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A total of 11 players have been ruled out, turning what should be a blockbuster encounter into a tactical survival test for managers Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot. ..Continue Reading
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Alexander Isak‘s ineffectiveness off the bench against Galatasaray wasn’t a reflection of a striker lacking form, but more a symptom of Liverpool’s poor performance as a whole.
This was just the second time Liverpool have lost consecutive games under Arne Slot – the other occasion coming in March against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.
This was Galatasaray’s first clean sheet in 24 Champions League matches. This was only the fifth occasion Liverpool have failed to score since Slot took over.
None of the statistics make for good reading, but perhaps the most indicative of the team’s lack of cohesion was the fact Alexander Isak had just four touches during his 36 minutes on the pitch, according to FotMob.
That equates to just one touch every nine minutes. By comparison, Liverpool’s striker away at PSG last season, Diogo Jota, averaged a touch every two minutes and 14 seconds in a game that saw the Reds have just 30 percent possession.
Clearly, then, something is wrong if Liverpool can’t get their £125 million striker in the game, even if he is still getting up to full speed.
Often when a striker is not involved in the game, it is symptomatic of a team failing to gain any sort of attacking fluidity.
Creating chances was never a problem last season. Even if the striker wasn’t converting, you could be sure he would be a presence in the game.
This year, however, despite fielding more attackers and bringing in Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s chance creation is down.
Last season, FotMob tells us Liverpool created 150 big chances in the Premier League – that works out as 3.9 per game.
In contrast, since the start of this season the Reds have created just 2.5 big chances per game in the league.
We can also see this drop-off on an individual level, with Mo Salah creating an average of 1.1 fewer chances per 90 minutes than his 2.4 last season.
When Slot arrived at Liverpool, he wanted to instil a style of play that asserted more control over the opposition than Jurgen Klopp‘s team may have done.
The mantra of “kill them with passes” we heard Slot shout at his players last summer seems to have been forgotten.
The first half against Galatasaray was a basketball-like affair, as both teams failed to nail down possession, not for the first time in a Liverpool match this season.
The lack of control Liverpool are possessing in some games this season is in part down to a change in formation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWJZKQs4v5Q
This season, due to the introduction of Wirtz, Liverpool are exhibiting a lineup closer to 4-2-3-1 than the 4-3-3 that proved so successful last season.
Fewer bodies in midfield and Ryan Gravenberch‘s frequent attacking runs off the ball have left the Reds’ defence exposed.
It has meant opposition teams are able to break more often, making the ball stick with their forwards and halting Liverpool’s control.
Slot’s side are no longer putting teams to the sword with death by passes, but are instead failing to sustain intense periods around the opposition’s box.
As well as being the Premier League‘s top scorer last season with 29 goals, Salah also finished top of the assists standings by some distance, managing 18, six more than second-place Jacob Murphy.
His inarguable dip in form has contributed to Liverpool’s sub-par performances in the last two matches, but his level has been lower for longer than just the last week.
With just one non-penalty goal in his first six league starts, the Egyptian has suffered from playing in a wider position than last year.
This has been compounded by the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who built an excellent understanding with Salah over nearly eight years playing together.
Returning to a system closer to the one we saw last season could help him return to form and receive the ball in more dangerous positions.
It would seem strange to continue inhibiting a man who managed more combined goals and assists last season than anyone else in Europe’s top five leagues.
Having your top creator and most highly-paid player back at the races should be the first objective for Slot when working out how to fix some of the campaign’s early issues.
With a firing Salah, Isak certainly wouldn’t be touching the ball just once every nine minutes, that is for certain.
FotMob is an essential app for every fan to keep up to date with their team or follow football worldwide, their incredible new features provide all you could ever want and information you never knew you needed! You can download the FotMob App here.
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With two goals in his first three Premier League appearances, the Swedish striker has quickly become a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup. ..Continue Reading
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Manchester United’s hopes of signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres are hanging on by a thread following the latest update on his transfer situation.
United’s interest in Gyokeres has been reported for months now and these links only grew stronger after the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement in November last year.
The pair, of course, enjoyed a successful spell together at Sporting, fuelling speculation that a sensational reunion at Old Trafford could be on the cards.
Gyokeres enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign, netting a mind-boggling 54 goals in 52 appearances as Sporting won the league and cup double.
However, having missed out on qualifying for the Champions League after the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, it emerged that Gyokeres’ preferred transfer destination was Arsenal, as they could give him the opportunity to play on the continent’s biggest stage.
Arsenal have had at least one bid rejected for the Swede, with personal terms already agreed.
But, a recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Gyokeres was gradually warming up to the idea of joining United. The Red Devils received further encouragement after Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly warned Arsenal that Gyokeres will not be sold to them unless the Portuguese club’s valuation is met.
However, any lingering hopes United harboured of bringing in the 27-year-old have been all but dashed, with Arsenal finding a breakthrough in their discussions with Sporting.
According to the reliable David Ornstein, the Gunners are on the brink of reaching an agreement with Sporting for the talisman.
Ornstein reveals, “Arsenal are in the process of completing a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres after taking final steps in negotiations with Sporting CP for the striker.”
“Talks have been prolonged by Sporting president Frederico Varandas refusing to accept what Gyokeres believes was an agreement to leave this summer for €60million plus €10m of add-ons.”
“That amount is exceeded by Arsenal’s proposals and they have now made formal advances over terms of the switch in a bid to close the proposed transfer.”
This has also been confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The agreement between Arsenal and Sporting for Viktor Gyökeres, getting closer after new contacts today.
Negotiations between clubs never off despite reports as Gyökeres only wanted Arsenal.#AFC now willing to get closer to €70m plus €10m add-ons as Sporting want. pic.twitter.com/kevLm6FG9P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2025
With Liam Delap off the market and Gyokeres seemingly heading the same way, it looks like United will need to get creative in their search for a striker.
Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
The post Gyokeres transfer setback: Man United dealt knockout blow in pursuit of Sporting CP star appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.
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Heading into the 2024-25 season, one Manchester United academy star tipped for a breakout campaign was Toby Collyer.
Back in 2023, just after United lifted the Carabao Cup, then-head coach Erik ten Hag was seen deep in conversation with Kobbie Mainoo.
Enter 2023–24: Mainoo, despite an early-season injury, went on to fight his way into becoming a dependable first-team regular.
His resurgence culminated in a Man of the Match display in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City, earning him FA Cup Player of the Season honours.
And so, following that success, it felt like déjà vu when, after that FA Cup final, Ten Hag was again seen chatting with Toby Collyer.
Social media buzzed with speculation. Was Ten Hag ready to unearth another gem? Was Collyer about to enjoy his own “Mainoo season” in 2024-25?
Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for the young Red Devil.
United’s early struggles in 2024–25 held back his progression. Ten Hag’s dismissal also didn’t help his case.
With the Dutch tactician gone, any progression plan laid out for the midfielder seemed to evaporate.
Although new head coach Ruben Amorim was expected to implement the midfielder’s progression plan, that did not happen immediately.
Amorim’s task was to steady a faltering United side, and understandably, taking a chance on an unproven player was not a top priority.
To complicate matters further, Collyer then endured two separate injuries (a leg injury followed by a knock) that sidelined him for most of the second half of the season.
He did manage 12 senior appearances, including a headline-grabbing debut against Liverpool and a goal-saving late cameo against Fulham, but there’s little doubt: 2024–25 was not his season.
United are set for a squad rebuild this summer. New signings are expected, and several names could make way.
Collyer may not be one of those to be moved on as he remains highly regarded at Carrington — but is he truly in Amorim’s plans?
He could be if the former Sporting Lisbon boss is seeking his own N’Golo Kanté.
“He could do two jobs in one, and his ball retention was different class. You don’t get midfielders like him anymore,” former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard told the MEN when asked about a team that might benefit from Collyer’s services.
“He was sort of like (N’Golo) Kanté for Leicester. You need balance in a team. If you had three Kobbie Mainoos, you can’t play them all. You need a combination, and Toby will do stuff Mainoo won’t. He will break the play up and get the ball to Mainoo.”
But it’s hard to see Amorim viewing it the same way.
With pressure mounting for United to return to their best, team selections are bound to be critical.
Reports linking Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney with a move only reinforce the sense that Collyer may find it difficult to break into the first team in the short term.
And with Amorim admitting recently that, without European football, he doesn’t need a large squad, proven talents will likely be favoured over promising prospects.
For regular game time, a season-long loan with no obligation to buy could be the best way forward.
One can only hope Ten Hag is quick to take him to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Dutchman saw potential in Collyer and might know just how to unlock it. The familiarity, combined with a move to a side that still employs a 3-4-2-1 system (if Ten Hag persists with it), could be perfect for the 21-year-old.
Collyer could thrive in the Bundesliga. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have already shown how well English talents adapt to German football.
A full season in a familiar system could help Collyer rediscover rhythm, develop further, and return ready to take on the Premier League.
If not, he could still be sold for a premium (like Bellingham and Sancho were), funds that INEOS could reinvest to help Amorim build his ideal United squad.
Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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After securing Champions League qualification with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and winning the Conference League title against Real Betis, the Blues are now preparing for their campaign in the United States. ..Continue Reading
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The club has had an outstanding season, securing the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first year as manager.
Slot faced the challenging task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp but quickly earned the trust of the Liverpool supporters. ..Continue Reading
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The Bundesliga is Germany’s top-tier football league, widely regarded as one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world. Featuring 18 teams, the league follows a 34-matchday format where each club plays home and away matches against every other team. Known for its high-scoring games, passionate fan culture, and strong youth development programs, the Bundesliga attracts millions of viewers globally.
A key aspect of the Bundesliga’s appeal is its structured schedule, which allows clubs to compete at their peak while balancing international commitments. The season typically runs from August to May, with a winter break in December and January. This break is unique compared to other European leagues, as it provides teams with much-needed rest and preparation time for the second half of the season.
For football fans, players, and club management, knowing when does Bundesliga start is essential. Fans plan trips to stadiums, broadcasters schedule match coverages, and clubs finalize their pre-season preparations accordingly. Additionally, international players need to coordinate their return from off-season tournaments, ensuring they are match-fit before the campaign begins.
Beyond the excitement of the opening match, the first few weeks of the Bundesliga season set the tone for title contenders and relegation battles. Teams that start strong can build early momentum, while those struggling may face an uphill battle for survival. Understanding the league’s structure and its start date helps supporters and analysts track key developments throughout the season.
The Bundesliga has maintained a relatively consistent schedule over the years, with the season usually beginning in mid-to-late August. However, certain external factors, such as international tournaments or global disruptions, have occasionally led to variations in the league’s start date. By examining the historical start dates of recent Bundesliga seasons, we can identify patterns and trends that influence scheduling decisions.
One of the main reasons for slight fluctuations in the starting date is the coordination with UEFA competitions and international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. In years when these events take place, the Bundesliga schedule may shift slightly to accommodate national team commitments and ensure adequate player rest.
Another major factor is the winter break, which has been a key part of German football culture. Unlike the English Premier League, which runs through December and January, the Bundesliga incorporates a pause that allows teams to reset and recover for the second half of the season. The league’s governing body, Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), adjusts the start date to ensure the season aligns with international standards while maintaining this traditional break.
The list above highlights how the Bundesliga generally begins in mid-August, except for the 2020-21 season, which was delayed due to the global pandemic. The 2022-23 season started earlier than usual to accommodate the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which took place in November and December.
Looking at these historical patterns, it becomes evident that while the Bundesliga aims for consistency, external events can significantly impact scheduling. The league must balance club, international, and broadcast interests to ensure a fair and well-structured season for teams and fans alike.
The Bundesliga is one of the most anticipated football leagues globally, attracting millions of fans eager to witness top-tier German football. Every season, the league follows a structured calendar, ensuring that teams and supporters can plan accordingly. The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), the governing body of the Bundesliga, announces the official start date well in advance to maintain consistency and coordination with domestic and international competitions.
For the upcoming season, the DFL has confirmed the official start date, ensuring that clubs have adequate time for pre-season preparations and transfers. The opening match, as per tradition, will feature the defending champions playing at home, setting the stage for another exciting season of German football.
Several factors influence when the Bundesliga begins each year. One of the primary considerations is international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship, which can impact the scheduling of domestic leagues. In years when these tournaments take place, the Bundesliga may start earlier or later than usual to accommodate national team duties and allow players sufficient rest.
Another important aspect is the synchronization with other major European leagues and UEFA competitions. Aligning the schedule with the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League is crucial to ensure fair competition and avoid fixture congestion. Additionally, broadcasters play a significant role in determining match dates, as TV rights agreements influence scheduling decisions to maximize viewership.
Understanding when does Bundesliga start is essential for clubs, players, and fans alike. It marks the beginning of months of thrilling football action, intense rivalries, and battles for the title, European qualification, and relegation survival. With the schedule now confirmed, excitement builds as supporters eagerly await the first whistle of the new campaign.
The Bundesliga season is structured around a carefully planned schedule that includes important matches, international breaks, and the winter pause. Fans and analysts closely monitor key fixtures, as they often determine the course of the league, influencing title races, European qualifications, and relegation battles.
The season opener is a highly anticipated event, traditionally featuring the reigning champions in a high-profile match. This fixture sets the stage for the months ahead, as teams compete for crucial points in pursuit of their respective objectives. Some of the most exciting games of the season include fierce rivalries such as Der Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and regional derbies that ignite passion among fans.
Apart from domestic fixtures, Bundesliga clubs also participate in European tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. These additional commitments require careful scheduling to avoid fixture congestion and ensure players remain in top condition.
The winter break is another defining feature of the Bundesliga schedule. Unlike other top European leagues, the German league includes a mid-season pause, allowing players to recover and teams to reassess their strategies for the second half of the campaign. This break typically lasts from mid-December to early January.
| Event | Date | Description |
| Season Opener | August 16, 2024 | Reigning champions play the first match |
| First Major Derby | September 21, 2024 | Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04 |
| Winter Break Start | December 20, 2024 | Last round of fixtures before the break |
| Winter Break End | January 12, 2025 | League resumes after the holiday period |
| Final Matchday | May 17, 2025 | Last round of regular season matches |
These dates serve as milestones throughout the season, helping fans, clubs, and broadcasters prepare for key moments. While match schedules are subject to minor adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, the general structure remains stable, ensuring a well-balanced and competitive league campaign.
As teams gear up for another exciting Bundesliga season, supporters eagerly anticipate standout fixtures and thrilling encounters that will define the journey to the championship.
The Bundesliga schedule is carefully structured each year to accommodate various factors that impact both domestic and international football. While the league follows a traditional format, several external elements influence when and how matches are arranged. From international tournaments to broadcasting rights and weather conditions, the season’s schedule is shaped by multiple considerations to ensure a fair and competitive playing field.
One of the most significant factors affecting the league calendar is the alignment with FIFA and UEFA tournaments. The FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Nations League all play a role in determining when domestic leagues can start and pause. During seasons that follow major tournaments, players returning from national duties need sufficient rest before resuming club commitments.
Television rights and broadcasting deals are another crucial factor influencing the schedule. With millions of fans watching worldwide, broadcasters negotiate prime-time slots to maximize viewership. These agreements ensure that matches are spread out throughout the weekend and midweek slots, allowing for optimal global reach while balancing player recovery periods.
Weather conditions also play a role, particularly in the winter months. Unlike leagues in southern Europe, where milder conditions allow for continuous play, the Bundesliga incorporates a winter break to prevent disruptions caused by harsh weather. This pause benefits both players and fans, ensuring that the quality of football remains high and stadium attendance is not affected by extreme cold.
Understanding when does Bundesliga start is crucial for teams preparing their squads and fans planning their attendance. With a well-balanced schedule that considers international duties, commercial interests, and player welfare, the Bundesliga maintains its reputation as one of the most efficiently organized football leagues in the world.
The Bundesliga is one of the most watched football leagues in the world, attracting millions of fans eager to follow their favorite teams throughout the season. With an extensive match schedule, international competitions, and potential fixture changes, staying updated with the latest Bundesliga news is essential for fans. Whether planning to attend matches, watch broadcasts, or follow live updates, there are several reliable sources to ensure you never miss a moment of the action.
Modern technology has made it easier than ever to stay informed about fixtures, results, and player news. Fans can access real-time updates through official platforms, sports apps, and social media channels. Clubs and league officials frequently update their schedules, making it essential to follow credible sources for the most accurate information.
By using these sources, fans can ensure they stay informed about team lineups, game schedules, and unexpected fixture changes.
Apart from digital platforms, traditional methods such as matchday programs and sports newspapers still serve as valuable sources of information for those who prefer print media. Additionally, engaging with fan communities, online forums, and local supporters’ clubs can enhance the experience of following the Bundesliga.
For those attending games in person, checking club announcements regarding ticket sales and stadium regulations is crucial. Many teams provide email notifications for registered supporters, ensuring fans receive direct updates about upcoming matches, travel arrangements, and seating availability.
With so many ways to stay updated, following the Bundesliga has never been easier. Whether through mobile apps, social media, or live broadcasts, fans have access to real-time information that enhances their football experience.
The start of a new Bundesliga season is an exciting time for football fans, players, and clubs alike. Every year, supporters eagerly anticipate the opening match, marking the beginning of months of intense competition, thrilling moments, and unexpected surprises. The league’s structured schedule ensures that teams are well-prepared, while fans can plan their match viewings, stadium visits, and fantasy football strategies accordingly.
Understanding when does Bundesliga start is essential for anyone following German football. The season’s timeline affects not only domestic competitions but also international club and national team fixtures. For clubs, preseason planning, transfers, and fitness preparations are all aligned with the league’s official start date. Players returning from international duty must adjust to club schedules, ensuring they are in peak condition when the first whistle blows.
For fans, knowing the Bundesliga’s start date allows for better preparation, whether it’s purchasing season tickets, setting reminders for key fixtures, or planning trips to see their favorite teams in action. International supporters who follow the league closely also need to adjust their schedules to accommodate live broadcasts, which vary depending on global time zones.
Additionally, with an increasing number of broadcasting platforms and streaming services offering live coverage of Bundesliga matches, having a clear understanding of the league’s schedule helps fans stay engaged throughout the season. Whether watching from home, at a sports bar, or in the stadium, every game is an opportunity to experience the passion and energy that make German football unique.
As the new season approaches, excitement continues to build, and the countdown to kickoff begins. Fans across the world are preparing for another unforgettable Bundesliga campaign, filled with unforgettable moments, heated rivalries, and championship battles.
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