Breaking: DFL suspends the Bundesliga, Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich will NOT go ahead
FC Bayern Muenchen v VfB Stuttgart - Bundesliga Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty ImagesDue the coronavirus outbreak that is ravaging Europe, the DFL has finally made the decision to postpone MD26 of the Bundesliga.It’s official — after coming under severe criticism, the DFL has reversed its decision to allow Bundesliga games to be played behind closed doors this weekend. This means that Bayern Munich’s game against Union Berlin will not go ahead as planned, and will instead be postponed. This is in response to the coronavirus outbreak that is currently sweeping through Germany and Europe.By opting to suspend fixtures, the league falls in line with La Liga, Serie A, and every other top league in Europe by suspending play until April. This suspension puts the entire season into doubt, and there’s a chance that the league could end without a champion being declared. Bayern Munich, who currently sit at the top of the table, would definitely not want to see such a thing come to pass.Nach aktuellen Entwicklungen in Zusammenhang mit dem #Corona-Virus: #DFL beschließt Verlegung des 26. Spieltags der #Bundesliga und 2. Bundesliga ➡️ https://t.co/1YLxW9rcco pic.twitter.com/9jJaADVEtC— DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga (@DFL_Official) March 13, 2020As for the decision itself — good idea, and it took them long enough. At least the DFL have the sense to listen to some criticism, instead of burying their heads in the sand for that sweet TV money. Thiago Alcantara even called them “irresponsible” and “imprudent”. Meanwhile, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge looks a little bit silly after the comments he made justifying the decision to play. He should’ve just kept shut.Hopefully these steps help contain the outbreak in Germany and Europe, and things return to normal as soon as possible. For those of us who were looking forward to exciting games of football, this obviously sucks, but the decision is more than justified given the scale of the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.Read more...
FC Bayern Muenchen v VfB Stuttgart - Bundesliga Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty ImagesDue the coronavirus outbreak that is ravaging Europe, the DFL has finally made the decision to postpone MD26 of the Bundesliga.It’s official — after coming under severe criticism, the DFL has reversed its decision to allow Bundesliga games to be played behind closed doors this weekend. This means that Bayern Munich’s game against Union Berlin will not go ahead as planned, and will instead be postponed. This is in response to the coronavirus outbreak that is currently sweeping through Germany and Europe.By opting to suspend fixtures, the league falls in line with La Liga, Serie A, and every other top league in Europe by suspending play until April. This suspension puts the entire season into doubt, and there’s a chance that the league could end without a champion being declared. Bayern Munich, who currently sit at the top of the table, would definitely not want to see such a thing come to pass.Nach aktuellen Entwicklungen in Zusammenhang mit dem #Corona-Virus: #DFL beschließt Verlegung des 26. Spieltags der #Bundesliga und 2. Bundesliga ➡️ https://t.co/1YLxW9rcco pic.twitter.com/9jJaADVEtC— DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga (@DFL_Official) March 13, 2020As for the decision itself — good idea, and it took them long enough. At least the DFL have the sense to listen to some criticism, instead of burying their heads in the sand for that sweet TV money. Thiago Alcantara even called them “irresponsible” and “imprudent”. Meanwhile, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge looks a little bit silly after the comments he made justifying the decision to play. He should’ve just kept shut.Hopefully these steps help contain the outbreak in Germany and Europe, and things return to normal as soon as possible. For those of us who were looking forward to exciting games of football, this obviously sucks, but the decision is more than justified given the scale of the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.Read more...
Breaking: Euro 2020 postponed to 2021
A Logo of the UEFA Euro 2020 is seen at a countdown clock... Photo by Sergei Mikhailichenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesAccording to a new report, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have agreed to a deal to postponed the Euro’s until 2021Per a new report from Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, or ZDF, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have agreed in principle to a deal that would move this summer’s Euro 2020 competition to the following summer effectively making it Euro 2021. This is mainly in response to the coronavirus epidemic that has ravaged Europe this year and caused delays in the domestic football calendars of most European countries.Die UEFA hat die nationalen Ligen und die Europäische Klubvereinigung ECA darüber informiert, dass sie die für diesen Sommer geplante Fußball-EM in den Sommer 2021 verschieben will. Die Ligen und die ECA haben dem Vorschlag nach ZDF-Informationen zugestimmt. 1/2 #euro2020 pic.twitter.com/weQntQ2NNU— ZDF Sport (@ZDFsport) March 17, 2020UEFA has informed the national leagues and the European Club Association (ECA) that it intends to postpone the European Football Championship scheduled for this summer until the summer of 2021. The leagues and the ECA have agreed to the proposal according to information from ZDF.This is important for a couple different reasons. First and foremost, it will allow the various leagues to complete their seasons without the Euro 2020 competition hovering over them due to the unprecedented postponements due to the coronavirus outbreak.How it will play out this summer will ultimately depend on when the various leagues will be able to resume play. Bayern Munich might still have a shot at the Champions League now. I know of at least one person who is happy about this, and that’s Niklas Süle since he will no longer have to miss the tournament.UPDATE:Thomas Müller quickly picked up the news and agreed that this was “the only right choice”:Die einzig richtige Entscheidung #UEFA #EM2021 #COVID2019 #corona #esmuellert https://t.co/TMdWu3XIih— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) March 17, 2020Read more...
A Logo of the UEFA Euro 2020 is seen at a countdown clock... Photo by Sergei Mikhailichenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesAccording to a new report, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have agreed to a deal to postponed the Euro’s until 2021Per a new report from Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, or ZDF, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have agreed in principle to a deal that would move this summer’s Euro 2020 competition to the following summer effectively making it Euro 2021. This is mainly in response to the coronavirus epidemic that has ravaged Europe this year and caused delays in the domestic football calendars of most European countries.Die UEFA hat die nationalen Ligen und die Europäische Klubvereinigung ECA darüber informiert, dass sie die für diesen Sommer geplante Fußball-EM in den Sommer 2021 verschieben will. Die Ligen und die ECA haben dem Vorschlag nach ZDF-Informationen zugestimmt. 1/2 #euro2020 pic.twitter.com/weQntQ2NNU— ZDF Sport (@ZDFsport) March 17, 2020UEFA has informed the national leagues and the European Club Association (ECA) that it intends to postpone the European Football Championship scheduled for this summer until the summer of 2021. The leagues and the ECA have agreed to the proposal according to information from ZDF.This is important for a couple different reasons. First and foremost, it will allow the various leagues to complete their seasons without the Euro 2020 competition hovering over them due to the unprecedented postponements due to the coronavirus outbreak.How it will play out this summer will ultimately depend on when the various leagues will be able to resume play. Bayern Munich might still have a shot at the Champions League now. I know of at least one person who is happy about this, and that’s Niklas Süle since he will no longer have to miss the tournament.UPDATE:Thomas Müller quickly picked up the news and agreed that this was “the only right choice”:Die einzig richtige Entscheidung #UEFA #EM2021 #COVID2019 #corona #esmuellert https://t.co/TMdWu3XIih— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) March 17, 2020Read more...
<b>Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich eyeing “Pepê of Grêmio,” Hertha quarantined, and players juggling toilet paper!</b>
<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qpr-KyODkso1dz55ONsXmV-lSx0=/0x0:3100x2067/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66517768/1189806876.jpg.0.jpg">Palmeiras v Gremio - Brasileirao Series A 2019</a> Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty ImagesA young left winger playing Grêmio has caught Bayern’s eye.<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/bayern-munich">Bayern Munich</a> and Ajax eyeing Pepê of Grêmio (<a href="http://globoesporte.globo.com/ge/videos/v/aquela-ultima-pepe-do-gremio-na-mira-de-ajax-e-bayern/8397886/">Globoesporte.com</a>, <a href="https://www.foxsports.com.br/br/article/pepe-entra-na-mira-de-ajax-e-bayern-de-munique-que-podem-entrar-em-disputa-na-proxima-janela_a51o0p">FOX.br</a>)So many Pepê’s, so little time! This one is Pepê of Gêmio. A report from <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil">Brazil</a> claims that Bayern Munich and Ajax are taking a close look at the left winger as a potential signing for the next season.At Ajax, Pepê supposedly would fill the vacancy left by David Neres, whom the club intends to sell at the end of the season. They see great potential for the Brazilian’s development — and, of course, Ajax is no slouch at that.Bayern likewise has been inquiring about Pepê. He has scored twice for Grêmio this year. Last season, he racked up nine goals and three assists.Need a Bayern fix? Check out 425 historical games! (<a href="https://footballia.net/teams/bayern-munchen">Footballia</a>)Our own RLD writes, “For those going through Bayern withdrawal, this site, which I understand is legal, has 425 historical Bayern games available to be watched. Want to see a friendly from 1966...they got you covered. Lots of good matches in there to be seen.”Seriously, you can see the legendary Bayern of the early 70s go up against Johan Cruyff’s Ajax over two legs. It’s very cool.<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/players/253660/leon-goretzka">Leon Goretzka</a> puts out call to donate bloodMit Blut spenden, Mut spenden: In Zeiten von <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Corona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Corona</a> sind Blutspenden lebensnotwendig. Helft mit und spendet Blut!
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/D34513ldG1">https://t.co/D34513ldG1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/blutspende_de?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@blutspende_de</a> <a href="https://t.co/pgQ4m0Y4h9">pic.twitter.com/pgQ4m0Y4h9</a>— Leon Goretzka (@leongoretzka_) <a href="https://twitter.com/leongoretzka_/status/1239934718977638402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a>Give courage by giving blood: in the time of #corona, donating blood saves lives. Help and donate blood!You may notice that the o’s and a in Goretzka’s name are missing in the image above. That is by design: below, it reads, “A, B, and O. You only notice them when they’re missing.”In his brief time at Bayern, Leon Goretzka has truly shown leadership in social responsibility and activism. Respekt!<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/hertha-berlin-bsc">Hertha Berlin</a> in quarantine after first confirmed <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/1/31/21113178/what-is-coronavirus-symptoms-travel-china-map">coronavirus</a> caseOne of our players has unfortunately tested positive for Coronavirus. All players, coaches and backroom staff will now undergo the recommended 14-day isolation period. <a href="https://t.co/vQcv7R7x9f">pic.twitter.com/vQcv7R7x9f</a>— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerthaBSC_EN/status/1239855636751450112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a>Hahohe...Good morning, my neighbors! (Cesc Fabregas)Cesc Fabregas is still trying to lighten the mood
(via cescf4bregas/Instagram) <a href="https://t.co/UNXEdSYuSy">pic.twitter.com/UNXEdSYuSy</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1239888266884677633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March…
<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qpr-KyODkso1dz55ONsXmV-lSx0=/0x0:3100x2067/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66517768/1189806876.jpg.0.jpg">Palmeiras v Gremio - Brasileirao Series A 2019</a> Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty ImagesA young left winger playing Grêmio has caught Bayern’s eye.<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/bayern-munich">Bayern Munich</a> and Ajax eyeing Pepê of Grêmio (<a href="http://globoesporte.globo.com/ge/videos/v/aquela-ultima-pepe-do-gremio-na-mira-de-ajax-e-bayern/8397886/">Globoesporte.com</a>, <a href="https://www.foxsports.com.br/br/article/pepe-entra-na-mira-de-ajax-e-bayern-de-munique-que-podem-entrar-em-disputa-na-proxima-janela_a51o0p">FOX.br</a>)So many Pepê’s, so little time! This one is Pepê of Gêmio. A report from <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil">Brazil</a> claims that Bayern Munich and Ajax are taking a close look at the left winger as a potential signing for the next season.At Ajax, Pepê supposedly would fill the vacancy left by David Neres, whom the club intends to sell at the end of the season. They see great potential for the Brazilian’s development — and, of course, Ajax is no slouch at that.Bayern likewise has been inquiring about Pepê. He has scored twice for Grêmio this year. Last season, he racked up nine goals and three assists.Need a Bayern fix? Check out 425 historical games! (<a href="https://footballia.net/teams/bayern-munchen">Footballia</a>)Our own RLD writes, “For those going through Bayern withdrawal, this site, which I understand is legal, has 425 historical Bayern games available to be watched. Want to see a friendly from 1966...they got you covered. Lots of good matches in there to be seen.”Seriously, you can see the legendary Bayern of the early 70s go up against Johan Cruyff’s Ajax over two legs. It’s very cool.<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/players/253660/leon-goretzka">Leon Goretzka</a> puts out call to donate bloodMit Blut spenden, Mut spenden: In Zeiten von <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Corona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Corona</a> sind Blutspenden lebensnotwendig. Helft mit und spendet Blut!
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/D34513ldG1">https://t.co/D34513ldG1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/blutspende_de?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@blutspende_de</a> <a href="https://t.co/pgQ4m0Y4h9">pic.twitter.com/pgQ4m0Y4h9</a>— Leon Goretzka (@leongoretzka_) <a href="https://twitter.com/leongoretzka_/status/1239934718977638402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a>Give courage by giving blood: in the time of #corona, donating blood saves lives. Help and donate blood!You may notice that the o’s and a in Goretzka’s name are missing in the image above. That is by design: below, it reads, “A, B, and O. You only notice them when they’re missing.”In his brief time at Bayern, Leon Goretzka has truly shown leadership in social responsibility and activism. Respekt!<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/hertha-berlin-bsc">Hertha Berlin</a> in quarantine after first confirmed <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/1/31/21113178/what-is-coronavirus-symptoms-travel-china-map">coronavirus</a> caseOne of our players has unfortunately tested positive for Coronavirus. All players, coaches and backroom staff will now undergo the recommended 14-day isolation period. <a href="https://t.co/vQcv7R7x9f">pic.twitter.com/vQcv7R7x9f</a>— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerthaBSC_EN/status/1239855636751450112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a>Hahohe...Good morning, my neighbors! (Cesc Fabregas)Cesc Fabregas is still trying to lighten the mood
(via cescf4bregas/Instagram) <a href="https://t.co/UNXEdSYuSy">pic.twitter.com/UNXEdSYuSy</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1239888266884677633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March…
Herbert Hainer stresses the importance of solidarity between clubs during pandemic
FC Schalke 04 v FC Bayern Muenchen - DFB Cup Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty ImagesAll clubs must help each other to get through this difficult period, Hainer said.In a visit to the Münchner Tafel, where Bayern Munich’s basketball team was helping local employees with unloading food deliveries, Herbert Hainer spoke to the press about the importance of solidarity between the clubs in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic (AZ). A significant amount of money will be lost throughout the Bundesliga, and it’s the teams towards the bottom of the table and in the lower German leagues that are being hit the hardest from a financial standpoint.The top four clubs — Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen — have already announced that they’ll give all of their Champions League television money into a collective DFL pot to help some of the more financially vulnerable clubs. The stronger clubs helping the weaker ones during this time is an absolute necessity, Hainer said:Also in football, the stronger have to help the weaker, because we all want to see football games and a Bundesliga with many teams in the future again. That’s why it goes without saying.Hainer said that Bayern has always been a club and organization that has led by example, largely thanks to the leadership of his predecessor, Uli Hoeness:Bayern München was always a leader in this role — thanks to Uli Hoeness, who has an incredibly social heart. We obviously want to continue that, also in collaboration with the other Bundesliga clubs.The footballing world, like the rest of the world, will not be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic has dissipated. Hainer said he expects the transfer market to change as well once the crisis passes:It definitely will not be like it was in terms of the transfer market and transfer fees. I suspect and hope that some sense will return to the transfer market in particular.You can see some footage of the basketball team helping out at the Münchner Tafel below. Hainer starts speaking at around the 2:33 mark:#FCBBHelpside
Mitarbeiter und Spieler helfen seit Mittwoch bis Ende nächster Woche bei der Ausgabestelle der #MünchnerTafel!#FCBB #GutesTun #Corona @FCBayern @fcbbjugend pic.twitter.com/nGE3SUMp97— FC Bayern Basketball (@fcb_basketball) March 27, 2020Read more...
FC Schalke 04 v FC Bayern Muenchen - DFB Cup Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty ImagesAll clubs must help each other to get through this difficult period, Hainer said.In a visit to the Münchner Tafel, where Bayern Munich’s basketball team was helping local employees with unloading food deliveries, Herbert Hainer spoke to the press about the importance of solidarity between the clubs in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic (AZ). A significant amount of money will be lost throughout the Bundesliga, and it’s the teams towards the bottom of the table and in the lower German leagues that are being hit the hardest from a financial standpoint.The top four clubs — Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen — have already announced that they’ll give all of their Champions League television money into a collective DFL pot to help some of the more financially vulnerable clubs. The stronger clubs helping the weaker ones during this time is an absolute necessity, Hainer said:Also in football, the stronger have to help the weaker, because we all want to see football games and a Bundesliga with many teams in the future again. That’s why it goes without saying.Hainer said that Bayern has always been a club and organization that has led by example, largely thanks to the leadership of his predecessor, Uli Hoeness:Bayern München was always a leader in this role — thanks to Uli Hoeness, who has an incredibly social heart. We obviously want to continue that, also in collaboration with the other Bundesliga clubs.The footballing world, like the rest of the world, will not be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic has dissipated. Hainer said he expects the transfer market to change as well once the crisis passes:It definitely will not be like it was in terms of the transfer market and transfer fees. I suspect and hope that some sense will return to the transfer market in particular.You can see some footage of the basketball team helping out at the Münchner Tafel below. Hainer starts speaking at around the 2:33 mark:#FCBBHelpside
Mitarbeiter und Spieler helfen seit Mittwoch bis Ende nächster Woche bei der Ausgabestelle der #MünchnerTafel!#FCBB #GutesTun #Corona @FCBayern @fcbbjugend pic.twitter.com/nGE3SUMp97— FC Bayern Basketball (@fcb_basketball) March 27, 2020Read more...
<b>Daily Schmankerl: Bayern stars tested for COVID-19, 3 people test positive at FC Köln, Werner wants to transfer abroad</b>
<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iTmtafQPxDk5VzADo4b3xNEUebQ=/0x0:4729x3153/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66742902/1209773317.jpg.0.jpg">RB Leipzig - Tottenham Hotspur</a> Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty ImagesTimo Werner says he would prefer to transfer abroad than transfer to Bayern Munich.<a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/1/31/21113178/what-is-coronavirus-symptoms-travel-china-map">Coronavirus</a> testing already underway at <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/bayern-munich">Bayern Munich</a> (<a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.rueckkehr-zum-teamtraining-stars-des-fc-bayern-bereits-auf-das-coronavirus-getestet.c6a7a4ba-2ba2-4512-9b5d-f1cd2f3e89bb.html">AZ</a>)Abendzeitung reports that Bayern Munich’s players have already been tested for coronavirus, starting on Friday.The DFL ruled on Thursday that all players, coaches, and other personnel would begin to be tested immediately in preparation of a potential resumption of games behind closed doors.It is thought that full team training may resume soon. For the past several weeks, teams have been training at most in small groups.But there’s a complication...Two players and a physio test positive at FC <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/koln-cologne">Köln</a> (<a href="https://sportbild.bild.de/bundesliga/vereine/1-fc-koeln/corona-faelle-tests-positiv-koeln-spieler-70394836.sport.html">Sport Bild</a>)FC Köln made headlines yesterday when the club announced that three people had tested positive for the coronavirus and would immediately go into a two-week quarantine.Here’s the tweet with a link to Köln’s press release:Nach positiven Tests auf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Corona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Corona</a> sind drei Personen beim <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/effzeh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#effzeh</a> in Quarantäne. Das Gruppentraining kann wie geplant fortgesetzt werden. Alle Infos <a href="https://t.co/0as7sB4Z0e">https://t.co/0as7sB4Z0e</a>— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) <a href="https://twitter.com/fckoeln/status/1256283294624333824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a>Sport Bild reports that the three people in question are two players and a physio. None of the three showed any symptoms of the disease.Köln’s CEO Horst Heldt said, “The health and privacy of our players and employees takes priority over all other considerations. The present measures and the strategy of regular testing have proven that we now can react with individual solutions.”The club stated that it intends to continue training in small groups.Like Heldt, the DFL seemed intent to spin the discovery as a success. The head of the coronavirus task force, Dr. Tim Meyer, said, “We see now in everyday life that our plan is recognizing and reducing risks early. We moreover are in constant communication with the responsible health officials and medical experts. We are convinced that with our concept we can make it possible for the players to practice their profession under the best possible protection from infection.”Scorned (again) by Bayern, Timo Werner wants to go abroad (<a href="https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/fussball/rb-leipzig-timo-werner-spricht-klartext-mich-reizt-das-ausland-mehr-als-der-fc-b-70391850.bild.html">Bild</a>)Alas, despite Chuck’s best wishes, there will be no #TimoTime at Bayern Munich in the near future, it seems. Timo Werner gave an interview to Bild in which he discussed his future. About Bayern, Werner said,“Bayern is a great club. We don’t need to debate that. And Hansi Flick has proven this season that he’s a really good head coach. But if a transfer should ever come up, I’d be drawn rather to go abroad than transfer to Bayern.”As for why, he said: “It’s imply the case that the challenge in another league would appeal to…
<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iTmtafQPxDk5VzADo4b3xNEUebQ=/0x0:4729x3153/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66742902/1209773317.jpg.0.jpg">RB Leipzig - Tottenham Hotspur</a> Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty ImagesTimo Werner says he would prefer to transfer abroad than transfer to Bayern Munich.<a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/1/31/21113178/what-is-coronavirus-symptoms-travel-china-map">Coronavirus</a> testing already underway at <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/bayern-munich">Bayern Munich</a> (<a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.rueckkehr-zum-teamtraining-stars-des-fc-bayern-bereits-auf-das-coronavirus-getestet.c6a7a4ba-2ba2-4512-9b5d-f1cd2f3e89bb.html">AZ</a>)Abendzeitung reports that Bayern Munich’s players have already been tested for coronavirus, starting on Friday.The DFL ruled on Thursday that all players, coaches, and other personnel would begin to be tested immediately in preparation of a potential resumption of games behind closed doors.It is thought that full team training may resume soon. For the past several weeks, teams have been training at most in small groups.But there’s a complication...Two players and a physio test positive at FC <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/koln-cologne">Köln</a> (<a href="https://sportbild.bild.de/bundesliga/vereine/1-fc-koeln/corona-faelle-tests-positiv-koeln-spieler-70394836.sport.html">Sport Bild</a>)FC Köln made headlines yesterday when the club announced that three people had tested positive for the coronavirus and would immediately go into a two-week quarantine.Here’s the tweet with a link to Köln’s press release:Nach positiven Tests auf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Corona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Corona</a> sind drei Personen beim <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/effzeh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#effzeh</a> in Quarantäne. Das Gruppentraining kann wie geplant fortgesetzt werden. Alle Infos <a href="https://t.co/0as7sB4Z0e">https://t.co/0as7sB4Z0e</a>— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) <a href="https://twitter.com/fckoeln/status/1256283294624333824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a>Sport Bild reports that the three people in question are two players and a physio. None of the three showed any symptoms of the disease.Köln’s CEO Horst Heldt said, “The health and privacy of our players and employees takes priority over all other considerations. The present measures and the strategy of regular testing have proven that we now can react with individual solutions.”The club stated that it intends to continue training in small groups.Like Heldt, the DFL seemed intent to spin the discovery as a success. The head of the coronavirus task force, Dr. Tim Meyer, said, “We see now in everyday life that our plan is recognizing and reducing risks early. We moreover are in constant communication with the responsible health officials and medical experts. We are convinced that with our concept we can make it possible for the players to practice their profession under the best possible protection from infection.”Scorned (again) by Bayern, Timo Werner wants to go abroad (<a href="https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/fussball/rb-leipzig-timo-werner-spricht-klartext-mich-reizt-das-ausland-mehr-als-der-fc-b-70391850.bild.html">Bild</a>)Alas, despite Chuck’s best wishes, there will be no #TimoTime at Bayern Munich in the near future, it seems. Timo Werner gave an interview to Bild in which he discussed his future. About Bayern, Werner said,“Bayern is a great club. We don’t need to debate that. And Hansi Flick has proven this season that he’s a really good head coach. But if a transfer should ever come up, I’d be drawn rather to go abroad than transfer to Bayern.”As for why, he said: “It’s imply the case that the challenge in another league would appeal to…
<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ccjbHjWJNYkZ8mA57NPXXfg49rM=/0x0:4021x2681/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68853317/1052301956.0.jpg">France v Germany - UEFA Nations League A</a>Photo by TF-Images/Getty ImagesIt’s time to re-group as Bayern Munich is preparing to face Lazio!<a href="https://www.kicker.de/timo-werner-ich-wurde-auf-den-boden-der-tatsachen-geholt-797927/artikel">Werner talks Müller (kicker)</a>Chelsea’s Timo Werner has not had the easiest time since joining the London-based club. It had looked like the 24-year-old was headed toward a future with <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>, but something went awry on the path linking the player and club.Instead, Werner took his talents to England and has been a consistent whipping boy for the tabloids. Still, Werner has starting adapting to life on (10 goals, 9 assists) and off (his English has improved mightily) the field.“Even though I work a lot on my English, I couldn’t always express myself the way I wanted and had to be careful not to be misunderstood,” said Werner, who clearly knew how any one hiccup verbally could become sensationalized. “That’s more natural now and no longer a problem; you almost feel a bit at home.”One thing that Werner misses about Germany is being able to play with Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller for <em>Die Mannschaft</em>. It sure sounds like Werner would love to see Müller back in action with the national team as well.“Thomas has already scored double figures again and set up a lot of goals. The time I played with him was a lot of fun. He kept putting balls through for me, too. Whether I will have the pleasure of playing with him again others have to decide,” said Werner.<a href="https://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=212168">Barca ramping up pursuit of Haaland (Transfer Market Web)</a>Despite its rampant financial problems, <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a> looks like it might be getting serious about <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a> striker Erling Haaland:Tracked by most A-listers around, Norwegian international striker Erling Haaland (20) has been targeted by Barcelona FC as well, according to Mundo Deportivo. While in need to offload a bunch of players, including Leo Messi, in order to be able to afford him, Blaugrana, as some of Borussia Dortmund star hitman’s further suitors, are also pondering to go after him in summer 2022, when a 75 million euros exit clause upon him is going to be enabled, according to Mundo Deportivo. As long as no one forestalls the competition by signing him during next window, of course.I’ve said it a million times, but I would find a way to get Haaland before he bolts Germany if I was Bayern Munich. However the Bavarians need to make it work on the field, in the locker room, and with its coffers, Haaland is just too special of a talent to let go by because of timing.Here is to hoping that the Bayern Munich board has some secret plan to activate Haaland’s release clause in 2022.<a href="https://twitter.com/dlf_sport/status/1363251889165512708?s=21">Dortmund catching some heat (@DLF_Sport)</a>Speaking of Borussia Dortmund, the club and its players are feeling a bit of pressure after the video below emerged. In the age of COVID-19, the mask-less fans and players alike caused some to bristle and complain about BVB’s lack of diligence with coronavirus protocols following its 4-0 victory over Schalke 04 in the <em>Revierderby</em>:Eigentlich sollen während Busfahrten Abstände eingehalten und Masken getragen werden. Der <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BVB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BVB</a> missachtet nach dem Derbysieg gegen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Schalke?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Schalke</a> beide Vorgaben der DFL und spornt zudem seine Fans an, die ebenfalls gegen die <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Corona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Corona</a>-Verordnung verstößt.…
