We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Beckenbauer 'one of the chosen ones' says Leverkusen coach Alonso

Beckenbauer 'one of the chosen ones' says Leverkusen coach Alonso

SPORTS 12.01.2024
Beckenbauer 'one of the chosen ones' says Leverkusen coach Alonso
Beckenbauer 'one of the chosen ones' says Leverkusen coach Alonso / Photo: LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS - AFP

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso said Friday German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, who died this week aged 78, was "one of the chosen ones".

Change text size:

"He's not just another player, he's an icon," the former Bayern Munich player told reporters.

"There are players that have their own dimension and their own magnitude, like Pele, (Johan) Cruyff, (Diego) Maradona.

"Beckenbauer, he was one of those... I had the chance to meet him a few times when I was in Munich and he was very important for the club, for German football, as a player and a manager, and as a personality."

Beckenbauer died on Sunday in Salzburg, Austria, with his family announcing the news on Monday.

The Munich-born Beckenbauer won the World Cup as player and coach amid a glittering career as one of the game's finest.

He will be laid to rest on Friday at a private ceremony in Munich, while Bayern are planning a public commemoration at their Allianz Arena stadium on January 19.

"He will be remembered, he won't be forgotten because he was so big, so influential.

"It is sad but we have to be happy that we have had such big personalities in football.

"Beckenbauer is one of the chosen ones. There are not many, no more than 10, I would say."

Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen are top of the Bundesliga table, four points clear of Bayern, who have a game in hand.

N.Steward--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: