Bundesliga: Mario Gotze Transfer Rumors "Madness" Says Bayern Munich

Gotze future with Bayern Munich certain, at least until end of the season.

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer calls it "madness" when it comes to the idea of a Mario Gotze mid-season transfer. Rumors have been swirling of Liverpool's keen interest in Gotze.

"I said it was madness when there were rumours about a transfer in January, whereas Mario was talking about the end of the season," Sammer told Sky Sports. "Mario's comments were an indication that we will have to sit down at some point in the coming months and discuss his situation. That is only logical. I cannot see anything negative about what Mario said. He has put a few things up for discussion."

Pep Guardiola hasn't had much use for the the World-Cup winning midfielder, as he's only made a handful of appearances this season.
Gotze is said to be considering a future beyond Bayern.

Kolo Toure: Liverpool Never Gives Up

Kolo Toure proving to be a Liverpool fan favoriate. Credit: Yahoo UK

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure believes a recent improvement in the mindset within the squad means they now refuse to accept lost causes.

Joe Allen's 90th-minute equalizer in the 3-3 draw at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal salvaged something which was more valuable than a point - and that was belief.

A week previously they stoutly defended a 1-0 lead in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Stoke and even the scratch side put out against Exeter in the FA Cup displayed character as they twice came from behind to secure a replay.

“There has been a big improvement recently (in our mental strength) and that's very important when you're at a big club. You can't ever give up,” said Toure, whose whole-hearted effort is appreciated by fans.

“When you refuse to lose games, you often find yourself winning them.”

“It's always important that if you don't win, you don't lose.”

This season Liverpool's record against their traditional rivals - Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United - is much improved with just one defeat coming at Old Trafford in September, signalling the beginning of the end of Brendan Rodgers' time in charge.


Since Klopp took over they have won 3-1 and 4-1 at Chelsea and City respectively. [Source]

Caulker Joins Liverpool Ahead of Clash with Arsenal

Defender Steven Caulker has joined Liverpool on loan until the end of the season. The QPR defender moved to Anfield today to ease the club’s injury crisis with Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Martik Skrtel all sidelined for tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed why Caulker is important to the team. “You need experience to play in the Premier League and we want to play pressing. “We want to press the opponents so they have to play long balls. If they play long balls you need the people in the last line who can win headers and we found it with Steve Caulker.

“We want to have the best solution for us and we are absolute convinced that Steve is the best solution for us and I’m looking forward to working with him," said Kloop. [Source]

Benteke, Liverpool's Accidental Frontman

Christian Benteke will lead lineup in Liverpool-Arsenal match Jan. 13

Injuries plague Liverpool as they take on Arsenal, Wednesday, Jan. 13 at Anfield. The Reds came close to defeat against Exeter City in the FA Cup, but settled on a 2-2 draw.

To cover critical loses, coach Jurgen Klopp has put striker Christian Benteke at the head of the line and made him team captain for the first time. He'll have to rally a host of inexperienced players  to pull off a win against the Gunners.

Regardless of challenges blending in with the team and working with Klopp since arriving from Aston Villa, it's clear that 25-year-old Benteke is of Premier League stock. All eyes will be on him he carries the load for Liverpool. While he may not be Klopp's favorite, from the length of the club's growing injury list, Benteke's all Klopp has got for the moment.