adaptability could make him an immediate asset at the Allianz Arena. Photo: IMAGO And with Brighton's reputation as one of Europe's smartest recruiting clubs, their resistance to cash offers suggests that any potential departure would only be entertained on their terms. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Brighton fan's perspective, this report is both flattering and concerning. It validates just how far Kaoru Mitoma has come, attracting attention from a European giant like Bayern. But it also raises familiar worries. Will Brighton be able to keep hold of their top talents in the face of continental interest? Advertisement There's a sense of pride that a player who was relatively unknown just a few years ago is now linked with one of football's most decorated clubs. However, fans will also recall how quickly players like Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo moved on. Brighton's model works, but it demands constant renewal. Should Mitoma leave, there will be hope that the club's next gem is already being polished. Still, there's no doubt losing such a unique, electrifying talent would sting. For now, Seagulls supporters will hope Bayern's gaze drifts elsewhere—at least until the end of Mitoma's prime.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Augsburg part ways with head coach Jens Thorup
Augsburg have announced that they have parted ways with head coach Jens Thorup after the team had analysed their season. Following Thorup out of the door is sporting director Marinko Jurendic. Since replacing Enrico Maaßen as head coach in the 2023/24 season, Thorup has averaged 1.3 points per game and turned the Fuggerstadt into a strong defensive unit. This season, the club even came close to fighting for a European spot, but ended the season on a five-game winless run and finished 12th, with it viewed as their third-best season ever. Advertisement However, despite the solid defensive aspect of their season, it is seen that this is not good enough, and there is a belief within the club that more could have been done, reports kicker. Augsburg now want to take the next step as a club and wants to shake things up with their next coaching hire. Sky Germany reports that Sandro Wagner is Augsburg's preferred candidate to replace Thorup. The former striker is said to have already agreed terms with a Bundesliga side over becoming their head coach in the summer. Wagner will be available in June after the conclusion of the Nations League finals. GGFN | Jack Meenan
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florian Wirtz leans towards Liverpool over Bayern Munich
Liverpool have been given a major boost in their pursuit to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Sky Germany report this evening that the player is leaning towards moving to Liverpool over Bayern Munich, but the Premier League side remain cautious in their hunt of the €150m rated star. As Get German Football News understands, Bayer Leverkusen have no interest in strengthening their Bundesliga rivals. Real Madrid and Manchester City had also shown an interest in signing Wirtz, but the latter's interest has cooled, which has put Liverpool in pole position to sign the Germany international, who could yet remain at Bayer Leverkusen beyond the summer transfer window. Advertisement Wirtz – who scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 games across all competitions for Leverkusen this season – travelled to England with his entourage last week to discuss a potential move. Despite latest developments, Liverpool have not yet submitted an offer to Bayer Leverkusen, per Sky Sports. GGFN | Daniel Pinder
