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Harsh Werds
Thomas Tuchel tore into his Bayern Munich players after their shock 1-0 loss to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
The German claimed his side were complacent in defeat and must recover fast after slipping seven points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the title race.
Bayern boss Tuchel said: “It was clearly not enough. For over 70 minutes I didn’t have the feeling that we were playing for victory.
“We were extremely static in the first half. We lost a lot of the ball, allowed a lot of counter-attacks and were sloppy in possession. Deserved defeat.
“When you sign for a club like Bayern Munich, you sign for 100%. That applies to the coach, that applies to the players. We didn’t deliver that today.
“We played as if we were 10 points ahead and had a Champions League game on Tuesday.”
Nkunku still missing
Christopher Nkunku will be absent for Chelsea‘s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough on Tuesday with a hip injury.
The forward did make four appearances for the Blues in December having missed the first few months of the season with a knee issue.
But this new problem is keeping him out for longer than was hoped.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “It’s a shame but he is still recovering and we hope he can help the team as soon as possible.
“As can happen after a long-term injury, finding the balance is the most difficult thing. He suffered a little thing in his hip.
“It’s not a big issue.”
Play to the Max
West Ham forward Maxwel Cornet hopes the goals will flow after he netted his first for the Hammers in their 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday.
The Ivorian had failed to score in any of his first 30 outings in claret and blue since signing in 2022 and was making just his 10th appearance of the season at Bramall Lane.
He said: “I waited for a long time.
“I will keep going and push again to show again to the manager I can help the team.
“The key is work and patience. I stayed on the back post, I stayed focused on the ball and I am really happy to score.”
Best we’ve ever had
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong believes the current squad is the best he has ever played with.
Troost-Ekong, 30, made his debut in 2015 but has more faith in this group of players than any who have come before.
The Super Eagles can guarantee qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a win against Guinea-Bissau today.
He told the BBC: “It is so early still but my belief in the team has stayed the same.
“If I look at the players we have now, I think it might be the best team I have played in for Nigeria.
“That is with all due respect to some of the legends that have been there.”
Read more: All the latest Africa Cup of Nations news
Smithies hangs up gloves
Leicester goalkeeper Alex Smithies has retired from football aged 33.
The stopper made 483 career appearances, including 334 in the Championship for Huddersfield, QPR and Cardiff before signing up with the Foxes in 2022.
He did not make a first-team appearance at the King Power Stadium, however, and has now called time on his career.