Soccer Shorts: Boateng annoyed at Bayern rumours

Boateng annoyed at Bayern rumours

VATUTINKI • Germany international Jerome Boateng is irritated by speculation over his Bayern Munich future after the Bundesliga champions said he can leave the club, effectively putting him in the shop window at the World Cup.

"I don't know why the statements came out now," said the centre-back at Germany's base in Vatutunki, south-west of Moscow, yesterday. "There is a World Cup coming up, we are here with the national team - that's the only topic for me."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE


Less pressure without me: Zlatan

MOSCOW • Sweden's former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said yesterday that the Scandinavian side should simply enjoy themselves at the World Cup because without him in the team there was no expectation.

"I think Sweden, they have less pressure when I'm not there, because when I'm there we're supposed to win everything," the 36-year-old said with customary candour. "Just enjoy. No pressure, because I'm not there."

REUTERS


England's experience vital, says Jose

MOSCOW • Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has backed England to shine at the World Cup due to the squad's depth of experience.

"They have a good group of young but experienced players," he told British media. "All of them play in the most competitive competition in the world, the Premier League, all of them playing for the best teams with experience of playing in the Champions League."

The Portuguese added that favourites Brazil and Germany had the most balanced squads .

REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 15, 2018, with the headline Soccer Shorts: Boateng annoyed at Bayern rumours. Subscribe