★ Bundesliga Season 2015-16 ★

[Neuer]

Fresh injury blow for Dortmund´s Durm

9 September 2015

Erik Durm is to miss a further six weeks of action after the Borussia Dortmund full-back underwent surgery on a knee injury.

The defender has yet to feature for the Bundesliga side this season, while he also sat out Germany's Euro 2016 qualifying victories over Poland and Scotland.

Dortmund confirmed that Durm went under the knife on Wednesday and will now spend even more time on the sidelines.

Thomas Tuchel's side have started the season in impressive form and sit top of the league after three matches.

 

[Neuer]

Former club reveal Schweinsteiger cost United €9m

9 September 2015

Manchester United paid just €9 million to secure the services of Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich, according to his former youth side TSV 1860 Rosenheim.

Schweinsteiger swapped the Bundesliga for the Premier League in July after 13 hugely successful years in the Bayern first team.

Alongside Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian, Schweinsteiger's arrival formed part of a substantial outlay from United as they seek to re-establish themselves as contenders for domestic and European honours.

And fifth-tier Rosenheim, who coached Schweinsteiger for six years as a youngster, have revealed the they will benefit financially from the €9m transfer fee.

"The transfer fee for Bastian was €9m and we were credited for two years [with the club]," explained chief financial officer Sandro Sacco.

"We will receive the payment in two instalments, and after deducting the advisor and legal costs, we will receive €19,000. We already received the first instalment in August.

"We are delighted about Bastian's incredible career and also that we profit from it financially as his first club."

 

[Neuer]

Schalke´s ´pressure and expectation´ scared Draxler away

10 September 2015

Julian Draxler's concerns about what the "pressure and expectation" at Schalke would mean for his long-term career prompted his move to Wolfsburg.

The highly rated youngster signed a five-year deal with Wolfsburg on the Bundesliga's Deadline Day, ending his 14-year association with boyhood club Schalke.

The attacking midfielder has long been rated a future stalwart for Germany, while many at the Veltins Arena expected him to be critical to Schalke's hopes of a breakthrough Bundesliga title.

But after an injury-affected 2014-15, Draxler found the pressure at Schalke debilitating.

"I became convinced that I would not manage to withstand the pressure and expectation at Schalke," he told Kicker.

"Even after six months of injury, I felt that I should decide matches almost single-handedly. Because of that I realised that it was time to go, and there are other ways of doing things."

Draxler left Schalke after 119 league appearances across just over five seasons, with Wolfsburg - who finished second last term - snapping up the 21-year-old after a move to Juventus fell through.

With the likes of Andre Schurrle, Max Kruse, Vieirinha and Daniel Caligiuri to challenge him for a spot in Dieter Hecking's Wolfsburg line-up, Draxler reckons the Lower Saxony-based club will force him to improve.

"I have the feeling I now must provide even more in training to get games," he said.

"This is exactly what I need."

Draxler added: "At some point [with Schalke] I had the feeling that I am personally being rather hindered because I've had to deal with many things other than football."

 

[Ilkay]

Dortmund won´t compete with Bayern - Hofmann

10 September 2015

Borussia Dortmund winger Jonas Hofmann has dismissed his side's Bundesliga title chances and insisted Bayern Munich will again finish on top.

Dortmund endured a difficult season under Jurgen Klopp last term - at times flirting with relegation before securing a seventh-place finish and a DFB-Pokal final appearance.

Following Klopp's departure, the Thomas Tuchel era begin brightly with three wins from three in the Bundesliga alongside progression to the UEFA Europa League group stage.

However, Hofmann - who spent last season on loan at Mainz - has urged Dortmund to stay grounded, rubbishing suggestions they can end the dominance of Bayern.

"I think after last year we need to be down to earth," he told Goal.

"We must not have too high expectations. Of course we want to play a good role in the Bundesliga and we have high expectations for ourselves but we have to keep our perspective.

"We won't compete with Bayern Munich. We know Bayern has such high quality. If everything goes its usual way Bayern will be champions.

"We're happy where we are in the table. If we continue our way with the coach and the whole team then we will challenge until the end of the season."

Hofmann was part of the Dortmund sides that disrupted Bayern's domestic dominance with title wins in 2011 and 2012 but faces the challenge of becoming a regular starter under Tuchel.

The loan signing of Adnan Januzaj adds extra competition, although the 23-year-old believes the Manchester United man can add much-needed depth to Dortmund's attacking ranks.

"I saw [Januzaj] in some of his last games for Manchester United," he added.

"He played and I think he scored. If you're interested in football, it's obvious that you know the name and know what he's capable of.

"It's good to have him. Some offensive players left us so we needed a new player. We will need to rotate our players because the physical effort [this season] will be immense.

"For us as players it's important to be competitive to develop. We're happy to have a new team-mate - of course it's extra competition but we have to look at it as a team. We have to support each other and then see how successful we can be."

 

[Robben]

No Reus for Dortmund but Tuchel talks up Januzaj

11 September 2015

Thomas Tuchel has hinted Adnan Januzaj will be thrown straight into the Borussia Dortmund starting XI for Saturday's clash with Hannover.

The Belgium international joined Dortmund on loan from Manchester United towards the end of the transfer window and made a positive first impression, scoring a fine goal in the midweek friendly win at St Pauli.

And with Marco Reus expected to miss out due to the toe injury that prevented him from playing for Germany over the international break, Tuchel may turn to Januzaj to fill the void down the left of Dortmund's attack.

He said: "Our first impression of Adnan is good. He's a very exciting, creative player but it will still take time for him to get used to us, to the defensive work and the training intensity too."

Tuchel is relishing the return to Bundesliga action following the international break with his side sitting top of the table having won their opening three games.

"The small break was good for us. We had the friendly game in St Pauli which kept the players at top fitness," he added. "We're all glad to be back and looking forward to our next task on Saturday. You can't replace the feeling of a win. That has been motivating us."

Last season Dortmund flirted with relegation before finally finishing seventh under Jurgen Klopp. Winger Jonas Hofmann this week talked down Dortmund's chances of challenging for the title and admitted Bayern Munich were likely to retain their crown.

Tuchel was not as pessimistic but refused to be drawn on comparisons between his men and Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Bayern side.

"We want to continue to be at the top. We need to look at each game from week to week," he said. "A comparison with Bayern isn't forbidden but I don't care if we're on the same level as them."

 

[Robben]

Hannover v Borussia Dortmund: Januzaj in contention for Bundesliga bow

10 September 2015

Adnan Januzaj could make his debut for Borussia Dortmund as Thomas Tuchel's men bid to continue their perfect start to the new Bundesliga season when they visit Hannover.

Januzaj joined Dortmund on a season-long loan from Manchester United on the Bundesliga's transfer deadline day and netted in a benefit match against St Pauli on Tuesday.

Dortmund return to league action on Saturday having claimed three wins from three to start the Bundesliga campaign under new boss Tuchel, easing to comfortable victories over Borussia Monchengladbach, Ingolstadt and Hertha Berlin.

And Januzaj may be in line to make his competitive bow for the club at the HDI-Arena.

"Adnan only trained with the team once, and also had minor problems with his thigh last week, but in spite of that he has hinted at his potential, and was strong in his dribbling," Tuchel said.

Asked whether the Belgium international would feature, Tuchel responded: "Everything's possible."

One player who will definitely not be on the pitch is full-back Erik Durm. The 23-year-old is set for six weeks on the sidelines after having surgery to remove infected tissue from his knee.

Marco Reus is a doubt with a toe injury while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could also miss out due to a knock picked up on international duty with Gabon.

Lukasz Piszczek is likely to be unavailable because of a calf problem sustained in Poland's 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifying defeat to Germany, and Nuri Sahin is also set to be absent.

Even with those injury problems, Dortmund will go into the game as heavy favourites to defeat a Hannover side that has picked up just one point from the first three games, which came in a 2-2 draw with newly promoted Darmstadt.

That stalemate was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen and a 3-0 reverse at the hands of Mainz in the last game before the international break.

Despite that disappointing run of results, Michael Frontzeck - who took over in April and ensured survival for the club last term - has been keen to stress patience with his side, stating on Wednesday that his team "needs time".

Hannover did claim a 1-0 win against Dortmund away from home last season but, given the two clubs' contrasting fortunes so far this campaign, Frontzeck may have to wait a little longer for his first league triumph of 2015-16.

 

[Robben]

Bayern Munich v Augsburg: Sammer tips Coman to shine

10 September 2015

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has backed new signing Kingsley Coman to "explode into life" if he makes his debut against Augsburg on Saturday.

Coman, who joined the Bundesliga champions for a fee that could reach €15million from Juventus on a two-year loan, is ready to go straight into the Bayern starting line-up, although he faces a stiff challenge breaking into an unbeaten team, who sit behind leaders Borussia Dortmund on goal difference.

With the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal, Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben at Bayern, Coman could hardly have joined a club with a stronger midfield already in place, but he may get his chance due to a thigh injury to the latter.

At a media conference to unveil the 19-year-old Frenchman, Sammer said: "The coach picks the team. If he plays, he'll explode into life.

"He's quick, nimble, good on the ball, and has good game intelligence.

"These are all things that we look for in a player."

Robben is expected to be out for four weeks as he recovers from a thigh injury sustained during international duty with Netherlands, which could create an opening for Coman, but Bayern coach Pep Guardiola might chose to utilise Mario Gotze, who has made just two starts this season in all competitions.

Guardiola is out to avenge the 1-0 home defeat Augsburg inflicted on his title-winning side in the latter stages of last season, but he must attempt to do so without long-term ankle injury absentee Franck Ribery, as well as Holger Badstuber and Medhi Benatia, who are both short of fitness following thigh problems.

Augsburg travel to the Allianz Arena for the Bundesliga clash with no injury concerns, looking to add to the solitary point they have earned this season.

Club captain Paul Verhaegh is confident that they can get something from the game, and he told the Bundesliga official website: "It's clear what the roles are in this encounter. We'll nevertheless still try and take points away from FC Bayern."

 

[Muller]

Hannover deserve patience - Frontzeck

11 September 2015

Hannover coach Michael Frontzeck "does not understand" the criticism aimed at his players after the mass changes at the club since last season.

Of the 12 players to have made 20 league appearances for Hannover last term, four have departed, while Frontzeck - in his first full season at the club - has added seven to his squad.

Striker Mevlut Erdinc has arrived from Saint-Etienne, while young wingers Uffe Bech and Felix Klaus have joined form Nordsjaelland and Freiburg, respectively – but not one has hit the back of the net yet.

With so many changes, Frontzeck believes it is understandable Hannover have started the 2015-16 Bundesliga season poorly, with just one point from three games.

Having only just avoided relegation with a win over Freiburg on the final day of last season, Hannover fans are nervous but Frontzeck wants patience.

"What takes place here is a logical sequence," he told kicker.

"We can talk about a lot of players who have the ability to make a team better. We have taken a different approach, with talented players who need time.

"This is not unusual, but actually normal. Therefore, I sometimes do not understand why the players are criticised."

According to kicker, Hannover's start is their worst since 2008-09, when they finished 11th.

Since then, Hannover have generally done better, with 15th in 2009-10 followed by a fourth-place finish in 2010-11 then seventh, ninth, 10th and 13th.

"We have not started so well, we're going through a hard school," Frontzeck said.

It will not get much easier for Frontzeck's men either, with Borussia Dortmund visiting on Saturday - Thomas Tuchel's side have won three consecutive games to begin the Bundesliga campaign.

 

[Stuttgart]

Bundesliga Review: Dortmund and Bayern maintain perfect starts

12 September 2015 18:28

Borussia Dortmund maintained their 100 per cent record this season as they came from behind to beat Hannover 4-2 at the HDI-Arena on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel's men have won all 10 of their competitive fixtures so far in 2015/16 – with four of them coming in the Bundesliga – which they sit top of on all goal difference.

Hannover took the lead against the run of play early into the first half through Artur Sobiech, but Dortmund restored parity through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty before Henrikh Mkhitaryan's stunning effort gave them the advantage.

A dreadful error from Dortmund captain Mats Hummels allowed Sobiech to level after the interval, but Felipe's own goal and another Aubameyang penalty handed the points to the visitors.

Champions Bayern Munich also came from a goal down to beat Augsburg 2-1 in the Bavarian derby, with Thomas Muller converting a late penalty to make it four league wins from four for Pep Guardiola's side.

Alexander Esswein's strike had put Augsburg ahead at the Allianz Arena, but Robert Lewandowski levelled with 13 minutes to go.

And Bayern were able to take the spoils when Markus Feulner was adjudged to have brought down Douglas Costa – Muller stepping up to drill home the resulting spot-kick in the final minute.

Stuttgart have now made their worst start to a Bundesliga campaign after they lost 2-1 at Hertha Berlin.

Toni Sunjic's goal midway through the first half had cancelled out Hertha's opener from Genki Haraguchi, but Fabian Lustenberger's first for the club was enough to condemn Stuttgart to their fourth-straight defeat.

Bayer Leverkusen suffered their first defeat in 20 games against a newly-promoted side as they were dispatched 1-0 at home by Darmstadt, while Wolfsburg drew 0-0 away at Ingolstadt.

 

[Ilkay]

Bundesliga Review: Hoffenheim remain winless, Schalke leapfrog Mainz

13 September 2015 19:58

Hoffenheim fell to their third defeat in four Bundesliga games as two stoppage-time strikes from Werder Bremen ensured they triumphed 3-1 at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

Eduardo Vargas had cancelled out Zlatko Junuzovic's first-half opener as the hosts looked set to claim just their second point of the season, only for Anthony Ujah to snatch a winner late on.

And Junuzovic rubbed salt in the wound with another goal from an acute angle to compound Hoffenheim's woes.

In Sunday's other fixture, Schalke bounced back from a draw with Darmstadt and a defeat to Wolfsburg to beat Mainz 2-1 at the Veltins Arena, despite Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's early missed penalty.

Schalke took the lead in the 37th minute as Joel Matip headed home from a Johannes Geis corner, but the sides went into the break level with Yunus Malli equalising three minutes ahead of the interval after Christian Clemens had rattled the post.

Huntelaar atoned for his earlier error, though, securing all three points for his side with a fine strike just after the hour mark.

As a result Schalke move up to fifth position, one place above Bremen, while Mainz sit 10th and Hoffenheim are just above the relegation play-off place.

 

[Muller]

Robben will not rush recovery from injury

13 September 2015 15:53

Arjen Robben will not rush his recovery from a groin problem as he wants to be instrumental in Bayern Munich's bid for domestic and European dominance this season.

The winger is facing four weeks out following his injury setback sustained on international duty with Netherlands, but is wary of returning before he has recuperated properly.

Asked if he had a schedule for his comeback, Robben said: "No, not at all.

"Of course, you always want to get fit as fast as possible, but the most important thing now is to get fit without any risks. Because if I come back, I want to play until the end of the season."

Bayern start their UEFA Champions League campaign at Olympiacos on Wednesday and Robben has stressed the importance of not underestimating the Greek side.

He said: "If you participate in a competition [Champions League], you want to go to final, that's our aim.

"But it's not easy, because there are so many top clubs in Europe at the moment, so you have to be in top form all the time, you can't be dozy in one game, otherwise you will punished.

"We know exactly that you have to be from the beginning in top form in the Champions League, especially the first game you have to win, in order to be good placed in group.

"That has to be our aim, but I'm sure there will be no problems, our team has a correct characteristic."

 

[Muller]

Bayern-Augsburg referee: We got penalty call wrong

12 September 2015 19:37

The referee who awarded Bayern Munich a late penalty in a 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Augsburg has admitted to getting the decision wrong.

Thomas Muller netted a 90th-minute spot-kick to maintain Bayern's 100 per cent start to the season, after Robert Lewandowski had cancelled out Alexander Esswein's first-half opener.

The penalty, described as a "joke" and a "catastrophe" by Augsburg head coach Markus Weinzierl, was awared after Markus Feulner was harshly judged to have brought down Douglas Costa in the box.

And, having watched the footage back, referee Knut Kircher has had a rethink.

"If something happens on the pitch and the linesman sees it, he has to give me a signal," he told Sportschau. "In this case, the linesman was convinced it was a foul.

"I could only see the situation from the corner of my eye, so I had to rely on my assistant's decision.

"We have now seen the footage and I must admit he got it wrong, so I got it wrong as well, because I am the one in charge.

"It does not give Augsburg any points, but we are sorry. Our decision was the wrong one."

Even Bayern match-winner Muller conceded there were doubts over the awarding of the penalty, adding: "He, of course, blocks Douglas... I'd say that's a 50-50 story."

 

[Philipp]

Hamann: Bayern should replace average Guardiola

By Alec Fenn
Sep 14, 2015 08:25:54

The former Germany midfielder has not been impressed by the Spanish coach and feels they must win the Champions League this season

Dietmar Hamann says he would give Pep Guardiola five out of 10 for his first two seasons in charge of Bayern Munich and believes the Bundesliga club should bring in another coach.

The former Barcelona boss has won the Bundesliga twice in that time but failed in Europe after being knocked out of the competition in the semi-finals in consecutive years after winning it under Jupp Heynckes.

Bayern were also shocked in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals last term as Borussia Dortmund beat them on penalties and Hamann isn't sure Guardiola's reign will be remembered as a success.

"I believe the club wouldn't do too badly if they brought in another coach," he told Sky. "If I had to rate him from one to ten I would give him a five, right in the middle.

"In the league they've been great but in the cup they were beaten by Dortmund, who had 10 men. And in the Champions League they have failed twice.

"I don't know if Louis van Gaal or Jupp Heynckes would still be in office with results like that. You can lose against Real Madrid or Barcelona but their naivety was very upsetting.

"This year Guardiola must be honest. If he wants to be remembered as a success he needs to win the Champions League."

There have been reports that Jurgen Klopp - who left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season after a successful spell - could replace Guardiola next summer.

It could send shockwaves through German football given the 48-year-old's allegiance to Bayern's arch rivals, but Hamann believes he could end up in the Premier League.

"This discussion has already been going on for a long time and in Liverpool, the pressure has increased again.

"The question is whether Jurgen Klopp would join Liverpool during the season. Had they asked him before the season, I would have been 99 per cent certain that he goes there.

"Many people say he will appear in Munich on July 1, but I don't know where he would fit in. I think at Liverpool he would fit perfectly."

 

[Stuttgart]

Rummenigge: Ribery will be back in 2015

15 September 2015 11:38

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has backed Franck Ribery to make his comeback before the turn of the year.

The ex-France international has been out of action since March due to ankle and back problems and it remains uncertain when exactly he will return to match action.

However, Rummenigge remains optimistic that the 32-year-old will soon be back, even though he has acknowledged Ribery could still be unavailable for a number of weeks.

"I have no doubt about it that Franck will return to the pitch this year," Rummenigge told TZ.

"The first thing we need now is an exact diagnosis of the problem. It could still be a while, though."

Rummenigge then went on to discuss Bayern's Champions League match versus Olympiacos on Wednesday and warned that the Bundesliga champions cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.

"We cannot underestimate this group and Olympiacos. Big teams like Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United have already had some tough games here," he continued.

"But an experienced team like ours should keep their heads cool."

Bayern also face Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb in Group F.

 

[Ibisevic]

Lewandowski: Bayern will shrug off injury woes

15 September 2015 18:06

Robert Lewandowski is expecting Bayern Munich to shrug off their injury worries and open their Champions League campaign with a win at Olympiacos on Wednesday.

Bayern will be without Arjen Robben, Medhi Benatia, Holger Badstuber, Jan Kirchhoff and Franck Ribery but Lewandowski remains confident that Pep Guardiola's men will be too strong for their Greek hosts.

He said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference: "It won't be easy but we always play to win, whoever we are up against. The main thing is for us to start with victory on Wednesday and take it from there. We have a few injuries but we remain a formidable side nonetheless."

Lewandowski is aware of the atmosphere that will await the Bundesliga champions at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis.

He added: "The fans are very passionate here. I can't wait for the match. The atmosphere is a factor, but we have to remain focused and get the result we want. It won't be easy."

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm stressed the importance of a strong start in Group F which also contains Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb.

The 31-year-old said: "We are very much looking forward to it and want the first three points. With their fans supporting them they will give everything they can, so it will be dangerous for us. We have to be focused from the beginning, then it can only be a win for us. I know Olympiacos are very strong at home, but it's important to start with a victory - we are 100 per cent ready.

"We know how difficult it will be. But it is possible. The team has the quality for it."

 

[Stuttgart]

Mainz 3 Hoffenheim 1: Magic Malli hat-trick moves hosts up to third

18 September 2015 22:40

Yunus Malli scored a stunning hat-trick as Mainz moved up to third in the Bundesliga with a 3-1 home win over struggling Hoffenheim on Friday.

The attacking midfielder had come into the game having scored two goals in two games and netted a brilliant treble to leave the visitors still without a win from their first five.

It was Hoffenheim who raced into a 13th-minute lead when Jonathan Schmid latched on to Eugen Polanski's throughball and calmly finished inside the near post.

It took just five minutes for Mainz to respond, though, with the in-form Malli netting. Christian Clemens found the 23-year-old on the left-hand side and he dribbled into the box before powering a shot past Oliver Baumann.

The visitors were almost back in front when Kevin Volland was denied by a brilliant stop from Loris Karius, who tipped the forward's effort wide.

And Mainz made that let-off count in some style after 61 minutes. Malli received a pass on the right-hand side, breezed past Kim Jin-su and curled a wonderful left-footed finish into the top corner.

Mainz’s number 10 wrapped up the victory seven minutes later when he smashed home Muto's low cut-back to the far post at the second attempt.

 

[Philipp]

Darmstadt v Bayern Munich: Bundesliga champions aim to maintain perfect record

18 September 2015 00:22

Bayern Munich will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record when they take on Darmstadt at the Stadion am Bollenfalltor on Saturday afternoon.

The reigning champions have had some difficulties over the past few weeks, yet remain one of only two teams to have won all four Bundesliga games so far this campaign, Borussia Dortmund being the other one.

Thomas Muller has been Bayern's main dangerman in the opening weeks of the new season with his six goals in four league appearances and he once more showed his class in the Champions League win over Olympiacos in midweek.

The Germany international scored twice to lead his team in the way and his first goal in particular was proof that everything Muller touches seems to turn into gold, with a failed cross ending up in the top corner.

"It feels nice when things are going well,” Muller commented modestly.

"I wanted to pass the ball to Lewy (Robert Lewandowski) with a sharp cross. When the ball was in the air I could see after five metres that it wouldn’t be a cross. Actually it was a dangerous shot into the far corner. It went in, it was a bit lucky – the ball just bobbled.

“I do my best in every game, but at the moment I’m enjoying a little luck as well."

Pep Guardiola will once more be relying on Muller on Saturday, but the Spanish coach will possibly have to make do without the services of Robert Lewandowski due to injury after he limped off on Wednesday.

Furthermore, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben remain unavailable as well, while Medhi Benatia and Holger Badstuber are still recovering.

Darmstadt, meanwhile, have few injury problems of note as head coach Dirk Schuster will pick from a near full strength squad.

“They’ve all reported fit,” the 47-year-old told reporters two days prior to the match .

Schuster is only without two long-term absentees, midfielder Yannick Stark (ankle) and back-up goalkeeper Patrick Platins (hamstring).

That won't make Darmstadt's challenge of getting a good result against FCB any less difficult, though.

They remain unbeaten so far this Bundesliga campaign, recording three draws before bagging the full three points against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, but their record against Bayern gives little reason for optimism.

Darmstadt last took on Bayern in 1981-82, when the Munich side won 4-1 at home and 2-1 away. Darmstadt managed a draw on one of their other two encounters, yet they were beaten at home in May 1979, meaning they still await their first Bundesliga win over FCB.

 

[Ilkay]

Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen: Schmelzer out for revenge

18 September 2015 16:47

Marcel Schmelzer says Borussia Dortmund are hungry to exact revenge over rivals Bayer Leverkusen when they meet at Signal Iduna Park this weekend.

Leverkusen have won on their last two visits to Dortmund without conceding a goal, and are unbeaten against the league leaders in the previous four meetings between the sides.

The visit of Leverkusen brings a new challenge to Thomas Tuchel's flawless start as Dortmund boss, even though form has begun to stutter under Roger Schmidt – who has overseen consecutive league defeats.

Dortmund, on the other hand, have enjoyed a sensational start under Tuchel with 10 successive wins in all competitions, and they sit top of the early table on goal difference ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich.

"We have unfinished business, not just against Leverkusen but in general [after last season]," Schmelzer told the Bundesliga website. "We're very motivated, not only because they beat us last season.

"We're on the right track at the moment, though: we're focussed, working hard and desperately want to succeed.

"We know it's difficult to maintain the high level we're playing at, however, and so we want to make sure we keep a comfortable cushion over our rivals and remain in the Champions League places for as long as possible."

After securing fourth place in the Bundesliga last season, Leverkusen - who finished 15 points ahead of Dortmund - have endured a mixed start with two wins quickly followed by two successive league defeats.

One of those losses came against the unstoppable Bayern, however the reverse against Darmstadt last weekend was a shock for Schmidt's side.

Their inconsistent form was given a boost on Wednesday with a 4-1 win over BATE in the Champions League, and Schmidt - who is sweating of the fitness of captain Lars Bender - hopes to see a similar performance on their return to league action.

"If we can use our chances in build-play like we did in the Champions League on Wednesday then we can hurt any opponent," he said.

"We gained a lot of belief in our game against BATE.

"Dortmund are a very strong side capable of bringing a lot of depth into their game with a high tempo. They are currently trying to retain possession to create even clearer goalscoring opportunities but this side have been known for their pressing and ability to switch play for years.

"We've got to be ready for that."

 

[Muller]

Former Bayern coach Cramer dies

18 September 2015 14:14

Former Bayern Munich and United States coach Dettmar Cramer died on Friday at the age of 90.

Cramer guided a Bayern side that included Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller to European success in 1975 and 1976 and also enjoying spells with fellow German clubs Hertha Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen.

As well as stints with Egypt and the USA, Cramer worked as an instructor for both FIFA and the German Football Association (DFB) - receiving a lifetime achievement award from the latter.

"To many people, Dettmar Cramer was more than merely a sporting figure," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement.

"To me he was like a fatherly friend and the biggest influence on my early years as a professional. To a large extent, I have him to thank that I was very successful as a footballer. FC Bayern mourns the loss of a great coach and special individual."

Cramer worked in more than 90 countries during his lifetime and was one of Helmut Schon's assistants during West Germany's run to the 1966 World Cup final.

"We have lost a great coach and a big personality," said DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach.

"Dettmar Cramer was a globally renowned ambassador for football. His expertise was appreciated by all who knew him, while he was also an endearing and caring person who lived life to the full. I have nothing but respect for his work."

 

[Stuttgart]

Lewandowski resumes Bayern training

20 September 2015 16:42

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has received some positive news from the treatment table in the build-up to Tuesday's Bundesliga match versus Wolfsburg as Robert Lewandowski has resumed regular training.

The Poland international picked up an ankle injury in last week's 3-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos and consequently missed Saturday's 3-0 Bundesliga victory versus Darmstadt.

Lewandowski is in line to make his comeback against Wolfsburg, though, with Bayern confirming he returned to squad training on Sunday.

"Bayern will probably be able to call on Robert Lewandowski for Tuesday evening's top Bundesliga clash with Wolfsburg," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The Pole missed Saturday's Darmstadt trip with an ankle injury sustained in the midweek Champions League meeting with Olympiacos, but resumed the team training programme on Sunday."

The 27-year-old has been a key figure for Bayern in the opening stages of the 2015-16 campaign, scoring three goals in four Bundesliga appearances.

Champions Bayern top the table with 15 points from five games, while Wolfsburg sit third with 11 points.