Augsburg coach Markus Weinzierl targets Bayern upset

Augsburg coach Markus Weinzierl has set his sights on causing the biggest upset of the season in a Bavarian derby with Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Bayern currently lead the Bundesliga with 38 points from 15 games, scoring 41 goals and conceding just six.

Augsburg, meanwhile, did manage to lift themselves off the bottom of the table last weekend, but they still have 30 points less than their guests and have scored just 11 times.

"Nobody gives us a chance of getting anything against Bayern, but that's precisely what we want to do," said Weinzierl.

"We want to win the game. In the cup, a third-division team can beat a Bundesliga side, and Nurnberg got a point against Bayern a few weeks ago, so why shouldn't we be successful?"

Despite the odds being stacked against Augsburg, Weinzierl has been encouraged by his side's recent performances, even if the results have not quite reflected this.

"We want to play well and impose ourselves on the game," he said at a press conference.

"If Bayern are constantly in or around our penalty area, then it's tough to get anything, which is why we have to keep them away from our goal and have faith in ourselves.

"One thing I can promise is that we will give everything to get a successful result."

The two sides will meet again in 10 days' time in the DFB-Pokal and, until then, Bayern will not be allowed to give an inch by their coach Jupp Heynckes.

"We are going to keep it up right through to the cup game," he said.

Heynckes is likely to be without Claudio Pizarro due to illness while Arjen Robben is not yet an option either, despite stepping up his comeback from an injury which has kept him out for the past three weeks.

Sebastian Langkamp is Augsburg's biggest doubt, but Tosten Oehrl is available.

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Source: SkySports

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez warns of tough derby against Augsburg

Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez believes that their upcoming match against Augsburg this weekend will be a difficult one.

The fellow Bavarian side currently sit 17th in Bundesliga and will be looking to spring a surprise for Jupp Heynckes' men, who visit the SGL Arena on Saturday.

"They will run until they collapse," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "We have to do the same, then we will win. Augsburg are already fighting relegation, and it is a derby."

Coach Heynckes echoed the player's sentiments, insisting that Augsburg will put in extra effort when they meet Bayern.

"Augsburg are a powerful team, which often loses only narrowly. They will go the extra mile against us."

His counterpart, Marcus Weinzierl, is confident that his team can deliver a good performance as long as they approach the match with the right mentality.

"No one thinks we can get points against Bayern, but that is exactly what we want to do. We want to win this match and will give everything for it.

"Nurnberg secured a point against Bayern just a couple of matchdays ago. Why shouldn't we be able to do the same?"

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Source: Goal

Bernd Schuster wants to coach a German team

Germany legend Bernd Schuster has revealed that he would like to coach in Germany once again, more than 13 years since leaving Koln in June 1999.

The former Blaugrana midfielder has been linked with a job on the sidelines at Hoffenheim as well as Wolfsburg, and the 52-year-old admitted that he would like to return to the Bundesliga.

"The coaches are already keeping an eye on these clubs and I have stated myself that I want to return to Germany," he was quoted as saying by Bild.

"Reason being, besides the [quality of] football, the great stadiums and their comfort. In Spain, most of the arenas are bad."

Officials from die Wolfe and the Sinsheim outfit, however, remain tight-lipped over a possible move for Schuster.

Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Muller and Klaus Allofs from Wolfsburg refused to comment on the matter, but did not rule out that such a possibility exists.

Schuster's last coaching job saw him take charge of Turkish club Besiktas, where he spent the 2010-11 campaign before resigning in March 2011 following bad results.

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Source: Goal

Ibrahim Afellay unsure over future

Ibrahim Afellay says he is enjoying his spell on loan with Schalke but does not expect to find out where his future lies until the end of the season.

Afellay joined Schalke on a year-long deal from Barcelona in the summer and has performed well for the German club this term.

He has been impressed by the quality of the Bundesliga and is looking forward to the rest of the campaign, before returning to Spain to hold talks with Barca.

"I have two years left on my Barcelona deal next summer," he told Bild.

"I am actually enjoying my loan spell in the Bundesliga, I like very much being at Schalke.

"We will see what might happen in the summer. I am sure we will have a few chats come the end of the campaign.

"I don't think anyone is able to know what will happen in the future."

Afellay has helped Schalke progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will be joined by fellow group winners Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

"The Bundesliga is a strong competition," said Afellay. "You can see that. Everyone knows how strong German teams are in European club competitions this season.

"No German team there has been eliminated. This is a signal of how strong this competition is."

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Source: SkySports

Fans riots a society problem, says Watzke

Borussia Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke has stated that football riots are a problem of society and called upon politicians to act.

According to German police statistics, acts of violence by fans in the country have raised by 120 per cent during the last 12 years, but the CEO disagrees with part of the public who are prompting clubs to solely take responsibility for the incidents.

"The issue is not within football itself," the 53-year-old told Sky Sport News, adding: "It is a society problem. There are more injuries [occurring due to riots] at Oktoberfest."

"Pyrotechnics are an absolute no-go, because they are simply too dangerous. That is a fact. We are constantly in controversial and constructive discussions with our fans. We try to convince our fans."

He then took the time to reflect on Dortmund's development in the league and commented on the Bundesliga title holders' goals for the season.

"We are satisfied with the draw [against Bayern Munich], because we showed that we can keep up with them," he explained.

"However, we should not just talk about Dortmund and Munich. Bayern lost two points of their lead over Bayer Leverkusen. The league is not completely lacking tension."

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Source: Goal

Dortmund boss Klopp: Wolfsburg game would be tough

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is expecting a difficult encounter when his side meet Wolfsburg on Saturday in the Bundesliga.

The reigning league champions held Bayern Munich to a draw last weekend and will be hoping to go one better against a Wolfsburg side languishing near the foot of the table.

Despite their struggles however, Klopp believes Lorenz-Günther Köstner's side will pose a problem for his men, who on Tuesday night, defeated Manchester City in the Champions League.

"We have to expect a team that has fun when they play football. Regardless of their situation I believe their team is still behind their coach. For them, some good results are due and they will certainly fight for it," Klopp said in a press conference.

"Wolfsburg have rediscovered the joy of playing football again. This is not good for their opponents. They have always had great quality in their side, but, now everything is easier."

Although asked, Klopp gave little away as to what players he is planning on calling up, though, he did reveal that there may be a change in his side's tactical approach.

"I cannot say definitively who will play. I have the option of playing a 4-3-3. We still have to think about it though as I have not yet decided," he added.

"I will decide closer to the game. Some of my players have a good understanding of this system. I have a team able to change their game with little extra training."

Dortmund are currently third in the Bundesliga and have lost just once at home this season. But Wolfsburg will be buoyed by the fact that 10 of the 16 points they have accumulated so far, have come on their travels.

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Source: Goal

Jupp Heynckes: Bayern Munich not interested in Sneijder

Jupp Heynckes has laughed off rumours that Bayern Munich are interested in signing Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder from Inter.

The attacking midfielder is unhappy at the Giuseppe Meazza side following an ongoing contract dispute, but Bayern have no intention to make a move for Sneijder according to the Roten head coach.

"There's absolutely no truth in these reports. If we would sign every player who's being linked with a move to Bayern, we would end up with more players than Wolfsburg!" joked Heynckes to TZ.

Sneijder has a contract with Inter until the summer of 2015, but a transfer seems inevitable following his refusal to accept a pay-cut.

The former Real Madrid star was allegedly close to joining Manchester United two seasons ago, and is now being linked with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Anzhi Makhachkala and Fenerbahce, although the latter have revealed that a transfer is not an option for now either.

"We can say that, as of now, our interest in Sneijder is zero. If there is any, it is without my knowledge and I have no comment," head coach Aykut Kocaman told Radyspor.

"As of now, we have not made any attempts to transfer anyone. However, on the other hand, we are going through a critical and delicate period."

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Source: Goal

Robben to miss the remainder of 2012

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has received some disappointing news from the treatment table as he looks set to have to make do without the services of Arjen Robben for the remainder of 2012.

The winger sustained a muscular problem while away on international duty with Netherlands back in November and has since been out of action.

Bayern were initially hopeful that Robben would be match fit in time for last weekend's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund, but the Dutchman eventually did not make the squad, and he has now revealed that his comeback has been delayed due to a recovery setback.

"The muscle injury has healed, but my back is causing me problems again. I had pain in my back once more last week," Robben told Bild.

"I don't know whether I can make my comeback this year. We will keep on working on my recovery and try and shake off the back problem with the help of the doctors.

"I will bounce back, though. I am looking forward to 2013. I am highly motivated to help the team and play a key role. The past three years have shown that I hardly miss any games after the winter break."

Robben has made only 10 appearances in all competitions for die Roten this term.

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Source: Goal

Slomka set for new Hannover deal

Hannover manager Mirko Slomka is set to sign a new contract with his club, according to the club's president, having recently been linked with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

In November, Martin Kind had fuelled speculation that Slomka could leave the club, when he had told the press that all talks had been delayed until the winter break.

Slomka had been linked with the Bayern job but a recent slump in form with three defeats in their last four games including a 5-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich had silenced the rumors, and he is close to committing his future to the AWD-Arena.

"I would even bet on it," Kind told German radio NDR 2 at the weekend. "I am optimistic and am now even convinced that we will have three more years of Mirko Slomka after July 1, 2013."

Slomka, who had also been linked with Wolfsburg, could put his name underneath a 2016 contract in Hannover on Wednesday, Bild is reporting.

Hannover have qualified for the knockout phase in Europa League, but their recent poor form has seen them drop down to 12th in the Bundesliga. They face in-form Bayer Leverkusen at home.

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Source: ESPN

Heynckes could stay at Bayern for another year

Bayern Munich general manager Matthias Sammer has praised boss Jupp Heynckes and said he is open to prolonging the coach's stay at the club.

Jupp Heynckes, 67, currently has a contract at Bayern until 2013, and it has been reported he could call time on his coaching career after this season.

However, it seems Heynckes could stay on at the Allianz Arena for a further year, despite the German club being linked with Pep Guardiola and Mirko Slomka.

"Heynckes is my go-to-guy for all my transfer plans and discussing mindset for the years 2013 and 2014," Sammer told Sky News.

"There is no bigger act of faith for me. Having said that, I am totally open regarding that matter.

"His human and professional skills make him an exceptional person, an exceptional coach and a very exceptional character."

Bayern have been in impressive form in the Bundesliga this season, as they currently top the table by eight points.

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Source: ESPN

Klopp not afraid of losing Lewandowski to Manchester United

Manchester United's hopes of signing Robert Lewandowski in the January transfer window have been halted, with Borussia Dortmund confirming the striker will remain in the Bundesliga.

Lewandowski, 24, has been linked with a move to the Premier League and United would be favourites for his signature after reportedly expressing interest recently.

Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp insists the Poland international has not yet requested an exit from Germany, although a deal next summer could still be an option.

"I'm not afraid he will leave," Klopp said. "Manchester United are one of many teams showing interest in him. But the fact remains the contract is with us.

"The time when big, rich English clubs tried to take our players from Germany, thank God, is over. In the second half of the season he'll be with us."

Klopp believes the Bundesliga is now more appealing than the Premier League, despite United luring Shinji Kagawa away from Dortmund in the summer.

The German champions host Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night and, despite having guaranteed their place in the knockout stages, Klopp will send out a strong line-up to secure top spot in Group D.

"This is a Champions League game. When a team is through there is sometimes a temptation to rest players but that is not for us," he said. "We are going to play with a good team. It will be a high-tempo game and we have got to try to put a fresh team on the pitch, but obviously there will be changes.

"The match at City [on matchday 2] was surely one of the best ever for a Borussia Dortmund team. We were extremely quick, ran extremely well and were tactically very strong.

"Normally you win such a game, but that was not the case then. As it turned out, it didn't do us much harm. I can't really say how [Tuesday's] game will develop because I have no idea how the [City] team will line up.

"The squad has huge quality, no matter who is playing, but I also know that the big Manchester derby is coming up this weekend. We will see where their priorities lie. You can't always play like we did in Manchester, but, of course, we should try."

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Source: ESPN

Schalke's Jermaine Jones defends under-fire boss Huub Stevens

Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones insists the club's players rather than coach Huub Stevens are to blame for their recent dip in form.

Pressure is mounting on Stevens, whose contract expires next summer, after his side picked up just two points in their last four games, but Jones says he should not be made the scapegoat.

"The coach is stood on the touchline, it is we on the field who have the responsibility," he said.

"We should not be using the coach as an excuse for our current performances."

Schalke now turn their attentions to the Champions League and their final group game against Montpellier tomorrow and that can be a welcome distraction.

The Royal Blues have already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition and Tuesday's game is all about finishing first or second in the group, but Jones says that probably will not make much of a difference.

"If we beat Arsenal to top spot, then it would send out a signal for our opponents in the next round, but, and the coach is right about this, it does not mean that as group winners you get an easier draw," he told Kicker magazine.

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Source: SkySports

Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle will not leave in January, says father

Bayer Leverkusen star Andre Schurrle will not be joining Chelsea in the January transfer window but a summer move could be a possibility, according to his father.

The forward reportedly has a get-out clause in his contract which allows him to move at the end of the season if any club meets a fee of €35million (£28.5m).

Leverkusen, who sit second in the Bundesliga, could therefore try to sell Schurrle in the winter transfer window to gain a higher price.

European champions Chelsea could take advantage and are understood to have tried to sign the forward in summer 2012 while the struggles of Fernando Torres could inspire a new bid

But Schurrle's father, Joachim, has ruled out any move before the end of the campaign, as he told Express newspaper: "We have plenty of time left until the next summer.

"Until next summer, there is no reason to move. Moving clubs before the summer is not an issue. Andre very much likes being at Bayer Leverkusen.

"It's a successful team and the team plays really good football, too. We all simply have to wait and see."

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Source: SkySports

Hoffenheim sack Babbel, appoint Kramer as interim coach

Hoffenheim have sacked coach Markus Babbel due to their poor league form. Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Werder Bremen left the club, who were promoted to the top flight in 2008, inside the bottom three, four points adrift of safety.

With just 12 points from the first 15 games of the season, it is Hoffenheim's worst ever start to a Bundesliga campaign, and Babbel has paid the price and been dismissed just a week short of ten months at the helm. General manager Andreas Muller felt the club was left with little room for manoeuvre given their predicament.

He said: "After careful consideration, and in agreement with the club management, as well as the board members, I have decided to make a cut. Our increasingly threatening sporting situation and the continuing negative trend have left me with no choice."

Reserve-team coach Frank Kramer has been appointed as the club's new caretaker-coach and begins work immediately, preparing for Friday night's trip to Hamburg.

"Frank Kramer is going to take responsibility for the coming two games for the time being, but possibly even for longer than that," stated Muller. "He is an excellent football coach and he has our full faith. In this situation, we need peace and quiet to be able to consider our next steps."

Kramer has been in charge of Hoffenheim's reserves for 18 months, and has led them to third place in the fourth division ahead of the winter break. He will be assisted by Julian Nagelsmann, who had been in charge of the club's U-16s.

"Of course I had not wanted to have to stand in, but I am confident enough to take on this difficult challenge," said Kramer. "In the few days we have until the game in Hamburg, the focus will be on giving the players back the faith in their strengths, and I will do everything I can to achieve that."

Kramer will also need to pay particular care to the club's leaky defence. Hoffenheim have conceded 36 goals already this term, including 13 in their last four matches, while their last win dates back a month, when they defeated Schalke 3-2.

Furthermore, they were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal in the first round, going down 4-0 to fourth division club Berliner AK 07.

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Source: Fifa

Huntelaar acknowledges fans' discontent as Schalke draw with Gladbach

Schalke forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has conceded that the fans are dissatisfied with the Konigsblauen's current form after whistles could be heard in the 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

The Gelsenkirchen side's winless league run stretched to four games as a late Julian Draxler strike cancelled out Igor de Camargo's opener for die Fohlen, leaving Schalke a full 13 points behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich.

The Netherlands international admitted that whilst he had not heard the booing emanating from the stands, he accepts that the Schalke faithful are not happy.

"I have not heard the whistles. But it is clear that people are not satisfied with how we've played," the 29-year-old was quoted as saying by Bild.

"When I'm on the pitch, it does not faze me. But clearly, we are not playing well."

Coach Huub Stevens was a little less forgiving towards the home support, instead praising his side for keeping the morale high.

"Compliments to the team for the morale. No compliment to a small portion of our fans. We wanted for [goalkeeper] Timo [Hildebrand] to have more peace in the stadium," the 59-year-old said.

"But unfortunately we did not succeed. It has not annoyed me much in the last few years, but today it did."

Schalke sit fourth in the Bundesliga, and travel to Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

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Source: Goal

Bayern Munich defender Badstuber out for 6 months

Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber will miss the remainder of the Bundesliga season after suffering a torn cruciate ligament in the 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Badstuber, who only returned from a muscle injury 10 days ago, fell awkwardly in a challenge with Dortmund's Mario Gotze in the first half.

Bayern later confirmed the severity of the blow, indicating the Germany international will play no further part for club or country until May 2013.

"Holger Badstuber has sustained a cruciate ligaments tear and is expected to be out of action for half a year," the Munich club in a statement.

The timing could not have been worse for Badstuber, with Bayern leading the Bundesliga by eight points as they prepare to take on BATE Borisov in their last Champions League group stage match.

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Source: ESPN

Beckenbauer: Gotze and Reus world's best midfield duo

Franz Beckenbauer has labelled Mario Gotze and Marco Reus as the strongest midfield duo in world football.

Despite Borussia Dortmund's relatively slow start to the season domestically, the youngsters have come to the fore in recent weeks as Jurgen Klopp's side have blossomed in the Champions League, something that has not gone unnoticed by the Germany legend.

"At Barcelona Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi are building a triangle," he told Bild.

"But as a classic duo there is nobody better than the prolific Reus and Gotze. How they split Ajax in the Champions League impressed me. I hope they do not succeed in Munich."

Beckenbauer was also quick to warn that regardless of Bayern's advantage in the table, Dortmund have a stronger squad than ever before and tipped a close encounter at the Allianz Arena.

"We are well advised not to boast of our superiority in the table. I think Dortmund are even better than last season. I think a draw is likely and Bayern could live with that result better than Dortmund."

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Source: Goal

Ribery "100% sure" Bayern will win Bundesliga title

Franck Ribery is confident that Bayern Munich will win the Bundesliga title this term having had to settle for second spot last season.

The Bavarians sit atop of the table after 14 games, holding a 10-point lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, and the Frenchman insists that Bayern will be able to ensure they do not repeat the mistakes of last year's campaign.

"I am 100 per cent sure that we will become champions," Ribery was quoted as saying by Bild.

"The disappointments from last season motivate us to do better this year. We are all desperate to win the title. That's the most important goal. After that, we can then look at how far we can go in the Champions League and DFB Pokal.

"We cannot afford to make the same mistakes we made last year against smaller clubs. We had an eight-point lead, but Borussia Dortmund beat us to the title. I am convinced that we have learned from what happened."

Bayern are currently preparing for Saturday's home match against Dortmund.

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Source: Goal

Bayern Munich defender Badstuber: Little things will decide Dortmund clash

Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber is eagerly anticipating this weekend's Bundesliga match at home against Borussia Dortmund, and expects a tight encounter at the Allianz Arena.

The Germany international is full of praise for the reigning champions, but has insisted that Bayern will do their utmost to make as few mistakes as possible and come out victorious.

"Dortmund are a fantastic team, but we’re in very good shape. It’ll be a tight, hotly contested game. The little things will decide it," Badstuber was quoted as saying on the official Bayern website.

"I'm certain we'll be the team making no mistakes, or fewer decisive errors. And we have to play as a tight unit, we need to come together and work together. That's the recipe for success.

"The whole thing's being heavily hyped. I'm trying to shut out all of that and focus completely on the match. That's part of our craft. But obviously, it's not just any other Bundesliga fixture, prestige is at stake."

Saturday's encounter is scheduled to kick off at 18:30CET.

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Source: Goal

Juventus defender Lucio open to Wolfsburg move

Juventus defender Lucio is considering leaving the Serie A champions in January and returning to Germany, with Wolfsburg a possible destination.

The 34-year-old only moved to the Turin club from Inter Milan in the summer, but is already thinking about a move back to the country where he spent a highly successful eight-and-a-half years earlier in his career. Lucio, a World Cup winner in 2002 with Brazil, has been plagued by injury since joining the Bianconeri and has only made three appearances for them all season.

"Of course, I am thinking about my future," Lucio told Sport Bild. "And football is fast moving. I am here now, but could be with a different club in January. I want to play football and be happy."

During his time in Germany between 2001 and 2009, the commanding centre-back reached the Champions League final with Bayer Leverkusen before going on to claim three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.

He expressed his fondness for the country, and revealed that a move to Wolfsburg would be an appealing route back there.

"The Bundesliga is an option," he said. "If there was a chance, why not? I had eight great years in Leverkusen and especially with Bayern. My family and I were very happy there. We love Germany.

"Wolfsburg is a club eying great things in the future. VfL would certainly be an option. They are a very well-run club."

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Source: ESPN