Niko Kovač touts the professionalism of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery (Bundesliga.com)
If there was any doubt that Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery would be able to assimilate to life under Niko Kovač, it has been pretty much been erased according to the new Bayern Munich coach. Kovač has seen nothing, but great things from the duo known as “Robbery.”
On Robben, Kovač thinks the Dutchman’s work ethic is an excellent influence on the squad’s youth:
I’d heard a lot about him, but he has surpassed all my expectations and then some. The work he puts in every day is fascinating. He’s a real example to young players.
With Ribery, Kovač commented on the veteran’s persistence and spirit:
He’s been the other big surprise. The energy and enthusiasm he’s shown during seven hard weeks of preparation is just unbelievable. He’s still got the ability. And he’s got a monster of a mentality, he’s always marching ahead.
Overall, Kovač could not be happier with his veteran duo:
They’re exceptional - two world-class players. They’re leaders and role models. They’re very important players for us and will be in the coming campaign.
Christian Pulisic again linked to Chelsea (The Express)
The Premier League side still has its eyes on the USMNT star and Borussia Dortmund man, Christian Pulisic.
CHELSEA could make an approach for Borussia Dortmund attacker Christian Pulisic in January or next summer with Maurizio Sarri looking to strengthen in attack, according to reports. Chelsea’s transfer activity was hampered by the time it took them to sack Antonio Conte and appoint former Napoli tactician Maurizio Sarri as his successor, with the Italian only named the new boss in mid-July with less than four weeks of the window remaining.
Jorginho, back-up goalkeeper Rob Green, Kepa Arrizabalaga - signed as a Thibaut Courtois replacement - and on-loan midfielder Mateo Kovacic all came in while the west London club also rebuffed interest in star man Eden Hazard and Willian. But despite keeping hold of two key forwards, Sarri wanted to add to his options in the final third with Gonzalo Higuain, Robert Lewandowski, Wilfried Zaha Fekir and Pulisic among those linked.
Oh yeah, and Robert Lewandowski is also still on Chelsea’s radar. Chelsea will likely make a call on both players over the winter and also next summer. A Champions League berth would likely help its cause, however, as both Lewandowski and Pulisic are going to be looking to that opportunity if they leave their current clubs.
This is a tremendous reference to a classic episode of The Simpsons (@FCBayernUS)
Kudos....kudos.
Just in case anyone needs a new avi! #FCBayernPinPals pic.twitter.com/V3dsND7WAJ
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) August 17, 2018
Video of Corentin Tolisso’s welcome back to Bayern (@dw_sports)
Quite a welcome back for the World Cup winner.
Corentin Tolisso returned to Bayern as a World Cup winner,,,
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) August 17, 2018
Though he still needs to scrub up on his German pic.twitter.com/6jJoBkYURi
FC Bayern Frauen thrash PSV Eindhoven 9-0 (FCBayern.com)
The Frauen had a terrific match in the 2018 Women’s Cup as they put a bit of a beat down on PSV Eindhoven.
The FC Bayern Frauen started on Friday evening in the Womens Cup 2018 in Hägendorf, Switzerland, with an overwhelming 9-0 victory (6-0) against PSV Eindhoven. The goals scored were from Nicole Rolser (18th and 45th minute), Melanie Leupolz (23rd), Sydney Lohmann (31st), Kristin Demann (36th), Lineth Beerensteyn (38th and 77th), Lina Magull (47th). ) and Jill Roord (55.). Thus, the team of head coach Thomas Wörle in the final and plays on Sunday against the winner of today’s match between FC Zurich women and SK Slavia Prague - both Champions League teams in the current UWCL season.
Rosler, one of the most quotable Bayern players, had this to say after the match:
PSV was very deep and made it difficult for us to gain opportunities through combinations. We scored the goals anyway and are happy about that, as it has been a minor shortcoming lately. We are moving in the right direction and even today’s performance has improved.
Good luck Sunday ladies!