Neuer guards against complacency

Manuel Neuer has expressed his concern that complacency could get the better of Bayern Munich when they host Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday (Bayern Munich 2/11, draw 6/1, Wolfsburg 12/1 – 90 minutes with bet365).

The Bavarians have made a 100 per cent start to the new season, winning all four Bundesliga games and six in all competitions, and three points against the Lower Saxony side would strengthen their hold on top spot in Germany (Bayern Munich 1/4 – Bundesliga outright with bet365).

Fresh from a 2-0 away win at Schalke, Jupp Heynckes’ men must go again for the first home match of Oktoberfest and Germany goalkeeper Neuer said it is imperative that the players are mentally prepared.

“We have to try and keep up our rhythm,” he told the official club website.

“We can’t sit around in seventh heaven thinking it’ll all just take care of itself from now on. We have to put in the work day after day. We can’t be lulled into a false sense of security. We know Wolfsburg are difficult to beat.”

Franck Ribery missed the trip to Schalke with a strain but is fit again and gives Heynckes another attacking option to an attacking unit which has already scored 14 goals in four matches.

Lahm demands Bayern response

Philipp Lahm is confident Bayern Munich can bounce back from last season’s heart-wrenching end to a trophyless campaign and rule again in Germany and Europe (Bayern Munich 4/5 – Bundesliga outright – bet365).

The Bavarians saw their hopes of a Bundesliga title triumph shattered by back-to-back winners Borussia Dortmund and were comprehensively beaten by the same opponents in the DFB-Pokal final in May.

A 5-2 mauling in Berlin came just seven days before more heartbreak on penalties against Chelsea in the Champions League final on home soil.

Jupp Heynckes has attempted to stop the rot by bringing in a raft of new signings, including big-money buy Mario Mandzukic from Wolfsburg.

“The arrival of players such as (Claudio) Pizarro and others gives us the option of using two formations. I know Pizza from the past, and I know how well he can play off a central striker. He and (Mario) Mandzukic are both great in the air,” Lahm told the club’s official website.

“We have lots of options now, (Xherdan) Shaqiri included. At the back, Dante means there’s more competition. (Mitchell) Weiser can play anywhere, and we have (Tom) Starke as a back-up in goal.”

Lahm said the players had to show character to respond from last season and finally get rid of the hurt.

The Germany defender added: “It all looks good on paper, but all of them have to prove themselves on the pitch – and not just the newcomers, also the players who were regulars last season.”

Bayern start the new Bundesliga season on the road against Greuther Furth on August 25 (Greuther Furth 7/1, draw 7/2, Bayern Munich 2/5 – 90 minutes).

Bayern play down Pirlo talk

Bayern Munich have moved to dismiss a link with Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo as the Bundesliga giants look to bounce back from a trophyless season (Bayern Munich 4/5 – To Win Bundesliga – bet365).

The Bavarians came second in the league, cup and Champions League last term and speculation has suggested Juventus star Pirlo was wanted to help their cause.

The 33-year-old World Cup winner has only been with the Old Lady for a season following a decade with Milan but it seems he is not on his way to Germany this summer.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in an official statement: “FC Bayern have neither made an offer to Juventus, nor have FC Bayern had any contact with the player or his agent.”

Pirlo was a key player for the Azzurri at Euro 2012 earlier in the summer but could do little as Italy were outclassed by Spain in the final.

Bayern Munich, who last ruled Europe in 2001, are 14/1 to go one better than last season and win the Champions League in 2012-13.

Heynckes wary of Chelsea task

Jupp Heynckes has been impressed by Chelsea’s rejuvenation under boss Roberto Di Matteo and has suggested the Blues should be favourites for the Champions League final against his Bayern Munich side on Saturday (Bayern 4/5, Draw 11/4, Chelsea 10/3 Match Betting with bet365).

The Bavarians go into the showpiece finale on the back of a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal final last weekend, although they will have home advantage at the Allianz Arena against the Blues.

By contrast, Chelsea tasted success in the FA Cup final earlier this month and defied the odds to make it all the way to the Champions League final, coming from 3-1 down to defeat Napoli before recovering from a 2-0 deficit with 10 men at Camp Nou to beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate.

Heynckes was more than impressed by Chelsea’s performances in the semi-finals and is wondering how he can engineer his side’s victory.

“I watched the first leg of their semi-final against Barcelona and wasn’t that surprised Chelsea went through in the end,” Heynckes told The Guardian.

“I knew of the history between the clubs, and that Barcelona always have a difficult time when they meet. And, in that final phase of the second leg, Barca were not this ‘fresh force’ we have come to know. They seemed knackered, and [Lionel] Messi was not himself.

“But that does not diminish Chelsea’s performance. I have watched and coached in the Spanish league. I know how hard it is to beat Barcelona. And now I’m left to wonder if Barca can’t beat Chelsea, how can we?

“They are strong, and I have been very impressed by the way Roberto Di Matteo acts beside the pitch. He is very relaxed and seems in control. That shows his team are close together, fighting towards one goal. The philosophy has changed recently. That is the psychological feeling he has achieved at the club.”

Di Matteo remains the 8/11 favourite with bet365 to become the next permanent manager at Chelsea, while Heynckes was quick to dismiss any notion he may take over.

Podolski Arsenal move confirmed by Cologne

Arsenal have boosted their chances of Premier League glory next season (10/1 – Premier League 2012/13 – bet365) by signing Lukas Podolski from Bundesliga club Cologne.

The north Londoners had all-but confirmed that the Germany international (Germany 3/1 – Euro 2012 outright bet365) was making the move to the Emirates this summer but now the deal is out in the open after the Bundesliga outfit said in a statement on their website that he is leaving for the Premier League.

Podolski, who has scored 18 goals for Cologne this season, is set to join the Gunners for a fee in the region of £10million and the 26-year-old says he is looking forward to a new challenge but told the Cologne fans he will also always hold the club close to his heart.

“The move to Arsenal provides a great opportunity for me to gain experience in international competitions at a top European club,” he told the club’s website.

“I have made this decision not against Cologne but for this great opportunity and the good of my own individual development.

“This was not an easy decision for me at all, as Cologne, our fans and the city are something special for me. I will always carry Cologne in my heart.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes the signing of the experienced frontman will help take the goalscoring burden off Robin van Persie next season also help persuade the Dutchman to stay on at the Emirates.

Gotze dismisses switch rumours

Borussia Dortmund (150/1 Champions League Outright with bet365) midfielder Mario Gotze has dismissed speculation that he could move to Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the near future.

The 19-year-old is one Europe’s hottest properties and has attracted the interest of a number of top clubs after a string of impressive performances in the Champions League (Dortmund 12/1 to win Champions League Group F).

Gotze has previously hinted that he could leave the club if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League but with the Westfalenstadion team currently sitting second in the league, he insists he couldn’t be happier.

“I am really happy here,” he told Sky television. “That is all that counts.

“I have a contract here until 2014 and I am more than happy. I think you can see that too and that is why I am happy to be here.”

Gotze says he is now expecting his team to challenge for the Bundasliga title after a difficult start to the campaign.

Dortmund were heavily affected by injury and suspension at the beginning of the season but are now back to full-strength and Gotze is expecting big things.

“We have so many amazing players in our side who try to push themselves to the limits in every training session and every game,” he said.

“We try to impose our football and every player contributes to that. That is why I am enjoying myself so much here.”

Bayern seal Boateng deal

Bayern Munich have confirmed the capture of Jerome Boateng from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee and the defender has penned a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena (Bayern 4/7f to win Bundesliga 2011/12 with bet365).

The Bavarians have been after the City man all summer and have finally got their man.

The 22-year-old, who moved to Eastlands 12 months ago but struggled to make an impact due to several injuries, had expressed his desire to head back to the Bundesliga once he was made aware of the German giants’ interest.

Boateng is expected to pass a medical and will then join his new team-mates for pre-season after leaving City’s tour in America (City 7/2 – Premier League outright 2011/12).

A statement on the Bayern website read: “The board of Bayern Munich and the board of Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jerome Boateng.

“Boateng, who is currently with City in Los Angeles, is expected in Munich in the next few days for a medical. Then he will sign a contract up to June 2015.

“The clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.”

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was pleased to have finally sorted out a deal for a player they had been tracking for some time.

“There have been some intense negotiations and we have come a long way to reach a satisfactory conclusion,” he said on the club’s official website.

“With Jerome Boateng we have got our preferred candidate to play in central defence for Bayern Munich.”

Bayern angry at City demands

Bayern Munich (4/7 Bundesliga Outright with bet365) chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has criticised Manchester City for what he perceives to be a hefty asking price for want-away defender Jerome Boateng.

The 22-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in Manchester since his move from Hamburg last summer and is reportedly angling for a move back to Germany.

Boateng’s preferred destination is thought to be to Bayern and is believed to have already agreed personal terms at the Allianz Arena. However, Citizens’ boss Roberto Mancini is reported to be holding out for £17 million and is understood to be keen on keeping the defender, as he looks to guide the side to their first Premier League title.

However, the Italian’s actions have angered the former German international and Rummenigge believes City (7/2 Premier League Outright) are only holding out for more money in order to balance their books.

“They are using a tactic I’ve never seen. They don’t respond, even if we try to contact them,” he told The Sun.

“Maybe they still have a trick up their sleeves but I’m not sure they will be permitted to play in the Champions League.”

Bayern are now being tipped to turn their attentions elsewhere, with Chelsea’s Alex believed to be the next option.

Mertesacker eyes PL move

Germany international Per Mertesacker has admitted he would consider a move to the Premier League if he was to leave Bundesliga side Werder Bremen (11/1 Germany – 2014 World Cup ouright with Bet365).

The central defender has come under some criticism this season for his performances for Werder off the back of a number of high-profile mistakes which have cost his side valuable points.

Thomas Schaaf’s men have underperformed this season in the Bundesliga and currently sit in 12th place in the table.

Despite a below par season, Mertesacker has been linked with Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool.

The defender has revealed that he would consider a move to England but his priority is helping his current side climb the table before the end of the campaign.

The 26-year-old said: “England has been an issue for a few years now, but I cannot make a decision yet.

“Of course the Premier League is attractive, but right now there is only one issue for me and that is avoiding the drop.”

Arsenal (3/1 to win the Premier League with Bet365) have struggled in the defensive department this season and manager Arsene Wenger could be tempted to bring Mertesacker to the Emirates in the summer.

Big-spending Bundesliga boys collide

Schalke (13/8 on Bet365 Elite Euro Coupon) and Hoffenheim (6/4) splashed the cash on transfer deadline day in Germany and the unfashionable duo will face off when the Bundesliga resumes after the international break.

Schalke coach Felix Magath sanctioned lavish spending from the once cash-strapped club on Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Spanish midfielder Jose Manuel Jurardo and French defender Nicolas Plestan.

Huntelaar admitted he didn’t want to leave Milan but felt he had to seek pastures new after the Rossoneri recruited Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a season-long loan from Barcelona, while Jurardo said his offer was “too good to refuse”.

The Gelsenkirchen club are bidding to end a 52-year wait for the Bundesliga title to return to their trophy cabinet, but are off to the worst possible start with back-to-back defeats.

They can get back on track a week on Friday when they visit ambitious Hoffenheim, the tiny club who led the Bundesliga at Christmas two seasons ago.

Hoffenheim paid Reading £6million for Icelandic internaional midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and look set to include him for the Schalke clash.