Berlin, Germany | AFP | Bayern Munich maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga as Germany gave fans across the world their first taste of elite football for two months amid empty stands and stringent hygiene guidelines designed to curtail the spread of the coronavirus. AFP looks …
Read More »Supermarket or petrol station more dangerous than football, says Bruce
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Newcastle manager Steve Bruce believes going to the supermarket or petrol station could pose a greater a risk of coronavirus than a return to football given the strict measures put in place to protect players. However, Bruce warned his squad could “fall down like a …
Read More »German football kicks off as Europe begins reopening
Berlin, Germany | AFP | Top flight German football kicked off again on Saturday as the French returned to the beach and Italy announced a resumption of European tourism, providing much-needed relief against the relentless drumbeat of death and economic devastation wreaked by the coronavirus pandemic. The reopenings mark the beginning …
Read More »Bayern aim to shake off cobwebs with quiet confidence in Berlin
Berlin, Germany | AFP | Bayern Munich restart their charge for an eighth straight Bundesliga title at Union Berlin on Sunday amid doubts the Bavarian giants will be able to last the distance after a two-month hiatus. Hansi Flick’s side hold a one-point lead at the top of the league heading …
Read More »Klopp confident Liverpool can win title without being at their best
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Jurgen Klopp has insisted Liverpool have no need to be at their “all-time best” in order to clinch a first English league title in 30 years. Premier League officials are now aiming to restart the season in mid-June, with Liverpool just two wins away from the title when the …
Read More »Haaland grabs first post-lockdown goal in Bundesliga
Dortmund, Germany | AFP | The setting may be unfamiliar with the German Bundesliga returning behind closed doors after a two-month coronavirus shutdown, but the identity of the day’s first goal-scorer was entirely familiar as Erling Braut Haaland put Borussia Dortmund ahead against Schalke on Saturday. Haaland diverted a low Thorgan Hazard cross into the …
Read More »Bundesliga defies COVID-19, no shaking hands
All eyes on Germany as Bundesliga football returns Berlin, Germany | AFP | The Bundesliga returns to action on Saturday with the resumption of the first top European league since the coronavirus lockdown watched closely to see if it provides a blueprint for other competitions. Matches will be played behind …
Read More »German football returns under intense scrutiny
Berlin, Germany | AFP | Football in Germany returns to the pitch on Saturday as the Bundesliga becomes the first of Europe’s top leagues to swing back into action since the coronavirus lockdown. The German Football League (DFL) convinced Chancellor Angela Merkel and the country’s regional leaders to allow play …
Read More »Player divide threatens Premier League’s restart plan
London, United Kingdom | AFP | The Premier League’s bid to restart the season in June is in danger of being derailed by a heated debate between players about the risks of playing amid the coronavirus crisis. While Premier League chiefs believe completing the campaign is essential to safeguard the financial …
Read More »Kane wants assurances before Premier League returns
London, United Kingdom | AFP | England captain Harry Kane says players are waiting for safety guidance from the Premier League after the government said it was “opening the door” for the return of football next month. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said Thursday’s meeting with the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League had …
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