Jupp Heynckes has all but ruled out a return to coaching.

Novak Djokovic was bidding to take himself within two wins of defending his Wimbledon title today with the knowledge the other seven remaining men – and one in particular – are out to stop him.

Skipper Philipp Lahm could be forced to lead Germany’s quest for Euro 2012 glory away from his favoured right-back position.

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack claims there was a plot against him which led to him losing the national team armband.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN midfielder Michael Ballack is to remain captain of Germany, coach Joachim Low has confirmed.

Michael Ballack has warned Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm he fully intends to captain Germany in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Liverpool have confirmed that Philipp Degen has joined Stuttgart on loan until the end of the 2010-11 season.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has told defender Philipp Degen he can look for a new club.

Germany coach Joachim Loew has defended his captain Philipp Lahm ahead of their World Cup semi-final encounter against Spain in Durban later today.

Bayern Munich’s season appears in danger of imploding after coach Louis van Gaal was given a Christmas deadline to turn their fortunes around, while influential defender Philipp Lahm was forced to apologise after being fined for criticising the club in a newspaper interview.

Outgoing Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari confirmed he would revert to the starting XI which won the first two Group A games for tomorrow’s Euro 2008 quarter-final against Germany before confidently predicting: “I don’t expect it to be my last game”.

The German group circling the London Stock Exchange today said it had no plans to raise its £1.4bn (€2bn) takeover bid.