Bundesliga Season 2011/2012

[Mats Hummels]

Thursday 1st December 2011

Kahn: Dortmund can challenge Bayern

Legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes Borussia Dortmund will severely test Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race this season.

Defending champions Dortmund started the season poorly, losing three of their first six games, which allowed Bayern to consolidate a strong lead at the top of the table.

However, Dortmund have since won seven of their last eight league matches, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bayern at the Allianz Arena, and have claimed leadership of the Bundesliga, ahead of Borussia Monchengladbach on goal difference.

And Kahn, who won eight Bundesliga titles with Bayern, believes Dortmund will prove tough for his former club to shrug off this season. "Borussia Dortmund have what it takes to be a very serious contender again this year," Kahn told Bild. "It looked like Bayern were going to win the league rather easily only two weeks ago, but they have helped BVB back in the race."

Furthermore, Kahn believes the fact that Dortmund are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League knockout round could prove a blessing in disguise for Jurgen Klopp's men. "Dortmund have a huge advantage if they are going out of the European competitions and can solely focus on the Bundesliga.

"This could mean Bayern won't win the league as easily as many expected not too long ago." And while many have attributed Bayern's recent uninspiring form to the absence of vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kahn feels a team of their stature should be able to accomodate his loss. "Bayern Munich are not dependent on anyone. Of course, one can clearly see that he would play well.

"But it would be too easy to cite Bastian's absence as a reason for the defeats. If the helmsman is missing, others must step into the breach. "There are enough players whether it be Manuel Neuer or Philipp Lahm. The quality of a player's leadership is evident when things are not optimal. "There is [Mario] Gomez, [Thomas] Muller, and the world-class players [Arjen] Robben and [Franck] Ribery."

Kahn now feels Bayern must go on a strong run and enter the winter break on a high, if they are to mount a credible title challenge this term. "The aim must be to win all the games until the winter break and to be the first in the league. They should also progress in the DFB-Pokal. "The situation is a little problematic, but far from a crisis."

In addition to his eight league titles, Kahn also won the DFB-Pokal on six occasions, as well as the Champions League in 2001.
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[Mats Hummels]

Thursday 1st December 2011

"No January buys for Bayern Munich"

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has dismissed the idea of any January signings for his club in the next transfer window.

This is despite a recent slump of form for the Bavarians, who have lost three of their last five Bundesliga fixtures.

However, Hoeness believes that there is enough quality in Bayern's ranks this season, and further additions will be surplus to requirements.

"To get players to solve the problem is not a solution," Hoeness told Sky Sports News HD. "Those we have must play to their potential. And then we will have no need for new players."

However, he did leave the option open for signing new players once this season is over. "For us to think about it again at the end of the season is something else", the club president concluded.

Bayern's loss to Mainz on Sunday left them third in the Bundesliga table, and they are now trailing defending champions Borussia Dortmund, as well as Borussia Monchengladbach.
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[Mats Hummels]

Thursday 1st December 2011

Stevens: Raul and Holtby must do better

Schalke supremo Huub Stevens has berated Raul and Lewis Holtby for their inconsistent displays this season.

The outspoken Dutchman could not mince his words after his side's 2-0 reverse to rivals Borussia Dortmund last Saturday and hinted that Spanish veteran Raul has not hit the heights expected of him thus far this season.

"He's played inconsistently this season, with good and bad moments," Stevens said according to Bild.

"Our current midfield problem, however, Raul cannot solve. He is a striker, a nine and a half - he needs assists."

The former PSV manager also hit out at midfielder Holtby's limp displays this season, claiming that he should be more tenacious and aggressive especially in light of Jefferson Farfan's spell on the sidelines.

"He's only 21, but he should be ahead of Julian Draxler, who is only 18. Lewis needs to be more present and to grow into the chief's role."

"Otherwise, without the injured Jefferson Farfan, we have no solutions. His quality has been missing in every nook and cranny."

Schalke have been reeling from injuries to Peruvian livewire Farfan and skipper Benedikt Howedes, who sustained a knee injury following the recent international exertions.

Despite Stevens' harsh criticism of his charges, Schalke are sitting in fifth place in the Bundesliga standings on 25 points, just four behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.
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[Mats Hummels]

Thursday 1st December 2011

Leno makes permanent move

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the permanent signing of on-loan Stuttgart goalkeeper Bernd Leno on a five-year deal.

The 19-year-old joined Leverkusen in August following an injury crisis among Bayer's goalkeepers, as both Rene Adler and reserve Fabian Giefer were ruled out.

Leno, who was one of Leverkusen's heroes in last week's shock 2-1 Champions League win over Chelsea, has moved for an undisclosed fee on a deal until June 2017. Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller was delighted to secure the services of the teenager.

"The signing of Bernd Leno means we have secured the the long-term services of one of Germany's most outstanding young goalkeepers," Voller told the club's official website, www.bayer04.de. "Bernd has helped us out immensely at a difficult time over recent months. He has proved to be an outstanding replacement for the injured Rene Adler and he has played a big part in us reaching the last 16 of the Champions League."

Leverkusen managing director Wolfgang Holzhauser was also extremely happy at the signing. "Bernd Leno has completely justified the confidence we placed in him despite his youth and lack of experience in the top flight," he said.

"He has been a key player over the past weeks and months. He has earned this long-term contract with his very good performance." Leno admitted that signing for Leverkusen is a dream come true. "I really feel at home here at Bayer 04 and I'm grateful to the club for giving me the chance to play in the Bundesliga and Champions League," he said.

"I'd like to repay that confidence. The club had a number of options but they chose me when Rene Adler had his operation. "That really impressed me so I definitely wanted to stay at Leverkusen."
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[Mats Hummels]

Bremen lose Wiese for Bayern clash

30 November 2011

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Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese has pulled out of this weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Bayern Munich for personal reasons.

The 29-year-old's father lost his battle with cancer this week and the goalkeeper has been excused from club duty on compassionate grounds.Wiese did not train on Tuesday or Wednesday and coach Thomas Schaaf was not sure when the player will return to action.

"I spoke with him this morning (Wednesday)," Schaaf told the club's official website. "It is difficult to handle. We must see how he feels in the next few days."Wiese's absence is likely to result in a start for understudy Sebastian Mielitz.

Meanwhile, Werder captain Clemens Fritz and Claudio Pizarro also missed training on Tuesday. Fritz was struggling with a minor back problem, but Pizarro, who spent the day working with club physio Sven Plagge, remains sidelined with a knee ligament problem and it is not yet known if the Peruvian striker will be fit to face his former club at the weekend.

Bremen go into Saturday's meeting with Bayern at the Allianz Arena in fourth in the Bundesliga standings, just two points behind their hosts and one further adrift of co-leaders Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach.

 

[Mats Hummels]

Crash victims point finger at Podolski

1 December 2011

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Cologne forward Lukas Podolski has defended his actions after being involved in a serious car accident on Monday.

The Germany international was involved in an crash on his way to training, but did not sustain any injuries.However, local police told RTL on Tuesday that they would be opening a criminal investigation into the incident over alleged negligence on Podolski's part.

The father of the family of three travelling in the other vehicle involved in the crash publicly accused the 26-year-old of displaying little concern for him or his daughter, both of whom were taken to hospital immediately after the collision.

Podolski, though, insists that he made every effort to check on the welfare of Eduard Paller and his one-year-old daughter, Fabienne, who suffered a suspected fracture in the bone above her nose.

"I immediately tried to contact the family by telephone in the afternoon," he told the Koln-Star. "Unfortunately, I could not reach anyone.""In the evening, I was able to speak with the mother. I asked about the health of the family and apologised for the collision.""I told the mother that I will immediately look for a quick and smooth claims settlement."

Podolski admitted he had been stung by Paller’s accusation of a lack of compassion and the negative media coverage which has followed."Now I have the impression that the public has more interest in the family than the actual accident," he said.

Podolski also revealed that he experienced some mild pain in his ribs following the crash but he is expected to be available for this weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Stuttgart.

 

[Mats Hummels]

Bundesliga preview: Borussias battle in top-of-the-table clash

1 December 2011

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League leaders Borussia Dortmund visit second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday in a showdown between the Bundesliga's top two.

Reigning champions Dortmund began their title defence slowly this season with just two wins from their first six league matches.But Juergen Klopp's men soon rediscovered their winning touch.They defeated then-leaders Bayern Munich 1-0 away from home on November 20.

And a 2-0 victory over Schalke last week, coupled with Bayern's surprise 3-2 loss at Mainz, saw Dortmund regain their familiar position at the top of the standings.On Saturday, they will be up against a team who are arguably the biggest surprise package in the major European leagues this season.

Moenchengladbach barely survived demotion to the Bundesliga 2 last term, winning a relegation playoff against Bochum to preserve their top-flight status.Swiss manager Lucien Favre, appointed in February, was the man who oversaw their dramatic escape.

This season, he has inspired the team to nine victories from 14 league fixtures played, and they welcome Dortmund to Borussia-Park on the back of a four-match winning streak.Forward Marco Reus has been the undoubted star of Moenchengladbach's unlikely revival.

The 22-year-old has appeared in all 14 Bundesliga matches, netting 10 goals, and earning his first full international caps for Germany.Reus is expected to vie with Dortmund's Mario Goetze for the tag of the Bundesliga's hottest property this season.

And the two young guns going head-to-head this weekend, with top spot in the league at stake, is a mouth-watering prospect.A day earlier, sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen play host to Hoffenheim, who are without a win in their past four outings.

In Saturday's other fixtures, third-placed Bayern will not have it easy when they seek to recover from two defeats in succession.The Bavarian giants are at home to Werder Bremen, who are just one place below them on the table.

Hannover have a good opportunity to record their first win in five matches when they visit second-bottom club Freiburg.Struggling Kaiserslautern are at home to promoted side Hertha Berlin.Mainz will look to make it three wins in succession away to Wolfsburg, while Stuttgart await the visit of Cologne.

On Sunday, 15th-placed Hamburg are at home to Nuremburg, who are just one point and one place better off, with both teams at the wrong end of the table.Bottom team Augsburg picked up only their second victory of the season last week, beating Wolfsburg 2-0.

But a daunting away match against fifth-placed Schalke on Sunday means they will be hard-pressed to make it two wins from two.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Bittersweet feeling for Hannover

1 December 2011

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Hannover defender Christian Schulz admitted it was an "odd feeling" to be pleased despite his side's 2-0 Europa League loss on Wednesday.

The Bundesliga outfit were defeated by Standard Liege of Belgium, but FC Copenhagen's failure to beat Vorskla Poltava means Hannover have qualified for the last 32 of the competition.Schulz and his team-mates will finish second in the group regardless of what happens in the final match of the group stage, against Vorskla in two weeks.

"It is of course disappointing that we've lost here this evening, but most important is that we've managed to qualify from the group, and we've done it," Schulz said."It's a bit of an odd feeling of course, but we are disappointed about the defeat."Schulz's sentiment was echoed by Hannover striker Jan Schlaudraff.

"We're very happy to be through," Schlaudraff said."It had been our wish (to win the game) but it wasn't to be. But we are happy with the qualification, and the fans can certainly celebrate that at least and we can be proud of that."

"It was a disappointing second half as I said, but we need to put that behind us now and press on in the league, and try to gain some points.""We have the return game against Vorskla in front of our own fans to look forward to and then we'll find out our opponents in the next round in the New Year."

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Wolfsburg linked with Bayern´s Olic

1 December 2011

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Wolfsburg are keen on securing the services of Bayern Munich forward Ivica Olic in the winter transfer window, according to a report.

The 2009 Bundesliga champions are eager to add some more firepower to their attack in January and head coach Felix Magath sees Olic as the perfect signing, according to German newspaper Bild.

The Croatia international recently told Goal.com that he could be forced to leave the Bavarian club if he doesn't get more playing time.

However, Wolfsburg could have a tough time luring Olic away from the Allianz Arena as the 32-year-old is Bayern's only proven alternative to first-choice striker Mario Gomez.

Bayern could allow Olic to leave if they find a suitable replacement and they have already been linked with Freiburg striker Papiss Cisse.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness said earlier this week that the club are not planning to make any January transfers, though, and it is unlikely that they will make a move for Cisse following the 59-year-old's comments.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Leverkusen to cut Adler ties

2 December 2011

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Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has revealed that it is unlikely goalkeeper Rene Adler will be retained next season.

The former Germany and Roma striker said that the chances of the injured shot-stopper staying with Robin Dutt's side are slim, following the signing of Bernd Leno, who has since claimed the number one jersey this season.

"It is unlikely that we will go with Leno and Adler for next season," Voller told Bild.

Adler has been out of action since the summer with a patellar tendon tear, allowing the youngster to step into the team, in similar fashion to the 2010 World Cup, where the 26-year-old also lost his place as first-choice goalkeeper to Manuel Neuer, due to a rib injury.

In addition, Adler previously turned down a one-year extension in October, while refusing to agree to renewed terms last year.

The Leipzig-born star's contract expires in 2012, amid reports that Schalke and Hamburg have expressed an interest in securing his services.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Report: Bayern chase Ayew

2 December 2011

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Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the race to sign Marseille's highly rated forward Andre Ayew.

The Bavarian giants sent a club official to watch the Ghanaian in action in last weekend's Ligue 1 clash with Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Velodrome, according to RMC Sport.

No contact has yet been made with Marseille in relation to a possible transfer but Bayern are expected to continue scouting the player in the coming weeks.

Ayew, who has scored two goals in four Champions League appearances this season, has been linked with Arsenal in recent months.

The 21-year-old came through Marseille's youth system but it was only after loan spells with Lorient and Arles-Avignon that he established himself in the first team, scoring 11 goals in 37 league games last season.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen 2 Hoffenheim 0

3 December 2011

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Bayer Leverkusen moved up to sixth in the Bundesliga after goals from Eren Derdiyok and Sidney Sam gave them a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim.

Derdiyok opened the scoring after 10 minutes at the BayArena before Sam sealed a third win in five matches for Robin Dutt's side with 11 minutes remaining.

After passing a fitness test before the match, Derdiyok almost gave the hosts the lead after six minutes when he directed Sam's cross at goal, only for Tom Starke to deny him with a fine save.

But the Switzerland international would not be denied four minutes later, pouncing on Starke's parry from Andre Schurrle's long-range strike before heading home.

Leverkusen continued to dominate in the second half, with Schurrle causing plenty of problems for the Hoffenheim defence.

The German forward almost extended the lead after being put through on goal by Stefan Kiessling in the 56th minute, but an onrushing Starke nullified the threat.

The deserved second goal came in the 79th minute when Kiessling fed Sam, who lifted the ball over Starke to double the advantage.

After failing to muster any chances of note for most of the match, Hoffenheim came to life in the closing stages but were denied a consolation when Marvin Compper's shot was saved by Bernd Leno.

 

[jw5]

Oy, LucHAS-BEEN POLDolski, u still playing meh?

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

Oy, LucHAS-BEEN POLDolski, u still playing meh?

Yeah strange game because the results was Gentner 2 Podolski 2

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

Bundesliga wrap: Bayern regain top spot

4 December 2011

Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday after a 4-1 home win over Werder Bremen.With Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach – first and second prior to Saturday's matches – playing out a draw, Bayern took advantage thanks to doubles from Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

Ribery opened the scoring after 22 minutes when he converted David Alaba's assist and Bayern took the lead into half-time.Jupp Heynckes' side received a scare when Markus Rosenburg equalised for Werder seven minutes into the second half but with 20 minutes to go, Robben restored the hosts' lead.

The Dutch winger scored from the penalty spot before Ribery got his second seven minutes later.Aaron Hunt was sent off for Werder Bremen with 10 minutes to play and Robben rounded off the match with his second spot-kick in the closing stages. Moenchengladbach dropped to third despite coming from behind to earn a point at home to Dortmund.

The reigning Bundesliga champions took the lead on 40 minutes when Polish forward Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net but Mike Hanke bagged the equaliser with 18 minutes to play for the hosts.

Goals in the final 20 minutes from Andreas Ivanschitz and Maxim Choupo-Moting saw Mainz claim a 2-2 draw at 10-man Wolfsburg, while Hertha Berlin's winless run stretched to four after they drew 1-1 at Kaiserslautern.

Freiburg and Hannover also played out a 1-1 draw, with Papiss Demba Cisse's strike with 23 minutes to play giving the second-bottom Freiburg a point.And Stuttgart drew 2-2 with Cologne at Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion.

A Lukas Podolski penalty put the visitors ahead after 15 minutes, but a brace from Christian Gentner had Stuttgart up 2-1 at the interval before Podolski scored his second in the 88th minute to ensure a share of the spoils.​

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

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Klopp: We deserved to beat Gladbach

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp was content with Saturday's 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, despite believing his team had been the better side.
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DFB chief to leave post in 2012

The president of the German Football Association (DFB), Dr Theo Zwanziger, has announced that he will not be standing for re-election in 2013.
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Adler set for Leverkusen exit

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller admits it is unlikely Rene Adler will remain at the club beyond this season.​

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

Klopp ´fine´ with draw, despite losing top

4 December 2011

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Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says he is content with Saturday's 1-1 draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Bundesliga.

Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski gave the visitors the lead after 40 minutes, before Mike Hanke levelled the scores with 13 minutes to play to give Lucien Favre's side a share of the points.

The result, combined with Bayern Munich's 4-1 win versus Werder Bremen, means Jupp Heynckes' men leap-frog both sides to go top of the Bundesliga. But Klopp was not overly downhearted, even if he believes his side was the superior outfit.

"This was a really good game of football. The draw is fine, although I do believe we were the better side," the coach told Kicker after the game.

Opposite number Favre was also content with the result and said his side struggled in the first period.

"This was a very intense game of football and in the first-half, Dortmund were clearly better. It was very difficult for us in the second half but we played more forward and put Dortmund under pressure.

I'm satisfied with the 1-1 draw," Favre said.

 

[jw5]

I'm satisfied with the 1-1 draw," Favre said.[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR]

hehehe...........................:o

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

Bundesliga wrap: Schalke, Hamburg continue positive runs

5 December 2011

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Schalke defeated Augsburg 3-1 on Sunday to keep pace with the Bundesliga's top three teams, and Hamburg remain unbeaten under Thorsten Fink.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gave Schalke the lead in the 16th minute of the match at the Veltins-Arena.The Netherlands international back-heeled the ball home after a good move by team-mate Teemu Pukki.

Huntelaar and Lewis Holtby both missed chances to increase the lead, allowing Augsburg to level three minutes into the second half.Sascha Moelders gathered a wayward shot from Daniel Brinkmann before beating Schalke goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall with a low shot.

At the other end, Mohamed Amsif did well to keep out Holtby and Christoph Moritz.But the Augsburg goalkeeper appeared culpable when Christian Fuchs' long-range shot somehow snuck under his arm and into the net, restoring Schalke's lead on 66 minutes.

Spanish veteran Raul made sure of all three points for Schalke when he headed home from a corner with five minutes remaining.The win sees fourth-placed Schalke remain three points back from leaders Bayern Munich. Despite beating Wolfsburg to record just their second win of the season last week, Augsburg continue to struggle.The promoted side are bottom of the table, four points away from safety.

In the other match on Sunday, Hamburg defeated Nuremburg 2-0 to remain unbeaten in seven matches since Michael Oenning was sacked as coach in September.Jose Paolo Guerrero opened the scoring in the 22nd minute at the Volksparkstadion, collecting a long ball and beating defender Timmy Simons, before slotting past Nuremburg goalkeeper Raphael Schafer.

The visitors were unfortunate not to level through forward Tomas Pekhart, who struck the crossbar in the first half and then saw a shot come off the post early in the second.Hamburg took advantage of the missed opportunities to double their lead, with Marcell Jansen the man on target in the 61st minute.

The victory, Hamburg's second in three matches, takes them up to 11th on the table.Nuremburg have now lost four of their last five league matches and sit 15th, just one point outside the relegation zone.

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

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Ivica Olic wants to leave Bayern
Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic has reiterated his desire to leave the Bundesliga club.

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Fink dissatisfied despite Hamburg win
Thorsten Fink has warned Hamburg must not get carried away after Sunday's 2-0 win over Nurnberg took them to their highest league position of the season.

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Podolski: I have offers from other clubs
Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has admitted that offers are arriving for him although he first wants to hear from his hometown club before deciding his future.

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Magath livid after Wolfsburg draw
Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath was furious after his side once again threw away a lead to draw 2-2 with Mainz on Saturday.

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Klopp happy to play second fiddle

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp appeared happy to lose top spot in the Bundesliga after a 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.​