FC Bayern Munchen News

In an odd sequence of events, the Germany legend was pronounced dead by a Bavarian court, to which the 52-year-old, still alive and kicking, responded angrily

An irate Lothar Matthaus was forced to deny rumours of his death after the former Germany midfielder was extraordinarily listed as ‘deceased’ by a local court.

Court officials in Munich attempted to send documents to Matthaus regarding a legal dispute with his ex-wife, but were unable to locate the former Bayern Munich star.

And in a bizarre twist, the court deemed the lack of contact as sufficient grounds to ascertain his demise, stamping ‘deceased’ in his official court file.

The revelation, unsurprisingly, did not sit well with Matthaus, who asserted to Bild that he was, in fact, still alive and well.

“It’s an outrage! I’m alive, and everyone can see that I’m alive, whether they watch me on the pitch or on the TV,” he fumed. “If anyone wants to see where I am, this is quite simple.”

Matthaus won 150 caps for Germany during a 20-year international career, and since retiring in 2001, has held positions as both a coach and football analyst.

The German says his side will have to be on top form in Brazil next summer, while praising Philipp Lahm’s versatility and Joachim Low’s coaching style

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has played down the expectations of his nation ahead of World Cup 2014, but maintains it is their dream to come home with the title.

Die Mannschaft are amongst the favourites for the tournament next year, but the Bayern Munich shot-stopper recognises they’ll need to be at their best to overcome tough competition.

Neuer told Bild: “No one can guarantee the title, particularly against the Brazilians. We have to have to be on top form on the day to defeat them in their own country.

“We know that Germany is waiting for us to come home with the title, it’s our dream too.

The 27-year-old also acknowledged the contribution of Philipp Lahm after Pep Guardiola moved the full-back into midfield for Bayern and praised Bastian Schweinsteiger’s ability in the middle of the park.

“Schweinsteiger and Lahm are both excellent No.6s,” he added. “Both Guardiola and Joachim Low know when Philipp should play in midfield and when he should play at full-back.

“Low is a top coach and it shows in the level at which we play. He has made us a world-class team.”

Germany finalise their World Cup qualifying campaign in the next week with fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

The Spain international has taken a big step on his road to recovery after suffering an injury back in August

Bayern Munich have been handed a fitness boost after summer signing Thiago Alcantara had a screw removed from his ankle as he continues to work towards full fitness.

The 22-year-old midfielder suffered ruptured ankle ligament having made only three competitive appearances for his new club following his move from Barcelona back in July.

But an official statement from the Bavarians has revealed the Spaniard is well on the road to recovery.

“The latest, scheduled operation was a success. The summer signing from Barcelona is now ready to start a full sports rehab programme.
 
“Thiago has worn a special support boot for the last few weeks and has been unable to apply any training load to the injured leg.”

Thiago has recently declared that he wants a more attacking role at his new club upon returning from injury, but faces stiff competition in a star-studded midfield, including fellow summer recruit Mario Gotze.

An original estimate suggested that it could be November before Thiago makes his return to competitive action for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The France legend lifted the award back in 1998 and has tipped his compatriot to follow in his footsteps on the back of his treble-winning exploits last term

Zinedine Zidane believes Franck Ribery deserves to win the Ballon d’Or but admits he could well miss out to Lionel Messi.

The Bayern Munich winger scored 11 goals and made 19 assists in all competitions last season as the Bavarians lifted the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and the Champions League.

However, he will face stiff competition from the Barcelona and Argentina star – who has already lifted the individual prize four times in his career – but Zidane has offered his backing to his compatriot.

The Real Madrid assistant coach told RMC: “I would give it to Franck for what he did this year and especially the three major trophies he has won.

“The problem is there is a guy [Messi] who has 55 goals.”

Zidane has been working alongside Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti in a coaching capacity since the summer and was asked for this thoughts on the misfiring Karim Benzema, who has come in for criticism for his lack of goals.

The 41-year-old added: “When a football player is down, it is always difficult. You lose some confidence, freshness. However, he will never lose his qualities. He never gives up!”

Benzema has scored just two goals in La Liga this season, with los Blancos already five points adrift of rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who have perfect records so far this term.

The Bavarians have a history of recruiting the top talent from within the Bundesliga and the BayArena side’s sporting director claims his current team merit such attention

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller claims he is happy to be afraid of losing players to Bayern Munich as it proves the quality within Sami Hyypia’s squad.

Bayern have been relentless in their pursuit of the top talent in the Bundesliga in recent seasons, with Manuel Neuer and Mario Gotze the latest to swap their respective clubs for the Bavarian giants while the likes of Jorginho, Lucio, Michael Ballack, Ze Roberto and Robert Kovac have all previously joined the club from Leverkusen.

Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit just a point above Hyypia’s men following the 1-1 draw between the teams on October 5, and Voller admits he would be pleased to see the champions linked with some BayArena stars as it would be further proof of the talent within the side.

“It is now more extreme than in the past. If Bayern want a player, they will get them. When top clubs are interested in your players, of course you have to worry,” he told Sport Bild.

“If I had no concerns over losing players to Bayern or others, that would mean we have not got any clever players. Then I could really stomach the pain. I would like to continue having this fear of Bayern for a long time.”

Two players linked with exits from Leverkusen of late are Sidney Sam and Stefan Reinartz, both of whom see their contracts expire at the end of next season.