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Bundesliga wrap: Dortmund shocked as Bayern march on
9 December 2012
Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga, while Wolfsburg stunned Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Goals from Thomas Mueller and Mario Gomez handed Bayern a 2-0 away victory over lowly Augsburg, who slumped to their 10th loss of the season.
Bayern are 11 points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who have a game in hand to play against Hannover on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Wolfsburg came from behind before accounting for champions Dortmund 3-2 away from home.
Dortmund opened the scoring through Marco Reus in the sixth minute and seemed in control of the match until Marcel Schmelzer was sent off for a deliberate handball in the area on 35 minutes.
Brazilian midfielder Diego netted the resulting penalty before countryman Naldo put Wolfsburg in front five minutes later.
Dortmund midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski restored parity from the spot in the 61st minute, but the undermanned hosts were unable to salvage a point as Wolfsburg forward Bas Dost found the net with 17 minutes to go.
Meanwhile, goals from Sebastian Polter and Markus Feulner clinched a 2-0 victory for Nuremberg at home to Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Stuttgart climbed to fifth on the table with a 3-1 win over visiting Schalke, while Daniel Caligiuri's 15th-minute goal guided Freiburg to a 1-0 home win against Greuther Fuerth.
And later on in the day, Eintracht Frankfurt moved up to fourth with a dominant 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen at home
Bayer Leverkusen had their four-match winning streak snapped by Hannover in Sunday's Bundesliga action.
Hannover came from behind to win 3-2 in front of their home fans at the AWD-Arena against the second-placed Leverkusen, a result that lifted them to 10th on the table.
Gonzalo Castro fired the visitors in front after just two minutes but a Szabolcs Huszti penalty levelled proceedings shortly after.
Former Manchester United forward Mame Biram Diouf gave Hannover the lead on 57 minutes but the advantage lasted less than 60 seconds.
Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling netted the equaliser, with his 12th goal of the season setting up an exciting final 30 minutes.
And it was Hannover who would emerge victorious with another Huszti penalty – scored with 21 minutes to play – sealing all three points for Mirko Slomka's side.
The day's other match saw Borussia Moenchengladbach defeat Mainz 2-0 at Stadio im Borussia-Park.
Mike Hanke and Juan Arango scored in the space of five second-half minutes as the winners extended their unbeaten run to six.
Schalke boss dismisses Huntelaar exit rumours
The former Real Madrid striker is continually being linked with a move away from the Veltins Arena, but the Royal Blues are unaware of a potential transfer
Guardiola could struggle at Bayern, says Kahn
The former Germany international has doubts about the successful coach, and has insisted both parties would have to work hard in order to make things work
Favre: Arango one of the best left-footed players in the world
The Venezuelan midfielder scored a 50-yard effort on Sunday and his coach was quick to praise his ability to score spectacular goals
Schmelzer red card rescinded
The defender has been told he will now not be banned after being dismissed for deliberate handball on Saturday, following an apology by referee Wolfgang Stark
Zorc: Stark's apology won't give us back the points
The club director acknowledged the official's excuse, but insisted that the harm has already been done and nothing can atone for the consequences of the decision in Saturday's loss
Muller: If I were a Dortmund player, I'd forget about the title
The Bayern player maintains that the next few weeks will be of little importance to the club, given their 14 point advantage, but warned his side not to falter
Howedes rues Schalke collapse after fifth league game without a win
The 24-year-old was less than impressed with his side after falling further behind the leaders, whilst Horst Heldt admitted that Stuttgart were more deserving of victory
Gomez hails Bayern Munich's ruthless streak
The Germany striker believes beating teams at the bottom of the table is vital if the Bavarians are to win the Bundesliga title
Wolfgang Stark issues Borussia Dortmund apology
The referee has said sorry for wrongly awarding a penalty to Wolfsburg and sending off Marcel Schmelzer as the Bundesliga champions slumped to a disappointing loss
Heynckes relieved after Bayern Munich victory
The 67-year-old coach had warned his team they would be in for a tough afternoon but goals from Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez secured the three points
Harnik refuses to apologise for gesture to Stuttgart fans
The Austria forward explains why he stuck two fingers up at his own fans after their Europa League defeat on Thursday and the club suggest that they will not punish the player
Borussia Dortmund may be playing for little more than pride when they travel to reeling Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Dortmund's bid for a third consecutive title took it biggest hit to date on Saturday, with Marcel Schmelzer's red card eventually consigning Jurgen Klopp's side to a 3-2 defeat against Wolfsburg to leave them 14 points behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich.
Referee Wolfgang Stark sent Schmelzer off for handling the ball on the goal-line when it appeared to make contact with his leg in the 35th minute and awarded a penalty, which Diego duly converted.
Stark later admitted to the error but the loss, paired with Bayern's 2-0 win at Augsburg, could well be enough to spell the end of Dortmund's title defence.
Their next opponents Hoffenheim are in dire straits, with relegation from the top flight, after four promotions since 2000, now a distinct reality.
Frank Kramer's first game in charge did little to reverse the club's fortunes as they were handed a fifth consecutive Bundesliga defeat at the hands of Hamburg and are now a worrying six points from safety.
Substitute Mario Gomez made further progress in his injury comeback with Bayern's second goal and could start on Friday against eighth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach, who are on a four-game undefeated streak.
Stuttering Schalke were on the end of a Vedad Ibisevic hat-trick in a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart, their fifth winless game in all competitions and have now dropped out of the top four.
They now face Freiburg at home on Saturday, while Wolfsburg take on Eintracht Frankfurt and Mainz host Stuttgart, who joined Schalke on 25 points courtesy of Ibisevic's 11, 12 and 13th goals in all competitions this season.
Second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern's closest challenger 11 points behind, saw their four-game winning streak in the Bundesliga end in defeat at Hannover and will look to rebound at home to Hamburg.
Bottom two Greuther Furth and Augsburg will be scrapping for their lives on Saturday, with both sides managing just one win in 16 matches.
Sitting on eight points apiece both can ill-afford to taste defeat, with the 10-point gap to safety looking increasingly difficult to overcome.
In the other Sunday fixture, Werder Bremen welcome Nuremberg to the Weserstadion. A day earlier, 15th-placed Fortuna Dusseldorf will look to preserve their six-point buffer above the relegation zone when they host mid-table Hannover.
Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen defied Bayern Munich as his side held stubbornly for a 1-1 draw on Friday.
A penalty from Thorben Marx gave Moenchengladbach a 1-0 lead at half-time before Xherdan Shaqiri scored his maiden goal for Bayern in the 59th minute to bring the home side level, but the Bavarians could not manage to pierce the visitors' defence again.
Bayern had 25 shots to five at Allianz Arena but with Ter Stegen leading Gladbach's defensive barricade, the visitors claimed a hard-earned point against the Bundesliga leaders.
The draw means Gladbach have gone above Hamburg into seventh position on the Bundesliga table, while Bayern have extended their lead at the top to 12 points.
Gladbach entered the game having not lost in six matches and gave themselves every chance of extending that run when Marx scored from the spot in the 21st minute.
With what was just about their first genuine attack, the visitors earned a penalty when Bayern defender Jerome Boateng was judged to have blocked Tolga Cigerci's cross with his hand.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer barely moved as Marx struck his penalty firmly in to the net.
In the 38th minute, Bayern suffered a blow to their hopes of a comeback when Javi Martinez had to be benched due to a head injury.
But substitute Shaqiri took advantage of Martinez's injury, scoring the equaliser for Bayern after half-time, his first goal for the club since joining from FC Basel before this season.
Despite dominating the rest of the match, the Bundesliga leaders could not find a way past Ter Stegen and Gladbach ensured Bayern dropped points for the second time in their past four home games.
Heynckes 'very happy' despite Monchengladbach draw
The Bavarians' boss insists his team did everything they could to emerge victorious, citing opposition goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the pick of the players on show
Borussia Dortmund's Weidenfeller always had place in Low's plans
The national side's boss says that he never stopped keeping an eye on the development of Die Borussen's shot-stopper, and talks about his early career wishes
My client would not mind playing in Milan again - Huntelaar's agent
The agent of the Netherlands international has hinted that his player would prefer a move to the Nerazzurri over a transfer to the Premier League
Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the best teams in the world - Favre
The Fohlen boss believes that the Blaugrana, Die Roten and Die Borussen are the best sides in the world, and says they will treat the Bavarian giants with much respect tonight
Dortmund open contract talks with defender Subotic
The Serbia international's current deal runs until June 2014, but the German powerhouse are determined to hold on to the defender
Muller: There is no step up after playing for Bayern Munich
The versatile attacker is very pleased with the way things are going at FCB, and sees no reason to leave the club in the foreseeable future
Kehl: Home form has cost Dortmund the Bundesliga
The veteran midfielder has warned his team-mates that their results at Signal Iduna Park have not been satisfactory, leaving a third straight title a distant dream
Dortmund could sell Lewandowski, says Watzke
The Polish striker is nearing the final year of his contract and so the reigning German champions could sell this summer, alerting potential suitors to his availability
Dortmund interested in bringing Real Madrid's Sahin back to Bundesliga, says Watzke
The BVB chief has revealed that if the Turkey star shows a desire to play for the German champions, then, they may think about offering him a deal to return to the Westfalenstadion
Liverpool & Arsenal a step down for Gotze, insists Watzke
The chief executive does not fear that the attacking midfielder will leave BVB for an inferior Premier League side, while he is quietly confident about his team's chances in Europe
Gomez: Winning Bundesliga is all that matters to me
The Germany international is prepared to put his team's interests ahead of his own in order to give himself and the Bavarians the best chance of picking up silverware this term
Heynckes calls for video evidence after ref blunder in Dortmund match
The Bayern Munich trainer has reacted to the decisions made in rivals BVB's defeat to Wolfsburg by calling for referees to be given help from their fourth officials
Fink: Hamburg must get over the loss of Van der Vaart
The Rothosen trainer hopes the absence of one of his key players will not have a detrimental effect on his team as they head into their final match of 2012 against Bayer Leverkusen
Javi Martinez: I want to show I'm worth €40m
The holding midfielder is eager to demonstrate that Bayern were right to splash the cash on him, and feels he's on the right track after a difficult start to life in the Bundesliga
Security to be tightened at German stadiums
The DFL has passed measures to help stop the recent rise of supporter misconduct, and the governing body's president, Reinhard Rauball, feels the game will benefit
Dec 13, 2012 12:30:00 AM
By Barney Cullum
The German Football League (DFL) and clubs from the top two divisions have agreed on divisive security measures following the recent rise in fan misconduct.
The governing body and 36 teams voted on Wednesday for stricter stadium checks, a crackdown on flares and smoke bombs, and a limit on tickets for away fans.
Recent matches such as the Ruhr derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, and Hannover's DFB-Pokal cash with Dynamo Dresden, were marred by violence, and DFL president Reinhard Rauball believes the game will benefit from the measure.
"All 16 points were accepted with a wide majority."
The proposed changes have been met with widespread protests across Germany, but the 65-year-old is confident that they will not dilute the stadium-going experience.
"This is not a decision against fans but a decision in favour of football and its future," he added.
Watzke: Dortmund to evaluate squad over winter break
The BVB official hinted at possible departures from the club for a a number of fringe names, insisting the team need better depth in order to fight for top honours
Dec 14, 2012 7:40:00 AM
By Vasil Kotsev
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Hans-Joachim Watzke has stated that the club will evaluate their current roster of players over the winter break and bring in quality squad reinforcements.
The 53-year-old is of the opinion that the club lacks enough quality in depth to face the challenge of three competitions and hinted that some of the fringe footballers at BVB might be shown the door.
"If we want to be in the first places of the table permanently, we have to improve in terms of the players 12 to 18," Watzke told Sport Bild.
"There are two games left. Afterwards we will analyse the first half of the season."
Croatian attacker Ivan Perisic has been rumoured to be at the top of the possible departures list after a public fall-out with coach Jurgen Klopp earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Basel defender Aleksandar Dragovic is reportedly on the radar of the German champions, meaning Brazilian Felipe Santana's spell with BVB might be coming to an end.
Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen defied Bayern Munich as his side held stubbornly for a 1-1 draw on Friday.
A penalty from Thorben Marx gave Moenchengladbach a 1-0 lead at half-time before Xherdan Shaqiri scored his maiden goal for Bayern in the 59th minute to bring the home side level, but the Bavarians could not manage to pierce the visitors' defence again.
Bayern had 25 shots to five at Allianz Arena but with Ter Stegen leading Gladbach's defensive barricade, the visitors claimed a hard-earned point against the Bundesliga leaders.
The draw means Gladbach have gone above Hamburg into seventh position on the Bundesliga table, while Bayern have extended their lead at the top to 12 points.
Gladbach entered the game having not lost in six matches and gave themselves every chance of extending that run when Marx scored from the spot in the 21st minute.
With what was just about their first genuine attack, the visitors earned a penalty when Bayern defender Jerome Boateng was judged to have blocked Tolga Cigerci's cross with his hand.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer barely moved as Marx struck his penalty firmly in to the net.
In the 38th minute, Bayern suffered a blow to their hopes of a comeback when Javi Martinez had to be benched due to a head injury.
But substitute Shaqiri took advantage of Martinez's injury, scoring the equaliser for Bayern after half-time, his first goal for the club since joining from FC Basel before this season.
Despite dominating the rest of the match, the Bundesliga leaders could not find a way past Ter Stegen and Gladbach ensured Bayern dropped points for the second time in their past four home games.
Bayer Leverkusen consolidated second place with a commanding 3-0 victory at home to Hamburg on Saturday.
German international Stefan Kiessling was the pick of the Leverkusen players, netting a goal in each half, while Andre Schuerrle also got himself on the scoresheet at BayArena on Saturday.
Leverkusen went into the match on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Hannover but the result was never in doubt as Sami Hyypia's side dominated from the opening whistle.
The hosts took the lead on 26 minutes, with Kiessling sending the ball past Rene Adler after being played in by Gonzalo Castro.
Hamburg almost equalised from the restart but failed to beat goalkeeper Bernd Leno and they were made to pay for their inability in the attacking third as Schuerrle made it 2-0 with nine minutes remaining in the first half.
With just over an hour played, Kiessling completed the scoring, chipping the ball over a helpless Adler as Leverkusen closed the gap on Bundesliga ladder-leaders Bayern Munich to nine points.
Surprise-packet Eintracht Frankfurt remain three points behind Leverkusen after they recorded a routine 2-0 win over lowly Wolfsburg.
Alexander Meier, the league's leading goal scorer, opened the scoring in the 12th minute, taking his season tally to 11 goals before Takashi Inui wrapped up the points six minutes later.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Mainz overcame a one-goal deficit to beat Stuttgart 3-1 thanks to a second-half brace from Nicolai Mueller.
Promoted outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf created some distance between themselves and the relegation zone following their 2-1 triumph against Hannover, while basement sides Greuther Fuerth and Augsburg played out a 1-1 draw.
Schalke's slump continued, Huub Stevens' side crashing to 3-1 home reverse to Freiburg, their third Bundesliga defeat in five games.
BREAKING NEWS: Muller signs Bayern Munich extension until 2017
The Germany international has reached an agreement with the Bundesliga leaders over a new deal that will keep him at the club for two additional seasons
Giefer: I turned down Bayern Munich
The young shot-stopper had caught the attention of the Allianz Arena side, but he eventually opted to snub the Bavarians in favour of Dusseldorf because he wanted first-team action
Schweinsteiger: Ribery should have controlled himself
The Germany international was not amused with his team-mate's failure to manage his temper, while also taking the time to praise Bavarian rivals and cup opponents Augsburg
I have offers from the Bundesliga and abroad, says Magath
The former Bayern Munich manager believes that spending time with family has been beneficial for his well-being, and says that he plans to return to football in 2013
Borussia Dortmund call on fans to end protests
The German champions want supporters to put their anger at proposed changes to security behind them and get fully behind the team for the match against Hannover
Shaqiri: Bayern Munich must win Bundesliga for fans
The midfielder has set his sights on domestic success with FCB after losing out to Borussia Dortmund in each of the past two seasons
Bayern Munich will not sell any players, insists Sammer
The Bavarians' sporting director does not anticipate any winter departures as he aims to keep the team that has dominated the Bundesliga so far together
Kahn: Dortmund miss the squad depth to challenge on three fronts
The legendary goalkeeper commended BVB for their performance in Europe's elite competition, but believes the lack of strong bench has harmed their league title defence
Official: Leverkusen sign Arkadiusz Milik
The German team announced on Monday that they have secured the services of the promising Polish striker, who joins the Werkself on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee
Stevens backed sacking, claims Heldt
The Schalke general manager has revealed he was no longer confident that the Dutchman could end the team's bad run of form, and the coach understood that
'Dortmund are not Champions League favourites' - Hummels
The Schwarzgelben defender has rejected claims from the likes of Jose Mourinho that his side are the team to beat in Europe this term, and insists the Bundesliga comes first
Gomez: Winning titles is all that matters to Bayern
The Germany striker insists his own personal scoring record last season meant nothing without silverware to go with it, and added he is prepared to spend some time on the bench
'We must do more next year' - Hummels
The Borussia Dortmund defender believes his side have done well before the winter break, but is targeting a good run of form after Christmas
Huntelaar: Schalke didn't do enough against Freiburg
The Netherlands forward was critical of his team's performance in the surprise home defeat after what proved to be Huub Stevens' final game in charge of the Royal Blues
Schalke sack Huub Stevens
The Dutch coach has been dismissed by the Royal Blues after his side's terrible run of form in the Bundesliga culminated in a home defeat to Freiburg on Saturday
Gotze: I see no reason to leave Borussia Dortmund
The Germany midfielder dismisses any thought of saying goodbye to the Signal Iduna Park faithful despite Franz Beckenbauer's open admission of admiration for the youngster
Dortmund's Zorc denies receiving offers for Lewandowski
The German club's sporting director has denied claims that teams have already made offers for the Borussen forward
Martinez can't see with his left eye, confirms Heynckes
The midfielder suffered a painful knock in the game against die Fohlen and the new signing had to be rushed to hospital with his vision temporarily impaired
Official: Renato Augusto makes Corinthians switch
The Brazilian midfielder has called time on his four-year spell in the Bundesliga, and will return to his homeland at the start of the January transfer window
Ballack: My relationship with Heynckes was always distant
The retired midfielder believes neither the 67-year-old, nor his successor Robin Dutt, afforded him the treatment he deserved at the BayArena
Klopp: Borussia Dortmund were fantastic
The 45-year-old was thrilled with his side's display in Wednesday's cup encounter, and was particularly impressed with Mario Gotze
Moller: A German team can win the Champions League
The former Borussia Dortmund and Schalke star is optimistic about the Bundesliga side's chances of lifting the famous trophy this season
DFB-Pokal Cup quarter-final draw: Bayern to host BVB
The Cup holders have been drawn with the Bundesliga leaders in a repeat of last season's final
Heidel insists Tuchel will not leave Mainz
The FSV chief says there is no possibility that their coach will depart and claims even a bid of €70m would not tempt him into sanctioning his exit
Muller signs Bayern Munich extension until 2017
The 23-year-old Germany international has reached an agreement with the Bundesliga leaders over a new deal that will keep him at die Roten for two additional seasons
Ballack: My relationship with Heynckes was always distant
The retired midfielder believes neither the 67-year-old, nor his successor Robin Dutt, afforded him the treatment he deserved at the BayArena
Dec 20, 2012 9:20:00 PM
By Jamie Elliott
Former Germany international Michael Ballack has claimed that neither Jupp Heynckes nor Robin Dutt treated him fairly during his second spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
The 36-year-old was released in the summer by the Werkself, having been frozen out and scapegoated by the club's management, and subsequently called time on his career.
"The relationship with Heynckes was distant from the first day. It seemed as though someone told him last minute that Michael Ballack was coming to Leverkusen," he told 11 Freunde.
“[Dutt] obviously had ideas other than to work with me from the outset. At least he has expressed this in interviews," he added.
The midfielder won 98 caps for Germany and represented Bayern Munich, Kaiserslautern and Chelsea as well as Leverkusen at club level.
Moller: A German team can win the Champions League
The former Borussia Dortmund and Schalke star is optimistic about the Bundesliga side's chances of lifting the famous trophy this season
Dec 20, 2012 8:55:00 AM
EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji
Ex-Germany international Andreas Moller believes the three German teams in the Champions League have the quality to go all the way in the competition.
Bayern Munich, Schalke and Borussia Dortmund all won their respective groups to book their tickets for the knockout stages, and Moller is optimistic about their chances of bringing the trophy back to Germany for the first time since Bayern's win in 2001.
"I think all three teams can go far. They have all been very good in the group stages. They now have the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary in the Champions League. There's a good chance that a German team will win the competition again," Moller told Goal.com.
"There's no team in the Champions League that's a cut above the rest in my opinion. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are obviously strong teams, and they are the favourites for me. However, the German teams are on the same level.
"German football hasn't been this good in ages. The performances in Europe confirm the strength of the Bundesliga. The way all German teams have progressed in Europe is quite impressive. There's no question about it, the Bundesliga is the strongest league in Europe at the moment."
Bayern, BVB and Schalke will find out their opponents in the Champions League round of 16 during Thursday morning's draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
Hitzfeld: Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund can win the Champions League
The former boss of both Bundesliga clubs thinks that European success is achievable for a German side, though he doubts that Schalke have the consistency to go all the way
Huntelaar announces he has signed new Schalke deal
The striker took to his personal Twitter and Facebook accounts to break the news to his followers, drawing to an end speculation linking him with a move away from Germany
Low: I made mistakes in Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy
Die Mannschaft boss has admitted that he employed the wrong tactical approach against the Azzurri at the European championship, and wished he had done things differently
Official: Hecking appointed Wolfsburg coach
The German team have announced that the 48-year-old has taken over the reins at the Volkswagen Arena and signed a contract that ties him to the club until 2016
Pfaff: Neuer can become the best goalkeeper in the world
The former Die Roten goalkeeper reserved special praise for the club's current shot-stopper, and believes he can go on to rise to the top of football's elite
Bayern have offered Badstuber a new contract - Rummenigge
After securing Thomas Muller's services until 2017, Die Roten chief has revealed that the club have also offered the currently-injured defender a new deal
German coaching techniques have changed, says Eisfeld
The Gunners hopeful has praised the training revolution in his homeland, and says it is responsible for the rise of the likes of Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil
Borussia Dortmund: Any form of discrimination will not be tolerated
The German champions have warned that they will not stand for racism from right-wing supporters, saying that it goes against the principles which the club hold dear
Schweinsteiger: I could leave Bayern Munich
The versatile midfielder has hinted at saying farewell to the Bundesliga leaders at some point in the future, but has no intention of moving on just yet
Die Roten's sporting director has set himself the challenge of establishing a culture of producing high-quality youth players to safeguard the future success of the club
Dec 23, 2012 12:55:00 PM
By Andrew Wychrij
Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer says he wants to leave his mark on the future of the club but he needs "at least three or four years" before he can be judged on his success in establishing a top-class youth system.
Sammer, who joined the Bavarians in his current role last July, is confident that he can safeguard the club's long-term future and guarantee many more Bundesliga titles.
Speaking in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, the 49-year-old German discussed the scope of his plans for the set-up at the current league leaders.
"It is my intention to establish youth in order to better manage a sustainable and long-term performance," he said. "It will take at least another three or four years to properly evaluate. Then hopefully what I'm doing here will be recognisable.
"That does not mean that I do not feel any pressure. I view pressure as something positive. The pressure of working with such outstanding personalities as Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Karl Hopfner and Jupp Heynckes is phenomenal."
Bayern currently sit top of the Bundesliga with 42 points from 17 games, nine ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, but Sammer believes that focusing on this season's title alone is the wrong path to success.
"It is important in my opinion to understand the mindset of the players," the 1996 European Footballer of the year added.
"If we continue to work on the performance, implement the most demanding training programme with conviction, then the title will come to us."
Javi Martinez: I will soon be at my best The 24-year-old says that he has finally been able to rest having had an exhausting 2012, and that he is optimistic ahead of the second half of the Bundesliga season
Kacar to say at Hamburg after Hannover move collapses The Serbian was set to be sold by Thorsten Fink’s side for a loss in the January transfer window, but the midfielder’s only suitors look to have lost interest due to his salary
Agent: Villas-Boas key to Holtby joining Tottenham The Schalke midfielder has agreed a deal to join Spurs in the summer on a free transfer, and his representative says he chose the north London club in the middle of December
Holtby to join Tottenham from Schalke in July The 22-year-old midfielder will join the club at the end of the season after previously indicating his preference for a move to White Hart Lane over other suitors Liverpool
Schweinsteiger confident of ending Bayern trophy drought The Bavarians have missed out on major silverware for the last two seasons, but the midfielder is hopeful that they will be able to end that spell this time around
Liverpool make first move for Holtby but Schalke midfielder favours Tottenham The 22-year-old midfielder, also a target for Arsenal, can sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of summer free transfer - but could still be sold by the German club in January
Bayern Munich announce Kirchhoff signing The Germany Under-21 defender has attracted the interest of several Bundesliga sides, but is expected to continue his career at the Bavarian giants for at least three years
Robben: I could decide to play fewer games for Oranje The injury prone attacker is looking for ways to end his ongoing worries about being sidelined and prolong his career, but insists this does not mean retirement from national team
We will play better in the second half of the season, says Klopp The charismatic tactician is hoping his team can build on their impressive finish to 2012 by being even stronger for the remainder of the season
'Dortmund have been decent but not world class' - Klopp The Schwarzgelben boss has reflected on the first half of his side's campaign, promising that they have learned from their mistakes and will come back stronger
Celta Vigo secure Vadim Demidov on loan The Liga side have brought the Norway international back to Spain until the end of the season with the defender already thinking about extending his stay beyond the summer months
'Maza' Rodriguez to sign for Club America The Mexico defender will return to his homeland to join up with the Liga MX side on Thursday after leaving Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, who he had been with for 18 months
Lahm: Bundesliga not Bayern's yet The full-back believes there is still plenty of time left to slip up, but thinks that maintaining their form through the second half of the season will see them crowned champions
Heynckes & Guardiola pairing would not work, says Hitzfeld The former Bayern Munich boss believes that such a partnership would not be a success, and instead urged the Bavarians to extend the current coach's contract at the club
Hannover chiefs keen on deal for Arsenal defender Djourou within 48 hours The German side want to take the centre-back to the AWD Arena for the rest of the season after the Switzerland international has only appeared twice this campaign for the Gunners
Zorc: Gotze is happy at Borussia Dortmund The BVB director is confident the forward will remain at his current club, while stressing Robert Lewandowski will not be sold
'No price in the world' will land Manchester United target Lewandowski, says Dortmund chief Watzke The Bundesliga club's chief executive has ruled out the prospect of a potential winter move to the Premier League for the prolific Poland international forward
Howedes' future lies with Schalke, says Heldt The Germany international's deal with the Royal Blues expires next year, but their sporting director insists the defender will not leave and talks over a renewal will begin soon
Gundogan: Choosing Germany over Turkey most difficult decision of my career The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has confessed that he wants to move to La Liga or the Premier League one day but insisted he is happy under father-figure Jurgen Klopp
De Bruyne sees his future at Chelsea, says agent The talented 21-year-old midfielder has yet to make his competitive debut for the club after spending two spells out on loan since joining back in January 2012
Low demands focus from Germany in 2013 Die Mannschaft boss admits mistakes were made over the past year but hopes the next 12 months will demonstrate his side's evolution towards becoming a more resolute outfit
Bayern have strongest squad in Europe, says Hitzfeld The former Bavarian coach believes the German giants and current Bundesliga victors Borussia Dortmund have the potential to win the Champions League this season
Boxing legend Michalczewski warns Lewandowski: Moving to United would be a mistake The former light heavyweight world champion, believes the striker has one of the best coaches in the world in the form of Jurgen Klopp at his current club, and should not leave
Bundesliga is Bayern's priority, insists Heynckes The Roten coach has urged his players to "resolutely stay the course" as they challenge for honours on three fronts, and took time to praise Javi Martinez and Manuel Neuer
Kahn: Schalke should target Mainz coach Tuchel The former Bayern Munich goalkeeper believes that the Coface Arena boss would be an ideal replacement for Huub Stevens, while he also named his Bundesliga stars so far this season
Bayern not interested in Schalke's Holtby, says agent The former Mainz player's representative has rejected claims that the Bavarians are interested in his client, and remained tight-lipped over the future of the player
Bayern's Muller: I don't know any tricks The Germany international has stressed that his playing style relies on efficiency rather than putting on a show, and underlined the importance of team work
Holtby confirms intention to leave Schalke The 22-year-old refused to sign an extension with his current side, paving the way for a Bosman move in the summer, and the club's general manager insists they respect his decision
Leverkusen right to reject Chelsea offer for Schurrle, says Voller The former Germany international says the club will always have interest in their 22-year-old, with the Blues reportedly having a £16 million (€19m) bid turned down in the summer
Van der Vaart: Elia is a rocket that needs to be ignited The former Tottenham Hotspur attacker believes that the 25-year-old Werder Bremen winger will find his form again
Mainz defender Kirchhoff agrees terms with Schalke The Mainz centre-back, whose contract is set to run out in the summer, has agreed terms with the Gelsenkirchen side and could leave the Coface Arena in the January transfer window
Trophy drought has been a wake-up call, says Heynckes The 67-year-old Bayern Munich boss admitted that two campaigns without silverware is unacceptable, but praised his current crop for playing as a team rather than individuals
Bayern can win the Champions League, says Del Bosque The trainer believes the Bundesliga leaders are one of the top three teams in Europe's elite tournament, and went on to praise the work of Germany boss Joachim Low
Heldt: Schalke interested in Kirchhoff The general manager of the Gelsenkirchen side has confessed the club want to bolster their defensive ranks, and see the centre-back as a possible solution
Muller: Heynckes has become extremely greedy The forward claims the defeats to Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund in two cup finals last season have made the veteran trainer more determined than ever to taste glory in Bavaria
Only the best can play for Bayern Munich, warns Sammer The retired Germany international has stressed the importance of bringing silverware back to Bavaria this season, and highlighted the team's desire to be the best in Europe
Nerlinger: Champions League final defeat sealed my Bayern Munich fate
The former Germany midfielder has said that he was not surprised by the club's decision to remove him after losing to Chelsea in Europe's premier competition in Munich last year
Jan 2, 2013 11:45:00 PM
By Jamie Elliott
Former Bayern Munich sporting director Christian Nerlinger has stated that he knew the club would sack him after losing the Champions League final.
The 39-year-old tookover the role at the European finalists in early 2010 before being replaced by Matthias Sammer in summer 2012.
And Nerlinger admits he knew what was coming after losing the Europe's premier competition to Chelsea.
“To be perfectly honest, my end at Bayern was not unexpected and I was not surprised. In the end I knew that moment when we lost the Champions League final against Chelsea, it was over for me,” Nerlinger told Bild.
The decision to remove the retired Germany international from his position came after an unsuccessful season by the German side’s standards.
The Bundesliga outfit lost out not only in the aforementioned Champions League final but also felt defeat to rivals Borussia Dortmund in both the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.
Nerlinger added: “In the history of Bayern, it was always the case: after a title less year a change in direction always followed.
“Bayern is past for me now. It was a very intense time for me. We must not forget: with the total combination of being a trainer, president and chief executive it was not always easy."
