Kompany: Bayern Are Close to their Best Despite Consecutive Draws coach

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)
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Kompany: Bayern Are Close to their Best Despite Consecutive Draws coach

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)

Bayern Munich are edging closer to their very best despite drawing their last two matches, coach Vincent Kompany said on Friday.

The German champions, who take on visitors RB Leipzig on Saturday, have drawn their last two matches in all competitions – a 2-2 against Augsburg that included conceding the fastest goal in Bundesliga history, followed by a 3-3 at rank outsiders Viking in the Champions League on Tuesday.

They looked far from convincing in both matches, missing chances and looking shaky at the back, and having ⁠to come from ⁠behind both times to rescue draws.

They are currently in third spot in the Bundesliga, two points behind leaders Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund.

"We want to attack," Kompany told a press conference. "We have the feeling that there are a lot of things behind the perception of ⁠these two results. I have the feeling it is just before we show our very best version.

"In the last two matches we shot 50 times on goal. If we do a few things better then we are not too far from our very best version."

Bayern have busy weeks coming up and after Leipzig – they face Arsenal in the Champions League before taking on leaders Freiburg in the Bundesliga. They then host Dortmund in ⁠Der ⁠Klassiker on October 31 after a German Cup second-round match against Magdeburg.

"These moments that some people think might be difficult we say these are the best moments you can have in your career. If you win these matches then you have created some moments," Reuters quoted Kompany as saying.

"We are sharp and motivated... we look forward to these matches to measure ourselves against the best.

"The lads reach the limit in every training session and it is fun to watch. They know it is now best to talk on the pitch."



Qiddiya Investment Company, Golf Saudi Sign Five-Year Agreement to Operate The National Golf Club

The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA
The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA
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Qiddiya Investment Company, Golf Saudi Sign Five-Year Agreement to Operate The National Golf Club

The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA
The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA

Qiddiya Investment Company and Golf Saudi have signed a five-year agreement under which Golf Saudi will operate The National Golf Club at Qiddiya City, including managing the course and facilities, overseeing golf operations, organizing events, and developing players.

Signed by Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood and Golf Saudi Chief Executive Officer Noah Alireza, the agreement will help expand golf participation, nurture Saudi talent, and establish the club as a leading international golf destination, supporting the growth of sports tourism in Saudi Arabia, SPA reported.

Aldawood said: “The National Golf Club brings Qiddiya City’s Powered by Play philosophy to life, with accessibility at the heart of its design and visitor experience. Our partnership with Golf Saudi combines world-class sporting expertise with opportunities for players of all abilities, helping nurture Saudi talent and welcome visitors from Saudi Arabia and around the world. It reflects Qiddiya Investment Company’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to increase sports participation, encourage healthier and more active lifestyles, and enhance quality of life, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Alireza said: “The addition of The National Golf Club at Qiddiya City to Golf Saudi’s portfolio marks another strategic milestone in our continued expansion as a golf facility operator in Saudi Arabia. Our ambition extends to building an integrated network of destinations that deliver world-class experiences, combining operational excellence, management expertise, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”

He added: “Through our partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company, we look forward to bringing our expertise and capabilities to this exceptional facility, enhancing the experience for players and visitors, and developing its potential to host leading tournaments and events at the local and international levels.”

The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required. Its 18-hole course, designed by golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, is surrounded by the distinctive natural formations of the Tuwaiq Mountains.

The club’s message, “Play like no one is watching,” reflects its flexible approach, allowing players to choose rounds suited to their time and skill level while giving beginners opportunities to discover golf and learn its fundamentals.

The course comprises three six-hole loops, offering flexibility for shorter or full rounds. Practice and coaching facilities, beginner-friendly programs, and a future academy aim to make golf more accessible to newcomers.

Located 45 kilometers from Riyadh, The National Golf Club is part of Qiddiya City, a destination combining entertainment, sports, culture, and everyday city life. It sits alongside the planned National Tennis Centre and is surrounded by residential areas, offices, hotels, and retail developments planned for the future. The club embodies Qiddiya City’s Powered by Play philosophy by creating opportunities for sport, social connection, and active lifestyles, supporting efforts to increase sports participation and enhance quality of life.

The club joins Qiddiya City’s growing portfolio of entertainment, cultural, and sports venues, including Six Flags Qiddiya City, which has already opened, alongside Aquarabia and PlayMaker Studios. Future venues include the National Tennis Centre, Speed Park Track, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Horse Racing Venue, and Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre. Together, these facilities will create a connected destination for international events, elite sport, broader sports participation, and everyday community life for residents, workers, and visitors.


Antonelli Back to Work as Mercedes Chase Title Double

Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
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Antonelli Back to Work as Mercedes Chase Title Double

Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Five celebratory days on from claiming the Formula One world title, Kimi Antonelli will seek to lead Mercedes to the double this weekend by beating Ferrari to take the constructors' championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The youngest champion in F1 history, and first Italian winner for 73 years, will be bidding for his 10th win of a remarkable season, but knows luckless team-mate George Russell will be intent on returning to winning ways himself, said AFP.

Blighted by ill-fortune and a series of car failures, the Briton is aiming for a strong end to the season, with a repeat of his 2022 triumph at Interlagos, to give him a springboard for a title challenge in 2027.

"All I can promise is that for the rest of this season, and into the next one, I will be giving my absolute all to rediscover the performance I have been capable of producing for the majority of my career," Russell said.

"And fingers crossed that a little bit of luck returns," he added earlier this week after congratulating 20-year-old Antonelli on finishing third in Mexico to clinch his maiden title.

Russell is without a win in four races since dominating from pole position in Baku and is chasing a fourth win this year.

Deputy technical director Simone Resta conceded, as did team chief Toto Wolff, that Mercedes had failed Russell.

"We really need to sort out these problems for the future," he said.

"We let George down and he really deserves to have a chance to fight for a much higher position...

"It's clear for the team -- we need to maximize our points and results to win the championship. We are focused on it and we will do our best to achieve it."

Mercedes need to outscore Ferrari by three points or more to be champions.

While Russell licked his wounds, Antonelli visited the family of his childhood hero Ayrton Senna and was photographed sitting in the three-time champion's famous black and gold Lotus 98T car -- complete with number 12 on the nose, the number the Italian has said he will keep next year.

- Local hope Camara -

Both of the Silver Arrows' drivers will be strongly challenged too by Red Bull's in-form four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has won three of the last four races including resisting Lewis Hamilton's late charge in Mexico last Sunday.

The speed of his team-mate Isack Hadjar will be a threat along with both Ferraris, with Hamilton still smarting from their failure to triumph in Mexico due to poor teamwork and Charles Leclerc's first-lap attack.

Ferrari, however, are without a win in Brazil since 2017 when the previous youngest champion Sebastian Vettel was victorious.

After flying home to Monaco to be with his wife Alexandra Saint Mleux for the birth of their first child, a daughter called Bianca, the late-arriving Leclerc may have other things on his mind.

He is set to be rested in Friday's first practice with reserve driver Dino Beganovic running alongside Hamilton, who is both a three-time winner and an honorary citizen of Brazil loved by the passionate Interlagos crowd.

Last year's winner and champion Lando Norris of McLaren should not be ruled out on a track where he has started from pole for the last two years.

Local hope Rafael Camara, 21, was expected to replace Leclerc but has instead been given a seat at Haas, succeeding Ryo Hirakawa who replaced the dumped Esteban Ocon in Mexico last weekend and finished 10th on debut.

Camara will make his F1 debut on his home track with the American team.


Cristiano Ronaldo Announces International Retirement

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Nations League - Group B - Portugal v Wales - Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal - September 24, 2026 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal before it is ruled out for offside following a VAR review REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Nations League - Group B - Portugal v Wales - Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal - September 24, 2026 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal before it is ruled out for offside following a VAR review REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo
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Cristiano Ronaldo Announces International Retirement

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Nations League - Group B - Portugal v Wales - Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal - September 24, 2026 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal before it is ruled out for offside following a VAR review REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Nations League - Group B - Portugal v Wales - Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal - September 24, 2026 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal before it is ruled out for offside following a VAR review REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he was retiring from international football.

The 41-year-old, who has played 234 times for Portugal and scored 146 goals, fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus last month after he refused to use him in a Nations League match. Ronaldo immediately left the team camp.

"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account.

"I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world," he continued.