التخطي إلى المحتوى الرئيسي

Bayern play down reports that Guardiola could replace Heynckes


The official remained tight-lipped about rumoured interest in the former Barcelona coach, and assured the current boss that his job is safe, until Christmas at least

Bayern play down Guardiola reports

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was coy when questioned about reported interest in taking Pep Guardiola to Bavaria, but stated that Jupp Heynckes' position as coach was safe until the end of 2012.

Heynckes' future with the club had been placed in doubt after finishing second in three competitions last season, and the former Barcelona boss has been linked with an early return from his year-long sabbatical to take the reins at the Allianz Arena.

But, speaking at Matthias Sammer's first press conference as the new Bayern sporting director, Rummenigge revealed that the club would not be rushed over the future of the current coach.

"We will think about it calmly," he told reporters. "You will get no quotes from us about this issue before Christmas. 

"Only then will we sit down.

"Pep Guardiola? I have also read about this, but no one from Bayern has confirmed this."

Sammer then commented on Bayern's reported interest in Spain international Javi Martinez, who has been valued at €40 million by Athletic Bilbao.

"Basically, the player is good, but he is expensive," he said. "One can always do some crazy signings, but nothing unreasonable.

"I know him well. Our club officials who saw him think that he is very good. Let's wait and see."

FC Bayern Munich, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

المشاركات الشائعة من هذه المدونة

Brazil struggle to beat 10-man Ghana in friendly

Brazil, with playmaker Ronaldinho back in the side, struggled to beat 10-man Ghana 1-0 in a friendly at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground on Monday.  Leandro Damiao struck the only goal on the stroke of halftime, running on to a defence-splitting ball from Fernandinho and finding the corner of the net from a tight angle.  It was one of the few moments of invention from the former world champions, even with the crafty Ronaldinho returning for his first international appearance since November after showing excellent form for Brazilian title contenders Flamengo.  Ghana never threatened after having defender Daniel Opare sent off in the 32nd minute, a series of over exuberant challenges earning him repeated warnings from Mike Dean before the English referee ran out of patience.  The game started at a furious pace but the red card changed things, with Ghana retreating after halftime in a bid to keep Brazil at bay.  The...

Spain Roundup-Barca promote Cuenca to first team

Brief news from La Liga ahead of this weekend's matches (All times GMT):  * Barcelona have promoted youth team winger Isaac Cuenca to the first team with an improved contract which will tie him until 2015, the European champions said on Friday.  Cuenca, 21, made his debut in the Champions League last October and has made 15 first-team appearances since.  He is likely to get further opportunities starting at Villarreal on Saturday (2100) as Pep Guardiola has David Villa, Ibrahim Afellay, Andreu Fontas, Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez out injured.  * Villarreal, who started the season playing in the Champions League, secured their first win under new coach Jose Molina last weekend but are only kept out of the bottom three by goal difference.  "We have had a tough season so far," defender Gonzalo Rodriguez said. "We need a special performance to help us to believe in ourselves again."  Villarreal have a d...

World championships men's 3000m steeplechase final result

World championships men's 3000m steeplechase final result from Daegu, South Korea on Thursday. 1. Ezekiel Kemboi (Kenya) 8mins 14.85 secs 2. Brimin Kipruto (Kenya) 8:16.05 3. Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad (France) 8:16.09 4. Bouabdellah Tahri (France) 8:17.56 5. Roba Gary (Ethiopia) 8:18.37 6. Jacob Araptany (Uganda) 8:18.67 7. Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong (Kenya) 8:19.31 8. Ion Luchianov (Moldova) 8:19.69 9. Hamid Ezzine (Morocco) 8:21.97 10. Benjamin Kiplagat (Uganda) 8:22.21 11. Nahom Mesfin (Ethiopia) 8:25.39 12. Vincent Zouaoui Dandrieaux (France) 8:30.39 13. Ruben Ramolefi (South Africa) 8:30.47 14. Abraham Chirchir (Kenya) 8:33.56 15. Alberto Casimiro Paulo (Portugal) 8:33.84