Juergen Klinsmann was fired after their disappointing one nil loss to lowly Schalke in a bid to recover from a string of disappointing results in the current Bundesliga. The decision, according to Bayern chairman Karl Heinz Rummenige was “difficult” but said that “ the results of the past few weeks, the way which they came about and above all the situation five games before the end of the season, forced us to act out of responsibility to the club.”

The club appointed Jupp Heyneckes as interim manager until the end of the season with Hermann Gerland as his assistant. The firing terminated the supposed two-year tenure of the former German national team coach, as he was unable to live up to the expectations of the high-pressure job of Germany’s most successful team. The play of the club was listless and uninspired especially after the Bundesliga’s winter break. The move came as a surprise to the former national team striker as he expected to be fired but not this soon in his tenure.

Borussia Dortmund was able to draw level with Schalke in their Bundesliga match last Friday. The late goal came in the 81^st minute as Mohamed Zidan dribbled past two Schalke defenders and firing a left footer past Manuel Neuer’s fingertips and into the back of the net.

The first half was controlled by he home side as Schalke controlled the ball most of the half and defended well against Dortmund’s scoring runs. The first goal was scored in the 20^th minute by Kevin Kuranyi by way of a powerful volley from a cross flicked by Halil Altintop. The other chances by Schalke in the first half proved fruitless as Kuranyi’s attempt at goal in the 14^th minute was wide and again Kuranyi’s shot was stopped at the goal line.

The second half saw bitter rival Borussia Dortmund with more drive but was nearly squelched after Kuranyi’s shot went over the goal post on an error by Dortmund defender Neven Subotic on the 60^th minute. This set the stage for Zidan’s match drawing goal. With the draw, Dortmund retains its lead over Schalke in the Bundesliga standings.

The marriage between US footballer Landon Donovan and Bundesliga club Bayern Munich may not extend beyond its current terms which would end by the middle of March. This was confirmed by the German club side Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. In the terms of the agreement, Donovan was on loan from his club in the MLS LA Galaxy.

The many time national player for Germany opined that they have a dearth of footballers at the striker position should not be one as polished as Donovan but invest in a young player. Currently on its roster are Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni while Iyica Olic has been signed for the next season. Also in the line-up is Lukas Podolski until the end of the year until his transfer to FC Cologne.

While at Bayern Munich, Donovan has intimated he had wanted to stay for a longer contract and has appeared in the Bundesliga and the German Cup for the club side as a substitute without scoring. Previously, Donovan had stints with Bayer Leverkeusen but failed to break through and score goals for his side.

In Bundesliga action, Hamburg SV beat Arminia Bielefield two goals to nil in their match in Frankfurt. Despite the falling snow, Hamburg was hot in pursuit of the ball all day to be able to eke out a win to bolster their chances to topple league leader Hoffenheim and Hertha.

Piotr Trochowski scored the first goal as he shot a free kick over the outstretched arms of Bielefield keeper Dennis Eilhoff. He was able to reach the ball but could not thwart the goal attempt. The score was almost tied in the 55^th minute as a penalty was awarded to Artur Wichniarek as he was brought down in the box by Alex Silva. Thanks to Hamburg goalkeeper Frank Rost, the volley from the spot was read and was able to block the ball. The win was sealed in the 60^th minute as Hamburg’s Ivica Olic set up Paolo Guerrero for a superb goal off the edge of the area into the far goal post.

The goals proved to be the points needed for the move in the standings. As of twenty games, Hamburg is just a point off league leading Hertha and is in third place behind Hoffenheim only because of goal difference.

But now the Ukrainian international has signed a deal with Munich. Bayern has not made a deal with the club yet but hopefully that will be done within some time. There is some problem whether the player will leave in April or July.

Zenit St. Petersburg also sold Andrei Arshavin to Arsenal yesterday. That turned out to be good deal for them as they banked high on the player.  Zenit St. Petersburg should not sell its player if it wants to be consistent in getting a UEFA Champions League Championship because these are players that help you progress. If you grow your plant and then sell it after some time to leave you with nothing, then its not good.

Werder Bremen’s Brazilian midfielder Diego could be on his way to Juventus in the summer, as the Turin club plan ahead for Pavel Nedved’s imminent retirement, according to some reports.

Juventus president Cobolli Gigli has expresed the club’s interest in the player, and also said that the player wants to move to Juve: “Juventus like Diego, we are interested in him and this is reciprocal,” Gigli told the media.

“Juve are observing him, he is a good player, but I don’t think he will arrive in January. Maybe it might happen in the summer.”

As far as Werder are concerned, they remain confident the player will see out his contract:
“Diego has a contract until 2011 and we want to keep him. He is not for sale,” sporting director Klaus Allofs told newspaper Bild.

The player himself seems happy at Werder for now, and it remains to be seen if Juve can convince him to make the move: “I’m happy to know that there are some big teams interested in me and my way of playing football,” declared the Brazilian.

“I have a contract until 2011. Right now I’m not thinking about renewing and Werder did not propose me anything, at least so far. It’s true that I have offers from other teams, but I have not yet thought about leaving.”

“I don’t know yet if I will play in Italy,” he admitted. “There are teams which I like and I’m very interested in the Italian league, but for the time being I don’t know.

Nicklas has got several starts this season for the Gunners. He has scored goals but he has not yet got the regular role in the side.  Van Persie is in good form for the Gunners and so is Adebayor so Bendtner is left on the bench. Bendtners father and agent has informed that the player has been contacted but he is not willing to leave Emirates as he likes life at London and will not leave Arsenal atleast in the middle of the season. Ibisevic and Obasi the two forwards of Hoffenheim are the injured players for whom Bendtner is to be replaced.

He is reported to join Everton. The Everton manager Moyes wants to strengthen his forward in order to score more goals and he is set to bid for the striker. Almeida wants toplay along his former team mate Valenta who is a fullback for Everton. They have played together for FC Porto and Almeida wishes to join him there.

Werder Bremen have reported to have said that no bids have been recieved yet so the player is still part of their plans for the season. Everton have several injured players on the sidelines. Saha who joined Everton form Old Trafford is also injured so Moyes wants new recruitments. They face the Reds on Sunday for the FA cup clash and hope to give another show.

Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri has confirmed rumours that the club is interested in bringing in Brazilian midfielder from Werder Bremen.

“Diego? I will not say yes or no,” Ranieri told Juventus Channel. “Diego is very strong, he is an incredible player and we are looking at him. We have to value him in every way, I like him, but we need to see where he will fit within our well oiled machine. Bringing in a new player and getting him used to the set up will not be easy and it cannot be rushed.”

He also spoke about his ambitions for the current season, including reaching the Champions League final. “We will try, I will even pay to be there,” added Ranieri.

“We have to have the will and the dream of getting there. We hope to meet Chelsea while we are in good shape. The Champions League gives plenty of nervous moments and I hope my players will be ready.”