Latest news with #ChristophFreund


Al Bawaba
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Bawaba
Musiala Suffers Serious Injury in Club World Cup Clash
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury during his team's Club World Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. He left the field on a stretcher in a distressing scene that shocked his teammates and staff. Also Read Bayern Munich president highlights importance of Jamal Musiala The incident happened in first-half stoppage time when Musiala collided with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma while chasing a loose ball near the sideline. Musiala immediately grabbed his left ankle, which looked unnatural, and stayed on the ground for several minutes before being carried off. The referee did not penalize Donnarumma, and the half-time whistle blew shortly afterward. The reaction from players and medical staff highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Initial diagnosis: Broken fibula and ligament damage According to Sport BILD, early medical assessments indicate that Musiala fractured his left fibula and sustained multiple ligament tears in his ankle. This combination could keep him out for four to five months. This match marked Musiala's first competitive start since April due to a muscle injury. He was expected to take over Bayern's iconic No.10 shirt next season. Now, this setback forces him into another lengthy recovery. Bayern confirm severity, Kompany expresses frustration Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund told DAZN after the game, "Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. We're genuinely concerned." Head coach Vincent Kompany confirmed that Musiala was taken to the hospital. He said the injury "hit hard" because the player had just returned. "This is his second setback in a very short time. He lives for this game. My blood boils seeing a player like him get hurt again. But he will come back stronger." PSG players and staff offer heartfelt support On the PSG side, several players expressed their concern and support. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the second goal in the match, said, "That's the kind of injury no one wants to see on a football pitch." Captain Marquinhos, full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, and head coach Luis Enrique shared their sympathy. Enrique opened his post-match press conference by wishing Musiala a swift recovery.


Forbes
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Jamal Musiala Suffers Serious Injury In Bayern Munich Defeat To PSG
Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala in pain after he was brought down by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi ... More Donnarumma at the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Bayern Munich has exited the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals. Déisré Doué (79') and Ousmane Dembélé (90+5') were the scorers for the Parisians. But Bayern didn't just lose the game, but also superstar Jamal Musiala. The Bayern Munich playmaker exited the game after a horrendous foul by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the edge of the box. Referee Anthony Taylor, perhaps shocked by the severity of the injury, didn't opt to review the incident and instead sent both teams to the dressing room. 'Unfortunately, it doesn't look good,' Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund said when asked by DAZN about the Musiala injury. Everyone seeing the replay of the incident could have gathered that much. The ankle looked weirdly bent out of shape as the 22-year-old went to the ground. "It was a bad injury,' PSG defender Nuno Mendes said in the mixed zone after the game. 'We feel very sorry for him. He's one of the best players, and we hope he comes back stronger." Indeed, PSG released a statement on social media wishing Musiala a speedy recovery. It remains a mystery why Taylor wouldn't look at the tackle again. Donnarumma went through Musiala to get to the ball. The English referee would send off PSG players Willian Pacho (81') after a horrendous foul on Leon Goretzka and then Lucas Hernandez (90') after he elbowed Raphaël Guerreiro in the face. Then, after Dembélé scored the second goal of the match, Taylor did opt to head to the monitor. Thomas Müller, who has now played his last game for Bayern, went down in the box. But a replay highlighted that it wasn't a foul. It was the right decision by the referee team. Thomas Müller waves goodbye to the Bayern Munich fans. The playmaker has now officially played his ... More last game for the Rekordmeister. (Photo by Justin Setterfield - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Still, Taylor will have to answer the uncomfortable question of why he didn't review the foul on Musiala. It is a tackle that very well might cost Musiala the season and put further pressure on Bayern signing another forward this summer. Indeed, it will be interesting to see how Bayern will respond to the injury to their best player. Bayern has agreed personal terms with forward Nick Woltemade, but has yet to open talks with VfB Stuttgart. Expect those talks to be expedited now, as Bayern will be in a hurry to finalize a deal. In the short term, that won't help Bayern, as they now exit the FIFA Club World Cup. The Rekordmeister has already earned $58.14 million from the tournament. Reaching the semifinals would have meant another $21 million. It is essential to note that FIFA Club World Cup funds are not immediately available for spending on the transfer market. Still, it is significant money to miss out on, as Bayern's director of sport, Max Eberl, is attempting to reshape the roster. In fact, the PSG game highlighted that Bayern is still among the very elite in Europe. However, without Musiala, it will be challenging to sustain the level required to compete with the likes of PSG for an entire season. What are the takeaways from the tournament, then? Bayern has a good squad when everyone is fit. But the Rekordmeister doesn't quite have the same depth as a PSG or Real Madrid. Even domestically, Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund threaten to close the gap. Therefore, the Club World Cup might be over, but the transfer season has now truly begun for Eberl and Freund.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Christoph Freund prefers Bayern Munich hunt for quality transfers over quantity, admits there are 'a few possibilities'
Bayern Munich's summer transfer business has been strange, so far. The club has already signed two players in Tom Bischof and Jonathan Tah, but the former's signing was announced in January and the latter should have been signed last year. It makes Bayern's transfer window so far seem very quiet, even though Germany's official transfer window has not opened yet. Of course, it does not help that it seems Bayern has been rejected multiple times by top targets. It is clear as day that Florian Wirtz rejected Bayern in favor of ending up in at Liverpool FC, while Nico Williams is reportedly set to choose FC Barcelona over the Bavarians. Advertisement The Williams is still fresh and unconfirmed, so sporting director Christoph Freund was asked by DAZN reporters on the topic following Bayern's 2-1 win against Boca Juniors in the Club World Cup: 'We're not commenting on rumors right now,' Freund replied, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. 'It's transfer season, and there are always a lot of rumors and speculation. But we want to move forward with our plans.' But will a big name player (like Wirtz) join this summer? 'I think we have a very, very good team. We have a lot of quality in the squad,' Freund countered. 'If you look at Michael Olise, for example, he wasn't necessarily a big name signing last summer. Now he's reached the very top. So, it has to be right for us. There are a few possibilities.' Ultimately, it is all about quality over quantity. More from
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Tottenham close in on €35m deal for Bayern talent
Tottenham Poised to Seal Permanent Deal for Mathys Tel Tel's Time in London Looks Set to Continue Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly on the brink of securing a permanent move for Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel, according to SPORT BILD. The 20-year-old French forward, who joined Spurs on loan in January for a €10 million fee, has impressed in North London, and now looks set to stay – this time for good. Advertisement The deal, still awaiting the final touches, is expected to net Bayern around €35 million, short of the original €45 million clause but still significant as the German giants prepare for a summer of rebuilding. This comes as both Leroy Sané and Thomas Müller depart, leaving a noticeable gap in Bayern's attacking ranks. In Orlando, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund made the situation clear: 'We now have two fewer players in attack. That's a fact. Therefore, it is clearly our goal to strengthen ourselves there and add quality.' Bayern have already set their sights on high-calibre targets like Nico Williams, Rafael Leão, and Bradley Barcola. What Went Wrong for Tel at Bayern? Mathys Tel's potential has never been in doubt. A France U21 international, Tel was initially embraced by Bayern fans but never fully established himself in the squad. His inconsistent deployment—oscillating between winger and central striker—arguably hindered his development. As BILD notes, 'His position was never clear: He alternated between winger and centre-forward.' Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Despite his clear ability, Tel struggled for rhythm in Munich, often playing in bursts rather than extended runs. The move to Tottenham, where roles are more defined and opportunities less rotational, appears to have been a timely shift. Spurs Benefit from European Boost Tottenham's successful Europa League campaign has bolstered their finances and their appeal. With Champions League football now confirmed for the 2025/26 season, Spurs are building a side capable of competing on multiple fronts. The expected €35 million move for Tel is both a financial commitment and a statement of faith in the player's potential. Bayern, for their part, are planning a recalibrated front line. As Max Eberl said while still in the United States: 'We're talking to Tottenham, that's no secret. We'll see what happens.' Advertisement That conversation now looks to have produced a result beneficial for both parties. Tel gets a chance to flourish in a more consistent setting, while Bayern free up funds for marquee signings. Bayern's Broader Transfer Picture Bayern's windfall from Tel and Sané – which totals around €45 million when the Frenchman's loan fee is included – couldn't come at a better time. With Müller departing at 35 and Sané reportedly nearing a move to Galatasaray, the pressure is mounting to bring in dynamic attacking reinforcements. Lothar Matthäus recently criticised Bayern's handling of Sané, describing the situation as one of 'incomprehension'. Regardless, Bayern now have the means to reshape their attacking identity. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Tottenham fan's perspective, this is a shrewd bit of business. Mathys Tel has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving in January—his pace, technical quality, and directness added something that Spurs had been missing in the final third. While he didn't always start, his cameos were electric, and under Ange Postecoglou's system, he seemed to thrive in a more liberated, attacking style. Advertisement Spending €35 million on a 20-year-old might raise eyebrows, but this is a club now operating with the ambition of staying in Europe's elite. Spurs fans will remember the club hesitating too long on young talents in the past. In Tel, they're backing a player who not only brings youthful energy but can also be moulded into a long-term starter across the front line. Champions League football was always going to change the outlook of Tottenham's summer window. Tel's permanent stay feels like a strong start. The hope now is that he continues to develop consistency and confidence—if he does, €35 million may soon look like a bargain.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Talent Bischof raring to go as he names Bayern move 'perfect match'
Bayern Munich's new signing Tom Bischof takes part in his introductory press conference at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, ahead of Bayern Munich's first Club World Cup group match against Auckland City. Sven Hoppe/dpa Teenager Tom Bischof has named his move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich "a perfect match" and does not mind being compared to Bayern and Germany great Joshua Kimmich. The 19-year-old Bischof arrived on a free transfer from Hoffenheim and could make his debut on Sunday in their Club World Cup opener against Auckland City in Cincinnati. Advertisement That would be a week after he got his first minutes for the senior national team in the Nations League match for third place against France, underlining his meteoric rise over the past months. Bischof said at his official presentation at Bayern's camp in Florida that he has been a life-long Bayern fan, and happy to play at the Club World Cup instead of the under-21 Euros in Slovakia. "We are together here for a month. Of course the U21 Euros are something great. (But) I want to find my feet in the team, produce great performances and win trophies. I'm raring to go," he said. Bischof said that other clubs were also interested in him but that "the talks with (board member for sport) Max Eberl, (sporting director) Christoph Freund and also (coach) Vincent Kompany were very good. The system of play suits me very well." Advertisement Freund named Bischof "a really talented player" who "suits FC Bayern very well with the way he plays.' Bischof joins an already crowded Bayern midfield where he will be competing with fellow German internationals Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic as well as Portugal's João Palhinha for playing time alongside national team captain Kimmich. Bischof has been compared to Kimmich by the likes of 1990 World Cup winner and ex-Bayern great Lothar Matthäus. "I have heard the comparison a few times. Jo is an outstanding footballer. I look up to him. And I do believe that our style is similar. But of course I want to play together with him in the centre (of midfield)," Bischof said.