Bayern Munich Manager Sacked

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.

Doping scandal for Hoffenheim

The Football Federation of Germany has launched a full dress investigation into the reports of doping infraction committed by footballers from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The two players, namely Andreas Ibertsberger and Christoph Janker appeared ten minutes late for a random post match urine test.
The incident occurred last February 7th when Hoffenheim was up against Borussia Moenchengladbach and they came late to the doping test. The players reasoned that they were required to attend a team meeting first and then hurriedly went to the medic station for the test. Under existing rules, players identified for the random drug test are required to immediately report to the medic station as soon as final whistle is blown for the game.
With this development, Moenchengladbach would file a protest for the match outcome which resulted in a one goal draw. If the players are found guilty of the violation, they could be banned at least for a year from Cup level competition not only in Germany but throughout FIFA sanctioned competitions and friendlies. Both Hoffenheim players were unavailable for comment on the matter.

Donovan Likely to return to US

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.

Hamburg Takes Solo Third

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.