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Schurrle has probably signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, admits Bayer Leverkusen general manager
By Oliver Platt
May 7, 2013 1:04:00 AM
Wolfgang Holzhauser believes a deal is already in place between the player and the west London club, while Borussia Dortmund have made a substantial bid for Kevin de Bruyne
Bayer Leverkusen general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser has admitted it is likely Andre Schurrle has already signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea.
Schurrle has been heavily linked with a summer move to Stamford Bridge and Holzhauser revealed that the German club were mulling over an offer from the Blues for the 22-year-old.
Holzhauser insists Leverkusen will assess their options before making a decision on the bid but expects a deal is already in place between the player and the west London club should it be accepted.
"Andre Schurrle has probably signed a pre-contract deal with Chelsea," Holzhauser said according to Kicker magazine.
"It all depends on whether we let him go. We have received a concrete offer for a fee which we are considering. But the price alone is not decisive. We must also have alternatives, which we don't have yet."
Kevin de Bruyne has been linked with a move in the other direction as a possible makeweight in a deal for Schurrle but Holzhauser believes Borussia Dortmund are pursuing the midfielder.
"He still has a few talks to hold with Chelsea," Holzhauser said of the on-loan Werder Bremen player. "It looks like there is an offer from Dortmund to sign the player for a relatively high fee.
"According to our information, Chelsea don't want to sell him but just loan him out."
Bundesliga Preview: Augsburg, Hoffenheim up against it
9 May 2013
Augsburg's bid to beat the Bundesliga drop takes them to Bayern Munich on Saturday, while fellow strugglers Hoffenheim meet Hamburg.
Markus Weinzierl's side, competing in only their second season in Germany's top flight, have taken just six points from their last six games to slide into the relegation play-off spot.
Matches against Bavarian neighbours Bayern have brought little cheer for Augsburg, with all four previous meetings have ended in defeat, and another reverse could see them slip into the bottom two.
Bayern may have their eye on the after-party, however, as they will finally get to lift the league winners' trophy following the match, capping a remarkable domestic campaign.
Hoffenheim are also battling for their lives and defeat for them coupled with victories for Augsburg and Fortuna Dusseldorf would see them playing in the Bundesliga 2 next season.
They have shown resilience in their last eight games, accumulating 12 points to keep their survival hopes alive, and a clash with Markus Gisdol's Hamburg, who can still quality for the UEFA Europa League, will further test their resolve.
The poor form of Dusseldorf and Werder Bremen, who are winless in 10 and 11 matches respectively, has kept things tight at the foot of the table.
Dusseldorf welcome a Nuremberg side whose own safety is assured despite having suffered four defeats on the bounce with only one goal to show for their efforts.
Werder have not tasted victory since February and their task gets no easier as they welcome UEFA Champions League hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt, who will have an eye on fourth-placed Schalke's match at home to Stuttgart.
Wolfsburg have an unlikely double in their sights as they look to replicate the 3-2 victory they achieved over Dortumund back in December and extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.
Already relegated Greuther Furth finish their home campaign with a match against Freiburg, who occupy the final UEFA Europa League qualifying spot.
Bayer Leverkusen, assured of third spot following a six-match unbeaten run, take on mid-table Hannover at the BayArena.
Mainz are on home soil against Borussia Monchengladbach as the hosts try to secure their first three-point haul in seven matches.
Borussia Dortmund can officially clinch the Bundesliga's runners-up spot with at least a draw against Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Juergen Klopp's side travel to the Volkswagen Arena on the back of a 1-1 draw with league champions Bayern Munich last Saturday.
Dortmund took an early lead through Kevin Grosskreutz but Mario Gomez equalised with a header, before Robert Lewandowski missed the chance to steal victory for the hosts as his penalty was saved by Manuel Neuer with an hour gone.
Wolfsburg have an unlikely double in their sights as they look to replicate the 3-2 victory they achieved over Dortmund back in December and extend their unbeaten league run to nine matches.
Dieter Hecking's team are in 11th place in the Bundesliga - safe from relegation but well out of the European running - and come into the encounter off a 1-1 draw with Hamburg at the Imtech Arena last weekend.
Their only defeat in the past two months was a 6-1 thumping at the hands of Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal, and they will be keen to end a tumultuous season on a high.
Last October they parted company with manager Felix Magath after a dismal run of results saw them on the bottom of the standings.
Wolfsburg midfielder Thomas Kahlenberg and striker Patrick Helmes will miss the game due to injury.
Dortmund, meanwhile, will be keen to use their final two league matches of the season - against Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim - to get their squad into tip-top shape for undoubtedly their biggest match of the campaign - a UEFA Champions League final with Bayern on May 25.
Mario Goetze is unlikely to feature for Dortmund again this season though as he is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is set to join rivals Bayern in the summer.
Bayern Munich will lift the Bundesliga shield when relegation-threatened Augsburg visit the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Jupp Heynckes' side clinched the title four weeks ago and can finally celebrate the record-breaking triumph after their final home game.
Bayern will be looking to impress a capacity crowd with a convincing win over their state rivals, who they have beaten in all four of their previous meetings.
Augsburg are one of four teams battling to beat the drop, alongside Hoffenheim, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Werder Bremen, but currently occupy the relegation play-off spot after picking up just six points from their last six games.
Markus Weinzierl will hope the in-form striker Ji Dong-Won can continue his fine form, having netted three times in his last four outings, but will have to replace Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker due to the defender's suspension.
Bayern's form this season has been nothing short of exceptional, but their 14-match win streak was ended by a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The dress rehearsal for the upcoming UEFA Champions League final between the two sides was a fierce competition, with seven yellow cards handed out.
Tempers flared both on and off the pitch as Brazilian full-back Rafinha was sent off before Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp and Bayern's director of sport Matthias Sammer clashed verbally on the side-lines.
Heynckes will have one eye on the Wembley final with Dortmund on May 25 and may rest some of his key men on Saturday.
Rafinha and Jerome Boateng are suspended after their bookings against Dortmund, while Toni Kroos and Holger Badstuber are not expected to feature again this season due to injury.
The coach will be hoping the scoring form of Mario Gomez can continue, with the German having bagged eight goals in his past seven matches - including a hat-trick in last month's 6-1 mauling of Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal semi-final.
De Bruyne open to Dortmund move The midfielder says that a move to Signal Iduna Park would be an interesting option, but Bayer Leverkusen have not given up hopes of signing him yet either
Neuer: Dortmund equal to Bayern The Bayern goalkeeper has warned that their Bundesliga rivals will prove to be a tough opponent in the Champions League final
'Heynckes is the real Special One' Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has lavished praise on the outgoing coach while insisting the club have learned from recent Champions League final losses
Official: Draxler signs new Schalke deal The highly-prized midfielder has penned a contract extension until 2018, warding off potential interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund
Weidenfeller hopes for 'perfect' storm against Bayern The experienced German shot-stopper believes his side will have to perform to their peak abilities when they meet the Bundesliga champions on May 25
Dortmund haven't tried to sign Draxler - Zorc The BVB sporting director says he respects the 19-year-old's love for Schalke despite suggestions that he was a potential replacement for Mario Gotze
Kroos sets sights on cup final comeback The versatile midfielder is recovering from injury, but is hopeful of ending the 2012-13 campaign on a high as he hopes to return to the pitch for DFB Pokal showpiece
Beckenbauer: Hoeness has Bayern backing The Germany legend feels the Bavarians are well and truly behind the 61-year-old, despite his current personal problems
Eriksen not good enough for Dortmund, says Vergoossen The coach says the Denmark international is not at the same level as BVB stars Mario Gotze or Marco Reus
Guardiola's start date with Bayern revealed Pep Guardiola will take the reins at Bayern Munich for the first time on June 26, the club have revealed.
Fink coy on Bojan link Reports have suggested the forward, who is currently on loan at AC Milan from Roma, is set to replace potential Dortmund target Heung-Min Son
Hitzfeld tips Bayern to win Champions League final The former coach of both clubs believes the Bavarians are favourites to beat rivals Borussia Dortmund on May 25 at Wembley, but warns BVB have nothing to lose
Javi Martinez (l.) and Ilkay Gündogan are but two of nine Bundesliga representatives in ESM's April Top-11
Munich - The international press have had their say. Even boxing heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko has given his two pennies' worth, but the acclaim just keeps coming for the Bundesliga. European Sports Media (ESM) is the latest in a long line of reputable names to acknowledge German football's ground-shaking impact on the game, selecting no less than nine Bundesliga players in its April Top-11.
Bundesliga-dominated XI
FC Bayern septet Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Dante, David Alaba, Thomas Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez are joined by the unsung hero of Borussia Dortmund's UEFA Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid, Ilkay Gündogan, as well as four-goal marksman Robert Lewandowski.
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, formerly of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie complete the line-up, but with the Champions League final now just 17 days away, you could find yourselves washing down that all-German delight with an all-Bundesliga ESM XI in four weeks' time.
Bundesliga | 08.05.2013 20:29:22
MICHAEL BALLACK: A MODERN MIDFIELD LEGEND
Having come close a few times with Bayer Leverkusen, Michael Ballack got to add exponentially to his trophy cabinet after joining FC Bayern in 2002
Michael Ballack will go down as one of the greats of German football, leaving behind some unforgettable memories for both club and country. Only a personality and player of his standing could have dominated the news agenda - and not just the back pages - on account of an ankle ligament injury, as happened little over a month prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.
Deserving
Playing for Chelsea FC at the time, Ballack had successfully led his country through qualification, before a foul by Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng in the English FA Cup final ruled him out of the tournament in South Africa. As it transpired, the likes of Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller stepped up to the mark to herald in a new era for the national team, Philipp Lahm took over the captain’s armband and, a year later, the international career of one of Germany’s true leaders was over.
Ballack subsequently rejected the offer of an international farewell game against Brazil, although he has since arranged a testimonial on 5 June in Leipzig, where he will be joined by a host of stars including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jose Mourinho. There is no question that he has earned the honour.
Destined for the top
It all began back in his native Chemnitz. After starting out as a professional at his hometown club in Bundesliga 2, Ballack climbed the first rung on the ladder to greatness, moving to Otto Rehhagel’s newly-promoted 1. FC Kaiserslautern. In his first season at Germany’s top table, he would get his hands on the league title - to this day the biggest shock in the division’s illustrious, 50-year history - gaining the attention of a number of other Bundesliga outfits before opting for a move to Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 1999.
The next logical step in the midfielder’s burgeoning career was a call-up to the national side. Soon installed as captain under former Bayer coach Rudi Völler, Ballack was the linchpin of the Germany team that surprised many with a run to the final of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. He scored three goals and laid on four along the way, only to miss the final - a 2-0 defeat to Brazil - through suspension.
Heartache
Just prior to those finals, the powerful playmaker with an eye for goal had been a three-time runner-up with Leverkusen to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, FC Schalke 04 in the DFB Cup, and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. But success followed his move to FC Bayern Munich, where he thrice won the league and cup double.
A rousing display at the 2006 World Cup that saw Ballack lead his team to a third-place finish on home soil earned him a high-profile move to the English Premier League and Chelsea. Another league title and three FA Cups ensued, but his fortunes did not pick up in the UEFA Champions League, with the Blues falling at the final hurdle, on penalties, to Manchester United in 2008.
That same year, Ballack had the opportunity to put that trail of disappointments behind him at the European Championships in what turned out to be his major tournament swansong. Once once again, though, his hopes were dashed, with Spain striker Fernando Torres' goal deciding the final in Vienna.
Last hurrah
The heartache of missing out on international gold and the 2010 World Cup behind him, Ballack, with 42 goals in 98 international appearances to his name, made old flame Leverkusen his final station on a 17-year rollercoaster ride.
While injuries often reduced the one-time poster boy of German football to the role of bit-part player during his two-year stint at the club, his final appearance against 1. FC Nuremberg in May 2012 was nevertheless greeted with a rousing mix of gratitude, adulation and sadness, befitting the stellar career of one of the game’s true legends.
LEWANDOWSKI VS. KIESSLING: THE RACE FOR THE COVETED CANNON
The Bundesliga's joint-top scoreres Robert Lewandowski (l.) and Stefan Kießling (r.) are in a world of their own when it comes to finding the back of the net
Munich - Neck and neck on 23 goals each with just two rounds of Bundesliga fixtures to play, Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski and Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Stefan Kießling are making this season’s battle to be to crowned top goalscorer one of the fiercest in recent memory. Lewandowski led his rival by three goals after Matchday 29, but the ever-reliable Kießling is now back in contention having scored seven in his last six outings. The latter, it would seem, has the momentum to finish the race out in front, but not many would bet against a late burst from the Polish goal machine.
Strike rate
Lewandowski’s 23 strikes make up almost 30 per cent of Dortmund’s total in the league this season, but he has also fired off more shots than any of his colleagues with 96, 15 more than the next in line, Marco Reus. In a fluid BVB attack, he is the unequivocal focal point, at the end of every move.
Kießling is just as essential to Bayer, perhaps even more so in relative terms. He has attempted the most shots (116, shared with Andre Schürrle) and headers at goal (51), but, most importantly, his 23 scored so far account for just under 38 per cent of Leverkusen’s overall tally. Bayer rely on him to a colossal degree and it’s safe to say they would be a long way short of the UEFA Champions League places without his contribution.
Versatile
Examining the type of goals they have scored further confirms the two players’ status as the Bundesliga’s top two forwards this season. Lewandowski has scored 11 times with his right foot, seven with his left and three with his head. He has netted a brace in five separate matches too, but perhaps most impressively, he struck at least once in 12 consecutive Bundesliga games from Matchday 17 to 28, overhauling Timo Konietzska’s long-standing club record of seven.
Kießling is similarly ambidextrous. Eight of the 29-year-old’s efforts have come on his right side, four on his left and a league-high seven with his head. He has opened the scoring in as many as 11 matches this season and, in keeping his Polish competitor, has also set some of his own personal milestones. On Matchday 21 Kießling netted his 100th Bundesliga strike in the draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach and, as of last week, he holds the record for goals scored by a Leverkusen player in a single Bundesliga season, besting Ulf Kirsten’s total of 22 set in 1997/98 and 1998/99.
Final hurdle
As clinical as the pair are in front of goal, what really sets them apart from other strikers is their readiness to fight for the team. Dortmund’s No9 Lewandowski has covered an average of 9.8 km per game this season, the second furthest in the team, drawing 60 free-kicks to boot. With or without the ball, he puts in the hard yards – little wonder, then, that he always seems to find himself in goalscoring positions. He simply never stops moving.
The very same can be said of his competitor. Kießling has won more free-kicks (105) than any of his Bayer colleagues, covering an average of 10.8 km in each of his 32 games. Only Lars Bender, the engine room of the Werkself midfield can boast better stats in that category. And on the topic of stamina it should be added that Kießling has not missed a league game since 11 December 2010 as he approaches the end of his tenth Bundesliga season.
The final two matchdays of the Bundesliga season are sure to present both strikers with opportunities to steal a march on the other, but whoever comes out on top, one thing is for sure – both would fully deserve to follow in the footsteps of such legendary predecessors as Uwe Seeler, Gerd Müller and Klaus Fischer in being crowned the Bundesliga's best goalgetter.
Borussia Dortmund fought back to earn a 3-3 draw at Wolfsburg on Saturday and confirm a second-place finish in the Bundesliga.
Two late strikes from Marco Reus rescued a point for the visitors, after they went 3-1 behind when a brace from former Dortmund player Ivan Peresic and a cool finish from Naldo cancelled out Sven Bender's opener.
The home team made only one change to the side that drew 1-1 away to Hamburg, with Maximilian Arnold making way for Perisic.
Juergen Klopp made four changes to the side that drew with rivals Bayern Munich last week, with Lukasz Piszckek, Mats Hummels, Sven Bender and Reus all handed places in the starting line-up.
Bayern Munich-bound star Mario Goetze missed out through injury, but could return to training next week.
Dortmund went into this game looking to cement second spot behind Bayern, and took the initiative after just five minutes when Sven Bender beat the offside trap to poke home a Nuri Sahin free-kick from close-range.
Wolfsburg came from behind to win 3-2 the last time they met Dortmund, and they were given belief about recreating that comeback ten minutes later.
Ivica Olic burst into the Dortmund box to receive a wonderfully-weighted ball from Makoto Hasebe and squared for Ivan Peresic, who was left with a simple finish.
And Peresic was on hand to haunt his former employers once again just after 20 minutes, when his 25-yard effort took a wicked deflection off team mate Diego to elude Roman Weidenfeller in the Dortmund goal.
It got worse for the visitors four minutes later when Ricardo Rodriguez’s corner found Naldo completely unmarked in the box, the Brazilian picking his spot with a calm and composed finish.
Dortmund were noticeably shell-shocked after those two quick-fire strikes, and struggled to assert themselves on the game.
They were nearly 4-1 down in the most bizarre of circumstances five minutes before half-time, when Felipe Santana headed a Wolfsburg throw-in onto his own post.
It was Olic though who caused the most problems, and the Croatian was inches away from getting on the scoresheet just before the break after being played in by Ribas.
The visitors made two changes at half-time, as Jakub Blaszczykowski and Julian Schieber replaced Kevin Grosskreutz and Sven Bender.
And Klopp’s side looked started the second-half with more attacking intent.
Reus, who had been quite quiet in the opening period, managed to get away from the defence to set up Robert Lewandowski, who forced a smart save from Diego Benaglio.
Sahin also came close just before the hour mark, curling a strike just wide from the edge of the area.
But the Wolfsburg defence managed to hold firm, with their opponents becoming increasingly frustrated as the second-half progressed.
Olic still managed to cause problems and got in behind the Dortmund defence to find Peresic on the edge of the box, who put his shot wide.
It began to look like Wolfsburg would be walking away with the points as the game entered the final 10 minutes, when Reus found himself clean through on goal and lifted over Benaglio.
That goal gave Dortmund momentum, and they were level just two minutes from time, when Reus struck again to lash home a ferocious effort, after some good work from Blaszczykowski.
A nervy finish almost saw the hosts snatch a victory, but Rodriguez could not keep his free-kick down, and Dortmund held on for a memorable point.
Bayern Munich enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Augsburg in the champions' last home game of the Bundesliga season.
There was a carnival atmosphere at the Allianz Arena for the last home fixture of coach Jupp Heynckes' reign and there was a danger that relegation-threatened Augsburg may spring a surprise and spoil the party.
However, three second-half goals put paid to that despite the visitors having good spells of pressure throughout the first period.
Diego Contento dropped to the bench for the home side along with Luiz Gustavo and Anatoliy Tymoschuk, while Jerome Boateng and Rafinha were left out of the squad completely.
David Alaba moved to the left side of defence while Xherdan Shaqiri and Claudio Pizarro were both on the bench after starting in the 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Philipp Lahm and Dante returned to the back four just behind Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the holding midfield roles. Arjen Robben, Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery and Mario Mandzukic made up the front four.
The only changes for the visitors, who started the game in 16th place, came in defence where Dominik Reinhardt replacing Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker while Daniel Baier came in for Marcel De Jong.
Bayern made a strong start, with the help of a full-strength front line, as Mueller forced a good save from Alex Manninger following a cross from Robben on six minutes and, in what was a party atmosphere at the Allianz Arena, the home side looked relaxed and composed as they passed the ball around neatly.
The hosts threatened again after 17 minutes when Ribery drilled a ball across for Mandzukic, who could only smash his shot against Manninger.
Augsburg gradually came back into the game midway through the half and had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down after Ji Dong-Won went down in the box.
The remainder of the half saw Bayern become more frustrated as they passed and probed to no effect, ensuring the sides were level at half-time.
Tobias Werner had the first opportunity of the second half but his volley was hit into the ground and did not trouble Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal before Ji threatened again, with his deflected shot looping over Neuer and hitting the bar.
Robben went close for Bayern with a mazy run on 58 minutes but shot into the side netting when he perhaps should have squared it before Mueller eventually broke the deadlock.
After a period of good pressure from the champions, a pinpoint ball from Dante found the German who headed past Manninger on 69 minutes.
Augsburg went after an equaliser and had two further penalty shouts waved away but Bayern substitute Shaqiri killed the game off on 81 minutes.
The Swiss midfielder coolly turned and finished after good work from Ribery before Gustavo added a third five minutes later to give the champions a win in their last home game of the season.
The scoreline was harsh on Augsburg but the result leaves them still in 16th, just two points above Hoffenheim and level with Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Bundesliga Wrap: Bayern Munich record 28th win of the season
12 May 2013
Bayern Munich lifted the Bundesliga trophy after a hard-fought victory over Augsburg gave them their 28th win of the season.
Second-half goals from Thomas Mueller, Xherdan Shaqiri and Luiz Gustavo were enough for Bayern to record their eighth consecutive victory, and leave Augsburg's survival prospects hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, Bayern's UEFA Champions League final opponents Borussia Dortmund battled back from 3-1 down to claim a 3-3 draw at Wolfsburg.
Dortmund took an early lead through Sven Bender before a brace from Ivan Perisic and a composed finish from Naldo saw the home side take a two-goal lead.
Marco Reus was the man who spared Dortmund's blushes with two late goals, earning his side a point and guaranteeing they finish the season as runners-up.
Werder Bremen secured their safety with a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt. Kevin De Bruyne gave them the lead and although Srdan Lakic equalised, Bremen got the point they needed to guarantee survival.
Hoffenheim's relegation troubles continued, as they were convincingly beaten 4-1 at home by Hamburg. Markus Gisdol's side found themselves 3-0 just after the hour and although Kevin Volland pulled a goal back, Andres Rudnevs sealed an easy win for Hamburg who maintain their hunt for European qualification.
Fortuna Dusseldorf missed the chance to secure their top-flight status as they were beaten 2-1 by Nuremburg and the prospect of relegation still looms with them only being out of the bottom three on goal difference.
Two goals from Jens Hegeler and one from Stefan Kiessling gave third-placed Leverkusen a victory over Hannover. They moved 10 points clear of fourth-placed Schalke, who were beaten 2-1 by Stuttgart.
A mid-table clash between Mainz and Borussia Monchengladbach saw six goals, including a hat-trick for Branimir Hrgota, as the visitors ran out 4-2 winners.
Already relegated Greuther Furth slipped to their 20th defeat of the season in their final home game, Freiburg claiming a 2-1 victory to move them above Frankfurt into fifth.
Werder Bremen part company with Schaaf
The experienced coach has left Bremen after over 40 years at the club in various positions as both parties felt the time is right to go their separate ways
Kehl wants to ruin Bayern's season
The BVB skipper has stressed that the pressure is on the Bavarians and is optimistic about his side's chances of causing an upset on May 25
Bayern will not bid for Rooney, claims Sammer
The 27-year-old shocked Manchester United with his desire to leave in the summer but the Bavarians' sporting director is adamant that there are no plans to pursue the forward
Schweinsteiger: I will step up to the spot again
The Germany international insists he bears no scars from last season's penalty miss and will happily take responsibility again
'Champions League can save Dortmund's season' - Weidenfeller
Jurgen Klopp's side have failed to get the better of die Roten domestically this term but that will count for nothing if they win at Wembley on May 25
Robben: Why would I want to leave Bayern?
The Dutchman is said to have been deemed surplus to requirements by incoming Bavarian coach Pep Guardiola but the winger has rubbished reports of a move to the Etihad
Muller: Gotze deal adds extra spice to Champions League final
The 20-year-old playmaker is to move to the Allianz Arena, with die Roten having agreed to meet the Germany international's €37 million buy-out clause
Heynckes drops retirement hint
The veteran coach has revealed that he will say farewell to the Bundesliga once the 2012-13 campaign comes to an end, while admitting that a move abroad is unlikely
Neymar to Bayern is a done deal, claims former Santos official
The Brazil international will travel to Barcelona this summer to open talks but a ex-official of his current club believes he is Allianz Arena-bound
I hope Gotze will play the final - Rummenigge
The Bayern Munich supremo wants the Germany international to shake off his injury problems in time for the match against his future club
Effenberg turns down Bayern Under-23 coaching role
The former Germany international was approached by the club's sporting director Matthias Sammer but has opted not to accept his offer
I would like to play for Dortmund - Eriksen
The Dane says he likes the style of football Jurgen Klopp's side play and has been impressed with the growth of the Bundesliga in recent years
Pizarro eyes Bayern Munich extension
The Peruvian striker says he would like to stay at the Allianz Arena for another year after enjoying a successful return to the club this season
Klopp: Bayern won't beat us like they beat Juve & Barca
The Borussia Dortmund boss is adamant that his side will put up a better fight that the Italian and Spanish giants in the Champions League final
Lahm: Bayern targeting treble glory
The Bavarians skipper is brimming with ambition and has his sights set on both a European title and the German cup to add to their league triumph
De Boer: Klopp has asked me about Eriksen
The Ajax boss has confirmed that his Dortmund counterpart inquired about the Dane's situation and admitted that he is likely to lose players this summer
Rode cannot join Bayern until 2014, says Frankfurt president
The highly-rated midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Allianz Arena but his current club are prepared to make him see out his contract
Hamann fears for Bayern's Champions League 'scars'
The retired Germany midfielder questions the mental strength of the players at his former club, concerned that the team might have a complex after their recent final defeats
Draxler admits to Dortmund interest
The forward has revealed BVB were interested in securing his services, with the 20-year-old earlier stating he would have to be "brainwashed" to join the club
Bayern best in Bundesliga history, says Heynckes
The outgoing coach paid tribute to the groundbreaking exploits of his team as they got their hands on the league title
Dortmund escaped from Wolfsburg with a black eye, admits Klopp
The BVB boss felt his side looked "vulnerable" against Dieter Hecking's men, saying they must improve considerably ahead of their all-German Champions League final on May 25
Gotze edging closer to comeback ahead of Champions League final
The Germany international is set to make the next step in his recovery process as he targets a comeback before the Champions League final
Keller to continue as Schalke coach
The 42-year-old had been in charge of the Veltins Arena side since December 2012 and will now stay on for two additional seasons
De Boer: Clubs don't know anything about football if nobody bids for Eriksen
The successful coach believes that several clubs will try and lure the Dane away from the Amsterdam ArenA in the summer transfer window
Gotze would have joined Manchester City if he wanted money, says agent
The gifted youngster's representative has made it clear that he could have made much more financially at last year's English champions or another Premier League side
Klopp refusing to rest players ahead of Champions League final
The 45-year-old is determined to finish the Bundesliga season as strongly as possible, while defending criticism of the club's transfer dealings
Felipe Santana hints at summer exit
The 27-year-old Brazilian has refused to quell rumours that he will leave the club at the end of the season but says he will always cherish his last-minute goal against Malaga
Rummenigge: Bayern-Dortmund not like Clasicos
The former die roten player rejects the idea of games between Germany's top two teams will court as much controversy as the biggest game in Spain
Heynckes rejects Special One tag
The 68-year-old has played down comments made about him made by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, saying the likes of firefighters and carers do greater things than him
Kuba: I'd forgive Lewandowski if he joined Bayern
The winger discussed the striker replacing him as the Poland captain and his "hurt" at the decision, as well as insisting he has moved on from his clash with Rafinha
Hitzfeld: Muller, Gotze or Lewandowski can dethrone Messi
The former Bayern and BVB coach thinks that a Bundesliga player could win the Ballon d'Or this year following their fine results in Europe
Jupp Heynckes has steered FC Bayern to their first Bundesliga success since 2010
Munich - A staggering 17,438 days after he appeared in his first Bundesliga game as a player, Jupp Heynckes took charge of what in all likelihood was his last-but-one as coach when FC Bayern Munich beat FC Augsburg in their final home game of the season on Saturday.In the wake of the 3-0 victory over the relegation-threatened visitors, Bayern were presented with the Meisterschale and formally crowned Bundesliga champions for a record 22nd time. In his 1,010th match as a player and coach combined in Germany's top flight, there could hardly have been a more fitting swansong to a career of one of the Bundesliga's greatest figures.
Longevity
Josef ‘Jupp’ Heynckes’ Bundesliga career began on 14 August 1965, when he made his first-team debut at Borussia Mönchengladbach. In his two spells with the club, separated by a relatively brief stint at Hannover 96, the wily forward scored 220 goals in 396 league appearances, winning the title four times and lifting the DFB Cup. He ended his playing days in 1978, and remains third on the list of all-time Bundesliga goalscorers, behind Klaus Fischer and FC Bayern legend Gerd Müller.
Heynckes' appetite for the game was as insatiable as his playing career had been enduring, and barely a year after hanging up his boots, he moved into coaching. He took up the reins at Mönchengladbach, where he would stay until 1987, before moving to Bayern for the first of three separate stints with the Bavarian giants. He left Munich in 1991, returning 17 years later for a short spell at the end of the 2008/09 season after coaching Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Schalke 04 and Gladbach again. He then led Bayer 04 Leverkusen to second place in 2010/11, before returning to Bayern at the end of that campaign.
Insatiable appetite
He has never been one to shy away from a challenge, though and those 17 years were not spent idly. On the contrary, Heynckes perfected his art of coaching by going abroad. In 1992 he moved to Spain, taking charge of CD Tenerife and later Athletic Bilbao, as well as Portuguese giants SL Benfica. His proudest moment away from the Bundesliga came at Real Madrid CF however, when he led the Spanish giants to their seventh European title by beating Juventus FC in Amsterdam in 1998.
The first full season of his final stint at Bayern was one that even now must still hurt, yielding three second-placed finishes, among them a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat on home soil to Chelsea in the final of the Champions League. Like a phoenix from the flames, however, FC Bayern, under the astute tutelage of Heynckes, have recovered, and the veteran tactician has moulded the squad into one of the finest ever to represent the club.
Record-breakers
The Reds began the season with eight straight wins, subsequently becoming Herbstmeister with a record three games to spare before the halfway mark. They maintained their relentless pursuit of the title after the winter break and raced to a 20-point lead over holders Borussia Dortmund, winning the league with six games to spare after victory at Frankfurt and breaking record after record in the process.
Quite simply, no other team, not even the great Bayern side of the early 1970s, has won a Bundesliga title so stylishly and comprehensively. At Saturday's post-match banquet, club chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge made sure the man behind the success was given his due, saying, "Our coach is an extraordinary man, with a character far from the norm in modern football. He's pleasant, polite, modest and a master of his craft. It’s because of you, dear Jupp, that we are able to sit here and celebrate together.”
Greatest ever?
After three ‘failures’ last season, three successes could follow this time around. FC Bayern are on course for an historic treble, with the final of the UEFA Champions League against Borussia Dortmund on 25 May yet to come, followed a week later by that of the DFB Cup in Berlin.
The great Udo Lattek led the club to a double in 1974 and won six league titles in two spells in Munich, while Ottmar Hitzfeld presided over a Champions League success and five league titles of his own. Neither of them managed a treble, however, a feat rarely achieved anywhere in the European game and, as yet, never by a German club. What better way for Heynckes to add a final golden lustre to a legacy that is already secured.
Champions League | 14.05.2013 07:11:15
THE GOALKEEPERS: ROMAN WEIDENFELLER
Borussia Dortmund's goalkeeper, 32-year-old Roman Weidenfeller
Munich - One final, two Bundesliga clubs, 22 gladiators: These 'heroes of Wembley' will determine who wins the UEFA Champions League final 2012/13 between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.bundesliga.com outlines the careers and key facts of the protagonists.
Career details
BVB keeper Roman Weidenfeller was born on 6 August 1980 in Diez (Rhineland-Palatinate) and started playing football as a five-year-old with Sportfreunden Eisbachtal. After 11 years, he moved into the youth academy of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, making his Bundesliga debut on 4 November 2000 under Andreas Brehme. In 2002, he moved to Borussia Dortmund after only six league appearances, starting off as their number two behind Jens Lehmann. Once Lehmann moved to Arsenal FC, Weidenfeller became number one. He held off the competition of Guillame Warmuz and is today BVB’s undisputed first-choice custodian. Overall, he has made 289 Bundesliga appearances. Despite numerous sensational seasons, Dortmund’s vice-captain has yet to be capped by his country.
Key facts
• Weidenfeller has played an exceptional Champions League season, saving an impressive 76 percent of shots on his goal.
• Weidenfeller has foiled 12 of 19 big chances - no other goalkeeper this season has saved more than six big chances. In this respect, the Dortmund goalkeeper is in a league of his own
• Weidenfeller kept four clean sheets, the last one in the first leg of the quarter-final againt Malaga CF (0-0). In the last three games, Weidenfeller then conceded five goals.
Rummenigge: Bayern deserve Champions League title The two-time European Footballer of the Year winner feels that it would only be right if die Roten lifted the trophy after losing two finals in the past three years
Luiz Gustavo voices support for Brazil boss Scolari The Selecao coach is already under intense pressure - just over six months after returning to the position
Dortmund interested in Villa striker Benteke, claims agent A representative for the Champions League finalists watched the 22-year-old score against Chelsea on Saturday, as they look for a replacement for the outgoing Robert Lewandowski
Hummels: Dortmund's attack among Europe's best The Germany international has praised his side's strength in attack and believes they fully deserve their place in the Champions League final
Pep Guardiola's tenure as FC Bayern Munich head coach will begin officially on June 26th
Munich - While FC Bayern Munich are fully focused on the latter stages of the current campaign, one which could see them claim an historic treble, plans are already being put in place ahead of the beginning of Pep Guardiola’s reign as the record titleholders head coach.
As has been the case in previous seasons the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions have announced they will take part in a training camp in the Italian town of Trentino from 4th-12th July.
However, the official first day of training under their prestigious Spanish newcomer, who has been on a one-year sabbatical since winning 14 trophies in his four-year spell with FC Barcelona, will take place on 26th June.
15.05.2013 10:23:24
THOMAS SCHAAF'S 14-YEAR TENURE IN BREMEN ENDS
Thomas Schaaf has stepped down as Werder Bremen head coach after 14 years at the helm
Bremen - SV Werder Bremen and long-serving head coach Thomas Schaaf have mutually agreed to part ways as a result of lengthy discussions that took place on Tuesday.
Schaaf, who had been in charge of the Bundesliga side on the Weser for the last 14 years, bid farewell to the players and his fellow coaches on Wednesday morning. As per his own wishes, the 52-year-old will therefore not sit on the bench in Bremen’s final game of the current campaign against 1. FC Nuremberg. Instead, assistant coaches Wolfgang Rolff and Matthias Hönerbach will assume control of first-team duties during the final two weeks of the season.
Fresh start
“As announced, we’ve analysed our sporting development over the past few days and have come to the conclusion that we’re looking for a fresh start,” explained sporting director Thomas Eichin, who was also speaking on behalf of fellow executive directors Klaus Filbry and Klaus-Dieter Fischer.
“We thank Thomas for all that he has brought to the club in more than 40 years as player and head coach of Werder Bremen. With him at the helm, the club has been able to celebrate some outstanding sporting achievements. However, after staving off the threat of relegation we reached the common belief that an amicable separation would be best for the club’s new beginnings.”
Schaaf: "An extraordinary time"
Born in Mannheim, Schaaf has been a member of the Green-Whites since 1972 and was the longest-serving head coach still active in the Bundesliga having taken charge in 1999. The crowning moment of his tenure, which spanned 644 games in all competitions, came when he guided Werder Bremen to the league and cup double in 2004, turning the side into regular competitors on the European stage.
“I’ve had an extraordinary time here and was involved in several positive experiences and great successes,” said Schaaf, who also won the DFB Cup in 1999 and 2009. “I want to say thank you to all those who have accompanied and supported me on this journey. I wish Werder Bremen all the success in the future.”
The 68-year-old coach is to be replaced at the Bayern Munich at the end of the season by Pep Guardiola but he is ruling out taking on another job elsewhere in Germany
Outgoing Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has revealed that he has received "job offers from abroad", as he considers continuing his career outside Germany.
The 68-year-old coach is on the verge of leading the Bavarians to an historic treble but Pep Guardiola will replace him at the Allianz Arena helm this summer regardless of results.
Heynckes has previously hinted that he might walk away from football at the end of the season, though he has now confirmed that he is open to other options.
"Of course I have job offers from abroad," the former Real Madrid boss told Kicker. "And after having experienced two highly succesful seasons with Bayern, there are no alternatives left in the Bundesliga.
"But right now I'm only focused on Bayern."
The Bavarians, who wrapped up the Bundesliga title with six rounds to spare, meet Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on May 25 before taking on Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal decider on June 1.
Gotze: Beating Bayern would be fantastic
The attacking midfielder is eagerly anticipating next week's Champions League final at Wembley and is hopeful that he will be match fit in time
Heldt: Schalke can handle the pressure
The race to claim the Bundesliga's final Champions League spot will go down to the wire, but the Royal Blues' general manager is backing his side to see out a top-four finish
Dante: We're definitely going to beat Gladbach
The 29-year-old spent three years at Borussia Park between and is confident his current employers will earn all three points on Saturday
Tymoshchuk: Champions League defeats still on Bayern's mind
The experienced midfielder is determined to avoid more European heartbreak when they take on their Bundesliga rivals at Wembley
Juventus line up Piszczek as Lichtsteiner replacement
The Serie A champions could decide to cash in on the Switzerland international and have their eyes on the Bundesliga star
Sammer calls for 'cool' Bayern heads
The former Germany international feels it's too early to focus on next week's match at Wembley and has made it clear FCB must stay relaxed
All will become clear soon - Lewandowski
The Borussia Dortmund forward says his future will be revealed at the end of the season and insists that a transfer is not on his mind at the moment
Schalke defender Metzelder to retire from football
The former Germany international, who overcame a number of serious injuries during his career, has admitted that his body is no longer up to the rigours of professional football
Dortmund are mentally stronger than Bayern, claims Kehl
Jurgen Klopp's men have gone six league games without defeat against die Roten and the club captain believes this will affect the Bundesliga champions going into the game
Bundesliga Preview: Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach
16 May 2013
Borussia Monchengladbach will look to keep their UEFA Europa League hopes alive when they welcome champions Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Lucien Favre's men sit in eighth place, three points and two positions off Eintracht Frankfurt, who occupy the last UEFA Europa League spot.
A win for Monchengladbach could prove vital in their bid to secure European football next season, as seventh-place Hamburg host Bayer Leverkusen while Freiburg look to retain their grip on fifth spot when they meet Schalke.
Monchengladbach have been in patchy form of late, winning just three of their last six games, these victories coming against already relegated Greuther Furth, Augsburg and Mainz.
This is in stark contrast to the Bundesliga champions, who capped off their home campaign with a resounding 3-0 win over Augsburg before receiving the league trophy.
Bayern have won eight of their last nine league matches, drawing the other against runners-up Borussia Dortmund, conceding just two goals in their last six league games.
Jupp Heynckes' men also have the UEFA Champions League final against Dortmund to think about and the head coach has employed a strategy of rotating his squad in recent weeks.
However, he told the club's official website he would use the next week, including the game against Monchengladbach, to prepare for the final at Wembley.
"In the course of the next few days of training, we'll reiterate everything we need for our game plan and the essential things we'll need for success at Wembley," Heynckes said.
