Bayern Munich Offical News/Updates Thread

[Lance Knight]

'Salaries may go down', warn Bayern


FRANKFURT, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich are warning their players that salaries are more likely to fall than rise, even as they cut costs by reducing the size of their first team squad.
'One thing is clear: the market has changed, and not in the players' favour,' Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Bayern's website.


'The days of permanently increasing salaries are over. It's much more likely that wages will go down.'

Bayern plan to reduce their squad from 26 to 22 before the start of next season.

'We currently have a squad of 26, but we reckon 22 is the right size, because we want to make room for the best players from our youth section,' Rummenigge said.

'I don't believe we need many new players...We don't need four new signings every year. Sometimes we'll only need one or two. However, it all depends on whether we've hit our targets, and we won't know that until April and May.'

[Lance Knight]

Bayern to recall Lahm from Stuttgart


FRANKFURT, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich plan to recall highly regarded full-back Philipp Lahm from Bundesliga rivals VfB Stuttgart, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed.
'We'll get Philipp Lahm back from Stuttgart, and he'll definitely strengthen us at left-back,' Rummenigge told the club's website in reply to a question about signings for next season.


Lahm, 21, has been playing on loan at Stuttgart for the past two seasons. He broke into the German national team in time for Euro 2004 and has been a fixture in the side under Juergen Klinsmann.

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

Lizarazu returns to Bayern

Reuters

BERLIN -- Former France international left back Bixente Lizarazu, who left Bayern Munich for Olympique Marseille six months ago, is returning to Bayern on a free transfer, the German club announced on its website on Wednesday.
Lizarazu, 35, joined Marseille on a two-year-deal at the start of the season, but Bayern's commercial manager Uli Hoeness was quoted on the club's website saying he would join up for Bayern's winter training camp in Dubai and would receive a contract through the end of the season.


"Liza called me during the Christmas break and said that he didn't feel good in Marseille," Hoeness said.

"We then got in touch with Marseille and managed to work out a deal."

Lizarazu played 152 matches for Bayern between 1997 and 2004 and was in the side that won the 2001 Champions League final against Valencia in Milan, scoring one of Bayern's goal in the winning penalty shoot-out.

He also won four German titles with Bayern and three German cups as well as the 1998 World Cup during his 97-cap career with France before announcing his international retirement after Euro 2004.

As Marseille were not involved in European competition this season, he will be eligible for Bayern's Champions League matches against Arsenal in the first knockout round when the competition resumesd after the winter break.

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Kuffour set for Newcastle talks


Bayern Munich defender Sammy Kuffour is ready to talk to Newcastle as they attempt to further rebuild their under-fire defence.
The 28-year-old Ghanaian international's agent Fabio Parisi was on Tyneside yesterday for preliminary discussions.


No formal talks have taken place but it appears the player, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, is prepared to hear what the Magpies have to say.

'Still nothing has been decided by Newcastle, but we expect to hear a decision from them within the next couple of days,' Parisi told reporters.

'If that happens, then we can discuss things like personal terms perhaps early next week.

'There is still nothing official from them and I was in Newcastle only to hear what they have to say. There were no official talks and certainly nothing has been signed or agreed.'

Newcastle still have their sights set on Manchester City's Sylvain Distin, but having seen their £5million bid formally rejected on Friday, are looking at alternatives.

Kuffour is thought to be available for around £500,000 and is keen to try a new challenge, although the Barclays Premiership is not his only option, according to Parisi.

'He is out of contract at the end of the season and he wants to try a new experience,' he said.

'Of course he is interested in the Premiership, but there are other clubs in the Premiership, and in Spain and Italy, who are interested in him.'

Kuffour, also a target for Liverpool in the past, is currently away on Bayern's winter break in Dubai, but has been kept fully informed and is due to return to Germany on Friday.

Whether or not he ends up at St James' Park could depend largely on City's resolve to hang on to Distin.

Manager Kevin Keegan's valuation of the Frenchman is significantly higher than that of Newcastle where he played on loan from Paris St Germain before joining City in the summer of 2002.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has not increased his initial bid and seems unlikely to do so significantly, although he will not wait forever with the transfer window due to close in less than three weeks.

'It has not moved on since the offer was turned down,' said Distin's agent, Willie McKay, today. 'There has not been a fresh offer for him.'

Bayern will monitor the situation closely knowing that a failure to land Distin would put Kuffour's name firmly in the frame for Newcastle, and equally well aware that he could leave for free in the summer.

Manager Graeme Souness has already recruited #8million Frenchman Jean-Alain Boumsong and Celestine Babayaro this month, and has admitted his interest in Fulham striker Luis Boa Morte.

Souness has seen positive developments on the injury front.

Kieron Dyer has benefited from the break he was given for the FA Cup third round clash with Yeading on Sunday.

Teenage midfielder Charles N'Zogbia, who limped off with a twisted ankle at Loftus Road, could join Dyer in the squad for Saturday's Premiership visit of Southampton to St James' Park.

Skipper Alan Shearer, who has missed the last 11 games with thigh and calf injuries, and Nicky Butt, who has not played since November 25 because of a hamstring problem, could also return.

And Patrick Kluivert could be ready to make his comeback from his own hamstring problem at Arsenal a week on Sunday.

However, Frenchman Laurent Robert is a doubt for the weekend after picking up a slight hamstring strain against Yeading.

That leaves only full-back Stephen Carr on the long-term injury list with a knee problem which is causing some concern.

The Magpies are hopeful another fortnight's rest will aid his recovery.

[Lance Knight]

Tuesday, January 13, 2005

Zickler on surprise comeback trail

FRANKFURT, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The end of Alexander Zickler's 22-month injury nightmare is in sight after the Bayern Munich striker made it safely through a 45-minute run-out in a practice match in Dubai.
'It was a massive thing for me to play after such a long time,' Zickler told the club's website on Tuesday, the day after returning to the first team as a makeshift right back in a 1-0 win over Energie Cottbus.


'I was as nervous as I was on my debut. It was incredible to play without pain, or any after-effects, after so many heavy injuries.'

Zickler broke his leg for the first time in March 2003 and two further fractures put his career under threat.

He was surprised to find himself returning as a defender in Monday's friendly.

'It was a bit of a surprise but if the coach had asked me to find some gloves I would have played in goal,' said the 30-year-old, who has played 12 times for the German national team.

Bayern, leaders at the halfway stage in the season, resume their Bundesliga programme with a home game against Hamburg SV on January 21.

[nachi88]

Tuesday, January 13, 2005

Zickler on surprise comeback trail

FRANKFURT, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The end of Alexander Zickler's 22-month injury nightmare is in sight after the Bayern Munich striker made it safely through a 45-minute run-out in a practice match in Dubai.
'It was a massive thing for me to play after such a long time,' Zickler told the club's website on Tuesday, the day after returning to the first team as a makeshift right back in a 1-0 win over Energie Cottbus.


'I was as nervous as I was on my debut. It was incredible to play without pain, or any after-effects, after so many heavy injuries.'

Zickler broke his leg for the first time in March 2003 and two further fractures put his career under threat.

He was surprised to find himself returning as a defender in Monday's friendly.

'It was a bit of a surprise but if the coach had asked me to find some gloves I would have played in goal,' said the 30-year-old, who has played 12 times for the German national team.

Bayern, leaders at the halfway stage in the season, resume their Bundesliga programme with a home game against Hamburg SV on January 21.


Great work dude, keep giving us the updates.

[Lance Knight]

Friday, January 21, 2005

Bayern Munich 3-0 Hamburg SV: FT Report

PA

MUNICH, January 21 (Bundesliga) - It was not a happy return to Munich for Bixente Lizarazu as he lasted only eight minutes of his first game back in Bayern's colours, but at least his team-mates celebrated a winning start to 2005.

Bayern opened the scoring through Claudio Pizarro with 22 minutes on the clock, and after a Rene Klingbeil own-goal had doubled the advantage three minutes into the second half, Roy Makaay added the third eight minutes later to ensure the hosts moved moved three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Temperatures soared to 18 degrees during a relatively mild winter break in Germany, but the cold snap coincided with the Bundesliga restart as a blizzard welcomed both sides onto the field.

Lizarazu's return to Bayern after six months with Marseille lasted only eight minutes before he was forced to leave the field with an injury and Hamburg's Piotr Trochowski's return to his former stomping ground did not last much longer as he limped off the field seven minutes later.

The rest of the players also struggled to find their feet, although it was the guests who posed the greater threat with Sergei Barbarez forcing a diving save from Oliver Kahn after he met David Jarolim's corner.

Bayern scored with their first real attack and it was Pizarro, who had only just passed a late fitness test to play, who headed home his sixth goal in six consecutive home games.

It was no surprise, given the slippery state of the pitch, that the goal came from a set piece and it was Mehmet Scholl's right-footed free-kick that provided the ammunition for Pizarro, who rose to head home after Hamburg goalkeeper Martin Pieckenhagen misjudged the cross.

Bayern's second came from an unlikely source as Klingbeil put through his own net just after the restart.

Bastian Schweinsteiger stole in to divert the ball past Pieckenhagen and as his weak effort trickled towards the goal, the unfortunate Klingbeil could only divert the ball the wrong side of the post with his attempted clearance.

Only seconds earlier, Makaay had struck the post before Pizarro fired his follow-up straight at the Hamburg goalkeeper with Bayern signalling their intent for the second half.

Makaay was on the scoresheet minutes later, however, when he broke the offside trap and saw his lob over the advancing Pieckenhagen graze the crossbar before dropping into the net.

The game was effectively over as both sides gave the impression they were just waiting for referee Lutz Wagner to bring the game to an end and allow them to go for a warm shower, and that he did promptly right on 90 minutes after Emile Mpenza and Makaay had both fired their final, unsuccessful efforts on goal.

[nachi88]

Bayern beat Bayer 2-0

Half time 1-0

scorers Roy Makaay(P) and Guerrero.

[Ivan7637]

Bayern beat Bayer 2-0

Half time 1-0

scorers Roy Makaay(P) and Guerrero.

yeah boi!!!!! :smoking:

[nachi88]

yeah boi!!!!! :smoking:

did you see it? the first half penalty looked unfair. it didnt look like a pull by nowotny on gurero. it seemed like domino effect, gurrero toppling nowotny. anyways, we won . thats all that matters :D

[Ivan7637]

did you see it? the first half penalty looked unfair. it didnt look like a pull by nowotny on gurero. it seemed like domino effect, gurrero toppling nowotny. anyways, we won . thats all that matters :D

yup...

[Ivan7637]

did you see it? the first half penalty looked unfair. it didnt look like a pull by nowotny on gurero. it seemed like domino effect, gurrero toppling nowotny. anyways, we won . thats all that matters :D

i missed the game :( .....but i was so happy when i saw that we won online.. :rolleyes: shalke tied....even more good news :)

[nachi88]

i missed the game :( .....but i was so happy when i saw that we won online.. :rolleyes: shalke tied....even more good news :)

schalke tied with rostock. hahahah :D that too a last minute equaliser. maybe this will be our season, with CL and bundesliga title.

[Ivan7637]

schalke tied with rostock. hahahah :D that too a last minute equaliser. maybe this will be our season, with CL and bundesliga title.

yeah i think we'll take the bundesliga title and the cl isnt impossible though it will be tough.. :D

[nachi88]

yeah i think we'll take the bundesliga title and the cl isnt impossible though it will be tough.. :D

for CL, we got to get that away goal and play counter attacking in home games. thats been a good stategy for us.

[nachi88]

what crap, we lost to arminia bielefeld. 3-1. now the title race is close with both us and schalke 04 on 41 points. :eek:

[arminius]

what crap, we lost to arminia bielefeld. 3-1. now the title race is close with both us and schalke 04 on 41 points. :eek:
Bayern should concentrate on the champions league this year coz schalke's gonna take the bundesliga title.

[Leon of Silvren]

Now Bayern Munich has its own sub-forum, drop me a line if any of you don't feel very comfortable with anything, or if you feel something could be improved.

Regards, Leon.

[nachi88]

Now Bayern Munich has its own sub-forum, drop me a line if any of you don't feel very comfortable with anything, or if you feel something could be improved.

Regards, Leon.

thanks a lot

[nachi88]

FRANKFURT, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich were left clinging onto the Bundesliga leadership on goal difference after suffering a 3-1 defeat at Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday.
Massimilian Porcello tapped in from close range to put mid-table Bielefeld ahead after 23 minutes on a snow-covered pitch and South African striker Delron Buckley made it 2-0 just past the hour.


Brazilian defender Lucio gave Bayern hope with a wonderful free kick but Buckley scored his second of the game and his 13th of the season to clinch victory seven minutes from time.

Bayern remain top with 41 points from 21 games, with Schalke 04 level on points in second place after their excellent 3-0 win at home to VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Werder Bremen, double winners last season, are third with 37 points after a 2-0 win at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday.

Bayer Leverkusen climbed to sixth with 35 points thanks to a 2-0 win at home to FSV Mainz in Sunday's other match.

Bayern, who had not conceded a goal in their three previous matches in the new year, were under pressure from the start against an aggressive Bielefeld side.

After a couple of near misses, the home side took the lead when Marcio Borges won a header from a free kick and sent the ball spinning in front of goal for Porcello to side-foot in.

Hasan Salihamidzic was Bayern's only source of inspiration in the first half and his run and cross set up Paolo Guerrero to force a fine point-blank save five minutes later.

There were few other chances for Bayern in a sub-par performance and Buckley deservedly increased the Bielefeld lead when he cracked in from the left in the 61st minute.

Lucio's superb free-kick in the 81st minute briefly raised Bayern but two minutes later Buckley took a long pass from Michael Fink and slipped the ball between Oliver Kahn's legs to clinch the win.

'That's the first game we've lost in 2004. We can't afford to lose many more,' said Bayern coach Felix Magath.

[nachi88]

Bayern should concentrate on the champions league this year coz schalke's gonna take the bundesliga title.

dont worry arminius of cheruski, we are going to win both. schalke will be left crying. :silly:

[Lance Knight]

Saturday, February 19, 2005

Makaay leads Bayern Munich rout

Kevin Fylan

FRANKFURT, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Dutch international striker Roy Makaay scored a hat-trick and set up two more goals to lead Bayern Munich to a crushing 5-0 win at home to crisis club Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Bayern's third successive home victory gave the Bavarians a provisional three-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and provided the perfect tonic ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Arsenal.


For Dortmund, who announced on Thursday that they were in a dire financial situation, defeat marked the end of a very bad week.

Germany's two other Champions League teams also posted classy victories on Saturday.

Werder Bremen, last season's double winners, won 4-1 at Hanover 96, while Bayer Leverkusen won 4-2 at FC Nuremberg.

Bayern's victory gave them 44 points from 22 games. Schalke 04, three points back, will have to win at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Sunday to get back level on points.

DEFENSIVE MIX-UP

Werder, who host Olympique Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday, stay third on 40 points, with Leverkusen, who visit Liverpool on Tuesday, moving up to fourth, two points further back.

Dortmund had won three and drawn one of their four games since the winter break to ease their relegation fears but they seemed intent on providing a performance to match the club's financial crisis.

A defensive mix-up presented Makaay with the chance to hook the ball across the face of goal for Hasan Salihamidzic to turn in at the far post for the opening goal in the fifth minute.

Makaay made it 2-0 two minutes later when his shot slipped through the keeper's hands and the former Deportivo Coruna striker set up Claudio Pizarro for the third in the 28th minute.

Mehmet Scholl's clever through ball set Makaay up for the fourth with 11 minutes still to go before halftime and the same combination led to the fifth, 10 minutes after the break, when Scholl's pass once again beat the Dortmund offside trap.

Bayern coach Felix Magath was relieved to see his side back in form after last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Arminia Bielefeld.

'We've made up for that bad performance against Bielefeld,' Magath said. 'We were lucky to get two early goals and that broke Dortmund's morale.'

[Lance Knight]

Monday, February 21, 2005

Ballack to miss Gunners clash


FRANKFURT, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Germany captain Michael Ballack is likely to miss Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Arsenal on Tuesday because of a thigh muscle strain.
'It's increasingly unlikely he'll play,' Bayern coach Felix Magath said.


'He's an important player but bringing him back too soon could take so much out of him that we'd lose him for more games.'

Ballack was scarcely missed in Bayern's 5-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday but his absence on Tuesday would be a big worry for Magath.

The midfield playmaker was unable to train once again on Sunday and Magath will make a decision on whether to include him in the squad later on Monday.

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Bayern legend: Deisler should leave


BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Franz Beckenbauer has advised Sebastian Deisler to leave Bayern Munich to get regular match practice and complete his recovery from injury and depression.

"It makes no sense for him to be there if he's just playing every now and then," said Beckenbauer, who combines his role as president of the 2006 World Cup organising committee with the post of chairman of the Bavarian club's advisory board.


"If he's playing so little, it would be better for him to go elsewhere to get more match practice."

Deisler, now 25, was hailed as the next great German playmaker when he signed for Bayern from Hertha Berlin in 2002 but his first season was dogged by injuries and he missed five months of the following campaign as he fought depression.

He made a good start to the current season but was then readmitted to a psychiatric clinic for further treatment in October.

He returned to training soon afterwards but coach Felix Magath has only rarely risked playing him as Bayern have struggled to stay top of the Bundesliga under pressure from Schalke 04.

Deisler was absent from the squad for Bayern's 3-1 Champions League victory over Arsenal on Tuesday because of a minor muscle problem.

Magath is keen to keep Deisler at Bayern, whatever Beckenbauer says.

"I have patience," Magath said. "My goal is to get him back playing regularly in the Bayern team."

[arminius]

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Bayern legend: Deisler should leave


BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Franz Beckenbauer has advised Sebastian Deisler to leave Bayern Munich to get regular match practice and complete his recovery from injury and depression.

"It makes no sense for him to be there if he's just playing every now and then," said Beckenbauer, who combines his role as president of the 2006 World Cup organising committee with the post of chairman of the Bavarian club's advisory board.


"If he's playing so little, it would be better for him to go elsewhere to get more match practice."

Deisler, now 25, was hailed as the next great German playmaker when he signed for Bayern from Hertha Berlin in 2002 but his first season was dogged by injuries and he missed five months of the following campaign as he fought depression.

He made a good start to the current season but was then readmitted to a psychiatric clinic for further treatment in October.

He returned to training soon afterwards but coach Felix Magath has only rarely risked playing him as Bayern have struggled to stay top of the Bundesliga under pressure from Schalke 04.

Deisler was absent from the squad for Bayern's 3-1 Champions League victory over Arsenal on Tuesday because of a minor muscle problem.

Magath is keen to keep Deisler at Bayern, whatever Beckenbauer says.

"I have patience," Magath said. "My goal is to get him back playing regularly in the Bayern team."
I think beckenbauer's right, if deisler is going to live up to his potential and be a key player for germany in 2006 he has to play week in week out, the same applies to schweinsteiger, both need more playing time and seeing as bayern has such great depth at midfield i think at least one of the 2 if not both should be loaned out to another bundesliga team.....preferably schalke.

[nachi88]

I think beckenbauer's right, if deisler is going to live up to his potential and be a key player for germany in 2006 he has to play week in week out, the same applies to schweinsteiger, both need more playing time and seeing as bayern has such great depth at midfield i think at least one of the 2 if not both should be loaned out to another bundesliga team.....preferably schalke.

Schweinsteiger does play almost every game for bayern. I dont think he should leave Bayrn now.He should get all the big match experience he can, so that he will not be pressurised in the wc. Deisler, should leave, yes, but the problem is, that Bayern are not willing to sell him, he is a talented player after all. Also if he shifts clubs now, he will not be able to play in CL. Also beckenbauer has a bad habit of bad mouthing every sucess. He is extremely critical. I think he should look at things in a more optimistic manner.

[Lance Knight]

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Bayern star Scholl 'out for a month'


BERLIN, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Substitute midfielder Mehmet Scholl injured his thigh during Bayern Munich's 1-0 win over SC Freiburg on Saturday and will be out for three to four weeks, the club said.
He will miss the second leg of Bayern's Champions League first knockout round tie with Arsenal in London on March 9.


The 34-year-old midfielder came off the bench in Bayern's 3-1 win over Arsenal in the first leg in Munich on Wednesday and sent a free kick straight to the head of Claudio Pizarro for their second goal.

On Saturday, Scholl pulled a muscle in his left thigh and hobbled off in the 78th minute after coming on after the break. It was Scholl's second injury in 2005. On January 30, he injured his knee in a match against Hertha Berlin.

Michael Ballack, another of Bayern's creative midfielders, did not play against Freiburg as he was not yet in form after being sidelined by illness.

[nachi88]

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Bayern star Scholl 'out for a month'

.

Damn, With Ballack, Scholl, Zickler, Schweinsteiger and Deislers undependable form, the Arsenal match could be tougher than expected. I hope atleast some of the guys well before the match.

[nachi88]

DFB Pokal match with sc freiburg

The prestigious DFB German Cup has proved richly fertile ground for Bayern over the years. Munich have lifted the famous trophy on a record 11 occasions, and have made it their target to complete the round dozen this term. In pursuit of that goal, and four days after a 1-0 Bundesliga triumph against SC Freiburg at the badenova stadium, the Reds return to the same grand for Wednesday evening's Cup quarter-final looking for a repeat performance or better against the relegation strugglers.

"I want a trip to Berlin. I want to feel the DFB Cup in my hands," Bayern coach Felix Magath insisted with a steely glint in his eyes. The boss lifted the trophy as general manager in Hamburg following a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart Kickers in 1987, but is now seeking the title "for the first time in my coaching career. I want to go back there."

Bayern face a 10-day period likely to decisively influence their destiny this season with games against champions Werder Bremen, the away trip to Arsenal and a visit to chief domestic rivals Schalke 04, but the boss was having none of it. "Our next vital match isn't Bremen or Arsenal, it's Freiburg in the Cup. I want us concentrating totally on the match. We have to win at all costs."

Down in the south-west, Freiburg go looking for a first-ever appearance in the last four, although the side lying second from bottom of the standings will in truth be more concerned about Saturday's relegation six-pointer in Mainz. The situation is not without danger for the illustrious visitors as Freiburg have nothing whatsoever to lose on Wednesday night.

"I'm expecting a tough match because Freiburg are desperate to taste victory again," Magath explained. "We have to go for goal from the start and turn up the heat at once," he continued, calling on his stars to stifle Freiburg's dangerous passing game as swiftly as possible.

The boss refused to be drawn on his starting line-up, although Michael Ballack is certain to resume midfield duty, probably in the hole behind the strikers. Martin Demichelis has made himself irreplaceable in the holding role in front of the back four, while Sebastian Deisler's match-winning goal on Saturday suggests the gifted wide player stands a strong chance of appearing.

Paolo Guerrero looked set to start alongside Roy Makaay in place of fellow-countryman Claudio Pizarro, but after the Peru starlet's surprise appearance for the reserves on Tuesday evening a second match in two days seems unlikely. Hasan Salihamidzic (calf) is rated doubtful while Bixente Lizarazu stayed behind in Munich with a knee problem.

The absentee list includes Mehmet Scholl (torn muscle), Andreas Görlitz (rehab after cruciate ligament surgery), Tobias Rau and Roque Santa Cruz (fitness). Thomas Linke and Alexander Zickler both ran out for the reserves, but Vahid Hashemian and Sammy Kuffour will be handed rare appearances in the matchday squad.

Probable line ups:

SC Freiburg: Golz – Schumann, Khizaneishvili, Mohamed, Ibertsberger – Cairo, Bajramovic, Zkitischwili, Coulibaly - Tanko – Iashvili

Bayern Munich: Kahn – Sagnol, Kovac, Lucio, Salihamidzic – Deisler, Demichelis, Zé Roberto (Schweinsteiger), Ballack – Makaay, Guerrero (Pizarro)
Substitutes: Rensing, Kuffour, Hargreaves, Jeremies, Frings, Schweinsteiger, Pizarro, Hashemian

Referee: Kinhöfer (Herne)

[nachi88]

Bayern Thash SC Freiburg

BERLIN, March 2 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro scored four goals to help his side crush an overmatched SC Freiburg 7-0 on Wednesday and cruise into the semi-finals of the German Cup.

Such was the Bundesliga leaders' dominance, Pizarro's first-half hat-trick had some discouraged home fans leaving before intermission.

The Peruvian opened the assault in the seventh minute, powering a shot from outside the area off the outstretched hand of Freiburg keeper Julian Reinard and into the goal.

He followed that up three minutes later, latching on to a bouncing centre from Sebastian Deisler and sending a scorcher past a lead-footed Freiburg defence.

Germany captain Michael Ballack and Dutch striker Roy Makaay added their own goals, before Pizarro notched his third on an unselfish pass from Makaay.

Play slowed in the second half, with Pizarro and Iranian substitute Vahid Hashemian further punishing a porous Freiburg defence.

The win comes a week after a confidence boosting 3-1 win for Bayern over Arsenal in the Champions League, and also keeps alive their hopes of a treble.

Bayern join holders Werder Bremen, Schalke 04 and Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-final draw.

[FreshRush]

What really is Jens Jerimies weakness that he lost his place in the bayern team and cant get back in ?.This is months now.

[nachi88]

Bayern vs Werder

The last day of the 1999-2000 season holds some cherished memories at Bayern. Munich shaded the championship title in a genuine photo-finish, winning 3-1 at home to Werder Bremen while favourites Bayer Leverkusen were falling to a shock 2-0 defeat on the other side of town against unfancied Unterhaching. The Reds ultimately sealed the crown on goal difference.

Bayern entertain Bremen again on Saturday (from 3:15 pm CET live in English on FCB Champions Web Radio), and although the title does not rest on the game - ten fixtures remain after the final whistle - the match does have a decisive character, as both clubs are in with a realistic shout of the trophy this time.

Bayern lead the standings on goal difference from Schalke 04 with Bremen third, four points off the leading pair. "The title won't be decided on Saturday, but if we win, we would open up a seven-point gap. That would basically eliminate Werder from the race," Reds chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge calculated.

Commanding Bremen defender Valérien Ismael was inclined to agree: "It's our final. It's our last chance. It could all be over for us if we lose," the France colossus declared. Director of Sport Klaus Allofs' rallying cry was understandable enough: "We're going there to claim all three points."

Bremen have reason to be confident as they are undefeated at the Olympic stadium in the five years which have passed since the fateful meeting in 2000. Indeed, the northern visitors emerged victorious from both their last appearances in the Bavarian capital.

The leaders are still smarting over the corresponding fixture last term when Bremen racked up an impressive 3-1 victory to seal the Bundesliga crown, that on the hallowed Olympic stadium turf too. "They taught us a really painful lesson," Rummenigge bitterly recalled.

Felix Magath was in charge at Stuttgart at the time, but the Munich boss nonetheless called for revenge. "We have a score to settle and we need to avenge the defeat," Magath declared. "We have to show Bremen who's boss," Rummenigge added, although the chairman made no secret of his admiration for the reigning champions: "You have to be impressed with their belief over the last few matches."

Rummenigge witnessed the visitors' emphatic 3-0 defeat of the Bayern reserves on Tuesday evening at first hand. Bremen are the Bundesliga's form team with 15 of a possible 18 points since the winter break, two ahead of Bayern. "We're never scared, certainly not of Bremen, but we'll be respectful and watchful," Magath admitted, hoping to "shake off" Werder as potential title rivals.

Victory would also boost Munich's confidence ahead of the eminently tough games against Arsenal on Wednesday and in Schalke next Sunday. "It would be good to win all three games. That'll keep things calm," Rummenigge observed with a wry smile.

Probable line-ups:

Bayern Munich: Kahn – Sagnol, Kovac, Lucio, Salihamidzic – Deisler, Demichelis, Ballack, Zé Roberto (Frings) – Makaay, Pizarro
Substitutes: Rensing, Frings (Zé Roberto), Jeremies, Hargreaves, Schweinsteiger, Hashemian, Guerrero

Werder Bremen: Reinke - Stalteri, Ismael, Pasanen, Schulz - Borowski, Baumann, Ernst - Micoud - Klose, Valdez

Referee: Dr Merk (Kaiserslautern)

[nachi88]

Bayern beat Bremen 1-0

A Michael Ballack header settled a dour encounter, but the sight of Roy Makaay going off on a stretcher took the shine off a vital win for the Reds.

Makaay pulled up with a minute remaining, clutching his thigh in the classic manner of a player pulling a hamstring. If the injury is confirmed it would be a massive blow for the Bavarians ahead of the decisive trips to Arsenal and Schalke.

Over the 90 minutes Bayern exacted ample revenge for Bremen's decisive victory in the corresponding fixture last term, although the league's most prolific teams left their shooting boots in the dressing room as the clash of leaders against champions never lived up to pre-match expectations.

A 60,000 crowd at the Olympic stadium witnessed a scrappy first 45 minutes punctuated only by Ballack's charging run and header to hand his side a seventh minute lead.

The second period was a marginal improvement in terms of drama and goalmouth action although the football came from the visitors on a below-par afternoon for the home side.

The Reds were happy enough to cling on for three vital points and remain top of the standings on goal difference from Schalke, 2-0 winners in Bochum, while Bremen's title challenge looks over at seven points of the lead in third.

Felix Magath had the usual team selection surprise or two up his sleeve, sending out Bastian Schweinsteiger at left-back for the injured Bixente Lizarazu and fielding Torsten Frings and Hasan Salihamidzic on the flanks outside the central axis of Ballack and Martin Demichelis.

That meant no room in the starting line-up for a clutch of disappointed hopefuls including Brazil winger Zé Roberto and midweek scorer Sebastian Deisler, such is the embarrassment of riches in the Munich midfield.

The eleven who took the field got off to a perfect start, Ballack netting a battering ram of a header from Frings' seventh minute corner to hand his side the early lead.

It was to be the only highlight of a dour first period as the home side were content to sit back and Demichelis' superb spoiling job on Werder playmaker Johann Micoud restricted the potent double winners to a 26th minute Valerien Ismael free-kick and Nelson Valdez' cross-cum-shot seven minutes from the break.

Werder upped the tempo after the interval without producing anything clear-cut but it was enough for Magath to withdraw former Bremen man Pizarro and send on shooting star Paolo Guerrero.

The young Peruvian at once made his mark, twisting brilliantly away from Germany stopper Frank Baumann but seeing keeper Andreas Reinke beat away his 61st minute effort, although the youngster might have done better to pick out Makaay at the back stick.

Deisler replaced Salihamidzic as Magath challenged his team to regain the initiative, and 'Basti' at once swung over a wicked cross with Ballack inches away from connecting.

There was a scare up the other end on 73 minutes as Valdez rounded Kahn but the keeper had forced the striker wide and Bayern cleared for a corner.

Visiting boss Thomas Schaaf sent on strikers Aaron Hunt and Mohamed Zidan as the visitors threw caution to the wind in the final ten minutes.

Lucio seized the opportunity to thrust forward into the space at the back but Makaay mistimed his 84th minute volley from the Brazilian's floated cross.

There were half-chances at both ends in a frantic finish, but the late injury to Makaay will probably remain the lasting image on an average afternoon at the Olympic stadium.

[nachi88]

Bayern Lose to Arsenal but qualify for quarters of CL

FC Bayern München stayed calm and resolute under fierce late pressure from Arsenal FC to book their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Towers of strength
When Thierry Henry scored in the 66th minute, the German side's 3-1 first-leg advantage came under real threat but they held on. Lucio and Robert Kovac were towers of strength in defence for Felix Magath's team and Henry was well marshalled. His goal was a delight but it was not enough and Arsenal's dream of European glory died for another year.

Senderos debut
Chasing the game after losing in Munich two weeks ago, the return of Dennis Bergkamp was welcome for Arsenal, as was Ashley Cole's inclusion at left-back after injury prevented him from making any more than a brief substitute appearance in the first leg. With both Sol Campbell and Pascal Cygan absent, Philippe Senderos was handed his Champions League debut for the London side. For Bayern, Michael Ballack's return offset the loss of Roy Makaay and their other changes showed the inclusion of Sebastian Deisler and José Paolo Guerrero.

Vieira block
After the first leg, the visitors had warned of the big task that still awaited them at Highbury and the early exchanges suggested they were well up for the task. One biting challenge from Bixente Lizarazu put Claudio Pizarro in control and when he laid the ball off to Ballack the shot he unleashed was fierce and true - and might have given Jens Lehmann a problem had Patrick Vieira not got in the way.

Arsenal ruffled
Eager and quick to put their opponents under pressure, Bayern won all the important early tackles and rushed Arsenal out of their normal composed style. Consequently both Bergkamp and Henry were allowed no space in which to work.

Two bookings
The temperature rose and both Bergkamp and Martin Demichelis were cautioned, the latter offence leading to an Arsenal free-kick from which Vieira eventually volleyed wide. Bayern then forced two corners in quick succession, both of which produced efforts on goal after Lehmann lacked distance with his punched clearances.

Kahn rescue
The visitors had clearly decided that attack was the best form of defence and after Willy Sagnol had raided down the right, Deisler tried in vain to lob the goalkeeper. Arsenal then enjoyed a good spell before the break and Oliver Kahn came to his side's rescue with a crucial block when Henry got away down the left.

Keeper assured
Bayern had achieved their first objective, namely to reach half-time with their lead intact. They knew that the second half would see Arsenal attack with even more resolution and it was a comfort to the visitors that Kahn's handling stood up to two early tests. Following a free-kick, Vieira tamed the ball on his chest and then saw his left-foot volley skid beyond the far post.

Sensible defending
Whenever the ball was transferred down the other end of the field, Senderos was distinguishing himself with steady, sensible defending, using his strength to hold off Guerrero as he tried to wriggle clear in the area.

Henry strikes
Just past the hour, Arsenal made a double substitution, bringing on Robert Pires and Cesc Fabregas for José Antonio Reyes and Matthieu Flamini and within two minutes they had scored, Henry bringing a high ball from Cole under control in a flash before dispatching it past a helpless Kahn. But despite the home side's late onslaught, Bayern held on.

[arminius]

In the german cup semi finals bayern have been drawn to play arminia bielefeld away, while the other semi is werder bremen v schalke.
The trebble is still possible for bayern though schalke might have something to say about that.

[nachi88]

Bayern vs Schalke

It was a case of smiles all round at the Säbener Strasse on Friday, and unsurprisingly so after Bayern booked a place in the Champions League quarter-final in midweek. Boss Felix Magath had even more reason to be pleased after bringing his team home to Munich carrying no new injuries.

The coach is set to pick from close on a full 26-man squad for this Sunday's potentially decisive Bundesliga trip to Schalke. Only four players are definitely ruled out, Roy Makaay and Mehmet Scholl with torn hamstrings, Andreas Görlitz (rehab after cruciate ligament surgery) and Roque Santa Cruz (fitness). Otherwise the coach must name a match-day squad from a richly talented remaining 22.

The 51 year-old may reflect on a tough schedule of seven games in the last 22 days and offer a run-out to one or two second-choice stars. On the other hand, Magath declared himself so impressed with "our fantastic performance as a unit against Arsenal," the signs are he may field an unchanged starting 11, trusting in the long-term benefits of the intense winter training programme to see his men through the rigours of the last few weeks.

One possible alteration could involve a return for Torsten Frings, a last minute withdrawal against Arsenal with a cold. Magath said he would closely observe the last two training sessions before naming a squad.

The one certainty is that Bayern will travel to Gelsenkirchen looking for all three points. "We just have to keep the same belief we showed against Arsenal," the coach announced. "If we can build on Wednesday's performance we'll come off the field as winners."

[nachi88]

Bayern Lose

Bayern's miserable record at the Arena AufSchalke continued on Sunday as the home side leapfrogged the Reds at the top of the standings courtesy of a Lincoln free-kick midway through the second half.

Despite an intimidating barrage of noise put up by the majority of the 61,254 under the closed roof at the magnificent Gelsenkirchen stadium, Bayern survived comfortably enough in a scrappy first 45 minutes punctuated by a half-chance apiece to Schalke's Ailton and Paolo Guerrero for the visitors.

The action improved after the break but the vital opener fell to the home side, Brazilian playmaker Lincoln erupting from an anonymous display to bend a perfect free-kick round the wall after 69 minutes.

The visitors hurled everything they had at the home defence in a desperate effort to get back on terms but the Schalke rearguard held firm and Bayern were left to rue a below-par display which leaves them three points behind the new leaders with nine matches remaining.

Felix Magath was forced into one change to the side which performed heroics at Highbury on Wednesday after Robert Kovac fell victim to the flu before kick-off. Martin Demichelis stepped back to his favoured centre-half position with Owen Hargreaves taking over the holding role.

Schalke had the best chance of the predictably tense opening exchanges but Oliver Kahn reacted brilliantly to deny Brazilian hitman Ailton twice in quick succession with the Bayern defence at sixes and sevens.

Michael Ballack collected a booking for a clattering challenge on Levan Kobiashvili, the Royal Blues hardman returning the compliment and earning the same punishment a few minutes later as any semblance of flow was interrupted by a series of niggling fouls.

The visitors settled midway through the half and Deisler was inches short of connecting with Pizarro's admittedly wayward 25th minute cross-shot.

Bayern's best chance before the interval fell seven minutes later as Guerrero galloped onto a Mladen Kristajic error but the young Peruvian was denied by home keeper Frank Rost.

Guerrero was proving a menace with a string of wriggles and twists into the box and Pizarro looped a shot onto the roof of the net, but apart from a long-range Hargreaves effort comfortably dealt with by Rost, that was the extent of the goal-bound activity in a disappointing opening period.

Bastian Schweinsteiger replaced a subdued Sebastian Deisler as the second half got off to an altogether more lively start.

The Bayern sub showed class to cut in from the left and bend a sweet right-footer just wide of the far upright on 56 minutes before Ailton unleashed a stinging volley at the other end, mercifully wide of Kahn's goal.

Guerrero drew a fine point-blank save from Rost as the youngster met Hargreaves' 66th minute corner at the near post but disaster struck just three minutes later: Demichelis conceded a foul on Denmark striker Ebbe Sand 22 metres from goal and Brazilian playmaker Lincoln stepped up to curl a perfect free-kick past Kahn and into the net.

Magath threw on Vahid Hashemian for Salihamidzic as the leaders went for broke but Kahn had to be at his best to block a Marcelo Bordon thunderbolt on 72 minutes.

Bayern huffed and puffed but the home defence put up a solid wall and the Reds, unable to create any further clear-cut openings in a frantic closing phase, were forced to accept defeat after a performace lacking venom in front of goal.

[nachi88]

We Play Chelsea in the quarters of the CL.

Teh first match we will play away and chelsea will come to munich for the second leg.

[nachi88]

Here is the article for the same



18.03.2005

„Nehmen wir es so, wie es kommt“, sagte noch am Donnerstag Felix Magath über mögliche Wunschgegner. Nun besteht Gewissheit. Der FC Bayern trifft im Viertelfinale der Champions League auf den FC Chelsea. Im schweizerischen Nyon wurden um die Mittagszeit die Paarung für die Runde der letzten Acht ausgelost.

Genau um 12.12 Uhr wurde aus dem Topf mit den acht Namen, der FC Chelsea als siebtes Team gezogen. Der FC Bayern war bis dahin noch nicht gelost. Somit stand fest, dass die Münchner am 6. April gegen den englischen Tabellenführer antreten müssen. Nach dem Modus wurde somit auch festgelegt, dass das Hinspiel zuerst auf der Insel stattfinden wird. Der Deutsche Meister hat damit die Chance im Rückspiel am 12. April daheim im Olympiastadion den Einzug ins Semifinale perfekt zu machen.

Felix Magath freute sich jedenfalls über diese Fügung: „Ich bin froh, dass wir zuerst ein Auswärtsspiel haben. Das kommt uns entgegen und soll uns auch helfen, die nächste Runde zu erreichen.“ Die Engländer sind ein äußerst lukrativer Kontrahent. Bayern-Boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge sprach sogar von einem „Wunschlos“, denn „gegen solch einen Gegner braucht man keinen aus der Mannschaft groß zu motivieren.“

Ein Selbstläufer wird der FC Chelsea aber sicher nicht, denn die Millionen-Truppe von der Stamford Bridge hat bereits im Achtelfinale durch den Rauswurf von Barcelona bewiesen, dass sie in diesem Jahr zu den ganz großen Favoriten in der Königsklasse zählt. Doch Magath, der die Partie zwischen Chelsea und „Barca“ in London am Fernseher mitverfolgte, glaubt dennoch an seine Bayern: „Wir haben gesehen, wie sie gegen Barcelona gespielt haben. Ich bin sicher, wir können sie auch schlagen.“

Neben Heimrecht im Rückspiel kennt der FCB-Coach noch einen weiteren Vorteil auf Seiten der Deutschen. „Vor einem Vierteljahr hätten wir keine Chance gehabt“, vermutet Magath, doch die fehlende Winterpause in der Premier League spielt Bayern in die Karten, denn im Vergleich zu Chelsea „sind wir jetzt ausgeruht“.

Sollte sich der FC Bayern tatsächlich gegen die Londoner durchsetzen, dann wartet im Halbfinale der Gewinner aus der Paarung FC Liverpool gegen Juventus Turin. Der Weg zum Titel würde den FC Bayern somit von London über Liverpool/Turin nach Istanbul führen, wo am 25. Mai das Finale der Champions League ausgetragen wird.

[baggy]

Bayern aim for English double
Friday, 18 March 2005
FC Bayern München will have the chance to eliminate two English sides in a row as they take on Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

England calling
Having knocked out Premiership champions Arsenal FC in the last round, Felix Magath - scorer of the winning goal in the 1982/83 European Champion Clubs' Cup final as Hamburger SV beat Juventus FC - will be taking his side back to London for another visit on 5/6 April.

Old comrades
Bayern and Chelsea have never met before in European competition but there will be plenty of players who will be well acquainted none the less, such as Bayern's English international Owen Hargreaves, who could line up against international team-mates John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole.

Huth possibility
Chelsea's French internationals William Gallas and Claude Makelele will also have the opportunity to share a few words with their counterparts at Bayern, Bixente Lizarazu and Willy Sagnol, while Chelsea's young German defender Robert Huth may play against his fellow countrymen.

Major triumph
The first leg will take place at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea recently underlined their claim as serious contenders by overcoming a 2-1 first-leg deficit to beat Primera División leaders FC Barcelona 4-2 in what many regard as the greatest game of this season's Champions League.


"We have great friends at Bayern. I said to [Bayern president] Karl [Karl-Heinz Rummenigge] that I hope we send them back [to Germany] with a worse result [than they got at Arsenal]." Peter Kenyon, Chelsea chief executive

"I am happy we will play the away leg first and I am sure it will help us reach the next round. We saw their match against Barcelona and I am sure we can beat them. I don't think we would have had a chance against them a few months ago but now we are a lot fresher then Chelsea because they have played more games than us." Felix Magath, Bayern coach

"It is the best thing that could happen to us. None of the players in the team will have to be motivated for a match against Chelsea." Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern chairman.

[santacruze]

Chelsea is just kidding!
No chance for them to beat Bayern
Isn't it?
Though Bayern hasn't beautiful and powerful formation,but how's Chelsea?
They beat down Barcelona just by luck!
Look at what will be on next month!

[nachi88]

Bayern beat Rostock 3-1


Der FC Bayern bleibt im Kampf um die Meisterschaft dem FC Schalke 04 auf den Fersen. Am 26. Bundesliga-Spieltag kam der Rekordmeister gegen den abstiegsgefährdeten FC Hansa Rostock zu einem hoch verdienten 3:1 (1:1)-Erfolg und zog damit zumindest bis Sonntagabend in der Tabelle wieder an den „Königsblauen“ vorbei, die beim FSV Mainz 05 ran müssen.

Vor 52.000 Zuschauern im Münchner Olympiastadion sicherten Lucio (41.) mit seinem dritten, Claudio Pizarro (65.) mit seinem 50. Bundesliga-Treffer für den FCB und Michael Ballack (89./Foulelfmeter) nach dem frühen 0:1-Rückstand durch Uwe Möhrle (16.) einen zwar unspektakulären aber eminent wichtigen 3:1-Erfolg der Münchner.

Gegen die Hanseaten wählte Magath eine sehr offensive Aufstellung. Top-Torjäger Roy Makaay kehrte nach überstandenem Muskelfaserriss in die Startelf zurück, Zé Roberto (links) und Sebastian Deisler (rechts) sollten ihn mit Bällen füttern. Auch Robert Kovac (Grippe) stand wieder zur Verfügung, dafür rückte Martin Demichelis wieder vor die Abwehr. Hasan Salihamidzic (Wadenprobleme), Paolo Guerrero (Muskelfaserriss) und Owen Hargreaves (Bank) rutschten aus der Anfangsformation.

„Es geht nicht nur um das Ergebnis, sondern wir wollen mit einer guten Leistung zeigen: Wir jagen Schalke“, sagte Magath noch kurz vor dem Anpfiff. Seine Mannschaft schien dies sogleich umsetzen zu wollen und kam in den Anfangsminuten zu der einen oder anderen aussichtsreichen Chance, doch im Abschluss fehlte die letzte Konsequenz. Die beste Gelegenheit hatte noch Makaay, dessen 25-Meter-Freistoß ans Lattenkreuz krachte (8.).

Die Gäste aus Rostock präsentierten sich in der Anfangsphase keineswegs wie ein Abstiegskandidat. Geschickt machten sie die Räume eng, störten den Spielaufbau der Bayern früh und suchten ihre Chance mit schnellem Spiel in die Spitze. So wie in der 16. Minute, als Hartmann auf rechts an den Ball kam und Möhrle dessen Flanke aus sieben Metern zum überraschenden 1:0 ins Tor köpfte.

Drei Minuten später hätte der ehemalige Münchner Antonio di Salvo nach schnellem Konter gar auf 2:0 erhöhen können, doch Sagnol konnte den Torschuss des Stürmers gerade noch abblocken.

Nach dem Rückstand erhöhten die Bayern die Schlagzahl, ohne dabei jedoch zu echten Torchancen zu kommen. Ob Demichelis (22.) per Kopf, Zé Roberto (34.) aus dem Gewühl oder Ballack (39.) aus der zweiten Reihe – jedes Mal fehlte die letzte Entschlossenheit.

Dies zu beenden hatte sich Abwehrchef Lucio auf die Fahne geschrieben. Der Brasilianer hatte seinen Platz in der Innenverteidigung längst aufgegeben und war häufiger im gegnerischen als im eigenen Strafraum anzutreffen. Dafür wurde er in der 41. Minute belohnt, als er nach Makaay-Zuspiel aus fünf Metern abzog und zum 1:1-Ausgleich traf.

Kurz vor dem Pausenpfiff hätte Pizarro sogar die Führung erzielen können, aber der Peruaner scheiterte gleich zwei Mal in aussichtsreicher Position (45, 45+1). So blieb es nach 45 Minuten trotz klarer Überlegenheit der Bayern nur beim 1:1.

Mit Bastian Schweinsteiger für Deisler und deutlich mehr Schwung kamen die Bayern aus der Halbzeitpause. Pizarro (52.) hatte zunächst Pech, als sein Volleyschuss nur knapp das Tor verfehlte. Wenig später versuchte es auch Schweinsteiger (55.) per Direktabnahme, ohne Erfolg.

In der 65. Minute gelang Pizarro dann die lange ersehnte Führung. Nach Steilpass von Schweinsteiger zögerte der Peruaner lange, ehe er aus spitzem Winkel abzog. Persson fälschte seinen Schuss unhaltbar für Schober ins eigene Netz ab. Für Pizarro war es Saisontor Nummer neun, alle im Olympiastadion.

In der Folgezeit spielte der Rekordmeister den Vorsprung routiniert über die Zeit und hätte den Vorsprung durch Lizarazus Gewaltschuss (73.) oder Demichelis (82.) sogar noch ausbauen können. Das gelang kurz vor dem Abpfiff Ballack (89.), als er einen an ihm selbst verschuldeten Foulelfmeter zum 3:1-Endstand in den Torwinkel zirkelte.

[nachi88]

here is the latest table...

http://www.dfb.de/bliga/bundes/index.html

Its just on goal difference that bayern are on top.. This seasons bundesliga is the closest that I can remember in many seasons.

[Ivan7637]

Foot woe forces Ferreira out
Friday, 1 April 2005
Chelsea FC right-back Paulo Ferreira will miss both legs of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against FC Bayern München after breaking a bone in his foot.

Broken bone
Ferreira, a €20m signing from FC Porto last June, sustained the injury to his right foot in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Slovakia in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 3 on Wednesday night and will have an operation to correct the problem on Saturday. It is not yet known how long the defender will be sidelined.

Saturday surgery
Chelsea doctor Bryan English said: "He has broken the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and it will be operated on tomorrow. He'll be out of hospital within 24 hours." Ferreira will certainly sit out both legs against Bayern, with the first game taking place at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday and the return in Germany six days later.

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Huth set to turn down Bayern move


German defender Robert Huth has underlined his determination to stay at Chelsea despite interest from Champions League opponents Bayern Munich.
Huth will be a summer target for the Germans who have already been in touch with the Premiership leaders about his availability.


But Huth, fit again after a string of injuries this season, is adamant that he wants to remain at Stamford Bridge next season because he loves life in the English capital.

Huth said: 'I've heard about their interest and as far as I know their officials have made contact with Chelsea.

'But as far as I am concerned, I want to stay at Chelsea. I love the club and I love the city.

'Unless the club want to get rid of me, then I want to stay here.

'Of course it is frustrating not playing, but I've improved as a player since Jose Mourinho took over and since I've been fit from the last injury, I've been playing and that gives me hope.

'It's always been the case for me of showing the new manager what I can do. I think I've done well enough to show him that he can trust me. Hopefully I'll get more games.'

Huth knows that he needs to play more first-team games in order to be part of Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann's plans for the 2006 World Cup in his homeland.

He added: 'I'm going to do my best but Mr Klinsmann will be the man to make the final decision.'

Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, only to be knocked out by Monaco when the final was within their grasp.

However, Huth says that under former manager Claudio Ranieri the players did not have the same winning belief that Mourinho has now instilled into them.

Indeed, the German defender even went as far as saying that the players did not believe they could win anything under their former boss.

Huth added: 'We are even stronger than last season and have a great chance of getting to the final. Jose gives 100% and expects 100% from you.

'When you have got a manager behind you like that then you do the same for him.

'He's just a winner and has a belief in the team. Last season we were a winning team but looking back we never really thought we could win anything but this year we do actually believe we can win things.'

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Ballack dismisses Mourinho absence


Bayern Munich captain Michael Ballack insists Jose Mourinho's absence from the Champions League tie will have little impact on the outcome.
Mourinho has reacted to his two-match UEFA touchline ban by declining the chance to watch the quarter-final first-leg tie from the stands and will instead view the match on television from a 'secret' location.


The Chelsea boss should therefore be unable to influence tonight's game after the kick-off, even if his side have already shown considerable strength in the face of adversity so far this season.

Ballack, who is targeting a second final appearance, nevertheless played down the significance of Mourinho's ban as he declared: 'I don't think it is particularly relevant.

'Chelsea are still a very strong team, even when their manager is not with them.

'He's been with them all season, so just because he is not out there for 90 minutes should not have a great effect on them.

'I don't know him personally so I can't make any judgement but I do know that he's an excellent manager and has had great success.'

Ballack's view was echoed by Bayern coach Felix Magath, who added: 'I would have preferred it if he was there as manager, but it is beyond my control.'

Magath, who is without Martin Demichelis through suspension and striker Claudio Pizarro due to a hamstring injury, should have Roy Makaay fit to lead the attack after a slight fitness worry.

Ballack is, meanwhile, determined to make it through to the semi-finals and beyond, having been a losing finalist with Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.

'Of course I would like to win the Champions League. We had a sensational season at Bayer Leverkusen, it was an unbelievably strong performance to reach the final,' he added.

'But at Bayern, success is expected every season and there is always pressure to achieve the best possible result.

'We believe that we have the class and ability to get to the final this season.

'Of course, any team in the last eight deserves to be there and while luck will play a part, it will be performances on the night that have the decisive effect.'

Ballack is relishing the chance to face England midfielder Frank Lampard, having taken on Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira in the last round, with Bayern winning 3-2 on aggregate.

'It's always good when top players face each other as then you can measure yourself,' he added.

'Our first aim is to compete but we also want to score an away goal and, hopefully, win. We have great respect for Chelsea but we will be highly motivated.'

[nachi88]

we just won 2-1 against gladbach today.

Despite a heavy pitch and legs to match, Bayern finally overcame stubborn strugglers Gladbach thanks to Michael Ballack's late header for a priceless victory which sees the Reds pull three points clear of the pack following Schalke's clear-cut defeat in Stuttgart.

The 63,000 watching the third-last Bundesliga fixture at the venerable Olympic stadium witnessed a turgid hour of football before the game burst into life with two goals in a minute.

Errors by Willy Sagnol and Olli Kahn allowed ultra-defensive Borussia to take a shock 65th minute lead through Czech midfielder Ivo Ulich, but the leaders were level within a minute courtesy of second half sub Mehmet Scholl.

Gladbach stopper Craig Moore picked up a second yellow card and his marching orders midway through the second period, and the ten-man visitors finally cracked to Ballack's 84th minute header after an intense spell of Bayern pressure.

The hard-earned three points take the leaders a giant stride closer to a 19th German league title on 59 points from 28 games, three clear of Schalke and five ahead of Stuttgart after the third-placed side's 3-0 stroll past the second-placed outfit.

Bayern showed three changes compared to the midweek trip to London. Both Roy Makaay and Martin Demichelis, identified as the key absentees by most experts after the 4-2 defeat to Chelsea, resumed duty at the front and back respectively, while Bastian Schweinsteiger's fine recent form earned him a start.

Paolo Guerrero retained his place and partnered Makaay, with Owen Hargreaves, Torsten Frings and Zé Roberto dropping to the bench as coach Felix Magath tested his likely starting line-up for Tuesday's European clash.

The leaders started brightly enough, keen to wrap up the points as soon as possible and conserve energy ahead of the midweek showdown, but Hasan Salihamidzic blasted over from Guerrero's superb lay-off and Makaay came up short with a diving header from Schweinsteiger's inswinging cross.

A torrential rain and hailstorm broke over the ground midway through the half, apparently dampening Bayern's enthusiasm both mentally and physically. Robert Kovac's speculative 24th minute effort apart, the only time visiting keeper Casey Keller's goal came under any meaningful threat was Lucio's 42nd minute free-kick.

Struggling Gladbach set out a defensive stall right from the start, and Bixente Lizarazu, an unnecessary fourth defender, gave way to half-time sub Zé Roberto.

The Brazilian used all his guile to unpick Gladbach's stubborn rearguard and flashed a 55th minute drive across the face of goal. But still boss Magath demanded more thrust and creativity, sending on Mehmet Scholl just short of the hour in place of Demichelis, also surplus to requirements at the back.

The game exploded into life on 65 minutes, but the opening goal spelt disaster for the Reds. Jansen outmuscled Sagnol and crossed from the by-line, the flight deceiving Kahn and allowing the diminutive Ulich to loop a header into the net for the opener.

But Munich responded immediately and to deadly effect, Zé breaking down the left just a minute later and centering for Scholl to emerge from a flailing pack of bodies and guide the ball past the off-balance Keller.

Worse was to follow for the visitors as Australia defender Craig Moore collected a second booking from referee Gräfer after clattering Guerrero, leaving his side to hold out with ten men for the last quarter of the match.

The chances came thick and fast now but Makaay, Guerrero and Ballack all spurned presentable opportunities, before the suspicion it might not be Bayern's day grew when a combination of Keller and the post denied Makaay from point-blank range in an amazing scramble ten minutes from time.

Sebastian Deisler took over from Schweinsteiger in Munich's final push for the points, but it was a fine cross from Willy Sagnol which finally handed Ballack the chance to head his side into a match-winning lead on 84 minutes.

Gladbach had little more to offer and Guerrero allowed himself the luxury of missing a sitter before the Reds celebrated a victory with vital implications, not only on the domestic front but as a morale-booster before Chelsea visit on Tuesday.

[karimi8]

Bayerns first signing for 05-06 season: ALI KARIMI

http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2005/03939.php?fcb_sid=be7a5ea68b9b112da7f2c83b9ea15dd6

[maxie]

congratulations! supergut!
question to Bayern fans - is Schweintieger planning to leave the club after this season, seems to be the most underrated player...

[arminius]

No chance schweinsteiger will leave, looks like deisler will go.

[nachi88]

Ismaël trades places with Frings

FC Bayern München have signed Werder Bremen defender Valérien Ismaël with Torsten Frings travelling in the opposite direction.

No details
The two clubs agreed the deal today although no details have been revealed about the transfer fees paid. Ismaël will sign a three-year contract in Munich where he will take over from Robert Kovac as Lucio's partner in central defence. The 29-year-old Frenchman joined Bremen from RC Strasbourg two years ago, winning the German league and cup in 2003/04.

Frings returning
Meanwhile, Frings returns to Bremen where he played for six seasons before a 2002 switch to BV Borussia Dortmund. He moved to Bayern last summer but has now secured a three-year contract at Bremen. The midfielder, who is currently preparing for the FIFA Confederations Cup with Germany, made 29 appearances for Bayern in their double-winning campaign.

Bremen delight
Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs said of the deal: "We are delighted with the signing. Torsten is a regular starter in the German national team and has shown his qualities at the highest level in recent years."

[Lance Knight]

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Hargreaves pledges future to Bayern


TOKYO, July 28 (Reuters) - England's Owen Hargreaves has underlined his commitment to Bayern Munich and believes the German champions can conquer Europe next season.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked with several English clubs, including European champions Liverpool, but chose to stay in Germany to boost his England chances before the 2006 World Cup.


'Every time the transfer period comes those rumours seem to come about,' Hargreaves told Reuters on Thursday before the first of Bayern's two pre-season games in Japan this week.

'When I make a statement it snowballs. My agent did speak to some clubs. If it comes to a final point maybe the player gets involved but my responsibility is to play well on the pitch.

'I have a contract here until next summer and I'm focusing on that. We've got a lot of expectations at this club this season.'

Hargreaves believes Bayern can win the Champions League for the first time since 2001 after losing to Chelsea in the quarter-finals last season.

'The priority is the Bundesliga because that's what we fight for and train for every week,' said Hargreaves, who turned down a move to English club Middlesbrough this month.

'But the Champions League is the icing on the cake and a club of our standard has to do well in the Champions League. Bayern is one of the top clubs in Europe.

'We've got high expectations and I think those are realistic expectations as well. We've got a very talented team and we're all very optimistic going into the new season.'

The versatile Hargreaves has become an integral part of the England squad but he acknowledged his chances of forcing his way into the starting line-up for next year's World Cup were slim.

'The World Cup is at the back of every player's mind,' he said. 'But obviously it's tough. The potential of the players in the England team at the moment is second to none so there are not many available positions.

'It will be tough because there are a lot of players coming on now, like Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Joe Cole had a great year last year.'

Hargreaves, who made three appearances at Euro 2004, believes England will come of age at the World Cup in Germany.

'It's important that we find the right mix and the team is successful,' he said. 'We're not just 11 players, we're a big group and we'll all benefit from having success.

'England has one of the best teams in the world, so obviously the potential is there. All the key ingredients are in place.'

[nachi88]

Bayern 3 Gladbach 0

It was an easy match... we didnt play all that well, but gladbach played really worse, I think they should be contenders for the drop this season. Good to see Makaay score again.. he ended last season on a scoring high and has continued same in this season. A tougher test is required to really find our how good our team is this season.

[Lance Knight]

alright we won the firts game yea

[Lion Heart]

I hope with Bayern's help the Asian Player of the year (karimi of Iran) becomes the European player of the year :)
He has been very impressive so far.

[nachi88]

Bayer 2 Bayern 5
We destroyed Leverkusen. its sweet revenge for last seasons 4-1 loss :D

What a match, from the kick off, we attacked. Bayern are looking much more deadly and menacing this season.Ballack has set himself to full attack mode this season, just like he was at leverkusen the season before the world cup 02. Makaay has gone goal crazy, 5 goals in 2 games.... I'm out of words for the performance today.

http://www.kicker.de/content/news/artikel.asp?folder=3100&object=319188&liga=1&saison=2005%2F06&spieltag=2&gruppe=17769

What are u guys comments on the game??
The only improvement- i feel deisler should be given a starting place.

[Ivan7637]

Yeah whose your daddy- Makaay Makaay Makaay!!! :D

Stop us now in the champions league!!!!! :evil:

Roy Makaay: "We weren't really sure where we stood as a team, because of the Confederations Cup players reporting back late for pre-season. But I think today showed we've made a lot of progress. We did play superbly at times today. It was fantastic to take revenge for last year. The coach told us not to forget what happened last year. We showed them who's boss today. You don't go away from home and score five goals very often."

AMEN! :rolleyes:

Carsten Ramelow: "We were never in with a chance. I don't think we should be comparing ourselves with Bayern Munich, we should be looking at other rivals. We started really badly. It's always going to be incredibly difficult after going two down against such a high-class side. We picked ourselves up and had a few good chances, but we failed to put them away. We made too many basic errors, and a class act like Bayern Munich will always punish you for that. We were lucky not to lose by more."

You better Recognize!!! Europe will soon TOO!! BAYERN FOREVER!!! :lol:

[RaulMadrid7]

I watched the match and it was beautifull...

Ali Karimi "Asian Maradona" certainly proved his doubters wrong, played defensively, assisted goals and scored one himself, and along with all of that in his second match debut he did some flashy moves for the crowd.

I know you Bayern fans might not know much of Ali Karimi(my homeland player) who was the best asian player of the year...etc...etc...blahblablah :D but trust me all of this that you have seen is only the beginning from this guy.

Karimi was picked out of teh streets of Tehran, Iran while playing with his friends by a scout, he then started playing in clubs and was attracted by European clubs like ManUtd and Juve, but he decided to stay in Asian clubs for a little longer, he then joined some Arab club and began his legacy, from there he was brought into the Iran NT and helped qualify them to world cup2006 in Germany.

Finally he decided to go to Europe and what better place for an Iranian international than Bayern where Hashemian and Ali Daei used to play.

For those of you who don't know him, when Iran faced AS Roma in a friendly match for charity or something, Karimi dribbled the entire Roma defense.

Now that he is in Bayern alongside Ballack, I think you guys will go alot further than just winning the Bundesliga again. ;) :D

[Lance Knight]

that trashing of Leverkusen was dread, i still cant belive Leverkusen lost so badly to munich, what has become of the once great Leverkusen, since ballack is gone they went sour, just like deportivo la courna, ironically, depo lost makaay to munich and leverkusen ballack to munich

[nachi88]

that trashing of Leverkusen was dread, i still cant belive Leverkusen lost so badly to munich, what has become of the once great Leverkusen, since ballack is gone they went sour, just like deportivo la courna, ironically, depo lost makaay to munich and leverkusen ballack to munich

leverkusen were just plain rusty. they arent all that bad, they have players like berbatov, placente and ramelow, but bayern were on a definately different level that day. Its sweet revenge for 4-1 loss the last season. :lol:

[Mirko Mandic]

HASAN FLATTERED BY REDS LINK
SKY Sports 17 August 2005
Bayern Munich midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Liverpool.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool, as they continue their search for more players before the close of the transfer window.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has made a new right-sided winger one of his top targets after being frustrated in his attempts to sign Luis Figo and Stelios Giannakopoulos.

Benitez is now believed to have switched his attentions to Salihamidzic.

The 28-year-old still has two years to run on his contract at Bayern, but the German champions may listen to offers for the player, as they have a surplus of midfielders at the club.

Salihamidzic admitted he would be interested in a move to Anfield and is waiting to see if they follow up their interest.

"I have heard about interest from Liverpool and it is a great honour for me," said Salihamidzic.

"But, of course, it is not up to me. It is up to the two clubs to decide."

[nachi88]

Record Breaking Bayern

Bayern won 1-0 against Hannover 96 today, making a Bundesliga record of 14 continuous wins. They are top of the tavle now.

[Ivan7637]

Record Breaking Bayern

Bayern won 1-0 against Hannover 96 today, making a Bundesliga record of 14 continuous wins. They are top of the tavle now.

Yea we ***king rule!!!!!

Whose next?

[nachi88]

http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/matchreport/2005/05666.php?fcb_sid=695c0ec115f355d03aa74ce4fdddfb35

It had to happen .... we finally lost, after 15 games continuous winning streak.

The whole game seemed dull initially, and after Hamburg took the early lead, they were the only team who did something. Lucio, this season looks very slow to come back in defending. He looks tired and his tackles are almost always late. Bayern showed some life only after Gurrero came on the pitch.
I hope this loss is taken in the right way ( we were too overconfident before this), and can lead to good preperatin for the CL match against Brugge.
Maggath must now decide and chose either a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 formation and not change in match, by removing an influential midfielder, almost always.

[Ivan7637]

http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/matchreport/2005/05666.php?fcb_sid=695c0ec115f355d03aa74ce4fdddfb35

It had to happen .... we finally lost, after 15 games continuous winning streak.

The whole game seemed dull initially, and after Hamburg took the early lead, they were the only team who did something. Lucio, this season looks very slow to come back in defending. He looks tired and his tackles are almost always late. Bayern showed some life only after Gurrero came on the pitch.
I hope this loss is taken in the right way ( we were too overconfident before this), and can lead to good preperatin for the CL match against Brugge.
Maggath must now decide and chose either a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 formation and not change in match, by removing an influential midfielder, almost always.

I prefer the 4-4-2. I hate leaving makaay alone upfront.

[nachi88]

Bayern 1- Schalke 1

An unlucky last minute draw for Bayern.

Its a no win record for Bayern at the Auf Schalke Arena so far. it could have been broken this saturday, but for the last minute penalty ( looked unfair to me)

http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2005/05897.php?fcb_sid=68eedd1275999e835ca9f31717bf1be1

[Lance Knight]

Bayern's Santa Cruz facing six months out

FRANKFURT, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz is facing a race to be fit for the 2006 World Cup after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury that will keep him out for around six months.

The Bayern Munich player sustained the injury to his right knee in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Cologne in the Bundesliga.


"It's a disaster for him and for us," Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath told reporters on Sunday after the extent of the injury was revealed.

Bayern said the player would undergo surgery as soon as possible in the United States and would "presumably" need five to six months to recover.

The World Cup starts on June 9 but teams will have to nominate their squads well before then, giving Santa Cruz little margin of error in his recovery.

Paraguay qualified for the World Cup in fourth place in the South American zone.

Santa Cruz's club form has been improving this season, with three goals coming in his last four league appearances.

"He was in good form and had scored a series of important goals," Magath said.

Bayern have just three fit strikers in Roy Makaay, Claudio Pizarro and Paolo Guerrero as they chase three titles.

Their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League is almost secure ahead of Wednesday's game away to Juventus, after three wins in their opening three matches in Group A.

Santa Cruz's contract with Bayern runs out at the end of the season.

[Fenerliyim]

Well Bayern just won their 20th Title

[emode]

This thread hasn't been updated in ages :lol:

[Calif]

Saturday November 11, 2006

Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 3 Bayern Munich

[emode]

Thanks baby....for posting the result.
It was a good game even tho Podolski wasn't playing (still out on injury).
Bayern is still at 4th. place after Stuttgart, Werder Bremen & FC Schalke
with 20 pts. Hope they improve soon!!

[Calif]

Yep I heard that Lukas Podolski will be out not sure for how much more time!!!But yeah Sttutgart is in 1st place!!!!

[emode]

Podolski is out for another week due to ankle injury... he hasn't even been training. Probably won't be playing in the next match against Stuggart either. Your sudden interest in Bayern Munich is sort of expected mebbe i should start following Mexican soccer thread too :D.

[Calif]

Well I like Bayern Munich because they have a lot of talent!!!!I like teams with lots of talent!!!

[Calif]

Nice Victory for Bayern Munich!!!!!

[Calif]

Saturday November 18, 2006

Bayern Munich 2 - 1 VfB Stuttgart

[Lance Knight]

hmmm, i was actually expecting Stuttgart to wip them, lol
ok well not wip them but atleast draw or win,
good win guys

[emode]

Yeah thats what i thought too esp when Stuttgart scored first after only 8 minutes into the match. But then Bayern recovered fast with 2 goals from Makaay & Pizzaro.
It was a good match & things is gonna look better from now on
.... hope they will top the table again soon!!!

[emode]

Bayern Munich is playing Spartak Moscow in the champion league game tonite. I'm confident for Bayern big victory even w/o philip lahm playing. Probably 2:0 & they should advance to the next round easily!

[Calif]

Yep I hope they have a good game!!!!

[emode]

meh, it was a 2:2 draw!! but they are advancing to next round with Inter Milan.

[Calif]

Yeah I think it was the 2 goal of Pizarro it was awesome!!!!

[Calif]

Saturday November 25, 2006

Hamburg SV 1 - 2 Bayern Munich

[emode]

Another win for Bayern!!! Didn't watch this one tho been busy.
Thanks for posting the result calif!
Btw, Podoski has started to resume training...he should be playing again soon can't wait!!

[Calif]

Well I hope he is back soon!!!!! Yeah Bayern is doing real good!!!!!

[emode]

Bayern Munich have 3 more games to make up a three-point deficit in the Bundesliga, so they need to win their next match agains Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday. They are playing home so it shouldn't be any problem!! I want them to win!!!

[emode]

Bayern 1 Borussia M'gladbach 1

I can't believe it was another draw for Bayern. I thought they gonna win this match esp they got the early goal. It was a frustrating game to watch with so many missed chances for bayern!! Damn i lost another bet!

[Calif]

Bayern Munich is in 4th Place!!!!

[Calif]

Tuesday December 5, 2006

Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Inter Milan

Champions League

[emode]

Tuesday December 5, 2006

Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Inter Milan

Champions League

I actually watch this game ... it was quite expected that they will draw b/c Inter wanted to get back on Bayern for losing earlier to them! Bayern scored first with Makaay but inter equalized later. It was ok since Bayern still at the top of group & they will face either Barcelona, AS Roma or Real Madrid in the fist knockout round. The draw will be on the 15th. I hope they have don't have to face Barca!!

[Calif]

Well which ever rival comes next it will be a great match very difficult!!!

[Centarfor9]

i think bayern wins the chamions league this year

[emode]

i think bayern wins the chamions league this year
OMG thats the best post i heard this week!!! :D thnk u!!!

[Centarfor9]

OMG thats the best post i heard this week!!! :D thnk u!!!
i think

beacuse Maakay and the crew are comming along and they are just warming up

BTW i hated Bayern all my life upto tonight

[emode]

Glad u had a change of heart ....
they are not doing so well in the bundesliga tho :sad:

[Centarfor9]

Glad u had a change of heart ....
they are not doing so well in the bundesliga tho :sad:
they always win it i'm sure they'll win it again

have you been watching their games??

[emode]

lol of course i'm a big fan :D

[Calif]

Saturday December 9, 2006

Bayern Munich 2 - 1 Energie Cottbus

[emode]

Saturday December 9, 2006

Bayern Munich 2 - 1 Energie Cottbus
I didn't watch this game b/c of of the busy weekend.. thanks for the update. A win so happy about that!

[emode]

Bayern Munich updates on the Champion League draw!!

Bayern to take on Madrid giants
Bayern have been set a tough but not impossible task in taking on the nine times European champions Real Madrid in the draw for the Champions League first knockout round, made at midday on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Its tough but Bayern Munich can beat Real b/c Real Madrid hasn't been having such good seasons this year. The first leg would be played in Spain which i expect will be a draw but the second rematch will be in Munich that one should be a win for Bayern. Then Bayern will go thru based on aggregate. Well thats my predictions & hope for Bayern this Champion league anyway :D Go Bayern!!!

[Centarfor9]

Bayern Munich updates on the Champion League draw!!


Bayern Munich can beat Real b/c Real Madrid hasn't been having such good seasons this year. The first leg would be played in Spain which i expect will be a draw but the second rematch will be in Munich that one should be a win for Bayern. Then Bayern will go thru based on aggregate. Well thats my predictions & hope for bayern this Champion league anyway :D
i don't know emode

ronaldo has been playing pretty good

but i'm sticking with the mighty Bayern ;)

[emode]

i don't know emode

ronaldo has been playing pretty good

but i'm sticking with the mighty Bayern ;)

Yeah ronaldo is playing pretty good but come february during the knockout round anything is possible. Thank you for sticking with Bayern we need ur support ;)

OMG they just won another game againsts Mainz 4:0 on Saturday 16th. Go Bayern!!! I'm in such happy mood now :D

[emode]

Bayern just been knocked out of DFB German Cup by Alemannia Aachen 4:2

It was dissapointing to lose the chance at the cup but now they can concentrate even more at the two remaining cup the Bundesliga league & the Champion league.

[emode]

Next Bayern Munich Bundesliga games:
26.01.2007 20.30 BL Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich

[Lance Knight]

recntly i heard Muinch are traacking requilme as he is being left out of the villerreal squad
and plus i heard they made a shock 16mil bid for Robben

[emode]

Yeah i heard about Munich interest in Arjen Robben too... he's often been benched lately at Chelsea games since Ballack arrival. i guess if MU can pay the asking price for Hargraves sure Munich can bid 16mil for Robben. Regarding tracking requilme i thinks it's just rumours!!

[Xizor]

Your the new mod here emode, that's cool! Well good luck! :)

[emode]

thank you xizor :)

[ricoo9]

Whats this rumour I heard about Pizarro joining Juve or Sevilla after his contract expires?? is there any truth to that? And I also heard Bayern is trying to get Ribery. That would be awesome.

[emode]

Whats this rumour I heard about Pizarro joining Juve or Sevilla after his contract expires?? is there any truth to that? And I also heard Bayern is trying to get Ribery. That would be awesome.

Yeah i heard about Pizzaro not wanting to stay in Bundesliga after his contract expires but Bayern hasn't made any official comments about him leaving the club. Plus it the same with Ribery too Marseille hasn't made the offer to release him yet, so they were just talking about it i guess haha they are so many of these flying rumours :ronaldo:.

All i'm sure of is Bayern is going to bring in one of two big names for next season. Can't wait to see who's its going to be... the truth is i prefer if one of them is Miroslav Klose.

[emode]

Ok here's Munich manager Uli Hoeneß comments on this transfer issue:

...Ali Karimi's future at the club:
"We're continuing to hold informal discussions with [Dubai club] Al-Ahly. They'd definitely like him to stay here, and they'd rather he didn't fly back to Germany with us. If we received a firm offer, guaranteeing they'd be prepared to pay a fee for him, we might well leave Ali here. If Ali leaves us, the coach would ideally like us to enter the transfer market. But we'll wait and see what happens, and we don't think we're under extreme pressure. Even if Ali leaves, and we don't find a suitable replacement, it wouldn't cause us too many major problems."

...reports of a swap deal exchanging Owen Hargreaves for Chelsea's Arjen Robben:"There's nothing in this. People piece together this kind of story often enough. But these are the facts: There's nothing to this kind of thing at the moment. It's just groping around in the dark with no basis in fact. If Robben was on the market, or Klose and all the rest of them, we'd get involved. But the fact is we haven't been involved, and we've had no contact with Robben's agent or his club."

...reports of Bayern tabling an €18 million offer for Villarreal playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme:
"We're not mad. How could anyone suggest we might buy a player like Riquelme for €18 million? We haven't made an offer, and we're not going to make an offer."

...transfer target Franck Ribéry of Olympique Marseille:
"I've had no contact with him, but I've sat down with the [Olympique Marseille] President at a number of receptions. The situation is the same as it always was. If they're prepared to release him, we'll be one of the first to know. That's how we left it. Marseille need to give a signal that they're prepared to talk. Then we would need to talk about whether that's what we want to do."

...Bayern's reported interest in Miroslav Klose:
"There's nothing new to report, only what we've been saying for the last few weeks and months. If he indicates he'd be prepared to make a switch within Germany, we'd be in the running. If that's not the case, we won't get involved."

...transfer plans for next season:
"We're doing what we can to bring in a big name or two, but we'll have to wait and see if it works out. It's not exactly easy, but I'm confident we'll have an attractive team next season, as we do now. It's fundamentally difficult attracting international players too Germany. On the one hand, that's down to the status of the Bundesliga, and second, it's about tax. Foreigners only pay 25 percent tax in England and Spain, and salary structures in Spain, Italy and England remain completely different from our own. Furthermore, if we're talking about transfer fees for players who would really make us stronger, we're up against the likes of Chelsea, Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona, so it's not exactly easy."

...contract talks with Claudio Pizarro:
"The situation with regard to Pizarro hasn't changed. We've held talks, and we can imagine continuing the talks with his agent once we get back. But the agent doesn't exactly live on our doorstep. He's in Peru, although I'm sure he'll call in and see us pretty soon."

...contract talks with Andreas Görlitz:
"We'll have to wait and see. We need to strike a gentleman's agreement, because he's not played for more than two years. He'd like to stay, and we'd like to keep him."

...contract talks with Hasan Salihamidzic:
"We're talking to his agent. Hasan is a special friend of this football club. We'll take our time, weigh up the arguments for and against on both sides, and then we'll take a decision in his and our own best interests."

[Centarfor9]

i have heard Salihamidzic will sign 4 year contract with Juventus at the end of the year

[emode]

Haven't heard that one .....wow 4 years contract with Juve? I'm going to check out whether its true or not!

[Centarfor9]

that news came from German channel DSF i'm not sure is it true or not but i think it might be

[emode]

yeah its confirmed he's leaving for Juventus next season when his contract expires in June. well, salihamidzic has been with Munich since 1998 & he even scored a goal in penalty shoot-out which help Bayern won the CL in 2001 against Valencia. Thats the best year for Bayern!!! Hope he did good in Juventus too!!

[Centarfor9]

what do you mean even :) jk

i didn't really like him when i was in bosnia but he is ok now

[emode]

what do you mean even :) jk

i didn't really like him when i was in bosnia but he is ok now

:lol: it was a penalty shoot out ..... it will be dumb if he missed it.
what? you don't like him? why? Uli Hoeneß the Munich manager had nothing but praise for this guy!!

[Centarfor9]

:lol: it was a penalty shoot out ..... it will be dumb if he missed it.
what? you don't like him? why? Uli Hoeneß the Munich manager had nothing but praise for this guy!!
that was before now he is OK

btw i don't think that shot was not the highlight of his career at bayern

[emode]

btw i don't think that shot was not the highlight of his career at bayern
:lol: of course not...it was mentioned because that was the year Bayern won both the CL & the WCC Cup!! It was the best year for Bayern & Salihamidzic was there playing a major part ...... he played the entire season :)

[Centarfor9]

Bayern fancy Robben

Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has admitted his admiration for Arjen Robben as speculation in Germany links Owen Hargreaves with Chelsea.
Rumours are rife that Chelsea could deliberately upset Manchester United's plan to sign Hargreaves by bringing the England international to Stamford Bridge.

Ironically, Robben was the subject of a similar transfer hijack by the Premiership champions but the Dutch winger is potential bait in any deal.
"He is a very good player," said Magath of Robben to Bild. "He can score with his left foot and his right foot."

Although Hargreaves wants to move to Manchester to be closer to his family's roots, it is believed Bayern are frustrated with Sir Alex Ferguson's public courting of a key member of their team who is under contract until 2010.

Hence, the Bundesliga giants could attempt to include Hargreaves in any bid for Robben, knowing that they have an unhappy player on their hands.

Quite where Jose Mourinho, whose own future is the subject for much debate on Friday, would fit another defensive midfielder into his squad is another matter although Claude Makelele is not getting any younger.
Mourinho, said to be house-hunting in Milan, is quoted in Friday's edition of The Sun as telling a 'close pal': "That's it - I'm going at the end of the season."

[Centarfor9]

Didn't people from Bayern just say that Hargreaves will stay at Bayern and that 30 mill is not enough??

[emode]

No i think the reason behind the delay is not transfer fee but Bayern is actually in danger of shortage of midfielder in the squad. The suprise retirement of Sebastian Deisler from knee injury coupled with Ali Karimi, Scholl & Salihamidzic alll moving to their new clubs they simply cannot afford to lose Hargreaves now.

Hargreaves is so looking forward to the transfer but it seems Bayern is very much reluctant to let him lose!

[Donschday]

No i think the reason behind the delay is not transfer fee but Bayern is actually in danger of shortage of midfielder in the squad. The suprise retirement of Sebastian Deisler from knee injury coupled with Ali Karimi, Scholl & Salihamidzic alll moving to their new clubs they simply cannot afford to lose Hargreaves now.


I dont see why Bayern couldn't afford to lose Owen.
-Deisler (perhaps the biggest talent in german football since Mathäus) were injured most of the time he played for Bayern (played only about 60 games 2002) Its sad but he was never that important for Bayern. With his retirement I think Bayern will try harder to get Ribery
- Karimi is too slow for "european" football, he is not an important lose
- Scholl and Salihamidzic are both too old.
- And we still have three other players for his position (Ottl, Demichelis and van Bommel)

Hoeneß (or Rummenigge?) said that Bayern will spend 30-40 million € for 4-5
players this year. And Schlaudraff was the first one, so we will see 3-4 new players.
Witout these new players we will have these player for the Midfield:

Demichelis, Fürstner, Ottl, Schweinsteiger, Schlaudraff, van Bommel.
and I am sure we will see at least 2 new midfielder. Perhaps Ribery and van der Vaart. With these players I am sure Bayern can play without Owen.



Hargreaves is so looking forward to the transfer but it seems Bayern is very much reluctant to let him lose!

Perhaps they want only more money. When I see that ManU spend something about 27 million € for Michael Carrick, or Chelsea 31 million € for Wright-Philips, than I think Owen is about 50 million €.

Most of the Bayern Fans I know (and thats quit a bit since I am from Munich)
think that Bayern should sell Owen when they got +35 million € for him.
And that is also my own Opinion


so long

[emode]

You probably right ..... :lol: But its pretty obvious MU really wants Owen & probably Bayern is just trying to get the best deal on it.

[emode]

Bayern fancy Robben

Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has admitted his admiration for Arjen Robben as speculation in Germany links Owen Hargreaves with Chelsea.
Rumours are rife that Chelsea could deliberately upset Manchester United's plan to sign Hargreaves by bringing the England international to Stamford Bridge.


You know i'm not to sure about this because it could only be nothing but another rumours. I mean he's only admiring Robben not that he's ready to sign anything yet! In any case Robben has been more benched lately in Chelsea games since Ballack arrival.

[emode]

Next game 30.01.2007 Bayern Munich v VfL Bochum

I heard Hargreaves will be in the line up but van Bommel and Karimi will not be playing due to injry from the last game. Having Hargreaves i hope will boast Bayern defence. They simply can't afford to lose again with only 16 matches remaining in the bundesliga!!

[Centarfor9]

true can't afford to lose against teams like Bochum

[emode]

true can't afford to lose against teams like Bochum
Are you going to watch that game stace?

[Centarfor9]

^ yeah but probably taped because i have a class during the game time

[emode]

yeah me too the game will start at 4.00am & i have an early class tomorrow. There's no way i'm going to stay up to see the match...so i will probably watch rerun at the night.

My prediction for this game is 2:0 for 3points in Bayern favor. It should be an easy win for Bayern. Probable line ups:

Bayern Munich: Kahn - Sagnol, Lucio, van Buyten, Lahm - Salihamidzic, Hargreaves, van Bommel, Schweinsteiger - Pizarro, Makaay

VfL Bochum: Drobny - B. Lense, Maltritz, Butscher, P. Bönig - Epalle, Dabrowski, Zdebel, Trojan - Misimovic - Gekas

Podolski will probably make an appaerance in the 2nd.half & it should be interesting to see Hargreaves playing again.

[emode]

OMG its a scoreless draw against lowly Bochum while playing in Munich. What is happening to Bayern this season & now they dropped one spot in the Bundesliga standings to 4th. Is Bayern is in big trouble now???? .... i can't bear this anymore !!!

[Centarfor9]

^ thanks for ruining it for me :)

but yeah it's messed up there is no fire on the team nobody seams to be upset by the situation

as long as they do well against Real Madrid (but i support RM also):)

staying with Bayern

[emode]

Yeah i'm staying with Bayern too but its geting harder to keep up the optimism :sad:

I don't know what happened to the players they were not even seems to be really trying.

Even Podolski who came after the second half was just nothing but average ... Hargreaves wasn't even in the lineup!! Not that his presence will do any good!!

omg they were not giving it a 100% & it could be nothing but trouble for them now.

But yeah we still have the CL against RM to look forward to :)

[Centarfor9]

i'm watching the game right now^ :)

[Donschday]

Magath got fired !!!!!!!
German press said that and for a few minutes Bayern said it also

Hitzfeld is coming to end this season with Bayern (Perhaps that was the reason Hitzfeld didn't want to join Dortmund in the winter). Next season we get a new trainer.

But Who?

*Edit*
for those who can German: the statement from the Bayern HP ->http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/de/aktuell/news/2007/10637.php?fcb_sid=3c7a42b39e4903ed7aa8bfaed525fc68

When I see this news on the englishspeaking Bayernside I post it also
*edit*

[Bigpapa42]

Interesting move by Bayern. Seems a bit abrupt, but I guess if the board has lost confidence in Magath... I wonder, then, how much leeway Hitzfeld will have if he can't get them back on track for the title right quickly.

[Donschday]

Interesting move by Bayern. Seems a bit abrupt, but I guess if the board has lost con