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★ Bundesliga Season 2015-16 ★

Alaba

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Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayern Munich: Nordtveit seeks to halt champions´ run


3 December 2015

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Borussia Monchengladbach defender Havard Nordtveit is quietly confident that his in-form side can end Bayern Munich's unbeaten run when the two meet in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Coach Andre Schubert has overseen a dramatic upturn in the club's fortunes since succeeding Lucien Favre in late September, with the hosts having lost only one of their last 14 games in all competitions.

But champions Bayern have set a new Bundesliga record by remaining unbeaten since the start of the season and Nordtveit is aware that his side will have to be at their best to bring that astonishing run to an end at Borussia-Park.

"It is always an honour and an enjoyable experience playing against Bayern Munich," he said.

"They are one of the best teams in Europe, if not in the world and particularly going forward, they are incredibly strong.

"If you want to pick up points against Bayern, then you have to defend intelligently.

"Many teams adopt a highly defensive setup, but this is often ineffective due to the fact that Bayern tend to eventually find a hole.

"We will not only concentrate on our defence, but will look to play forward.

"I hope that we are able to create chances and score goals, just like we have done in recent matches."

Bayern will be wary of the threat posed by their opponents, against whom they dropped five points last season.

Indeed, the Bavarian giants have won on only two of their last nine league visits to Borussia-Park and will need to improve upon last weekend's rather lacklustre display against Hertha Berlin if they are maintain their eight-point buffer at the top of the table.

Pep Guardiola's men were boosted this week by the return to training of Franck Ribery, who has been sidelined since March with a chronic ankle injury.

The France international will not feature this weekend, but could be back in action before the mid-season break.

In further good news for the visitors, Thomas Muller has hinted that he is keen to sign a new contract with and teenage striker Kingsley Coman has insisted that he would prefer to stay at Bayern rather than return to parent club Juventus once his two-year loan deal expires.

Brazil forward Douglas Costa is a major doubt as he struggles to overcome a thigh problem, while Thiago Alcantara is facing at least a further fortnight on the sidelines after re-injuring his problematic right knee.

For the fourth-placed home side, a thigh injury is expected to rule out Austrian defender Martin Stranzl and, although he has returned to training, the game will come too early for midfielder Ibrahima Traore.

Monchengladbach's main goal threat will be provided by Brazilian forward Raffael, who has scored six league goals this term, while defender Fabian Johnson will look to continue his unlikely hot streak in front of goal having scored three times in the last two games.

Key Opta stats:

- Borussia Monchengladbach claimed four points from Bayern Munich last term – more than any other Bundesliga side. They were also the only side not to concede a goal against Bayern in 2014-15.

- Bayern have conceded more goals away to Monchengladbach (76) than against any other Bundesliga side.

- Since Andre Schubert took job, only Bayern (25) have claimed more points than Monchengladbach (23).

- Monchengladbach have netted 26 Bundesliga goals under Schubert – only Bayern have netted more frequently in that time (27).

- Schubert's men were bottom after matchday five, but are fourth nine games later – a feat which has never previously been managed.



 

BasDost

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Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund: Draxler set to return in second-versus-third clash


3 December 2015

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Wolfsburg are set to welcome back Julian Draxler for Saturday's crunch second-versus-third clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Draxler has missed Wolfsburg's last three games due a combination of the red card he received at Mainz on November 7 and a subsequent thigh injury.

But Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking has confirmed the Germany playmaker is available as his side look to close the gap on second-placed Dortmund to four points.

"There are no question marks over Julian anymore," said Hecking. "He should be good to go on Saturday."

Midfielder Luiz Gustavo could also return for Wolfsburg, although Hecking is unsure whether to risk the Brazilian after a back injury.

Hecking will definitely be denied the services of centre-back Dante, who will miss the game through suspension having seen red against Augsburg last weekend.

That means a reshuffled Wolfsburg defence will have to deal with red-hot Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored an incredible 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games this season and 25 in all competitions.

Wolfsburg have not lost a home Bundesliga game since a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich in March 2014 - a run of 29 matches - but Dortmund visit having lost just twice in the league all season.

Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel does not have any fresh injury concerns to deal with, but his side will have to improve upon their recent record against Wolfsburg if they are to maintain the pressure on Bayern.

Their last four trips to the Volkswagen Arena have yielded just one win and they failed to beat Wolfsburg in three league and cup meetings last season.

Key Opta Stats:

- This is the first league meeting between Wolfsburg and Dortmund when both sides have been in the top three.

- Wolfsburg are unbeaten in 29 home BL games across multiple seasons (W22, D7) – a club record and currently the best run in Europe's top five leagues.

- Wolfsburg currently sit third in the home league table (19 points, the same as Dortmund), but in stark contrast, are 15th in the away table (6 points).

- The match against Dortmund will see Dieter Hecking manage Wolfsburg for the 100th time in the Bundesliga.




 

Guardiola

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Dortmund clash remains ´special´ for Draxler


4 December 2015

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Former Schalke winger Julian Draxler says any clash with Borussia Dortmund remains "special" to him, as he prepares to face Thomas Tuchel's men with Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Draxler - born close to Gelsenkirchen - came through Schalke's youth system and featured in a number of Revierderbies against Dortmund before making the move to Wolfsburg during the close-season.

The Germany international is set to feature for Dieter Hecking's side at the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday, having missed Wolfsburg's last three games due to suspension and a subsequent thigh injury.

While he may not be taking on Dortmund in a derby context, as with Schalke, Draxler maintains any meeting with this weekend's visitors will remain keenly contested on his part.

"When I was injured, most people said to me: 'As long as you're fit to play Dortmund again'," he told Bild.

"For the club it is not a derby but for me it will always be a very special game."

Wolfsburg have lost just once at home in all competitions but trail Dortmund by seven points thanks to their poor Bundesliga away form.

Hecking's men have picked up just six points from a possible 21 on the road this season, although Draxler is keen to end the first half of the season on a high with fixtures against Dortmund, Hamburg and Stuttgart, as well as the Champions League visit of Manchester United.

"It's second against third - a top match," Draxler added.

"Away from home we leave much to be desired. That is why we have consistently challenged in the home games. If we win our three games, we will go with a good feeling into the winter break."


 

Ilkay

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Schalke 3 Hannover 1: Huntelaar makes the difference


4 December 2015

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Klaas-Jan Huntelaar won a penalty and scored once to help Schalke to a 3-1 Bundesliga win over Hannover on Friday, ending their five-game winless streak in the process.

Johannes Geis handed Schalke the lead from the spot in the second half after Marcelo had fouled the Dutchman inside the area.

Huntelaar then doubled his side's lead with his fifth goal of the season, before Allan Saint-Maximin pulled one back for Hannover.

Franco Di Santo put the match to bed in the 82nd minute, though, ending his Bundesliga drought after 19 top-flight games without a goal.

Schalke dominated proceedings at the Veltins Arena right from the start, but were unable to find a way past Ron-Robert Zieler.

There was nothing the Hannover goalkeeper could do to deny Geis in the 51st minute. Referee Wolfgang stark had no other choic but to award Schalke a penalty after Marcelo brought down Huntelaar inside the area and Geis coolly slotted home.

Huntelaar also added his name to the score sheet in the 73rd minute with a calm finish after Marcelo failed to clear Max Meyer's cross.

Saint-Maximin briefly restored Hannover's hopes of getting a good result when he took advantage of some unconvincing defending from Joel Matip, but Di Santo netted 60 seconds later to wrap up the points for Schalke, moving them fourth.



 

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Bundesliga Review: Dortmund close gap as Bayern stumble


5 December 2015 20:58

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Borussia Monchengladbach stole Saturday's Bundesliga headlines as they brought Bayern Munich's record-breaking unbeaten start to the season to an end with a 3-1 win at Borussia-Park.

The hosts have lost just once in 14 games since Andre Schubert succeeded Lucien Favre in late September, rising to third in the table in the process.

And despite being outplayed by the league leaders for most of the first half, they went ahead through Oscar Wendt 10 minutes after the break and then found themselves three up when Lars Stindl and Fabian Johnson scored two goals in as many minutes.

Franck Ribery did mark his return from a long-term ankle injury by pulling one back for the visitors, but Schubert's men duly saw out the rest of the game to confirm their status as Bayern's traditional bogey team, having taken two wins and a draw from their last three clashes with the Bavarian giants.

Bayern's slip-up provided second-placed Borussia Dortmund with a huge incentive to win their late game at Wolfsburg and they duly did so 2-1 in dramatic style.

Germany international Marco Reus fired Thomas Tuchel's men into a 32nd-minute lead at the Volkswagen Arena, but they looked set to have to settle for a point when Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez replied for the visitors in the 90th minute.

Deep into stoppage-time, however, Shinji Kagawa's left-foot shot found the bottom corner to clinch the win.

That result saw Wolfsburg slip out of the top four, while Dortmund extended their superb run of form to nine wins in 11 games and closed the gap on Bayern to seven points.

Elsewhere, Augsburg moved out of the relegation zone courtesy of a battling 1-0 win at Cologne.

There was a similarly tight affair at the Olympiastadion where fifth-placed Hertha Berlin downed sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen 2-1.

Vladimir Darida handed the hosts an early lead and to compound Leverkusen's woes, they then lost Sebastian Boenisch to a 17th-minute red card.

Nevertheless, they drew level when in-form striker Javier Hernandez bagged his eighth goal in 10 games having been teed up by Admir Mehmedi.

Hertha were not to be denied, however, with John Brooks securing a vital win by heading home on the hour-mark.

Hamburg's recent upsurge in form, meanwhile, came to an end as they crashed 3-1 at home to Mainz and there was also a late goal at Ingolstadt's Audi Sportpark where Mark Uth salvaged a 1-1 draw for Hoffenheim with a stoppage-time leveller.



 

Alaba

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Bundesliga Review: Darmstadt claim derby win, Stuttgart held by Bremen

6 December 2015 20:10

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Aytac Sulu's first-half goal was enough to give Darmstadt the bragging rights over Eintracht Frankfurt as they claimed a 1-0 Bundesliga win in the first Hessen Derby meeting since 1982.

The centre-half headed home from Tobias Kempe's free-kick after 30 minutes to put the visitors on their way to a first win in six league fixtures and a fourth victory of the Bundesliga campaign.

Despite a lengthy amount of stoppage time - added on due to the home support burning several Darmstadt flags at one end of the ground - Frankfurt, who have won just one of their last 11 Bundesliga matches, could not salvage a point from what is just the fifth competitive meeting between the two sides.

Earlier, Werder Bremen came from a goal behind to claim a 1-1 draw at Stuttgart to climb out of the relegation play-off position.

Lukas Rupp's strike shortly after the half-hour mark put Jurgen Kramny's side in front in his first home game as Stuttgart's interim manager, but Anthony Ujah's seventh goal of the campaign earned Bremen a share of the spoils 19 minutes from time.



 

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Bayern Munich v Ingolstadt: Champions seek return to winning ways


10 December 2015

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Bayern Munich's unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season came to a shuddering halt at Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, but they will be looking to get back on track when Ingolstadt visit the Allianz Arena.

Second-half goals from Oscar Wendt, Lars Stindl and Fabian Johnson sent Bayern 3-0 down at Borussia Park on Saturday, before Franck Ribery came off the bench to score a late consolation.

Ribery's return salvaged a positive for coach Pep Guardiola, with the French winger having not featured since March thanks to a persistent ankle injury.

Ribery came through that cameo appearance unscathed and managed 45 minutes in Wednesday's 2-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League as he nears match fitness.

That win in Croatia - which wrapped up a group campaign that saw Bayern finish top - will have helped in the healing process after last weekend's disappointing loss, but Guardiola will be keen for his side to re-assert themselves domestically against Ingolstadt on Saturday.

After a promising start to life in the top flight, Ingolstadt's form has taken something of a turn for the worse of late.

One win in seven matches leaves them sitting 11th in the Bundesliga and a major scalp in Munich appears unlikely, although Bayern's previous league defeat came as part of a run of three, so there is arguably no better time to play them.

Coach Ralph Hasenhuttl remains positive his side can compete and believes keeping a clean sheet for as long as possible will be all-important to the team's chances.

"We have not lost in advance and I hope we can be on an equal footing for a long time," he said.

"We all have ideas but whether they work is another matter.

"We are very happy. As one ascends, it is a highlight for every single player to compete with the best team in the world.

"We are an ambitious team and we want to show that we have even more to give."

Bayern frontman Robert Lewandowski has been the subject of reports linking him with Real Madrid in recent days, but responded by netting both goals in the win over Dinamo.

Lewandowski trails former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang by three goals at the top of the Bundesliga scoring charts and will be hopeful of making up some ground by adding to his tally of 14 this weekend.

Key Opta stats:

- The sides have only met once before competitively - Bayern beat Ingolstadt 6-0 in the second round of the 2011-12 DFB-Pokal.
- Victory this weekend would see Bayern guarantee top spot at Christmas. If they are first at Christmas it will be the fifth consecutive time they have managed the feat – something that has never previously happened.
- Bayern have won all eight of their home games and have a goal difference of +27 (30 scored, 3 conceded) – the best in the history of the division at this stage of a campaign.
- Bayern have won their last 13 home games in all competitions, netting at least twice in each of those victories (3.8 per game on average). They have never secured 14 wins on the spin in all competitions under Pep Guardiola.
- Bayern have won their last 22 games against newly-promoted sides, scoring 75 goals and conceding 10, as well as shutting them out on 14 occasions. Their last defeat against such a team came in Kaiserslautern (2-0 in 2010).

- The best defences in the division come to blows this weekend - Bayern have let in just eight goals, while Ingolstadt have shipped 15. Bayern have the best attack in the league, though (43 goals), while Ingolstadt have the worst (11).



 

Alaba

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Douglas Costa denies involvement in car accident


11 December 2015

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Douglas Costa has moved to rubbish reports that he was involved in a car crash on Wednesday.

Media reports in Germany claimed that the Bayern winger was in a car which collided with a tram in Munich.

The incident was throught to have occurred shortly before Bayern's Champions League meeting with Dinamo Zagreb, although Costa had not travelled to the Croatian capital because of a thigh injury.

Initial reports claimed the Brazilian had been in the car - which belongs to him - but Costa has since taken to Instagram to shed further light on the situation.

"I want to clarify the articles in the press about the accident with my car," he said.

"I was not in the car. My cousin Stefano was driving and just my sister was with him, and they are fine and suffered no injury. I was at home at the time.

"Any questions can be taken from the German Police who were present throughout what occurred. Thanks everyone for the messages and support. Sincerely Douglas Costa."



 

Sahin

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United may interest Guardiola - Beckenbauer

11 December 2015

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Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola may consider Manchester United as his next destination, according to Franz Beckenbauer.

Speculation surrounding Guardiola's future continues with the Bayern coach's contract set to expire in mid-2016.

Both Manchester clubs – United and City – have been linked with the Spaniard, who has led Bayern to two Bundesliga titles.

Bayern's honorary president Beckenbauer said Guardiola could head to Old Trafford.

"Pep is interesting for every top club in the world," he said.

"That's just normal.

"He can pick his club and in terms of popularity Manchester United might be the number one worldwide."

United manager Louis van Gaal is under increasing pressure at the club after they were eliminated in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday.



 

Ilkay

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Ribery and Benatia out until new year


11 December 2015

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Frank Ribery and Medhi Benatia have been ruled out until after the winter break, Bayern Munich confirmed on Friday.

The news on Ribery will be particularly frustrating for Bayern boss Pep Guardiola, who has finally been able to use the Frenchman in recent weeks after a nine-month lay-off due to an ankle injury.

Ribery came on as a substitute and scored in last weekend's surprise 3-1 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach and subsequently started Wednesday's Champions League victory at Dinamo Zagreb.

He was replaced at half-time, however, and tests have shown an unspecified muscle injury that will see him sit out Bayern's three remaining games prior to Christmas.

Benatia also started in Zagreb before being replaced at the break.

The Morocco international has struggled to convince since joining Bayern from Roma in August 2014 for an initial fee of €26 million.



 

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Bundesliga Review: Hernandez hat-trick sinks Gladbach


12 December 2015

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Javier Hernandez scored a hat-trick as Bayer Leverkusen hammered Borussia Monchengladbach 5-0 in Saturday's Bundesliga encounter at the BayArena.

Stefan Kiessling opened the scoring with a first-half header before setting up the Mexican for his opening goal of the night in the 63rd minute.

The German added his second moments later, but Hernandez quickly stole the show with two goals in as many minutes to take his tally to 15 goals in his last 12 games in all competitions.

Former Manchester United striker Hernandez showed great agility to create space and stab home his second and was in the right place at the right time soon after to convert from Karim Bellarabi's cross and complete a 13-minute hat-trick.

Andre Schubert's side were unable to replicate the display that saw them beat Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich 3-1 last weekend, and Pep Guardiola's men once again found the going tough against Ingolstadt.

However, second-half goals from Robert Lewandowski and Philipp Lahm downed Ralph Hasenhuttl's courageous side and ensured their place at the top of the table during the mid-season break.

Gladbach's defeat, combined with Wolfsburg's 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg, offered Hertha Berlin the chance to move into the top three.

Pal Dardai's side obliged in emphatic fashion, with Vedad Ibisevic scoring either side of a brilliant 25-yard free-kick from Marvin Plattenhardt in a 4-0 victory away at Darmstadt.

Hoffenheim survived an early scare when Ceyhun Gulselam hit the bar for Hannover to move off the foot of the table, leapfrogging Stuttgart who drew against Mainz on Friday, as Jonathan Schmid's header earned just their second victory of the campaign and their first under Huub Stevens.

Former Cologne striker Anthony Ujah missed a penalty for Werder Bremen as both sides saw their winless runs in the Bundesliga extend to four games with a 1-1 draw at the Weserstadion.



 

Alaba

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Kiessling considering Leverkusen exit


13 December 2015

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Stefan Kiessling admitted he is considering leaving Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old has only started nine Bundesliga matches this season, making six appearances from the bench as the impressive Javier Hernandez has hogged the limelight.

The pair were on target in Saturday's 5-0 demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach, but the lack of game time means the German, who moved to the BayArena in 2006, may be forced to move on despite his affection for the club.

"I've got to be honest and say we'll have to see. I've given it some thought and I will keep thinking about it," Kiessling told Sky Sports Deutschland.

"The situation is that I would like to be playing – I've been here for 10 years and love this club and everybody knows how happy I am here.

"I've got a pretty good relationship with the fans and of course also with the club. I love playing here and I love this club, and it's overall a very, very difficult situation for me and everybody knows this.

"I want to be playing a bit of football at the end of my career and that is why I've got to give things good thought. I'll speak to the bosses and see what the best solution is."

The rout of Monchengladbach moved Leverkusen to within two points of the top four.


 

Sahin

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Rummenigge defends Bayern´s Qatar trip

13 December 2015

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Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has defended the decision by the Bundesliga champions to head to Qatar for a winter training camp.

Rummenigge stressed that Bayern's trip to Doha, set to be a highly controversial venue for the 2022 World Cup, should not be viewed as a political statement.

The country has come under significant criticism over its treatment of migrant workers employed in building the infrastructure necessary to stage the event.

Speaking to Bild, the two-time European Footballer of the Year pointed out Bayern have travelled to Qatar for a training camp every year since 2011.

"The Aspire Academy is the best training facility in world football," Rummenigge said.

"Doha offers an ideal climate in January - and there is virtually no time difference."

The executive added: "A training camp is not a political statement. No-one should mix things that do not belong together.

"They know our beliefs, for example in the question of workers' rights. But they will only listen to us on the basis of respect and trust. That is why we talk to them and not about them.

"Sport can build bridges and develop partnerships, which is one of its strengths ... if there is a chance to change through sport, then it lies in partnerships."

Bayern's Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund are planning to spend the league's winter break training in Dubai.


 

Guardiola

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Goalscoring goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni honoured by retirement send-off


12 December 2015

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Sao Paulo's record-breaking goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni believes he can look back on his career with fondness after deciding to retire.

Ceni, a free-kick and penalty specialist who scored 131 goals for the Brazilian club, missed the final six Campeonato Brasileiro matches due to injury, but was given a farewell friendly at the Morumbi on Friday.

The 42-year-old was involved in three Club World Cup triumphs, with the team from his 1992 and 1993 titles taking on the 2005 winners for his farewell.

The goalkeeper also won two Copa Libertadores titles and claimed the Brasileiro trophy on three occasions with Sao Paulo and was part of Brazil's World Cup-winning squad in 2002.

Ceni believes those achievements will provide comfort after hanging up his boots and was honoured with the send-off he received.

"I thought it was going to be sadder, but I felt good. I feel very accomplished as an athlete – I look at my past and I'm happy with what I did, the titles," he said.

"The number of Sao Paulo supporters has increased in recent years due to these two generations on the pitch.

"I would like to dedicate this moment to my mother, who is no longer here, and only say me play once with the shirt of Sao Paulo.

"A night like this is not common in Brazilian football."



 

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Jantschke ruled out for three months after surgery

15 December 2015 20:22

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Borussia Monchengladbach defender Tony Jantschke has been ruled out for around three months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

The 25-year-old partially tore his anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday's 5-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.

After going under the knife in Cologne on Tuesday, Jantschke - who has made 12 appearances in all competitions - is now not expected to return until early March.

Gladbach sit fifth in the Bundesliga, 17 points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.


 

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Robben resumes Bayern training

16 December 2015 18:27

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Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben is edging closer to a comeback after resuming individual training on Wednesday following a three-week spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The Netherlands international sustained a muscle problem in Bayern's 4-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos on November 24 and has been out of action since then.

The Bundesliga champions were initially hopeful Robben would make a swift return, but the injury kept him out of games against Hertha Berlin, Borussia Monchengladbach, Dinamo Zagreb, Ingolstadt and Darmstadt.

The 31-year-old is making progress as he seeks to regain fitness, although he remains doubtful for the trip to Hannover on Saturday, Bayern's last match before the winter break.

Pep Guardiola's men are top of the Bundesliga table heading into the game with 43 points from 16 games, holding a five-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Robben has made just seven Bundesliga appearances so far this season, scoring three goals in the process.




 

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Guardiola to clarify Bayern future next week


16 December 2015 00:00

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Pep Guardiola has revealed his future at Bayern Munich will be clarified next week.

The Spaniard's contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the season, with Manchester City and Manchester United touted as possible destinations for the former Barcelona coach next term.

And following Bayern's 1-0 triumph over Darmstadt in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, Guardiola admitted there will be news on his future shortly.

"Tonight, I have no answer. Next week there will be clarity," Guardiola told ARD.

Xabi Alonso's stunning first-half strike sent the Bavarian giants into the Pokal quarter-finals for the ninth successive season, and the Spaniard was pleased with how his injury-ravaged team performed.

"I am proud of my team," Guardiola added. "We only have 13 players left and we are tired. But we did well. We started the match well, with great attitude."

However, captain Philipp Lahm lamented Bayern's inability to add a second goal against Dirk Schuster's defensive side.

"The only bad thing was that we did not make it 2-0," he added.

"That is something we can accuse ourselves of. Darmstadt did not have a single chance over 90 minutes, so we won deservedly."


 

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Bundesliga Review: Hertha roll on, Monchengladbach halt slide


20 December 2015

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Hertha Berlin cemented their place in the top three of the Bundesliga with a regulation 2-0 home victory over Mainz.

Czech midfielder Vladimir Darida put the hosts in front in the 34th minute, with former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou adding the second nine minutes after the break to seal a sixth win from seven games in all competitions for Pal Dardai's side.

Borussia Monchengladbach, meanwhile, halted their alarming recent form slump by edging out lowly Darmstadt 3-2.

Andre Schubert's men had lost their last three games in all competitions, conceding 13 goals in the process, but they overcame Granit Xhaka's first-half dismissal as a late effort from Oscar Wendt saw off the visitors at Borussia-Park.

After Marcel Heller had given Darmstadt the lead in the 28th minute, Gladbach saw Xhaka sent off - for the third time this season - after aiming a wild kick at Peter Niemeyer off the ball.

Despite their man disadvantage, the hosts went in front thanks to goals from Lars Stindl and Havard Nordtveit either side of the break.

Sandro Wagner equalised for Darmstadt midway through the second period, but Wendt's effort four minutes from time earned Gladbach the points.



 

Alaba

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Kramny appointed as permanent Stuttgart coach

20 December 2015

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Jurgen Kramny has been appointed as Stuttgart head coach on a permanent basis.

The 44-year-old has presided over five games as interim coach of the Bundesliga club following the exit of Alexander Zorniger last month.

In that time Stuttgart have claimed two wins and two draws and suffered just one defeat.

And he has been rewarded for those results with a contract until June 2017.

Kramny said: "The club has given me confidence and for that I thank you warmly. It's a big responsibility, especially in the current situation. We're hot on the task."



 

Guardiola

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Frontzeck quits as Hannover boss

21 December 2015

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Michael Frontzeck has resigned as Hannover head coach after a poor first half of the Bundesliga season.

The 51-year-old only took charge back in April of this year, initially on an interim basis, as he ensured the club's top-flight survival.

That meant Frontzeck penned a two-year contract in May, but Hannover have struggled in 2015-16, winning just four of 17 league matches to sit second from bottom with 14 points heading into the mid-season break.

"Solidarity and confidence in our situation are necessary conditions to work successfully," he said in the statement announcing his resignation.

"Right now, I no longer feel that faith from the Hannover management."

Hannover confirmed they have accepted the coach's decision to resign and thanked him for the work he has done during his eight months at the helm.

Frontzeck's last match in charge was a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of champions Bayern Munich on Saturday.



 
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