║║ Bundesliga Season 2012-13 ║║

[Huntelaar]

RENSING MOVES DOWN THE ROAD TO LEVERKUSEN

Michael Rensing was a mainstay of the 1. FC Köln team relegated to Bundesliga 2 last season

Munich - Bayer 04 Leverkusen have snapped up goalkeeper Michael Rensing from Bundesliga 2 neighbours 1. FC Köln on a free transfer. Rensing, 28, has signed up in Leverkusen on a one-year deal until June 2013.

Rensing played 32 times for Köln in the Bundesliga last season but was unable to help the club avoid relegation to Germany's second tier in May. In total, he has made 103 appearances in the top flight to date for Köln and FC Bayern Munich, where he played between 2003 and 2010.

"Experience and quality"

Leverkusen chief executive officer Wolfgang Holzhäuser was delighted with the transfer, but stressed that the new man has not been brought in to replace current no.1 Bernd Leno.

"We have acquired a goalkeeper of quality and experience who will provide excellent back-up to Bernd Leno. We are competing in three competitions this season and in that respect the transfer makes perfect sense", Holzhäuser said.

Sporting director Rudi Völler was equally enthused by Rensing's arrival, noting, "Michael Rensing was always a key player at Köln and played exceptionally well there. His experience can help Bernd Leno achieve an even higher level of performance."

 

[Huntelaar]

Jürgen Klopp shows dismay at refereeing performance in Nürnberg tie
The Dortmund manager has strongly criticised the standard of officiating during the 1-1 Bundesliga tie at Stadion Nürnberg

'We want to set off on a run' - Neuer demands Bayern Munich focus
The Germany international has called on his team mates to maintain their focus as they look to gain an early advantage in the Bundesliga title race

Nurnberg 1-1 Borussia Dortmund: Kuba rescues point for champions
Despite the German champions dominating much of the action, their lack of penetration when it mattered ensured a stalemate in Bavaria

Klopp wants Borussia Dortmund to focus on league encounter
The 45-year-old has demanded that his players concentrate on the league game and put their European adventures out of their minds

Lahm and Neuer praise new Bayern signing Javi Martinez
The Spaniard impressed his new team-mates during his first practice, and the wing-back and goalkeeper are both confident he will make an impact at the Allianz Arena

Official: Fulham sign Wolfsburg winger Dejagah
The 26-year-old Iran international has moved to Craven Cottage on a three-year-deal to become Martin Jol's sixth signing of the transfer window

I’m not Superman, insists Van der Vaart upon completing Hamburg return
The Dutch forward has tried to clarify that in spite of his excitement at rejoining the German club, his impact will not be as emphatic as some fans might expect

Official: Twente land Braafheid on loan from Hoffenheim
The Dutch left-back has returned to the Tukkers, in a deal that will keep him at his former club until the end of the season on a temporary basis

'No point stagnating at Barcelona' - Afellay reflects on Schalke move
The Dutch international is confident of returning to form after securing a loan move to the Bundesliga, with opportunities for first team action limited at Camp Nou

Van der Vaart completes Hamburg move from Tottenham
The Netherlands international has sealed a deal to return to his former club in the Bundesliga, bringing to an end his two seasons in the Premier League at White Hart Lane

Schweinsteiger left out of Germany squad for Faroe Islands and Austria 2014 World Cup qualifiers
The 28-year-old has struggled with injury over the past 12 months, with Joachim Low opting to leave him out in the hope that he rekindles his best form in the coming months

Hoffenheim release Ryan Babel
The flamboyant attacker's contract has been terminated after a disappointing 18-month spell, and he will now try to get his career back on track elsewhere

Official: Schalke sign Afellay on loan
The Netherlands international will move to the Bundesliga on a temporary basis after he was deemed surplus to requirements at the Catalan giants

Muller: Maybe we were too nice last season
The Germany attacker believes that the Bundesliga runners-up have to be more forceful in their play during the new campaign

Javi Martinez cannot do anything about €40m pricetag, says Sammer
The former Germany international feels the midfielder's big fee was the logical consequence of the Bavarians' desire to sign him

Olaf Thon fears for Dortmund chances
The former Germany star anticipates progress for Schalke and Bayern Munich but fears for Jurgen Klopp's outfit in a tough draw

Rensing joins Bayer Leverkusen after leaving FC Koln on a free transfer
The 28-year old will provide back up for number one Bernd Leno and brings with him a vast amount of Bundesliga experience following spells at Bayern Munich and Die Geibocke

Beckenbauer unfazed by Javi Martinez's €40m transfer fee
The former Roten star is curious about how the midfielder will fare at his new club, and is unperturbed that the Bavarians were forced to spend big

Bielsa: Athletic are losing a fantastic player in Javi Martinez
The Argentine trainer has lamented the sale of the 23-year-old Spain international to Bayern Munich, after the deal was officially announced on Wednesday

Bierhoff approves of Bayern Munich's new transfer policy
The former Germany international has come out in support of the Bavarian giant's transfer targets, saying that it is much better to target younger players

 

[Huntelaar]

Bundesliga wrap: Dortmund held at Nurnberg

2 September 2012

Borussia Dortmund's uneasy start to the new Bundesliga season continued on Saturday, as they could only muster a 1-1 draw at Nurnberg.Tomas Pekhart made the reigning champions pay for their scrappy start to proceedings on the half-hour mark with a bullet header, but Jakub Blaszczykowski's immediate reply ensured Jurgen Klopp's side were entitled to a share of the spoils.

The opening stages of the match were extremely cagey as both sides set their stalls for the afternoon however it was the hosts who broke the deadlock inside the first 32 minutes.

An out swinging corner from Hiroshi Kiyotake found Pekhart, who jumped highest in the box to nod Nurnberg into the lead.

But their advantage was short-lived. Only eight minutes later, Marcel Schmelzer's cross caused all sorts of panic in the home side's box with Robert Lewandowski's saved header and Ivan Perisic's crossbar effort allowing Blaszcykowski to sweep up the rebound.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen claimed their first win of the season with a 2-0 home victory over Hamburg.

Aaron Hunt converted a penalty to give Bremen a 1-0 lead after 51 minutes before Nils Petersen, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, made it 2-0 on 67 minutes.

Newly-promoted Eintracht Frankfurt continue to set the pace in the Bundesliga after trouncing nine-man Hoffenheim.

Alexander Meier bagged a brace, and Pirmin Schwegler and Martin Lanig also scored as Frankfurt preserved their 100 percent record.

Meanwhile, Sami Hyypia's Bayer Leverkusen ran out 2-0 victors over Freiburg, Schalke eased past FC Augsburg 3-1 and Fortuna Dusseldorf earned a point at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach, who bowed out of the UEFA Champions League during the final qualifying stage midweek.

Mainz went down 1-0 at home to Greuther Furth, with Felix Klaus scoring the winner in the 66th minute.

 

[Huntelaar]

Otsu leaves Moenchengladbach for Venlo

Japanese striker Yuki Otsu joined Dutch side VVV-Venlo from Germany's Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday for an undisclosed fee.

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Eurosport - Yuki Otsu

Otsu, who played for Japan in the London Olympics, moved to Moenchengladbach last summer but failed to make an impact at the Bundesliga club.

"Borussia would like to wish him (Otsu) all the best for his future career at VVV Venlo," Moenchengladbach said in a statement on the club website.

Otsu, 22, only made four appearances for the German side in all competitions last season.

But the striker caught the eye with three goals at last month's Olympics, helping Japan reach the semi-finals for the first time in 44 years.

The deal comes a day after Otsu's Olympic captain Maya Yoshida left Venlo for English Premier League side Southampton.

Meanwhile, Japan national captain Makoto Hasebe has failed in his bid to engineer a move away from Germany's Wolfsburg and will be staying with the Bundesliga side.

 

[Huntelaar]

Bundesliga wrap: Six of the best for Bayern

3 September 2012

Bayern Munich continued their 100 per cent Bundesliga record in style by trouncing Stuttgart 6-1 on Sunday.

The visitors took the lead through Martin Harnik after 25 minutes but Bayern hit back before half-time with goals from Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and Luiz Gustavo.

Another three strikes in the space of six second-half minutes completed the rout, with Muller in fine form.

The 22-year-old scored his second between goals for both Mario Mandzukic and Bastian Schweinsteiger and the visitors' misery was compounded when Vedad Ibisevic was dismissed in the 74th minute.

Arguably Bayern's best goal came two minutes before the break, leaving Bruno Labbadia's side shell-shocked.

Gustavo drilled in a fantastic 35-yard effort that swerved away from Sven Ulreich and crashed in off the post.

In the day's other match, Hannover moved second behind leaders Eintracht Frankfurt with a 4-0 win at Wolfsburg.

Polish striker Artur Sobiech struck twice, in the 26th and 56th minutes, while Tunisian defender Karim Haggui (10th minute) and Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen (52nd minute) also scored.

All four goals were created by Hungarian midfielder Szabolcs Huszti.

 

[Huntelaar]

Schweinsteiger glad to be back on scoring trail for Bayern
The midfielder was not included in the Germany squad for the international break, but netted in his side's demolition of Stuttgart, and he is relieved to have regained his form

Javi Martinez wanted to leave Athletic Bilbao before Euro 2012, admits Urrutia
The Athletic supremo reveals the midfielder was keen to depart San Mames for some time, as he remains calm over the futures of other star players, including Fernando Llorente

Van der Vaart: I will not leave Hamburg if we get relegated, but that will not happen
The Dutchman recently returned to the Bundesliga side, and is confident they will get back on track in the not too distant future after a difficult start to the season

Heynckes: Bayern were outstanding against Stuttgart
Die Roten coach was quite satisfied with his side's display, and was even more content with the way the players enjoyed the game

'He is exactly the type of player we need' - Heynckes happy with Javi Martinez debut
Bayern Munich's new €40 million signing made a late debut in their 6-1 defeat over Stuttgart and manager Heynckes appears delighted with his new acquisition.

 

[Huntelaar]

Dante has not shown Bayern quality yet, says Jurgen Kohler
The former Germany defender is not convinced the Brazilian centre-back is good enough to make it at the highest level

Van der Vaart disappointed with Netherlands snub
The attacking midfielder is not amused by his exclusion from the squad for the upcoming international games, but refused to make any further comments on the matter

Klasnic was only our second choice, says Mainz director of football Cristian Heidel
The experienced striker was only a back-up option according to a senior official at the club, after the failure to capture their number one target

Heynckes must never doubt my loyalty, insists Matthias Sammer
The executive at the Allianz Arena stated that his presence on the bench during matches poses no threat to the current boss, even though his future remains unclear

Javi Martinez is a nice guy, says Bayern youngster Weiser
The versatile teenager has spoken about his new team-mate, and also explained his disappointment at not making an appearance for the senior team yet this season

Athletic Bilbao consider legal action against Bayern Munich over Javi Martinez
The Spain international left the Basque side for Bavaria on a five-year deal earlier this summer, but his previous club are not amused with the German outfit's behaviour

Arnesen delighted with Van der Vaart deal
The Hamburg sporting director was happy to persuade the former Spurs midfielder to return to the club, despite the move representing a change in transfer strategy

 

[Huntelaar]

Bundesliga | 04.09.2012 09:31:16

HAMBURG'S HOPES PINNED ON VAN DER VAART

Rafael van der Vaart returned "home" to Hamburg on transfer deadline day from English side Tottenham

Munich - Should everything go according to plan, Rafael van der Vaart will pull on a Hamburger SV shirt for the first time in 1583 days on 16 September when the Red Shorts host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

A more dramatic transformation between then and now is barely imaginable as the Dutchman returns to a side which is merely a shadow of the one he left in 2008.

Downhill all the way

His last game for the club was a 7-0 thrashing of Karlsruher SC, a result which earned the club a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga that season. Since van der Vaart's departure, HSV have finished fifth, seventh, eighth and, last season, 15th - the north German club's worst ever top-flight finish.

It is hoped the 29-year-old can reverse the decline, but in truth, nothing is like it used to be in Hamburg. Van der Vaart may only have been away for four years, but when he returned to the dressing room following his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, he would not have found a single familiar face. His coaches Thomas Doll and Huub Stevens have long since flown the nest and none of his former team-mates still play for the club.

Then and now

Thorsten Fink is now calling the shots and needs a player of van der Vaart's pedigree more than ever. In his first three years on the Alster, the Dutchman scored 48 goals in 113 games, setting up a further 35 goals for fellow Red Shorts. HSV were even playing UEFA Champions League football when he last played for them - and he scored a goal in each of their three group games.

That seems like an eternity ago, however. After three defeats in a row, the alarm bells are ringing louder than ever, which is where van der Vaart comes in. However, the Dutchman himself says he cannot perform miracles: "I know that everybody is expecting that I will help the team immediately as the leading player. It's only normal that people have such expectations. I want to help the team rediscover their self-confidence, but I'm not the saviour."

Renewed optimism

His words alone have already brought an air of optimism to the club who, after crashing out of the DFB Cup, only have the Bundesliga to concentrate on this season. "I am absolutely convinced that we'll start moving upwards now," said Fink. "Rafael does not need to have experience of being in a relegation battle because we're not going to be in one."

Ben Gladwell

 

[Huntelaar]

Bundesliga | 05.09.2012 09:21:37

MAGATH'S MERRY-GO-ROUND CONTINUES

Felix Magath was a frustrated man during Sunday's 4-0 home defeat to Hannover 96


Munich - When the summer transfer window slammed shut on Friday night, officials at most Bundesliga clubs breathed a collective sigh of relief that one of the busiest periods of their year had finally come to a close. Not so Felix Magath.

The VfL Wolfsburg coach is renowned as one of the shrewdest movers in the transfer market, with a seemingly endless list of contacts and scouts informing him of the latest up-and-coming talents. The 59-year-old has also tempted some star names to try their luck in the Bundesliga, most notable among them Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul at FC Schalke 04.

Overegged the pudding?

There are signs nonetheless that Magath can be over-exuberant in his pursuit of new faces to freshen up his squad. Last summer, Wolfsburg signed eleven new players while showing the door to 13. They lost three of their first four Bundesliga matches in 2011/12 and were down in twelfth place at the winter break.

Magath reacted by bringing in eight more players and releasing seven before the second half of the campaign. Their form improved marginally, but an eighth place finish - outside of European qualification - was disappointing for a club of Wolfsburg's ambition, not least as they were Bundesliga champions just three seasons ago. This summer has seen a similar story unfold, with seven new recruits putting pen to paper and 14 players allowed to move on.

History repeating itself

Despite the pruning, Magath still has a first-team pool of 35 players to choose from, the largest of any side in the league. By contrast, defending champions Borussia Dortmund have a 29-man senior squad, while at FC Bayern Munich Jupp Heynckes has just 27. The Wolves may have managed an opening day win away to Stuttgart, but their 4-0 home defeat to Hannover 96 on Sunday exposed some serious shortcomings.

The team were out of sorts from start to finish, perhaps unsurprisingly given that three of the back four and two of the attacking trio only joined in July. New players, particularly those coming from foreign clubs, need time to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings as well as to gel with team-mates. Such a revolving-door policy carries an inherent risk and it failed to bear fruit for Magath in the 2010/11 season with Schalke, when the club ended up in 14th place - and he himself was gone before the end of the campaign.

Enviable record

But there is definite method to what may at times appear a somewhat scatter-gun approach. While it may not breed continuity and stability within the squad, it certainly keeps players on their toes and determined to perform at their maximum every time. Indeed, viewed over the last ten seasons, Magath is the Bundesliga's most successful coach, having won the coveted crown three times (in '05, '06 and '09). If he can find the right mix once more, Wolfsburg could once again be heading back in the direction of the heights the club, and their head coach, aspire to.

 

[Huntelaar]

Dante has not shown Bayern quality yet, says Jurgen Kohler

The former Germany defender is not convinced the Brazilian centre-back is good enough to make it at the highest level

Sep 5, 2012 9:45:00 AM

By Stefan Coerts

Germany legend Jurgen Kohler has doubts as to whether Dante has what it takes to succeed at Bayern Munich following his summer move from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The former Roten, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund defender feels the Brazilian is a decent player, but stressed that he remains unproven at the highest level.

"I find Bayern's situation in defence very interesting, the two centre-back positions in particular," Kohler wrote in his column for TZ.

"This is not their best area in my opinion. Dante is certainly not a bad player, but Bayern are aiming high in Europe, and it remains to be seen whether he has the quality to succeed at the highest level."

The 28-year-old defender featured for the full 90 minutes in Bayern's opening two Bundesliga games.

 

[Huntelaar]

Dante: I would happily retire at Bayern
The defender is loving life at his new club and would be more than happy to stay put until he decides to hang up his boots

Javi Martinez: Schweinsteiger is a legend
The versatile midfielder has stressed that the Germany star played a key role in his integration, and added that he's keen to make an impact in the Bundesliga

Lars Bender flattered by Bayern Munich interest
The 23-year-old is pleased that his performances have been recognised by some of Europe's biggest clubs, but is targetting a starting role in the national set-up

 

[Huntelaar]

Javi Martinez (second from r.) hasn't yet done enough to make it into best XI most impressive signings so far.

Rene Adler, who despite losing both of his opening matches with Hamburger SV, has been a revelation in between the sticks,
making more saves (14), including an Aaron Hunt penalty, than any other goalkeeper in the league.

Theodor Gebre Selassie (second from left) may have scored against Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 1, but the stability he's brought to the right-hand
side of Bremen's back four, completing close to 90 per cent of his passes and winning 65.7 per cent of his challenges, has been far more important for Werder.

Philipp Wollscheid (m.) continues to improve with each passing season and hasn't lost any of the qualities that made him a great centre-back at Nuremberg.
The 23-year-old demonstrated his goal threat against Freiburg, but leads his team having won 77.4 per cent of his tackles.

Dante (r.) hasn't missed a minute of action since joining FC Bayern in the summer. The Brazilian has transitioned seamlessly into the record titleholders'
system and has had more touches (212) than any other player in the league, as well as boasting the fifth best pass completion rate (95.2 per cent).

Bastian Oczipka (r.), who is currently enjoying the benefits of regular first team football at high-flying Frankfurt. The 23-year-old has
shown no fear going forward this season, sending in six crosses and creating seven goalscoring chances for team-mates and collecting one assist.

Stefan Aigner (r.) hasn't blinked an eye since making the step up into the Bundesliga. The former 1860 Munich winger scored the
equaliser in Frankfurt's 2-1 win against Leverkusen, but considering he's run a total distance of 21.5km, it's his work ethic that has set him apart.

Hiroshi Kiyotake to become the 'next Shinji Kagawa' and it's not difficult to see why when you compare their qualities.
The Japanese youngster has covered more ground (23.4km) than any other FCN player and has created ten goalscoring chances to boot.

Marco Reus may not have taken to Borussia Dortmund's style of play the way some had hoped, but it hasn't stopped him from wreaking havoc in opposition backlines.
The new BVB star has created twelve goalscoring chances for his side on top of scoring the opening goal of the 2012/13 Bundesliga season.

Szabolcs Huszti is performing like a player that never left. The fleet-footed winger has provided a constant
threat - as proven by the four assists he supplied in 96's 4-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg on Matchday 2 - Mesut Özil was the last player to achieve that feat.

Bas Dost is still finding his feet in Germany's top flight, but having already got a match-winning goal under his belt, the Dutchman will be
looking to push on up front for the Wolves. Reminiscent of former VfL striker Edin Dzeko, the 23-year-old's five attempts on goal have all been headers.

Mario Mandzukic is now the only 'Super Mario' being talked about in Munich.
His build-up play is just as important though as he's created twelve goalscoring chances and completed 87.5 per cent of his passes.
​

 

[Huntelaar]

Netzer: It has become more difficult for guys like Miroslav Klose
The former German football legend believes that the fluid style of nations such as Spain has made it harder for the Lazio striker to succeed

Germany lack a Pirlo-like figure in midfield, says former Austrian international Paul Scharner
The 32-year-old believes that his compatriots can match Joachim Low's side on Tuesday, but remains disappointed over his ban from the national side

Reus underlines ambition to progress in the Champions League
The 23-year-old Germany international has revealed that there is a real sense of belief within the Bundesliga champions that they can progress from a difficult continental pool

Sven Bender keen to make up for lost time at Dortmund
The midfielder has staked his claim for a starting place at the Imtech Arena following his recovery from injury, which saw him miss the start of the 2012-13 campaign

Van der Vaart is the boss, says Hamburg coach Fink
The former Basel boss believes that the Dutchman's return to the Imtech Arena will reinvigorate his side, who have endured a frustrating start to the new Bundesliga season

Neuer: Javi Martinez needs time to adapt
The Germany international has stressed that the midfielder will need breathing space in order to get used to his new surroundings and team-mates

 

[Huntelaar]

Bundesliga | 08.09.2012 11:08:47

HELDT EXTENDS TIME AT SCHALKE

Director of sport & communications Horst Heldt is determined to turn Schalke into a title-winning side

Gelsenkirchen - Director of sport & communications Horst Heldt has put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension with Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke 04, keeping him at the club until 30 June 2016.

Although the document is still without "the last two signatures", Heldt has already shaken hands and verbally assured Schalke chairman Clemens Tönnies that he will remain with the Royal Blues. As a result the club announced the news on Saturday morning.

"Relying on continuity"

"We're relying on continuity in this key position. For us that means Horst Heldt. He is currently doing an excellent job for the club," said Tönnies. Heldt had originally joined Schalke from fellow Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart in July 2010. His current contract was due to run out during the summer of 2013.

 

[Huntelaar]

Netzer: It has become more difficult for guys like Miroslav Klose

The former German football legend believes that the fluid style of nations such as Spain has made it harder for the Lazio striker to succeed

Sep 9, 2012 5:55:00 PM

By Mohammed Ali

Former Germany international Gunter Netzer believes that the current evolution of international football has made it harder for players like Miroslav Klose to shine.

The 67-year-old, who won both the European Championship and Fifa World Cup with West Germany in the early 1970s is of the opinion that the success seen by the likes of Spain and FC Barcelona has made it hard for the 'classic' striker.

"The fact that Miroslav Klose [is] currently the only striker in the squad of the German national team could be an indication of future development in international football," Netzer wrote in his blog on Bild.

"Because especially, for the typical goalscorer, football has become increasingly difficult. They are pure specialists. [The] increase in their reputation falls solely with the number of goals.

"Therefore, strikers are basically facing acute criticism if they score no goals. Now, the Spaniards demonstrated at the European Championships, the changes in the style of the team, if the coach does not have adequate strikers available.

"The Spaniards have tried to solve everything playfully. In a system in which each player has to come into play and take part including constantly working, and [to] allow no time-outs.

"This is a very sophisticated system that Barcelona and Spain dominate. Also, the German team has [this]. With Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Andre Schurrle, a gratifyingly large number of talented, technically skilled players who are available for such a system."

 

[Huntelaar]

Bundesliga | 09.09.2012 11:29:39

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Captured sharing a moment with VfL Wolfsburg boss Felix Magath (r.), FC Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthäus (l.) returns to Hamburg on Sunday

Munich - Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Giovane Elber: three names synonymous with the beautiful game, three men who've done it all in Germany and three footballing greats set to grace the hallowed turf once again on Sunday afternoon.

In fact, over 70 Bundesliga heroes of years gone by are set to come together at St Pauli's Millerntor Stadium in Hamburg, with 20,500 spectators also taking part in the eighth instalment of the annual 'Day of Legends.' It's all for a good cause, too...

Social engagement

The brainchild of TV-Moderator Reinhold Beckmann and former St Pauli vice-president Christian Hinzpeter, the Nest Werk foundation works tooth and nail to provide free spaces for Hamburg's socially-disadvantaged children and youths to access sport and other recreational activities.

Since its founding 13 years ago, the non-profit organisation has raised a staggering 1.2 million Euros, 200,000 of which came from ticket sales alone following last year's charity match and, of course, this year will be no different. Though the Millerntor is currently undergoing somewhat of a facelift, all seats have already sold out ahead of the big kick-off (15:15 CET), with all proceeds going to the foundation.

'Superheroes of world football'

At the invitation of Beckmann, the likes of Jens Lehmann, Fredi Bobic, Krassimir Balakow, Thorsten Fink, Holger Stanislawski, Horst Hrubesch, Sergej Barbarez, Ulf Kirsten, Bernd Schneider, Olaf Thon and Anthony Yeboah will all assemble under the motto 'superheroes of world football' as, true to tradition, a Hamburg XI take on Germany and the rest of the world in the Nest Werk foundation's showcase event.

Hamburg have won five and lost two of the seven encounters to date, and while 'the Day of Legends' is about so much more than a game of football, there are sure to be fireworks as past members of an all-star Bundesliga cast prepare to tread the boards for an undeniably good cause.

Christopher Mayer-Lodge

 

[Huntelaar]

Robben frustrated with groin injury that ruled him out of Netherlands win over Hungary
The Bayern winger picked up a groin problem ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier, and he could now be out of action for a while

We cannot repeat last season, says Gladbach boss Favre
The 54-year-old coach has disappointed fans by telling them that last season's superb campaign won't be repeated

Gotze can play anywhere, says former Dortmund star Zorc
The 49-year-old has heaped praise on the versatility of the BVB starlet and tipped him to show the very best of his ability in the coming months

Hoeness: Bayern don't owe Osasuna any money over Javi Martinez
The German powerhouse feel they have no obligation to pay the Liga outfit anything as they believe Athletic should pay the compensation fee

Former Germany international Andreas Hinkel retires aged 30
The nomadic full-back has announced his retirement from football on Monday after spending 12 years in Europe's top flight and is now looking towards other areas of the game

 

[Huntelaar]

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[Huntelaar]

Dortmund deserve more respect from Bayern, says Watzke
The BVB supremo is not amused with the Bavarians' disrespectful attitude toward their domestic rivals, and believes they deserve better

Robben: I have to be more selfish again
The Dutchman feels that he was by no means at his best last season, and believes a more individualistic approach will help him play his best football

Robben unlikely to feature against Mainz
The Dutchman was not able to train with the rest of his Bayern Munich team-mates on Thursday after sustaining a thigh injury over the course of the international break

Athletic will not take legal action over Martinez, says Rummenigge
The Basque club's president had threatened to take the Bavarians to court after the Spaniard travelled to Germany for a medical, but are now expected to drop the case

Bayern have plenty of unused potential, says Heynckes
The 67-year-old coach has stressed that the Bavarians are by no means on top of their game just yet, despite a positive start to the season

 

[Huntelaar]

Dortmund will never catch up with our success, says Bayern president Hoeness

The 60-year-old supremo feels that the Roten are far more of a global brand than their Bundesliga rivals and claimed BVB will never match his side's achievements

Sep 13, 2012 10:00:00 AM

By Stefan Coerts

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Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has dismissed the suggestion that Borussia Dortmund could take the Bavarians' place as the most popular Bundesliga side outside Germany.

BVB have beaten Bayern to the domestic title two seasons running, but Hoeness believes that their popularity is limited to their own region, as opposed to Bayern's global brand.

"I do not think that Dortmund have passed us marketing wise. Dortmund are more of a regional thing whereas Bayern Munich are a global brand," Hoeness was quoted as saying by Bild.

"When you walk the boulevard in Beijing and ask a random person to name a German football club, the answer will always be Bayern Munich and not Borussia Dortmund.

"Dortmund will never be able to catch up with the incredible successes we have achieved in the past 30 years and the tradition that comes with it.

"If Dortmund are to be more popular than Bayern worldwide, they need to win at least 10 more consecutive Bundesliga titles."

Dortmund have won eight Bundesliga titles to date, but that is dwarfed by Bayern's tally of 22.