Boateng Finds Barcelona Opportunity After Bayern Hospitancy Falls Through
Jérôme Boateng, the former FC Bayern Munich defender, will begin a coaching hospitancy with FC Barcelona, according to reports. The move comes after a planned visit to Bayern’s training facilities was cancelled following protests from the club’s supporters.
The 35-year-old Boateng recently completed his B-License coaching course and expressed his intention to gain practical experience through several hospitancies. This opportunity at Barcelona allows him to pursue that goal despite the setback in Munich, where fan opposition stemming from a 2024 conviction for assault-later reduced to a warning on appeal-led to the aborted arrangement.
Boateng was found guilty of intentional bodily harm against his former partner in 2024, but received only a warning after an appeal. He remains without a criminal record. Despite this, sections of Bayern’s fanbase, particularly the Ultras, voiced strong objections to his presence at the club.
“I have successfully completed the course and the exam for the B-Licence,” Boateng told BILD in October. “I would like to complete some hospitancies by january.”
The Barcelona opportunity provides Boateng a platform to begin his transition into coaching, offering a fresh start after the contentious situation at his former club. He aims to leverage this experience as he builds towards a future career on the sidelines.
Schalke 04 Secures Millions Through Bond Issue Amidst Financial Struggles
Gelsenkirchen, Germany - November 21, 2023 – FC Schalke 04, currently competing in the 2. Bundesliga,has successfully issued a bond to inject much-needed capital into the club,reportedly raising approximately €25 million. The move comes as the historically prominent club continues to grapple with critically important financial challenges following its relegation from the Bundesliga in 2023. news of the bond was reported by DPA,SID,Verivox,Check24,and the Westfälischer anzeiger.
The bond offering, aimed at fans and investors, provides a short-term financial lifeline for Schalke, allowing the club to address immediate debts and stabilize its operations. However, the Westfälischer Anzeiger cautioned that the investment carries risk for bondholders, given the club’s precarious financial situation. the funds are intended to alleviate the financial strain that has plagued Schalke since its demotion, impacting player transfers and overall club management.
Schalke 04 filed for insolvency in January 2019, and while the club was able to continue operations, it has faced ongoing financial difficulties. The recent bond issuance represents a critical step in the club’s restructuring efforts, though its long-term success hinges on a return to financial stability and, ultimately, promotion back to the Bundesliga. Investors are hoping the infusion of capital will allow Schalke to strengthen its squad and compete for a promotion spot in the coming seasons.
Italy draws favorable Play-off Path to 2026 World Cup
Zurich,Switzerland – Italy received a possibly manageable draw in the 2026 World Cup play-offs,learning they will face Northern Ireland in the semi-final round on Thursday,March 26th. The 2006 World Cup champions, absent from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, will aim to navigate a two-leg play-off system for a chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament.
This draw,conducted Thursday in Zurich,offers Italy a clear route toward a possible play-off final. Should Gennaro Gattuso’s squad overcome Northern Ireland, they would then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup.The expanded format of the tournament has increased the importance of these play-offs, offering more nations a pathway to qualification.
The European play-off semi-final matchups also include Ukraine hosting Sweden,Poland taking on Albania,Slovakia facing Kosovo,and Türkiye welcoming Romania. Denmark, who secured their play-off berth in the final moments of their qualifying match against Scotland, will play North Macedonia, with a potential final against the Czech Republic or Ireland awaiting the winner.
Beyond the European zone,the intercontinental play-off paths are also set. New Caledonia or Jamaica will compete against the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Bolivia or Suriname will face Iraq for the remaining qualification spots.
Budapest – Critical assessments of Hungarian football’s performance are appearing even within state-controlled media, despite massive public investment. Nemzeti sport, the nationalized sports daily, has published articles questioning why significant financial resources – hundreds of billions of forints over the past decade – haven’t translated into improved results for Hungarian teams.
Recent articles highlight disappointing performances by youth national teams. The U19 team suffered a 4-0 loss to Greece in Kispest, while the U17 team was defeated 7-1 by the Czech Republic.
Columnist Zsolt Somogyi, writing on November 16, 2025, noted the abundance of resources - quality facilities, coaching education, and ample funding – yet lamented the lack of a “quality product.” He suggested the influx of money may have led to complacency within the Hungarian football system. He observed that the Croatian U21 team was impressed by Hungarian facilities and spending during a recent match at the Hidegkuti stadium.
Gábor Thury, another Nemzeti Sport contributor, echoed these concerns, stating that football has become a “strategic task” under the second Orbán goverment, with an apparent assumption that infrastructure spending would automatically resolve professional shortcomings. He argued that while national team coach Marco rossi’s decisions can be scrutinized following the recent 3-2 defeat,he is limited by a lack of high-quality Hungarian players. Thury emphasized the need to understand the reasons for low player utilization before further criticism.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is scheduled to discuss the state of Hungarian football live on his Facebook page at 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with sports commentator István Hajdú B. and another guest.
Liverpool face Champions League Risk Despite Massive Spending, Warns Jamie Carragher
Liverpool, England – November 20, 2023 – Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, has cautioned that the club risks missing out on Champions League qualification this season despite a substantial £450 million investment in players during the summer transfer window. Carragher pinpointed a lack of midfield reinforcement as the critical area needing attention in the January transfer window to bolster LiverpoolS chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The warning comes amid a challenging start to the season for Liverpool, currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points after 11 matches.Carragher’s assessment underscores the ongoing difficulties in integrating new signings and the competitive intensity of the Premier League, were even significant financial outlay doesn’t guarantee success. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would have substantial financial and prestige implications for Liverpool, impacting future recruitment and the club’s standing in European football.
carragher’s concerns center on the team’s midfield dynamics, with reports suggesting a disconnect between new arrival Ryan Gravenberch and established players, notably Mohamed Salah. Sport Bild, a German outlet, indicated that Salah has shown a preference for linking up with familiar teammates rather than integrating Gravenberch into the attack.
Liverpool will aim to improve their form when they resume Premier League action on Saturday, November 25th, hosting Nottingham Forest at Anfield. A victory is crucial as the team seeks to reduce the deficit to Arsenal and solidify their position in the Champions League qualification battle.