Bundesliga News: Week Three Updates

Schalke 04 can thank the return to form of recently signed Brazilian striking star Ailton for their passage into the UEFA Cup competition after winning the second leg of the Intertoto Cup final against Slovan Liberec. A hard fought 1-0 away win over the Czech side was enough to seal the overall victory after the Royal Blues had beaten Liberec 2-1 at home in Gelsenkirchen. But Schalke had to wait until three minutes from the end of regulation time before the evening's work was completed in style. In the 87th minute, Ailton skipped past Liberec goalkeeper Hauzr to send the ball into an empty net. The visitors had previously gone close through Gerald Asamoah and Mladen Krstajic before the Brazilian made it six wins from six in the tournament which offers a place in the UEFA Cup along with the first silverware of the season.

Bayern Shuts Transfer Window

Bayern Munich has put any further transfer activity on hold, at least until the transfer window opens again in January. The deadline of August 31 is rapidly approaching and Karlheinz Rummenigge, chairman of the executive board, announced on Tuesday that there would be no more comings or goings before then. This means that Bastian Schweinsteiger (photo), the young German international star currently languishing in Bayern's amateur side, will be going nowhere. Speculation was rife that Schweinsteiger, a member of the German Euro 2004 team, would be looking for a loan move in a bid for first team soccer. Despite appearing surplus to requirements at Bayern so far this season, Schweinsteiger was called up by new Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann for the 3-1 win against Austria last week.

"World Class" Ballack is First Choice for Klinsi

Michael Ballack, the Bayern Munich midfielder recently promoted to captain of his country, has been praised by his international coach Jürgen Klinsmann who called him "world class" and indicated that Ballack would be an automatic choice for Germany as long as he was fit. "If he is healthy, he is in the team. Absolutely certain because he has world class potential," Klinsmann gushed in an interview with tabloid Bild Sport. Ballack, if fit, will lead out his countrymen against Brazil on September 8 in the latest friendly in what will seem like an endless list before the 2006 World Cup actually kicks-off. Klinsmann, however, seems in buoyant mood as always, deflecting talk of an attacking, defensive and goalkeeping crisis within the national team. The sporadic striking prowess of the forwards, the aging and creaking back line and the dueling goalies apparently "do not worry me in the slightest," Klinsmann told the newspaper.

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Sigh of Relief for Nowotny

Bayer Leverkusen's seasoned captain Jens Nowotny does not require another knee operation which could have been potentially career threatening for the 30-year-old. Bayer's physiotherapist Dieter Trzolek confirmed last week that Nowotny would rest the knee but would not need any medical intervention. Nowotny alerted the club to pains in his knee after the 2-2 draw with VfL Bochum in Week Two and immediately pulled out of Germany's midweek friendly with Austria last Wednesday in order to rest the joint. Bayer's coach Klaus Augenthaler was pleased that Nowotny pulled out of the international game and should be available for selection for Leverkusen's next game, the clash with Bayern Munich on Aug. 28.

Nowotny had to undergo two operations in 2002 and 2003, prompting thoughts of retirement from the national team. The subject is one that Nowotny himself still considers. "I must discuss the situation with Jürgen Klinsmann and see how it goes in the meantime and in the long term," he said.

Grammozis Banned for Three Games

A hearing by a DFB disciplinary board on August 16 ruled that Dimitrios Grammozis of Kaiserslautern should have his one match ban increased to three matches following a red card awarded for dangerous play during the match against Schalke 04. Grammozis is banned from all competitions spanning that period of games and cannot play competitively for Kaiserslautern until the ban is lifted.

Wörns Returns to Training

Christian Wörns has returned to training with Borussia Dortmund after his Achilles' tendon injury. The defender has been making steady progress for the past four weeks but was cautious when questioned on Dortmund's official club web site about his comeback date. "When exactly I can play again for BVB, I do not know," the 32-year-old said. "I have had a long break and cannot judge how fast I can reach competition level." Nevertheless, Wörns seemed in good spirits and positive about a return: "I am glad to training again with the team. I see that the team is working well together and playing good football." BVB coach Bert van Marwijk is also pleased with the German international's progress. "Up until now, I did not have Christian Wörns; therefore it is for me, of course, a miraculous day. He is one of the best German defenders and can only offer increased quality to my team."

Hleb Commits to Stuttgart

Officials at Stuttgart have secured the services of Belarus international Aliaksandr Hleb until 2008, according to the club's official Web site. The midfielder agreed to a contract extension after discussions with his advisors, VfB coach Matthias Sammer and club president Erwin Staudt. "With this contract, we have bound another important cornerstone of the team to VfB Stuttgart for the long term," Staudt said. Sammer was quoted as saying that the lengthening of Hleb's contract was a "positive step for the club, the fans and also the player who can grow up with VfB in the long term. It is important that Alex now has clarity and his full concentration can be turned towards VfB Stuttgart."