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Dortmund confirm Reus signing Germany international Marco Reus has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old Dortmund-born midfielder will move to his home-town club on a five-year contract that will tie him to the club until June 30, 2017, the reigning Bundesliga champions announced on their website.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said: "In Marco Reus we get our absolute first-choice attacking player. We are pleased that Marco has chosen to come to BVB despite high quality competition."
Jones handed eight week ban Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones has been banned for eight weeks by the German Football Association for stamping on Borussia Monchengladbach's Marco Reus.
The German FA (DFB) confirmed on Thursday the midfielder would be banned until March 1 after being found guilty of "extreme sporting misconduct". The DFB's control committee ruled Jones had deliberately stamped on Reus' recently-injured left foot in a DFB-Pokal game on December 21.
Reus was playing in a special boot to protect a broken toe, but still scored twice to help Monchengladbach win 3-1. Referee Wolfgang Stark told the DFB he did not see the incident, although Jones was subsequently sent off in the last minute of the match for a different offence.
The suspension applies to all competitions and friendly games. Schalke general manager Horst Heldt accepted the severity of the incident, but suggested the suspension should just apply to the cup. He told Schalke's official website: "I don't want to downplay this, it was an assault which requires a certain penalty. "But there have been similar assaults which were then punished in the competition in which they took place.
Jones will miss six Bundesliga games should the club decide not to appeal the ban, with the league on their winter break. Heldt added: "Jermaine has also personally apologised to Reus and has demonstrated remorse and reason in the aftermath of the incident. I am sure he has learned from the situation."
Schalke opted not to contest the suspension. "We accept the DFB's punishment," Heldt said from the club's training camp in Doha. "We have consulted intensively and weighed up all the possibilities of influencing the verdict in our favour - but the chances are nil."
Gladbach happy at Ring signing Borussia Monchengladbach hope they have found the man to replace Marco Reus by signing Finland international Alexander Ring on loan from HJK Helsinki.
The 20-year-old will play for the Bundesliga side for the next 18 months, during which he has the chance to convince them to make the move a permanent one since Gladbach have also secured themselves an option to buy.
"Alexander Ring is a technically strong, versatile midfielder who made a name for himself last year with his performances for his club and country in Finland," said Gladbach's director of sport Max Eberl. "We are delighted to have managed to sign him."
The attacking midfielder was born in Finland but grew up in Germany before moving back to his nation of birth in 2009. He now returns to Germany where he will be aiming to fill the void which will be left by the departure of Germany international Reus who will move to Borussia Dortmund next June.
Borussia Dortmund have denied the club are interested in re-signing midfielder Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid.German daily Bild previously reported that the Bundesliga champions were keen to bring back the Turkey international to the Westfalenstadion, but sporting director Michael Zorc has stressed that there is no truth in these stories.
"These rumours are 100 percent false. At the moment, there's absolutely nothing going on," Zorc said to Kicker.Sahin left Dortmund for Madrid in the summer of 2011, but has so far failed to secure regular first-team action at the Santiago Bernabeu.It is also believed that the 23-year-old's family is struggling to settle in their new surroundings and is keen to return to Germany.
Nevertheless, a transfer seems very unlikely at present following Zorc's denial.Additionally, the financial side of the deal could frustrate a potential transfer as Madrid have reportedly set a 20-million-euro asking price for Sahin.
Dortmund have already splashed the cash on Borussia Moenchengladbach attacker Marco Reus, and can only afford another big-money transfer if they qualify for next season's Champions League.The club currently sit joint second in the Bundesliga table with 34 points from 17 games, three points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Harnik extends Stuttgart stay
Martin Harnik has signed a new three-year contract at Stuttgart.
Sam injury blow for Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Sidney Sam could miss the Bundesliga restart after picking up a thigh injury in training on Friday.
Raul eyes Schalke extension
Schalke striker Raul is set to extend his contract with the Bundesliga club after expressing his desire to stay with the Royal Blues.
Leverkusen confirm Ballack departure 7 January 2012
Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Michael Ballack will part company with the club in the summer.
The 35-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser has now admitted that there was never any chance of the player agreeing an extension with the club.
"When we signed Ballack in 2010, it was clear that we would go our separate ways after two years," he said. Even though the departure of the former Germany international has now been confirmed.
Holzhauser is confident that Ballack will continue to give his all until the end of the season.
"I hope he repeats his strong performances from the first half (of the season)," he said. Holzhauser also revealed that the club will not be searching for any high-profile replacements for Ballack.
"Following the transfers of (Bernd) Leno and (Philipp) Wollscheid, which cost 13-15 million euros, our budget is nearly depleted," he revealed. "The small squad is perhaps a risk, but it is a fine squad."
Ballack moved to Leverkusen from Kaiserslautern in 1999 and rejoined the club in the summer of 2010 after spells with Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
Bayern shop for striker, centre-back 7 January 2012
Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness has admitted that his side are eager to sign a new striker and central defender in the transfer window.The Bavarian giants were long-term admirers of Borussia Moenchengladbach attacking midfielder Marco Reus, but saw the starlet sign a deal with Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund this week.
Hoeness has revealed that they have other priorities and that it was felt that alternative areas of the team needed strengthening."Ultimately, Bayern Munich still have a better quality team (than Dortmund)," the 59-year-old told sueddeutsche.de."We would rather try to find a central defender. Breno still has a chance to return, but if not, an alternative is needed."
"Daniel van Buyten has had a good season, but he is 34 and has knee problems."Hoeness also confirmed that a new attacker would be an asset to the squad, and would certainly be necessary if the side picked up injuries."Our biggest problem is: what would we do if Mario Gomez got injured? We are going to need a real star, someone who would be good enough to play for Barcelona or Manchester United," he continued.
The chairman also stipulated that Arjen Robben's contract situation should be sorted out in the next two months.The Netherlands international is out of contract in the summer of 2013, and recently hinted at extending with the German giants, with Hoeness expecting closure soon."We should know in the next six weeks," he said.
Bayern are three points ahead of Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga, and return from the mid-season break on January 20 with a fixture against Moenchengladbach.
Malaga offer €10m for Borussia Dortmiund striker Lucas Barrios - report
The Paraguay international is out of favour at Signal Iduna Park despite his heroics last season, and the big-spending Andalusian outfit are keen to bring him to La Rosaleda
Jan 7, 2012 9:55:00 AM
Getty Images
Malaga have made a €10 million bid for out-of-favour Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios, according to Bild. The Paraguay international has found first-team opportunities at Signal Iduna Park something of a rare commodity this season, as Robert Lewandowski has made the starting role in Jurgen Klopp's side his own.
Despite the South American attacker playing a key role in securing the Bundesliga title for Dortmund last season, it is believed that the German champions will let him leave the club in January should their valuation of €12m be met.
With Malaga backed by Qatari billionaire Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani, it has been stipulated that the clubs should easily be able to agree a transfer fee.
Barrios has himself spoken of his disappointment at only making nine appearances for the German side this season and indicated that he may leave if his fortunes do not change. "It is not my intention to sit for another six months on the sidelines," the 27-year-old adamantly stated. The Argentina-born forward's future is set to be decided within the next week however, as general manager Michael Zorc has revealed that talks are forthcoming. "We will talk in the next few days with him," the former Germany international confirmed. Sevilla and Espanyol are also believed to be interested in Barrios, but Malaga’s bid is thought to be the first concrete offer for the former Colo Colo hitman.
Ribery: I could stay at Bayern forever
Franck Ribery can imagine staying with Bayern Munich "forever" after finding some of the best form of his career over the past six months.
Hoeness admits Bayern must buy
Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness has confirmed that the club are seeking to acquire a new forward and central defender in the January winter transfer window.
Nuremberg trial offer for Balitsch
Nuremberg have offered a trial to Bayer Leverkusen's Hanno Balitsch as they seek cover for the injured Omar Gonzalez.
Allofs: Naldo won't be leaving Bremen
Werder Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs says there is little chance of defender Naldo leaving this winter after receiving a derisory offer for the defender.
Dutt gets vote of confidence
Bayer Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt has been given a vote of confidence by his club's chairman Wolfgang Holzhauser, who has set him the target of a top-four finish this season.
Bundesliga title race will be neck-and-neck between Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund, says Karl-Heinz Riedle
The retired striker feels that the race for the German championship will not be decided until May, and spoke on key BVB figures Jurgen Klopp, Marco Reus, and Mario Gotze
A new squad every six months - why Felix Magath's Schalke & Wolfsburg sides have been so inconsistent
A revolving door of personnel has afforded some success, but plenty of failure in recent years for the coach who just cannot keep a side settled over long periods
Bayern Munich's Jupp Heynckes insists that injury to Mario Gomez against Al-Ahly is not serious
The Germany international picked up a knock against the Egyptian outfit but his coach revealed that the in-form striker was only taken off as a precautionary measure
Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben hopes to extend his contract at the end of the season
After an injury-plagued 2011, the Netherlands international says that he is looking for a fresh start in the new year and wants to stay at the Bundesliga leaders
We hope to be the first team to play the Champions League final at home this season, says Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller
Ahead of his club's two-day sojourn to India, the Germany star shares his excitement about the possibilities of the current campaign as well as considering his meteoric rise
Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger hints at new deal for Arjen Robben
The 38-year-old revealed that he will be looking to offer a contract extension to the Dutch winger in the near future
Marco Reus has €30 million release clause with Borussia Dortmund - report
Days after his transfer to BVB was confirmed, a rumour has emerged that the 22-year-old could be on the move in 2014 for a fixed fee due to a part of his new contract
Raul: I want to stay at Schalke
The 34-year-old striker looks set to sign a new contract with the Gelsenkirchen side despite the club being unable to offer him his current annual salary
Official: Samsunspor complete deal to sign Theofanis Gekas
The experienced striker has penned a two-and-a-half year deal at the struggling Turkish club who will be hoping their new signing can have an immediate impact
Stuttgart's Shinji Okazaki and Gotoku Sakai quickly bond after defender's recent arrival
The club's two Japanese players have trained, eaten, and roomed together since the 20-year-old's switch from Albirex Niigata to the eighth-placed Bundesliga outfit
Internacional confident of landing Werder Bremen's Naldo in January after making improved second bid
The central defender has stated that he is eager to return to Brazil during the transfer window, and the Porto Alegre outfit have upped their offering for the 29-year-old
A new squad every six months - why Felix Magath's Schalke & Wolfsburg sides have been so inconsistent
A revolving door of personnel has afforded some success, but plenty of failure in recent years for the coach who just cannot keep a side settled over long periods
Jan 8, 2012 9:00:00 AM
Bongarts
ANALYSIS
By Clark Whitney | German Football Editor
With the transfer window having been open for just a week, Wolfsburg have used the opportunity to make wholesale changes to their squad. Felix Magath’s side have added six players to their ranks, and reports suggest that they are close to signing four more.
On the other hand, Tolga Cigerci, Aliaksandr Hleb and Thomas Kahlenberg have left the Volkswagen-Arena, beginning what could be a 10-player exodus from the club. In total, the Lower Saxony side could make up to 20 changes to their squad in mid-season. As of midnight, CET on Sunday, the combined sum of transfers made by the other 17 Bundesliga teams is just 36.
The volume in which Magath has dealt during the current window thus far is no anomaly. In fact, during the previous five transfer periods, his teams (Schalke and Wolfsburg) have made a whopping 55 additions and let go of 41 others, an average in excess of 19 squad changes per window.
Magath has been known to prefer a large pool of players to choose from, but nonetheless averages replacements for about a third of his team with every transfer period. The result is that, less than three years later, his current squad bears almost no resemblance whatsoever to that which won the Bundesliga in 2009. Of his first-choice XI in the title-winning year, only Diego Benaglio, Marcel Schafer, Makoto Hasebe and Josue remain - the latter not for much longer, if rumours of his imminent departure are to be believed.
For dealing players with the freewheeling abandon of a young child with a PlayStation, it is easy to ridicule Magath. But, to be fair, he has had his share of success. In previous transfer flurries, he signed Edin Dzeko, Grafite, and Zvjezdan Misimovic, the attacking trident that characterised his Wolfsburg side in their championship season. Magath also was responsible for making the wholesale changes to his Schalke side that nearly resulted in his club’s relegation last season, but also gave the Gelsenkirchen outfit the class to force their way into the Champions League semi-finals.
But the practice of never having a settled team comes at a cost: weeks, if not months, of uncertainty within the team, and no real identity. It is no coincidence that when Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga in 2009, it came months after Magath made just two additions, trimming six who were considered surplus to requirements. And that very same team struggled in the first half of the campaign, following the signings of 14 and removal of 15 players.
MAGATH'S MADNESS | The ins and outs of the last five windows
<tbody>
</tbody>
Window
Club
Signings (league avg)*
Sales (league avg)*
Summer '11
Wolfsburg
12 (7.7)
11 (9.3)
Winter '11
Wolfsburg
6 (2.2)
4 (3.2)
Summer '10
Schalke
14 (9.0)
15 (9.6)
Winter '10
Schalke
10 (2.9)
5 (3.4)
Summer '09
Schalke
13 (9.1)
6 (8.3)
*Includes loans, loan returns, full signings, and promotions & demotions to & from youth & reserve teams
<tbody>
</tbody>
To drastically change a team once smacks of desperation. But to do so every six months, threatening unwanted players - some of whom had only arrived half a year prior - with banishment to the Regionalliga Nord, speaks of a desperate tyrant with no control over his club.
Felix Magath is a decorated coach who, with discipline and respected leadership, managed to achieve success on a limited budget, sometimes with very limited talent at his disposal. But now his reputation has diminished as his transfer policies have become more and more farcical. Magath would be wise to return to his roots.
Borussia Monchengladbach's Marco Reus: Borussia Dortmund are the best club for me
The promising midfielder said he has made the right decision to move to Dortmund and noted that he has grown strong feeling for Gladbach in the last years
I'm utterly convinced we'll be successful in the second half of the season, says Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger
The Bavarians' sporting director is confident his club will be successful in 2011-12, and is pleased with the re-emergence of Borussia Dortmund as title rivals
Hamburg's Jeffrey Bruma: I'm not even thinking about returning to Chelsea
The Netherlands international is very happy with life at the Bundesliga side and is not too keen on a return to his parent club in the summer
Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger: I am more interested in the women than the food in India The Germany international was full of humour at Monday's press conference in New Delhi while coach Jupp Heynckes took a more serious stance, claiming his side do not fear Barcelona
AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy set for Koln switch - report The Italian youngster could look to the Bundesliga for first-team opportunities, with Carlos Tevez's imminent arrival likely to send him further back in the pecking order
Hertha Berlin's Pierre-Michel Lasogga eyes Germany call-up The 20-year-old believes he has adapted to life in the Bundesliga and is bullish ahead of the second half of the campaign
DFB eager to make amends with former Germany captain Michael Ballack The 35-year-old is not on good terms with the governing body after being dropped from the national team and will leave the country at the end of the season
Koln's Lukas Podolski in danger of missing Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg The 26-year-old picked up an ankle injury over the holidays and seems certain to sit out his side's first encounter after the winter break
Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze & Sebastian Kehl believe Nuri Sahin should stay at Real Madrid The Germany internationals have urged their former team-mate not to give up on his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, although the 19-year-old would be pleased with a reunion
If you had a balance sheet which shows a €125m debt, something is wrong - Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger blasts Chelsea & Manchester City The general manager of the Bavarian giants highlights the importance of Financial Fair Play and speaks on his side’s interest in the Indian market
Johan Cruyff: Bayern Munich are an example to follow for Ajax The Dutch icon has complimented the Bavarians and the way that the club is being run at the top, and would like to see the Eredivisie champions work in a similar way
Ivica Olic hints at Bayern Munich extension after receiving praise from coach Jupp Heynckes Just weeks after vowing to leave Bavaria, the striker has taken a U-turn, stating that he could remain with the German record champions past the summer
Bayern Munich failed in move for Borussia Dortmund-bound Marco Reus - report The Bavarians were keen on signing the Germany international, but could not guarantee regular appearances, prompting the Monchengladbach man to choose BVB instead
Mario Gotze: I could sign a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund The Germany international has stressed that he's very happy with life at his current club, and has hinted at signing a new deal with the Bundesliga champions
Bayern Munich lining up bid for Schalke's Benedikt Howedes The Bavarians were keen on the Germany international last summer and are considering signing the defender after Euro 2012, but will have to ready an offer of at least €15m
Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger: I am more interested in the women than the food in India The Germany international was full of humour at Monday's press conference in New Delhi while coach Jupp Heynckes took a more serious stance, claiming his side do not fear Barcelona
Jan 9, 2012 5:00:00 PM
By Clark Whitney
Bayern Munich arrived in New Delhi on Monday ahead of Tuesday's friendly match against India.
Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was in good spirits following the flight, and at a press conference, joked about the local cuisine.
"I am more interested in the women than the food," he told reporters. "Not to worry we have our own cook.
"About the women, let's see how many turn up."
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes was more businesslike. When asked which was the best Bayern team he has coached, the veteran trainer, who has spent three spells with die Roten over the course of his career, was coy.
"I am hoping that at the end of the season, I will be able to say that this is the best team I have coached in my career."
Heynckes, who had stints at Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Tenerife, also vowed that his side will have no fear in a potential Champions League tie with Barcelona.
"We have been playing on a high European standard," he said. "I have eight years of experience in Spain. I have beaten Barca at home and away twice. We want to go as far as possible."
India play host to Bayern on Tuesday evening in a testimonial match for Baichung Bhutia. The legendary striker made his international debut in 1995, and during his career racked up 107 appearances, scoring 43 goals for his country.
If you had a balance sheet which shows a €125m debt, something is wrong - Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger blasts Chelsea & Manchester City The general manager of the Bavarian giants highlights the importance of Financial Fair Play and speaks on his side’s interest in the Indian market
Jan 9, 2012 12:20:00 PM
Bayern Munich are set to play the Indian national team in an exhibition match on January 10 in what will be a farewell match for Bhaichung Bhutia.
Christian Nerlinger, the general manager of the German giants, shares his thoughts on Financial Fair Play, India, and his team's goals for this season in an exclusive interview.
Question: You have recently got an extension from Bayern Munich. How do you see it and what are your future goals with the club in the coming years?
Nerlinger: Yeah, it's one thing to sign a contract as sports director for Bayern Munich after Uli Hoeness and the other thing is to extend it. So this means that the people are quite happy and satisfied with the work I’m doing. And of course for me, it’s fantastic that I can continue my work here at Bayern Munich and we want to stay as the most successful club in Germany. We want to win titles. Our goal is also to play an important role in Europe. I think already this season we have a team that can win the Champions League and this is, of course, one of the biggest goals we have.
Question: Bayern Munich are financially the most stable and profitable club in Europe. Do you see Uefa’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) strengthening Bayern Munich’s position in Europe? And in that connection, what kind of effect will it have on the other big European giants?
Nerlinger: I hope that the Financial Fair Play comes and plays an important role in the future. Because you can see it now as well in the European Union when there are no rules -no financial rules, then everything breaks down. I think it’s very dangerous that big clubs are dependent on one person that provides them with the money and that’s why Financial Fair Play must play an important role in international football. It’s the easiest economic rule: Don’t spend more than you earn. This is something that certainly all clubs need to follow.
Question: You recently criticised the transfer policy of big spending clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City. Where do you think they are actually going wrong?
Walk Of Champions | Work without debts
Nerlinger: First of all, they are dependent on one person that provides them with the money. If you had a balance sheet which shows €125 million in debts, then something is going in the wrong direction. I think then it is absolutely necessary to change things.
Question: Bayern are looking at foreign markets to promote the sport of football, the club – FCB as a brand. Why India and how important are the partners for this?
Nerlinger: It is very important to have strong partners. Our partners – Audi, Allianz, Adidas and Lufthansa, they all are interested in the Indian market, which is emerging and very important for them and for us as well. We had great experiences a few years ago when Bayern Munich travelled to Calcutta for the farewell game of Oliver Kahn. We had 125,000 in the stadium, 50, 000 waiting outside. So there was a great enthusiasm, great sympathies and of course, this is also a big motivation for us to come again to India.
Question: Bayern Munich have been coming to India for six years. What is it that Bayern Munich can do to promote football in India? If you had some suggestions to make for football in India to grow and the standard of football in India to grow, what would they be?
Nerlinger: Well, first of all, I would say infrastructure. Build an infrastructure where you can develop and educate young and interesting football players. Try to create an enthusiasm for young boys to play football. To play football with passion and then bring them to an infrastructure and structure, so that you can develop their capacities. And I think this is the most important thing.
DFB eager to make amends with former Germany captain Michael Ballack
The 35-year-old is not on good terms with the governing body after being dropped from the national team and will leave the country at the end of the season
Jan 9, 2012 2:25:00 PM
By Enis Koylu
DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach has stated that he is eager to build bridges with former Germany captain Michael Ballack.
The 35-year-old lost his place in Germany's World Cup 2010 squad due to injury and has not featured in Joachim Low's side since.
Low offered Ballack the chance to bid farewell to international duty an August friendly with Brazil but the former Chelsea man refused the invitation and Niersbach, who will soon become DFB president, is anxious to make amends with the veteran.
"The DFB has a strong interest in seeing that all parties come to terms with each other. There is still time to have talks with Michael," Niersbach told Bild.
It is unlikely that Ballack, who will leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, will have a farewell match for Germany as the tradition was abolished in 1994, but could be given a testimonial by his club.
Werder Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs expresses interest in re-signing Diego
The Brazilian playmaker, who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, is under contract to Wolfsburg until 2014 but he would be welcomed back at the Weserstadion with open arms
Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger slams 'childish' Manchester City & Chelsea, as well as 'violent' Italian fan culture
The 38-year-old feels the English sides are missing some key philosophical elements that his side, Barcelona & Manchester United have, and has taken a swipe at Serie A attendees
Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery: Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski's better than Mario Gotze
The France international has taken the time to praise the Poland forward, and feels he's more valuable than the young midfielder
Inter lining up Werder Bremen's Marko Marin as alternative to Carlos Tevez - report
The controversial Manchester City striker is wanted by the Nerazzurri but if they miss out on him they may make a move for the Germany international
Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger: If we beat Barcelona, only then will we be considered the best
The 27-year-old believes that he and his colleagues will be the best in their positions only if they beat the Blaugrana, as he played down comparisons to Xavi and Iniesta
Former Borussia Monchengladbach playmaker Marko Marin understands why Marco Reus left for Borussia Dortmund
The Werder Bremen man shot to fame with Gladbach before moving to the Weserstadion in 2009, and feels that his international team-mate has made the right choice by leaving
'We'll see them on the pitch!' - the war of the words between Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund following Marco Reus' transfer to BVB
Following the Gladbach man's decision to move to the Westfalenstadion, the Bundesliga rivals have exchanged verbal volleys. Goal.com takes account of what has been said
Bayern Munich set sights on Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov & Basel's Xherdan Shaqiri - report
The German giants are keen to strengthen their defence and attack at the end of the season, and have earmarked a number of players as potential targets for the summer
Japan's Tomoaki Makino decides to leave Koln and head home to join Urawa Reds
The Samurai Blue defender struggled for opportunities at the RheinEnergieStadion under Stale Solbakken and has decided to head back to Japan on a loan deal
Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic: I hope to play more regularly
The out-of-favour forward has been the subject of much transfer speculation this season but having resigned to finish the campaign in Bavaria, he hopes for more regular minutes
Bayer Leverkusen's Michael Ballack determined to end row with DFB
The former Germany captain will accept making amends with the German FA after refusing the invitation to bid farewell to the national team last year
To score 50 goals in a year is a lot, says Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez
The prolific forward reflects on 2011, during which he was crowned as top scorer in the Bundesliga
Marseille interested in Borussia Dortmund's Lucas Barrios - report
The Paraguay international has seen little game time at the Westfalenstadion this season and his current employers are reportedly willing to let him leave for €12 million
Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes delighted to have Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger fully fit again
After a productive training camp in Qatar and a 4-0 friendly win over India, the coach feels the Bavarians are in good shape ahead of the resumption of play in the Bundesliga
Official: Schalke confirm summer signing of Roman Neustadter from Borussia Monchengladbach
The midfielder will move to Gelsenkirchen on a free transfer, having agreed to a four-year contract
Borussia Monchengladbach target Basel duo Xherdan Shaqiri & Granit Xhaka - report
The high-flying Bundesliga side are planning big moves in the summer as several stars head towards an exit, and the Swiss pair reportedly top their list of priorities
Werder Bremen's Sebastian Prodl confirms contact with Lazio
The 24-year-old Austrian is out of contract in the summer and has admitted that the Serie A outfit are keen on signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season
Agent: Lukas Podolski is comfortable at Koln but no comment on AC Milan link
The in-demand forward is pleased to be with his hometown club, but his agent would not eliminate the possibility of a move to Italy
Boateng to right-back, Rafinha & Van Buyten to the bench - what Benedikt Howedes' signing would mean for Bayern Munich
Schalke man's potential arrival has created a plethora of possibilities in defence. Goal.com takes an in-depth look at how he could fit in with the German record champions
Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer: On our day, we're on par with Barcelona and Real Madrid
The Germany international believes the Bavarians can compete with the two La Liga giants, and voiced his ambition to finally become German champions in 2011-12
Agent of AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy unaware of Koln interest
The representative of the Italian youngster claims he does not know anything about the interest from the Bundesliga side, who reportedly want to sign attacker on loan
Bayern's Takashi Usami says he wants more game time after five-goal haul in Qatar friendly win
The Japanese teenager revealed he's happy in Munich but wants to get on the field more often in the second-half of the season after his stunning five-goal haul in Qatar
Agent: Borussia Dortmund-bound Marco Reus did not ask Bayern Munich for playing guarantees
The Bavarian giants were keen on signing the Germany international, but the lack of playing guarantees was not the reason why he chose BVB instead
Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger slams 'childish' Manchester City & Chelsea, as well as 'violent' Italian fan culture
The 38-year-old feels the English sides are missing some key philosophical elements that his side, Barcelona & Manchester United have, and has taken a swipe at Serie A attendees
Jan 11, 2012 2:00:00 PM
By Rahul Bali
Bayern Munich sporting director Christian Nerlinger has candidly spoken out against the financial policies of Manchester City and Chelsea, comparing their owners to children.
Speaking with a select group of Indian media representatives, the retired Germany international slammed the English duo, asserting that his side - as well as Manchester United and Barcelona - have a more capable model.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder admitted that his current club have had difficulty in seasons following major international tournaments, but asserted they will nonetheless stick with their conservative economic philosophy after Euro 2012.
Yes, of course we thought about it because the last three or four years after big tournaments, we had a problem," he said. "But always it’s about philosophy and we don’t want the Manchester City model.
"We don’t want 22 world class players and a balance sheet that is growing and growing and growing. We want to have players that have a perspective so that they can play on a regular basis. It’s always about finding the right structure in the squad and we are, of course, thinking about that."
I think nowadays there is no patience in football. If Abramovich spends 100 million a year, of course he wants to win the Champions League, but it’s not about calculation
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Nerlinger went on to assert that the Citizens, as well as Chelsea, lack finesse in the transfer market, and noted that to date, neither have been successful in achieving their goals.
"I think nowadays there is no patience in football," he explained. "If [Chelsea owner Roman] Abramovich spends €100 million a year, of course he wants to win the Champions League, but it’s not about calculation. Football is different; there are many elements in building a team.
"The example of Chelsea, in my eyes, shows that it’s not about spending hundreds of millions so that you can win the title or the European title. It’s more than that."
According to Nerlinger, Abramovich and City owner Sheikh Mansour are much like young children in their transfer policies, and take the wrong approach in managing their respective clubs.
"If you see what happened to Chelsea, what’s going on with Man City, they are at a stage where they are willing to spend to be number one not only in their domestic league but also in the Champions League. Of course, this is against economic sensibility. I have three sons – four years, two years and seven weeks. And they like to play with toys.
Bayern Munich's philosophy in the last 20 years has been profitable. This will also come into play and then all together, as a club, we will play an important role.
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"We need to make sure that one can't play with football clubs, that one really takes it seriously and that there are certain rules to respect."
It is Nerlinger's hope that Financial Fair Play will curb the transfer activities of spendthrift clubs, and that his team's conservative financial policy will see the Bavarians re-emerge as a global superpower.
"I am not sure of Financial Fair Play but I hope it will take effect. Bayern Munich's philosophy in the last 20 years has been profitable. This will also come into play and then all together, as a club, we will play an important role.
The 38-year-old feels that, while his side could pull off a blockbuster transfer, such a move would oppose their philosophy. Instead, he is confident the Bavarians will achieve their goals while sticking to their values.
"We could, perhaps, spend €50m for a player. But we will never do it. Even if the pressure from others is very high, we would never spend €50m for one player because in the last 30 years, we showed that economic balance is something that is very important for us as well. In the long term also, it will be very successful."
According to Nerlinger, Bayern are not the only side deserving of respect: he cited Manchester United and Barcelona in particular as examples of sides that have come to power with use of more than just finances.
"Sir Alex Ferguson has done a fantastic job at Manchester United over the years. There have been some small dips but he established this club as a brand and as a world-class football team, and his philosophy was about developing a team."
The Bayern chief also praised Barcelona for cultivating many of their own stars, hailing their current 'golden generation'.
It’s not about what it is in Italy - about violence. We have a supportive atmosphere at the stadium which is unique worldwide.
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"I think Barcelona, are a team, and they're about players that come once in a century. So with Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Lionel] Messi – this is a golden age.
"Of course, they have the right philosophy. They educate and develop the players and it seems at the moment, that Barcelona have the right sporting model."
Finally, Nerlinger hailed his club's family-friendly atmosphere and stadium atmosphere, while also taking a swipe at Italian fan culture.
"For six years, every single game has been sold out. We have families coming to the stadium. It’s not about what it is in Italy - about violence. We have a supportive atmosphere at the stadium which is unique worldwide."
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'I am what you could call 'sexually unrestrained', agree or disagree?' - Hannover players given intimate questionnaire by coach Mirko Slomka
In an attempt to learn more about the finer details of his playing squad, the trainer has revealed he has been making some very personal inquiries this week
Jan 11, 2012 2:50:00 PM
By Clark Whitney
Hannover coach Mirko Slomka has issued an intimate survey to his players.
The 128-question study, meant to help him get to know his team on a more personal level, includes topics such as nutrition, family, competition, and sex.
Players are to respond to each question with a number from -3 (strongly disagree) to +3 (completely agree). A few of the more personal prompts include:
-I am what you can call 'sexually unrestrained' -Sex and eroticism are very important to me -I have many erotic fantasies -I want all the sex I can get -I am proud of my erotic experiences
Speaking to Bild, Slomka explained his rationale for the questionnaire.
"Through the tests, I will know how I can best reach every player. The basis of it is the 'Reiss Profile Test,'" he said. "It will explore the personality of the player, and thus show the coach how to motivate him."
"It's just around the themes of sensuality," he explained. "Those who like to score great goals can be shown a video as motivation, in which someone is successful."
The survey will be evaluated by club psychologist Peter Boltersdorf, who will then report to Slomka.
Though the test was not mandatory, each player in the team volunteered, with some requesting their wives be given the chance to fill out responses.
