FC Bayern Munich ~ General Chat & Latest News - Page 2

Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:19 PM

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Oliver Kahn dropped by the Säbener Strasse for the first time since undergoing surgery in the USA. The club captain was still heavily bandaged on his right elbow, but Hitzfeld said the operation had been “optimal”. The keeper should be back in action by early November.

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Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:20 PM

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Philipp Lahm (stretched knee ligaments) should also be fit again at about the same time after missing out since sustaining the injury in early September. “I’m guessing he’ll be able to play again in two to three weeks,” Hitzfeld said.

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Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:21 PM

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On a less positive note, no date has been set for the return of Lahm’s fellow full-back Willy Sagnol (convalescence after knee surgery). The France star managed a few laps of the training ground on Wednesday. “He’s a long way off resuming the team sessions,“ Hitzfeld commented.

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Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:22 PM

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The Oktoberfest, Munich’s ************ beer festival, came to an end on Sunday, but the party down the road at the Allianz Arena shows no signs of finishing.

After another comprehensive victory, this time a 3-0 against Bavarian neighbours Nuremberg, Bayern Munich appear to be head and shoulders above the rest of the league. Man of the match, yet again, was new Italian striker Luca Toni.

His German is somewhat lacking, but the man from Modena already appreciates the less stressful nature of player-supporter relations in the Bundesliga.

“Things are so much calmer here in Germany. We beat Bremen away the other week, but their fans still applauded the team, and when we walked to the team bus they applauded us as well. There was no violence. It was a party for everyone. Beautiful.”

Given his current form, Toni is unlikely to be given a hostile reception by Bayern fans anytime soon. The €11m fee the Bavarians paid to Fiorentina was relatively high by Bundesliga standards, but ten games and ten goals into the striker’s Bayern career, neither party will be regretting the move.

Toni has been nicknamed “the deadlock breaker” by the German media because he has scored the opener in six of his ten games, including last Sunday against Nuremberg and in both Uefa Cup games against Portuguese outfit Belenenses. His ability to consistently get that all important first goal has been crucial to Bayern’s early dominance, relaxing the side and allowing stars like Ribéry and Hamit Altıntop to focus on playing attractive football and running the opposition riot.

It is the range of Toni’s abilities that has most impressed fans in Germany. At 1 metre 94 tall, Toni obviously enjoys a height advantage over many centre-backs, but unlike others, he is highly proficient at directing headers into the corner of the net.

He’s also adept with both feet too, whether it be the lightning reactions that saw him slide in the opener against Nuremberg or his tricky lob against Karlsruhe. And far from being the selfish front-man, the Italian has also provided three assists, mostly for strike partner Miroslav Klose, with whom he jointly heads the Bundesliga scoring charts on eight goals. And all this while allegedly not yet being 100% fit.

Critics, particularly in his home country, will say that substandard opposition is the chief reason for Toni’s recent goal glut. The Bundesliga perhaps lacks the depth of quality of Serie A, but the simple fact is that this is possibly Bayern Munich’s best side ever. They have never enjoyed such a high goal difference (+22) nine games into a season as they have this year. Luca Toni is playing his part.

Besides, the Italian’s scoring exploits are nothing new, as his record of 47 goals in 67 games for Fiorentina and 50 goals in 80 games for Palermo prove. Admittedly he remains to be tested in Europe’s top club competition, the Champions League, but Bayern’s runaway league performance means this should be rectified next season.

FCB

Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:23 PM

Bayern’s first group fixture involves a trip to face FK Crvena Zvezda, perhaps better known under the anglicised name of Red Star Belgrade, a club provoking mixed emotions in Munich. The Bavarians recorded a narrow aggregate victory in the 1979-80 UEFA Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 win on home soil followed by a 3-2 defeat in Belgrade, but the most recent meeting in the 1990-91 European Champions Cup semi-finals evokes painful memories for Germany’s leading club.

Bayern fell 2-1 at home despite taking the lead with a Wohlfahrt strike, but the Bavarians looked like turning the tables in the return as goals from Augenthaler and Bender saw Munich 2-1 ahead with full time fast approaching. Extra-time looked on the cards, until Augenthaler turned from hero to villain with an unlucky last-minute own goal to seal the Reds’ exit.

Domestic giants

Belgrade went on to win the European Cup and then the World Club Cup, the greatest triumphs in a roll of honour featuring 25 domestic championships and 22 Cup triumphs. Red Star, who play at a 55,000 capacity stadium locally known as the Marakana, remain the dominant force in Serbian football and have claimed back-to-back Cup and league doubles in the last two seasons.

The picture has been less rosy on the European stage of late. The Serbs fell in the UEFA Cup first round last term, and the clock has to be wound back eleven years to 1996-7 for their last campaign of note, when they reached the European Cup Winners’ Cup Round of 16. Red Star have routinely failed to qualify for the Champions League proper, only surviving this season’s first qualifying round on away goals against Estonian unknowns Levadia, before losing 1-0 on aggregate to Glasgow giants Rangers in the second round.

Outstanding youth section

The disappointing first round display led to the dismissal of coach Bosko Djurovski after less than six months in the job. New boss Milorad Kosanovic took the helm in mid-August and could not prevent the defeat to Rangers, but he at least oversaw a 2-0 aggregate victory over Polish side Groclin Grodzisk in the UEFA Cup first round.

Red Star remain unbeaten in the Meridian SuperLiga this term, but already lie seven points off leaders Partizan Belgrade, albeit with a game in hand. Coach Kosanovic’s squad largely comprises promising but as yet unknown youngsters, a highly typical situation at a club regarded as one of the greatest youth academies in the Balkans and which numbers Sinisa Mihajlovic, Robert Prosinecki, Dejan Savicevic and Dragan Stojkoviæ as prominent old boys . The last-named became club president in 2005 on a promise to restore past glories.

Braga struggling in seventh

Bayern travel for the second time on 29 November with a trip to Portuguese top flight outfit SC Braga. The northerners finished fourth in Portugal last season to claim a UEFA Cup berth, but Sporting Clube Braga currently lie a disappointing seventh in the table on ten points from seven matches, fully eleven points off leaders Porto.

The club was founded in 1921 but the trophy cabinet boasts just one major accolade, a Cup triumph in 1966. Their most successful foray into Europe came in 1997-8 with an appearance in the UEFA Cup third round, where they lost to Schalke 04.

'Golden Generation' provides coach and striker

Based at the 30,000 capacity Estádio Municipal de Braga and coached by 35-year-old former international Jorge Costa, a member of the Champions League-winning Porto squad in 2004, the Portuguese eliminated Swedish club Hammarby to qualify for the group stage.

The undisputed star of the nation’s sole remaining representatives in the UEFA Cup is three-time Portuguese Player of the Year Joao Pinto. The former international collected serial championships and Cups with Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, and was a member of the so-called “Golden Generation” including Luis Figo, Rui Costa and current boss Jorge Costa, which rose to prominence by winning the 1991 U-20 World Cup on home soil.

Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:26 PM

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Klose, Lahm und Ribéry Weltfußballer-Kandidaten

Mit Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm und Franck Ribéry zählen drei Spieler des FC Bayern zum 30-köpfigen Kandidatenkreis für die Wahl zum Weltfußballer des Jahres 2007. Nach der Vorauswahl der FIFA schreiten nun die Spielführer und Trainer der Nationalteams zur Wahl. Anfang Dezember wird die FIFA die Namen der drei Spieler veröffentlichen, die die meisten Stimmen erhalten haben. Am 17. Dezember wird der Gewinner dann im Rahmen der 17. FIFA World Player Gala im Züricher Opernhaus geehrt.

Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribéry are the 3 Bayern players among the other 30 players from teams all over the world, competing for the prestigious award of 'FIFA Player of the Year 2007'.

By December, the closest 3 names will be learned.
While the winner will be announced on 17 December.

Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:26 PM

Despite Bayern’s five point lead in the league, achieved thanks to the Bundesliga’s best attacking and defensive records, a large proportion of the squad will turn their attention away from the club’s superb start to the season over the next week and a half. A total of ten stars have been called up for international duty in a busy programme of EURO 2008 and World Cup qualifying ties.

Marcell Jansen, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger can help Germany seal a berth at the European Championships when Joachim Löw’s side travel to face Ireland on Saturday 13 October. The following Wednesday (17 October), the Germans entertain the Czech Republic at the Allianz Arena in the match which could settle first place in qualifying Group D.

Comeback for Toni

Jan Schlaudraff and injury victims Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose also travelled to Germany’s Berlin team base on Tuesday, as Löw summoned an expanded squad of 35 players for a pre-EURO get-together. The trio returned to Munich on Wednesday.

The 2006 World Cup host nation are all but assured of their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer, but the situation is considerably less clear-cut for Franck Ribéry and Luca Toni in Group B, where just two points cover Scotland, Italy and France at the head of the section. Toni is set to return for the Azzurri after pulling out of the previous international round in September, as the World Cup holders go in search of victories at home to Georgia and away to Scotland which would see them top the group.

Wary Altintop

An Italy win in Glasgow would benefit Ribéry, as France could then overtake the Scots, provided the Equipe tricolore defeat the struggling Faeroes and Lithuania.

Over in Group C, Hamit Altintop and his Turkey team-mates are hoping to take a giant stride towards a qualifying berth by defeating bottom team Moldova and leaders Greece. Turkey are handily placed in third, but Altintop issued a strong warning before the Moldova clash: “It’s an incredibly important match. We’ve unexpectedly dropped points against the smaller teams in the past.“

World Cup action in South America

The chances of Daniel van Buyten appearing at next summer’s EURO remain remote, as Belgium lie a lowly fifth in Group A with four matches remaining, eight points off the second qualifying berth currently occupied by Finland. The Red Devils urgently need a win at home to the Finns on Saturday to preserve their faint hopes, before Armenia visit Brussles the following Wednesday.

As normal, Martin Demichelis and Lucio will clock up the most air miles at the outset of the marathon South American qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Argentina and Demichelis host Chile on 13 October before visiting Venezuela on 16 October, while Lucio and Brazil travel to Colombia and entertain Ecuador, playing the day after the Argentines on each occasion. Ten nations contest a league format in South America, with the top four qualifying directly for the global finals and the fifth-placed finishers entering a play-off.

Fürstner in Indian adventure

The honour of the most unconventional trip belongs to greenhorn professional Stephan Fürstner. The 20-year-old, currently completing his national service, joins up with the German armed forces national team for the football tournament at the World Military Games from 10 to 20 October in Hyderabad, India. Germany’s first round opponents are Cameroon and North Korea, with the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.

Freddy Adu · 10-10-2007, 08:26 PM

Ottmar Hitzfeld supervised a rump squad of just eight senior stars and three up-and-coming hopefuls in Wednesday’s first training session of the break for international matches, although the coaching staff has promised a demanding schedule for the players left behind in Munich.

Goalkeepers Michael Rensing and Bernd Dreher pursued a separate programme, while fitness coach Zvonko Komes put the remainder of the squad through their paces with a series of uphill sprints, a dash round a course formed from poles and low hurdles, and a final punishing exercise centred on pulling weights.

Sosa returns

For all the rigour and the small size of the group, 22-year-old José Ernesto Sosa visibly enjoyed every minute of his return to the squad programme following a five-week lay-off to recuperate from surgery to remove bone splinters from his right ankle.

Ottmar Hitzfeld is hopeful of seeing the Argentine back in match action very soon: “He may yet be in contention for the Bochum trip, and definitely by the time of the meeting with Dortmund,“ the coach explained. Miroslav Klose (shin) should also be fit again soon. “I hope to see him training with the team again next week. That would be perfect,“ Hitzfeld remarked.

Zé Roberto absent, Kahn back in Munich

Klose is not yet at the stage where he can contemplate running. “Miro still has a touch of fluid around the injured area,“ Hitzfeld explained, although the striker should get the green light to go jogging any day now.

Zé Roberto will be absent for a short time, as the Brazilian called in sick with the flu on Wednesday, although Oliver Kahn dropped by the Säbener Strasse for the first time since undergoing surgery in the USA. The club captain was still heavily bandaged on his right elbow, but Hitzfeld said the operation had been “optimal”. The keeper should be back in action by early November.

Lahm closer to fitness than Sagnol

Philipp Lahm (stretched knee ligaments) should also be fit again at about the same time after missing out since sustaining the injury in early September. “I’m guessing he’ll be able to play again in two to three weeks,” Hitzfeld said. On a less positive note, no date has been set for the return of Lahm’s fellow full-back Willy Sagnol (convalescence after knee surgery). The France star managed a few laps of the training ground on Wednesday. “He’s a long way off resuming the team sessions,“ Hitzfeld commented.

Freddy Adu · 10-11-2007, 11:17 PM

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Tempi duri per Podolski al Bayern: "Ci aspettiamo di più da lui"
Il giocatore "redarguito" da Karl Heinz Rummenigge.

Non è contento del rendimento del suo attaccante e non ha proprio parole diplomatiche per dirlo pubblicamente. Kalle Rummenigge parla del momento non proprio esaltante dell'attaccante della nazionale tedesca, quasi avvertendolo di dover migliorare il suo ruolino di marcia per non finire sul mercato.

Le statistiche parlano chiaro: nelle cinque apparizioni effettuate quest'anno (nessuna da titolare in Bundesliga) Podolski non è mai andato a segno, rinnovando i dubbi relativi alla sua condizione fisica dopo i problemi al ginocchio che lo hanno limitato nel recente passato.

"Non siamo affatto contenti - ha detto l'ex attaccante dell'Inter, attualmente figura dirigenziale tra le più importanti nella società di Allianz Arena - Ci aspettiamo molto di più da Podolski".

C'è addirittura chi ipotizza già la possibilità che il giocatore venga messo in vendita. Sarebbe una scommessa persa per il sodalizio bavarese, pronto nella scorsa stagione ad investire qualcosa come 10 milioni di euro per il cartellino dell'ex Colonia.

Poldi facing hard times with Bayern and he is expected to do better.

Freddy Adu · 10-11-2007, 11:21 PM

Oliver Kahn put in the longest working day of all the Bayern squad on Thursday, as the giant keeper was first to arrive at the Säbener Strasse and last to leave. A week after an operation on his elbow, the Bayern captain continued to pursue a rehab programme involving three long runs round the training ground on Thursday. “I’m feeling in great shape,“ he reported afterwards.

Kahn’s elbow is still heavily bandaged, but even in his final season as a pro and just days after returning from his appointment with the specialists at the Mayo Clinic in the USA, the 37-year-old has no intention of taking it easy. “There are plenty of things I can do, nothing specifically in terms of goalkeeping, but I can work on my fitness. That’s the positive side to this injury,” he reasoned.

One step at a time

Kahn will not attempt to use his right arm until the medical unit clears him to do so. The plan is to re-introduce the affected elbow step by step to the demands of top flight goalkeeping, while the player will need time to regain confidence in the joint’s stability under pressure. The Munich skipper appreciates the circumstances from the time he tore a cruciate ligament back in 1994. “Elbow, cruciate, it’s the same situation,” he remarked.

The player denied he was under pressure to make a speedy return. “I’m not setting myself any deadlines,” he explained, happy to take his time until recovering full fitness and expecting to return to match action “in three to four weeks,” i.e. in early November.

Freddy Adu · 10-11-2007, 11:23 PM

Following the draw for the UEFA Cup group stage last Tuesday, establishing the fixture plan for the four German clubs in the competition, the German Football League (DFL) published the final schedule for Bundesliga Matchdays 10 to 17 in Frankfurt on Thursday.

In the remaining weeks before Christmas, Bayern will play five Bundesliga fixtures on a Saturday and two on Sundays. On Matchday 11, the trip to face Borussia Dortmund (28 October), and on Matchday 15, when the Reds visit Arminia Bielefeld (2 December), kick-off is at 5 pm on Sunday. Munich have away UEFA Cup ties three days before the domestic fixtures in question, against Red Star Belgrade and SC Braga respectively.

Calendar year ends in Berlin

Bayern’s Saturday fixtures start with Matchday 12 (3 November) at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by the away clash with champions VfB Stuttgart a week later. Following a break for internationals in mid-November, the Reds entertain Matchday 14 opponents VfL Wolfsburg on 24 November.

The last two Bundesliga fixtures of the year 2007 see Bayern at home to MSV Duisburg on 8 December, followed by the trip to Hertha BSC Berlin a week later. All Saturday matches kick off at 3.30 pm CET. The league season resumes with Matchday 18 in early February. A detailed schedule for the initial matches in the second half of the season is provisionally scheduled for publication in mid-November.

http://www.soccerforums.com/forums/b...s-results.html

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 12:39 AM

C. Zvezda vs Bayern

Taça UEFA 2007/2008 | Fase de Grupos | Group F


C. Zvezda				Bayern

Date
2007-10-25

City
Beograd

Stadium
Marakana

Referee

Last Matches


League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
CL	C. Zvezda	2-2	Bayern	Taça dos Campeões 1990/1991

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 12:43 AM

Lmao I cant wait to see Bayern crush this shit team.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:23 PM

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka believes the club's UEFA Cup draw alongside Bayern Munich will give them a chance to lay down a marker in European football.

The two clubs were yesterday pitted together in Group F of Europe's second tier competition, and their clash at the Allianz Arena on November 8 could be crucial to deciding which team reaches the last 32.

Red Star Belgrade, Aris Salonika and Braga will also compete in the group but it is the trip to Munich which excites Anelka.

'I would love to go there and upset the world of football by winning. It would put Bolton on the map in terms of being a European force,' he told the club's website.

'Bayern Munich are the best team in the competition and will give us a great test in Munich.

'Bayern have some great players that will be a threat to us. My international team-mate Franck Ribery joined them from Marseille this season and he is a great talent, who has the ability to change a game.

'But at this stage of the competition you face pressure games and it is a fantastic draw for the club. The objective of the group stages is to win your home games and try to get something out of the two away games.'

Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes Bolton will pose the biggest threat to his side's chances of progressing.

'I see Bolton Wanderers and Red Star Belgrade as our strongest opponents,' said Hitzfeld, who has won the Champions League with two different clubs, but has yet to lift the UEFA Cup.

'On the other hand, Bayern is always going to be the favourite, and that is true here too. This is a very attractive draw with very good opponents, but we have only one aim: to reach the third round.'

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:24 PM

It is being reported that Bayern trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld has a second option in mind should he leave the Bundesliga side- the Swiss national job.

“I’ve thought about it, and have to come to a conclusion. There are two options for me: Bayern Munich or the Swiss national team” the 58 year old Swiss tabloid ‘Blick’.

Hitzfeld’s readiness to succeed Kobi Kuhn has been received positively by the Swiss Football Federation. “I’m personally delighted that an experienced coach like Ottmar Hitzfeld would show interest in the Swiss national team” admitted FA President Ralph Zloczower.

Ernst Lämmli, a delegate with the FA explained, “It’s fantastic if Ottmar has such an idea.”

A decision upon the successor to Kobi Kuhn will be taken in February or March next year after the Euro 2008 Championships in Austria/ Switzerland. Kuhn has decided not to extend his current contract.

Alongside Hitzfeld, Kuhns’s assistant Michel Pont, and FC Basel trainer Christian Gross are expected to be in the frame.

Hitzfeld returned to Munich in February of this year succeeding Felix Magath at the Allianz Arena for his second spell in charge at the club.

‘The General’ has already coached in Switzerland with spells at Grasshopper Zürich, FC Aarau and SC Zug. He also appeared for FC Basel, FC Lugano and FC Lucern as a player.

Hitzfeld owns a second home in the ski resort of Engelberg, and is current building a new home in his birthplace of Lörrach on the Swiss border.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:24 PM

Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:24 PM

Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:25 PM

Fit-again Klose set for return in Bochum

In seven appearances so far, Klose has amassed a sensational eight goals and four assists – and if Saturday’s workout is any guide, the Germany international appears to be recovering well from a recent injury, and may have the chance to increase his tally when Bayern travel to face VfL Bochum next weekend.

Klose returned to the training ground for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in the league visit to Leverkusen on 29 September. “It was a test of his fitness. He managed the programme well and I think he’ll play a full part again on Tuesday,“ reported assistant coach Michael Henke after supervising Saturday’s session in the absence of head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld on business in Switzerland.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:25 PM

By contrast, Brazil star Zé Roberto was still absent on Saturday. “He’s got a bad dose of the flu and it’s pretty much knocked him flat,“ reported Henke, hoping a weekend off would enable Ze to shake off the illness.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:26 PM

Joachim Loew has confirmed Podolski will be a starter for Germany in the match against Czech Republic.

Kick-off: 17 October, 20.45 h, @ Allianz Arena.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:28 PM

Van Buyten could leave in the January transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund have been linked with him.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:29 PM

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Anstoßzeit in Belgrad festgelegt

Drei Tage nach der UEFA-Cup-Auslosung steht nun fest, wann das erste Gruppenspiel des FC Bayern bei Roter Stern Belgrad am 25. Oktober angepfiffen wird: um 21.15 Uhr. Damit ist für den FC Bayern nur noch die Anstoßzeit des Auswärtsspiels beim SC Braga offen.

The kick-off time for Bayern's UEFA Cup group match,
against Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) in Belgrade, on 25th October, has been set: 21.15h

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:29 PM

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ZDF überträgt Auswärtsspiele in Belgrad und Braga

Das ZDF hat sich die Rechte für die Übertragung der beiden Auswärtsspiele des FCB in der UEFA-Cup-Gruppenphase gesichert. Am 25.10. überträgt der Mainzer Sender die Partie der Münchner bei Roter Stern Belgrad und am 29.11. die Begegnung beim SC Braga. Das ZDF hatte bereits das Vorrundenspiel bei Os Belenenses übertragen. Alle Heimspiele der Bayern bis inklusive eines möglichen Achtelfinales laufen exklusiv bei ProSieben.

Germany's 2nd public television 'ZDF' has the rights to broadcast live both Bayern's away UEFA Cup group matches.
On 25 October 'ZDF' broadcasts live from Belgrade, and on 29 November 'ZDF' broadcasts live from Braga.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:29 PM

As Mark van Bommel demonstrated on Saturday, a weekend without Bundesliga fixtures can provide a useful opportunity to catch up on family commitments. The midfielder’s father-in-law Bert van Marwijk, coach at current Dutch league leaders Feyenoord Rotterdam, is currently spending time with his daughter and son-in-law in Munich. The former Dortmund boss called by the Säbener Straße on Saturday to observe Mark and his Bayern team-mates train.

“We gave our players the weekend off, so I took the opportunity to visit my family in Munich. I don’t get the chance very often,“ Van Marwijk told fcbayern.de. The respected coach described himself as “very pleased” with Feyenoord’s start to the campaign, and the form of ex-Bayern striker Roy Makaay, who has contributed five goals and four assists to the Rotterdam outfit’s 16 goals so far.

Klose making good progress

Miroslav Klose, one of Makaay’s immediate successors in Munich, boasts equally impressive personal statistics. In seven appearances so far, Klose has amassed a sensational eight goals and four assists – and if Saturday’s workout is any guide, the Germany international appears to be recovering well from a recent injury, and may have the chance to increase his tally when Bayern travel to face VfL Bochum next weekend.

Klose returned to the training ground for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in the league visit to Leverkusen on 29 September. “It was a test of his fitness. He managed the programme well and I think he’ll play a full part again on Tuesday,“ reported assistant coach Michael Henke after supervising Saturday’s session in the absence of head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld on business in Switzerland.

Demanding programme

Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off. By contrast, Brazil star Zé Roberto was still absent on Saturday. “He’s got a bad dose of the flu and it’s pretty much knocked him flat,“ reported Henke, hoping a weekend off would enable Ze to shake off the illness.

Despite the reduced numbers for training with ten players away on international duty, Henke declared himself pleased with the work achieved in recent days: “We’ve been working very hard. I think the players who’ve been here will benefit from that over the coming weeks.“ The next session has been set for Tuesday: “We’re having two days off now for mental and physical regeneration.“ The perfect chance indeed for footballing families such as the Van Bommel/Van Mawijks to enjoy time together even during the bustle of the season.

Freddy Adu · 10-15-2007, 10:29 PM

Germany celebrated their best-ever European Championship qualifying campaign by claiming a EURO 2008 berth with three games to spare, courtesy of a goalless draw with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday night. Joachim Löw’s team thus become the first nation apart from the joint hosts to book a place at next summer’s tournament in Switzerland and Austria.

A depleted Germany line-up struggled for rhythm in a physical encounter at Croke Park, a situation partly attributable to the early departure of Bayern playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger following an 18th-minute collision with Kevin Kilbane. The 23-year-old Munich man required seven stitches to repair a four-centimetre cut. “He’s fine again now,” reported assistant boss Hansi Flick at half-time. The midfielder is expected to be fit for Germany’s top-of-the-table clash with the Czech Republic in Munich on Wednesday.

Podolski as super sub

The 68,000 crowd saw Schweinsteiger’s team-mate Marcell Jansen complete the full 90 minutes, delivering a clutch of dangerous crosses from the left wing. Lukas Podolski started from the bench before replacing Stuttgart’s Mario Gomez after 64 minutes. “He had a few good moments and looked dangerous,“ head coach Löw said in praise of the Bayern striker.

Elsewhere, Franck Ribery and his France team-mates completed a routine 6-0 victory away to the outclassed Faeroe Islands. Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring on six minutes after fine build-up play from Ribery, before Thierry Henry (8), Karim Benzema (50), Jerome Rothen (66), Karim Benzema (81) and Hatem Ben Arfa (90), who came on for Ribery in the 64th minute, rattled up the remaining goals. The World Cup runners-up now require victories against Lithuania in Nantes on Wednesday and away to the Ukraine on 21 November to be sure of progressing from Group B.

Held up by fog

The game in front of 8,076 spectators at the Torsvollor stadium may have been a mismatch, but the French squad’s trip to the Faeroes proved eventful. Dense fog prevented the party from travelling to the islands on Friday, compelling Ribery and Co to spend an unscheduled night in Norway before making another attempt to travel on Saturday. Even then, the two-time European champions only landed in Torshavn three and a half hours before kick-off.

World Cup winners Italy ran up a crucial 2-0 victory over Georgia in Genoa courtesy of goals from Andrea Pirlo (44) and Fabio Grosso (84) to move onto 23 points in the hotly-contested Group B, one ahead of France but still one behind Scotland, 3-1 winners against Ukraine. Munich’s Luca Toni played the full 90 minutes and was unlucky to see a first-half header come back off the post, although Luca did provide the assist for Grosso’s decisive late strike.

Full game for Van Buyten

The evening ended on a less positive note for Hamit Altintop, suspended for Turkey’s disappointing 1-1 draw in Moldova. The result leaves Turkey second in Group C, just a point ahead of Norway going into Wednesday’s showdown with leaders and reigning Euro champions Greece in Istanbul. Finally, Daniel van Buyten will have been delighted to complete the full 90 minutes for Belgium at home to Finland, although the goalless draw finally extinguished the Red Devils’ already slender hopes of qualifying for next summer’s tournament.

Over in South America, Martin Demichelis and Argentina made a successful start to their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 home win against Chile thanks to free-kick goals from Juan Roman Riquelme (27/45+1). Demichelis earned plaudits for another solid display at centre-half. “It was very important to start with a win,” Micho declared after the match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The Albiceleste now travel to face Venezuela in Maracaibo on Tuesday.

Freddy Adu · 10-20-2007, 02:30 AM

Barcelona move for Bayern Munich fullback Lahm

Barcelona are moving for Bayern Munich left-back Philip Lahm.

Kicker says Barca see the Germany international as a potential replacement for Gianluca Zambrotta.

Barca chiefs have concerns over Zambrotta's long-term fitness and have already made contact with Lahm's agents about a move to the Nou Camp at the end of this season.

Freddy Adu · 10-20-2007, 02:31 AM

Bayern Munich chief: We want Lazio's Pandev

Bayern Munich are chasing Lazio attacking midfielder Goran Pandev.

Bayern chief scout Paul Breitner admitted this week: "We want Goran Pandev.

"We've come to Italy three times already this season to watch him and will be back for the derby on October 31."

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is understood to have already rejected a £15 million offer from one European club this month for Pandev.

Freddy Adu · 10-20-2007, 02:31 AM

Roma chasing Bayern Munich defender Lucio

Roma are chasing Bayern Munich defender Lucio.

The Brazil international has emerged as an alternative for Roma in the event they cannot reach an agreement with Matteo Ferrari over a new deal.

Roma have been tracking Lucio since his days at Bayer Leverkusen and Giallorossi chiefs are aware he wants to leave the Bundesliga. The defender is contracted to Bayern until 2009 and Roma are convinced they can land him with a £4 million bid.

Roma, meanwhile, will also send fullback Vitorio Antunes away on-loan in January.

Freddy Adu · 10-20-2007, 02:33 AM

Lothar Matthäus won the Bundesliga six times with FC Bayern München. bundesliga.de asked him to take a close look at 2007’s FCB.

Question: Is the current team the best FC Bayern ever?

Lothar Matthäus: You can’t compare today’s football to the football that was played when Bayern had the great team around Franz Beckenbauer. But it’s definitely great fun to watch FC Bayern. At FC Bayern the team is always better than the year before, in every season.

Q: Are the signings of Franck Ribery, Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose the only reasons for the upturn?

Matthäus: Bayern have learned from last season. They rested on the success of the previous years for too long. But it was an eye opener for the people responsible. It was a good thing to draw a line and to invest. That benefits not only FC Bayern, but the Bundesliga, too. And not only because of the results. The way they play football makes them popular with fans of other teams, too. That’s why the cut was very positive for FC Bayern, not only sportingly but also for the image.

Q: Do you see a team that could be dangerous for FC Bayern this season?

Matthäus: Bayern can only beat themselves this season, especially in the league. You can always have a bad day in the cup and be eliminated, but they won’t get beaten in the league. They have the best team and have started the season outstandingly. The rivals have already dropped points. Defending champions VfB are already 13 points behind Bayern.

Q: What makes Bayern so strong, compared to last season?

Matthäus: They act as a team again, play refreshing football and have fun. That’s the most important thing, to not only see football as a profession. Ribery for example is a real joker, be it in training or on travels. At the moment everything fits at FC Bayern.

Q: Could Karlsruher SC be a threat for Bayern?

Matthäus: No, KSC are not strong enough to stay at the top. But I didn’t rate them as relegation candidates before the season. They will end up in midfield, everything else would be a surprise. They’re on a run at the moment and live on euphoria. And they’ve strengthened very well with minor financial funds.

10-10-2007, 08:23 PM	#35 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Away opponents \| Unhappy memories and a new destination Bayern’s first group fixture involves a trip to face FK Crvena Zvezda, perhaps better known under the anglicised name of Red Star Belgrade, a club provoking mixed emotions in Munich. The Bavarians recorded a narrow aggregate victory in the 1979-80 UEFA Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 win on home soil followed by a 3-2 defeat in Belgrade, but the most recent meeting in the 1990-91 European Champions Cup semi-finals evokes painful memories for Germany’s leading club. Bayern fell 2-1 at home despite taking the lead with a Wohlfahrt strike, but the Bavarians looked like turning the tables in the return as goals from Augenthaler and Bender saw Munich 2-1 ahead with full time fast approaching. Extra-time looked on the cards, until Augenthaler turned from hero to villain with an unlucky last-minute own goal to seal the Reds’ exit. Domestic giants Belgrade went on to win the European Cup and then the World Club Cup, the greatest triumphs in a roll of honour featuring 25 domestic championships and 22 Cup triumphs. Red Star, who play at a 55,000 capacity stadium locally known as the Marakana, remain the dominant force in Serbian football and have claimed back-to-back Cup and league doubles in the last two seasons. The picture has been less rosy on the European stage of late. The Serbs fell in the UEFA Cup first round last term, and the clock has to be wound back eleven years to 1996-7 for their last campaign of note, when they reached the European Cup Winners’ Cup Round of 16. Red Star have routinely failed to qualify for the Champions League proper, only surviving this season’s first qualifying round on away goals against Estonian unknowns Levadia, before losing 1-0 on aggregate to Glasgow giants Rangers in the second round. Outstanding youth section The disappointing first round display led to the dismissal of coach Bosko Djurovski after less than six months in the job. New boss Milorad Kosanovic took the helm in mid-August and could not prevent the defeat to Rangers, but he at least oversaw a 2-0 aggregate victory over Polish side Groclin Grodzisk in the UEFA Cup first round. Red Star remain unbeaten in the Meridian SuperLiga this term, but already lie seven points off leaders Partizan Belgrade, albeit with a game in hand. Coach Kosanovic’s squad largely comprises promising but as yet unknown youngsters, a highly typical situation at a club regarded as one of the greatest youth academies in the Balkans and which numbers Sinisa Mihajlovic, Robert Prosinecki, Dejan Savicevic and Dragan Stojkoviæ as prominent old boys . The last-named became club president in 2005 on a promise to restore past glories. Braga struggling in seventh Bayern travel for the second time on 29 November with a trip to Portuguese top flight outfit SC Braga. The northerners finished fourth in Portugal last season to claim a UEFA Cup berth, but Sporting Clube Braga currently lie a disappointing seventh in the table on ten points from seven matches, fully eleven points off leaders Porto. The club was founded in 1921 but the trophy cabinet boasts just one major accolade, a Cup triumph in 1966. Their most successful foray into Europe came in 1997-8 with an appearance in the UEFA Cup third round, where they lost to Schalke 04. 'Golden Generation' provides coach and striker Based at the 30,000 capacity Estádio Municipal de Braga and coached by 35-year-old former international Jorge Costa, a member of the Champions League-winning Porto squad in 2004, the Portuguese eliminated Swedish club Hammarby to qualify for the group stage. The undisputed star of the nation’s sole remaining representatives in the UEFA Cup is three-time Portuguese Player of the Year Joao Pinto. The former international collected serial championships and Cups with Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, and was a member of the so-called “Golden Generation” including Luis Figo, Rui Costa and current boss Jorge Costa, which rose to prominence by winning the 1991 U-20 World Cup on home soil.

10-10-2007, 08:26 PM	#37 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Ten called up on international duty \| Qualifying in focus for Bayern’s top stars Despite Bayern’s five point lead in the league, achieved thanks to the Bundesliga’s best attacking and defensive records, a large proportion of the squad will turn their attention away from the club’s superb start to the season over the next week and a half. A total of ten stars have been called up for international duty in a busy programme of EURO 2008 and World Cup qualifying ties. Marcell Jansen, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger can help Germany seal a berth at the European Championships when Joachim Löw’s side travel to face Ireland on Saturday 13 October. The following Wednesday (17 October), the Germans entertain the Czech Republic at the Allianz Arena in the match which could settle first place in qualifying Group D. Comeback for Toni Jan Schlaudraff and injury victims Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose also travelled to Germany’s Berlin team base on Tuesday, as Löw summoned an expanded squad of 35 players for a pre-EURO get-together. The trio returned to Munich on Wednesday. The 2006 World Cup host nation are all but assured of their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer, but the situation is considerably less clear-cut for Franck Ribéry and Luca Toni in Group B, where just two points cover Scotland, Italy and France at the head of the section. Toni is set to return for the Azzurri after pulling out of the previous international round in September, as the World Cup holders go in search of victories at home to Georgia and away to Scotland which would see them top the group. Wary Altintop An Italy win in Glasgow would benefit Ribéry, as France could then overtake the Scots, provided the Equipe tricolore defeat the struggling Faeroes and Lithuania. Over in Group C, Hamit Altintop and his Turkey team-mates are hoping to take a giant stride towards a qualifying berth by defeating bottom team Moldova and leaders Greece. Turkey are handily placed in third, but Altintop issued a strong warning before the Moldova clash: “It’s an incredibly important match. We’ve unexpectedly dropped points against the smaller teams in the past.“ World Cup action in South America The chances of Daniel van Buyten appearing at next summer’s EURO remain remote, as Belgium lie a lowly fifth in Group A with four matches remaining, eight points off the second qualifying berth currently occupied by Finland. The Red Devils urgently need a win at home to the Finns on Saturday to preserve their faint hopes, before Armenia visit Brussles the following Wednesday. As normal, Martin Demichelis and Lucio will clock up the most air miles at the outset of the marathon South American qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Argentina and Demichelis host Chile on 13 October before visiting Venezuela on 16 October, while Lucio and Brazil travel to Colombia and entertain Ecuador, playing the day after the Argentines on each occasion. Ten nations contest a league format in South America, with the top four qualifying directly for the global finals and the fifth-placed finishers entering a play-off. Fürstner in Indian adventure The honour of the most unconventional trip belongs to greenhorn professional Stephan Fürstner. The 20-year-old, currently completing his national service, joins up with the German armed forces national team for the football tournament at the World Military Games from 10 to 20 October in Hyderabad, India. Germany’s first round opponents are Cameroon and North Korea, with the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.

10-10-2007, 08:26 PM	#38 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	News from the medical unit: Sosa resumes team training programme Ottmar Hitzfeld supervised a rump squad of just eight senior stars and three up-and-coming hopefuls in Wednesday’s first training session of the break for international matches, although the coaching staff has promised a demanding schedule for the players left behind in Munich. Goalkeepers Michael Rensing and Bernd Dreher pursued a separate programme, while fitness coach Zvonko Komes put the remainder of the squad through their paces with a series of uphill sprints, a dash round a course formed from poles and low hurdles, and a final punishing exercise centred on pulling weights. Sosa returns For all the rigour and the small size of the group, 22-year-old José Ernesto Sosa visibly enjoyed every minute of his return to the squad programme following a five-week lay-off to recuperate from surgery to remove bone splinters from his right ankle. Ottmar Hitzfeld is hopeful of seeing the Argentine back in match action very soon: “He may yet be in contention for the Bochum trip, and definitely by the time of the meeting with Dortmund,“ the coach explained. Miroslav Klose (shin) should also be fit again soon. “I hope to see him training with the team again next week. That would be perfect,“ Hitzfeld remarked. Zé Roberto absent, Kahn back in Munich Klose is not yet at the stage where he can contemplate running. “Miro still has a touch of fluid around the injured area,“ Hitzfeld explained, although the striker should get the green light to go jogging any day now. Zé Roberto will be absent for a short time, as the Brazilian called in sick with the flu on Wednesday, although Oliver Kahn dropped by the Säbener Strasse for the first time since undergoing surgery in the USA. The club captain was still heavily bandaged on his right elbow, but Hitzfeld said the operation had been “optimal”. The keeper should be back in action by early November. Lahm closer to fitness than Sagnol Philipp Lahm (stretched knee ligaments) should also be fit again at about the same time after missing out since sustaining the injury in early September. “I’m guessing he’ll be able to play again in two to three weeks,” Hitzfeld said. On a less positive note, no date has been set for the return of Lahm’s fellow full-back Willy Sagnol (convalescence after knee surgery). The France star managed a few laps of the training ground on Wednesday. “He’s a long way off resuming the team sessions,“ Hitzfeld commented.

10-11-2007, 11:21 PM	#40 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Rehab after surgery \| Kahn: ‘I’m feeling in great shape’ Oliver Kahn put in the longest working day of all the Bayern squad on Thursday, as the giant keeper was first to arrive at the Säbener Strasse and last to leave. A week after an operation on his elbow, the Bayern captain continued to pursue a rehab programme involving three long runs round the training ground on Thursday. “I’m feeling in great shape,“ he reported afterwards. Kahn’s elbow is still heavily bandaged, but even in his final season as a pro and just days after returning from his appointment with the specialists at the Mayo Clinic in the USA, the 37-year-old has no intention of taking it easy. “There are plenty of things I can do, nothing specifically in terms of goalkeeping, but I can work on my fitness. That’s the positive side to this injury,” he reasoned. One step at a time Kahn will not attempt to use his right arm until the medical unit clears him to do so. The plan is to re-introduce the affected elbow step by step to the demands of top flight goalkeeping, while the player will need time to regain confidence in the joint’s stability under pressure. The Munich skipper appreciates the circumstances from the time he tore a cruciate ligament back in 1994. “Elbow, cruciate, it’s the same situation,” he remarked. The player denied he was under pressure to make a speedy return. “I’m not setting myself any deadlines,” he explained, happy to take his time until recovering full fitness and expecting to return to match action “in three to four weeks,” i.e. in early November.

10-11-2007, 11:23 PM	#41 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Matchdays 10 to 17 \| Schedule finalised through to winter break Following the draw for the UEFA Cup group stage last Tuesday, establishing the fixture plan for the four German clubs in the competition, the German Football League (DFL) published the final schedule for Bundesliga Matchdays 10 to 17 in Frankfurt on Thursday. In the remaining weeks before Christmas, Bayern will play five Bundesliga fixtures on a Saturday and two on Sundays. On Matchday 11, the trip to face Borussia Dortmund (28 October), and on Matchday 15, when the Reds visit Arminia Bielefeld (2 December), kick-off is at 5 pm on Sunday. Munich have away UEFA Cup ties three days before the domestic fixtures in question, against Red Star Belgrade and SC Braga respectively. Calendar year ends in Berlin Bayern’s Saturday fixtures start with Matchday 12 (3 November) at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by the away clash with champions VfB Stuttgart a week later. Following a break for internationals in mid-November, the Reds entertain Matchday 14 opponents VfL Wolfsburg on 24 November. The last two Bundesliga fixtures of the year 2007 see Bayern at home to MSV Duisburg on 8 December, followed by the trip to Hertha BSC Berlin a week later. All Saturday matches kick off at 3.30 pm CET. The league season resumes with Matchday 18 in early February. A detailed schedule for the initial matches in the second half of the season is provisionally scheduled for publication in mid-November. http://www.soccerforums.com/forums/b...s-results.html

10-15-2007, 12:43 AM	#43 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Lmao I cant wait to see Bayern crush this shit team.

10-15-2007, 10:23 PM	#44 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Anelka confident of causing shock for Bayern Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka believes the club's UEFA Cup draw alongside Bayern Munich will give them a chance to lay down a marker in European football. The two clubs were yesterday pitted together in Group F of Europe's second tier competition, and their clash at the Allianz Arena on November 8 could be crucial to deciding which team reaches the last 32. Red Star Belgrade, Aris Salonika and Braga will also compete in the group but it is the trip to Munich which excites Anelka. 'I would love to go there and upset the world of football by winning. It would put Bolton on the map in terms of being a European force,' he told the club's website. 'Bayern Munich are the best team in the competition and will give us a great test in Munich. 'Bayern have some great players that will be a threat to us. My international team-mate Franck Ribery joined them from Marseille this season and he is a great talent, who has the ability to change a game. 'But at this stage of the competition you face pressure games and it is a fantastic draw for the club. The objective of the group stages is to win your home games and try to get something out of the two away games.' Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes Bolton will pose the biggest threat to his side's chances of progressing. 'I see Bolton Wanderers and Red Star Belgrade as our strongest opponents,' said Hitzfeld, who has won the Champions League with two different clubs, but has yet to lift the UEFA Cup. 'On the other hand, Bayern is always going to be the favourite, and that is true here too. This is a very attractive draw with very good opponents, but we have only one aim: to reach the third round.'

10-15-2007, 10:24 PM	#45 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	It is being reported that Bayern trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld has a second option in mind should he leave the Bundesliga side- the Swiss national job. “I’ve thought about it, and have to come to a conclusion. There are two options for me: Bayern Munich or the Swiss national team” the 58 year old Swiss tabloid ‘Blick’. Hitzfeld’s readiness to succeed Kobi Kuhn has been received positively by the Swiss Football Federation. “I’m personally delighted that an experienced coach like Ottmar Hitzfeld would show interest in the Swiss national team” admitted FA President Ralph Zloczower. Ernst Lämmli, a delegate with the FA explained, “It’s fantastic if Ottmar has such an idea.” A decision upon the successor to Kobi Kuhn will be taken in February or March next year after the Euro 2008 Championships in Austria/ Switzerland. Kuhn has decided not to extend his current contract. Alongside Hitzfeld, Kuhns’s assistant Michel Pont, and FC Basel trainer Christian Gross are expected to be in the frame. Hitzfeld returned to Munich in February of this year succeeding Felix Magath at the Allianz Arena for his second spell in charge at the club. ‘The General’ has already coached in Switzerland with spells at Grasshopper Zürich, FC Aarau and SC Zug. He also appeared for FC Basel, FC Lugano and FC Lucern as a player. Hitzfeld owns a second home in the ski resort of Engelberg, and is current building a new home in his birthplace of Lörrach on the Swiss border.

10-15-2007, 10:24 PM	#46 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off.

10-15-2007, 10:24 PM	#47 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off.

10-15-2007, 10:25 PM	#48 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Fit-again Klose set for return in Bochum In seven appearances so far, Klose has amassed a sensational eight goals and four assists – and if Saturday’s workout is any guide, the Germany international appears to be recovering well from a recent injury, and may have the chance to increase his tally when Bayern travel to face VfL Bochum next weekend. Klose returned to the training ground for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in the league visit to Leverkusen on 29 September. “It was a test of his fitness. He managed the programme well and I think he’ll play a full part again on Tuesday,“ reported assistant coach Michael Henke after supervising Saturday’s session in the absence of head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld on business in Switzerland.

10-15-2007, 10:25 PM	#49 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	By contrast, Brazil star Zé Roberto was still absent on Saturday. “He’s got a bad dose of the flu and it’s pretty much knocked him flat,“ reported Henke, hoping a weekend off would enable Ze to shake off the illness.

10-15-2007, 10:26 PM	#50 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Joachim Loew has confirmed Podolski will be a starter for Germany in the match against Czech Republic. Kick-off: 17 October, 20.45 h, @ Allianz Arena.

10-15-2007, 10:28 PM	#51 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Van Buyten could leave in the January transfer window. Borussia Dortmund have been linked with him.

10-15-2007, 10:29 PM	#54 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Team news \| Fit-again Klose set for return in Bochum As Mark van Bommel demonstrated on Saturday, a weekend without Bundesliga fixtures can provide a useful opportunity to catch up on family commitments. The midfielder’s father-in-law Bert van Marwijk, coach at current Dutch league leaders Feyenoord Rotterdam, is currently spending time with his daughter and son-in-law in Munich. The former Dortmund boss called by the Säbener Straße on Saturday to observe Mark and his Bayern team-mates train. “We gave our players the weekend off, so I took the opportunity to visit my family in Munich. I don’t get the chance very often,“ Van Marwijk told fcbayern.de. The respected coach described himself as “very pleased” with Feyenoord’s start to the campaign, and the form of ex-Bayern striker Roy Makaay, who has contributed five goals and four assists to the Rotterdam outfit’s 16 goals so far. Klose making good progress Miroslav Klose, one of Makaay’s immediate successors in Munich, boasts equally impressive personal statistics. In seven appearances so far, Klose has amassed a sensational eight goals and four assists – and if Saturday’s workout is any guide, the Germany international appears to be recovering well from a recent injury, and may have the chance to increase his tally when Bayern travel to face VfL Bochum next weekend. Klose returned to the training ground for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in the league visit to Leverkusen on 29 September. “It was a test of his fitness. He managed the programme well and I think he’ll play a full part again on Tuesday,“ reported assistant coach Michael Henke after supervising Saturday’s session in the absence of head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld on business in Switzerland. Demanding programme Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off. By contrast, Brazil star Zé Roberto was still absent on Saturday. “He’s got a bad dose of the flu and it’s pretty much knocked him flat,“ reported Henke, hoping a weekend off would enable Ze to shake off the illness. Despite the reduced numbers for training with ten players away on international duty, Henke declared himself pleased with the work achieved in recent days: “We’ve been working very hard. I think the players who’ve been here will benefit from that over the coming weeks.“ The next session has been set for Tuesday: “We’re having two days off now for mental and physical regeneration.“ The perfect chance indeed for footballing families such as the Van Bommel/Van Mawijks to enjoy time together even during the bustle of the season.

10-15-2007, 10:29 PM	#55 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Germans seal Euro berth \| Many good results for Reds’ international stars Germany celebrated their best-ever European Championship qualifying campaign by claiming a EURO 2008 berth with three games to spare, courtesy of a goalless draw with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday night. Joachim Löw’s team thus become the first nation apart from the joint hosts to book a place at next summer’s tournament in Switzerland and Austria. A depleted Germany line-up struggled for rhythm in a physical encounter at Croke Park, a situation partly attributable to the early departure of Bayern playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger following an 18th-minute collision with Kevin Kilbane. The 23-year-old Munich man required seven stitches to repair a four-centimetre cut. “He’s fine again now,” reported assistant boss Hansi Flick at half-time. The midfielder is expected to be fit for Germany’s top-of-the-table clash with the Czech Republic in Munich on Wednesday. Podolski as super sub The 68,000 crowd saw Schweinsteiger’s team-mate Marcell Jansen complete the full 90 minutes, delivering a clutch of dangerous crosses from the left wing. Lukas Podolski started from the bench before replacing Stuttgart’s Mario Gomez after 64 minutes. “He had a few good moments and looked dangerous,“ head coach Löw said in praise of the Bayern striker. Elsewhere, Franck Ribery and his France team-mates completed a routine 6-0 victory away to the outclassed Faeroe Islands. Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring on six minutes after fine build-up play from Ribery, before Thierry Henry (8), Karim Benzema (50), Jerome Rothen (66), Karim Benzema (81) and Hatem Ben Arfa (90), who came on for Ribery in the 64th minute, rattled up the remaining goals. The World Cup runners-up now require victories against Lithuania in Nantes on Wednesday and away to the Ukraine on 21 November to be sure of progressing from Group B. Held up by fog The game in front of 8,076 spectators at the Torsvollor stadium may have been a mismatch, but the French squad’s trip to the Faeroes proved eventful. Dense fog prevented the party from travelling to the islands on Friday, compelling Ribery and Co to spend an unscheduled night in Norway before making another attempt to travel on Saturday. Even then, the two-time European champions only landed in Torshavn three and a half hours before kick-off. World Cup winners Italy ran up a crucial 2-0 victory over Georgia in Genoa courtesy of goals from Andrea Pirlo (44) and Fabio Grosso (84) to move onto 23 points in the hotly-contested Group B, one ahead of France but still one behind Scotland, 3-1 winners against Ukraine. Munich’s Luca Toni played the full 90 minutes and was unlucky to see a first-half header come back off the post, although Luca did provide the assist for Grosso’s decisive late strike. Full game for Van Buyten The evening ended on a less positive note for Hamit Altintop, suspended for Turkey’s disappointing 1-1 draw in Moldova. The result leaves Turkey second in Group C, just a point ahead of Norway going into Wednesday’s showdown with leaders and reigning Euro champions Greece in Istanbul. Finally, Daniel van Buyten will have been delighted to complete the full 90 minutes for Belgium at home to Finland, although the goalless draw finally extinguished the Red Devils’ already slender hopes of qualifying for next summer’s tournament. Over in South America, Martin Demichelis and Argentina made a successful start to their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 home win against Chile thanks to free-kick goals from Juan Roman Riquelme (27/45+1). Demichelis earned plaudits for another solid display at centre-half. “It was very important to start with a win,” Micho declared after the match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The Albiceleste now travel to face Venezuela in Maracaibo on Tuesday.

10-20-2007, 02:30 AM	#56 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Barcelona move for Bayern Munich fullback Lahm Barcelona are moving for Bayern Munich left-back Philip Lahm. Kicker says Barca see the Germany international as a potential replacement for Gianluca Zambrotta. Barca chiefs have concerns over Zambrotta's long-term fitness and have already made contact with Lahm's agents about a move to the Nou Camp at the end of this season.

10-20-2007, 02:31 AM	#57 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	FC Bayern Munich ~ General Chat & Latest News Bayern Munich chief: We want Lazio's Pandev Bayern Munich are chasing Lazio attacking midfielder Goran Pandev. Bayern chief scout Paul Breitner admitted this week: "We want Goran Pandev. "We've come to Italy three times already this season to watch him and will be back for the derby on October 31." Lazio president Claudio Lotito is understood to have already rejected a £15 million offer from one European club this month for Pandev.

10-20-2007, 02:31 AM	#58 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Roma chasing Bayern Munich defender Lucio Roma are chasing Bayern Munich defender Lucio. The Brazil international has emerged as an alternative for Roma in the event they cannot reach an agreement with Matteo Ferrari over a new deal. Roma have been tracking Lucio since his days at Bayer Leverkusen and Giallorossi chiefs are aware he wants to leave the Bundesliga. The defender is contracted to Bayern until 2009 and Roma are convinced they can land him with a £4 million bid. Roma, meanwhile, will also send fullback Vitorio Antunes away on-loan in January.

10-20-2007, 02:33 AM	#59 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	FC Bayern Munich ~ General Chat & Latest News Lothar Matthäus won the Bundesliga six times with FC Bayern München. bundesliga.de asked him to take a close look at 2007’s FCB. Question: Is the current team the best FC Bayern ever? Lothar Matthäus: You can’t compare today’s football to the football that was played when Bayern had the great team around Franz Beckenbauer. But it’s definitely great fun to watch FC Bayern. At FC Bayern the team is always better than the year before, in every season. Q: Are the signings of Franck Ribery, Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose the only reasons for the upturn? Matthäus: Bayern have learned from last season. They rested on the success of the previous years for too long. But it was an eye opener for the people responsible. It was a good thing to draw a line and to invest. That benefits not only FC Bayern, but the Bundesliga, too. And not only because of the results. The way they play football makes them popular with fans of other teams, too. That’s why the cut was very positive for FC Bayern, not only sportingly but also for the image. Q: Do you see a team that could be dangerous for FC Bayern this season? Matthäus: Bayern can only beat themselves this season, especially in the league. You can always have a bad day in the cup and be eliminated, but they won’t get beaten in the league. They have the best team and have started the season outstandingly. The rivals have already dropped points. Defending champions VfB are already 13 points behind Bayern. Q: What makes Bayern so strong, compared to last season? Matthäus: They act as a team again, play refreshing football and have fun. That’s the most important thing, to not only see football as a profession. Ribery for example is a real joker, be it in training or on travels. At the moment everything fits at FC Bayern. Q: Could Karlsruher SC be a threat for Bayern? Matthäus: No, KSC are not strong enough to stay at the top. But I didn’t rate them as relegation candidates before the season. They will end up in midfield, everything else would be a surprise. They’re on a run at the moment and live on euphoria. And they’ve strengthened very well with minor financial funds.