Louis van Gaal wants to become a World Cup winner with the Netherlands after taking over as national team manager again, and says if he was in charge of the Dutch FA he also would have hired himself.
The ex-Manchester United, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and AZ Alkmaar boss previously managed ‘Die Oranje’ between 2000 and 2001 and 2012 to 2014 and is back for a third stint in charge.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice for Bayern Munich to beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in the German Super Cup and give coach Julian Nagelsmann his first win as manager.
The Poland star, who scored a record 41 goals in the Bundesliga last season, opened the scoring in the 41st minute and got the decisive third goal in the 74th after Marco Reus had pulled one back for Dortmund.
Celtic are interested in signing Greece striker Georgios Giakoumakis from Dutch second division side VVV-Venlo.
The 26-year-old was the top scorer in the Eredivisie last season with 26 goals, despite his club being relegated.
VVV-Venlo expect to sell Giakoumakis and it is understood Celtic have made initial contact.
The match between Malmö – Ludogorets will be held on August 18 (Wednesday) from 22:00 in a match for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Ludogorets 1945 have not lost in their last 10 matches. Ludogorets 1945 have not lost in their last 5 games as a visiting team.
Malmö is 1.90 to win. The tie in the collision is estimated at 3.30. The odds for Ludogorets to win are 4.00. Watch our full football TV program.
The match Birmingham – Bournemouth for the Championship of England will be held on August 18 (Wednesday) at 21:45. Birmingham have not won in their last 7 games against Bournemouth. Birmingham have won their last 5 of 8 games against Bournemouth. Bournemouth won both games against Birmingham last season (3-2 as host and 3-1 as away).
Birmingham is 3.10 to win. The draw in the match is rated with 3.25. Bournemouth is 2.30 to win. Watch our full football TV program.
The match between Benfica – PSV will be held on August 18 (Wednesday) from 22:00 in a meeting for the qualifications of the UEFA Champions League. PSV have not lost in their last 15 games. FC Benfica Lisbon have not lost in their last 9 games. Benfica Lisbon have not lost in their last 10 home games.
Benfica is 2.15 to win. The equality in the collision is estimated at 3.40. PSV is 3.30 to win. Watch our full football TV program.
The match West Brom – Sheffield United for the Championship of England will be held on August 18 (Wednesday) from 22:00. During the last 13 meetings with West Bromwich as host, West Bromwich have won 7 times, with 2 draws and 4 wins for Sheffield Youth. The goal difference is 19-12 in favor of West Bromwich.
The odds for West Brom to win are 2.10. The draw in the match is rated at 3.30. Sheffield United is 3.50 to win. Watch our full football TV program.
“I think we have got to use the experience of last year as our base, our standard, our level that we do not want to drop under but you are always trying to improve, get better and strive for more,” Steven Gerrard tells Sky Sports.
“I have made it clear – and the board have
Celtic are close to agreeing a deal with Legia Warsaw to sign right-back Josip Juranovic.
Talks over the Croatia international have progressed well over the last 24 hours and there is confidence on all sides that it will be completed.
Tottenham are interested in signing Kurt Zouma from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The 26-year-old is one of a number of defenders Tottenham are currently looking at – on Friday it was reported Spurs are in talks to sign Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic.