Robben eyes new Bayern deal

Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben has voiced his confidence that he will sign a new contract at the club in the near future.

The Dutchman has been at the Allianz Arena since 2009, but his current deal expires in just 18 months' time.

However, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea man says he is enjoying life in Bavaria and believes he still has something to offer the team.

"The club knows what they have in me and I know what I have at the club," the 29-year-old told SZ.

"I have a feeling that I have at least three years of top football before me - I love it here.

"[Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge] has said that we will soon talk concretely about the future."

Robben has been in excellent form for Bayern this season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions prior to a knee injury earlier this month.

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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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Ribery: Ballon d'Or win would be for my dad

Franck Ribery hopes that he can secure the Ballon d'Or after his exploits with Bayern Munich in 2013, saying that it would be great for him and his family.

The Frenchman featured as the Bavarians overcame Raja Casablanca on Saturday to lift the Club World Cup, their fifth trophy in 2013 to add to their Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Uefa Super Cup wins.

Ribery stressed that his stellar year should put him firmly in contention for the Ballon d'Or alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and that he would dedicate the win in part to his construction worker father, Francois.

"It was an extraordinary year, for the club, the people and for me," he told Telefoot. "We broke everything record-wise. We took a lot of pleasure on and off the pitch.

"I have put in so much effort on the pitch. I think I deserved the Uefa European Best Player award. I would be very happy to win the Ballon d'Or. It would be great for me, my wife, my kids and my father."

The future France international was two years old when he was propelled through a car windscreen as his father Francois Ribery slammed on the brakes to avoid a head-on collision, though it left his son scarred for life.

The winger also commented on team-mate Arjen Robben, playing down any disappointment at the fact that the Dutchman publicly expressed his backing for Ronaldo in the race to be named Ballon d'Or winner.

"He corrected himself quickly," the 30-year-old added. "Everyone can give their thoughts, no problem.

"It is already something extraordinary to be nominated alongside Ronaldo and Messi. I have every chance, I was there in the big games. It is the best year of my career."

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced in a ceremony in Zurich on January 13.

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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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Ribery: I don't care whether Ronaldo attends Ballon d'Or gala

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has insisted that he does not care whether or not Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will attend next month's Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.

Much has been made of the Portugal star's potential absence from the event following a conflict with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, but Ribery has made it clear that Ronaldo's final decision on whether to travel to Switzerland or not is not of any interest to him.

"I have not been in touch with Ronaldo and I have not discussed him with any colleagues either. Why should I? I don't care whether he attends the gala," Ribery told Sport Bild.

"I feel honoured to be among the final three candidates and that's why it's only logical for me that I will travel to Zurich."

Ribery did admit, though, that the decision by Fifa and France Football to extend the voting deadline for the prestigious award could well hurt his chance of collecting the main prize.

"I think it's the first time since the introduction of the award that they have extended the voting deadline. It's obviously a shame for me and could be a disadvantage.

"I do not have any fear, though. I am calm about the outcome."

The winner of the Fifa Ballon d'Or will be announced on January 13.

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Kroos: I never doubted my Bayern future

Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has said that he never had any doubts that he would make it at the Allianz Arena.

The Germany international was linked with a move away from the club in the summer following the arrivals of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara.

However, he has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola's starting XI this term and was always certain he would keep his place in the team.

"Of course I noticed what was said and there were many people of this opinion," he told TZ.

"But I was always sure and I had some conversations with really important people. Ultimately, though, it depends on what I show on the pitch. And that's why I was relaxed."

Kroos and Gotze have often featured together this term and Kroos is delighted with the impact the former Borussia Dortmund man has made.

"Mario is a fantastic footballer. I told him when he joined that we would have a lot of fun together. And that he would be a success with me and with Bayern," he continued.

Bayern take on Raja Casablanca on Saturday in the Club World Cup final and Kroos says 2013 has been an incredible year from him, despite injury ruling him out of the run-in to the Bavarians' treble.

"It was very positive! We have won everything there was to be won as a team. For me personally, I always played up until the phase of injury," he said.

"I've always had my place in the starting XI. That's why I'm very satisfied."

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Tevez: Ribery should win Ballon d'Or

Carlos Tevez believes the Ballon d'Or should go to Franck Ribery ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The 29-year-old Juventus forward says that the winger's pivotal contribution to Bayern's treble of the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League makes him the stand out candidate for this year's prize.

"Messi and Cristiano are compete for the award every year, but for what he's done last season with Bayern and the way he played, I'd give it to Franck Ribery. He deserves it more," Tevez told Argentine radio station La Red.

All three will appear at next year's World Cup in Brazil, a tournament Tevez admits he expects to miss.

"Even if I score 30 goals this season I don't think I'll stand a chance of being included in Argentina's World Cup squad. That's very clear to me.

"I don't have to explain anything to the fans. It's not me who has to explain why I'm not playing for Argentina."

"Sabella is entitled to his decisions. I have to be a grown up person and accept it.

Tevez has not appeared for his country since 2011 when Argentina failed to claim the Copa America on home soil and hopes that he will one day get the opportunity to enjoy some happier memories of international football.

"It would make me sad if my last image with the national team is that missed penalty-kick against Uruguay at the Copa America 2011 quarter-finals."

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Schweinsteiger nearing Bayern comeback

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to be fully match fit in time for the restart of the Bundesliga.

The Germany international underwent ankle surgery last month and has not featured for Bayern since the Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen on November 5.

However, the influential midfielder is on his way back and could make his comeback in the Bundesliga game against Borussia Monchengladbach after the winter break.

"Bastian is to all intents and purposes already in mid-season training. He’s already training at a very high level with runs and sprints," Rummenigge told the official Bayern website.

"And we’re assuming he’ll be able to play a full part in squad training when the team travels to Qatar on 5 January. He should be completely fit in time for the restart."

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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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Bayern extend Boateng contract

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has agreed a three-year contract extension with the European champions, declaring it an "honour" to have committed his future to the club.

The 25-year-old's new deal will keep him at Allianz Arena until 2018, and the Germany international says he couldn't be happier to be prolonging his stay with last season's treble winners.

"Bayern are one of the great clubs in world football," he told the club's official website.

"To play here is not only a job, it is an honour.

"I want to achieve a lot with our team in the years to come."

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also revealed his delight at the news, citing Boateng as a key player for Pep Guardiola's team.

"He is one of the major players at Bayern," he said.

"For this reason it was a natural fit that we have endeavoured to ensure a contract extension."

Boateng moved to the Bavarians in July 2011 after a short spell with Manchester City and played in his side's 3-2 Champions League defeat to his former club on Tuesday.

He has made 106 appearances for die Roten, and has won 36 caps for Germany since his debut in 2009.

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Guardiola: Bayern want perfect group stage

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is determined to ensure that his side end their Champions League group stage campaign with six victories to their name.

The Bavarians have been in impressive form in Europe this term and although they were dominant in their 3-1 win away to Manchester City on matchday two, Guardiola is refusing to take Manuel Pellegrini's side lightly in Tuesday's reverse fixture.

"I've got lots of trust in this Bayern team, but tomorrow will be dangerous. City have unbelievable players," the 42-year-old told reporters.

"I hope we can win this game and end the group with six victories under our belt. If we train like we did today, then we'll have a great chance. We want to pick up 18 points for the first time in the club's history. It's a good goal to have.

"We can definitely improve. I don't like it when we lose the ball too easily."

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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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Guardiola: Heynckes gave me a perfect team

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has thanked Jupp Heynckes for leaving him with a perfect team when he left the club in the summer.

The Bavarian giants won an historic treble last term during Heynckes' last season as coach, and have made a flying start to the current campaign.

The 68-year-old has been rewarded with the prestigious Bambi Award, presented by his successor, who was in awe of his achievements over the last year.

“Bayern have you to thank for many trophies - but this trophy is for you alone,” Guardiola said.

“You're a magnificent colleague. You’re a legend in Germany, but every kid in Catalunya and Spain knows who you are as well. You are a huge role model to me, as an expert but also as a person.

“You picked the team up again, with your experience, courage and big heart. You were rewarded with the treble – and it’s your treble! You handed me a perfect team, and I can’t top your achievement.”

Heynckes said he was honoured to have won the award, which is given to those who have inspired people in Germany with their achievements.

"I’m extremely pleased Pep is here today. Receiving the Bambi award is a great honour for me and I’m delighted. If my mother could be here to see it, she would be very proud.

"Coaching Bayern is a privilege. And it was a privilege to take charge of this team.”

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Gotze : Still not reached my top form

Mario Gotze says he is currently operating at 95 per cent of his potential, after scoring his first league goal for the team against Hertha Berlin.

After Adrian Ramos scored the opener for the capital club, a double by Mario Mandzukic and a Gotze header ensured Pep Guardiola's men took all three points at the Allianz Arena.

And Gotze, who has recently recovered from an ankle injury, was delighted with contributing to the success despite admitting he has not yet reached full fitness.

"I'm at 95 per cent of my potential and I think I'm ready to play 90 minutes again," the 21-year-old told reporters.

"Playing 70 minutes was very important to me, I want to be at 100% again quickly."

"My goal was good for the team, especially towards the end. However, I was a little surprised myself how the ball ended up in the net."

The holding German champions currently top the Bundesliga table with a one-point lead over Borussia Dortmund.

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Muller : I'm not going to leave Bayern

Thomas Muller says that he is happy at Bayern and he have no intention to leave Munich for the moment.

The Germany international, 24, was recently linked with a move to Barcelona after visiting the Catalan capital, but has stressed that a transfer to the Spanish powerhouse is not an option at this stage of his career.

"I was in Barcelona for personal reasons, but these things immediately appear online nowadays," Muller told Sky90.

"Of course, it is flattering when you're being linked to a club like Barcelona.

"I am very happy at Bayern, though. Bayern mean a lot to me and have a place in my heart. I hope to stay at Bayern for many more years to come."

Muller's contract with the Bavarian outfit runs until June 2017.

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Gotze nearing Bayern comeback

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will shortly be able to call upon the services of Mario Gotze after a spell on the sidelines for the 21-year-old.

The Germany international picked up an ankle injury in his side's Super Cup win over Chelsea back in August and has been out of action ever since.

Nevertheless, the former Borussia Dortmund star is set to resume regular training action as he is edging ever closer to his comeback.

"Gotze's currently working out individually with the ball but, if all goes according to plan, he should be able to join in parts of the squad workout in a couple of days," a statement on the official Bayern website reads.

Meanwhile, Javi Martinez is still some way off making his comeback after groin surgery earlier this month, but the Spain international is off crutches at last and has begun stamina-building running.

"I’m feeling better with every passing day. I hope I can be back helping the team very soon," the holding midfielder said.

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VIDEO : Bayern Munich vs Hannover 2-0 [ HIGHLIGHTS ]

Both Goals for Bayern were scored in the second half .
First one to score was Mandzukic , and about 10 min later Ribery makes the double.

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Bayern Munich vs Hannover Possible Line-ups

Bayern Munich [4-1-4-1]: 
Neuer
– Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba –
 Schweinsteiger
– Robben, Müller, Kroos, Ribery –
 Mandzukic



Hannover 96 [4-2-2-2]: 
Zieler
– Sakai, Marcelo, Sane, Pocognoli –
 Stindl, Andreasen
– Bittencourt, Prib –
 Ya Konan, Sobiech

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Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburg Possible Line-ups

Borussia Dortmund [4-2-3-1]: 
Weidenfeller
Großkreutz, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer
 Bender, Sahin
Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan, Reus
 Lewandowski


Hamburger SV [4-1-2-1-2]:
Adler
Diekmeier, Djourou, Westermann, Lam
Rincon
Arslan, Jiracek
Van der Vaart
 Zoua, Beister

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