#3 Lucio

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Lucio To Commit Future At Bayern

Brazilian centre back Lucio looks set to commit his long-term future to Bayern Munich after hinting that he is looking to extend his current deal beyond 2010.

There has been much speculation over the summer months as to the future of Brazilian defender Lucio, but the 30 year old has seemingly put an end to the uncertainty by saying he is happy to stay at the Bavarian club.

“For me this topic is no longer up for discussion” he said in an interview with Sport Bild.

“It’s continually been the case that one club or the other was in for me, but nothing came of it in the end. I’m not paying attention to this nonsense anymore. I’m staying at Bayern” he vowed.

“The club now offers me the structures that I have always wanted. I want to be here when Bayern grows. At the moment it looks like there will be a contract extension beyond 2010.”

The Brazilian had been one of the contenders to become the new club captain, but trainer Jürgen Klinsmann handed the armband to Dutchman Mark van Bommel- a decision that Lucio is more than happy with.

“The role of captain for me is not the deciding thing. For me what is important is what happens on the pitch” he explained.

“I don’t have to talk a lot. What makes me stand out is my body language in the game. I am a fighter, Oliver Kahn wasn’t the biggest talker, but was a great captain. I’m just like him.

“We also have something else in common. We keep fighting to the very last minute of a game for victory, because we simply hate to lose.”

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Lucio To Commit Future At Bayern

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Very happy to hear. We can't let him go. He's a key player.

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Lucio: ‘We have to help each other out in defence'

Lucio has won the domestic double with Bayern three times in the last four years. The Brazil skipper is now determined to add to his medal collection in his fifth season in Munich, where he has stepped up to the position of vice-captain. fcbayern.de spoke to the centre-half about his new responsibilities, the season opener against Hamburg, and how the men in red can tighten up in defence.

Interview: Lucio

fcbayern.de: Lucio, Brazil have been beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the Olympic semi-final. How disappointed are you?
Lucio: “I saw some of the match, and unfortunately I have to admit Argentina were the better side and deserve their place in the final.“

fcbayern.de: You’re captain of Brazil, and you’ve just been made vice-captain at Bayern. Were you surprised at Jürgen Klinsmann’s decision?
Lucio: “I always try and do my best for the team in any case, but I’m delighted the coach has chosen to place so much faith in me. Jürgen Klinsmann wants me to support the younger players with my experience, and help the team stay cool in the heat of the action.“

fcbayern.de: Is it something special for a Brazilian to be vice-captain at Bayern?
Lucio: “It certainly means a lot to me. As a foreigner, I’m honoured at the faith shown in me by the coach and my team-mates. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t say it’s the most important thing in my life.“

fcbayern.de: Do you feel even better integrated under Jürgen Klinsmann?
Lucio: “I think it would be fair to say that. The new performance centre which Jürgen Klinsmann has had built is helping to bring the team even closer together. We have every opportunity to sit together over a coffee or have some fun. You get to know people better and friendships are developing, we’re more like a family. In the past we just used to train, shower and go home.“

fcbayern.de: Your contract expires in 2010. Is there a chance you might remain at Bayern after that?
Lucio: “I could certainly see myself extending my contract here. We’ve talked about it already, but it would be wrong to say we’re at the negotiation stage. We mustn’t forget how quickly things can change in football. I’m extremely happy at Bayern at the moment and want to win trophies here, but you never know what the future holds.”

fcbayern.de: You’re happy at Bayern, but how happy are you with the start to the season?
Lucio: “I’m not happy about our 2-2 draw with Hamburg. We were 2-0 up, and you have to go on and win from there. I have a feeling we shifted down a gear as a team after opening up the lead, and obviously that can’t be happening. But it’ll take a little while before we fully learn the coach’s new philosophy.“

fcbayern.de: What does Jürgen Klinsmann’s new philosophy mean for the defenders?
Lucio: “Not a great deal, the defenders are just being asked to play a little higher up the field. That makes us a lot tighter as a team, because we’re not as far away from the midfield.“

fcbayern.de: You set a new defensive record last season, but this term you’ve conceded three against Erfurt and two against HSV – what’s the problem at the back?
Lucio: “Last season we defended superbly, not just the centre-halves, the whole team. That’s the decisive factor. The whole team - strikers, midfield and defenders – have to work together in defence and help each other out.“

fcbayern.de: Martin Demichelis is still injured, Breno is at the Olympics, and Daniel van Buyten is away on international duty, so you’ve not had much chance to work on defence this week. Why will the defending be better in Dortmund on Saturday?
Lucio: “It’s very simple: because none of us was happy after Hamburg. We’ve learnt from our mistakes, and we’ll be a great deal better in Dortmund.“

FC Bayern

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The match in Florence was Lucio's 50th Champions League appearance.

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Lucio: I Could Leave Bayern

Bayern Munich's Brazilian star Lucio says his future is not set in stone at the club beyond the summer, but at the same time made sure to stress that he is happy at the Allianz Arena.

The 30-year-old was linked with a move away from Munich last season, but ultimately decided to stay true to the club who he has been serving admirably and with distinction since he first joined from Leverkusen in 2004.

Now, he has chosen to stir the pot a bit again by casting doubt over his future at the club, though the indications are still strong that he will stay loyal to the record champions.

"I don't have any particular plans because I want to concentrate on the season, but only dear God knows what happens afterwards," he told the German press."I have a contract until 2010. But I don't know what will happen after the summer."

He added: "Now my son is playing in the Bayern youth set-up and my family is happy here, I can imagine staying."There is always an 'if' - and if I were to stay here, then I would still be happy."

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Lucio: I Could Leave Bayern

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Lucio doubtful for Cottbus

By contrast, Lucio has withdrawn from the Brazil party to face Portugal in Brasilia. The FCB centre-half returned to Munich from the Bundesliga trip to Mönchengladbach complaining of stiff muscles and back pain, deciding to refrain from the long trip to South America as a result. The player is currently rated doubtful for his club's home Bundesliga meeting with Energie Cottbus on Saturday.

FC Bayern

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Lucio has shaken off the injury and returned to team training.

He is set to play against Cottbus.

[Munchen Minded]

He and Micho haven't been the best this season. I just hope Lucio and Micho put in a solid performance. Nonetheless I doubt Energie will test our defense too bad, its up to our midfield and forwards to score goals so we don't end up in a goalless draw.