Bundesliga Season 2011/2012

[Lucas Barrios]

BUNDESLIGA

19.01.2012 15:31:45

Wagner joins the Red Devils

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Kaiserslautern - 1. FC Kaiserslautern have bolstered their forward line with the acquistion of Sandro Wagner from Werder Bremen, on an initial 18-month loan deal.​

FCK have a contractual option to then buy the 24-year-old striker. The two clubs furthermore agreed that he will take no active part in Saturday's game between Kaiserslautern and Bremen at the Betzenberg.

Top-flight experience

Munich-born Wagner spent three years with the FC Bayern reserve side, also turning out four times for the first team, before moving to MSV Duisburg in 2008.

In 36 Bundesliga 2 outings, he hit the net twelve times for the Zebras and Bremen snapped him up in 2010. Wagner went on to make 30 top-flight appearances for the Green-Whites, scoring five goals.

"Sandro Wagner's a really good young German player, whose quality and style of play are going to help us", FCK head coach Marco Kurz commented.
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[Lukas Podolski]

Boris Becker: A rivalry between Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund will strengthen the Bundesliga
The nine-time grand slam winner has asserted that German football needs healthy competition at the top and hailed Marco Reus' imminent transfer to BVB as 'wonderful'

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller a major injury doubt for Hamburg clash
The German champions' first choice keeper is still struggling with back pain and looks set to make way for his fit-again Australian understudy Mitchell Langerak

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Bayern Munich's Daniel Van Buyten suffers suspected broken metatarsal against Borussia Monchengladbach
Goal.com has learned that the veteran defender, who is out of contract this summer, will undergo a scan on his foot on Saturday but that the early prognosis is not good

Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 Bayern Munich: Herrmann & Reus run rampant as hosts move second
Young attacking duo accounted for all three goals as hosts repeated their first round success with a victory over the leaders

Werder Bremen's Andreas Wolf in Monaco for medical ahead of transfer
The centre-back is currently in France to seal a deal to transfer to the Ligue 2 side

Bayer Leverkusen's Simon Rolfes: We want to play against Chelsea or Barcelona next year
The Germany international feels that his side are more suited to facing Europe's giants in the continent's top competition than the likes of Rosenborg and Metalist

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes reveals his admiration for Borussia Monchengladbach's Dante
The 66-year-old hails the Brazilian's development over this season, and is of the opinion that Marco Reus would find it hard to get into the Bavarians' first team

Bayern Munich's Breno forgiven for 'tattoo affair' during sick leave
The Brazilian defender visited a tattoo artist after being unable to take part in training due to illness, but he escapes punishment from the club for the incident​

 

[chowka]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gLkyt8PxPM0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>


Borussia Mönchengladbach 3 - 1 Bayern München
All Goals & Highlights 20/01/2012

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[Lukas Podolski]

Bayern Munich & Germany goalkeeeper Manuel Neuer happy without goal-line technology
The 25-year-old keeper acknowledges that it might be painful if a decision is given against your team, but believes that refereeing errors cancel each other out

Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski refuses to rule out Bayern Munich move
When asked about his future beyond this season, the striker neither confirmed nor denied rumours of his exit, although Hans-Joachim Watzke insists the player is not for sale

Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa plays down talk of a move after reported interest from Manchester United & AC Milan
The Samurai Blue superstar has been linked with the European pair in recent weeks however he insists wants to be part of the German champions' future

Japanese in Europe: Hiroshi Ibusuki and Mike Havenaar make their debut while Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa earns assist
Kagawa's assist and Havenaar's league debut set the tone for Japanese players in Europe this season, but several players are still waiting for reported transfers to fully resolve

Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp: We forced Hamburg into making mistakes
The Bundesliga champions' head coach was over the moon with his side's victory against HSV on Sunday afternoon

Schalke's Benedikt Howedes to undergo surgery on fractured cheekbone
The Germany international will have to go under the knife and spend a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a facial injury during the club's 3-1 win over Stuttgart

Schalke’s Huub Stevens thrilled to join Bayern Munich on top of the Bundesliga
The 58-year-old coach admits that "it is nice to dream" as his side draw level with the Bavarian heavyweights thanks to a convincing 3-1 victory over Stuttgart on Saturday

Agent confirms no contact between Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski
Representative claims that 'flirtation' between the Bavarians and the 23-year-old is not an issue at the moment, as talks are yet to be had with the German record champions

Wesley heading for Werder Bremen exit after being omitted from matchday team
The former Santos man has been out-of-favour at the German outfit this season and his exclusion from the matchday squad points towards a transfer away from the club

Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger confirms no winter transfers despite lengthy absence for defender Daniel Van Buyten
The 33-year-old defender is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a bone break in his foot on Friday, but the club will not sign a replacement

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes criticises Manuel Neuer after loss to Borussia Monchengladbach
The former Bayer Leverkusen man had some harsh words for his summer signing after the Germany international had a bad day at the office versus Lucien Favre's men

Patrick Herrmann is Borussia Monchengladbach’s hope after Marco Reus & Bayern Munich may need a new defender – What we learned from Friday’s Bundesliga restart
Goal.com reflects upon the Rhine side's win, picking and analysing the key points: in this case, the 20-year-old stole the show, as die Roten were found needing a new centre-back

 

[Lukas Podolski]

Bayern Munich & Germany goalkeeeper Manuel Neuer happy without goal-line technology

The 25-year-old keeper acknowledges that it might be painful if a decision is given against your team, but believes that refereeing errors cancel each other out

Jan 23, 2012 8:35:00 AM

By Enis Koylu

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Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer has stated that there is no need for goal-line technology, citing his belief that all refereeing errors cancel one another out.

Neuer was involved in a controversial incident in the 2010 World Cup while playing for Germany, when a shot from England's Frank Lampard at the round of 16 stage appeared to cross his line, yet the 25-year-old says expensive technology would make little difference.

"In football, advantages and disadvantages cancel each other out, so I am okay that there is a person entrusted with doing a job," Neuer told The Hindustan Times.

"Of course I understand that if something like this happens at a World Cup, it can make people very angry, but I still wouldn't force it."

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has indicated that goal-line technology will be in place in time for the 2014 World Cup.

 

[Lucas Barrios]

Udo Lattek: Bayern Munich don't stand a chance against Borussia Dortmund if they keep up their current form
The former coach has voiced his opinion that the reigning champions are the only top team in the Bundesliga, and sees them as the favourites to win the title

Schalke's Horst Heldt denies interest in former Real Madrid midfielder Guti
The veteran midfielder is a free agent after leaving Besiktas in 2011, yet the German club's official has refuted claims the player is set to join the Gelsenkirchen outfit

Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa says Bundesliga title race is 'very exciting'
Jurgen Klopp's side ran away with the title last season but it's a much tighter affair this term and the Japanese ace says that's exciting

Nurnberg offer trial to Myanmar prospect Kyaw Ko Ko - report
The Bavarian outfit are apparently looking to secure the capture of one of South-East Asian's leading youngsters

Borussia Dortmund's Neven Subotic under investigation amid sexual assault claims
The 23-year-old Serbia international is in legal trouble following allegations of misconduct at a recent party he hosted

Juventus' Luca Toni: I would play for Bayern Munich for free
The Italian striker has not featured once for the Bianconeri this season and has been linked with a move away to MLS but his dream would be to return to the Allianz Arena

Germany legend Sepp Maier: Borussia Monchengladbach's Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on par with Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer
The World Cup winner feels that in spite of his limited years, the young shot stopper is at the same level as the Germany No. 1

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo moves level with Trans Narva star Aleksandrs Cekulajevs in the race for the Golden Shoe
The Portuguese netted two penalties as his team swept Athletic Bilbao aside to move to the summit of the rankings, with Lionel Messi hot on his heels

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm plays down Schalke & Borussia Monchengladbach's title bids
The 28-year-old says that Dortmund pose a more realistic threat to his side, and is targeting Euro 2012 glory with Germany this summer in Poland and Ukraine

Franz Beckenbauer: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben & Jerome Boateng can't play together on the right
The German legend has voiced his opinion that the versatile defender's style of play does not suit the Dutch winger, and the former Genoa man would be a better choice at full-back

 

[Lucas Barrios]

Borussia Dortmund's Neven Subotic under investigation amid sexual assault claims

The 23-year-old Serbia international is in legal trouble following allegations of misconduct at a recent party he hosted

Jan 23, 2012 5:07:00 PM

By Clark Whitney

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Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic is in hot water with local authorities following allegations of sexual assault committed on his property.

The Dortmund district attorney is now investigating the Serbian centre-back for alleged misconduct, SID reports.

Last week, a 21-year-old woman filed a police report claiming she was sexually assaulted while at a party at Subotic's house.

The player, who was said to be asleep during the alleged act, was not blamed in any way, initially.

But now, the Dortmund prosecutor revealed in a press release that there are a total of four male suspects, aged 22 to 28, under investigation, including Subotic.

BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke chose not to comment on the issue.

"This is a pending case," he told Bild. "We cannot say anything about it."

 

[Lucas Barrios]

Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez: In the long run the Bundesliga will be the most attractive league of all
The 26-year-old believes that the German league is exciting as it currently stands and will only get more popular

Kaiserslautern confirm the signing of Anther Yahia from Al Nassr
The Algerian international joins the German strugglers after just six months in the Saudi Arabian league, and joins with previous Bundesliga experience

Official: Stuttgart sign Vedad Ibisevic from Hoffenheim
Bosnia international has finalised his transfer to the Mercedes-Benz Arena, having signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, after spending five years at their Bundesliga rivals

Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler to join Hamburg in summer on free transfer - report
The Germany international has allegedly agreed terms with HSV and will leave his current club on a Bosman move in the summer after losing his place in Robin Dutt's side

USA midfielder Jermaine Jones looks to 'go back to Germany happy' following eight-week suspension
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann continues to ignore criticism for choosing Jones as team captain, while the Schalke midfielder looks to end a successful camp on a high note

Agent confirms Werder Bremen talks with AIK's Alexander Milosevic
As they look to find a back-up for injured defender Sebastian Prodl, the Bundesliga side have turned to the Sweden U21 international, whose representative confirmed contact

Agent reveals Cesena could take Vaclav Pilar on loan for remainder of the season
Wolfsburg have bought the winger and agreed to allow him to remain on loan at Viktoria Plzen but he could yet end up in Serie A before the close of the transfer window

Schalke's injured captain Benedikt Howedes expected to return in two weeks
The defender is making steady progress in his recovery and could be fit in as few as 11 days

Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng: I do not think I will play with Arjen Robben on the wing any more
The 23-year-old feels that his role is in the centre and that he will play as an interior defender for the next few months

Anatoliy Tymoshchuk: I would like to remain at Bayern Munich
The 32-year-old is uncertain as to where he will play next season, but hopes to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich's Uli Hoeness: DFL Supercup could be held in Asia
The executive feels that sending the annual match overseas would be a boon for the popularity of German football

Marko Marin's agent dismisses speculation over imminent move to Tottenham Hotspur
The midfielder missed training on Tuesday morning, sparking rumours that he was in north London undergoing a medical with Spurs, but his representative has stated otherwise

Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze set for lengthy injury lay-off
The youngster has been diagnosed with a tricky hip problem that could take in excess of two months to fully heal, but an exact timetable of recovery is uncertain

 

[Lucas Barrios]

BUNDESLIGA

24.01.2012 22:28:36

Götze's perfect replacement​

The Poland captain proved just how valuable he can be with a stellar performance in Hamburg

Munich - "He thrives on being a trickster, doing things that others can't. He's a joy to watch." It's easy to guess which of his players Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp is talking about - the twinkle in his eye is a giveaway...

Or is it? The BVB supremo was in fact referring to Jakub Blaszczykowski, the Polish international who has been thrust into the spotlight following the news that star playmaker Mario Götze is set to miss the next two months with a groin injury.

Just as well, then, that 'Kuba' has struck top form. There couldn't have been a better application to deputise for the Germany starlet than the man with the unspellable surname's glowing performance in Sunday's rampant 5-1 victory in Hamburg. But how does Blaszczykowski compare up against golden boy Götze? bundesliga.de took a look at the stats to find out.

"Kuba had a difficult phase"

'Kuba' may have been the standout player of Sunday's victory, but the first half of the season was somewhat less favourable for the Poland captain, who was largely limited to the bench. "Kuba went through a difficult phase," admitted Klopp, "but he got over it himself. He hauled himself out of it and now he's found some fantastic form."

His timing could not have been better. Whenever superstar Götze has been missing for Dortmund this season, things haven't gone well. The reigning champions have lost two of their three matches without the 19-year-old, whose intelligence and skill was lacking in his absence. But can 'Kuba' step into the breach?

Little to choose

Statistically speaking, yes. Blaszczykowski can match the Germany star in almost every department: Let's take their respective goal threats for starters: Götze, who has made 14 Bundesliga appearances this term, was directly involved in a goal every 105 minutes on average, 'Kuba' every 138. As for shots on goal, the Pole is only a shade behind again, hitting the target once every 42 minutes to Götze's 41.

'Kuba' is also just as likely as Götze to tee up a team-mate for a shot - both do so every 23 minutes on average. And who's quickest? 'Kuba', in fact, hitting 33 km/h at top speed, his younger equivalent 32.4 km/h.

Good tackler and crosser

In terms of attacking, 'Kuba' is the perfect alternative, and although the way in which the two players achieve their end product is varies considerably, both are top-class creators in their own right.

Götze prefers to tuck infield, where he sees more of the ball (69 touches to 'Kuba's' 50 per game on average) and also where most of the challenges take place. The latter is hardly a strength of Götze's - 'Kuba' is some way ahead with 49 per cent of tackles won this term - but taking up a more central position allows the German starlet to pick out his trademark through-balls in and around the area.

'Kuba', meanwhile, is more of a danger from the wings. 38 per cent of his deliveries have led to an effort on goal this term, two of them to goals. Götze is yet to set up a single goal with a cross this season, and only 16 per cent of his centres lead to strikes on target. So the flanks are Blaszczykowski territory.

Klopp "spoilt for choice"

Attacking, defending, crossing: As if his performance in Hamburg were not enough, the statistics clearly show that 'Kuba' has what it takes to step in for Götze, especially with his potential rivals Ivan Perisic, Mohamed Zidan and Lucas Barrios all struggling for form.

Yet in spite of all the praise coming his way, Blaszczykowski is remaining characteristically diplomatic, telling bundesliga.de: "We have a great squad with lots of good players. We proved that again in Hamburg. The coach is spoilt for choice." That he most certainly is.

Christoph Gschoßmann

 

[Arjen Robben]

Gotze set to switch off from football
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze is considering taking "a complete break" from football after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of his pubic bone.

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Report: Adler set for Hamburg move
Bayer Leverkusen custodian Rene Adler is poised to jump ship to Bundesliga rivals Hamburg at the end of the campaign, according to reports from Sport Bild.

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Affolter makes Bremen move
Switzerland international Francois Affolter has joined Werder Bremen on loan from Young Boys for the remainder of the year, the Bundesliga club have announced

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Kaiserslautern seal Yahia deal
Bundesliga strugglers Kaiserslautern have bolstered their ranks with the signing of experienced defender Anthar Yahia.

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Stuttgart sign Ibisevic from Hoffenheim

Stuttgart have completed the signing of Hoffenheim and Bosnia striker Vedad Ibisevic.​

 

[Arjen Robben]

Bayern Munich 'bomb' signing is a publicity stunt
The Bavarians announced on their official website that they were set to announce a big-name transfer, but it turned out to be a hoax

Bayern Munich's Jupp Heynckes: We have to learn how to suffer
The Bavarians' coach feels that quality alone is not enough, and has responded to the recent criticism of Mario Gomez while refusing to underestimate Schalke or Gladbach

Bayern Munich's Holger Badstuber 'very optimistic' ahead of Wolfsburg clash
The Germany international is full of confidence ahead of Saturday's game, and is looking to replicate their early season form againt Felix Magath's men this weekend

Manuel Schmiedebach & Christian Pander extend Hannover contracts
The pair have lengthened their agreements with the Lower Saxony side for the long-term

Mainz keen to re-sign Borussia Dortmund's Mohamed Zidan - report
The Egyptian forward, who is out of contract at the end of the season, spent two years on loan with the club before joining on a permanent deal in 2007

Wolfsburg's Felix Magath & Diego both open to making amends after falling-out
The former Schalke boss says he bears no resentment towards the Brazilian, who has also admitted that he wouldn't be adverse to making up

Inter want me, claims Schalke starlet Julian Draxler
The Serie A side have expressed interest in the young winger, but the player does not yet wish to leave the club where he has played since 2001

Former Bayern Munich star Willy Sagnol: Rafinha must prove himself now
The Brazilian is set for a run of games in Jupp Heynckes side and the Frenchman believes he must take his chance with both hands

 

[Arjen Robben]

BUNDESLIGA

26.01.2012 13:15:50

Two-horse race no more!

Munich - "We could throw four dice with the relevant team logos into a cup, shake it up and the first to fall out would be the German Champions." That is how close Germany's most successful head coach Udo Lattek believes the current Bundesliga title race is, a view he expressed during an interview with bundesliga.de.

Thanks to the emphatic start to the second half of the season what looked to be a two-horse race for top spot has since been blown wide open, thereby maintaining the renowned unpredictability in Germany's top flight. A look into the database indicates this could be the most exciting Bundesliga campaign to date.

Novelties in the age of the three-point rule

With FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke all on 37 points and Borussia Mönchengladbach just behind with 36 it's the first time since the 1991/92 season that four teams have been separated by a single point at the top of the table after 18 matches. In that season only one of the current top four teams was involved as Eintracht Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern and Dortmund battled for first place. This was previously only the case in the 1974/75 campaign when five teams were in the running for the title after Matchday 18.

Having three teams level on points at the Bundesliga summit after 18 matches last occurred in the 1990/91 season when Bayern, Kaiserslautern and Bremen occupied the top spots. It was also the case during the 1974/75 campaign, but is a complete novelty since the introduction of the three-point rule which Germany adopted back in 1995. Although Bundesliga legend Lattek sees the title race as a game of luck there are of course statistics that provide a clear indication of the top four's chances of winning the coveted plate:

• The league leaders after Matchday 18 have ended up as German champions in 28 out of 48 seasons (58 per cent).
  
  
• The team in second place after Matchday 18 have ended up as German champions in 11 out of 48 seasons (23 per cent).
  
  
• The team in third place after Matchday 18 have ended up as German champions in 5 out of 48 seasons (10 per cent).
  
  
• The team in fourth place after Matchday 18 have ended up as German champions in 3 out of 48 seasons (6 per cent; Stuttgart 06/07, Bayern 93/94 and HSV 81/82).

"Aiming to stay in first place"

Although it's still incredibly tight at the top with Bayern heading the pack on goal difference alone, die Münchner were undoubtedly the biggest losers when it came to last weekend. One thing they haven't lost though is their ambition. "We're in first place and our aim is to stay in first place," stated a confident Toni Kroos following his side's 3-1 defeat in Gladbach.

His boss, however, has urged his side to be more focused in the "bread-and-butter business" of winning titles. "People could have got the impression that we were lacking some key footballing attributes in terms of our passion, determination, aggressiveness and will power. We'll only be able to accomplish our goal of becoming German champions if we definitively implement these exact attributes over the coming months," explained Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the executive director of the record titleholders.

Nail-biting finish

Meanwhile the reigning champions Borussia Dortmund have refused to jump to conclusions about their chances despite their 5-1 demolition of Hamburg on the weekend. "We have 16 matches to go until the end of the campaign and the first priority for Borussia Dortmund is still to ensure that we have a place in an international competition next season," explained the BVB executive director Hans-Joachim Watzke, which was somewhat of an understatement for the current titleholders.

Schalke's head coach Huub Stevens took an even more reserved approach to the title race, essentially writing his team off: "We don't have the stability. I don't see us at the very top just yet." Gladbach followed suit as well. "We shouldn't be assuming the role of a title contender," said vice-president Rainer Bonhof: "There's absolutely no reason for us to let up or change our approach of taking it game by game."

VfL Wolfsburg did come from eighth place to win the title in 2008/09, but for now it looks like the top four are the ones set to create a nail-biting finish to the current Bundesliga season.

 

[Arjen Robben]

'Franck Ribery is among the five best players in the world,' says Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger
The Germany international has voiced his hope that the French attacking midfielder will remain fit until the end of the season, and has lauded his importance to the Bavarian team

Michael Ballack could leave Bayer Leverkusen in January as CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser admits expectations have not been met
The 35-year-old was expected to exit the BayArena at the end of the season, but now the Bundesliga team's chief has stated that his departure could come sooner

Jupp Heynckes urges Bayern Munich to avoid complacency against Wolfsburg
The 66-year-old has admitted that his players need to turn in good performances in training to guarantee a place in the Allianz Arena side's starting XI against Felix Magath's men

Borussia Dortmund's Jakub Blaszczykowski looking forward to first team opportunity due to Mario Gotze's injury
The Poland international is set for an extended run in Jurgen Klopp's starting XI, as his high-profile team-mate faces a prolonged period on the sidelines with a hip problem

Koln CEO Claus Hortstmann adamant club will not be forced to sell Lukas Podolski
The 26-year-old has just 18 months left on his contract, yet the side remain adamant that they have no intentions to cash in on the Germany international yet

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro: We will sign Al-Gharafa's Ze Roberto in May
The veteran midfielder is allegedly close to returning to the Sao Paulo-based club despite previously stating he had an agreement in place to play for a German side

Arsenal & Manchester City target Borussia Dortmund's Lucas Barrios - report
The Paraguayan striker has become out of favour at the Westfalenstadion and three Premier League sides are reportedly keen to offer him a way out of his situation

Schalke confirm talks over new deal for Raul
The legendary Spanish striker had been expected to leave Gelsenkirchen at the end of the season but he recently claimed that he would like to renew his contract

 

[Arjen Robben]

Arsenal & Manchester City target Borussia Dortmund's Lucas Barrios - report

The Paraguayan striker has become out of favour at the Westfalenstadion and three Premier League sides are reportedly keen to offer him a way out of his situation

Jan 27, 2012 12:15:00 AM

By Luis Mira

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Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios is being courted by several Premier League clubs,Bild reports.

After an impressive first two seasons at Dortmund, the Paraguay international has struggled to make his mark in 2011-12, making just three starts for the Bundesliga champions in all competitions.

Barrios' situation has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe, and it is now reported that Premier League trio Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland are keeping tabs on the 27-year-old.

Quizzed on the reports, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said: "We do not comment on speculation".

It is believed that the Westfalenstadion outfit have put a price-tag of €10 million on Barrios, who cost the club €4.2m in 2009.

 

[Arjen Robben]

BUNDESLIGA

26.01.2012 18:34:11

Japan's Bundesliga fans with great expectations

Shinji Kagawa (m.) has scored four goals and laid on six more for Dortmund in the league

Cologne - All set to run out for Borussia Dortmund in their DFB Cup tie at Fortuna Düsseldorf just before the winter break, Shinji Kagawa was sidelined virtually at the last moment with a stomach problem.

The occurrence was, in many ways, symbolic of the entire first campaign-half for the attacking midfielder, whose many fans back in his native Japan would have loved to have seen more of, in the outstanding form that helped BVB to the title last season.

Kagawa is of course by no means the only player in the German top flight whose progress is monitored with particular interest by Japanese followers of the game, with VfL Wolfsburg "old hand" Makoto Hasebe and Schalke 04 full back Atsuto Uchida two of the most popular.

Plenty of interest in the Bundesliga

The likes of Shinji Okazaki (VfB Stuttgart) and Hajime Hosogai (FC Augsburg) further add to the attraction, as indeed do the German-based members of the Japan team that won the women's World Cup here last year. The burden of fans' expectations weighing on the shoulders of "their" Bundesliga stars can be a heavy one to bear for the players concerned.

"My situation, and the level of expectation, have altered beyond recognition compared to the time before the 2010 World Cup and before I moved to Germany. Suddenly I was wearing the number 10 shirt for Japan and to be honest, the transition has been irritating", Kagawa admitted in an interview with the newspaper Nikkan Sports.

Praise from afar for Hosogai

The young midfielder nevertheless dealt admirably with the pressure last season, until a metatarsal fracture last January ruled him out for much of BVB's title run-in. This time around, he managed four goals in the first half of the campaign, but the consensus in his home country is that Kagawa is still not firing on all cylinders in the manner of old.

Uchida, who enthralled his compatriots above all with his contribution to Schalke's march into the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, has likewise suffered a difficult second season in the face of injury problems and stiff competition in Gelsenkirchen.

Even the experienced and versatile Hasebe has been struggling to match his own and the fans' high standards at a Wolfsburg side in the midst of a major restructuring project. While the "big three" are all falling somewhat short of top form at the moment however, other Japanese imports have been making their mark.

In online forums, many of the Bundesliga's followers in Japan are in agreement that Hosogai has been the best of the bunch so far this season - not least on account of his goal for Augsburg against FC Bayern. Stuttgart's Okazaki, strong-running and with a nose for goal, has also passed muster with the fans.

Inui makes his mark

Dropping down a flight, Takashi Inui has been making waves at VfL Bochum, and the Japanese football community is duly taking cognisance of the fact. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who moved to the Ruhr district from Cerezo Osaka last summer, has impressed both with the quality of his play and his passionate and likeable attitude out on the pitch.

2012 at any rate got off to a winning start for Kagawa, Uchida and Hasebe alike with their respective teams in the Bundesliga. And as far as the German game's impressive fanbase in Japan goes, that is a trend they hope to see continued, with their homegrown heroes playing their accustomed part.

Yusaku Iwamoto

 

[Arjen Robben]

Bundesliga wrap: Dortmund keep pace with Bayern

29 January 2012

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Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund remain level on points at the top of the Bundesliga table, after respective wins on Saturday.Mario Gomez scored the opener for Bayern in their clash with Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena, in what was the striker's 200th appearance in the German top flight.

Gomez fired home the rebound from a Jerome Boateng shot on the hour mark, before Bayern eventually sealed the 2-0 result in second-half injury time, when Arjen Robben poked home an Ivica Olic chip.Shinji Kagawa's brace helped Dortmund to a 3-1 home victory over Hoffenheim, keeping the defending champions on pace with leaders Bayern.

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Tom Starke put his side under pressure with some poor attempted clearances, and Kagawa made him pay on 16 minutes with the opening goal the result of the keeper's error.Kevin Grosskreutz doubled Dortmund's lead when he was left unmarked to convert a cross on 31 minutes, finishing off the good lead-up work of Kagawa and Jakub Blaszczykowski.

A Grosskreutz backheel on 55 minutes put Kagawa clean through to make it 3-0, before Hoffenheim's Fabian Johnson volleyed home a consolation in the 63rd minute.Elsewhere, Hamburg won their first match from four in the league, when they beat Hertha Berlin 2-1 away from home.First-half strikes to Marcell Jansen and Mladen Petric were enough to see the visitors take all three points, despite Hertha's Pierre Lasogga pulling a goal back in the 81st minute.

Bayer Leverkusen held Werder Bremen to a 1-1 draw away from home, in what was a missed opportunity for either side to put pressure on the top four.Bremen led through a Claudio Pizarro goal in the first half, but Leverkusen ensured a share of the points when Stefan Reinartz levelled in the 57th minute.The goal sees Leverkusen remain one point behind the fifth-placed Bremen, who are themselves now five points adrift of the fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Strugglers Augsburg and Kaiserslautern drew 2-2 at the SGL Arena - a result that sees the two clubs remain in the bottom three on the table.In the late kick-off, Schalke scored four times in the last 30 minutes to win 4-1 at Cologne.Lucas Podolski bagged the opener after just four minutes for the hosts, but Romanian Ciprian Marica scored on the hour mark before adding another with 18 minutes left.

Cologne's chance of winning evaporated when Slovenian substitute Miso Brecko was sent off on 78 minutes, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Marco Hoeger adding late goals for the winners.

 

[Arjen Robben]

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes: The victory against Wolfsburg was richly deserved
The 66-year-old trainer was happy to see his team bounce back from last week's defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach with all three points on Saturday

Werder Bremen on verge of signing Zlatko Junuzovic
The 24-year-old midfielder is very likely join the Bundesliga club before next week's transfer deadline day and could arrive by Monday

Manchester United striker Mame Diouf joins Hannover on two-and-a-half-year deal deal
The 24-year-old Senegalese striker who failed to make an impression on Sir Alex Ferguson since his arrival in 2009 has moved to Germany for a reported £1.5 million

Bayern Munich's transfer debacle: a case of good intentions gone horribly wrong
The Bavarians had their hearts in the right place, but a severe misjudgment in their creative department turned a marketing gimmick into a catastrophe on Thursday

Bayern Munich apologise for publicity stunt over 'bomb' striker
The Bavarians revealed on their website that they would announce the arrival of a new forward on Thursday but they did nothing more than launch a Facebook application

 

[Arjen Robben]

Bayern Munich's transfer debacle: a case of good intentions gone horribly wrong

The Bavarians had their hearts in the right place, but a severe misjudgment in their creative department turned a marketing gimmick into a catastrophe on Thursday

Jan 28, 2012 9:00:00 AM

By Clark Whitney | German Football Editor

On Thursday, at around 13.15CET, a fan visited the Bayern Munich website. What awaited was a jaw-dropper: an announcement that the club had secured the signing of a "spectacular" striker. The report was coy, declining to reveal the identity of the player, but urging fans to follow a press conference at 14.00 local time via a live video feed on the club's Facebook account.

Within seconds, that user and countless others Tweeted and shared the link via Facebook. Within minutes, it was viral, reaching millions. Some patiently waited, continuing their daily routines with only minimal distraction.

Others dropped whatever it was that they were doing - being it their daily work, going to a class, preparing to sleep, or otherwise - and joined the online discussion: was it Dimitar Berbatov? Fernando Llorente? Carlos Tevez? Would he come in January or in the summer?

After 45 minutes, the player's identity was finally revealed. And the big signing was... THE FANS! In an instant, nearly an hour of anticipation turned to nought. Thousands of disappointed fans wrote on the club's Facebook wall, with messages ranging from long-winded diatribes to the simple: "das ist uncool." For Bayern, it was a PR nightmare.

PR EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON BAYERN'S PUBLICITY STUNT

Reema Babakhan (follow on ) Associate Director, Frank PR Football clubs and their fans have a unique relationship. Their fans are loyal, committed and invest heavily, both financially and, more importantly, emotionally. To prank them is to disrespect and insult them, to prank them about a star signing is even worse. A star signing for your team is huge news, causing genuine excitement and hope for fans, so to play on this emotion as part of a PR stunt can only lead to disappointment and anger when proved not to be true, especially when it’s used to push something as trivial as a Facebook app. The timing of this stunt was also particularly insensitive, as Bayern had already missed out on the sought-after attacker Marco Reus to their rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Mark Borkowski (follow on ) Founder, Borkowski PR Like the release of a Morrissey album or the unveiling of a new Pope, the transfer window is something that inspires interest and conversation that transcends the rational and borders on the obsessive. If the fans trust the team through and through then, no matter what disappointments or controversies come their way, they will stick by the team with religious ardour. ... The main shortcoming of creativity is that it gets so wrapped up in its own genius that it forgets how the great unwashed actually think. In the eyes of someone who’s skipped a class or skived off that all-important meeting just to watch the announcement of a name this is not a clever stunt - it’s a sick joke.

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The Bavarians' creative team achieved the greatest irony imaginable in showing an absence of consideration for the the very fans they intended to honour with their gimmick.

"...When that 'eureka' moment came and someone threw this ‘off-the-wall’ nugget of media disruption into the ether, everyone was clearly too busy congratulating themselves to think for a second about the fans themselves and the ongoing, human narrative that would arise," Borkowski said.

"A football team’s stock in trade is the illogical, desperate and oddly beautiful passion of its fans," he added. "In order to keep fans onside, buying tickets and following the team after the window has closed, the most important thing that a team’s communications need to do is inspire and retain trust."

In the eyes of someone who’s skipped a class or skived off that all-important meeting just to watch the announcement of a name this is not a clever stunt - it’s a sick joke - Mark Borkowski ​

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Indeed, while media sources will do their best to inform the public of changes in what is an invariably whimsical transfer market, there is a sacred trust fans have in an official website: "I won't believe it until I read it on FCBayern.de," is a phrase that has in the past been spoken and written in dozens of languages - but from now on, perhaps not so frequently.

It needs to be underlined that the widespread effect Bayern had was unintentional: they wanted to praise supporters, recognising the value of the '12th man' to the club's success. But, as the adage goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And in this case, die Roten have created their own chamber of public relations misery. Next time, a little less effort in creative marketing and a lot more endeavour in the transfer market itself will go a long way.

 

[Lucas Barrios]

Groningen confirm Borussia Monchengladbach interest in Dusan Tadic
With Marco Reus' departure confirmed and Juan Arango's future in doubt the Bundesliga club are aiming to find a quality alternative, and have allegedly targeted the young Serb

Fulham in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over transfer of Lucas Barrios - report
The Craven Cottage side are allegedly discussing terms of a move for the Paraguay international, although a transfer fee has yet to be agreed

Borussia Dortmund's Kevin Grosskreutz taunts Schalke: the Blues aren't title material
The 23-year-old feels that his side's local rivals will soon drop out of the title race, and believes that Champions League qualification would be a success for BVB

Coach Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Michael Zorc sign contract extensions with Borussia Dortmund
The club's decision to announce the deals on Facebook could be a potential dig at Bayern Munich, who angered fans with a publicity stunt on the social networking site last week

Japanese in Europe: Shinji Kagawa shines with double while Tadanari Lee makes his English debut
The former Cerezo man continued his excellent form for Dortmund, while Tadanari Lee found little to take away from his first match as a Southampton player

Bayern Munich to make summer move for Basel's Xherdan Shaqiri - report
The Switzerland international looked certain to join Galatasaray during the current transfer window but the move collapsed and now the Bavarians looked poised to pounce

Germany international Lukas Podolski faces four-week injury lay-off
The attacker has picked up a knock to his foot in his side's heavy loss versus Schalke and will be out of action for up to a month revealed the club's boss on Sunday

Hamburg defender Jeffrey Bruma not keen on Chelsea return
Defender wants to continue his learning process away from the London club, as he enjoys the first-team experience he is gaining while on loan with the Bundesliga side

 

[Lucas Barrios]

Japanese in Europe: Shinji Kagawa shines with double while Tadanari Lee makes his English debut

The former Cerezo man continued his excellent form for Dortmund, while Tadanari Lee found little to take away from his first match as a Southampton player

Jan 30, 2012 3:15:00 AM

By Gyo Araiwa & Dan Orlowitz

​

Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa set alight the Signal-Iduna-Park with a man-of-the-match performance in the 3-1 win over an uninspired 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday.

After creating a couple of chances early on it was the 22-year-old Japanese who slotted home the opener after skipper Sebastian Kehl won the ball and passed it to him in minute 16.

Kagawa played a crucial role in the team’s second on the half-hour as his play led to Jakub Blaszczykowski’s cross for Kevin Grosskreutz’s goal.

In the second half Kagawa bagged the champions’ third goal after a back-heel assist by Grosskreutz. The first brace since September 2010 when his double against local rivals Schalke earned him a place in Dortmund’s folklore puts his goal tally to six.

At the lower end of the table, FC Augsburg drew 2-2 against Kaiserslautern. Hajime Hosogai, who once again played the full match for the Southerners, had a hand in his side’s opener when he cleverly created a gap in the wall clearing the path for Marcel de Jong’s goal from a free kick.

STAR OF THE WEEKEND

Shinji Kagawa

Kagawa had two goals and contributed greatly to a third; he's the clear choice for Japan's best player this weekend.​

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In the 65th minute the 25-year-old defensive midfielder recorded his first assist since his arrival in Germany when he put the ball through for the 2-2 equalizer by Stephan Hain who entered the pitch just seconds earlier. Hosogai also impressed with his accurate passing and his aggressiveness, repeatedly forcing his opponents to errors or resorting to fouls.

In England, Tadanari Lee made his debut for Southampton as they drew 1-1 with Millwall in an FA Cup fourth-round clash. The former Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker came on just after the hour, but failed to find many chances as Millwall mounted a stirring second-half comeback and eventually earned a replay with a late goal.

In Holland, Mike Havenaar opened his account with new squad Vitesse when he headed in Renato Ibarra's cross in the 84th minute. The strike was merely a consolation, however, as his team fell 3-1 to PSV.

In Brief...

Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg): Had a solid game in the Wolves’ defensive midfield but gave away the foul which led to his third yellow card of the season as well as to Bayern’s opener in the 2-0 defeat.
Takashi Usami (Bayern Munich): Japan’s prodigy once again found himself outside the squad when his team defeated VfL Wolfsburg 2-0 at home.
Atsuto Uchida (Schalke): Started but didn’t contribute to the Knappen’s 4-1 away win over FC Koln, as he was replaced in half time after a below par performance, also picking up a yellow card.
Kisho Yano (Freiburg): Is surplus to requirements at the Bundesliga’s bottom side which lost 3-1 away to Mainz.
Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart): Came on after the break but wasn’t able to create danger in the 3-0 home loss against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Gotoku Sakai (Stuttgart): The Swabians’ new signing watched from the stands as his team lost 3-0 against fourth-placed surprise package.
Yuki Otsu (Borussia Monchengladbach): Did not feature in the matchday squad for the Foals’ 3-0 away win over Stuttgart.
Yuto Nagatomo (Inter): Played a respectable 90 minutes but was not a major factor as Inter's eight-game winning streak stopped with a 1-0 loss at Lecce.
Takayuki Morimoto (Novara): Left off roster in 2-0 loss at Palermo.
Maya Yoshida (VVV): Put in a strenuous 90-minute effort but could not help his team in a 4-0 loss to RSK.
Robert Cullen (VVV): Watched his team's 4-0 loss from the bench.
Yoshiaki Takagi (Utrecht): In just his second full appearance of the season, started at left wing and ended the match as a shadow striker. Showed assertiveness but unable to score in 2-0 loss at Heerenveen.
Michihiro Yasuda (Vitesse): Watched his team's 3-1 loss to PSV from the bench.
Hiroshi Ibusuki (Sevilla): Scored for Sevilla Atletico in a third-division match against Real Betis B.
Akihiro Ienaga (Mallorca): Not included in lineup; transfer rumors continue.
Eiji Kawashima (Lierse): Earned the plaudits after keeping a clean-sheet in a 2-0 win away to Westerlo to keep the team's recent fine form.