Danijel Pranjić moves to Bayern München

Per a variety of reports Heerenveen will be without Danijel Pranjić next season as he has moved to Bayern München for a fee rumoured to be €10m. Since arriving from Dinamo Zagreb in 2005 the Croatia international has been a constant goal scoring threat for de Friezen and a will be tough loss in Trond Sollied's lineup. Speaking to German media giant Bild, he expressed his excitement of the move to Bayern who additionally signed his former Dinamo teammate Ivica Olić:

"I am already really looking forward to playing together with Ivica Olić in the future."

Louis Van Gaal gets new striker Mario Gómez

New Bayern coach Louis Van Gaal started his days off right as Mario Gómez has left VfB for München. With a fee of rumoured to be €30m Bayern apparently met VfB's heavy demands and there was no other choice the club could make

VfB sport director Horst Heldt said of the deal "We managed to hold onto Mario twice. Now he has decided to make a move. That is a real shame! Mario has served VfB fantastically and once again this season had a massive part to play in the success of the team."

Bayern München crushes BVB with late goals

Die Schwarzgelben goal of returning home from Allianz Arena with points came within three minutes of occurring before Bayern München struck twice handing BVB a 3-1 defeat. The heart-breaking loss continues the difficult start of the Rückrunde, dipping BVB to a three way tie with Schalke and Wolfsburg, a point behind VfB.

The start of the match could not have been written better for Jürgen Klopp as less that two minutes into the match Hungarian international Tamás Hajnal provided Nelson Valdez the ball, which he followed up with a powerful strike from eighteen meters into the back of the Bayern net. By the fifteenth minute Bayern started to drive forward with left flanking attacks and only Roman Weidenfeller’s good work and Luca Toni’s errors keeping the BVB lead. At twenty-four minutes Mannschaft capped Bastian Schweinsteiger’s free-kick found its way to the wall and after Franck Ribéry attempt at the rebound was blocked, Zé Roberto stepped up and struck the ball in. Following the goal Bayern ran roughshod over die Schwarzgelben and if hadn’t been for Weidenfeller quality work against Roberto and Ribéry before the break, the match would have been out of reach early.

At the break Jürgen Klopp brought in Nuri Şahin for Tinga and the overall match was less one-sided. However once again Roman Weidenfeller came to rescue denying Luca Tonia with twenty minutes remaining and Miroslav Klose with ten left on the clock. Unfortunately for BVB, with three minutes remaining Felipe Santana was unable to clear the ball and Miroslav Klose pounced on the opportunity to volley the go-ahead goal. The match was brought to a 3-1 score in added-time when Franck Ribéry cross to Miroslav Klose was sent in.

Gloating Uli Hoeneß seems to forget

Having a secure balance sheet in today's world of financial catastrophe seems to bring out the oddest comments in the press by members of the Football world. It is difficult to know whether Bayern München's Uli Hoeneß was taken out of context when he obviously gloated over the recent loss by Manchester City:

"I saw the Premier League game between Stoke City and Manchester City (last weekend).

"I noticed that millions have been invested by certain people there very badly.

"I saw that they can do absolutely nothing, even though they were very expensive."

Repeating my above statement, I hope the matter is out of context because it would be sad to hear of Uli jumping on the bandwagon of taking aim against the Citizens, considering his own use of interesting business relationships.

Alexander Baumjohann to Bayern München

Gladbach has announced that midfielder Alexander Baumjohann will join Bayern München this summer on a free transfer. Signing a contract through June 2012 he told Kicker:

“I think anyone who plays football will appreciate that this is an attractive opportunity. I see it as a huge chance, I know what I can do – and I believe in myself. I trust in my ability to make it at Bayern, otherwise I’d never have taken up the offer. I’ll get my chance at some point, and then it’s up to me to take it.“

the Bavarians next!

The draw for the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal are complete and Werkself will face Bayern München in Düsseldorf on March 4.

Bayer 04 coach Bruno Labbadia said of the draw:

"Obviously, we wanted to avoid Bayern but we can’t choose who we we play. But we are at home and we’ve got the prospect of interesting tie. We’re looking forward to it."

Toni Kroos joins Werkself on loan until 2010

Following the Dortmund match, Werkself director of sport Rudi Völler announced Bayern München’s great talent Toni Kroos will joining the Werkself on loan until the summer of 2010:

“Toni will obviously have to fight for his place in the squad but we are absolutely convinced that he has the right qualities and he definitely wanted to come to Leverkusen.”

not so fast Köln

While FC Köln is anxious to bring their chosen son home, Bayern München’s out-of-favour star Lukas Podolski has confirmed receiving an offer from Manchester City. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the German international said:

“In recent months I have heard from several German teams, Köln, Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund. Outside Germany, I received proposals from Manchester City, Tottenham and Roma. I feel ready for an experience abroad and that includes Italy. I know that Roma have contacted me and want to take me. I would have no problems. Roma is a great club.”

VfB fights back to play Bavarians to a draw

A capacity home crowd witnessed VfB fight back with a late Sami Khedira strike to earn a 2-2 draw against Bayern München. The victory extends die Roten unbeaten streak to four matches and leaves them at tenth place with twenty-five points, one point behing Wolfsburg as the Bundesliga heads to winter break.

In a match bathed with hard tackling, both sides started intensely and were committed not to give the other any space on the pitch. With Mario Gómez on the bench given his lingering injury, Ciprian Marica was handed the responsibility in the attack but after a hard challenge the former Shakhtar Donetsk man had to leave and Gómez was pressed into duty. VfB pressed but on the strength of Bavarian 'keeper Michael Rensing they were kept off the score sheet until added-time when Sami Khedira found the back of the net as he capitalized on a Jan Šimák corner that had been flicked on by Matthieu Delpierre.

The lead was short lived Tim Borowski drew the match level only three minutes into the half and he scooped in a rebound from a Bastian Schweinsteiger shot. Bayern took the lead with twenty-four minutes remaining Tim Borowski was the provider once again as fed Luca Toni for a point-blank effort. Markus Babbel called upon Turkish international Yıldıray Baştürk with fourteen minutes remaining and a further five minutes nineteen year-old Julian Schieber was called upon with for maturity beyond his years. In a critical error with five minutes left in regulation Massimo Oddo was shown a straight red for a poor challenge of Christian Träsch that will surely attract disciplinary action from the DFB. VfB was rewarded for its tenacity as the rebound off Cacau's corner was drilled to the back of the net by Sami Khedira for his second of the net and to bring the match to its final 2-2 conclusion.

Following the match Markus Babbel said:

"I am very satisfied with my team, but not quite so happy about the result. We had the opportunities to decide that game in the first half. In the end we earned the equaliser with a very determined display. I'm very proud of my team."

Mario Gómez hopeful to play against Bayern

With the Bundesliga race extremely tight, if not unpredictable, Markus Babbel knows that success against Bayern München on Saturday is important as the club heads to the winter break. The Bavarians haven’t been beaten since Hannover 96 handed them a 1-0 loss in the sixth match of the season and hungry for the top spot before heading on holidays. VfB is anxious to have Mario Gómez back for the match and are optimistic as the German international has been able begin a running schedule. The club is similarly positive of Ricardo Osorio appearing but Ludovic Magnin is still out.

Werkself triumphs over ‘Gladbach 3-1!

Bruno Labbadia’s demands for a victory today were met as Werkself defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1. The victory brings Leverkusen to within three points of Bayern München and 1899 Hoffenheim who are tied at first with thirty-four points. It did not start easy for Werkself as a motivated ‘Gladbach nearly scored a minute into the match as Roberto Colautti headed Marko Marin’s cross off the post. However it wasn’t long till Swiss international Tranquillo Barnetta created opportunities for Patrick Helmes and Stefan Kießling. The pace of the match was fast and twenty-five minutes in Stefan Kießling struck a powerful goal from top right side of box to far bottom corner. ‘Gladbach was far from out of it and fought back hard but once again the German international were their nemesis as Kießling volleyed Michal Kadlec’s cross in. The twenty-three year-old Kadlec is on loan from Sparta Praha, has been a brilliant find for the club and created a number of good opportunities today. The match went to 3-0 at the fifty-fourth minutes as Stefan Kießling found a open Patrick Helmes on the right side of the box, who then drove the ball into the net. Tony Jantschke brought ‘Gladbach to within one, heading in from the middle of the box and with the goal his side came roaring back. Michael Bradley and the Canadian Rob Friend nearly scored again with minutes however Leverkusen slowly turned the pace of the match down and were able to hold off further challenges winning 2-1.

the Anatoliy Tymoshchuk saga

As the Zenit Saint Petersburg season wound down in domestic league play one of the hottest topics was the future of Anatoliy Tymoschuk. The twenty-nine year-old midfielder was the solidifying force for Zenit and typified the finest qualities a leader could have. While the club dealt with endless distractions, primarily dealing with Andrei Arshavin the Ukraine international never faltered whether being a stalwart defending or providing reliable drive in the attack. In the latter stages of the campaign rumours of Bayern München bidding for his services became a constant within the media. German media outlets were reported "secret" meetings in München this past weekend to which the Bavarian general manager Uli Hoeneß has confirmed. The "saga" is far from concluded and expect Zenit to make a sincere effort to retain their skipper.

Steaua Bucureşti falls to Bayern München

Steaua Bucureşti's Champions League hopes ended in sorrow with a 3-0 loss to Bayern München of the Bundesliga. For forty-five minutes Steaua Bucureşti held Bayern Munich off the scoresheet but after the twelve minutes after the re-start Miroslav Klose broke the floodgates open with the first goal of the evening as he finished off a Massimo Oddo cross that had been advanced by Franck Ribéry. Only four minutes later the Germans doubled the margin with striker Luca Toni heading-in the second goal with Klose providing the opportunity. Klose capped his evening with his third goal of the night with nineteen minutes remaining . Bănel Nicoliţă and Mirel Rădoi created a number of worthwhile chances but the ability to finish escaped them and Roş-Albaştrii hopes perished with a 3-0 loss. Hopes of advancing to the UEFA Cup now require a victory over Fiorentina when they visit Bucureşti on December 10.

Steaua Bucureşti UEFA Cup hopes

With a single point after four Champions League matches, Steaua Bucureşti chances of advancing to UEFA Cup are slim. While there are a few different permutations on how to advance the most direct is for Dorinel Munteanu's men overcome Bayern Munich while Lyon to defeat Fiorentina, setting up a final showdown against the Serie A squad.

It certainly will not be easy for the Roş-Albaştrii as Bayern is coming off a confidence boosting 4-1 defeat of Energie Cottbus and know that they can clinch a spot in the knockout stage in-front of their home fans. The heat is on Dorinel Munteanu as Steaua Bucureşti sits sixth in the table and although only in-charge of the last two domestic matches, with only draws to show for them, owners Gigi Becali short fuse is ready to go.

The biggest loss for Dorinel Munteanu is the loss of George Ogăraru and they will also be without Pantelis Kapetanos while Lukas Podolski looks to be healthy for the German side. To be successful the Roş-Albaştrii must rise-up on the strength of Petre Marin, Bănel Nicoliţă, Dorin Goian, Sorin Ghionea, Bogdan Stancu and Mirel Rădoi. The task is great but their abilities and soul up to the occasion.

Bayern squeezes out tough victory

As expected Bayern München's visit to Veltins-Arena was a tough match and although die Königsblauen controlled possession of the ball throughout the majority of the match, they fell short losing 2-1.

Incredibly with such focus on defending, Bayern scored only three minutes after the start as Luca Toni and Mark van Bommel playing a simple 1-2, resulting in the Azzurri knocking in the ball from close-in. Before you could catch your breath the match was level two minutes later as Rafinha dealt a pass to Jefferson Farfán, who struck from a tight range. With only two goals in five minutes it was hard to see where the score was going to end but it wasn't till thirty one minutes in that Zé Roberto passed back to Franck Ribéry in point-blank range that Bayern grabbed their second and the final goal of the match. For the balance of the match, Schalke controlled most of the play but could not develop enough close range attempts with Bayern playing perfect defense and lost 2-1.

the Bavarian's come to town

Following Karlsruher's incredible three-goal comeback against Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern's visit of Veltins-Arena takes an even greater importance in the table. After getting off to a tough start der Kaiser's forces have turned things around with four straight victories and showing few weaknesses. Problems associated to defending, last seen in their mid-September 5-2 loss to Werder Bremen have long since disappeared and internal squabbling and discipline have as well. Improved performance is obviously in line with Franck Ribéry return to full-stride, thus making Bayern München a threat to score at will. Jürgen Klinsmann will be without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski but Mannschaft capped Philipp Lahm and Luca Toni are back from injury. Toni Kroos and José Sosa have been named as possible replacements for Bastian Schweinsteiger. Klinsmann said the match “It’ll be a no-holds-barred fight." and die Königsblauen is ready to mix it up.

Fred Rutten has his club on five match unbeaten streak and have not allowed a goal in three matches.

Unfortunately Orlando Engelaar will not be available for the match due to suspension and Fabian Ernst will need to step in the clubs tight marking scheme. With Jermaine Jones taking his strategic role in holding with the key target of his work Franck Ribéry, the attacking forces of Ivan Rakitić, Jefferson Farfán, Halil Altıntop and Kevin Kurányi will need to push forward with patience, lest be open to a swift and deadly counter.

Fred Rutten spoke of the match:

"Obviously we want to win at home. "The lads are up for it, I can sense that. But we shouldn't overstate the importance of the game. The title race won't be won or lost on Sunday. After eight games without a defeat we are confident. The outcome of the Bayern game won't change that. They didn't enjoy the best of starts, but Bayern have shown what they're capable of just recently. Bayern Munich have lots of experience, they're a good footballing side and they're in good form. But the same can be said of us, so it's bound to be a good game."

Schalke escapes Spain with tough draw

As the match got underway it was very clear that die Königsblauen boss Fred Rutten was serious about being satisfied with a draw as both Jermaine Jones and Halil Altıntop were left out of the opening lineup with an eye toward the weekends tilt against der Kaiser's club.

Racing Santander owned the run of play from the start of the match with only and Schalke was playing behind the ball. The home squad threatened early with Manuel Neuer denying Jonathan Pereira and Pedro Munitis before the break. Twelve minutes after the break Jonathan Pereira set-up Mohammed Tchité for the go-ahead goal and with the Schalke attack taking the night off, things appeared bleak. However just past the hour mark die Königsblauen found the goal they needed as Jefferson Farfán who dished a pass to Orlando Engelaar, who subsequently found the back of the net from just over twenty meters. With the match now even, their was more of a heated effort for the winner but neither squad could find it.

Tactically this was the result Schalke wanted and although Racing Santander played a tough match, they were able to come out with the draw and now can focus on Bayern München.

Bayern München teaches Wolfsburg a lesson

I suspect frequent readers to this blog might get a trifle annoyed with my rather dowdy, out-of-fashion insistence of never losing focus upon defense or in-fact "dictating" your oppositions attack through your own defensive strategies. However winning Football must recognize this or your efforts to advance will be thwarted and as you will feel a stern response when facing superiour competition. This is precisely what happened today as Bayern München came back with four unanswered goals to defeat Wolfsburg 4-2.

At the start of the campaign, the additions of Cristian Zaccardo and Andrea Barzagli led me to believe that the club would place a heavier emphasis on defending and additionally know how to padlock a match down. However at this stage, they have for the most part eschewed a style best described as "the best defense is a good offense" approach, effectively leaving their back-line on a limb to defend. Unfortunately that approach isn't effective in the upper reaches of Football and if Wolfsburg is serious of a European bid they will need to address this or situations such as today will be repeated.

Wolfsburg opened the scoring on a questionable penalty call on Martín Demicheli defending on Grafite at the half-hour mark. Gifted the penalty, Grafite dispatched the ball to the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Edin Džeko doubled the margin only two minutes later heading in a perfect cross from Japan international Makoto Hasebe only two minutes later. Unfortunately for Wölfe supporters they were unable to control the match and quickly Franck Ribéry worked his magic, drawing a goal back four minutes before the break. As the match restarted, Bayern was in clear control of play, dominating possession and worked the ball tactically up the pitch. Ten minutes after the break Mark van Bommel headed-in a rebound of Miroslav Klose's drive to draw the match even. Bayern smelled a wounded opposition and continued to drive forward looking for blood and Tim Borowski pocketed the eventual winner with twenty-seven minutes remaining. With ten minutes remaining Bastian Schweinsteiger scored from point blank rank to give Bayern München a well-deserved 4-2 victory.

Wolfsburg returns to action in a short-week against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Tuesday followed with Bruno Labbadia's Bayer Leverkusen next Friday.

Steaua Bucureşti Champions League draw results

Marius Lăcătuş leads Steaua Bucureşti into the Champions League. In todays draw they were allocated to Group F which includes Fiorentina of Italy's Serie A, Bayern München of Germany's Bundesliga and Ligue One champion Olympique Lyonnais.

Matchday One - Sep 17
Steaua Bucuresti - Bayern München

Matchday Three - Oct 21
Steaua Bucuresti - Olympique Lyonnais

Matchday Five - Nov 25
Bayern München - Steaua Bucuresti

Matchday Two - Sep 30
Fiorentina - Steaua Bucuresti

Matchday Four - Nov 5
Olympique Lyonnais - Steaua Bucuresti

Matchday Six - Dec 10
Steaua Bucuresti - Fiorentina