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Kagawa to turn down Dortmund extension for Premier League move - report
The German champions have offered to double the Japan international's wages, but the player is said to have his heart set on a move to England
Ballack returns to Leverkusen training
The former Germany national team captain suffered a calf injury in the run-up to his club's Champions League last-16 tie with Barcelona but he is now set to make his comeback
Holzhauser criticises Leverkusen fans
The club's CEO has hit out at supporters of the BayArena outfit for their part in the sacking of Robin Dutt as coach after the weekend's Bundesliga action
Mario Gomez thanks Stuttgart for Dortmund draw
The Germany international has sent his former team-mates a video message to thank them for taking two points off the Bavarians' biggest title rivals at the weekend
Luiz Gustavo: We have to give our best against Dortmund The Brazilian midfielder will be suspended for this weekend's home encounter against Augsburg, yet he has his eyes firmly focused on the visit to the champions next week
Dortmund will not sign a replacement if Kagawa leaves in the summer - report The Japanese star has been reticent over signing a new contract, and should he decide his future lies elsewhere, BVB will rely on the talent already available at the club
Bayern can accomplish anything, says Badstuber The 23-year-old believes that the Bavarians have no reason to fear Real Madrid on current form, but urged his team-mates to focus on domestic matters in the mean time
On-loan Augsburg star Koo Ja-Cheol open to possibilities on future move The young South Korea international has been a relevation at Augsburg, boosting their survival hopes, and he admits he's open to staying with the club
Bielsa: I will approach Schalke game looking for a victory The Argentine coach is not getting carried away by the result of the first leg and insists that he is seeking a victory in Thursday's match
Wiese announces Werder Bremen departure The 30-year-old goalkeeper will not renew his contract and will leave the Weserstadion this summer on a free transfer, but has yet to reveal where he will play next season
Raul: My family will decide if I'll stay at Schalke The former Real Madrid striker, now 34, is said to be keen on signing a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit but he is reportedly holding out for a two-year contract
Arango: Monchengladbach will need proper reinforcements in the summer It has already been confirmed that Marco Reus and Roman Neustadter will be leaving the club at the end of the season and Dante is expected to follow them out the exit door
Adler to make injury comeback in Leverkusen reserves After nearly a year on the sidelines through various injury troubles, the shot stopper is set to play against Bochum II on Wednesday evening
Muniain: Raul is a role model for all footballers The teenage attacker believes that the 34-year-old former Real Madrid striker, who is now plying his trade in the Bundesliga, remains one of the best goalscorers in the game today
Dortmund clash could decide Bundesliga title, says Bayern's Muller The attacking midfielder retains the utmost respect for the German champions but he is buoyed by the fact that the Bavarians have built up momentum at exactly the right time
Olic expects April decision on Wolfsburg move The Croatian forward admitted he is interested in making a switch to the Volkswagen Arena but stressed that formal negotiations between the two parties have yet to take place
Mario Gomez signs new Bayern Munich deal The prolific Germany international has reached an agreement with the Bundesliga giants on an extension, which will see him stay at the club until the summer of 2016
Robben: Claims about contract extension are premature The Dutchman has stated that he has not reached an agreement about a new deal yet, but added that he has the intention to stay on with the Bavarian giants
We know Kagawa is flirting with clubs in England and Spain, says Dortmund's Zorc The German champions have offered to double the Japan international's wages, but the 23-year-old is said to have his heart set on a transfer away from the Bundesliga
Rafinha: We need to keep winning in order to press Dortmund
The former Schalke right-back has urged his team-mates to keep up their winning run as they look to overtake Jurgen Klopp's men at the summit of Germany's top tier
Fortuna Dusseldorf interested in Raul
The unfashionable 2.Bundesliga outfit have registered their interest in the Spanish striker although they may be priced out of a move for player who calls the city his home
Wiese: I expect to play Champions League football next season
The 30-year-old goalkeeper has already confirmed he will depart the Weserstadion at the end of the current campaign and has now stated he hopes to play in the Champions League
Ekici to miss rest of season following groin surgery
The youngster successfully went under the knife on Wednesday, but as a result will be unavailable for his side's remaining fixtures
Bayern president Hoeness relishing title chase with Dortmund
The 60-year-old believes FCB's superior goal difference could prove to be decisive in the Bundesliga, and thinks the Bavarians will rise to the occasion against Real Madrid
Tymoshchuk wants Bayern stay
The defensive all-rounder is eager to remain in Bavaria and see out his contract, despite having seen limited playing time this season with the German record champions
Klopp: Dortmund want to send out a sign against Wolfsburg
The German trainer has urged his side to bounce back from last weekend's setback against Stuttgart but noted they will not find the three points gift-wrapped
Borussia Dortmund will be looking to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga, while European contenders Schalke and Hannover do battle.Juergen Klopp's league-leading Dortmund side played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Stuttgart last time out, as Bayern Munich closed their advantage to three points.They travel to in-form mid-table outfit Wolfsburg on Saturday hoping to maintain the three-point gap over Bayern ahead of their meeting with the Bavarians on April 11.
Robert Lewandowski (17 league goals) and Shinji Kagawa (12) have been shining lights in a Dortmund team that has been dominant, unbeaten in 22 league matches.Dortmund will need to contain striker Patrick Helmes, who has scored six goals in his last six matches to help Wolfsburg go on a four-match winning run.Meanwhile, third-placed Schalke will host Hannover on Sunday as both continue their fight for a European place.
Huub Stevens' Schalke side look certain to claim a Champions League place, largely thanks to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (23 league goals).Hannover are fifth but face a battle to finish in the top six with ninth-placed Wolfsburg just a point adrift of them.Bayern Munich, who have been led by the excellent form of Mario Gomez, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, welcome battling Augsburg to Allianz Arena as they look to stay in touch with Dortmund.
Jupp Heynckes' in-form team have won eight straight games in all competitions and advanced to the Champions League semi-finals with a victory over Marseille on Tuesday.Stuttgart's chase for a European place continues when they take on Mainz at Mercedes-Benz Arena on Saturday. A superior goal difference sees Stuttgart sitting sixth, but the three teams below them are also on 40 points.
Bayer Leverkusen are one of those teams, and they will be looking to break a run of five straight losses when caretaker boss Sami Hyypia takes charge for the first time on their trip Hamburg on Sunday.Elsewhere, fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who have lost three straight games, host Hertha Berlin on Saturday. Lowly Kaiserslautern take on Hoffenheim, while Werder Bremen will enter their meeting with Cologne as favourites.
Nuremberg and Freiburg will be keen to move further clear of the relegation zone when they do battle on Saturday.
Bundesliga wrap: Dortmund, Bayern set pace at the top
8 April 2012
Borussia Dortmund maintained their three-point lead ahead of Bayern Munich atop the Bundesliga after a 3-1 win at Wolfsburg on Saturday.Dortmund - who drew 4-4 with Stuttgart in their last fixture - avoided dropping points for the second game in a row with an impressive win at the Volkswagen Arena. Polish forward Robert Lewandowski had the first chance of the match but he fired wide with only Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio to beat after just nine minutes.
Lewandowski made up for his earlier miss though, as he gave the visitors the lead after 21 minutes.Ivan Perisic burst down the left flank and sent a fizzing ball across the face of goal, which the scorer poked home from close range. Mario Mandzukic and Patrick Helmes squandered chances for Wolfsburg to equalise quickly but Dortmund's slender lead remained at the break.
Mandzukic scuffed a shot straight at Dortmund shot-stopper Roman Weidenfeller early in the second half and they were made to pay for their miss as Jakub Blaszczykowski did well to supply Ilkay Gundogan, who beat Benaglio to extend the visitors' lead. Blaszczykowski then hit the crossbar and Wolfsburg made things interesting as Mandzukic headed home Ashkan Dejagah's cross.
Wolfsburg pushed more and more men forward in search of an equaliser, although they suffered a blow when Alexander Madlung was given a second yellow card with six minutes left. And the numerical advantage told as substitute Moritz Leitner played in Lewandowski, who finished emphatically as Dortmund sealed an important victory.
Bayern kept the pressure on the leaders though as they won their ninth match in a row in all competitions thanks to a 2-1 home success against Augsburg. Mario Gomez opened the scoring after just 24 seconds, tapping in after his initial volley was saved, and although Koo Ja-Cheol equalised midway through the first half from close range, Bayern sealed the win when Gomez grabbed his second on the hour mark.
Stuttgart kept up their scoring form with a 4-1 win over Mainz, with Bosnian Vedad Ibisevic bagging a double, while Daniel Caligiuri and Cedric Makiadi scored in the second half as Freiburg came from behind to draw 2-2 with Nurenberg.Bottom-placed Kaiserslautern lost 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim, Cologne and Werder Bremen played out a 1-1 draw while Borussia Moenchengladbach and Hertha Berlin could not be separated in a goalless stalemate.
Hummels: If we beat Bayern we will not let the title slip away A 3-1 win over Wolfsburg on Saturday got the champions back to winning ways, and the Germany international is eager to deal out a decisive blow to the Bavarians in midweek
Montpellier's Belhanda: I dream of a move to Dortmund or Bayern The Morocco international has been a key player in leading his team into a position to challenge for the Ligue 1 title, and would be interested in a move to the Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa looks forward to crucial Wednesday fixture against surging Bayern Munich The Japanese star will have a big role to play this week as Bundesliga leaders Dortmund face their two closest title contenders in a grueling four-day span
Nine wins in a row: That is why Bayern Munich can be champions, says Nerlinger
The club's general manager anticipates a great game on Wednesday against league leaders Dortmund, and praised the Bavarians' stunning run of victories in all competitions
Hyypia: Leverkusen need experienced players like Ballack
The Finnish trainer has declared that the former Chelsea midfielder's return to fitness could prove to be a big boost to his team's chances of ending the season on a high
Nerlinger: Heynckes is a championship trainer
The club official has given the 66-year-old boss a glowing reference and stated that he will definitely be at the Bavarian outfit next season
Huntelaar lavishes praise on 'super' Schalke team-mate Raul
The Dutch striker spoke in awe of his former Real Madrid colleague, seemingly in a bid to keep him at the Veltins-Arena, and revealed he will make a decision on his own future
Schalke's Heldt: No interest in Wiese
The out-of-contract Germany international has been linked with a move to the Veltins-Arena but the club are happy with the current crop of goalkeepers
Podolski leaps to the defence of Koln colleague Peszko over taxi row
The Germany international believes that the club should be allowed to move on given the midfielder has already apologised for his behaviour during a taxi ride in Dusseldorf
Klopp reveals admiration for 'sensationally pleasant' Heynckes
The German champions' boss has admitted that he is in awe of the way in which the Bavarians' chief has remained so "normal" in spite of all of his success
Al Rayyan reportedly interested in Raul
The Spanish striker has yet to commit his future to the Bundesliga club, and the impasse in negotiations over a new contract has alerted the Qatari outfit
Rummenigge: Bayern cannot afford to lose to Dortmund
The FCB official believes that a loss in Wednesday's match will severely damage his side's title aspirations, while Heynckes did not give as much importance to the upcoming game
I hope to be in Germany squad for Euro 2012, says Adler
The 27-year-old shot stopper hopes to be included in Joachim Low's side for the upcoming tournament in Poland and Ukraine
Bayern Munich keeping tabs on Nacer Chadli - report
The Bavarians are looking to add more depth to their squad ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, and they see the Belgian as a potential candidate to bolster their attack
Dortmund players laugh at Bayern's mind games, says Watzke
The BVB supremo has stressed that the reigning champions are not impressed with their rivals' attempts to pile the pressure ahead of Wednesday's crunch encounter
Watzke: Borussia Dortmund want to decide title race against Bayern
The BVB supremo is looking to end the Bavarians' title ambitions in the direct confrontation between the two teams on Wednesday, and had a word on his side's campaign so far
Heynckes: Winning is all that matters for Bayern
The FCB coach has admitted that his team struggled in the Bundesliga game against Jos Luhukay's men, but stressed that the positive result is the most important thing in the end
Xhaka agrees to terms of Monchengladbach switch - report
The coveted 19-year-old Switzerland starlet is believed to have accepted an offer from the Bundesliga side, and is set to arrive in the upcoming transfer window
Bayern want to win remaining five Bundesliga games, insists Gomez
The Germany international netted twice on Saturday to help FCB to three hard-earned points against Augsburg, and is keen to keep up their good run of form
Dortmund players laugh at Bayern's mind games, says Watzke
The BVB supremo has stressed that the reigning champions are not impressed with their rivals' attempts to pile the pressure ahead of Wednesday's crunch encounter
Apr 9, 2012 10:20:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's Bundesliga match at home against title rivals Bayern Munich, and added that the reigning champions laugh at Bayern's mind games ahead of the crucial meeting.
Bayern players and officials have had plenty to say about their title rivals in recent weeks, but Watzke has made it clear that the Dortmund players are not being distracted by their rivals' comments.
"You don't win a game with psychological games," Watzke said in an interview with Sky90.
"I simply don't believe that their comments will affect us. Our players can't stop laughing about it. This is a completely different generation than those of the past.
"These guys just want to play football and win the next game."
Dortmund defend a three-point lead over Bayern atop the table in Wednesday's encounter at the Signal Iduna Park. And Watzke has made it clear that BVB's fans are desperate to support their team.
"We received 450,000 ticket requests for this game. And you can be sure that there were a lot of people who didn't even bother trying, too."
The Bundesliga title could be decided on Wednesday when league leaders Borussia Dortmund host challengers Bayern Munich.Defending champions Dortmund are three points clear of Bayern at the top of the table with just five games remaining this season, and a win over their rivals at the Signal-Iduna-Park would almost guarantee them a second successive title.
Juergen Klopp's side have not lost in the Bundesliga since a 2-1 defeat to Hannover in September, and Bayern may find it difficult to snap their 23-match unbeaten run.The last time the two teams met it was Dortmund who came out on top thanks to a solitary goal from Germany international Mario Goetze at the Allianz Arena.
However, Bayern will be confident of taking the three points away from home as they enter the match on the back of nine consecutive wins in all competitions.Jupp Heynckes' side also have the luxury of a five-day break leading into the match, having just played five games in 13 days, including a pair of 2-0 wins over Marseille in the Champions League quarter-finals.
On Tuesday, Borussia Moenchengladbach will continue their pursuit of third place when they travel to Werder Bremen.Fourth-placed 'Gladbach trail Schalke by five points and realistically need to win all of their remaining matches if they hope to claim automatic entry to the Champions League group stage. Cologne, Augsburg and Hertha Berlin all face winnable matches as they battle to stave off relegation.
A trip to 11th-placed Mainz awaits Cologne, who are one point adrift of safety, while Hertha Berlin host Freiburg and Augsburg welcome Stuttgart.On Wednesday, Schalke can keep their hopes of a second place finish alive when they travel to Nuremberg.
Should Bayern lose to Dortmund, Schalke could be within three points of second spot if they can win at the easyCredit-Stadion against a Nuremberg side which is winless in its last five matches. Kaiserslautern's relegation to Bundesliga.2 could be confirmed if they fail to win on their trip to Bayer Leverkusen, while in other matches, Hannover host Wolfsburg and Hamburg travel to Hoffenheim.
Klopp: Bayern no longer favourites against Dortmund
The trainer praised his club for improving in recent years, asserting that it is no longer a given that the Bavarians will beat BVB
Hitzfeld backing Bayern to pip Dortmund to Bundesliga title
The man who led both sides to Champions League glory thinks that there is very little to choose between the pair but feels that the momentum is now with the Bavarians
Kahn awaits verdict on speeding charge - report
The former Germany international goalkeeper is awaiting a decision from the courts after he was clocked travelling well above the speed limit
Klopp: Gotze and Bender are fit to face Bayern
The Bundesliga title holders and current league leaders are at full strength ahead of their clash with the German record champions, the BVB coach has revealed
Gomez expects 'Champions League atmosphere' when Bayern visit Dortmund
The 26-year-old believes that the crunch clash against the league leaders will be a real pressure-cooker, while Philipp Lahm is relishing the encounter
Schweinsteiger demands two quality signings for Bayern
The vice-captain has called for reinforcements for the Allianz Arena side, citing the depth of other clubs in Europe's top tier as a key advantage the Bavarians need
Gotze hails Schweinsteiger as Germany's best
The 19-year-old was full of praise for the FCB talisman, whom he feels is the best midfielder in his country, but is confident that BVB will beat Bayern on Wednesday
Bayern Munich offer Van Buyten one-year extension - report
The Belgium international's current contract is set to run out at the end of the 2011-12 term, but FCB are looking to tie down the centre-back for another year
Bayern are better than Dortmund, says Kroos
The Germany international is looking forward to Wednesday's showdown with BVB, and is confident that his side have what it takes to bag the full three points
We must pay special attention to Ribery and Robben, says Lewandowski
The forward believes the key to defeating the Bavarians this week could be stopping the side's influential wingmen who he believes to be two of the best on the planet
Altin Lala confirms Bayern transfer The 36-year-old has confirmed his decision to move to Munich this summer to play for the German record champions' reserve team. Pending a medical, the move will soon be official
Robben concedes title after penalty miss against Borussia Dortmund The Dutchman squandered an opportunity to equalise from the spot against Jurgen Klopp's men, and believes the Bavarians have blown their chance of domestic glory
Lewandowski: It was a difficult game, but I think it was a deserved win The Poland international was very pleased with his goal against the Bavarian giants, and felt his side fully justified the victory with their performance on the pitch
Klopp: Victory against Bayern Munich was well deserved The German coach said that his side played the better of the two teams, but admitted that he expected more from his players against the Bavarian giants
Beckenbauer slams Robben: He should never have taken that penalty The Germany legend has criticised the Bavarian side's winger in the wake of his miss against Dortmund, and explained that the Dutchman should not have taken the spot-kick
Kagawa is an outstanding player who would succeed in any league, says agent As anticipation continues to build over where the Dortmund star will play next season, his agent sat down with Goal.com to share his insight on Japanese players in the Bundesliga
From backup to Bayern killer: How Lewandowski emerged from the shadows to spearhead Dortmund's Bundesliga charge The Polish striker had a difficult first year at the Signal Iduna Park, but has seized his opportunity this season and never looked back. Goal.com looks at his stunning rise
Bayern 'lacked a little bit of luck' against Dortmund, claims Heynckes The Bavarian giants' coach feels that Wednesday's game could have gone either way, and highlighted that his team dominated their opponents after the interval
Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa lauds 'huge' 1-0 win over Bayern Munich The German champions took a giant stride towards defending their title with the victory over the Bavarians and their Japanese midfielder was delighted
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge laments 'unnecessary' Bayern Munich defeat against Borussia Dortmund
The Bavarian club's CEO feels his side were unlucky to lose the Signal Iduna Park clash, but urged his team to put the result behind them
Dortmund deserved to beat Bayern Munich, admits Nerlinger
The club's general manager feels that Jurgen Klopp's side's victory was well merited, but believes the match could have ended in a draw
Raul attracting interest from unnamed Bundesliga club, claims agent
Gines Carvajal reassured fans that the former Real Madrid man will not play for any team other than Schalke in Germany, but refused to rule out the possibility of a transfer
Bayern's Breno charged with arson
German prosecutors have indicted the Brazilian defender for a fire that burned down his villa last year, although a date for his trial has not been set
FC Bayern's title hopes have all but vanished after their 1-0 defeat in the title-decider with Borussia Dortmund
Arjen Robben was gifted an opportunity to score a late equaliser only for Roman Weidenfeller to save his penalty
It was a dark day for the Dutchman (second from left), who was left to rue his missed opportunities
Dortmund - Uli Hoeness left the stadium tight-lipped and Bastian Schweinsteiger jumped on the team bus without even showering. There was no question the frustration sat deep with FC Bayern Munich following their 1-0 loss to titleholders Borussia Dortmund. Thoughts of winning the championship have been forgotten and everything else sounds like a rallying cry. Manuel Neuer was one of the rare players, who despite the disappointment, wasn't ready to concede the title to BVB. "A derby is always something special, in that match anything is possible," explained the FCB goalkeeper of Dortmund's upcoming clash with his former club and neighbourly rivals FC Schalke 04. "We'll wait and see what happens in that match, but we're definitely not giving up."
Even if the league leaders were to slip up the record titleholders would still be three points off the pace. Philipp Lahm was not interested in entertaining his keeper's musings and instead spoke with a greater sense of realism: "Borussia will not give up a six-point lead."
"Dortmund won t miss out"
Bayern's honourary president was of the same opinion: "Dortmund won't miss out on anything and will see things through," stated Franz Beckenbauer. Executive director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also had to admit, "I'm afraid that no one will be able to prevent Borussia Dortmund from becoming German champions."
Following a run of nine consecutive wins die Münchner fell flat in the top-of-the-table clash with the reigning champions. Rummenigge still believed his side gave "a good account of themselves", but can only be referring to the second-half considering they were far from convincing when it came to challenging their opponents in the first 45 minutes.
Bayern harmless
FCB's forward movements were laboured, lazy and bereft of an element of surprise as they handed the hosts the initiative in the match with Toni Kroos' long-range effort was as close as they came to scoring inside the first half an hour. Their seven shots on goal was the second worst total they've recorded all season, while an element of recklessness in Bayern's backline often allowed Dortmund to create goalscoring opportunities.
Things did improve after the break as head coach Jupp Heynckes later analysed: "After half-time we took control, dominated proceedings and gave almost nothing away ." However the big drawback for the Bavarians was the distinct lack of threat in front of goal. The visitors' combination play was far from compelling and despite raising their game, clear-cut chances continued to prove elusive during the second-half for FCB.
Dark day for a Dutchman
The fact Bayern wasted the biggest chance of the match was true to form on what was a gloomy night for Jupp Heynckes' charges. Arjen Robben had found the back of the net with his last seven penalties, but failed to convert his eighth. Having already played Robert Lewandowski onside for Dortmund's goal, the Dutch international then proceeded to fire over the bar from six yards with little time left and the goal at his mercy to round off a miserable evening.
Taking those moments into account a disappointed Heynckes summed it up after the encounter: "This time we were missing that little bit of luck." With the treble now off the table, Bayern will be looking to reestablish their dominance, less so in the league, but rather in the other competitions they are still active in.
Forward thinking
The title race may have run its' course, but Bayern are fully focused on the upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid. With a view to winning that match Beckenbauer adopted a conciliatory tone when it came to his criticism. "If they play the way we did in the second-half tonight throughout the 90 minutes then they have a real chance." Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp also offered supportive words for FCB with a grin on his face: "One thing is clear: Real Madrid don't defend as well as we do!"
Bayern's pursuit of other trophies was under no threat against Dortmund on Wednesday. After all they still have a DFB-Pokal final to look forward to on 12th May in Berlin where they'll seek out their revenge against die Schwarzgelben as they attempt to avoid going five games without a win against their newly established fellow Bundesliga powerhouses.
Bayern boss Heynckes aims for rebound win against Mainz The trainer made clear that there's still a "glimmer of hope" to win the Bundesliga, despite the fact that the team is trailing leaders Dortmund by six points
Babel left out of Hoffenheim's squad for Freiburg clash through indiscipline The former Liverpool striker faces a saction from the club after he allegedly did not put enough commitment into training during the course of the week
Derby win over Dortmund more important than a title, claims Schalke's Metzelder The defender has highlighted the importance of Saturday's Ruhr derby, stating that victory over their bitter rivals would carry more prestige than picking up a piece of silverware
Raul's agent dismisses Qatar report The striker is out of contract at the end of the season and though his current employers are said to be desperate to keep him, he has been tipped to move to the Middle East
Klopp issues yellow card to Dortmund mascot for pretending to urinate on Bayern bus The 44-year-old coach has played down the seriousness of the incident but felt compelled to defend the German champions' sense of sportsmanship all the same
Hummels anticipates hostile crowd for Schalke clash The Germany international is expecting a fierce encounter against the Royal Blues in Saturday's highly-anticipated Ruhr derby
Klopp criticises Subotic over Robben taunt The Dortmund coach branded the defender's actions 'unnecessary' after the Serbia international accosted his opponent in Wednesday's match
Official: Koln put Solbakken on leave and appoint Schaefer as coach
After a run of four defeats in their last five Bundesliga games, the club has decided to relieve the Norwegian of his first-team duties and bring in the trainer who left last year
Favre requests inclusion of Bayern Munich clause in new Monchengladbach contract - report
The 54-year-old has been widely touted as a potential successor to Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena and wants the freedom to be able to move if the opportunity arises
Klopp issues yellow card to Dortmund mascot for pretending to urinate on Bayern bus
The 44-year-old coach has played down the seriousness of the incident but felt compelled to defend the German champions' sense of sportsmanship all the same
Apr 13, 2012 6:23:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that the club's mascot took things a tad too far by pretending to urinate on the Bayern Munich team bus after Wednesday's Bundesliga clash at Signal Iduna Park.
'Emma', a seven-year-old bumblebee named in honour of Dortmund legend Lothar Emmerich, was caught on camera appearing to relieve herself on the vehicle shortly after the home side's 1-0 victory over the Bavarians.
However, an official statement from BVB to Bild jokingly claimed that Emma approached the bus to check its tire pressure before being photographed in a suspicious stance.
Klopp felt that it would be ridiculous to make too much out of the prank in light of the growing rivalry that exists between the two sides but acknowledged that the joke was probably in poor taste.
"We have certainly never been bad losers," the Dortmund trainer is quoted as saying. "So if we gave the impression that we're bad winners, [then we'll take it seriously].
"It's been a spirited campaign, but that was perhaps unnecessary."
Dortmund's victory has moved them six points clear of Bayern with just four rounds remaining.
Lazio keen on Bayern's Breno - report
The Brazilian defender is no longer needed at the Bavarian powerhouse, and appears to be on his way to Serie A in the summer transfer window
Real Madrid are slight favourites against Bayern Munich, says Schuster
The German coach expects Madrid to go through in the competition, but gave the Bavarian giants the recipe to stop the Spaniards' attacking threat
Schweinsteiger: Real Madrid clash will be all or nothing for Bayern
The Germany international has underlined the importance of Tuesday's Champions League encounter, and felt the Bavarians deserved better against Mainz
Nerlinger admits Bundesliga title is a lost cause for Bayern after draw with Mainz
The sporting director has seemingly given up on the league after the Bavarians only managed a stalemate on Saturday, while Dortmund extended their lead to eight points at the top
Heynckes congratulates Dortmund on 'winning' Bundesliga title
The 66-year-old trainer has praised BVB and wished them well on 'winning' the German league despite his team still being in with a mathematical chance of finishing top
Fischer: It would be a shame if Raul left Schalke
The 62-year-old is adamant that his former side must do everything in their power to keep the forward beyond the end of the current season
Heynckes congratulates Dortmund on 'winning' Bundesliga title
The 66-year-old trainer has praised BVB and wished them well on 'winning' the German league despite his team still being in with a mathematical chance of finishing top
Apr 14, 2012 6:55:00 PM
By Luke Matthews
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has prematurely congratulated Borussia Dortmund on winning the Bundesliga title after Jurgen Klopp's men beat Schalke 2-1 on Saturday to go provisionally nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
The Bavarians face Mainz on Saturday evening but even with victory, Heynckes' men would still be six points behind BVB with only three games to play.
Speaking directly before his team's game versus the Oh-Fives, Heynckes is reported as saying by Presseportal: "I said at yesterday's press conference that Dortmund can't lose it. Today's game has confirmed this, they are almost champions."
"You have to say, they are also worthy German champions because they have been consistent and have really focused on their next games. The team have played well and deserve to be German champions."
Bayern entertain Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Mario Gomez loves Spain and its people, says Bayern striker's Spanish cousin
The German international's Iberian relative has revealed that the leading Bundesliga goal scorer still has affection for the country where his father was born
Roma reportedly keen to extend Kjaer loan deal
The Giallorossi want to extend the Denmark international's stay for another season before they decide whether to sign him on a permanent basis
Klopp: Last week was one of the most important in Dortmund's history
The trainer has praised his team's efforts in wins over title contenders Bayern as well as arch-rivals Schalke, and marveled at his side's 25-game unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga
Podolski will play in England next season, says Solbakken
The Germany forward's former coach has said that the 26-year-old will make a switch to England next season, and believes Real Madrid's attack will be "too much" for Bayern
Huntelaar and Metzelder criticise Raul after derby miss
The Netherlands forward and Germany defender lambasted their experienced team-mate after his crucial miss in the derby game defeat against BVB at the weekend
Hamburg's goalscoring hero Son Heung-Min: I've had to be patient
The South Korean youngster hit the winner in Saturday's vital triumph over Hannover and he revelled in the glory but refused to state his side were safe just yet
Hoeness claims Dortmund have 'no world class players'
The president of the Bavarians believes their rivals are only more hungrier than themselves, while hinting that the Champions League is the main priority for the rest of the season
Dortmund's Watzke hopeful of Kagawa stay
The general manager has stated his intent to keep the attacking midfielder beyond the expiration of his contract, and revealed his crowning moment of the season
Hoeness claims Dortmund have 'no world class players'
The president of the Bavarians believes their rivals are only more hungrier than themselves, while hinting that the Champions League is the main priority for the rest of the season
Apr 16, 2012 12:50:00 AM By Livio Caferoglu
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has claimed that Borussia Dortmund have no world class footballers in their ranks.
The German champions have received widespread praise for nurturing a string of young stars such as Mats Hummels and Mario Gotze, but according to the 60-year-old, they should not be mentioned in the same breath as some of their more established contemporaries.
"At the moment, Dortmund have the hungrier players, but they are not world class," the president told Sky.
Hoeness also dropped Bayern's biggest hint yet that their focus is on the Champions League rather than pipping Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title or lifting the DFB Pokal.
The Bavarians have seen their bid for first in the league falter in recent weeks as Saturday's goalless draw with Mainz means they now lag eight points behind BVB with only four matches remaining.
However, they also have a domestic cup final to look forward to on May 12, also against their bitter rivals, but Hoeness appears to have only one objective on his mind for the rest of the campaign.
"At the beginning of the season, if you asked me what I would prefer to win between the Bundesliga and reaching the final of the Champions League in Munich, you can guess what I would have answered with," added the official.
Raul: I will continue my career outside of Europe
The former Madrid star admitted that it was not an easy decision for him to leave Schalke, and added that he will depart Europe to ply his trade in a "less competitive league"
'Alaba's development is extraordinary' - Heynckes
The Austria international has developed into a first-team regular in the past few months, and the Bayern coach is impressed with the progress he has made
Schalke players struck down by mystery illness
Up to six Royal Blues players have been the victim of what appears to be a viral infection that has seemingly swept through the entire team ahead of the trip to Augsburg
Schalke confirm Raul will depart at season’s end
The Spanish attacker has made the decision not extend his expiring deal at the Gelsenkirchen side, and will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2011-12 campaign
Dortmund rivalry will make Bayern better, argues Kahn
The former Germany captain feels that the increased competition will bring the best out of his old club, claiming it will make make them 'stronger' in the long run
Dante confirms Bayern Munich negotiations
The Brazilian defender is over the moon with the prospect of moving to the Allianz Arena and says that the transfer could allow him to earn his first international call-up
Ribery: I have struggled for France
The 29-year-old believes that it will take him some more time to feel fully comfortable with les Bleus and stated that he was delighted with Tuesday's triumph over Madrid
Delpierre to join Hoffenheim on free transfer
The French defender will move to the Rhein-Neckar Arena at the end of the season on a two-year deal and will reunite with coach Markus Babbel
Robben: I am pleased that Juventus are interested in me
The Dutchman was once again coy about his future, saying that he is happy at the Allianz Arena but admitting that he is proud to be linked with the Serie A giants
