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║ Bundesliga Season 2014-15 ║

Dante

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Bayern rocked again as Holger Badstuber ruled out for up to four months


Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber has been ruled out for three to four months after tearing a thigh muscle in their Champions League quarter-final victory over Porto this week that will require surgery.

23 April 2015 15:08 Reuters

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Holger Badstuber (AFP)

The Germany defender, who had only returned this year after more than two years out with a double ligament tear, will leave for the United States in the coming days where the operation will take place.

"Obviously I am bitterly disappointed," Badstuber said in a statement.

"I am, however, optimistic and will return fully healthy. I know Bayern will do everything for me so that I return as an important part of the team."

Bayern, who have been plagued by injuries in recent months, were without several key players in their 6-1 victory over Porto, including Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Medhi Benatia and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

They could win the German league title this week and also play Borussia Dortmund in the last four of the German Cup as they look to repeat their 2013 treble-winning season.


 

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Bayern chief Rummenigge: Pep Guardiola won't join 'a club like Manchester City'

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has dismissed suggestions that Pep Guardiola would consider leaving the Champions League semi-finalists “for a club like Manchester City.”

By Tom Adams 23 April 2015 09:09 Eurosport

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Guardiola’s future in Bavaria is the subject of constant speculation and reports suggest he remains the number one choice of the City powerbrokers Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, both of whom worked with Guardiola at Barcelona, should Manuel Pellegrini leave the club.

Guardiola’s falling out with Bayern doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller Wohlfahrt only increased the debate over whether he will stay with Bayern for a third season, as dictated by his contract, or seek a new challenge at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

But following an emphatic 6-1 win over Porto in the second leg of Bayern’s quarter-final, Rummenigge appears to feel City would be a step down for the most coveted coach in football.

"I don't worry about the rumour," the German champions' chairman told Bild. "It's just proof of his quality.

"But I can't imagine that Guardiola leaves for a club like Manchester City. I am sure that he will be team manager at Bayern at least until June 30, 2016.

"We are very proud that this coach is our man. He is the best and most sought-after coach in the world. He has satisfied all our expectations.

"We have a plan: We will bring this season to an end and then talk in the second half of 2015.

"Our goal is to extend his contract. And I think we have good chances that he will still be our coach beyond 2016."

OUR VIEW

The rumour mill around Pep Guardiola is a cottage industry of its own but the Bayern project has always been cast as a three-year plan and he is surely likely to stay. Bayern have a brilliant squad capable of challenging for the Champions League next season, and could even do so as reigning champions, while City need a complete makeover. It's not the desired brief for Guardiola. Rather let someone else do the hard work and then maybe come to City in a year.


 

Subotic

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Bundesliga Review: Bayern all but champions, Hamburg claim long-awaited win


25 April 2015

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Bayern Munich have one hand on the Bundesliga title after Bastian Schweinsteiger struck 10 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin at the Allianz Arena.

Pep Guardiola's men went into Saturday's encounter with in-form Hertha knowing three points would all-but end Wolfsburg's slim hopes of denying them a third consecutive league success, but left it late to seal victory.

Wolfsburg can ensure the Bavarian giants keep the champagne on ice by winning at Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday, but the runaway leaders would still be 12 points clear and have a vastly superior goal difference with four games remaining.

Bayern hammered Porto 6-1 in midweek to set up a UEFA Champions League semi-final against the head coach's former club Barcelona and remain on course for a famous treble, with a DFB-Pokal semi-final against Borussia Dortmund to come on Tuesday.

It was Hertha's first defeat in eight games, but they gave a great account of themselves and had a clear chance to open the scoring when Nico Schulz was denied by Manuel Neuer when clean through in the second half.

Germany captain Schweinsteiger proved to be the match-winner on his return to the starting line-up, though, applying a fine finish soon after hitting the post.

Hamburg moved off the bottom of the table by ending a run of nine games without a win with a 3-2 victory over Augsburg in Bruno Labbadia's first home game in charge.

Not since early February had Hamburg secured three precious points in their battle to avoid the drop, but they raced into a two-goal lead after 19 minutes courtesy of strikes from Ivica Olic and Pierre-Michel Lasogga.

Raul Bobadilla and Tobias Werner brought Augsburg level, but Lasogga was on target again to ensure Labbadia's men moved above Paderborn and Stuttgart into 16th place.

Hannover are just one point better off than Hamburg after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim, substitute Sven Schipplock scoring the winner seven minutes from time.

Stuttgart also looked set for a much needed victory when Daniel Ginczek and Martin Harnik gave them a 2-0 half-time lead against Freiburg, but Nils Petersen pulled a goal back and then salvaged a point five minutes from time after the home side had Adam Hlousek sent off.

Bayer Leverkusen missed the chance to move four points behind Wolfsburg when they were held 1-1 at Koln, while Shinji Kagawa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Borussia Dortmund a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.


 

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Zorc rejects talk of Gundogan departure


26 April 2015

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Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has rejected "grotesque" reports Manchester United are close to signing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The Premier League side have been linked with a move for the Germany international as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his squad for a potential title push next season.

Gundogan is one of three players - along with team-mate Mats Hummels and PSV's Memphis Depay - rumoured to be at the top of the Dutchman's list of targets, but Zorc insists there has been no contact between the two clubs.

Speaking to Germany's Sky Sports News, he said: "Usually we won't comment on these countless rumours, but this story is so grotesque, and that's why we say this once: There is no signature, there is no offer, no request, and not even any contact.

"My last contact with Manchester United, and I say this openly and honestly, took place in November 2014 and was about something else entirely."

Gundogan returned to the Dortmund side in October after over a year out with a back injury.


 

Blaszczykowski

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Leverkusen dealt Papadopoulos blow


26 April 2015

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Kyriakos Papadopoulos will miss Bayer Leverkusen's final four Bundesliga matches after it was confirmed he needs surgery on a dislocated shoulder.

The Schalke loanee suffered the injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw in the Rhine derby against Cologne.

Papadopoulos, who needed an operation on a similar injury in November, will now go under the knife on Monday and a recovery time of three months is expected.

It marks a further blow to Leverkusen, who saw midfielder Gonzalo Castro ruled out for the rest of the campaign earlier this week with a knee injury.

Papadopoulos' absence also leaves Leverkusen short of defensive options, after Emir Spahic was sacked by the club earlier this month for head-butting a steward following a penalty shootout defeat against Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal.

Roger Schmidt's side are locked in a battle with Borussia Monchengladbach for third place and automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League.


 

Blaszczykowski

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Bayern´s title confirmed as Wolfsburg stumble at Gladbach

26 April 2015

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Bayern Munich are Bundesliga champions for the 25th time after Wolfsburg lost 1-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's men had done their part in the bargain by sneaking past Hertha Berlin 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Bastian Schweinsteiger's late goal.

Victory for Wolfsburg was never a certainty at Borussia-Park, where Bayern themselves had clung on to a 0-0 draw in October.

Nicklas Bendtner and Ricardo Rodriguez went close for Dieter Hecking's men in the first half, but Gladbach were the better side overall and Max Kruse's 90th-minute goal was no less than they deserved.

Champions in 2009, Wolfsburg have impressed this season – led by Kevin De Bruyne's stunning campaign in midfield, though they have still fallen short in trying to match Guardiola's powerhouse side.

A third consecutive German crown, and Bayern's second in two seasons under Guardiola, sees the first trophy in a potential treble secured.

Bayern face a DFB-Pokal semi-final against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, while progression to the UEFA Champions League's final four will see them take on Guardiola's former club Barcelona for a place in the Berlin showpiece.

The Spaniard has already spoken of only a full complement of silverware being an acceptable haul from a season that has perhaps lacked the sparkle of his first.

Records may not have tumbled as they did last term, but Bayern have still dominated the division, leading the way since the fifth matchweek and outscoring the next-best goal-getters - Wolfsburg - by 14.


 

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Weidenfeller ruled out of Dortmund-Bayern semi-final

26 April 2015

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Goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller will miss Borussia Dortmund's DFB-Pokal semi-final with Bayern Munich on Tuesday through injury, having been ruled out for their next three matches.

Dortmund revealed on their website on Sunday that Weidenfeller suffered "pelvic bruising and a torn ligament in training on Friday".

The injury opens the door for Australian goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, who replaced Weidenfeller as Dortmund's starting keeper in December after the latter experienced a run of poor form.

Langerak started four straight matches but lost his spot after joining Australia's Asian Cup-winning squad during the Bundesliga's winter break.

The 26-year-old made his Dortmund debut against Bayern in the 2010-11 season as Jurgen Klopp's men won 3-1, while Langerak has also played the Bavarians in two cup finals, winning the DFL Supercup earlier this season and coming off the bench to replace Weidenfeller in a 5-2 triumph in the 2012 DFB-Pokal decider.

Weidenfeller will also miss Dortmund's Bundesliga trip to Hoffenheim on May 2 and is in doubt for the following fixture against Hertha Berlin.


 

Harnik

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Bayern celebrate three-peat

27 April 2015

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Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge labelled Bayern Munich's third straight Bundesliga title a "magnificent achievement" as the players celebrated the 2014-15 championship on social media.

Bayern were confirmed as champions on Sunday after second-placed Wolfsburg lost 1-0 to Borussia Monchengladbach, leaving the Bavarians 15 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with four games remaining.

Rummenigge was impressed by how Pep Guardiola's side dominated the German league after a busy close-season involving the World Cup in Brazil.

"Retaining the title is a magnificent achievement. All credit to the coach and the team," the former striker told Bayern's website.

"They've been fantastic throughout, in a season following a World Cup where we had a host of players in action."

On Saturday, Bayern defeated Hertha Berlin 1-0 but had to wait for Wolfsburg's match to see if it would be enough to secure the league title.

Guardiola's men released a wave of joy on Twitter after hearing of Gladbach's victory.

"Amazing, we are the Champions of the @Bundesliga_EN!!! 3peat is a great feat!" full-back Rafinha wrote.

Rafinha's fellow Brazilian Dante added: "We are the Champions my friends!!!! Three in a row was a dream that became reality."

Midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who joined Bayern after they won the 2012-13 title, was thrilled to have tasted more success after an injury-ravaged season.

It is Thiago's sixth league title of his career, after winning La Liga with Barcelona four times.

"Deutscher Meister #2!!! Congrats to all the FC Bayern family. #MiaSanMeister !!!," the Spain international said.


 

Philipp

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Stranzl to play no further part in Gladbach season

27 April 2015

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Martin Stranzl will play no further part in Borussia Monchengladbach's season due to an injury to his left knee.

The experienced centre-back has not played since since Gladbach's 2-0 victory at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on March 22.

Stranzl returned to training last week in a bid to play a part in Gladbach's run-in, but his injury has failed to heal.

"I started with individual training last week, but unfortunately we had to cancel it because the knee has not responded to the stress," the 34-year-old told the club's official website.

Gladbach are locked in a battle with Bayer Leverkusen over third place in the Bundesliga, which guarantees UEFA Champions League football, with four league matches remaining.

A 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Sunday boosted their chances, while also ensuring that Bayern could not be caught at the top of the table.


 

Alaba

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Bundesliga title a footnote in Bayern´s grand plans

27 April 2015

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It is perhaps telling that, after Borussia Monchengladbach's win over Wolfsburg handed Bayern Munich the Bundesliga title, celebrations in Bavaria were somewhat muted.

For any ordinary club, a 25th German title – their 24th since the Bundesliga's inception - would serve as a cause for jubilant scenes and open-top bus parades even if the success was confirmed without kicking a ball.

However, for Bayern Munich and Pep Guardiola it was a case of putting the party on hold, with near-annual end-of-season DFB-Pokal and UEFA Champions League challenges still to come.

"We'll have a magnificent party at some stage, no worries. But all in good time," explained CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Bayern eased to a third consecutive Bundesliga title with four games remaining despite key players suffering from the exertions of a successful World Cup campaign with Germany.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm were among those plagued by injuries although Guardiola's deep and talented squad were more than capable of holding off the challenge of Wolfsburg.

A 4-1 defeat at the hands of Dieter Hecking's men after the mid-season break proved a mere blip for a side who led the chasing pack from matchday five onwards.

Borussia Dortmund - normally Bayern's closest challengers for the title - spent much of their season pre-occupied with avoiding relegation.

While Jurgen Klopp's side stand in the way of Bayern doing the domestic double again ahead of their Pokal semi-final on Tuesday, much of Guardiola's focus will be on former club Barcelona.

The German giants have reached the Champions League final three times in the previous five seasons but lifted the trophy just once - under the Spaniard's predecessor Jupp Heynckes.

Guardiola will need to mastermind a semi-final victory over his former club if he is to stand a chance of truly writing himself into Bayern folklore and repeat Heynckes' treble achievement that took place shortly before his arrival.

Despite racking up the 20th honour of his coaching career, Guardiola has been the subject of near-constant rumours over his future with much discussion over whether he would welcome a somewhat more challenging domestic title race abroad.

However, Guardiola says he remains fully committed to Bayern ahead of their biggest challenge.

Such is the size of the Bayern juggernaut that securing only the Bundesliga and Pokal crowns would again be classed as a failure at Sabener Strasse.

Fans and bosses at the Allianz Arena - while no doubt pleased with another title in the bag - will be keen for any league and cup double to serve as momentum for what Guardiola's Bayern crave the most - repeated European dominance.


 

Robben

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Klopp ´an option´ to replace Guardiola at Bayern

27 April 2015

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Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer believes Jurgen Klopp could succeed Pep Guardiola as head coach.

Klopp is set to leave Bayern's Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, bringing to a close a seven-year stint at Signal Iduna Park.

In that time, Dortmund won two league titles, but on Sunday, Bayern were crowned champions for a third straight campaign as second-placed Wolfsburg went down 1-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Ahead of Tuesday's DFB-Pokal between the two sides, Beckenbauer has touted Klopp as a possible replacement for Guardiola in the future.

"Of course I could imagine Klopp as Guardiola's successor," he told Sky Deutschland.

"When I was president, we often talked about Klopp and believe he would fit very well at Bayern.

"Klopp is definitely an option at Bayern. The question is, how long Guardiola will be in Munich.

"I hope for a long time, but Klopp would be considered.

"I can't imagine Guardiola would leave in 2016. He likes Munich.

"He has had success with the team and he knows that he can succeed in the future. He has everything he wants."


 

Robben

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Pfaff hails Neuer´s consistency


27 April 2015

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Three-time Bundesliga winner Jean-Marie Pfaff says Manuel Neuer's form for Bayern Munich in recent years is breaking new ground for goalkeepers.

Neuer matched Pfaff's title haul for Bayern at the weekend with his third successive crown since joining the club from Schalke.

The 29-year-old has been in outstanding form for the champions again this season after also being part of Germany's World Cup-winning team in 2014 and Pfaff - who played for Bayern for six years from 1982 - hailed his constant desire to improve.

"Manuel [Neuer] shows his quality when it is needed," Pfaff told Perform. "He plays great when the squad plays well too and is also great when the squad isn't so good.

"He is always very concentrated - not just 100 per cent but 1000 per cent. He has to feel good every week because only then he can show his great quality.

"Manuel knows his responsibility. He is an excellent goalkeeper.

"In the last years and during the World Cup, Manuel Neuer showed a great performance. For me he is the best goalkeeper in the world."


 

Robben

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Dortmund must decide Gundogan future soon - Zorc

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By Peter McVitie
Apr 27, 2015 10:55:53

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United and, with his contract expiring in 2016, the club are under pressure to decide whether to sell

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has admitted the club will have to make a decision over the future of Ilkay Gundogan soon.

Reports emerged in Germany on Friday that the midfielder was close to a transfer to Manchester United, but the club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has denied that there has been any contact between the two clubs.

Zorc accepts, however, that with his contract set to expire in 2016, the club must consider if they want to sell Gundogan in order to avoid losing the player for free, as they did with Robert Lewandowski.

"Gundogan's situation isn't straightforward, because his contract expires in 2016. There will be a decision soon," he told Kicker.

Defender Mats Hummels is another BVB star to be linked with a summer exit but Zorc is more confident over the prospect of keeping the World Cup-winner.

"As far as I know, Hummels' contract still runs until 2017. We did not receive any offer that we should think about," he said.

"There will surely be some changes to the team this summer. Maybe more changes than in recent years. But we won't radically change our team."

Zorc is now looking forward to Tuesday's DFB-Pokal semi-final with Bayern Munich.

"Knockout matches have a certain appeal, because you can solve everything in one match. The final in Berlin is a dream goal for us. We have many beautiful and some not so beautiful memories from that stadium.

"The final is important and the team who qualifies can be proud. Getting to Berlin was always an important goal. Of course we know that we are not the favourite in this semi-final but that is not important."


 

Blaszczykowski

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Stuttgart reject Stevens replacement talk


28 April 2015

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Bundesliga strugglers Stuttgart have moved to reject suggestions from Hansi Muller that the club has appointed a replacement for Huub Steves.

Muller, a supervisory board member at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, told Servus TV in Austria that former RB Leipzig coach Alexander Zorniger would take over from Stevens at the end of the season.

The Stuttgart boss returned to the club in November but sees his side in serious danger of the drop - sitting two points adrift of guaranteed safety.

Regardless, Stuttgart moved to dismiss Muller's comments, stating that Stevens had their full support.

"VfB Stuttgart has not concluded a contract with any coach," read a statement.

"As before, all our activities are focused on avoiding relegation and we will not leave this road. Huub Stevens enjoys our complete confidence.

"He has a wealth of experience and is the right man to gain the necessary points with the team in the coming games."

Zorniger is a former assistant at Stuttgart - serving under Markus Babbel before spending almost three years with Leipzig.


 

Subotic

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Firmino unmoved by transfer talk

29 April 2015

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Brazil prodigy Roberto Firmino has played down talk of leaving Hoffenheim in the coming months, claiming the only side he dreams of playing for is his national team.

Firmino has burst onto the international scene this season with a string of impressive performances in his first four appearances, which have yielded two goals.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Zenit have all been linked with the 23-year-old – who could be set to appear on the UEFA Champions League stage for the first time.

However, as he hopes his early performances for Brazil will convince Dunga to take him to the Copa America, Firmino's focus is clear.

"I don't like to talk about transfers that much," he explained to the Copa America's official website.

"Rumours always bother you, but I try not to worry about them.

"I don't have a club that I dream of playing for. I dreamt of playing for Brazil, and this has already happened."

Hoffenheim were the Bundesliga's great entertainers last term, scoring 72 goals but conceding 70 on their way to a ninth-placed finish.

Firmino contributed 16 strikes last term, although his tally has dropped to just six with four league games to play this term and he is keen to end the campaign on a high and nail down a Copa spot.

"When it comes to the Brazilian team nothing is guaranteed," he added.

"You need to always play well. I will only feel part of the Copa America squad when my name is on the list and it is published by the technical committee.

"The expectation of triumph is always going to be there. We are playing in the team that has won the World Cup more times than any other. Playing for the Brazilian national team always means winning and searching for titles. There is no other thought."



 

Sahin

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Bundesliga Preview: Wolfsburg hunting Champions League breakthrough


1 May 2015

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Wolfsburg are aiming to sew up their second-ever UEFA Champions League group-stage spot, when they host Hannover in Bundesliga action on Saturday.

After continuing their stellar season by winning through to the DFB Pokal final on Wednesday, Wolfsburg can take that momentum and make certain of their spot in the European top tier in the 2015-16 season.

A win over the relegation-threatened Hannover - they sit just one point above the bottom three - will take Wolfsburg into Europe's elite for the first time since 2009-10, the season following their lone Bundesliga title.

"This is a massive moment for the team, for VfL and for the city of Wolfsburg," director of sport Klaus Allofs said, according to the club's website.

"It is sensational that we have booked our place in the final at the third consecutive attempt and that we have now finally done the job so convincingly.

"The [DFB Pokal final] clash with Dortmund will surely be a great game between two teams absolutely at eye-level.

"But before that, we must first achieve our greatest goal and secure second place in the Bundesliga."

Wolfsburg are on a two-match winless run in the league, although Hannover's streak without a win is 14 matches - stretching back to December.

The first of four Bayern Munich 'celebrations' sees the champions head to Bayer Leverkusen in the late Saturday kick-off.

Bayern were assured of the title when Wolfsburg lost to Borussia Monchengladbach last week.

Leverkusen (fourth, 55 points) are tracking third-placed Gladbach (57 points) for a spot in the Champions League group stages, but are already assured of at least the qualifying place.

Leading the race for the UEFA Europa League spots are Schalke - who host Stuttgart - and Augsburg, who welcome Cologne.

The two sides are level on 42 points, ahead of Hoffenheim (40), Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen (both 39).

In-form Dortmund are away at Hoffenheim after surpassing Bayern in the DFB Pokal semi-finals, and are also on a two-match league winning streak.

Bremen host Eintracht Frankfurt, while Freiburg take on Paderborn in a relegation six-pointer.

On Sunday, Hamburg - who are placed 16th - are away at Mainz, before Hertha Berlin welcome Gladbach.


 

Sahin

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Hoffenheim v Borussia Dortmund: Visitors hit the road in high spirits


30 April 2015

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Borussia Dortmund head to Hoffenheim in a buoyant mood after edging rivals Bayern Munich to reach the DFB-Pokal final on Tuesday.

Dortmund made a miserable start to the season and sat bottom of the table on more than one occasion, but the cup may provide light at the end of the tunnel, if they can beat Wolfsburg in the May 30 final.

It could also provide outgoing coach Jurgen Klopp with the perfect swansong to his excellent stint in charge at the German giants, which has brought about two Bundesliga titles and a run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.

Bayern missed all four penalties in a shootout to end Tuesday's semi-final, leaving Dortmund elated, but CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has urged the team to move on quickly ahead of a crucial Bundesliga clash on Saturday.

Schalke and Augsburg, fifth and sixth respectively, occupy the UEFA Europa League spots for next season with 42 points. Hoffenheim sit seventh with 40, while Dortmund are one place and one point adrift.

"It was exciting," Watzke told Dortmund's official website. "Jurgen Klopp's dream of taking the bus to the Borsigplatz [main square in Dortmund to celebrate] goes on.

"But first we've got to travel to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. It'll be an extremely important game in the race to reach the Europa League."

The likes of Werder Bremen and Mainz also remain in contention for a Europa League spot, so, with just four matches of the season remaining, Saturday's clash is vital in every sense of the word.

Dortmund have grown accustomed to European football in recent years and qualifying for continental competition would represent an excellent result given their start to the season.

Those chances looked shot after consecutive league defeats to Bayern and Borussia Monchengladbach, but wins over Paderborn and Eintracht Frankfurt have lifted spirits.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shinji Kagawa scored in both of those victories.

Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak - so impressive against Bayern in the DFB-Pokal - will continue in goal for Dortmund as Roman Weidenfeller (pelvis) remains on the sidelines.

Hoffenheim's form is far worse, with a winless run of six matches in all competitions - which included a cup quarter-final defeat to Dortmund in extra time - ended by a 2-1 success at Hannover last time out.

Dortmund have won both meetings between the two sides this season, with their cup success preceded by a 1-0 league win in December that came thanks to Ilkay Gundogan's strike.

Hoffenheim's last victory against Dortmund was a memorable one.

Needing all three points on the final day of the 2012-13 season to secure a relegation play-off - which they would ultimately win against Kaiserslautern - Hoffenheim came from behind to win 2-1 at Signal-Iduna Park thanks to Sejad Salihovic's brace of penalties.


 

Robben

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Grosskreutz to miss rest of Dortmund campaign

30 April 2015

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Borussia Dortmund will be without midfielder Kevin Grosskreutz for the final month of the season with a knee injury, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

The 26-year-old has not featured for Dortmund since February due to a thigh problem, but had been an unused substitute on two occasions in recent weeks.

However, he will not feature in the final games of the campaign due to problems with an old knee injury, meaning he is likely to miss the DFB-Pokal final on May 30.

"Kevin has further problems with his knee," said Klopp. "A fold of mucus membrane was removed this morning. He is expected to be out for four weeks."

Dortmund face Hoffenheim on Saturday as they look to boost their hopes of finishing in the European places, and Klopp insists his players are fully focused on the challenge ahead rather than Tuesday's cup win over Bayern Munich.

He added: "It's a six-point game. This opponent demands full concentration, we saw an extraordinary game on Tuesday but as of today we are in Hoffenheim mode."


 

Harnik

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Gundogan will not extend Dortmund deal

30 April 2015

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Borussia Dortmund have confirmed midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will not extend his current contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season.

The Germany international has reportedly been the subject of interest from Premier League side Manchester United as he nears the end of his existing deal.

Outgoing Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp played down speculation over the former Nuremberg man's future earlier this month.

However, the club confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Gundogan would not remain at Signal Iduna Park past the 2015-16 campaign.

The 24-year-old endured a difficult start to the campaign as he sat out the early months due to a back injury that also saw him miss the World Cup in Brazil.

However, his return to Dortmund's line-up has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Klopp's men.

The midfielder's impending departure points to a change in direction for the eight-time German champions, who will see Klopp leave at the end of the season.

Former Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel will replace the Dortmund boss for the start of next term and he could be without Gundogan for the start of his tenure, with United rumoured to be circling.


 

Alaba

Alfrescian
Loyal

Rosler: Bayern are dominating Europe

1 May 2015

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Bayern Munich are the dominant force in European football and can reach yet another UEFA Champions League final this season, Uwe Rosler feels.

Pep Guardiola's team have already wrapped up a third consecutive Bundesliga title and face the Spaniard's former club Barcelona in a mouth-watering Champions League last-four tie.

Since the turn of the decade, Bayern have competed in three Champions League finals - losing in 2010 and 2012 before beating Borussia Dortmund in 2013 - and were knocked out by eventual winners Real Madrid in last season's semis.

And ex-Nuremburg, Kaiserslautern and Manchester City striker Rosler thinks that such a record, coupled with their supremacy in Germany and willingness to make bold decisions at board level, proves the Bavarian giants are ahead of the rest on the continent.

"Bayern Munich is a big team with a big manager and obviously the previous manager [Jupp Heynckes] - Bayern Munich is at the moment in a decade of football where they are, in my opinion, dominating European football," Rosler told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"When you see the amount of Champions League semi-finals and finals and actually winning the Champions League and the dominance domestically - they've got a fantastic group of players.

"For me there's consistently success there and there's also consistently progression in terms of bringing in new ideas.

"Who thought in Germany that Pep Guardiola - a Spanish coach, a top coach - would come to the Bundesliga and bring new ideas, innovate German football in a way that he did? It was unthinkable 10, 15 years ago.

"Bayern Munich is always ahead and they're getting the results by doing that. For me they are serious candidates to win the Champions League this year as well."

Rosler believes Bayern's semi-final clash with Lionel Messi and co is too close to call, but the German fancies Guardiola to have the edge on his old team.

"At that level, the last four teams, you can't expect anything but I think they've put themselves in a position with hopefully Ribery returning from injury [and] Thiago being back that they can bring out their full potential," he added.


 
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