Bundesliga Season 2011/2012

[Raul Gonzalez]

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.

The Germany international scored both goals as Cologne salvaged a 2-2 draw at Stuttgart on Saturday and, afterwards, the coveted forward said that his options for the future are still open.

"I will talk to Cologne before anybody else and see what they have to say," he told ZDF television.

"Of course I am getting plenty of offers and I expect more of them to arrive to me, to my agent or to my club in the coming weeks.

"But I repeat, I must first talk to Cologne."

Podolski still has 18 months left to run on his contract with Cologne, but after a turbulent few months, he has frequently hinted that he would like to move to a bigger club at the prime of his career.

That could become reality next season, although he is just taking things as they come.

"I have become more relaxed about things in general," he said.

"There is no rush.

"I will just sit down and discuss things with Cologne and then we will have to see."
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[Raul Gonzalez]

Olic wants to leave Bayern Munich

5 December 2011

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Ivica Olic has confirmed that he will definitely leave Bayern Munich in 2012 as he set his sights on re-launching his career elsewhere.

The Croatia international has been struggling to get regular first-team action at Bayern this term, and recently said that he wants to move on this winter.

Bayern, however, appear to be reluctant to let go of the experienced attacker, and Olic has now stressed that he could stay until the end of the season, but will definitely not sign an extension to his expiring contract.

"I'd say there's a 50 percent chance that I leave the club in the winter. I am definitely moving on at the end of the season, though," Olic told Bild newspaper.

"I don't have any problem staying until the end of my contract. It's not as if I desperately want to leave this winter. We will just have to wait and see what happens until January and then make a decision."

"It might even be better for me if I stay put this winter. That would definitely have plenty of advantages for my family."

The 32-year-old joined Bayern from Hamburg in the summer of 2009 and has gone on to score 20 goals in over 50 competitive appearances for FCB.

 

[Raul Gonzalez]

Bayern may baulk at Reus price tag

5 December 2011

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Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has reiterated the Bundesliga leaders' interest in Borussia Monchengladbach star Marco Reus.

The 22-year-old midfielder is continually being linked with a move to the Allianz Arena, and Rummenigge has now confirmed that Bayern are indeed interested in acquiring his services.

However, the Bayern supremo added that Reus' 17.5-million-euro release clause could prove to be an obstacle.

"He is definitely an interesting option. I've been told that he has a release clause of 17.5m euro, though," Rummenigge said.

"That's no pocket change for us. However, Bayern will internally discuss this matter and see what's possible."

Rummenigge then went on to discuss the future of Arjen Robben, and stressed that Bayern are keen to hold on to the Dutchman.

"We will do our utmost to reach an agreement with Arjen about an extension to his current deal," he said.Robben's contract with Bayern runs until the summer of 2013.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Podolski not going anywhere, says Solbakken

5 December 2011

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Cologne coach Stale Solbakken believes that Lukas Podolski will not be sold in the January transfer window.

The Germany international has been linked with a move away from the RheinEnergieStadion, with Arsenal touted as likely suitors, but Solbakken has moved to quash the speculation.

"Lukas will stay at Koln to the end of the season - I'm sure of this," Solbakken told Kicker.Podolski himself refuted claims that he could leave the club in order to boost his international prospects.

"Koln is my first point of contact. The coach (Joachim Loew) has known me for five, six or seven years," Podolski said.

"He has always stood by me, he knows what I can do."Podolski left Cologne in 2006 for Bayern Munich, but returned to the club in 2009.

The 26-year-old's contract with his hometown club expires in 2013.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Schweinsteiger nearing Bayern return

5 December 2011

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Bayern Munich have been boosted by the news Bastian Schweinsteiger should be ready to return to action before Christmas.

The 27-year-old has been on the sidelines since breaking his collarbone in the Champions League victory over Napoli at the Allianz Arena on November 1.

However, Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger has announced that Schweinsteiger could make his return in either the Bundesliga clash with Cologne on December 16 or the DFB Pokal match against Bochum four days later.

"We have great hope that Bastian can play again before Christmas," Nerlinger told Bild. "It is in the realm of possibility that he plays in the last two games."Schweinsteiger made his return to training on Friday but avoided all tackles and physical contact.

"I'm doing very well," Schweinsteiger said. "But I do not want to take any risks - this week we will take more X-rays."The Bavarians reclaimed top spot in the Bundesliga with an emphatic 4-1 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Adler comeback delayed

6 December 2011

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Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler has suffered a setback in his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

Adler has yet to feature for the club this season and lost his place in the first team to 19-year-old Bernd Leno.

Leverksuen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser confirmed Adler is now set to be sidelined for even longer than expected.

"The knee reacted again. He must take a four-week break from training," Holzhauser told Bild.

With his contract ending at the end of the season, Adler is likely to leave Bayer Leverkusen in the June transfer window, as confirmed by sporting director Rudi Voller.

 

[Arjen Robben]

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Kuzmanovic flattered by Juve rumours
Stuttgart midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic has played down talk linking him with a January move to Juventus, but admitted he was flattered to be linked with a "big club".

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Gotze picks up "Golden Boy" award
Borussia Dortmund forward Mario Gotze has been recognised as the best young player in Europe after Tuttosport named him the "Golden Boy" for 2011.

Milito and Schlaudraff on Schalke wishlist
Gelsenkirchen outfit Schalke are eyeing a double swoop on Inter Milan forward Diego Milito and Hannover attacker Jan Schlaudraff, according to reports.

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Hoeness: Heynckes going nowhere
Bayern Munich have moved to end speculation linking Hertha Berlin coach Markus Babbel with a move back to the Bavarian club as coach next season.

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Allofs: Indiscipline hurting Bremen
Werder Bremen's director of sport, Klaus Allofs, has bemoaned his side's indiscipline.

 

[Arjen Robben]

Tuesday 6th December 2011

Gotze picks up "Golden Boy" award

Borussia Dortmund forward Mario Gotze has been recognised as the best young player in Europe after Tuttosport named him the "Golden Boy" for 2011.

The prestigious award is handed out to the continent's best player under the age of 21, and its previous recipients include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Mario Balotelli.

Gotze has been rewarded for an outstanding year which has seen him guide Dortmund to their first Bundesliga title since 2002, as well as establish himself as a key member of Joachim Low's Germany team.

And the player's agent Volker Struth admitted it was an honour for his client to pick up this accolade.

"It is a great thing and a great honour for Mario that he should be classified in this list of great names," Struth told Express.

Gotze, still 19, is reportedly on the radar of a host of top European clubs, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich leading the chase for his signature.
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[Arjen Robben]

Tuesday 6th December 2011

Milito and Schlaudraff on Schalke wishlist

Gelsenkirchen outfit Schalke are eyeing a double swoop on Inter Milan forward Diego Milito and Hannover attacker Jan Schlaudraff, according to reports.

The German side are now considering the pair following uncertainties over the futures of their current offensive trio of Raul, Jefferson Farfan, and Jose Manuel Jurado. According to Tutomercatoweb, Schalke have already held dialogues with the 2009/2010 European champions over the potential transfer of 32-year-old veteran Milito, whose contract with Inter expires in 2014.

Although evergreen Spanish striker Raul is scheduled to hold further talks with Schalke regarding a contract extension, the German club are keen to make alternative plans should the former Real Madrid hitman decide to depart. German football magazine Kicker have also reported that former Bayern Munich forward Schlaudraff is interesting Schalke.

While Peruvian winger Farfan is set to discuss his future with the club over the coming weeks, Schalke chief Huub Stevens is still keen on 28-year-old Schlaudraff, with former Atletico Madrd forward Jurado having been a disappointment thus far for last season's Champions League semi-finalists.

Schalke are sitting in fourth spot in the Bundesliga standings, just three points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich.
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[Mats Hummels]

Bundesliga preview: Stuttgart in Jupp´s sights

8 December 2011

League leaders Bayern Munich travel to seventh-placed Stuttgart on Sunday as Jupp Heynckes tries to consolidate their advantage.Arjen Robben will be expected to start after returning from injury to score two penalties in the 4-1 win over Werder Bremen as Bayern regained top spot last Saturday. Bayern have won three of their past five games and will look to Mario Gomez to add to his 13 league goals.

Stuttgart have won twice away from home and have just one 2-1 home win over FC Augsburg in their past five matches.After drawing 2-2 at home to FC Koln, Stuttgart will be hoping that Mexican defender Maza and Serdar Tasci can stop a rampant Mario Gomez.The Bayern striker is the joint top scorer in the Bundesliga this season with 13 with Schalke's Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

After relinquishing top spot in the 1-1 draw at Borussia Monchengladbach, champions Borussia Dortmund host relegation-threatened Kaiserslautern.Sebastian Kehl and Mario Gotze were injured in the 3-2 Champions League home loss to Marseille and will be doubtful against Kaiserslautern who have won just once away this season.

With Bayern and Dortmund playing on Sunday, third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach, who are tied on points with Dortmund, travel to take on bottom club FC Augsburg who have won just twice this season.Fourth-placed FC Schalke 04 travel to mid-table Hertha Berlin in the only Friday night fixture as Schalke look to build on their 3-1 home win against FC Augsburg.

Schalke have lost just once in the last five matches, losing 2-0 at Dortmund.Hertha will be without central defender Maik Franz who suffered a knee injury in their 1-1 draw with Kaiserslautern.Fifth-placed Werder Bremen host Wolfsburg as they look to bounce back from their 4-1 thrashing by Bayern.

Suspended playmaker Aaron Hunt will not play against Wolfsburg who are just three points above the relegation zone in 13th place.With just one point separating the two sides, Mainz host Hamburg as they try to build on their 3-2 home win over Bayern and their 2-2 draw against Wolfsburg in their last two matches.

Nuremberg, with one win in their past five matches, are hovering near the relegation zone.They host mid-table 1899 Hoffenheim as they try to build on their 1-0 win over Kaiserslautern two weeks ago.

In other Saturday matches, Lukas Podolski leads Koln at home against Freiburg after scoring a late equaliser in Koln's 2-2 draw with Stuttgart while sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen travel to Hannover as they try to catch Bayern who are five points ahead.​

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Hoeness fears relaxed Dortmund

9 December 2011

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Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness feels Borussia Dortmund's Champions League elimination could prove to be a disadvantage for his club.

Dortmund were beaten 3-2 by Marseille on Tuesday meaning they finished last in Group F, and Hoeness thinks that will be an advantage for Juergen Klopp's men as they can now put all their energies into their league campaign.

"Borussia Dortmund can now just focus on the league. Every time we are travelling through Europe, they can just lay down and relax," Hoeness told Bild.

"We have failed to gather a big lead over our domestic rivals in the opening months of the season."

"The fact that Dortmund have now been eliminated from the Champions League is a bad thing for us."

Bayern are top of the Bundesliga table, with 31 points from 15 games, and have a one-point lead over second-placed Dortmund.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

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Holzhauser calls for Ballack tribute
Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser has called for a tribute for Michael Ballack when he leaves German football at the end of the season.

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Olic interested in Wolfsburg move
Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic could be interested in a move to Wolfsburg.

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Dortmund bid to bounce back
Borussia Dortmund will be aiming to put their Champions League disappointment behind them as they continue their quest for a return to the competition next season.

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Niersbach set to be DFB president

Wolfgang Niersbach was confirmed as the likely successor to Dr Theo Zwanziger as president of the German Football Association.​

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Friday 9th December 2011

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Holzhauser calls for Ballack tribute​

Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser has called for a tribute for Michael Ballack when he leaves German football at the end of the season.

The former Germany captain has hinted earlier in November that he will not be extending his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, which runs out at the end of the season, with the MLS his likely destination.

Ballack's glittering career in Germany has seen him win the Bundesliga title four times, and the DFB-Pokal thrice before moving off to a four-year stint at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.

Holzhauser is adamant that Ballack will be given a sending-off fitting for a player of his stature, even proposing that the national team be involved in it.

He told Express: "After such a great career, Michael Ballack should not be allowed to simply disappear,"

"I'll talk to him again, about whether it is possible for a great farewell - this would involve the national team."

Ballack is currently in his second stint with Bayer Leverkusen after leaving the club in 2002 for Bayern Munich.
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[Lukas Podolski]

Bundesliga: Hertha Berlin 1 Schalke 2

10 December 2011

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Klaas-Ten Huntelaar's 14th Bundesliga goal of the campaign set Schalke on their way to a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin on Friday.

The in-form Netherlands striker put his side in front after just 20 minutes at Berlin's Olympiastadion, lashing home after a cross into the area fell in his path.The goal was Huntelaar's 14 in 15 league games this season and 25th for Schalke in all competitions this season.

But Hertha was able to hit back just five minutes later, when Colombia forward Adrian Ramos rose highest to nod home a corner at the near post.Schalke did take a lead into the half-time break, however, with 21-year-old Finnish striker Teemu Pukki hitting a superb right-footed strike past Thomas Kraft in Hertha's goal on 44 minutes.

A scoreless second half handed the three points to Schalke, moving them to second on the table, ahead of the rest of the weekend's league action.Hertha are in ninth but - winless in the league since October 29 - are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Bundesliga wrap: Augsburg move off bottom

11 December 2011

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Struggling Augsburg upset Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 on Saturday, while Cologne and Werder Bremen cruised to big wins in the Bundesliga.Promoted side Augsburg inflicted Monchengladbach's first defeat in eight matches thanks to a goal from Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker in the 51st minute at the SGL Arena.

The win lifts Augsburg off the foot of the table, although they remain inside the relegation zone, one point from the safety of 15th place.Elsewhere, Cologne picked up their first victory in four matches with an emphatic 4-0 win at home to Freiburg.Christian Clemens and Lukas Podolski were the men on target at the RheinEnergieStadion, with both claiming two goals apiece.

And Werder Bremen also ran out comfortable winners at home, as they dispatched Wolfsburg 4-1.Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Claudio Pizarro, Markus Rosenberg and Marko Arnautovic all found the net for the home side at the Weserstadion, with Marcel Schaefer bagging a late consolation for the visitors.

Elsewhere, a brace from Vedad Ibisevic saw Hoffenheim defeat Nuremburg 2-0 away from home.Both sides finished with 10 men at the EasyCredit-Stadion, where Timothy Chandler saw red for the hosts two minutes before half-time.He was joined in making an early exit by Hoffenheim's Marvin Compper, who received his marching orders a minute into injury time.

Mainz were held 0-0 at home by Hamburg, while Hannover and Bayer Leverkusen shared the same scoreline in Saturday's final Bundesliga match.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Heynckes predicts tough battle in Stuttgart

10 December 2011

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Jupp Heynckes expects Stuttgart to up their game when his Bayern Munich team visit the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Sunday.Stuttgart are seventh on the Bundesliga table, nine points behind leaders Bayern.The Bavarian heavyweights ran out 6-3 and 5-3 winners in their previous two visits to Stuttgart, which came in successive league and cup matches last season.

Mario Gomez netted four times in those two encounters, and will be expected to provide Bayern's chief threat against his former club this weekend.Despite going into the clash as favourites, Heynckes is predicting nothing less than a committed performance from the home side.

"We know from last season and other past games at Stuttgart that they always give 80 or 90 percent when they come up against Bayern," Heynckes said."It's not usually possible to give a full 100 percent but nonetheless they give even more than they normally do.""It's always a full house down there in Stuttgart, and there's always a brilliant atmosphere."

"I'm of the opinion that once more we need to go out there as the away team and take the game to our opponents, we want to go and win the match.""The team that wants it most will win, so we need to have a sense of purpose when we take the field."

With two rounds of the season remaining until the northern hemisphere winter break, Bayern will be looking to pick up maximum points as they bid to top the table over the festive period.Speaking from experience of his title triumphs as a player with Borussia Moenchengladbach, Heynckes knows leading at Christmas is no guarantee of lifting the Bundesliga title.

But the 66-year-old would still prefer to be in control ahead of the league's resumption on January 20."It's the time of year for statistics I suppose," Heynckes said."I don't know (how) many teams who are leading at the winter break go on to become champions.""I think 1970-71 as a player we weren't leading after the first round of matches, but then we were champions at the end of the year."

"It's a good thought to be leading the championship at this point, to have games we've already won in the bank and to be able to look down on the opposition from above."

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Kaiserslautern seal Jorgensen loan deal

Kaiserslautern have signed Denmark forward Nicolai Jorgensen on loan from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.

FCK confirmed on their website on Friday that they had agreed a one-and-a-half-year deal for the 20-year-old, who has made 10 Bundesliga appearances and won two caps for his country.

Kaiserslautern coach Marco Kurz told www.fck.de: "Nicolai Jorgensen is a young and hungry player.

He knows the league and we are confident that he brings qualities that will help us."

Kurz's side head into the weekend in 16th place in the standings, and visit champions Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
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[Lukas Podolski]

Bundesliga wrap: Bayern rally in Stuttgart as Dortmund held

12 December 2011

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Bayern Munich moved three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over Stuttgart on Sunday, as Borussia Dortmund drew.Visitors Bayern trailed to Christian Gentner's goal five minutes into their match at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion.

Former Stuttgart man Mario Gomez scored against his former club to level for Bayern eight minutes later.Things went from bad to worse for the home side when they had Christian Molinaro sent off in the 28th minute.And Gomez completed the misery for his old colleagues, bagging his and Bayern's second to make it 2-1 on 57 minutes.

It was Bayern's third win in their last three visits to Stuttgart, and the sixth goal netted by the returning Gomez.The Germany international continues to haunt his former club following a 35-million-euro transfer to the Allianz Arena in May 2009.Bayern's comeback victory enabled them to take full of advantage of the latest slip up by Borussia Dortmund.

The defending champions were held 1-1 at home by Kaiserslautern, the second draw in succession for Juergen Klopp's team.Dortmund had led thanks to Shinji Kagawa's goal on 27 minutes, with Olcay Sahan levelling for the visitors just before the hour mark.

Kaiserslautern continue to cement their reputation as the Bundesliga's draw specialists - they have now shared the points in four of their last six league matches.But they are without a win in that time, and sit 15th on the table, clear of the relegation zone on goal difference only.

 

[Lukas Podolski]

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Mario Gotze blow for Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund will be forced to soldier on without inspirational playmaker Mario Gotze for their final two games before the Bundesliga’s traditional winter break.

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Robben glad to retain top spot
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben was relieved to come away with all three points against Stuttgart to stay top of the Bundesliga.

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Magath cracks the whip at Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg's players will have no day off until breaking for Christmas as a result of their 4-1 pounding at the hands of Werder Bremen at the weekend.

Fredi Bobic blasts Robben antics
Stuttgart director of sport Fredi Bobic felt Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben's "dramatic" reaction to a foul played a crucial role in his side's defeat.

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Podolski engages Klopp in war of words
Lukas Podolski has hit back at Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, who on Sunday ruled out making a bid for the Cologne striker.

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Schlaudraff signs new Hannover deal
Jan Schlaudraff was unable to help Hannover beat Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, but he should get many more chances after signing a new three-year contract.

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Pizarro: I'm committed to Bremen
Werder Bremen striker Claudio Pizarro says he is committed to the club, even though he has not ruled out leaving at the end of the season.

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Podolski: No Cologne decision yet

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski insists he has not yet made up his mind about where he will be playing next season, although he does not feel in any rush to do so.​

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Podolski engages Klopp in war of words

Lukas Podolski has hit back at Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, who on Sunday ruled out making a bid for the Cologne striker.

Klopp said Podolski was not one of his targets, but it is the reasoning behind his snub which has angered the Germany international.

"Maybe he is just sad because I have already turned him down twice," Podolski told the Express newspaper.

"They are very provocative remarks from Mr Klopp."

While Schalke have confirmed their interest in Podolski, whose contract expires at the end of next season, Klopp told Sky television that the Germany international is "an extraordinary player" but too inconsistent.

"I think he is hyped up so much in Cologne that it is hard for him to perform regularly," added Klopp.

"With his potential, he should be one of if not the best striker in the Bundesliga, but he isn't and that is because he does not perform to his best often enough.

"That makes him too expensive for us - to have him only perform every other week."

Podolski retorted: "I really am too expensive for Dortmund because they have no money coming in from the Champions League.

"Now they have just been eliminated for finishing bottom of their group, I can understand that it would not be worth it."
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