Heynckes taking a break for now

Bayern Munich's triple-winning boss Jupp Heynckes today confirmed he will not coach a team next season, despite receiving offers to take charge of "rich clubs where money does not matter".



Heynckes has been heavily linked with the vacancy at his former club Real Madrid after the departure of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, but has opted to take a break to spend more time with his family.



The 68-year-old, who led Bayern to the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal titles this season, said at a press conference: "I will not seek a new job after July 1, either at home or abroad.

"I told my wife last summer I will fulfil my contract at Bayern and then not continue.



"Other clubs were interested in signing me after this season - rich clubs where money does not matter.



"Such clubs have never interested me."

He admitted age was a factor in his decision, adding: "I've noticed, especially in the last few weeks, that I have reached an age at which regeneration takes longer.

"I felt that I went to the limit, it was incredibly stressful."

Bayern executive chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who helped install former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola as Heynckes' successor for next season, suggested the door will always be open for a man who has coached, among others, Real Madrid, Benfica and Schalke, in a long career.



Rummenigge said: "If sometime, after his holiday has passed and his spirit has returned, he can call myself and (supervisory board chairman) Uli (Hoeness).

"The doors at Bayern are still wide open."

Bayern celebrates treble in Munich

Bayern Munich did not let the weather dampen its spirits as it paraded its three titles to its fans.



The rain which has fallen over Munich almost without exception since February did not want to make way for Bayern's treble-winning party in the city's central Marienplatz, but temperatures as low as seven degrees proved no deterrent for around 20,000 fans.



"Not only do we have a world class team, but we also have world class fans," said coach Jupp Heynckes on his penultimate public appearance as Bayern coach, his last coming on Tuesday when he announces his future plans at a press conference in the city.



"Without fans like you, we would never have been able to achieve what we have done."



Heynckes, parading the UEFA Champions League trophy won in London a week ago alongside the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal, was also able to make good on a promise he made over two decades ago.



"I stood on this balcony in 1990 and, rather cockily, promised you the European Cup," he said.



"Well today I'm delivering on my promise: here is the Champions League."



It was the Bayern players' second appearance on the balcony of the city hall this northern summer, the first of which took place after its final home Bundesliga game of the season.



It returned with two more trophies, the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal, parading an historic maiden treble in the history of German football.

Champions League preview

Wembley will host the first ever all-German clash in a European Cup final as Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening.

Kick-Off 19:45 GMT | Live Stream  also Live Coverage on our FB Page World Football

A German side is therefore guaranteed to win the Champions League for the third time, and Bayern (2001) and Dortmund (1997) are two previous winners from the Bundesliga.

Bayern will be the favourites after an all-encompassing domestic season. Not only did they win the Bundesliga title earlier than any team in history, but they also set record for the most wins, fewest defeats, the fewest goals conceded, most clean sheets and best goal difference, and also scored in every league match.

This dominance has been reflected on the European stage. Bayern won all four of their quarter and semi-final matches, scoring eleven goals without conceding against Juventus and Barcelona.

Bayern will also be hoping to redress their final form, having lost to Inter Milan in 2010 and Chelsea on penalty last season in their home stadium, the Allianz Arena.

The match will be Jupp Heynckes penultimate match in charge before he leaves the club and allows Pep Guardiola to take his place at the helm.



Possible Line-ups:



Team News



Borussia Dortmund



- Mario Götze has been ruled out of the final against his future employers with the injury that he picked up in the semi final second leg against Real Madrid.

- Jurgen Klopp is likely to field the same starting eleven that played Hoffenheim last weekend, even if they did succumb to a loss against lowly Hoffenheim.

- That will mean Marco Reus plays in a central role behind lone striker Robert Lewandowski, with Kevin Grosskreutz lining upon the left. Klopp has also recently tried out Ilkay Gundogan in a more attack-minded role but it hasn't been all that successful, so he is unlikely to go with it again.



Bayern Munich



- Toni Kroos will not make it back in time to play at Wembley, but Arjen Robben has been in fantastic form of late and he will keep his place on the right, with Thomas Müller again playing centrally.

- There are unlikely to be any surprises in Jupp Heynckes' lineup, with the usual team having hit 4 past Gladbach last weekend.

- Holger Badstuber had yet more bad news yesterday after it was confirmed that he won't play again in 2013 after undergoing surgery on his knee injury.



Match Facts

Bayern have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Bayern have won 6 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Bayern have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Borussia Dortmund have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Bayern in all competitions.

Borussia Dortmund are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 home matches against Bayern in all competitions.



Top scorers in CL for Dortmund and Bayern

Lewandowski 10 | Müller 8

Reus 4 | Pizarro 4

Santana 2 | Robben 3

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Ribery buzzing ahead of final

Winger Franck Ribery is confident that Bayern Munich will be too strong for Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final.



The two clubs will meet in an all-German affair at Wembley on Saturday, with Bayern keen to make amends for last year's defeat on penalties to Chelsea on their home ground of the Allianz Arena.



Dortmund's progress to the final has seen them win a tough group which included Real Madrid and Manchester City, before knocking the Spanish side out over two legs at the semi-final stage.



Bayern won the Bundesliga with weeks to spare, with Dortmund eventually 25 points adrift in second place, and Ribery feels European glory will be Bayern's if they play to their potential.

"I was impressed with how Dortmund managed to dismantle Real Madrid in the semi-finals, but we are only thinking of ourselves. We are stronger," the Frenchman declared.



"If we're all ready and willing to give 100 per cent we'll emerge victorious. We know Dortmund inside-out.



"It will be crucial not to put too much pressure on ourselves.



"I don't know whether we'll make it to the Champions League final ever again, which is why we want to give it everything we've got to finally hold the trophy."

Ribery's team-mate Mario Mandzukic says that playing at Wembley will fulfil a lifelong dream.



The Croatian joined the Bavarian giants in summer 2012 and is eager to play in a Champions League final at the first time of asking.

"I can hardly wait for the kick-off. Since I hit my first ball, I always dreamed of playing a Champions League final - and I also dreamed it would be at Wembley," said the 27-year-old.



"Now my wish is coming true. I hope this is football's reward for me giving my best to it, with fair play and hard work.



"I think Bayern's greatest strength is their team spirit. I have played for a lot of teams but I have never experienced anything like it."

Bayern aiming for perfection - Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is aiming to treat Wembley to footballing perfection in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Bayern can complete part two of a possible Treble with victory and go into the clash with Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund as clear favourites.



Jupp Heynckes' side finished 25 points ahead of Dortmund in winning the league title and have the DFB-Pokal final to come at the start of June.

"We've taken a massive stride towards perfection, and we're aiming for a perfect performance in the final," Schweinsteiger said.



"For me, the decisive factor will be everyone working hard and running for the others when we don't have the ball.



"If we play to our potential, it's very hard for anyone to win against us."

Thomas Muller: "It is time we won this trophy"

Thomas Muller has stressed that Bayern Munich must banish the memories of their recent Champions League disappointments when they take on Borussia Dortmund on May 25.



The Bavarian giants have twice been losing finalists in the last three years - to Inter Milan in 2010 and Chelsea last season.



Muller, who scored in last year's final, talked up the Wembley clash with Jurgen Klopp's men, insisting that there will be plenty of "spice" between the two sides.



"It is time we won this trophy," Sky Sports News quotes Muller as saying:

"If we lose, it will be three times and then you get sort of stuck with a 'loser' tag which is something you do not want.



"I am a bit younger [than other Bayern players] and hopefully I still have a few years of international action left in me, but we really have to win it this time.



"There is a lot of spice in this game and I like spice and I like that we play against Dortmund because there is even more passion in there."

Bayern are bidding for a fifth European triumph.




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Bayern's Players and coach press conference

Jupp Heynckes:



What does the Champions League final mean to you personally?

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t special. We’re all really looking forward to it, including me personally. I sense the same thing from the players, their statements, their gestures, the mood and the atmosphere. We’re all focused on the final and gearing up for it.”



Bayern and Dortmund know each other well. Can one of the teams still surprise the other?

“The teams know each other extremely well and the coaches are fully informed about the opposing players. There are no secrets and there won’t be any tactical surprises. A final is always open with roughly the same chance for both teams, but at the end of the day it’s settled by the players. Every coach has a plan, but it’s up to the players to put it into action. My team’s done exactly that outstandingly so far.”



After defeat in last year’s final, are Bayern under more pressure than Dortmund?

“Mentally, we’re unbelievably stable. Nothing can throw us out of our stride. We have only one target, to win the big cup! Nothing can knock us off course. My team is incredibly focused on success and programmed for it, to an extent I’ve never experienced in my career as a player and coach. Obviously, after the huge disappointment on our own ground, picking ourselves up and playing a season like this proves my players are special and made of the right stuff.”



Who start as favourites?

“Neither team, in my opinion. It’s never easy against Dortmund – but never easy against us either! Juventus discovered that, Barcelona – the best team in the world – discovered that, and Dortmund will discover it too. I think it’ll be a purely sporting matter at Wembley, with both teams playing fair and in their best shape, and I’m expecting a very interesting match. But I’m confident we’ll bring the big cup back to Munich.”



Philipp Lahm:



How much are you already thinking about the final?

“Obviously it’s in my mind, and obviously we’re determined to win the Champions League this year. The party’s over for now and we’re refocused, working away on the practice ground. We’ll be perfectly prepared for the final, and I’m very, very confident it’ll be us lifting the trophy in a couple of weeks.”



What do you think of the way German football has developed?

“We’ve come on very well in recent years, not only Bayern, but also the national team and the Bundesliga as a whole. But it doesn’t end with this season. I think we’re looking at a bright future, with the chance of competing for the international trophies every year.”



What’s your previous experience of Wembley?

“I played there once and won, so it’s a superb stadium.”



Thomas Müller:



Are you happy you’re facing Borussia Dortmund?

“It’s a spicy one – and I like it spicy. I think it’s good we’re playing Dortmund. There’s plenty of edge. There’s a lot to win and a lot to lose for both sides. We probably know more about Dortmund than any other team, and in any case the pressure’s on Bayern. Since my first day in the youth section, the pressure has always been on us, but we can cope with it. We’ve made such a solid impression in recent months, so it really doesn’t matter whether the pressure is on us or our opponents.”



Why is the team so solid?

“Because the players have come on tremendously as the years have gone by. Because we’ve made excellent new signings. And perhaps because there’s been a mental shift among the attacking players: especially in the big matches, we’ve shown a willingness to run which isn’t just normal.”



What have been the key moments of the season so far?

“I think the period after the restart in January was very important. We had some tricky matches, in Mainz for example, where we’ve always struggled, but won comfortably this time. From then on, we knew we could win even the toughest matches.”



How important is winning the Champions League for your career?

“Every sportsman strives for success, so it’s important for your personal perception and feelings. And it’s really about time I won the thing. If you lose it three times, you’re marked as a loser, and I don’t want that.”



Arjen Robben:



What do you know about Wembley?

“I played an FA Cup final there with Chelsea. It’s a fantastic stadium with a wonderful history, and there’s no better atmosphere.”



How much are you looking forward to the final?

“It’s always great to contest a final, but at the end of the day, you also need to win at some point. Last year was a bitter disappointment, nor did we deserve to lose. But we’ve become even better and we’re approaching the final with great confidence.”



What kind of match do you expect?

“It’ll be a very intense match. Both teams are physically and tactically strong, both are well organised in defence, and both know each other inside out. The little things and form on the day will be decisive.”


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Bayern deny Rooney link

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insists his club have no interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed at the weekend that Rooney had made a transfer request, heightening speculation over the England international's future.

German champions Bayern have been amongst a number of clubs linked with Rooney but Sammer has firmly denied any interest.

"I don't know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga," Sammer is quoted by the Daily Telegraph. "I can't answer that.

"I can answer that we have great respect for Wayne Rooney but there has been no contact with him.

"He's not on the agenda. No, no. Absolutely not."

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Giroud reveals link to Bayern

Olivier Giroud has revealed he was a target for Bayern Munich in the summer but is happy to be at Arsenal.

The France international striker saw a potential move to the UEFA Champions League finalists fall through after Mario Mandzukic caught the eye at Euro 2012.



But the former Montpellier man has no regrets about the fact that he subsequently joined the Gunners because he is enjoying life in the Premier League.



Asked if he had been in touch with Bayern, Giroud was quoted in The Sun as saying:

"Not directly but my agent was and it was validated by Bayern.



"They wanted time to watch the Euros and Mandzukic had a good tournament.



"The fact I was wooed by Arsenal is good. I'm very happy here. English football is what I hoped for.



"The people live, eat and sleep football here."

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Robben: Our time now

Arjen Robben helped Bayern Munich reach the UEFA Champions League final and declared: "It is time to win it now."

The Bundesliga champions cruised to a 3-0 success in their semi-final second leg at Camp Nou to complete an astonishing 7-0 aggregate triumph.

Robben and Thomas Muller were both on target with Gerard Pique putting through his own net on a miserable night for the Catalan giants, who left Lionel Messi on the bench throughout the contest.

Bayern, who have suffered final heartache at the hands of Chelsea and Inter Milan in recent years, will now take on domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on May 25.

Robben told Sky Sports: "Now we are in the final, it is the third time in the last four years, but it is time to win it now.

"It is going to be a big one. Dortmund have proved over the last two or three years that they are a very good side. It is going to be a game which is decided on small details.

"I think we have to stay calm. We are playing some great football, we have to enjoy this moment."

Bayern were superior to Barcelona in every department over both legs, with Robben pointing to their impressive team ethic and work-rate as one of the key reasons for their success.

He added: "The most important thing of all is we play as a team. Defensively we are very well organised, everyone is doing their job, also the four players up front work hard backwards.

"If you want to achieve something, if you want to win competitions and games at such a high level you have to defend as a team.

"If you perform like this, playing against a team who have dominated Europe over the last five years, if you win 4-0 and 3-0 away, it is amazing.

"Especially against a team like Barcelona you cannot give them any space to play. They didn't really have any good chances."


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Bayern denied Lewandowski deal

Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have a deal in place for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.



German newspaper Bild reported earlier in the week that the Poland international had already signed two contracts with Bayern, one that was due to start next season and one in 2014.



But a Bayern statement read: "FC Bayern, contrary to these reports, do not have any contract with Robert Lewandowski."



Dortmund insist they have received no offers for the 24-year-old, whose fine season continued on Wednesday when he scored all four goals in their 4-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid.



Their intention is to sign the prolific Pole to a new contract, with his current deal due to run out at the end of the 2013-14 season.



Dortmund's general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke said in Bild: "It would be negligent of us not to try to keep probably the best striker in Europe. It's true that we have discussed new conditions once again."



Lewandowski, who has scored 34 goals this season with 10 of those in the Champions League, has also been linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United chief among his suitors.



Dortmund have already suffered one high-profile departure with midfielder Mario Goetze announcing earlier this week he was using a release clause in his contract to join Bayern over the summer.

Heynckes stays grounded

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes was refusing to take anything for granted despite his side's 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The German champions produced a stunning display to dismantle Barcelona at the Allianz Arena to leave them with one foot in next month's final at Wembley.

Heynckes believes the tie is far from over and knows they must stick to their gameplan in the second leg at Camp Nou if they are to finish off the job.

"I am happy about the result, but I am not moved by it," said Heynckes. "I know that we still face 90 very difficult minutes in Spain.

"We will enjoy what happened tonight, but not more. It is important to stick to your tactical guidelines against Barcelona and that is what makes my team stand out this year."

Heynckes admits Bayern's hunger to make up for their disappointment in the Champions League in the last two years is the driving force behind their success this season.

"We have been displaying extraordinary football for the entire season now," added Heynckes.

"Falling short of success in the past two years has only made them more hungry to win this year.

"The tactical awareness of this team is top notch as well, just like their willingness to run and fight for one another. Today's game was a perfect example of that."


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The fans feel betrayed - Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus says it is "unbelievable" that Bayern Munich have announced they are signing Mario Gotze from Borussia Dortmund, a day before Dortmund's Champions League semi-final.

Bayern agree Gotze deal

"The fans feel betrayed," ex-Bayern midfielder Matthaus tells: "Anybody with mischievous thoughts will now think back to the quarter-final against Malaga. Gotze was a decisive player and wasted six or seven big chances. He showed nerves then and this whole thing has certainly been developing for a while.



"[On the timing] It's not fair, it's unbelievable."


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Messi fit to face Bayern

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring strain in time to feature in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich.



style="border-radius: 25px 25px 25px 25px; border: 5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);" width="320" />The Argentine World Player of the Year sat out Saturday's 1-0 La Liga win at home to Levante and has not yet been given the all-clear by medical staff but was included in the squad for the clash at the Allianz Arena.



"Messi is with the team and he is able to compete, although that's a decision for the coaching staff," sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said on Barca's website. "We will not forego having the best possible team on the pitch."

Barcelona will be without injured defenders Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol, leaving them with a headache in deciding who will partner Gerard Pique at the centre of the defence.



Bayern will be without suspended striker Mario Mandzukic and injured midfielder Toni Kroos.

Barca host Bayern for the return leg on May 1 and the successful side will meet Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid in next month's final at London's Wembley stadium.


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Leverkusen open Schurrle door.

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed they will consider approaches for reported Chelsea target Andre Schurrle but the Bundesliga club do not want to comment on speculation.

Premier League giants Chelsea have been linked with Schurrle for several years and they are now said to be ready to activate a €35million (£28.5m) contract release clause.



The Stamford Bridge club are reported to have tried to sign the player last summer and are now being linked with a £12million offer plus Kevin de Bruyne.



And Leverkusen executives will look at any interest they receive in Schurrle, who has scored nine league goals this season, or any of their squad.



Leverkusen general manager Rudi Voller told Deutsche Presseagentur: "We are receiving transfer enquiries every now and then.



"Andre Schurrle is not the only player of interest. It is obvious to have a look at those proposals. We also did that last summer."



But Leverkusen are also keen to avoid being drawn in to responding to all conjecture ahead of the summer transfer window.



Club executive Wolfgang Holzhauser told Reviersport newspaper: "At this point in time, there is so much said.



"There are many rumours. I would prefer not to be part of all this."

Heynckes: I would never ask Guardiola for help

The Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has reacted angrily to suggestions that he might enlist the help of the former Barcelona boss ahead of his side's clash with the Barca.



style="border-radius: 25px 25px 25px 25px; border: 5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);" width="320" />Jupp Heynckes has reacted angrily to suggestions that he could consult Pep Guardiola about Bayern Munich's upcoming Champions League semi-final with Barcelona.



The former Blaugrana boss will take over the reins at the Allianz Arena in the summer, but the 68-year-old has claimed that anyone who believes he would give his successor a call of being disrespectful.



"Please respect me and my work," he told reporters.



"I have never consulted anyone!"



Looking ahead to the tie, Heynckes said that he is expecting two great games against a team whom he knows well.



"We'll see two very entertaining games. Both teams like to attack and have a solid defence with good tactical awareness," he continued.



"I said before the Juventus game that I don't think playing the first leg at home is a disadvantage. Camp Nou is certainly a special stadium and we can expect a fantastic atmosphere there.



"I know Spain football very well because I've always been interested in it, even after I left Spain.



"Barcelona aren't just [Lionel] Messi. They have great players like Xavi [Andres] Iniesta, ]Sergio] Busquets, [Cesc] Fabregas and [David] Villa."

Heynckes happy with victory

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes said his side's preparation paid off after taking a two-goal advantage against Juventus at the Allianz Arena.

style="border-radius: 25px 25px 25px 25px; border: 5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);" width="213" />The German side got off to the best possible start in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg when David Alaba's deflected first-minute strike found the net.

Bayern then dominated but could not add to their advantage until Thomas Muller's 63rd minute tap-in

But their first leg victory came at a price as midfielder Toni Kroos was replaced by Arjen Robben on 16 minutes with a groin injury and is expected to miss six weeks.

Heynckes said: "We studied Juventus closely, prepared well for this game and we managed to disturb their game early and take (Italy midfielder) Andrea Pirlo out of the game.

"We have to be happy with the result, it's never easy to beat an Italian side and dominate them.

"It doesn't look so good for Toni, we're waiting for more results of tests, he's an important player for us."



Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was delighted with the win as last year's runners-up attempt to reach the semi-finals of the competition next Wednesday.

"It was a great game and that is a great result to take to Turin nex

t week," he said.

Champions League Preview: Bayern Munich host Juve

Four-time winners Bayern are hoping to grace a third final in four years, and land their first European crown in 12 years.

They are absolutely flying domestically, holding a 20-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, and hammered Hamburg 9-2 in their last outing.



It has already been revealed that coach Jupp Heynckes is to be replaced by Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, so he will be hoping to bow out on a high - with an historic Treble still on the cards.



Juventus know what it takes to go all the way in Europe's premier club competition, having taken the crown on two previous occasions, but it is 17 years since they last lifted the trophy and 10 since they last graced the semi-finals





- Bayern Munich could welcome Jerome Boateng and Bastian Schweinsteiger back into continental competition on Tuesday, with the pair having sat out the second leg of their Arsenal clash.


- Javi Martinez is, however, suspended and Luiz Gustavo is expected to fill the midfield void.


- Long-term absentee Holger Bastuber is still nursing ruptured knee ligaments, while Dante and Philipp Lahm are one booking away from a ban.







- Juventus have concerns over the fitness of diminutive frontman Sebastian Giovinco, after seeing him pick up a knock during a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Saturday, but he is in their 22-man squad.


- Mirko Vucinic is recovering from a bout of flu, meaning Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri could be paired together if the Montenegrin misses out.


- Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal and Claudo Marchisio will walk a disciplinary tightrope, with the trio one yellow card away from missing the return leg.

Neuer happy with draw

Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer is confident after his side were drawn against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Bayern made difficult work of their second-leg last-16 tie with Arsenal in midweek when Arsene Wenger's side fell just short after winning 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, they were knocked out on away goals 3-3 on aggregate.

German international Neuer believes that they will be able to get a result against Antonio Conte's side, who will travel to Munich for the first leg of the quarter-final meeting in the first week of April.

The Bianconeri comfortably saw off Scottish side Celtic in the last round to book their place in the pot, but they will face tough competition from the side that sit top of the Bundesliga.

"The Italian teams are always very organised," he told the UEFA website. "But we have what it takes to get through to the semi-final."

Klopp hopes to trouble Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp believes his side can cause Bayern Munich problems when the teams meet on Saturday.



The clash between the Bundesliga heavyweights in Munich could prove an important turning point in the season.



Dortmund are third on the table, 11 points behind league leaders Bayern, who have lost their past five league matches against Klopp's men.



"We have the possibility to cause some trouble for Bayern," Klopp said.



"We have beaten them five times in a row in the league but we lost in the Super Cup.



"There, we really felt how different Bayern are this year. We tried to play our game in that match but on the other side the players were so aggressive.



"But if we can put all our quality on the pitch, then there are not many clubs in the Bundesliga that are as difficult to play as us.



"That is our task for this game, there is no guarantee for a good result for another team.



"Of course Bayern are favourites. They play at home, they have 11 points more.



"It looks like they play their own season but nevertheless it's our duty to go there and make it difficult for them to win."



Klopp, who has guided Dortmund to the past two Bundesliga titles, said he expected Bayern to always challenge for the crown.



"I guess it is not a big effort for (Bayern manager) Jupp Heynckes to motivate and focus them on their goals," he said.



"They have made some huge transfers. That is quite unique in Europe.



"Everywhere money is short but not in Munich. They have extended their squad in quality.



"Their offence for example is very good. You can change five, six or seven players and you still have a top European team.



"We have to admit that, and it's fine. Everybody has the right to do what they can within their limits."