Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich Match Preview

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Klopp : Bayern are the best team in the world

Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Bayern Munich are still the world’s best side - despite their Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.

The Bavarians, who beat BVB in last year's final at Wembley, failed in their bid to retain the trophy, losing 5-0 on aggregate to Los Blancos, after a crushing 4-0 second-leg defeat at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.

Klopp argued that although the Madrid proved that Bayern are beatable, Pep Guardiola's men remain the No.1 side on the planet.

"Bayern didn't defend set-pieces well enough versus Real Madrid,” he told reporters on Thursday. “For me, they're still the world's best team, but they can be beaten."

Klopp also paid homage to Robert Lewandowski, with the Poland international set to play his last three games for Dortmund before he joins Bayern at the end of his contract this summer.

Klopp added: “Lewandowski has been a brilliant striker for us and it's been a great time. I hope he gives it everything in his last three matches."

Dortmund face Hoffenheim in their last home game of the season on Saturday before travelling to Berlin for their final Bundesliga fixture and the DFB Pokal final against Bayern Munich, both of which will be played at the Olympiastadion.

Klopp, though, is refusing to look beyond this weekend's assignment.

"It's our last home game of the season before we go to Berlin twice and we want to enjoy it in the right way,” the 45-year-old explained.

“Roberto Firmino is in the form of his life, as is Kevin Volland. We will have to defend well and we will get our chances.

"Marcel Schmelzer will be back and hopefully Erik Durm.”

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Kagawa linked with Borussia Dortmund return

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has told Kicker that Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa would be welcomed back at the club with 'open arms'.

Kagawa left Dortmund for Old Trafford two years ago and he has scored six goals in 54 appearances for United.

However, he has started just 12 Premier League games this season amid suggestions United have struggled to get the best out of the Japan international.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a return to Dortmund and Hummels would not complain if Kagawa was re-signed by the Bundesliga club.

"We would take him with open arms, of course," he told Kicker.

"Having an offensive line with [Marco] Reus, [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan and Kagawa would certainly be stylish.

"But I would not say anything about the other great players we have playing for us. The attacking midfield is probably the best part of our team without Shinji."

Hummels is also not concerned by the impact any possible big-money signings this summer will have on the morale of Jurgen Klopp's squad.

He added: "I cannot imagine that it would be a big issue with us. In our team we are not only out for success.

"At the end of the day, everyone is responsible for their own contracts. Nobody forced us to sign them. We want to play good football.

"If we had a star attacker who earned more money than us, no one would feel bad about it."

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Agent : Arsenal made Montolivo enquiry

Arsenal made an enquiry into the availability of AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivio, according to the player's agent, but it would be "very difficult" for the Italy international to leave San Siro.

The Gunners were in the market for midfield cover during the January transfer window, with Kim Kallstrom drafted in from Spartak Moscow after Aaron Ramsey's recovery stalled – though the Swede has yet to play for the north Londoners due to a back injury.

One player that caught Arsene Wenger's eye was Montolivo, says the Italian's representative Giovanni Branchini – though he insists the 29-year-old, also subject to interest from Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, is keen to stay at Milan.

"Milan have had a difficult season so far and I think I can say that Riccardo Montolivo has been one of the brightest notes," Branchini told Calciomercato.

"He became a fixture of the Rossoneri and was even given the captain's armband as proof. He is very happy with the club to which he belongs, and the club and fans are very satisfied with him.

"An extension? He has a contract until June 2016, so it is not a priority to talk about an extension at this time. That's a discussion we'll have, I think, next year.

"Has there been interest from other clubs? There have been tentative enquiries from Atletico Madrid, [Dortmund boss Jurgen] Klopp and Arsenal, to name a few.

"All were trying to ascertain whether the 'path' to Montolivo was feasible. At the moment, however, I feel it would be very difficult for the player to leave Milan, precisely because of what I said before."

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Klopp: Real Madrid would have no chance against Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp says that Real Madrid would have "no chance" of beating Bayern Munich if the pair clash in this season's Champions League.

The 46-year-old coach led Die Schwarzgelben to a 4-3 aggregate win over Los Blancos in the semi-finals of last season's Champions League, only to lose 2-1 to their Bavarian rivals in the tournament decider at Wembley.

With Bayern having seemingly gone up another level since Pep Guardiola replaced Jupp Heynckes at the helm during the summer, Klopp now feels that Bayern are simply unbeatable.

"Real Madrid would have no chance of competing with Bayern," he is quoted as saying by A Bola. "Bayern are currently unstoppable.

"If the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United have no chance against them, how can Dortmund beat them?"

Klopp, whose Dortmund side are currently 12 points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga having played a game more, added that while Barcelona are capable of beating the Bavarians in a one-off game, even the Catalans would be unable to eliminate them over two legs.

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£15m Chelsea target could be heading to Germany

German giants Borussia Dortmund are targeting Inter Milan central defender Andrea Ranocchia in the January transfer window.

In December, The Mirror reported that Chelsea are looking to bolster their central defence and are targeting Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia.

The 25-year-old has made 14 appearances this season and has bagged a goal to his name. His stats are pretty impressive as well. With 26 tackles and 25 interceptions already, he has become one of the key players for the Nerazzurri this season.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has three centre-backs – John Terry, Gary Cahill and David Luiz – at his disposal, and although media reports continue to speculate the Brazilian’s future, it seems highly unlikely that Luiz would be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.

According to reports in Italy, German giants Borussia Dortmund are looking to add a quality defender to their ranks and have targeted the £15m rated Italian defender. Dortmund are missing the services of Subotic and Hummels through injuries and therefore are looking for a defender with similar attributes.

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Dortmund join the race to sign Arsenal and Chelsea target Diego Costa

Athletico have shown resistance to a move, but with Europe's elite lining up the Madrid club's resolve could be tested.

Chelsea are desperate for a potent striker as Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba continue to misfire and Arsene Wenger has made it clear he was not in the market for a midfielder, freeing up funds to try and get the Brazilian to the Emirates.

But with Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski due to announce any day that he is leaving Borussia for bitter rivals Bayern Munich at the end of the season they also need to act fast.

And if they miss out on Costa there aren't many top quality strikers available for the £34m release clause listed in the Brazilian's contract.

The Atletico Madrid hierarchy have been talking tough, but if one of the big clubs sniffing around Costa cough up the cash the decision will be take out of their hands.

Radamel Falcao's transfer from Atletico to Monaco last season seems to have given Costa a new lease of life and he has moved out of the shadows of the bustling Colombian, scoring 23 goals in 20 appearances this term.

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Real Madrid want Gundogan

Real Madrid have a "considerable" interest in signing Ilkay Gundogan, according to the Borussia Dortmund star's father and representative, Irfan.

Xabi Alonso out of contract at the end of the season, Los Blancos are reportedly keen to strengthen in midfield, with Gundogan said to be one of their primary transfer targets.

The Germany international has seen his campaign blighted by a persistent back problem but Irfan is confident that talks over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu will begin as soon as Iklay is fully fit.

“Madrid’s interest in my son is considerable and they want to negotiate for him," he told AS.

"But, at the moment, we can’t do anything until Ilkay has completely recovered from his back injury.

"When he is playing regular football we can begin talks.”

Gundogan suffered a recurrence of a back problem on international duty at the start of the season but is hopeful of making his return to action when the Bundesliga resumes in January.

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Watzke: Dortmund fairytale not over yet

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke says the club’s fairytale is far from over despite the financial superiority of Bayern Munich.

BVB rose from the ashes of financial difficulty during the mid-2000’s to win back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 before reaching the final of the Champions League last season.

But having lost Mario Gotze to Bayern over the summer and slipped to fourth in the league table – 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side - amid a devastating injury crisis, Dortmund face a battle to resurrect their season after the international break.

Watzke told derwesten.de: “We are very ambitious but we have 80, €100 million less salary than other big clubs in Europe, including Bayern Munich.

“Nevertheless, it is the desire of the people that we beat Bayern. We have written this fairytale and reached a certain level that if we don’t reach will be considered a failure.”

Coach Jurgen Klopp has played a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence since his appointment in 2008 and Watzke says continuity is one of the key reasons for BVB’s success and is a template that will be followed for years to come.

“Continuity always helps. If you like to change your management every two or three years, you get dips in performance.

“The other thing is confidence. We can thrash out the most absurd ideas and have no fear of trying different things because we have a budget half of that of Bayern.

“Our model has simply evolved. It was a rational decision to bring in Jurgen Klopp and embark on a new football style. Our relationship is not something you can copy, we’re not too far apart in age and that helps.”

Injuries to Lukasz Piszczek, Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Marcel Schmelzer and Ilkay Gundogan have robbed Dortmund of five of their first choice 11 in the first of the season and prompted Klopp to label the situation the most difficult of his career.

And with 2014 on the horizon, Watzke has admitted his simply hopes for a clean bill of health in the new year.

“I wish that we never see such an injury situation again. If the team is predominantly fit, we will play a very good second half of the season because I am very sure we will keep working hard to move forward.
And of course I hope that we can get through the two cup rounds. Then I would be very happy.”

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Sahin: Dortmund lack killer instinct

Nuri Sahin is still seething after Borussia Dortmund lost yet more ground on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by slumping to a third straight home defeat at the weekend.

Die Schwarzgelben were beaten 2-1 by Hertha Berlin at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, meaning they go into the winter break 12 points in fourth place, a staggering 12 points behind their Bavarian rivals, who also have a game in hand.

Sahin was particularly frustrated by the loss as Jurgen Klopp's men had actually gone in front through Marco Reus seven minutes in, only to succumb to goals from Adrian Ramos and Sami Allagui.

"We should have added to our lead after going in front, but we took our foot off the gas," the Turkey international told Bundesliga.com.

"We need more of a killer instinct to win these types of matches. Had we scored the second goal, Hertha wouldn't have got back into the match.

"They defended well in the second half and took advantage of our errors in the first. We're very frustrated."

Sebastian Kehl echoed his team-mate's sentiments, admitting that last season's Champions League runners-up had effectively switched off after Reus' opener.

"We stopped playing football after making a good start to the match," the 33-year-old lamented.

"We let Hertha back into the game with those two goals and we couldn't break them down in the second half.

"The defeat is very, very disappointing - it's our third home defeat in a row and we're going to have to wait until the start of next year to put things right."

Dortmund will resume their Bundesliga campaign against Augsburg at Signal Iduna Park on January 25.

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Klopp: This is the hardest season of my career

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp claims injuries have made this season the hardest of his career.

The likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Lukasz Piszczek, Marcel Schmelzer and Ilkay Gundogan have all missed significant chunks of this term, with the Serb set to miss the rest of season.

They injury crisis has seen them slump down the Bundesliga table but Klopp insists that it is not linked with BVB's ferocious style of play.
"As far as injuries, it is the hardest (season) of my coaching career," he told Rheinische Post.

"It is farfetched when people say that injuries are to do with our style of play - you only have to look at who is hurt and why - you soon notice that they have nothing to do with each other.

"The good thing is that Erik Durm, Marian Sarr, Jonas Hofmann and others get the chance to play in a top league.

"A complete axle is broken with us; that changes the whole game. Two centre-backs, two full-backs, two defensive midfielders It changes the whole structure."

However, despite the difficulties of recent months, Klopp says he enjoys working with his current group of players, particularly with the progress they have made.

"It's a pleasure to work with these guys. You cope with the pressure of having to win. We are recognised as a top team and will be remembered as one."

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Klopp: We need the winter break

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted his side are in need of the winter break after their 2-1 home loss to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

The Bundesliga giants have suffered from a spate of injuries throughout the first half of the season and currently sit 12 points adrift of Bayern Munich, having played a game more.

Saturday's loss was their third home defeat in the league on the bounce and Klopp is looking forward to being able to recuperate after their spectacular loss of form.

"Something which started very well has ended quite miserably. And that's the way if feels like now," he told Sky Deutschland.

"We're in need of the break. But it's us who are responsible and we must think about some things."

Reflecting on the match, Klopp said that his side failed to rise to the occasion after Sami Allagui's goal, which gave Hertha the lead on the stroke of half time.

"The reaction to the second goal was not good, it must be said," the 46-year-old added.

"We let Hertha come back completely unnecessarily."

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Reus: Dortmund will bounce back

Marco Reus is confident that Borussia Dortmund will bounce back from their recent run of poor results and return to winning ways against Hertha Berlin at the weekend.

Dortmund have won just one out of their last five Bundesliga games and have consequently dropped to third place in the table, trailing leaders Bayern Munich by 12 points.

However, Reus is not panicking just yet and has little doubt that they will soon be back to their usual best.

"The fans don't have to be afraid. We will get out of this stronger than ever before," Reus was quoted as saying by Bild.

"We want to give our amazing fans a nice gift in our last home game before the winter break by beating Hertha.

"We all know that we were in better form at the start of the season, when we were all much more consistent.

"It would be a real problem if we didn't create any chances at all, but we still create plenty of chances. We have just been unlucky."

Reus has been a key figure for Dortmund so far this season, scoring seven goals in 16 Bundesliga appearances.

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Benitez 'proud' despite Champions League exit

Rafa Benitez insists he remains proud of his players, even though they failed to advance into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Partenopei defeated Arsenal 2-0 in their final Group F fixture but despite finishing level on points with both Borussia Dortmund and the Gunners, they became the first team in the history of the tournament to bow out having amassed 12 points.

Consequently, Benitez says his side have no reason to feel ashamed of their early elimination from Europe's premier club cup competition.

"We picked up 12 points, beat Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund but still didn't qualify," the 53-year-old told Sky Sports.

"But everyone should be proud of these guys, we have put in a tremendous effort.

"Today we have seen on the pitch that there is a project going on here, and this team is growing."

The Spaniard also said he would be keen to see some new faces arrive during the January transfer window.

"We want to strengthen over time, so we will be looking at players of a particular age and ability that fit in with what we are trying to create," the former Liverpool boss explained.

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Robben: Bayern do not fear anyone

Arjen Robben has insisted that Bayern Munich do not fear any opponent ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund.

The Bavarians were beaten 4-2 by BVB in the DFL-Supercup at the start of the season, but the Netherlands international says that Pep Guardiola's men have improved immeasurably since then.

"We are really looking forward to this game. I love games like these. We don't fear anyone, so we're not afraid of Dortmund either," Robben told reporters.

"We’ve come on very positively since the DFL-Supercup defeat. We respect them, but they don’t frighten us. We want to win the match.

"We are brimming with confidence at the moment and want to bag the full three points."

Bayern are still unbeaten in the Bundesliga and currently hold a four-point lead over second-placed Dortmund.

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Beckenbauer : Lewandowski better than Mandzukic

Bayern Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer feels Robert Lewandowski is an even better attacker than Mario Mandzukic and would welcome the Borussia Dortmund man with open arms at the Allianz Arena.

Lewandowski is set to leave BVB on a Bosman move when his contract expires at the end of the season, with Bayern widely touted as the Poland international's ideal destination.

Although Mandzukic has proven a vital player for the European champions since his move to the club in 2012, Beckenbauer believes Lewandowski would prove a significant "upgrade" on the Croatia international.

"Regardless of how good Mandzukic is, Lewandowski will still be an upgrade," Beckenbauer was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"He is perhaps even stronger on the ball and his movement is even better.

"It would be great if he were to play for Bayern soon."

Lewandowski, 25, is currently leading the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with nine goals from 12 appearances and will be looking to add to his tally at the weekend when Dortmund host Bayern.

Mandzukic, meanwhile, sits second in the charts with eight goals from 12 games.

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Lewandowski : Arsenal didnt deserve to win

Robert Lewandowski says Arsenal didn't deserve to beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 in their Champions League clash on Wednesday night.

Last year's finalists created a number of chances to break the deadlock, but failed to find the net and were eventually made to pay for their profligacy as Aaron Ramsey helped the Premier League side to a hard-fought victory.

"We should never have lost this game, but it's too late for that now," Lewandowski, 25, told reporters.

"We had plenty of time to put it right, but now we're left with two games and six points needed to win.

"Sometimes football is like that. We had three or four good chances but didn't score. They had just the one and scored.

"In the end, all that counts is the result. We have to beat Napoli now."

Dortmund currently sit third in Group F with six points from four games, trailing joint-leaders Arsenal and Napoli by three points.

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Borussia Dortmund vs Arsenal Lineups

Borussia Dortmund injuries and suspensions

Out: Ilkay Gündogan (back), Łukasz Piszczek (hip). In doubt: Sebastian Kehl (ankle).

Arsenal injuries and suspensions

Out: Theo Walcott (abdomen), Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski(hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Abou Diaby (knee), Mathieu Flamini (groin), Jack Wilshere (ankle). In doubt: Kieran Gibbs (calf)

Projected lineups

Borussia Dortmund: Roman Weidenfeller; Marcel Schmelzer, Mats Hummels, Neven Subotić, Kevin Großkreutz; Nuri Şahin, Sven Bender; Marco Reus, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Jakub Błaszczykowski; Robert Lewandowski.

Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna; Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta; Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Tomáš Rosický; Olivier Giroud.

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany

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Wenger : Controlling possession is crucial vs Dortmund

Arsene Wenger said controlling possession will be central to Arsenal's hopes of victory against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

The north Londoners enter the Champions League Group F clash having not lost away from the Emirates Stadium since March, while Dortmund are on a seven-game winning streak at the Westfalenstadion in the competition.

But Wenger will instruct his players to employ the same attacking style that has served them so well recently and admitted he will not be satisfied with a point against the German giants.

It's down to us to have the ball, we want to control the game and we want to have the ball, that's the best way to keep them quiet," Wenger said.

"If we leave the ball to Dortmund a player like [Robert] Lewandowski will be dangerous, so we'll try to control the game and have the ball and that's the best way to keep him quiet.

"Dortmund is a good side, but we have played everywhere in Europe and we've always had the same approach - we will again be like that.

"It's difficult to predict what will happen, that's what makes football great. But Dortmund is a very positive side, so at least you have a guarantee that the two teams will try to win the game.

"It's important that in the modern game and especially when you're playing a team like Dortmund who has a high potential, that your players raise their level to their maximum.

"Maybe we did not have the same belief at home because we failed in a few big home games and you could feel there was a bit more scepticism and less belief maybe at home, hopefully we've got that behind us now with the Liverpool game."

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Ozil: Dortmund can win Champions League

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil feels Borussia Dortmund are one of the favourites to win the Champions League.

The Gunners travel to Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday to meet last season's runners-up in Group F of the competition, with both teams tied on six points along with Napoli.

Dortmund ran out 2-1 winners in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium last month, and Ozil feels that victory proves Jurgen Klopp's men have the quality to go all the way in the tournament in 2013-14.

When asked by Bild whether Dortmund could go one better than their 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in May's final this time around, he said: "Sure, why not?

"A team that wins in London is of course one of the favourites. Dortmund was already a strong team in the past season and my impression is that they are better than ever."

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League by five points following their 2-0 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday.

And Ozil is backing his side to maintain their domestic form and challenge for the title, explaining his happiness at playing in the English capital after his September switch from Real Madrid.

Asked whether Arsenal could win the league, he responded: "Why not?

"Whoever, after 10 games, is five points ahead, also has the potential to stand in front at the end of the season.

"To be honest, at Arsenal everything is fun. The coach, the players and life in London - I really feel comfortable."

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