Bayern ensures Huntelaar also

Bayern Munich won against Hertha Berlin his fifth straight game in the Bundesliga Saturday (1-0). Bayer Leverkusen also won as Schalke 04 thanks to a huge Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
The untouchable Bayern

Bundesliga, there Bayern and others. Germany still unbeaten this season, Pep Guardiola's men have won a fifth straight game Championship Saturday against Hertha Berlin (1-0). The record of Bayern after 13 days is incredible: ten wins, three draws and no losses. The Munich have ended any suspense for the title, as they have ten points ahead of their first pursuers, Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen.

While he remained two wide success in the Bundesliga with eight goals, Bayern has not registered a Berliners. It is the work of Arjen Robben after a great team move between Franck Ribery, Dutch, Mario Götze and Thomas Müller. Tenured by Pep Guardiola, Ribery played his 185th Bundesliga match, equaling the record of Matthieu Delpierre. He was previously the French with the most appearances in the German championship.
Bayer and Augsburg also cartonnent

Bayer Leverkusen, colerader Championship, remained at ten points of Bayern with a win against FC Cologne (5-1). Yet it is his opponents who opened the scoring on a penalty Lehmann (5th). Teammates Lars Bender equalized with German international Karim Bellarabi (26th) before Hakan Calhanoglu scored the second goal with a beautiful free kick (61) e. The Swiss Josip Drmic, entered halftime in place of Stefan Kiessling, offered twice (79th, 88th) as Bellarabi (89th).

Also led the scoring, Augsburg has turned the situation against Hamburg (3-1). Rafael van der Vaart gave HSV the lead just before the break (45 + 1), but Altintop equalized at the 50th minute. Bobadilla (62) and Verhaegh (70th) allowed the Bavarian club to win and climb to fourth place, waiting for the match Borussia Mönchengladbach Wolfsburg Sunday (3:30 p.m.).
Huntelaar sees triple

Other large victories: Schalke against Mainz 04 (4-1) and Werder Bremen face Paderborn (4-0). If the goals Werder were scored by four different players, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored three quarters of those of Schalke. The Dutch striker has offered a triple (9th, 25th, 61st), which must be added an assist to Tranquillo Barnetta (54). The classification, Schalke 04 is now sixth, while Werder out of the relegation zone in fourteenth place.

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Bayern munich the only one in the world

Bayern has imposed no difficulties with Hoffenheim (4-0) thanks to Robben Lewandowski-duo. The Bavarians have now seven points clear at the Bundesliga head after the defeats of Wolfsburg and Mönchengladbach.
It's probably a bit of suspense (relative) in the Bundesliga that has evaporated Saturday. By having largely Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena (4-0), the Bavarians did what everyone expected of them. Even private Lahm, Alaba, Javi Martinez or Thiago, Guardiola's men have offered their fans a recital, like a Franck Ribery but very decisive legs and played 90 minutes of the match . Bavarian flashes are mostly came from Robben-Lewandowski duo untenable authors and each with a goal and an assist for one another. Previously, Götze had opened the scoring with a sublime strike 25m right in the window of Baumann (23rd), his seventh goal of the season. Late in the game, Sebastian Rode has enjoyed a superb service back Schweinsteiger came into play for the first time since the final of the World Cup, to close the brand (87). Opposite Hoffenheim fought, but could do nothing against the armada Offensive Bayern. The Munich now have seven points clear at the Bundesliga head.
The pursuers stumble

For behind the main rivals Bayern all fell. Wolfsburg, surprising second, sold on the lawn of Schalke (2-3) despite a late panting game. Trailing 0-3 after 25 minutes, the Wolves were able to come back to 2-3 with a quarter of an hour late thanks to a goal from Bendtner (74th), but it was not enough. Same fate Mönchengladbach, 3rd, who inexplicably fell at home to Eintracht Frankfurt modest (1-3) despite the opening of early score Nordtveit (6th minute). Before the fourth day, Hanover gave way to Bayer Leverkusen, who came to win on his lawn (1-3). It is not clear which of these teams will worry Bayern.
Dortmund hold again

In the bottom of the table, Dortmund has also missed the boat. While they seemed to know a return to form after pointing to the last place, Jurgen Klopp's men have conceded a draw in the field of Paderborn (2-2) while leading by two goals to break. Worse, Borussia once again lost Marco Reus, author of the second goal of his own, but the victim of a terrible tackle ankle that could keep him sidelined for weeks. The season will be painful for Dortmund, which could again be relegation Sunday.

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5 "tough choices" may face Jürgen Klopp after his departure from Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund coach candidate for the leadership of the largest teams the Premier League and the Spanish in the next season.
Gave German coach Jürgen Klopp wonderful level with the German team Borussia Dortmund during the past seasons and became one of the best coaches in the world at that time to be the big goal for many of the big clubs in Europe in the coming period.

In spite of the modest level provided by Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga this season, what has solved his injuries and the departure of the most prominent team during seasons the last transfer window, where now resides in the 16 place in the Bundesliga, which in danger of falling to the second division if he ended the season as well.

On the other side, the team still offers a good level in the Champions League where he won in all the matches played by the role of the groups to be a tally of 12 points through four games, while the tally in the league with 11 points through 12 games only.

German coach has been successful in the last season before the team up with the Champions League in which it lost to rivals Bayern Munich 2-1 for the final, and after that superiority over Real Madrid in the semi-final and gave a fantastic first leg defeat by the Royal Club 4-1 .

He also competed at the league championship with the Bavarian giants and won cups and so is the Club is the most prominent coaches candidates for the leadership of one of the English Premier League or the Spanish teams next season after he was told he could leave the team during the coming period.

We will present the most prominent teams that may enter the race contract with German coach:

1. Arsenal:

Many reported that Arsenal management may resort to contract with the club next season after having implemented the patience of everyone from the French coach Arsene Wenger, who offers bad level this season with the team despite the many transactions carried out, and the French coach Ganrz led for many years 9 seasons remained absent from the podium until he finally managed to win the FA Cup last season and then returned to the failure of this season again, so another candidate to be Borussia Dortmund coach this is the most prominent candidate to lead the team next season and also the Spanish coach Pep Guardiola Bayern Munich coach current .

2. Manchester City:

Some in Manchester City suggests that the Club is the successor Serbian coach Manuel pellegrini in leadership Alcetzen last season after the team this season, failed to keep the Premier League title but is the biggest reason is the poor level provided by the English club in the Champions League, where the team are bottom of their group so far did not win in any match of the four matches he fought in the group, so I wish a lot of fans of the team Alcetzen contract with Borussia Dortmund coach present.

3. Barcelona:

Despite all contracted team with a new coach this summer, the former Celta Vigo coach Luis Enrique but the Spanish provides a modest level with the Blaugrana, where he had made a superb start in the league until the team appeared much of the weaknesses of strong matches him in front of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and also Real Madrid in front in the Spanish league, despite the wonderful line that resides in the ranks of the Catalan club this season, especially after making many deals notably brilliant Suarez striker Enrique fails to exploit yet, but this is Club one alternatives in the Spanish club in the event of Enrique failure this season.

4. Liverpool:

Some reports about the possibility of a succession Jürgen Klopp to coach Liverpool current Brendan rodgers after the level provided with the Reds this season, unlike last season, which starred his team won second place in the Premier League championship occur, but the team collapsed in the Premier League now, where he owns a 14-point through 12 games and resides in the 12 position, and therefore some nominate leadership Club since ancient English club next season in the event of continuing rodgers failure.

5. Manchester United:

Borussia Dortmund coach may be the perfect solution to save Manchester United from the hell that exists during recent seasons, but in the case of the coach failed veteran Van Gaal, who leads the team this season instead of David Moyes, who left last season, was the start of the Dutchman in improving its position in the English Premier League in recent rounds after he had made a beginning worst team in the league a few years ago, some English newspapers reported that it may be Club prominent candidate for the Red Devils next season in the case of the continuation of the team failed with Van Gaal, and is worth mentioning that the English club management was willing to contract with German coach this summer.

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Arsenal wants Guardiola successor to Wenger

Arsenal drew attention to the management of Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola; so as to take the London club to replace the current French coach.

Guardiola made no secret of his desire to turn in training in England someday, has emerged as Arsenal, who wants to replace Spanish coach Wenger replaced.

  According to the Daily Star, the Gunners lost patience of French coach; so about the sights of coach Guardiola, and it seems that the Spanish coach, aged 43, wants to get out of Bayern, where he spread some rumors of widespread disagreement between Guardiola and some of the squad.

And Daily Star reported that Arsenal face look towards Everton boss Roberto Martinez as a possible replacement in the event of dismissal of Wenger and has not been able to bring Guardiola.

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Bayern Munich denies agreement with Sami Khedira

Bayern Munich denied health news circulating about his conception of the agreement with Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira (27 years) for him free of charge in June.

The Spanish radio station Cadena Ser has confirmed two days ago that the Bayern management got the initial signing Khedira has been to convince him not to renew his contract with Real Madrid and move him free when it ends in June 2015.

 He said sports director Marcus Horvek Bayern Munich in response to this news, "she rumors ... there is 0 percent of Lucky to become a reality."

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Referendum Bild: Neuer best in 2014

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer topped referendum newspaper "Bild" German for the best player of the year after leading his team to the coronation of the last World Cup at the expense of Argentina.

Neuer and got on the proportion reached 21% of the vote by nearly 35 thousand numbered via the website of the newspaper, ahead of fellow Bastian schweinsteiger 20%, and Thomas Mueller, 19%.

Voters considered that Neuer was credited with the owner of the largest in the Coronation Cup b, especially through the face of the Algerian national team and striking brilliance of goalkeeper by turning the player defender.

The newspaper pointed out that coach Joachim Loew used this year, 43 players, they outweigh Neuer and is a strong candidate for the Golden Ball for the best player in the world, which had not been crowned by a guard before.

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Madrid in shock because of Xabi Alonso

Melchoz Ruiz news radio Cadena Cope attacked the Spanish Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso, the former because of his anti each of Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ruiz said that the player Basque miss in his remarks to the bouquet and elegance, and did not know how to respect former colleagues.

Ruiz continued and that everyone in Madrid, which annoyed said Alonso, who did not respect any of Casillas and Lopez and Reina and Valdes also did not respect the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was Alonso has said that Manuel Neuer is the best goalkeeper playing next to him, and he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or in 2014.
The Alonso moved from Madrid to Bayern Munich versus 10 million euros last summer.

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Reus actuated: This is my favorite team

He star Borussia Dortmund Marco Rios team, he dreamed of playing on the team in Barcelona and presence always at the Camp Nou stadium, pointing out that he loves the fans Borussia Dortmund and not have all the respect and appreciation.

Rios responded to many questions on the fans, through his official website, and stressed the great passion and respect for his club Borussia Dortmund and his legions of fans.

Among the questions the German star featured in any court wishes to play in one day? Word Rios said: "Certainly, the Camp Nou," he said, referring big desire to play for the ranks of Barcelona after his departure from Borussia Dortmund tightened to press reports, English and Spanish, the day that the Portuguese coach of Chelsea Jose Mourinho came in strong negotiations with the agent Rios, who Volcker called strut, in order to resolve a deal to bring German international fortress Stamford Bridge next summer.

She pointed out that Chelsea could pay the penalty clause in the German international player contract of 25 million euros, and the kidnapping of the signing of the former star of Borussia Mönchengladbach before polar Spain Real Madrid and Barcelona.

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Analysis: Borussia Dortmund .. "puzzle" puzzling

Lions Alvestvalya easily overcame their host, prompting many question marks about the logic of their coach and the team in dealing with the various leagues! 

Borussia Dortmund won an easy victory away to St Poly in the second round of the German Cup ends 3-zero, promising a good result and the level in the cup, but what about the German league and the level of Borussia Dortmund where? 
Today lions Alvestvalya dominated the game without any difficulties remember, it was just pecking Dortmund fall into the trap easily infiltrate, 8 cases were calculated on the infiltration of Dortmund. 

What begs the question in spite of the weakness of the opponent, St. poly, but we saw coherent and hardness defensive and offensive to Dortmund, we are talking about 73 attack, 35 of them serious attack, and witnessed the meeting, 13 of whom 5 shot on goal. Club may treat some of the mistakes of the league but is this a cure or St. poly barometer? There are several problems were clear as the sun during the meeting, even though the win which may sometimes covers the facts: 

1. The injuries affected the beautiful harmony of Dortmund 
Understanding the past we used to see beautiful tones alzlg Dortmund central line, now we see great difficulty in making the attack, the biggest difficulty in the end, but there is something strange if the concentration of the whole Club focused on the Champions League and only those other points. 

2. Dortmund defense suffers 
Whatever we talked that fatigue is the dominant feature of the Dortmund back line for no apparent reason I do not know if Homils suffers because of participation in the World Cup, so why both Boateng and Lam stellar Bayern Munich, for example, did not suffer? There are no answers to the defense easily exposed as if Dortmund working without pivot axes of the base! 

3. control of the Saint-poly was easy passing rate is similar to what League who disagree? Dortmund performance differed greatly from what it is in the German league, we have seen the effectiveness of the offensive, it is true that there is great suffering in compensation for the departure of Lewandowski But, what draws concern? The level of the team in the Champions League and cup reassuring but other accounts of the League. 
In the end, Dortmund suffers from something vague, no team in the league without a defensive depth is easily beaten, but in the Champions League and cup are another entity, perhaps Club finally found the secret sauce before facing Bayern Munich? Perhaps !.

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Xabi Alonso seals move to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of decorated veteran Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid.Alonso will be Bayern's fifth Spanish player along with Pepe Reina, Juan Bernat, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez.The deal comes shortly after the club signed central defender Mehdi Benatia from AS Roma for a reported €25 million.Alonso, 32, retired from international football on Wednesday and within hours was linked with the Bundesliga champions.The former Spain international - who has won the World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues and the Liga title - has made 236 appearances for Real Madrid, who he joined from Liverpool in 2009.Bayern are looking for short-term cover for central midfielders Martinez and Alcantra, with both Spaniards in different stages of recovery from serious knee injuries.The European giants also sold Germany star Toni Kroos to Madrid this summer."This is purely sporting decision because Alonso can instantly help us and boost our quality," Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer said. "He can play top level football for at least two more years."Real were happy to let Alonso leave for the club managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, with Bayern reportedly giving the Spaniard an annual salary of €10 million.

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Bayern confirm signing of Roma star Benatia

Bayern Munich have announced the signing of 27-year-old defender Mehdi Benatia from Roma.The two clubs were seen as in continued talks this week over a proposed deal for the 27-year-old, who had also previously been linked with Barcelona and several clubs from the Premier League.The German champions then made public that the deal was done on Tuesday afternoon:

Benatia formed a strong partnership with Brazilian Leandro Castan last season after joining Roma from Udinese, helping his side to a second-place finish in Serie A.The Moroccan, capped 31 times by his country, became unsettled, however, publicly accusing the Italian club of breaking promises regarding a salary increase.Bayern were looking to strengthen their defence after holding midfielder Javi Martinez suffered a serious knee injury in their Super Cup defeat by Borussia Dortmund this month.Roma, meanwhile, will replace Benatia with Kostas Manolas who has already had his medical.The Greece international is seen as closing in on a €13m transfer to the Giallorossi, after an agreement with Olympiacos was reached.Manolas’ arrival should be completed in time for him to be registered to feature against Fiorentina at the weekend.VIEW FROM GERMANY - Daniel Rathjen, Eurosport GermanyWe are still sceptical in Munich. 30 million euros for a largely unknown player? Benatia may have his qualities, but the pressure and expectation will be greater at Bayern than in Serie A.Due to this high sum he must fit in immediately and cannot afford to make any mistakes. He needs to replace Javi Martinez which, in itself, is a big challenge.Currently there are still too many unanswered questions to evaluate the transfer. Will Pep Guardiola continue to play with three defenders and will Benatia be the new leader in this backline?Or will Benatia be a "regular" centre-half in a back four? The answers can only be provided by Benatia himself. It will be exciting but uncertain.VIEW FROM ITALY - Mattia Fontana, Eurosport ItalyBenatia was always considered a good prospect when he was at Udinese, probably one of the best centre-backs in our league. But nobody expected he would play like he did in Rome, where he was simply outstanding.He played in a back three in Udine and was good, but when he played in a four-man defence in Rome he became the best centre-back in Serie A (he was voted as much by our users last year).He is very strong physically, explosive, but also technically gifted. I don’t think he would be a perfect replacement for Javi Martinez in a back three as he is not suited to the central position, but either side in a back three and he would be just perfect – that's where he played in Udine.He is a stronger version of Jerome Boateng. He has the same pace but is much more reliable.We think it’s a great swoop for Bayern. 26+4m euros is not that much, especially if you consider Manchester City paid 40m for Mangala.

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Mueller turned down 'astronomical' Man Utd offer

Thomas Mueller says he turned down “astronomical” offers from rival clubs, including Manchester United, to stay at Bayern Munich this summer - while Marco Reus also snubbed Louis van Gaal's side.

Mueller was one of the stars of the World Cup in Brazil, scoring five goals and claiming three assists as Germany won the trophy, and the brilliant forward unsurprisingly attracted attention from rival clubs.

United were reportedly one of the interested parties, with new manager Louis van Gaal giving the then 19-year-old Mueller his debut at Bayern at the start of the 2009-10 season.

However, Mueller says he never had any intention of leaving Bayern.

When asked whether United offered him millions more to leave the Allianz Arena, he told Sport Bild: “I knew that I would have earned more money.

“The sums from other clubs which circulated had been astronomical.

“I can just say: a transfer for me was never an option. FC Bayern is my club.”

Mueller's Germany team-mate Marco Reus has also apparently snubbed a big-money move to Manchester United this summer.

In Reus's case, however, the news emerged not from the player himself, but from Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.

Cerezo, being quizzed by the Spanish press ahead of Tuesday's Super Copa match against Real Madrid, was asked about Reus - who had been hotly tipped to join the Spanish champions this summer.

But he denied any knowledge of a potential deal - and said that given United had failed to broker a sale, Atletico never had a chance:

"I don’t know where the Marco Reus rumour came from. It’s a player who, at this time, is impossible to us," he said.

"Look, he had an offer for a lot of money from Manchester United and he has not gone… we will not sign him with a lesser offer."

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United, Chelsea and Bayern all fight over Roma star

Roma have insisted "Mehdi Benatia is our player,” but Manchester United and Chelsea are fighting for him while Bayern Munich fly in.

The defender has been at the centre of transfer speculation all summer following a contract dispute, just one season into his Giallorossi career.

Sky Sports in England claimed last night that Benatia was already on a flight to Manchester in order to complete his €30m move to United.

Chelsea are also in the running for the £24m rated Moroccan international, but today German channel Sport 1 insist Bayern Munich director Michael Reschke is flying to Italy for advanced negotiations with Roma.

Bayern had already been linked with Benatia in the past, but are stepping up their attempts now that Javi Martinez has been ruled out for seven months with a knee injury.

Amid all this interest, Roma CEO Italo Zanzi spoke to the Corriere dello Sport.

“Mehdi is our player. According to some media sources he had already been sold, but instead he is training with us in a very professional manner.

“It’s a shame about all these rumours. He is a great person and is behaving in the best possible way.

“The transfer market is dynamic, as until September 1 we will evaluate every opportunity and ensure we are ready.”

OUR VIEW

In 2014, Manchester United tussling with Chelsea and Bayern Munich for a player's signature only has one ending. United cannot offer European football of any kind, while Chelsea are struggling to offload a foreign player to meet Premier League regulations - not bring one in. As for Bayern, centre-back is the one area of their team that needs reinforcing, and they are surely every cultured defender's ideal destination. Time for Benatia's wife to order a German Linguaphone course.

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CALENDRIER BUNDESLIGA

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Bayern's Martinez suffers suspected ligament injury

Bayern Munich holding midfielder Javi Martinez suffered a suspected cruciate ligament injury in the first half of their 2-0 German Super Cup loss to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer said.

Spain international Martinez was taken off on a stretcher with his knee heavily bandaged after an attempted bicycle kick with Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer marking him in the 29th minute.

Sammer told reporters there were fears it could be a cruciate ligament injury that could keep the player out for some time but the club has not yet announced the full extent of his injury.

The Bundesliga season starts next week.

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No more signings for Bayern, says coach Guardiola

Bayern Munich will not sign any more players during the current transfer window despite a series of injury setbacks as they prepare for Wednesday's German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund.

Last season's domestic double winners, seeking revenge for last year's defeat by Dortmund in the same game, will be without injured defender Rafinha and winger Franck Ribery is doubtful.

Long-time absentee Thiago Alcantara's comeback will also have to wait with coach Pep Guardiola refusing to pin down a date for his return.

"No, no new players," Guardiola told reporters in Munich. "Thiago will be back and Rafa will be back and Franck will be back so I am happy about this squad."

Defender Rafinha suffered torn ankle ligaments on Saturday and will be out for some time.

Spain international Thiago Alcantara sustained knee ligament damage in May and was ruled out of the World Cup.

"Thiago will be back soon. He really wants to come back as soon as possible but for these issues we have a doctor and you should ask him," Guardiola said.

Fellow Spaniard Guardiola, in his second season at the Bavarians, will also have to handle the fatigue of his club's six World Cup winners who have only recently returned to training following Germany's triumph in Brazil last month.

"It's great for these players and obviously for the club," Guardiola said. "They have time, I know what they can do but they need time. At the moment we have no time."

He said he had only a handful of fully fit players for the game in Dortmund and would make strategic decisions about other players.

"We have training today. I have until the last moment to decide who plays. Who can play for how long, 15 minutes or 20 or 30 minutes.

"This is a final, and it is not about testing and trying out things. No, no, I am clear about what we need to do. I know who our opponents are, how hard it is going to be. It is not about testing anything.

"I think I only have eight or nine players who can play the full 90 minutes. So I have to see who can play and for how long," Guardiola said.

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HUMMELS NAMED NEW DORTMUND CAPTAIN

Dortmund - Ahead of their clash against FC Bayern München in the 2014 DFL Supercup next week, Borussia Dortmund have named Mats Hummels as the new club captain, replacing veteran midfielder Sebastian Kehl.

The club tweeted via their official account that 25-year-old Hummels will take over the armband effective immediately, with Roman Weidenfeller and Marco Reus acting as his vice-captains.

Anfield defeat

Despite a 2013/14 season blighted by injury, Hummels helped BVB finish as runners-up in both the Bundesliga and DFB Cup, and helped the club to the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. He also enjoyed an excellent FIFA World Cup campaign with Germany, scoring twice as the Nationalmannschaft won the tournament for the fourth time.

Just before the the announcement of his appointment as skipper, the former Bayern youngster watched on as Dortmund collapsed to a 4-0 reverse at Anfield against Liverpool FC, the Premier League runners-up. It was BVB's first pre-season defeat and a final outing for Jürgen Klopp's charges before competitve action resumes against Bayern at the Signal Iduna Park next Wednesday.

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Germany legend Klose announces intenational retirement

The World Cup's all-time top goalscorer Miroslav Klose has announced his retirement from international football.

The Germany forward was decisive in his country’s triumph in Brazil, setting a new all-time record of 16 goals in World Cup finals.

[ALL 16 OF KLOSE'S WORLD CUP GOALS]

"With the title in Brazil, a childhood dream was met," said Klose, who retires having netted 71 goals in 137 matches for his country - another record to break Gerd Mueller's.

"I am proud and happy that I was able to shape this great success for German football. I had a unique and wonderful time and many memorable moments in the national team."

Germany national coach Joachim Loew described Klose as a "world star".

“I’ve decided to retire in 2015,” Klose told Bild newspaper last month, but he has brought it forward a year having ended his career in the 1-0 win over Argentina in the extra-time that ensured Germany of a fourth World Cup triumph.

Having just renewed his contract with Lazio, he is likely to see out his club career in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico.

Klose turned 36 last month and joined Lazio in July 2011.

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United dealt Hummels transfer blow

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Mats Hummels with the news that the German international has been handed the Borussia Dortmund captaincy.

United have been chasing the German World Cup winner all summer and reports from numerous news outlets on Sunday suggested that they were about to firm up that interest with a £30 million bid for the defender.

However, Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has previously said he would eat a broomstick if Hummels joined United – and the decision to appoint Hummels as captain looks like a fatal blow to United's hopes of signing the player.

Hummels was given the captaincy after Dortmund veteran Sebastian Kehl last week elected to step down as captain for his final season at the club.

Another player rumoured to be edging toward a Dortmund exit was Marco Reus but his appointment as vice-captain looks set to have quashed Liverpool’s hopes of signing the talented forward.

Robert Lewandowski is the only big-name star to have left Dortmund in the summer, after he joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer after his contract expired.

Dortmund replaced Lewandowski with Italy striker Ciro Immobile for a reported fee of €19m (£15 million).

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Rumour: Barcelona left Reus hanging this summer

Marco Reus was waiting for an offer from Barcelona before the club moved for Luis Suarez instead, reports claim.

Mundo Deportivo say the Borussia Dortmund forward is a favourite of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and Reus was being lined up for a move to Camp Nou before Suarez entered the frame.

Reus is said to be close friends with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and was ready to follow the goalkeeper to Catalonia, but the offer never came.

It’s been alleged by Bayern Munich managing director Karl Heinz Rummenigge that Reus can leave Dortmund next year for €25m (£20m) but MD add Barca have fallen behind in the race to sign the Germany international.

Dortmund are said to fear that Bayern will swoop for Reus having also captured Robert Lewandowski and Mario Goetze and will agree terms with the player now and complete the signing in 12 months.

Four Premier League teams - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City - are also said to be keen, with the Reds keen to use the money they received from Barca for Suarez.

OUR VIEW

This is not the first time we have heard this story and it seems Barcelona may have left Reus hanging this summer. That could count against them when one of Europe's very best attackers does finally become available on the market - and maybe means he will be destined for England instead.

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