Klinsmann denies Toni rift
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann has played down suggestions that Italy international Luca Toni is unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena.
Toni has struggled to recapture last season's form and was far from content when he was substituted with 20 minutes to go during last weekend's 3-1 win against Borussia Dortmund.
Klinsmann is unaware of any problems with his striker though, saying: "I am completely fine about Toni's annoyance.
"It is fine for him to be angry. He is sure of his place in the team and we don't want any discussions about Luca."
Meanwhile, Klinsmann is refusing to under-estimate Sporting Lisbon who his side meet in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The former Germany coach said: "We're aiming high in the Champions League, but the knockout matches are always knife-edge affairs.
"They all start 50-50 and can be decided in the blink of an eye, maybe from a corner or free-kick.
"We've had Sporting Lisbon watched a couple of times. They're a really good team with excellent individuals, and they're fighting for the title in Portugal.
"They'll be a tough nut to crack, but I believe we can crack it. If we make it to the next stage, we'll be up against the biggest names."
Meanwhile, Lebanon international Roda Antar's Koln career appears to be over after he walked out on the club.
The 28-year-old, who made 15 Bundesliga starts for the club in the first half of the season, disappeared after holding what were supposed to be clear-the-air talks with club officials.
Sporting director Michael Meier said: "(Head coach) Christoph Daum and I had a lengthy discussion with Roda Antar and his advisor, during which we again made it clear that Koln needs him.
"We let Roda know that, if he gives it his all, he's an important player for us.
"We gave him two choices. Either he commits himself fully to the team, or he turns his back on it. The fact that he didn't come to training clearly means he has taken the latter option.
"With an important game against Karlsruhe coming up, it's essential to be fully focussed on that, rather than on the interests of an individual player."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments