[jay-c™]

not sure who i want to win :eusa_think:

i would of thought you would want to see german teams successful in europe :thumb: even if it is bayern :P

[jay-c™]

Sagnol Set For Bayern Exit

MUNICH, Sept 27 (SW) – According to sports newspaper ‘L’Equipe’, French international defender Willy Sagnol will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Although the French player and his club had allegedly appeared to agree on a four-year contract extension a few weeks ago, it now seems the deal would have fallen through, with Sagnol set to make his Arena exit.

The former Saint-Etienne and Monaco player, who made his Bundesliga debut with Bayern in 2000, is now likely to come clear on his future with the German champions either on Wednesday or Tuesday night, following his side’s Champions League game against Brugge.

LINK



havent seen it confirmed yet though

EDIT: just found this...

Bayern Confirm Sagnol Exit

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich have confirmed France international Willy Sagnol will leave the club at the end of the season.

Team-mate Valerian Ismael hinted earlier on Tuesday that Sagnol was ready to depart the Allianz Arena outfit when his contract expires.

The 28-year-old's current deal expires next summer and, despite Bayern's efforts to convince him to stay, he has decided to opt for a new challenge.

"After six years, Bayern and the 28-year-old right back will go their separate ways at the end of the season," read a statement on the club's official website.

A number of high-profile European clubs are chasing Sagnol, who can be signed for free under the Bosman ruling from January 1, including Milan, Juventus and Barcelona.

However, Sagnol is ready to keep the interested parties guessing on where he will be playing next term as he will not be unveiling his next destination until next March.

Coach Felix Magath is disappointed to lose Sagnol, saying: "It is regrettable, but we must accept it."

LINK

This post has been edited by dfb#18: 27 September 2005 - 05:03 PM

[sportfriend]

thats very bad news for your team :thumb:

[jay-c™]

Bayern Munich 1 - 0 Club Bruges

Kahn

Sagnol - Lucio - Ismael - Lizarazu (Scholl 52)

Demichelis - Schweinsteiger - Ballack (Jeremies 83) - Zé Roberto

Makaay - Guerrero (Santa Cruz 72)

----------

Goals

Demichelis '32

----------

The Table

| Juventus | Played 2 | Won 2 | Drawn 0 | Lost 0 | For 5 | Against 1 | Goal Difference 4 | Points 6 |
| Bayern Munich | Played 2 | Won 2 | Drawn 0 | Lost 0 | For 2 | Against 0 | Goal Difference 2 | Points 6 |
| Club Brugge | Played 2 | Won 0 | Drawn 0 | Lost 2 | For 1 | Against 3 | Goal Difference -2 | Points 0 |
| Rapid Vienna | Played 2 | Won 0 | Drawn 0 | Lost 2 | For 0 | Against 4 | Goal Difference -4 | Points 0 |

Magic Martin Seals It For Subdued Bayern

Martin Demichelis' latest match-winning goal separated the sides as Bayern dominated on the first big European night at the Allianz Arena.

Another 66,000 capacity crowd saw the home side boss the first half against the ultra-defensive Belgians but fail to create much in the way of clear-cut chances.

Demichelis broke the deadlock on 32 minutes, bludgeoning the ball into the roof of the net after Bruges keeper Tomislav Butina flapped at a corner, but the Reds had nothing more to show for their superiority at the break.

Top Two Claim Maximum Points

Bayern continued to control possession in the second period but the German champions were a long way below their imperious best and finished the match content simply to bring home the points.

With Juventus defeating Rapid Vienna 3-0, the two favourites in Group A both have maximum points to set up a mouth-watering double encounter next month.

Felix Magath made two changes to the side which lost in Hamburg at the weekend, selecting Bastian Schweinsteiger wide on the right in place of Hasan Salihamidzic, and restoring Paolo Guerrero to a two-man forward line in place of Ali Karimi, sidelined with a throat infection.

Micho Applies Decisive Touch

The sides traded early half-chances, Demichelis heading over and Bosko Balaban coming within inches of connecting with a diagonal ball across the face of Oliver Kahn's goal, before the home side assumed almost total control.

Veteran campaigner Bixente Lizarazu was buzzing with intent, bursting down the inside left channel to shoot goalwards on three occasions and almost scoring on 26 minutes when Birger Maertens deflected narrowly past the upright.

Michael Ballack had earlier curled a free-kick just inches wide and Kahn had acrobatically headed clear with Balaban lurking, before Demichelis reacted first to the loose ball after Butina's woeful misjudgement, crashing home from close range to open the scoring with 32 minutes played.

Scholl's Immediate Impact

The Reds were content to protect their lead until the break but the pattern was the same after the restart as Ballack drove a 49th minute half-volley spectacularly but inaccurately over the bar.

There was a score for Bayern when Ivan Leko flashed a drive across goal before Lizarazu pulled up with all the hallmarks of a torn muscle and was replaced by another stalwart, Mehmet Scholl.

The former Germany international wasted no time stamping his elegant presence on the game, unleashing a stunning 25-metre free-kick only for Butina to redeem himself with a excellent stop.

Ballack and Scholl both came close before Roque Santa Cruz replaced the tiring Guerrero after 72 minutes. Demichelis might have sealed the points just a minute later, but the Argentine's header from Willy Sagnol's floated free-kick drifted over the bar.

Ballack Limps Off Ten Minutes From Time

Bayern's single-goal lead began to look fragile as Bruges finally threw caution to the wind in the last quarter of an hour, but young Jason Vandelannoite missed a golden opportunity to equalise.

Zé Roberto, lively but still a shade below his best, set up a superb chance on the break with ten minutes remaining, but the subdued Roy Makaay could not convert.

The Reds' efforts to repel the onslaught in the closing phase suffered a blow when Ballack limped off, but experience was to hand in the shape of sub Jens Jeremies.

The German double winners did what was necessary to preserve a second 1-0 victory in this term's Champions League, and will certainly point to the fact the result counts more than the manner in which it was achieved.

LINK

good result... not as convincing as i would have hoped... and to be honest i think Bayern were lucky not to concede in the second half... really needed a second goal to finish Bruges off.. as there was pressure right up to the end of the game ...

6 points ahead of the two week matches against juventus is nothing to complain about though :thumb:

however... hopefully they wont play against juve like they did tonight...especially that second half... because i have no doubt juve will take advantage with the quality they have

also hope ballack isnt going to be out following his substitution tonight... i've heard nothing about it yet .. so looks as though it isnt very serious :thumb:

erm... bring on juventus

[jay-c™]

Magath: 'We Struggled For Long Periods Tonight'

"That wasn't a great performance," Felix Magath freely admitted afterwards, but Bayern have still sealed the result they wanted at the start of this term's Champions League campaign. The German double winners opened with a 1-0 victory over Rapid Vienna before marking the first European night at the Allianz Arena with a win over Club Bruges by the same score. And yet again, Bayern spent 90 minutes struggling to break down opponents bent only on defence.

Reaction To Bayern v Bruges

Felix Magath: "That wasn't a great performance. We struggled for long periods tonight. Bruges were missing a number of regulars, but the ones they sent out battled hard. We were short of inspiration and never killed them off, so we were made to sweat until the 93rd minute. It would have been a lot easier if we'd scored a second, especially as we had much more aerial power than Bruges. They have an injury crisis at the moment, so it was never going to be an open, attacking much."

Valerien Ismaël: "Bruges played very well and tried to hit us on the break. It was hard work right until the end. We tried our best to score a second, and we had plenty of chances, but it didn't work out. You have to start protecting what you've got in the last few minutes of a Champions League fixture. The ball hit my hand in the incident before the goal, but it was completely accidental. The keeper dived in front of me and I couldn't see the ball."

Willy Sagnol: "We started well and scored early enough. It's a pity we couldn't get a second. But it was important to bounce back with a win after losing in Hamburg."

Franz Beckenbauer: "We can be happy with the result. We were very good in the first half, but we allowed our opponents back into the match after half-time, and we were very nearly punished. You don't have to worry unduly about your next matches once you've taken six points from two games."

Sven Vermant (Club Bruges): "You had the feeling we could have taken something from the game in the second half if we'd been a bit more determined going forward. You don't bother worrying about first or second place when you're drawn in a group with Juventus and Bayern. Our main concern is Rapid Vienna and the battle to finish third."

LINK

[jay-c™]

Bayern lose Lizarazu for three weeks

MUNICH, Sept 28 (SW) – Champions League contenders Bayern Munich will have to do without the services of Bixente Lizarazu for a duration of three weeks, after the Frenchman picked up a calf injury.

The 35-year-old was helped off the pitch at the start of his side’s second half against Brugge last night, with what appeared to be a calf injury, and today’s extended medical examination confirmed the Frenchman’s availability for a period of three weeks.

Lizarazu will be missing Bayern’s domestic game against Wolfsburg this weekend, but should return to action for his side’s trip to league rivals Schalke 04.

LINK



but hopefully back for the Schalke game as it says

[jay-c™]

Sagnol Still Thinking

Willy Sagnol insists it is not a foregone conclusion that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Bayern revealed on Tuesday that Sagnol will be moving on next summer when his contract at the Allianz Arena expires.

The German champions offered the France international a four-year contract to stay in Bavaria.

Sagnol snubbed the offer and is adamant that financial factors are not the motivation behind his decision.

But the 28-year-old is refusing to completely close the door on the possibility of extending his six-year association with Bayern.

Speaking after Bayern's 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Club Brugge on Tuesday, Sagnol admits he is willing to speak to the club again about a new deal in December.

"I told Uli Hoeness that I wanted to go," Sagnol told Premiere TV.

"It had nothing to do with money. The offer from Bayern was first class. Other things are important for me.

"The decision was final but yesterday I spoke to the manager again and he said I should think it over.

"I said 'Fine, so it's not final!' We'll speak again in December."

Hoeness admits he is prepared to be patient with the former Monaco star, saying: ''Our offer is still valid and the door is still open for him."

LINK

Magath Admits Makaay Worry

Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath has admitted he is worried about the fitness of Roy Makaay.

Makaay started the season in blistering form scoring six goals in his first three games of the season before picking up an injury on international duty.

The Dutchman has failed to score in five games since his return to action and Magath has conceded Makaay is far from at his best, although he has backed him to come good.

"Anyone can see Roy Makaay is still not in his best form," said Magath. "But we'll see the old Roy back for the games against Juventus."

Makaay is also confident he will soon be back to his top form.

"If you have a few weeks off as a striker it's always hard to rediscover your rhythm," said Makaay.

"I just have to be patient. I'll get stronger with every match."

LINK

[jay-c™]

"Results Are What Count In Europe"

The situation was made for the Uli Hoeneß of old: in the midst of the Bayern manager's reasoned analysis of Bayern's 1-0 victory over Bruges, a careless reporter tossed out a question guaranteed to drive the Reds stalwart into a towering rage. "This isn't the circus you know. We play for points, and we've taken the lot tonight. The Champions League is about winning. You don't get anything for style, results are the only thing that counts."

"I'm angry at being asked to justify winning," the general manager raged, pointing out that domestic rivals Werder Bremen, defeated twice in Europe so far this term, "would be delighted if they'd won just one of their matches by a single goal."

A good night's sleep clearly failed to assuage the director's rage, as he warmed to his theme again the following morning. "You can't expect beautiful football in the Champions League. It's about results, pure and simple," he declared, pointing at his club's maximum points from two games by way of justification.

Six Points With Two Goals

Bayern have played two, won two, scored two, and earned six points. Turin giants Juventus have also made a flawless start to the campaign as Group A appears to be running to form once again. Both Munich and the "Old Lady" of Italian football emerged from their group and qualified for the knockout round last season, although Juve won both matches between the clubs 1-0, albeit a shade luckily.

The Bavarians have vowed to turn the tables this term. "We just need a 1-0 victory over Juve," Magath deadpanned, although he made it plain his players would have to shift up a number of gears to defeat Italy's most successful club. "You can never be satisfied if you're aiming for the top," he pointed out.

Coach Calls On Team To Seize Initiative

Not for the first time, Magath found fault with his players' reaction to taking the lead, on this occasion courtesy of Martin Demichelis' 32nd minute effort. "We were far too passive," he complained. The Reds last three wins have all been by the same scoreline and followed a similar pattern. "We seem to lack the killer instinct. It's something we have to work on."

Hoeneß blamed the injury situation for the team's cramped style and the forward line's lack of sharpness, as Roy Makaay went a fifth match without scoring. "Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger both had long lay-offs, and the strikers aren't fully fit either. We need a more consistent line-up with fewer changes from week to week."

Injuries Rob Team Of Rhythm

"It's tough finding your rhythm when the coach has to send out a different team for every match," Makaay agreed. The performance against Bruges still represented an improvement over the most recent Bundesliga outings, as Bayern always looked dangerous and created a number of chances. "But we should have made more of what we had," Magath commented.

The coaching staff and the 66,000 crowd at the Allianz Arena were thus made to sweat right until the 93rd minute. "That wasn't a great performance tonight," Magath accepted. However, if the next group fixture against Juventus also happens to end in a 1-0 win for the Reds, even Hoeneß and the boss would declare themselves satisfied.

LINK

Injury Situation Still Cause For Concern

By the time Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League victory over Bruges came to an end, Michael Ballack had been sitting on the bench for some 10 minutes after hobbling off seven minutes from the end of normal time. The playmaker was heavily bandaged on the right thigh after feeling the muscle go tight, as Felix Magath later reported. The Bayern coach sounded the all-clear the following day, announcing Ballack would be fit to face VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga next Saturday.

Both the Germany captain and Zé Roberto, also carrying a knock, sat out Wednesday training and reported for treatment, but the pair are expected back on the practice ground by Thursday. However, the injury situation at the club is still causing concern as Bayern approach the end of the first intense phase of the season.

Lizarazu Out For Up To Four Weeks

Ballack and Zé both came off better than Bixente Lizarazu: the France veteran lasted just a few minutes into the second half before tearing a muscle in his left calf. Liza will be out for at least 14 days, although the seasoned pro himself reckoned it could be as long as four weeks. That would mean a return just in time for the second meeting with Juventus on 2 November.

Ali Karimi reported sick with a throat infection on Monday but is hopeful of appearing at the weekend. The coaching staff are taking a wait-and-see approach with the Iranian, watching how the illness develops. Owen Hargreaves remains a definite absentee on Saturday as he continues to suffer from a groin strain. The England international reported to a specialist a week ago and was at least reassured by the news he does not require surgery, although a date for a comeback has not been set.

Lahm Training With Senior Youths

Back injury victim Claudio Pizarro also remains unable to train and will not appear on Saturday. "I'm not counting on him," Magath confirmed. Long-term casualties Michael Rensing (shoulder), Andreas Görlitz (ankle) and Philipp Lahm (rehab after cruciate damage) are all out of contention for the weekend clash with the Wolves.

The last-named of the above is making positive progress after joining Bayern's crack U-19 senior youth squad for training on Tuesday. The effects of four months on the sidelines were obvious, but Lahm is slowly but surely recovering his poise on the ball. The plan envisages the left-back remaining with the youths for the time being while continuing his rehab programme. Again, no-one is predicting a firm comeback date.

In the circumstances, coach Magath welcomed the prospect of next week's break for a round of internationals. "It's good news for our injured players," he commented.

LINK

[jay-c™]

an update on Lizarazu's injury :thumb:

Lizarazu Laid Low

Bayern Munich full back Bixente Lizarazu expects to be out for up to a month with a calf injury.

Lizarazu was forced off the pitch during the second half of Bayern's UEFA Champions League triumph over Club Brugge on Tuesday.

The experienced defender had produced an impressive display prior to his injury, which Lizarazu is taking on the chin.

He admits it is not a serious problem and he is already setting his sights on a return to action within the next month.

"I had great legs in the first half so it is a shame to be injured because I felt really well," said Lizarazu.

"However, I won't need a long time to recover - between three and four weeks.

"It will allow me to be perfectly recovered to be at the top until the winter break."

LINK

[jay-c™]

Lahm Resumes Training With Ball At His Feet   

Rising star Philipp Lahm has passed a significant milestone in his battle to recover from serious cruciate ligament damage by emerging from the weights room and swimming pool to train with the ball at his feet on the practice ground for the first time in four long months.

The 21-year-old Germany international temporarily joined up with the Reds' U-19 senior youth squad at the beginning of the week, re-uniting the player with seasoned coach Kurt Niedermayer. Lahm was part of Niedermayer's German Youth Championship winning sides in 2001 and 2002. The Munich-born left-back will gradually recover his poise on the ball and gain confidence in the damaged right knee's ability to withstand the rigours of daily training.

The player will still have to continue his lengthy rehab programme, and no target has been set for a return to the first-team schedule, although the process of recovery is reported to be on track.

fcbayern.de observed Philipp working with the football again for the first time since his injury, and presents the highly positive results in our exclusive photo gallery - just click the link below.

LINK

Puzzle Over 'Unusually Large' Crop Of Injuries

Felix Magath had plenty to say on Friday, although he spent very little time discussing weekend opponents Wolfsburg apart from one confident statement: "Obviously, I'm expecting us to win." The Bayern coach was far more concerned about a crop of injuries which has laid substantial numbers of his players low so far this term. "It's a mystery to me," he declared.

Since the resumption of Bundesliga hostilities eight weeks ago, 13 players have been sidelined for at least one match. The boss is without Ballack, Pizarro, Hargreaves, Lizarazu and Rensing on Saturday, together with long-term casualties Lahm and Görlitz. Demichelis is rated doubtful, while both Kahn and Zé Roberto have only just shaken off minor knocks. A further five stars, namely Makaay, Santa Cruz, Salihamidzic, Karimi and Ottl, have now recovered from earlier problems.

No Change To Training Routine

"It's an unusually large number of injuries," Magath observed, confessing he had not identified the reason. "I don't know why this is. I've been a coach for a decade now, but I've never known anything like it." His Hamburg side was struck by a similar crisis early in 1996, but a harsh winter and three months' worth of frozen pitches were held to blame.

No such simple explanation is at hand in Munich. The weather and state of the pitches have given no cause for complaint. Magath said he had considered but rejected his first idea, that he might have pushed his players too hard in training. "In fact, we're training a lot less harder than a year ago. It's nothing to do with training."

Side Effect Of Confederations Cup?

Instead, the coach pondered whether a lack of pre-season training might be the issue. A number of Bayern stars appeared at the Confederations Cup in June and reported back three weeks after the bulk of the squad. However, even that could not explain the problems suffered by players such as Hargreaves, Santa Cruz and Salihamidzic, who were present throughout the pre-season period.

Saturday's meeting with the Wolves will be Bayern's seventh match in 21 days, and is followed by a 14-day break for internationals, for once a welcome interruption to the rhythm at the club. The boss is hoping the medical unit will have a lot less on their hands after that.

LINK

[jay-c™]

Bayern Munich 2 - 0 VfL Wolfsburg

Dreher

Sagnol - Lucio - Ismael - Schweinsteiger

Deisler - Jeremies - Karimi (Scholl 51) - Zé Roberto (Salihamidzic 71)

Santa Cruz (Guerrero 70) - Makaay

----------

Goals

Santa Cruz '67
Lucio '90

Injury-hit Bayern turned up the heat in the second half to maintain their seemingly invincible home run against the Wolves on Saturday.

Few of the latest 66,000 capacity crowd at the Allianz Arena will retain fond or long-lasting memories of a substandard first half, but as so often in the past, the action hotted up with the introduction of Mehmet Scholl early in the second period.

The long-serving schemer swung over the 67th minute corner from which Santa Cruz opened the scoring, and although the league leaders had a scare or two to survive in the closing stages, Lucio strode forward to settle the issue once and for all in stoppage time.

The win means Bayern, still to concede a Bundesliga goal at their new Allianz Arena home, go into the two-week break for internationals on top of the standings with 21 points from eight matches, two clear of Werder Bremen and four ahead of Hamburg, who play on Sunday.

The injury crisis at Bayern took an unexpected and sudden turn for the worse when Oliver Kahn broke down during the pre-match warm-up, prompting a rare outing for Bernd Dreher.

The 38-year-old, technically youth goalkeeping coach but restored to pro status as third-choice keeper this term, thus recorded his 152nd Bundesliga appearance in total but only his 12th for Bayern in a decade at the club, and his first since 10 March 2001.

The Reds began without a stand-in number one on the bench as an urgent call went out to junior shot-stopper Jan Schlösser, summoned from training ahead of Sunday's third division fixture with the reserves and seated, wide-eyed and slightly stunned, alongside the senior coaching staff by midway through the half.

The lengthy sick-list at the club in any case meant four changes to the side which beat Bruges in midweek. Flu victim Michael Ballack's place went to Ali Karimi, Bastian Schweinsteiger took over from Bixente Lizarazu at left-back, and Roque Santa Cruz replaced Paolo Guerrero alongside Roy Makaay.

Jens Jeremies was another veteran making a rare start after Martin Demichelis failed a late fitness test, while Willy Sagnol took over the captaincy in the absence of both the usual skipper and his deputy.

With Bayern fielding a patched-up side, and visiting coach Holger Fach commendably electing to start with a three-man front line featuring Mike Hanke, Diego Klimowicz and ex-Fulham striker Steve Marlet in front of gifted Argentine playmaker Andres d'Alessandro, the scene was set for an open and attacking game.

What followed was a savage let-down as both sides struggled for inspiration and a distressingly high percentage of passes went astray in the opeing 45 minutes.

The clear-cut chances could be counted on the fingers of one hand: Marlet headed wide midway through the half, Zé Roberto curled a free-kick agonisingly wide, Karimi's low drive skidded wide, and Makaay headed past the upright in stoppage time.

Felix Magath applied his usual remedy by introducing Mehmet Scholl for Karimi sgortly after the restart, but there was a major let-off for the Reds as Portugal wide man Alex burst down the right and centred only for Marlet to flick against the far post.

The scare served to rouse the Reds, Scholl drilling narrowly wide on 64 minutes before supplying the decisive assist for the opening goal just three minutes later. The gifted stalwart swung over a corner for Santa Cruz to steal in ahead of Facundo Quiroga and plant a firm near-post header past keeper Simon Jentzsch.

Hanke flashed a drive across goal, sub Hasan Salihamidzic caused panic in the visiting defence with a darting run and Guerrero steered a header wide from Scholl's free-kick as the sides opened up in the closing phase, but it was left to Lucio to crown a fine individual display with a powerful run, a one-two with Guerrero, a shimmy round Jentzsch and a finish from the tightest of angles to double the core and seal the points.

LINK

[jay-c™]

Resilient Reds Dig Deep To Tame Wolves

Back in the summer, Felix Magath feared his side would "have to muddle through the first few weeks of the season," but with eight league games played and ahead of a two-week break for internationals, the Reds can look back on a highly successful start to the campaign. Despite a pre-season phase badly interrupted by the Confederations Cup, and an unusually large crop of injuries to key players, the champions have made their best start in seven years with seven victories and just one defeat.

Even before a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Saturday, the coach described the first few weeks of the season as "extremely successful," as the Bavarians cemented their position at the top of the standings. Nine stars were sidelined at the weekend, including influential personalities Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack, adding to the credit heaped on the players left standing after the victory over the game Lower Saxony visitors.

Kahn: Three Vital Points

"Those can be the turning points in a season. You send out your last 10 fit players, and the goalkeeping coach ends up between the sticks," general manager Uli Hoeneß smiled after veteran Bernd Dreher made a first top flight appearance in four-and-a-half years as a last-minute stand-in for Kahn. No visiting side has yet scored at the Allianz Arena, as 38-year-old Dreher proceeded to keep a clean sheet with a flawless display.

"Very few clubs cope well with this kind of critical phase. Other clubs drop vital points. We don't have second-string players here, we only have like-for-like replacements. That's the class you see in our dressing room," knee injury victim Kahn declared. The points stayed in Munich thanks to Roque Santa Cruz' 66th minute header and a fabulous solo effort from the tireless Lucio in stoppage time. "You need players like him. He rolls up his sleeves and shows the way," Kahn commented admiringly.

Magath Grateful For Break

Magath described Saturday's match as "an absorbing 90 minutes. Our opponents contributed to the entertainment and made life difficult for us." The coach accepted his side had again hardly sparkled in victory. "We had problems linking the forwards with midfield. You can see we're not on top form, because we've lost our rhythm. We've had too many changes to our line-up."

The 52-year-old confessed to a certain relief when referee Markus Merk blew the final whistle on the match played out in front of another 66,000 home crowd. "Thankfully we've come through the 90 minutes with all three points," Magath remarked. "It's the first time I've actually been happy we're taking a break." Bayern travel to Schalke in two weeks' time, when the boss reckoned his side would be "in better shape."

Oktoberfest Ahoy

Hoeneß agreed the 14-day break "comes at the right time." The 53-year-old praised the players for their resilience and morale: "You can see they're coming together as a unit," he commented. For his part, Magath rewarded the stars for seven games in 21 days with three-and-a-half days off. "They deserve it," he observed.

The only mandatory appointment for Kahn and company over the next few days was the traditional squad visit to the Oktoberfest on Sunday afternoon. "You need to get together in a completely different environment from time to time," Magath commented, as the party celebrated a hugely promising start to the campaign with foaming Bavarian ales.

LINK

[jay-c™]

Eleven Reds Summoned For International Duty

Bayern have completed the first intense phase of the season with seven games in 21 days, but with the German champions' next match not until 15 October in Gelsenkirchen against arch-rivals Schalke, many of the stars will enjoy a welcome breather. However, whenever a round of internationals appears on the football calendar, a sizeable Bayern contingent - eleven on this occasion - scatter around the globe to represent their countries.

As usual, the largest single group join up with Jürgen Klinsmann's Germany squad for friendlies against Turkey (8 October in Istanbul) and China (12 October in Hamburg). Michael Ballack, Oliver Kahn, Sebastian Deisler and Bastian Schweinsteiger make up the party, although Ballack is a major doubt with injury and illness.

Captain Pencilled In for China Clash

The Germany skipper has already pulled out of the meeting with the Turks with the flu. "If he starts feeling better, he can resume training here with us. He might travel on for the China game," Felix Magath commented.

The Reds' South American contingent have plenty of travelling ahead as a five-strong group set off on a transatlantic adventure. Lucio and Zé Roberto are in the Brazil squad to face Bolivia (9 October in La Paz) and Venezuela (12 October in Belem), although the matches are only of statistical interest for the reigning world champions as they sealed their berth in Germany last time out.

Micho Hopeful Of Senior Debut

Martin Demichelis and Argentina are similarly untroubled by qualification worries as the two-time World Cup winners were the first of the South American nations to book a ticket to the 2006 finals. However, the trip is potentially of huge personal significance for 'Micho' as he seeks to fulfil a childhood dream and make his senior international debut against either Peru (9 October in Buenos Aires) or Uruguay (12 October in Montevideo).

Youngster Paolo Guerrero has again made the Peru squad for the meetings with Argentina and Bolivia (12 October in Tacna), although national skipper Claudio Pizarro is sidelined with a back problem. The matches are also an academic exercise for the Peruvians, but for the wrong reasons, as they can no longer qualify for the World Cup finals.

Roque Within A Win Of Qualifying

By contrast, Roque Santa Cruz and Paraguay require just three more points from their remaining matches against Venezuela (8 October in Maracaibo) and Columbia (12 October Asuncion) to seal a fourth-place finish in the South American standings and a confirmed place in Germany next year.

European qualifying also comes to a climax in the next week and a half, with Hasan Salihamidzic and Bosnia Herzegovina taking on San Marino on 8 October in Zenica, before a crunch showdown with Serbia and Montenegro on 12 October in Belgrade. The Bosnians currently lie third in Group 7, three behind the Serbs but just a point off Spain.

Sagnol Serves Suspension

In Group 4, France lie second going into the final two matches against leaders Switzerland (8 October in Berne) and at home to Cyprus (12 October in Paris). Maximum points would guarantee the 1998 World Cup winners top spot and a direct qualifying finish, but Bayern's Willy Sagnol is suspended for the trip to Switzerland and will be hoping to return triumphantly against Cyprus.

Neither Owen Hargreaves nor Roy Makaay will see international action this time around. Hargreaves misses England's crunch double-header in Manchester against Austria (8 October) and Poland (12 October) with a groin strain. Meanwhile, Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has not called Makaay up for the trip to the Czech Republic (8 October in Prague) and the final fixture at home to Macedonia (12 October in Amsterdam). Two victories apiece for the English and the Dutch would see the powerful footballing nations safely through to the finals.

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[Rufer]

Manager Hoeness extends his contract till 2011

It was speculated, that he ends his work as manager after the 06 WC
and become follower of Beckenbauer as Bayern president,
but Hoeness decided to extendhis contract till 2011,
because "he has fun doing the job".
He does the job already for 26 years,
started after he ended his football career in 1979.

[jay-c™]

Ballack Tight-Lipped On Future

Michael Ballack has insisted he has still to make a decision on his long-term future.

The Germany international is one of the most coveted players in world football and his future at Bayern Munich is in some doubt as he is currently in the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern are aware Ballack is the subject of interest from clubs all over Europe, including Manchester United, and are looking to thrash out a new deal with their midfield talisman.

Reports on Wednesday suggested The Red Devils were closing in on Ballack's signature, which prompted a flood of reporters to descend on Bayern's Sabener Strasse media centre to question the midfielder.

Ballack says no decision has been made, but expects developments in the near future.

"The situation hasn't changed," Ballack declared at the news conference. "I'll announce my decision as soon as it's been taken."

Bayern coach Felix Magath is aware of the qualities Ballack brings to his side and is hopeful he will remain in Munich for years to come.

"He's the focal point of the team, the man who dictates the rhythm. I believe he appreciates what he's got here," stated Magath.

LINK

Hargreaves Agrees Bayern Deal

Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has agreed a contract extension with the German champions.

The Canadian-born player will sign a four-year extension to his current deal with the Bavarians, keeping him at the Allianz Arena until 2010.

The England international's exploits with Bayern over recent seasons has seen him attract plenty of interest from The Premiership.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been monitoring the 24-year-old's situation, but Hargreaves has opted to continue his career with the Bundesliga outfit.

"Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed great faith in my ability and helped me come to a quick decision," Hargreaves told Bayern's official website.

"I'm looking forward to the years ahead, as I'm confident we'll continue to enjoy plenty of success.

"We have fantastic support, we now have the best stadium in the world, and we have a team capable of winning the Champions League."

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Lahm Eyes Juve Return

Long-term Bayern Munich injury victim Philipp Lahm says he hopes to make the squad to face Juventus on November 1.

The 21-year-old German international left back has yet to play for the Bundesliga champions following his return from a loan at Stuttgart in the summer.

Lahm damaged cruciate ligaments in his right knee in May, but recent training sessions with the Bayern youth squad have made him confident of returning to first team action soon.

"It's really looking good for me," said Lahm.

"I can choose which pace I want to work at with the youth team and I am able to test out all the necessary movements."

Lahm will spend another week working on his general fitness before joining Felix Magath's first team squad and then he hopes to be given a chance of playing in the UEFA Champions League.

"I won't be able to make the first game against Juventus, but I hope to be involved in the return match," added Lahm.

The news will also be welcomed by German boss Jurgen Klinsmann as Lahm looks certain to fill the 2006 World Cup hosts' problem position on the left hand side of defence when the tournament kicks off next June.

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Bayern Trial Keeper

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have taken young keeper Marian Unger on trial for the rest of the week.

The youngster - from fourth division outfit MSV Neuruppin - impressed with a strong showing during his team's 4-0 defeat against Bayern in the first round of the DFB Cup and the Bavarian giants are now keen to take a second look at the 21-year-old.

“We have been following his fate since the Cup match and are now eager to get another impression from him,” Bayern’s chief scout Bernd Dremmler told the clubs’ official website.

With number one keeper Oliver Kahn and German Under-21 international Michael Rensing plagued by injuries this season, Bayern were recently forced to recall 38-year-old veteran shot-stopper Bernd Dreher for their Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg.

That could prompt Bayern coach Felix Magath to bring in a new third choice keeper during the winter transfer window.

LINK

[jay-c™]

FC Schalke 04 1 - 1 Bayern Munich

Kahn

Ottl - Ismael - Lucio - Schweinsteiger

Deisler (Karimi 83) - Demichelis - Zé Roberto (Salihamidzic 46) - Ballack

Santa Cruz (Pizarro 90) - Makaay

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Goals

FC Schalke 04: Larsen '90

Bayern Munich: Santa Cruz '18

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Bayern laid to rest a five-game losing streak in Schalke on Saturday, but a Sören Larsen penalty deep into stoppage time robbed the Reds of a deserved victory.

The customary capacity crowd numbering 61,524 at the breathtaking Veltins Arena saw the champions roar off the blocks and dominate the first period, Roque Santa Cruz opening the scoring with a close-range side-footer on 19 minutes.

Zé Roberto had provided initiative galore, but the Brazilian was forced off at half-time with injury and the Reds lost their shape for a time, although towering defensive work by Lucio, Valerien Ismael and Martin Demichelis restricted the Royal Blues to half-chances.

Harsh Decisions Hurt Munich

The champions survived a huge shout for a penalty on the hour and failed to put away a couple of golden opportunities on the break, but still appeared set for victory until the third minute of injury time, when referee Weiner adjudged Bastian Schweinsteiger to have fouled Larsen, the Dane stepping forward to bury the award.

The late drama continued when Demichelis saw a straight red card for a professional foul on Schalke sub Gustavo Varela, ruling the Argentine out of Bayern's next Bundesliga fixture at the very least.

The result, combined with Bremen's thumping 6-2 demolition of Nuremberg and Hamburg's shock 1-0 home defeat against Wolfsburg, means Bayern slip to second behind Werder on goal difference. The leaders have 22 points from nine games, with HSV two adrift on 20.

First Bundesliga Start For Ottl

Bayern showed four changes to the line-up for the previous league outing against Wolfsburg two weeks ago.

Oliver Kahn, Michael Ballack and Demichelis returned from injury in place of Bernd Dreher, Ali Karimi and Jens Jeremies, but if those changes were expected, coach Felix Magath still had his customary selection surprise in store.

20-year-old Munich native Andreas Ottl only signed professional forms over the summer and set his target for the season as "a run-out as sub every now and then," but in the absence of regular right-back Willy Sagnol, found himself making a first senior start as Magath opted for the youngster's defensive qualities over Hasan Salihamidzic's more attacking instincts.

Reds Roar Off The Blocks

The leaders oozed tenacity and resolve from the start and had easily the better of a cautious opening quarter-hour.

Zé Roberto twice came close with half-chances, the first after just 20 seconds following superb work from Sebastian Deisler, the next a drive across the face of keeper Frank Rost's goal from Roy Makaay's intelligent lay-off.

The champions were thus good value for their 19th minute lead, the culmination of a slick move featuring Santa Cruz, Deisler and Zé, the Brazilian flirting with offside before sliding a pass into the middle for the Paraguay hitman to finish just the right side of the near post.

The visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure now, the energetic Santa Cruz rounding Bordon and Rafinha before driving narrowly wide and Ballack heading goalwards only to be hauled back by referee Weiner for a push.

Huge Chance For Roy

Kevein Kuranyi and Fabian Ernst both tried their luck from long range but Kahn's goal never came under serious threat.

That was a stark contrast to the opposite end of the field where Rost breathed a huge sigh of relief on 33 minutes as Makaay miscued from Kahn's huge punt and Santa Cruz' lay-off with the goal begging.

Kuranyi and Ballack traded shots with half-time approaching, but the Reds were otherwise content to protect their deserved advantage through to the interval.

Zé Off With Injury

Zé had been one of the best players on display but a groin strain prevented the winger reappearing for the second period, Salihamidzic taking his place.

Unsurprisingly, the Reds no longer had things all their own way as Schalke came out after half-time in dogged mood.

The chances were still anything but clear-cut. Christian Poulsen warned Kahn's gloves, Lincoln's shot was deflected, and the visitors survived a big shout for a penalty when Ismael appeared to bundle Lincoln to the floor on 64 minutes.

Reds Robbed Of Victory

Denmark strike sensation Larsen headed over after a goalmouth scramble as the game entered a tense final 20 minutes, but Makaay and Santa Cruz could have settled the issue on the break after 78 minutes, only for Rost to deny the Dutchman and Roque to blast across the face.

Rost scrambled the ball off sub Ali Karimi's toe at the death, and the late misses were ultimately to prove costly in the dramatic closing minutes as Larsen kept his cool to rescue a point for his side.

LINK

This post has been edited by dfb#18: 18 October 2005 - 12:01 AM

[FC_Utreg]

Schweinsteiger

[sportfriend]

think you got the goals mixed up mate :beer:

[jay-c™]

lol... so i have :P.. edited now :thumb:

and an update on the ballack situation :thumb:

Ballack To Hold More Talks

Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack will engage in more contract talks on Wednesday.

Ballack is out of contract at the end of the season and Bayern are trying to persuade their talisman to sign a new deal.

The German champions are understood to have offered Ballack a contract until 2010 in the hope of keeping him at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern are anxious to have a decision on Ballack's future by the end of October, and coach Felix Magath has expressed a fear the club could lose the 29-year-old.

Manchester United are tracking the Germany international and are rumoured to be preparing a January bid.

But Bayern will be hoping the upcoming round of negotiations with Ballack will bring a positive resolution.

Ballack has, thus far, remained coy about his future but confirmed he will speak to the club again on Wednesday.

"We'll sit down together on Wednesday and we'll see what comes from the talks," Ballack told the club's official website.

The discussions will take place after Bayern's UEFA Champions League tussle with fellow European giants Juventus on Tuesday.

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Magath Fears Ballack Exit

Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath fears Michael Ballack may leave to join Manchester United.

United are widely reported to be monitoring the German international's future at Bayern.

Ballack's current contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the season, but Ballack has yet to confirm his future plans despite the offer of a new deal through to 2010.

Bayern are keen for Ballack to reveal his future plans and Magath admits the attacking midfielder may be tempted to move to England to join United.

"Ballack is a leader - to achieve that status at Manchester he will have to work his way up again," Magath told the News of the World.

"That is a challenge and maybe it is one he will look forward to.

"I am not worried that Michael may be ready to go, but I just want the decision made.

"The most important thing for me is that he makes a choice soon.

"I want to put this behind us and concentrate on football."

United could face competition for Ballack with Internazionale thought to be keen on signing him.

The Italian giants are big admirers of Ballack and could enter the race for his signature should he decide to leave Bayern.

LINK

[jay-c™]

some news regarding bundesliga

Demichelis Handed One-Match Ban

A German Football Association (DFB) disciplinary tribunal has handed Martin Demichelis the least severe penalty available, a one-match domestic ban, for his red card in stoppage time of Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Schalke. Argentine enforcer Micho will miss Bayern's next Bundesliga fixture at home to MSV Duisburg.

Referee Michael Weiner dismissed Demichelis for a foul on Gustavo Varela just seconds after Schalke had netted the equaliser deep into injury time. However, TV replays indicated the straight red was overly harsh, leading the Bayern man to hope for a reduced penalty at the tribunal's deliberations on Monday.

LINK

and look ahead to champions league match with juventus tonight

Sagnol And Liza Set To Face Juventus

With 48 hours remaining before the opening encounter of the Champions League double header against Juventus, Willy Sagnol and Bixente Lizarazu returned from injury on Sunday. The French duo resumed the first-team training programme two days ahead of the eagerly-awaited clash with Italy's most successful club. "The way things stand, they'll both be back in the squad," coach Felix Magath commented.

Lizarazu tore a calf muscle in the European meeting with Bruges and has been sidelined for 18 days. Sagnol pulled a muscle on duty for France last week and was left out of the matchday squad for the trip to Schalke at the weekend.

Treatment For Ze Roberto And Deisler

Ze Roberto and Sebastian Deisler both shone for the German champions in Gelsenkirchen but collected injuries during the 1-1 draw. Zé Roberto failed to emerge for the second half after straining a groin, while Deisler hobbled off seven minutes from time with a knock. The pair sat out Sunday training and reported to the medical unit for treatment. Both are expected to take part in Monday's final workout.

The Brazilian and the Germany starlet should be in contention for Tuesday's European showdown, but Owen Hargreaves remains on the sidelines. The England international has been struggling with a back problem and flu, and although he managed a half-hour of jogging on Sunday, he is not ready for a return to match duty.

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Bayern Prepare To Go 'To The Limit'

The Säbener Strasse press centre is always well-attended on the eve of Champions League matches, but few reporters could remember a media crowd as big as the throng gathered to hear Felix Magath and Michael Ballack on Monday. No fewer than 15 camera crews showed up the day before Bayern's home tie against Juventus, but Magath displayed hardly a flicker of surprise at the intense media spotlight. "Both teams have been among the best professional football has to offer for many years now," the Reds boss commented. However, the match on Tuesday evening (Live in English from 8:30 pm CET on Web Radio) has a special edge in the light of events last season.

Germany's leading club were drawn against their Italian counterparts at the same stage last term, both matches ending in narrow 1-0 victories for the Turin outfit. Unsurprisingly, Munich are bent on revenge. "We were the better team last season, but Juventus were more effective," Magath recalled, "we've learned from that, and it's time we turned the tables."

Magath Targets Top Spot

More than that, victory would see Bayern plant one foot firmly in the knockout stage - and the Munich coach was setting his sights even higher. "It's not just about getting through. It's about finishing top of the section, giving us a better going-in position for the next round," he declared.

Naturally, no-one at the club is under any illusions as to the size of the task against the mighty 'Old Lady' of the Italian game. "Juventus are close to my footballing ideal," Magath said in tones close to awe. Furthermore, the Turin squad was now stronger than a year ago, "and they're among the favourites to lift the trophy," Ballack remarked.

Attack As Best Form Of Defence

Munich approach the fixture with a healthy respect for opponents who have won all their matches this term, both in domestic and European competition, but will nevertheless aim to win the heavyweight encounter. "We'll have to go to the limit, summon up everything we have and make no errors," Ballack acknowledged. Magath indicated attacking tactics: "We need to be passionate, go at them, and look to get forward with the Allianz Arena support urging us on."

Another 66,000 sell-out crowd could provide the edge Bayern seek. Munich have yet to concede a goal at their new home ground, and have won all their matches at the stunning Arena. Home advantage combined with his side's improved form made Magath confident his men could maintain their record against the Italians. "I reckon this will be the match where we spark again after a run of a narrow and humdrum victories," the coach insisted.

Few Injury Concerns

Magath picks from close to a full squad. Willy Sagnol and Bixente Lizarazu are set to return from lay-offs, with Sebastian Deisler (calf) and Zé Roberto (groin) shaking off knocks picked up in the weekend trip to Schalke. The only definite non-starters are Owen Hargreaves, Philipp Lahm and Andreas Görlitz.

Michael Ballack will need to assume a pivotal role on Tuesday. "I hope he's the man to inspire us against Juventus," Magath observed. The coach would also dearly love a glimpse of the old Roy Makaay: the striker has not scored since 27 August, but has always showed a distinct propensity for crucial goals in the Champions League.

First Major Turning Point Of Term

Visiting boss Fabio Capello must contend with considerably greater selection worries. Keeper Gianluigi Buffon has been missing since the summer with a serious shoulder injury, while midfield enforcer Patrick Vieira (groin) was ruled out at the weekend.

The Juve squad still reads like a who's who of Italian and world football, but the Reds can hardly wait to cross swords with Tuesday's visitors. "They're coming at just the right time," Ballack reckoned, "This match will tell us whether we've taken another step forwards in Europe. It's an acid test. We'll know afterwards whether we have a realistic chance of making the final."

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