FCB - General Talk - Page 53 - TalkSoccer

**Trim** · 27-08-2007, 09:27 PM

Bayern have taken maximum points from their first three Bundesliga fixtures, scoring ten goals and conceding none to make it the best-ever start in the club's long history. fcbayern.de has identified the seven principle factors marking the beginning of a new era at the club:

1) The rejuvenated coach:
Soon after Ottmar Hitzfeld's return to the club on 1 February, it became clear this was not the same coach who chalked up trophy after trophy between 1998 and 2004. Uli Hoeneß recently described Hitzfeld as a "revolutionary", because the 58-year-old has begun implementing best practices from around the footballing world, picked up in his two-and-a-half year stint as a TV expert. The catalogue includes favouring a high-paced short passing game, and new training methods such as personalised fitness coaching. Furthermore, the break has clearly done the General a power of good. "The old fire's burning again," Franz Beckenbauer declared, serving to enhance Hitzfeld's recognised man-management and motivational skills.

2) The new team:
Bayern's record investment in new players over the summer has immediately paid off on the pitch. "The newcomers are desperate for trophies," Hitzfeld comments approvingly. Furthermore, the competition for places has never been as intense. "It's a real advantage when the players know they have to go to the limit in every training session," Germany boss Joachim Löw observed.

3) The new team spirit:
Fears that eight players leaving and eight coming in would cause unrest in the dressing room have proved totally unfounded. "None of us is too proud to do dirty work for the others," commented Marcell Jansen. Even the non-German speakers such as Ribéry, Toni and Sosa have settled at record speed. "Everyone at Bayern is totally supportive: the players, the coaches, the management and the fans. I really feel at home here," observed Franck Ribéry. "You need a good dressing room to go with good football," reflects seasoned campaigner Mark van Bommel, "that's 50 percent of the recipe for success. We all work for each other and the rest just follows.“ The promising blend of young and old has also led to the emergence of a new hierarchy. "A couple of us are over 30 and take responsibility, and the younger lads follow the cues," Van Bommel revealed.

4) The new philosophy:
"Once upon a time, Bayern would take the lead and then shut up shop. Now they keep on going for goals," articulate Hannover keeper Robert Enke remarked last Saturday. The Reds have adopted a rapid, direct passing style allied to far greater flexibility in terms of positioning and attacking options. Schweinsteiger, Ribéry and Altintop frequently swap positions, with Mark van Bommel and Zé Roberto taking it in turns to augment the attack. "We're difficult to mark because we're all on the move," Van Bommel remarked. "Bayern have become unpredictable," Enke concluded.

5) The new hunger for goals:
"It's not just the front two, six or seven of us are capable of scoring," observed Van Bommel, one of half-a-dozen players to find the target so far this term. Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni are capable of pulling opposing defences this way and that, before going in "where it hurts" and unsettling their markers. At 6 ft 4 in, Toni has the physical presence to rattle even the most solid defender, with the dynamic Klose never far away to mop up any loose balls.

6) The new defence:
Despite the team's scintillating attack, Ottmar Hitzfeld describes the defensive line as "the key to our success at the present time," singling out centre-halves Lucio and Demichelis and holding midfield pair Van Bommel and Zé Roberto for special praise. "Demichelis and Lucio are playing above themselves," the coach observed, as both have posted more than 70 percent of their tackles won in the first three games. Zé Roberto, a revelation in the holding role, "steals possession from behind without fouling," Hitzfeld enthused. The new defensive stability is a godsend, the coach believes. "The champions won't be the team scoring the most goals. It'll be the team with the best-organised defence," the coach has stated.

7) Franck Ribéry:
After three games, Ribéry has earned far and away the best player ratings in the league. The France star takes on his man, pulls off outrageous tricks, looks for his team-mates and covers every blade of grass on the pitch. "Franck is a truly gifted player,“ according to Hitzfeld, describing the midfielder's workrate as "phenomenal." Van Bommel believes Ribery could become the best player in the world, praising the Frenchman in the highest tones: "It's just like I saw with Ronaldinho when I was at Barcelona. He can play impossible passes.“ Ribéry's precious talent is the final factor supporting chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge's optimism: "We know this team has a great future ahead of it."

**Trim** · 29-08-2007, 07:31 PM

On arriving at the professionals’ quarters at the Säbener Straße in recent days, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s initial port of call has not been the office he shares with assistant Michael Henke. “I go to the medical unit first,” the Bayern coach revealed on Wednesday. Hitzfeld seeks out physio Fredi Binder and rehab coach Thomas Wilhelmi, inquiring as to which players are actually fit for the training ground on the day in question.

Hitzfeld cannot fail to be troubled by the club’s unusually lengthy injury roster. Alongside long-term casualties Willy Sagnol, Jan Schlaudraff and Mats Hummels (all in rehab training), the absentees on the day after the goalless draw in Zurich included Jose Sosa (back), Miroslav Klose (knee), Marcell Jansen (ankle), Luca Toni (strain), Hamit Altintop (flu), Martin Demichelis and Franck Ribery (both calf).

Ribery’s stiff calf

Ten days after stretching knee ligaments, Klose is still restricted to the treadmill. “He’s a long way off resuming the squad programme,” Hitzfeld reported. The former Bremen man is extremely doubtful for Sunday’s trip to the northern port city, as is his strike partner Toni. The Italian at least managed a few routines with the ball at his feet in midweek.

Ribery is less of a cause for concern, as the Frenchman took to the exercise bike despite a tight calf muscle which has plagued him since the weekend. “He took a few knocks in the last match,” observed Hitzfeld, unable to confirm Ribery’s presence on the Saturday flight to Hamburg. A question-mark still hovers over Jansen too, as the left-sided player was restricted to jogging on Wednesday.

Ismael to the reserves

Sosa is scheduled to go running on Thursday. “We’ll watch and see what happens,” Hitzfeld remarked, after the Argentine reported ankle pain to compound last week’s attack of lumbago. “Every day, I just hope I’ll get one or two of them back,” the coach sighed.

On a more positive note, both Valerien Ismael and Lukas Podolski came through 90 minutes against Grasshoppers Zurich unscathed. “Valerien still needs to be patient. He’ll continue to pick up match practice with the reserves until he rediscovers his former rhythm,“ the Bayern boss stated. Ismael had played well against Grasshoppers, “but he has ground to make up in terms of acceleration and mobility.”

Injury concerns through to Christmas?

Podolski is a little further down the road to recovery. “I’m delighted Poldi got through the match so well. He moved nicely and made a contribution,“ Hitzfeld remarked, announcing the striker’s imminent return to squad duty: “I think we’ll see Lukas on the bench this Sunday.“

Despite the injury problems, Hitzfeld denied the club was considering entering the transfer market before the pre-Christmas window closes on 31 August. “I hope we’ll make it through to Christmas in good shape with this squad. We should have more options after that, but we’re certain to have a few problems in the meantime.“

**Trim** · 30-08-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Pokalspiel gegen Gladbach am 31. Oktober

Der Klassiker zwischen dem FC Bayern und Borussia Mönchengladbach in der 2. Hauptrunde des DFB-Pokals ist zeitgenau festgelegt worden. Anstoß in der Allianz Arena ist am Mittwoch 31. Oktober um 20.30 Uhr. Der DFB hat zudem in Absprache mit der DFL dem Wunsch des öffentlich-rechtlichen Senders ZDF entsprochen, das Spiel live zu übertragen.

The classic clash between FC Bayern and Monchengladbach in the 2nd round of DFB Pokal will take part in Allianz Arena on Wednesday, 31st October, on 20.30h. ZDF will broadcast the match live.

**Trim** · 30-08-2007, 06:04 PM

Three days ahead of the Bundesliga trip to face Hamburger SV, Bayern’s selection options slowly but surely began to expand on Thursday as Franck Ribéry (calf), Miroslav Klose (knee), Marcell Jansen (ankle), Hamit Altintop (flu) and José Ernesto Sosa (back) all resumed the squad training programme.

“We’re getting some of our players back at last. We’ll have to see how many we have available for Sunday,” defender Philipp Lahm observed. The coaching staff will be watching the five fit-again stars for any sign of a reaction to their previous problems, but it is clear coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will finally select from a range of alternatives after a lean period during which, by his own admission, the team had more or less picked itself.

Question-mark over Toni

The biggest remaining question-mark ahead of the meeting with the side lying fifth concerns Luca Toni. The striker, who pulled a hamstring in last Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Hannover, performed a tailored exercise programme by himself on Thursday.

On the plus side, Germany goal-getter Lukas Podolski is set for a place in the squad for the first time since knee surgery last April. “I’m delighted. It’s been a long time,” declared the 22-year-old after a creditable 90 minutes in Tuesday’s friendly away to Grashoppers Zurich.

Poldi targets sub’s role

“Playing again was just tremendous, and the knee’s giving me no trouble,” Poldi continued. The hitman has recently picked up match practice in the reserves and is hoping for a top flight comeback in the northern port city: “Maybe the boss will give me 10, 20 or 30 minutes.“

The former Köln starlet understands he is some way off challenging for a regular berth at the present time. “I don’t think I’ll play much in the next few weeks, I need to recover my rhythm first,“ Podolski explained, highlighting the current fitness deficit between himself and his team-mates: “I’m definitely some way behind, especially in terms of stamina.”

**Trim** · 31-08-2007, 07:49 PM

Luca Toni is doubtful, Miroslav Klose could yet feature and Franck Ribery has been cleared to play in Sunday’s away fixture against Hamburger SV as the injury situation at Bayern continues to improve.

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will now definitely field Ribery in the north v south clash. “He can play,” the boss confirmed following a closed training session at the Säbener Strasse on Friday. Miroslav Klose also looks set to feature in the long-running Bundesliga classic this weekend.

Klose in much better shape

“It’s looking good,” Hitzfeld stated. Klose strained a knee ligament early in Bayern’s 4-0 away win over Bremen two weeks ago and is still not in peak condition for shooting and sprinting, “but I think I’m in much better shape,” the World Cup top scorer declared.

However, Hitzfeld described Klose’s designated strike partner Luca Toni as “very, very doubtful” after the lanky Italian was unable to train with the squad on Friday. Bayern coach will not risk the goal-getter in Hamburg unless he is able to play a full part in Saturday’s final pre-match workout.

Jansen not yet fit

Argentine schemer José Sosa could feature in the Bundesliga for the first time since opening day after shaking off an attack of lumbago, but Marcell Jansen (ankle) will not recover fitness in time for the Hamburg clash. The Germany star, named in the national squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Wales and a home meeting with Romania, is again likely to be replaced by Christian Lell.

Friday training did not pass without an unsettling moment for Hitzfeld when centre-half Lucio took a knock on the foot in a tackle and broke off the session. “I’m assuming he’ll still be fit to play,” Hitzfeld reassured reporters a little later.

**Trim** · 01-09-2007, 09:38 PM

Bayern will definitely be without Luca Toni for Sunday’s big match away to Hamburger SV. “We’re not taking him with us,” boss Ottmar Hitzfeld declared after Saturday’s final training session at the Säbener Strasse. The Italian striker was again unable to take part in the squad workout.

A decision on Toni’s fitness for Italy’s Euro 2008 qualifying showdown against France in Milan next Saturday will be taken on Monday. “He’ll have another medical with Dr Müller-Wohlfahrt, and we’ll see what can be done," Hitzfeld told fcbayern.de.

Klose returns

Toni stretched a hamstring in the act of scoring the opening goal in Bayern’s 3-0 victory over Hannover 96 last weekend. Hitzfeld initially held out hopes of the 30-year-old resuming the squad programme on Thursday or Friday this week, but the striker proved unable to shake off the problem.

On a more positive note, Miroslav Klose is set to make a comeback. “Yes, Miro will play,“ Hitzfeld confirmed. The Germany international sat out the win over Hannover with a knee ligament strain, but rejoined his team-mates for training on Thursday.

'Poldi' as super sub

Klose is likely to start as a lone striker in Hamburg, supported by a three-pronged attacking midfield comprising Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Hamit Altintop. “Why should I? I have ten other team-mates," Klose replied dryly when asked by reporters if he would miss having Toni at his side.

Lukas Podolski will be hoping for a run-out as a substitute after taking his place in the Bundesliga matchday squad for the first time since beginning a four-month lay-off in April. José Sosa (back) also boarded the plane to Hamburg on Saturday after ten days on the sidelines with injury.

Poldi · 02-09-2007, 10:03 AM

Great news for Klose and nice to see Poldi runing out after a long time!

**Trim** · 05-09-2007, 06:56 AM

In a hardly unfamiliar but never entirely welcome development, Ottmar Hitzfeld will be without eleven of the club’s current internationals for the best part of the next week, before the stars trickle back to Munich just a day or two ahead of the showdown with Schalke 04 on 15 September. As usual, the Bayern boss will require all his improvisational skills in training, as any form of meaningful tactical work is out of the question.

The largest single contingent reports to Germany coach Joachim Löw. Miroslav Klose, Marcell Jansen, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski are in Löw’s squad for a Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales in Cardiff on 8 September, and a friendly meeting with Romania in Cologne four days later.

Toni to appear in Milan clash?

Two of the club’s star signings could come face-to-face on Saturday in Milan, when world champions Italy meet beaten World Cup finalists France in a monumental Euro qualifying Group B showdown. Luca Toni is in the home squad, with Munich team-mate Franck Ribery selected for the French. Toni remains doubtful for the match with a hamstring problem.

Four days later on 12 September, the Italians will attempt to surmount another tough hurdle with a trip to face Ukraine in Kyiv, while France simultaneously take on Scotland at Parc des Princes in Paris. In one of the most tense and closely-fought groups, the quartet are separated in the standings by just six points, although the Ukrainians have played one game more.

Two outings for Altintop

Turkey regular Hamit Altintop has joined up with his national team-mates for Saturday’s visit to Malta and a home meeting with Hungary in Istanbul the following Wednesday. The nation which finished third at the 2002 World Cup would do their chances of qualifying for next year’s Euro a power of good with two victories.

Belgium centre-half Daniel van Buyten has only one competitive match this time, but the Bayern man must travel about as far as it is possible to go within UEFA as the Belgians are due in Kazakhstan on 12 September. Van Buyten will welcome the chance of match practice after losing his place in the Munich line-up to Martin Demichelis, at least for now.

Demichelis Down Under

The Argentine himself faces far and away the longest and most arduous trip of all the Reds, as he has been called up to the Albiceleste squad for a friendly meeting with Australia in Melbourne on 11 September. Finally, fellow central defender Lucio contests two friendlies with Brazil in the USA. The host nation provide the opposition on Sunday in Chicago, before the Brazilians take on Mexico in Boston three days later.

Buddha14 · 05-09-2007, 07:12 AM

Quote:

The Argentine himself faces far and away the longest and most arduous trip of all the Reds, as he has been called up to the Albiceleste squad for a friendly meeting with Australia in Melbourne on 11 September.

It wont be friendly trust me every friendly we play there's always arguements and injuries

**Trim** · 05-09-2007, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddha14

It wont be friendly trust me every friendly we play there's always arguements and injuries

LOL.

I just hope Demichelis doesn't get hurt.

He's so important for us.

Buddha14 · 05-09-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trim17

LOL.

I just hope Demichelis doesn't get hurt.

He's so important for us.

I got tickets for that match as well i get to see all those stars ill try to get multiples of his signature so i can send it to you guys

**Trim** · 05-09-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Spieltage 6 bis 10 zeitgenau festegelegt

Die DFL hat am Dienstag die zeitgenauen Anstoßzeiten der Bundesliga-Spieltage 6 bis 10 bekannt gegeben. Demzufolge muss der FC Bayern am Sonntag den 23.9. beim Karlsruher SC antreten. Drei Tage später kommt Energie Cottbus in die Allianz Arena. Am Samstag darauf geht es für die Mannschaft von Ottmar Hitzfeld zu Bayer Leverkusen. Am letzten Wiesn-Sonntag kommt es dann in München zum bayrischen Derby gegen den 1. FC Nürnberg. Nach einer Länderspiel-Pause gastiert der FCB dann am Samstag den 20. Oktober beim VfL Bochum.

Matchday's 6 to 10 fixtures have been confirmed by the DFL. On 23 Sep, Sunday, Bayern travels to Karlsruhe. Three days later, on Wednesday, Bayern host Energie Cottbus at Allianz Arena. Than, on Saturday, 26 Sep, Bayern travel to Leverkusen. One week later, 7 Oct, Sunday, Nurnberg visit Allianz Arena for the Bavarian derby. After a week pause for the international matches, Bundesliga returns, with Bayern traveling to Bochum, on Saturday, 20 Oct.

Matchdays 6 to 10:

23.09.2007, 17.00h | Karlsruhe SC vs FC Bayern
26.09.2007, 20.00h | FC Bayern vs Energie Cottbus
29.09.2007, 15.30h | Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern
07.10.2007, 17.00h | FC Bayern vs FC Nürnberg
20.10.2007, 15.30h | VfL Bochum vs FC Bayern

**Trim** · 05-09-2007, 04:36 PM

Deadly weeks:

15.09.2007, 15.30h | FC Bayern vs Schalke 04
20.09.2007, 19.00h | FC Bayern vs CF Belenenses
23.09.2007, 17.00h | Karlsruhe SC vs FC Bayern
26.09.2007, 20.00h | FC Bayern vs Energie Cottbus
29.09.2007, 15.30h | Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern

Just notice the short period between those matches.

**Vargas_4** · 05-09-2007, 05:41 PM

I hope we manage to win all those games!