Although Carlo Ancelotti won’t take over the reigns at Bayern Munich until the end of the current Bundesliga season, the veteran manager reportedly wanted assurance from the club prior to signing on in regards to one of its top players.
Ancelotti agreed to sign with the Bundesliga leaders on Sunday with Pep Guardiola’s departure in the works, but that was only the case after Bayern reassured the Italian that the team will keep forward Robert Lewandowski in the future.
Various reports have linked the Polish national team star to La Liga giants Real Madrid, which had concerned Ancelotti. While Lewandowski’s current contract technically runs until 2019, his agent negotiated a buy-out clause which can be triggered at any time.
Since joining Bayern from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, the 27-year old has scored 48 goals in all competitions and contributed heavily to the team’s success in the attacking third.
SANCHEZ WILL MISS MORE TIME FOR ARSENAL AFTER SETBACK
The Gunners picked up a massive three points on Monday night at the Emirates against fellow English powerhouse Manchester City. However, the London club did so without Alexis Sanchez.
Arsenal’s star forward came off during last month’s 1-1 draw against Norwich City with a hamstring injury, but manager Arsene Wenger revealed on Monday that the Chilean international has sustained a setback in his rehab process. Wenger expects his prized forward to return in mid-January.
Following his side’s win over City, Wenger said, “Sanchez I think will be back around the 10th of January. He has had a slight setback two days ago. We had planned to put him on the bench tonight.”
INTER’S FELIPE MELO SUSPENDED THREE MATCHES
Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Lazio stung for a multitude of reasons, but Felipe Melo’s sending off certainly stood out. The Brazilian international was suspended for three matches by Serie A after raising a boot to the face of Lazio’s Lucas Biglia.
Melo conceded a penalty no less than three minutes prior to the infraction when the 32-year old took down Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the penalty area, who was also sent off in second half stoppage time after picking up a second yellow card.
With Serie A on winter break for roughly two weeks, Melo’s suspension won’t take affect until January. The veteran midfielder will miss matches Empoli, Sassuolo, and Atalanta when Inter returns to the pitch.
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